sorrow and thanks

give thanks and feel the sorrow
hug the bunny and shoot the deer
breathe the air and stack the wood
love your life and leave the death
walk with our sons and daughters
forgive and forget
rely and remove regret
ditch the painful leftovers
rainy nights and dark rest areas
keep me awake
full of thought

Out on the Weekend (s)

Is it right that it has taken the sad death of another friend to get me to write about all the good in my life? The question is posed and remains there for what it tis....

Let's go back two weeks when Mary and I went in to Detroit for a celebration of my mother's 79th birthday and reunions with other family and friends. BMad from Northern CAlifornia was in town visiting his family and friends and him, myself and Bill Corby, newly retired and newly married, had made plans to gather at his Grosse Pointe abode for a brain storming session of sorts on the now novel project, "The Spot", which has been a few years in the making. It was a good couple hours of tossing ideas around, all three with our wireless laptops sitting in a small upstairs room in Corby's crib. There were some new divulgences of things that went down years ago that I thought were crucial to the story. It was solid time spent with Corby jotting down notes as he seems to be the one taking the story on and writing it. It is the retelling of my and BMad's historic hitchhiking trip to California back in 1972 and our lives since and relationship over that time. It was a sunny fall day in metro Detroit and we took a walk a couple blocks to the village of Grosse Pointe for a beer and a bite before we all had to move on to other things. I need to mention that Friday night Mary and I snuck in a visit to my Dad and Bev's in Sterling Heights where we caught up on things and kept it a hoppin on this weekend trip to Hometown Motown.

Saturday morning Mary and I we were up and at em after breakfast with mamere' and over to Brother Den's and Jo's. Denny and I went to the Amish Store nearby in Mt. Clemens and to buy the steaks and some spinach for the dinner later. Denny and Jo are gourmet cooks of a sort and like to buy the "good" (read $ stuff). We then went to the fish store next to the Amish store and bought the giant prawns we would also be grillin later. BMad and cuz Patti came over to visit while Denny and Jo rubbed the meat and prepared the shrimp. Soon we would be off for the local Farmers Market to finish our dinner shopping and finally to Meiers for cards, flowers and wine.

The surprise for the evening for my mom was to be my nephew Marshall (Dennis' son) and companion Marie coming to the dinner. Marshall and Marie moved from San Francisco to Detroit this summer and had ridden bicycles cross country on a once in a lifetime journey. They now live in a communal situation working to improve living situations for folks in Detroit. That is a whole blog in itself and online somewhere I am sure. So there presence was gonna make the dinner special as was the presence of BMad who has always been considered family as I have been in his. The guys grilled in the old backyard and the girls made desserts and salad. It was a fine feast and a special night for my mom who was celebrating 79 years after a rough year with the death of my step-dad and her heart attack and triple bypass shortly after. Prayers and toasts offered. The newlywed Corby's also stopped by to say hello and offer best wishes.

After dinner I would take Mom's friend Dorothy home, Denny and Jo took Marshall and Marie to their abode and BMAd, Corby's and Mary would all meet me over at Patti and Joe J's in Sterliing Heights for some "oldies" partying. BMad's Sister Sue was there and the fun EnSued, more dancing, shots, craziness and we watched the Giants win the NLCS. Much San Francisco history abounds within and around us.

We hung til after midnight and didn't feel too bad the next morning when Mary and I would say our goodbyes to Mom and be off to home.

Now a little surprise came open on Friday the 29th. I had received a call from long time new best friend Eric Kite asking if we were doing anything Friday and would we want to go see Bob Dylan with him and wife Kristin as he had two xtra tickets, well long story short he comped us on tix, we went and had dinner at the Park Club (Eric does work for the owners), first time there preshow and then saw Bobby D. do his groove-swing-blues thing, singing in tongues but giving an entertaining show at the Miller Auditorium. What a sweet little bonus and gesture for Mary and I-friends coming round making a call, taking a chance.

>That weekend was Halloween and we had plans for our fifth consecutive year over in Fennville/Saugatuck on Saturday at Dave and Pat G.Na's for the festivities there and this year we would have Patti and Joe J. join for the first time. Bill Corby (last years David Niven) and new bride Patty R. would also be joining us from over in the Detroit area. These are all folks we have hung out with for 30-40 s0me years and still having fun together. This year the plan was to take in the infamous city of Douglas' Halloween parade which started at 10:00 PM Saturday night. After a splendid dinner whipped up for us by Pat and Dave we again this year took the InterUrban Bus which picked us up at the farm in Fennville.

