How did it happen

I was just thinking.............................
last week; how I had made it through the winter/flu season without getting sick at all. A few times I had a slight sore throat for 24 hours, but that was the extent of my winter illness. Until, yesterday.... and it took me completely by surprise.
Although, looking back.... I did think my allergies were especially bad the start of the week. Sinus seemed to be draining by mid week, and Thursday I had a sore throat and was starting to sound raspy. Yesterday, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Completely stuffed up head and raging sore throat. Miserable. I was up every 2-3 hours through the night with a throbbing head, plugged nose and scratching throat. And aching bones.. more than usual for this old body.
I was grateful for the quiet cloudy day since it has made it easier to indulge myself. I have not done much of anything besides lay in bed or in the recliner wrapped up in a blanket.
Hopefully it will make its exit as quickly as it entered.
Its no fun being sick.

Sick puppy

I don't know what those ears are all about!

I had a really rough night last night, so am going to bed early tonight. Whew, Mike fed me some of his cabbage soup (note: do not feed your dog cabbage soup - esp. mike's!)

I woke him up at 3 a.m., 4 a.m., 5 a.m. and then we just stayed up... I won't go into details... but i was a sick puppy....

feeling better now. And Ann told Mike to not feed me anything! She is in charge of feeding us dogs.

We took a little walk this afternoon when Ann got home. The water is opening on the lakes. Gizmo loves the water, and came home a muddy mess which meant she got a bath! hahaha! ... so there Gizmo. She sure looked funny all soaped up. of course now she's a pretty and fluffy and they've been making over her. whatever.

My collie friends stopped in for a visit. More fun... Sassy and I can tangle Sue and Ann up in no time! Dancer too.

i've got to get to bed. ... my eyes are droppy.

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

Dog saves owner with modified Heimlich - Pet Health - MSNBC.com

Dog saves owner with modified Heimlich - Pet Health - MSNBC.com

A Golden makes the news - as a hero! ... well of course.

Good Day for a Walk

Hi Everyone! ... Its Sparky here.... I had a really good day. Both Ann and Mike spent the day with me. Gizmo hung around with us most of the day. But, it was just the three of us that took the new truck into town. I love having the whole back end to stretch out ... relaxing, watching the world pass by as we drive down the road.
They made a few stops then we went to Aspen Park for a great walk. Saw a few other dogs (and people there). Been noticing alot of squirrel activity everywhere. They have been cluttering up the yard! Everytime I look out there's squirrels chasing each other, jumping from tree to tree and enjoying the bird food Ann sets out each day.
After walking at the park, we hit Burger King. Chicken Tenders are awesome.
Once we got home Mike was fiddling around with the camper while Gizmo and I watched Ann cleaning out the herb garden and raking. Crazy Gizmo is something to watch when she's tied up. She runs like a wound up gizmo toy and then SPRING! she hits the end of her rope.... she's a crazy little thing. And always thinking she can tear me up. I let her have her fun. I know who's the biggest.

Naughty Rabbit

Monday Evening

More crocus blooming amidst the old, wet leaves and dead stuff from the previous year. Hopefully, tomorrow we can get out in the yard and start some major clean up.

Sparky is having a hard time letting go of the snow, just like Mike. He hunts down every little dirty white spot left to sit on, to dig on, to roll in, and just enjoy.

We were in the 60s today. Wow, did that feel good.

I just heard the weatherman say "next week its back to winter". I don't think any of us believed that spring was really here to stay. Spring just doesn't come in so quietly here in northern Michigan.

Spring Crocus

We enjoyed a pleasant weekend with our oldest son and his family. They arrived Friday evening and stayed until early afternoon today. It was a great way to welcome in spring.

Three year old Daylen is delighted with the addition of Gizmo to our household. Gizmo is just the right size for her to lug around until Grandma annouces that Gizmo needs to rest. For a little doggie Gizmo was incredibly patient and loving. Another reason she's a welcome addition.

Sparky was able to enjoy some good rough housing with their dog Bourbon.

My first crocus, a yellow one opened this afternoon when the sun finally put in an appearance. It really is true... robins and crocus are here! .. spring is here. Despite the remnants of snow and ice in the back.

This week sunshine and warmth are going to be here so we can start getting some major yard clean up. Its a mess.

Gizmo

This little girl is a Bichon. Some kind of French dog. ... Ann says she's descended from the poodle.

Her name is Gizmo. She's the size of alot of my toys, and at first that's what I thought Ann had done, brought home a new toy. But I've been warned many times... she is not My toy!

She's a merry little girl. Loves everyone. So I love her, and she can run really fast. It's nice to have a little sister, but I was thinking of a dog a bit bigger that I could really tussle around.

Our cat Ruff is bigger than Gizmo! Who would have thought dogs come so little?

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

Mud Season

A light thunderstorm and rain through the night. It was a peacefully calm dreary start to the day with the rain continuing. We all enjoyed sleeping in and moving slowly through the morning.
The sun made its appearance this afternoon and milder temps. Its beginning to feel like spring or rather mud season. Its definitely mud season. The dogs come in wet and dirty. Mike hollers cause we're all tracking in mud.
Spring is my least favorite season of the year. Mud, mud, mud is what its all about. I am eager to start cleaning out the herb and flower gardens. Right now the flower beds still are covered in snow and ice. But the herb garden is almost clear of all the remains of winter. I can even see some green sprouting in the oregano and parsley.

Blonde

Spring Arriving

Hallejuah! ... taxes done.. now off to the CPA.

We celebrated by going to the matinee this afternoon. We both enjoyed 'Wild Hogs'. A fun and funny movie.

It was cold this morning, just 8 degrees.

Spring arrives in just a few minutes and warmer air is moving in through the night as springtime moves across the countryside.

A Little Too Late

We woke up this morning to four inches of heavy wet snow. It made the ground, woods and trees look so pretty fresh and new. By early afternoon the temps had risen and melting had started in again, spots of ground were showing through. The snow was covered with dirt on my way home. The fresh new world was dirty and used again.

Despite winter's attempt to overtake the warmer temps it just isn't going to last. Spring officially will be here Wed. and we have temps into the 50's and rain. That should take care of any remaining snow.

Fat Cat

Ruff found out that I write a blog. He also found out I have never mentioned that we have a cat living with us, and actually have been with Mike and Ann long before me. whatever- .. well Ruff seems to be quite put out about it. He says a 'birdie told him'... and I dont' doubt it. The birds have really been talking in the mornings. . the big chatter boxes. So to appease that cat I have agreed to put this link in showing a fat cat intimidating some Golden puppies. It is rather cute. Pups! ... they'll believe anything a cat tells them.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWQM1yZqTBI

To The North

What Is This?

What is this? and what is it doing on the desk?
I am the official greeter!

Its larger than a chipmunk but smaller than a squirrel.
Ruff is larger than it.

Its too little to play tug with me. Everyone is hollering at me: Sparky! Watch your feet. Sparky, don't drop that bone on her head! Sparky!

What good is this little dust mop? It can't play with me. . . and why does it look like it belongs on the desk?

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

Breakfast for Two

Saturday Morning and breakfast for two! ... It seems so odd to have a quiet dining room this morning. Kitchen was still noisy since the first thing Mike does it come in and turn that radio on. He fixed us a good hot breakfast to start the day.

We heard from Dan T. out in Washington. He rode even less than Mike and I have this winter season. He's been busy working out there. He said the trail system out there may have been a little nicer than Northern Michigan's... but he said it was not nearly as much fun! He missed the morning breakfast updates in Rays dining room as well as the evening chats in the lobby. We're hoping he'll be back in the midwest by next winter.

I've got the delightful job of working on tax paperwork. UGH! My goal was to have it done by the end of Feb. Whooops! ... so its time to get cracking. I am taking frequent breaks. I HATE working with numbers.

Mike is working on his snowmobile. Putting new carbides on before getting them washed up and stored for this season.

Hope you're enjoying your day.

Michigan Road Facts

The longest Interstate Highway in the State of Michigan is I-75 which is 395 miles from the Ohio border to Sault Ste. Marie.

The longest State Highway is M66 which is 268.95 miles running the length of the lower Peninsula from the Indiana state line to Charlevoix, MI.

The Siphon Bridge (in the U.P.) which is located on Old US 2, over the Manistique River is noted in Ripleys Believe it Or Not as being the only bridge 4 feet below water level.

The 3-span camelback bridge in Mottville (located just a few miles from our home on the St. Joseph River downstate) is the longest remaining bridge of this type.

