Morels

Exploritas (aka Elderhostel) hosted a morel mushroom program in Tustin, Michigan for four days beginning the day after we returned to Romeo from our visit to Snoqualmie.

On our first full day we had talk about wildflowers on the 160 acre grounds of Kettunen Center, then went on a walk looking for them. Incidentally, Kathy found the first morel on this walk. After lunch a prof from MSU gave introduction to mushrooms, including the elusive morel. Then off to a couple sites looking for them. The group of 15 of us found some but certainly not as many as we would have liked. That evening we tasted our morels used in a cooking demonstration.

Tuesday and Wednesday we began the day birdwatching, listening and then trying to locate the birds . After breakfast Tuesday a northern Michigan farmer explained how he cultivates mushrooms to supplement his truck farming income. Kathy won the log that he demonstrated his shitake mushroom spores inoculation--we should have our first harvest next summer. That afternoon Kathy and I took a long walk through the woods while others worked on canoeing and kayaking.

Wild turkeys was Wednesday morning talk with demonstrations of various calls, habitat, and display of stuffed birds.

That afternoon, after the program close, Kathy's friends who were in the group followed us down to Emerald Lake for a visit on their way home.

We had great fun, enjoyed meeting others, and learned much on our first Exploritas program.

Back to the Lake

Last Wednesday we left for only our second trip to Emerald Lake this season. From then until Sunday we worked on projects, went to dinner with Kelvin, fished, took a Ranger ride "back east", mowed, cut up and moved downed trees, trimmed, fished, got rid of spider webs, took a pedal boat ride, and read. Weather was warm and mosquitos were active. Another great trip.

The Season Finale

We closed Emerald Lake house for the season.  Went up yesterday (Wednesday) and made a stop in Birch Run to shop the outlet for coats and boots for Kathy.  Surprisingly I did not go into the Bose outlet even though we passed it at least twice and also Kathy did not find what she was looking for.

Forty degrees in the house when we got there so started fireplace, electric heat, and propane heat.  Eventually temperature got up to sixty-eight before we went to bed.  We decided to put off the real work until Thursday.  

This morning Kathy cleaned leaves off the roof and gathered items we wanted to take back to Romeo.  I winterized the Ranger and John Deere lawn tractor.  After a brunch break we finished by pumping antifreeze into our water lines, then packed the truck and returned to Romeo.

We always feel a bit sad on our way out the driveway because we will not be back up until spring.

Pain of Painting

We went to Emerald Lake last Tuesday morning.  The goal was to paint the bathroom and deliver Thanksgiving day Lions tickets to Shane--he and some friends will join us for the game and dinner afterward.  We did not get much done Tuesday afternoon and evening except for heating up the house.  Fifty-five degrees in the early afternoon so fired up the propane heater and the word burning stove.  Split and hauled some wood.   By late night we had the temperature comfortable but there were still some cold spots.  Not until the next morning did the temperature even out throughout.  All the while Canadian Geese came and went and kept up honking, even as we slept.

Wednesday Kathy began priming the walls and ceiling.  It turned out to be a one-person job since the size and shape of the bathroom prohibited another ladder or person to be in helping.  In addition ladders could not be placed conveniently and so Kathy was contorting her body to reach remote places that needed painting.  Fortunately she could break for the afternoon and went into town to get her hair cut.  In the meantime I finished some routine maintenance on the Ranger and John Deere.  When we finally close for the season I still have to put them in winter storage.  Canadian Geese were still around--not sure if they were different from Tuesday's.

Kathy finished priming on Thursday while I did some writing, kept the wood burner going, split wood, and helped move and hold ladders for fear of falling.  But by nightfall she had the bathroom primed.  Angie stopped by with her kids for a visit.  Preston is growing like a weed, Logan and Kamber played with the toys and read books, and we talked with Angie.  Geese are still honking.

Friday Kathy spent all day putting on the finish coat--skill, stamina, success!  She was tired and sore when she made her last brush stroke.  That leaves us with just the workshop.  Still geese honking.

  

Saturday morning we put everything back into the bathroom, cleaned the wood burner, dusted and vacuumed, packed and closed up to return to Romeo--don't want to miss the Lions on Sunday.  Seems geese have left, but now the caw of black crows.

