Sunday - July 31

 WOW....how can it be the end of July already?    Amazing how fast this summer of '22 has flown by?    Cloudy start to the day.   I walked to Brewed Awakening for a latte and a cinnamon raisin bagel to share later.

Mark rode his bike to Rite Aid for some batteries and later we walked to True Value (opposite direction from downtown) and then, oooohhhh, found "Hometown Bakery" which just opened last Saturday!    Lots of good stuff and we each enjoyed a piece of warm peach crumble!    This place might just be "too close" to us!   Ha!

The sun came out around 11 and another picture-perfect day!   No fishermen out today (Amish or others - a day of rest for these folks)!

We walked downtown and to the beach.    Had a light lunch at Big Ed's soda fountain - love this place and then Mark came back to Catrina and I browsed some of the shops - not too many open on Sundays.   One shop owner said "we each do our own thing"!    Several are closed Sunday and Monday.

One of the shops downtown!

A nice lazy Sunday - naps, reading, games, etc.

Zoom tonight with 9 siblings and wow.....we came together live from Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan. Ohio, and California

Have a great week!

Saturday - July 30

 WOW.....wish we could bottle up this gorgeous weather - 78 sunny with a gentle breeze.    The Amish and other fishermen were up and out fishing before dawn.    At least 8 boats near us all with a full crew.   One of the boats across from us is named "Buggy Maker"!   😀

 We had ham/eggs/toast/peaches for breakfast and then off on our bikes to Linwood Park.   What a lovely area - not only big park but surrounded by lovely homes (quite the scene back in the 20's according to guy out walking).    It is mainly a vacation mecca with families coming by the week, month, etc.   But also many permanent homes and so impressed with the patriotism of this town - everywhere we go, ole glory is proudly flying outside homes and businesses and on all the lamp posts (with 2 huge baskets of flowers, too).

Just one of many streets in Linwood Park and all around town flying our American flag

Back to Catrina, locked up the bikes and set off on foot for downtown - way more people than during the week.....lots of families out and a ton of Harley riders (several women riding solo and very few with helmets). 😠

We stopped at Woodstock and sat on the shady street enjoying our icy coffees....kept on walking and came upon Victory Park where a craft fair was going on.    Browsed thru the vendors and enjoyed a walk thru nice residential area along the water.

Some history of Vermilion in Victory Park

Stopped at Big Ed's old-fashioned soda/grill for chocolate milk shake (Mark) and chocolate malt (me) - very good stuff!    On home to just chill a bit.

Our kiddos are busy doing this 'n that today.....Anne, the boys, (human and fur) drove to the Indiana Dunes State Park where Gibson and Frankie had a ball in the water/sand.   

A nice frolic in the water

Brooke and Brady are helping Davis pack up his things and clean apartment as he's moving to a different apartment for the upcoming school year.    Drew is driving a Penske truck with all his belongings to Plano, TX and settle in his new apartment and continue on with the new job that he started in June - still virtual.   Philip and Ryan are helping a friend build a new deck.   Michael and Blair enjoyed the camp and doing things around their beach.    

Last night Blair performed at Comma (City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium - performing arts center) in the role of Dorothy....we heard she did a great job - she loves acting and was taking lessons in theater.

Dorothy (aka Blair)  

Another nice perk about Vermilion is the 8-minute walk to St. Mary's (we chatted with Drew along the way who was 3 hours from his new home).   And then 4:00 Mass with Father Paul Schreiner.    After over 2 years (since beginning of the pandemic), this is first time we've seen the offering of wine at communion time. 

We walked around downtown and checked out new boats that came in - this is such a happening place.   Our neighbors (couple on the 72' Ferretti that came in yesterday) said that the Vermilion River is the busiest river on the Great Lakes!    Wow....over 3,000 boats!   Plus all those coming and going like us.

Back to Catrina for our drinks, cheese and crackers on the bridge enjoying a nice breeze, people watching and listening to a band playing at Quaker Steak.

BLT's for supper hit the spot!    A beautiful Saturday in Vermilion.

Jim and Lydia are heading to Traverse City Michigan in their RV for a month's vacation.    Tonight they are at Kamp Komfort!   😊

Friday - July 29

 Spectacular day in Vermilion and excited to stay here another week!    We went to Woodstock (funky eclectic place open for breakfast (pastries only) and lunch.   I got my latte and then to Granny Joe's for breakfast - they make a 1, 2 or 3 egg omelet which you never see.   So, 1 egg is perfect for me along with hash browns and rye toast.    Mark enjoyed his biscuits and gravy! 

