Heavy

Got to moving the snow yesterday and it was HEAVY. We usually have a light fluffy snow but I think this stuff had a lead base--it probably came from China. We went to the Christmas craft show. They had a lot of nice things--the prices were very reasonable. I especially liked the wood crafts. The dump was also on our to do list as we hadn't gone in almost a month and a half. The car was finished being unloaded and things put away. We are working outside again today--we would rather be out there than stuck in the house. Norm and Sandy are taking a ride downstate so we visited with them for awhile yesterday. I miss seeing them. Coffee is calling so have a good day! Give a hug or a kind word and it will come back 10 fold. You can make or break someone elses day. What power!

Home Again

We are back! We had a very nice Thanksgiving and it was great to see all the kids. Ann, Rich, Becca, Sara and Terese Rose couldn't make it but they will try to be here for Christmas. It is very hard when you live so far away from home to get to all the Holidays. They come to more than anyone could expect. It would be fun to go to their place once and have a Holiday. I love to see everyone but Dad and I really love to be up here. The best thing would be to have all the kids here. Some would like it but some would be bored to death. Jim came back from hunting in time to have Thanksgiving with the family. Kellys Grandma was happy Grandpa was home. They had a good time and Jim found a spot that he wants to build a cabin on. We will check in out in the early summer. It is about 90 minutes from our place. It is wild and very secluded. I LOVE it!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone enjoys the day and gets home safe. It is a day for family and friends. Best wishes to all--don't eat to much!

Ice Volcano

We have two ice volcanos forming in the slush on the lake. The waves send water shooting through it when they roll in. They are very different. The ice forms in donut shaped circles. I have never seen this anywhere but up here. You can see so many different sights. It is snowing and you can hear it sifting through the pines. We are getting a fresh coat on the ground. The little grouse has been hanging around today--guess she is getting used to us and knows we mean her no harm. We have to get wood on the porch so have a good day.

Ben

Thank you for all your help! You are a important link to the life of Paradise

Done!

The guys got the decorations up. Many thanks to Randy, Ray, Woody, Dennis, Gary, and a guy from Shellldrake construction. I aplogize for not knowing his name. I will post it when I find out what it is because I appreciate his coming to help. Thank everyone for taking time out of your day to get our town ready for the Holidays.

What is Important!

I have asked myself this question. Are the senior persons who come to the dinners in real need of them? I came to realize that I will be one of them shortly. It is not that they really need them to exist but it is the feeling of community that they need. It is belonging to a group and getting together and giving each other the support they need to go on. We need to foster sense of community and help them when they need us. We will all be in this situation at some time. We need to step up and take this task as we will all need someone at sometime in our lives. Paradise, take care of your elderly!! They are what you will be. What do you want for yourselves!

Decorating Paradise!

Dennis and the guys are out putting up the Christmas decorations on the town poles. They wanted them up before Thanksgiving and have a nice day to do it. Norm came over this morning and I was very glad to see him. Sandy is preparing Thanksgiving dinner at her house. We will be going to Davisburg for the dinner and visiting Dennis Mom and brother. It will be nice to see the Grandkids--Ann and Rich won't be here but the whole family will be togethar for Christmas. I started thawing the turkey today as he is 35lbs. and needs some time to defrost. There should be enough for everyone and I can bring Jim and Ed some to warm up. It is perfect for hunting--not to cold,some snow and no wind. I hope it clears so they can see the stars. They were going to have a bonfire and sit outside. I think they will enjoy just having a change of pace. Have a good day!

Hunting Camp

Today, Dennis and I met the guys at the hunting camp deep in the woods by Cedarville. They had already started setting up camp by the time we got there. They did not go in as far as they planned due to early snow and not wanting to get stuck to far back if a big snow hits. It is very beautiful there. Wild turkeys are everywhere. We saw wolf track, deer, bunny and I think fox. The stars will be unbelievable if the sky clears due to no lights. Grandpa really loves his property and he should because it is truly a wonderful place to have. Jim was so happy to get the trailer out there. They only have 2 to 3 inches on the ground--not like us with 12. We left three happy guys ready to hit the woods in the morning. Good Luck to them.

Slush

It is a dreary looking morning and a heavy cloud bank is promising more snow. We have a blanket of slush about 25ft from the water edge. The water looks like setting jello. Jim and his hunting fellows are on their way up. The weather is supposed to warm a little which will make sitting in the woods a little more comfortable. We are hoping they have some luck and bag a buck. Jeff has never been hunting so we will see how he likes it. Grandpa says this might be his last hunt but by next year he will have another time to decide if he wants to go or not. It is hard to give up doing the things we like to do. I think he will go as long as he can walk. He appreciates Jim taking him and Jim enjoys his company. We are going over to help set up camp. Have a good day! We are going to be off soon for another adventure.