We got a good spot in the little town of Douglas, which is just south of Saugatuck, on the parade route which was 10-12 people deep for 3-4 blocks long, most in costumes of some sort. It was a tad chilly but our flasks and moving to the blasting sound system kept us thinking we were warm. The parade was cool, opening with the participants doing the Thriller dance routine then lining up and gyrating through the parade route. I would not call many of the costumes outrageous but the cold probably kept more clothes on. Still there were some great costumes and it was worth seeing, who knows maybe we will be in it next year. So after the parade we made a mad dash for the bus that was leaving for our next destination, the Saugatuck Brewing Co. which had their annual party with bands. We found a table sitting with the owners, we would find out, and we danced and got our photos taken by the photographer who was set up there. After a couple of drinks, dancing and lotsa laughs Pat called the bus and we headed home with the bus to ourselves. Stayed out late again for a memorable time in Douglas, no Saugatuck this year. ( Saugatuck Brewpub is in Douglas).

We would head back to Richland the next morning as the cranes were abundant in the farmland around Fennville serenading with their wake up calls.

Sunday was Halloween day but I had enough of it by this point Mary would pass out the candy as we have one of those neighborhoods that kids come in droves, driven inby their parents from surrounding parts. I was glad when our lights went out and it was over.

I would come to find out on Monday that my friend Jerry Cox had passed on early Monday morning after a 3 year struggle with ALS disease. We met in golf league 12 years ago and enjoyed each others company whenever we hung out. I attended his memorial last Friday.

So I came to write here today about the weekends recently spent with close family and friends and how important it is to connect and continue reconnecting while we still have one another in our lives. Even if it still is dressing up goofily or celebrating survival or remembering those special moments we have had with in the past. It is the making of those moments that we can either chose to do or not, get in the game or not. It is the making the drive over, sharing a meal, taking the plane there or riding on the funny bus that is usually worth the effort to keep making memories; they are all that is left us.

Watching the Wheels

a bit of stream of consciousness about some of the last 6 weeks for Mary and I:

trips to HollandFennville old friends Second City laughs Saugatuck cigar smoke the Sand Bar

swirls into Art Hop Kalamazoo Mangia Mangia music of TDuff, Lorraine the Old Dog friends and Susan Prime to Outdoors chilling with the Karma Blue crew and jamming by the bonfire keeping up with the kids and the kitty becoming a cat companion this

unreal weather wedding country club style while drowning in televised political promo doublespeak Sparty shines on

through the "shadows on the wall just watching the wheels go round and round" the trees rise and will fall on this, we pursue the light from darkness as I make my way to 58

Summer Wanes

The end of summer in Reno's World usually means The Hokey Open, the Wheatland Festival, the end of summer golf league and back to school/work. For me personally, no more back to school but it is for Mary and Callie. It still is strange not getting hyped for the new school year but I honestly do not miss the "dread" of Mondays and going back. Callie has moved out again up near WMU campus so we are back to the "empty nester" life, at least to a degree.

A fairly busy summer it has been with lots of fun and new places visited. Marty, Dave L., Mark H., and myself all put forth a solid effort in making the Hokey Open happen again this year. We had 75 players and a gorgeous day and it seemed like we all had a good time-keeping the memory of Buster, Billy, Rob, and Jimmy alive out on Mullenhurst's green fairways.

Wheatland Music Festival started out dry and beautiful on Friday but the rain became a game changer on Saturday as it rained for the first time I can remember during the day when acts were playing. The thousands coped, adapted and we were all drying out by Sunday morning when the sun returned. It was another weekend full of friends and families, music, good food and the arts.

This year was the first time we did the entry line on Friday morning as we caravan-ed with the Claflin clans troupe. It was a 6:00 am start, 2 hr. drive, drinking bloody marys in line, and just hanging out in the sunny morning weather. We were in through the gates at around noon and Sister Suze and Lilly got there just ahead of us and were holding a spot but spots were filling up fast. We held one for "Wheaties", Faith and Ken and squeezed them in for their first "Happy Wheatland" experience.

Musical highlights for me were Celtic band, Slide Ireland, Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women (with Cindy Cashdollar who was the bomb on steel-slide guitars), Dave Alvin-Joel Maebus duo, Deliah DeWilde on main stage and dance pavilion this year, Seth and May, Red Sea Pedestrians, and as I sat solo in the steady rain with my umbrella bopping at Main Stage with a few other hearty souls listening to the Jeff and Vida Band from Nashville.

Even Susan's Palamazoo show had to deal with the rain on Saturday but it went on and we had a fun time with those young and old who were there. Mary even led a um(brella dance line through the crowd to the musical grooves put out by Susan, Dana and the friends of Palamazoo.