Sweet Granny Joe's

Papa Joe's Pizza is family owned and operated with a 5* rating (we'll have to check that out); Mama's pies are thee best (35 kinds) and now Granny's Ice Crematorium (enjoyed lunch, ice cram and breakfast)!      All in the family!

I sat in the shady "Exchange Park" amongst all the flowers, and he went back to the boat.    Sent texts and did stuff on my I-pad....so pleasant sitting here and also people watching.

Mark called the dockmaster and got a much better daily rate for us to stay longer and give Jim time for his vacation and then back to fix the engine?????    In the meantime, Cheryl (secretary at Great Lakes Diesel) delivered the 1st of the parts and Mark got them installed.   Another part coming next week and Jim will have to do that installation.    We considered other places to visit, but by far, this is the best for a wonderful town, lots of amenities, etc.    Some of the marinas can't handle Catrina or are in the middle of nowhere so.....we do like our coffee shops. restaurants, flowers, lagoons, etc., etc.

We took the bikes and rode thru the lagoons seeing the homes from street side versus the water yesterday.    It's just a delightful day and nice to have Catrina's windows open and give the AC a break.

Tooth update - doing good and Dr. Kast did say it could take 2-4 weeks to totally heal from "bruising"?   

We had a quiet afternoon with happy hour drinks on Catrina's bridge and watched as a 72' Ferretti yacht pulled in behind us - what a beauty,    They are from MI - young couple handling it themselves!   Name is "Surfin' the Net".

The Quaker Steak and Lube is right by us and a very happening place with parking lot busy for lunch and dinner.     We enjoyed our leftovers and all the people passing by on this lovely Friday evening.

And the Vermilion River is a happening place with lots of boat traffic, paddleboarders, kayakers, jet skiers, etc.    A busy weekend place for sure!

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - July 28

 Mark, the dear, walked up Liberty Street to "Brewed Awakening" and brought back our coffees.    We had a leisurely morning playing games on our I-pads, cereal and fruit for breakfast.      This morning, several Amish fishermen were getting ready to head out on the water.    BUT, only one engine started, so....they've been waiting all morning and a mechanic came (that was quick)  Arghhhh!    But, they were finally fixed and on their way at 11:15.

We took off for downtown and while I browsed the shops Mark sat in the park and then got his chocolate fix (dark chocolate bars at Brummer's Fine Chocolates) to enjoy off and on.     Several shops were closed even though they said open at 10....can't figure that out when we are in the height of summer and tourist season?

Of course, as I was meandering along, I took more flower pics - obsessed with all these beautiful blooms and hats off to Vermilion and the excellent source for the planting and care.    They make me happy!

Along with all the flowers, Vermilion has many many trains that pass by 24/7.   We're used to them from Port Clinton but this town gets the prize for the most - a constant thing!

Jim the mechanic stopped by after lunch.    He wanted to hook up computer and check out codes.    Apparently 2 things were consistent from when we took a little trip with Jim the other day and our trip to Vermilion yesterday.     He's ordering parts (overnight air) and Mark will work on that tomorrow...."supposed" to be a simple fix?   Of course, Jim is leaving on a week's vacation tomorrow!     

We got the dinghy off the boat and took a delightful ride thru the lagoons and gorgeous homes.    Here are just a few homes from the more than 250+ in this neighborhood.

New construction but made to blend right in with others that have been here for years.

When we returned from our dinghy ride, the winds picked up like crazy - gusts to 26 mph.

When Jeff (Jim's son-in-law and original mechanic) talked about favorites in Vermilion, he mentioned Rudy's Bar 'n Grill where his wife (Jim's daughter) is bar manager.   We tried it tonight - (Rudy burger for me and a BLT stuffed with crab for Mark) - both delicious.    Then we stopped at Granny Joe's Ice Crematorium for small cones (black raspberry with chocolate chunks for Mark and Buckeye Bites for me)    OINK OINK!

We are docked at McGarvey's Landing which was the site of a very popular drive-in boat restaurant from 1929-2000.   It was one of the most unique and visited restaurants on the southern coast of Lake Erie.    That restaurant is long gone (replaced by the Quaker Steak and Lube) and the Port Authority of Vermilion purchased the land for transient dockage.    A drive thru for boats sure would be fun!

