Reflection

Yesterday, I celebrated another birthday. It was an unusual birthday because all of my family had serious commitments which didn't allow them to spend significant time with me yesterday. But somehow each took the time via cards, text messages, early morning singing, v:mails, and quick drop-ins to make me feel special.

I am blessed.

Weekend at The FEN

Our trip up north started out with overcast skies, windy conditions, bouts of torrential rain (ok, mild rain) and four party animals. Oh, and me...their chauffer/banker. :-)

Melinda: our "navigator". I told her not to quit her day job!

Someone in the car hollered out "Look at the trout"

so, of course, I had to turn around and get a group picture!

(L to R) Jessica Hook (Mel's friend), Melinda,

Michael and Rachel (Michael's gf).

No, Jess and Melinda are not saluting...they are trying to keep the rain off their faces.

No one shouted out after this picture! DARN!

We were a few hours ahead of the rest of the group going north,

so we stopped at a fun stop and they played miniature golf while I played pinball.

I won't mention what Michael tried to do to the bear....it was just plain WRONG!

Hmmm....thanksgiving dinner???

The two track down to the ponds at the FEN

where the illusive trout taunted Marni!

Mike is officially a pyro!

(I'm so PROUD!)

A picture of our motley young adults at Little Traverse Bay...

We stopped to walk along the beach, search for fossils and ofc, another photo opp!

Melinda and Jess could not resist posing with the

ABSOLUTELY No trespassing sign.

I believe Jess even stepped on the grass to see if alarms would go off.

Ah, to be rich and haughty!

Rachel and Michael clowning around at Dead Man's Hill.

Dead Man's Hill - beautiful October colors

BLACKMAIL PICTURE

After an entire weekend of abusing Rachel's stuffed dog, which he had given her,

Michael is captured even in sleep refusing to give up custody!