Thursday - July 2

Today was so much fun....Mark and I started the day going to "Kick" for coffees and light breakfast.   Later I had an appointment at Aurora Health for lab work (requested by Dr. Freeman) for my thyroid.  

Mark dropped me off downtown to meet Fran for some girl fun.    We helped the Sturgeon Bay economy at Wilkins and Olander....and what are the odds that on our first visit to Sturgeon Bay (October 22, 2008), Fran and I were shopping and I bought a jeans jacket.    And today, (18 years later) I bought a jeans jacket!    Crazy!   We also enjoyed The Brickyard Alley - several cute shops on 3rd Avenue,

Then we were off to TJ Maxx for more shopping in their cute Mustang convertible,   Enroute to Fish Creek, we stopped for a cherry pie and then cherry donuts (our lunch) - oh my.....delish!

Hart to Hart was a really nice shop in Fish Creek, but no purchases and on home.    Drove past so many HUGE homes on the water!    It was a beautiful day!

Mark had a good day staying put on Catrina with some occasional walks, naps, etc.

We walked to the yacht club where we met Fran and Ed to watch the "Beer Can" races.   Actually the guys watched and Fran and I stayed indoors with the AC.   I guess beer can relates to the celebrating of the winning racers with beer after the races.   Later we all enjoyed the Pasta Buffet which was excellent!    And then Fran's phone gave an alert that rain was imminent, so Mark and I hightailed it back to Catrina.    Rain didn't amount to squat!    But with yesterday morning's storm and early this morning, we've had an inch!

 

)

Wednesday - July 1

 Welcome to July but boy it came in kinda scary.    Our morning started off good and early as we left Sister Bay at 5:50 AM knowing storms were predicted for later.   We had a good trip to Sturgeon Bay (30 miles) and after going under 2 bridges (1 was opened for us at 8:00), we then tied up at a free transient dock in front of some lovely condos in Graham Park

Since we couldn't check into the marina till 1 (most likely earlier, but since this was really early, we planned to walk downtown to a coffee shop and come back and wait out the storm on Catrina.)   And then this dear sweet lady (Annie) came out of her condo asking if we were aware that a very bad storm was coming and had already hit Green Bay causing damage with trees and power lines down and 60 MPH winds.   The sky was getting darker and darker.    We quickly battened down the hatches, took our bimini down and Annie said "I'll make you coffee"!    Come on in...So, we walked with her to her beautiful condo.    What a lovely lady who summers in Sturgeon Bay and lives in a retirement community in Milwaukee, rest of the year.

Annie

Annie made coffee and served us warm Kringle from Racine and bing cherries and we chatted away about boating, our families, etc.  We were so grateful to be inside warm and safe as the storm was ferocious with very strong winds, thunder, lightning and heavy rain.

Our friend Ed called while we were with Annie wondering how where we were, how we were doing, etc.    I had texted Fran that we were tied up along the wall, safe 'n sound.    So glad we left when we did early this morning - thanks to my weather/logistics guy!

Ed came to pick us up and go to his house - so good to see Fran (been several years but we were friends in Bloomington for many years thru boating in the power squadron - they were sailors.   They moved to Sturgeon Bay in 2006.    They are giving us their Highlander to use the next few days which is much appreciated.    Ed drove his truck and Mark the Highlander to the marina parking lot.   Then we went with Ed to get Catrina still in front of Annie's.    Ed went on home but we have a date for dinner tonight at the yacht club.    And, Annie is going to join us!

We got Catrina moved into her slip at the Quarter Deck (Skipper Bud's) and after our power cords and hose were hooked up, the rain started again.....we had lunch and there's more chance of storms later.

Annie has 3 sons living in Milwaukee, Vermont and Portugal and 8 grandchildren.    Her husband Dick died almost 2 years ago.    One of her sons, Dan, wrote a book about the Great Lakes - turns out Ed has read it and has also heard Dan speak.   So........he suggested we invite Annie to dinner.   Small world

Tonight we picked up Annie and met Ed and Fran at the Yacht Club for dinner,    Having lived in Sturgeon Bay or Door County for a long time, they knew many of the same folks.    We had such a fun evening.

