A very full fun day.......................

We had Tristen come for the day today so around noon we started off on a day out of adventure and fun. We took Cooper with us just for company for Tristen and because he usually has a boring day on his own otherwise. They have been good together recently so we took the chance. I mean, you know, two boys together........yes. So we started off with bribery and so we went to Target and Tristen got some new Pokeman cards and Cooper a tranformer.
We started out going through Ovaitt a "ghost" town...........one of those small places that just dry up and die off.



It was just going through some back roads to the usual destinations. This small lake has bubbling spots, maybe springs coming up Artesan springs. Anyway fascinating.

This guy flew up, being bothered by the intrusion.

The destination had been Empire to take the boys to the playground and beach. I had forgotten that they had a car thing going on so we bypassed that and headed for the Dune climb. Cooper was up for that but then said the sand was too hot, Tristen who did not want to climb, did so.



From there we headed for the beach at Glen Haven. It was I suppose a perfect beach day. It was too hot for me but was nice on the beach a quiet breeze at least. I may have refreshed my tan a bit.


A few people but not too many most being at the car show I bet.


This guy was there too, along with a small Sand piper


We stopped at the boardwalk and my little Woodpecker was busy again and I saw this pretty Butterfly so was worth the stop.


I surprised the boys by stopping at the favourite swimming hole and they had so much fun.


I asked Cooper is he was peeing, what do you think?

We headed home and stopped at the Hay Loft for supper.

The boys enjoy the game room at the Hayloft so 2 dollars in quarters is worth the peace haha


So that was the end of a fun filled day.
Adding a Wikepedia link here, to read the legend of Sleeping Bear
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Bear_Dunes_National_Lakeshore

Yard sale adventures................

Well I had my 2nd yardsale this week and it's been a whole lot of fun. Really it has. I have met new neighbours as well as some really nice folks who live close by. It has been hectic. I set up mostly on Wednesday to run Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week. I think this will be my last at least for this year. What a lot of work this one has been. I have managed to accomplish a lot in the process though. The basement is cleared of all access rubbish and stored stuff. I just have Christmas things now stored down there. I can't get to those until we get things out at Thanksgiving.

So.........I worked my tail end off up to that point. I made 250 in all last time, that was nice but no where near what I needed. We sorted out the garage. That is still a work in progress. I had boxes of fake flowers and wreaths in there. Sorted those out while running the sale. It was non stop people. I got outside at 7.30 Thursday and was set up and priced pretty much by 9am but people started showing up as soon as we moved out the cars. The sale was in the driveway. So no breaks for me. What fun though. Some very nice people came, lots of conversations and getting to know people from around here. I am amazed at what people will buy. I mean I have really pretty stuff out there at low prices, mostly one dollar and under now the big stuff is gone. So I bring out these fake flowers and old wreaths to sort out, mainly to see what I can use or throw away. I made them into bundles because some of them were pretty nice. 50cents a bunch and they were all gone. People bought the laundry baskets I had stuff stored in. The bought the boxes and crates. They were crazy for the books. I had a huge variety of books and the ladies who do crafts loved those. Those are the ones who would strike up conversations.

I brought in all the clothes and got them all washed again and set out. They went very well. Still a few left for tomorrow but not a lot. I had a load of craft magazines that I put out for people who bought books, they could take a bunch free. They loved that but..........one lady, when I said they were free took a whole crate full and went around gathering all she could find. I didn't say anything but well, how selfish is that? That's fine. They are gone now. I have a big box of old Victoria magazines and those are the good ones, remember how nice it was before it was sold and changed. So now I am giving those away. When little kids come if they are nice, and most of them have been, well they get to take a toy or stuffie. Two little girls had a dollar to spend and wanted a teddy, it was 50 cents. I get their change and they are soooooooo reluctant to give over their dollar haha. Mostly I usually just give it to them but they were so anxious to spend their dollar. There were 4 little ones in the group and the two older ones kept their dollars they were waiting for something they really wanted. The little ones just want to spend their money.

One lady came from Iraq we talked for a time and that was very interesting. Then another lady said she was born in England, she had to be around my daughters age. She said she was born in Bedford. I said so did you folks serve at Chicksands, ( air force) yes she said............wow........that's where Gerry served. We lived in Bedford when we first married. She lives somewhere close by here so I am hoping she will come back, she said when her mum comes into town again she will bring her over. I am hoping some of the ladies who said they would drop by do, we had some great chats.

Then some lady parked at the end of the drive over the road and I did not notice. Well the woman over the road came home, laid on the horn and yelled her head off at her. The yard sale lady moved the car and several other people were there too so I was distracted. As soon as the cop car showed up I knew what she had done. So things quieted down and two young officers strolled in to the yard. I waved and smiled and said "I bet my neighbour called didn't she" he gave me a nice smile and nodded, said yeh your fine she calls us quite often. (phew) He asked me if I knew the ordinances and I said I did because "someone" called on me last time (a couple of years ago) I had a sale. I said that I was told I can have 2 a year for no longer than 3 days at a time. He asked if I knew about the signs, we are not allowed to put them on posts or on city property. I said yes I was told that but.............My husband (pointing to Gerry sitting with the dogs in the yard) Is the sign sticker upper.............the officer looked at Gerry and said "Boy she sure threw you under the bus right away buddy" and laughed. They were so nice, so young, when did cops get so young and cute. He said it looks like a nice sale and to enjoy myself I was just fine.
So that was interesting. Hey I don't blame my neighbour for being mad, I would be too, sometimes people are unreasonably unthinking. Still she didn't need to be rude to the lady or call the cops. I figured it was her last time but I have never said anything.

I am hoping this is the last sale I have but somehow I doubt it haha. Anyway, one more day and what fun will await me tomorrow. Almost made my goal and if I do that I will be very happy. I got a few ideas for yard ornaments from one lady and people bought all my stones that I decorated. Cool. Now I have to make a bunch more. I will have a very productive winter. I am hoping next week will be nice like this one so I can work in the yard. I am itching to get at it.

Labour Day adventure................

No one came home this Labour Day weekend, so no big meal or cookout to do. I am getting old and that to me is a good thing haha. I saw a video on Facebook someone took out at the Dunes of Butterflies. Apparently the Monarchs are gathering for their big exodus to Mexico. So come Monday and a somewhat dry day we decided on a short drive. Headed for the Dunes and Port Oneida.
Lots of birds gathering on the wires too...........

Look like Starlings. We took some short cuts to Port Oneida rather than the somewhat leisurely ride we usually take. I was on a mission.
We stopped at Gallagher's farm market on the way out.I hope the corn is as good as the ones we got last time we were out. They also had Honey Crisp apples. I am not a big apple fan but somehow this time of year they taste so good, so fresh


I had intended on going along a trail that I had not done before along the top of the ridge that would eventually take us up to the old cemetery on the bluff. it was way too humid and buggy, got a few mozzie bites. So headed for the beach instead.

Got some bug pictures though before we went down the steps.



I wonder what this guy is, I must look him up


Look at the Bee's little saddle bags

So down to the beach, just a few people today, it's getting better. It was nice and breezy down near the water. I was looking for rocks. Found a couple of Petoskey's and gave one to a little girl who was looking for some. I was not looking for those, just unusual ones for crafts this winter. I always live in hope of getting up an Etsy or Facebook page and sell stuff.

Some times there are no stones at all on the beaches but other times there are loads. We had some storms so they came in so good hunting. Should have gone to Leland.

Saw this little guy on the beach, moved him to a safer place




I did not see the trees full of Monarchs but it was a nice walk. The Sandhill Cranes were still in the same field. Mum and Dad and two of this years kids.


we didn't hang around long but did sit and watch for awhile. The field are pretty with a pink glow of the tickley weed


We stopped at the boardwalk to see who was there this day. Not much happening there. No turtles out sunning or birds but a couple of pairs of swans. Think maybe parents and grown kids.




That lake is ever changing. We stopped at the house and barn by it's side.








Someone tried to catch a lift home with us but got escorted out of the car........inch worm.....


After that bit of exploring we headed home but saw these guys doing their job by the side of the road.

There were maybe half dozen working on something I did not want to go see, most likely a deer. They didn't go far when we backed up for a photo opp


Some pretty farms I could not resist.

We took back roads home, and there is one that I always like to check out. Kasben Rd. Sometimes see critters but none today except for these beauties. The baby cows were gone.



I didn't catch the Monarchs gathering but at least got these pictures.

We passed the Hayloft on the way home but didn't stop this time.
Another day maybe.
Tonight we will have the corn, yum.......