Wildthings

Midnight at the Oasis

2012-01-29T17:37:00.000-05:00

Somehow winter doesn't seem as bad when you come with your cocktail and sit down in my friend Lee's sunroom.

The Rare Sunny Day

2012-01-28T14:20:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was so fabulous! My 30-40 min afternoon walk ended up well over an hour because I so enjoyed it.
Walked over to Bostwick and caught these guys taking advantage of the sunshine as well. Crisp, clear, sunny and almost 40. It doesn't get much nicer in the winter! Wished I had my skates.

I knew it! (Reblog)

2012-01-27T12:44:00.000-05:00

Browsing around a blog today I saw this. It made me laugh, hope it does you too!

New Camera

2012-01-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

Got a new camera this weekend. While it is NOT an SLR or anything really complicated, it is a step up from my Sony Cybershot. I still have a lot of experimenting to do with it. Looking out the window today at my neighbor's backyard I saw this tree peeling and tried out the zoom. Pretty cool!
I think I'm going to like it!

A few more from last week.............

2012-01-17T10:26:00.000-05:00

This weeks cuts

2012-01-15T18:11:00.000-05:00

The project 365 for 2012 is sometimes hard. I have to
pick one picture when sometimes
there are a few I think should
be my choice for the "day".
This week it was kinda hard
with the new snowfall. Here are
a few that didn't make the cut
that are still worth a look.

Tats

2012-01-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

Wow! I don't personally have any but this one is one of the most impressive I've ever seen.

2012-01-11T17:05:00.000-05:00

When we were visiting Lindsay and family at Christmas, she was quite into this website. I didn't pay too much attention at the time but then got "invited" to join by Brian and Carol Wild and thought "Ok, why not?" OMGosh, I just love it and I'm sure they thought I would and they were right! The concept is that you create "boards" of things that appeal to you. You can then wander around other peoples "pins" and add them to your own. It's kind of like having a magazine of stuff you really like and can add elements any (or create a new) board as you go along. It's fun and addicting, so watch out if you decide to try it!

Little Miss Personality

2012-01-08T20:23:00.000-05:00

Let me just say that this little miss has more personality in her little finger than most kids do at 7 or 8 and she's only 3! Can't wait to see where her life takes her .......... she wears my scarf and purse pretty well too!

365 for 2012

2012-01-06T17:01:00.000-05:00

Lindsay suggested I do a picture everyday of the year and do something with it. I thought it was a great idea and suggested it to my brother in law, Dave, and he's joining me. We're each doing our own take on it. I am posting them weekly on facebook and I will also do a collage of all 365 at the end of the year. I'm doing some (thing) (one) (place). It will hopefully chronicle my 2012 in someway when it is all done. Join us if you're a photographer of any sort!

MSU 63 WIS 60

2012-01-04T08:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, this picture pretty much sums it up. It's been a long time coming but we finally beat Bo Ryan at home in the Kohl Center. Big win on road for our gutsy team who weren't even ranked to start this season. I'm thrilled! I just can't tell who's more upset, Bo or the two fans behind the score table.

One Last Look

2011-12-31T19:10:00.000-05:00

Putting the holidays to bed. It was a wonderful time with Dylan for both of us even though Mark was an invalid the last 4 days. The richness that this child has brought to our lives continues to delight us. We may have watched Polar Express 10-12 times, no matter! Building stuff was big this year and being delighted with each and every gift never got old. Running to see the garbage truck either. All in all the wonder of a child makes it all worthwhile.

Cool Mistake

2011-12-25T07:21:00.000-05:00

While this picture isn't exactly in focus I still think
it's kinda cool looking. (Course I love the subject
too!)

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

2011-12-22T07:02:00.000-05:00

Off we go over the wild blue yonder to spend the holidays with Lindsay, Dave, Dylan and the the New Jersey Kohlers. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday with the ones you love and the same to those whom you love and can't be with you.

Pen's loot

2011-12-20T18:55:00.000-05:00

We took Penny on our walk Saturday and it seems she's all about picking up sticks enroute. This is just one of several she carried along for awhile. She is the cutest and best natured girl though and a
great walker.

Matt and Sara's Remodel

2011-12-17T12:53:00.001-05:00

It's taken a little while but the work is now mostly done on their

wall bump out and opening up and replacing of the stairs.

Stopped by today to have our weekly look and they were just doing paint touch ups.

Sara's sister Kat even spent to week painting their kitchen for them.....surely they loved the help.

All in all it turned out just great!