Ed, Fran, Annie, Pat, Mark

Tuesday - June 30

 Storms were predicted today with strong winds....we walked to Al Johnson's Swedish restaurant (very popular and been in Sister Bay since 1973 and before that under a different name).    This place is known for the goats grazing on the green-grass roof and known for Swedish meatballs and other Swedish/American food for breakfast/lunch.    It is always packed and we had a 20 minute wait before 9:00 today.    Breakfast was very good and then back to Catrina.  

The goats are staying in the shade on rooftop of Al Johnson's

Weather was weird with strong wind, no wind, light rain and on and on, but nothing significant.    We did a load of laundry and walked to Analog for iced coffees (Happy Coffee closed at 11 for maintenance)?

Today was MUCH warmer since we've been up north AND humid!    

A 102' yacht "Sassy" came into the marina today - wow!    It spends the summer on the Great Lakes and winters in FL.    What a beauty.

"Sassy"

We walked to the Sister Bay Bowling Alley - thought they opened at 4 but only the bar, so we had a drink and enjoyed the cool AC till 5.    The 6-lane bowling alley was very busy with young families.   I visited with a very nice lady who was with her husband from St. Louis.    She is originally from Sister Bay and she reminisced on how it has changed.    Yesterday when they were coming from St. Louis, they stopped in Bloomington at Portillo's for lunch.    She lived in Chicago for several years and that was a favorite.

Each year around the 4th, they have a big reunion (always in Bailey's Harbor) so family will start arriving tomorrow....145 strong.

Dinner was great and by 5:15, all tables were full.    Mark had the perch and I had whitefish....delish!

Back to Catrina with threatening skies.    BUT.....all fizzled out and no rain or storms.    At 7:45, 3 BIG yachts came into the marina which caused quite a lot of attention (not as big as Sassy, but still big)!   

Tomorrow we are off to Sturgeon Bay (30 miles).   

Bye bye June...

Monday - June 29

Thunder, lightning, heavy rain and wind+++some pinging of hail woke us up at 4:45 this morning.   Rest of the day was dreary and low 70s.   We had breakfast, I walked to Happy Coffee for a latte and then did 2 loads of laundry.    They only have 1 washer/dryer here, but did the job.

On back to the boat, put the clothes away and had lunch.   

We remember 57 years ago on our wedding day, it was very hot and the church and reception hall did not have AC.   My how things have changed!

I went shopping in the afternoon - just one store "On Deck" but oh, it's fabulous - huge and so many neat clothes.    They have stores in other Door County towns.   I got 2 new tops!

It was a very funky weather day - mostly cloudy with the sun trying to peak thru, very windy and at times, there was a fog and haze over the water - just 72 for our high.

Sister Bay has several wooden benches scattered around the town - so convenient when you want to rest a bit!    All of them have "In Memory of......" what a nice idea and much appreciated by the tourists.

We had planned to eat at the Sister Bay Bowling Alley which has been around forever.    We remember eating here 20+ years ago and was very popular and still is.    So we got there at 5:15 tonight and there was a very long line...............so, we'll try again tomorrow night and be there at 4 when it opens.    We went across the street to Husby's - Mark had a whitefish wrap and I had a good ole Wisconsin brat with sauerkraut - both delish!

Walked afterwards and on back to Catrina - wind is still blowing like crazy!

Sunday - June 28

 Happy 57th to us...

June 28, 1969

June 28, 2026

We walked (uphill) to 10:00 Mass at Stella Maris - what a beautiful celebration, joyful choir and packed with vacationers which was great to see!    Father Tom Farrell serves 5 parishes in Door County (Sister Bay, Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, Bailey's Harbor and Jacksonport).    Today was Father's last day as he's retiring and will be living in Sister Bay.    

Walked "down" the hill and stopped at "Happy Coffee" for our morning fix and then met a couple walking their 2 dogs.    She was wearing a "Put-in-Bay" t-shirt, so we stopped and chatted.   They keep their boat in Port Clinton and know Dennis and Dave from our marina.  They are Mike and Anne (just like our twins).  Small world.   On back to Catrina.   It is another beautiful day in Door County!

Happy Birthday to Mark's sister Joan who was just 14 (57 years ago today)!

