Illuminations

Saturday

2009-03-28T08:39:00.001-04:00

Time to Seize the Day! Sun is shining, Energy is High!!

2008-12-21T13:39:00.002-05:00

Mexico Shines!

2008-01-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

We went to Playa del Carmen to see the sun, and we saw /observed a lot more. What a wonderful, but perplexing area, lots of major resorts, and therefore lots of money, supported by lots of people. On one side of the major highway was the coast line, with tons of overdone posh resorts, and on the other side little or nothing but vegetation and small cement buildings under the sun. The haves and the have nots.
The pictures: On the same street you have an electric police car being charged and a tower of light that made everyone smile and walk towards it. There are beautiful colors in the buildings, and yet signs that make you smile (a bagel during your massage?), and 2 beers and fish tacos for $6.
Then the Tulum Ruins (notice the corner face?) with the attached beach - take a dip while exploring the past!
Then on to Xel-Ha where you can go down the stairs to snorkel with the fish, eat ceviche (notice the octopus suckers?) or sit on the beach.
I was fascinated by transportation; palm fronds pressed into the cement walkways, cement seashells lining the highways, and clean big buses that showed movies during the rides. We also used the cheaper local mode of transportation- the collectivo vans, half the price of the regular big buses, and you just flagged them down on the side of the highway.

Some Walk, Some Ride

2007-10-02T23:21:00.001-04:00

Went for a walk on the pier last night. People walking, biking, jogging, and some still holding on to the feel of summer. I love the surrounding world: watched the stunts at the skate park on the way home, while softball and a pick up basket ball game were going on in the hollow. Wonderful to be alive!

Homecoming

2007-09-29T23:16:00.000-04:00

Homecoming was great, seniors gathered for a picnic lunch on the lawn, the weather was perfect, we won the game and everyone had a great time.
Is there any better way to spend a fall Friday? NO!

Freshman Float Building

2007-09-27T22:17:00.000-04:00

It has been a blast; working these past 2 weeks with the freshman class. Building the float, designing T shirts, taking pictures and just eating (ice cream, pop corn, pizza!!!) and joking. Everyone is so new to high school, and full of questions. But the energy!!!! I am exhausted every night - and they are still ready to go!! I posted a lot of pictures here, and after tomorrow - the resulting float!

Southside Fall Gathering

2007-09-16T20:00:00.001-04:00

So we have this ad hoc neighborhood association that gets together to eat and drink, protest the war (it seems only on Sundays in the winter during blizzards!), have traveling dinner feasts or exchange perennial plants in the spring/fall. We are all ages, from the 1year old to 94, and we all enjoyed the FIRE (since it went down to 51 degrees!). Last year we didn't even light the fire it was so warm. But it's a chance to meet new neighbors, catch up with the old ones; exclaim over renovations and improvements; and hug. And laughter - oh yes laughter - even because Connie missed the gathering AGAIN because her father wanted to visit his home land (Canada) one more time before he dies. The old conger - he's said that the last 4 years - and he's 95!!!!!! So Connie is making her 4th trip north - but you never know.....
But where else would you sit and chat for hours - since most people don't roam the streets and drop in to other people's porches ( Andy and I do:) I overheard two people comparing notes on living in Thailand; her brother lives there and his son travels there all the time. What a small world.
We are blest to be free and friendly.

Freshman Fun

2007-09-13T22:27:00.001-04:00

What fun, getting ready for Homecoming! Every day I take a picture of the freshmen who help work on our float, and then it goes on the school video announcements all day! The kids are crazy and fun - I don't know what the float will look like, but we are getting to know a lot of the freshmen! (and we eat also!!!!!)
So the Homecoming theme is Voyages Around the World -- and the freshmen choose IRELAND. :) We might ask Mr McGee to be on our float!
Any ideas? anyone out there???

Summer is Slowing

2007-09-10T22:48:00.000-04:00

The milestones of Summer: Dairy Treat's last day. The ritual of being there the first and last day of the season seems to have flown too fast this year. Maybe we should join all the people who sprawl on the grass, sit on the benches or sleep next to their spouses while the river slowly slides by. I love the trend of people just sitting or bringing their chairs to the river side and watching the world walk or float by. Slowing down.....