Christmas Lightly

2011-12-11T18:06:00.000-05:00

Yes folks, I'm taking Christmas here at home lightly this year.
Just added some lights to a tree I already have on our sunporch and called it "good" . Actually I kind of enjoy being unconventional and find opportunities to do it whenever I think it won't affect others. We have no company this year, it's just the two of us so perfect excuse to be my "out of the box" self.

Course Walk

2011-12-09T18:12:00.000-05:00

The days are numbered that I can walk the golf course where we live. The golfers have it most of the year but there is a span from late October to first heavy snowfall that I can walk it pretty much whenever. This morning was our first bit of snow.
Not heavy enough to keep me off and even found the gate opened to Wildemere Drive next to 5 so I got one last quick pass down there as well. After Xmas for sure I will be traversing the same 2 mile road stretch with my yax trax on. Sigh!

Freegal

2011-12-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

Imagine my delight a few months ago when I found out that you can get free music downloads online with your library card. 3 a week. Sure not EVERY artist is on there but I don't have any trouble finding ones I like and even some rather different but good ones. Every genre pretty much too. I've always said the public library is the very best thing I personally get for my tax dollars and even more so now!

Sunday Humor

2011-11-20T13:38:00.000-05:00

Saw this framed in a store yesterday. It made
me LOL because I could imagine myself saying
this to Mark. :D

Frank Lloyd Wright - Meyer May home in Grand Rapids, MIchigan

2011-11-15T16:53:00.000-05:00

We toured the inside of this home on Sunday with our friends Rich and Jane. It was a wonderful experience and one I will certainly be sharing with visitors in the future. This home is over a 100 years old which is hard to believe. Certainly a man a head of his time. This home was purchased by Steelcase Corporation in the 1980's and was painstakingly restored to its early 1900's state. The general public can view it free of charge thanks to Steelcase and the wonderful docent volunteers who take you through. Well worth the visit and I can't imagine what took us so long to seek it out.

Early sunset

2011-11-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

It was a particularly pretty one tonite!

Happy 3rd Birthday Dylan James

2011-11-13T09:07:00.000-05:00

Today you turn 3. It seems like just yesterday you were a little bundle in our arms. The love and joy you
have brought into our lives has been immeasurable. Our wishes and dreams for you are many for you've given us so much in the time you've been with us. We had no idea how wonderful it would be to be a "grand" until you taught us. Happy birthday Dylan James Kohler. You are a true joy!

Dawn 11-11-11

2011-11-11T07:42:00.000-05:00

First snow at dawn today, Veteran's Day and hopefully birthday to our nephew Jim's (and Jeni's) first son. An honorable day
to enter the world I'd say.

Frank Lloyd in Grand Rapids

2011-11-06T17:57:00.000-05:00

On an afternoon walk yesterday from Matt's house we decided to hit the "hill" area nearby. We just kind of stumbled (though we knew it was here in G.R.) on the May House. It is now over 100 years old and is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built house and we thought it was amazing. A private residence until 1985, it is now owned by Steelcase and is open to the public free of charge for tours. The tour takes just over an hour. While it doesn't happen on Saturdays (two evenings and Sunday for a few hours), we are definately going to
check out May House in the next couple of weeks sometime. More pictures then!

Patina

2011-11-04T16:18:00.000-04:00

Sometimes mother nature makes our things her
own. And sometimes she does a better job
than we could.

Grampa Ed's Genes

2011-11-01T16:14:00.000-04:00

This past weekend our son Matt began working on a more open floorplan for his house. He will lose a small downstairs bedroom to enlarge the living/dining area. He will be doing some of the work himself to save $$$ and I'm proud of him for this. This is the first
step and he's now on his way. He doesn't get his "no fear" of trying from his Dad but rather from his Grandfather Ed. I like to think
just a little bit comes from me too! :)

Wonder of a Weekend

2011-10-30T20:00:00.000-04:00

We've just dropped our much adored Jersey contingent at the airport. We had a wonder of a long weekend with all three of them and enjoyed each and every minute of it. We packed in all sorts of great memories.........from visits to Papa's work to watching Matt start breaking down walls in his home to open up space to a movie to a trip on the "pumpkin" train to dinner out at a great place downtown and a dessert with Eric, Kelly and Luna and another visit to the Childrens Museum just to mention a few things we packed in. Some of the best were just some of the quieter moments of reading, snuggling and watching the growth and gentleness that is our grandson Dylan.
He loves unabashedly all in his "little" world. We're just lucky to be two of those people. We're so proud of the little boy you are!

Tomorrow's visit

2011-10-25T07:02:00.000-04:00

Can't wait............tomorrow our sweet grandson comes for a long weekend visit. Along with his first "boo boo" bandage. We've got the lionel train set up and ready as well as a reservation on the fall pumpkin train ride in nearby Coopersville where they have a halloween theme and a hour and a half ride on a real train. Promises to be a fun time for our little guy!

