The local weather man said that we had the possibility of showers while on Mackinac Island. I packed an umbrella for Nancy and a rain coat for myself. We caught the 1030 ferry to the Island. We rode the Arnold Line. It looks to me like they have converted their fleet to catamarans since the last time I used the service. The sun was out and LA, SPS and grandparents sat on the top deck. The trip was pleasant and fast. As we entered the harbor we noted a lot of sailboats. I think most of the boats sailed in the Port Huron to Mackinac race and were now celebrating their voyage.
The crowds on the Island were not as heavy as I have seen in the past. It probably has a lot to do with the economy. We took the carriage ride around the Island. The ride made several stops that were well timed for people travelling with young kids. It was a pleasant day for a carriage ride. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the wind was strong enough to dissipate any animal odors. After our carriage ride we walked around the downtown area and bought tee shirts and fudge. We caught the 4 PM ferry back to the mainland.
We ate at a Mackinaw City restaurant that served breakfast all day. The food was very good and prices reasonable. The trip back to Grand Rapids was very pleasant. All in all it was a great day. We have been blessed with great weather.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. GG had a busy day. He worked 2 1/2 hours in the garden in the morning and picked radish for the church. He worked in post office in afternoon. 1 1/2" of rain fell in the afternoon. There was a dinner at the church. GG noted that three tables were set up and 1 table was for the cooks. GG also mentioned that a Family Circle gathering was held at Mrs. Yakes.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday July 27, 2009
Monday is our big travel day. We got up early have a quick breakfast and start loading the van. We have everything loaded and ready to go by 0940. Our route for our trip is US 131 to Cadillac, M55 to Houghton Lake and US 127/I75 to Mackinaw City.
We stopped at a Big Boy in Houghton Lake for lunch. It has been several years since I have eaten at a Big Boy. The food was good. We got to Gaylord about 2 PM. We visited with HC and DC at their farm. HC had invited her granddaughters, the PAM girls, to join the party. HC served ice cream and cookies. The stop was a pleasant interlude. We got to Mackinaw City about 5 PM. The motel we were staying at had a young kids water park. LA had a great time playing in the park. The adults had fun also. We all got wet. LA also took a dip in the pool. He enjoyed jumping into the pool with either a grandparent or his father catching him. We had dinner at the Dixie Saloon, a famous Mackinaw City tourist destination. It was crowded and we had to wait about 20 minutes.
The weather today was great. The temperature was in the 70s with sunny skies all day.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. Today GG drove the Mrs, Laura, Julia and Glen to my grandparents farm at Hubbard Lake. They picked currents and the final tally was 25 quarts.
We stopped at a Big Boy in Houghton Lake for lunch. It has been several years since I have eaten at a Big Boy. The food was good. We got to Gaylord about 2 PM. We visited with HC and DC at their farm. HC had invited her granddaughters, the PAM girls, to join the party. HC served ice cream and cookies. The stop was a pleasant interlude. We got to Mackinaw City about 5 PM. The motel we were staying at had a young kids water park. LA had a great time playing in the park. The adults had fun also. We all got wet. LA also took a dip in the pool. He enjoyed jumping into the pool with either a grandparent or his father catching him. We had dinner at the Dixie Saloon, a famous Mackinaw City tourist destination. It was crowded and we had to wait about 20 minutes.
The weather today was great. The temperature was in the 70s with sunny skies all day.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. Today GG drove the Mrs, Laura, Julia and Glen to my grandparents farm at Hubbard Lake. They picked currents and the final tally was 25 quarts.
Sunday July 26, 2009
SPS and the team got in late last night. We all slept in this morning. Nancy and I missed our morning swim but I think we are both glad for the break from exercising. Nancy fixed breakfast for all five of us. AC is not yet on hard food. It has been a long time since two children under 4 have stayed at our place. Nancy and I are adjusting rapidly to the change. It does not appear that LA or AC have experienced any jet lag.
We spent the afternoon resting and taking some short walks. LA discovered some games of his father and enjoyed playing with them. Nancy grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and steaks for our evening meal. It was great.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was Tuesday. GG worked in the garden in the morning and the post office in the afternoon. Hazel drove to Alpena.
We spent the afternoon resting and taking some short walks. LA discovered some games of his father and enjoyed playing with them. Nancy grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and steaks for our evening meal. It was great.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was Tuesday. GG worked in the garden in the morning and the post office in the afternoon. Hazel drove to Alpena.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday July 25, 2009
Our house was cleaned yesterday and clean sheets were placed on all the beds. Nancy and I slept in the twin beds in Sasha's old room. I set the alarm for 0626. When it blasted off I woke up wondering where I was. It took several minutes to become oriented. As always on Saturday morning Nancy headed for the MAC and I headed for the Brandywine for a breakfast of pancakes and eggs.
