Valentines Day

Well, the winter was very well at work when we came for Valentines Day this year. We did well though with the furnace and the small gas fireplace. And besides that, John, Katie and Lou were there with us.

The Catchers Mitt

The Catchers Mitt ... this is the description of the area in and around the beach house. That's because of the geography of this area. In the winter the winds whip across the open fields and create large drifts that cause major problems. A few weeks ago, visibility in this area was so bad that the county called the plows out of that area and simply let the Catchers Mitt catch the snow. It's a term that was generated by the snow plow drivers. Here is Marlene on the corner of Whitbeck and Meinert Rds. This was closed for a few days before it could be reopened. 

Lots of Snow

 Another day at the land. The LP folks forgot to load us up in the fall and we were running dangerously low. Had Osborne clear the 2 foot deep snow. Then it snowed another 6" before the LP truck arrived so I cleared another path while Marlene made Snow Angels.

Fourth of July - Pommer Celebration

Fourth of July - Pommer Celebration

These shots are courtesy of Justin Dobbles. He was a guest at the get together at Montague Pied A Terre for a weekend of merriment and festivities following the Pommer reception celebrating the marriage of Mark and Yara. These are fine pictures taken with a cell phone and exhibit the beauty of the area surrounding Pied A Terre.

Thank you Justin for providing these great pictures. Hopefully there will be more to come from both Justin and Nancy.

Please note the marvelous "carved out" space in the trees lining the dune alongside the beach. This effort was a galant feat and definately should not go unnoticed ... thank you George.

Angels Watching Over Me

Montague Pied A Terre has been equipped with a weather vane. The task of installing it was other than easy but it was a worthwhile endeavor. The angel is almost three feet in length, is three dimensional (not two dimensional and flat) and it's made of copper. The copper was most beautiful when it was initially ensconsed over the porch but the weather and elements have quickly turned it from a bright and shiny surface to something more subdued. As time goes on it will most likely turn its surface to a green patina.

The green patina that forms naturally on copper and bronze, sometimes called verdigris, usually consists of a mixture of chlorides, sulphides and carbonates. copper carbonate or copper chloride. Atacamite is another name for the patina compounds. Verdigris is usually more specifically the artificial form and can be produced on copper by the addition of vinegar (acetic acid). Such a verdigris is water-soluble and will not last on the outside of a building like a "true" patina. It is instead usually used as pigment.

One example of a patina is a green surface texture created by slow chemical alteration of copper, producing a basic carbonate. It can form on pure copper objects as well as alloys which contain copper, such as bronze or brass.

4 July 2010

Well, the 4th of July family rebellion was a smashing success again thanks to all of those who were willing to make the trek to the north. Lots of food was eaten, lots of stories were shared and best of all, the weather and the Lake were very cooperative. Other fun events were Mule rides and outside showering. In addition, there were wonderful snacks that showed up as well as homemade wine and handcrafted beer. What wonderful memories. The venison jerky was'nt too shabby either.

I tried to get everyone in at least one picture but Marlene said that I missed Jane. She was probably still down on the beach walking to the north.

Some had such fun swimming in the Lake that they returned for more swimming after dinner.

It was wonderful to have Arturo and Giovanni but we really missed The Meem (sp). Next year we'll change that.

The prize for the best manicured beard goes to Justin Daining.
The prize for showing up in the most pictures goes to the three (3) young cousins who seemed to be having a most wonderful time.

It was a good 4th of July at Pied a Terre. All invited guests came and the suprise guests made it even more fun. The pulled pork was a hit and the Lake Michigan swimming was an even bigger hit.

Twas a foggy day

It was a foggy day at the beach but the warmth of friendship and love made it a beautiful day. The beach was shrouded in mist and cottages were hidden from view on the walk to the south. The fog and mist would come and go all day long.

Guy Noir and his friend

Guy Noir and his friend have been establishing a relationship while we are gone for the time between weekends. When we arrived this week they apparently were cold and we found them on the stove in an attempt to warm themselves. The next morning we found them on the table. They were apparently hungry and had eaten everything that we had placed into the bowl. Guy Noirs friend in fact was found sitting in the bowl and making strange noises in an attempt to get us to fill it up again.

Later in the afternoon they were on the porch looking at the beautiful sunset. They sat there for quite some time before returning to their assigned perches.

On Sunday morning we were a little upset when we found them attempting to drive the Mule up and over to who knows where. They've never been further away than a couple of steps and had they succeeded in escaping, it may very well have been disastrous. Thank goodness.

G

Springtime Mushrooms

Springtime is a wonderful time for spotting mushrooms along Peppers Trail. New and varied species appear each year. This year we were fortunate to find a lovely red specimen along one of our walks. Some specimens, although they lack the color of the one above, make up for it with beautiful designs.

Love Seat Arrival

Marlene and Nancy made the decision that the old love seat had seen its better days and it was time for something new in the cottage. Several places were checked out and Nancy finally found a wonderful choice that you can view below. It fits into the scheme of things very well and the side pillows can be used on the futon making it much more comfortable to relax into. The color fits in very well and the design is perfect for the space. Thanks Nancy! You did well!

Thanksgiving 2009

Many things to be thankful for ...

... we now have two (2) propane tanks so that we don't run dangerously low once March comes around and there is still lots of snow on the ground making it very difficult for LP delivery trucks resulting in the need to hire a front end loader to clear the way.

... the horizon seems to be coming more into view. Unexplained phenomenon. Will need to keep our "eyes on" the "horizon".

... montague pied a terre may experience some Christmas visitors this year.

Weekend

The weekend was great. Wonderful weather for the 2nd weekend in November. We even had a lunch on the beach complete with table, chairs, plates and silverware. No pictures to prove it however.

Sunrise ... Sunset

Two very wonderful people from the sunrise side of the state of Michigan came to visit the Sunset side of the state. We had a most wonderful time ... good food, good times and most wonderful of all, good memories. Thanks Catherine and Earl.

Sunflowers and Side Porches

Chase Road is rife with sunflowers this year. The finches will be bountifully supplied this winter as long as the flowers are harvested. If not, finches will fend for themselves.

The side porch is very pleasant in the eaerly morning. It makes a wonderful spot for a cup of coffee.

Side Trips and Smelt Dinners

There's a small group of musicians who regularly (weekley) provide entertainment in a small place in Pentwater. It's a fun destination and provides for some relaxation.

The summer has literally flown by. We thought we better have a smelt dinner at our favorite spot before Labor Day. The fish market closes that weekend and sometimes even runs out before monday.

August Visit

August is a wonderful month at MontaguePiedATerre. About the middle of the month, the meteorites begin to shower, maybe beginning on or about the 11th. Then about the same time, the "night noises" will start up. A chorus of thousands of cicadas and tree toads can lull you to a restful state, either early in the morning or later in the evening. And then there are the visits from loved ones. We had a wonderful time with Jack and Deb. We had wonderful meals, beautiful beach walks and swims, invigorating mule rides, stimulating conversations and magnificent wines to go along with the meals. We even had a mini trip to Pentwater for fresh smelt and a wonderful walk on the beach to the north. We left the township park and headed for Pentwater. Pentwater was readying itself for the "Homecoming" that would launch itself with a 4 o'clock parade. We arrived at about 2 and witnessed the preparations. The Pentwater Chief of Police even cross examined Jack and Paul looking for reasons to arrest them. But after intimidating him with potentially damaging information, he left the scene in his 4x4 and we did not see him again, except for his cross examination of a buxom blonde. There were many other interesting visitors ... one a doctor from Arabia escorted by a high heeled, interestingly clad person from who knows where. Then there were lots of other unusual as well as unexpected visitors ... all preparing themselves for the festivities.

That day we picked up a hummingbird feeder for Jack and Deb, a delicious cherry pie for dinner, and other various and sundry things to grace the yard of The Versluys'. A good time was had by all, times were shared, stories were told, music was heard, meals were prepared, wines were uncorked, fun was enjoyed and most of all ... hurried lives were calmed. Thanks Deb and Jack for taking time to visit.

Bedspreads and Morning Glories

Here's the new quilt that replaces our old, albeit beloved, quilt that just became too worn and tired.

Here's the Morning Glory watercolor from Donna VanVleet that we had framed. This a shot of the piece on a wall at home but in less than a week it will be hanging on our bedroom wall at Montague Pied A Terre.

Watercolors by Donna

Our bedroom at Pied A Terre is graced with a water color by Donna Heisler Van Vleet. The work is wonderfully brightened by the eastern morning sunrise. This work represents the rolling hills and vineyards in the Leelanau Penninsula. It wiil however be replaced by the water color of morning glories enhanced by the Rockie Mountains in the background. The aforementioned water color will appear in a different place to grace the walls of Pied A Terre. Once the piece is mounted on the walls, it will appear in the blogspot.

Fourth of July - 2009

The fourth of july this year was again a wonderful experience. The visitors were ... Harvey and Phyllis Bratt, David and Ruth Bratt, Jane and David Daining, Mary and Arturo Ragagni along with our all time favorite Giovanni. A good time was had by all.

Harvey and Phyllis brought a marvelous fruit salad. David and Ruth ... the most wonderful cookies and Davids homemade wine. Exquisite! Jane and David ... a great salad and Davids homemade beer ... Smart Son. When he says "I wish I had a smart son" ... why just go to the fridge and there's a Smart Son. Mary brought a wonderful Italian dish enjoyed by all. We even were able to bring some home and marvelled at its exquisitness. Thank you all for you contributions and for your willingness to experience the time with family.

Giovanni and his Uncle Paul spent a bit of time on the Kawasaki Mule. Giovanni is increasing his ability to drive in a responsible and mature behaviour. Way to go Giovanni!!

2009 Changes

There are many changes occuring at Pied A Terre. The new co-owners have added many new wonderful additions to the scene. Changes have occured to the guest bedroom, the co-owner bedroom (of course) , the great room, the library and last but not least, the screened in porch.

Check out the photographs and see what the changes have meant to Pied A Terre.

This summer is rich and full. The renters have all taken a sabbatical and promise to return next year.

The wicker furniture is a wonderful addition and provides for a cozy environment on the marvelous screened in porch. Meals here are the penultimate in the enjoyment of the surrounding dunescape.