A Celebration Weekend

Indian Summer continues in the mitten. And this weekend was special. Great color north of Saginaw on our drive up to the lake on Saturday. Stopped briefly at Birch Run to pick up a couple things. That evening was Oyster Supper, a celebration of Katie (McLachlan) Thompson's birthday by her decedents--this time 99 attended. (She was widowed by her two previous husbands Emmet Morse and John Carpenter before marrying Archie Thompson.) Katie's birthday was October 11, 1883 and the celebration is always held around her birth date.

Here is how I remember the progression through the generations: Katie Thompson, Letha (Morse) Corey, Anna Mae (Corey) Brigham, Kathy (Brigham) Reagan, James Reagan, Spencer and Garrett Reagan.

Then Sunday we celebrated Aunt Mabelle Preston's 100th birthday. (A little early--December 19, 1908--but she left for Florida yesterday with Uncle Maurice and Aunt Pauline with Rosie driving and will be there on her birthday.) Afterward we took a ride to see the fall colors. We made a loop up to Cadillac and back. An awesome display. Some pictures around the lake.

As we drove in.

From across the lake.

And from the house.

Monday Kathy painted three tedious ceilings, both prime and finish coats, that put her in contortionist positions. It looks great! Left early enough for home to have enough light to see some color between the lake and Mount Pleasant.

Emerald Lake

We finished painting the ceilings of dining/hallway and entryway/hallway Tuesday.  Tedious work with all the brush work along the stone and woodwork--not an easy task.  My rolling paint on took about one-fifth the time for Kathy to do her brushing.  We now have the bath, closets and pantry, and workshop to do.

Afterward we went to Marion for dinner at Little Italy restaurant--the same owner as used to be in Evart (she sold the Evart restaurant a couple years ago).  Great food, as always.  Walked along Middle Branch River afterward to let the food settle.  When we returned to the house we finished vacuuming and putting everything back in its place.

On our way home Wednesday we heard of Millen's firing.  Could not get the details because the Expedition radio intermittently and randomly stops output to speakers.  We smiled all the way home!!!

At the Lake

Spent a few days at Emerald Lake.  A very long and hard rain born of Hurricane Gustav as it finally petered out north of Lake Superior greated us Thursday night.  We estimate somewhere between 2 and 4 inches of rain overnight.

Friday was overcast with some rain so we did some more painting.  Surprising how long it takes for Kathy to "cuts in" along edges that are seldom at right angles, are along stone walls, and abut wood paneling and window frames.  We got the primer on room and a hall; finish coat goes on next trip.

Weather Saturday was terrific.  Sunny and cool.  Today Kathy got her hair done in town by Ellen while I mowed using the tractor and hand mower and picked apples from the trees in front.  

We'll get more trips in later this month.

Emerald Lake

We went up Thursday and returned Monday.  

Fished with Lee and Carlee.  We soon dropped Carlee off since she was more interested in seeing Kathy than us.  Caught a few but not enough to keep for dinner.  I always enjoy learning about fishing from others.

Cut up some of a large tree down in the woods.  Seems we had more down this summer than usual and that will keep us busy on our next visit.  Will split the logs and use them for heat when it turns cold.  In addition, we finally got Curt back out to finish fixing the space heater--new burner and blower switch--to use in colder weather also.

Painted ceiling in bedroom, dusted walls, and washed windows.  A long process but everything looks great.  We still have more areas to paint.

Went to Lee and Carrie's for Carlee's birthday part.  Great fish fry--must be a fine lake that produces such good fish.  Maybe next trip I will catch enough for us to have a fish fry.

Another memorable visit to the lake.

Season Opener

We went up to the lake last Friday morning to open it for the season. Stopped first in Birch Run for a few items (outlet malls are becoming shopping malls, methinks), then for lunch and return empty printer cartridges for $3 credit OfficeMax in Midland (James' blog about his Kindle book bargain prompted this stop), and finally dropped off a watch for repair at Hick's Jewelers in Clare.

Pouring rain when we arrived so had to postpone visiting Preston, Angie's 3.5 week old newborn son, until later. Unloaded stuff, put a few things away and read for a while. No dead critters--flies, spiders, or otherwise. When the rain stopped we started the pump (did not want to get drenched in the downpour). Off to see Preston, then to Foster's for a few grocery items. Listened to Red Wings on radio that evening before turning in.

Saturday was a work day. Kathy cleaned--dusted, vacuumed, washed and scrubbed--the inside and removed the leavings of a local raccoon. I prepped the Ranger and JD riding mower for the summer. Took a spin on the Ranger to Kelvin's and Lee's but go no answer at either. We then inspected the property on our way back finding many trees down or nearly so--cleaning them up will keep us busy.

