My Son is an Attorney!

Currently Watching Enchanted (Widescreen Edition) By Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Rachel Covey see related

PROMISED PICTURES

Here are some of our pics from the Canadian Rockies -- totally random order  -  Enjoy!!



Moraine Lake -- totally beautiful!                         Kinney Lake - Robson Prov Park
                                                                                   British Columbia




The foliage around Mt. Robson is amazing!  This leaf belongs to "Devils Club", which has very thorny stems -- the thorns will rip through clothes and even hiking boots!



Lake Louise                                                             Lake Louise from opposite end of lake




"Our little avalanche" on the return hike                Lake Louise from "Big Beehive Hike"
                                                                           over 1740 feet up from Lake Louise
                                                                               3.3 miles one way





Peyto Lake - Jasper National Park                      Maligne Canyon Hike -- Pyramid Mountain
                                                                                  in background

Our 'bungalow' was on Patricia Lake, with Pyramid Mountain right next to the lake.  It was gorgeous!

Obviously, we have a ton more pictures -- and needless to say, these pictures don't do justice to the glory of God's creation.   I read a saying today, "One time seeing it, is worth 100 times hearing about it".  How true. 

I just started working on my trip scrapbook and it is already bringing back so many wonderful memories of our time spent together and the absolute majesty of God's creation.

Blessings from northern Michigan  - another corner of God's Country! 

WHAT A SUMMER!!!!

We have had such a wonderful, wonderful summer -- all centered on family!!  The end of June, Lindsey and I took a train trip to Chicago to see Nathan, Shawnna, and Lilly.  Despite the "train traffic jam" on the way home, delaying our return by 2 hours, we had a great time.  

Karee, little B, and Ellie came home in July, unexpectedly.  Because she was home, Janelle came up with AJ and Alyssa.  We had them all for two weeks!   One of the afternoons, Nathan & Shawnna & Lilly were able to stop by on their way back to Chicago.  Of course, all the naptimes were messed up, so we didn't get any pics of the five grandbabies together .  Karee went back to Germany; Janelle and Aaron then had an additional week of vacation up here. 

After they all left, Keith's sister and brother-in-law from California came to visit.  We had such a great time!  We also found out, at that time, that Karee and Brandon were moving back to USA!!  We are finally in the same time zone!!!

Shortly after Keith's sister went back to CA, Keith and I left on our vacation -- this year to the Canadian Rockies.  Amazing.....beautiful beyond words.....breathtaking....glorious.....are there words to really describe God's beauty in creation?  The pictures don't do justice...

We had two weeks, just the two of us, and we covered over 1800 miles in Canada.  We took some hikes....went on a gondola to the top of the mountain....saw a small avalanche....walked on a glacier....went to a natural hot springs....went canoeing....talked.....talked....took pictures....talked....sigh....it was wonderful .

It's back to the routine now, although we do have Janelle, AJ, and Alyssa here again, because Janelle is in a girlfriend's wedding this weekend.  Oh, how I love having my grandchildren around!  Some day....someday......oh I would love to live close to all of them!

I get to see Lilly this weekend, when I take Janelle half way back to Pennsylvania.   I haven't seen her since the end of June and I know she has grown a lot and is doing all new tricks . 

Keith and I are hoping to go on a bike trip next week (13th); a 25 mile ride by Mackinaw City.   There are 50, 75, and 100 mile options, but....with the hills....uh...no...I'll take the 25!!!  Keith's niece is planning to go riding with us.  We haven't ridden much in July/August, because of family home and vacation, but we were going regularly for 20-30 mile rides.  

Ok -- I'm rambling...I don't have any pics to post on here, either .   Maybe next post, I can get some up  -- maybe my next post will have to be sooner than however many months it has been -- ha ha!

We are so blessed -- wishing blessings to you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NATHAN!!!!

Happy Happy Birthday to our firstborn child!  What joy filled our hearts 29 years ago, when we were told, "It's a BOY!!!!!" 

Nathan is such a blessing to us!   What a joy to see him follow his dreams of law school and especially, to see him as a new daddy!  Lilly is a blessed little girl!

