tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66295832011-11-19T21:35:40.615-05:00Pictures and notes on our full-time travels in North America since 2004. Double-click any picture to enlarge it! Click the browser Back button to continue. To look at eariler posts click on the little triangle for a year and month under 'Blog Archives' at the lower left. Also, check-out the links below our picture.Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.comBlogger4711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-49501082256140298652011-08-28T18:14:00.000-04:002011-08-28T18:14:10.025-04:00

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-14028608371145089592011-05-10T18:15:00.000-04:002011-05-10T18:15:37.679-04:00

Via: Medical Billing And Coding

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-83188669768296948062011-05-10T18:04:00.000-04:002011-05-10T18:04:43.908-04:00

Via: Medical Billing And Coding

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-18987354510466171312011-03-24T17:55:00.014-04:002011-08-27T19:59:10.258-04:00

Sitting at the picnic table is Jayne and Darlene, then Teri and Delilah among the many friends who came to celebrate Darlene's birthday.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-39947808491227409212011-02-27T17:30:00.115-05:002011-08-14T15:52:08.776-04:00

Above is the path we take to get to our favorite spot on Sanibel Island. Below is what is waiting for us at the end of the path. Above, from this spot, often the Pelicans, Snowy Egrets, and Dolphins put on a show as they hunt for fish.  Below is the view of the Gulf of Mexico with its emerald waters. Below a PEDAL kayaker enjoying -hands-free - the soft breezes of the ocean.  We dream of owning

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-18129380145894621822011-02-18T17:25:00.035-05:002011-08-13T15:01:44.783-04:00

Here are our friends Bill and Darlene with Teri by our parked bikes in Sanibel Island Harbor.  It was a great day for biking. This is one of our favorite things to do . . . riding our bikes on Sanibel Island with good friends.   We walked the beach for a bit , and then on to Mama Dots for lunch.  Mama Dots is a popular restaurant at water's edge in Sanibel Harbor.  The atmosphere is that of an

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-45503298106193917662011-02-09T17:20:00.036-05:002011-08-13T14:37:47.975-04:00

This was one several potlucks we usually have each season at our winter home. Everyone brings a dish to share - and we do have great cooks at Gulf Waters!  This potluck was outdoors at a block party with great music, dancing, and singing to make it a perfect event. Teri is talking to our friend Diana.  Diana was kind enough to look after our cat, Wubie, when we were away for a short while.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-63243696151797909382011-01-27T08:14:00.051-05:002011-08-10T17:41:34.094-04:00

We usually have two Pickleball tournaments during the Winter season. Above is Walter along with Becky, Jim, Linda and other tournament players. Behind the courts is the pond across our place (no alligator so far this year) and a view of some of the RVs, beyond the landscaping. o  Teri is seated behind the tennis net watching the finals of the tournament. Sheila and Gary getting the winner's

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-72977576084911901512010-12-31T21:28:00.071-05:002011-02-14T18:03:27.010-05:00

Getting ready for our first ride of the season to Sanibel Island on bikes we bought this summer. One of things we like most is the 3 mile ride over the causeway beach.  From the bridge, we see the beautiful white sand of this small island beach. One of the many great views from the bridge behind Walter.  Once we are across the bridge, then we ride on a bike that goes the length of the

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-13620819402565578992010-12-05T14:20:00.036-05:002011-02-06T21:46:44.786-05:00

Hello new semi-recumbent bikes.  These bikes, by Giant, are light and easy to ride.  They have a comfortable upright seating position and handlebars that meet you halfway. Below is a good view of the back basket, and I also have a nice front basket.  Where we live in the winter in Florida is ideal for biking.  I bike to the library, grocery store, doctors, rides to Sanibel Island and Ft. Myers

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-45130156726268319192010-11-25T21:24:00.018-05:002011-02-06T21:44:48.285-05:00

We are fortunate to be able to share Thanksgiving with Walter's brother's family--on the left is Walter's brother, Ivan; niece, Bernadette; sister-in-law, Tinina, and nephew, Anthony.  Tinina is a great cook and really goes all out for this Thanksgiving feast.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-57887931495539838692010-11-19T21:22:00.013-05:002011-02-06T21:43:55.553-05:00

Delnor Wiggins Beach is on the north end of Naples and has beautiful white sand beaches as you can see and   has so much beach that it never feels crowded. A view of nearby buildings between Naples Park and Bonita Beach.  It is easy to forget that there is a very large populated area just a few miles away from this pristine beach.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-41154776918703366472010-11-19T13:57:00.027-05:002011-02-06T21:43:05.819-05:00

The streets of Naples, Florida are so beautiful with flowers, flowering bushes, and flowering trees.  It's one of the places the comfortably wealthy (look at that parked Ferrari) like to spend their winters.  Just a short walk from here, are the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico that border the town. Taking a break at one of the many lovely statues and water fountains. Upscale restaurants are

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-45376281033977144152010-10-25T21:15:00.016-04:002011-02-06T21:39:42.684-05:00

