It was a hard decision but we had once again accumulated too much stuff.

Most of the stuff was older Halloween decorations and while they are old to us, they are a little collectible so when we have these sales we do a post on various forums and facebook letting people know that if they want a Universal Frankenstein they can come to the garage sale.

The Halloween stuff sold very well and we had excellent results with that. The Christmas stuff didn’t sell at all. All the clothes that did not sell were taken to Purple Heart charities where they will find a new home.

Good weather but its still tiring doing these sales. The profits went to James College fund for the most part.

Continue reading “2024 Garage Sale” →

It seems to happen earlier each year as we went to the first Spirit Halloween store to open near us today.

This year their theme was Carnival or as they like to say, Carnevil.

We saw a gruesome looking spider that we liked, but other than that it was mostly clowns… again.

We didn’t buy anything because we did not have any coupons (you can usually pick up a 20 percent off coupon at their website once the stores open but in this case it was too early even for their website.

Even though it is early August it is still nice to see the upcoming Halloween decorations.

Continue reading “First Halloween Store Opens 2024” →

Another season of VIP Camp has come to a successful conclusion. James and his friends had a blast this year and we look forward to seeing the participants again in the future as this season just seemed to whip on by. Plenty of activities and games including the annual bowling extravaganza!

This was our second visit up North this year, but we didn’t have time to make it to Mackinaw when James was receiving his award. So we made a promise to get back up to Mackinaw and while we were only there for a day, we did accomplish our goals.

Lots of shopping and many of the stores have changed. There are a couple of Psychics there not giving reading which is unique, along with the usual array of tourist traps.

We stopped into the American Legion there (which is now open to the public, ironic since being able to get a drink at this American Legion was the reason I joined) and enjoyed drinks and chips.

A perfect day at one of the most beautiful spots on earth.

Continue reading “Mackinaw 2024” →

This was a perfect day in Detroit, clear skies, not too hot and NO RAIN! This was also a free Tiger Hawaiian shirt day so everyone got a shirt.

Plus the Tigers won. With the trade deadline approaching many were afraid the Tigers would deal some of their players, but most of the fans do not want that as it would mean more years of rebuilding. The Tigers got off to a great start then pretty much fizzled it away and are below 500 at this point in the season.

The next day headlines read “Skubal leads Tigers to 7-2 win over Twins in final start before the trade deadline”

Continue reading “Watching a Tiger Win at Comerica Park” →

Another great Fourth of July display in our neighborhood as the skies lit up most of the evening with some awesome fireworks displays.

Since fireworks were legalized in Michigan we have seen some fantastic displays that were put on by our neighbors, so much so we don’t feel a need to go to fireworks shows anymore as we enjoy the creativity of the neighbors.

James had a blast watching the display for over an hour. If there is an issue its that you have to have bug spray on or you will get eaten up by all the bugs, but other than that it was a great Fourth and a wonderful time was had by all.

Continue reading “2024 4th of July” →

Nicks family invited us to the Tiger game which was supporting breast cancer awareness. We left early but got tied up on 94 but still made it to the game on time. While walking to the game from our parking spot, Mom and Dad got to visit Jame’s school – Mike Illitch School of Business – and took a few pics. Detroit is great in this area with all the sports in one area downtown.

Unfortunately the Tigers blew a lead and lost. There hitting just isn’t there this year and I personally think they took a big step backwards. Sloppy play in the field makes me wonder if they are getting the proper coaching. They lost 5-4, but at least it wasn’t as bad as yesterdays loss – 10-0 – at the hands of these same Brewers.

Amazingly, one of James friends who went to Europe was also at the game and joined James for a few pictures as well. All in all it was a great way to spend a cloudy afternoon in Detroit. Continue reading “Tigers Game Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness 2024” →

After 15 days in central Europe, James’ class comes to a conclusion.

James visited many different countries, toured many plants and learned about different businesses and business practices. He also did some work while in these plants, going over ledgers and such.

Needless to say Mom and Dad were anxious to get James home, he got through customs without any issues and was picked up at Metro airport in Romulus.

James had two fantastic trips this year, many students don’t get any so he is very thankful to Wayne State College for this wonderful opportunity. James saw 6 countries on this trip, and saw 2 countries on the France trip (France and England) so he saw 8 European countries in a two month period and it all counted as college credits, a pretty smart move on Jame’s part.

At this point James does not have any more over sea classes scheduled for his upcoming Senior year.

Continue reading “Return From Amsterdam to Detroit” →

James and his class got a chance to visit Royal FloraHolland. Royal FloraHolland is the largest international floriculture marketplace for flowers and plants, operating as both an association of growers and a business entity. Royal FloraHolland handles an average of 100,000 transactions per day and generates an annual turnover of over 5 billion euros. With around 3,000 members from Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as buyers from numerous countries, they are a leader in the floriculture sector.

After the tour and classes were over, James enjoyed a Thai restaurant with his classmates for their last dinner in Europe together.

Mom says many of the bulbs she buys each spring are from Holland, now we know why!

Continue reading “The Last Day in Central Europe – Royal FloraHolland” →

This was James’ free day and he decided to take a flight from Amsterdam to Luxembourg city (business class as they offered James an upgrade for a nominal cost). While in Luxembourg he visited the Grand Palace Ducal. After a brief visit to the city James took a Eurostar train to get to Brussels to meet up with his classmates. Later he went to the Atomium in Brussels but his phone was low. His ride to the town hall was cancelled and James had to make other arrangements with the help of two of his classmates before the phone died.

After sharing strategic ideas they went into a business who let them use a charger to charge up all their phones. They made all their destinations on time on this busy day (despite getting on the wrong train but right destination).

Without a doubt this was the most adventurous day of the trip, but lots of fun as James saw three countries just that day.
Continue reading “Flight to Luxembourg and Train to Brussels Belgium” →