Two Pens

This cartoon was sent to me...............everyone that knows me at work knows I have 'a thing' for pens... especially nice pens. So they thought I would enjoy this little cartoon about a naughty pen. ... and I do.

Another Winter Storm.... headed for Michigan

Its an exciting time again, with another winter storm headed into Michigan. We're under a Winter Storm Warning, and we're all hoping that the precip we get is ALL SNOW.

Many of you will have already this... so please be patient. I wanted to include my trail report from Monday (for my mother who only reads this blog and not the reports). So here it is the trail report from Rays Retreat Country Inn Monday Feb 26.

We rode 84 miles today. I won't say enjoyed because (and before you start saying what the ?!@# ... noting that I had labeled the trail conditions good... read through this entire report. Alot of it was miserable riding.

It was pretty. Pretty Rough. Groomers must have slept in this morning. The entire ride over to Dingmans (M72) was miserable. We kept thinking about turning around, but we haven't been able to get out and ride that much. So we persevered in hopes of improvement. Stopped into Dingmans to eat where there were several tables of snowmobiles who were all complaining of a rough ride from either direction.

We left Dingmans, getting back on trail 79 heading north and hallelujah!!! A groomer. Sweet riding for the next ten miles, then started getting rough again, and then there was another groomer. Great riding for the next ten miles until we hit trail 4 when it turned miserable again.

I tried going fast (the theory of flying over the bumps), slowed down... either way, it rattled my bones. I just wanted it to end.

Several of the trails which are shared with oil truck roads through Lakes of the North had been plowed down to the bare road!!! What is that all about. I can't remember seeing that this whole season. Did they forget its still snowmobile season and it is a designated trail they share their road with?

One had plowed up an embankment so steep you had to be a stunt rider... I came up on it so quick, didn't realize what was happening and was up and over without spilling. And then proud! then furious! and finally just relieved.

The roller coaster hills along Mancelona Rd were pretty much bare ice from the drifting snow, so be careful.

As we came off Lynn Lake Road, back onto trail 4 through the woods, the groomer approached. The remaining ride home was good. At this point, I was just too exhausted to enjoy it.

The groomers were out that evening and when I went into work at 7:30 Tues morning I saw them both out on the trails. Riders enjoyed their rides Tues. Today it reached 33 degrees and sunshine so the snow was soft, mushy and in some had actual wet spots.

So the approaching storm is appreciated. Hopefully it will dump cold snow.

The life of a dog

It's been Mike and I all day. Ann was out of here early this morning. Saw her again about 4 p.m. for a brief hour and a half and then she took off again. She came back home shortly after 9 and has gone to bed.
I just don't know what keeps her so busy. I do have some fresh dog food tonight, and a great new chew bone so I guess she went to the store. Heard her talking about 'work', med sheets, end of the month. So she must have put some time in at the home. When she kissed us as she headed back out the door at 5:30 she said EMS training. Why can't she just stay home with us?
No wonder she's always tired!
I much prefer a more fun loving, easy going lifestyle. Just let the people come to me - feed me, play with me, pet me, love me and tell me how beautiful I am. The life of a dog is pretty darn good.
----------------------------------------Sparky T. Ray

Pretty Ride

If you've read my trail reports... you already know I said it was a pretty ride today. The picture with pine trees on either side of the trail was a section where it had not been groomed.
And then I took a picture of the freshly groomed trail. Is there any prettier sight? So smooth, no marks at all. Flat. It makes your heart jump with joy.

I am too worn out to write much tonight. You can read my trail report at www.sledtheweb.com
Give me a piece of cheese because I am set to whine.... My head aches, my neck aches, my shoulder aches, my arms ache, my hip aches, my leg aches.....................oh this aching old body can't take rough trails.