Our grand dog "Karen" (Erin and Ryan's Golden) has been sick this week and hard to diagnose and then developed pneumonia.     She spent the night at the vet's and this afternoon, the very hard decision to have her pass peacefully.   Unfortunately, Ryan is in training in Memphis; feel so for Erin - Karen was her "baby".    We are so sad for this news.   Jinx (Michael and Brooke's) died on Mark's birthday last November 7th and now Karen passed away on our anniversary.   🥹

RIP Karen

June 21, 2025

We went for a walk late afternoon - wow, what a big change with the temp much cooler, no sun and a few sprinkles.    We have a rainy week ahead!   😔

We had our anniversary dinner at "Chop" a short walk from the marina.   It is #2 in Sister Bay according to Trip Advisor - wonderful meal, service and ambiance.

r

Saturday - June 27

 What a gorgeous day.....sunny, calm and upper 60s as we borrowed the courtesy car here at Shipyard Marina for a trip to The Red Cup Coffee House.     What a popular and funky place.    It's fairly close to the ferry dock (cars and people), so lots of traffic especially on a Saturday morning when folks are coming to the island for the weekend.

We only had a short wait in line as it kept getting longer and almost out the door,    Mark had a breakfast burrito and I had a bacon, brie with honey drizzle croissant - both were delish along with our coffees.   

This place was full of mis-matched furniture, old timey stuff and just so eclectic and fun including tiny Christmas lights over the counter.   The Red Cup has been in business for 26 years - such a yummy menu.

Counter with Christmas lights

Mark with his I-pad and coffee waiting for his burrito.

The tablecloths were all oldies (cloth) that my Mom and Grandma had back in the day

We left Washington Island - what a great day on the water and we had a leisurely ride since we were in no hurry (check-in at Sister Bay is 1:00), and we only had 15 miles.    I kept wondering where were all the boats on Green Bay this spectacular day?    Saw very few and that was towards the end of the trip as we got closer to Sister Bay but that's where the action was.    Tied up at our slip with nice helper dockhands and a pump out right at the boat! 

Went for a walk - ooh my...........summertime has arrived with the weather and people everywhere - the beach is packed, boats coming and going, lots of traffic on the streets and crowded sidewalks.    We went to Analog Ice Cream and Coffee for some yummy cones and kept on walking eventually back to Catrina.   Ice cream was so yummy - we haven't exactly had "ice cream" weather!!!  

We sat on the bridge with our wine late afternoon and just soaked up all this warm sunshine!

After supper on Catrina, we walked down Bay Shore (where it's all happening) - still lots of people out and about.

We have an awesome spot for viewing the sunset, but some cloud cover tonight, so....

Catrina's home for the next 4 nights in Sister Bay

 

Friday - June 26

 We had a really good 7 hours on the water with sunshine and calm seas.    We left Mackinaw City at 5:59 AM with Mark getting it all together,,...we arrived on Washington Island, WI at 12:45 (nice to be back in the central time zone and gain that hour!

This is a very small unique place at the top of Door County.    We were last here in '06 and also 1999 when we were with friends for a Mid Illini Cruise and Rendezvous in Fish Creek.   But...back in the summer of 1986 (FORTY years ago), Mark and I trailered our new 24' sailboat (Miss Megan) on her first big voyage to Lake Michigan.    We brought Philip, 9 and his friend Jon, 10 along on that trip - fond memories.    I guess Ryan, Michael and Anne stayed with my parents....too long ago for the ole minds to remember!   Ha!

We settled in, had lunch and took naps.    Later in the afternoon we walked - this small island only has 708 residents!    Gosh, the warmer weather feels sooo good - today is sunny, calm and 65.

Connor is visiting Liam this weekend in Minnesota; Brady is with Drew and Tessa in Cedar Rapids.

At 6:08 AM, we were getting close to the Mackinac Island Bridge

We've been under it more times than over it

Cruised along past this freighter today but we won

Yesterday Mark saw this giant sculpture of a hot dog on top of Wienerlicious, a popular roadside diner in Mackinaw City - it is a record breaking 63' long.

BIG hot dog!

We have a restaurant here at the marina - "Sailor's Pub" but decided we should eat some leftovers, so....that's what we did and then went for a nice long walk - beautiful evening.

