July 4th weekend 2009

I was able to take lots of pictures this weekend. I was in my glory. Friday morning I spent some time with a friend who showed me some of the things she's been learning in her photo classes. We practiced together and then when we had to part, I headed to Meijer Gardens to practice some more. Then to downtown Grand Rapids just because. Well, I wanted to scope out locations to take some night shots of the city.

Then it was over to Holland to board my brother's sailboat and head to the other end of Lake Mac and watch the fireworks. Great show. Late home. No pictures. Hard to take night shots from a sailboat that is gently bobbing.

Saturday was a trip to my girlfriend's in Three Rivers for a day of crafting -- card making. Those cards are worth lots of money... if our time is worth anything. Then it was off to the fireworks in Grandville. Yes, I took pictures.

Here is a link that I hope will take you to my photo album.

God's surprises

This morning after church I took my bike up to the White Pines Trail and rode from Belmont to Rockford and back. I had planned on stopping at Dam Dogs for a hotdog and then riding over to Rocky's for ice cream. Well, Dam Dogs is not open on Sunday and Rocky's didn't open for another hour. Look at all the money I saved. But that being the case I started back earlier than planned.

And because of that I saw a doe and her two fawns cross the trail about 30 feet ahead of me. They just sauntered across. How cool. A couple coming from the other direction, although farther away, saw them too. We all thought it was so neat. In addition to the deer there seemed to be a lot of butterflies on the way back also. All different kinds. A great ride to enjoy God's creations.

A Busy Saturday Morning

My day started early. I couldn't sleep and noticed that the sky was kind of pretty.

Then I decided I should take advantage of the beautiful morning and go for a bike ride. I logged 6.5 miles in about 40 minutes. I was home by 7AM. Fixed breakfast. Got ready to go out for the day. It seemed like a good day to go to the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek.

The walkway to the tram to the African plains had all the flags of the African countries. I thought it was really cool.

It is so much fun getting so close to the giraffes. They seem so gentle. The zoo is really nice. Lots of room. BUT no lions and tigers.

Upcoming Weekend

The weekend is here. Seems like it was a long time coming. Seems like forever since last weekend when I had such a great time. This weekend is looking good though. Going to a Victorian Day Festival which is having a quilt show. I don't think they have vendors. I think quilts are just displayed in some of the stores, etc. A friend is going with me so we should have a really nice time. Sunday is church, lunch with friends and a visit with my parents. And the weather is supposed to be sunny!!! Amazing. Oh so welcome.

Bike Ride

I got the bicycle out today after work. I had a chiro appt which is about 3 miles from my house. Jumped on the bike and headed over to his office. It felt so good to be out there riding. Supposed to have another few nice days. Hopefully I can get a few more rides in of longer duration.

BRRRRRRR

Ya just gotta love MI weather. Nice for a few days in a row. Nice enough to even get a little tan on my face when at the zoo. THEN the bottom falls out. This morning it was in the 20's and got up into the mid 40s. That's not so bad. It was the wind and lack of sun that made it a very chilly day. I was hoping to get the old bike out again today and go for a little longer ride than yesterday but it was too cold. The weather report for the end of the week looks MUCH better starting on Wednesday.

Where is March going?

It seems like it was just Mar 1 and now suddenly it is the 22nd. Time sure flies when you are having fun. That is the saying so I must be having fun. Actually I am.

This month I've managed to get a day when I could go and play with Pat (my girlfriend from highschool). We spend the whole day making cards and such. We had a ball using her Cricut Expression and my Cuttlebug. I've also spent a day at Meijer Gardens taking pictures of the butterflies and some of the sculptures and the waterfalls. Yes, one of these days, I'll post a few. I also spent an afternoon/evening with my 13 year old nephew. We saw Inkheart and then went to Logans. I highly recommend the movie. And who doesn't love Logans bread. Steaks are good too.

Now March Madness is in full swing. At the end of 2 rounds, I have missed 15 but I do have 13 of the Sweet 16 teams. I hear the President has 14. There have been some great games -- really close ones.

Online Games

I love playing games, especially word games.  I usually get beat but what the heck.  Anyway on FaceBook there are several word games that I like to play with some of my friends.  A couple of my favorites are Word Twist and Scramble.  But my favorite now is Scrabble.  I played four times over the last week.  First time was really good.  The other times were fun.  One of the things I really like about the Scrabble game is that it is real-time.  Now if they can just get Upwords as an online real-time game.

Winter Thaw

Today is the day.  It is really warm out there.  It's 48 degrees.  That is warm compared to the temps of under 30 for highs and lows of single digits or teens for more than a month.  The snow is really melting today.  Probably be some flooding.  The sun is shining so pretty.  I think I should get out there and enjoy this beautiful day.

It's also good that we are having a nice day today because it is Christmas for our family.  We are finally getting around to celebrating it.  We've tried a couple other times but because of sickness and scheduling conflicts, we've had to postpone.  The weather is much nicer today for it. 

We are also celebrating February birthdays today.  We have 3 in our family.  I led off, Monday is Dad's, and the 17th is my niece's.  How did any of us get to be as old as we are already.  Time sure flies.

Most of my morning was spent down in my craft room making birthday cards.  If my time was worth anything, those sure are expensive cards.  LOL   I had a great time doing them and that is what counts.  I'm not 100% satisfied with them but I'm still a beginner at paper crafting.  I'll get it one of these days.  I think the key word is PRACTICE!

The morning is gone and I have not had breakfast.  I got a little sidetracked.  My tummy is letting me know.

2009 Already

I can't believe how fast time is going.  It's already the 4th of January.  Seems like 2008 just flew by.  Every year just seems to go faster and faster. 

The other day I was down in my craft area.  I just stood there shaking my head.  I have way too many books and fabric.  So I decided I would sell some of my books on Craig's List.  Well, as I was going through the books trying to pick out the books that I would sell, I couldn't seem to choose any.  What's with that?  Now I know in my head that I will probably never open some of these books again.  They are great books and that is the problem.  How do you get rid of a great book?  So I guess I'll keep the books and just by chance someday I might just use one.

I also decided I had way too much fabric.  No, I'm not going to sell or toss that BUT I have decided to Slash the Stash this year.  I'm off to a good start.  I have cut out 20 blocks for a Turning Twenty quilt.  Now that is 5 yards of fabric and it didn't even make a dent.  Right now I have the blocks laid out on the floor.  Today (no church today...ice) I plan to go down and sew the blocks.  I may even have time to assemble them.  I'm sure I have a piece or two of fabric that will work for a backing. 

I've read JudyL's challenge regarding stash busting and I'm not just sure I'll join that because I know I won't have much to report each week.  When I make postcards, they only use two 4" x 6" pieces.  But I don't usually have to buy new fabric to make them.  Embellishments is another thing.  Anyway, I am going to keep track of fabric usage and maybe I'll report in on her site every once in a while just for some accountability.  I see by her post today that she reports on what she has pulled and cut for the week.  So I think I'll just start out the year by doing that.  It will be interesting to see how much fabric I can use this year.  I need more space. (I have another new hobby this year.)

The new hobby is paper cards.  I have gotten hooked on the Cricut and Cuttlebug machines.  That is just so much fun.  Just what I needed was another hobby.  Why can't I find a hobby that doesn't involve spending money?  At least I was able to find a used Cricut and got my Cuttlebug for a really good price.  With savvy shopping, I have found supplies for up to 66% off.  Here is a site that shows some of the creations made using the two machines.

OK, enough rambling.  I need to get breakfast and get cracking down in the craft room.

I'm praying for a really good and productive 2009.

Thanksgiving

It's a day to reflect on all the blessings I have received this year.  Most of all I am thankful that Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  The other things that are up there in the top 5, in no particular order, are a job I love, a great family, many wonderful and special friends, and good health.  I am truly blessed.

I spent the day with my folks and one of my brothers, 2 of his kids and his friend who has pretty much become a part of our family.  I did my first turkey today.  It was not all that hard.  I might try it someday on my own.  I probably should get a roasting pan first though.  Can't imagine doing one in those flimsy throw-away aluminum pans they have for them. 

Indian Summer

Yes, this is it for sure.  It has been absolutely beautiful yesterday and today.  And tomorrow is supposed to be almost 80.  Monday will still be nice but cooler and a few clouds.  I think it will be a wonderful day for going to a college JV football game.  I'll go watch my girlfriend's grandson play. 

Today I got some laundry done, and took the folks on a few errands.  I'm sure glad they have gotten moved and are enjoying it.  I had lunch with them at their dining hall.  It was really good.  Came home and was getting the mower out of the garage.  I heard someone yell "Hey Skinny!"  They were talking about me!!!  Sure made my day.

Tomorrow I plan on going to the metropolis of Sylvester and attend church at my former pastor's church.  I've not heard him preach since he left over 4 years ago.  In fact, I have hardly seen them.  I miss them terribly.  We'll go out to dinner after church and then I'll head homeward and hopefully get some more pictures.

I wish this weather could go on all winter.  In the 40's at night and then maybe mid 60s to 70 during the day.  Perfect.  I know, dream on.

Where is the Summer going?

I can't believe it is July 20 already.  Seems like the Summer just started.  But the temp and humidity is telling me that Summer is WELL under way. 

I had a great evening yesterday.  A friend and I went to The Barn Theater in the little village of Augusta to see the play West Side Story.  That was a favorite movie of mine when I was much younger.  And I think I've worn out the soundtrack album.  That was back when they put songs on LPs.  Remember them? 

The Barn Theater is Michigan's oldest resident Summer Stock theater.  This is the 62nd season.  The first time I went was with the high school dance band.  We saw The Unsinkable Molly Brown.  Then I went a few years later to see On A Clear Day.  I love plays in small theaters.  I don't know why I don't go more often.  We did get tickets for Shenandoah for next month.  Another musical.

This coming weekend is my 2nd SWMCCC photographic weekend at Hope College.  I'm so looking forward to it.  I'm excited to meet up with friends I met last year.  There are so many great sessions it's going to be hard to pick.  I do know I'm going on a Wild Birds of Prey shoot.  I got some great pics last year.  I know one of my friends is going on the shoot too.  Will be fun.

Been playing golf on the ministry league this summer.  I've had some really great holes,  quite a few great shots, and I'm getting my money's worth.  LOL  It's fun though.  Leaves lots of room for improvement.  LOL

Until next time...

July 4th weekend

I can't believe it is almost over with.  So far the weather had been absolutely perfect.  Once this weekend is over, it always seems like Summer is half over even though it only officially started about 2 weeks ago.

Yesterday I went over to Lake MI and observed all the crowded beaches.  Then it was on to my brother's for supper followed by a sail almost the whole length of Lake Macatawa (about 3 miles) to watch the fireworks.  There is nothing like watching fireworks from a sailboat in the middle of the lake.  There is the glow above and the reflection in the water.  Our biggest challenge was finding our way back to the marina in the dark.  Thankfully they have lighted buoys every half mile or so.  Gotta watch out for the unlit ones though.  (We did.)

Today I took my 13 year old nephew fishing.  What a great day.  We probably caught close to a dozen fish.  We are sport fishermen -- we throw them back.  We were out for about 2 hours.  This was his 2nd time fishing and he loves it.  Just have to get him taking his fish off his hook. 

Tomorrow is, hopefully, a game of golf with a young man I just met yesterday.  He is up here visiting from NC.  He is a friend of a friend of mine. 

Tonight I watched a terrific movie -- August Rush.  It came highly recommended and I loved it.  I might watch it again before I return it.

If I get the golf in, it will be a perfect weekend. 

Happy Birthday, USA!!!

A great day!

