Deirdre's Blog

Images of heaven ...

2012-02-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

...is a great song by Peter Godwin. If you haven't heard it, you should listen.

Every day I see images of heaven. When I head into work, I see kids and dogs and parents and grandparents walking to the school. What a beautiful way to start the day.

Every evening when I drive home, I see images of heaven in the setting sun. The gloaming is the perfect time of the evening as I watch the light fade and the stars and moon appear.

I see images of heaven in my sweet Samson's face. What could be more perfect that this?

From 2009-12-20

TTL I see profound images of heaven.

From 2011-11-13

To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hands, and eternity in an hour.
~William Blake

Weather or not.

2012-02-08T21:03:00.000-05:00

I am going to take a moment, just a brief one, to write a curious intro.

It's February 8, 2012. In Michigan. It's winter here. Well, it's supposed to be winter. I always equate winter with cold things ... things like ice, snow, freezing temperatures, down jackets, heavy mittens, UGG boots.

I am beating cheated out of my winter. We have had no snow on the ground, save a brief moment last month when our plow service came. Like once.

There has been some talk about snow on Friday. Will believe it when I see it.

Happy winter, holding out for Spring.

Travels

2012-02-04T09:25:00.002-05:00

This is sort of a PSA blog post. If you don't know this stuff, you need it.

It's been way too long since writing. I had a wonderful birthday celebration that lasted a week and a few. And then I went traveling. Not your literal get-on-plane, hop-on-a-bus, drive-in-a-car travels; rather I took figurative trips and traveled in books. To Scotland. To Iceland. Back in time, way back before cars and the internet.

I read several fantastic books the last week, courtesy of the Kent District Library. The Kent District Library has an excellent e-reader feature that allows me to download books to my Kindle or iPad.

Did I mention the price? FREE. They have a cool feature too where you submit a form of your favorite books, and they email back 10 recommendations for you. I got them back and four of the recommendations look perfect.

The best part is that two of the books from last week are brand new releases and are currently $12.99 on Amazon. Score one for saving money.

What did I read?

An Available Man 3 stars
The Flight of Gemmy Hardy 4 stars
Outlander 4 stars

When the sun returns, I will get some pictures on the blog. Until then, happy reading.

Thank you

2012-01-26T06:28:00.000-05:00

That's plenty.

From Summer Weekends

Will return to posting pictures, thoughts, words, and periodical rants after the celebrations conclude.

Cheers!

Another year

2012-01-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

I am facing the passing and beginning of another year. I am grateful for having survived another wonderful year. I could not have done it without Paul. Or Samson. Or my wonderful EOTE, a terrific job with incredible people, living in a great community. All of it. So much to fill a grateful heart.

And I look forward to spring ... that leads to summer ... that leads to my little slice of heaven.

Some thoughts from my favorite writer.

Yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream.

From 2011-07-09

And that that which sings and contemplates in you is still dwelling within the bounds of that first moment which scattered the stars into space.

From Sunrise, EOTE

~Kahlil Gibran

So it begins. Cheers to another wonderful year.

Friday Happy Dance

2012-01-20T06:46:00.001-05:00

It's cold in Michigan. Single digits. Nose-hair-freezing, skin tingling, fingers-and-toes numbing cold. The benefit of this kind of cold is the hot tub. When it's 7 degrees outside and 102 degrees in the hot tub, it makes for a wonderful soak. There will be several nights like this in our future.

And cold like this brings beautifully clear skies.

But for a break, I dug up a couple of pictures that remind me of warmer times.

From 2011-07-06

From 2011-07-11

Here's to the weekend! Stay warm.

And a little more snow

2012-01-15T18:02:00.001-05:00

From 2012-01-15

And it continues ...

2012-01-14T09:29:00.002-05:00

... to fall, this snow, in this winter wonderland.

Here's to snow days, even on the weekend.

Snow and Ice

2012-01-13T06:13:00.000-05:00

It's starting to snow here on the western plains of the Enchanted Mitten. It's been LONG coming. Since our winter started, our snow plow service has come one time.

Seriously. Once. That's not a great ROI for our investment. :)

As we left our beloved EOTE for the winter, the ice was starting to form along the stunning shores of Lake Huron.

From December EOTE

Doesn't that sky look gorgeous? It was. And the frozen sand was so cool to see. It will be a few weeks before we can get up to the O and check in on our cottage. Time is too slow between visits.

Cheers to Friday, snow, and ice.

Snow fences

2012-01-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

Late in the fall, we (us and several of our neighbors) put up snow fences on our beaches. Oddly, it's working. At least it's working in Grand Rapids. We have NO SNOW here. ZERO. Don't know how it's working on the sand and snow East of the Equator but we will find that part out in the spring.

From 2011-11-13

From December EOTE

It's January 9th and we have no accumulated snow on the ground. Our snow plow company has come once this year. Once.

This will either be the quietest winter in the history of Michigan or we will pay for this between now and April in a big, big way.

Happy Monday!

Travel day

2012-01-08T12:21:00.000-05:00

Cheers!

Here's to good wine and beach glass. Off exploring. More later!

Locals first - Jonny B'z

2012-01-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

One of my new fave restaurants in GRR is Jonny B'z. It's a hotdog place. They have hamburgers. And sandwiches. But why have either of those when you can have an honest-to-goodness beef hotdog? They grill their buns. (Yes I know what I wrote. It's pretty funny, wouldn't you agree?) Seriously, the buns make it.

From Jonny B'z

My hands-down favorite is the Chicago dog. Followed closely by the Hampton Meeks. But they are the only two dogs that I have tried so I am convinced other favorites are forthcoming.

From Jonny B'z

They have Coke Zero on their fountain. And hotdog art on the walls. Love this.

From Jonny B'z

Eat here. You will not be disappointed. I promise.

Heartache and love

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Until I moved back to Michigan, I didn't realize how much I could love a location. Seriously, when I am away from our cottage, East of the Equator, my heart actually hurts. I am counting the days until April.

You can see the ice starting to form on the bay of the yacht club.

From December EOTE

A little bit of sand, snow, and sunrise.

From December EOTE

A lone walker on the beach. (It was really cold ...)

From December EOTE

Counting the days (and weeks) until we are there again.

Our new year

2012-01-01T09:41:00.001-05:00

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was 'thank you' that would suffice.
~Meister Eckhart

Our goal was to make it to midnight. That's WAY past my bedtime and with the help of a nap, I did it. :) We had a lovely dinner, marinated ribeyes, rice, and a pear-blue cheese-walnut-Boston bibb salad. Spectacular.

From 2011-12-31

The evening started with the most beautiful sunset. Here we are, January, and not a flake of the fluffy white stuff on the ground. [that is all supposed to change by this afternoon].

From 2011-12-31

We enjoyed a few pints of our favorite oat pops while watching the Red Wings pummel the St. Louis Blues. I love that the Wings play on New Year's Eve.

From 2011-12-31

A magnificent fire.

From 2011-12-31

And most lovely, the dinner wine.

From 2011-12-31

Thank you. For everything. Welcome 2012.

Friday night dinner

2011-12-31T03:00:00.000-05:00

Paul made my very favorite dinner of all time, Tenderloin Deluxe.

From 2011-12-30

We invited Samson's bff, Aunt Deb, over for dinner. He loves her.

From 2011-12-30

The secret to the recipe is butter, soy sauce, and scallions. And medium rare at 125 degrees.

From 2011-12-30

We had a wonderful, post-Christmas gathering around good food, good fire, and great hockey.

From 2011-12-30

We can't wait to do it again.

Tripping

2011-12-30T08:20:00.002-05:00

We took a trip during our vacation. We did some great things.

I read some books. My review of Shake the World is over here. It is a GREAT book. I highly recommend it.

We did some eating. We went to my favorite place in Harrisville, Michigan. I LOVE this place. Read my review here.

We cooked at home. I picked up some foodstuffs at my favorite local meat store.

From December EOTE

They had this on their shelf. They wouldn't sell it. Bummer.

From December EOTE

I took some pictures. One day, it was 7 degrees. It was cold.

From December EOTE

It was worth standing in the frigid temps (and wind) to catch these pictures. Let me just say thank goodness for a tripod and remote.

