Friday - July 31

 Cannot believe it's the last day of July and another month is gone just like that - POOF!!!   Life needs to SLOW down!!!

We had a productive morning - I did 3 loads of laundry at the marina (very nice laundromat with 3 washers and 3 dryers, plenty of space to fold clothes, 2 sinks and even an ironing board and iron) and only $1.50 a load to wash and $1.25 to dry for 55 minutes - that is a real deal!!!    Mark helped me get it all started and then left on his bike to ride the 3 miles to Enterprise to pick up our rental car for next 3 days.    He came back with a dark gray Nissan Altima with IL plates.   Helped me finish up the folding, took hanging clothes back to Catrina and then with our little wagon, we got rest of laundry to the boat.    Weather is threatening today - much cooler and rain is coming this afternoon, continuing thru tomorrow (not good for our reunion activities)😔

Next stop was coffee.....several choices (along with the chains- Starbucks, Scooters and Biggby's), we went across the Black River (Sheboygan is divided into 2 parts separated by the river).    Several shops/restaurants/coffee places, etc. along the riverwalk.   We picked "Eb Flo" - a very nice coffee shop with a big menu for breakfast/lunch all day.    We ate indoors but a big outdoor seating area with fires going.    Along with our coffees, we shared a "Croffle" (never heard of this) - it's a combination of croissant and waffle and whatever you want in/on it.   We had ham and cheese - different but really good!

A "Croffle"

We drove around downtown - it's a large area but didn't see anything worth stopping for.    Back to Catrina waiting for the rain....which took several hours to finally arrive and then very light.  

  We went to Lino Restaurante Italiano for dinner - wonderful and #1 on Trip Advisor for Sheboygan.   Rain is to continue thru tomorrow night - looking forward to being with Mark's siblings and some of the nieces and nephews in Menominee Falls but the weather sounds wet and cool!

Very good place!

Bye bye July....

Thursday - July 30

 We left Adelaide Pointe and Muskegon at 8:05 AM and enjoyed a nice smooth cruise across Muskegon Lake and then Lake Michigan.    12:45 we arrived at the Harbor Centre fuel docks in Sheboygan,WI (82.2 miles) and got to set our clocks back an hour!    We had an hour wait at the fuel docks - 4 ahead of us.    And then some issues getting into our slip - computers show one thing and 2x another boat was in the slip they assigned us but 3rd time was the charm!    We were here at Harbor Centre in 1997 and 1999 (2x) and at that time, a very nice marina; however, the years have definitely taken a toll and it has slipped into disrepair.    The 5-year plan is to totally renovate everything (they do have a nice boater's lounge).

We went for a walk in the afternoon and found BLAST for some ice cream (banana split for Mark and Heath bar crunch flurry for me).     Back to Catrina walking along the riverwalk.

Graham's first boat ride today

Tuesday-Wednesday - July 28-29

 Tuesday - Cloudy and cool.    We walked to The Coffee Factory; back to Catrina and Allie and Owen picked us up at 10:30 and we were off for a big day!!!

First stop was Ryke's Bakery which has been here since 1937 - they also have locations in Grand Haven and Holland.    What a wonderful selection (CT friend Linda had brought us some thin butter cookies which were delicious)!!!    Allie and I stocked up on muffins, apple fritter, cookies, etc.    Oink!

Then downtown Muskegon to see the tiny businesses "Western Market" - unfortunately, they are not open till Thursday-Sunday, but we could at least see these cute little shops and the beautiful flowers.     Drove around Lakeside and the beautiful Muskegon beach which is wide and long.    

Lots of tiny shops (Western Market) downtown Muskegon

Here come the twins

Beautiful flowers in these watering troughs

Pat, Allie and gorgeous "snowballs"

Lunch was a big hit at BoDocks - great food with Lucy, our very attentive waitress.

Allie and Owen at BoDocks

Back on the road to Grand Haven.    The 100th anniversary of the US Coast Guard is happening all week long here - we knew it would be busy and took a bit to find a parking spot (Allie is a very good chauffeur).   It was very windy and 76.   Large carnival was set up for the kiddos (not for us).    The guys found a good spot to sit, visit, people watch, etc.    Allie and I browsed the shops on Washington Avenue.

A treat for Mark at Patricia's Chocolate

The plan was to stay until 10 when the water fountain show would begin (since 1962 a big-time tradition here) so we had hours to go....stays light up here much longer.    We went to "Tip-a-Few", recommended by Pat and Ron.    Sat outside and had drinks - so pleasant and watching all the people and goings on as we were across the street from the carnival food vendors.    Outside they just have drinks and a food truck, so Mark put our name in for an inside table - 50 minute wait.    Outside seating is large, but small inside - quite the place and we all had Mexican (per Pat's recommendation)!    All very good.    Walked to the car to get Mark's seat with a back as we would be sitting on concrete steps.   

