Sunday - August 24

 We had 3/10" of rain overnight - sure wasn't expecting that.   Port Clinton and surrounding areas have been blessed with plenty of rain - grass/crops all very green and healthy.

We went to 8:00 Mass with Father Jonathan.   To Catrina for breakfast, pump out and  ran several errands.    Back to the marina, started up the engines and went thru the 11:30 bridge.

We arrived in Vermilion at 2 and settled in slip #1 at the Vermilion City Docks with 2 nice guys grabbing our lines.    Got Catrina secure with power and water hooked up and ready to take on this favorite town.    First we had a light lunch.   It is a gorgeous day!

And then went for a nice walk thru this charming town full of lovely homes and spectacular flowers - I wonder if there's some sort of competition for who has the most beautiful gardens/yards?

Congratulations to Liam who finished 1st place in his age division (20-29) this morning in Manchester, IA (Hero Hustle triathlon.)  So proud of him!   He and Connor have really been into the healthy cooking and eating!

Tomorrow, Liam (junior), Brady (sophomore) and Blair (7th) are back to the classroom!   Good luck kiddos - have fun and study hard!

The mums are back - fall is just around the corner

Today is the 57th anniversary of our engagement.   Mark proposed on August 24, 1968.    We celebrated tonight with a fabulous dinner at Chez Francois in Vermilion.   This is a special occasion place and just phenomenal in ambiance, service and food!   Our 3rd time to dine here over the years.

Catrina in the background!

Saturday - August 23

 Well today was very fun!   Started out by leaving Catrina at 7:50 with a stop at Lake Donuts (sooo good and only Thursday-Sunday).  Today we each had a fritter (apple for Mark an blueberry for me).   

Then a quick stop at WalMart and finally on our way to Columbus (2.5 hours).   We went to the Polaris Fashion Mall for some shopping - I had not been to a Von Maur or Barnes & Noble in eons.     Mark bought a pair of jeans and our clerk was so nice visiting about this and that and lo and behold, she used to work at State Farm in Bloomington.    Mark remembers her brother.    Small world.

Our niece Megan (Tom and Beth's daughter) has been in Japan for 2 years teaching English as a second language.   She arrived home last Sunday and today was a big "surprise" welcome home party at her brother Matt and Kara's home.    Beth did a great job coordinating the guests, games, food, decorations, etc.    Since Megan has missed 2 years of birthdays, and all the other holidays, that was the theme - bring something related to a holiday.    We did birthday and got her favorite candy bar (10 Wunderbars) that's only found in Canada.   We picked them up for her this summer - she was excited!!!    They are delicious!   7 of Mark's siblings came and several of Megan's friends.    We played 3 games (Left, Right, Center; a Thanksgiving game and did an Easter egg hunt)!   Great food, got to meet Matt and Kara's baby, Roman (5 months) and so fun to catch up with family.   

We were on rural roads (different routes coming and going) so saw lots of Ohio countryside.

Back to the marina at 6:30 - we are tired but a happy tired!!!

Tom and 1st grandchild, Roman

Tom, Megan, Beth

So happy to have their girl back in the good ole USA

Party guests + Tucker!

Friday - August 22

 Awesome waking up to sunny blue skies and no wind - all calm here in the marina!   We left at 10:15 with the bikes for Elmore, OH (18 miles away) and rode to Lindsey (not much in this little town).    Round trip was 11.1 miles and a nice ride in the country at times riding parallel to I-80/90 and going under the interstate.   

We got back to Elmore and had lunch at Christy's Corner Cafe (been here a few other times and always good for breakfast/lunch + specialty coffees).    The employees here at Christy's are all special needs - such a friendly place and non-profit.    Elmore also has the Portage Inn, another good spot to eat and "Ice Cream on Your left" that we pass by when riding.

Donna had not planned to come to the boat this weekend, but surprised us this morning that she was coming.    But now....she's not feeling well?   Sure hope it's not some sort of bug ?   Would love to play rummikub with her, but will keep our distance for now.   

It started as a toothache on her way to Port Clinton, but now in her ear, throat and lymph glands???

Went for a walk around 8 - very pleasant and a beautiful sunset

Over the Portage River

Have a great weekend!

Thursday - August 21

Another gloomy day with strong winds.    Mark installed our new microwave which came from Amazon yesterday,    We wanted a combination microwave/air fryer/convection so will donate our other one which we got in 2012 to the Portage River Retail Center.

Catrina's new microwave

Around 1, we left and stopped at R Coffee Corner for some hot coffees and then went for a bike ride wearing sweatshirts....yikes, it's August 21st and as we were riding around East Harbor State Park, we saw several bundled up in hoodies, jackets, etc., and the campground had several campfires going!    We actually stopped for a bit and put on another layer of jackets which Mark was carrying in his backpack!