The sunny Sunday morning gospel "church" as we call it is always inspiring with Rachel Davis' Amazing Grace putting the finishing Amen on it and kicking off Sunday's performances.This year definitely had a Kalamazoo-Michigan feel to it with all the local performers which was fun to see.

Mary and I as always enjoyed our time with Sue and Lilly. We became Lilly's horsies and she kept our hooves cleaned all weekend back at the campground. Even though I seem to be out-numbered at Camp Estrogen every year I did have neighbors Tim and Rob to run to when I felt the need to getaway;) Mikey D. and Mick's visits are appreciated as well. There is always a lot of prep time for this annual event and it is over too fast but still a memorable and shared experience full of appreciation for peaceful and creative expressions.

Between seeing all that creativity and recently reading Roseanne Cash's book, Composed which spoke a lot about the artistic voice and that energy within us and giving that expression amidst a world that at times seems like we have little to control, I look toward to finishing up my memoir about my early caddying days in Detroit, continue musical collaborations with Clone Studios and coming up with new song and book material. Enjoy the last of summer and cope with the changes as they float and fall into our lives.

Blissed Out In the Water

The second leg of this series of blogs comes forth from the waters of south central Wisconsin. Specifically the Dells, where our nephew Luke wed his sweetheart Rachel last weekend. It was a destination wedding/reception of sorts where the celebration took place at Noah's Ark Waterpark. The weather cooperated for the reception which followed the Friday ceremony and the day turned out warm, wacky and wonderful.There were special geographical tatoos and homemade Aloe Vera spray favors for everyone. the sustainabull theme carried throughout including the Equal Exchange Coffee, Teas and Chocolate that was available as well as other tasty chow. It was especially enjoyabull for Mary and I as we had our two daughters to relive some water park adventures of yesteryear as Callie and Ashley and I waited in some long lines for rides like the Black Anaconda, the Slidewinder and the newest ride the Scorpion's Tail, a thrilling blur of a vertical drop and 360 degree blast into the water that we did with waited on for over an hour with Mary's bros Mike and Joe. Luke and Rachel had a non-traditional wedding and celebration with many loving family friends in showing support.The After parties back at the Best Wastern where we stayed were also fun and memorabull. Ashley and I got to witness Rachel's "trash the dress" dive into hotel pool Saturday night. The dress appeared to be indestructibull as did the spirit of love that was evident all around.

Sunday, Mary, I and Callie drove Ashley back to Chicago on our way home as she spent a couple more days with her friends before she flew back Wednesday to Boston. Thanx again to Molly for the Chitown accomodations.

It was a long drive for a quick trip to a fun and an interesting piece of real estate there in Wisconsin and by way Luke and Rachel my wristbands are on day 5;). Sum Sum Summa Thyme Rolls on...............................

Summer Swing

This will be the first of two blogs telling summer tales from my annual Guys Golf Getaway to the Jackson, MI area and our family's trip to the wedding of cousin Luke and his bride Rachel in Wisconsin.

Usually reserved for the first weekend of August the GGG has become an annual tradition of now 12 years for buddies, Mikey D., Petey, and Jimmy Jazz. We decided to stay downstate this year and do an abbreviated trip and take in a couple of fine golf courses over in the Jackson area which we had heard good things about and were a good deal. The courses were the Grande and Calderone Farms. We had good weather both days cept for a brief shower on the first day at the Grande which was typically hot and humid for this summer. Grande is a very nice course with a laid back vibe located just south of Jackson. After a good day of golf where Petey and I won the $ on the par 3 Greenie contest and Mikey D. and Petey won the Vegas game we played. We decided on Italian for the night and ate at Giglio's where the food was good but the service not so much. We made an early night of it and just hung out back in our rooms at the Hampton for the rest of the evening, myself nursing my overeating of the clam linguine I had for dinner and the cannoli we had for dessert.

Friday morning we had an earlier tee time and a farther drive over to Calderone Farms on the east side of Jackson just off the 94 corridor. The day was cooler but pleasantly warm and Peter shot a great round just missing breaking 80. Mike was feeling the pain of tendonitis and tried bravely to finish his round but ended up being our cart caddy for most of the last nine holes. Jazzman did well for not playing much this summer and finished both days unhappy that a Greenie ( greenie is the player closest to the hole and on the green for par 3's) was not be for him or anyone else on the second day as we were all shutout. Calderone is a pretty Links style course for a great price where a laid back vibe also makes for a pleasant round. After, we headed back after a tour of Jackson looking for a bank we hit he rooms for a rest as we planned to head out to Chelsea for dinner at the acclaimed Chelsea Grill. The Chelsea Grill did not disappoint as the food there and service were top notch, even without reservations we got in with less than a half hour wait.