It was both curious and beautiful to watch the ice start to collect on the shore. The sand is frozen and the water crashing on hard sand is quite loud. Really beautiful too.

From December EOTE

So that's a snapshot of our vacation within our vacation. On to New Year's eve! Cheers from EGR.

Sunrise

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

The weather here has been nothing short of bizarre. Yesterday, we were running around the backyard in sweatshirts.

It's almost January. Whew.

Here is what gets me through, knowing that sometime soon I will be here:

From EotE

Hey, whatever it takes. Heading into the New Year's celebration.

Christmas ex-post

2011-12-26T08:57:00.002-05:00

The days leading up to Christmas were pretty miserable round these parts. I kept a brave face but boy was I hurting. I haven't had a cold like that in years ... dayquil and nitequil and advil and a whole bottle of Visine in a few days, well, it was brutal. I slept. A ton.

The miserableness started to break on Christmas eve and I felt well enough to venture out. By Christmas day, I was able to ditch the Visine and pick up the camera. It was a Christmas miracle.

The good.

Christmas eve dinner Rosemary-garlic Chicken

From Christmas Eve Dinner

music

From Christmas Eve Dinner

and some of the best wine that I have ever had, from our friend Amy and her amazing shop.

From Christmas Eve Dinner

Christmas day filet Mignon in a Cabernet reduction.

From 2011-12-25

with shallots

From 2011-12-25

and more of the best wine, ever, really ever.

From 2011-12-25

The less than good? Well, we watched a move, Trainspotting. I love the soundtrack (especially Brian Eno's Deep Blue Day) but the movie is profoundly depressing. Mostly the heroin and needles. Lesson learned on that one.

So it's off to enjoy the rest of the week! I have it off and have a ton of things to do, to see, to enjoy. Hope you have a wonderful day wherever you are. Gearing up for a wonderful New Year's eve.

Cheers!

Gloria in excelsis Deo

2011-12-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

From Christmas Eve Dinner

And thank you Santa!

From Christmas Eve Dinner

Merry Christmas from our home to yours! A day to celebrate and reflect, with profound gratitude. Cheers.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

Christmas eve on a Saturday is sort of an odd occurrence. Many of the places we visit on Saturdays are closed. I had hoped for lunch at Ramona's Table or the Winchester, but alas they are closed.

Good for them! Bad for us. So we may have to try the hot dogs at Jonny B'z. (Um, they are delicious ...)

Our Christmas tradition is to fill our growler with heavenly deliciousness from Founders and fortunately, they are open from noon to 5pm today. Pale Ale, here we come! And then one last stop for hand-selected wine by our personal sommelier at Art of the Table. <3

Tonight, a tour through EGR to look at Christmas lights. With camera and tripod in tow. Happy Christmas Eve!

Small towns

2011-12-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

Or aptly titled, "Why I love Oscoda." Where else can you see Santa Claus at the Burger King?

From 2011-12-18

And then, there is this:

From 2011-12-18

Just beautiful. Lovely. Blessed. Grateful. Today begins my Christmas break. Cheers to Friday.

On the horizon

2011-12-20T20:26:00.002-05:00

We spent the weekend at the cottage. We had a lot of clouds, not a lot of sun or sadly, sunrises ... but we did have this.

From 2011-12-18

It was the most interesting sunrise I had every seen. And beautiful. Just beautiful. It's a crazy week as we gear up for the holiday weekend.

Cheers to hump day.

Non sequitors and 51¢

2011-12-19T07:52:00.000-05:00

Non sequitor. I looked it up online. From our friends at Merriam-Webster:

"...an inference that does not follow from the premises; specifically : a fallacy resulting from a simple conversion of a universal affirmative proposition or from the transposition of a condition and its consequent."

Who writes like this? I don't even know what that means. But I love the phrase. Regardless, my life has been a series of these of late, including here. Last week, it was Amazon.com.

Stage: I get a bill from Amazon for 51¢. I don't buy things that cost 51¢. But I can't find my Amazon card. And I can't remember my password. So I can't log in.   (I know, I know - don't write me about this)

Calling GE Money (which is the Amazon credit card) is like something out of a Monty Python skit.   First thing I notice when I talk to "Sharon" is that there is some crazy party in the background, complete with horns, hooting, and singing. It's so loud that I can't hear Sharon.

Really.

I explain my dilemma. Between hoots, hollers, and singing in the background, Sharon suggests I cancel the card. I agree. She does. Then I ask what we are going to do about the 51¢. Sharon tells me to log in and look at the charge.

I pause. I can't, I say. 1) I can't remember my password; 2) I can't find my card needed to reset the password; and 3) we have canceled the card.

She pauses. I say, I need to now DISPUTE the charges because I can't log in to review the charges.
She asks why I didn't say that I needed a password reset instead of a new card.
I say because I do need a new card because I can't find my old one.
She asks if it was stolen.
I have no idea, I say. I can't find it so I don't know if it was stolen.

So now she is annoyed because she has to read me a VERY LONG explanation of disputing charges that involve investigations and red envelopes in the mail.   The party is still going on in the background. It's raucous. She is missing out on the fun for 51¢.

It's 51¢. I tell her that I will just pay it. But I can't now, because the card is canceled. I don't know how to dispute something that I can't see.

John Cleese, you would be proud.

Locals first - Art of the Table

2011-12-17T03:00:00.000-05:00

I have previously written about our friends Amy and Steve Ruis. And their amazing store in Grand Rapids, Art of the Table. Amy opened in 2003 and we have been shopping there ever since.

Wine. Chocolate. Tablecloths. Candles. Goat cheese. Coffee. Wine. Did I mention magnificent wine?

I can shop for wine and the finer accoutrements anywhere. What I can't do anywhere is call Amy or facebook her, tell her what we are having for dinner, and ask her to have a few wines ready for us.

Really, I call the store and say this, "we are having flank steak with rosemary. What wine should we have?" And then she pulls a rabbit out of her hat - or more likely, a bottle from the bin - and we joyfully skip out of the store, breathless with anticipation for what's to come in our wine glasses. The very wine glasses purchased at the store.

I just love going into that store. I love everything about it. And with everything else they have going on, they make amazing gift baskets for holiday gift giving.

Check them out. Local deliciousness.

Light

2011-12-15T20:36:00.002-05:00

Let there be.

And it was good. So very, very good.

Wonder

2011-12-14T06:33:00.002-05:00

and beauty.

The cow comes home

2011-12-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

In packages of course. If you are a vegetarian, or are faint of heart, skip this post. Really. So fair warning, friends.

We bought a side of beef. Pure cow raised, fed, and butchered locally on a friend's farm. I am not a big fan of blood and guts but I am a huge fan of buying local, and Mike's farm counts. No additives. No fillers. Just a cow living a life of grass, feed, and hay, hanging on the farm until, well, it's his time.

There is no happy euphemism for this event. Sorry. And because it's in my DNA, I took pictures. Last chance to hit the "next blog" feature at the top of the page because I took pictures of everything.

The friends left behind. Obviously they are keeping their distance. Wouldn't you?

From Cow 2011

The meat locker. That's the other half of what we brought home.

From Cow 2011

The saw

From Cow 2011

The chute. Or something. I don't know what it's called. But it puts meat in the packages.

From Cow 2011

That looks like this.

From Cow 2011

Hmmmm.

From Cow 2011

It was fun to catch up with good friends.

From Cow 2011

Oh and they have chickens! They are rather smelly.

From Cow 2011

So Mike and Rhonda Fisher, thank you! Next time, we will stay for a beer. Cheers.

Locals first - Mirror Lake Organics

2011-12-11T08:45:00.001-05:00

Locals for me mean more than proximity. Locals can also mean friends and, of course, anything in the state of Michigan.

I love this company. I love the products. AND I love the people. Mirror Lake Organics is "organic body care." What that means is the most unbelievable, amazing, incredible soaps, lotions, lip balms, and anything else in their bins. It's seriously good stuff.

Paul and Marj Weidman started Mirror Lake several years ago when their economy shifted. And here is how we came across each other.

Paul and Paul and Marj went to high school together. They connected on facebook. Then Paul W had a piece in ArtPrize at the BOB. They came to GR to install their piece. We had lunch at Rose's on Reed's Lake. We would still be there talking if we hadn't had other obligations.

