Yes ... we've been busy

So here we go again.  Day two of our 48th year of wedded bliss. Or as my daughter might say ...'the Bickerson's really can make a go it'.  Oh sure we have our moments. But who doesn't! We celebrated with an hour donating to the Indians at the Fours Winds Casino then a really nice dinner at Shu's Grill in St Joe Michigan. With the corner table overlooking Lake Michigan, we had good meal ... that is until I knocked over a full glass of Stella beer. Some things never change. Luckily the waiter brought over another full one at no charge.

Anyway she's the love of my life and the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. Whatever and whoever I am ... it because of her and I wouldn't change a thing.

My bride of 48 years

When we returned back to our RV, our dear friends Bill and June had hundreds of paper rose petals sprinkled over our path to the front door, several balloons and a variety of gifts waiting at the door step. A perfect close to a great day. Thanks a million.

Looking back, we've had a busy summer so far ... with lots of visitors.  Our good friends Jim and Carol, from the fine state of Iowa drove over for a few days stay. Last time they were here they fell in love with Earl's Farm Market and Bakery so we all needed to make another stop there. After filling our shopping sacks with all kinds of goodies we stopped for the obligatory tourist photo with old Earl.

It was great to see our other 'brother and sister' again and we're already planning on returning to Iowa to see them in the fall..

I think this is our 7th summer on the Sunset Coast of Michigan.  And as Mother nature continues to dream up new ways to amaze me, a trip down to the beach usually produces something that catches my eye. When the wind is up so is the surf.  And when the surf is up people get goofy. With the next wave fully capable of wiping them off the pier like chalk off a blackboard, they still come and do crazy things.  You kind of expect youngsters to do weird things ... but the old guy on the bike ought to know better ... don't you think?

Flotation Tires?

Look out!

Some of you may know I like jazz music and one of my favorite piano players is the Frenchman Phillipe LeJune.  His CD's aren't often seen here in the states as Europe is his primary venue but every now and again he performs here.  I checked his schedule and saw that there weren't any US play dates so I wrote him a letter asking where in Europe I could order his CD's.  Never thinking he'd reply but later in the day I received a reply.  He said he was coming over to the states for a quick three day trip and would be playing in Detroit and ask if we'd come to see him.
He gave me the details and I quickly made reservations for the 5th of July at Cliff Bell's Jazz Lounge for Sharon and I and our friends George and Paula. Bell's is a long time jazz venue right downtown on Park avenue surrounded by empty buildings and empty lots. A little disconcerting area of the town but we pressed on. With the only parking some two blocks away I settled for valet parking and we entered the club.

Nothing has changed in the 50 plus years by the looks of it. Dark wooded walls, low lighting, and dark leather seating. Aged but still classy. A large bar was the focus when you first walked in with small bistro style tables around and an occasional large booth.  I probably should have worn my zoot suit as I was sure Dillinger was surely nearby. Talk about a step back in time.

We were a little early and not many folks had arrived and our waitress soon seated us.  And what a special seat.  There were about 4 tables on the raised performance stage and one was surprisingly ours.  Two of the tables across the stage were vacant and there was a man finishing his desert at the table next to us. We got settled and ordered drinks and Sharon kept bugging about the guy at the next table thinking he was the artist LeJune.  I kept trying to calm her down and not bother the guy but she finally couldn't contain herself and blurted out ... are you Phillipe LeJune?

He looked up from his dessert and said 'yes' ... so for the rest of the evening he pulled his chair over to our table and before the show started and between sets he sat with us talking about his family, his career, and his music. Charming to say the least and his live performance was all I had expected.  What a great evening of exceptional jazz, good food and wine, with good friends.

Sharon-       Phillipe LeJune-        Paula

LeJune Trio

We spent the night at 'The Henry' (formerly the Ritz Carlton) in Dearborn. A very nice place with lots of great art work placed throughout the hotel. One thing that was kind of neat was the menues we used at breakfast. They were iPads. Funcional and slick.

July 4th is traditionally a pretty big deal here at Cousin's RV.  Another pig was sacrificed, we all ate like pigs and we enjoyed the parade ... complete with King and Queen, kids galore, singers, and patriotic music.  Some outsiders may think this old fashion celebration is a little cheesy but everybody here had a great time.

Let the parade begin

Queen June and King Hal

Living in a beach side community has it drawbacks as I like to photograph scenes of and around our famous lighthouse.  As you can see some people just seem to get in the way and almost spoil the shot.  But I'll keep trying.

Not again!

Darn sand! Serves her right!

Rick and Jan, our old friends from Bay City drove across the state to pay us a visit. We go way back to my college days of the last century. Though I was a senior citizen when we attended, we're very happy to see them as they are still paying into the Social Security system and we certainly want them to continue. 

Rick and Jan

Now if my sister knew that I was going to post her picture in my blog I may not have got the picture sent to me in the first place. She still looks pretty hot I'd say.  Here she's celebrating her birthday with a little soiree' at the Biltmore mansion in Asheville NC. 

My sister Judy G

We've slacked off going to live concerts the past few years and that's got to stop as many of these performers are getting long in tooth and before long their playing days may be over. I'd mentioned to my daughter Leigh that I thought it would be great to see the one of most famous blues performers Buddy Guy but his concert at the Firekeepers Casino was completely sold out. As luck would have it she somehow managed to find two tickets and gave them to me as a Fathers Day gift. What a great surprise!

The venue was almost packed when we arrived and Guy's warm-up act was a young blues guitarist/singer Quinn Sullivan. About 15 years old, this already veteran performer was amazing. Being mentored by the great Buddy Guy certainly has honed this young man's skills far beyond his age. So look for Quinn on YouTube and get a taste of what he can do.

Buddy Guy's career goes way, way back. Well into his 70's, he's been around the blues block and number of times and has played with all the great blues/jazz performers on the planet. He's works the crowd like a skilled pick pocket, stealing your attention and admiration with his skills. Playing while circulating through the audience, is his forte. Everybody wished he'd come their way, sit down beside them and play ... some got the opportunity but most were still eager bystanders. I guess if there were any criticism it would the acoustics of the venue. Not much sound absorption and generally the volume was too high. Anyway a great, great night out. 

Bluesman Buddy Guy

So we've started off this summer not only with our newly remodeled coach (it turned out great) but a busy schedule as well. More to come ... so stay tuned.

Still livin' the dream here in South Haven

Phil