Catching Up

Wow... my how time flies when you're having fun. Seems I've been a bit remiss in writing so let me bring everyone up to speed. What really jogged me into start writing again was a note Sharon received from our friend from Finland who emailed us asking why nothing was happening. We met Susanne about 15 years ago while attending a Comdex computer convention in Atlanta. We were all standing around outside the motel looking for transportation to the convention when we struck up a conversation. A lasting friendship began that day that Sharon and I both treasure. If you notice the small world map on the left side of my blog, you'll notice a large red dot covering Finland. That's Susanne checking out our blog. Last year we had many 'dots' throughout Europe, many of which where as a result of her travels.

We've been in our RV about two months now and have been staying in South Haven, Michigan. It will be our second full summer at this park and it's turning into our favorite place to be. Cousins RV park is not one of the mega parks with swimming pools, hot tubs, tiki bars, or tennis courts. It's a well maintained park with about 85 sites, a nice restaurant and its owners Hal and Mary Cousins make every effort to make you feel at home. Their graciousness, in turn, draws great people back year after year. A wonderful mix of folks from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio who enjoy the RV life and go out of their way to make you feel a part of this summer family.

Hal and Mary and a host of others all chip in to have regular parties that break the ice for newcomers and reacquaint park quests.

Actually there was other food to take pictures of but this is where I was planning to spend most of my time...

Just to let everyone know, the town of South Haven is located in the southwestern portion of Michigan on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. If you could row your boat about 80 miles west, southwest... you could be in Chicago. The beautiful little harbor town is loaded with boats of all sizes, shops of every description and people who have little on there mind but to relax and have fun. The entrance to the harbor is alongside a long pier with one of Michigan's finest lighthouses at the end. A great place for a late afternoon stroll.

As summer is now upon us, the strawberry crop is ready to pick. Sharon and I visited a local farmed owned by a lovely older couple and bought a couple of quarts. The berries are plentiful this year and this beauty was extra special.

This all sounds sweet and wonderful but there is a downside to this little oasis in Michigan. Critters.... yes critters. Small and large and there is no getting away from them. This is apparently a good year for them. Let me explain....

I was out one recent evening to photograph one the the hallmark reason for living on this side of the state. Some of the most dramatic sunsets you'll ever see are here. Everyone is spectacular and each is different. I found a perfect spot not too far from camp and lugged my gear out into the field to capture the moment. So, here is how that turned out....

Okay ... that was fun I thought. I shot maybe a dozen images before the sun finally sunk below the horizon then lugged the gear back to the car and went back to the coach. I processed the images in Lightroom (another plug for Adobe's great product), picked out my favorite then off to bed.

Waking early the next morning I quietly got dressed, not wanting to wake Sharon as she's best not to be disturbed too early, if you know what I mean. Brewed up a pot of coffee, poured a cup and walked into the bathroom.

There on the floor was this critter that I instantly knew was trouble. It was edging its way across the floor in a very deliberate manner. Not fast but steady and heading to the bedroom where my bride was resting. I quickly sprung into action. Scooping the little bastard up with lightening speed and dropped him (or maybe her) onto a nearby counter top. I quickly got my camera and snapped a number of images before dispatching it with a heavy flashlight. Not an easy chore as several blows were required. So what was this ghastly critter you ask? Well take a look.

I placed the critter on a sheet of paper when I took its picture and as you can see it was quite formidable. Actually what quickly crossed by mind was is this a deer tick. You know the one that carry lime disease. After a bit of research on the net I discovered that this was not a deer tick but a dog tick. Locals later told me that when you're out in the woods you can expect that one (or more) will hop aboard your clothing so the mystery was finally solved as to what it was and how it got into the coach. I guess Sharon wasn't in as much danger as I thought but she still probably thinks I'm a hero (well maybe not).

The next encounter with wild things came just the other day when Hal (park owner) drove up in his golf cart with his BFF aboard. The little bandit was found up a tree by one of the other campers and Hal got a ladder up and rescued it. Now Hal would like you think he's a pretty rough and tumbled fella with ice cold blood in veins, nerves of steel and not an ounce of compassion but the little critter brought out the soft side of Hal. As the photo shows the two have bonded and will probably be in Hal's will before long.

So there we have it folks... another chapter in this ever-changing life we live. In weeks to come we'll be visiting local vineyards, attending some art festivals and maybe a jazz concert or two. So come along for the ride cause' we're still livin' the dream.