Some of my favorites are the Celtic Sea Salt soap, Patchouli ANYTHING, the Mojito lip balm and the entire Ame' line. The Ame' lotion was a godsend when I got just a little too sun-kissed EOTE. Oh and I love the coconut body butter. Hmmmm. And the coffee scrub. Good stuff.

Right now, they have free shipping for the holidays. You can follow them on facebook for locations and events.

We are buying local this year. And next. Why do you give it shot too?

Gifts for photographers

2011-12-08T06:49:00.001-05:00

One of the funniest blog posts I wrote last summer - diary of photography addict - generated some hilarious conversation on facebook and some wonderful email notes. There are many of us out here, we who love the little black box that takes light and pixels and metal and creates a visual masterpiece. It is a hobby that haunts us, one that is never very far from my thoughts. Love.

Yesterday, a friend shared this link - 50 reasons not to date a photographer. It's hilarious.

So getting into the Christmas holiday, I thought I would write for those who don't understand our ~~addiction~~ hobby. Need ideas for what to buy that fabulous photographer in your life? A gift that isn't in the four digits? Here is my help. (Hint. Hint.)

Memory cards. We/I/they can never, ever, ever have enough memory cards. Whenever I head out with my camera, I am convinced that I won't have enough room for my pictures. That's insane and completely unrealistic but sadly true.

Gift cards. B & H Photo/Video.

Photography books. Anything by Scott Kelby or any from the hosts of fabulous photographers who write and shoot about pictures.

Any kind of really cute gift from Photojojo. Like the lens mug.

Go forth and take care of that photographer in YOUR life.

Monday blues

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

and pinks. And some darks. All beauty.

From 2011-09-03

Here's to a good week!

Locals first - Ramona's Table

2011-12-03T19:26:00.001-05:00

I love local businesses. I cheer for the small businesses who open up and serve our community. We do our best to shop, eat, visit and spend money in at least one small business a week.

Today is my (heart, heart, love, love) favorite local restaurant in East Grand Rapids, Ramona's Table. We try and eat here on Saturdays, schedules allowing.

The food is well, simply fabulous. I am in love with their broccoli salad. And soups. And sandwiches.

I don't know how best to describe the place. It's cozy right now (until their addition opens up). The food comes in a cool metal basket. I always get the same thing. The Merry Mary, whatever amazing soup is available - yesterday was a creamy chicken tortilla (take how good that sounds and multiple it by 1000) and of course, the broccoli salad.

You can also get kettle chips, potatoes and a host of other sides with the lunch combo. I would write about other items but I have never been able to get beyond the deliciousness of the Merry Mary. Paul has tried several different sandwiches and raves about each one.

They have desserts. I try to never sit next to the cooler with the desserts. Oh. My. Goodness.

So just go and find your favorite. They also cater. Next party I have - it's a Ramona's Table cater for sure.

Friday. Happy. Dance.

2011-12-01T20:37:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday. After a glorious Thanksgiving weekend, the week after is usually looooong. But not this week. It's been a crazy fast week.

We have had unusually warm and dry weather. It's December and we still don't have any snow. Really, we are okay with that. We know that it's coming. December is an unusually busy. So I love to take this moment and relax.

From EotE

Would that you could live on the fragrance of the earth, and like an air plant be sustained by the light.~Kahlil Gibran

Happy weekend.

Unsaid

2011-11-29T20:25:00.001-05:00

I read a book recently Unsaid. It is up there with my very favorite reads, right up there with The Sparrow, The Handmaid's Tale, and Water for Elephants. Oh, and Cutting for Stone. Oh and ... well, so many others.

I love to read. I started reading Unsaid and about two pages in, started sobbing. I didn't stop crying until the last page. Then I read it again. And cried all over again.

It is an amazing book. It starts like this:

(The woman - a veterinarian- is dead, recounting her life post-death).

In my experience-and I've had more than my share- endings rarely go well. There is absolutely nothing life affirming about death. You'd think that, given the prevalence and irrevocability of death, whoever or whatever put the whole thing together would've given a little more attention to the process of exit.

Maybe next time.

Wow. Wrap your head around that. The process of exit. Before you get there, make sure that you have squeezed every minute out of every day. I am working hard on that. Hope you are too.

Decorations

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

Slowly but surely, they are going up.

From Lamb Stew

Soon enough, the house will look festive. I love Christmas lights. That is the one area where I will splurge a little. The lights frame our entrance way, a few windows, and our fireplace. I love that they are on timers; I can come home to a house filled with lovely Christmas color.

Later this month we will put up our Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It's a cute little tree we purchased at Ikea years ago. It looks very much like Charlie's little tree. I love it. And I don't have to worry about falling needles.

We are closing in on December. We have no snow, but I imagine it's coming soon enough. Happy Monday.

Spam and the FBI

2011-11-27T15:30:00.001-05:00

I got this email today:

Anti-Terrorist And Monetary Crimes Division
FBI Headquarters In Washington, D.C.
Federal Bureau Of Investigation
J. Edgar Hoover Building 935 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW Washington, D.C. 20535-0001

Attn: Beneficiary,

This is to Officially (in caps, thank you) inform you that it has come to our notice and we have thoroughly completed an Investigation (again in caps)with the help of our Intelligence Monitoring Network System that you legally won the sum of $10.5 Million USD from a Lottery Company outside the United States of America. During our investigation we discovered that your e-mail* won the money from an Online Balloting System and we have authorized this winning to be paid to you via a Certified Cashier's Check. *[I wonder since my email won the money, do I have to share it with Google?]

Normally, it will take up to 5 business days for an International Check (love the caps) to be cashed by your local bank. We have successfully notified this company on your behalf that funds are to be drawn from a registered bank within the United States Of America (so respectful) so as to enable you cash the check instantly without any delay, henceforth the stated amount of $10.5 Million USD has been deposited with Bank Of America.

We have completed this investigation and you are hereby approved to receive the winning prize as we have verified the entire transaction to be Safe and 100% risk free, (excellent in caps and no risk) due to the fact that the funds have been deposited at Bank Of America you will be required to settle the following bills directly to the Lottery Agent in-charge of this transaction whom is located in Lagos, Nigeria. According to our discoveries before he can relase the Deposit slip for you to go and confirm the Check in any Bank of America Close to you. Do make sure you get in touch with him rigth away before it is too late. (oops, missing the cap here) you were required to pay for the following -

(1) Deposit Fee's (tsk tsk, the apostrophe policy will cite this for sure)( Fee's paid by the company for the deposit into an American Bank which is )......$100
(2) Cashier's Check Conversion Fee (and another)( Fee for converting the Wire Transfer payment into a Certified Cashier's Check ).$50
(3) Shipping Fee's (and another) ( This is the charge for shipping the Cashier's Check to your home address and this fee includes Insurance)......$100

The total amount for everything is $250.00 (Two Hunderd and Fifty US Dollars). We have tried our possible best to indicate that this $250.00 should be deducted from your winning prize but we found out that the funds have already been deposited at Bank Of America and cannot be accessed by anyone apart from you the winner, therefore you will be required to pay the required fee's to the Agent in-charge of this transaction via Western Union Money Transfer Or Money Gram.

In order to proceed with this transaction, you will be required to contact the agent in-charge ( Mr. Michael Larry) via e-mail. Kindly look below to find appropriate contact information:

REMOVED BY ME. Though it would be fun to spam the losers.

Should in case you need any more informations in regards to this notification, feel free to get back to us so that we can brief you more as we are here to guide you during and after this project has been completely perfected and you have received your contract fund as stated. Thank you very much for your anticipated co-operation in advance as we earnestly await your urgent response to this matter.

BEST REGARDS

Anti-Terrorist And Monetary Crimes Division
FBI Headquarters In Washington, D.C.

I think the FBI could use Grammar Girl. Tomorrow we are back at it. Happy Monday.

Thanksgiving in the books

2011-11-25T17:50:00.001-05:00

It was an epic day. Epic lounging. Epic Samson. Epic fun. A good one for the history books.

Starting with dessert first.

From Thanksgiving 2011

It was SOOO good. Then filet mignon in pepper sauce .