Big news tonight......Ryan is now Captain with FedEx.    After several weeks of training in Memphis and flying an additional 25 hours, it's official!!!     Your packages will be in good hands!   😊

Wednesday - July 27

 We were leaving the dock at 7:20 to make the 7:30 bridge and then on our way.    We made it to Vermilion but several times the alarm went off.    Mark took pics, made notes and estimated the alarms sounded at last 15 times?    When that happened, he put the port engine in idle and we kept on going at 10-12 knots versus our usual 15-18.   At times, Mark would start the port engine at various speeds and go for awhile till alarm went off again....crazy, crazy!

We stopped at Catawba Island (Gem Marina) for fuel ($5.04 per gallon) so nice to see diesel prices coming down a bit.    We had fruit and breakfast bars along the way.

Arrived in Vermilion around noon - absolutely love this town.    We were here by car on July 14th to dine at Chez Francois and now back here on Catrina to enjoy all the luscious flowers, lovely homes along the lagoons, etc.   Charming +++    

We settled in at McGarvey Landing and walked downtown - lunch at Granny Joe's Ice Crematorium (breakfast/lunch spot with lots of ice cream).    This house is one of the oldest in Vermilion and was a former funeral home.    Enjoyed our lunch (Perch for Mark and Reuben for me)!    Chatted with a nice couple who spent one spring break on Fort Myers Beach.....never again!!!     The people....the traffic....long time to get over the bridge, etc.   Yup, that's how it is!

We got back to Catrina just before the rain came and rain it did!    I love hunkering down on Catrina on a rainy afternoon...good book, solitaire, sudoku, euchre, etc.    Mark compiled all his data from our trip and ready when Jim returns.

One of these days I'm going to start playing RummiKube on my I-pad - a favorite of Jim and Lydia's.

After the rain, the sun came out - nice 'n breezy    The Quaker Steak and Lube Restaurant is here at McGarvey's,   We had drinks and appetizers - all very tasty.  so pleasant sitting outside on the wraparound porch.

Cheese curds and BBQ chicken quesadillas

We saw several boats coming in from the lake with young boys and men (all Amish) after a day of fishing.    The diesel price here in Vermilion is $5.49.    Glad we filled up on Catawba

  Then for a walk down Park Drive on one of the lagoon streets and those incredible homes. 

2 long rows of pink petunias along the entrance (bridge) to Park Drive

Water tower for this very big boating community - Vermilion Sailors

A home for sale...$1,399,000

   A lady had just driven in her driveway and we noticed her FL plates.   We chatted about where in FL......Fort Myers and near 80 (Palm Beach Blvd) in The Verandah where our friends Sue and Jerry had a home a few years ago.   And close to Cypress Trail.  Beautiful home and flowers and very nice lady!

More exploring coming tomorrow.

We were very shocked and sad to hear the news from our friend Bill in PA about the supposed closing of Lazy Daze in CA which made our Daisy back in 2006.    Not a lot of details but most likely caused from the pandemic and not able to get supplies.    They made a very high quality RV and were so good to work with!    Daisy gave us 12 years of great adventures with very minimal issues.

Tuesday - July 26

 A simple breakfast of bagels and fresh yummy peaches and we were on with the day.    Amazing all these stories about mechanics???    The backhoe that was here to do more digging stopped working?    So, the mechanic came out (a rental company has their own mechanic).    He finally figured out that the "full" gas gauge was really empty!     Arghhhh...simple fix for them.

Auntie and her friend Karen arrived around 11:20.    We visited on the boat and then went to Dock's Beach House - had a short wait and then enjoyed our walleye/shrimp and salad with salmon.   Great hearing about their week checking out shrines, covered bridges and wineries.

Cheers Karen and Karen (Auntie)

My wonderful summertime salad with blackened salmon

The Karens' left at 1:30 and have about a 7-hour trip ahead of them to home sweet home.    So glad they could stop!   Fun visit and lunch!

At 2:15, Jim, the mechanic came and checked things with his computer for codes.   So much new electrical stuff and technology going on these days with boat engines.   We took Catrina out for a ride and sure enough the alarm went off.    So the latest is that Jim is in touch with Yanmar officials and they have some thoughts (could be ECU - electronic control unit) for one?    At any rate, Jim suggests we go ahead with our vacation plans.   We plan to spend the next 3 nights in Vermilion (where Jim lives) and see how it goes.    We'll eventually get to Canada (we hope) but in the meantime, my Captain is "ready to cruise"!

Finished putting things on Catrina and then the car in storage with Flo and Big Red.

 

Monday - July 25

 Sunny and windy today, but much cooler!!!   This week will be a nice reprieve after all the heat with temps mostly in the upper 70's-low 80's.

