Serendipity

My parents were married in 1956, in a Catholic church. Mom was Protestant. That very fact that she was, caused a lot of issues to rise on my dad’s side of the family, all devout Catholics. I’m really not sure how well my mom was liked by her in-laws, but in the years to follow, despite the family’s animosity, she refused to convert to dad’s religion. Mom was a gentle woman, very loving and giving. She wasn’t one to meddle in other’s affairs yet she stood her ground when she believed she was right. I was born in 1958 and by the time that I was 6 or 7, a silent war raged on that I was unaware of. Mom wanted me to know both religions, so I went to church school at a Baptist church on Tuesday afternoons as a time-release from my regular schooling. On Saturdays, one of my parents drove me to another church school at the family’s church (St. Vincent) for a couple of hours of Catholic teachings. This went on for at least a year, maybe two. I remember that one day, sometime af...

As the leaves begin to change As the leaves change color and begin to fall, my time here in Michigan is coming to a close. In a matter of days, I will be headed back home...to a new home. A new chapter in my life. I have continued to take photos of the changes the trees are undergoing, as well as getting some other photos of little critters as they come to visit. This Maple tree only just beginning its transformation  Around the lake more trees become bathed in new colors It didn't take long for the leaves to change colors It's hard to believe that time has passed so fast here, and I am able to witness Michigan's seasonal change. Sadly, I will have missed most of New York's color changes...but then again...maybe not. This is across the lake from here On this day, the wind was just howling... The maple turned very fast! A close up of the maple The tree seemed almost to blush! An oak tree at the side of the deck ...

Leaving behind the recent past I know I have been really bad about keeping everyone posted about my life over the past 5 years. As of the 2nd of September, things changed and what was, no longer is. Five years ago this past May, I happened to figuratively bump into a guy I'd gone to school with. He had returned to New York after living in the South for most of a decade. He wanted to know if we could get together for a 'catch-up' session, I said "Sure". I never expected that we would click right off the bat. We did though and by the end of the day that we spent together, I was hooked and didn't want him to leave. I had never had this kind of feeling of ease with anyone before. From that point on, it was like we'd found our soul mates. By that November, we had moved in together and life was good. We blended very well for the first year or so then things gradually started to change and the red flags started to pop up on occasion. I ignored them.  ...

Chippy Meet Chippy.  He's been coming up on the deck almost daily. I was lucky enough to get several shots of him as he darted around getting food to eat. It's been very funny to me to try to take photos of him...as he must be able to see me as easily as I see him. The minute that he does...zoom... He's gone! So I sat here this afternoon and used the photos I took to make a short video.  Thanks and have a great day! Deb

Sign along the main thoroughfare.  What an exciting town Frankenmuth is! It's very culturally different and there is so much to see. Anyone could spend a whole day there and not seeing or tasting everything. The first thing we saw were horse and carriages taking people up and down the streets. First carriage we saw There were several of these horse and carriages Toward the end of the day, we inquired as to the price of these rides...$45 for 15 minutes. What a shock! We went into (I think) 3 different candy stores. Oh Heavenly chocolate! There were also stores that made taffy...another treat for the tastebuds. Any of these stores give you a sample and it's not hard to fill up on sugary things!  Moving on, we went to a Country Store that sold all manner of things, from candy (by the bulk) to souvenirs and more. This chair grabbed our interest: This chair had been updated using wire and bottle caps A closer look at the bottle caps ...