We got some new headsets for riding bikes and talking to one another.    Our old ones were over the ear (not the most comfortable with microphones) but lately, not working the best.    So, Mark found these little devices which fit on the strap of our helmets - worked great this first day to try them out!

We had a good ride but kinda short....we then drove down by the lake - whoaaa....angry waves coming to shore.   We were only in the 60s today with the high winds.

Stopped at Bassett's for some fresh fruit and dark chocolate for Mark.   He loves his dark chocolate and a glass of red wine each evening.   Then to Rich's (great chicken) and picked up a pot pie (oh, these are sooo good).    The lady said "we've sold a lot of these today." GREAT comfort food.

Yay.....around 6:45, the sun came out!    What a treat after 2 really dreary days!

Wednesday - August 20

Happy Birthday Karen (check out her cute little cake)

Erin and Ryan's Golden Retriever (our grand dog) is 8 today!

More rain last night and then a gloomy, dreary, windy day.   We said good bye to Chris who left along with her 3 friends who've been visiting.   We won't see her till next March when she comes to Fort Myers.

Mark and I went to Rudders for lunch - good day for soup and their combo with 1/2 sandwich (of our choice) hit the spot.    With the strong winds, it "feels" like 68 with some occasional drizzle.  Not typical August weather.   We read today that this is a "false fall"!  Stopped at Bassett's for a few groceries and on home.

A quiet day here - no one else around - read, played games, napped....and then our sweet teeth kicked in,    Not the best day for ice cream with the cool temps, but that's what we did.  Went to Scooter's - great Ohio-made Toft's ice cream is sooo good!   More drizzle late this afternoon - such a weird day with very dark clouds rolling across the sky and then just blah gray skies.

Still very windy and cool tonight - we went for a short walk - the wind is out of the north and blowing a fine mist from Lake Erie across to the marina!    

 

Tuesday - August 19

 The rain started at 9:30.....really heavy at times.   It stopped at 11 and then just a few sprinkles after, but very humid.

Lazy day on Catrina catching up on e-mails, texts, reading, playing games, etc.   Around noon, Mark was getting antsy and said let's walk downtown for lunch.   Sounds good to me....so much water standing (we got 8/10") but we enjoyed our lunches at A la Carte (meatloaf sandwich and salad for Mark and taco salad for me).   Mark walked back to the marina and I stayed downtown to do a little shopping and got a latte at Coffee Express.   

Quiet afternoon and then played 2 games of euchre with Mark winning both😞

Monday - August 18

 Connor started his 2nd year at DACC (Danville Area Community College) today.    We wish him all the best AND with his golf season which starts soon - the team has been practicing !   May it be a fun and successful year in the classroom and on the course!

We had planned to cruise to Vermilion today and stay 2 nights, BUT Mother Nature had other ideas with the wind out of the east all week long!   Arghhhh.     The wave heights were to be 2-4' - no thanks.   Hopefully, next week?

After lunch we set off with Ruby and the bikes and first stop was 30 miles southeast of here at The Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue, Ohio.    Bob and Donna told us about this place a few years ago and we always planned to go together as it's a favorite of theirs.   But always something going on, so.....today, Mark suggested we go there first and check it out.   WOW....what a place - 153 acres of trees, flowers, the big church, the outdoor chapel, and lots of grottos, statues, stations of the cross and many meandering paths.   Truly a place for inspiration, meditation, peace and tranquility.    This beautiful shrine is celebrating 175 years and one of the oldest places of pilgrimage dedicated to the Blessed Mother in the Midwest.

Sorrowful Mother shrine

Our Lady of Lourdes

Main church

Then we drove to Clyde and went to "Wild Brew", a favorite coffee shop when we're bike riding on the North Coast Inland Trail.    We had iced coffees and cookies and then took off on our bikes and rode 8.5 miles past corn fields, bean fields, wildflowers, canopy of trees and so enjoyed this beautiful day with a nice breeze, sunshine and high 70's.    It was one of those days where I felt I could ride forever; however, my achy shoulder and nerve-damaged hand felt otherwise!    Just happy to be riding again and it's been 2 years since we were on this trail (summer of 2023 before my nasty tumble).   We only met 2 other bikers and 1 runner.  

Stopped at WalMart in Fremont for a few things and on home.

