Happy Birthday Kelly!!

Today is Kellys birthday. She is my son Jim's better half and a daughter by marriage. She works hard and together with Jim make a safe and good place for Dylan and Celeste to grow up in. She loves animals and works for a vet. It is a job she really likes. She does alot with the kids and I think they will all be out on the boat having fun as a family. I'm proud of her and she is another of our family jewels. I'm tucking you in Kelly--safe in our family treasure box. We love you! Happy Birthday!

Burned

It is another sunny day in Paradise. It got cool last night about 19 degrees the last time I looked. We lost power for awhile but our Cloverland guys got it up and running in no time flat. They are very good about getting things done up here. Yesterday, we looked at the woodpile and found we were pretty close to using all the wood we had set aside for this years burning. Dennis figures 10 cement blocks and we are almost there. We should make it by the skin of our teeth. We are supposed to hit the low 40's but that is questionable. We are taking a ride to Newberry for some propane and a few things we need. I think we will be stopping at some other sites and looking around. Have a good start to your week.

They are back!

The big ships are back out on the Bay. I was so excited to see them. There is nothing like seeing their lights out on the lake on a starlite night with a huge mood shining overhead. I often wonder what it would be like to be out there on that deck looking at the sky. They are a brave bunch to head out on the waters with the fury that can come with the storms that hit. I'm afraid of the power of the big lake and respect those who make their living on all the waters and oceans. It can be as deadly as it is beautiful. May you seas be calm and your winds favorable.

Unplugged

The icebreaker has unplugged the bay and the ice has gone. Some small stuff has come to the shore and we have our round ice back. I am always amazed at the looks of it. Norm and Sandy stopped by for coffee this morning. It was so nice to see them. Mia would not come in the house. She ran back to their truck--her ears back and a worried look about her. She is such a cute little dog. Well, it is dump day and we have a few things to get done outside. There are snowflakes falling and it is a lot colder. Spring is on it's way. Enjoy the week-end.

Happy Birthday Celeste!

Today is the first day of Spring and my Grandaughter Celeste birthday. She is 15 today. Celeste is a caring, smart and pretty girl. She takes the time to watch over her little brother. He thinks she is great. I think she will take drivers training sometime this year and that is a big step forward to the adult world. She is a very good student and is much loved by all of us. Have a good year Celeste. You are one of Grandpa and my jewels and we are so lucky to have you. You are tucked in safely with all the others. Happy Birthday! We love you.

Happy Birthday Jen!

Today is Jens birthday. She is one of my daughters by marriage and makes my son Dennis very happy. Jen is a hard worker and helps to bring in the money to make their home into a nice place to live. Matt has a safe and comfortable place to grow and be loved. She loves to knit and do projects. I think she gets her ability to do crafty things from her Grandma Joyce. I am happy to tuck her in with all the rest of our jewels and say," Happy Birthday, we love you".

Ice Breaker

The ice breakers are at the Point making way for the big ships that will start running on the 21st of this month. It is always an exciting time. Many people were out to see the ships. They should be coming down our way and I look forward to seeing the lights out on the lake. It is a sign of the coming Spring.

Down on the Beach

Yesterday we took a walk down on the beach out front. We went down by Bill and Jans and saw what the stream by her has done. We lost about 3 ft. of sand. I hope the water isn't real high because of the damage it does. Crisp Point Lighthouse takes a beating from high water. They have done so much work out there. It is a good place to go. It is remote and I imagine at night on a clear sky the stars would jump right out at you. Have a good day!

Go for a Walk

Yesterday Dennis and I went walking on the beach at the Point. Mounds of stones were push up in piles at the shore and huge tree trunks littered the beach like a tree graveyard. We talked about the Grankids and what a good time they would have had running the beach discovering that special rock or who found the biggest tree. It is great to look at things through young kids eyes as they find the wonder in life. We are all kids at heart. We don't run as fast or jump as high but we can still look at our world and find the little things that make us remember when we could. Have a great day!

Some of the Same

Yesterday was another spring like day. The sun was shining and it was 57 degrees. We went to the Falls and it was roaring. The splashing and the foam was thick at it's base. The walk there was slippery due to the snow melting and ruts in the walkway. My sore ankle was not happy but the walk was more than worth it. People of all ages were out and about. Some had their dogs and all were smiling and greeted passersby. It looks like we are in for another great day. I have a feeling we will still get some snow but for right now everyone is enjoying the break. Have a good week and take some time to enjoy the warmth and promise of summer.

