Going Grey.......

My hair is grey now Actually I do on occasion colour it blondish white. My natural hair colour is black with a reddish tint. It seems though that most of my life I have coloured it red. I love red hair. Mum and me with our natural colour hair
Looking back it was a nice colour but I always wanted red. As time went on I experimented with colour and was happy to try brilliant reds to orange reds and all in between. It went with my skin tone and my eyes. I just had fun with it. I think I must only have gone back to my natural colour a couple of times.
My Mothers hair was black. Real black, when she started to go grey she did colour it. Hair dye was a lot different back then. She was working at Edwards, a grocery store in the village when she first coloured her hair. My Dad and I have a rather bad sense of humour and so when she was done colouring her hair and she came into the living room, her arms black up past the wrists. We tried so very hard not to laugh. She was most upset. Said "How can I work with food with my hands like this" She was almost crying and sorry to say when she went back to the kitchen to scrub and scrub at her black hands, Dad and I were laughing so hard (quietly) that we bout died. He tried very hard to keep a straight face and be supportive but only had to glance in my direction to start again with fits of giggles. She did manage to get it to a lovely purple shade and wore rubber gloves to work next day. I do not have a picture of that.

Then I remember one summer my friend Margaret and I went off on holiday with my parents. Margaret came with us on most holidays. She was my constant friend. Anway, we were both into doing our hair and wanted to lighten it up a bit. We bought a spray that is supposed to lighten the hair in the sun. We sprayed and sprayed and no difference. Sprayed again a few more times and as we were going to Norfolk to stay in a cabin on the Broads well we sprayed again. On the way there we noticed a change. It kept changing. Went through several stages of red and kept changing. By the time the sun and everything got to it, well it was pretty yellow by then. Not sure I have pictures of that but this is it during the red stage. This is my Mum, Margaret and me in Norfolk.

The stuff really damaged my hair. I am not sure it was ever the same after that. In time it grew out and I left well enough alone for a time. Eventually though I got the bug again and went red.
My Dad had dark hair and most of my family did too except for my Uncle Ray who was a ginger.
when I was working it was an incentive to keep it up and I did, and I enjoyed it.
Me and Jason in North Carolina

Me home from work, still really red

As I got older I did tone it down a bit

I had it stripped once to see how it would look but I never did like it grey. It was so drab and so I continued to colour it red. Maybe a bit lighter than before because it started to get thin as well.

The summer Jason and I went to England I stripped it down and did it blond, it came out yellow and I was not too thrilled with that.

When I got back I used the lightest I could get. My own hair was by then almost white on front but that horrible dark grey at back. So I streaked it and cut off as much as I could and loved it. It was dark at the roots and white all over. That didn't last and I have not got that look again. I grew it long

I kept it that way for a time and now I just colour it now and then to brighten it up, but I stick to the whitest I can get and still do not mind the dark roots at the back because it looks good when its up.

Are we ever happy with what God gave us? Well maybe not but I do know I wish it was not getting so thin, I can live with the grey. If I must.

Beach in February..................

I did it, I got them out of the house. I really wanted to get out, it had been so sunny for a couple of days. I needed daylight and sunshine. It happened to be Gerry's birthday so I tempted him with promise of supper at the Hayloft after. They have great Burrito's and Margarita's. So we headed out to Suttons Bay looking for good pictures. We passed the docks on Grand Traverse Bay where the boats were resting for Winter and the promise of Spring.

With as cold as it has been this Winter I can not believe the Bay has not frozen over. The Lakes are pretty much frozen but not the Bay. This day was 17F and sunny so was balmy. This the the river at The Narrows going through Lake Leelanau

We didn't stop in Suttons Bay, I looked for wild fowl but nothing hanging around so off we went to Leland. We were hunting for coffee but Trish's dishes was just closing, it was 3pm. We headed for Fishtown instead and took some pictures there. I think of my friend Susan each time we go there. It was lovely with no people around. The Dam was icy and partly frozen. Beautiful in the sun.

The dang camera was wrong way around, so here is me. I could not see into the lense and took this before I could see what I was pointed at. I never wear a hat or scarf or gloves usually, I also had on my one and only pair of socks. I am wearing a hat I made for Tristen long ago. It was all I could find and we were going down to the beach later.





In Summer months this place is jam packed with tourists. I love this time of year, it is more beautiful and we have it to ourselves. I love that. Yes the nice hustle and bustle of people in the little gift shops is fun and the smoked fish and specialty cheese is awesome. The prices are high. Carlson Fisheries are the main supplier of local fish and smoke fish here on site.


The wind was biting cold on my face and next we were heading for the beach across the Harbor wall. We went to my usual place where we collect Blue Stones. It was so pretty with the sun shining bright on the snow. Snow fences are up and summer homes are empty so once again, we have it all to ourselves. Gabby has never been to the beach in Winter. There is so much more to exploring the beaches than to just go in summer days. The ice had made some of the sand freeze into slabs that broke and stood at an angle.