What a precious gift God gave to us with our son.  We love you, Nathan!

Currently Watching The Dick Van Dyke Show - Season Three see related

So Karee said I needed to update .... hmmmm....

I just finished 'editing' 'collating' whatever... my dad's autobiography.  It's been a long time coming....I've been gently prodding him (nagging seems too strong of a word) to get things down on paper for several years.  You see, my Dad was a career Navy officer and he was involved with WW2.  He got out of the service when I was almost 5, so I don't remember military life...and I never really heard much about what he did.  I wanted to be able to pass those things on to my children and grandchildren.

His first 'draft' was 8 pages...however, I knew, at age 84, his life consisted of more than 8 pages.  I'm glad to say that we made it to 32!  I know there are many things in his life that he didn't include in his 'book', but I'm proud of what he did include.  I'm glad this project is finished, for his sake.  It is something he wanted to get done, but at times, was a burden on him. 

The final copy is done, bound, and ready to deliver.  We are going to see my parents over the weekend and give him his copy of his book.  I'm anxious to see his reaction and hope he likes it, with all the little 'surprises' I put in .

What else?   Hmm....Keith and I bought new bikes this spring and the weather hasn't been super favorable for riding.  But we have had a couple of great rides lately, and since I have "paid the price" of riding, now I get 'bragging rights!'   HA HA!!

Our first ride was a couple of weeks ago and we went to Suttons Bay, a little town about 14 miles from where we started on the bike trail.  So, by the time we got back to the car, we had gone 28 miles.  I wanted to go an even 30, so we went the opposite direction for a mile and then back!  I had NEVER gone that far in my life.  

Then last Saturday, we tried a new trail near Gaylord.  This trail is gorgeous and goes from Gaylord all the way to the Mackinac Bridge (63 miles).  We were going to go 20 miles and turn around, but it was so nice, we decided to push it a little.  We went 25.  Then we had to come back.  Ugh.  The wind was now pushing against us and the grade was slightly uphill all the way back. (No wonder the first half was so much easier!)  Not only that, we ran out of water and had no place to fill our water bottles.  

After about 41 miles, I "hit the wall" as they say.   I  could hardly pedal.  My whole body was screaming at me.  We started stopping every mile to rest (and those miles SEEMED very long!).  We got to a little town about 7 miles from the car, and got Snickers bars, pop, Gatorade, and cheese/crackers. After a short rest and 'refueling', we got back on the bikes to finish the trip.  I must admit, when I saw the car, I got all teary.  I could not BELIEVE I made it.  I really didn't think I was going to be able to.  But was I ever tired!!!! 

After our ride, we went to my parents, took showers, and took my parents out to eat for Father's Day.  We ended up driving home in a thunderstorm, including hail.  I had never been in a car in a hailstorm before.  It was amazing. 

To top it off, Keith wanted to ride again on Sunday.  I nixed that idea pronto!  We did go out last night (Thursday) for a shorter (10 mile) ride.   We are hoping to go somewhere tomorrow afternoon, if the weather cooperates -- it looks iffy right now.

What else?? Hmm.... Lindsey and I are going to Chicago next weekend to see Nathan, Shawnna, and Lilly.  I haven't seen Lilly since she was a week old and my arms are aching!!!  Nathan said she is starting to coo and respond -- she definitely needs to know her Nana!    Anyway, we are driving to Grand Rapids and then hopping on the Amtrak train to finish the trip.  I thought that would be a fun experience and then we wouldn't have to drive in Chicago!  The only downside is that Keith can't go -- he has a huge project at work  and needs to be there all weekend.

Well, I think that's probably enough for the "Do you know, do you care" department for one day.....

Oh... I guess I should add, when Karee told me to update, I asked her what about?  She mentioned something  about this amazing daughter in Germany..... ha ha.     Yeah -- I do have an amazing daughter in Germany, and one in Pennsylvania, and one in Chicago, and one in Traverse City!   I think they are all amazing!

Anyway -- blessings to you and yours!