Cleanest Garage on the Cul de Sac

2011-10-22T16:07:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I decided to paint the garage. Instead of re-upping on the white I decided to go with light blue for a fresh, clean and bright look. When I got done it looked so good I decided to add baseboard molding all around and now it looks almost like another room~~~I even brought stuff up from our storage room and put it up above the cabinets. Hummmmmmmmmmm, do they have a Parade of Garages?

On the half shell

2011-10-09T19:36:00.000-04:00

I go out in the garage after dinner tonite to throw something away. My next door neighbor hears me and calls me over to join them for oysters fresh from Florida. He just got back today driving through with them on ice as well as fresh shrimp. As full as we were we managed to find room for a few and they were great. What fun and I didn't have to shuck them either :)

Fall on the Course

2011-10-07T11:27:00.000-04:00

This week has been in my opinion, perfect weather. Making the fall colors a joy to behold and morning and afternoon walks so enjoyable.
I love all four seasons and find each of them beautiful but there is something special about the fall. Get out and enjoy it!

Time to go soon

2011-10-06T17:14:00.000-04:00

Looks like it's time to head south soon.............they are starting to gather!

Dylan's new hat

2011-10-05T20:31:00.000-04:00

This is Dylan's new hat! He is one stylin guy...............

The end of Artprize for 2011 for me

2011-10-04T19:57:00.000-04:00

Today was my last visit to the venues of Artprize. Here are a few of today's faves but there were more. What a wonderful event Artprize is to those of us who love and appreciate art. There were some things that did not fit into the "art" category for me and some even made the top 10 (the sprayed copper guys : ( ) but overall it is still an amazing experience that we whom live in this great city of Grand Rapids should appreciate.
I anticipate it each year and enjoy each and every visit. Today the weather was picture perfect. I had my
ipod plugged into my ears and I parked far enough away to make it a nice walk though Heritage Hill enroute both ways. Man, it doesn't get any better for me.

2011-09-30T08:09:00.000-04:00

This piece at Artprize was interesting. 20 some panels were given to 20 different artists to complete along with a piece of a picture cut up
with that section they were to complete. This was the result. Quite amazing I thought as it looks so cohesive.

Interesting Entries

2011-09-26T07:43:00.001-04:00

This week Artprize opened here in Grand Rapids. Here are a few unusual but quite interesting entries I saw my first afternoon. First, are the wood pieces which we liked quite alot. Second the glass vessel of ceramic heads, kinda creepy but interesting nonetheless. And last was a series of elephant pencil drawings made with words. The words were all comments that the artist heard from people visiting the elephants exhibit at the zoo.

Unusual TV Stand

2011-09-22T13:23:00.001-04:00

I am reluctant to pass up a cool and unusual piece under any circumstance. However, I sometimes can't figure out where I can use it.
Therefore, I move on to my family and friends when this occurs. Today I found this at a barn sale near our home and it's a piece from
Baker furniture that needs staining and finishing and a top. Measured it 39 X 24 X 24. Perfect for my friends (Bill and Lonell) 32 "
flat screen TV with room the DVR as well! It even has drawers on the side and lions on all 4 corners all for the bargin price of $95.
Needless to say it has a new home!

Different sunrise

2011-09-20T11:12:00.000-04:00

Morning walk this a.m. was different for sure. Kind of looked like the movie Twilight.

Arcadia Bluffs

2011-09-18T16:22:00.000-04:00

This is a canvas photo we saw today at an art festival. Mark recognized immediately as a view from a golf hole at Arcadia Bluffs where he golfs once a year with friends. They make a full day of it and enjoy themselves immensely, eating, golfing and enjoying the views of this beautiful coastline we are lucky to have!

Hugs

2011-09-14T16:31:00.000-04:00

Just couldn't see not sharing this wonderful picture taken by my daughter Lindsay of her

husband Dave and son Dylan. I just love it! Hugs, what is better?

10 Years ago September 11th

2011-09-11T15:22:00.000-04:00

Ten years ago today I remember heading to work like it was any ordinary day. As Mark walked in behind me, he said "quick turn on the TV, Howard Stern said a plane just hit the World Trade Center". We did so quickly and witnessed the second plane hitting a few minutes later. This will surely be one of the greatest horrors in some of our lifetimes, certainly right up there.

Well today is 10 years later and we all still remember it so vividly. A few short miles from our home is a ski hill called Cannonsburg. The bank (United Bank of Michigan) that Mark and Matt work at has sponsored a wonderful remembrance of all those lost in this tragedy. It made one's heart glad to see all the people walking around and actually stopping to read the little biblio's on each flag saying something about the person who died and in this way is now being remembered.