There were many shapes, frozen snow balls and stalagmites rising from the floor of the beach. The piles of snow drifted into swirls like ice cream cones.



I was hoping to get some pictures of the snowballs that have been seen the last couple of years. The water and waves whip the snow into round balls bobbing in the water. The only ones left were frozen on the beach. I could not believe it, Gerry actually got out or the car and came with us. Hard to get him on the beach in summer let alone in February.
Here is Gabby

.....and Gerry dressed for the Arctic. I admit, I knew enough to find a pair of socks to go in my boots. the only pair I own.

We left the beach to head for Empire via Glen Arbor. I had hoped to see some deer in town and was not disappointed.

Heading into Glen Arbor I took a few shots of local curiosities. The old Red School House looks lovely in Winter and the old barn that was decorated for the anniversary of 1776 BiCentennial, the year my parents were here 1996.


We had taken a detour down to the beach right there by the barn...........and look at what we found. The ice pancakes.

After going through Glen Arbor and scouting out the Port Oneida road, and seeing no wildlife we headed past the Dunes.

Again, no one there and Cooper declined our offer of allowing him to climb them. Not today.............sigh, where is the sense of adventure?
Another deer crossed the road as we were waiting for her so that I could get a picture. She obliged in no hurry.

Off into Empire and the beach there was empty, the light was so pretty and I had forgotten that it would soon be sundown


Leaving the beach we met this lovely lady



Not at all worried about us talking to her and posing for some pictures. This was in the village of Empire so obviously used to people and probably well fed.

About that time we were getting hungry so headed home. We stopped at the Hayloft and ate very good Burrito's Gabby and I saved half ours for today, a nice lunch. Gerry ate all his.





By the time we were done it was getting dark, and starting to snow, home for coffee and warm up the toes.

Seven Years ago...........................

Each year Laura and I write something about Alex, I think we will both continue to do so as long as we can.

Today Laura posted this....
Today marks 7 years since Alex died. 7 long years but at the same time I sit here and wonder....7 years??!!! Already?? How is that even possible? I think of her every single day. I talk about her at least once a day. She is not gone, she is with the Lord and waiting on the rest of us and I think that is what makes it comforting for me to think of her and talk of her knowing she is not gone she is just out of sight. But her soul lingers. Her memories, her pictures, her things. I can still hear her laugh if I listen. I can still hear her voice. It echoes in my mind. She was unique. She was crazy, funny, dramatic, loud and someone that if she was in the house you knew it even if you hadn't seen her yet. She was messy and left a trail of stuff wherever she went. She wanted all the attention on herself and knew how to get it. She was beautiful but some days she didn't believe that she was, she could be very insecure about it....but other days wow...she knew it. She was also obnoxious and sometimes mean and selfish she wasn't perfect that's for sure. But she could also be very generous. She was often thoughtless but if confronted with a situation she would step up to help. Some days I would get a phone call from her and just have to get serious with her. She always had some drama going on. But other times she would call and her first words would be "Mommy, I just called to say HI!" Or I would get a PM or text from her and I was either shaking my head or laughing. Or she would stop by my house and head right for the pantry and help herself to whatever looked good. Alex had a strong spirit. And it still lingers here. I feel it. She had a rough time in her teens and had a hard time finding herself. Looking for love where there wasn't any. But after her son was born she realized she needed to step up her game and get on track and she did. She found a wonderful guy who asked her to marry him, she got herself a job to get herself through school and got through dental assistant school. And had a job with a local dentist lined up for her upon graduation. We will never know how it would all turn out because she died before she could even get the certificate of graduation. She died having succeeded in what she wanted though. She was very close with my brother Jason and grew up getting to go on trips with him and down to his place to hang out and she loved it. She had a strong male figure in her life in him as well as her dad and granddad. She had three sisters who some days wanted to kill her(lol) but who were there for her when she needed them. She had some good times and made good memories with them. She doted on her baby sister Reina and liked to spoil her. She has left her mark and none of us were untouched by her. She lived with her Nanny and Granddad (my parents) and boy did she give them a run for the money. Her Nanny was a very strong influence in her life, someone who was there for her no matter what and would often get the joy of dealing with her next big drama. But Nanny also loved to shop with her because she was so much fun to shop for. She loved everything! Nanny was often there to pick up the pieces of her life and was there when Tristen was born to help take care of him. Alex loved her Nanny. We all were touched by her in some way. We will all remember her always. You cannot forget someone like Alex. She had many friends and was loved by many. So today to mark the 7th year I just ask that you hug someone you love today. And tell them they are loved. Because you never know when it will be the last time. I had the great privilege of being able to hear her say she loved me one more time just before she died. And I was able to say the same to her and that is a greater gift than even I would ever know until hours later. <3 " The soul takes flight to the world that is invisible and there arriving is sure of bliss and will forever dwell in paradise." Love you forever Alexandra Jane Michaeline.
I really do not have anything to add to that today.