For my friends and coworkers

Have you noticed life seems to group things in cycles? ... You enjoy a quiet space of time where nothing much is happening. then. Deadlines all happen within days of each other. Emergencies pile up one after another. Death even seems to come in groups (of three if you're really superstituous).
When you work in the geriatric field death is a repeatable fact of your working life. That doesn't make it any easier to handle, emotionally and physically. It takes its toll. This past month has been a difficult one for all of us at 'the home'. We have had several of our residents leave us as they finish one of the two things that everyone says are always inevitable (death and taxes). For some, it was a first time experience. For many of us, its one of the many good-byes we have had to experience.
It hurts. It hurts to loose some that has become a part of your daily life. For the full time staff they have spent day in, day out with these residents. Residents who within a short time become family and friends. For most of them they see more of us, than they do of their own families. They know our daily moods, family, pets, hopes and dreams. We know of their families, moods, disappointments, lifetime success. It is us who help them with the most intimate details of daily living, and it is in those moments that we bond over the fragility of the human body.
It is hard work. Emotionally and physically. The day to day bending, lifting, and listening.
Most of what you read in the press and news stories are about the defeciences, the horror stories of long term care facilities. Rarely, do you hear of those dedicated, compassionate workforce that make up the backbone of these homes. Never do you see the tears and heartache they have felt as they watch a failing resident loosing their grip with life on earth. Never do you hear of the grace and dignity they have granted a loved one as their bodies fails them.
So many times you hear: "I don't know how you can stand to do this kind of work!" .... Thank God there are people who are willing to put others before themselves. Thank God there are those who are willing to care enough to hurt and cry each and every time.
I want to let those workers know that when you say.. "I just don't know how long I can keep doing this" please remember....
Bless You, Bless You, Bless You. Let God wrap you tight in his arms. Let your weary body relax in his strong grasp of strength and love. He will renew you. Let his Spirit return you refreshed and know that you are blessed. You are blessed to minister love, caring and compassionate. How fortunate we are to be able to share so many lives, and whisper a farewell as another journey starts.
And just think...........when its our turn to pass over those gates... how many will be there to greet us and welcome us!!!

Fresh Snow

Its been a great weekend, again. Best of all we have fresh snow, several inches. It doesn't get any better than when its new snow and I can roll in it, bury my face in it, and it goes flying all over.
This picture was taken last weekend when we had family in for a visit. The Blue Bundle is Lyndy (Mike and Ann's baby girl) the little blue bundle on the sled is Daylen (3 year old grandchild) .. of course me, and down the path is Bourbon. Daylen's dog. We were out having fun together.

If you can keep your head

If you can keep your head when all others around you have lost theirs,
its quite possible you haven't grasped the situation................................................................................

Frenzied Excitement Storm Warning

"They" tell everyone I act like a crazy guy! HA! You should see Mike when he's anticipating a winter storm. Talk about frenzied exciting crazy man! ...

First we watch the weather channel.

we watch 9&10 weather,

then he flips over to 7&8 weather!

and then excitement builds.... Warning! Warning! Storm Approaching....

Tilting, Twirling, if he could do cart wheels or if there were room in here.. that's what he'd do. The storm is centered still a little south of us... although 7&8 is calling for 4-8 Inches. Just what we need.

Quiet Weekend

This has been a quiet Saturday along the trails. The thaw we had earlier this week maybe kept people at home, or concern about the storm system moving through Michigan as the weekend progresses. Either way, its made for some good riding for those out on the trails and not having to fight the traffic that is usually out there. We had a few cancellations, but other filled in those rooms. Leaving us with only 3 empty rooms last night.
Mike is just heading out to take a quick ride down to Waters, to look over the Vintage Snowmobiles and have a little fun on the trail.
Its a beautiful afternoon. Sunny, slight breeze and 24 degrees. Sparky and I enjoyed our walk this afternoon. Of course, he always enjoys himself whatever. He met up with his friends Dancer and Sassy. He came in, finished up his food and is now taking a nap.
We said goodbye this morning to a great group that was with all week from the Maple Summit Snowmobile Club out of Pennsylvania. They called home before leaving and heard the news that they'll be returning to snow! Ruth put on 543 miles on her sled this week, despite the one day of 'spring thaw'... excuse my language!
Spring is considered a cuss word around here until at least middle March.

Laughter in the New Year

Chinese New Year was this week. It's the Year of the Pig...... Again, a Happy New Year. May it be a year filled with excitement, joy and laughter.
"When you do what you love, you can pull back the bed sheets every morning feeling excited about beginning another day, and you'll be filled with a heartfelt joy that is highly contagious,
Just like when you start laughing out loud, and you make someone else start laughing, and then someone else,
until you are laughing so hard that your eyes water,
you get terrible stomach cramps, its hard to breathe,
and you can't stand up"..................................................Bradley Trevor Greive

and isn't that just the best fun? enjoying laughter with friends/loved ones?

Blustery Day

What a difference a day makes!
Yesterday's sunshine and 42 degrees made a sloppy mess of the trail system in most spots. There was still plenty of deep white snow in the woods and on two tracks which is where many people went tothe still be able to enjoy their snowmobiles.
The forecast was calling for a cold front to come through overnight and bringing with it snow. YAHOO, for once they were right! What a relief to wake up to cold air and snow. We were in a Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory until early afternoon. Blustery wind guests up to 40 mph knocked out power lines and made visibility zero.
Several riders headed out this morning and were gone all day.
We had five rooms to clean after breakfast and the usual chores. Our plan was to get the work done and then head out for a few hours of riding to check the trail conditions.
We had finished the downstairs. Just started on the upstairs when my pager went off. Rollover on I75. The roads were awful... icy, snowy and wind blowing hard. It didn't slow up any of the traffic. They were driving like at the race track. My gosh. We just took both lanes trying to slow things down as we approached. Nothing like stepping out (truck pulled over on the side... ) and stepping into knee deep slush snow. Even when police car, our emergency vehicles were in place... it didn't slow them down much. Its a miracle there wasn't another accident.
Lucky people. Their truck was demolished. Smashed, and roof separated from the rest of vehicle, debris everywhere. Seatbelts make a difference.
We got back to the hall and got to work cleaning the truck and paperwork. Hadn't finished the paperwork when the pager went off again, and we were off.
It was now 4 pm when I returned to Rays Retreat. Mike had finished cleaning. It was time for Sparky's walk. Finally, we got around and headed out for a quick ride. At least we were able to get out for a spin on the sleds. It was an enjoyable ride.
We took trail 7 up to Mancelona Rd (a dream)... the trail base is ice with the 2-3 inches of snow on them made for a flat trail. At Mancelona Rd, we turned back southwest on trail 4. Again good riding... only one open water hole. Easily skirted. A short area where you had to be careful due to ruts from oil trucks (yesterdays thaw). We rode to Lynn Lake Rd. and then back over and up to trail 7 and home.
We stopped into The Keg for supper, and talked to a nice couple there who had rode 100 miles today. They had been over to Alba and back. They said their ride was overall good. A little more rough and a few more open spots over towards Alba... with the best riding from here to Starvation Lake.
We missed seeing tonights weather since we were out riding. But I do know its not going to warm up! Good News, and a major storm system headed this way for the end of the weekend.
We've had some cancellations for this weekend and that's okay. Bottom line is that we would rather have people cancel than be disappointed. Everyone has their own opinion of what is good riding.

Refrigeration System

The sun is shining... Snow people don't!

It was a cold start this morning with just 10 degrees at 7 am,, 14 degrees at 8 am, and at 10 am it had zoomed up to 26. Going up into the 30's this afternoon.

There is still snow, and ice under alot of the snow on the trail. But there is now much more dirty snow, and bare dirt and a few water holes to make the riding a challenge at times.

Lots of snow to be found on the two tracks! which is what alot of riders did yesterday.

We are hoping the weather man is right and the cold front comes through tonight bringing with it snow. It wouldn't take much to improve the trail conditions. This is the last warm day, according to the tv. And then it turns cold. Hopefully this storm system will dump on us with SNOW!... right now its looking like we'll stay cold enough for that to happen.

But who knows? Not any of us mortals. Its enough to drive these two mortals crazy... like the cartoon we need to come up with a refrigeration system for the trails. Like they use or the tobaggon runs. Then we could enjoy snowmobiling until April 1 when the trail system officially closes.... ah well, if wishes had wings I'd be flying where I didn't have to worry and fret about cold and snow.

Sleepless Night

I had a great walk this afternoon. Went down and saw my friends Sassy and Dancer. Sassy and I raced around here and there, up and down. It was nice enough Ann and Sue didn't even wear hats.
I had been rather sluggish before my romp with the collie girls. I didn't sleep much last night. Somehow, Someone shut the door to the bedroom and I was left out in the living room by myself -- ALL night.
The couch is comfortable, and I can sleep on there just fine BUT I was upset that no one seemed to miss me, or want me.....so I was awake....
come to find out this morning. Mike just forgot about me! How could he forget ME?

Snow Chanting

It doesn't seem like we've been able to get out and do much riding yet this year. The season is just beginning, isn't it?
The past several days have been very intense with a full house since Thursday night, and continueing through tonight. That means lots of work and very few free minutes. Add in a visit from family and it turns into a whirlwind of trying to keep up with all that needs to be done.
We had to eat tonight... and all the guests expected in today had arrived so we shrugged off the heavy weight of exhaustion and put our snow gear on and headed out the door. We rode down to Frederick to eat our supper.
It was a good ride. The groomer had just been thru so there were very few bumps. The ride back home was even better because it had gotten a little colder and we weren't moving around as much. We both agreed - it had been too short of a ride, but felt great getting out on the trail. It was alot of fun for a short while.
The trail is showing alot of brown... but its brown snow. Very ridable.
It was sunny today and warmed up to 32 degrees. Sun - Sun - GO AWAY! Colder temps come to STAY. That's our chant.

Take a Deep Breath... and be grateful

Have you noticed? Its the simple things in life....that make life possible? ... for instance, the simple ability to breath in, breath out. To take a breath without effort, without thought is something most of us do continually. YET,

there could be a time it isn't so simple. When our lungs fill up, when our bronchial tubes close up, when... breathing is not simple. Breathing is a tremendous effort and suddenly becomes a panic filled exercise in trying to live.

And I am grateful tonight that despite my tired aching body I have been able to breath in and out all day without any thought of concern. This day, I am blessed to be able to live and breath.

Sunday Evening

I've been having a great couple days. Its been incredibly crazy busy around here with people, family, dogs and kids!

Ann and Mike have been whining they're so tired. Not me! .. I should be out of sorts - due to so much commotion my schedule was all off today. We had to say goodbye to the kids! and dogs! .. then Mike and I were busy all day cleaning rooms, doing laundry, going shopping, checking people in and I didn't get my walk of the day until 8 p.m.! And I ate after that! That is way off schedule. But at least I ate before Mike and I .. they just finished their sandwich.

We've still got plenty of people around. . .
I'll be going into town tomorrow. Yup, a visit to the vet. I love that place. They all love me too, and I get my favorite treats - Puparoni! Get to see dogs and cats! Can't wait. Don't worry... I just need something called 'yearly vaccination'....

Sparky T. Ray

Smoking Allowed?

No Smoking

Another Friday evening has arrived. It doesn't seem that long ago since the last Friday.

We had a few rooms to clean today, one of them being a non smoking room that we had people in Monday thru this morning. They had requested a non smoking room. There was a couple non smoking rooms available. They were asked again at check in if that is what they wanted, and the answer was yes.

So, WHY did they smoke in the room?!

Very frustrating. We've worked very hard at airing it out, and hope we are successful. But why do people have so little regard for others?

Makes me understand a little more clearly why people are getting more adamant about making everything non smoking except your own home. Its people like this (who just think rules/ good manners are not required of them) that make life a little more impossible for sensitive people.

Sir Reginald Mic-Ski

Isn't he cute? Joe and Roxanne S. have sent us a pic of their new arrival. Isn't he adorable? A full blooded blood hound! I've never met one of those fellows before... Ann and I did look up a little info on their breed since she hasn't met one either. Very impressive heritage. He's a sleeping beauty. I hope I'll get a chance to meet him in person when spring comes and Joe and Roxanne come back up north.Can't wait until we can rough around little fellow... ; although it looks like you're going to grow fast and big.

Bark to Boomer

I've made another friend! Boomer, who lives over at Lakes of the Norths reads my blog! ... A Friendly Bark to ya Boomer, and if you ever get over this way stop in and see me. I'm sure we could have fun.

I'm very excited! My sister, Lola is coming up Saturday. I haven't seen her since early November and then it was just a quick overnight visit. Her and I tussle around, chase each other and have such a good time. Can't wait..... she has an older sibling that isn't much fun. Those old gals just don't enjoy a friendly tussle now and then.

Of course, tomorrow starts the weekend and I love those weekends when the motel is full of people. Hope to see you soon.

Cold Day

It was definitely a cold start to the day this morning with a brrrrrrrrr -10 temp when Sparky and I first headed outdoors. It was a quick little outing.
Mennonite Dan responded with a comment to yesterday's My Favorite Things entry so if you're interested in hearing from him, check it out. Keep in touch with us Dan and hope you get a chance to get back out on those western snow trails. Send us a picture if you do!

I saw the groomers out this morning when I headed into work at 7:30 a.m. So that is encouraging. Most people returning from rides today report they had good rides, but noticed more rough areas than earlier in the week.

All the staff (at the home) let me know it was snowing today (they all think I am directly responsible for each snowflake... since they know how much we like seeing them). We got about an inch of new snow by the end of daylight. We really need some fresh snow to whiten the trails up again, and give the groomers more to work with along the trails.

Trails are still snow covered, more snirt showing and as you ride east the snirt increases where they have had less snow.

Uneventful Day

It was an uneventful day. Not the day I had planned - but life has a way of changing plans and you/ve got to be flexible.

It was a bitter cold start to the day. After serving breakfast, we had a few rooms to clean, and then laundry. We had a few rooms expected to come in thru the afternoon. We did get into Gaylord and enjoyed a nice lunch at Sugar Bowl. Love their raspberry pie.

About 3:30 we were able to suit up and go out for a quick ride. We were out for about an hour just on trail 7 and 4 right close by, and several of the two tracks. Took time to play on the hills for a short bit.

Trail conditions on the short distance we traveled was not as good as it had been Monday. It was a rougher rider. We saw just a few sleds. I saw the green groomer sitting where it parks overnight when I came home from town about 2 p.m. Its usually still grooming...

I'm going to bed happy though, just had phone calls from all three of our kids. And two of them are going to be coming in on Saturday for a visit. That has improved my birthday spirits tremendously. Having them here will make Sat seem more like my birthday than today! It doesn't seem like birthday without friends and/or family to share it with.

Mike got a little wild, and thought he was a stunt rider. HA!

My Favorite Things...........parody

This parody was written for Julie Andrews birthday... thought you might enjoy it.

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in a string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea crumpets, corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot ood or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Back pains, confused brains and no fear of sinnin,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the pipes leak................................................................................................
when the bones creak,........................................................................................
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad!

You can be thankful I didn't sing this for you... I'm sure your voice is much prettier.

Valentines

Yesterday at 'the home' a class of third graders came to make Valentine boxes with our residents. Remember those days?
We used to use the half gallon milk cartons or shoe boxes then spent a night with paper, scissors and glue decorating our boxes with slots placed on top to drop the Valentines in. That was a night's work, and another night was spent picking out Valentines for those special friends and then addressing one for each one in the class.
Valentine's was a fun holiday, having a birthday just made it a party to share with everyone.
Hope you're enjoying your Valentines Day with someone who loves and appreciates you.

Happy Valentines Day...

Have a Golden Valentines Day....................................................................love, Sparky

Misunderstanding

Well, I've had a word with Ann and Mike. They just don't understand me and the social animal that I am. Here's what happened: Mike and I were outdoors. He was busy taking trash out and I was frolicking in the snow with a pop can. You can't imagine how much fun that is - tossing it high into the sky and then digging it out of the snow. Mike was ready to go back inside, and I just wasn't. It shouldn't have been a problem, but someone had a problem with my decision to not come inside with him.

He called me to come in with him, and I wasn't ready to go inside. I really don't think we had been outside that long. The snow is just so much fun. I couldn't believe he was really ready to go inside... so I stood there looking at him for a few minutes to make sure I understood what he wanted. Sure enough, he wanted us to go inside. I ran out to the woods. By this time, he was really hollering loudly, it was embarassing. I stopped again, looked at him and said: "You go on in, I just want to check the neighborhood out, might stop in and see my friends. I'll be home later. See ya".... and continued on through the woods and out onto Circle Drive and around to North Shore.

Before I made it to my friends Sassy and Dancers, I decided to meet someone new. You can never have too many friends. I went up to a house where I knew a dog lived... and guess what? They invited me in! I had a great time with them. I got up and played on their bed and just got to know them - a very nice couple with a very nice dog.

In the meantime - I guess Mike was frantically looking for me. I don't know what he was so worried about, and I know it was just worry that had him so upset. He even got in the truck (after he couldn't see me anywhere) and drove around the housing development two (2) times. After the second time, he returned thinking I might have returned. That's when the nice lady I was visiting called over (I didn't know it but Ann has my name and phone number on my tag) and let them know I was at their house playing.

I soothed things over with Mike by surprising him early with his Valentine chocolate. We're best buds again, and hopefully he will have learned a lesson! ... I just need to get out and visit.