Spring Road Trip

As Sparky wrote late last night we enjoyed a great day yesterday on our first spring road trip in our new (but now new) vehicle. We seem to have a connection to the dark green colored vehicles. We have not purposedly set out to get all our vehicles in that color. It just keeps working out that.
I was surprised how quickly Mike actually moved on this. We've been talking about getting an SUV for several years now... more intently this past winter. As it was getting closer to vacation Mike was starting to look through the ads and car lots trying to find a good deal. We want to take our tent camper but he wasn't sure about using his Dodge Dakota since the transmission has been slipping occasionally. Any decision that involves money involves Mike having to think, think, think, think. You get the idea, he doesn't just impulsively buy.
As I was driving to work Monday morning I saw it sitting along Old 27 with the For Sale Sign, and called him to let him know he might want to check it out. When I got off work, we went down and picked it up! That quickly!
The man can still surprise me, even after 35 years.

Robin Sighting

Spotted the first robin of spring 2007 at Ray's Retreat early evening today. We can see more spots of the ground showing through out back. The trail is looking very miserable. Its not a very pretty time of year right now. Brown or black mud. Even the snow that is still on the ground is a very dismal dirty brown/black. I think the winter snowmobile season is definitely over. Even Mike is starting to admit it....

First Road Trip of 2007

What a great day!

We took our first road trip of 2007 in a new vehicle. Its the same color as our car and truck, what's up with that? Does it help the old folks remember what to look for in the parking lot. I don't know. This is my favorite though. I can stretch out in the back to nap as we're driving along, very comfy.

We headed west a little before noon. Spent the rest of the day along Lake Leelanau playing with Bourbon (chocolate lab), Daylen and Chandler.. we also saw Bryan and Ang. They cooked supper for us. We were out after dark! We didn't get home until 10 p.m. We are never out past dark.

The closer to Traverse City the less snow, but once we got out of Traverse City and closer to Lake Leelanau there was snow again. I played on the snowbanks with Daylen and Bourbon.

We took pictures but both Ann and I are too tired to download them. Maybe tomorrow....

Got to get to sleep......

Wow! 150

I just noticed that my last post was the 150th post for this blog.

That went by quickly......................
as well as the snow season. We still have snow in the yard, and in the woods. The trails themselves are a soupy, muddy, wet mess. It was 46 degrees today, and may be warmer tomorrow.

Mike still is having a difficult time admiting it is over. He always has a hard time 'letting go'.... I am working on slowly transitioning him to the reality that spring is on the calendar this month.

They are calling for colder air this weekend, but if it will be enough or if it will bring enough snow for one last ride... we'll have to wait and see.

End of Winter Rush

Just like that... we go from intensely busy and running nonstop from sun up to sun down... to having free time. Well.. we are still working on getting things caught up, but we aren't being rushed to have it all done.
We celebrated the end of winter rush and a late anniversary dinner last evening at Bennethums (thanks to a gift certificate from two special friends). Sunday afternoon when there's just wet slush on the trails is a great time to enjoy dinner out. We were the only two in the dining room. A quiet, relaxing dinner with just the two of us. I even left my pager at home and enjoyed a whiskey sour.
Below is a picture of my new Chevy Tahoe. Its in great condition. We are both excited about this addition to our small vehicle fleet. Its 'my' winter vehicle, Mike's summer vehicle to pull the camper and boat.

Vampires and Snowmen

Great Weekend for Sparky

It's been a GREAT weekend! Some of my favorite people were here.

Anyone who plays with me and roughs around with me are my favorite people.

Reggie, the bloodhound pup stopped in Saturday. What long ears he has... a very gentle fella. I can't wait for him to get just a little bigger so we can really rough house around together. I guess I was a little overwhelming for him. I was trying to show him what a fun guy I am.

The pictures Mom took of us didn't turn out at all, and the picture here of me with the Bobs isn't very good either. She must not be paying attention to what she's doing!

I ran over to a friends house behind us. The ones that I was rolling around in their bed at my last visit. Ann found me. The nice lady invited me in, and told Ann not only was I rolling around in their bed, she was in it! She loved all my kisses and loving. They have an older dog. He's a lucky boy too... their counter is filled with dog treats of every kind! No kidding. Ten jars of different treats. And Mike and Ann try to tell me there are no dogs with no toys or treats. What are they talking about? humph! ...

The Trail - Slush

The trail late afternoon, approx 5 pm... Slush. This is in front of the motel, one of the better sections left. Mud and much more water in either direction on the trail.

Melting

Cigars and Sunlight equal a melting snowman.