Sunday morning we picked up Kelvin and went to Barryton for breakfast. Spent extra time talking and finishing our coffees. After that we packed the SUV and took a leisurely drive home.

We have a busy summer planned for the lake -- a mix of work, play, and relaxation.

The Season is Over

For Emerald Lake (and probably for the Lions as well).

We went up to the Lake Monday morning, stopping in Clare for lunch and to pick up two watches we left earlier for repairs. Brenda's was finished, but mine still showed the date display caught between two numerals, the problem that led me to have it repaired. "We'll fix that for you and you can pick it up Wednesday." He did and we did.

Kelvin had the dock raised and his boat that we all use was parked on its trailer in the carport, a great place for it during the winter. Forty degrees inside the house--got all three heating systems going in a hurry. Eventually raised temp to near 70 by time we went to bed. Split some wood, hauled it up from pole barn, cleaning and packing for trip home. Kathy read a novel cover to cover--we both read tucked beneath a couple handmade quilts.

The wind kicked up over night, gusts to 50 mph we heard. We had to clear a fallen tree from the drive so Kathy could go to town for her Tuesday hair appointment with Ellen. It made her late, but we come to find out ours was not unusual. Winterized the Ranger and lawn tractor.

The propane heater began to overheat--we saw some smoke rising from the unit. Some sensor, I suspect. In addition we heard some "explosions". So we shut it down and will have it serviced next spring. Only wood and electric heat left. Still windy and temps falling to 20 degrees. Kathy was on her second novel and I was well into mine. Slept with an extra blanket.

We had to let the fire go out and cool over night since it was to be cleaned for winter. When we go up the temperature in the house was 50, colder than when we arrived on our previous visit. Put on heat in dining area and bathroom and worked as fast as we could to complete our tasks. Drained water heater and water pump, packed food and supplies to take to Romeo, pumped RV antifreeze into water pipes, packed Expedition. We were able to leave by about 11 am. Picked up watch in Clare and got to Romeo and some warmth.

We agreed to close up for winter earlier next year.

Fall Trip to Evart

We left for the lake Sunday morning hoping to get there before the Lions football game but stopped for lunch so we listened to the first half on the radio. Sounded like they were playing well enough. The house was 55 degrees (45 outside) but we fiddled with the rotary antenna until we had decent reception to see the Lions second half. They seemed to play quite well (I napped through most of it after I started the propane heater and emptied the car.) Kathy was happy with the result.

We went a day earlier than our plans. Karen, one of Kathy's friends from her childhood days, died of cancer and visitation was Sunday evening with funeral Monday. Losing someone you grow up with feels different from others--not better or worse, just different. A different flood of memories cascades through and recalls different emotions. A different sadness, different coping.

The weather was fabulous. Sunny and cool--perhaps my favorite time of the year. We cleared the roof and courtyard of leaves, cut down and up a half dozen dead birch trees,and pruned plants for their overwintering.

We had visits from Lee, Angie and the kids, and Carrie and the kids. Kids seem to love to run around the inside and play with the old toys. All are doing well. Angie is pregnant and due in April! Exciting! And Logan and Kamber, and Carter and Carlee are all in school. How time flies.

Then home to see all the munchkins in their Halloween garb.

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.

Reagans at Emerald Lake

What an exciting week.

Picked up Brenda from Grand Rapids airport last Wednesday. On our way to Emerald Lake with her we visited Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in GR. Great display. Many important historical events in his partial term that I had forgotten--fall of Saigon, WIN for Whip Inflation Now, and the SS Mayaguez capture. In addition to the museum his burial spot is outside the museum as is a garden dedicated to Betty Ford.

James, Amy, Spencer and Garrett arrive in the middle of the night after driving out of a severe thunderstorm in northern Indiana. Unbeknownst to us the pump was not working to bring water into the house until they arrived, but the following morning Kelvin fixed the problem, a broken pressure switch.

Off to the circus in Evart. Cotton candy, elephants, jugglers, trapeze, trained dogs and horses, etc. The sounds and smells are distinctive. And as soon as it ended, workers were tearing down the bleachers and tent for their trip to the next stop.

Angie hosted a cookout and bonfire for the family--three generations laughing, telling stories, playing on Kamber's wood play structure, eating, laughing, roasting marshmallows and making s'mores.