A weekend at Rays Retreat

Thanks to M. Cowan for sharing these pictures from their weekend here at Ray's Retreat.

You Just Don't Get It!

Why do I write this blog?

When we first moved to northern Michigan nearly five years ago and started a whole new life our family and friends back home were interested in hearing what we were doing, what we were learning about innkeeping, and just wanted to stay in touch. I would email different ones at different intervals sharing little stories of our life. Our moms, brother, sister-in-law, friends.. all commented you need to keep writing these down. When they didn't hear from me in a week or so I would get a call or email, hey! what's up... we want to hear what's happening up there at Rays Retreat.

We got our website where we could post pictures to share. We started writing trail reports. During the summer months our guests wanted to know what we was happening up here in northern Michigan... and after requests, we continued writing infrequent newsletter accounts of happenings around northern Michigan and Rays Retreat.

Blogging was introduced to me, and it seemed a natural transition. Friends and family could get daily updates and conversation with Sparky and I. Friends include our guests. Its hard to come and stay with us without leaving a friend. The small intimacy of our little motel makes for a friend after one nights stay.

I blog because I like to write. I blog to share my thoughts. I blog to share our pictures. I blog to stay in touch with family and friends. If you are not family, and if you are not a friend... why do you read this blog?

This is my 'blog home'... I would not presume to enter your home and comment on your opinions or your spouting off. It is your home, that is your right. It is my right to spout off on my blog without rude comments from people who need to get their own blog home where they can spout off at their leisure.

Enough said.

Todays Ride.. Feb 12/Monday

It was a fantastic day on the trails. We rode 78 miles. Headed out south on trail 7. Trail 7 was a smooth ride all the way to Frederick. We didn't see even one sled for this stretch. Our intention was to enjoy the entire Blue Bear Trail. However, after getting on trail 679 and bumping along for about 15 minutes we took a break and had a discussion. It was unanimous to turn around and return to the Gaylord trails. 679 was a continuous bumpy rough roust-about. No fun at all.

It wasn't long and we were on a county road to take us back over to trail 7 where we headed north. Trail 7 the entire ride into Gaylord was great. We decided to take 4 north over to the north and south loops. Good decision.

I can't say enough for the Excellent trails we rode today. It was the most fun I've had EVER riding snowmobile, and the most fun I've had in a long time.

The new shock on my sled made such an overall difference in the ride, handling of my sled. I felt in complete control. I left Mike in my snow dust (which got me a warning about being careful and not driving too fast). I came up over a little hill and as I came down got the little tickle in my belly (which reminded me of ticklebelly hill in Shipshewana) and had me laughing out loud.

Saw a deer as he crossed in front of me. Luckily he crossed far enough ahead that I was able to slow down gradually and enjoy his graceful descent over a hill and into the woods.

Very few riders, excellent trails, and great sled to ride. It couldn't have gotten any better. A stand-out day.

Friendly Little Reminder

I would like to just remind those few readers who have a problem with MY opinions on MY blog (well I do share it with Sparky)... that this is not a tv news station, newspaper or any other public opinion forum. It is simply MY (and Sparky's) blog.
You do not pay to read this, you do not even have to read it. So... write your own blog with your own opinions. Read only those things that completely agree with your opinion. Save a little of your time by not reading this blog.

Hotel Ownership -- Chapter XXX -- Dealing with Drunks

We are in our fourth year of living as innkeepers. There are still always new situations arising to surprise us and make for lively breakfast room conversation.
Mike went to bed last night around midnight. Very tired from a long day of taking care of guests - dead tired. The phone had been ringing for some time before it broke his deep sleep... upstairs guests reporting there was a beligerent person banging, pounding, kicking on an upstairs room door.. yelling also. As Mike stumbled out of bed, another phone call from the Bob's to report the same.
Mike made his way up the stairs - still half asleep, and feeling very cranky as he was woke from such a heavy sleep. He lumbered up the stairs with just his black muscle t-shirt, sweat pants and slippers braving the frigid night air to put an end to this ruckus. The Bobs' were outside their doors, the drunk in the hallway...

Mike escorted the drunk to his room, opened the door and told him to get in and get to bed. After shutting the door, the drunk began hollering at his drunken roommates (for not opening the door for him) when Mike re-entered the room again. This time, he told the drunk... "Put that beer down, get in that bed, shut your mouth and don't make another sound" .. or the cops will be here to escort you to their overnight lodging. A Bob piped up..."and shut off the tv" .. which was promptly done.