Friday Mar 9, 2007 Snow on the Trails

46 Degrees and Sunshine Today!

Still decent riding at this point... when I got home from work at 4, I walked over and took a picture of the trail right out front here ... two pictures, one looking south, one looking north. You can see its still White!

The tv weathermen said they were surprised at todays high temp.. they had been calling for just 30's...; they couldn't believe it got so warm with the deep snow we've got all over... but mother nature has her own plans.

Another warm day in the 40' tomorrow. We'll see what will happen to the trails by the end of that day.

Just Let It Go

Tomorrow, Friday is the second annual Just Let it Go Day. A time to just let go of all the little things that we have ranted and raved about one too many times. Actually... that's one of my pet peeves... people that just hang on like bull dogs to little injustices that have been done in the Past. Its in the past. Its done, its over. Let it Go.
Sparky and his dog friends have it right. They don't hang onto the little things that can trip us up if we let them. You forget to feed them one morning, they still trust that you'll feed them the next feeding. You slip and step on their toes, they yelp once and then are ready to run and play in the next minute.
Just Let It Go. Move on.... Save your energy to use for fun things.

Winter Day Walk

I haven't been able to romp with my friends in a very long time. At least today, Ann and I went for a good walk - 45 minutes and we did some romping around. It was 25 degrees out and sunny. Just beautiful. No wind, perfect day to play in the snow. I was a golden catcher as she tossed her glove in the air and I did magnificent jumps to grab it. Then I climbed up on the snowbanks. Look at me here... this is a snowbank as high as the fence! The rail tips from the fence are just peeking out. The snow is still beautiful white. Trails are smooth. Today was a perfect winter day.

Fox Hunt

Sometimes its best to know when to keep your mouth shut, and blend in with the crowd.

When My Ship Comes In..............

When my ship comes in.....
it'll have a sidecart for Mike's snowmobile so I can hit the trails with them.
it'll have a boat load of dogs to romp, wrestle and run with day and night.
it'll have a trunk load of Puperoni's.
it'll have all sorts of toys, tugs, balls, chewies for me and my friends.

I'll just keep watching the horizon, anyday now...

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

Is it possible... 36 hour day? Sure feels like it.

The day started out good and cold. We had -16 at 6 a.m.
I swear today has already had 36 hours in it! ... We started out, as usual with the breakfast thing. Then room cleaning, laundry, changing towels. We finished with all that, along with checking in several rooms, about 12:30. And that's when the fun began.
We bundled up and hit the trails. Beautiful! ... Beautiful. It was a great ride. We headed south and explored some of the trail south of Grayling we had never been on before... there was just a small section that was rough - I believe an area that the DNR is responsible. It was easily forgotten once we got back onto the Grayling groomed trail. Both Gaylord and Grayling trails we were on today were smooth!.. White! .. We saw a few deer that ran across the trail in front of us, and I had my camera with me... but I was not up to speed today, and it never came out of my pocket. I've been feeling a little off lately... as evidenced by Mike leading all day today. I was quite content with following.
I do wish we didn't have responsibilities cluttering up our next two days. I would love to get back out and enjoy these great trails. We have only two empty rooms tonight (Tuesday!) and everyone we have talked to say they have enjoyed great rides in all directions.
We got back to Rays Retreat at 5 to a very spirited Sparky. Poor fella has not had alot of exercise lately. With the cold our walks have been short, with the work around Rays Retreat the walks have been short, with guests needing attention time spend with Sparky has been short. Its a good thing he's such a good natured fella. And always forgiving.
I had time to fill bird feeders and put my feet up for 35 minutes before heading out for a 2 1/2 hour meeting. sigh..............At least that is one meeting down.
The cold and snow are staying with us consistently through Thursday. We have over two foot of snow - before tonight's accumulation - so there will be snow for another weekend.

Week of Meetings

Snow! .. we have snow. At least two feet out in the middle of the yard and woods. Winter isn't giving up yet.

Today has been bitter cold, a high of only 10 with very strong winds. A storm system coming through tomorrow night with the possibility of another 4-8 inches.

The trails are in great shape. Everyone has been coming in telling us how much fun they've had and how good the Gaylord trail system is. Our hope is that tomorrow we can get out ourselves. But we've got alot of rooms to feed breakfast to in the morning, and I'm sure there will be a few more rooms to clean. We're both determined though to find a way to break out and fire the sleds up.

This is a week of meetings, which I need to start preparing the notes and anything else I was supposed to have completed. The weeks pass so quickly. I have my monthly fire/ems business meeting tomorrow night. And then Wed is the Big Meeting Day. Mike has three meetings that day! and I have two. Sparky, the lucky dog has no meetings this week.