The Flat River at South County Line Road was my destination today. I have not been on this section of the Flat this year. It is one of my favorite paddles. The weather man said that the rain had passed through. I started paddling upstream when it started to rain hard. However when I looked to the west it appeared to be clearing up. I paddled for about 15 minutes in heavy rain and then it just stopped and the sun came out. I did not see anybody for the first 2 hours but then several fishermen came floating downstream. They were fishing out of kayaks. This is the new rage in fishing. I paddled between the South County Line Road bridge and the River Road bridge. Both structures were designed by this writer. The journey took 2.5 hours up and 1 hour down. The current was quite swift today and I think the next time I try the Flat I will leave my retro bike at the take-out spot and leave the Aztek at the put-in spot. By doing this I can travel further and it will be all downstream. Actually the best thing I could do is find a friend who likes to kayak.
When I got home Nancy told me that the library had a Dutch Leonard book for me. I took a quick shower jumped on my bike and picked up the book. Tonight Nancy and I sat outside at Olga's Kitchen in Gas Light Village. The food was good.
We just got a call from SPS and he and the team have just landed in Chicago. They should arrive in GR about 11 PM. I will take a short walk and then read today's newspapers. I read so slow that I anticipate just finishing the paper when the company arrives.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was Monday and it rained all morning. GG took both cars for gas. He purchased 8 and 7 gallons on time. On time means that GG is running up a tab at the gas station and will be billed later. The was common for not only gas but groceries as well. This afternoon GG attended the funeral of a friend. He noted the church was full.
The Flat River at South County Line Road was my destination today. I have not been on this section of the Flat this year. It is one of my favorite paddles. The weather man said that the rain had passed through. I started paddling upstream when it started to rain hard. However when I looked to the west it appeared to be clearing up. I paddled for about 15 minutes in heavy rain and then it just stopped and the sun came out. I did not see anybody for the first 2 hours but then several fishermen came floating downstream. They were fishing out of kayaks. This is the new rage in fishing. I paddled between the South County Line Road bridge and the River Road bridge. Both structures were designed by this writer. The journey took 2.5 hours up and 1 hour down. The current was quite swift today and I think the next time I try the Flat I will leave my retro bike at the take-out spot and leave the Aztek at the put-in spot. By doing this I can travel further and it will be all downstream. Actually the best thing I could do is find a friend who likes to kayak.
When I got home Nancy told me that the library had a Dutch Leonard book for me. I took a quick shower jumped on my bike and picked up the book. Tonight Nancy and I sat outside at Olga's Kitchen in Gas Light Village. The food was good.
We just got a call from SPS and he and the team have just landed in Chicago. They should arrive in GR about 11 PM. I will take a short walk and then read today's newspapers. I read so slow that I anticipate just finishing the paper when the company arrives.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was Monday and it rained all morning. GG took both cars for gas. He purchased 8 and 7 gallons on time. On time means that GG is running up a tab at the gas station and will be billed later. The was common for not only gas but groceries as well. This afternoon GG attended the funeral of a friend. He noted the church was full.
Friday July 24, 2009
We woke up to heavy fog. The fog eventually burned off and it was a beautiful day. Today's exercise routine was normal for a Friday. I was glad when it ended because I am now taking 2 weeks off. I think it will be good for me. Kim, cleaning lady, was working today so I delayed my coming home by riding around Reeds Lake after the Kava House. At the Kava House I read an article about what Detroit's new mayor, Dave Bing, plans to do the get the city's fiscal house in order. He has a good plan but I do not think he can get it through. Too many entrenched interests will buck him. In fact he might have some difficulty getting reelected in November.
After lunch I decided it was too windy, again, to go kayaking so I loaded up the bike and headed for Riverside Park. I took a 15 mile ride. It was very relaxing. I am always amazed at how many folks my age use the park. Every time I visit I see people unloading their bikes and using the bike trail. A lot of people use the trail for a nice walk. So far the city has done a nice job maintaining the park. In these tough economic times I hope they can continue the good work.
After the ride I took a short nap. This evening Nancy and I attended the OHNA monthly TGIF. It was held this month in the back yard of 2 neighbors on Seminole. The attendance was great, the food was good and I enjoyed talking with our neighbors.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a clear, cool Sunday. GG took David to a neighbors and GG attended the baseball game. Greely Grange defeated Ossineke, 5 to 3. In the evening GG attended church service. There were 7 people in attendance.
After lunch I decided it was too windy, again, to go kayaking so I loaded up the bike and headed for Riverside Park. I took a 15 mile ride. It was very relaxing. I am always amazed at how many folks my age use the park. Every time I visit I see people unloading their bikes and using the bike trail. A lot of people use the trail for a nice walk. So far the city has done a nice job maintaining the park. In these tough economic times I hope they can continue the good work.