Sunday - August 17

We went to 8:00 Mass with Father Jonathan.....he mentioned after mass about the RCIA program beginning soon (folks joining the Catholic church).   He said we can be flexible and work around people's schedules.     "And I would be more than happy to spend January-March in Naples if you want me to come there!"     Before Mass started, I was thinking, "I sure would like to take Father with us to Fort Myers for the winter months!"   Ha!    I mentioned that to him after Mass and he said "Yes, I could do Fort Myers"   If only

After Mass, we stopped at Baby Bassett's Grocery/Hardware for a few things and on home.    Teri invited us for a dock party at 2 - one final hurrah of the season as everyone is coming and going the 2 next weeks and we leave 9/2.   

More projects on Catrina but not doing too much today....Mark organized back of Big Red and another trip to Baby Bassett's Hardware.

Fun party on "Jaws".....just 7 of us and then Chris's 3 friends arrived - they are staying till Wednesday for girl time.    I remember them from last year - a great group.   We all enjoyed the delicious spread of goodies that Teri put out + what others brought, good music on a spectacular day on the back of Dennis and Teri's boat "Jaws" (Dennis is an oral surgeon so he works on a lot of jaws)😃.

Teri and Donna with our very delicious spread!

Monica, Chris, Melanie, Rose

Boat sisters

Teri, Chris, Pat (missing Donna who had left)

A good session on zoom tonight - our niece, Megan (Tom and Beth's daughter) returned home today from Japan after spending 2 years there teaching English as a second language.

Have a great week!

 

Saturday - August 16

 Hot sunny Saturday.   Mark worked on Catrina projects with another trip to Baby Bassett's Hardware; I got stuff off Flo for Catrina and vice versa.   Winding down the season and trying to move stuff back to where it belongs.

Anne called - she, Blair, Brooke and Judy (Brooke's Mom) are all in Cedar Rapids today for Tessa's (Drew's fiancée)) bridal shower.   Anne was on her way back to Iowa City to pick up Liam who will be going to Bloomington for a few days.   I was sorry I missed the shower but a long way to drive from Port Clinton.    Anne filled me in on all the fun!

Tonight several of us went to 1812 - great meal again and fun evening topped off with drinks and more visiting on "So Blessed" - Bob and Donna's boat

Dennis, Teri, Chris, Donna, Bob, Pat, Mark

Chris's 3 girlfriends are coming tomorrow for a few days, so Michael stayed home!

Friday - August 15

 Good sunny Friday morning - today is the Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Virgin Mary.    We went to 8:30 Mass with Father Jonathan and so enjoyed singing all those beautiful songs honoring Mary and remembering from way back in my childhood.

Of course the bugs were back this morning - ole Charlotte sure does spin some awesome webs overnight, but I really prefer her not to visit Catrina along with those friendly spiders and their bugie friends!  😖

Stopped at Coffee Express for some coffee to go and on home for breakfast.    We took Catrina over for a pump out and later Dave brought the fuel truck to us for diesel on Catrina.   We're planning a last little getaway next week to Vermilion for a few days.

Luke is keeping busy mowing lawns, pressure washing neighbor's rocks, etc.    Good to keep these kiddos busy and make some $.    He and Maeve don't start school till September 2nd.

Today Mark worked on Catrina with the Starlink and hiding wires....quite the job but looks real nice.

We had heard about Rich's, a small store with a bit of everything, but specializing in chicken and gets rave reviews.  They also have perch, walleye, etc. all made fresh and ready to go.   None of our boat friends had been there???   So tonight we went with the plan to get some fried chicken, deli items, etc.    But we saw their chicken pot pies under the heat lamp and I remembered, they were rated very high, too.    So, one pot pie, 2 chicken breasts, macaroni and potato salad later, we were outta there.   WOW....really good stuff and so close!    We tried the chicken, too -  so moist and flavorful.  Tomorrow's lunch!

Dennis and Teri are here tonight for the weekend - other boat sisters, Donna and Chris are coming tomorrow.    Yay.....

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - August 14

 A frustrating morning...........the marina has a big LG washer/dryer combo in one of the storage buildings for boaters.    We've never used it cause we just take all ours to the laundromat and can get it all done quickly - wash 'n dry.    But today, I didn't have anything special to do, so since we had all the bedding and towels from Blair and Brooke's visit, I decided to sit over there and read and s l o w l y get the laundry somewhat caught up.    WRONG.........

Talk about complicated and so many options - even Mark had a heck of a time figuring this crazy machine out!!!     First boo boo (on our part was ya gotta turn the water on.....duh!)   But nothing simple.   So while the washer was finally going, Mark needed a 1 amp teeny tiny fuse for Flo.   I've been his go-fer so off to Napa Auto Parts, Auto Zone and Advanced Auto Parts with no luck.   One of the guys suggested Bassett's Hardware and success.    Bought 3 of those little suckers!    Back to the laundry.   Mark had checked while I was gone and time to turn on the dryer.   More complications..........taking FOREVER to dry a load of sheets.   Arghhh

So, all of the above was this morning.   I checked with Dave (dockmaster) and he said the dryer does not work....just kinda air dries?    So.....after Mark finished up with Flo (she's now good to go), we took 4 loads of clean wet clothes, sheets, and towels to the laundromat.    Didn't take long to just dry and fold.   