Annie, the dog I was worried about on I75 was found and taken to the Animal Shelter. I talked to them today and family was picking her up sometime this afternoon. That took a big concern off my heart. Annie was in a vehicle that had an accident.... she was scared and ran away. Deep snow, the cold, the traffic, wild animals all had me worried for her safety. Sparky understands the horror of spinning in a car out of control (let alone one rolling over several times!). Just ask him about it.

Forever

Married 35 years today!

When our kids were teen-agers falling in love for their first/second and third times and always thinking it was the 'forever' love I liked to tell them: "The younger you are when you get married --- the longer forever is" (although in today's world I'm not sure how serious people take the word forever ... or if they actually realize what FOREVER really means.

I understand that sometimes circumstances beyond one persons control make forever an impossibility. . . oh, I do understand!

There's no special secret to our being married 35 years besides the fact that we are both tenacious people. We hang on, we endure, we are stubborn.

35 Years Sounds Like a Memorable Occasion doesn't it? A Special Celebration perhaps, a special effort for all the special moments that brought you to the 35 year mark.

I'll tell you what 35 years brought me... a man who calls himself my husband who had no idea today was our anniversary. I did get the joy of preparing breakfast with him to serve 35 people. We cleaned the kitchen together and then started cleaning rooms. Ten rooms cleaned by early afternoon when we had to sit down and take a break. During the break everyone checked in that was coming in for the day. It was now 4 p.m. and he suggested an anniversary dinner out -- after a full day and weekend we both agreed Pizza Hut was enough to satisfy our hunger. He even picked up the tab. Back home again, Sparky's walk, a shower... settling down with aching bones. When the phone rings and wouldn't you know it? One of the rooms we hadn't cleaned is the room these people want Tonight! ... so my husband looks to me to meekly suggest we start cleaning again.Isn't this every woman's dream of a 35th anniversary?

Bottom line. We married for love. And we're still married because of love...... BUT!
and that's all I'll say. The 'rest of the story' I've shared (along with anything/anyone else that irks me and can't print on this blog for fear of incriminating myself)for 35 years with my crazy cussin in Indiana. She knows it all. She'll back me up when I say one minute Mike was leaning over the boat bringing a fish in... and the next he was gone in the water with the fish. She'll validate that we spent hours rip roaring around the lake trying to find them.. the fish and Mike. Never to be seen again.

I don't want any of you without a sense of humour to take that last paragraph seriously. Really.
Mike is a good man with a good heart. A terrible memory - both long term and short term are long gone. He's always been trustworthy, dependable and a loving man. He just sometimes forgets .... and that's why I'm here ... to keep reminding him of who and what's important.

Last Full Moon of the Winter

I was just checking my Farmers Almanac which tells me tonight's full moon is the last of this winter season.
Doesn't that make you sad? It sure does me, and I won't even tell Mike. It could throw him into a deep depression. I'm having to slowly 'transition' him into the reality that winter will be moving into spring..... eventually.
This full moon is also known as the Full Sap Moon - because the warmer temps starts the maple sap flowing,
and a Full Crust Moon as the snows ground cover turns crusty from daytime warming temps.
Ready or not the temperatures will start to rise, the ground begin to warm and earthworms will replace the snow.

Busy Weekend

It's going to be a busy weekend up here in Northern Michigan. I'm not sure what is bringing all the people up, besides fresh snow and great trails.
There is the drag races out on Otsego Lake tomorrow. We're going to try to slip away for a short time tomorrow just to take a look. Maybe get a few pictures. I think the last time Mike had talked to Joe/Parkside there was 18 inches of ice. I always like to know there is ALOT of ice before I'll go out... just something about falling through with 25 pounds of extra heavy winter clothing, and ice trapping me sends shivers and horror through my mind. I'm sure I was trapped in the Titantic in another life.
We've also been told The Hiberians (not sure if that is spelled right... since I had never heard of them before this year! ... ) are having a big dance affair this weekend.
The sun actually came out for a few hours this morning. Yesterdays winter storm was a real mess through the late afternoon into early this morning. Wind was huffing and puffing up to 40 mph. Several powerlines went down.
We were actually prepared - flashlights set out and in working order. Extra water set out and bottled.
Farmers Almanac called for last weeks storm and this week's. They also say we'll have snow in April. . .