Today has been an absolutely perfect day.  A friend called and asked if I wanted to go for a bike ride  I said sure.  Well, we had a ride!  A little over 23 miles in 2.75 hours ride time. (Not bad for only the 3rd ride of the season.)  We rode on a a bike trail the whole way.  What a nice way to ride.  We rode about 5 or 6 miles along the Grand River.  Our destination was the town of Rockford which was having their Summer Festival.  Heard a really good band who were doing a lot of songs from the 60's .  They were really good.  Then we shared a chicken sandwich and Jicama slaw.   Delish.  Then it was back on the bikes for the return trip.  By the time we got back to parking lot where we started my back side was really sore.  I don't think I'll go for a bike ride tomorrow.  LOL  I think I'll sleep well tonight.  Hope I can walk tomorrow.  LOL

Golf ? ! ? !

Tell me why we play this crazy game. Actually I love playing but oh, if I could only be consistent!

Last Friday I went out to play in the first game of the season for the league at work. Oh I did just great. NOT! I got the highest score of the group. Don't you get a prize for that? Then Tuesday I took the day off the play with my nephew who is on leave between graduating from the Coast Guard Academy and reporting to his first duty station in FL. I taught him to play 6 or 7 years ago and he's never beaten me. Until Tuesday. By one stroke. He started out great but fell apart on 2 holes. I fell apart on more than that.

Well, after two rounds like I had, I decided lesson(s) were in order. I went to a local golf course that was running a special and signed up for 2. Was able to take one that afternoon. I now know what my problem is and how to solve it. Doing it is a WHOLE 'nother thing. So I went to the driving range and hit more balls. Bottom line -- Chiropractor says I'm not 20 anymore!!!!!! Man, was I sore. Needed an adjustment that night. I'm better today. And I need to head out to the driving range before league on Friday afternoon. Hopefully I can remember what he told me and put it into practice.

In the meantime, if you see me on the course, I'm yelling FORE before I even hit the ball. LOL

A Beautiful Day

Today is a perfect day!  It was our first 70 degree day since last October.  The humidity was log and there was a nice breeze.  A great day to be outside.  So after work, a friend and I went to Meijer Gardens to view the butterfly exhibit and walk the trails through the gardens.  Being a sunny day, the butterflies were very active.  One of the butterflies we wanted to find was the Clear Wing.  Thanks to one of the visitors there, we found one.  Because they have clear wings and are not very big, they can be very hard to find.  Nope, no pictures this time.  Hopefully I'll get back out there before the exhibit is over (end of April) and get some more butterfly pics. 

Once outside, it was sooooo beautiful.  We walked around the sculpture park but didn't take them all in.  Time was a factor.  Then we walked around the farm house and barn and took the boardwalk at the edge of the pond and enjoyed the guess, swans and ducks.  I so enjoy the gardens.  Can't wait until more flowers besides the daffodils, pansies and miniature iris are in bloom.

Experimenting

I read on another blog about Windows Live Writer.  I decided to try it. So this post will be just trying things out. 

So if I want to add a picture

I can do it.  I just have to figure out how I get it so I can have the print next to it rather than on top and bottom. 

 

 

I guess it is like this but something happened and I lost part of my picture. 

Hmm  it seems to be reappearing every time I go to a new line.  That's strange.  But it works.

 

Now it will be interesting to see how it looks on the blog when I post it.

Spring is sprung

The last snow in my yard has finally melted. I think it was Thursday it finally disappeared. Now I know that it is doesn't mean that's it for the season. But there is hope.

I'm finally feeling like my old self again. That bronchitis stuff is nasty. I had it for over 2 weeks and stayed home from work 5 days total. I'm glad I was able to work from home when I felt like it.

Today is a play day. A friend and I are going to Saugatuck for the day and then coming back here and watching the Final Four games. They should be good games. Time will tell. First time all #1 seeds made it to the Final Four.

Coast Guard Rugby is playing Harvard for a tune-up game for Nationals in two weeks. Go Bears!

Something I'm going to be pondering the next few days/weeks. What makes a work team mesh as a team? How do you fix a broken one?

I thought it was Spring

Here is it, Good Friday the second day of Spring and we are getting snow. Now just a dusting but 3"-7" here by morning. A little south of here could get up to 13". Ah, Michigan, you gotta love this state. But I must admit it is pretty out there. And to think the snow was all gone except for the piles of which I have quite a lot.