Out for a walk.  Who is there?  Maybe someone who will pet me?  PS: It's a little warm here in Miami - pant, pant. Wait until they see how well I climb trees then they'll really want to pet me.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-31731446656351675782010-08-30T20:52:00.050-04:002011-02-06T21:35:29.135-05:00

Here we are with our friends, Warner and Phoebee, whom we first met on a Mexican Caravan in 2008.  We stopped at the end of Mission Peninsula near our place, where the Peninsula meets Lake Michigan.  We are standing at the 45th Parallel--halfway between the North Pole and the Equator. Later we took them sightseeing and went for lunch at the little fishing town of Leland.  The original downtown

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-59499134516695635722010-08-25T21:43:00.088-04:002011-02-06T21:20:19.296-05:00

Our friend, MaryAnne was an officer in the US Navy stationed here in Muskegon, and she wanted us to see the great Naval Museum here and the very well preserved USS SILVERSIDES. The USS SILVERSIDES was commissioned on December 15, 1941, eight days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship left for the first of her 14 war patrols on April 30, 1942.  SILVERSIDES served with the Pacific Fleet along

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-66444020815853559462010-08-25T20:52:00.021-04:002011-02-06T21:17:41.228-05:00

Muskegon is the largest city of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.   The Ottawa and Pottawatomi Indian tribes lived in the Muskegon vicinity during the 1730s and 1740s until induced by the French to move the settlement to the Traverse Bay area in 1742.  Below, Teri with our good friends, MaryAnne and Tom, who were born and raised in the area.  They were giving us a wonderful tour of Muskegon.  

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-21199681454329294442010-08-16T13:37:00.022-04:002011-02-06T15:36:10.874-05:00

Playing Pickle Ball at the courts at Traverse Bay RV Resort .  My partner for this game is Charles our across the street neighbor. Above is Connie, Charles' wife.  We spend wonderful times with these neighbors.  Notice the woods behind Connie.  This is where a bear made his appearance two years ago while folks were playing on the court.  The bear took one look at the folks and took off as

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-27450096197000753712010-08-15T20:24:00.015-04:002011-02-05T19:28:15.332-05:00

Wubie likes to help me when I'm at the computer, but then gets tired and sprawls out on the table. Outside for his daily walk and apparently something has caught his interest.   I was drying out my umbrella on the bed and Wubie decided it was a good place to sit.  As you can see, the umbrella (which has since been lost) has pictures of cats on it.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-14342028784436420842010-08-08T20:09:00.021-04:002011-02-06T15:34:01.485-05:00

August Ice Cream Social with volunteers; Gail, Bill, Carol, and Sue dishing up Moomer's Ice cream in the Traverse Bay RV Resort Main Clubhouse dining room.  Moomer's was rated best regional ice cream in the U.S. and it is too wonderful.  The dairy is on the West side of town and you can visit it to see the farm and dairy cows.  At the dairy, they serve their full menu of flavors and textures.  

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-71890858775259881012010-07-29T13:27:00.071-04:002011-02-06T15:32:48.323-05:00

We are Friends of the Traverse City Film Festival and try to go to as many films as we can every year during the Festival week in the last week of July.  Our favorite venues are those of the documentary series.  We were fortunate to be able to get tickets to a Cuban produced film called Viva Cuba.    This film played on several different days and was totally sold out within the first few hours

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-81540816209745315912010-07-23T12:54:00.017-04:002011-02-05T17:53:42.147-05:00

Friday Night Live occurs every Friday from mid June to mid September.  The main street downtown is closed to traffic and all sorts of entertainment occurs, food booths, and craft booths.   It is a great time to mingle with folks and stroll down festive downtown Traverse City, Michigan.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-72817828662644409742010-07-17T16:48:00.016-04:002010-08-08T12:50:25.266-04:00

This glass case is filled with pies next to where we order breakfast.  Sometimes it is hard to resist ordering a piece of pie for breakfast!  Below, I'm on my way to our table with an egg and cheese wrap (honestly), a muffin and a cup of flavorful coffee.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-66508012263710130422010-07-17T16:45:00.028-04:002010-08-08T12:47:48.756-04:00

These are two of our favorite shops in town.  Above, Burritts Market for fish, meat, and deli product among other great items.  And below is the Grand Traverse Pie Company a great place for Saturday breakfast after shopping at the Farmers Market, and a great place to get a superb piece of pie or pastry anytime. Above the front porch of the Pie Company and Teri getting ready for breakfast.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-83770301596246985332010-07-17T16:39:00.055-04:002010-08-08T12:44:53.633-04:00

This Pedestrian Underpass, a tunnel under a 4 lane parkway alongside the bay front beaches, connects  the Farmers Market to the city marina and Clinch Park on the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay. In the tunnel walls there are interesting traditional paintings of wildlife from the Chippewa, Ojibwa and Pottawatomie tribes that lived here as late as 100 years ago.  These native tribes still own

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-11426623465364655742010-07-17T16:33:00.033-04:002010-08-08T12:29:48.386-04:00

