We saw an excellant performance of An Ideal Husband, Oscar Wilde's skewering of genteel Londoners. Great acting, great seats, great company, great weather, great food.
We left with Jim and Sandy early Saturday morning, picked up Bill and Dorothy in Marine City, and crossed the Blue Water Bridge after a short delay. We arrived to bright sun and cool temperatures in the 60s and strolled some of the downtown Stratford, Ontario streets before our lunch at Bentley's Restaurant in the heart of Stratford. Their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are not to be missed. Off to the Festival Theatre (there are four theatres in Stratford) to walk their gardens before the performance. We found a beautiful fall-blooming crocus that we intend to put in some of the flower beds next season.
On our return to US customs and immigration, after a much longer wait, the officer took our passports, asked about our travel, and then wanted to talk to Sandy. He is a former student of hers who spoke fondly of the books they read and the trips they took, especially to Meadow Brook Theatre to see A Christmas Carol. Such a small world.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Ten days in the northwest
After the Lions' victory over the Vikings we spent the night near the airport, rose at 3 am, shuttled to the airport at 4:30, and boarded our flight on Frontier Airlines to Denver. Changed planes for Seattle where Amy and Garrett picked us up.
The days were busy. We walked Spencer to school in the morning and home in the afternoon with Garrett accompanying us on his tricycle--up hill both ways!. Some days we stopped for morning coffee and a muffin or cinnamon roll on the way back. After school we all went to Spencer's soccer matches and Tae-kwon-do classes, then geared down with baths and showers, video games, and reading children's books together.
We took Garrett to Pacific Science Center in Seattle to see their dinosaur exhibit and an IMAX 3D about dinosaurs where Garrett sat with his feet straight out, munching his popcorn and sipping his drink, watching the tail of a dinosaur tail appear to swipe near our noses. Another day Garrett took us to Snoqualmie for a train ride and four train-related activities hosted by volunteers for the Northwest Railway Museum.
Our hike to Snoqualmie Falls was exciting--trees two hundred years old lying beside our trail, views of the valley through breaks in the trees, several varieties of slugs and beetles, benches to sit on and have our snack and hydration break with a view of the falls, and a return trip culminating in a challenging (for me) four hundred foot climb from the rail-trail up to their neighborhood playground.
We did find time to follow the Tigers' attempt to recover from their post-All Star game slide, Michigan's defeat of Penn State, MSU can of whoop-a__ they opened on ND, and the Lion debacle in the City of Brotherly Love (none shown for the Lions)
Landscape changes will be noticed--moved some things, trimmed others, and set many new plants (Kathy, mainly). Spencer and Garrett both love to play outdoors so we took them to parks and their backyard to swing and climb structures.
Learned about how to use a computer to help manage geogaching waypoint and cache information, and then used the info to grab a few caches (missed a few, too). And used a Skyscout to locate given stars and constellations, and, conversely, to identify them.
When we were ready to return, it was clear and sunny at the Reagan house but Amy returned from an errand to tell us she heard of flight delays out of Seatac airport. We checked and our flight was moved to an hour later. As we drove we could see the fog over Seattle that caused it. Mostly we had seen clouds in the mountains and clear below, but this was reversed. We did not mind because our layover in Denver was originally over three hours. (We purposely did that to accomodate everyone's schedule.) Smooth sailing home--not much traffic from Metro Airport to Romeo at 2:30 in the morning.
Great trip, had a ball. It's always good to be home.
The days were busy. We walked Spencer to school in the morning and home in the afternoon with Garrett accompanying us on his tricycle--up hill both ways!. Some days we stopped for morning coffee and a muffin or cinnamon roll on the way back. After school we all went to Spencer's soccer matches and Tae-kwon-do classes, then geared down with baths and showers, video games, and reading children's books together.
We took Garrett to Pacific Science Center in Seattle to see their dinosaur exhibit and an IMAX 3D about dinosaurs where Garrett sat with his feet straight out, munching his popcorn and sipping his drink, watching the tail of a dinosaur tail appear to swipe near our noses. Another day Garrett took us to Snoqualmie for a train ride and four train-related activities hosted by volunteers for the Northwest Railway Museum.