The evening wound up with us playing poker back in Mike and Pete's room, situating the card table between the two beds. Jazz and I were the winners at cards. We took a smoke break for cigars and ciggies and danced having a little PLP in the hotel lot. I should mention that Jimmy and I celebrate our 40 year anniversary of being roommates at Western this fall and we still be hangin out as good friends.

Our trip concluded with a quick stop the next morning to the new Firekeepers Casino near Battle Creek and I left there with a bit more money than I walked in with, bonus. We were all home early on Saturday with another GGG trip filed into the memory banks and photo albums representing our annual 3 G.

in the midst of summer

I have been away from the blogging for several weeks now since the beginning of summer. Now, in the midst of summer, a very warm and sultry summer, we begrudgingly know that it will be on the wane, but not before some other exciting events on the horizon.

I must report on some of the happenings in the past month or so. July 4th was spent for the most part by Mary and I out at Bro-in-laws Joe C's crib kayaking, eating fish and hangin. Cuz Sharon and Jeff were out there doin a little camping and kayaking. And on July 12th, youngest Callan Jean turned 21. Mary and my subdued celebration with her out for Sushi was after her FB covered "real" party the night before.

Two weeks later we were out at Lake Michigan where Sharon spent her birthday camping. Mary and I camped for a night with them, swam in the warmest LM water in years and hung by another campfire. I paid off my bet debt to the Wedge I had made with him at Joe's C's over who wrote "Love on the Bayou" , (a song I had only heard Tom Petty do, it was the Byrds)), with a combo 6 pack of Shlitz and Shocktop. We left there on Saturday AM to attend the big party by the river, a great event put on my Kath and Larry, where the Wild Woody's put on a super show and we danced and chowed til it was time to go.

Two of most enjoyable moments were Sunday's by the pool at Mike and Susan's. The "good Rick" brought some homebrew both times and everyone pitched in with food and we had a couple of splendid afternoons. MJ Lacasse even showed up with some scuba gear trying to give some expertise to a vent situation in the bottom of the pool. The second one where "the 4 Stevens" made an appearance we had a cool jam with a bunch of percussionists and Melvis and Marty and Susan providing the guitar and vocal sounds.

After that it was Mary and Callie getting ready for their Boston trip to visit daughter Ashley and me heading to Detroit for friend Corby's recently announced nuptials. BMad had come back from California for a summer trip with his daughter so The Johnson's, Corby, BMad and myself had an impromptu bachelor and birthday party for Corby over in Sterling Hts. Between that and the good times and feelings at the wedding reception seeing old friends and hanging with Susie M. and golfing with PBolde (Rockman) I was a bit tired on my wayback from Det. to Kalamazoo for yet another summer celebration, the 20th annual 39 again party on Gull Lake hosted by Marty, Dale and the other Joe C.

Mary and Callie arranged a ride from cuz Sharon to the Airport so we could represent at the wedding without too much driving hassle. by the time I got back from Detroit there were on there way to Boston.

The party at the Jolly Mon's (Marty's boat) home marina was large but with a lot of space, food, beverages, friends and music. Marty had secured the local fave reggae band, Zion Lion, with assists from Mary to play and it worked out great. My man Asanne, had me come up and play percussion with the band and there was a cool "Irie" vibe in the pole barn right on the waters of Gull Lake bay. After a half dozen songs or my arms were noodles but it was much fun. I hit the party wall after 3 days around 10:30 and after my last beer from LD I was toast, went home to the kitty which I haven'[t said much about. Neko has been my companion the last few days while the girls have been gone on their fun trip. Sometimes obnoxiously playful and other times cuddly she has been good to have here.

Then yesterday, a last minute little golf excursion, with the Coash's, the Jodester, G, and myself turned out fun as we found a place that let us golf, swill, sweat and lose balls out near Gobles at Shamrock Hills. Great seeing Some good folks from my old job.

Whew, so that leads me to today and anticipating the return of Mary and Callie after my golf league tonight I go and pick them up. Then tomorrow I am off the "Guys golf Getaway" our 12 year or so with Jazzman, Mikey D. and Peter. We head to Jackson this year for an abbreviated tour of some of their finest courses. There will a report in the next blog about that and the Water Park wedding reception at the Wisconsin Dells where we go the following weekend.