Breads, muffins, pies, cookies, and even dog biscuits are for sale at this Mennonite booth Below are flowers and plants sold along with the baked goods.  The Mennonite wear homemade clothing.  Notice the leather suspenders and pants worn by this bushy bearded fellow below.  The pants have an integral front flap and side pockets instead of a zipper, and the suspenders button behind the belt line.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-51921502913672207162010-07-17T16:29:00.026-04:002010-08-08T12:22:32.367-04:00

The vegetables grown in this area are diverse and plentiful.  We can choose from among many organic farmers.  The countryside around this area is famous for its cherries, and the local blueberries, peaches, apricots, and apples and are also outstanding. This morning, I also bought cabbage and broccoli from this vendor - Altonen Orchards.  There is really a difference in buying fruit and

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-13351476447571597632010-07-17T16:26:00.020-04:002010-08-08T12:09:48.406-04:00

This is one of my favorite stops.  These are the best soaps I have ever had.  They smell wonderful and have this creamy feeling when suds up while retaining the soap's firmness. Below is one of several vendors who sell home grown honey.  Often when driving through the country side, we can see the hives in the fields.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-3400608799171227822010-07-17T16:22:00.024-04:002010-08-08T12:18:03.222-04:00

For the past two two months we have seen all these brilliant flowers and flowering plants for sale every week at the Traverse City Saturday Farm Market Behind the blueberries and tomatoes Skegmog, one of the large local nurseries is selling flower plants.   The building in the background is the TC Chamber of Commerce. T

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-43626745361909210412010-07-17T16:13:00.018-04:002010-07-29T22:20:02.973-04:00

This is the serenely flowing Boardman River the flows between the Farmer's Market and downtown Traverse City. Below is the back of some of the buildings that house shops and restaurants in down town. These two vendors above selling jams and below selling flowers, are situated along the Boardman River

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-39058254086234206622010-07-17T16:10:00.038-04:002010-07-29T22:18:12.075-04:00

The down town Traverse City Farmer's Market is crowded Saturday mornings as people browse for the best blueberries, cherries, salad greens, and other fruits and vegetables along with plants, breads and pastries--even soaps made with all natural products. Every Saturday and Wednesday morning June through October the market is held in the large parking lots across from Traverse Bay to the

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-88650556568634632452010-06-24T21:45:00.021-04:002010-07-15T17:12:04.405-04:00

Walter and I are on the Social Committee, and we host the monthly Pizza Night.  This was our first pizza night for the season and it was really well attended.  This is the lower level of the main clubhouse.   Most food events are held here as it has a kitchen and other facilities for serving food.  As you can see the pizzas have not arrived yet.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-4542004287136688822010-06-20T21:42:00.034-04:002010-07-15T17:09:12.088-04:00

This beach along Lake Michigan was almost deserted.  The air was brisk, the sky so blue, and Lake Michigan showing off its colors from emerald green to deep blue.  It was just spectacular. Photos cannot do justice to the beautiful colors of Lake Michigan.   Below on the horizon, a lake freighter ship passing by with its cargo.  The picture is is at max telephoto setting for our little

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-87050343982678565812010-06-20T21:38:00.024-04:002010-07-15T16:57:48.404-04:00

Betsie Point Lighthouse is north of Frankfurt, MI and is know as the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S.  It is quite beautiful and looks out Westward to the emerald waters of Lake Michigan. Walter along side the lighthouse, and below the beautiful Lake Michigan shore in the western Michigan can be seen behind me.  Strong stormy seas break in front of the lighthouse and push up the

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-29735136161520651422010-06-14T14:59:00.000-04:002010-06-14T14:59:39.233-04:00

Whenever we stop at a rest stop or fuel stop, Wubie gets up on his "perch" to check things out. He is about ready to fall asleep in place. Wubie listening to Bach and watching the musical spectrum graph on the computer. Nap time. I see Wubie peeking at me. "I want to go this way."

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-72924455319162057672010-06-11T21:35:00.007-04:002010-07-15T16:53:17.687-04:00

Wubie under a kitty cat umbrella.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-84688191456191557642010-06-10T21:32:00.017-04:002010-07-15T16:47:28.149-04:00

Some of the lovely flowers along the streets of the small town of Glen Arbor, Michigan.  The town is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and is on Michigan route 22.  M22 is known for long distance biker tours of the beautiful Northern landscapes of the Leelanau Peninsula, close to Grand Traverse Bay. The orange flower above is a poppy - the same poppy of opium, poppy

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-40069488284422989102010-06-09T21:30:00.023-04:002010-07-15T16:39:34.295-04:00

Once a month, there is a Ladies Out to Lunch Bunch, and we do have fun.  From left to right, Sherry, me, Kirsten, Deanna, Marti, Gloria, and Anna.   We already had lunch and now we were at the Parisian shop for beignets and coffee. Just finishing an evening of the card game "Hand and Foot" at the South Clubhouse at Traverse Bay RV Resort in Traverse City, Michigan.  We play the Las Vegas rules

