Inland Waterway

The rents came up this past weekend and we treated them to a birthday boat trip on the inland waterway. The smallest boat we could get had room for 6 so, we invited the Dawley's along for the ride. Charles took these videos of the locks and the swingbridge that are along the way. It was a great day for boating.

LTB Swim

For the past almost 6 months Martin has been wanting me to put this video on youtube. I finally did yesterday. Here's a narrative of what you'll be watching:

I think it was a Friday night in the early spring. Early spring in Northern Michigan means no more snow storms but still cold weather and even colder water--especially in Lake Michigan.

We were taking a walk along the water because I'm sure it was one of the first walks we could take without bundling. (Bundling=hat, mittins, scarf, heavy coat, winter shoes) And when we got to Petoskey's Marina, Matt challenged the guys to go swim in the boat launch area. Kim said without hesitating that she'd do it. Martin said that if she went in first, he would go in. Matt said that if someone went in and swam three strokes, he would do it too.

Kim went in, despite my screams for her not to.

And then Martin reluctantly went in, probably from my urging him that he had to now. Matt Frentz never made it in that night even though I'm pretty sure it was his suggestion.

The video looks like it's no big deal because they're just walking out into the boat launch and back. But seriously, this water is barely thawed at this point. FREEZING water that takes your breath away as soon as you are in it.

Oh, it's really loud because I'm yelling right into the mic. I was pretty excited about the situation I guess. So, turn the volume down a lot before you play it.

Company

Martin’s mom has been here this past week visiting us in our new place. I shocked myself and managed to put together a decent looking guest room. It even had flowers in it. I had to pat myself on the back for that because rarely do I pull things together so well without much planning. And we had just gotten our furniture the Wednesday before, so it actually resembled a place of residence here. Resembled. Next project will be getting something on the walls. Isn’t this all so fascinating?

It was very nice to see my MIL. She really is the best MIL in the world. I’m sorry for every other wife who can’t have her. She endured me taking her on hikes that included thick clouds of blood-thirsty mosquitoes, thorns, paths no wider than us, and several other things I’m sure you’re not supposed to subject your mother-in-law to. And, she liked it; how cool is she? And we always have really great conversations.

We went to the farm market in Petoskey one morning and bought everything we needed for a very tasty dinner. I really could get used to walking to the market for my days worth of food. I wish it were more practical.




We also went for a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan at Wilderness State Park. We were looking for as many different colored rocks as we could find. Never really found a blue one, but it was nice just to be outside. I really am feeling pressure as the summer gets later to be outside as much as possible.






So I guess her vacation became a mini, local vacation for me. That was nice.