As I look back over the past several months I am reminded of how life's ebb and flow of the highs and lows are always there for us to maneuver and negotiate. My mom is doing well, post heart attack and triple bypass, currently she is enjoying summer at Sister Sue's up north. All of us are reminded of my Step dad Linc's passing on a daily basis. We have a new pet after Maddie's unfortunate illness and death, in Neko and Jimmy C's picture on the fridge smiling away is another reminder of how fragile and wonderfully delicate life is.

The summer allows us to feel and experience so much, what the gardens being to us, the travels, swimming in the waters of Michigan, the incredible food, the sun making us sweat on the golf course greenery, and spending valuable time with family friends who make it all special. Again , savor it, breathe in the fresh air and get lost in the midst of summer "time".

feel a blog comin on

Feels like Summer

Between all the rain this spring there has been a fair amount of heat and sunshine so it has felt like summer most of the time. The grass and gardens are growing well without much need for extra watering. Nature is just doing it on it's own so far. ( bonus:weather report ;)

Golf has increased for me, played in 2 other leagues in just the last week subbing with Melvis at Mully and The Lone Caron out at Angel's Crossing, plus my own league with Peter at Thornapple. I am playing my usual good/bad schizo golf. Luckily, a little more good than bad.

I wanted to share my newest friend with blogfollowers here; Puddy or Kit-kit as I call her. She just started showing up at our window by the deck and we have become pals. The neighbor's took her in as a stray so she cuts through our yard. I gave in and bought her some treats so now she is coming every morning same time and we share some moments as I drink my coffee on the deck. With Maddie gone a new companion has been welcomed. She doesn't ask for much, the usual, some affection and something to eat and she's happy))

Mary has her last day of "schoolwork" today but is starting painting for KPS next week. So a mini-break begins tonight.Tomorrow we are going to head to Detroit for a quick visit to visit the parents but will be back for weekend in Kalamazoo with a lot of events going on., graduation parties, Island Fest, and more. We have been staying home last couple weekends watching movies so I think we need to get out and about.

Thought I would put up the flamingo picture, they showed up on our neighbors lawn last weekend and were gone next day. Those fickle flamingos flew in and flew out.

Savor the sultry days of summer that lie ahead, they go by way too fast, hope to talk at ya soon.

Mays Daze

May always brings with it a flurry of activities such as the yard work and gardening preps. In our world it begins with daughter Ashley's cinco de mayo birthday, our anniversary, and mothers day.
Ending with the memorial weekend events which usually involves more yard work and gardening unless we go somewhere other than Lake Michigan.
Ashley's birthday this year was more of a Facebook event for us (most know she resides in Boston) as I posted some photos from her 5th bday 20 years ago. Our anniversary was a little more subdued this year after last year's limo extravaganza to Saugatuck with the group. We stayed local and went downtown first to Mangia Mangia for a drink then to the new Rustica restaurant owned by the Tiffany's party store and Zooroona folks. It is a smaller venue but fun atmosphere and very tasty and well presented food. After we dined our smaller group this year (minus C and K) headed out to show we can still dance and caught a new group to us, Mulch, at the new Globe theater. Lots of "new stuff" this year. Fun evening-but went by too fast.
The most recent event of May was the long awaited Edo's 65th Bday celebration which also incorporated Shooter's May bday. It was at Ron (Shooter) and Jill's hideaway on the west side on a glorious spring evening. It was to be a Reggae happening and it was mon. Caribbean cuisine took center stage early,yum. Zion Lion, local group mentioned here in the blog before was the featured entertainment and were lots of fun to dance, listen and groove the night away with. A friendly gathering of most like minded baby boomers celebrating living, a clearing of the skies, a waxing moon and temperate weather. Edo, Shooter, Jill and Co. threw a great bash. On Sunday Mary and I headed out to South Haven coming out of our rum and ale fog and who did we run into but birthday boy
Edo on the beach, none worse for wear ready for another day of taking a bite of the fruit of life, of course we rehashed the evening's happenings.
So only Memorial weekend to go and we are in the throes of a rare May heat wave. It is tropical, Caribbeanesque for sure. Ok to play in if water is nearby but not much fun to work in. So we enjoy it for now, thankful to have the opportunities to celebrate with the time and friends we have had around us this month. " bring on summer". Must focus on the positive, right? I will save my oil spill and wall street rants for another day.
In all this I must mention the passing this month of another sweet soul. Mary's aunt Frannie, her mom's twin sister passed on May 15th at 89. Her son Batt was my former musical duo partner and how I ended up meeting Mary. Batt's sister Sharon, is not only Mary's cuz but bosom buddy.
Bless Frannie, a kind soul indeed. Now at rest in Paw Paw.

