ourplusone’s Neighborhood

This post is a tad delayed..like a month late..but as I was driving up to Drummond Island, MI for a fun long weekend of paddling and learning new skills with the kayak, I decided to jot down my observations from the road.  Now, its about a 9 1/2 to 10 hour drive up there (and then back), so there was plenty of time for thinking and puzzling along the way. 

Let the random thoughts begin:

• I am one person setting off on a 5 day vacation and yet the number of bags and crap that I loaded into my car was just unbelievable!  Yes, I had my kayak gear for all weather and the groceries/cooler for food for the next several days, but still.  What the heck is going to happen when you add in a spouse and kids?  Ridiculous I tell you.
  
• What exactly makes a hotel suite a "kid suite"? Video game setup in the room or direct access to the pool via an in-room waterslide?
• Can anyone explain what is an air zoo?  And from the billboards, I don't think it features just those animals that fly.
• I find it a tad odd that Michigan City is in Indiana.  And yes, I know about Kansas City, but at least Kansas City straddles both states, this one doesn't.   (On a side note, of course someone from the symposium was actually from Michigan City)
• I love my iPod and I have to thank Anne, my sister-in-law, for losing this one in a bar, ordering a new one, and then having this one returned to her.  Its the bestest gift ever that continues to enlighten my life (especially road trips!)  I set it to shuffle and went through 106 songs from Indiana border to Drummond Island on the way up, and then 91 songs from Gaylord, MI to Huntley area on the way back.  I'm amazed how often I'm surprised by what song comes on next..forgetting that its even on there.  And I'm also surprised by how many options there are but the iPod keeps going back to a certain artist (recently it really likes Queen).
• I'm going to highly recommend the Belkin iPod radio dealie (so technical, I know).  I originally had purchased the iTrip which was a total pain in the ass.  You'd have to find an empty radio station, then go into the iPod to choose that frequency, hitting pause while it was halfway through the "song", and then it would work.  You never kept the station for long and it was a huge risk for getting into an accident while trying to look at the screen to get the right station numbers.  Meanwhile, the Belkin works awesomely.  You can even preset two stations that are right there.  It searches the radio frequencies to find one it recommends, then you just tune your radio to that station and your music appears.  Its just so much easier than the iTrip that I cannot recommend it enough.  Love it!
• I passed an overhead electronic sign that stated that Thursday, August 21st, was Ozone Action Day!  And here I am driving 10 hours in my ozone destroying Saturn.  Nice timing on my part.
• I stop at a rest area to use the bathroom and encounter a piece of paper placed on the rear edge of the toilet which asks, "Where will you spend eternity?"  Hopefully not on this toilet.
• Who knew that Gaylord, MI was located on the 45th Parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole?
• I don't have a tendency to do this anyways, but its not very reassuring to see a sign stating "Prison Area Don't Pick Up Hitchhikers"  I feel so sorry for anyone whose car actually breaks down in this area..
• I passed a billboard stating "MAN KILLING GIANT CLAM" where the shrubbery blocked any other words on the sign.  Turned out it was for a sea shell shop at the next exit.  Odd.
• There were multiple signs for Mystery Spot in St Ignace, MI which only showed a question mark on the black background sign.  Now, I know I can't be the only one to wonder if this is for a discovery center/kids attraction or a well-publicized sex shop.  Turned out it is some sort of kid-friendly mysterious destination, but I really think they need to rethink this advertising campaign.

I arrived at my cute little cottage that Thursday night and found that it was going to work great for my needs over the next couple of days.  I went to turn on the TV to watch a little of the Olympics while unpacking everything when I discovered something horrifying.  This nice little tv where I had to manually turn the channels managed to pick up: Fox, ABC, CBS, Discovery, Nicktoons, The Weather Channel, USA, TNT, Cspan, and Oxygen, BUT NO NBC!!!  I admit I can be a TV junkie and this is a vacation on an island, but while I don't watch sports on TV, I am an Olympics fanatic.  I like to watch as much Olympics as I can, becoming involved with everything.  So the idea of not having an Olympics coverage was initially extremely unnerving and annoying.  And I soon discovered that the other morning shows kinda don't bother to show any highlights or even mention who won the night before which made the situation even worse.  I did, however get to enjoy the gold-medal Lacrosse and Water Polo matches.  Thankfully this symposium wasn't the week before when Swimming was still going or there really would have been an issue!

My last night at the cottage turned out to be an absolutely beautiful evening.  We had storms roll through at noontime which actually gave a night free of clouds.  I looked up to see a literal explosion of stars overhead.  I have never seen that many stars in my lifetime.  Between looking up at those and hearing the lapping of the waves just below on the beach, it was magical.  I fell asleep that night in pefect peacefulness....until the new campers of the day rudely disturbed my slumber.  Every other night had been peaceful, no noises at all and I was sleeping with windows wide open.  Then this night came along appearing all perfect, until I was awoken at 1:30 by loud talking, music, and obnoxiousness by the bikers that rolled in the day before.  I knew it was too good to be true.

The last day of the symposium I had signed up for a class called Wind And Waves, not having a clue if the weather would cooperate for really learning how to deal with both.  Turned out we ended up having winds of 15-20mph onshore which created some nice little waves to play in.  Now yes, these were nothing like real waves or big waves you can get on Lake Michigan and all, but for someone who hasn't yet experienced waves, they were great.  And they provided us the opportunity to do some kayak surfing which was awesome.  Cannot wait to try it again!

I stopped at Mackinac Island on my broken-up return trip home.  There is fudge everywhere on this island, but I sampled a Pumpkin Pie fudge that was amazing..truly tasted like Pumpkin pie and not at all like fudge.  Wonders will never cease.  On the ferry back to the mainland I discovered that the great wind for the class that morning was not necessarily the great wind for being on the top deck of a faster moving boat.  I did my best to try and not look like I had crazy person hair after I got ashore.

• I left Mackinac Island, crossed the Mackinac Bridge, and drove through Mackinaw City...where every one of those places is pronounced like Mackinaw.  So why in the hell are they spelled different?!
• I passed a car carrying a couple in their late 60s/70s with only one bumper sticker on their Indiana car....which said "MY MAN MITCH"  I have absolutely no idea what that is all about, but I think I might like Mitch.
• As I passed through the previously-mentioned Prison Area of the roadway, I'm almost positive there was a rest stop on the southbound side.  Really?  Do you think thats the best idea?
• But I have to say that I love rest areas.  I really do.  I think they were a great idea by whomever and that all major roadways should have them.  The ability to just barely pull off the road to do your business, raid bad vending machines, eat a meal on a picnic table, stretch and run about, its just perfect.  I've even napped at a rest area while driving back from St Louis once -- it was either that or fall asleep and drive off the road.  While it may have not been the safest idea, I security-locked my car, leaned the seat back, placed my coat on the rear window coat hook, and had a very refreshing nap which made it so I could finish the trip.  And the cats in the car didn't even mind (although I think they may have been a lil confused.)
• There are a string of counties in Michigan which, for whatever reason, all have roads labeled "__ Mile Road" marking how many miles that road is north of the county line.  (there is one county in between that doesn't)  I just think that this has got to cause problems and could we not think of anything else to call them?
• I had no idea that Rockford, MI existed until I drove past it on this roadtrip.  I think it was fitting (and a little tortuous) that I passed it at exactly 1000miles on the tripometer.  Fun but there was still 200+ miles to go...
• I stopped at some random city for fuel for both me and the car, luckily there was a Subway attached to the gas station making things even simpler.  As I was waiting for the women's bathroom to open up, I was standing by some random gas station food in a not very big area.  This man walks up and decides to ask me if I am waiting for the men's room.  Ummmm....no? Now, I hope that he just worded it oddly and meant if I was waiting for someone that was IN the men's room, but I kinda think he was actually asking.  The scary thing is that he then proceeded to walk into it with his hands loaded with food items.  Ewwwe.
• At that same stop, I was waiting in line to order at the Subway counter, where I doubt that any of the employees had ever worked at before.  They were taking forever.  So the nice old man who gets in line behind me strikes up a conversation, talking about where he was going/came from/etc.  I then am able to order and when I get down to the lady at the register, she takes a minute figuring it all out and then proceeds to ask if I am buying the old man's sandwich.  Ummm, no?  Apparently if you have any conversation with another in this town, then you're together, I guess.  After I sat down to eat, the old man swung by on his way out to let me know that the same woman couldn't handle making his change after he handed her some bills and coins, so he had to take the coins back so she could figure it out.  Niiiice.  If I knew the town, I would warn all to stay faaaar away.
• I've seen plenty of weigh stations but I had never encountered a surprise truck inspection.  The first hint was the one semi pulled over on the side of the road for quite awhile instead of getting off at the rest area ahead - most likely getting all his shit together.  And then every truck was forced to pull off into the rest area for the inspection.  Sucks to be you all.
• I am always mystified when I still see bumper stickers, signs in the yard, and billboards saying "Ron Paul Hope For America".  Do these people not realize that he isn't really an option for president anymore? 
  
