Kite Fest and Cars

Fest season has begun. On Friday we walked down to see Kite Fest but we were too early. We went back on Saturday.

Coast Guard!

On Saturday we stopped to fuel up on the way. Yum.

It's clear what is important to these campers.

The beach is always beautiful. Kites are a nice added whimsy. Next up Rib Fest. We're looking forward to hearing Sweet Justice play Friday night.

This year the Art Walk is featuring, wait for it...lighthouses!

Drumming in the park.

It is also car season. So for the car lovers...

This Vette belongs to our dentist.

Mostly Gardening

The title of this blog post says what we've been doing most. It is that time of year.

But we also visited the new farmer's market in downtown Grand Rapids on its opening day. There were about 50 vendors. In peak season, it will be 80.

There will be an indoor market as well, but it isn't finished.

As we have a farmer's market two days a week in Grand Haven, we won't be going to the Grand Rapids one often but I did want to see it. Then is was time for a pint and some lunch.

Back at home, my veggies are all planted in pots. I have lettuce, herbs, kale, tomato, peppers, carrots, chard, potatoes, spinach, cucumbers and of course, Jack's horseradish. I also have one celery started from a celery end - never tried this before. We'll see how it goes.

Jack made me a couple trellises for the clematis. I think he did a fine job.

In right field, we've started two new gardens. One from seed and other with plants.

I got the seed on sale at the end of last year. It is sprouting now so I just need to wait and see what I have.

For the other garden, which is deep shade, we went to the newly opened Countryside Greenhouse. Their old location is now just for production. This Greenhouse is HUGE. The selection was great. Most places don't carry much in the way of shade perennials but they had a very nice selection. I'm moving the plants around in their pots for a couple days to be sure I have everything where I want it.

If you're in the area and like gardening, check it out. http://countrysidegreenhouse.com/

Of course, in addition to gardening, there are daily walks around town. Early in the month there was a motorcycle rally. I know nothing about it. Just saw them all, well heard them first.

Spring in Duncan Woods.

And back home, guess who thinks she is more important than the crossword puzzle?

Yarn Quest and More

Thursday was the start of West Michigan Yarn Quest 2013. And quest I did. Jack and I spent seven hours traveling about West Michigan. We made it to six yarn shops. They are Clever Ewe, Country Needleworks, A Grand Skein, Henny's Yarn Shop, J.T. Stitchery and Painted Trillium. On Monday I'll go to my local yarn shop around the corner, The Needlesmith.

Cute sign.

Almost all the yarn in the shops is at least 20% off. There are door prizes at each location. Jack was in charge of filling out the forms for those while I browsed. There were giveaways - free yarn and lots of free patterns.

My goodies.

My stamped passport.

When I get my seventh stamp on Monday, I'll be eligible for the runner-up drawing (valued at over $250). You need all 10 stamps to be in the drawing for Grand Prize. The quest ends April 30th and my work schedule is not going to allow me to get all 10. But I had a great time and found some shops that I really like and will visit again.

On the way back home we stopped at a wonderful cheese shop in Muskegon.  In addition to great cheese, they have wine, oil and vinegar.

Back home there are lots of signs that spring has finally arrived and winter is behind us.

Jack is now in his summer uniform of t-shirt and shorts.

Boats.

Butch's Beach Burritos and Dairy Treat are open and Pronto Pup is opening this week.

My garden is blooming.

I've have started the early veggies. So far I have kale, lettuce, basil, rosemary and thyme seeds in their pots. Sugar in front of the salad planter.

As soon as I'm sure of the location for my pepper and spinach pot, I'll put the spinach in. I'm putting pots in new locations this year and I need to observe the sun to shade ratio a bit more.

Some would say that the most telling sign that spring has arrived is the cars that hibernate over winter are now starting to come out of their caves.

Get out and enjoy the spring!