The Elusive Plant

I thought I should post a picture of the plant I was looking for this afternoon.

I guess it was August when we took this last time so obviously not the right time of year for me to be hunting for the plant in June.   Oh well I did enjoy our trek.

Last Day in Grand Marais

We are now in the evening of our last day here.  Richard took the morning to change some electrical parts, the isolator and another unit, we were hoping that one or the other was the reason for not having any coach power when we aren't plugged in to an electrical power.

Here he is busy in the engine.  While he was busy with that I was amusing myself with taking pictures of Katie.

Katie spent her day following the sun around in the Motor Home.

In the afternoon I pursued-ed Richard to take me on another hike.  I wanted to see if I could find a rare plant that we managed to find in 2008.  I did enjoy the trek going up a steep grass hill and searching the edge of the trees for the elusive plant.  I did take pictures of other plants so have included some here.

These two pictures show a thistle, I'm afraid it wasn't in bloom yet but had Richard show how tall it had grown.

These two show the flowering grass that is to be found in this area they grow in single stems.

This is wild honeysuckle... at least I think that is what it's called.

Some interesting moss that looked like miniature pine... Hard to see but double white bell flower.

This is really common but such a pretty yellow... and these white flowers are very tiny and just perfect.

I saw this orange showing through the underbrush thinking it was a ball but once uncovered it was a very interesting toadstool.

This is the view above the harbour as you can tell I trekked up quite a slope.

Richard took these of me still climbing up the trail... I didn't want to return via the road so we retraced our steps back down to the camp ground.

My last two pictures one is of horse tail fern (grass) you can see the sectioned spokes and one blooming; the other one is wild raspberry.

Once we were back at the motor home we sat at the picnic table drinking beer, wine cooler's for me, and playing tile rummy.  Then Richard put all our chairs away and other items that needed to be placed in the basement areas of the RV, this will save time tomorrow morning when we begin our journey home via Duluth to shop first.

Even though the weather wasn't the best I have really enjoyed my stay here in Grand Marais.
 

Sunday

When we stay in Grand Marais we always ensure we are here for at least one Sunday.  We arrange with Pastor Shutte to collect us from the campground so we can join them in worship.  This visit was no exception.  Dennis had visited us a couple of times already plus we had gone for supper with them on Friday.  Sunday morning found us up at 6:00 am so we could shower, have breakfast and be ready when Dennis called for us at 8:20. 

This picture was taken before service as Pastor Shutte has to leave very soon after service to head up the Gun Flint Trail to conduct a further service for those members who spend their summers up at their cabins during the summer. 

Richard and I both wore our new outfits that we had purchased during our shopping spree at J.C. Penney's in Greenfield.  My outfit was very different from what I would normally buy in regards to colour and the design on the skirt.

Bob, on of the parishioners drove us back to our campsite.  Later on in the day we had a visit from Harriet.  This was a nice visit and gave us chance to catch up with all her news since we saw her last.

The Nature Trail

Richard and I have walked this short nature trail in other years but I wanted to have a walk and chose this route.  It is located at the end of the campground and actually the easiest of the three walks that are indicated on the board at the head of the trail.  As you know from past years I like to take pictures of the flowers that grow in these areas.

This is a flowering raspberry or thimble berry.

The views of Lake Superior are quite wonderful, the waters on Saturday were very calm and very relaxing.

This is one of the spots along the trail that overlook the Lake.  This rustic bench and potted geranium have been placed there in memory of and individual.  I took the time to sit and adjust my leg before continuing on our leisurely walk.

This was a little of the beaten track and meant I had to negotiate some challenging, for me,  rock clambering.  Richard left me to find my own footing which worked out a lot better than the last time we traversed this section in 2008 when he suggested where I should place my hiking poles and feet.  Once at the clearing Richard found this flower for me (I don't know it's name).

Richard couldn't resist and went further than the outlook where I stopped, there was no way I could clamber over these rocks to the spot where you see him standing.

Here he is working his way back to where I was waiting.

This is one of the area's that I had to negotiate, the rock was about a 2' 6" high step up, but I managed to find notches for my foot and spots to place my poles so I could navigate up and then of course back down on our return to the main trail.  Richard was supposed to have taken a short video of me while I managed this feat but I'm not sure what he did but it was not on the card when I downloaded the pictures.

