August 27, 2016: Breakfast, Chance's Open House, and Thomas Reunion

Today turned out to be a busy day.  I got my haircut in the morning then went to Mr. B's Pancake House to meet some friends from the Health Dept.  I saw Julie and Scott Henley in their car but no one else.   The line was out the door at the restaurant and neither of us wanted to wait so I suggested we go to Villa Venefro in Montague.    I wrote to Josh and invited him and his sister,  Olivia.   I picked them up and met Julie and Scott at the restaurant.   Josh wanted me to make reservations for him and his friend and her kids to stay at the same campsite in Ludington this week.    We all had a nice conversation over breakfast.

We came back to Olivia's apartment and got ready for Chance Valdez's graduation open house in Montague.   I didn't know too many people there.  I did talk with Chance's grandfather, Leo, who does photography as a side business.   

Then,  I went to the Thomas family reunion at Christi Kosheba's house on Bear Lake.   Lorraine was here from

Florida.  I haven't seen her in several years.   She looked great.    

We had a nice meal and then Ken took Kelsey, Matt, Charlene, Emma, my Mom, and I on his pontoon boat on Bear Lake.

August 25, 2016: Day 2 Hiking with Josh

Made oatmeal with my Jet Boiler.  Josh had to help me use the lighter.   

Josh had me walk with my backpack up this huge stairwell 2 times and down 2 times.  

I wanted to walk to the Big Sable lighthouse so Josh had me wear my backpack.  He was usually about 10-15 steps ahead of me.

I walked about 8 miles today.  I can tell I am out of shape.

We went back to the beach to swim again.   We finished off with a mocha at  Barnes and Noble.

August 24, 2016: Ludington State Park with Josh

Josh and I got a late start for our road trip.  I read all of the birthday wishes on Facebook which was so nice.  I received about 152 messages.

Josh and I went for lunch at House of Flavors restaurant in Ludington.  We split a Reuben sandwich and each got some Tennessee Toffee ice cream in a waffle cone.   

We got to the Ludington State Park and got a campsite.  It cost us $20. We were at site 207 A in Cedar Campground.  I had $44 in my pocket and had spent $20 on lunch so money was tight.

We walked the Skyline trail and then over to the dam.   We sat near the dam and watched the people and enjoyed each other's company.   

We went to the camp store and Josh asked if I would buy him the hiker patch for a gift.   Later on, I ended up surprising him with the patch.

Josh showed me how to use my Jetboil for making my food on the trail.  He brought jimbalaya, gumbo, etc.  

Then, we walked down to the lake and went swimming.  The waves were big.   We walked the beach holding hands and sat on a bench.  He put his arm around me.  I felt like I was in heaven.   

The sun was hiding beneath the clouds.   

Josh had to help me put up my tent as I had only put it up one other time.    We had some good conversations about hiking and the Appalachian Trail.    

Overall, this was one of my best birthdays.  I got to spend it with the guy I am in love with.

August 23, 2016: Blueberry Picking with Josh and Krystle

I took this week off of vacation.    I hung out with Josh a lot over the weekend.   Today,  we went with his friend, Krystle Parker and her 3 kids and nephew blueberry picking at Hyatt blueberry farm on Zellar Rd.   Josh brought his sound system so we could listen to music while we picked.   We picked 3 buckets full which cost us $24.

August 20, 2016: 3 Family Camping

This year,  we all went to my cousin Kim's house in Jackson for the three family camping trip.  It is my 29th year going with everyone.   

I have always enjoyed going on these trips.   I was 13 years old when I went on my first camping trip.  It was in Silver Lake for many years.     They are all like family to me which is fantastic.     

August 1, 2016: Mom's Parisian Party

My Aunt Charlene wanted to bring Paris to my Mom as we weren't able to go this year.   She planned a Parisian themed party at her cabin she rents each summer. We had a nice taco dinner with the family.   I invited Linda Thomas, Bob and Becky Dykema, and my friends Josh and Olivia Buxton.    Charlene bought berets, fake cigarettes, and sunglasses for us to wear.   Everyone seemed to enjoy the party.  It gave the family a chance to meet Josh and Olivia.