After the ride I took a short nap. This evening Nancy and I attended the OHNA monthly TGIF. It was held this month in the back yard of 2 neighbors on Seminole. The attendance was great, the food was good and I enjoyed talking with our neighbors.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a clear, cool Sunday. GG took David to a neighbors and GG attended the baseball game. Greely Grange defeated Ossineke, 5 to 3. In the evening GG attended church service. There were 7 people in attendance.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday July 23, 1009
The weatherman said it was going to rain all day. After my morning at home routine I put on my raincoat and headed for the MAC. I encountered no rain. I ran outside at the MAC and no rain. My trip to the Kava House was dry except I worked up a sweat wearing a raincoat. After a late lunch, 1300, I decided to move some articles out of the master bed room so SPS and family had room to store their clothes. We are expecting them to arrive in GR about 9 on Saturday.
I also cleaned out my office. I found a box of family documents about the Hughes family. Hughes was my mother's maiden name. If fact it was my Grandmother Hughes (McTavish) who took the trip to Europe in 1927. I reported on the trip in previous blogs. The Hughes family came to Canada in 1818 from County Wexford in Ireland. According to the records I found, two of my Great grandfathers lived 90 years.
After completing my cleaning I took a short bike ride, 1 hour. This evening Nancy and I headed to Great Lakes Shipping. We sat out on the deck. It was very pleasant. This week the band did not show up. All day no rain.
Neither the GRP or DFP had any articles of interest. I think everyone is taking a mid summer break. In fact both Nancy and I are looking forward to taking a break from our exercise routine.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was Saturday and rained in the morning. Great grandfather went to Zephyr garage and left old car to get starter fixed. He drove the Zephyr to Alpena to purchase chicken feed. GG then noted that he went for Florence and aunt?
I also cleaned out my office. I found a box of family documents about the Hughes family. Hughes was my mother's maiden name. If fact it was my Grandmother Hughes (McTavish) who took the trip to Europe in 1927. I reported on the trip in previous blogs. The Hughes family came to Canada in 1818 from County Wexford in Ireland. According to the records I found, two of my Great grandfathers lived 90 years.
After completing my cleaning I took a short bike ride, 1 hour. This evening Nancy and I headed to Great Lakes Shipping. We sat out on the deck. It was very pleasant. This week the band did not show up. All day no rain.
Neither the GRP or DFP had any articles of interest. I think everyone is taking a mid summer break. In fact both Nancy and I are looking forward to taking a break from our exercise routine.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was Saturday and rained in the morning. Great grandfather went to Zephyr garage and left old car to get starter fixed. He drove the Zephyr to Alpena to purchase chicken feed. GG then noted that he went for Florence and aunt?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday July 22, 2009
We finally had a nice warm summer night. Only a light blanket was needed. Today I had a GRBA meeting that was rescheduled from 0930 to 1030. I slept in to 0730 and then had breakfast at the Cheri Inn. Usually I don't like a mid-morning meeting because it messes up my play time. Since it was suppose to rain all day, the 1030 start time was ok. After the meeting I headed for the MAC and a 1050 yard swim.
I stopped by Schuler Books to see if they had any books on e-readers (kindle). They did not. I then stopped by MC Sporting Goods and got a child's life vest so I can take my grandkids kayaking.
3 PM and still no rain. I took the kickstand off the road bike and put it on my new urban bike. The sun was out so I took a hour bike ride. I can ride around Reeds Lake twice in 1 hour. It is now 5:20 and just starting to rain. This evening Nancy and I will spend quietly at home. Lately in the evening we have turned off the TV. It is really quite pleasant. Unlike Nancy I have a difficult time multi-tasking.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a rainy Friday. GG worked in the post office in the afternoon. He also wrote 3 letters. Sister (Great grandfather's granddaughter) was at the Haydens.
I stopped by Schuler Books to see if they had any books on e-readers (kindle). They did not. I then stopped by MC Sporting Goods and got a child's life vest so I can take my grandkids kayaking.
3 PM and still no rain. I took the kickstand off the road bike and put it on my new urban bike. The sun was out so I took a hour bike ride. I can ride around Reeds Lake twice in 1 hour. It is now 5:20 and just starting to rain. This evening Nancy and I will spend quietly at home. Lately in the evening we have turned off the TV. It is really quite pleasant. Unlike Nancy I have a difficult time multi-tasking.
Ossineke, MI this date in 1938. It was a rainy Friday. GG worked in the post office in the afternoon. He also wrote 3 letters. Sister (Great grandfather's granddaughter) was at the Haydens.
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