We should none of us forget.

Bonfire

2011-09-05T08:15:00.000-04:00

I've always loved a bonfire (campfire prior to my 60's).............still do!

Trains

2011-09-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

Right now our Dylan has a fascination with trains big time. Mostly he likes Percy, Thomas and friends but it doesn't end there.
We recently took him on his first train ride to New York City and spent the day, which he loved. This week I've been at Lake
Huron with friends and behind their home runs the one a day run of a train from Alpena to Tawas. It never fails to draw we
visitors out to watch as it clickity clacks by. I guess you never outgrow some things :) !

Hometown glory

2011-08-29T17:31:00.000-04:00

I've joined a group on facebook that talks about being from Escanaba (my hometown) and what it was like. I've enjoyed many aspects of it but none more than seeing the old pictures from even before my time there. Here are two recently posted ones where the streets aren't even paved yet circa 1900. The Ogden Ave one is across the street from where I grew up and some of these homes are still there (as is my childhood home built in the late 1800's). The other picture is part of the main street downtown and while it doesn't look like
that now I knew exactly where it was when I looked at it. Pretty interesting to one from this pretty little town
in the U.P. of Michgan.

Just another Saturday

2011-08-21T10:30:00.000-04:00

It was just another Saturday for us with a mishmash of activities. First we helped Matt and Sara move kitchen and closet stuff into Matt's place. A visit with Penny (our granddog) and Leo the cat included. Then on downtown where we stopped for a glass of wine after walking around and on for Thai food. We ended our day at an electronic music happening where we were probably the oldest people there. That was great spot for people watching and made us realize we're just not "with" the latest fashion trends but "oh well" that is just fine with us!

Hulkilucious

2011-08-16T18:10:00.000-04:00

Mark has always been good at impressions but this is just uncanny! :)

Trains

2011-08-13T08:54:00.000-04:00

Dylan loves trains. This visit we took him to NYC on the train and it was a thrill for him and for us to be able to share the experience with him. He LOVED every minute of it!

And then they'll be 4.

2011-08-02T19:53:00.002-04:00

Mid February ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * Dave is having a baby and Lindsay is pretty sure it's her's. ; )

Immersion Cooking

2011-07-27T16:39:00.000-04:00

This is not a new thing but certainly not in everyone's cooking repertoire. Leave it to our son Matt to come up with a way to do it.
Using an instrument used in the scientific field that heats with a coil in water and concocting a heavy plastic container to hold the water
and coil by cutting an opening in the top, he pulled it off. We recently used this to make carnitas (pork) tacos for our reunion dinner and I am once again making them for a neighborhood gathering tomorrow. Using pork shoulder with spices, peppers and onions all together
in a ziploc bag to seal it, you slip it into the "bath" and cook at 60c for 2 days. The finished product falls easily apart and has retained
its moisture and is so tender and tasty it's amazing. I can hardly wait to have it again!

At the end of the day

2011-07-23T08:53:00.000-04:00

Six nites on Lake Michigan and at the end of each day the beauty of a sunset. A wonderful way to end the day!

The Getaway Car

2011-07-17T09:01:00.001-04:00

At our nephew Jim's wedding yesterday this 1935 Ram was the car they used to go from the church to the reception. We all
thought it looked like a "gangster" getaway car!

The Saffron Kitchen

2011-07-14T17:15:00.000-04:00

An interesting read. Set in between the now and then time scenerio but not difficult to navigate between. It's a story about a woman born and raised in Iran and how the times dictated choices we'd find hard to imagine and how the consequences affected her life. The remarkable part of this book, for me anyway, was the ability of the author to make you feel like you could breathe the air and feel the essence of the time and place she ably describes. Some authors have the ability to truly transport you. This was one of them.

Jesus

2011-07-08T20:18:00.000-04:00

While I don't as a rule seek out books on spirituality, this one intrigued me as the premise was the "lost" years of 12 to 30 in the life of Jesus. We heard nothing about that period from the time he was left at the temple by Mary and Joseph til his baptism by John as adult. Of course it is fiction but nonetheless interesting. And as usual, I did learn a few things along the way. Especially in the readers guide at the end. And it reinforced beliefs I've held as mine for a lot of my life. Now I think I must expand on them.

Summer fare

2011-07-06T08:55:00.001-04:00

Love trying out new receipes and this one was a winner. Sweet potato salad with celery, onion, fresh pineapple, pecans and red pepper. Turkey burgers with diced peaches on a garlic cibatta roll and topped with grilled peaches and blueberries and fresh mint. Definately goes into the "tried and true" folder!

