August 31

Gosh...hard to believe this is the last day of August....where oh where has the summer gone?    Our day started with Mark making yummy blueberry pancakes.   We took the rental car back and then went for a walk.   It's very windy today, hot and sunny!   

Leon and Helen picked us up at 1:00 and we drove all around Muskegon and north and they showed us several landmarks of the area (this is where they were both born and raised).   We stopped at Dog 'n Suds for root beer floats..........delish!

Enjoying a summertime treat

Back to their home for visiting, wine, snacks (very delicious bar-b-que smoked salmon which Leon made).   Had a wonderful dinner (chicken made with a poultry pal, vegetables and awesome peach/blueberry pie)!    It was such a fun afternoon spent with good friends from long ago...

Helen with her chicken baked in the poultry pal pan

Leon and Dixie

August 30

Hot and sunny here in Muskegon...Mark rented a car and after breakfast we ran some errands; back to Catrina for lunch and then off to sightsee.   We drove to Muskegon State Park and Duck Lake with all the sand dunes.

Onto Whitehall and Montague area where we've been before with Sail Catrina in 2006 and especially remembered when we enjoyed some ice cream at the old fashioned soda fountain downtown Montague and the LONG uphill walk to church!   This time around,   Mark had a cone and I had a dish (1 scoop each).....mine was in a styrofoam-to-go-drink cup (tall size), full to the top and together we spent $2.80.   That has to be the best price for ice cream in a long time - so much for so little and oh yes....so delicious - Traverse cherry chocolate!   Excellent

The Lake Express (car ferry) as it was leaving the dock today heading back to Milwaukee.

Car ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon

We had pizza at Fricano's and had eaten here a few years ago - popular spot!

August 29

We were up early and at first light, left Saugatuck and happy memories of our time here.   Had planned to cross to Port Washington, WI;   lake had 1-3 footers which isn't too bad, but with no auto pilot....naahhh!  Decided to head north instead and hang out in Muskegon, our final destination.   Looking forward to just relaxing, walking and visiting friends - going home Thursday for a few days and back next week.

We anchored out in Lake Muskegon and Mark put on his wet suit and did some cleaning along side Catrina.   And here he is...

Ready to take the plunge!

Water temp was 72 degrees

I went to the pool for an hour (this Great Lakes Marina is very nice and busy).  I finished reading "Sarah's Key" and it was excellent and I highly recommend it!  We walked and stopped at Max -n- Marley's Dog House which features a huge selection of hot dogs with everything imaginable - we chose the special for the day "Gyro dogs" and they were delicious!   

Thanks to Leon and Helen, we had delicious grilled salmon for dinner - this was some that Leo had caught!

The Lake Express (car-ferry) runs 4 times daily from Milwaukee to Muskegon and is docked very close to Catrina!    We are thinking about taking this next week after visiting Racine by car and then riding the ferry back here!

We have a new great nephew - Andrew Joseph arrived last night and is welcomed by Mike (our nephew), Sara and big brother, Jacob!   Congratulations to alll!

August 28

FUN day in Saugatuck and packed a lot of stuff in starting with some washing/waxing of Catrina.   Mark had me using the electric buffer and that was good movement for the shoulder.    We walked to downtown Douglas (sister city to Saugatuck) and what a pretty little town with shops, outdoor cafes (everyone was outside eating on this gorgeous day), shops, and flowers, flowers and more flowers.   We enjoyed some delicious gelato.

Some of the many lush blooms in downtown Douglas, Michigan

After lunch we went cruising on the dinghy on Kalamazoo Lake - everyone was out and about today - small sailboats, jet skiers, kayakers,  pontoons, dinghys, etc. 

We've seen this hydrocar before (on the bridge of a yacht in Frankfort, MI) and here it was just cruising along.   When it comes out of the water, they drive away!

  Stopped and toured the SS Keewatin  (blizzard of the north) which was an upscale cruise ship from 1907-1967 on the great lakes running between Canadian ports.   It operated as a cruise ship from May-September and during the winter months, would carry cargo.    It was retired in 1967 to Saugatuck/Douglas and now is in port as a museum.

  

SS Keewatin

From the top deck, these were some of the sites we enjoyed...

Fun Caribbean-type bar near the SS Keewatin (Red Dock)

Tower Marina (where Catrina is docked) as seen from the SS Keewatin

Walked to 5:00 Mass at St. Peter's in Douglas, had salads for supper and enjoyed the lovely evening!

Tomorrow...weather and lake conditions permitting, we are "hoping" to cross over to Wisconsin!

August 27

Started off this Friday with cherry cream cheese strudel that I bought at the Farmer's Market  and oh my, was it ever good!   We left South Haven after 2 days/3 nights of good eating, shopping, visiting and just enjoying our return to this neat little town.

Leaving the South Haven Municipal Marina

The entrance to the channel to South Haven as we left this morning

We cruised 24 miles to Saugatuck, another favorite port - much busier than South Haven, but did get a slip for the next 2 nights at Tower Marina.   We dinghied over to town, had a great lunch at The Mermaid and then I browsed around the shops and Mark came back to his Catrina job list (still working on the auto pilot)!   I brought the water taxi back to the boat.   It was another gorgeous day.

Us having lunch at The Mermaid

The Michigan schools do not start till after Labor Day so lots of families still vacationing.   This is a real happening place and very artsy community also known as the B and B capital of the Midwest.

August 26

Another picture-perfect day starting with breakfast at The Phoenix Cafe and walk to the hardware and grocery stores.    Mark worked on the fluxgate compass (Leon and Helen delivered last night from a marina store in Muskegon) and we took Catrina out on the lake (smooth as glass.........NOT like the predicted rough 3 days we kept hearing about)?    Still having some issues, so....

My brothers and sisters-in-law arrived for the day - we had a yummy lunch at Clementine's and then the girls shopped and the guys took Catrina out for another test run (going 'round and 'round in circles) and this was good opportunity for Bob and Ron to get in a nap!   The auto pilot is working, but still not 100%?

We all sat on Catrina's bridge and watched the boats, people and just enjoy the day....then to Sherman's for ice cream (a South Haven tradition) - oh-so-many wonderful flavors to choose from and all homemade. 

"Gosh, this is good stuff"!!!!

Ron, Vicki, Linda and Bob

  They left at 6:30 and Mark and I went for a dinghy ride up the Black River. 

Some of the many condos along the way and the "Idler" (popular restaurant) up front

Tonight was a concert in the park here at the marina....oh my, folks came out big time wearing their jeans, sweatshirts, jackets and enjoyed the Randy Moore Band.    Even the boats coming back into port, stopped to listen.   And then the long walk to the end of the pier for the sunset which South Haven is known for - this was a good one!    And the cameras were clicking away...

Ahhhh, the serenity of the water on a beautiful evening

August 25

Beautiful day in South Haven....almost feels "fallish".    Mark worked on Catrina's auto pilot (compass) which didn't work yesterday crossing the lake!   Arghhhh!    I browsed some of the shops and the Farmer's Market where they had a bountiful array of  produce, pastries, flowers, etc.  After lunch we gave Catrina a good scrubbing.

Long-time friends from Muskegon, Helen and Leon drove down and we had a delightful visit on Catrina plus the added bonus of their son, Andy and his children stopping by.   We hadn't seen Andy in years (he and Philip were good buddies growing up).    

Leon and Helen

Andy and children, Katelyn (5) and Evan (4) - Mommy was golfing

Andy, Leon, Helen, Katelyn and Evan

Helen, Leon, Mark and I had great pizza at The Vineyard and lots more gabbing. Mark and I walked back to Catrina and enjoyed this beautiful view of Lake Michigan!

August 24

August 24, 1968.....Mark proposed!

   And 42 years later it was another great day for us on the water crossing Lake Michigan.    We left Joliet at 6:20 this morning and traveled on the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal, Cal-Sag Waterway, Little Calumet River and finally Lake Michigan!!!  We went thru 2 locks (Lockport and the Thomas O'Brien) and both were uneventful!

We went under many bridges (including suspended railroad bridges), and saw barges, barges and more barges with gravel, coal, and mulch, along with many chemical plants, petroleum and oil refineries and cranes, cranes, everywhere - thought how much our grandsons would enjoy all this.    Here are some sites we saw along the way....

Foamy water in the Lockport Lock

Pile of salt (we think) preparing for the wintry IL roads this winter (not sure about the blue color)

Saw lots of scrap metal

A unique bridge

One of many bridges with neat reflection in the water

Our total mileage today was 128 miles and we were very thankful for a smooth crossing.   Tonight we are in South Haven, Michigan, one of our favorite ports and lots of good memories boating here with friends over the years.    After settling in (planning to stay here for 3 days as the forecast sounds ugly for the lake next few days with 4-7 footers - NO thank you!!!)

We had a delicious dinner at Clementine's......celebrating 42 years ago and what started all this fun!!!

August 23

Our North Carolina grandsons started school today and here they are...

Drew (5th); Davis (3rd) and Brady (preschool)

Monday morning and off to therapy - Jim and Lee agreed that after my next 2 scheduled sessions (September 3rd and 10th), we'll try twice a month and see how it goes!   Yeah!!!    I've been hurting after using those yellow latex bands - whew, do they ever pull as I do the 5 strengthening routines!   Jim said to lighten up a bit and try once a day and gradually build up, so....that's the plan!   

We are off for vacation....arrived in Ottawa and got our stuff unloaded around 11:15 and 10 minutes later, we were leaving the dock as the lockmaster at Marseilles said it would be a long wait if we didn't get there soon!

Heritage Harbor Marina
We really enjoyed our summer here but ready to move on...

  When we got to the Marseilles lock, Mark and the young man working there were chatting about this and that (only Kole's second week on the job) and found out he's from Sublette and a cousin of mine!    Small world!

It was a beautiful day for cruising - we went thru 3 locks with no waiting, passed lots of cornfields, RV parks, barges, including several that had sunk.

Sunken barges

Stacks of cargo covers for the barges.

 .  

Captain Mark cruising the IL River

We traveled 45.5 miles today.  Tonight we are on the DesPlaines River tied up to the wall in Joliet and across the way from Harrah's Casino.   We went for a walk and had salads for supper - GOOD first day and both the Captain and First Mate are really glad to be back traveling on Catrina!

August 22

We packed up our things from Catrina and went to 9:00 Mass at St. Columba. Then the plan was to pick up my Dad and take him for a ride in the country, out for lunch, etc., but he had a slight fever, so....we were advised not to take him out although he said he felt fine.    Mark and I went to get some carry-out lunch, including a chocolate shake and Dad ate very well.

We then came on home and have been moving last of furniture from family room, doing laundry and gathering things for garage sale that Anne is participating in for "Relay for Life".  

Congratulations to my brother Ron and Vicki - today they celebrate 40 years of marriage as do our friends, Bob and Martha!

Ron and Vicki

August 22, 1970

Ice Cream, Ice Cream....we all scream for ICE CREAM!!!   Tonight we met Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor at Gene's (the best ice cream in town) and here's everyone enjoying their treats!

Dad/Grandpa Pete enjoying his chocolate shake at lunch time

Anne and her boys

Hanging out with Daddy

Liam was so proud of his ducky design that he "licked" together!

I have therapy in the morning and then we are officially

 "on vacation"!!!   

August 21

Saturday morning we are up and at 'em to run a few errands and then greet Theresa (Mark's sister) and husband, Mike who drove down from Chicago.  We yakked away and then went cruisin' on the river, anchored out for lunch and back to the marina for more visiting.    Great day to be on the water and catch up!

Theresa and Mike

Theresa and Mark

Catrina with Theresa and Mike

August 20

It's Friday and we are off to Dr. Novotny.    He was pleased with my progress and said  "No" to another manipulation.    I'm to continue with the at-home therapy 3x a day, 7 days a week till I see him December 17th.   On Monday I will talk to Jim and Lee and see about therapy with them once every 2 weeks possibly.    Dr. thinks that will be sufficient, but it's all about what they think!   So, hopefully, I'll be getting more range of motion and less pain (that will take time and patience), but he really feels the pain will decrease as time goes on.   The x-rays showed that the bone has almost completely covered the rod, so that looks good, too!   All in all, a great report!  

Back home, we met with Josh (contractor) and went over the dismantling of the fireplace and other things we want him to do - he hopes to get at the messy stuff  while we're on vacation next week.

And then, we were off to Ottawa and weekend on Catrina.   Here's our little guys starting school - reminds me so much of their uncles Michael, Philip and Ryan in their cute little uniforms....so eager and ready!

Connor and Liam

We gave Catrina a good scrubbing - windy, warm afternoon so didn't take long to dry, but then skies were threatening, and the rain came!    Our long-time boating friends came onboard for drinks, snacks and visiting.