Bundled up before the show

Our view for the fountain show - all lit up at night changing colors, but pics didn't turn out very good.

We found a bench along the water - a concert was going on with 80s music, so as soon as that was over, we were able to go in for the water show which lasted about 25 minutes - wish they had played some patriotic music....but still a good show.   Mark and I saw it many years ago, 1st time for Allie and Owen.    And then back home - what a long but fun day.....crawled into bed at 11:30 and enjoyed a good nights sleep!

 Wednesday - Owen and Allie picked us up at 9:30 and off to The Coffee Factory - we wanted to show them this funky place - we enjoyed our coffees and breakfast.   Then to the Laketon cemetery in North Muskegon where Owen has family buried.    He is big into family ancestry and they frequently visit cemeteries in their travels.    Mark found Owen's great uncle's gravesite, so success !

Allie and I dropped the guys off at the US393 (LST - Landing Ship Tank).    It did 30 trips across the English Channel hauling troops and tanks for D-Day.  It is 328' by 50' and there are only 2 of these ships remaining out of 1,052 that were constructed during WWII  - the other one is in Evansville, IN which Owen has toured.                          

 US393

       

They toured that while we gals shopped at Harding's for groceries. Took groceries back to Catrina and then picked up the guys, but they still had lots to see, so waited about 20 minutes.   They thoroughly enjoyed it all.

Off to lunch at Fatty Lumpkin's - Ron had told us about this place and it was a winner - very good sandwiches in a funky old building in a residential building.    They brought us back to Catrina and went to their hotel....naps for all coming up.

Fatty Lumpkin's

Allie and Owen came over around 5 for drinks and snacks.    We had planned to have dinner at Teddy Spaghetti's, but they were having a special buffet dinner tonight and very busy.    At 5, there was a 45-minute wait, so we stayed here at the marina and ate at the Muskegon Brewing Co.

The American Patriot (Great Lakes cruise) came into Muskegon this afternoon

One final pic of our very fun 3 days together

Mark, Pat, Allie, Owen

Allie and I went for a walk and watched the beautiful sunset on this perfectly clear night.

Lovely sunset

Bye bye to Adelaide Pointe Marina - been a very enjoyable stay here in Muskegon

Sad to say good bye to our dear friends, but they're coming to Port Clinton the end of August.    So many laughs and just tons of fun!    Tomorrow they are off to Frankenmuth to meet friends - can't wait to hear what they think of Bronner's Christmas shop!

We leave tomorrow to cross the lake....

    

Monday - July 27

 Rainy morning but didn't get that much despite what radar looked like.    The sun came out and we went for a walk.   Then more rain at 11:30.   Then we were under a severe thunderstorm warning for several hours.

Our friends Owen and Allie arrived during the storm....we met them in the boat dealer area of where the restaurant and event center are located.    We went upstairs to the event center and waited out the storm - thunder, lightning and rain (1/2").    We left around 3:45 and they dropped us off at Trinity Hospital to see our friend Leon.    They went onto their hotel to check in which was pretty close by.

We had a great visit with Leon who was alert and chatted away.    He is being transferred tonight to a rehab place in Grand Rapids.    We wish him all the best with his health issues.

While we were at the hospital, our friends Ron and Pat stopped by - we all boated together in the 80s.   What fun to be together and reminisce.

Mark and I said our good byes, I texted Allie, they picked us up and we went to The Lake House for dinner - very good and everyone happy with their meal.    Back to Catrina in the sunshine for more visiting.   Looking forward to a fun day tomorrow!

Owen and Allie

Sunday - July 26

 Started our day with online Mass with Father Jonathan in Port Clinton.    St. Mary's here in Muskegon would be a little jaunt to walk, so as always, good to be back with one of our favorites!

Next up was wash Catrina - tah dah....she looks so good but we know the bugs/spiders will be back!

We went for a walk in the afternoon - very hazy today and humid.     Nice walking/biking paved path that goes past the marina.    After we got back we had a light supper at the Muskegon Brewing Co here at the marina.

The 4-day fishing tournament ended today - top prize was $10,000

Looking forward to tomorrow when our friends Allie and Owen arrive for a few days....

So happy our friend Leon is out of ICU - we talked to him today and he sounded good.    Hopes to be going to a rehab place in Grand Rapids later this week.