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-79540507347913921672010-05-25T09:26:00.012-04:002010-07-15T16:33:48.998-04:00

We are walking from the restaurant across this bridge to outdoor shops.  In the background is a genuine old covered bridge.  The river and all the plants and flowers make this such a special place. From the grounds of the shops, is this beautiful cascade. Right outside the restaurant, we were treated to Bavarian music.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-69352572527671753782010-05-22T21:21:00.028-04:002010-07-15T16:30:50.652-04:00

Frankenmuth is the Bavarian German town in central Michigan.  We had a delicious lunch of Jaeger (lean pork) Schnitzel with a delicious sauce at the Bavarian Inn while us diners were serenaded by an excellent accordion performer.  In the basement they have a bakery and shops. It is a tourist town with meticulously created scenery.  They have horse drawn carriages for the tourists to enjoy the

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-17654930909123413192010-05-15T21:12:00.043-04:002010-07-15T16:16:22.774-04:00

We had brunch at Liane and Mike's home.  Across from me is Mike, next to him, Liane, and next to her is their oldest son George who is 4.  Next to me is my sister-in-law, Janet, holding Benjamin who 2 years old, and asleep in his crib (in another room) is 15 month old, Nicholas.  The food was great as was the company.  As you can see, this is the before picture. Allison, 11 and Jason, 9, are

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-6325220900218728722010-05-09T21:11:00.012-04:002010-07-15T16:06:52.249-04:00

We invited Marc and his friend, Steve, for dinner while we were in Raleigh, and Steve brought these beautiful flowers for me and wonderful chocolate bars.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-29203019568522709352010-05-02T22:07:00.024-04:002010-06-28T20:58:13.893-04:00

The gun show started Sunday at 10 AM with fewer crowds than Saturday. Yesterday the large parking areas by the exhibition hall were chock full of vehicles.  I paid $8 cash - no receipt - just out of curiosity.  This is my first gun show.  There were mostly men in the crowd, although some came with their children, wives, or girlfriends. A few were veterans of WWII, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq,

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-7361993408314813202010-05-02T17:13:00.003-04:002010-06-28T21:05:34.424-04:00

We spent two weeks at the North Carolina Fairgrounds in Raleigh with our RV when visiting our children. We had full hook-ups and the great pleasure of walking nearby to see a number of the events being held during our stay. This is a regional horse show of Western and English riding in various classes.  This was the Western "dress" class. Beautiful horse with style at a trot around the rink.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-29489236121337359592010-03-30T12:46:00.002-04:002010-04-08T13:03:09.485-04:00

Walter and George (next to Walter) won the Pickle Ball Tournament. They were two happy guys. Below are the competitors.Walter and George in action. Below are the spectators watching the "Finals." Can you see two cheer-leading pompoms made out of grocery bags by our two Quebecois - JoAnn and Andre - an inventive team.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-85362221105819531642010-03-30T12:41:00.003-04:002010-04-08T12:56:02.588-04:00

There is Wubie trying to read over my shoulder! It is late March 2010 and he is 3 1/2 years old. He loves watching the birds from this back window or snoozing there in early morning when he can lay in the sunshine. All stretched out on our bed which is one of his favorite places to sleep. His sleepy eyes open just a bit for the camera. Is that an annoyed look that I'm seeing?

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-40548184532557626012010-03-30T12:39:00.002-04:002010-04-08T12:54:15.462-04:00

We had a late December through late March where our temperatures--day and night--were 10-15 degrees below normal. Apparently, the coldest winter on record in the Ft. Myers area. Above is a picture of the damage done to our palm tree and how our yard looks in the dry season. Our site on the right. Our bikes are under cover at the front end of our RV. Another palm tree struggling to survive

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-76254199246046090142010-03-30T12:38:00.002-04:002010-04-08T12:29:58.781-04:00

It was cold on Valentine's Day. A look at the marina where tours in estuaries and the bay. Above the front view of the restaurant. The food is excellent and there are great views of the Bay in the backside of the restaurant. Below is the marina side view from the Lighthouse Restaurant.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-64050107077730940692010-03-30T12:33:00.004-04:002010-04-08T12:23:17.590-04:00

We can get the most unusual sunsets from pink to purple. These two grew to blood red and as you can see in these photos developed into shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-4050651544154088112009-11-18T12:06:00.000-05:002010-04-08T12:14:08.010-04:00

On a crystal clear day with ideal temperatures we drove South to the Florida Keys - we had only a few hoours to explore and we had not been to the keys since the 1970's. It became clear very soon that much development had happened in these 40 years.For one thing, the area devastated by hurricane Andrew in the early 90's was again a sea of one story single family homes. Finally after passing Key

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-25755764124273715272009-11-08T12:01:00.001-05:002010-04-08T12:28:57.461-04:00

This has been our spot at the LP Thompson Dade County RV Park for the past several years. We have switched our internet from satellite to cell, so we are no longer dependent on getting a spot with a clear South-West view to the sky like in this site. This is a nice wide site - very peaceful. Usually at this time of the year we have so many avocados dropping from the trees in this old

