I can hear the whistle blowing

What a great day in Michigan. Blue skies, warm temperatures and a full tank of gas. Aside from one little errand to run (dropping Sharon off to visit a friend up north for a few days) I had an open agenda. My friend Buck learned of my trip north to Grand Haven and asked if I knew much of the old steam engine displayed there. As you'll find in any number of RV parks, if you poke around enough you'll surely find folks who has a common interests with you. So it just so happens I have a small interest in old trains.  Not a driving force in my life ... but interested.  Those big old chugging, smoking, mechanical marvels of their time were memories in my past and when I learned that my friends Don, and Bill shared the same interest it led to discovering the Buck and Dave were also hooked and we all lived in the same summer RV park.  As it turns out Dave actually is qualified to work on these old beasts of burden but all these guys have added to my appreciation all things railroad. Most have forgotten more than I know so it's nice to have a living library nearby.

Anyway, per Buck's request ... I made the effort to locate the old steamer in Grand Haven. Cosmetically well maintained, the 1941 Berkshire engined 2-8-4 resides in a nice little park along with a tender and several other cars; she's been there since 1981.  It's in a fenced off area but I've heard that one day a year the caretakers will let you in to inspect the engine a little closer. As luck would have it Grand Haven was celebrating Coast Guard Week and the traffic was crazy. I managed to squeeze into an adjoining art fair parking lot and grab this image out the car window while creeping buy. Would have liked to stop but nothing was available.

#1223

The 1223 actually never saw service in Grand Haven as she was too heavy (400 tons) and she is also missing her drive pistons. Her sister locomotive #1225 was restored to full operating condition but did not use any of #1223 parts. She's still as majestic as they day they put her in service and a fine example of stream driven transportation. Check out Wikipedia for more info.

So the next time you're in Grand Haven check it out.  And if you really do your homework you'll discover there is a WWII submarine in the area to explore.

Still livin' the dream, one little adventure at a time.

Phil

ps ... Those of you who spend their summers with us will note the omission of any photographs, quotes or other outbursts relating to the party held yesterday in honor of the owners Hal and Mary's birthdays. We mostly all acted within the confines of the law, though the notion of having a vodka tasting party combined with a birthday party does create a certain atmosphere. So about 20 people, about 15 different flavors of vodka, a bunch of snacky foods and no mix. Several hours of vodka shots would have put a lesser group down but we held our own.  Even got up for Sunday breakfast together.

Okay maybe one picture ...

Happy Birthday Hal

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

Wrapping up Summer

Just a quick note on this evenings activities.
Not that this, or most RV communities need an excuse to throw a party but this evening was just a little unusual.  Bonna and Jerry thought it would be great to have an early Thanksgiving dinner before too many more people had departed for parts unknown. Turkey, ham, yams, mashed potatoes, gravy and all the other fixins' one could ever want. Wow! And a separate dessert table with enough goodness (and calories) to put Paula Deen on notice.  Lots of effort from all the ladies here.  We're fortunate to have so many good cooks.

I told you this was quite a feed

John and Kathy were ready 

Jerry was late for dinner so .... not much left.

You can gain weight just looking at all these beauties

The smell of suntan lotion drifting through the air has been replaced by the aroma of burning leaves and fresh, ripe apples nearby.  The sunny days are still here but you'd better have a jacket handy when the sun begins to set.  Our summer is almost over and the threats of a brutal winter await us. We're going to spend our first winter home in six years.  Why you wonder?  Well it's time to get some major remodeling work done on the coach and we want to get at it.  New flooring, drapes, and a new refrigerator are planned but if the work gets done early, who knows ... maybe we'll hit the road anyway.

The other day I finally learned out how cow pies were made.  Oh sure... everyone knows that answer. But let me tell you how I found out. Our friends Jerry and Bonna invited Sharon,  Miki, along with Bill and June, out to their southern Michigan farm.  A beautiful stone farm house greeted us as we pulled into the drive.  Surrounded by rolling hills and big red barns this place is what being 'down on the farm' is all about.  Unfortunately it's so far from civilization that I was sure they'd yet to have electricity or indoor plumbing (but they did). Greeted at the door by the family dog, who apparently either has lost his sense of smell or our earlier showers actually worked, allowed us to pass. Bonna provided some cold drinks to everyone and while the girls were gabbing, Jerry wanted to show us guys what 'real' farmers do.
Jerry motioned for us to get into his big farm truck.  Big tires, big rumbling diesel, and a big step up to get into the monster.  So off we go towards the pasture.  Bill jumps out to open the gate and off we go ... bouncing along directly towards a herd of comfortably resting black Angus cattle. Their ears perked up as we approached, probably thinking we were out there to feed them but soon they were struggling to their feet as Jerry began to slowly drive right through the middle of the herd.  If cows could talk I bet they would had a few things to moo at Jerry about.  A few moments ago they were relaxing in the cool mud (?) ... now they're struggling to get out of way. Now to the part about cow pies.
It seems these cattle have some sort of an attitude ... and show it in an unpleasant way.  Disturbed by the monster truck in their midst, the first thing they do when standing up is make a pie and release enough nitrogen gas to fill the Hindenburg. It's not a pretty sight/smell and I quickly rolled up the window to keep any of it out of the truck (but wasn't fast enough).  I look over at Jerry and the smile on his face tells me 'these city boys now know what farmin' is all about'.  Anyway there we were parked ... in the middle of piles of steaming cow crap.  Hoping that that the four-wheel drive works, as getting stuck in this steaming sea doesn't seem too fun, we do manage to move on and leave the herd to settle down.  So there you have it.  My conclusions are: being a cow does not get you many perks and they have developed ways to show their distaste.  Here are some of wonderful critters.  And I didn't know they wore earrings either.

I bet Jerry knows all their names too!

With the college football season in full swing the competitive juices must be flowing here at Cousins. Since this park has a reputation for great cooks residing here, one of our more well known purveyors of fine food (June) challenged one of our least known cooks (Charlie) to a lasagna face-off.  No prize nor voting but what turned out was a great evening of pasta for all to enjoy.  Charlie apparently has been a closet cook known only in family circles so this was his coming out party.  Now June knows her way around the kitchen to so Charlie had his work cut out for him.  As it turned out both were winners.  Subtle differences in recipes were noted but both were worthy entries.  I'd snuggle up to a plate of either one of them.

Here are the two lasagna combatants and their creations.

Chef Charles and Chef June

Okay I admit ... I screwed up!
We recently had the annual Cousins Chili Cook-Off and we had a record turn-out with eleven entrants.  With secrecy paramount, only a precious few knew whose chili was in which warming bowl. After a round of sampling the votes were taken and the winner was Jeff C. with Carol B. in second and Eric L. third. Now here's where I messed up.  Usually I take a photo or two of the winning group but as luck would have it I had an equipment malfunction and got nothing. However I can assure you that few will forget how good this year's offerings were.  So hat's off to first time winner Jeff.  Great stuff!

Chili Sampling Specialist

Half asleep on the patio I was nudged into consciousness by a strange humming noise.  As my eyes fought to open I immediately saw this large bug flying around near me. Great! A praying Mantis was flitting around looking for a place to land and with a little luck I could watch him for a while.  He settled down right near my foot and landed on the wheel of my Weber grill.  He slowly navigated completely around the wheel before settling on one of the pseudo spokes on the wheel.  I watched for several minutes and the damnedest thing started to happen.  Instead of this guy lunching on a passing bug or perhaps chew on my leg She started making a ootheca. 'Betcha don't know what that is and I had to look it up ... it's an egg case.  An intricate pouch-like repository for her 200 or so offspring to spend the winter in until hatching sometime in late Spring or early Summer.  She was probably thinking, as long as Sharon and I usually go south for the winter, she might as well send the kids along in the basement of our coach where I stow the Weber while traveling. But she'll be really surprised when the kids are back in South Haven next year. Actually she's most likely already dead as they usually die shortly after laying their eggs ... so I guess I'll have to raise the little critters all by myself.  I wonder if the IRS will flinch when they see the 200 dependents on my 2014 return?  Anyway it was an interesting couple of hours.

