Another few days in paradise

Finally a bit of time to take a deep breath a pass along a little news ... or maybe a lot of news.

As the summer has flown by I suppose it's more of a reflection of the life of this senior, if not all those around my age. Admitting that I am of age is no big deal but actually putting words to paper certainly solidifies the notion that time is marching on.  Of course the little blond at McDonalds this morning offered up the 'senior' coffee without asking, does drive the point home.  Anyway we've been busy ... very busy.

Shuttling back and forth across the state, almost on a weekly basis, as my bride has been getting some treatment for her ailing back.  All seems to be going well but only time will tell.

Our RV family in South Haven has experienced a steady diet of parties and get-togethers.  Della and Jerry are giving up the summer RV lifestyle after many years and will soon part with their beautiful Blue Bird. And even though we're all sad that they'll be leaving Cousins RV Park, we all have many fond memories of their friendship and hospitality.  But be warned you two ... you never know when one of us may be at your doorstep in HHI.

Enjoying a little 'happy hour' frivolity with DD and Jerry

South Haven had their annual Blueberry Festival this past weekend and the town was packed with tourists from all around.  From the interesting gentleman I met from Indiana to a very foxy older gal from Cologne Germany, the folks come in all sizes and shapes.  Speaking of shapes ... A trip to South Beach is usually a real eye-opener.  The beach is certainly a place where one can set aside any inhibitions about what to wear.

One of the high-lights of the annual festival is the 'Fly-In' and pancake breakfast at the South Haven airport.  Mostly light aircraft from around the state fly in for a little camaraderie and chow.  In addition, they have a small collector car show that brings in some real beauties.  Here's a dandy example from days gone by.

Chrysler Airflow

A bunch of us from the park attended the show but skipped the pancake breakfast.  Good thing.  We got there fairly early and there were already 200 folks in line waiting for pancakes.

There were vintage Piper Cubs, an Aeronca (similar to the one Jerry soloed in many years ago), and assorted biplanes and other fixed winged aircraft for all to get a good close look at.

I think this old Army Air Corp trainer flew in from Kalamazoo

However the 'big daddy' of the show was a WWII B-25D light bomber courtesy of the Yankee Air stationed near Ypsilanti Michigan.  As shiny and well kept as the day it left the production line, she's a real beauty.

For a little over $400 bucks you can get the ride of a lifetime in her.

The flight crew is an eager and dedicated lot with more stories to tell than there was time to listen to them.  They are extremely passionate about maintaining and restoring these old birds and with so few of the aircraft around, it's worth a few bucks to make a donation and keep them flying.

Crew member Carter

One of the neat things about these Fly-Ins or airshows is they do attract the few remaining veterans who actually served aboard these old flying machines.  As I was standing next to one of the flight crew of the B-25 an elderly gentleman, with a WWII Veteran hat, was engaged in a detailed conversation about some of the characteristics of the old bomber.  As I listened in I could really sense the pride these gentleman had in their service to the country.  As their conversation broke up I asked the old fellow wearing the WWII hat if he had every flown on one of these B-25's.  'Oh my yes!' he exclaimed. 'I trained the navigators on the new radar system installed on the aircraft in the Pacific campaign'.  'Every navigator needed 5 hours of training before they were allowed to take up the plane and it was my job to teach them how to use it'.  'I trained them for three Pacific campaigns ... Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa'.  I unfortunately didn't get his name but I won't forget him.  His unwavering pride and honor to serve in the military is part of what made this country such a great place to live.

WWII B-25 radar trainer.

We don't often have 'happy hour' at our place but we thought we'd host one of the little parties for Jerry and Della featuring the famous Koegel's hot dogs from Flint Michigan.  Since we're from that area, and eating some other brand is unlawful (I think), we thought we'd add a little chow to the libations normally served. Complete with both Flint and Detroit style chili sauce, piles of onions, mustard and catsup this mega-gastro feast was a culinary delight.  The only reason I say that is that no one apparently got sick ... which is always good.  Anyway it was fun and we all had enough to eat.

Hot dogs and friends

I think this is the third year in a row that the local Casco band came by the park and gave us a free concert.  About 20 or so strong, these local musicians from all walks of life (and all ages) provide a wide variety of music from Gershwin to Sousa.  Throw in an ice cream social (provided by Hal and Mary Cousins) and it was a perfect way to spend a warm summer afternoon.

Casco Band

As you may already know our park has a very eclectic population.  From a retired police officer, to a retired dentist, to retired school teachers, and retired cereal makers, to a working school principal,
a working construction planner, a working wedding planner, to a working insurance agent.  Each and all are unique and genuinely good people.  So fellow RVer's here's is little lesson.  If you look around the next park you are in I think you'll find just about the same mix of folks.  And it's really easy to find out. Just get out of that easy chair and walk around and get acquainted with your neighbors.  Break the ice ... be the first to hold out you hand and say 'welcome'.  Once you start doing this you'll soon discover that that simple act of kindness is infectious and before long you've got a whole bunch of new and lasting friends.

We've got a new resturant in town and it's certainly worth a stop to eat there.  The 'Taste' serves 'tapis' style with many different offerings all well prepared and presented.  They are also known for their martinis with this weeks 'blueberry martini' the headliner.  They don't have their website up and running yet but you can check them out on the Urban Spoon site.  About 15 of us gathered there last night for a farewell meal with Della and Jerry.  Prior to dinner we all met at Hal and Mary's (park owners) for cocktails and snacks.  Their beautiful home showcases their kindness and hospitality.

Hal and Mary's 'happy hour'

DD and Hal

Dinner at 'Taste'

Though this update is a bit long and mostly upbeat I do need to mention the loss of one of Sharon's family members.  Her Uncle Tommy passed away last week after a short illness.  His broad smile, slight Texas drawl and a big hug greeted you each time you met. A rugged, yet compassionate man who was loved and admired by many.  We shall miss him.

So once again I have blathered along far too long without any consideration that most folks are just here to see the pictures.  None-the-less it gives me something to do and keeps my fingers nimble.

So keep doing what ever you're been doing ... but glad you stopped by as we're still livin' the dream ... and don't mind telling you.

Phil