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-46209261620928717472009-10-12T11:56:00.001-04:002010-04-08T12:22:02.748-04:00

We left Traverse Bay early in October, but as we were traveling on I80 east near State College Pennsylvania we were caught in their earliest snow fall on record. I80 remained clear but as you can see the trees still had some fall foliage and were sagging with the weight from fresh wet snow.That evening we called ahead to our planned overnight campground off-I80 and they warned not to come there

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-85143534255877236362009-10-10T16:46:00.006-04:002009-10-12T12:37:45.982-04:00

Only October and winter weather is making an appearance. Here I am along the North end of the north loop of Traverse Bay RV Resort. The fall color is a little late this year. A stormy sky to the North with a sunny sky from the West (an usual occurrence here) This is our site with our maple showing its magnificent autumn red flaming colors. At one of the ponds near our site there is a perfectly

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-102953480820123532009-09-25T17:01:00.007-04:002009-10-12T11:49:19.902-04:00

We found out that our friends and neighbor Dave and Marilyn had not visited the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore, so we are out today to show them this beautiful part of Michigan.The quaint town of Glenn Arbor is the gateway to the National Lake shore. As we arrive in town we first head for the shore and a unique perfumed soap factory on the way. There we found someone riding a small,

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-64265869199115956302009-09-24T21:14:00.002-04:002009-09-28T11:15:14.742-04:00

This attractive modern building houses the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy; both part of the Northwestern Michigan College. Inside the lobby is this beautiful wooden boat, out the windows of the lobby, is the the ship used for training at the Maritime Institute. Both the lobby and the Culinary Institute, which is on the second floor, have magnificent views of

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-39173510013800185812009-09-24T21:12:00.002-04:002009-09-28T11:12:06.488-04:00

I am standing in front of the entrance to the Culinary Institute. To the right is the teaching school and to the left is the teaching restaurant. The students preparing and serving our lunch today are in their last year of training. The Senior class runs the teaching restaurant on Tuesday through Thursday each week of the Fall and Spring semesters. This is the pastry case where, each day they

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-11353427899181349042009-09-24T21:10:00.003-04:002009-09-28T11:01:57.285-04:00

This is a corner table near where we sat. Another time we were having lunch here, a seaplane landed right on the Bay in the area out the window. In the distance is the Mission Peninsula famous for their cherry orchards and their vineyards and wineries. This view of our table just behind the table in the picture above shows the dining room and the food prep area. Walter has a hot pressed

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-67553528424904212372009-09-18T18:08:00.001-04:002009-09-18T18:08:41.914-04:00

It is interesting to think about what this country would be like without "big" government. Take a look at www.governmentisgood.com for a good compilation of the value we get for our taxes.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-71894783919625705272009-08-01T17:36:00.002-04:002009-08-17T20:52:39.792-04:00

The State Theater in Traverse City, featuring one of the great films we saw - Entre Nos (Between us), from a budding new film director, producer, and actress who immigrated from Colombia with her family when she was very young. This year's Traverse City Film Festival had screenings of 71 features and 50 short films from more than 30 countries and five continents. Over 65 percent of the shows were

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-27088891493536510802009-07-28T19:24:00.003-04:002009-08-17T16:17:15.465-04:00

An inside look of this luxury RV Motor Coach. Leather seats, marble floors, heated floors sculptured lighted ceilings and so much more. Notice the ubiquitous touch screen to inform the occupants of the status of all systems in the coach and to provide touch control of every system. The coach has Internet Wi-Fi all around the coach even while on the road.The kitchen area below has a drawer

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-49111965999720528382009-07-28T19:00:00.003-04:002009-08-17T16:03:36.547-04:00

This RV park has the largest percentage of Prevosts RV coaches of any RV park we have seen. Many of them have either Florida or Montana license plates (in MT you can establish an LLC and duck heavy vehicle taxes and annual license fees of many other states). Florida has fairly low fees and taxes.Once a year our RV park hosts the Prevost Milleniums to show their latest luxury coaches. Last year's

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-67951106823136082492009-07-22T19:46:00.003-04:002009-08-17T15:47:38.872-04:00

Our neighbors from Gulf Waters RV Resort in Ft. Myers Beach stopped by to visit us. We had a good visit at Traverse Bay RV Resort and then the next morning we all went to Mabel's for breakfast -- Traverse City's best family restaurant for 11 years straight.The day was very foggy, but we gave Artie and Bronna a tour of the lovely Mission Peninsula where we stopped at Chateau Chantal a wonderful

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-16248333184493678462009-07-21T20:19:00.005-04:002009-08-16T15:59:47.934-04:00

Teri is showing us the edge of the near 45 degree sand bluff dropping 450 feet down to the beach. From this point you cannot see the beach below because the slope of the sand continues to steepen until nearly the midpoint of the descent.The young and fit enjoy a fast descent, then face a steep climb back. Some kids actually try to run downhill. As we were watching, one actually overran his feet

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-46418972139932149482009-07-21T20:17:00.003-04:002009-08-16T15:59:06.513-04:00