Zoom tonight we were missing Janet, Tom C. Tom H, Marilyn - Discussed the family reunion next Saturday, health updates, Tom and Beth are in Alaska for 3 weeks, waiting for our niece Sarah to have her baby due the 17th.   

Have a good week,

Saturday - July 25

 We walked to The Coffee Factory (15-minutes).     The old Shaw.Walker furniture company from the 1800s (closed in 1989) is being converted into luxury condos after sitting empty all these years.   What a massive project - some of the windows were installed this week.    The Coffee Factory is in part of what has been renovated so far....it is in such an out-of-the way spot, but very popular and with many signs pointing to where it's at, coffee lovers are having no trouble finding this funky gem.

Back to Catrina and as I'm climbing up the steps, I noticed one of our cushions on the bridge was gone!!!    WHAT????    Where could it be and how did it become unsnapped and fly  out of the upper station.   It was good size, too. That's a first in the 18 years we've had power Catrina.   YIKES!    Mark mentioned to some guys on the dock asking if they had seen a loose cushion?   Nope....

We needed fuel and a pumpout, so undid all the lines and drove a short distance to the fuel dock only to be told their pumpout was out of order!    UGH............Nick apologized and suggested we go to Great Lakes Marina across Lake Muskegon.    So off we went - nice guys there took care of us and back across the lake to Adelaide Pointe.    After getting all the lines secure, power cords and hose hooked up, we each went in a direction to look for our lost cushion.     St. Anthony was obviously looking out for us, cause there it was on the dock leaning against a dockbox thanks to some good samaritan who found and brought to the fuel dock!    Thank you.....it needed a good scrubbing but nothing soap/water and a little elbow grease won't clean!     

Nick is one of the dockhands and been so nice since we arrived last week and now was the "keeper of the cushion."    We knew it would float but with these strong winds, could've been across Lake Michigan!!!  When Mark carried it back to Catrina, the folks cheered that lost cushion was found!!!     End of story - AMEN!

Lunch and a quiet afternoon.    We did check the calendar out for September and October  when we're in IL, NC and FL and set some things up, including our reservation at Kamp Komfort.

Walked late afternoon - no weddings this weekend here at the marina, but a reception at the event center - lots and lots of pretty long dresses for the guests.

Along our walk came across lots of these pretty blooms with red center?    

Friday - July 24

 It's so nice to wake up to clear skies these past few mornings after all the smoke in the air.

Some of you have asked how my head is doing - much better and doing my vestibular exercises faithfully,  I'm still "off" a little when I get up, but then head clears and I have a good day - just gotta watch the balance.    

Mark took the car back to Enterprise and then our CT friend Linda brought him back to the marina.    

We had lunch and Mark hosed down the boat - while we were gone a few days, the bugs came out to play!!!😠

Philip shared his big news this afternoon - he'll be flying for Fed Ex.....so happy for him.    As he said many years ago "I can't believe they pay me for doing something I love so much"!   Congratulations!!!

We walked downtown (1.2 miles) and had drinks and an appetizer at Carlisles (recommended by friend Linda).   All good and then walked 2 more blocks to Hackley Park where they have concerts every Friday night - big crowd, lots of food trucks, etc.    We stayed for a few songs and then walked back to Catrina.

Beautiful old train depot that is now the visitor's center here in Muskegon

Have a fun, safe weekend!

Tuesday-Thursday - July 21-23

 Tuesday - we had the car loaded with our stuff and ready to leave Catrina and Muskegon by 8:15.   It was crazy windy and to continue thru tomorrow.  We drove to Pentwater and had coffees and shared a cinnamon roll at Green Isaac's Coffee and Tea (no idea where these names come from?)    I walked around the downtown - this little town only has a population of 890 regular residents, but swells big time in the summer.    I was impressed with the nice variety of shops.   And then, off to Ludington.

We drove around the marina and also where the Badger is docked (makes daily runs from Ludington to Manitowoc for cars/people.)    With the strong winds, 2 of the trips were canceled as Lake Michigan was expecting up to 14' waves.....oh my!    

The Badger

We didn't stop here but sure admired the red/white/blue petunias that lined many streets - they could give some competition to Dixon, IL (Mark's hometown and the "Petunia Capital of the World".)  Beautiful!!!

Beautiful petunias

Back on the road with next stop Traverse City.   We had gotten alerts on our phones about rain starting....we each went our own way with lots of shops and people.    Found a nice bookstore and Mark came in.    He got a coffee and we decided to head back to the car.   It started to sprinkle, so we picked up the pace and the rain came harder....we were 2 very wet ducks by the time we got to the car.    Nothing worse than wearing wet denim!    The rain came fast and furious and the wind and cold - ugh!    It had been so nice this morning....