Reunions

It is not always easy to reunite with friends you have known since high school for many different reasons. Life circumstances and travel distance are usually the biggest two reasons that get in the way over the years. This past weekend friends from my ole hometown of outside Detroit, Fraser, exclusively boys this year, got together over near Lake Michigan on White Lake at the invite of P. "Rockman" Bolde. BMad was coming into town from Santa Rosa, CA. and he picked up Corby from Grosse Pointe, MI. after his teaching gig last Friday and headed for Richland to stay the night here before we would head out the next morning. They drove through some heavy downpours and arrived in Richland where I had been waiting drinking my martini's and bloody mary's. I had libations and snax ready for them. Mary had already headed down to Art Hop to meet some pals, friend Susan and her band were playing downtown for her CD release party so would rendezvous there. By the time we arrived at the Union the night was in full swing. We enjoyed the music, had a bite, caught up on stuff and ran into Mary, some other friends and of course, Mikey D. We got back by 1 and crashed by 2. Day 2 we would head for the Whitehall area, cold wind and rain or shine.
Saturday was cloudy, windy and cold but as Bmad would say, "he didn't come for the weather".
Our slight hangovers did not impede the constant joking and teasing each other that has always been a mainstay of our relationships. One upping each other with quips and clever comebacks is part of what we do when all of us get together. 40 plus years of friendship has given us pretty thick skins that work most of the time. Rockman's crib is only 2 hours away and we arrived by 2 o'clock.
Unfortunately, not all of our group who were invited ended up being able to make it. JJ Johanson and Davey G. were unable to attend but Walter Pettman was already there we we arrived and was a welcome addition to the craziness. PBolde has a huge crib on the side of White Lake that can accommodate us all which was good because the weather would keep us inside a good deal of the time. Part of Paul's nickname "Rockman" comes from his love of rocks and skilled stonework that he does and his house has an awesome example of it one side hill of his property. Bmad and I had visited several times in the last 20 years since Paul has lived there with his wife and son. It was Walter's and Corby's first visit.
So the insanity and catching up ensued, as the tunes played and stories were retold and pasts relived. Our main event for the evening would be buying and putting together the dinner. It was a group effort but after the gonzo guys shopping experience and before the food fest we headed out to Lake Michigan just up the road to the pier where a fierce wind prevailed. PB has a new rescued dog,Tuxs, that can be seen in the photos, who went along with us. The trek was invigorating and got us ready for the cooking, drinking and eating. The dinner turned out superb and we toasted with red wine to many things but most of all to the appreciation that we still get together like this after all these years.

Saturday night was more beer, Red Wings, and Betty White's SNL. We stumbled to our individual slumber sights and crashed hard. Sunday was a sunny crisp day and the blues views of White Lake out PB's landscape windows were beautiful. We laid around drank coffee and read the news before we headed out on another trek to Duck Lake St. Park where it runs out into Lake Michigan. Walter headed back to Lansing area early and we said our goodbye's to him. The sun was a welcome warmth to the day. After a walk down the trails we headed back to PB's to get out the food again for lunch before we headed back to Kzooland. I should mention that PB's son Brandon joined us for Sunday as he got home late Sat nite. Brandon has been a part of our reunions, as most of our kid's always were, since they were just tadpoles. Now grownup he is quite the young man, a pilot and entrepreneur. Being Mother's Day we who's mothers are still around called them and our wives to wish them the best on this day. After a while we said our goodbyes to PB and Brandon and I want to mention another thank you to Renee and Paul for sharing their house with us for the night.

Billy M, Billy C and I got back to Richland after 5, tired and refreshed from the lake air and frivolity of the weekend. Mary and Callie were making pizza's when we arrived so, we the guys, made our own and caught up on their Mother's Day activities. Sunday night would provide some of our biggest laughs of the weekend when we were all lying around and we turned the Bill's on to the joys of Snuggies. The accompanying interesting photo is what developed or should I say, popped up. It was the exact type of thing that happens when we get together and the creative, fun, imaginations run free, albeit a little worn by this point of the weekend.

Monday morning came and we all did our wi'fi catch ups and the Bill's were off to Detroit by noon. After they were gone, Callie said, "I wished they lived closer ". Another gathering in the memory bag at least for now. The kind of thing that rekindles and refreshes what life can provide. It must be nourished to continue to grow through all of life's circumstances, ups and downs. I often wonder how our children and children's children will look back on these photos and wonder how wonderful it all was and fortunately, remains.

cinco de mayo

25 years have passed since Cinco de Mayo took on a new meaning for Mary and I. Ashley Kay was born, brought home from the hospital on a sunny May day with the lilacs in bloom. Special time of course as is today on her 25th birthday. Proud then, prouder now as she has grown from a special girl to an even more special woman. Enjoy the photos from the big Cinco party in 1990.