We did a pump out, had breakfast, exercised and watched as a semi delivered auger materials for the new building - all the guys on site were wearing their hard hats and those tying the rebar totally covered - imagine that stuff is sharp.  Glad they have cooler weather to work this week!    We have ringside seats from Catrina.

Making progress!

I had my appt. with Dr. Kevin Kast about my tooth.    Dr. Kast has been in practice 35 years and his daughter Courtney is now in same practice with wife/mom Kathy as office manager.   He was delightful - great sense of humor and had a jar on the window shelf "Ashes of problem patients" and a flower growing out of it!    The GOOD news is that after taking an x-ray, he could see no real issue and thinks I just bruised it (biting down on something hard)?    At any rate, he sent me on my way and to let him know if the pain continues and to keep track of what I'm eating when/if I do have pain.    He told me our teeth come together 2500 times a day!!!!   Sure enough Google explains about a "bruised" tooth and also a "sprained" tooth!

Back home and Mark was still waiting for Jim, the mechanic.    Then Cheryl, the secretary called and said Jim had gotten tied up working on another boat, soooooo not coming today!    Arghhh, but should be here first thing tomorrow!!!

Today was initially when we planned to leave on vacation cruising in Canada for 2-3 weeks.    Then the boat issue, my tooth and tomorrow Auntie (Karen) and her friend Karen are stopping to visit on their way back to Dixon/Rochelle, IL.     We knew we could meet them in Cleveland or Vermilion along the lake and their route, but turns out, we'll be right here in Port Clinton.

We went to Kroger's for groceries and provision Catrina for our "hopefully" Canadian vacation whenever that may be?  

Pretty scene here at marina tonight

  

Sunday - July 24

 We had a challenging time to go to Mass today!    After breakfast (we LOVE the apple cinnamon bread we got at Bergman Orchard), we were off to Immaculate Conception for 8:30 Mass only to get there and find out it was 8 and of course, lots of cars     Duh......we usually go to10:30  but for some reason, both our brains were focused on 8:30 and 10:30.    So, decided to do the laundry which had been the plan to do AFTER church.    Got that task done and visited with Barb (or Barbara Ann from the Beach Boys) who is the most incredible "cleaner" we've ever encountered!!!!!

     Since we were on the far east side of Port Clinton, decided to go to St. Peter and Paul in Sandusky for 10:00 Mass.   Weeeelllll......today was the big Ironman Triathlon in Sandusky and many, many streets were closed for the runners and bikers.   It was crazy finding a street to get thru to the church let alone a parking space.    When we got to church, it was 10:06, but Mass had not started and folks were still coming in.....all with the same issue (how to get to church and where to park)! 

 Mass started at 10:15 and Father apologized for the late start but all due to the traffic congestion and closed streets.    Beautiful soloist and we remember this church from a year ago (July 11, 2021) when we had Luke and Blair with us and took a taxi from the marina (it was raining).    It was a $40 ride for the 1 mile trip back and forth!!!

The Deacon suggested a few options for getting out of downtown (which streets were best and not closed).    We had no problem and found a Starbucks in Target near Dick's where we got our sunglasses yesterday.    Had coffee and shared a breakfast sandwich and then to the noon showing of "Elvis" which was wonderful!!!    Wow....so much I did not know and with all the music and his life story, made for a very enjoyable (but sad) movie.    For we non-movie goers, we've seen 2 movies in 5 weeks this summer - both very good (Top Gun Maverick).

On home - got the laundry carried in.    Another threat of rain and storms (our phones have been going off almost daily with severe weather in our area for the next 6 hours, but not much has developed).

We went to Rosie's downtown for supper - this place is a favorite....big menu and always a good meal!    Mark had the pick your own pasta - linguini with marinara and salmon + their special salad (cole slaw with housemade bleu cheese dressing).   I had an Asian salad and walleye bites - everything delicious!!!    

We walked around the marina - cooled down a bit but very windy.    So, the new huge storage building is finally getting started with the digging of trenches around the perimeter.   Mark explained how this all works and the rebar they are tying together for those trenches.   Amazing - will be interesting to see how the building progresses. 

Mark is explaining the orange markings 

1st trench

Rebar tied together

Dennis stopped by and we had a nice visit before he headed home (near Dayton - 2+ hours) to visit his Mom who is not doing well.

Zoom tonight with 9 siblings - lots of health issues, vacation travels (airport delays), the heat, etc., etc.

Have a great week and hope it's cooler wherever you are!