Ahead of Time

Norm has had the ice building in front of their place for several days. We got up this morning to a two ft. build up of snow and ice at the waterline in front of ours. This is early for us. The snow has been falling off and on all day but the 6 inches they were forcasting hasn't materialized. A lot of the areas are closed to snowmobiles till after hunting season so we don't need snow till after then. The snow dances will start and there will be prayers for a good snowmobile season. Christmas music has started to be played. I guess people need some cheer in this down and out state. Have a great day!

Still Coming

The snow is still falling today. We are under snow watch till 7 p.m. Friday. We got another 2 inches over night and we are getting snow off and on right now. I went to help out at the Senior lunch today and had a good time--met a lot of very nice people. I think I will go and help when I can. We are watching the weather to see what kind of snow we get--snowblower is ready!

12 inches!

We are recording 12 inches on the flat at Paradise on Whitefish Pt. Rd. It is still snowing and I think we will get at least another 3 inches or more by daybreak. It is just beautiful outside. What a great start for winter.

They are Back!

Dennis and Ryan are back. The roads were bad and Dad was glad Ryan was with him instead of me because Ryan drove and spelled him and I wouldn't have been able to do that. We have about 8 inches on the ground and it is still snowing. Gee, I just love global warming--sure it isn't an iceage? Dad said Ryan was good company and that made the trip better. Have to get the fire going. Have a good night!

Coming Back

Dennis called and they are on their way back. He said it is not as bad there as here. I am relieved to hear that and will be very happy to see them pull in. It will be slow going at times so I don't have any idea when they will be home. Slow and sure wins the race. It is still snowing and blowing here. The two other boys will be home in a little while so Josh will have company. He has been very good.

Oh Worrys !

Dennis and Ryan left at 8:30 this morning for a 200 plus mile trip, one way, to get the town decorations. The snow is falling , the wind is blowing and the roads are nasty. I have heard of a coulpe of rollovers and am getting concerned. Dennis is a good driver but I worry about the drivers around him. They are pulling a trailer and that makes it a little harder. The Jamadots guy said it was supposed to get worse after 12 noon--I hope he is wrong. I will feel a lot better when they are back. Watching the clock and the weather!!

Heat!

Dennis is very happy to have the little heater going in the garage. He can work out there and not freeze. The torpedo heater was to smelly but it did give off heat when you needed to work on something. The snow is gently falling and the birds are coming in for the suet and sunflower seeds. The little red squirrel chases the grouse away from the corn--he is a mean little bugger. We have seen the eagle, every morning, flying by toward Norm and Sandys. They should be home soon. It is nice to have family up here but it makes you miss your kids more when you see theirs. Today, we will finish getting the antenna up. It is a multi-use antenna so we can use it on the scanner, marine radio and one other radio Dennis has. We seldom listen the radio and the tv is on for only a couple of hours at night. I like the scanner because it lets me know what is going on around me. Have a good day--why have a bad one!

Looks Like Winter!!

Snow! Snow! Snow! It has been snowing off and on since yesterday. I hope it snows itself out so when we make the trip to get the town decorations it will be half way decent. It is very pretty but we don't really need it till Christmas. Dennis is hooking up a small propane heater in the garage. We still didn't turn the water off out there so I guess that is todays project. The water looks cold and grey--not very inviting. We dug out all our winter clothes this morning. They take up so much space. It always seems like there is so much more room when they are put away. The long winter months are upon us so we will dig in and enjoy them. Have a good day--Jim will be coming up soon. He will need a week without a lot of snow for hunting. We will see.

I KNOW!

Yesterday, I recieved a birthday card from Dennis Mom. I would not have appreciated it as much now as I would have before as now I really know what she thinks. It was thanking me for loving her son, who means so much to her and knowing I will take care of him even though she is not here. What a good feeling that is for me. She is trusting me with the care of a loved child. I guess that is what every Mother wants for her child. We want them to find someone who loves them and cares for them. A child,no matter how old they are, are very precious and we want to protect them. Thanks Mom for your trust. I will guard and protect your precious child. He is my treasure.

Winter Wonderland!

It is just beautiful outside. Huge white flakes are falling and the effect is very pretty to watch. The fire is burning and giving off a warmth that can be felt to the bone. We are having a relaxing day today. Dennis is going to try and get up the new antenna we bought when we went out to Ann and Richs. We don't rush to get things done--you have to think about it and plan---Sure. We are going to Buckley, a town south of Traverse City, to get the decorations for the town of Paradise on Wednesday. Ryan has agreed to go with us on this trip--hope the roads are good. He does a lot of things for the town and is always willing to help. We have never gone before so it will be an adventure. Once we get the decorations here there is another group that will get together and get them up. Everyone helps. I guess people are getting the Christmas Spirit even though times are tough. Have a good day and take some time to relax and do something for yourself--you deserve it.