Egg laying Mantis on the old Weber

So there you have it folks.  A little catch up on what's been going on with us.  As the parks residents continue to leave for part west and south, it's a sad reminder that the summer is over and another summer season has come to an end. Though we shall miss being on the road this winter, when we return, the coach will be looking a little better and we can start this all over again.

We have until mid-October to vacate the park so time is running out.  With a little luck this year maybe I'll get a chance to photograph one of the Lake Michigan water spouts again.  A rare treat.

Still livin' the dream but dreading the upcoming winter weather.

Phil

ps.  Here's an unabashed plug for my grand daughter Allison's Monday afternoon internet radio show.   Check out www.whaleradio.org in the 2pm to 4pm time slot. Allison and Jeff will provide an off-the-cuff unscripted review of current activities in their world.  They take on-air phone calls too. If you log in or call in tell them you heard about them from Livin' the Dream blog.

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

Catching up ... a little.

Just a little update.  Nothing verbose ... just a short briefing.

Today, some 47 years ago, I married my best friend and love of my life.  We were just dumb kids back then (maybe dumb adults now) who've managed to remain in love for all these years.  What a trip! From our first year of marriage spent on a little Japanese island in the middle of the South China Sea to our current RV travels, we've kept life interesting and moving along.  Not without a challenge or two we've managed to raise two fantastic children who have in turn given us three beautiful grandchildren. This really is ... livin' the dream.

Speaking of challenges ... we've had a thing or two break around here.  Recently I managed to drop one of my cameras leaving it with parts rattling around inside.  Normally not a good sign but as it turned out, fixable.

We then experienced a water leak.  Not just any leak but one in an area that is tough to get to and went undetected for sometime.  The result is our tile floor is shot and possibly the underlayment and insulation as well.  Since it happened behind our almost inaccessible refrigerator, I did mange to finally shut off the water source but still don't know the cause of the leak.  I suspect a mouse but will find that out later when we get the coach into the shop.  Of course this does put my vodka tonics in jeopardy as our ice make is now out of order.

We also lost our 12 volt system in the coach. I really didn't lose it but really it just quit working.  With help from Bill and Charlie, we finally got it back in service.  You might ask why losing a few lights in the coach was such a big thing considering we're normally hooked to reliable 120 volt shore power.  Well let me tell you the about that ... without 12 volt power we could not flush to toilet.  That little porcelain gadget has electrical components that control water and emptying so this wasn't a project that anyone would want to put off for very long.  As it turned out it was the 12 volt master control solenoid that pooped out and a $30 bill and a little elbow grease took care of that.  Thank heavens for friends.

The other day I got my very first ride in a Ford Model T.  My friend Jerry, here in the park, brought his 1920 something Ford to South Haven ... a 75 mile drive on the back roads of Michigan.  Several of our wives headed out for lunch so Jerry suggested we do the same ... so off we went with Bill, Hal, Jerry and myself to the Curve Inn Bar and Grill about 5 miles down the road. With the top down, the' ah hooga' horn blaring, no license plates, and four thirsty guys, we headed out.  Waving at everybody who made eye contact, we were having a ball and enjoying the outing.  After lunch we headed for downtown South Haven for a little sightseeing.  I could readily see that this old Ford was really a great chick magnet.  Though most of the 'chicks' were a little long in tooth, it was still a hoot to honk the horn and wave.  As they say ... there's no fool like and old fool!

Looking over my shoulder waiting to get pulled over by the police and casting our fate to the wind.

Here's what over 90 years of automotive development will get you.  If old Henry Ford only had some of that pretty yellow paint we could like that Porsche Boxster

About a week ago I was down near South Beach (South Haven) and the sky was bright blue without a cloud in the sky.  Lake Michigan was as smooth as the top of my head and as I looked south along the beach towards the Palisades nuclear power facility, I saw this release of smoke from the reactor site about 4 miles down the beach.  Thinking that this was Three Mile Island all over again, I thought I'd at least take a picture before I started to glow from the fallout.

As it turns out they probably were just releasing a little non-radioactive steam ... I hope.

So there's a little update for Red, Miki, Bonna, Della and the rest of you .  Here I am at 2:00am in the morning typing along and it just dawned on me I was probably not doing this 47 years ago.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil