Days101-122; October 6-28; Aqua Yacht Harbor where if you’re in the marina restaurant you are in Mississippi and if you are out on the dock you are in Tennessee. Namaste had a good long rest while we traveled back to Michigan for a fix of family and friends. Total miles traveled: still 1217

On October 6 we rented a car and left beautiful Pickwick lake for the 11 hour, relatively easy trip to 1563 Blue Heron Drive. It was great to be at home enjoying the comforts of our own bed and recliner reading chairs. Mostly we relished seeing important family and friends. Thanks to everyone for accommodating our schedule for a meal, a glass of wine or cup of coffee and making the time special.

Grandchildren highlights included Lexi’s homecoming and league championship volleyball game, Ashleigh’s girl’s hockey game, Liam’s archery and newly acquired hockey stick handling skill, Klava’s winning soccer team, Nate’s learn-to- skate lessons, and a visit to Leonie’s new school. A big favorite was spending a regular Wednesday with Nate and Leonie at Grandma and Grandpa’s. We slipped back into our old routine together without a blink.

While gone Jo Ann traveled to Santa Fe to visit Evie and to Denver for the Council on Social Work Education Annual Conference. Both were memorable personal and professional events. The only down side was missing Veta’s birthday extravaganza which was a tremendous success by all accounts. Cannot wait to see the pictures.

Jim. Curt and Sammy went to Camp Lookout to finalize closing her down for the season including putting the pontoon boats to bed. He also made a new captain’s chair base and figured out how to attach the ipad to the nav station for easier reading of the charts. Both work perfectly.

On Sunday October 25 we shopped in our kid’s DVD and game closets, packed up new stuff we don’t need to replace the old stuff we didn’t need and headed south again. Good news was that it was a gorgeous trip with rain for only the last hour. Bad news was that it then rained for 60 hours straight – the residual of tropical storm Patricia. We slept for 13 hours, re-provisioned the boat, and left Pickwick Lake on Thursday to reconnect with friends and buddy boaters, Ron and Vickie onboard Sea to See. Oh yes, you know you’re back in the South when you see an open carry weapon and chitlins for sale at Kroger. Also, did you know that the Mississippi State Flag has the Confederate Flag embedded within it?

Quote of the Day:  “We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.”  -Anais Nin

Boat Name of the Day: H2OME

Bad Boat Name of the Day: Runnin Amok

Bad Town Names of the Day: Crittersville, Ohio or Bucksnort, Tennessee

Get well Beverly

Happy Birthday Elizaveta, our wonderful daughter-in-law and Chris Poppenger

Rest in Peace Helen Vizina (1918-2015). Yes, that is 97

Lexi’s volleyball team in the Milford Homecoming Parade 2015

Lexi waiting for Thomas and ready for the Homecoming dance.

Ashleigh playing for the Kensington Valley Ravens.

Liam handling the puck during guy’s archery.

Go Klava go!!!!  #2

Nate at learn-to-skate. Should I be a hockey player or a race car driver?

Leonie on her way to School and so excited.

Melo – the new addition to the Mike, Veta, Liam, Klava family.  Nope, not one of Sammy’s pups.

The Dean Schneck Memorial Award at CSWE, 2015.