Geocached around Evart, Reed City, and Big Rapids. Found some and had a couple stumpers. Still cannot find the multicache in Hemlock Park!

When the rainy weather sent us indoors, we tried bowling one day. Spencer and Garrett gave us a run for our money. Did not know alleys now have bumpers along the lanes to keep kids' balls (and mine, too) out of the gutters. I should get out more often.

Ranger rides took us out over our property and Kelvin's. We saw turkeys and deer, picked apples and berries. And rode through the woods.

The highlight for the boys might have been the fire station tour that Shane gave them. Sitting inside a fire truck and climbing up the outside, putting on the fire suit, and dragging a hose put smiles on two boys' faces.

The week at Emerald Lake put big smiles on our faces too.

A trip to the lake

The last five days at Emerald Lake were terrific. Working, fishing, shopping, visiting, and relaxing. Great weather.


On the way up Thursday we stopped at Birch Run and bought a few things we needed, but we could not find the right size sandals for Kathy. We had late lunch at Bennigan's in Midland and more shopping. Trip took longer than usual with all the stops.


Worked on old lawn tractor for part of Friday. On last trip we noticed an intermittent starting problem and it was getting more frequent. We thought it was pto switch so we stopped on our way up at John Deere dealer north of Almont and bought one . Put in the new one but it would not start; put old one back in and still would not start. Put in new one again thinking perhaps I messed up connections, but still no good. Must be something more complicated than swapping out switches.

Should we take the 20-year-old tractor to a dealer and get it fixed? It will still be old and perhaps just as unreliable. We decided we don't want to spent the first day of each visit to the lake working on tractor. Let's just go to Big Rapids to a JD dealer and get a new one. Found one we liked, made a deal, they took old tractor as trade-in along with snow thrower, set delivery for Saturday--all is right with the world.


Dinner after JD purchase at Ruby Tuesday, then on to Menard's and Lowe's (interestingly they sit adjacent to each other and across the road from adjacent Meijer and Walmart stores). Found collapsible saw horses, pegboard hooks, and storage shelf unit for Romeo, and potential paint color for EL.


Saturday morning Kathy went to town to get her hair done by Ellen. A call from JD dealer moved up delivery to mid-morning. We hoped the old tractor would start (it did for Kathy last night after I put the old pto switch back in). Driver missed the driveway on his first pass but then found it coming back south--I heard his truck and trailer rattle up the drive. He offloaded the new one, started the old one and loaded it along with the snow thrower onto the trailer. We then chatted a bit -- an essential part of small town commerce.

When Kathy got home with a fantastic do she told me the Expedition was misfiring. Lee had just walked over with Carlee and Addison so he and I took a look and decided it would be ok to drive it back to Romeo with the misfire, but should not otherwise be driven unless an emergency.

Later Saturday Lee and I went fishing. Carlee began with us but soon wanted to go up to the house and play. Carrie and Addison were there with Kathy. Not many fish caught--couple big enough for Lee to take home later that night. One that I caught seemed to be smaller than the bait I was using.

Sunday we worked on property. Kathy used new lawn tractor and cut grass. Trimmed near road and also got rid of some old dead fallen trees. Later we cleared the area going down to the lake.

Left early Monday morning to be sure we had time in case something happened to Expedition besides the miss. It ran rough but at higher rpms it ran smoother than at lower rpms and up grades. We would not have liked to have driven the same distance home in hills or mountains.

Found out Tuesday the miss was caused by a bad coil and also that the muffler was leaking.

An interesting and eventful trip!!!

Emerald Lake

still has the same number of fish it did last week. Kelvin took me out for a half day of fishing, and showed me new techniques and lures. I learned a lot but caught little. If we learn so much by our failures, why am I not a great fisherman by now? But I had a great time nonetheless.


We spent five days visiting, fixing, reading, cleaning.


Saw Addison--Lee and Carrie's new baby girl. She is really cute, slept the whole time we visited (she's only a few weeks old), and has just about the puffiest cheeks ever.


Kathy worked inside while I got equipment going after it sat all winter. Everything started surprisingly easy. One battery needed charging but it is nearly 10 years old. Lee fixed a tire (thanks Lee) so Kathy could mow--Lee had mowed once earlier (thanks Lee).


As we cleared some brush near the entrance to the drive, we came across a woodcock, probably disturbed her nest. We found out later they are not usually seen because of their coloring so we feel fortunate.

We are looking forward to our next trip.