Quiet Day

Well things are quieter in town today. Not much happening and the weekend tourist crowds are gone. Just nice old Grand Haven with more Arf Walk dogs.

And a quick nap before moving on.

Memorial Day Weekend in Grand Haven

Rib Fest was great fun.

Music

Food and Drink

More Arf Walk dogs came out this weekend.

Parade of course.

Now back to work. I think I'll take my laptop outside to work today. Not quite the same outdoor fun. But outdoors at least.

Summer season begins in Grand Haven with a nice Thursday afternoon walk around town.

Walking through Central Park it was great to see the fountain working. With the sun shining and a breeze blowing the water, it was truly a pretty sight.

Then walking on into downtown Sugar felt like taking a rest by one of the Arf Walk dogs that just showed up on the sidewalk. Only a couple of the Arf dogs are out. It will be fun to watch them appear.

Oysters and champagne anyone?

Then on to the boardwalk before finishing a nice walking loop around town.

Kite Fest

Walking on the beach in Grand Haven is always fun and beautiful. But Sunday morning the views were very different.

Who knew cows could fly?

Not to mention pirate ships...

My Garden Grows

Working in the garden is always, well usually, a great joy. I'm enjoying seeing what the previous gardener planted as the plants sprout. More fun is making the garden my own. rose buses are now added. Roses are a must.

Before

and after with more to come.

The kitchen herb garden comes together.

And the veggies are growing - mostly upside down, or downside up.

Let the growing and eating begin.

Beaver Island, MI is a magical place. At least off season it is. I imagine the town of St. James can get crowded on summer weekends. But mid-May the island is serene. Walks on the beach are solitary affairs. Drives around the island stir up clouds of gravel road dust with only an occasional wave of greeting to another passing car.

One can arrive by plane but I recommend the ferry from Charlevoix, MI. A relaxing two hours on the water puts one in the right state of mind to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the island.

Even the turkeys are in no hurry.

And I think this deer was more startled to see a human than I was to see the deer so close.

For such a small island, it is amazingly ecologically diverse. Each turn or short distance displays a new range of flora. Mid-May everything was budding and each day I could watch the trees fill out more. In fall it must be a spectacular show of colors.

Beaver Island I'll be back.