This is an airplane view of the dunes looking South.To the left at the top of the dunes there are many hiking and mountain biking trails. At the center there is a near 45 degree sand slope to the beach below.This picture from the land side shows a spot where we climbed the dunes part way. This was a couple of years ago when out friends from Michigan brought us to this area for the first time.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-3611307839489920182009-07-21T20:02:00.003-04:002009-08-16T15:57:50.471-04:00

The small town of Glenn Arbor is almost surrounded by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is about 45 minutes West of our RV park.Our plan today was to have lunch in Glenn Arbor and then drive the near-by Pierce Stocking Drive inside the National Lakeshore that climbs to over 900 feet above sea level and to the edge of the dunes. The drive is only 7.4 miles long and there are five

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-69462204018286714462009-07-14T21:08:00.003-04:002009-08-05T14:38:53.070-04:00

These are some of the new landscaping and paving improvements to our place in northern Michigan.At the center of the picture is a new paved sidewalk by the side of the driveway. We can now walk or bike by the side of the parked RAM without stepping on the grass..This is a closer look at the pavers. The dominant color is a soft mauve with subtle sand and gray blocks. To the left is a stone

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-20433876060200862042009-07-11T15:22:00.002-04:002009-07-22T15:37:00.452-04:00

By the second week in July cherry trees in the many orchards in the area are full of fruit. The growers spend a great deal of effort, chemical spray, and planning to produce a harvest of perfect sweet and tart delicious fruit. They also have to time the planting of new trees to replace those that have passed or exhausted their productive lifespan. I believe I heard that a cherry tree reaches

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-31680889560068453942009-07-11T15:00:00.002-04:002009-07-22T15:35:22.606-04:00

After lunch at the Weather Vane Restaurant, we took a stroll along the channel connecting the lake and harbor to Lake Michigan. This cabin sleeper sailboat is under engine power in Lake Michigan trying to make the half-hour schedule for the opening of the main street bridge that separates the channel from the harbor. At this point the sailboat has passed the opening of the channel. The

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-6811835263794358092009-07-11T11:50:00.003-04:002009-07-22T15:33:09.349-04:00

This is a view of Lake Charlevoix from the downtown harbor and park. The shore is lined with large beautiful homes, condos, and piers for the many yachts and pleasure boats. This small boat with a fully enclosed cabin is equipped with radar, communication antennas and spotlights on its roof. It would seem capable of venturing into Lake Michigan in less than optimum weather. Here is the same

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-68977137860560162912009-07-11T10:50:00.003-04:002009-07-22T15:30:16.798-04:00

The main shopping street in Charlevoix is M-31 as it crosses town. The downtown area is between Lake Charlevoix to the East and Lake Michigan to the West. There are a lot of restaurants and unique boutique shops to browse.The town was decorated with these beautiful wave petunia hanging baskets Here is the harbor at the center of town in Lake Charlevoix. The crafts fair was attracting large

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-49036249991729448722009-07-11T09:05:00.000-04:002009-07-19T22:04:27.126-04:00

This Saturday we are visiting the beautiful small coastal town of Charlevoix. The town has a French name like many other towns around the Great Lakes because the French fur traders and explorers were the earliest Europeans to explore this vast region containing a large portion of all the fresh water in the World. Did you know that Detroit is a French word meaning the rapids?In the map above (

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-5755194312162905682009-07-05T11:27:00.002-04:002009-07-05T13:58:00.185-04:00

On this day Wubie's curiosity was sparked. He looked back at me with a look that said I want to see the ducks up close. However, the ducks had no intention of coming on shore. The ducks finally decide they were safe and went about their business. We still aren't sure how he gets up there, but he does like high places.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-32847697422539444472009-07-05T11:23:00.001-04:002009-07-05T12:55:44.605-04:00

A species of duck we are not familiar with, but this mom and her 10 babies came out of the pond, went under our RV, and below took a break on our patio and then decided to rest on the lawn between our patio and the pond. These little ones are so cute. If they get any distance from the mom, they skim at a high rate of speed over the water to catch up with mom and siblings.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-82117002036236902222009-07-05T11:12:00.003-04:002009-07-05T13:01:50.065-04:00

After stopping by the Elk Rapids Farmer's market we went into downtown Traverse City to try a highly recommended pizzeria. Paesanos is in a small building facing Front Street with the back at the edge of the fast flowing Boardman River that courses in a winding meander through downtown. Today it is still a little cool outside, so we sit inside. The pizza is made by the owner with aromatic Italian

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-59617896730571855892009-06-29T11:11:00.002-04:002009-07-05T13:03:19.749-04:00

From our place we drove this morning along M-31 following the East shore of the East arm of Traverse Bay to the small town of Elk Rapids. The drive is very picturesque, with beautiful views of the Bay, fruit tree orchards, rolling hills and pretty farms. We pass a nice looking B&B, and the Altonen Farm Market where they sell freshly picked strawberries. As we arrive in town we see the arm of Elk