Barb and Roger

 Gary and Judy

On our way to Anne's Hideaway for dinner, Ryan called from California.  He's back from his time on the Nimitz in Hawaii.   He did not go ashore, but so good to hear from him.   We had over an hour wait for dinner, but well worth it.   If you're ever in the tiny town of Naplate, check out Anne's - delish!   We almost closed the place down and then said our good-byes.   FUN time!

August 19

Thursday brought back the humidity and 90 degrees!   But it is still August, so...

Liam started kindergarten today (2 hours) and Connor had his 1st hour of preschool yesterday!    Our NC grandsons start tomorrow - hope to share some pics soon?

Mark and I ran some errands (separately) and I had therapy at 1:00.   Lee did more measurements and is faxing info to Dr. Novotny who I will see in the morning and he will determine whether I should have another manipulation.   Lee gave me long strips of latex for strengthening exercises.

Brooke wrote that Davis (8) lost his first 2 teeth tonight - yeah Davis...he's been holding on all this time!   Hope the tooth fairy treats him well!

I had dinner at Mandarin Garden with the Sublettians (only 4 of us tonight), but nontheless...plenty of chatter and laughs and very good Chinese!

Ann, Pat, Debbi and Kay

August 18

Back from a fabulous day in Chicago where the weather was picture-perfect and just a grand time spent with friends laughing, eating and enjoying Billy Elliott!    Left on the train around 7:45 with my 2 long-time friends from back in the 60's and business school (bummed that Janie could not join us as she is dealing with a bad case of poison ivy).    Other friends were also on the train bound for a big day in the windy city.

Cheryl and Allie wating for the train to come!

Friends - Pat, Brenda, Jerry and Sue ready for a big day in Chicago

On our way to Water Tower, our taxi driver was stopped by the police for making an improper lane change and cutting the police van off....NOT good.    We sat and waited while they looked at and checked out his credentials - finally he said "maybe you should find another taxi"!   The meter was still running, but he charged us $4, so....he did take us 5-6 blocks.  Glad to get out of there and found another one waiting to whisk us off to the American Girl store and stroll down Michigan Avenue.   We enjoyed delicious lunch at Grand Luxe and then walked to the Ford/Oriental Theater to see the delightful musical.   My sister-in-law, Linda, 2 cousins-in-law, Mary and Janet and friend Sue sat right behind us!

Happy with full tummies after our wonderful Grand Luxe lunch

Walked to Rivers for drinks/appetizers and boarded the train and left at 7 arriving home around 9:40.

August 17

Busy day of clearing out family room,  and also scrubbing the front porch and then rearranging the furniture!    I like it!    I got a manicure and went to the grocery store in the afternoon.

Anne, Patrick, his Mom, Mary, Liam and Connor came for dinner (pork chops, pasta salad, baked beans, deviled eggs, tomatoes, garlic toast and fruit pizza).   I'm turning into the little domestic, huh???   Fun time!

Tomorrow Connor has his first 1 hour of preschool and Thursday, same for Liam starting kindergarten with Friday, off and running for both!

I'm going on the train to Chicago tomorrow with 3 friends to see the musical "Billy Elliott".    So, probably won't get back to the blog till  Thursday.

August 16

Lovely Monday - ahhhh, turned off the air, opened the windows and enjoyed the fresh air!    Mark and I had breakast with the Monday morning group.   He ran errands, I did some laundry, and then got a few groceries.   

We started emptying out the family room today in preparation for our contractor to come and tear out the  fireplace.    Let the fun begin!!!

My turn to take dessert tonight with the Monday Night Friends at SF Park - I made a blueberry cream pie and it was a big hit!    

Ryan has been on the USS Nimitz in Hawaii for a few weeks and due back in CA on Friday!    Will be good to get back in touch with him!

August 15

What a spectacular Sunday....sunshine, breezy and no humidity (or at least, nothing like we've had) - even my shoulder felt much better!    Mark's parents, sister and husband and nephew and girlfriend all came for a delightful afternoon.

We were so proud of his folks as they climbed aboard Catrina (they are 84 and 89) - what troopers!

Mom and Dad

Nancy and Mark

Alex and Justin

We went cruisin' on the river and then posed for this picture

Enjoyed lunch at Crawdad's

We are back home tonight and looking forward to a busy week, but the weather is to be in the low 80's with less humidity!   YEAH....wishing you all a great week!   Stay safe, happy and healthy!!!