Life is Good..........................

Life will always throw us curve balls. Things will never go as we plan. That is one thing that may make life interesting, even exciting. It is not mapped out for us.
Well, maybe in some ways it is, God says He has known us from the womb, from the beginning of time. He knows who will become His. Not because it is preordained but just because He knows. He knows us that well, He knows what our choices will be when faced with them.
So how do we use this information? I know that whatever happens in my life, God is with me. He does have a plan for me and it is up to me to find it. When in doubt, sit back and wait. Pray. Always pray.
Meanwhile, the road is up and down. First we have childhood and I have to say mine was wonderful. Mainly because I loved the place I lived, there was no desire to escape. I spent a lot of time out in the woods and fields and my friend Margarets farm.

I was shy, I lacked confidence and I now believe I was very self centered. I was an only child. I look back on my life and wonder how I could have missed some things. Said certain things and done some things. Maybe that is because I was an only child. My parents both worked and I spent a lot of time alone.

In school I did not do really well because of my reluctance to step up or stand out. For example I could run fast, but having to run in a race, well I did not want to be the center of attention and so I would really try, know I could win but back off and lose. I am not at all competitive. However it did not stop me learning the things I was interested in. It gave me a curiosity and maybe that is even better. I love history. I always loved to read and was good at that but could never spell, so I must not have done well in English language haha. I failed miserably at math. Most of that was because I dare not ask questions. Now, as an adult if I had reason to do and I do not, I think I would love math. I love puzzles and codes. I love computers and have always worked around them.

I do not believe in regrets. Would I do anything differently if I could do things over? No not at all. There are a lot of things I have said that I would take back but my life is what it is.
I have no idea how much time is left but I do know that there would not be enough time in another lifetime to do all the things I would like to do.
I like photography and art. It would have been nice to have a career in art somehow. Truth is, I have too many things I am interested in to do that.
One dream I had a long time ago, was to have a small resort and have a shop to sell the things I make. Quilts, paintings, cards...........oh way too many things to mention. I enjoy every day. I have so much to do. So much to finish.
I have been fortunate in my life to always have good friends, and they have always been a big part of me. I treasure friends always.

I have always loved my pets, my poodles. I suppose I have loved them more than most people in my life. Anyone who loves an animal can understand that.

I love my family but have never really felt "loved". Maybe because like me none of them are demonstrative and I lack confidence and self worth. We do not talk of such things. Goes back to my insecurities. Maybe that too is the fate of the only child. Not sure about that though because so many only children are self confident and secure. I am not.
For that reason I did not date a lot, usually when I did I was let down. My first real boyfriend was when we were 16. When we broke up it hardened me. I don't think I loved anyone again like I did him. I soon got tired of them, six months was about my limit. When I met Graham, who is Laura's father and I found out he was married, that did it. I felt I was done. I still dated but did not really have any feelings for any of them. I came into myself when we began to go to "the club" at Chicksands. I had such a great time there. Prior to that, in the 60s it was the Cali (California ballroom) and all the rock stars who performed there.

I enjoyed those days so much. When I moved to London I didn't go so much. Margaret and Sheila were married by then and I had a new circle of friends who went to the club with me.

I had several boyfriends there but none that settled me down. I did not want to get married. Then the day came and I was fed up with starting over, of getting to know someone new. So I did settle down and got married.

We had not intended to live in the States. Gerry was to go home, get out of the service and go back to England. We had 2 children by then and I had Laura, so three in all. Well the Air Force decided they would pay our way to the States and so we made the decision to go, meet his family and maybe stay a couple of years before returning. My parents kept saying we were better off here, discouraged us from going back. We put it off, made several attempts to get organized and move but the day came the kids were too old to start over in a new country. Also I had a horse and pets So here we still are.

I believe God has a reason for all that. I sure hope so. I miss England and my family there more than I can say. Can we retire there? well, that would mean leaving my family here, my kids, grandkids and great grandkids. So I doubt that will happen. I will never be an American citizen so maybe Mr Trump will send me back some day haha. Would I miss this country? No because there would be so much new to do. I would miss my friends but have more there than here. I would miss my family here but they could visit. So what's to stop us you say. Running out of time I think is the big thing.
I miss home more at the moment as my cousin Robin just died. It means I will not see most of my family again. We don't have the money for vacations. Plus I hate to fly.
Still what does lie ahead? I have no idea but every day is an adventure and I always look forwards to tomorrow. Right now I can not wait for Spring. Again, so much to do. So much to plan and fanangle. Gerry plans on retiring some time this year and then what? Money will be tight that's for sure. Ah well, that just makes things more interesting. I will have a huge yard sale and see what I can get rid of, time to empty out the nooks and crannies in this house and make some money.
We have to decide if we will stay in this house or move. Build a new one. Buy one..........who knows. Life is an adventure, always was and always will be. I go with the flow. I am happy where ever the road leads. I know God rules and I will follow where He leads.