Have a great weekend.

Thursday - June 25

 Mother Nature apparently has not checked the calendar to see that summer officially began last Sunday?    This is crazy.....another day of cold and wind (rain, too, this morning)!

Plenty of rain this morning.    We grabbed our yellow raincoats (looked like 2 ducks), and umbrellas and walked downtown to Cook's Coffee Nook for our coffees and some yummy scones.    What a cute shop with gifts, too.  

Cook's Coffee Nook

Patriotic tree

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Stopped at Save-a-Lot for a few things and back to Catrina.    The rain had stopped briefly so decided to take off for Mackinaw City but by the time we got ready, the rain came back.    We cruised 52 miles and most of it was without rain, but the last mile coming into Mackinaw City was really rough (ferry traffic caused some of that).   3 young guys helped us at the fuel dock (Catrina is very thirsty these days 😒) and then took our lines along the wall across from Shepler's ferry dock which goes frequently to Mackinac Island.

We walked downtown (all bundled up as are all the other folks)   Here it is June 25th and instead of shorts, t-shirts and flip flops, we're wearing hoodies, jackets, etc. etc.

We had lunch at The Dixie Saloon - Reuben for me and whitefish for Mark - delish!    We each went our separate ways -  I wanted to check out the shops (it's been 20 years since we were here - some changes but still lots of fudge shops, t-shirts and sweatshirts are everywhere and a lotta touristy stuff).    Back to Catrina - nice 'n cozy.    Mark took a nap and I did puzzles and read.

At 6:30 we put on our layers (3) + rain coats + gloves and off we walked - took the street where all the motels/hotels are.    A lot of new stuff since we were here last August 18, 2006.  I didn't start doing the blog till January, 2008.    But Mark has kept great records of our boating trips way before that. As we were coming back to Catrina, it started raining again............

A few days ago Mark heard on the VHF radio that 1 year ago Alpena, Michigan had broken a record with 97 degrees.....what a big difference this year!   Sure could use some of that heat!

 

Wednesday - June 24

"What a Difference a Day Makes" as the song goes and that was sure the case today - 7 hours of smooth cruising from Harbor Beach to Rogers City (130 miles).

We got some diesel for Catrina here at the Rogers City Marina and then settled into our slip- maybe one night or depending on the weather, could be 2 nights as rain is predicted for tomorrow.    Actually the rain started shortly after we got back from our walk downtown and checked out a cute store (The Painted Lady) - also 2 coffee shops (tomorrow).

We went to The Lighthouse (with umbrella) for early dinner.   It was very busy.   Mark had pot roast and I had pizza (good stuff)!    Then the walk back in the rain (it poured while we were eating) and cold.    

Hard to believe we were last here in Rogers City 19 years ago with sail Catrina - now starting our 18th season with power Catrina.

Around 7:30, the sun came out, the wind died down and a beautiful evening so we did another walk.

Tuesday - June 23

 Very windy and chilly.    I fixed eggs/sausage/toast for breakfast and we planned to take off today, but I was a bit skeptical with the strong winds.    Well, we got out on Lake Huron but not for long - really rough with lots of banging, so...........turned around and came back, got tied up and happy to be safe 'n secure.

Mark got our bikes off the boat but I thought it was too cold (barely 60) so off he went and I curled up in the sunshine with a good book.   He admitted it was COLD and WINDY but he rode the trail downtown.

And then later this afternoon we walked downtown and had lunch at Smalley's - good burger and salad.    On home for naps.    Connor called.   He's going to visit Liam this weekend.   On July 18th, he and 2 friends will be performing in his first ever concert in uptown Normal (30-minute gig).   Bass guitar, 6-string guitar and drums.   Can't wait to see a video of that!

I made a batch of tuna/egg salad  and we finished getting our steps after supper.

Monday - June 22

 We got a very nice gentle rain over night (8/10").    We stopped for diesel ($5.50 per gallon) and then left Algonac at 9:30.   The nice gal at the fuel dock said it was over $7 at the marina nearby.  😐 The rain was done for the day but chilly!    We cruised on the St. Clair River for 30 miles and then we were on Lake Huron (300 miles to Lake Michigan).  😒

We arrived at the Harbor Beach Marina in Harbor Beach, Michigan at 2:40.  We were last here in 2008 with Sail Catrina.  Most of the trip was comfy and smooth, but we stayed down below out of the elements.    Last few miles got a little choppy and more wind!    We did 88 miles today.   Always appreciate and happy to see dockhands (2) waiting to take our lines!

Entrance to the marina

I read and did my puzzles and took a little nap along the way.   Mark did his navigating and was a happy captain.

Mark did all his stats from the trip and then we were off to check in at the office.    We walked downtown (1.2 miles) to Freskia Ice Cream and Coffee.   Mark had a chocolate milkshake and I had an iced vanilla latte.   Definitely warmer inland away from the water (but still far from a heat wave 😀).  Harbor Beach has a great biking/walking path from the marina to downtown and beyond - if we had extra energy, we would take the bikes off the boat and ride, but we are about out of steam!

Pretty park in Harbor Beach

We love all the patriotism displayed (yesterday in Algonac and here today)

Flags are everywhere!

It is a gorgeous afternoon but only 62.    Where is summer?

Yesterday Liam told us he rode 58.95 miles on his bike.....he and Connor are in heavy training for their 1/2 ironman they are doing in July.    WOW!!!!!

We walked again at night - such a beautiful evening.   An Amish family were fishing - Mom and little kiddos while Dad and older son were using waders to catch some small-mouth bass.

I forgot how light it is here this far north  - at 9:00, the sun is still shining brightly and 10:00, still not totally dark!   

 

Sunday - June 21

 WOW.....lots to celebrate today!    Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there including this guy.

The Captain of my ship

and thee BEST Hubby, Dad and Grandpa!!!

Mark and I have so many memories of our Dads - 2 farmers with a gentle, humble spirit and wonderful role models.   Remembering Patrick and what a proud Dad he would be of 

Liam and Connor.

Michael and Philip gave us 6 grands - thank you!   You guys rock!

Today is the 1st Anniversary for Erin and Ryan

Erin, "Karen", Ryan

Congratulations

June 21, 2025

Today is the 40th wedding anniversary for Tom (Mark's brother) and Beth.   Also the birthday of our Canadian friend, Ron and Prince William.   It's also the first day of summer and the summer solstice (longest day of the year)!

We started our summer 2026 cruise this morning when we went under the Portage River bridge at 8:30.    Lake Erie was a little choppy and chilly but we had mostly sun with off and on clouds.   Then to the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River.    98.2 miles later we arrived in Algonac, MI (2:30).    Had some Mayflies we brought along from Lake Erie, but a quick hosing off got rid of them

We've stayed here a few times in the past but never walked downtown, so this afternoon we set out - it was a good jaunt but we needed to stretch our legs and then found a DQ, so had a small cone and kept on.   Never did get downtown, but not sure there is much of one.   We did get our 10,000 steps so that's what it was all about.

Tomorrow's forecast doesn't sound too promising - 95% chance of rain!   

Zoom tonight was missing Jim and Tom H.    Matt (Tom's son) and Kara sold their home and will soon be moving into their new home.    The sisters who were at McCormick's Creek told about their 2 week vacation there (spending some time in the basement during tornado warning).   Joan updated us on her ankle recovery.  

Have a great week....    

Saturday - June 20

 Very pretty day but of course, WINDY!!!!    We were off to run errands after coffee at Biggby.   Think we got the last of our groceries and have Catrina loaded up with everything but the kitchen sink!  😂

Came home and put stuff away, had lunch and then set to cleaning Catrina - boy, she needed a good scrubbing and with the strong wind, made it challenging to not get each other wet!   Ha!    But that was the least of our problems - it was getting around (up and down) scrubbing away!   The ole bods were just not liking that ordeal!!!  😐

Mark needed to exchange a piece of hardware and get a different size (carbiner) so I went along and picked up a few more items at Bassett's grocery.  

We went to 4:30 Mass with Father Jonathan (great homily) and then 1812 for dinner.  This is one of our favorite places and tonight was great as always.   Mark had the brandied pork chop and I had my usual (need to try something new, but this is sooo good)

1812 Salmon with cranberry/orange relish and jasmine rice

We started with a cup of street corn soup (WOW) and ended the meal with chocolate lava cake.   Not the best Mark's had (his very favorite dessert) but still pretty darn good!

Catrina and crew are ready to start cruising!

HAPPY   FATHER'S   DAY!

Friday - June 19

 We were up early and off to do 3 loads of laundry at "Clean Scene" (our favorite after my she shed)!   Ran a few more errands and on home.    Mark left for a haircut with Gina (walked downtown).   Another windy day!

Philip and Luke called while he was gone - they were out and about.   Told them Dad/Grandpa was getting a haircut and I was getting one later today.    He said "well, Michael and Brady are getting haircuts now and I'm getting one later!    Tis the day to get the hair cut!!!   😊

We had lunch and then I left for my haircut with Wendy.    She's so much fun and always enjoy our visits and how she cuts hair.    Stopped for an iced latte and on home.

While I was gone, Mark the dear, washed Flo and then when I got home, we put Flo and Big Red away in the storage building for the summer.

I walked downtown for a mani/pedi with Danielle at CG's.   This is a different Danielle than I used to go to here in Port Clinton.   The original Danielle (Be-YOU-ti-ful) does a great job, BUT.....she's such a Debbie Downer, so decided to try someone else.

I really enjoyed the new Danielle - very chatty, friendly and FUN!   It was a very good experience.

Mark and I decided to go to Rich's for carry-out chicken and some sides.    Their chicken is sooo moist and flavorful - tonight we also had pasta salad, cole slaw and baked beans!   All very good.   Oink oink!   But we've got leftovers.  😋

Walked around the marina - winds are still very strong - one good thing about the wind it's keeping the Mayflies away!   

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - June 18

 Had some sprinkles this morning but the winds were really crazy!!!   We did a pump out and got fuel for Catrina.     

And then left for The Summer Kitchen in rural Helena, OH (a cute gift shop that we discovered last year.)   I browsed around - sooo much neat stuff.   And then we had lunch at The Chateau Winery.    These 2 businesses are in the same family and really nice!    We had not been to the winery so today was our 1st and what a treat.    Bill and Michele, owners were so gracious and fun to visit with and hear their history.

A small section of The Summer Kitchen

The Chateau Winery

It's a popular spot from Thursday-Sunday with nightly entertainment, wine, food, etc.    We enjoyed our lunch (chicken salad on a croissant for me and Italian panini for Mark) .   11 folks from a nearby retirement home came by shuttle bus for wine tasting and lunch.   Definitely a return place which is 1/2 hour from Port Clinton.

Onto Jackson Center to pick up Flo.   While Mark was settling up the bill, I walked to Sip + Stream for some coffees for the trip home.  2+ hours later we were back on Catrina and now making plans to leave (Sunday)? for our summer trip to Lake Michigan.

After supper we went for a short walk - still VERY windy!

Wednesday - June 17

A bright sunny morning after all the rain last night (8/10").   We left Flo at 7:55 and drove to Sip + Stream for our coffees and then back to wait in the lounge area for Derek to talk to Mark about our list for Flo.    They came with a little tractor (method to moving Airstreams into the bays from the terraport).

Derek and Mark went to Bay 10 to discuss Flo and then we were on our way by 8 to Wapakoneta for breakfast.    There's not much in Jackson Center (good coffee though) 😋   

On our way to Wapa (14 miles), we got a call from Levi at Airstream who was assigned to us that they found a problem thinking that from the bike rack and bouncing around, there is some structural damage and they have to add additional plates.    UGH~

He said it could take 8 hours (more or less) to fix so probably wouldn't be done till tomorrow!    Since it was already in a bay, they wanted to keep it there +++ there are severe storms in the forecast (including hail) and better to have Flo protected from the nasty weather.

We had a hearty breakfast at LuLu's Diner and then back to Jackson Center but first stopped at the newest very large Airstream facility where they actually build the Airstreams (when we visited in January, 2018, they were in a different smaller building and it was a very cold snowy day).

Wow....this building is quite something and they give tours Monday-Friday at 1:00.    They even have a coffee shop and gift shop.    Airstream employs 1200.

On back to Jackson Center to get some stuff off Flo, talk to Derek one more time and then left for Port Clinton.    We stopped at the car wash and gave Big Red a good scrubbing and put him and Ruby inside the building here at the marina with storms coming.

Also heard this morning that my boat sister Donna was taken to the ER by Bob.   She's had severe back pain but also been very sick with intestinal issues since Friday night.    They diagnosed a viral infection, so along with fluids to keep from dehydration, we hope she'll feel better real soon.

We went for a walk downtown - stopped at the Bait House for some adult beverages and on home as a  storm is a'coming!   

The rain started abont 7 and coming down steeadi;y but no storms yet.   

Tuesday - June 16

 We had breakfast and finished getting Flo ready to travel.    Left Port Clinton (and the Mayflies) around 11:00 and headed south  (126 miles) to Jackson Center (headquarters for Airstream) with one stop for fuel for Big Red in Lima.   And about 35 miles later, we were in the land of Airstreams - they are everywhere - new ones for delivery to dealers all around the country, some like us for yearly check-ups and some here for repair work or whatever needs fixin'.    We are parked in a "terraport" (3 circular paved areas for 8 Airstreams each).   They are 36  bays for workers to do their thing.

Mark went to check in and I walked to Sip Stream for some coffees and a turkey/bacon/cheese wrap to share.    Beside the Airstream coffee trailer is The Sipping Station  "Sip, Snack, Shop" - cute little place which goes with the coffee trailer.

Sip Stream

The Sipping Station

It is very windy today and low 70s.    When Mark checked in they gave him a printed copy of what to do in case of severe weather (do not stay on Flo).     We sure hope for no storms but tomorrow, we keep hearing about possible bad stuff coming to IL and IN.

We walked around the Airstream grounds and then left for Wapakoneta (the locals just say "Wapa").   We remember one year ago after Flo's check-up, we stopped here at Krave Creamery for ice cream.    Wapa is a cute little town and has very few empty storefronts - always a good sign.   Some nice shops and several antique places, skin care/salons/spas, coffee, yoga, old-time movie theater, etc., etc.   It started raining just as we were coming into town so sat in Big Red for a bit and then took the umbrella and found "J Marie's" for dinner.  What a cute restaurant (since 2015) in an old building in the heart of downtown.   I had a wood-fired taco pizza and Mark had a wood-fired chicken pot pie - all delicious and so reasonable!

My taco pizza - yum!!!

The rain had stopped when we went back outside so walked around downtown - Auglaize Street is where it's all happening.    

Wapakoneta is the birthplace of Neil Armstrong and here is a very nice landmark honoring him with the large mirrored astronaut helmet.  

Neil was the first person to touch the moon on July 20, 1969 (3 weeks after our wedding).    We remember watching this exciting event.

When Neil came back to Wapakoneta for celebratory parade

Neat architecture of downtown buildings

Lots of red/white/blue all around downtown with flags, flowers, bunting, clothing and decorated windows.   

  And then back to Flo and walked some more around all the Airstreams to get our steps.

My boat sister, Chris welcomed a baby granddaughter today in Colorado - what fun she'll have buying pink after 2 grandsons!

 

Tonight we boaters are back to being campers!   😄    We had some very heavy rain tonight and more coming tomorrow!

Monday - June 15

 Well, they came back (very unwelcome) but here it is June 15th, and the Mayflies found their way to Port Clinton blowing in from the north with strong winds.   Tis the season!

We worked between Flo and Catrina getting things ready for tomorrow when we take Flo to Jackson Center for her yearly check-up.    We'll spend the night as they will take Flo away at 7 AM Wednesday.

Teri and I walked downtown for our mile and on back home.   As always, the Mayflies were everywhere and oh such a mess!

In front of a store downtown 

Anne called on her way home from visiting Liam.   She had a great weekend....dinner with Liam's host family, Isles Bun and Coffee Co. (best cinnamon rolls in the country according to Google and right downtown Minneapolis).    Anne and Liam agreed.   They drove around seeing the sites, went to the Cardinals/Twins game (Cards won 9-6), Mass at the Basilica, hit some coffee shops, Mall of America, Farmer's Market, Minnehaha waterfall, Lake Minnetonka (great recreational area for Liam to run and bike).   And now she's back home!

It's a beautiful day after the storm yesterday - to be in the 70s for the next 10 days!

Our friend Michael this morning

My boat sister Chris and Michael are at Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake this week

Our new printer came today so Mark was enjoying getting that all set up.

We walked downtown and wanted to eat at Brickhouse (pizza) but it was packed.   So we went a few doors away to Poseidon (where we ate Saturday night).    We had drinks and an appetizer at the bar - love this place.

Blair's "Grand Bob" took this pic from the dance recital a few weeks ago....

Growing up so fast....

Almost 13 but sure looks older

Sunday - June 14

2026

Teri and I walked our 1st mile this morning.    Mark and I went to 10:30 Mass with Father Jonathan at Immaculate Conception.    Some generous parishioner is donating the $ for new padded kneelers to be installed over the next few days.   How nice.

Then to A la Carte for breakfast - very busy place and always delicious.    On home.   Mark went for a walk.

                                           

These scary clouds were hovering over Superior Marine around 2:00.    And then the wind picked up and blew like crazy along with heavy rain.    The temperature dropped and feels like the 60's.

Zoom tonight included 8 siblings.   Another week at McCormick's Creek for Theresa and Karen.   Cost of stamps is going up July 12th to .82 (.04 increase).  😔   Doris treated Sharon to her birthday lunch yesterday and today, she visited Mike (Theresa's hubby)  Sharon has been enjoying the  World Cup soccer games and we talked about how neat that the other countries are so enjoying our American culture, hospitality, food, etc.

The Cruisers

Philip, Annette, Ryan, Brooke, Michael

Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest

Have a great week!

Saturday - June 13

 Gorgeous day.     Teri and I walked downtown and back - 1 mile.  She is walking 3 miles a day slowly, but so proud of  her and 2 more miles coming later. (1 at a time).    I know she's hurting - can't believe all she's been thru and still all that's ahead of her.

Our boat sister Chris gave Teri this T-shirt....

Humpty Dumpty

We'll put her together again (forever and forever)!!!!

Our printer died so Amazon to the rescue (as always) - new one should be coming Monday.

Liam and his Mom at Target Field in Minneapolis for the Twins/Cardinals game

Teri and I did our second mile after lunch - it is really warm today!    But we got it done and then back to "Jaws" (her boat) to stretch and rest.    She just can't get comfortable and sleeping is a real problem - feel so for her and all the pain.    But her attitude is soo upbeat and she cracks me up with her funny comments!   What a trooper!

Tonight we walked downtown with Dennis and Teri to Poseidon for dinner and met Chris and Dave (met them last year) and Kim and Jane (1st time).    We had such a good time.   Poseidon used to be Rosie's and was sold and empty for a long while, but new owners came and did a major remodel (WOW) and all new menu.....we all loved our meals and a big boost to the Port Clinton restaurant scene!    Can't wait to go back.

Left:   Mark, Dennis, Chris, Jane, Teri, Pat, Dave, Kim

 

Friday - June 12

 Windy day but sunny - sure thinking of so many folks in the Midwest affected by the tornadoes and storms last night.

I made eggs/sausage/toast for breakfast and then we worked on getting Catrina more organized.   Still bringing stuff over from Flo.

Mark ran some errands - hardware store, West Marine, WalMart.   He worked on some fix-it jobs on Catrina.

A beautiful big yacht was launched this afternoon here at Superior - 85' Italian beauty headed to Windsor, ON.

Iron Man

Such a nice surprise to see boat sister, Teri back up here for 1st time this year.    We had a nice visit and heard her many woes with all her issues (fractured her hip in a fall on March 21 and now will need 2 knee replacements.)   Yikes, but she's a trooper (all 98 lbs of her).    The manufacturer of new knees will be designing a special smaller knee for her tiny body!  

Boat sisters - Pat and Teri

Mark and I walked downtown - it is a spectacular evening here in Port Clinton with lots of people out and about.   The downtown Madison Street party was in full swing with a big crowd enjoying their food/beverages from nearby restaurants/bars along with music.    We stayed to hear "Sweet Caroline" and then on home.     

Anne is in Minneapolis this weekend visiting Liam.   Sounds like a fun time with lots of activities planned by Liam and his host family