Peace restored.

No one saw the occupants of room 31 slink out of the motel this morning... all that was left was a room full (including bathtub) beer cans.

Thankfully, this is the first time we have ever had to deal with a situation like this. This is hopefully the first, and last time!

This is one of the aspects of being innkeepers that just isn't as romantic as it all sounds. Some guests just aren't are pleasant - especially when drunk.

Collie Friend Frolic

No, this isn't me and my collie friends... for one think Dancer isn't a sable color, and for another my collie friends are actually much more beautiful than these two. This picture does symbolize my collie friends and I who enjoyed a great romp today in the snow.

I also enjoyed watching the Agility Championships on Animal Planet this evening. No surprise to us.. a Golden Retriever won his class. Ann and I are thinking I could easily compete! .. I just need the training.

Its been a busy weekend visiting with everyone that came up north to ride the trails and visit me. It kept me busy checking them in, taking their keys as they left and just welcoming them as they returned from their rides.

Thanks to the Bobs!

A special thank you to Bob and Bob. For not only giving Mike that little extra push.... otherwise I'd still be waiting until April for a half price helmet! ... and a new shock. .... A BIG thank you for spending the time and effort on the hard cold cement floor of the garage helping put my shock on my sled.
I can't wait to get out and go for a ride. Tomorrow!

Wed... a Holiday!

This is the first day we've seen the sun this week. Every other day its been snowy, blowing and bitter cold. Today, the sun has been out all day. Deceiving.... Sparky and I went out for our walk and I didn't pile all of my cold snow gear on, just my winter coat, gloves and a stocking hat. It wasn't long and my legs were cold, my toes (just had my regular boots on, not the cozy warm snowmobile boots) , my face and neck were frozen. Much to Sparky's dismay the walk was cut short and returned to the warmth of the motel. I looked at the thermometer .. 14 degrees. Well, compared to last Sat when it was below zero and the wind was 50 mph... that is an improvement.

We did not get out to take a ride this entire week. Well, midweek we each took about a half hour/hour ride separately just so we could take away some of our intense desire to get out and enjoy trail riding. It did help, but we are both dismayed that we weren't able to get in a real ride. That's what happens when we get good trail conditions and others come up to enjoy the trails.

I've declared my birthday, Wed. a holiday for Rays Retreat. We are going to hit the trails. and I'll be wearing my early birthday present. A new helmet, .. and my sled with have its new shock on it. Its exactly what I asked for! (hey, thanks to the Bob and Bob team for giving him a little extra push there!... or I'd still be waiting for the end of the year sales).

Wait! Do I have to work?!... hmmmmmmmmmm.

Grocery Carts with sled runners

I had the weekly run to WalMart this afternoon where I left a good chunk of my money. And walked out the door with an overflowing cart. As well as the insides filled with bags stacked on top of bags, the bottom shelf had cartons of pop on them.
I had felt extra lucky when I had pulled in and managed to find a parking spot halfway down from the main doors of the store. But now... with a full cart trying to pull it through several inches of snow!!! Pushing wasn't getting me anywhere, so I resorted to pulling... got about an inch then two. Huffing, puffing.. I went back and forth pushing, pulling. I noticed a WalMart worker with his fancy machine taking carts inside, as he walked by I asked if he might be able to help me. "No, I have to get in". ... that's when I began a slow burn. .. I might have ignited but the sweat from tugging on the cart saved me.
I'm planning on giving the manager a call just to let him know next week I'll shop at the other grocery in town where I can easily get help getting the cart through the snow.
If stores aren't going to clear their parking lots clean enough so you can get the carts through, they need to put sled runners on the carts.

Spoiled Rotten Golden

Hey everyone! Its the weekend again, although its getting harder to tell the weekday from the weekend, there's people here all the time. and I love it! just like everyone loves me.

Haven't seen too much of Ann the last few days. I know she say's she working but I don't know.........does it take all day to work? She gets rather grumpy in the evenings and doesn't want to play because she's tired from this working thing. . . . .maybe she should just stay home and play with me.

She walked in tonight with some yummy treats. A great big knuckle bone, some chewies and my all time favorite for when I'm a real good boy... Pupperoni! I guess its okay if she has to work as long as I get treats like this.

Give Me Your Noses

I am worn out!... so I am sharing another snowman cartoon. Tis the season... for snow!

How did the world survive

How did the world survive before cell phones? Doesn't it make you wonder? I don't think you can go anywhere and not see/hear people on their cell phones.
I understand their importance when it comes to emergencies. I've had to use mine for those times when a. sliding off the road and ending in a ditch
b. lost and calling for directions
c. calling in someone elses accident
d. what do you need me to pick up at the store
Have you noticed how people just can't stand to be alone at all, and have their phone to their ears constantly... and are jabbering non stop... while they're driving, while they're in the store, when they're dining out, when they're checking in, when they're out on the snowmobile trail and pulled over for a break;
its just non stop. Now they have the fancy little ear phones so you don't even have to hang onto the phone... won't be long and they'll be implanted right into the ear like an earring or a tatto.

Fake Snow Cones

Cold Full Moon Night

It was a cold full moon night. Sky full of stars and the land filled with icy cold air. Sparky and I just came in from our first morning walk... very short! I came in and took a look at the thermometer... -10 degrees at 7 am. That's too cold for woman or dog.

hmmmmmmmm its definitely going to have to warm up before I get out on my sled.

Ethical Treatment of Snowpeople

Blizzardy Day

After days of winter storm warnings and Gaylord only receiving a few short spits of snowflakes, today we had wind and snow all day! Along with the high temp of only 1 degrees, it feels like its a blizzard day.

We watched our weekend guests pull out onto the very slick roads and wished them all well, along with saying a prayer for safety as they left. Kevin reported it took them about an extra hour to get home to Goshen, IN due to the nasty weather. With the stretch from Grand Rapids - Kalamazoo being some of the worst. (131). Hope everyone else has made it safely home and is warm and cozy inside watching the Super Bowl.

I didn't get out too much today... the cold made my paws burn! ... I would have stayed longer. I can hope very well on three legs, but Ann just wouldn't let me. We didn't go for our usual walk today. I've had to rough Mike up a little to get some fun action.

Your Pal................................Sparky T. Ray..........................................................................

Licks of Love

One of my Ohio pals left this morning... Terry (and wife Julie). They were with us all week. I'll be watching the calendar for their return in a few weeks.

I've been busy trying to send lots of licks of love down to my birth Mom and Dad... their people Dad is up here this weekend. So I'm sending the kisses back down on Kevin's (Ann and Mike's son, my mom and dad's people dad) face and head. I'm sure Mom and DAd will smell me on him and know that I am happy and loving the living up north.

Cold Friday Evening

I'm thankful I can ride the trails during the week. I would be a nervous wreck out there today or Saturday. I'm a nervous wreck when I have to drive the freeway when its busy... at least with a car there's a little more protection than when you're on a sled with just a helmet. I don't like the idea of my old creaky bones getting smashed or even cracked a little.
Riders have been returning this evening with reports of too many 'near misses' out on the trails. Corners are icy with all the riders. Mostly stories of riders taking the corners quickly and swinging over and narrowly missing rider coming from the other direction. You can have it! ...
Earlier in the day a snowmobiler was injured over in the Jordan Valley - compound fracture. That's a big OUCH.
I'll be content to stay inside the next several frigid days and hear the stories of psycho snowmobilers. Come mid-week I'll enjoy getting out into the peaceful woods and riding without all that hustle and bustle.

Great Friday

Its been a beautiful great day! I had Mike and Ann home with me all day. We visited with people this morning in the dining room. They actually asked to see me. I love that.

This afternoon Ann and I went out for our afternoon walk. We stopped in at Sassy and Dancer's house (collies) to see if they could come out and play. Dancer is an older fellow and he's been limping so he stayed inside, but Sassy was ready to romp. What fun! I love jumping and running with her.

Ann and I came back inside and started baking cookies and biscuits. yum.....I just got to smell them, and it was good smelling stuff.

We just went outdoors for a brisk walk under the bright full moon. Didn't stay out long, its only 4 degrees. Ann says we won't be going for long walks until it warms up.

------------------------------------------------------------------Sparky T. Ray-----------

Snowman Baby

Sparky Says

Dogs are not our whole life,

they make our lives whole...........................Roger Caras

This is a smart man!.................................................................