The President is a Puppet

That's honestly what I think. I might be wrong. I'm probably wrong. But that's continually the conclusion I come to when trying to be a good American and care about elections for presidents. I'm a cynic. I don't believe in the good of people. Not even the good of Christians. I just don't. I dis-trust everyone.

The amazing irony is that I like people. I mean, I really like people. This past weekend, I somehow remembered that my family used to tease me when I was a little girl because when spending countless summer days at the beach (The beach was free), I would meet a new person every time and they would instantly be my friend. I seriously made friends everywhere I went. I have always had a need to connect with others. I still have that need.

I think my ability to like people is somehow closely related to my dis-trust of them. Almost like because I don't expect anything from them, I'm continually surprised and thrilled with their good nature towards me. And you would think that after seeing this good nature towards me for years, that I would begin to lower guards towards them. And maybe, maybe slowly I am. I don't think I am. But I could be.

So voting. I honestly think that money runs countries, not people. But I'm going to vote, and probably even for a president. (maybe for a president.) Mostly because everyone I know would think less of me for not voting. And I'm insecure and need the people I love to like me. So, to those I love, this vote is for you. Really.

3rd Pic: From Jess at Past Tense Cider Mill; me and my nephews&niece
2nd Pic: Tex exhausted from our Harvest party
1st Pic: Tree in full Color in the UP during a "fun day" hike with work

Voila

There it is. Probably the longest I've ever taken to finish a blanket. It's much larger than I thought it would be. It's also extremely warm. I would be working on it and have to stop because I'd start sweating from it being on me. So it should be perfect for those -10 degree days this winter. (oh how I wish I were joking that we actually have temps that low in the winter) Oh, and that's my chaise from Crate&Barrel. I know I haven't yet posted pics of the furniture. I will.

Had a great time traveling downstate this past weekend to see family and Jess. Took some great photos and accidentally deleted all of them. Yeah. But Jess is normal (at least more than me) and managed to save all of her photos. Maybe she'll let me have some copies. And I got some really cute ones of the kids at the cider mill. ugh, I'm so frustrated.

The Blanket is Done

I told you I would finish it this month. And I'm pleased with how it turned out. There is one square that is missing a row of color and it totally upset me when I figured it out after I had already sewn it into the blanket. I have no idea how I didn't catch it before then. But I didn't. And so now it's sealed into the blanket forever as a reminder that I'm never quite as good as I want to be at things. *sigh*

Martin's parents came up for a fall visit. As always, it was great to spend time with them. And as always, they treat us to way too much. But I'm not going to lie, we love it.

We took a day trip to the upper peninsula. We went out on a boat tour of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. BEAUTIFUL. Really, I had no idea. There are pictures on my flickr site (and there will be several more to follow in the next week or so--I kinda overdid it on the photos). I enjoy the feeling I get when I'm on the great lakes. You feel so incredibly small. Like you're completely insignificant out there on the water. I don't know why I like that feeling in certain situations. I think it's because we all want to be reminded that there is a whole world out there bigger than us. It somehow gives me a reminder that I should keep my problems in check. Not to let them seem bigger than they are. There's a lot more here on this feeling but I'm not going to explain right now.

This weekend, Martin is going to a MSU football game with several friends. Apparantly, they have amazing tickets and get to stay somewhere free and get to go to a tailgate party empty-handed. Needless to say, he's pretty excited about it. To add to the excitement, MSU is having a great season this year.

I'll be going down to visit my fam. and best friend. Tex will be going with me and he'll be oh-so-thrilled to be able to run around 20 acres with Duke and Daley. Alright, not sure how much running Duke can do these days but I'm sure he'll be watching with jealousy as the other two romp.

What I did in September

Almost finished an afghan I've been working on for three years. It WILL be finished in Oct.

Finally hung something on the walls in our place. Even if it is only in the dining room. And only three things. Have to start somewhere.

Photographed a wedding for the first time. My friend was the real photographer but she asked me if I would help. Wasn't as stressful as I thought it would be. Of course, the bride was the most laid back bride ever. Which was wonderful.

Camped on the pigeon river again. Always nice

Stayed in St. Johns, MI with our neighbors at their parents house. Ate doughnuts and drank cider. Remembered how much I miss going to a cider mill in the fall.

Had my biggest (to date) conflict at work. Not fun at all.

Cried myself to sleep over losing a relationship with someone I love. Have felt this one coming for awhile but didn't expect it to happen yet. Am still processing the conversation, trying to make sense of it. Hoping I took things out of context but knowing that I didn't.

got a haircut. Instant good mood. I love my stylist. It's great to talk to her, and have her make me look good for a day. She asked me: "What am I doing for you today?" I said: "Tammy, I don't know the first thing about hair; just make me look less tired." She said: "okay" and got to work.

Cleaned up dog vomit.

Cleaned up cat vomit.

Wondered why I have pets.

Got a new pair of glasses. And then felt immediately guilty for getting yet another pair of glasses.

Worked as a cart girl for a local golf club as a "fun second job". Made more in tips than I make at my "not fun first job".

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.