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-81684701900274090662009-06-27T10:53:00.003-04:002009-07-05T12:07:39.596-04:00

We were invited by a local couple to a get-together at their home to share ideas and perspectives on our mutual interest in a solution to the health care crisis in this country. Sharon and Jay's house is not far from our RV place in the hills above the East arm of Grand Traverse Bay. These are very interesting and civically active people. They are clearly generous and friendly people, and we

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-66235619754522591142009-05-28T17:00:00.000-04:002009-07-07T07:11:20.638-04:00

Turning into Traverse Bay RV Resort - Our Michigan Home. Cascading pong along the driveway to the resort. Evergreens grace the driveway.Our home is the first RV on the left.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-81381458171496050532009-05-28T16:55:00.001-04:002009-07-07T07:07:00.806-04:00

Spring flowering trees as we leave Traverse City for Traverse Bay RV Resort.Mabel's is famous for their great breakfast -all made in the old fashioned way.This is the Grand Traverse Spa, Resort, and Golf Course and is our closest neighbor to the West.We always enjoy seeing this lovely old barn and field across the road from Traverse Bay RV Resort .

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-3338759027912393362009-05-28T13:59:00.000-04:002009-07-07T06:43:02.696-04:00

Typical tree lined roads on the Peninsula. One of many groves of Cherry trees in bloom. A lonely dock jutting out into East Traverse Bay. Traverse Bay RV Resort is just a mile or so inland across this Bay. Rolling hills and fields of Mission Peninsula.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-17051183802613289432009-05-28T13:48:00.000-04:002009-07-07T06:43:45.831-04:00

This is an old time grocery store--not for tourist only--old wood floors, glass cases for all sorts of things, hats, shirts, hardware, you name it, it's there. Deli sandwiches and the famous Moomers ice cream is offered. Penny candies along with grocery items. They are noted for their cream cheese stuffed pretzels which are amazing! Our truck parked at the grocery store along a peaceful country

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-43542845976917113272009-05-28T13:38:00.000-04:002009-07-07T06:44:26.521-04:00

On Mission Peninsula driving along East Traverse Bay. This Peninsula is so special with its views of East and West Traverse Bay, cherry, apple, and other fruit tree orchards, vineyards, and rolling hills.Beautiful homes on the Peninsula. Spring abounds and another beautiful house below.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-37475368729927708882009-03-21T10:08:00.001-04:002009-03-21T10:08:38.910-04:00

This thought provoking short video is from the YouTube Did You Know series - fantastic!.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-62190106975009864682009-03-17T10:26:00.005-04:002009-03-29T11:15:37.505-04:00

We celebrated Teri's birthday with a day in Sanibel island. She is as young as when she was 20! We had lunch at a very nice seafood restaurant with an old Florida atmosphere, on Sanibel Harbor between the boats and coconut palms. The roof has the open beams of homes of the original settlers and a sophisticated seafood menu. We had an excellent lobster salad and fresh caught local grouper. Here

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-13835734520121254952009-03-16T13:21:00.000-04:002009-03-19T10:47:19.882-04:00

We enjoy the fun, sport, and great exercise of tennis with other RVers and friends at our two new US Open quality courts.We play non-competitive round-robin (not team) doubles. We have players at a range of skill levels, and everyone shares play time equally. Round-robin play is M-W-F anytime between 9 and 11 am.This way to play tennis is convenient for our relaxed RVer life style in that we

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-27260165901692384232009-03-02T21:30:00.001-05:002009-03-29T15:46:39.730-04:00

The marina where we enter the town of Boca Granda on Gasparilla Island. Many large yachts were docked at the marina. Our group is departing the tour boat and taking the short walk to downtown where suddenly you feel as if you stepped back, maybe 70 years, in time. A modern day golf course just past the marina.Condos and large homes outside of the historic downtown area. There are a number of

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-32555161920120955002009-03-02T21:20:00.002-05:002009-03-29T15:59:02.813-04:00

If you look closely, you can see dolphins coming out of the water near our boat. A friend of ours, who has a camera that captures the picture in a nanosecond, had wonderful shots of the dolphins completely diving up and out of the water and then down again along side the boat. These two shots are the best we could get, but oh how exciting it was seeing these dolphins travel along side of us for

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-49332510413277317442009-03-02T21:10:00.002-05:002009-03-29T16:00:19.484-04:00

Calm waters and a sailboat ready for another adventure in the protected waters of Charlotte Harbor. One of a number of houses built on stilts into the harbor waters. Yachts parked at the Boca Grande marina at Gasparilla Island. Folks passing us would wave, and we also had the company of dolphins both to and from Captiva Island. Another luxury boat enjoying the calm waters.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-43699620814336061492009-03-02T21:00:00.002-05:002009-03-29T16:00:34.970-04:00

On the map above, Walter plotted our route on protected waters between the islands. If you look at the bottom right of the map, you can see Ft. Myers Beach which is about 2 miles from where we live at Gulf Waters RV Resort. A map view of where Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island is located in southwest Florida. Beautiful homes are located along the entry to the marina at Boca Grande. Inside the