From Thanksgiving 2011

Cheers!

From Thanksgiving 2011

A cute decor

From Thanksgiving 2011

Delightful table for a wonderful dinner

From Thanksgiving 2011

And the best part? It's 55 degrees and no snow in sight. It won't last long but we will take it.

From Thanksgiving 2011

And now, for the rest of the weekend!

Best Thanksgiving Memory

2011-11-23T07:02:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving has always been a wonderful holiday. While we were in the Navy, Thanksgiving was a holiday observed by banks, the Post Office, and the rest of the world; but not the Navy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have memories of celebrating Thanksgiving on ships, in the air, and days before and after the "real" day, because the Navy had other plans. There was the Thanksgiving when we invited our vegan friends to dinner and they brought garlic cheese bread. It was moldy. It was gross. But they didn't mind the potatoes and stuffing. We enjoyed the turkey.

There were many Thanksgivings spent alone. And for an introvert, it was pretty okay to have some down time. Many, many well meaning friends tried to entice me to dinners and parties and such. I sometimes fibbed a little ... had other plans with other (not quite) people, like my sweet girl Allie. I could imagine nothing more awful than making small talk with family members in tense situations and not knowing anyone. Instead, when Paul was deployed, I would sleep, relax, read, write, and just BE. It was awesome.

The best Thanksgiving memory ever was our first Thanksgiving in Guam. 80 degrees. Sunshine. Guam. We invited all the single guys working with Paul on the Niagara Falls over for dinner. We cooked the turkey, the potatoes (from a box. Real potatoes on Guam were outrageous $$), and stuffing. Everyone else brought something to drink and ... a plate, a knife, a fork, and a spoon. We didn't have enough flatware for everyone.

We were really poor, just starting out. But it didn't matter. We had such an awesome time. Everyone thought the meal was fabulous. No one minded that I left the little plastic bag with the giblets inside. Well, no one really knew. I made the stuffing on the stove top.

Happy Thanksgiving. Here is to you and your families - two legged and four legged. Cheers.

Saying goodbye

2011-11-21T06:39:00.001-05:00

Today our dear friend Catie said goodbye to her sweet Andi. 16 years together.

From Andi's project

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you.....
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you."

--by Ilsa Paschal Richardson

Several years ago, I was able to get some good pictures of Catie and Andi. I am so glad that I was able to get these happy snaps.

We know how hard this is. In time, our grief transcended to remembrance, joy, and gratitude for all the time together. We love you Catie.

Works of art and thanksgiving

2011-11-20T15:04:00.001-05:00

A picture is a poem without words.
~Horace

The sand on our beach creates the most remarkable art. I love walking the beach and looking at the beauty and creation that comes together in odd shapes and places.

From 2011-11-13

It never gets old.

From 2011-11-13

As we begin the week of Thanksgiving, take a minute and share your thanks. We have so much for which to be thankful.

Footprints

2011-11-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”

From 2011-09-10

From 2011-09-06

From Lake Huron

Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey!

Friday Happy Dance

2011-11-17T19:40:00.001-05:00

It was been a wickedly busy week. I wouldn't even know where to start. But I know where to end. Friday. :)

This was a delightful Thursday afternoon. I had a chance to talk to some students about managing their online reputation. After our time together, we were invited to dine in the dining hall for the annual Thanksgiving dinner. Oh my goodness, was the food delicious. Fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, freshly carved ham and turkey, and incredible salads. Oh, I splurged on a little chocolate milk. Paul was able to join me and we sat with some good friends.

I haven't eaten dinner this early in years. But it was fabulous.

I close my eyes and think of this.

From 2011-11-13

Ending the day in gratitude. Happy weekending!

Up and back

2011-11-13T17:47:00.001-05:00

Paul got home from England on Friday night. We decided to take a quick trip up and back to check on our little piece of heaven. We had some fall chores to take care of, needed to take down the sign, see our dear friends at the V, and just chill.

We dropped Samson off at the happy place and took off Saturday morning. We arrived in plenty of time to enjoy the beach, the sun, and the waves. It was delightfully warm so we spent some time outdoors. Paul made us a wonderful dinner Saturday night. We couldn't have asked for a nicer November weekend.

Of course, I took advantage of the beauty, the light, and the weather to get some happy snaps.

Every time I visit, I take a deep breath when I leave. It's simply beautiful.

Tomorrow we are back at it! Cheers.

Friday Happy Dance

2011-11-11T07:12:00.001-05:00

It has been a good, long week. It started to snow here in Michigan. I wasn't prepared - no ice scrapper, no boots, no gloves, no coat. I don't know what I was thinking when I went to work yesterday.

I was over the Prince Conference Center for a midday celebration and couldn't help but grab a few images of the gorgeous flowers. It really helped take my mind off the snow. At least for a minute.

From 2011-11-10

It's Friday. It's happy. It's the weekend! Lots to do and places to be and fun to be had. Cheers!

Why we love him so

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

From Last week of June 2011

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

From Samson's Day 7.13

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

From July 26, 2011

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

From 2011-02-13

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

From Samson

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

From Memorial Day 2011

--Beth Norman Harris

The rest of the story

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, it's just a step outside into the backyard to see divine beauty.

From 2011-11-06

I took these pictures during the wind. This is my favorite.

From 2011-11-06

Beaches

2011-11-07T06:18:00.002-05:00

More than just sand.

Soon, but never soon enough. Happy Monday.

Leaf-a-gedden

2011-11-05T15:31:00.000-04:00

Those leaves. They just keep falling. Darn gravity. The leaves have created a brown carpet on the still green grass. And if you look up, you will see that we still have more to come. Great.

Samson helped. Well helped supervise.

Took a few minutes to enjoy the gorgeous red of the Japanese Maple.

There will be more pictures. There are more leaves. Lots and lots of leaves still hanging on the tree. But now, it's time to rest.

Cheers from EGR. Hope you are having a glorious weekend!

Friday Happy Dance

2011-11-04T04:19:00.000-04:00

Random thoughts.

On Thursday night, I had the chance to go talk to some neat people about social media; I covered all the good stuff like staying on top of what is being said - in word, in print, in tags - about you. It's all kinds of fun to chat about all the crazy tools out 'there' that track you. Crazy.

Like Spokeo. Or Social Mention. Or Namechk. Gives new meaning to ego surfing.

It's going to be a beautiful weekend here in G-Rap. I expect that we will spend all kinds of time moving leaves, walking around the lake, and grabbing the last pictures of our beautiful fall.

From 2011-10-29

Let the dance begin!

happy happy happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T21:27:00.001-04:00

We had a glorious time this evening. Little kinders, treats for all our visitors.

From 2011-10-31

You know what I miss the most when Halloween is done? I miss the decorations. So many people around here decorate inside and out. Well, here's to next year. And on to Thanksgiving! Cheers!

Weekend

2011-10-29T18:49:00.000-04:00

We had a delightful weekend. We had a dear friend come visit and Samson is IN LOVE. Wouldn't leave her side. He is still checking the guest room.

We did some shopping, have pumpkins for O'Hallow's Eve; picked up some super special license plates ... and then took ourselves for a glorious walk, treated ourselves to a delicious lunch at our fave place in EGR, Ramona's Table, picked up the last of dinner needs, and took a few happy snaps on our walk home.

Beautiful.

From 2011-10-29

A wonderful Saturday. Some good eats planned. A fire in the fireplace to start and end the day. Life is good, good indeed.

Happy weather

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

It has been such a wonderful fall. The temperatures have been warm, breezes gentle, and sun abundant. We took out our cameras to grab what's left of the leaves and a few of those braves souls still enjoying the water.

From 2011-10-23

It's the Friday Happy Dance. Looking forward to a wonderful weekend full of friends, food, and fotography. Cheers!

Up close and personal

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Julia was over the other night. We had so much fun with dinner and drinks and 80s trivial pursuit that we never even took out our cameras.

It's a tragedy, really. We have a photo date on the books. Soon.

We were talking about not having a true macro lens. Even without and using my extension tubes, I forgot how good some of my closeups looked.

Looking forward to time in the field with Jewels.

Monday memories

2011-10-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

When I think about memories, I think of two very specific people. My Grandfather and my first GSD, Allie. Yes, I consider her a person.

Paul would describe Allie as not a dog at all; rather, she was a transcendental being sent to earth by aliens to observe life.She had a general disdain for dirt, mud, rain, and cold cement. She did love the water, the beach, and surprisingly, the snow. She really loved our sofa and our bed.

We loved her more than words could ever convey. Her allergies scarred her body but never her spirit. She loved Paul and tolerated me. Oh sweet ironies, you don't pick dogs; they pick you. We were grateful to have the time with her that we did.

From All Allie All the Time

Where ever she is now, she is definitely chasing seagulls, chewing on bones, and eating puppy treats. Our sweet girkie.

Gone to the dogs

2011-10-21T20:23:00.004-04:00

I have had a nasty week - awful cold, cough, and headaches prevailed. So very, very glad it's the weekend. We have the Red Wings, a visit to our fave place Art of the Table, and friends over Saturday night. Paul is making tenderloin deluxe. It will be magnificent.

I love writing about my @thedogsamson. He is our second furry love; our first love, Allister, was a pretty spoiled little princess. I wish I had been more of a photo addict when she was with us. She was a beautiful, wonderful German shepherd.

I also have realized, over time, how much I love taking pictures of dogs.

Sweet, very old Jake.

Deb's pups

Freinds' collie

GSD at the dog park

Friends' Great Dane

A Friend

Mr. Handsome

Her Highness

From Allie at the beach in May

Fall

2011-10-17T21:27:00.002-04:00

It's fall in our house. That means leaves, cold weather, and crock pot. Paul made a delicious crock pot on Sunday. We posted the recipe over at our Foodie Blog.

Meat.

From 2011-10-16

Onions.

From 2011-10-16

Mix.

From 2011-10-16

The best part.

From 2011-10-16

I love fall. I don't love fall when my six oak trees start dropping their leaves. Oy. More pictures coming soon. Happy Monday.

Friday. Happy. Dance.

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

What an amazing week. But I miss my special place. It's the only place where I don't mind getting up at 6:00 am to watch the sunrise.

Some passers-by enjoyed a few minutes on my beach.

And down low watching the sun rise.

Yeah, I miss it. But I have laundry to do. And leaves to rake. And Samson to run. And you know, all those weekend things to do. I may even have time to pick up my camera.

Happy weekend-ing.

Music that makes me dance

2011-10-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

I love music. This is no secret. 80gb of music on my iPod and well, that's a lot of music ...

During the time when I had a chance to see some of the best bands of the 80s, I didn't think they would become such superstars. Here are a few of the bands I loved seeing live - some as opening bands and a few, got to hang out with after the show. (Can you say groupie?) Most of these bands I have seen at least twice, some WAY more.

And U2 was okay live ... not nearly as good as Pete, Gary, David and Paul.

10. Gang of Four
9. U2 (have their autographs)
8. Duran Duran (saw them in the snow during the middle of the week during their This is Planet Earth tour)
7. The Jam (way underestimated)
6. The Clash
5. Psychedelic Furs
4. Gary Numan
3. REM
2. Talking Heads
1. Peter Gabriel

oh, and the other number one.

1. Declan MacManus. There is only one of him.

These songs bring back wonderful memories and make for terrific car dancing.

Sunrise and such

2011-10-10T06:49:00.000-04:00

I stood upon the hills, when heaven's wide arch
Was glorious with the sun's returning march,

From EotE

And woods were brightened, and soft gales
Went forth to kiss the sun-clad vales.

From EotE

I heard the distant waters dash,
I saw the current whirl and flash,

From EotE

And richly, by the blue lake's silver beach,
The woods were bending with a silent reach.

From EotE

If thou art worn and hard beset
With sorrows, that thou wouldst forget,

From EotE

If thou wouldst read a lesson, that will keep
Thy heart from fainting and thy soul from sleep,

From EotE

Go to the woods and hills! No tears
Dim the sweet look that Nature wears.

--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Friday

2011-10-06T21:34:00.000-04:00

Good things happen on Friday. For those of us who work a traditional week, that means a few days of R & R.

We headed down to Art Prize last weekend and one of my favorite pieces included several statues infused with colored glass. I don't know what it is about colored glass but it is so beautiful to me. I took way too many pictures of it. I won't share them all. Just a few.

From Art Prize 2011

The weather in Michigan has been nothing short of magnificent. We will be out and about this weekend. I expect pictures will be forthcoming. And great tales of adventure and sunshine and changing leaves. Welcome fall. Let's keep the sunshine just a little bit longer, shall we? Cheers.

My new tattoo

2011-10-05T07:11:00.000-04:00

Just kidding. But I did walk into a tattoo parlor this weekend to see, of all things, some art.

Yup. Art.

A dress made out of ribbons.

From Art Prize 2011

And a stunning self portrait.

From Art Prize 2011

All in a tatt place on Division. In Grand Rapids. A part of this amazing thing called Art Prize. Happy Hump Day.

Good words for Art Prize

2011-10-02T17:22:00.000-04:00

I love good news. This was a delightful Art Prize exhibit, located at (ta da!) 106 S Division, a/k/a Calvin's art gallery downtown.

The entire piece was made from fortune cookie fortunes. And brightened with beautiful colors. I loved it.

From Art Prize 2011

More art-prizing this week! Happy Monday.

Art Prizing

2011-10-01T21:01:00.000-04:00

Off we went. Beauty.

From Art Prize 2011

Gerald R. Ford museum

From Art Prize 2011

Bears - (not the football team)

From Art Prize 2011

DeVos Convention Center

From Art Prize 2011

Grand River, Grand Rapids, grand city. Art Prize. Incredible.

From Art Prize 2011

Where we are and where we aren't

2011-09-30T06:25:00.000-04:00

Is home, watching the weather turn, the leaves turn, and the calendar turn. We aren't up north as much as we would like to be. Real life calls - housework, yard work, and our general maintenance. You know - chores.

Sigh.

But it doesn't keep me from taking a quick trip in my head and paying my precious EOTE a visit.

From 2011-09-25

We will also have some time this weekend to visit more Art Prize. The weekend will certainly be full. Cheers to Friday!

The weekend

2011-09-25T19:56:00.002-04:00

We had a glorious weekend in #Oscoda. We kicked back, read, napped, and slept in. It was a bonus to connect with Missy and her dog, Samson. We had a chance to play with the "other" Samson. Our Samson had a fabulous weekend at Whiskers. He is killed.

Here are some fun pictures of Samson. :)

From The 'other' Samson

We have to get out and see some art in Art Prize! Stay tuned!

Trees

2011-09-22T21:42:00.001-04:00

This has been a most busy week. From work, to ArtPrize, to more work, to ... well, the tree. We had a great week planned, then came the email from our friend and neighbor, Amy, letting us know that a gi-normous tree limb fell in our yard.

No we don't "text." We are old. We still email. Almost as old as the rotary phone.

Mostly Paul and some of me, supervised by @thedogsamson, moved some wood. Next year, it will be great in the fireplace.

All this is from the limb.

From The Tree Limb

And yes, I am sore. My right index finger hurts from taking the pictures. :)

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-09-18T10:49:00.000-04:00

We had a delightful weekend. Samson and I were flying solo and we had a million things to do, only did a handful, and spent the rest of the time hanging out and playing.

The morning started with this gorgeous creation woven from my smoker to the plants. It's gigantic.

From Spider web

I spent quite a while gazing at all parts of the intricately woven web. By the time I remembered that I had my camera, I didn't get too many great shots. When the light gets better, I may spritz it with some water to get a better view.

Samson was non-plussed with the web. He wanted to hunt and play. Hiding behind the tree helps.

From My little hunter

He gets this little curry-tail thing going when he is hunting.

From My little hunter

Something little and furry is living under this plant. I can't leave him alone too long.

From My little hunter

I was able to call him off to play some flat disk.

From My little hunter

When I looked up, I saw this beauty.

From My little hunter

It's not the beach, the sunrise, or the magnificent Lake Huron, but it's our Grand Rapids beauty for sure.

