Bear Cave

Hi Everyone! I hope Ya'All had a good weekend.

The family and I went to Bear Cave Campground in Michigan for some R & R.

Even though technically it's located in Michigan, it's really just across the border in Bucanon; a short, 45 minute drive.

As we drove though the town, we noticed it was the Town-wide Garage Sale Weekend!  Really, I have way too much stuff as it is.  Especially now that we have moved into a much smaller house. 

We stopped in the center of Bucanon, at the Old Pear Mill, to browse the farmer's market.

The mill is awesome.  It's neat how such a small amount of flowing water can be so efficient.

I find those old buildings charming.

Lately, at home, everyday has been a mix of unpacking and going though boxes.  It was nice to get away and have a break.

I'm going to have to have a big yard sale in the near future.  I've always been a sucker for antiques and over the years have collected a fair share.  The trouble is, it's hard to find space to appreciate and display them in a small house. 

Places like the Pear Mill and other working museums fascinate me.  I would hate to see such artifacts go by the wayside.

I'm a sentimental gal and that, in part, helps to contribute to the issue of having lots of stuff.

 

So now, I am frequently asking myself the question of what things mean to me.  Family heirlooms, I tend to cherish the most.  

I felt like I took a giant leap back in time, in the basement of the barn.  I like how family heirlooms can help do that same thing.

A few feet from the mill was the farmer's market. 

They had pawpaws!  Since, I've never tasted of one before, I  bought one to try.  I'll have to let you know how that went later, as it's still on the kitchen counter ripening.

Back at the Campground, we played cards.

Hiking along the St. Joe was also a big part of my day.

I've been going to this campground for several years now.

The cave, which has bats living in it, not bears, is located behind the waterfall.  If you look real close you can see a door behind me that serves as the emergency exit from the cave:

My fil cooked up lunch for us all back at camp.  The hamburgers were HUGE. 

Picnic lunches outside are some good times.

After lunch, Troy fished the river.

He was hoping for a steelhead or a big catfish, at first.  Then he switched over to gills.  He got a few bites, but nothing to reel in.

Swimming was on the agenda next.

The heated pool water was extremely warm, like hot bath water.

Grace and Joe came for a visit too.

We all had a good time. :)

 

The mission of R & R was accomplished too.

Three days before school begins-- I can hardly wait!!!  Every time I find myself in the school supply isle at the store, I inhale a little deeper than usual.  Is it weird that as I was relaxing out in the wilderness, I had pictured myself being in the isle with the markers and glue?  I wonder how many parents are camped out this very moment in the school supply isle of Wal-mart just dreaming of pretty yellow buses taking their children for a few hours.  Aaahh, school!   :)

VBS

Howdy Folks!

The other night when I picked up the kids from VBS the group was sending up a red lantern. 

They did a bunch of cool things this week.  As the lantern went up over the trees, the thought of it landing in a flammable place (loft of an old barn) did cross my mind.  I can't help it, it's the pyromaniac in me.

As far as I am aware, all went well, and my kids didn't burn down anything this year.  Several years ago, back in the 90's, when Grace and Hub were little, we lived in Wanatah.  They caught the Salem Church on fire at a Christmas dinner.  Candles, paper tablecloths, and fighting kids are not a safe mix.  Lesson learned!

  

After the lantern was but a speck in the night sky, we went home.  I have to say, this VBS was one of the best I have ever seen.  I feel so grateful for the volunteers that make it all happen.  Kudos Folks-- Ya'all Rock!

Tonight, Friday, was the last night of VBS and Gladys felt like dressing up for the ending celebration:

As usual, they had a lovely spread for supper including adorable minion cupcakes!

After supper, was the singing and dancing celebration. 

Troy is a good dancer and he was really putting the moves on-- until he noticed me attempting to get him on video.  As soon as he seen me trying to record him, that little stinker quit dancing!

 

I guess I'm going to have to go all candid camera on him from now on.  :)

Oh well, as long as he's shinning his little light, I'll be happy.  Kids are so cute when they sing:  This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine...  :)

Countdown to School

So long, Pendleton!

I made a final trip to the Pendleton house, to pick up the last of our belongings the other day.

I'm going to miss it; specifically, friends and Fall's park.  :(

 

On a happier note,  Mom, Jean, Glenn and I went to Broadway Cafe to celebrate our homecoming.

Jean ordered the Saganaki (flaming cheese) appetizer.  It was delicious!

I have yet to come up with a new title for my blog.  Cutting up over supper, I suggested, Valparaiso Girl Gets Fat.  :)

 

I don't know yet.  I'm waiting for the kids to start school so I have a free minute to think about it.

Between, trips to Pendleton and back, packing and unpacking, I did manage to squeeze in a brief trip to Stone Lake.

The last time I was there, everything was frozen; Troy and I ice fished in the Perch Tourney.

Also, to keep what little is left of my sanity, (ha) I've been hiking everyday.

I want to get back into running, but I am afraid of injuring myself right now.  I know that's a lame excuse; it is how I feel though.  With the house being a maze of boxes that need unpacking, starting a new career path, and so many irons in fire, I can't risk getting hurt.  Ya know?

Maybe a personal trainer is a good idea right now, or at least a running coach.  Someone who knows how to push the limits and keep me from injury would be very helpful.

The kids joined a Vacation Bible School (VBS) this week, thanks to my friend Norma.

The Wanatah VBS includes supper every night at the church.  That really has came in handy, since I don't have a stove/oven at my current accommodations.

Did ya'all know it's been raining cats and dogs here?

Well, it has!  No sooner than the Yorkie found a home, a little Chihuahua came to stay with me.  Her name is Skittles.  She makes little Sophie seem like a giant! 

She was given to me by Norma, who asked for help in finding a good home for her.  A nice family adopted her.  Mission accomplished.  :)

I don't know what it is, but I am like a magnet for stray animals, homeless folks, and children.  How I seem to come across so many, and others don't, is beyond me. 

Trying to recall my youngest child's date of birth:

We signed the kiddo's up for school and filled out all 50 million pages of contact info, languages most frequently spoken (no, I did not put down swear words), medical conditions, and so on......Augh!  Gladys was bored, so she took pics.

School is starting in 8 days!!!  I'm shocked there's not an advent calendar for this glorious event!  :)

Run-Away Yorkie

The other day as I was about to pull out on Highway 421, a little Yorkie dog ran in front of my vehicle.  Lucky for her, I was able to stop in time and didn't hit her.  

I stopped and invited her in for a ride since she had a good chance of being killed on the highway.  She growled at me and ran away.  So, I drove off.

On the way back home, I spotted her running a muck in the same location.  This time I allowed the kids to chase her and she ran straight to the neighbors front door.  The neighbors told the kids they had never seen her before.

The kids put a leash on her and brought her to the house.  She was one terrified little dog, but quickly warmed up to us and became friendly.

We walked her around the neighborhood and asked everyone we ran into if they knew whom she belonged to.

We took her to the dog park in Westville, hoping to find a flyer or run into someone that knew her.  We didn't have any luck.  The next day, I took her to the vet to see if she had a chip that could be scanned.  Still, no luck. 

Fortunately, a nice family adopted her and now at least she has a good home.  :)