Slice of heaven

2011-07-05T13:07:00.000-04:00

Sunset and sunrise are both beautiful on Lake Huron!

Still Alice

2011-06-27T18:07:00.000-04:00

I've decided to write once in awhile about the books I read in case any of you are big readers. Everyone likes different types of books so surely not everyone will like what I do. Nonetheless, reading is something I've always enjoyed and consider a vital part of my life.
"Still Alice" was an enlightening book for me about a woman who experiences early onset Alzheimer's. While it was in a way depressing it was just as much uplifting in realizing the strength she drew on from herself, her family, and her life's experience. It gave insight to what it might be like to experience this type of
dementia.....the disconnection, the letting go of what were her realities and to accept the limitations as they began to accumulate. Told in the voice of the one going through it. I enjoyed and learned from it. That's a good read for me.

Summertime

2011-06-25T19:54:00.000-04:00

Today could just be about the most perfect summertime day. It was in the high 70's and sunny. We went down to Matt's in the Easthills area and while he and Mark worked on a project at his house, I walked to look at the "19 Windows" display nearby. It was fun to see how different each was and how much foot traffic it generated for the unique and fun area it was in. The shops are fun to wander and the displays were fun to see. Here are a few of them and I'll be interested to see which were voted the best.

Hereafter

2011-06-19T09:01:00.000-04:00

I've often thought about the hereafter I've grown up hearing about. Unfortunately no one has come back from there to really tell me what its like. I just finished a book in which the main character was killed and she continues to narrate from the beyond. Sure, its just fiction but I sure like her version of it. Two things stuck with me particularly...."the dead truly talk to us, that in the air between the living, spirits bob and weave and laugh with us. They are the oxygen we breathe." What a thought! I'd like to believe that.
In this wide, wide heaven you get your simplest desires but also the most humble and grand. Kind of whatever would be "heaven" to you. I'm thinking all of this seems a bit better than harps and clouds and fields of flowers which for me would get old quickly. I always like to learn something from the books I read.
From this one I've learned that there are OTHER possibilities.

Visitors from home

2011-06-16T14:59:00.000-04:00

At last someone from my family has come to visit us in our "new" home. It has taken them awhile but my brother Jim, Allie his wife and their grandson and my grandnephew Aaron were just here for a few nites.
It was fun to have them come enjoy it. Aaron loved trolling for golf balls in the pond and saw all kinds
of wildlife. The heron visited, geese of course and the muskrats and a few turtles showed up too. Nothing better for a little boy.

Phil's Stuff

2011-06-15T08:10:00.000-04:00

There is a store here in Grand Rapids down in Matt's neighborhood that I've frequented for many years.
It's a real adventure and you never know what you might find there. Life size manneqins of John Belusi and Dan Akeroyd, full suited armor, bins and bins of fixtures for old houses, old books,magazines, albums, tons of metal yard art, and the list goes on and on. Only open on Saturday. Guaranteed there is something there that will bring back a memory or simply strikes your fancy. Few are the times I go that I don't find something and sometimes it makes it into a treasured spot at home. Top picture of a gear from an industrial furnace that once wirebrushed and clear coated and topped with a round glass makes an interesting coffee table. Hitting Phil's and Farmers Market make Saturday a good day.

Last Chinese Chef

2011-06-12T19:01:00.001-04:00

On my book list at the bottom you'll notice "The Last Chinese Chef" which I read a month or two ago. In it, I learned it was tradition for them to have a cutting board made our of a slice of tree. I just happened to have one that I didn't know what I was going to do with. I know, who just HAS a slice of tree hanging around in their "to do" projects? Well I sanded it as smooth as I could, urethaned the outer bark, combination beeswax/mineral oiled three coats to the surfaces and this rather large cutting board has a new
home at Matt's next to his stove.

Captivatingly Drawn In

2011-06-09T14:38:00.000-04:00

Last night while out to dinner with 2 friends, this little princess standing there by the palm and water was
as they say "pretty as a picture". Jane and I both went for our cameras. I only wish I could have gotten the shot closer instead of zooming with my little camera as it would have been an even better picture. Nonetheless, it's pretty cute!

Our Heron

2011-06-07T16:56:00.000-04:00

No, it's not real but it sure looks like it. My good friend Jane made it for me and we love it. I waited till the bush by the pond was fully leafed out so the golfers wouldn't whack it with an errant shot. We can see it just fine from our enclosed porch a story up from it. A mighty fine specimen I'd say. Good job Jane!

