A Happy Christmas for Thomas

Thomas picked up his new car today. His Eagle Talon got tired and was ready to rest. He was all smiles. A new car has a way of doing that to people. Take care of her Thomas and she will give your years of good driving. Enjoy! We love you.

Breakfast?

This is the first coyote I saw this year. They are starting to use the ice for traveling at the edge of the Bay. He has a nice thick coat. He came in after 8 this morning and I was surprised to see him. I hope he stays away from peoples small dogs and cats. Watch out and don't let them out alone. He feels that a meal is a meal. I love to see the wild things. The crows were angry because he ate the bread I had just put out for them. They were squawking and scolding but he held his ground and finished it all. I put some out for them after he left and all was right with their world. It is 15 degrees and a light dusting of snow makes everything fresh. I see one ship anchored out front but there might be more I can't see. Have a great day--stay warm!

Snow!

Well the wind has been whistling around the house and in the trees. We have drifts two to three ft. high but I can't tell you have much actual snow because of all the wind. It is still snowing. Dennis and I have been out clearing it but I know we will be out again before the night is through. We didn't get the BIG storm but this is good enough for us. Stay warm and safe.

Baby, It's cold outside!

Got to zero just before daybreak. The steam off the lake is making a billowing haze that moves across the Bay. It looks cold, it is cold. The birds are flocking to the suet and the feeders are seeing many different kids of birds. I finally had some red grosbeaks pay a visit. The squirrels are enjoying the sunflower seeds and nuts I put out on the porch for them. My little fox came in for his nightly treat under the pines. I put out only enough for him--don't want the coyotes hanging around. I have to get out my Christmas cards and finish decorating the tree. Time passes so quickly. Stay warm. We have another storm coming in so batten down the hatches!

Cold Monday

The wind is blowing, snow falling and a ship safely tucked into the Bay waiting for Superior to calm down. It's Monday and a new week is beginning. We took a ride to Marquette yesterday to look at a plow for the Jeep. The guy is going to give Dennis a price on the whole Jeep to scavenge for parts for ours. They were getting a good bit of snow and on the way home it was hard to see at times. Old eyes don't see as well as young ones. We saw a truck that smashed his whole front and side hitting a guard rail--going to fast. He was fine but that truck was a mess. I am so glad Dennis is such a good driver, snow and ice on the road scares me. I was glad to see my little town and get in and sit by the stove. Have a great week!

Start of Winter

Winter is trying to get a good foothold in the Upper. The snow is settling and real cold is making the Bay thick like jello. The circle ice is forming at the shore and Mother Earth is getting ready to rest under a blanket of snow. The fire is burning hot and it is cozy. The keurig is keeping my coffee cup full. What a hard life--I'm grateful for all we have and worked for. Enjoy the week-end.

Craft Show and Good Company

Yesterday we went to the Soo Craft show. Norm and Sandy went with us and we had a good time. I'm sure the guys would have enjoyed a Gun or Tractor show better but they were good sports about our looking at everything. It was a nice show but I thought the Brimley one had them all topped. We have a show in Paradise Saturday after Thanksgiving and it is a very nice one for our small town. Norm and Sandy treated us to a very good meal at Applebees. It was so nice to have my brother home and Sandy is smiling a lot too. We all missed him when he was away at work. The wind is really gusting here and makes a whistling noise as it swirls around the house and garage. I'm hoping we don't get freezing rain as it makes for bad roads for those that have to make it to work in the morning. Dennis is looking forward to watching the football games. I guess I like watching them too. Enjoy your Sunday!

Taste of Winter

We are getting a little taste of winter here in Paradise. The wind is blowing, gale warnings posted, and high winds for tonight into tomarrow. Waves are picking up in size and the angry Big Lake is a cold grey color. Snow is falling. The flakes range in size from big and fluffy to icy that sting your face when blown by the stiff wind. Another season is knocking on the door. Come on in! Have a great day!

Wrapping it up

The front is all free of downed trees and branches. It looks like we have much more room. I have one picture of the first snow of the winter. After that cold spell we were enjoying high 40 to mid 50 degree days. It looks like we will be going more towards the other way with colder weather and snow showers. We are ready. Sandy and I went out for my birthday and she treated me to a great lunch at Applebees. I have never been there and the food was very good. You had so many things to choose from.. We both found some clothes that we liked and it was a very good day. Today is the Christmas craft show in Pickford so we will be going there to see what they have. The show in Brimley was great. Have a good day!

Birthday

Yesterday was my Birthday. It is a day to mark on the calender but one day doesn't make my life on this earth. I have gone through this life trying to be a good person. I have tried to do the best for my husband and kids. I might not have been perfect but I have tried. I have been by their side and treasured them. My home has many things that have belonged to others that have gone and many who are still alive. When I go through my home I look at those things and remember the people I treasure and feel they are still a part of my life. I appreciate the good wishes and Love you all. Do not look at my failings but look at what I tried to do. My family and my husband are my life. Have a good day!

Happy Anniversary Ann and Rich!

To day is Ann and Richs Anniversary. We are proud of them and the way they are raising their three beautiful girls, They had to move to Virginia and make their home because Michigan has been in a big downturn for so long. Mike followed and they have included him in their family group. They are a busy couple who are always on the go. Their girls are at that age when they have so many things going on. Take care of each other and have a great year. Go to the Vineyard or out to one of the many nice places to eat. Celebrate!

What is it? Big change out front.