Sunny

It turned out to be a terrific day. I saw the coyote traveling the ice this morning and was very happy to see the eagle out front this afternoon. The clouds that were out this morning gave way to the sun. Everyone felt those rays and you have to feel better. I will be sitting on the porch with my book enjoying the afternoon. Hope you are enjoying yours.

Overcast

This morning is overcast but the sun is trying to break through. Yesterday Dennis and I spent the whole day in the Soo. We got a lot done and then picked up some hamburger and fries at the West Pier drive-in. It was packed. People will gladly wait for an hour for their meal. It is a great little place to go. We took our meal up to a little park by the Sugar Island ferry. Clydes is not open yet and they are another great place to go. We watched the ferry make it's crossings and looked down the St. Marys river where the big ships will soon be coming and going. Sandy and I are going into the Soo today to get our hair done. We should have a very pleasant day. Dennis is working in the garage and going to the senior lunch while I'm gone. He has a stack of things he want to do. The week-end is coming. Relax and enjoy the family!

Tucked In

Dennis got Jims snowmobile tucked into the garage for the summer. The rains are supposed to start Thursday so he wanted it in so it didn't get wet. I don't see so much snow coming this year to take it back out but if it does it takes only a minute and it's good to go. I guess I'm ready for the spring and I can hardly wait to plant my tomatoes and herbs. Life is good!

Smiling

Today is another great day. You can't help but smile when you see the sun, blue sky and hear the ice popping and cracking as it melts. I know we will get some more cold and yes, I think we will get some snow but for right now I'll enjoy the weather we have. The beach is free from snow and the ice is so bad the snowmobilers can't run on it. The sun is moving back toward the summer rising. We have been walking around outside feeling the warmth of the sun and listening to the happy chirping of the birds. They are as happy as we are to feel the spring like air. Have a good day.

What a Day!

Today is another beautiful day. 50 degrees and very sunny. The sky is a pretty shade of blue and man and bird and beast feel the warmth of the sun and feel good. It is ruining snowmobiling but thoughts of spring and new beginnings make the heart feel hopeful. We took a trip to Marquette yesterday and really enjoyed the trip--good roads and spring-like weather. This is a picture of Lake Superior and the ice is breaking up. Honestly I don't know if it ever froze completely in this area. My brother came home for the week-end. We were all so glad to see him and it was nice to see Sandy all smiles with him at her side. He will be done with work in a while and back up here with all of us. Enjoy the day and your families.

New Toy

Dad sold one of his guns and wants to replace it with a Bond Arms Deringer. They are sold out everywhere we checked. They only have 2 left at one gun dealer up here and we have one being held. It is a nice side arm and easy to conceal. Sweet little gun.

Cold and Freezing Fog

Cold! 3 degrees this morning and freezing fog is giving the landscape an erie look. Mist is coming in from the lake and freezing on the trees and snowbanks. It looks like an Alaskan morning. We used to get alot of the freezing fog there. I'm posting some pictures a friend Ben took. He is a firefighter in the Soo, builder-Shelldrake Construction and a groomer for the Paradise area. He is on Facebook and I always enjoy his humor and pictures. We were going to go to Marquette but decided to go next week instead. Have a good day! Week-end starts.

Happy Birthday Denny!!

Today is my oldest son Dennis birthday. He is a great Dad, husband and son. He loves his family and Matt is the apple of his eye. I'm so happy to see him spend so much time with his son as that is very important. He loves his wife and together they have made a safe and comfortable place for their son to thrive. He has never given his Dad and I a sad day and he makes us proud of him. Have a good year Denny--we love you very much. You are tucked in with all our other treasures. This morning the coyote couple were out on the ice. I hope Millie is feeling better after her run in with them. She is a fiesty old gal and guards her turf. Have a good day everyone especially you Denny. It's your special day and ours.

Back Home

We got back home from visiting the kids last night. It is always so good to see them and how much the the Grandkids have grown. We had a real nice time and everyone came over for Pizza. Dennis enjoyed watching Matt bowl on his league and all the rest of them bowling on Sunday. Jim had to work but Kelly, Celeste and Dylan came. Denny and Joe bowled very good and so did Dad for not bowling in more than 3 years. I got some pictures of the 6 inch snowfall in Davisburg. It sure is pretty. The coyotes are yipping every night and there sounds like a big pack of them. I also missed posting Ryans Birthday. He is a much loved Dad and husband. Happy belated wishes Ryan. Hope everyones week is going well!