We traveled north 29 miles from Muskegon into farming communities that have Amish wagons drawn by horses! Our host, Terry, asked if we saw the little public boat ramp where the Amish families put little boats in with the horse and buggy. They travel with the kids in the boat that is hitched to the wagon! Can you imagine? We visited Michele and Terry (neighbors on Big Pine Key) and helped fix a mail box that was unceremoniously kicked over by the snow plow… and other little fix ups a house needs after being closed up for the winter. Terry said the porch we had so nicely fit with swinging chair, chairs, table, and cushions had about 3 feet of leaves on it when he and Michele got there from Big Pine key…. The leaf blower got a constant workout with Terry and Chuck at the helm. Opening a winterized house is something Chuck and I do not know about… Sure we close up for a hurricane and get lizards in the house, … OK I guess it’s somewhat the same.
I’m seeing pink and white trees, and Michele’s yard is full of violets and other wild spring flowers like sweet little bells and yellow puffs. I have no idea of the names of spring flowers. I took a walk in a field near the hotel and the grass was soft. I walked toward a stand of trees that looked barren and found them covered with tiny green leaves and little buds! They will probably break into flower as soon as we leave!
Today I will go to the art museum and the Monet garden and hope to do some plein air painting in the Monet garden. Chuck will hang with his submarine buddies and trade "sea stories." Tomorrow is the Memorial celebration when we "toll the boats" that have been lost. We will have a fly over and a lost man formation and a memorial band to play taps (with echo). This is a very moving ceremony. Remember to thank a veteran this weekend. Love and kisses. Sue