We've heard that Fast Eddie's Sports Bar was a good place to eat, so tried tonight for the 1st time.....really enjoyed my Lake Erie perch Reuben and Mark liked his sausage pasta bake.

On home....hosed down Catrina - I'm sure those little buggers will return overnight!    

Wednesday - August 13

 One inch of rain overnight - nice and made for great sleeping!    Also got the bugs off Catrina!   And then woke up to a nice sunny day with a cooler high of 82 by afternoon.

Keeping an eye on "Erin" the hurricane that could hit FL.....way back when they named the hurricanes for the 2025 season, I kiddingly begged Ryan's fiancee (at the time), to please please spare FL.   Our Erin said she would do her best to stay far away!!!   AND, Erin's dog, Karen is also a potential hurricane.   We shall see and keep our fingers crossed!

On this date - August 13, 2004, hurricane Charley hit southwest FL causing major damage ($14 billion) to Punta Gorda and other areas

Said good bye to Donna and her sisters.    Sure enjoyed hanging out with them with the games and laughs!

I made a batch of tuna/egg salad.    Took Mark a sandwich over in the storage building where's been working away on battery issues with Flo.   He amazes me with his knowledge and able to "fix" whatever... cause with RV's and boats, there's always something going on!   And he enjoys the "fixing" (most of the time)!

I ran some errands and stopped at Bergman Orchards for fresh peaches and other produce.

We ran some errands and then had an early dinner at 1812 (a favorite for Mark and me).  I always order their salmon with cranberry/orange sauce over jasmine rice - sooo good.  Mark had pasta and salmon.

Tuesday - August 12

 Another hot, humid and sunny day....we moved Flo and Big Red back into storage - we have 2 1/2 weeks left on Catrina.    Gosh.....summer is going by sooo fast.   The Fort Myers kiddos went back to school yesterday!

I ran some errands - a little bit more Christmas shopping, picked up a few things Mark needed for a Flo project, a Rx at Wal-Mart, etc.    On home and enjoy the AC.

When I was in the OR for my kidney stone procedure in Bloomington back on April 24th the nurses were chatting with me about favorite books and authors.   Three of them highly recommended "The Book Club of Troublesome Women."   And then I was totally gone with the anesthesia.    Ha....  I'm reading this book now and really like it and definitely recommend. 

Made some appointments - haircut in Bloomington and ENT visit in Fort Myers.   

Spent a few hours this evening on "So Blessed" playing "Pass the Trash" with Donna, Kathy and Lou Ann.   They are fun "sisters"!

The sisters

Lou Ann, Kathy, Donna

  

Monday - August 11

 Hot 'n sunny.....got Catrina and Flo back in order somewhat of what goes in each home after moving things around the past few days - all good, but geez....in just 3 weeks, it's Labor Day and we'll have moved our stuff again!   Ha....

Quiet here in the marina - Donna and her sisters (Kathy and Lou Ann) are visiting but otherwise, just us.    Mark worked on installing a camera in Jaws (Dennis and Teri's boat) engine room.

Donna invited me to play Hand 'n Foot on "So Blessed"....fun time with the girls.   Home for supper (more leftovers - boy we've had a big supply of styrofoam containers since Brooke and Blair were here).   

Back to "So Blessed" for euchre (Donna and I were the winners); Hand 'n Foot and RummiKube (Kathy won).

Sunday - August 10

 Really warm today but what a fun day for we nomads......we left at 9 with Brooke and Blair heading to the Cleveland airport (that was not so happy, as we're sad they are leaving - sooo much fun these past 4 days!)   We'll see them again in Cedar Rapids in October at Drew and Tessa's wedding.

Thanks for coming....great time in Port Clinton

After we left the airport, we did a quick stop at Home Depot for some cleaner Mark wanted (de-greaser), but they didn't have it.    And then onto Bedford, OH where we visited Father Joe Seebauer, the parish priest at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.    Father Joe is originally from Bloomington and babysat Michael, Anne and Philip many years ago!   Such a nice guy and we've been wanting to visit him since he was only 1 1/2 hrs from Port Clinton.     We've kept in touch thru the years with Christmas cards, but so glad we could get together.