Greek Weddings

2007-09-04T22:36:00.000-04:00

We went to a Greek wedding; 2 couples drove from Michigan to Pittsburgh to join in the celebration of a wedding. It was awesome! The wedding ceremony was 45 minutes of symbolism: including having the bride and groom walk around the alter, led by the Father. Showing that the first steps in your married life is with the church leading you. The crowns on the heads show the unity of the marriage, and that you both strengthen each other. It was a joyous, significant wedding; and made us all thankful that we were sitting with ones we love.

School Starts

2007-08-29T21:59:00.000-04:00

Wow, school has started, with more than the normal challenges for some. The class of 2011 has a new state-wide requirement (seen on the shirts).
I have questions about the blanket formula set for all. What about those who are much more creative than mathematical? Our school seems to be the place to be; we have added 41 new students in the first 2 weeks. Classes are filled, more than we would like. But as a family grows bigger, you just can't tell some they have to live elsewhere.... or that we won't adopt them:)

Retirement for Some

2007-08-26T21:53:00.000-04:00

So a whole bunch of friends got together and celebrated the first couple who are 'setting out' of the world of work. Dang, how lucky is that; to still be young and active, with the one you love, and have fun ALL DAY (and night!)
Good thing I love my job!

August Storms

2007-08-23T21:38:00.000-04:00

We went sailing, and raced back to the dock just before the lightning started. The world is beautiful!

Land Yachting

2007-08-15T17:07:00.000-04:00

I bid on a motor home last year at a fundraiser, so we and another couple went "Land Yachting". They usually take us on their boat, so we 'sailed' off on wheels. Wheels that were 30 feet long! Andy was the master at the wheel, and we really didn't kill or maim anything. We explored 3 campgrounds, each with it's own uniqueness (but all on Lake Michigan).

Orchard Beach, north of Manistee, was great, mixture of tents and RV's, clean restrooms, shade trees and a beautiful beach. We could bike into Manistee for icecream - round trip only 10 miles.

Nordhouse Dunes was the best, remote, primitive, with biking trails through the woods. We spent hours exploring on our bikes. I had never done any 'off roading' on my bike. We even went geocaching and discovered a hidden public beach. We never would have found itif it wasn't for tracking the geocache. This was Sheryll's first find:)

We ended at Mears State Park, a really RV packed spot; but again we could experience what it's all about. Again the beach was awesome. And the best - we could walk into Pentwater for dinner and live jazz!

Lisa Leaves, Brett's Birthday,Coast Guard Party

2007-08-05T22:49:00.000-04:00

The sun is hot, and the activities never stop! Between beach and golf, a few other things happened.

Lisa stopped for a last visit, and we found the perfect carry on that Aniken could 'ride' from terminal to terminal.

Then I took the easy way to celebrate Brett's birthday; we took him and Jamie to breakfast in the CG Cutter Mackinaw.

Saturday we had a small party on the front lawn for parade watching.

Whew, it's fun during the CG Festival!

Kid's Day Parade

2007-08-01T23:06:00.000-04:00

Andy and I organize the GH Coast Guard Kid's parade, and this year was another great experience!

Thanks to a great group of volunteers (some who wore costumes) the parade went on without any major hitches.

Over 1000 children lined the streets and everybody smiled!!

Storms

2007-07-27T22:53:00.001-04:00

I meant to put pictures of the storm we had, but kept forgetting. God and all is awe! some.

Skate Park

2007-07-27T22:48:00.000-04:00

We have a brand new, awesome skate park! I simply love watching the attempts, either great or small, of the people who use it. Today was the dedication and it was packed. Maybe that's why the ambulance was there twice today?

Hummingbirds, Harry Potter and Flowers

2007-07-27T22:31:00.000-04:00

I never seem to have time, but finally I got to weed and tend my perennial garden. These are some of my flowers. It makes me smile to work with them, and look at them. Nuturing is good for the earth! and even better for us!

I, like most, went and got the Harry Potter book at midnight. It was bittersweet to finish it, I am amazed at the author's creativity.

So I finally took a break and did a few fun things. We have this incredible deck where hummingbirds hand out all the time, they don't care if you are eating dinner or talking with friends. I finally took a few pictures of our friends. At times one hummer seems to be the resident 'king' and chases the others away!

