Between Cold and Warm

The weather has gone from cold and snowy to warmer and slushy. The snow is disappearing and the ice on the shore is trying to hang on to it's grasp. I hate these changes but in Michigan that's what we do. Soon it will be snowing again and the dirty look to the landscape will be pristine and beautiful again. Four and a half months of Winter is before us so I guess we should enjoy this reprieve from the cold. Enjoy your day and hope your Monday is going well.

Starting Up

I have not posted in awhile. So many things happening--birthdays, graduations and a Wedding shower for Tessa and Mike. They are all happy things. Kids are here for the summer so the house, once again is alive. I miss this blog because I can go back and see what was happening and enjoy it again during the winter months that are quiet. We finally got a good rain and my garden is looking much better. I was fortunate that Sandy took the time to keep my plants watered while I was gone. I hear stirrings and it has to be Miranda. She comes down, her eyes half opened, climbs onto Grandpas lap and gets some hugs. She is a sweetheart. Have a great day!

Fire!

We had a fire not far from Norm and Sandys place by the Black River. The smoke got very heavy and you cloud see the flames from their front yard. One house was told to get their animals and belongings they wanted out because for a while there, they didn't know if they would be safe. Everyone pitched in and helped load their birds and animals and get them to safety. It took a lot of effort by a lot of people to gain control of that fire in high gusting winds and we are very thankful. An ember got in a ceder tree in Norms driveway. Beth noticed it and Sandy put it out. It being so dry it could have started that tree on fire and made things worse. Norm was a little over 500 ft. from the fire and that burning ember made it to his place. That is why you should never burn anything when the wind is up. A bad situation ended well. No loss of property or animals that I know of. Hurrah!!

Vineyards

Spent the day out visiting different vineyards the other day. The countryside is beautiful. I want to try and make some of these fish for Paradise. They were unique. The weather took a turn for cool temperatures but the sun is out and it is pleasant. Ann made curry chicken last night with rice and she also had tofu. It took on the flavor of the curry and was quite good. I have to get the recipe for the curry chicken because I really liked it and Dennis did too. Our visit has been a lot of fun and so nice to see everyone. Enjoy your day! Happy Birthday Kelly!! You are one of our treasures. Jim and the kids are lucky to have you. You are tucked in with the others close to our hearts. Love you!

Davisburg

Davisburg has been the family house. I love the animals and most of the kids are close by. The chickens and the keets are fun to watch and the wild turkeys come in to sneak an easy meal from the flock. Rudy is the top rooster and Timmy is the mean enforcer. The other two just follow the hens. Enjoy hearing all the animal sounds. Jim had us over for a great meal. The ribs were outstanding. Denny and Jen came over too. Left for Ann and Richs the next day. We all went over to see Mike and Tessas condo. It is very nice--great neighborhood. There is so much to see and do close by them. Good choice. We went to an Irish Pub for supper and really enjoyed the drinks and food. New beginnings for Mike and Tessa--so happy for you.

Happy Birthday Jen!

Today is Jens Birthday. She is one of our many treasures and we love her. Have a great year. You and Denny working together have made a good home for Matt to grow. He is a young man to be proud of. Saw the coyote today and he was limping. Looks like he got his front foot in a trap. I hate the traps because they maim the animals and make them a danger. They will try to survive. I got a picture of the back end of him and look how he blends with his surroundings. The Bay is free of ice and the roar of the waves lets us know Spring is coming. My pansies, herbs and Rhubarb are doing fine. I planted some Garlic this fall and I haven't seen it break through yet. The Lavender Kelly gave me is looking good and I hope it spreads. Warm winter, little snow makes for a fire hazard without a wet Spring. Hope the good Lord gives us rain and keeps our forests green. Have a great day!~

Warming Up

The temperatures are supposed to be warming up into the low 40's today. The wind is still brisk and the sound of it going through the pines is very relaxing. The birds and animals are out and about. Soon we will have all kinds of birds migrating through. The squirrels are scolding and Dennis saw a Chippie out for the first time since the beginning of winter. He didn't stay out for long as they don't like to be exposed on the white snow. They know they can be an easy meal and stay in their tunnels they have made during the winter. Everyone will be helping Mike and Tessa move. What an exciting day! Dennis and I remember our first place in Alaska--not fancy but it was ours. Enjoy!

Friday Again

The weeks are going by so fast. We did not get to see the Northern Lights last night but the Moon was beautiful. This morning the wind is whipping at the trees and blowing the snow across the ice and ground. We got about one half inch of fresh snow--it is just covering the ice made by the warm day on Wednesday. Can be treacherous to walk to the wood pile. Thank goodness we have a lot of wood in the house. Norm and Sandy went with us to the Soo yesterday. We shopped and had a very good meal at Applebees. Last night the clouds and wind kicked in and we were lulled to sleep by the brisk wind buffing the house. Not a good day to be outside. Ice and blowing snow make to feel very cold. Enjoy the last day of work for the week-end is upon us!

Happy Birthday Denny!!

Today is my son Dennis birthday. He is the second oldest and like Ann was part of our learning process on being parents. He was a blond, quiet, sweet little boy. He has grown into a very good man, husband and Father. We are proud of his accomplishments. He loves his family and takes care of them. He works hard and makes sure he takes time to spend with his son. Have a good year Denny, you are always in our thoughts and along with the rest of our big family are tucked in our hearts. Love you, Mom and Dad.

Hold on to your hats!!

We are under a storm warning. Big snow and lots of wind are supposed to be coming our way. The wind started last night and lulled us to sleep. The birds are having a hard time getting around because of the high wind gusts. We are waiting to see if we get some snow. Have a good day! It's Wednesday--half of the week is over and the last day of February. Forward it time we go!

Back

I haven't updated this blog in a while. The winter is flying by and soon we will be into March. This winter has been a disappointment to a lot of people up here. It has been so easy that we have not had to use the snowblower much or shovel a lot. The Bay has not froze over and the ground is showing in places in the yard. What a shock it will be if we get a normal snow for our area. There are so many great things happening this year. Sarah is graduating and Thomas is finishing up his college degree, Mike and Tessa are getting married--shower and wedding parties. Happy times for all of us. We are all going to Vegas to celebrate Becca and Tessa turning 21--so much to look forward to. Enjoy your day!

Thomas

Thomas got this superman blanket. I thought it was great. Our super Hero--he is a great guy.

Happy Times

Christmas Pictures

The New Year

I haven't updated my blog in a long time. Christmas is over and it was a very good one. We were all together and everyone was happy. The gifts were over the top and Dennis and I really appreciate the generosity and thoughtfulness. Tom with the help of his brothers made a lighthouse to grace my yard up in Paradise. I'm having trouble deciding where to put it. I'd like to put it in the front but I could see it and enjoy it more by the water. The kids pitched in and got us both Tablets. So handy and great to have. Dennis sits in his comfy chair by the fire and uses it every day. It has a permanent home right next to the TV clicker. Mine is not far away from me. It goes with my phone and camera everywhere I do. LOVE It! I was speechless. Ann and Denny got new handguns. Ann called hers Ralphy. I don't know if Jen and Denny are naming theirs but I have to get some pictures of them. Rich really surprised Ann and we could see how pleased he was. Kelly was very happy with her Kindle Fire which Jim surprised her with. Alida liked all her things and the guys sat back and smiled. Tessa and Mike are just happy being a young engaged couple. What a Christmas!