Spring Brings Changes

The formal celebrations of lives led have been held and spring has moved in nicely. I look forward to writing about more positive things but understand that it all comes as part of life's package. The Easter holiday represents this more than most seasonal celebrations. The end and the beginnings, the renewals and rebirth of life all are around us after the cold and darkness of winter.

Hope springs eternal and I will just let these photos speak for themselves for now. Golf league starts in 2 weeks and soon more yard and garden work than I can stand will be calling. There will more to talk about in the days ahead, stay tuned and thanks for tuning in and your best wishes during the last couple months.

"For everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a season..... turn, turn, turn"

something postive

for the down low on these photos see the previous blog on st. patricks day

St. Patrick's Day Twenty-Ten

It was a gorgeous day starting out like several other recent spring mornings. Nothing but sunshine, the greenage sprouting up all around, blue sky and it was St. Patrick's Day TwentyTen. My first task of the day was to get over to Washington Writer's Academy in Kalamazoo, where Mary works, to read to a group of 4 year olds in the PEEP pre-school room. It had been a while since I had done something like this in my retired state so I was looking forward to it. When I arrived the kids were all over the room having playtime and it was pajama day so that added more to the informality. Many were of course very interested in Mrs. Symon's' husband, Mr. Symons. As they settled down on the rug and I told them I used to be a principal they quieted down pretty well. I read them one story about the sun, moon, the wind, tides called What is the Sun? and then I read them a brief ditty about Leprechauns and their shenanigans. I happened to have one in me pocket to show them too. I read with the Irish accent for the occasion. We all survived unscathed and I left to the sounds of " thank you Mr. Symons" coming from the wee little ones in their portable classroom. Thanks Erin and Mary for the opportunity.

Leaving there I was in pretty good spirits not knowing for sure what the afternoon held but excited about sitting in with Melvis out at the Barking Frog in Augusta where he had taken a last minute gig for the night. After I was home making some lunch I got a call from friend Kelly letting me know that Uncle Jim had passed that morning. He has been referred to in my blog as Jimmy C. at various times since I started writing the blog reporting on outings and misadventures with him. James Claflin was indeed special, kind like his brother, sweet like many of the Claflin clan but his curled up mustache gave away that there may be some mischief hiding behind that smile. He was a man with many lives and he filled all of them. He was determined to get everything he could out of his time and I believe he did. It wasn't easy for him and those who helped to care for him to watch at times but he made it fun and interesting at the same time. I got to know him much better since he moved here from Chicago two years ago after his wife had passed. The only sympathy card I received in the mail after the recent passing of my step-father was from Jimmy C., barely having the strength to sign his name. That was how and who he was. Old school with a flair for the cool and conversation. I would spend my afternoon making calls and listening to Irish laments in the backyard sun. A glass of Scotch was my first toast to my soul brother Jimmy C.

Mary got home and I had to tell her the news, she loved Jimmy because he was thoughtful to women. He knew how to make them feel special and good about themselves. We reminisced that after Jim first moved here to Lake Doster, Mary and I had dinner with him there at the club and the two of them danced at a St. Patrick's party they were having.
This St. Patrick's Day dinner was to be out at the Frog in Augusta. So for the rest of the night as friends Martay,Rebecca, Nealem, Jazzy Jeff, and Lucinda joined us we celebrated life with the musical stylings of Melvis Lane and guests.

We toasted to Jim, we roasted each other and hepped ole Melvis out with percussive sounds, harmonica, saxophone and voices in the night, a night of the new moon.

Play on Brothers, Sing on Sisters, the way all the Jimmy's, Robin's, Billy's, Harry's, Paul's, Busters, Bobby's, Martha's and Lincoln's would want us to, play-long into the sweet days and nights of spring.

a rough patch

"some days are diamonds, some days are rocks, some doors are open, some roads are blocked"

from "Walls" by Tom Petty

One of the first times I met Lincoln Jackson was when he was walking off the football field in Mt. Clemens, Mi. after a Macomb County Arrows semi-pro game. He was all muddy and sweaty and an imposing figure. My mom took me to see one of his games. I was around 11 years old. I knew that he was a local golf pro so the football thing was kind of strange. Within a year or so he would become step-father to my sister and brother and I. Our sister Suzanne would join us within the next year. Linc would also become my one of my bosses at the golf course in the years ahead.