Saturday - July 23

 We were all up by 6 AM for our trip to the Cleveland Hopkins Airport.    We stopped at Coffee Express to get our caffeine fix before heading out of town.    It was sprinkling and a light rain off and on for a bit.     Good bye hugs and Marilyn was off....she's looking forward to Fort Myers in February and coming back to Catrina next summer!   It was a lot of fun!

The siblings (#2 and #6 in line)

We found Goody's Family Restaurant for breakfast - my western wrap was good but Mark was disappointed with not much sausage in his biscuits and gravy.    We filled up "Little Navy" - glad to see gas prices are coming down.   I drove to Sandusky and we stopped at Dick's Sporting Goods and each of us got a new pair of sunglasses (Sun Clouds) - nice to have a spare pair.

On home and we did beat the rain and nasty-looking radar.    Most of it went south of us....unfortunately, Marilyn's flight was delayed over 2 hours cause of nasty storms in Chicago.   

Nice to have a quiet day to catch up on stuff, read, relax, etc.

Tooth still achy, but not too bad - Tylenol helps.    It was cooler when we started our walk, but boy, quickly turned sultry and sticky.    But a good long walk was in order so that's what we did and then back to Catrina for happy hour on the bridge - nice breeze up there.

Friday - July 22

 Hot again but nothing like Texas and so many other states - cannot imagine day after day of triple digit temps!!!     

Mark got a haircut at 9 with Gina.   We enjoyed the apple cinnamon bread we bought yesterday.   Marilyn and I walked downtown for our coffee fix and sat on the porch sipping and chatting.   

Marilyn loves Coffee Express as much as we do!  

 Mark did more waxing of Flo.   After lunch I drove downtown for a pedicure with Danielle.    On home to find Jim, the mechanic here (father-in-law of Jeff who worked on Catrina last week).   He was here for 2 hours and still hasn't been able to diagnose the problem - even working with the computer and checking codes (I do not understand all this).    He will be back Monday???

We all enjoyed this "down" day!    Dennis, one of the owners from near Dayton came over for happy hour on the bridge.    Good visit with him.....he's an oral surgeon and always has interesting stories to share.   Invited him for supper (brats, baked beans and pasta salad) and the visiting continued!

Marilyn enjoying a glass of wine on the bridge

Dennis

Tomorrow Marilyn flies out of Cleveland to O'Hare - sure have enjoyed her visit!

Thursday - Juy 21

 Sunny, hot, breezy day!   We were off to Marblehead after breakfast and took the 9:00 ferry (Miller's) to Kelleys Island.     Lots of cars and trucks were with us and about 15 walk-on passengers.                                                  

Riding the ferry

Tah dah.....a fresh produce stand in her honor! 

Not many goodies and on the honor system

We walked about 4 blocks downtown and and first stop was the Island Coffee Co.    Then we rented a golf cart - 1st time for Marilyn!   We spent 2 delightful hours driving all over the island with Mark doing a fine job of being our chauffeur.

 

Stopped at this 4-H Camp which hosts many youths throughout the summer (some connected to 4-H and others, thru schools, sons/daughters of the military, etc.)    They usually accommodate 200 per week.  We talked to a really nice lady who explained all about it and we told her of our long 4-H history (my brothers and me + all the Chamberlains).

Beautiful turquoise water at the quarry and so picturesque

Brandy Alexander and delicious lunch (perch for Marilyn and me - taco salad for Mark) 

at The Village Pump

Thank you for treating us Marilyn!

The girls amongst the pretty Kelleys Island flowers

Return ferry "The Carmen Lee" back to Marblehead (23 minute ride)

Breezy on the ferry ride

We wanted to show Marilyn the Marblehead Lighthouse (200 years old).   But she wanted no part in climbing to the top - not into heights.

We stopped at Bergman Orchards - had never been!   Lots of fruit and veggies + big selection of baked goods!   Got some apple cinnamon bread for breakfast.

Back to Catrina and enjoyed the AC and wind down this busy, but fun day!   It was a day of "firsts" for Marilyn......ferry ride, golf cart ride, perch, Brandy Alexander, and up close and personal to a lighthouse.

We were disappointed that the glacial grooves which Mark and I so enjoyed on our last visit here (August, 2021) were not available for viewing.    This area is undergoing a major renovation of new walkways and whatever it takes for erosion protection.    It's expected to be completed by Labor Day.....but area is all fenced in and looks like a lot of work still ahead.

I woke up this morning with a toothache?   😟😫    Darn.....I have an appt. on Monday here in Port Clinton (they are closed Fridays).    Just have to watch what I eat and chew and avoid the left side???

Blair LOVES dance and here are 2 new pics from her hip hop and jazz classes she finished in June