Pets....

2007-07-09T22:47:00.001-04:00

So our children's friends have all started having pets, and training them, and sending out cute email pictures of them doing cute things. Our youngest son received a 'unique' pet, and he aptly named him 'Plant'. He has put a lot of effort into training plant, and couldn't leave Plant alone all July 4th week. Sooooooooooo Plant came to stay with us. Plant enjoyed brushing fronds with some of our 'older' and more mature plants, but did maintain a respectful relationship through out the whole week (at least when we were awake and watching). But the time came for all to return to their homes and jobs, but what?????? Plant's owner left in such a hurry, Plant was forgotten.....Nooooooooooo not forgotten, as the picture shows; here comes the owner in his jeep -hurrying to rescue Plant and carry him home.

Sun and Fish

2007-07-08T22:50:00.000-04:00

After spending quality time on the beach, my sister and her husband flew back to NJ. Then the family that was still here (sorry Fitz and Jessica - next time!) went fishing. I recommend fishing - as long as you catch fish!!

Family Bridges

2007-07-03T21:31:00.001-04:00

This has been a fantastic week, we walked the International Bridge with my sister and her husband (his wonderful idea), stood between the Soo Locks as boats went through in both directions, then relaxed on the porch at Mackinac Island. Now just time to kick back, laugh and talk, re-connect and remember. What a blessed life.

Lisa visits home

2007-06-22T23:27:00.001-04:00

So we were all happy to have our Lisa and boys return from Budapest for a visit this summer. Of course it was down to GH for Gyros and hot dogs, Fortino's for candy and then to the beach!

Then fellow Lee members gathered with food and cake to catch up and laugh, celebrate community and summer.

Bittersweet experiences; because with each reunion, a coming departure inches closer. But happiness for now!

Lake Michigan sunsets

2007-06-22T23:23:00.001-04:00

I admit, the sunsets are truly awesome over Lake Michigan, but even better is having a husband call softly to you in the evening, and invite you to standby his side and witness the beauty together.

Dang, life is great.

Family and Flowers

2007-06-11T23:18:00.000-04:00

I was lucky to have family from Denver come and stay; having our own reunion while they were on their way to another 'school' reunion. They brought me flowers. But as you can see, the happiness of them will forever outshine the beauty of the blooms. May we always value family, and treaure each moment with them. I do.

Graduation

2007-06-11T23:10:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful evening; sunshine, love, and pride were in the air as parents, friends and family celebrated the 2007 graduates' walk across the stage. It may take a village to raise a child, but maybe it also takes a Lee faculty and staff 'family' to launch them. Our hearts and hopes go with them into the future.

Our First 5 K

2007-05-26T12:05:00.001-04:00

So two friends decided to do their first
5 K. We got to put on 'chips' and get
timed, run just as the rain was ending,
and celebrate finishing!! We definitely
didn't go for speed, but we never stopped
running; past the beach, up hills, through
Duncan's Woods and then home. It truly
was the "Kick Off to Summer" experience
we hoped for. Now to a bonfire and
brats on the beach.

A Day of Adventure

2007-05-25T17:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we had an incredible day of fun, bonding and experiences. After working this year to 'pass' every class, our group celebrated our achievements. It was sad we left 15 students behind, but that is one of the lessons learned, and, hopefully, not to give up: ever. Thumbs up? Joy, Crazy? Not something I could ever do, but I loved watching them drop from the sky and swing out ove the lake. They absolutely looked like they were flying.
The day was perfect: 80 degrees, sunny and a good steady breeze. No crowds, no lines. And at the end, Zach finally did a roller coaster; thanks to Brian and Bill. I can't believe the year is ending.

Celebrations

2007-05-22T22:04:00.000-04:00

What a night!! past, present, and future rebels gathered to celebrate 150 years of our school district.
I'll let the pictures speak, ........listen,

Soaring

2007-05-21T22:11:00.000-04:00

So we spent the last week celebrating spring; watching a soaring eagle while canoeing, watching thousands of bikes during the annual blessing of the bikes in Baldwin, and watching student after student join the ranks of 'honor' for our school. Where else can we have so much to be thankful for, all in less than 1 week. Winter slows me down, but spring, the sunshine, and fresh air bring energy!