Linc was nicknamed "the Bear" in local Michigan golf circles, he was a big guy. He would always tell you how important it was to get that belly button around to the left of the target with the golf swing and how extra hard it was for him, but he could do it. He was a respected golf instructor and taught thousands of children and adults at Hillcrest Country Club where he worked as a golf professional for many years. Linc passed away this past week while in Hospice, he had a cancerous brain tumor removed in November and complications made it so he would not recover. He was 74 years old.

Golf is a sport that is analogous to life. You've got your nice green fairways where it is much easier to play from and do well and then you have your hazards and rough where things aren't so easy, you can get into trouble or down on yourself. You have a terrible round, want to quit but then you hit that one good shot that makes you come back for more. As in life, there are rough patches and we all go through them. It is what makes us stronger, tests us to see if we will try again, can or will improve, see the positive in our game and in our lives. See that there are folks around us that will support and help us work through those times.

My last visit with Linc was about 10 days ago while I was in Detroit, assisting my mother after her heart surgery. It was a good visit, we discussed some sports, the rare sunshine, some of the pain he was feeling and he seemed to understand what had happened to "his bride" as he called her. On my way out of the room, the firm squeeze of the hand was still there. For some reason I told him to keep "walking on sunshine", he responded with a Linc classic, "indubitably". I figured that would be the last time I would see him on this playing field and it was.

Linc was a teacher of golf, he knew the game held a lot of life's basic secrets and he helped others see that if you worked hard at it, played by the rules (most of the time) maybe you will get better and keep it in the fairway a little more the next time out. Many of his stories that he told over and over were golf related stories. I know this rough patch will pass and tomorrow is another day to swing away. Oh yes and as Linc used to like to say, "Don't rush your back swing".

Signs of Marchness

(the week that was part two):

a quick Monday moanin blog without much moanin; Instead warming signs of Marchness and a thaw on this sunny Monday, my mother seems off to a good start in recovery and it was "precious time" spent just her and I pretty much for a few days laying down the routine of recuperation. Thanks to the other sibs, Den and Jo, Sis Sher and Jim, and Suzanne for their contributions in the process as mom moves ahead. My step-dad who is in Hospice had a good day when I visited him last week and his situation is a tough one to get one's head around. He needs prayers and well wishes sent his way too.
After I got back Saturday afternoon, tired but glad be home, albeit with reminders of Maddie, her imprints in the snow being uncovered by the melting, her absence, my main companion>Mary there welcoming me-knowing what the last few days had been like. She had the unpleasant job of removing the "dog stuff" and being around the house without Maddie right away. She got her cry in though which she needed. Were we up for going out Saturday night to see Zion Lion, which we had planned for a couple months before most of this started?
Of course, and though dragging a bit we got our 50 something butts on the dance floor and got the Rasta vibe going. With friends, Tim and Shelley, and a barn full of others, the spirit of Marley (Bob), we grooved the night and worries away. My man Assanne, asked me up to play the big Djembe (conga) again a couple of times. This white, greybeard up there with my brothers and sisters, "jammin, oh yah we jammin" helped to chase the wearies away into the night. " don't worry 'bout a ting, every little ting, gonna be alright".
Sunday, Dr. K and CK had the "boys" over for a gathering of the game. A fine time, exciting game, good company ended the weekend just right, 'cept for the loss by USA but enjoyable nonetheless. What a couple of weeks it has been.
Thanks, all of you for your calls; friends, wife, dad, other mother, bros. and sisters, daughters, nieces, relations, messages and thoughts and prayers, we heard them, felt them. IRIE!!

Dog-Gone-It

One of the hardest things to do is having to put a dog down and staying with it after the shot is given. Their life fading away in your arms. Knowing it is the best thing to do does not make it hurt less. You know how much you will miss having them around, just laying there-being there in the room or out in the yard. The long walks since faded in old age but the memories and loving looks still there, the companionship paramount.

After Maddie had passed, I laid her down on the table and sobbed into her always velvety ears. Telling her how much I will miss her and farewell. I had already given the vet assistant the check to fill in as I did not want to deal with that after I left the room. Our vet was very compassionate and gave me my time alone, as much as I want he said. I could only take a few more moments with her, gathered myself somewhat, removed her collar and walked out. Getting in the car I had a new mission, heading to Detroit for a few days to bring my mother home from the hospital after open heart surgery and assist her in her recovery. The solo drive was good, giving me more time to grieve and shift gears listening to music of my choice on the way. Nothing like a little Warren Zevon for the proper perspective.

A sunny day was Madelyn Rose's last, a good final walk around her snowy domain, the backyard and a final ride that she was so willing to take. Proud and loyal as they come. She was true to her parent's champion status. It's unfortunate that her body would not support her desires any longer. Such is this life and death drama we lead and so tough to put it into words that are able to express it all.