After the last few winters (which were brutal, cold, snowy, and long), James got a break this year when the late January temperatures reached the mid forties! James took advantage of the weather (and a weekend without football) to work on his puzzle still in the garage from the fall. Its a 2000 piece puzzle and James is half way through it which would make it the largest puzzle (piece wise) that James had ever put together.

The warm weather has also helped us get an early start on Spring cleaning. Last year at this time we were chipping ice on the sidewalks with most of our free time, this year we have been able to do a little cleaning under the steps and for one of the few times in the history of under the steps, it does not look bad.

Tomorrow it should be in the mid forties again although we may hit 50 so James is planning on a couple visits to relatives and then a full afternoon of working on his puzzle.

We made the trek to “Past Tense” in Lapeer Michigan this weekend to check out the displays and were happy to find that the awful construction and detours they have had their the past year are finally over and we shot right through the town of Lapeer. Past Tense has Halloween and Christmas displays up all year long, in addition to being one of the most unique garden shops in Michigan. Our friend Dynamike joined us as he does a lot of gardening in his front lawn and while he was looking at gardening and antique idea’s, Dad was in the Halloween section (as expected).

Next we stopped at the antique store there and checked out what was new (or old as the case may be.

After the antique store we stopped for treats at their restaurant (the one with the water wheel) we headed back home, noticing how early the sun sets in January. By the time we got home (around 6pm) it was pitch dark. Spring is getting close but not quite around the corner.

Continue reading “Winter Visit To “Past Tense” 2016” →

We decided to treat ourselves to one of our gifts, which was a trip to Henry Ford Museum. James had a blast with the green screen dancing to “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” video which Dad tried filming to the best of his ability. James also generated electricity, 200 watts as a matter of fact. We checked out the Presidential cars, the Rosa Park bus, along with the chair where Lincoln was shot just to name a few of the many attractions. James also got to dress up as a “weiner” at the Osacar Meyer weiner mobile along with visiting the new attractions at Henry Ford called “Roadside America”. Later we got home just in time to see the Lions beat the Bears, thus ending the Lion season at 7-9 after a 1-7 start. Thus ending football season in Michigan as all our teams are done.

Continue reading “Henry Ford Museum During Holiday Break 2016” →

Happy New Years Everyone. New Year Eve began at Red Robins with Dynamike the Magician as James feasted on onion rings and pizza while everyone else had burgers. Dynamike surprised everyone with gifts for everyone, some you will see at Halloween. As the evening progressed we had the absolute disappointment watching MSU get skunked by Alabama, but the evening picked up as we approached midnight and James did his one minute countdown that he loves to do.

New Years Day was great with all the football, however almost all the games were blowouts. Fortunately Michigan routed Florida which sort of helped make up for the game the night before.

Continue reading “Happy New Year 2016” →