Opening Day!

I imagine some of my kids are out hunting this morning. Good Luck! Deer meat is excellant eating. Jim will be up here with Kellys Grandpa for a week and we hope they get one also. Jeff Abraham is coming up--he is Jims long time friend. I love to see the deer but to many make for car accidents and unhappiness. Our deer population is far from as many downstate. I hope everyone has a good time and gets home safe. Dust off the cards and after a long day hunting, enjoy your favorite beverage. Watching the buck poles here in Camp Runamuck area! Enjoy!

The cat and the wolf

Last night we watched something amazing. A black and white cat came over to eat the scraps I put out for the fox. It was the end bones and the skin of a chicken. The cat is pretty good sized and is a male. He was eating and I saw two large shadows on the edge of the woods. The cat bushed up but did not run. He held his ground and the wolf never came out of the shadows. I think if it would have run it would have bought the farm. It finished the few pieces left and never turning it's back, walked into the woodpile which the wolf was to big to think about even getting into. The little fox came by later but ran when the scent of the wolf hit his delicate nose. The wolves were very pretty and had thick coats. They were big and moved very catiously. They don't like to come into the light or out into the open. This is the first time I've seen them this year. The coyotes are around most of the year and are a mangy looking bunch. You can tell the difference between them. I have to get a stealth cam like Joe has so I can get pictures. It is very foggy and 42 degrees this morning. The dampness goes to the bone. Have a good day.

Veterans Day and my Birthday!

It is a cloudy day. We thank and remember all those who served to protect us and our way of life. God bless you all! Today is also my birthday. I went to Norm and Sandys last night for a very good supper and was surprised by a gift of winter crocks. They are so comfortable on my feet. The kids were talkative and wanted to show and tell about their toys and outfits. I miss my grandkids even more when I see Sandys. Terrie ordered my crocks on line and they were a perfect fit. Ryan and Dennis talked about hunting and men stuff--Norm was misses as he is still downstate. I got to the Point for the ceremony there and I really enjoyed it. So many ships have been lost on these waters and the men with them. They had a Native American Spiritual Leader there who spoke a prayer in his native language. I am so glad that the children are learning to speak so the language isn't lost. He was a very impressive man. The kids have been calling and I enjoy hearing their voices. Ann sent me a wallet to match the purse she got me and now I am organized--a first for me. I am thankful for the years I have had and God willing I will celebrate more of them. My gifts in my life have been a Mom and Dad who raised me, a husband, who loves me even when I'm not to lovable and my kids, who I treasure. The grandchildren and the rest of the family group are an added bonus. How blessed am I.

Winter Wonderland

Well, I said I would believe it when I saw it and I did. It is a winter wonderland here. We got at least 8 inches of snow and I believe we got more than that but for awhile it was melting on contact. It wiped the smile right off the snowman. We have at least 6 inches reading on the snowstick. Snow is coming off the roof in loud swooshing sheets. The birds and animals are in looking for food. Didn't I just say I haven't seen many ships--They are parked right in front and at times are hidden by fog or snow. They can look very spooky peeking out of the haze like ghost ships. They are there big as life and then gone. The snow is very heavy and is not the usual kind for this area. Our snow tends to be very light and fluffy--this is wet and dense. We are supposed to get more today so we will see what happens. Sandy invited us over for supper. It will be fun to be around the kids and enjoy good company. Dennis is taking me to the Edmund Fitzgerald ceremony tonight. I have never gone and am looking forward to it. Have a good day!

Snow Storm!

We are under a SNOW watch. They say we could get 8 inches by 11 a.m. tomarrow. I'll believe it when I see it. The ground is to warm--I think--to stick. Watch and wait. The Snowman is on guard and the snowstick is ready!

Snow

Snow

Snow has been falling since about 1 a.m. It is like powdered sugar just giving a coat to the trees and grasses. The ground is not froze yet so a lot of it melted on contact. The birds are more interested in the feeders and the grouse came in to get some corn. The water is grey and has a gentle roll. I have not seen many ships. I always miss them when shipping is stopped for a few couple of months. The fresh snow always makes things seem clean and puts a new dress on the sleeping brown earth. We have some things we want to do outside like go for a walk, put some wood on the porch for tonight and put up a little stretch of snowfence. Dennis thinks a few inconsiderate people will try to go down our steps to the beach toward Spring with their snowmobiles and ruin them so we will block it and remove temptation. Have a good day and enjoy the snowflakes.