Goodbye John English

2011-06-06T18:08:00.000-04:00

In the 20 some years we had our travel agency, John was one of our favorite clients. He was an endodontist that practiced close to our office. He was such a warm and humorous guy and stopped in
to just chat and spend time with us even if he wasn't travelling somewhere. There are certain people in
your life that you just click with for whatever reason and John was one of them for me. He had an ease about him that made you feel comfortable around him and enjoy his company. I can't imagine anyone
not liking John. I'm sure he'll be welcomed with open arms and hearts on the other side of life and will
make it a better place to be. Hopefully I will see him there!

Jamie in Mali

2011-06-03T09:12:00.000-04:00

Our friends, Phil and Jan Casterton's youngest daughter Jamie just left for a year in Mali with the Peace Corp. She's a delightful young woman and will bring her enthusiasm along with her. She will be doing a blog while there which I have a link to on the blogs I follow should you be interested in her experience. I'm looking forward to learning how she grows and learns from this amazing adventure. Good luck to you Jamie!

Penny Lane

2011-06-01T17:09:00.000-04:00

Meet Penny Lane. This is our son Matt's puppy. He got her from a breeder in Traverse City at the end of May. She's soft, sweet and fairly small and lively right now. She will probably get to about 100 lbs. at full growth. Her parents are from Europe and both beyond that weight full grown. Matt is doing a good job with her so far. She is also adjusting to her feline companion Leo (Sara's cat) pretty well. We will see how she adjusts to her new surroundings and life in the city after the summer's done!

This boy loves his basketball!

2011-05-31T15:33:00.001-04:00

Right from the time he was very, very little Dylan has been fascinated with all things to do with basketball.
He loved watching it being played by the next door neighbors when he couldn't even walk yet. He's been to see a few NBA games even (thanks to Boardman)! He will pass up all playground equipment even if there
is a basketball hoop. We put him on Mark's shoulders and let him have at this junior size one in a playground by our home. He thought he was the bomb for sure and made quite a few baskets which thrilled his little point guard heart. I videoed him and he had to watch it several times pumping his arm up each time he watched himself make it and high 5ing me afterwards. We'll see if he turns out to be as Matt puts it " a scrappy little gym rat" or not!

Nothing better than a playground!

2011-05-28T14:12:00.002-04:00

Penny and Pirate Booty and Toy Story II

2011-05-28T07:15:00.001-04:00

Good way to end the day!

Not Far From The Tree

2011-05-23T09:41:00.000-04:00

I was quite fascinated with pictures my brother Jim unearthed while working on our family tree. We had the picture of Nora Carr Anzalone (my grandmother) with her sister. But her parents James and Nora and Nora's father James O'Boyle were the first we've ever seen. Lots of James and Nora in this family as even James O'Boyle's wife was Hannora. My Dad is James as is his father and my brother. I was also amazed at how much Gramma Nora looks like her mother with just a slightly wider face. They are all just adorable as far as I'm concerned! I certainly don't wonder where my family gets its short stature (both sides too). This is my 100 percent Irish arm of which I am one quarter. James O'Boyle emigrated from Ireland to Ontario where he is pictured in from of his home. James and Nora Carr ended up in Escanaba.

Pastee (y) Picnic

2011-05-22T17:41:00.001-04:00

I've been in my hometown for the last 10 days visiting my 3 brothers. One of the last night's there it was really nice so we went to Gram's and got pasty's and brought them down to the park with our catsup and
had ourselves a picnic. If you've never had a pasty they are like a pie you hold in your hand and have beef, rutabaga, onion, potatoes inside. True yoopers use ketchup on them and they are devoured in a few minutes. They were a perfect meal for miner's in the day and a U.P. standard still!

Mothers Day Feast

2011-05-08T17:43:00.000-04:00

This was a wonderful mothers day feast prepared by my son. He's a far better chef than anyone else I know. He prepared salmon benedict with roasted red peppers and hollandaise sauce, pork tenderloin with creamy mushroom sauce, fresh aparagus, roasted gourmet potatoes, and fresh fruit with a balsamic/brandy reduction. The tenderloin was cooked in an immersion cooker of his own concoction (in the sealed already seasoned package which made it so tender and perfect.
I enjoyed watching him make it and the three of us throughly enjoyed eating it in the warm afternoon sunshine on our sunporch. The only possible way it could have been any better were if Sara, Lindsay, Dave and Dylan were there as well. But let me tell you, if you're only going to eat once this day, this would be hard to beat! A treat for this Mom.

Mother Nature

2011-05-07T12:45:00.000-04:00

This year I have decided not to fight mother nature. I've planted all shade loving plants despite the fact I love color. I will have red (new guinea impatiens) and white (lobelia) and lime green sweet potato vine and deep red in the coleus but all are supposed to do well in the shade. We'll see.................

First of the season

2011-05-02T14:03:00.000-04:00

The first babies of the season appeared this morning................................

Royal Viewing

2011-04-29T10:36:00.000-04:00

I didn't pay much attention to the all of the hype leading up to the royal wedding that took place today. But this morning as I had my coffee, I have to admit I enjoyed watching the ceremonies surrounding this fairybook couple. They have carried themselves throughout with grace and
dignity. For the cynics out there I say "baa humbug".

2nd Silver Lake

2011-04-27T17:20:00.000-04:00

Yeah, OK.........enough rain already!

Juror 0476

2011-04-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

Ordinarily I'd be thrilled to be selected for jury duty. However, the date I saw as the report to duty date was
the only week of the summer I happen to already have committed to. It is the one time in the whole year where my husband's siblings and their families come together to reconnect with each other. We all look forward to the respite from our regular lives to once again catch up with each other.
I couldn't just not show up under penalty of fine, imprisonment or both for comtempt of court. So I managed to receive a postponement and now will look forward to serving in the fall. Yippee!

Winter Project "Done"!

2011-04-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Last September while visiting our good friends at Lake Huron we found a large piece of aged walnut. We had it cut down and then my work began. Sanding with 3 different levels of sandpaper, top and bottom. Staining top and bottom. Many, many coats of protective urethane and all with the exception of the face or front of this piece which I wanted natural to better go with the fireplace. Thankfully I did not mount it myself.
Watching it done was quite fascinating though. Now my winter project is done and I'm going to leave what goes on it to Mark since it is his "room".

Happy Birthday dear Lindsay, Happy Birthday to you!

2011-04-19T07:14:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful daughter.
You are beautiful inside and out and deserve
every happiness this world has to give.

Paella #1

2011-04-18T09:14:00.000-04:00

After my recent trip to Florida, I am determined to add paella to my receipes. This was the first attempt done with my friend Chris Kramer. The one thing different from most receipes, I'd guess, was we used
red rice which we thought was heartier than white or brown. We also did just seafood to start and hence seafood stock to cook it in. We were pretty happy with how it turned out! It was also fun to experiment with a friend. Next time meat as well for a more complex flavor.

It must be time....

2011-04-16T09:58:00.000-04:00

For the last probably 30 hours straight, this goose has been sitting on the other side of our pond on this pile of leaves next to a stump. Through terrible winds and rain and not getting up except to reposition herself.
I am thinking we're going to see some little ones soon. What I want to know is where is her mate?

The Sunporch

2011-04-13T18:31:00.001-04:00

It's taken almost a year but we can finally say that the sunporch is complete. The structure was there to start with thanks to Shirley Gruhn. But we took it a step further by making the screened in porch a enclosed, windowed space that we can use as soon as the sun shines in and until the snow falls. With windows that slide open and are screened on three sides, it lengthens our living area quite a bit. We just love it!

Happy B-day to me!

2011-04-12T16:56:00.001-04:00

Last week was my 61st! And I got to celebrate with my husband Mark, my son Matt and his girlfriend Sara as well as my nephew Justin Anzalone. My choice, Thai! Loved it and lunch the next day were just as good!

Busy morning

2011-04-09T16:35:00.000-04:00

The geese, the ducks, and the heron all hanging around this morning.

Happy "birthday" Dad!

2011-04-04T19:32:00.000-04:00

He would be 91 today.

Blue Heron

2011-04-02T21:05:00.001-04:00

Our blue heron is back for the season and hunting for dinner tonite. Getting dusky and dark but his reflection shows up pretty well. Wonder what he's going to think when I put out my own heron soon. Made by my friend Jane, it is a good looker. We'll see if there is any interest! Will post a picture of it when it goes out.

Foodfest

2011-03-30T08:13:00.000-04:00

Every bit as memorable as the fun you have .......... the food you eat! Truly one of life's great pleasures.

Good Bye Keys

2011-03-29T08:04:00.000-04:00

Alas, all good things must come to an end..............................back to reality today.

Random images

2011-03-28T07:53:00.000-04:00

Paella Evening in Miami (Hit little grey square to see picture)

2011-03-27T12:28:00.001-04:00

Last evening we trekked up to Miami to spend the evening at Monika's lovely home. Our friend Patty, whom also lives in Coral Gables, spent the afternoon making a seafood and a chiorzo/chicken paella in
honor of our visit. There were twelve guests with wonderful names like Enrique, Luciano, Tia, Rio, Augusto,
Jorge, Bea (pronounced Baya) and from many varied places. The conversation was lively and varied and interesting and ,I (the only stranger there) , felt the warmth of good food, beautiful surroundings and great

people a fitting almost end to my stay in Florida. Can't wait til next year!