This was a pretty area of bunch berry or dwarf dogwood, there was a lot of this along the trail but I liked the way the spruce branch partially covered the area.

We tried to get a better picture of the bluebells but all the pictures were blurred as was the one of the buttercup.

I was pleased with myself accomplishing the extra side trips that were a bit more of a challenge than just the nature walk which is graveled for ease of walking.  I'm no where near in the condition I was in in 2008 when we did quite a bit of hiking in this area.

I enjoyed our walk and the rain kept away for most of the day.

Liquid Sunshine

After leaving Greenfield we turned our noses towards Grand Marais.  This has to be our favourite place to spend a relaxing vacation.  Monday night we parked at the Superior 24hr Walmart.  This Walmart is the one that Richard really likes to shop at.  As usual we headed into the store to peruse their wares.  I was disappointed there was nothing that said 'try me on'.  Richard had far better luck than I did, finding cargo shorts and jeans at clearance prices and a few more t-shirts.  I decided I was too tired to wander the shop anymore and headed back to the motor home leaving Richard shopping for groceries and anything else he felt we could not do without.

The following morning we were back on the road traveling the last leg of our journey to Grand Marais.  The excitement being when Richard realized we were just about out of gas.  We turned into the next town, which just happened to be the same town where we waited to have a tire replaced after blowing one of our back duel  tires three or four years ago. 

You maybe asking yourself why the title 'Liquid Sunshine' well we hit rain just before Superior since then we have had rain every day.  When we arrived at the camp ground we did our usual drive along the front to see if there were any lake front spots open.  We were a little disappointed that there were no free sites on that side of the camp ground, we accepted 50W which faces the playground and basketball hoop. 

Here we are set up in our spot ready for sunshine.  Once we had set up our neighbours asked us if we were hoping for sunshine, we had put all the awnings out.  They told us the weather had been awful with rain just about every day, they spend their summers here but live in Arizona in the winter. 

Wednesday morning was bright and the sun was shinning, we decided to head out to visit Harriet up at her place of business, Superior RV shop, and also her home.  This is quite a walk for me there is a steep incline out of the campgrounds and then a steady rise out of town towards Harriet's place.  Richard said it was about a mile.

This picture does not give a true impression on how steep this incline is, this is on the way back from Harriet's  she was not home so we had to walk back I must admit I was quite tired after wards.

This is the decent back to the camp grounds.  I was beginning to really struggle by this point.  Hills and slopes are not my favourite type of walking, having no ankle it is a struggle to maneuver up and down them.

Once back I spent a short while sitting under the awning reading, taking advantage of the sun while it lasted.  While sitting there I looked across to the playground and saw three rabbits playing chase and managed to capture this picture of them, the third one is by the ladder to the slide.  They kept me amused for quite some time before scurrying off into the long grass at the edge of the grounds.

Tuesday morning we had a visit from Dennis and made arrangements to go out to dinner with him and Sandra.  Thursday the day was clear again and we walked into town.  I love the harbour and took yet another picture of the tranquil site of the boats slowly bobbing on the water.  Dennis also popped by on Thursday morning to arrange for our dinner outing for Friday evening. 

We are taking advantage of the sun there has been more rain than anything else since we have been here.  Wednesday night Richard had to get up at 3:00 am to put the main awning up as the wind was really blowing the last thing we want is a torn awning. 

Last night we went for dinner with Dennis and Sandra, the meal was good the company even better.  They told us this is the most relaxed they have ever seen us in all the years we have been coming to Grand Marais which is about six years now.  They are really happy for us that Richard now has a congregation that truly appreciates him and fits him so well.  Even though I find work frustrating I too am no where near as stressed as I have been in past years.

Today the sun is shinning and I hope to take a walk along the short trail just beyond the camp grounds.  Richard is hoping the rain holds off and this afternoon he will take a swim in the harbour out to the light house and back.  Our neighbours have asked us to let them know when he plans to do this as they want to watch.  Most people do not believe that anyone would choose to swim in Lake Superior because it is so cold.

Our Neighbours (for a week)

The Catechetical Academy hold their annual Symposium beginning the third Wednesday in June.  We have been traveling down to it as often as possible since 2000.  The first year we met the Koch family, since then we have stayed with them each time we've attended the symposium.  They have become family to us.  This year was no exception.  We arrived in our Motor Home on Tuesday and proceeded to set up home outside Aaron and Laura's, becoming neighbours for a week.