I went outside the other morning and saw some big prints. What were these? I figured they were from some kind of canine. Was it a wolf? We came from a trip to town and a big dark colored dog came bounding up to us--wiggling and very friendly. I looked at his feet and the tracks and knew I had nothing to fear. Dennis is still clearing the trees that fell in the past wind storm. We have hauled the brush to the dump and have about 2 loads left. It sure looks different. Oh yes, the snow fence is up too. Busy, busy ,busy.

Happy Anniversary Jim and Kelly!!

Today is Jim and Kellys anniversary. They both work very hard to make a good home for their family. Dylan and Celeste are very important and the love shows. Jim is always looking for some extra job and on the go. Kelly takes the kids to games and fills in when Jim isn't there like most Moms do. We are proud of them and love them very much. Take care of each other. You are in the tough years--so much going on and not enough time. The kids are your focus but make some time for just the two of you. Have a great year.

Happy Birthday Kate!!

Today is my little sisters birthday. She was a cute chubby baby and has turned into a beautiful Mom and Grandma. It seems like the years have gone by so fast but so many happy things have happened in that time. She is loved by her family and extended family. She helps when she can and has a good ear if you need someone to listen. She celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary with her husband Bill this year and there are so many other treasured times to come. Enjoy these years because they are the sweetest. The fruits of your labor--your life. Happy Birthday! I love you.

Storm Over

That was some storm we had. The wind was terrific and many people lost power. We are lucky to have ours back on because as of yesterday afternoon many in our area still are going without. Spoiled food, chilly homes see to plague many. The men finally got out to tend their nets. Freighters were parked out front--5 in all at one time. They came in after the storm subsided as our Bay was no safe haven because of the direction of the winds. We are hauling some downed trees to the dump today and finishing the snow fence. Have a great week-end!

WIND!!

The wind has been ripping. It is taking down a lot of trees. We have lost four in front by the road. The generator is humming and life goes on. We got some pictures at the boat launch. The water was angry and rolling. The wind is supposed to die down by tonight. Hope you all are in out of the storm.

45 Years

Dennis and I are celebrating our 45th Wedding Anniversary. We have grown old together and have many good things come to us. We have the gift of good children and grandchildren. Family that shares our belief that a strong family needs a strong base. We have the sweetness of loving companionship in the last third of our life. We both feel we have been guided and helped through our life. I'm so glad Dennis found me. Happy Anniversary! Like a fine wine we get better with age.

Stuffing Sausage and the Big Ships

Dennis and I had a great time stuffing sausage. We have all our meat processed and in the freezer. We ended up with about 55 lbs. total of deer for stew, sausage, hamburgs etc. Dennis really had a good time mixing different blends of meats. The big ships are sitting out front. The last day for shipping is January 15th and I always miss seeing them and their lights. I love being on Whitefish Bay and watching them. Have a good day. They are saying we might get some snow showers tonight. I hope the sky is clear because meteor showers are supposed to be seen tonight and till the early morning. Look out the window if you wake up--you might see them.

Pumpkin Patch and Beaytiful Plant

We went down to Davisburg for a week and while we were there we went with Miranda to the Pumpkin Patch with her class. She was so excited and was Grandpas shadow all day. It was a nice day and we all had fun. Terese Rose won a plant at the Blueberry Festival and left it with me. It is blooming it's heart out and very pretty. Thank you Terese. Aunt Sandy took very good care of it while I was gone. My plants would suffer without her attention. I'm lucky to have her help. It is a beautiful day here--cool but sunny. Enjoy your day too!

Great Job

We went back to visit the kids in Davisburg and Grand Blanc. Mike was home from Virginia so we got to see him also. Paco had made a great set of steps from the patio to the lower part of the landscape. He did such a great job. Thomas works with him when he is not at class so I hope he learns how to do work like this. It is a form of art. I love it.

Fishermen

The men were out tending their nets this morning. I wish my son Dennis could be out there. He spent a good part of his early life fishing with his friend David and later just fishing for Bass. He got very good at finding and catching them. Jim also has a love for fishing but they work hard and do not get out much. I love to be out on the water and feel the sun warm on you. The tug of a line brings an exciting jump to your heart wondering what is on it below the water. It is one of the good things in life.

Clock Off

Sarah, I do know your birthday is on the 3rd. My computer clock is off so it posted on the second. Rats! Have a good day

Happy Birthday Sarah!!

Today is my granddaughters birthday. She is a pretty, artistic, smart y0ung woman. Sarah is much loved by all of us. She works and goes to school. It's nice to have your own money. She goes after things she wants and I know she will do well. She is one of our jewels and tucked into our family treasure chest close to our hearts. Have a great year Sarah! We are proud of you and love you very much.

Happy Birthday Bill and Chris!

Today is Bill and Chris Birthday. Bill has raised eleven great kids and has provided a safe place for them all to grow and reach adulthood. He has been a good husband to my sister and loves them all very much. He is proud of his grandkids and like us sits back and watches the goings on at family gatherings. Good job Bill. Chris is Jennas husband and together they are raising 5 children. It takes a lot of work. It is hard to raise a big family now but with love and mutual work it gets done. I hope you both have a good year.

Bringing home a new toy!

We will be heading home with a new toy. Dennis bought a jeep for us and we will now have a spare car. It will be fun to go on the back roads and see what we can see. Dennis really like it and so do I.

Why are the Big Ships taking refuge in the Bay?

I'll show you.

Norms and Sandys Yard

We all got together yesterday and layed the sod at Norms. Norm. Sandy, Ryan, Dennis and I did good work. It was exciting to see the change in the yard. It looks great and we did it in 3 hours. Not bad for two senior citizens, two middle age people and one young man.