Oh my GOSH

2007-05-16T22:44:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I haven't posted since September! I had to create a Google account - times are evolving!
I have been taking all kinds of pictures, but they're not available on this computer!
Friends, I will post again! A very hectic year - my oldest son got engaged last fall and planned and got married by Dec 2!
Life is on a roll - a constant celebration!

Who won Homecoming?

2006-09-27T21:53:00.000-04:00

I think everyone won homecoming.
So there!
Sure class competition is fun, but part of me just wishes we could all have fun celebrating being part of Lee, not class against class. Isn't fun just to wear your hair crazy, or paint your face blue and gold? Shouldn't we offer face-painting from 7 to 7:30 am the day of the parade and game, just to get everyone in the school fired up for being part of Lee?
OK, So I believe everybody should win, that nobody should win - because that means somebody loses.
I LOVE PARTIES
So why can't homecoming just be a great big party, a celebration of LEE.
Nuff said, time to get off of the soap box:)

Lee High Homecoming

2006-09-25T22:49:00.000-04:00

An Awesome parade showcasing creativity, school pride and community. Rebels Rock!

Summer's Swan Song

2006-09-05T20:26:00.000-04:00

So my best friend and lover (yup - Andy) sat and talked and pondered how fast life moves when all you do is smile. I read 2 books in 3 days, listened to friends on the Red Dock, and sailed the lake. Just look at this sunset - what a glimpse of the wonder of the world. Brings tears to my eyes,... how in the world do we deserve all this? thank You thank You thank You.

Many Happy Reunions

2006-08-30T20:30:00.000-04:00

We took a crazy 3 day road trip to Penna to attend Andy's high school reunion! What fun, and a double bonus was spending 24 hours in the car together talking. We have been much too busy and needed the time to connect.
We also visited my mother, who didn't know who we were, but loved the attention. So some of the weekend was spend rekindling friendships, and some time was spent just remembering. Praise God from whom all things flow, and may we live to acknowledge every minute of it.

Stars in their Eyes and Meteors above

2006-08-15T22:10:00.000-04:00

Saturday we collected to hopefully view the Perseid Meteor Shower, but really just to sit around a campfire on the beach. The waves of Lake Michigan, the rustle of the dune grass and the slow soft conversation of friends and family. Denver, Livonia, Chicago and Grand Haven, scattered parts of a whole, family in the true sense of the word. Laughter, love and connections, that's sometime all we need:)

Celebration of Kids and the Coast Guard

2006-07-29T17:45:00.000-04:00

So today was the kick off the the Coast Guard Festival week with the Kids Parade. And what better representation of the fun and joy than the young wonderful students who volunteer to dress up and entertain the children along the aprade route! Their goal - to get smiles and have their picture taken with the little kids! It was a HOT but beuatiful day - and our Crew that puts on the Kids parade was AWESOME! Every year they have more great ideas - save some candy and freebies to give to the families and children that are in the parade - so when the neighborhood floats come back to the staging area - there's Al - ready with treats and gifts to say thank you. Everyone on the Crew is a treasure - thank you Barb, Dawn, Carol, Al, Bruce, Ron, Bill, Branden (who sweats the most!), Jeff, Hank and Louann!

Virtual Geocaching

2006-07-25T23:07:00.000-04:00

So another way to keep in contact, share in fun experinces and help each other is to geocache, but across half the USA! So Sean and Sarah found a webcam geocache and needed someone to 'capture' their picture to be able to claim the cache. It took 5 tries, (timing was an issue) but here it is - a picture captured on a computer in Michigan of a couple standing, holding up their GPS unit, in Washington. I should try it with Lisa in Budapest or Brett in Cologne! I love life - my kids- what fun!!

A bit of heaven on earth...

2006-07-19T22:35:00.000-04:00

So almost every Wednesday evening, wonderful friends open their hearts and their boat to a loosely knit group of friends. We friends have in common three things; thankfulness, admiration and love for our captain and his first mate:) (also wine and great food)
They help make this, our life, a blessing in so many ways. Thank you G and S:)

Choose to be Positive

2006-07-16T21:16:00.000-04:00

Today we celebrated a birthday, a bon voyage, and friendships. Every moment, every day, we can decide, between the happening of an event and our reaction to it - what our reaction will be. Should we be sad that dear dear friends are moving, or celebrate the adventure that they are starting. Should our heart hurt because hugs will now be missing, or find new ways to reach, teach and love across the ocean.