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-77807837155109367782009-02-17T16:32:00.004-05:002009-03-14T12:18:29.614-04:00

Barefoot beach is in a pristine area. Since it is a State Beach, there are no commercial buildings or homes in sight. Behind the beach are mangroves and other native plants and flowers. Gopher turtles can be found in the parking lots, near the concession stand, near the outdoor museum, and this guy was a little confused. He was out on the white sand beach, but heading towards the ocean. A staff

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-84158176414202601162009-02-17T16:19:00.001-05:002009-03-14T12:04:19.036-04:00

We had a hard time finding Barefoot Beach because we couldn't believe that the way to get to the State Beach was through this Bonita Springs gated community. Unusual! First, we drove by these beautiful high-rise condos with great screened-in porches overlooking the Gulf. This is a community of condos with numerous tennis courts and marinas. We then pass by these unbelievable large homes were

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-83712793112110785102009-02-13T14:42:00.001-05:002009-02-23T13:50:58.211-05:00

We were at a Sanibel beach near the historic lighthouse and found ourselves surrounded by about 12 photographers from a photography club. They were at the island to photograph the birds, and the birds were putting on quite a show. This Snowy Egret obliged by giving quite a grand photo op for about 20 minutes for the folks with large cameras. The Snowy Egret has long silk-like strands that stand

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-32012460300315796742009-02-02T13:38:00.005-05:002009-02-26T16:50:31.754-05:00

About every month I go to Miami for a weekend to visit my mother and work with my brother on anything that needs to be done there.My mother's neighborhood used to be at the edge of the Everglades 45 years ago when my father bought the house. Now it is surrounded by new neighborhoods sprawling in all directions. This is a picture looking across the street from my mother's front door. Here is my

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-67686804746355167752009-01-27T18:39:00.001-05:002009-02-21T20:59:22.486-05:00

This small beach in Sanibel is bordered by small trees and coconut palms, and is usually quiet and peaceful during weekdays. It faces West, so we get natural shade in the afternoon and can enjoy the seabird, porpoises and the abundant fish in the water that they feed on.We brought chairs and folding tables and had a snack at the beach while watching quite a show by the pelicans diving in

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-57618983521063525392009-01-27T14:35:00.002-05:002009-02-22T10:46:18.328-05:00

While my brother, Paul and sister-in-law, Janet visited us, we were fortunate to see this lovely sunset on Tarpon Bay during our eco-tour at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. The four of us enjoying our tour of Tarpon Bay.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-30252772434721869152009-01-27T14:10:00.002-05:002009-02-21T10:59:23.854-05:00

Enjoying the pier at Ft. Myers Beach Janet and Paul. We took the trolley from nearby Gulf Waters RV Resort and was dropped off at the north end of the island at Bowditch County Park where we enjoyed a beach walk to the pier at "Times Square"--named such for being the hub of the strand at Ft. Myers Beach. Along our walk, we saw this working fishing boat and many seabirds. On Sanibel Island at the

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-320520952135782282008-12-26T12:43:00.002-05:002009-01-11T09:19:48.420-05:00

As we cross the bridge from the land side of Ft. Myers Beach to the beach side, we have a great view of fishing and pleasure boats. A view from the top of the bridge. We were with the Friday Bike to Breakfast group. Our friends Charles and Marielle from Montreal. Below, we are on the beach side heading for a restaurant that overlooks the beach.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-41116509104851517902008-12-20T17:46:00.004-05:002009-01-10T16:56:31.211-05:00

The bike ride to Sanibel Island bridge from Gulf Water RV Resort is about 5 miles. The new bridge is finally completed and there is a wide bike lane on the bridge making the 3 mile bridge crossing quite safe. As we cross, we have more time to see the birds, boaters, folks fishing and bathing and the distant sights are wonderful. The inland waters are very calm this morning and the brilliance of

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-16811818699504641332008-12-02T17:40:00.001-05:002009-01-10T15:40:38.946-05:00

After being away nearly a whole year, it was wonderful to be back in the RV resort. Oh how things grow in Florida. Our neighbor put had this group of plants put in while we were gone, and we are enjoying this lovely look outside our dining room window. Our own plants and trees are thriving and look very healthy. We enjoy this glider and cabana so much. It is peaceful, restful, and just plain

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-10491763057876864982008-11-24T18:24:00.003-05:002008-11-24T18:51:52.654-05:00

That stuffed mouse is still his favorite toy, except that now at the adult age of 2 years he is more moderate at play.

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629583.post-77800757997597795632008-11-14T17:13:00.001-05:002009-01-09T14:57:12.391-05:00

After a week in Miami we hitched our rolling home and moved it to the Lazydays Rallypark West of Tampa, FL to attend the 5th annual Datastorm Rally.This is a week of lectures and demos about satellite internet, cell internet, and WEB applications such as the blog you are reading just now, and socializing with old and new friends.We have enjoyed full-time internet service from our Motosat

Teri & Walternoreply@blogger.com0