Our hike to Snoqualmie Falls was exciting--trees two hundred years old lying beside our trail, views of the valley through breaks in the trees, several varieties of slugs and beetles, benches to sit on and have our snack and hydration break with a view of the falls, and a return trip culminating in a challenging (for me) four hundred foot climb from the rail-trail up to their neighborhood playground.
We did find time to follow the Tigers' attempt to recover from their post-All Star game slide, Michigan's defeat of Penn State, MSU can of whoop-a__ they opened on ND, and the Lion debacle in the City of Brotherly Love (none shown for the Lions)
Landscape changes will be noticed--moved some things, trimmed others, and set many new plants (Kathy, mainly). Spencer and Garrett both love to play outdoors so we took them to parks and their backyard to swing and climb structures.
Learned about how to use a computer to help manage geogaching waypoint and cache information, and then used the info to grab a few caches (missed a few, too). And used a Skyscout to locate given stars and constellations, and, conversely, to identify them.
When we were ready to return, it was clear and sunny at the Reagan house but Amy returned from an errand to tell us she heard of flight delays out of Seatac airport. We checked and our flight was moved to an hour later. As we drove we could see the fog over Seattle that caused it. Mostly we had seen clouds in the mountains and clear below, but this was reversed. We did not mind because our layover in Denver was originally over three hours. (We purposely did that to accomodate everyone's schedule.) Smooth sailing home--not much traffic from Metro Airport to Romeo at 2:30 in the morning.
Great trip, had a ball. It's always good to be home.
Monday, September 17, 2007
How 'Bout Dem Lionz
It's been a long time since Lions were 2-0. Lions game against the Vikings at Ford Field Sunday was fun. It's been a long time since we've had a full house all the way to the finish. The game was not the prettiest (5 turnovers by each team) but it was fun.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Quick trip
Took quick two-day trip to Emerald Lake. Had some stuff to take up that has been sitting around Romeo for a while--mainly dishes from Aunt Ruth and an old (and I mean old--we had it in Oak Park in the kids' nursery!) white cabinet and hutch. (We got an even older, but much nicer, cabinet and hutch from Aunt Ruth so something had to go.)
Stopped on the way up Thursday in Clare for jewelry repairs and our first visit to Jay's, a large outdoor store similar to Gander Mountain (I like Jay's much better). We each finished the novels we were reading.
On Friday Kathy cut the grass and then got her hair cut. We stopped in Frankenmuth on the way home for chicken dinner and a short walk--had a birthday coupon for a free dinner. Weather has turned cooler so we did not walk very long.
Stopped on the way up Thursday in Clare for jewelry repairs and our first visit to Jay's, a large outdoor store similar to Gander Mountain (I like Jay's much better). We each finished the novels we were reading.
On Friday Kathy cut the grass and then got her hair cut. We stopped in Frankenmuth on the way home for chicken dinner and a short walk--had a birthday coupon for a free dinner. Weather has turned cooler so we did not walk very long.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
What a day!
Almost too much excitement for my medicaid birthday.
Brenda called to wish me a happy birthday! That was special.
James called to wish me a happy birthday! That was special.
Kathy decorated a clipboard for me with pictures of me and Spencer and Garrett. That was special. She covered the oldest clipboard of mine she could find with paper, matted the pictures and mounted them on the board, and decorated with miniature tools and tool stickers. It now hangs on the pegboard in the workshop.
Kathy and I transplanted some day lilies. I'm not too old to help around the yard yet.
We then went to Tiger ballgame with Bill and Patti, had dinner at Tiger Club, saw Tigers win on two home runs and a fine pitching performance by Justin Verlander. Great tickets arranged by Brenda.
One great day. Thank you.
Brenda called to wish me a happy birthday! That was special.
James called to wish me a happy birthday! That was special.
Kathy decorated a clipboard for me with pictures of me and Spencer and Garrett. That was special. She covered the oldest clipboard of mine she could find with paper, matted the pictures and mounted them on the board, and decorated with miniature tools and tool stickers. It now hangs on the pegboard in the workshop.
Kathy and I transplanted some day lilies. I'm not too old to help around the yard yet.
We then went to Tiger ballgame with Bill and Patti, had dinner at Tiger Club, saw Tigers win on two home runs and a fine pitching performance by Justin Verlander. Great tickets arranged by Brenda.