He showed us around where he lives and then to Northfield, OH and delicious lunch at Spennato's Italian Restaurant and wonderful visit.   The Seebauers lived in our Jackson Street neighborhood and we caught up with his parents (mother Mary Ann is 89 and lives in Columbus area; his dad, Ed passed away in 2022) and his 2 brothers.   And then brought him up-to-date on our kids and their families.

On June 5, 2011, we attended Father Joe's Mass of Thanksgiving at Holy Trinity in Bloomington after being ordained a priest at age 47 following a career as a research chemist.

After lunch, he drove us to 2 of his parishes (one recently closed).   We were together almost 3 hours and just a delightful visit. 

Father Joe, Pat, Mark

Stopped at Starbucks, another Home Depot (success this time finding the right stuff) and on home.    We both took a nap.........

Between our big vacation, coming back to get Catrina ready for our guests and then 4 days with the girls, we are tired!   But a good, happy tired, and there's always tomorrow to get back to putting our 2 homes in order.

Tonight Mark did the stats for our 5+ week boat trip....

Hours spent traveling - 95

Miles cruising - 1,284.8

Gallons of diesel - 500

Diesel cost - $1,879.80

Cost per gallon - 3.75

Total days - 39

Zoom tonight with only Janet missing.   

Enjoy the week ahead!

Saturday - August 9

 Warm and sunny Saturday.    We left around 10:30 for The Orchard Farm Stand for brunch.    So pleasant sitting outside on the patio with all the beautiful flowers.

Drove around the Catawba area and showed them Twin Oast Brewery - flowers weren't as nice and gorgeous as we remembered from other years?

Then more shopping - Grandpa was our chauffeur - Newport (more shopping after all the success yesterday, 2 candy shops, downtown for popcorn and Northern Exposure gift shop).   And then on home to rest, shower and off to church - 4:30 Mass at Immaculate Conception with Father Jonathan.    Great to be back with him.

Dinner at Gideon Owen - very good, but had some issues with our server!    Oh well....she was a bit flustered, they were very busy....all is well!

We walked around afterwards on the beautiful grounds and they had a big craft fair going on with lots of folks out and about this lovely evening.

Brooke, Blair, Pat, Mark

On home (taking an alternate route as traffic was really backed up from an accident)   Luckily we were able to turn around versus sitting indefinitely as it was a mess.

Brooke packed and then we sat on Catrina's bridge with our drinks - just delightful weather.  Donna stopped by for a visit and later,  Dennis arrived and more visiting with him and then time to call it a day!

One last pretty sunset with Miss Blair

Friday - August 8

 Another pretty warm, sunny summer day.   Boy, I slept in till almost 8:30 - guess that water and sunshine yesterday really did me in!    Actually, we girls all slept in - Mark got up at his usual 5:30 AM time😕   

Brooke and I walked downtown to Coffee Express and got coffees, pastries, quiche and on home.    Mark was working on a Flo project.    Then we girls took off for shopping - we did some major damage at "Newport", "Fabulous Female" and Lake House".    I got several Christmas gifts but the best part was that from August 1-14, the state of Ohio does not charge sales tax.   Lydia (sister-in-law) had mentioned on zoom that in Missouri, they have 1 weekend of no tax but it's only on school-related items (clothes, shoes, supplies, etc.)    No tax for anything we bought today!    WOW....nice treat!

After our shopping, we came back to the marina, picked up Grandpa and went to The Tackle Box II for a late lunch - such a fun place and food was great as always.

Brooke, Blair and I played SkyJo with Brooke the winner.....then Rummikub with Brooke and myself.    We took a break and went to Scooter's for ice cream.   Met a new couple in the marina - Sylvia and George from FL.    They have a big power catamaran (Sly Cat) and are currently doing the Loop.

Donna on "So Blessed" is entertaining her sisters this week - short visit with her and she met Brooke and Blair.   Brooke and I played 2 more games of rummikub (score is ongoing)...and then nighty night.   

The shoppers

 

 

Thursday - August 7

 A very nice day to be on the water...........and that's what we did, taking Catrina to Put in Bay.    We got some coffee/drinks/almond Danish at Noddi's and then rented a golf cart for a trip around the island.    Stopped at The GOAT for lunch - good stuff and such a pretty place at the Biergarten.   

More driving around Put in Bay and then Mark dropped us off for some girl shopping (did our part to boost the PIB economy) and he returned the golf cart.

And then our 4 hours were up at "Dock 'n Dine" where we take Catrina when we come here.    Nice smooth ride back to Port Clinton.    Just delightful to be out and about today with a high of 79. 