Pennekamp

2011-03-25T10:41:00.000-04:00

While in Key Largo on vacation I've managed to continue my morning walk each day. This morning I walked at Pennekamp State Park while my friend Lonell did her volunteer work. I must stay I appreciated each and every step that wasn't ice covered as it would have been back home. As they say down here..........Life is Good!

Gumbo Limbo

2011-03-21T17:05:00.000-04:00

This morning we took a Florida forest walk looking for the seedlings of the satin plant. We just went for the walk in the wood but saw very different vegetation than what we see back in Michigan. This is the gumbo limbo tree (tourist tree because it peels like the tourist to Florida do). It had a live snail attached to the bark.
Pretty interesting looking tree actually.

The Super Moon

2011-03-19T21:59:00.000-04:00

It's been an experience seeing the once every 20 years "super moon" while here in Key Largo. These photos certainly don't do it justice but then my camera is just a little Sony Cyper shot. In person it is really awesome. Of course ,the water might make it even better :)

Lights of Miami

2011-03-18T07:39:00.000-04:00

What a great night to arrive in Florida. Clear all the way from Grand Rapids, we enjoyed seeing the lights of all the major cities we flew over getting here. Doesn't happen often that you can track your progress so well.
The Captain pointed out all the major cities as we flew and even as we left Grand Rapids we could pick out our condo complex between Silver and Bostwick Lakes as we departed. Amazing!

Breakfast w/the birds

2011-03-15T15:58:00.000-04:00

This tree full of berries was a big attraction this morning. There must have been 30 birds on it feasting.
Made is sound like spring! :)

Foggy twilight

2011-03-09T18:42:00.000-05:00

Always interesting to see a day end here on the "course". Sometimes green and lush
and orange. Sometimes white and bright. Sometimes like tonite just foggy and ethereal.

D's Happy Day

2011-03-04T18:31:00.000-05:00

Lindsay and Dave had a book made for Dylan that includes him along with the Seasame Street characters pictures and all. Dylan loves it! This video is the end of Mark reading it to him this week while we were
visiting. We always try to video things to bring back and enjoy when we can't be with him. This one will
be viewed more than once.

Bird's Eyeview

2011-03-03T16:28:00.000-05:00

There is something very cool about taking a small plane across a few states on a relatively clear day (which I had both ways).
You don't get up as high and can see forever all the way along, kinda like a bird :D

2011-02-26T12:43:00.000-05:00

A trip to the local Indian Market in Jersey is a fun experience for those of us who like Indian food.
A great variety of spices, dried bean types, flours, frozen strange veggies, fresh paneer, several basmati's, all a feast for the eyes. Can't fit much in the little carry-on luggage though. So we're going to try some before we leave and get more when come back with the car.

Wildthings

Midnight at the Oasis

The Rare Sunny Day

I knew it! (Reblog)

New Camera

A few more from last week.............

This weeks cuts

Tats

Pinterest

Little Miss Personality

365 for 2012

MSU 63 WIS 60

One Last Look

Cool Mistake

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Pen's loot

Matt and Sara's Remodel

Christmas Lightly

Course Walk

Freegal

Sunday Humor

Frank Lloyd Wright - Meyer May home in Grand Rapids, MIchigan

Early sunset

Happy 3rd Birthday Dylan James

Dawn 11-11-11

Frank Lloyd in Grand Rapids

Patina

Grampa Ed's Genes

Wonder of a Weekend

Tomorrow's visit

Cleanest Garage on the Cul de Sac

On the half shell

Fall on the Course

Time to go soon

Dylan's new hat

The end of Artprize for 2011 for me

Interesting Entries

Unusual TV Stand

Different sunrise

Arcadia Bluffs

Hugs

10 Years ago September 11th

Bonfire

Trains

Hometown glory

Just another Saturday

Hulkilucious

Trains

And then they'll be 4.

Immersion Cooking

At the end of the day

The Getaway Car

The Saffron Kitchen

Jesus

Summer fare

Slice of heaven

Still Alice

Summertime

Hereafter

Visitors from home

Phil's Stuff

Last Chinese Chef

Captivatingly Drawn In

Our Heron

Goodbye John English

Jamie in Mali

Penny Lane

This boy loves his basketball!

Nothing better than a playground!

Penny and Pirate Booty and Toy Story II

Not Far From The Tree

Pastee (y) Picnic

Mothers Day Feast

Mother Nature

First of the season

Royal Viewing

2nd Silver Lake

Juror 0476

Winter Project "Done"!

Happy Birthday dear Lindsay, Happy Birthday to you!