Good counsel

When we were searching for East of the Equator, we spent a good amount of time talking to people.  We talked to friends and locals in the Oscoda area, and I spent some time talking to my Dad.  My Dad spent a lot of time on the Great Lakes - on the beaches as a kid and sailing races as an adult.  I sent him some pictures and his feedback was simple:  don't get anything, anywhere with a seawall.  

He was right.  So we didn't.  Good advice.  Thanks Dad.

Front Row Seats

We had a glorious weekend in Oscoda. We had a cool, overcast weekend and while not the ideal for most beach visitors, we had a lot of indoor taskings to cross off our list; the weather was perfect. We made significant strides in cleaning, organizing and arranging essentials; we have things in the right place, cool stuff on the walls and the chi is starting to settle.

We hung out with our friends at the VFW, Post 3735 where I am now a card-carrying life member of the Ladies Auxiliary. The official vote of my application is June 20; I am pretty sure that they will accept my application. Madame President, Jeannette Daniel has been a dear during the process and I look forward to many years hanging with the ladies. And many thanks to my wonderful hubby for all his years of military service and sacrifice so I can join this exclusive post.  It is a pretty sweet club. Have I mentioned Killian's in a frosted mug for a buck?  Really.

The dog, our Handsome Samson was beyond wild.  Swimming and playing morning and afternoon.  Chasing the Chuck it.  Rolling in the sand.  Playing with new friends.  Collapsing exhausted on the sofa.  Oh yeah.  He had one heckuva weekend.  He will be tired for days.

So tomorrow, it's back at it. Looking forward to another wonderful week.

Dreams

I have been without air conditioning at work for the last two days. When the sun is beating through the fabric-covered blinds and the temperature approaches 90 degrees, it's not unusual to wander. Physically or mentally.

So while I was dreaming of the air-conditioning returning, I thought of a lot of other dreams.

I dream about the cool, blue, gorgeous water of the Great Lakes in my state... and surrounding friends. Right now, the Chicago/Mackinac and Port Huron/Mackinac races are going on. If you don't know what they are, you are missing out big time. You can follow @PureMichigan on Twitter or friend them on Facebook at PureMichigan or just visit the website at Michigan.org. But if you don't follow Michigan on Twitter or FB, at least check out their Flickr page. Awesome pictures of beautiful places. All in Michigan.

I found a website called (really) All day I dream about photography. Can you believe it? I love it. It's a fantastic site and has terrific resources and information. And of course, GREAT pictures.

I dream about a day when animals aren't abandoned at shelters or used for fighting. I check Petfinder and the ASPCA for information on what's new with animal needs and help. Please help us stop such beautiful animals from being subjected to such torture. Stop dog fighting. Just a few dollars will help. Really good stuff.

So tomorrow, no more dreaming. The air conditioning is back on and I will be back at it! Sweet dreams!