reality check - relay for life

Each year, Paul takes care of the logistics for the East Grand Rapids Relay for Life.  It's a tough job - setting up, tearing down, saying no when he wants to say yes, hauling trash, setting up power - everything that makes the event run.  Along with the hot-dirty-man work, he also raises money.  This year, from generous family and friends, over $3500.  And it's still coming in. 

It is overwhelming to see the number of people who come out to support this event.  To see the number of kids running around, taking part.  The names on the huge electronic board.  The white sashes.  The white sashes on young people.

Whew.

I went and took some pictures.























If you are well, be thankful.  And donate if you can.  If you are battling, helping someone battle, or have lost someone to cancer, these events are for you.  And for the world.  So we can all have more birthdays. 

May in Michigan

It's beautiful here.  I feel like a broken record but if you haven't been to the east side of the state of Michigan, you haven't seen sunrises like this:


The weather here?  You just never know what you are going to get.  Three years ago at this time, it was almost warm enough to swim in Lake Huron; over Memorial Day weekend of that year we were swimming.  Last year, it hit 80 in March and we were in the water in June.

This year?  well, who knows.  It's snowing in mid-Michigan as I write this and I strongly suspect that we won't be swimming in two weeks.  Or even three.Who cares.  It's gorgeous here and it never stops Mr. Handsome.



We had a good walk on the beach and he couldn't stay out of the water.  Despite to cold south wind and very cool temps.

And we spent the day reading.  I had plenty and finished two.


And tonight, we have rain pouring down from the heavens, a fire in the fireplace, and baseball on TV.  Life is good here, just East of the Equator.

what do you do?

i get this question periodically from people who don't know me particularly well, and ask the question when they find that i have a cottage, and make the trek to it each and every weekend.  usually with dog in tow.

what do you DO up there, they ask? well, nothing which is the whole point of coming here but for some who need to do and not be, that seems like an anomaly.   you know, a deviation from the norm.

exactly.

i stare at this:


then i walk to that and stare at this:


and this:


drink this:


and this:


and watch him stick his snout in sand and think nothing of it.


if you hadn't noticed, the one thing i do DO is pick up a camera.  and that's plenty when surrounded by magnificent beauty.

lovin' every minute of it.  every single minute.  Cheers from EOTE.

finally

it has stopped snowing, sleeting, raining, and the temperature is above 50.  finally.

we took Mr. Handsome out to sit in the backyard and chew his ball.  we enjoyed balmy temps and light winds.







finally there is hope for some kind of summer this year! 

cottage

We came north to turn on the technology.  Once that happened, we headed out.  We took a drive to the Foote dam and took some pictures.

The water is crashing like crazy.  And with the low water levels, we will take it!



We had an enchanting conversation with a fisherman.  He caught a steelhead and was kind enough to show it off.



It's a wonderful day East of the Equator.  Cheers to the 2013 cottage season!