Exploring, adventuring, questioning is what makes us grow, mentally sharpening our perspective on life and how we connect with our world.

So that leads me to my next picture, a 'red thread' across Europe, pins showing where Brett has been so far, exploring our world, and hopefully sharpening his mind with the insights and awareness of the oneness of the human race. In his moments before reactions, does the Spirit inspire him to a greater understanding of the blessings of the diversity of this world?

Invisible thoughts of love

2006-07-12T23:04:00.000-04:00

So this is my first attempt to merge pictures, what a mother will do to get a family photo! I really don't have to spend a lot of time with my family, or go on trips or celebrate holidays, I just want to 'chat' with them over a morning cup of coffee, or a late night 'talk' in the kitchen. Quality times that don't have agendas. Difficult in this fast paced world..... and I love them so much. The people in this picture love the world, others and special individuals. Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, wives and husbands; now and possibly in the future. So much love....

The Jigsaw Family

2006-07-10T22:42:00.000-04:00

It seems that as a mom, I feel one of my roles is to try and keep the pieces of our family connected. Actually, truthfully, I find doing it a great deal of fun and fulfillment. So we brought home Sean and Sarah from Seattle, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jerry and Scott came from Livonia, and we included Sarah's parent's and our 'travelin man's girlfriend and her family. So the resulting pictures show geo caching on Sunday and canoeing on Monday.

Brett's European Lodgings

2006-07-06T22:17:00.000-04:00

So just for fun, I am posting two pictures to show how Brett's is living these days, the first proves that he is living in a glass house, and the second shows the kind of furnishings they have at hostels these days. Actually both were taken at the Lovre, and I could mention DeVinci and Napoleon to set the stage:) I miss him, and can't wait to hear the stories!

More on Flyleaf

2006-06-28T20:45:00.000-04:00

Here's what they look like in concert. Check out
http://www.flyleafmusic.com/

Flyleaf visits

2006-06-28T20:11:00.000-04:00

So our neighbor's son 'Hurricane' is driving the rock group Flyleaf's 1 million dollar bus around the country for their tour. They are a hard rock Christian group from Texas that sings about hope shining brighter than despair. They played at the Intersection in GR Tuesday night, and we were luckly to have Jared the guitarist and his wife stay in Brett's room on Monday. I went golfing for the day, and Andy, dear wonderful man that he is, told them to use everything, washing machine etc. I woke them at 10:30 the next morning, and they loaded onto the bus and went back to sleep until they got to the venue for set-up. 10 people sleep on that bus, with bunk beds, 14 TV's, black leather sofas, everything. Sort of like Brett sleeping on the trains in Europe:)
I wish we had more traveling groups to share our little spot of heaven with..., it's what makes us happy.

Shining Glory

2006-06-27T08:31:00.000-04:00

This weekend was wonderful, as we sat on the deck night after night with good friends, the glory of this world was embedded on our brains. It seems in summer everybody's more positive, happy, healthy, and outside! To wander the town, eat greek for dinner, a choice of 7 places to walk to for ice cream - it's heaven here. We are so blest!

Bright sun off snow and smiles

2006-06-22T15:33:00.000-04:00

So here he is, Brett on a glacier in Europe. I don't know which is brighter, his smile or the sun. I hope the joy was keeping him warm, as he didn't take much else! Kite Boarding Festival is this weekend - anyone bunking down in Brett's area? I haven't heard from anyone.... remember - we like company and noise!

Illuminations: Make Some Noise?

2006-06-18T12:45:00.000-04:00

Illuminations: Make Some Noise?

Make Some Noise?

2006-06-14T22:56:00.000-04:00

So generally in my life I make some noise, sometimes it's good; like yelling at games, convincing kids to keep pursuing a dream, quiet exchange of ideas, hopes and happenings. But sometimes I need to learn to be quiet, because then I get to hear the birds, the wind in the pine trees, the lapping of the waves, and my own thoughts. I hurry too much, people need more silence sometimes before they feel comfortable in talking. I think we all need to be sensitive to other's pace of sharing. Sort of like my golf swing, if I slow down, somethings work out better. Just my thoughts:)

German Street Streams

2006-06-10T12:25:00.000-04:00

So my son sent a CD and Video clip from Prague, only took 5 days! And I told him I would find a way to link his pictures so eveyone could view them. So please be patience with me as we are volunteering all weekend at an Indie Film Festival and I can't set up the link until Monday. Wouldn't it be wonderful, since we are eliminating the countryside with our urban sprawl, if we could also have babbling streams as part of our streets?

A Super Nova

2006-06-07T23:01:00.000-04:00

Today was a going away, thank you, and love party at our school. Our art teacher of 11 years is leaving to join her family in Hungary. Both middle and high school staff gathered, around food of course, to acknowledge her impact on the school, themselves and our children. And that's what makes Lisa, and our school unique, at least to me. We are small enough to see our students as more like our children, and therefore we seem at times to be more like a family. It hurts to have an integral part of the family blast off to another sphere, it hurts my heart, my throat and my eyes. A Super Nova is a star which explodes so violently that for a few weeks the star outshines its parent galaxy. Lisa hasn't exploded, but she outshines because of her heart. We will miss her. I, very much.

The Great Sigh

2006-06-04T22:11:00.000-04:00

Today in church our sermon linked the Pentacost, Desmond Tutu, Rosa Parks, our new graduates and the miracle of our present exisitence; all with a great sigh. A sigh that is so deep and profound, that it expresses beyond words our communal existence in this world. We live in a time where children can be off on adventures, friends gather to play 'crazy' golf (hence the picture) and human life is destroyed by war or nature. Do we sigh in despair, or in acceptance? Those I love choose to sigh with, and as part of, a God that wants us to explore, examine, celebrate and love all that is good, and call into question all that seems wrong or hurtful to others. I sigh in amazment of a world faceted like a precious diamond, so many faces that I will never see, but a richness of opportunites ahead. I am blessed with a husband who dances in the middle of the street under a full moon, and yet can see well enough to pick up other's forgotten trash on the walk home. Can you hear it? sigh....................

Shining into the future

2006-06-01T16:47:00.000-04:00

Tonight is a momentous event in the lives of 54 students and their families and friends; high school graduation. Anyone who is in anyway involved, from teaching, encouraging, making the school safe and clean, from providing transportation to feeding, clothing, and getting them to school on time - it all ties us together so that at 7:00 tonight, all hearts will expand and all eyes get misty. 54 treasures that we all have been blessed to share; how can we not help feel optimist about the world, the future, our own personal lives. My prayer is that the dreams, courage, respect, and actions of all graduates make a difference in our world. They will create the next 'village' that raises our children.

Looking forward

2006-05-31T22:46:00.000-04:00

So my Fitz and Jessica seem to be contemplating a future, slowly finding and treasuring the multitude of parts that make a person whole. How blessed to be able to share in their 'waltz' for the past several years. I can only think of him as 'my son', but am constantly reminded that he is a gift, and only a gift to be shared, not owned. How wonderful life is.

Two launching a new adventure

2006-05-30T21:44:00.000-04:00

So Brett in Europe has begun his trek by train, and Annie here in Michigan has begun a new job. Both are showing the adventursome, self-motivated spirit that gives hope to all us "oldsters'.
My prayers are with them as they discover new insights about themselves, and others around them.

2006-05-29T22:31:00.000-04:00

When I started this blog, it was to prove the point that I am not totally 'out of it' although technologically challenged at times. But now I find it might be a way to keep those I love connected, and perhaps sharing a bit of their lives with each other. One son and daughter-in law live across the States, another son and his 'special someone' live 8 miles away, and yet the last son is traveling in Europe far from his family and his 'special someone". So if I can figure out how to upload photos, for them to view, maybe they will recognize the love, caring and repsect they all seem to have for each other.

Reflections from pictures

2006-05-29T22:22:00.000-04:00

The First Light

2006-05-04T16:39:00.000-04:00

Illumination, either myself, my family, friends, fellow workers or anyone; that is what this is all about. Bring to light an individual's triumph's, their dreams, adventures or random thoughts. A way to connect others to 'shed some light on' ideas, issues, differents or commonalities.