We had drinks on Catrina, Blair prepared several appetizers and later, Brooke and I went downtown to Hibachi Express for some good Chinese (egg roll, crab rangoon, potstickers and a chicken/veggie bowl).    We are all tired after our big day (especially mellowing out after time on the water).    So...early nighty night for us - tomorrow is a brand new day!

Delicious strawberry/mango refresher

The girls with all the padlocks

 

The girls with our chauffeur

Cruisin' on Lake Erie

Catrina has a new Captain

Wednesday - August 6

 Mark and I left at 8:30 for Salon 53 and while I got a haircut with Wendy, he went to the R Coffee Corner to have coffee, a bagel and use his I-pad.    After my haircut, I walked to the coffee shop, got an iced latte (very good maple spice flavor).    And then we were off - 1st stop was Vermilion (one of our favorite Ohio towns).    We had lunch at Big Ed's Soda Grille (great burgers and shakes).

We shopped at Beechwood Center in Cleveland - a bit of retail therapy for Mark and then to the Cleveland airport to meet Brooke and Blair who flew in from Charlotte for some fun in Port Clinton the next few days.    Brooke has never been, but this is Blair's 3rd visit to Catrina here in PC.

Walked to the car and 1 hour, 15 minutes later, we were back on Catrina - they unpacked and later we went to Dock's Beach House for dinner.   Great dinner and visit.

Brooke and Blair 

Tuesday - August 5

 Beautiful day and we kept busy all day long.....did more cleaning on Catrina, then to Wal Mart for a bunch of groceries/piddlies.   Home to put stuff away, have lunch and then we went downtown for a haircut for Mark by Gina and a manicure with Danielle for me.

And then time to scrub Catrina on the outside - oh my.........she was a mess with all the bugs (spiders, gnats, etc.) - everywhere in every nook and crannie!   We kept rinsing and scrubbing and then more rinsing.   UGH......but she's looking very good.    We hope 'n pray that overnight won't bring more buggers............arghhhh.

We were veery tired tonight but a good tired.   Mark suggested we go to Dock's Beach House for drinks and appetizers - so pleasant sitting outside by Lake Erie.    Faro from Bali was our waitress - she's worked there for 16 years and so pleasant.

Tomorrow I'm getting a haircut and then we're off to Cleveland to pick up Brooke and Blair who are flying in til Sunday.    Sooo excited to have Brooke here in Port Clinton for 1st time and 3rd visit for Blair.

And speaking of Blair.....I mentioned a few weeks ago about the LONG delay in birthday cards arriving from Canada.   I mailed 4 cards (Connor, Brooke, Blair and Maeve) on June 30th from Tobermory, ON.    3 received them (not on time, but still they eventually got there).   Blair's birthday was July 19th and today (August 5th), her card arrived!    CRAZY post office in Canada and USA.

Monday - August 4

 A very productive day for the nomads.,    Mark was working on a boat project so off to the hardware store (Baby Bassett's).   I did a big cleaning of inside Catrina....we were both tired, but got a burst of energy around 4 and off to do 4 loads of laundry.

We first heard about Bell Mell Tavern (local neighborhood bar that's been around forever) from Father Jonathan, but had never been and then my boat sisters (Donna, Teri and Chris) talked about how good it is.    so.....tonight after we left the laundromat, we headed to Bell Mell - (we heard they have great pizza and Teri really likes their wings).   We shared a pizza and it was excellent ++ leftovers.

On home - tired....will put the clean clothes away tomorrow.   A rod in Ruby makes for a great drying spot for the hanging clothes - like an oven in there on warm days - today got to 79 but mostly cloudy.

Had a nice chat with Liam tonight - he's moved into new apartment in Iowa City and will be ready for classes to begin on August 25th - still enjoying his job and the biking and running!

Sunday - August 3

 We left Jefferson Beach at 7:10 this morning for "Home Sweet Home"....it was mostly a smooth ride on Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River and then what was supposed to be 1' or less waves on Lake Erie turned out to be WRONG.....roly poly, choppy waters for 2/3 of the way back to Port Clinton.    But so good to see downtown at 11:10 and then the bridge opening 10 minutes early (that never happens) cause of heavy boat traffic - many boats were out big time this pretty sunny Sunday.   Todays trip was 77.7 miles

Mark brought Big Red and Flo from storage over to her regular parking spot next to Catrina (when we're transferring our stuff).    We unloaded stuff from back bedroom and cleared the way for our guests (Brooke and Blair) coming this week.   Filled up Big Red......we'll give the girls each their own room and Mark and I will sleep on Flo.

Andy and JoBeth brought their dinghy over from their marina (Bayport) in Marblehead to store and stopped to say "Hi".   They took it on vacation with them on back of "Blessed".

