Detroit Trip

We went to Detroit this past weekend to see a Tigers/Red Sox game. As usual, we stayed off the expressways to see what there was to see on the way. Going, we took what we called the southern route and returning, we took the northern route. The southern was more scenic with several nice towns along the way to stop in.

The first town we stopped in was Hastings. It was farmers' market day.

I love dragons. This one was in the pawn shop.

Jack on bench with striped guy.

Jack on bench outside hardware store.

We stopped in a couple antique and craft stores and were on our way.

Our next major stop was in Farmington where they were having an art fair.

I have never seen this large of a selection of cross stitch and the store samples are amazing. A must see for all interested in this type of needlework.

http://www.therockinghorse.com/photographs.htm

And of course, Jack must check out the Irish pub.

Then off to Detroit. Detroit is in a world of hurt after losing 25% of the population. It seems that the final terms of the bankruptcy are being worked out. It won't be easy but I wish the citizens of Detroit well and hope the city comes back strong.

I love community gardens.

Chess

We went to the Detroit Institute of Arts. It looks like the bankruptcy is not going to touch the collection. That is a good thing. It is a magnificent collection and it would be a crime to destroy such a wonderful institution.

A few select photos.

George and the dragon.

When in the area, be sure to plan a stop.  http://www.dia.org/

Comerica Park fun!

Back at home, it was clear that Sugar was worn out from her time at doggy camp.

Spring 2014

Spring this year was slow to start and continues to be colder than the norm. But my garden grows.

Finally, I was able to get my pepper and tomato plants out. With the cold snap I may have to cover them tonight.

Gardens are in bloom all over town and it is fun to walk around and watch the changes and new flowers as everything comes back to life after a brutal winter.

Tulips in Central Park

We were having issues with the rain and ice backing up in the shared driveway and it was causing the foundation to get eroded. We would have major basement water issues if something wasn't done. Crushed concrete and problem is solved. Well Jack still has to fix the foundation damage.

Before - the grass was higher than the concrete and basically damned the water into the low area.

After

It has rained just about everyday since we had it done. So we know it is working.

March Begins

March is off to a nice start. The temperature is rising and the snow is melting. The sun is shining more often. All good.

Last Friday Jack and I went to the Grand Rapids Home and Garden Show. The sun was shining and we thought - Garden - Yes.

One or Grand Rapids finest aiding pedestrians. In my opinion people walking or biking should always get priority over car traffic.

The show had more home than garden, remodeling, windows, etc. But we still had a nice time.

Then Saturday it was time for Soup and Slider Fest at the Post. Don't think mini-burgers. Each restaurant did something different, Reuben, brisket, turkey, etc.

Peoples Choice awards and judges. The judges were from Public Safety, United Way, and the Culinary Institute of Michigan.

A good time was had by one and all.

Meanwhile back at home this week, I made a wonderful salad from a "new" cookbook I acquired on our last trip to an antique store. It is a 1st edition, 1980, radio station cookbook. It is signed by all the staff, on-air and off.

The Freezer Cole Slaw recipe caught Jack's eye - I love Cole Slaw of all varieties. But I started with the Sauerkraut Salad. I had yellow, orange, and red peppers. And I of course I didn't have the brand of sauerkraut recommended, those stores are not here in MI.  I used half the recommended sugar. We both love it. It is super easy, chopping, I love chopping, mix, chill.

 Well that's some of what we've been doing so far in March. Spring cannot get here fast enough for me!

Frozen In Time 2014

Unlike last year, the viewers were also frozen. The temp was in the 20s with a wind chill. The mannequins at least had heat. The heated sidewalks were steaming - looked interesting but I couldn't capture it in a picture. The scenes depicted TV shows this year.

 

Not frozen, broadcasting from window.

Oldie

 Scooby-Doo!

Jack not on bench.

There were 22 depictions. Very nice, but, wish the weather was more like last year.

2014 Begins

For New Year's Day dinner I tried a new recipe that Jack and I really like. Tofu and broccoli in peanut sauce. Next time I'll add more broccoli.

Pre-sauce

We have had as much snow as would be more normal for most of the season. And we're stuck here for Jack's doctor and physical therapy appointments. 

Jack's new to him guitar. Her name is Ivy. He can't play right now with his shoulder but she is at the ready when he is. Whoever she lived with before didn't play her much. She looks brand new.

Onward into the new year!

Christmas 2013

Wow! It has been some time since I've blogged. We haven't taken any big trips - just some local things. I've been swamped with work - good thing. Jack's shoulder surgery...

But here it is...Christmas 2013.

It is a white Christmas. Way more snow than normal. With Jack unable, and me unwilling, to remove the snow, we have a wonderful person doing it for us. He calls to check after each snow fall to see if we need to get out.

We started the day with French toast. Jack in sling.

Time for presents.

I almost finished Jack's afghan. I started this a while back and messed up. I've spent way too much time trying to figure out what I did wrong. When I mess up I generally get upset and throw a project aside. Jack figured he would never get the afghan. I finally decided what the heck, just go forward. Turns out the mess up wasn't as bad as I thought. But I couldn't get it finished in time, hard when I couldn't knit in front of him. But now he knows and I'll have it done in short order. Jack's favorite pattern - basket weave.

You can see Jack's gifts to me - final additions for my kitchen. Perfect. He said doesn't know what he'll do next year as my kitchen is about complete. We're talking charities.

In the bag under the tree - treats for Sugar.

Then a couple hours of work for me.. and then our now traditional dinner of lentil shepherds pie with Jack's canned cranberry sauce. I added gravy this year - now tradition. Jack helped with one handed potato mashing.

Snow on our palatial estate.

Happy New Year!