Back From the North

We just spent some great times up in the Charlevoix and Traverse City areas. We went to the Venetian Festival with Lou, Carole and the boys. I am not sure why they call it the Venetian Festival, it has absolutely nothing to do with Venice, but I am sure that there is a story there somewhere.

There were fireworks both Friday and Saturday night. A good parade on Saturday with the MSU marching band. Ted Lindsay was the grand marshal, and that was ok. He has lost a little shine in my opinion, ever since he was at a wine dinner and wouldn't stop talking, I mean, even when the producers were presenting their wines, the guy wouldn't hold his tongue for two seconds and listen (and maybe even learn something). Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for Mr. Lindsay and what he has done in his career and for the game of hockey, he just isn't as shiny as he used to be.

Where was I, oh yea, the parade. It was the LOOOONNNNGGGGEEESSSTTTT parade in history and had more contest queens and courts than any I have ever seen, not that I am a big parade connaisseur. Then came the band, and they were awesome. The other best part were the bagpipe players - made me think of Suzie and her advice on how there are very few female players (only one in the two bands in the parade on Sat) and how they are in high demand. Charlotte still isn't going for the idea and I am not certain that I could handle the practice sessions anyway.

Saturday night there was also a parade of decorated boats. It was pretty cool to see all the lights. One boat even decorated their passengers, who were dancing. It was a great weekend, spent with Carole and some of her immediate and extended family. We really had a wonderful time.

On Monday we headed for Traverse, after having spent two afternoons on beaches in Charlevoix. In Traverse we found a place outside the city, on Lake Leelanau. This was thanks to Louis and his friend for forever, Gerry Ashburn. Gerry and his family go to these cabins (Westwindresort.net) every year. They are right on the lake, near enough to some big towns and the cabins are great. We were ecstatic.

On Tuesday we rented a pontoon boat in traverse bay and attempted to fish. We did this for 3 hours (reminded me of the famous three hour tour, but no storm) and really had a great time laughing at our inability to fish, bait, reel, or whatever. We ate in town and retreated to our cabin in the evening for another great sunset.

JJ worked on Wednesday, so the kids and I didn't move from the cabins. They swam, I read. They fished, I untangled fishing lines. They played, I read. They swam, I read. It was a good time all around and one that I think we look forward to repeating next year, if we don't go to France on the vineyard. Actually, I liked this place so much it would be fun to rent with other members of the family (in seperate cabins to avoid too much togetherness) and friends and make it a great week. I would ask for feedback, but I am not sure that anyone actually reads this, I think that I am writing more for prosperity's sake, than for information.

It looks like Tahiti at Christmas is out because it is on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD. I guess that I should have understood that sooner, but I am blond. So we have an agreement to look at the Caribean. Martinique and Guadeloupe sound good, but JJ is looking for his connection on St. Thomas. I will keep everyone posted on how it goes. Martinique sounds like the right plan to me, they speak french, it's warm and inviting, I just have to start looking for somewhere awesome to stay. Again, comments and suggestions are welcome.

big bisous to all
moi