• When I was on Drummond Island, I had to add some gas to the tank unfortunately and only put in a little due to the high prices.  Now these prices are kinda understood when everything has to come over by boat/ferry.  So I was completely shocked to see that downtown Chicago gas prices were actually the same as those on the island.  That is just a total scam.
• I passed a Harley or Harley-esque bike that actually had fringe all down around the bottom of the bike.  Really?  Do you honetly think that looks good?
• I want to give a kudos shout-out to the Michigan Dept of Transportation/Highway people for their smart thinking.  In Michigan, its 70mph on the highway, 60mph in a construction area, and 45mph when there are actual workers in the construction area.  Not only does this make sense, but people then actually slowed down when the workers were around.  I despise slowing to 45mph in a construction zone when its 2am and there is NO ONE around.  And 70mph limit is perfect for me..allows me to go a comfortable 76mph without a high risk of getting a ticket.  Its a win-win for all.  Illinois highway people, make notice of this!
  

Overall I had a great time and survived the drive.  Both driving days were beautiful, blue skies, sunny, couldn't complain.  The straight through drive up was actually kinda fast and fun, not so much for the return as the hours kinda dragged on.  Next year I plan on heading back up for the symposium, this time to the western side of the UP.  Hopefully those Wisconsin roads will provide more entertaining thoughts and puzzles to keep me occupied!

When I came across this clip of Craig Ferguson, it reminded me that every time I catch parts of his monologue, I find that I really like him.  He has a certain realness and friendliness, as if he's actually have a conversation with the audience about his thoughts, not just reading one/two-liners that were written for him and usually fall flat.  He speaks his thoughts and doesn't quite seem to care if they may not agree with the masses.

His thoughts on September 10th on his show serve as a great reminder to all of us Americans who take our duties and rights for granted.  This really is an important election coming up that requires all of us to take the time to read up on the candidates, hear what they have to say, and form our own opinions...and then go out and let ourselves count.

Its just interesting that it may take a grown man who chose to become an American citizen this past year to make some of us realize it.

Enjoy.

Many years ago, when I was still in St Louis, I jotted down a couple of to-do items, mainly activities, mainly things I had never tried or just wanted to do more of.  One of those things was kayaking.  Last summer, I found out that a place in town did demo-nights where you could paddle out for about 15 mins and see what you think.  Obviously, they were trying to get you to get involved and buy one.  So I finally went and tried it and realized just how peaceful and yet physical it can be at the same time.  My schedule sucked for Wednesday nights, so I was only able to take advantage of this a couple of times. 

So spring arrives this year and my birthday is looming ahead.  And for whatever reasons, I set my sights on going out and getting my own kayak.  My experience to that point? Really minor.  But I just knew that this is something that I wanted to do.  So I researched and figured out all the equipment and accessories I was going to need, and now find myself (finally) the proud owner of a kayak!  It was ordered on June 16th, and sadly did not arrive until July 23rd with a barely noticeable scratch into the nose of it which gave me 10% off the price - couldn't argue with that!  I've already taken a couple of classes this summer, joined up with some local/Chicago paddling clubs, and went on my first paddle outing where I was going to know no one.  I find that pretty much everyone I encounter who is involved with kayaking is not only really nice but also extremely friendly and helpful to anyone else.  They instantly accept you into the "club" and are easily ready with any advice or help you may possibly need. 

On August 21st I'm driving up to Drummond Island, MI - a small island in Lake Huron thats basically in Canada! - for a Ladies of the Water Kayak Symposium.  It'll involve on-land classes everyday about how to pack a kayak, camping, choosing the right paddle, etc and also two two-hour water classes each day covering paddle strokes, rescues, rolls, navigation, etc.  I will know absolutely no one who is going there which would normally kinda freak me out, but the moment I found out this information, I went about moving my schedule around so I could make it.  A couple of days paddling with people who love the sport and have so much to offer, a cute cottage up on a hill overlooking the water, some peace and relaxation.....how could I not go?  Usually my vacations are spent visiting friends/family in various places across the country.  But this one is for me and, despite the 9 1/2 hour drive, I'm really looking forward to it. 