We drove onto Charlevoix, (memories of being here on sail Catrina 20 years ago in August.   Our friends, Paul, Kathy, Barb and Roger came for a few days.   I had a nasty kidney stone episode and ended up in the hospital....all rooms have a view of the lake, but I was feeling miserable.    So, this year it was not fun walking around....chilly (low 60's) and very windy.   We walked on the main street up and back and said that was enough - lousy weather to be out in (even for a die-hard shopper)! 😊

Last stop of the day was Gaylord, MI (our base for the next 2 nights 1 hour away).    Checked into our hotel and then had dinner at Timothy's Pub.   What's with this chilly weather on July 22nd???    Slept well...

Wednesday - the sun was back and ready to take on the day.   We had breakfast at "Rise 'n Dine" downtown Gaylord

Rise 'n Dine (cute colorful coffee cups outside)

  and then left for Petoskey.    We remember these towns somewhat from 20 years ago by boat and in 2011 by car, but lots of new condos, more shopping, etc.    It was still chilly and I bundled up and walked the streets in the historic district.   Mark sat in the car with his I-pad.

And then, off to Harbor Springs - lots of $$$ in this beautiful town.   Slowly warming up and more people out and about.    The Farmer's Market was right there, too, with a nice variety of vendors.  Met up with Mark who got a chocolate shake at Yummies and I got a latte at White Birch Coffee.    

Our Port Clinton friends (Dennis and boat sister Teri) are spending 2 weeks at their Presque Isle cabin.    We visited them last year with Catrina - such a quaint neat place.    So, really good to see them and catch up.   They are on Lake Huron which was pretty wild yesterday and several sailboats were returning from the Port Huron/Mackinac Island race.    So fun to be with Dennis and Teri and then a good dinner at Woody's, the only restaurant in Presque Isle.    We said our good byes and will see them back in Port Clinton later in August.    Teri is having her first knee replacement on the 17th.   She's hurting so much.

Mark and I headed back to Gaylord (1.5 hours).   Long day but enjoyed it all and the highlight was being with Dennis and Teri.

Teri and Pat

Teri and Dennis

and blueberry vodkas

Thursday - more sunshine, less wind - yeah!!!    We checked out of the hotel, stopped at Brennan's for coffee and bagels and "on the road" again.     3-hour trip to Muskegon and since we brought our laundry with us when we left Tuesday, went straight to the laundromat and got that job done - 2 loads.    Tomorrow we'll be turning in our rental car.    Then to Catrina and unloaded all our stuff and clean clothes.   Had lunch, put some things away and then off for my mani/pedi at Cindy's Nails and Spa.    While I was getting pampered, Mark went to Wal-Mart for some groceries and 2 Rx and a treat at Cold Stone Creamery. We stopped for gas, ice and on home.   Ready to just chill and of course, naptime!

Went for a walk after supper - there's a big fishing tournament here at Adelaide Pointe this weekend.   It started today and there are lots of fishermen and women here.    They can have up to 9 poles and catch 15 (keep best 5).    They leave at 6 AM and must be in by 1:30 PM.

Tuesday - July 21

 Hello from Gaylord, MI.    No blog update tonight.    I will catch up on Thursday when we return to Muskegon.

Monday - July 20

 MAEVE is TEN 

10   10   10  10   10

Happy Birthday, Maeve

Sweet Maeve hit the double digits today - our little moppet and the baby of the family is not a baby anymore. She's a crafty one who keeps busy with friends, doing her girlie activities, loves mani-pedis's, all things "pink", her cat, Carlos and will soon be a big 5th grader.   Wish we weren't so far away to do some fun Grandma/Maeve stuff.

Not only are we thinking of Maeve today, it's also the birthday of  Mark's sister, Karen (Auntie), my good friend Allie and our neighbor for many years, Angie (who died in 2009).

After I got up and my head was more stable, we did the exercises (Mark is THEE best once again as my nurse, caregiver and exercise driller) and then off to another coffee shop (there are 11 in Muskegon)!!!

Today we went to Aldea - nice decor in a new building but made to look old with brick walls, tin ceiling, etc.    But disappointed that they only had blueberry muffins and cookies for food;  the muffin was very good, but no microwave to warm up!    We remember only one other place (Crafted in Bloomington) that does not have a microwave and Mark and I can't figure out what it would take to add a small microwave to heat up the food and make their customers "happy"!   It's the little things.....

Then we drove all around Muskegon checking out various things including our friends Leon and Helen's home.    We were there a few times several years ago - it is now on the market.   Helen passed away November 5, 2024 and Leon is in ICU very ill.    Yesterday, Mark had a long chat with their boys (Ian and Andy).    We have so many happy memories of boating times with them....

Leon and Helen graduated from Catholic Central here in Muskegon - we have Central Catholic in Bloomington.

Back to Catrina at 11:45 - lunch and then our obligatory naps.  😀

It's really hazy again today but can't smell the smoke.

Tonight our friend from CT who was born and raised in Muskegon picked us up at the marina and took us on a very enjoyable tour of her hometown of which she's so proud.    We had dinner at BoDocks - great food and nice place on Muskegon Lake.    Then we drove around some more, into North Muskegon where she lives and back home!    FUN outing! 

I play euchre and canasta with Linda. 

Mark, Linda, Pat

Did facetime with the birthday girl when we got home.

Mark and I are taking a little road trip tomorrow and visit some of our favorite Lake Michigan ports we haven't been to in many years.   He's getting antsy to go somewhere + get me off the boat!    😉

Sunday - July 19

BLAIR is a TEENAGER!

Happy 13th

How did 13 years pass so quickly?    July 19, 2013 was a very memorable day with the birth of Blair Bliss Chamberlain, our first granddaughter after 6 grandsons!    She's a happy, carefree, smart, funny, and very active young lady who loves to dance, act, cheer, do her gymnastics, be crafty with her friends and good friend to all.    She's a joy to be around.

We went to 10:00 Mass at St. Mary's - wow, sooo many people and presided over by Father David Sacha.   Some unique things we had not seen in a very long time - like many years ago, Father had his back to the congregation during Mass instead of facing forward.    Also several part of the Mass were sung in Latin.    He baptized "Patrick" during Mass.

Went to The Coffee Factory, - now we've been in some funky coffee shops (2 recently - Washington Island and Sturgeon Bay) but today here in Muskegon gets the prize.    Very eclectic with unique stuff here, there and everywhere including lots of vintage clothing.    The important stuff - coffee and cheese Danish were right on!!!

Yesterday when we were at the Exchange Coffee Bar, we laughed when we saw this sign  

Obviously for tips, but with the way I've been feeling, it was very appropriate!

On home....some smokey haze today and an alert was issued for the entire state of Michigan.

We took naps (we LOVE our little cat naps, power naps, whatever you want to call them!)

Connor's performance went well last night.   Along with Nate and Drew, they now have the name "The Verdict" - how appropriate after Patrick's band was "Jury's Out"!

Our long-time friends (since the 80s thru the Mid Illini Power Squadron) picked us up for dinner.    Ron and Pat have lived in Muskegon for many years and we've caught up with them a few times over the years when they wintered in Florida.    What fun we had catching up - dinner at the Handsome Hobo was great and we never stopped yakking!

Ron will be 88 next week and Pat will be 89 in a few months

They are truly remarkable and such an inspiration 

Family zoom tonight but missed some off the conversation cause we were

 chatting with Blair.

 

Saturday - July 18

 HAPPY   BIRTHDAY   BROOKE

Brooke and Millie

Another family birthday (3rd so far in July with 2 more coming) - today it's all about Brooke, our dear daughter-in-law (wife to Michael and Mom to Drew, Davis, Brady and Blair).    So thankful to have her in the family for almost 28 years!!!    She's a Keeper!

Tah dah...clear skies today and no smoke smell.    It's very windy though.

Mornings continue to be weird for me....wake up and always fearful for how it's gonna be getting out of bed and on with the day.    Head just seems to be discombobulated but with Mark's help, I'm up and going.   I cannot imagine having this "vestibular dysfunction" and being by myself...............no way!!!!!!!

We drove around the Lakeside area where the 11th Annual Fresh Coast Fitness Festival is going on in Marquette Park today and tomorrow- packed place at 8 AM and involves weight lifting and other competitions finding the fittest and freshest individuals and teams in the Midwest.

Kept on driving and downtown Muskegon is host to Rebel Road, Muskegon's Biker Rally, a 4-day event drawing 100,000 visitors and 70,000 bikes.    Downtown had several streets blocked off with many food trucks, vendors and porta potties!!!    

We found the Exchange Coffee Bar and enjoyed our coffee and white chocolate cherry scone (me) and breakfast sandwich (Mark) sitting outside.  Back to the car and Mark wanted to check out West Marine as he had a gift card from Father's Day.   Several of these stores are closing including this one but he found several things marked down and they had a good-size inventory.   

Then we drove south 20 minutes to Grand Haven, a very nice town that was busy busy this Saturday - the downtown was bustling with families, dogs and people everywhere enjoying the nice day.    We were last here June 8-9, 2006 and remember refurbished old buildings converted into shops, condos, etc.    Downtown is really neat with so many shops, restaurants, etc.    We walked and walked along the waterfront with so many boats and today was the big Rock the Coast Poker Run attracting dozens of cigarette (go-fast boats) from all over (we saw one from Las Vegas).   

Got some ice cream at Temptations and then stopped at the West Marine in Grand Haven and Mark did a little more shopping.    Back to Muskegon and Catrina.   I did some of my vestibular exercises and then nap time.    

Another wedding on the pier today - smaller with just 3 bridesmaids in green -  yesterday had the smoke, today, the strong wind.

We had an early dinner at the Muskegon Brewing Co. which is here at the marina - Mark had the beet salad with smoked pork and I had the walleye tacos - all delish!    Walked around the marina but so crazy windy!    Around 5ish we noticed the haze moving in over the water and the smell of smoke - more alerts on our phones.   UGH!

Tonight Connor and friends made their musical debut at the "Make Music Normal" festival in Uptown Normal.    Wish we could've been there and so glad the show went on after some heavy rain!

Connor, Nate and Drew

Friday - July 17

 Smokey skies and smell were maybe a bit worse this morning when we got up?   Mark fixed scrambled eggs, ham and bagels for a nice hearty breakfast.

Yesterday Mark noticed a bunch of people out on the pier (not that far from us).    They were having a wedding rehearsal.    Today all the white chairs and other wedding decor were set up - oh my.......not a good day for an outdoor wedding and the guests having to breathe that smoke.    On a beautiful sunny day, what a great view overlooking Muskegon Lake but not today😞

Ron picked Mark up at 10:15 and took him to Enterprise to get our rental car for a week  (charcoal Buick Envista with just 5,000 miles and NJ plates).    Then he stopped at Meijer's to see if they had any masks - apparently ours are on Flo!    A nice lady was just unwrapping a package and gave him 6 masks - now that's service - hurray for Meijer's.

Late morning we went to Biggby's for coffee - my 1st in a week!!!!   (Maybe that's the problem with my head???)    Then to Meijer's for groceries and back to the marina - got a dock cart/wagon and wheeled our stuff to Catrina.   Put groceries away and took it easy rest of the day.

Biggby's and Meijer's both originated in Michigan.  

The wedding took place here at the marina at 4 with lots of guests (no one wore a mask).   8 bridesmaids in pretty green dresses, 2 flower girls, 2 ring bearers, etc.   The sun came out but kinda pale.    Later the reception was held here in the event center at Adelaide Point.

Mark found a video on YouTube about after vertigo and BPPV, what to do when still having the dizziness and just out of sorts - wow, along with exercises from Dr. Freeman, these are so right on with what's going on with me.    This Dr. Matthew from Canada really explained and demonstrated it all very well.    Even after the crystals are back in place, the brain needs to be retrained and these vestibular exercises have all had great results.

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday - July 16

 Dr. Olga Freeman, my primary in Fort Myers is my SAVIOR for recommending I stop taking the Meclizine.    I feel sooo much better today - not 100% but nothing like yesterday - that stuff gave me such a weird feeling + the dizziness and wooziness.

So........my Captain decided we would take off and he would take care of everything - I had orders to just sit.   At 8:12, we were leaving Manistee (got to know this town really well).    BIG problem today was the very poor visibility (3/4 mile) and awful smoke smell.    Mark drove from down below and we kept the door and windows shut.    Radar was big help as there was a fishing tournament going on outside Ludington, so lots of boats - can't believe there were so many other crazies out there.   But the lake was nice and calm with winds from the north (and that's why the smokey haze is so bad blowing from Canada).

We were settled in our slip at the Adelaide Pointe Marina off Muskegon Lake by 2.    Walked up to the dockmaster and ship's store to check in - not going outdoors anymore today. 

After lunch we each took a nap and so happy to be here, feeling better and out of the nasty weather conditions!!!!!!

Yesterday Maeve and Graham met for the first time!

60 years ago today (7/16/66), my cousin  Billy (16) and a friend were killed in a horrible moped accident south of Sublette, IL (my hometown).   I will never forget that very tragic day and the sad days that followed.   Billy was my Aunt Marian's son.    I had just graduated from high school that spring.

Our friends from Port Clinton (boat sister, Chris and Michael) had planned to spend today thru Sunday here in Muskegon.    We were so looking forward to some fun times, BUT with my head issues, they canceled and probably a good thing especially with all this smoke.

We are renting a car tomorrow for a week - Ron is picking Mark up in the morning, so will be good to be out and about (well.....depending on the smoke)!   Latest update for air quality here is "very unhealthy".   So glad we got here ok and Ron and Pat did not have to make the trip to Manistee.  

2 of my faithful blog readers commented after last night's blog they knew things were bad when I didn't feel like going out to eat!!! 😔

Wednesday - July 15

 This is the 7th day of my head nightmare and I so want it fixed.   Woke up feeling good until I'm ready to get out of bed and then oh my............not so much the vertigo but really bad dizziness and sick feeling.    Been in touch with the Meijer pharmacist who suggested I take 1/2 the dosage of Meclizine.    The mornings are definitely worse and gets better as the day goes on, but never great.    I'm very dependent on Mark to hold onto....

We have a bench just outside Catrina on the dock - have sat there frequently - just a change of scenery and off the boat.    Walks feel good, too but still dizzy off and on and never without Mark (my ROCK).

Kay, the medical assistant in Fort Myers called and said Dr. Freeman suggests I try the Vestibular exercises.    Mark printed off those instructions and ready to give anything and everything a try.

There's no rental cars or taxi service or Uber in Manistee....but very thankful we had Kevin.

We've gotten several alerts on our phones about the poor air quality in our area from the Canadian wildfires.....the sunny start to the day turned into a very hazy day and there is a smell of smoke.

We are hoping to move on to Muskegon tomorrow - Mark called our friend Leon to see if he would be available along with a friend.    I could ride back in the car and Mark and whoever could bring the boat.   Well, unfortunately, Leon has been in the hospital for 2 weeks after a nasty fall,    So sorry to hear this,

Then we called friends Ron and Pat - they could drive up here in the afternoon and I would ride back with Pat;  Ron and Mark would come on the boat.   We'll see what tomorrow brings...

Kay called again at 4:30 and said Dr. Freeman wants me to stop taking the Meclizine as she feels it doesn't help.    So.....................that's what I'm gonna do!

Mark and I had wanted to take Kevin and Heather to dinner (thank you for taking us to the ER and Meijer)) and talk about our "Loop" travels.    Tonight was the night at The Golden Stag downtown.   But I just wasn't up to it....if I'm propped up with pillows, not bad but any other movement.....arghhhh.   Been sleeping a lot, too.

Heather and Kevin

Mark had a great dinner (they said "no" to him buying dinner but he did get their drinks) and visit and I'm so sorry I missed it all.    

One thing they mention is to keep the eyes focused so reading, games, puzzles, etc. seems to work - to an extent.    And glad I can keep the blog going.    

Tuesday - July 14

 HAPPY  BIRTHDAY  CONNOR

Connor and birthday dessert at Biaggi's

Connor is 20 today - we remember (7/14/06) so well and also got a new car that day - Honda CRV.    So proud of this young man and all he's accomplished.   He just completed the 1/2 Ironman, loves his music (guitar),  has excelled in school and will be attending the University of Illinois majoring in engineering.    And working at Lowe's this summer.

Slept well last night but felt woozy much of the day and blah.   Mark walked with me, we talked to a nurse about whether I should continue with the Meclizine and his thoughts on my head!!!   The nurse was in Traverse City - not much help.   Later we went downtown and I had a few bites of an apple/cinnamon muffin at Trophies.    Then another nap.   It is a beautiful day.

We had some excitement here at the marina today.....2 things.    First there was a major boo boo or disaster at the fuel dock as 3 boats had to be pumped out - diesel got into the gas tank and gas into the diesel.   NOT good.....guys have been here working all day.    Sure makes for a mess when traveling (this problem has gone on since last week but today was the earliest the "Blarney Castle Oil Co. could get here.)

Then a HUGE freighter (The Calumet) came down the river - it was probably hauling salt as there is a big salt mine on Manistee Lake where it was headed.   This sure brought out the townsfolk.    Freighters come thru about every 2 weeks and have either salt, iron ore or lumber.    Kevin (our good Samaritan friend from yesterday) sent Mark a text that it was coming (not that we would've missed it....ha!)    Kevin and his wife Heather came to watch it pass (SLOWLY) by.

Here comes the Calumet

630' long; 68' wide

Kevin took this pic - you can barely see "little" Catrina down below

Had a good chat with Connor.    He and 2 friends are playing at "Make Music Normal" event Saturday evening - this 2-day event is for promoting local artists.    Wish we could be there to enjoy his talent.