Have a great week. ArtPrize starts this week. Just in time. :)

Beauty

2011-09-15T20:57:00.000-04:00

Whatever you love is beautiful;

From Sunrise, EOTE

love comes first, beauty follows;

From Sunrise, EOTE

The greater your capacity for love,

From 2011-09-08

the more beauty you find in the world.
–Jane Smiley

Happy Weekend.

Pausing for a pose

2011-09-13T20:05:00.000-04:00

Paul and I were having lunch at our fave place in Harrisville and took the long way home via the Harrisville Marina.

From Waves

While enjoying the view, a seagull came to visit. Perhaps thinking we had snitches. We only had cameras.

From Seagull

So delicate, the feathers, the face, the feet.

From Seagull

He shared some words

From Seagull

And enjoyed the breeze.

From Seagull

We enjoyed our visit. We always do.

Paws

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

He had a blast.

From 2011-09-09

He has the cutest paw prints ever. He is exhausted, full of Lake Huron beach sand, and anxious to return. As are we.

Happy Monday.

Serendipity

2011-09-11T13:29:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed my week at the lake. I enjoyed sunrises, beach time, wonderful meals, great friends, and an incredible book.
Something unique sailed by. I had not seen kiteboarders pass by. The wind was blowing pretty hard and this guy came speeding by, north to south, having a blast.

From Kiteboarder - EOTE

It was fun to watch a solo sailer from the comfort of my beach. Maybe someday I will work up the nerve to try it myself.

Another Thursday on the Lake

2011-09-08T09:02:00.000-04:00

I didn't anticipate that my new, smoking Dell would crash and burn on my vacation. Fortunately I have a backup computer. This may be the last Dell I buy.

On to better things. Like the dog. And the beach.

It was been a gorgeous, blustery, crashing waves, no bugs, no humidity kind of week. Great sleeping weather. Great curl up in the poofy chair and read a good book weather. Great all-round weather. Just not great sun tanning weather. But that's okay.

We start every day with coffee. Then a wonderful walk.

From 2011-09-06

From 2011-09-07

From 2011-09-06

Watch waves crash

From 2011-09-07

And finished the night around the firepit, watching the beach lights come on and the moon rise.

From 2011-09-07

Time stands still here East of the Equator.

Samson

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

We have had a glorious cottage weekend, with the promise of more. We met some wonderful new neighbors, both south and north, both two legged and four legged.

I have noticed a rather universal response to Mr. Handsome. I forget frequently, how big he his, what an imposing presence he has, and how he can unintentionally intimidate those who don't know him, or simply don't know dogs. It takes a while for new friends to warm up to him.

From 2011-09-05

There are not words to adequately convey his warmth, his unmitigated joy in his world, his desire to share his beach, his bones, his toys.

It wasn't always like this. This sweet 100 lb German shepherd dog would run from us when we took out a broom; he would hide under the table when I popped a trash bag for the container; he would cower and shake when we tried to put him in the car.

It took a while, a lot of time in training, with Paul running him and wearing him out, time giving him puppy treats every time we took out a broom or popped a trash bag.

But we are there. He is there. We love him so.

From 2011-09-05

When you walk by us on the beach, say hello. He would love for you to throw his chuck it.

Funny words

2011-09-05T02:00:00.000-04:00

Blogger has a really cool feature in its traffic sources. It will tell you the top ten key-word searches that help random public people find your blog.

Now I do nothing with this blog - don't advertise, don't sell anything, don't save lives or put women on Mars. Nope, I just write about Samson the dog, our cottage on Lake Huron and now and then, post a picture or five. Or ten.

So here are some examples.

Referring sites I totally get
cottage living blog
living life in a cottage blog
weather nerd gifts (I love this one in particular because I AM a weather nerd)

One I sort of get
michele m. - yonkers senior caregiver

Referring sites that make absolutely no sense at all
deirdre blog italia
sleeping zzz clip art
we dont sign everwhere
clip art sleep zzz
close up of a plain white leg cast

White leg cast? sleeping zzz? Does this blog put people in leg casts or to sleep? And I haven't been to Italy.

Oh well, just the crazy world of Google words and people's searches.

A day in the life, East of the Equator

2011-09-04T17:29:00.000-04:00

It's been a gorgeous two days East of the Equator. The weather has been delightful, even the rain was beautiful. It would be perfect, if I didn't have this raging allergy/cold/cough/hack/itchyeyes thing going on. So drugs are on the agenda. And it's just a small dent in perfection.

We had a gorgeous walk this AM. The morning was cool but a little humid; no bugs were out so we got a good mile jaunt in, complete with Mr. Handsome taking himself for a swim.

There was a gorgeous piece of beach wood.

And a magnificent freighter graced our day by heading north.

We headed up to the Harrisville Arts Fair. The Arts part is tremendously misleading; there are hundreds of vendors there. We were tickled to see our favorite class vendor and we bought another spoon rest (this one for GRR). Mickey and T's had a booth and his stuff was almost sold out. He has GREAT spices. We added to the collection - Greek spices- it isn't even on his website yet. Will let you know what we do with those.

What I didn't buy was this.

From 2011-09-04

It was nice enough but $150? Yikes.

Of course, there were plenty of wild signs, errant apostrophes, and some pretty funny misspellings.

From 2011-09-04

He should probably slow down.

From 2011-09-04

We had some good beach time and are busy chillaxing. Go Tigers and enjoy what's left of the weekend.

It never gets old

2011-09-03T18:52:00.002-04:00

At least the sun isn't rising at 5:18 anymore; this was a more civilized 6:56. Samson was already waiting at the door. His face told it all - what took you so long? Oh I dunno, sleep maybe?

But it sure is beautiful.

From 2011-09-03

Another gorgeous day, just East of the Equator. Cheers.

Gratitude

2011-09-02T03:00:00.000-04:00

I work with the most incredible people, at the most magnificent place, and get to do amazing things. Thursday was no exception. Every year, the freshmen at Calvin College head into the community to do good work, God's work. It's known around campus and around town as Streetfest.

And I got to go take pictures. How cool is that? My assignments were Pilgrim Manor, the Ronald McDonald House and Meals on Wheels.

Despite the fact that it was 100 degrees (literally), I had a blast.

From 2011-09-01

Thank you. That's all.

Music luv

2011-08-31T21:39:00.000-04:00

I love music. Not an ounce of music talent runs through my DNA except the grand appreciation for those with talent - singers, writers, and musicians. All of them.

I recently replaced my car and with it came a trial subscription to Sirius/XM. Well, I was hooked. I have Richard Blade. 1st Wave. The Spectrum. Road Dog Trucking. Oh, wait, that's not music.

I sing loudly in my car. Sometimes I car dance. And I don't really care. :)

I have had a chance to listen to some neat songs of the late. And here are some of my retro faves.

10. Pete Shelley -Homosapien too
9. Ultravox- The Voice
8. Julian Cope - Charlotte Anne
7. Talk Talk - It's My Life
6. The The - Uncertain Smile
5. Sinead O'Connor Mandinka
4. Echo and the Bunnymen - The Cutter
3. Joy Division - Isolation
2. Japan - Ghosts
1. Peter Godwin- Images of Heaven

Enjoy. The Friday happy dance is just around the corner. Cheers!

Do it anyway

2011-08-29T02:00:00.000-04:00

I came across these beautiful words. I needed to hear them.

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

From 2011-08-23

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
— Mother Teresa

Birds

2011-08-28T11:32:00.001-04:00

It's been a great summer for birds, and of course, bird-related pictures.

And of course, this beauty.

One ... more ... week. Soon enough.

I am a weather nerd

2011-08-27T12:15:00.000-04:00

I love a lot of stuff. I love life, I love my dog, I love photography, I love Lake Huron; it's a pretty long list of stuff I love. Oh ... and I really, and I do mean REALLY, love weather.

Weather. Big storms. Wicked winds. Sheeting rain. Blizzards. Thunder. Lightening. You get the picture.

Secretly, I wanted to be a meteorologist. Unfortunately, this revelation came late in life, like when cable came to be and the Weather Channel came online. It would have been a lot of math and physics to follow that dream and I wasn't prepared to go that far.

However, I do know all the names of the meteorologists on the Weather Channel. I follow them on twitter. I am sort of on the line ... almost obsessed. Or as Paul would say, "loooooooser."

I got up in the middle of the night to check on the storm. Had I not felt so lousy, I would have turned on the tv. The weather channel has been on since 8:30 this morning and I am following the storm minute by minute. And it's on every tv in the house, as I go from room to room, cleaning; I don't miss a thing.

I have lived through typhoons (Guam), earthquakes, wildfires and mudslides (southern California), and tornadoes (Michigan). Right now, I can hope (and pray) that all my east coast friends are safe - either evacuated or hunkered down - and I can get my weather geek on.

Top 10 reasons I am glad it's Friday

2011-08-26T06:55:00.001-04:00

10. It's Friday
9. I am running out of steam
8. I am getting a cold.
7. The house is in massive disarray.
6. I have mounds of laundry waiting to be handled.
5. Did I mention that I am getting a cold?
4. I can nap on Saturday and Sunday.
3. There is a remote possibility that I will get to sleep in on one of the two days.
2. I get to play with my camera and edit pictures.

and the very best reason?
1. We are celebrating our dear friend's birthday Saturday night. Deb's birthday was in July so talk about some birthday reign! And Paul is cooking her favorite meal, tenderloin deluxe!

w00t! Here's to weekends and birthdays.

Work and Food

2011-08-25T07:06:00.004-04:00

I work in HR. We do a lot of things HR-ish and importantly, we love food. Yesterday, we had an awesome professional development day with a great group of people from around campus. And it involved some incredible food.

Mostly, I loved the water classes, complete with lemons and sweat. It was a good day.

I also wrote an article for the fabulous Women of HR blog. If you haven't had a chance, pop over and take a read. It involves photography. Who doesn't love that?

It's almost Friday. Hang in there.

Simple Minds

2011-08-23T06:26:00.000-04:00

I love much of their music. And right now, I have three friends who are struggling with end-of-life issues. Family. Young and old. Issues that involve hospice, pain, and death. I have no great words, no answers, no help. I can only offer my heart and my prayers.

Music helps me. And so do pictures. New Gold Dream

She is the one in front of me, the siren and the ecstasy.

Setting sun in front of me

She is your friend, until the ocean breaks.

All along the way

~Jim Kerr
Simple Minds

It's all I've got. Love to you all.

the English language

2011-08-21T08:33:00.001-04:00

I am deeply concerned by the state of our language. Sure people can talk about politics, the economy, the stock market, and the wars on terror; but me, I am afraid for language. I am watching the collective world collapse before me on twitter, on facebook, in resumes, and in cover letters.

Things like text talk. Extremes in capitalization -ee cummings wannabes to the other extreme of everything in caps. Apostrophes in your's, their's, and our's. Atrocious spelling. Not to mention an absence or plethora, take your pick, of commas, colons, semicolons, hyphens, and dash marks. All willy nilly, hither and yon. It makes me crazy. I lose sleep.

I see it in signs. Up north, most cottages have custom signs. I have lost count of the possessive people who own the spaces. The Smith's. The White's. The Neighbor's. I have to overcome the urge to stop and notify the occupants that there is a problem; the sign is not up to code (apostrophe police code) and we will have to remove pending further inspection. (Thank goodness Paul is driving or I could be in jail by now).

Then there is this. For a moment, let's overlook the entire capitalization issue.

From 2011-08-20

Wouldn't you be a little concerned about this? It's feasible that should you happen to meander through Greenbush, people might simultaneously bolt from their homes to come and hug you. Or worse. Maybe a flash mob of sorts, with locals in raincoats shouting, "We Are GREENBUSH," something akin to that horrible TV commercial. They are, after all, People Loving People.

My question is this: Are they people loving each other? Or are they a kind, loving people who love all kinds of other people? I assume it's the later and perhaps they meant to use an en dash, as in people-loving people. I haven't really spent enough time in Greenbush to discern their intention but I am going to speculate wildly.

Oh, and I love Greenbush. Almost bought a cottage there.

If you don't now, do follow Grammar Girl on fb, twitter or online. Of course, you can always check the dictionary. Or Google. Or read Eats, Shoots & Leaves. Or take an English class.

I will always put two spaces after the period. I am just stubborn that way. I have come around to the Oxford comma. Alright, already. I know. I should build a bridge and get over it. And get a life. Cheers.

You talking to me?

2011-08-20T08:57:00.000-04:00

This is our second year, East of the Equator. First and foremost, we love it here. WE LOVE IT HERE. You may get that if you follow my blog, my fb page and my twitter stream. It's all about the hashtag love #Oscoda. There is a curious part about being up here that I hadn't anticipated ... and I should have, knowing that it is the story behind many movies - local townies and summer folks. Think Dirty Dancing. Or Mystic Pizza. I will say that the times when I have been in and around town have, for the most part, been delightful, sometimes dangerous (those drivers...) and always an adventure. For all 10 or so blocks of "downtown."

I will go on with a little more of my perspective of small town living. And here is where it gets personal. I was standing in line at Glen's, a local grocery store, and I heard one woman say to another, "you can tell it's tourist season. Everything is packed. They are such a pain in the ass." The other woman nodded in agreement.

I felt myself nodding too - the traffic, (okay friends in LA, don't mock me here) the lines, the waits in stores ... until I realized, hey she is talking about me.

They were talking about me. I was the pain in the ass standing right behind them. I thought about saying something, like, "ladies, I am the pain in the ass here" but then thought better of it, not wanting (staying with the word) to get my ass kicked.

That remark stayed with me. Though I get it. This small city swells in the summer. The roads are full of SUVs pulling jet skis, carrying kayaks, hauling campers. They slow traffic down on the only major thoroughfare north and south. Frankly, they annoy me. I wanted to respond and didn't know how. I guess this will have to suffice.

Yes, it's me. I am the pain in the ass. But I would hope that you could see me as something more, especially when:

...I shop at the local grocery store. Spending money on groceries that helps keep jobs in this community;
...I eat at Taits, Wiltses, G Pizzeria, Bavarian Inn, all local places that need (and deserve) our investments to help tide them over during the off seasons;
...I pop into Branham's and buy a small bauble, knowing I could find it for less online but wanting to see small local places thrive;
...I used an Oscoda realtor (a fabulous realtor) to help us find our piece of heaven on earth that paid her a commission;
...we employed a local general contractor (who does amazing work) to do the upgrades on our cottage. And referred him to several other friends for jobs;
...we happily pay our non-homestead taxes.

I am not looking for gratitude. What I would appreciate and encourage is different perspective. We are part of the larger revenue stream that helps keep this community going. I would hope that you could see us as partners. Despite the fact that GMA viewers said Sleeping Bear Dunes is the most beautiful place in the country, I think it's here. There isn't a more gorgeous place to me on this earth than Oscoda and AuSable.

Let's make it work together.

Summer

2011-08-19T06:01:00.001-04:00

It's almost over. That's inconceivable to me. Halloween and Christmas decorations are already in stores. While lamenting this fact, my girlfriend said, "shut up." She was right. Quiet all. Despite the fact that football is on TV, it's STILL summer.

From 2011-08-12

From 2011-08-08

From 2011-07-09

From July 4th 2011

In the summer, the song sings itself.
― William Carlos Williams

Sign, sign, everywhere ...

2011-08-18T07:14:00.002-04:00

You know the song. We have a new sign at the cottage. But first, a little background. Earlier this summer, we were shopping in Tawas, and in a pretty neat store, saw painted blocks representing each letter of the alphabet. I said to the spouse, hey that would look cool in the cottage. We looked into the blocks and they were $50/each. That was way too expensive for a block. So we pondered further and decided the Michele Yonkers at Grand Rapids Lighting could easily make us a sign that would 1) look better and 2) be much less; and even if it wasn't less, the money would stay local and not be exported to China.

So we called her. And she did. Of course, it's amazing. She does amazing work.

We cleared off the mantle.

From New Sign

Paul did some measuring.

From New Sign

And drilling.

From New Sign

To get it just perfect.

From New Sign

Ta da! It looks great.

From New Sign

I am hoping you know what those letters are ... and if you don't, check out the Navy signal flags. We are back up there soon. w00t!

Reluctantly ending summer

2011-08-17T06:25:00.001-04:00

I can't believe how quickly this summer has gone. It's mid August, I am hearing back-to-school ads, football is on TV, hockey teams are in training camp and Halloween and Christmas decorations are in stores. Yuck. I want to stop time and enjoy the last few weeks of summer.

A little friend on our beach

and in flight

and a little post-picture editing of the sunrise
Happy hump day.

Freighter redemption

2011-08-16T06:29:00.001-04:00

The last day on vacation, a humongous freighter graced our view. This time, I was ready with the tripod. But it was a crazy windy, gusty, wavy day. So much wind that my camera in the tripod was shaking. But I got some good pictures.

To give you a sense of how far out it was:

It was a beauty.

Good to be back at work but good to enjoy some floating memories.

Back at it

2011-08-15T06:12:00.000-04:00

Today, I head back to work after a beautiful week at the cottage. At times, it flew by; at other points, it felt as time was suspended. It was delicious. I got to pick up my camera, make new friends, walk the beach, have lunch and dinner with friends, and read.

As I head back to work, I will miss this most.

Happy Monday.

They make it look easy

2011-08-14T06:14:00.004-04:00

Friday afternoon, Paul and I took a jaunt down to Tawas Point State Park. The wind had really picked up, gusty almost, and we were pretty sure that the kiteboarders would be out. We weren't disappointed.

From Another day at Tawas Point

These kites are enormous.

From Another day at Tawas Point

The sky is beautiful with all the kites

From Another day at Tawas Point

Once the kiteboarders learn to manage the kite (we saw several people practicing on land), they take to the water. Impressive - skill, patience, awareness (not running into other kiteboarders) and upper body strength managing the kite.

First, the kiteboarders get the kite in the air.

From Another day at Tawas Point

Then it takes a bit to get going, especially if you doing it all by yourself.

From Another day at Tawas Point

Then they fly.

From Another day at Tawas Point

So impressive.

From Another day at Tawas Point

Everything about this sport looks fun ... and expensive. It's so much fun to watch. Cheers!

Freighter

2011-08-13T05:01:00.005-04:00

First of all, this is a really bad picture. As an aspiring photographer, I don't like to post less-then-almost-perfect pictures. But I will today.

I love freighters. If you could see my cottage, I have a chair to sit at the window and do nothing but look for freighters. I scour boatnerd.com. The binoculars are seldom in the case, just ready scan the horizon.

There are several reasons that I love this picture. One, it is really far away. Even for my longest lens, it's a stretch. Two, its running lights are on.

From 2011-08-12

I don't like to edit my pictures much ... but there is the magic of Photoshop.

From Samson's day at the beach, August 2011

Next time, I will be ready with the tripod, the remote and camera. Until then, this will suffice.

Cheers.

The beach - so much more than sand

2011-08-12T05:55:00.002-04:00

I couldn't have asked for nicer weather, more beautiful sunrises, or gorgeous crashing waves. We have just had a glorious week, Mr. Handsome and I. Tanning, resting, swimming, and of course, a few pictures here and there.

My neighbor Michael (the retired botanist) is a treasure trove of fabulous information. Like the first day we moved in and he came over and showed Paul the poison ivy. God love him; we sure do. He also showed us the weeds that attract the monarch butterflies. I will never pull this weed.

From 2011-08-11

It brings these. All over the beach!

From Butterfly

The purple weeds draw the birds. I am sure that they have a technical name, and that Michael would know it; for now, let's just call them the purple weeds.

From 2011-08-11

From Butterfly

Even the beach grass looks lovely given the stunning backdrop.

From 2011-08-11

Here's to another beautiful day, wherever you are.

Blue

2011-08-11T08:55:00.000-04:00

My eagles have not been back. I am so very, very sad. I am sure that they are fine but it would be nice to see them before heading back on Sunday.

It's been pretty blue around here. It's soothing and relaxing - the sky, the water, and the sand.

From 2011-08-10

From Sunset EOTE August 2011

We are off to another day at the beach, just East of the Equator. Cheers.

Cottage living

2011-08-09T08:35:00.003-04:00

I am spending the week at the cottage. On Lake Huron. In Michigan. There are so many reasons that I love to write about the lake; mostly I love to write about it to share with friends who have never been here, or think that Lake Michigan is the only place to hang, or have no idea that you can't see across the lake to the other side. They are really, really, REALLY big lakes. :) Fresh water. Sugar Sand. Gorgeous freighters.

When we were exploring Oscoda/AuSable/Greenbush for our cottage digs, one of the agents for a cottage we looked at an interesting view of the lake. He and his wife didn't live on or near the lake because, as he put it, the lake was an angry lake. Really? Angry? Maybe about zebra mussels or polluters but that can't be all the time. Oh well, his loss.

It does periodically whip up some impressive waves.

And it makes Mr. Handsome very, very happy.

Should you be looking for cool Michigan gear, because you know that four out of the five Great Lakes prefer Michigan AND Michigan isn't for sissies, you can shop here at Michigan Awesome.

Cheers from East of the Equator on the glorious shores of Lake Huron.

Rain

2011-08-08T05:48:00.001-04:00

I always post about the sun. It's pretty easy to do here, in Oscoda. After a gorgeous afternoon at the beach, Samson and I headed up to the house to rinse off and collect our thoughts. Our timing couldn't have been better. Just as we came inside, the storms moved in. Lightening. Thunder. And lots of rain. Tons.

From Rain

I am not so excited about going outside with my camera, so these are taken indoors.

From Rain

Then, after the rain, the sun came back with a gorgeous NE wind, whitecaps forever and a beautiful sunset. All is well here, just East of the Equator.

Sunny Saturday

2011-08-07T05:24:00.001-04:00

We had a delightful Saturday. We did a little shopping. Had a little lunch at our favorite restaurant, G's Pizzeria, and spent the afternoon at the beach. I am not sure who has the most fun.

He digs the craziest moats.

From 2011-08-06

Surveys his kingdom

From 2011-08-06

Chasing the flatdisk

From 2011-08-06

Crazy face

From 2011-08-06

Happy feet.

From 2011-08-06

Cheers from East of the Equator.

Location, location, location

2011-08-06T05:38:00.010-04:00

I feel best when I am in a place I love; I feel most grounded when I love where I am. I love here.

From Incredible day at the beach

with these.

From Incredible day at the beach

and sparkling sun and glistening water and little friends flitting about.

From Incredible day at the beach

Yup, lots and lots of love.

Life's Rich Pageant

2011-08-04T06:49:00.000-04:00

With the apostrophe. REM left it out. I am kind of funny about punctuation so I couldn't let it slide. Last weekend, we spent the whole day on the beach. Surely life doesn't get any better than this, and we are grateful beyond words.

Started with a sunrise

From Incredible day at the beach

Samson got to chase his toys in and out of the water

From Incredible day at the beach

A beautiful Hobie Cat, my personal dream

From Incredible day at the beach

A good yawn.

From Incredible day at the beach

We will be back soon enough.

Paddletown USA

2011-08-02T06:20:00.001-04:00

It's tough to get over the eagle. Jeez, I felt like I was in heaven ... fish swimming around, birds, notably eagles and herons visible in the sky, and little red foxes trouncing around my beach. Then the crown jewel of the month, the canoe race. Oh, I know what you are thinking - canoes, big metal, heavy, ugly things; but you would be oh, so wrong. I look forward to this race every year. And I don't even canoe.

AuSable Canoe Race. 100+ teams paddle like mad through the night from Grayling to AuSable. Someone, somewhere, at some time, thought this was a good idea. I think it's a great idea if you have a camera. Paddling through the rain, through the night, is NOTon my bucket list.

The board with updates.

From AuSable Canoe Race 2011

Finish line

From AuSable Canoe Race 2011

The river curve, when they come around the bend.

From AuSable Canoe Race 2011

We made some new friends - Darlene and Debbie visiting from Toledo. They were so neat - wish we had more time with them.

From AuSable Canoe Race 2011

Teams have t-shirts

From AuSable Canoe Race 2011

The winners down the home stretch. You should have heard the crowd go wild.

From AuSable Canoe Race 2011

I have to share how much fun it is to see a small town come alive, all around a canoe race. Next year, same time, same place just east of the equator.