If you've never kayaked before, I'd highly recommend giving it a try in a nice calm lake.  Its something everyone should try!

So here's my Tsunami 135, strapped onto my lil Saturn.  I'm looking forward to where those two will take me :)

Amanda and Sean were lucky enough to track this down.  So many memories of P&J...

It was bound and determined to happen at some point.  I guess I'm just glad that I was in the room when it did.

Unfortunately there's no sound to hear the sad little "meow" as he realized that not only could he not get out easily, but that I was going to struggle to get to him myself.  Poor little Cubby..

What a difference 7 months can make..

..and yes, that is the same scratching post.

**** I was searching through my sent mail for something, and came back across this email I sent out in December.  It made me laugh again, so I figured I'd put it up here too.  And being that its Monday morning, I thought it was a fitting time.  Added note: At the moment, the kitties are quietly sleeping...for now. ****

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  It was a cold and sunny morning...  I had just came home from a very long and frustrating shift at work...  My two "children" met me at the door, looking a little hungry but happy and full of energy...  They offerred me no sign of what I was to find further into the house...  Minutes passed before I made my way towards the living room in order to answer the shrilling ring of the telephone...  As I approached the telephone, my eyes wandered towards a brillant puddle of red on the floor in front of the chair...  I gasped in horror as I realized what I was seeing...the beautiful, handmade-with-love, christmas tree skirt had been ripped from its home in the dead of the night and strangled, splayed out in a vulnerable heap for just anyone to gape at!.  I held back my tears as I desperately tried to analytically look at the crime scene.  Who could have done such a vile thing to such a beautiful skirt, made with the sweat and tears and love of my dear friend Amanda?  I thought of the possible suspects -- my dear Father who so nobly shoveled my snow and ice covered drive the night before - could he have snapped and taken his anger and frustration of decorating trees and packaging packages out on my dear tree skirt?  Could someone have stolen my keys, came to my house, unlawfully entered my home, left my many jewels and electronics alone due to being mesmerized by the beauty of the tree skirt, became enraged at the thought of never being able to have such a beautiful skirt of their own that they killed off the beauty so that no one could possess it?  I turned as I heard the thundering of feet aproaching me from behind, my heart leaping into my chest.  Had the murderous villain returned to the scene of the crime?!  I breathed a sigh of relief as I realized it was merely my two innocent, sweet, angelic cats coming to say thank you for finally feeding us breakfast at 12:00!  While I petted them to say you're welcome, I began to realize that there may have been another scenario I was forgetting.  These two angelic faces, while loving and sweet, do belong to two super active bodies of kitties less than 8 months old.  Could they have possibly turned on their guardian and sole provider, showing their dissatisfaction with the time spent alone all day Saturday while I jetted off and played with the maker of said tree skirt, and again on Sunday while I tried to make some family money?  Could they have become possessed by some evil poltergeist that forced them to run around like their tails are on fire, wrecking havoc on all that gets in their way?  Or did the tree skirt's ribbons, which lovingly hold the skirt in place, become possessed and therefore the kitties were acting in a heroic manner to untie the ribbons and move the skirt before it could destroy our beloved Christmas tree?!  It was as if a light bulb went off above my head in that moment.  I realized that my two feline companions had saved Christmas in their act of bravery!  They had rid the tree of its imminent danger and made sure that our tree would survive to see another Christmas Day.

  As I write you this tale of heroism and near murder, my lovely "children" are leaping around my head, climbing up the chair, knocking possibly possessed books onto the floor, and making sure that we all live to see another day.  If only we all could have such precious guardian angels looking out for us...

  (Crime scene photos to follow)

  Happy Monday to all!
  Michelle

Disclaimer:  The author of this email only slept from 12:30 to 4 this morning, went on a completely obnoxious and patience-testing call into Loyola, which built up to the grand finale of a car/ambulance accident on 90 with said author as the driver.  Have no fear..there were no injuries in either party, minor ambulance damage, many curses towards the idiot asshole who caused it all and suffered no damage nor stopped, no tickets issued, lots of paperwork, calls from insurance agencies (while writing this email), and an occasional laugh.  But said events may have lead to an overactive imagination, low blood sugar, and a very lengthy email describing the possible events of the last 24 hours in said residence.  Hopefully a chuckle was passed on and all have a better Monday than I :)

For Wendy: