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.

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Whitehall/Montague Fourth of July Parade

The Fourth of July parade in Whitehall and Montague is absolutely the best example of small town America on the 4th. Many local bands, older military people, all kinds of performers from the community. It's a wonderful thing to participate in. These are photogs from last year but we are always very anxious to attend the festivities. Sometimes we even take the pickup truck and orient the truck so we can put chairs in the back and sit and watch the parade go by.