Mark went to The Outsider and brought back supper - smashburger for me and gourmet "Whammy hot dog" for him    Both were delish!

At the suggestion of the nurse this morning, I called my primary Dr. Freeman in Fort Myers and left a message with Kay, medical assistant.    She called late afternoon - keep on with the meclizine and some side effects may happen but takes time, so.....

 

Monday - July 13

We decided to try and get to Ludington today (26 miles south), but with SW winds, not sure - on a good day, could be rough let alone dealing with vertigo.    Well, it was not pleasant so we turned around and came back into the municipal marina.

Mark had looked into "urgent care", "prompt care", or "walk-in clinic" which was listed for the hospital here in Manistee.(3.5 miles away)    Thru the "Looper" association, some towns have "harbor hosts" to assist those doing the Loop with whatever they may need.    There was one listed for Manistee, so Mark called Kevin and he came and took us to the "walk-in clinic" which does not exist.    Arghhhh - I had to go thru the ER for Munson Healthcare - several buildings on campus but no "walk-in" place even though Google and their website gives a specific address.

Mark and Kevin talked "boats"and he and his wife plan to do the Loop in the future.    Long story short and 1.5 hours later, I had a Rx for Meclizine and a print out for the Epley maneuver.   Dr. Stull diagnosed me with  BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo).

 Kevin came back to get us, we stopped at Meijer for the Rx and on back to the marina with big thanks to Kevin.   I was feeling pretty good so we walked downtown to TJ's Pub (great lunch again).    Then back for naps and a quiet afternoon.    Meclizine makes me drowsy.

Mark did the Epley maneuver late afternoon but boy, my head was spinning every which way - vertigo is soooo awful.    I've never been in a clothes dryer, but that's what it feels like when the vertigo is happening and I'm spinning outta control.

Other big news - our new grand dog, "Graham" arrived today at Erin and Ryan's.    We hope he'll bring them many years of joy and adventure.    Welcome to the family, Graham!

Graham and Erin

Sunday - July 12

 Beautiful day but I'm feeling really blah.....Mark rode his bike to the pharmacy and got me some Dramamine - sure has made me drowsy, so I took some good naps.

We did walk downtown and shared a delicious breakfast burrito at Trophies.   Later in the day Mark got a dish of ice cream to share.

Liam is back in Minneapolis tonight on a high from his big weekend and doing his 1st 1/2 Ironman.    He really enjoyed it all and never once thought "Why am I doing this"?    

 

Saturday - July 11

 So very proud of these 2 guys who did their very first 1/2 Ironman in Muncie, IN today.  This consists of 1.2 miles of swimming; 56-mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run.    The heavy rain came 1/2 way into their run.  Anne was there to cheer them on.    Patrick's buttons would've been a'poppin!  😔

Our star athletes

Another lovely day here in Manistee and we got to 79.    A perfect summer day.    I had a good night sleeping in the main salon propped up with pillows - we did the Epley Maneuver, so.....time will tell.

I walked downtown for a latte at Outpost and hit a few shops.    Back to Catrina and we started our long but very pleasant trek on the Riverwalk.   Today we went further... all the way to the Lake Michigan entrance.  

Came back and rested for a bit and then to TJ's Pub for delicious lunch - it's in the basement of an old bank building.   We went our separate ways - Mark had some errands and I did some more browsing.

 

This neat flower garden plot is just one of several we saw along our walk - "Jane's Garden"

The Manistee Princess is docked near us and takes folks out for sunset cruises every night

Hello from Lake Michigan 

Happy Birthday to our grand daughter-in-law, Tessa who celebrates today!   She's on the water so in her "happy place"    And thankful to hear "Maverick" is doing much better.

Tessa

So many boaters passing by here at the marina all day - families, dogs, fishermen, etc. enjoying this great day.   We saw several fishing guys on our walk earlier - they had been out early on charter boats and had some very good catches....salmon and lake trout - Yum.....some good eating coming for these folks.

We walked 1/2 hour to St. Joseph of the Divine Mercy Parish.    Another very packed church and a neat priest (Father James Bearss) and choir.

We walked past an A & W Root Beer stand on our way to church - hadn't been to one of these in a long time, so after Mass, we stopped and each had a root beer float.   really hit the spot!

Forgot to mention that Mark got a haircut yesterday after we were settled at Dick's Barber Shop.    What a deal - $18.

WOW....we really got the steps today, 15,408 for me and 13,000 for Mark (browsing the shops for me made the difference!)  😀