While in Greenfield Laura and Aaron, as their schedule permits, take us to the various stores we like to visit.  This trip was no different we went to the 2nd hand book store, checked out some of the other stores in the strip mall including one called Tuesday Morning.  There were all sorts of interesting items to be found and many at very reasonable prices.

Wednesday evening was the opening Divine Service for the Symposium.  The church is always full the singing is wonderful to say nothing of the service itself which is always enlightening with much food for thought.  After the service there is a reception in the school hall, where we meet friends we have made over the years and make new friends.  It was great to see a fellow Canadian Pastor and his wife (Dave and Lise) attending, usually Richard and I are the only Canadians who attend.

Thursday and Friday morning are the actual sessions where we listen to various speakers.  This years topic was on the first article of the creed "I believe in God the Father almighty maker of heaven and earth."  I enjoy the sessions and learn much during that time.  Friday afternoon is the Bratwurst BBQ, where we take time visiting with everyone.

These few days are pretty hectic so there is not much time for us to spend with the Koch family.  Friday night we sat down and played "Fluxx" a new game for the family but one Richard and I enjoy.  On Saturday Laura dropped us off at JC Penney's where we shopped for clothes for both Richard and myself.  This has become a tradition for us, when we are in the States we always go to JC Penney's to shop, it is one place we know we can buy clothes that fit Richard.  Hannah and Mary were working at Taco Place so we went there and had our lunch before shopping some more.

Saturday evening we went to 'Bekah's new home and played bowling on their Wii.  This was a lot of fun.  It is amazing what you learn about people when you play games with them.  I'm always shocked at how grown up Aaron and Laura's children are.  Bekah is now married and has a little one of her own.

I had every intention of taken pictures during our stay in Greenfield but kept forgetting my camera so on Saturday and Sunday we made up for it and took the following pictures.

Bekah is practicing a new wrap that she bought to hold Jacob in when she is shopping.  There are several ways of wrapping the cloth around ones self to carry your child in different positions.  It looked very comfortable and Jacob was quite content being snuggled close to his Mom.

This a better picture where you can see Jacob cocooned against his mother.

Hannah and Mary helping clean the dishes up after our Saturday spaghetti supper.

Getting a picture of Laura is extremely hard to do and you have to catch her unaware, sorry Laura this is not the best picture of you.  You can see Bekah with Jacob, she was showing her Mom how the new wrap worked.

Aaron at the computer working.

Sunday was Father's day, once the gifts were open by Gabe (Bekah's husband) and Aaron they were able to BBQ shish kabobs, which were really good.  Missing from this picture are Laura (someone had to take the picture) and Philip, who had left during the week to attend a wedding.

Here is Laura, not happy because I took this just as... well never mind... but I think it is a nice picture of her.

It was a great visit we were not rushed to leave and decided rather than dash off after Divine Service on Sunday we would wait until Monday morning.  This was a great visit as always.  I know Aaron feels he is too busy during this particular week but we always enjoy our stay with his family and we keep up with them and all their news even when we aren't visiting.

Thank you Aaron, Laura, Bekah, Phil, Hannah and Mary for allowing us to be part of your family.

Posture

I know I said I would write about our trip but I found some pictures that I meant to add to my blog.

This is the chair I have been sitting in for the past 10+ years.  When we sold our home in Edmonton after Richards graduation from seminary we replaced a good majority of our furniture most I had had since the children were babies.  My chair became a problem after my amputation.  It was too low and too deep.  I used to have a cushion on the seat as well as the one you see at the back.  This meant I could get in and out of the chair a lot easier.

I eventually took the seat cushion off but needed the one at my back.  If you have a Lazyboy you will know that they tend to make you sag (relax) into them, that being said I had become to relax too much and hence my posture suffered.  I still had trouble standing up once I was seated in the chair but did not want to put the cushion back on the seat, anyway that cushion was now at the church because I find the pews are too low and cause other problems, but that's maybe another blog.

 This is how I looked once seated, as you can see my posture is very bad and although I look comfortable I still found it difficult to stand up once seated.  Our cats loved this chair because it meant I had plenty of lap for them to sit on and they could stretch out comfortably while I used the computer, sewed, read or just watched TV.

After a lot of shopping and testing chairs we finally came to one that would really work.  Believe it or not the whole chair and foot stool fit into this one box. I was at work when Richard put the chair and stool together, which may have been a good thing!