Cooler

Yesterday, Dennis and I went to the Soo with Sandy. We shopped all the specials and picked up her snowblower. She drove and we rode shotgun. It was a very nice day even though it was cloudy and sprinkles at times. We really enjoy Sandys company and we talked about our kids and grandkids--who would have thought. Family is big for us and we love to talk about them. Dennis got some ammo for his hunt with Jim, Grandpa and Jeff Abraham. He is looking forward to a good time. I got some new jeans, two shirts and a pair of pants like Ann gave me that are so comfortable. Gee, I'm set for another year. I also got a perm. It was so strange to go to a salon--Ann has done my hair for years and now that she is in another state I have to go to a salon like everyone else. I appreciate her more now that I realize what a gift she was giving me each time she did my hair. The young girl that did my hair was very nice and did her best to give me what I wanted. Her name is Megan and she works for J.C. Penneys in the Soo. I think she did very well. I will go back to her because she really listens to you. Dennis got our shed finished and we will be getting the mowers and the mulcher plus all the gas cans out of the garage before snow. We are doing this by the skin of our teeth. Have a good night. We have a fire in the stove--Steak to go on the grill and look forward to a peaceful night. We wish you the same. Say a kind word to each other--it will come back to you a thousand fold. Love from us at Camp Runamuck!

Happy Anniversary Terrie and Ryan!

10 years! You made it through the rough ones. It is all better from here on. You both have your sights set on a goal and are working toward it. The kids are well taken care of and you take care of each other. This has been a year of marriage milestones for Ann and Rich--20years, Denny and Jen--15years, Joe and Alida--10years, Terrie and Ryan--10 years. Jim and Kelly are closing in on 10 years with 7 under their belt and Jackie and Jeff are running a year behind them with 6. My sisters kids are reaching for milestones also. Jenna and Chris celebrated 17 years--Barney and Annes are almost to the 15 teen mark with 14 this year, Ben and Bridget are at 12 years. Larry and Maura and Paco and Mary are two years away from 10 and Leo and Kelly and Denny and Angie are closing in on 5 years with 3 years celebrated. Wow! what a group--love them all and wish many more for all of us. Have a great day Terrie and Ryan.

Family Birthday

Today is my sisters Grand daughters birthday, her name is Sarah. She is a joy to her family. Have a great day!

Happy Anniversary Rich and Ann!

Today is Ann and Richs 20th anniversary. Time passes so quickly. They are a good team and work hard to make life good for their three girls. They take care of each other and make sure their family feels loved. We love them very much. Have a great year!

Happy Birthday Cici!

Today is my niece Cecillia's birthday. She is the youngest of the crew and very independent. She likes to be her own person and is very cute to boot. We wish her all good things this coming year. It feels like a spring day. The sun is shining and there is a gentle breeze. I haven't seen many ducks and no geese at all. They are on their way to greener pastures. The birds are still not flocking to the feeders--to much natural food. That is good because you don't want them to be totally dependent on you.Time to get out and VOTE--we will spend as much time outside as possible. Have a great day!

Happy Anniversary!

Yesterday was Jim and Kellys Anniversary. They work hard to make their family secure. Jim works long hours and has many plans to try and get ahead in this terrible economy. Celeste and Dylan are loved and taken care of with love and watchfullness. Jim takes Dylan with him when he goes places--Dylan loves an adventure. I'm sorry that I didn't post yesterday--was not thinking to well. Have a good day and love to all who come to this site.

Time change

Well, I guess the time change has messed up mine and Sandys cams as well. Last night the little fox came in to get a few tidbits I put out for him and he grabbed a large piece and was gone about 20 minutes and I see him back with his mate. She is not as brave as him and very cautiously grabs a piece and fads back into the thick trees. It is always amazing how protective the males are. He watches out for her and if there is any sign of trouble he will catch the attention of the source and guide them away from her. I've seen that with the ducks also. You can learn so much by watching. I love the animals. It looks like another good day is coming. Enjoy!

A New Month

November has started sunny and in the 40's. Sara and Charlie are out and about. It is nice to have them here. We only had Terries 3 little ones stop by for Halloween. I'm so glad Ryan and Terrie brought them by. I guess it's to far between houses down here. The kids looked real cute and were happy with the big bags of candy they had gotten. We are going to work outside today and enjoy the weather. Most of the things we have to do before winter are done. We are still hoping the real cold weather will hold off for awhile. The winters can be long up here so we don't want to rush it. Dennis is thinking about getting some wood that is down by the nieghbors property--we will see how far we get. Have a great day and the time change is coming. I always hate the change in that hour. It shouldn't throw me off but it does. Why can't they just leave it where it is?