July Beginnings

The ridiculously hot weather and lack of rain has left the grass dry and crunchy. I hope it survives. I can't remember when we last had rain. Jack has been watering the flowers, veggies, and the new grass seed. All of these are doing well. The temps broke over the weekend so it is again pleasant walking about.

On July 4th after walking Sugar, we rode our bikes to the farmers' market.

By 9am most lawn areas were marked off for viewing the fireworks.

We went out to lunch and then spent the rest of the day at home. We skipped the fireworks show. Sugar was of course traumatized by all the booming. At least none of the amateurs setting off fireworks burned the dry town down. I hope they change the fireworks laws back before next year. Of course, there will be more fireworks for Coast Guard Fest at the end of the month.

The various flower beds around town are all in full bloom. This one in Central Park reminds me I want day lilies in the yard.

On July 5th it was clear that dry Dewey Hill survived the fireworks. Workers on the hill picking up left over trash from the night before.

There are more and more Arf Walk dogs out and about. I will share two. The first is outside the Chamber of Commerce. I like dogs and maps. A dog that is a map is excellent. The second one doesn't need an explanation.

Right now I'm between jobs so yesterday we decided to take a trip to Pentwater. It is about an hour north of Grand Haven. We picked it because Jack heard about a shop there - The Bitchen Kitchen. I'm always up for looking at kitchen gizmos. It is a great shop but it was really packed with people so hard to browse. It turns out that there are also several antique stores in town, too. In one I found some cookbooks. I'll have more on that in another blog. I have a plan for my cookbooks. All in all, Pentwater seems like a real nice little town. We've decided we'll go back in fall when it is less crowded.

Today we rode our bikes down to the beach. Yes the bike basket comes off for easy transport of items. I don't know how new of an invention that is but it was new to me when we bought the bikes.

Jack went swimming. Well mostly he walked about in the water as the water temperature had dropped to 48 degrees. He said it was colder than when he swam off Bermuda in December. I think probably not but who knows?

I on the other hand flew my dragon kite.

When he got out of the water, Jack had a go at kite flying.

The history of the beach can be found here:
http://www.grandhaven.org/recreation/parks/grand-haven-state-park-city-beach/

And finally, for the car lovers I give you two cars seen around town while out walking.

Random Wandering

Except for the lack of rain, it has been a beautiful week in Grand Haven. We've enjoyed much walking about.

Somethings you see are fun. I just thought this bike was cool looking.

Other things one sees are just odd. I have no explanation for this scene in Central Park.

Two days later the pillow and shoe were gone. Found by owner? Thrown out?

On Friday night we had pizza, with plenty to bring home along with peanuts from Fortino's.

Saturday on our way to the bakery we spotted a new Arf Walk dog that will be of interest to car lovers.

Sunday morning we walked by as the vendors were setting up the Art Market at Chinook Pier. We were a little early but Sugar was happy the homemade dog biscuits were out and ready for sale.

I really hope that no one will get up at midnight so they can stake out a fireworks viewing spot. But there probably will be a few.

Jack takes a break. Sugar is still raring to go.

Last walk of the week - evening of Sunday. Fiddling around.

And almost home...another car guy pic...

My Garden Grows

We added a small patio area below the deck to finish off the edges and clean up the look a bit.

Before

After - with Sugar approval

I planted an All Summer Beauty Hydrangea in the Right Field garden, well I picked it out and Jack planted it.

Except for the dried up grass, no rain  forever, I think Right Field is looking good.

I'll water the new grass seed around the patio and keep the flowers, veggies, and bushes watered. The grass will just have to be dormant until it rains.

51st Annual Grand Haven Art Festival

We started out Saturday afternoon heading for the beach on our bikes. However, it was crowded on the boardwalk and we decided to not continue to the beach. There were also lots of boats heading out to the lake.

Instead we parked the bikes and decided to check out the Art Festival. I really enjoyed walking through the fest and seeing all the different types of arts and crafts. There were about 100 booths. The thing I dislike about arts and crafts festivals is when booth after booth has the same or very similar items. This was not the case at this fest. A wide variety of items were on display and not a duplication in the bunch. We also walked through the fest Sunday morning with Sugar when it was less crowded. We came away empty handed but looking is the most fun for me.

I can't resist one more Arf Walk picture - mom and pups.

After the fest we stopped for a bite to eat before heading home. But on the way home after lunch we were sidetracked by $1 beers. Hey it goes to a good cause!

At home the veggies continue to grow. Note the bikes and car have switched places. We won't be needing the car much now.

I finished the skull cap for Jack to wear under the bike helmet. With it he won't get sunburn stripes on his head.

Now I must get back to work indexing a book on comparative law. At least the window is open and I have a nice breeze coming in.

Beautiful Weekend in Grand Haven

Even after a wonderful trip, it is always great to be home. And this weekend was beautiful in Grand Haven. We did have some rain Saturday evening but it is really needed. We spent a good part of the weekend just walking around town.

Started Saturday dropping off a donation for Paws with a Cause.

The Farmers' Market was very busy.

My selection of produce.

While we were away the garden continued to grow. We have lettuce and herbs to eat and the rest of the veggies are coming along nicely.

First tomato.

Went to the Antique Market at the Ottawa Co. Fairgrounds Sunday morning. Walked away empty handed but it was fun looking.

There is a new store downtown on Washington. Can't wait to check  it out. It is closed on Sundays.

Everyday there are more Arf Walk dogs. There are too many to post here. You'll have to walk around town to see them all.

Ragus and Sugar on the front porch.

Now I must get back to work.