5 weeks and 4 days of adventures on the water - what a great time!   Our Port Clinton gang are all back home tonight - lots of memories with these good friends!

Zoom tonight included 8 siblings (Joan visiting Theresa; Karen visiting Sharon)

Here's to a fun week ahead for all...

Saturday - August 2

 Mark walked to the Lexington Coffee Co. for a latte and blueberry muffin for me.   Nice calm day for cruising.....we left Lexington at 8:10 and went 70 miles to Jefferson Beach (St. Clair Shores, MI).   We were last here in 2021 and it's a huge and very nice marina.

Met this freighter on the St. Clair River

The Wagenborg

Had lunch and then just relaxed.    Jefferson Beach is a happening place this Saturday afternoon - lots of young folks out partying and boats coming and going including a tiki bar boat.

We were last here (Jefferson Beach) on August 19, 2021 - had dinner at Golden Chopsticks and did the same tonight after 4:30 Mass at St. Lucy's with Father Ben from India now serving the Detroit diocese.   We've been to Mass at St. Lucy's in 2008, 2021 and 2025.

Another yummy Chinese dinner + egg rolls and plenty of leftovers.   We rode our bikes (2 miles) to Mass and dinner.

Tomorrow...........Port Clinton, here we come!    HOME SWEET HOME!!!

Friday - August 1

 Welcome August!    We were off at 7:15 this morning headed to "we don't know"!    Ha.....just hoping for a nice ride.    154 miles later, here we are in Lexington, MI.    It was a good day on the water (sunny, 72 and pretty smooth water with the wind behind us.)    We stopped in Port Sanilac for fuel and hoped to spend the night, but there was a Blues festival going on and this weekend has been full since February.    The dock lady felt bad she couldn't accommodate us, but when we said we would go onto Lexington (9 miles), she forewarned us about their depth and so many having to be towed......yikes....didn't like hearing that.    Mark called Lexington and they had a slip and yes, they are shallow but since we only draw 3' he thought we would be ok (he said "there are no rocks, just grass, we would be dealing with).    

He was very helpful as we came into the harbor maneuvering here and there, watching our depth gauge and the color of the water.    No problem and with the help of 3 dockhands, we were tied up by 4:00.    Mark checked in at the office and we walked uptown - dinner at The Village Pub a very happening place this Friday evening - neat old building with the brick walls, hardwood floors, metal ceiling.   Great dinners...

Mark's perch dinner with fresh veggies and roasted redskins

My BBQ chicken salad with homemade ranch

We walked around afterwards and the entire Huron Street was blocked off as many crafters were setting up their tents/booths - boy, did that bring back memories of the many years I did craft shows!!!

It's a gorgeous evening in Lexington, Michigan.    We are tired after almost 9 hours on the water - nighty night!    Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - July 31

 The last day of July and what a day!   We were hoping to leave today but knew with the strong winds it was iffy.....Mark and I walked to the cabin for a hearty breakfast.    Maria (Dennis's daughter) and fiance, Paul came in early this morning from the Dayton area for a few days visit.   We met them earlier this summer in Port Clinton.  Donna and Maria made a big batch of bacon, sausage and scrambled eggs.   

We said our good byes to the gang.....see ya back at Superior Marine!    Mark and I walked back to Catrina and set to work fixing a bathroom (head) issue.   Mark worked away and Donna gave him a ride to Ace Hardware in Rogers City for repairs.   Back to the job.....winds were dying down a bit so hoped we could cruise the 3 hours to Harrisville.    At 3:20, we had stowed all our stuff and on our way.    But after 2 miles....not fun with beam seas, so we turned around and now settled in our slip for another night here in Presque Isle.

Our friends told us to join them for pizza tonight if we happened to stay over.   Really appreciate the offer, but we are tired and have plenty of leftovers.

The wind finally died down around 6ish - beautiful evening.   We went for a nice walk!    Presque Isle is such a lovely place.    

A picture-perfect zinnia

Presque Isle, Michigan

Wednesday - July 30

 Wow....big cruise ship came in overnight - we think its the Great Lakes Cruise.   

Lots of folks visiting Mackinac Island today

Our group was all up early to see Dennis and Teri off in "Magic" and 2nd home for them in Presque Isle.    Bob and Donna were meeting the 8:00 ferry to Mackinaw City and then drive in Donna's new car to Presque Isle.  Said our good byes and then we left around 8:15.    We cruised 70.2 miles - some of it choppy, but been in far worse.    The winds were supposed to be from the NW but they were NE...so......not as nice as we thought we'd have.