This is what we purchased to replace the Lazyboy.  It doesn't look as comfortable and took me sometime to get used to.  Our cats were not happy and chose not to sit on my lap for the first week or so.  As you can see the seat is not as deep the back is more upright if I need to put my feet up then I have the stool.  I am now used to the glider, I am able to get out of it a lot easier than I could the Lazyboy.  I have no need for extra cushions and the room looks bigger without the larger chair.

There is a down side to the new chair, I can't hide all my stuff as well as I could behind the other chair, but it means then I have to have less stuff around me and keep things a lot tidier.  To solve the lap problem we purchased a free standing table that fits over my legs and means that our cats can sit on my lap when they want to.  We kept the Lazyboy for several weeks to make sure I was really comfortable with the new chair, once I decided that this was the right way to go we sold the Lazyboy to a parishioner who needed one for her son whose old one was in bad shape and was in a care home where he needed to supply his own chair.

I must admit there are times when I miss my Lazyboy but when you have a tiny living room, as we do, you can't keep extra furniture.  It is great to be able to get in and out of a chair now though.

Prince Albert to Greenfield, WI

Sunday June 13rd after Richard had fed his pastoral flock we headed home to finish packing the motor home.  It wasn't long before we were ready to move the RV from it's parking spot at the end of our property and leave for our three week adventure.  While Richard hooked up the battery and moved our temporary home I checked that everything in the house was secure and we hadn't forgotten to pack anything.

Richard was taken quite some time but he eventually came in and informed me that he would have to take the battery (the 3rd one) back to Canadian Tire for replacement as it too was dead.  This was the beginning of this years adventure.  He returned with the replacement, hooked it up, started up the RV and moved it to the street ready for us to take our leave.  It was about 3:00 or so when we finally set out.

We had no real plan other than to get as far from home as we could that first day.  By about 10 - 10:30 Richard had had enough driving for the first stretch; we were in Estevan.  We had not quite made it to the border as hoped.  We found the local Walmart and pulled into their car park for the night.  Engine turned off, battery disconnected we discovered we had no power to the coach.  No problem we would run the generator; that started fine but would only run for about 5 minutes before it too quite.  The adventure had begun; had the mice eaten through wires during the residence in the RV? 

Having RV problems is nothing new to us; having had a 1972 Winnebago Brave before this RV we were not new to breakdowns and motor home adventures.  We learned at the beginning of our RV days that you always add extra travel days for unforeseen (not sure that that's the correct term to use) breakdowns.  The question was; do we want to do anything about this current turn of events?  Not really, well not at the moment.  We pulled out the emergency lights and went to bed.

The plan for Monday was to drive as far as we could.  Not much of a plan but it worked for us.  There were no new mishaps or surprises for us on Monday and we happily listened to our audio book as we traveled on I94.  We made it to Menomonie, just outside Eau Claire, found the nearest Walmart and once more parked for the night.  Still not having any power once the engine was turned off and the vehicle battery disconnected; we munched on what was at hand and then headed for bed.

The next day we set out on our last leg of travel for this first part of our vacation.  For Christmas Richard got himself a GPS and we discovered that this small piece of equipment was worth it's weight in gold.  It directed us away from major delays and kept us moving in the fastest most efficient route to Greenfield.  We were really looking forward to using this small piece of equipment once we were within reaches of Milwaukee and hence Greenfield, our destination.

I have to say this was the most relaxed either of us have ever been on a trip to visit with the Koch family; we would have stress from the breakdowns, various mishaps and reading maps to guide Richard through the traffic.  We took the lack of power calmly; I did not have to tell Richard which lane to move too or which junction or exit to take, that was all left to the GPS.  This was the first time we had arrived at Laura and Aaron's home not over loaded with stress from an adventurous drive.

Three Weeks of Holiday

When I was hired for my current position I made sure that the bosses knew I would be gone for three weeks in June.  That three weeks is now here and they are not really happy about the fact that things are getting really busy and I am gone until July 3rd.

Before I left on Friday June 11th my immediate boss made sure I was aware that the majority of my work would still be here waiting for my attention when I returned.  At that moment I realized that I did not really care I would be gone and would have three wonderful weeks away visiting friends, relaxing by Lake Superior and shopping.

I will try to blog about our trip over the next few days.