One great day. Thank you.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
A trip to camp
Earlier this year Leo and Marci asked us if we would be interested in the 2007 Mackinac Bridge since this year is the 50th anniversary of its completion. It's something we've wanted to do for a long time so we said, "Yes."
Leo and Marci picked us up at 7 am Sunday morning. We were on our way to their cabin near Posen. Had breakfast in Hillman where we were served by the daughter of a relative of theirs. Their cabin used to be much more primative but Leo's dad renovated it into a two story, three bedroom (plus a bunk room), two bath house. It's used during the summer and especially during fall hunting seasons. We relaxed outside on the porch swing, chatted and drank some cool beverages. We drove to Presque Isle where we had a fine dinner overlooking Presque Isle marina, walked through some woods from the marina to Presque Isle light, the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes at 100 feet. Retruned to the cabin through Alpena and went to bed early because we were to rise at 4 am Monday for the bridge walk.
On Monday, we walked the bridge. It took us a while to get out of Mackinaw City after the bridge walk due to traffic congestion--seemed a little disorganized for such a big event. Stopped for lunch in Cheboygen, then Marci's sister, Rita, and her husband, Merle had everyone over to their house for dessert. In the evening, just before dusk, we arrived at Marci's brother's camp. They had numerous bear sightings and thought we would want to see one. It was nearly dark when we saw a moderate sized black bear enter camp. After a few mnutes it left, but we had our exciting sighting.
Tuesday we drove home taking first US 23 along Lake Huron through many small towns. Lakeside houses ranged from small to large, new to old, and interspersed with resorts and rental cabins. Some beachfront property, especially with the rentals. What I find most striking is the apparently good economic status of the region. Downtowns are well maintained with few vacancies. Economic health is also reflected in houses in this northeast quadrant of the lower peninsula which seem to be well cared for. They are in great shape, good repair, in contrast to those in the small towns around Emerald Lake and in the UP. Stopped at a couple interesting stores having unique furniture and accessories. Kathy fell in love with a corner stand so we bought it and rearranged the gear so we could cart it home. Dinner at Whitey's in Davison and then home.
Thanks to Leo and Marci for a great time.
On Monday, we walked the bridge. It took us a while to get out of Mackinaw City after the bridge walk due to traffic congestion--seemed a little disorganized for such a big event. Stopped for lunch in Cheboygen, then Marci's sister, Rita, and her husband, Merle had everyone over to their house for dessert. In the evening, just before dusk, we arrived at Marci's brother's camp. They had numerous bear sightings and thought we would want to see one. It was nearly dark when we saw a moderate sized black bear enter camp. After a few mnutes it left, but we had our exciting sighting.
Tuesday we drove home taking first US 23 along Lake Huron through many small towns. Lakeside houses ranged from small to large, new to old, and interspersed with resorts and rental cabins. Some beachfront property, especially with the rentals. What I find most striking is the apparently good economic status of the region. Downtowns are well maintained with few vacancies. Economic health is also reflected in houses in this northeast quadrant of the lower peninsula which seem to be well cared for. They are in great shape, good repair, in contrast to those in the small towns around Emerald Lake and in the UP. Stopped at a couple interesting stores having unique furniture and accessories. Kathy fell in love with a corner stand so we bought it and rearranged the gear so we could cart it home. Dinner at Whitey's in Davison and then home.
Thanks to Leo and Marci for a great time.
We walked the Mackinaw Bridge
Above the Straits of Mackinac, St. Ignace to Mackinaw City, from the UP to the Mitten, Lake Huron on our left, Lake Michigan on our right. We were not alone. Leo and Marci, and her sister, Rita, and her husband, Merle, walked with us along with 57000 of our closest bridge-walking friends and 50 swimmers who swam the straits. We completed our walk in an hour and a half.
Our day began at 4 am when Leo awakened us outside blaring the car horn and yelling, "Let's go, people!" Packed the car and drove to pick up Rita and Merle a half hour away. Driving US-23, we watched the sun rise over Lake Huron and arrived in Mackinaw City about 6:30 am. Merle navigated us to convenient parking from where we walked a short distance to get in line for a bus to take us across the bridge to the St. Ignace starting point. Long lines of walkers moved slowly but steadily and we finally boarded our school bus. Traffic congestion attributed to an increased number of walkers kept us at a crawl and it took longer than veteran walkers remembered to cross to St. Ignace.
Looking out school bus windows we were impressed first by runners who began around 7 am and had gathered for pictures on our side after finishing their run, and then by the leading walkers who were already nearing the finish line as our bus began its ascent of the bridge (about 8 am). Then two five-mile lanes filled from one end to the other with walkers.
We were on the bridge in St. Ignace at 9 o'clock. I tried to establish a pace comfortable for me. It was slower than that of Kathy and the others but I was determined not to "go out too fast" and I didn't! Impressive views impossible when crossing by car. The sky overhead was clear, the sun warming us so we tied our windbreakers around our waists, a slight breeze keeping us comfortable.
Panoramic views: St. Ignace over my left shoulder, Mackinac Island and ferries shuttling passengers and raising rooster tails, Mackinaw City ahead, a freighter approaching the straits from our right, and the shores of the UP over my right shoulder. As I glanced over my right shoulder, I saw no signs of the still burning forest fire I first noticed returning from Canada on August 3. Support towers 360 feet (a football field) above us held observers stationed atop. The freighter sounded its horn approaching the bridge, passed under, then sounded again and turned north toward the Soo Locks and Lake Superior. Looking through the grate that forms the middle two lanes we could see the lower superstructure and the green water below.
After reaching the middle of the bridge the trek was all downhill so I increased my pace and could comfortably keep up with Kathy and the others. To our right was Fort Michimilimac and to our left the last group of swimmers made its way to the Mackinaw City beach.
Walkers of all shapes, sizes, and ages. There were families, groups of young people, young couples and older ones, babies and infants pushed in strollers, some people in wheel chairs, adult children helping their parents, and some people by themselves seemingly out for a good walk.
At the finish line I felt relief, satisfaction, pride. We had accomplished something we had intended to do for a long time. We got our certificates and then--now get this--walked around Mackinaw City shopping for T-shirts.
One great day!
Our day began at 4 am when Leo awakened us outside blaring the car horn and yelling, "Let's go, people!" Packed the car and drove to pick up Rita and Merle a half hour away. Driving US-23, we watched the sun rise over Lake Huron and arrived in Mackinaw City about 6:30 am. Merle navigated us to convenient parking from where we walked a short distance to get in line for a bus to take us across the bridge to the St. Ignace starting point. Long lines of walkers moved slowly but steadily and we finally boarded our school bus. Traffic congestion attributed to an increased number of walkers kept us at a crawl and it took longer than veteran walkers remembered to cross to St. Ignace.
Looking out school bus windows we were impressed first by runners who began around 7 am and had gathered for pictures on our side after finishing their run, and then by the leading walkers who were already nearing the finish line as our bus began its ascent of the bridge (about 8 am). Then two five-mile lanes filled from one end to the other with walkers.
We were on the bridge in St. Ignace at 9 o'clock. I tried to establish a pace comfortable for me. It was slower than that of Kathy and the others but I was determined not to "go out too fast" and I didn't! Impressive views impossible when crossing by car. The sky overhead was clear, the sun warming us so we tied our windbreakers around our waists, a slight breeze keeping us comfortable.
Panoramic views: St. Ignace over my left shoulder, Mackinac Island and ferries shuttling passengers and raising rooster tails, Mackinaw City ahead, a freighter approaching the straits from our right, and the shores of the UP over my right shoulder. As I glanced over my right shoulder, I saw no signs of the still burning forest fire I first noticed returning from Canada on August 3. Support towers 360 feet (a football field) above us held observers stationed atop. The freighter sounded its horn approaching the bridge, passed under, then sounded again and turned north toward the Soo Locks and Lake Superior. Looking through the grate that forms the middle two lanes we could see the lower superstructure and the green water below.
After reaching the middle of the bridge the trek was all downhill so I increased my pace and could comfortably keep up with Kathy and the others. To our right was Fort Michimilimac and to our left the last group of swimmers made its way to the Mackinaw City beach.
Walkers of all shapes, sizes, and ages. There were families, groups of young people, young couples and older ones, babies and infants pushed in strollers, some people in wheel chairs, adult children helping their parents, and some people by themselves seemingly out for a good walk.
At the finish line I felt relief, satisfaction, pride. We had accomplished something we had intended to do for a long time. We got our certificates and then--now get this--walked around Mackinaw City shopping for T-shirts.
One great day!
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