When we arrived at the Presque Isle State Harbor, Dennis, Teri, Bob, Donna, Andy and JoBeth were at the fuel dock to take our lines.   Andy and JoBeth just stopped for fuel and then back on the water.    We settled into our slip with Bob's help and also Terry (dockmaster).   Had lunch, took showers and then Donna picked us up and we went to cabin (7/10 of a mile).    What a beautiful place on Lake Huron - oh my - so peaceful with the rocky coast line and view of the water from all over the cabin.

We sat outside in the afternoon enjoying the view, sound of the waves crashing to shore and lots of yakking.    Mark and I can definitely see why Dennis and Teri want to "get away from it all" and come to this bit of paradise.                            

Bob, Dennis, Mark - just chillin'

Rocky coast line

Neat archway bult by Dennis's son, Matt

Us at the Arch

The Girls

Pat, Donna, Teri

We had steaks and pork chops which Dennis grilled + corn and and a fresh fruit plate.   We later waked back to the marina and had ice cream at "Ida Mae's Portage Deli" - very good!   Said our good nights to all and they walked back to the cabin and we walked to Catrina.

Mark, Bob, Dennis, Teri, Donna (excellent ice cream at Ida Mae's)

Tuesday - July 29

 Nice sunny start to the day.    Mark went to Watercolor for coffees and then we walked to Doud's Grocery for some of their yummy chicken salad, pasta salad and other goodies.   Brought our stuff home to put away.   Along the way, we saw Michael and Chris who were coming to say good bye as they were driving for Port Huron to see the status on "Journey", their boat that had the oil issue in Tobermory.  

 We walked to the Iroquois Hotel (Carriage House) for our 11:00 reservation for brunch.    This is such a beautiful place and 10 of us had a lovely table by the water with striped umbrellas (all connected) overhead.   We ordered drinks, then our meals (breakfast or lunch) and all having a good time....and then a few sprinkles?   But we "thought" we were protected cause after all, it wasn't supposed to rain?   Well, after a few bites of our food, it got heavier and oh my.................a real gully washer.   We grabbed plates and drinks and headed inside as fast as possible along with other diners.    The staff was so accommodating and set us up with a nice table.   Wow....that was quite a memory, but we all loved our food/drink.

My lobster benedict and spinach salad

We posed afterwards and a nice family from Peoria, IL  took our picture.

Andy, JoBeth, Mark, Pat, Bob, Donna, Teri, Dennis, Chris, Dave

Missing Michael and Chris

After brunch and the sun came out, we walked back to our boats - Mark and I took a short nap and then revived for a walk to The Arch.   It's 207 steps to the top.   We only went 40  and called it good!

Bought a water at Boxwood (coffee/ice cream shop in the Mission Point Inn) and then I browsed around the gift shop "Cherished Memories".   

Stopped at St. Anne's church - 350 years of Christianity here on the island.   It is beautiful.  There are 20 year-round parishioners and 80 in the summertime.

The history

View from 40 steps

Mission Point Inn

These "snowballs" are everywhere on the island - a form of hydrangea

View of St. Anne's from "Magic"

 We have done sooo much eating since we arrived on Mackinac Island (well, for us almost 5 weeks since we started this vacation).    So tonight we each brought an appetizer to "Magic" and enjoyed another gorgeous (and last) evening together.    Chris and Dave brought over delicious brats, baked beans and sweet potato casserole.   And then they went back to their boat and returned with Brandy Alexanders - oh my!!!!

Delicious and made with Tofts ice cream from Port Clinton

Teri and Dennis

Chris and Dave

Andy and JoBeth

Bob and Donna

Pat and Mark

These gals (one from Ecuador and the other, Spain) were paddleboarding near "Magic" - Chris asked if they would like a Brandy Alexander - they had never heard of that drink.....but sure enjoyed it!

August 28, 2008, we ate with Philip and Annette at the Carriage House in the Iroquois Hotel

and today, we had brunch there (and then the deluge came)

Notice....17 years ago, we were wearing jackets!!!

Our last night on Mackinac Island - such a magical place.....tomorrow, we all move on - Mark and I will be heading to Presque Isle where Teri and Dennis have a cabin.   Bob and Donna will join us and hopefully?   Michael and Chris

A few photos from last night at The Woods

The dining room before it was totally full

Carriage ride back 

Dennis, Teri, JoBeth and Andy

Mark, Pat, Donna, Bob

So very sad to hear about Ryne Sandberg's (Chicago Cubs star 2nd baseman - #23) death yesterday.    What a legend he was - I was a big fan back in the day.    Our Anne loved Ryno and followed him with a passion.   Liam and Connor met Ryno a few years ago - they were in a store near Wrigley Field and he was buying a gift for his grandchild.