1. Let’s not even talk about the mosquitoes this year. If you look out the bathroom window at 10 p.m. (assuming you are awake) you can count 35 hungry mosquitoes buzzing and buzzing and begging to come in the house to suck human blood. I do not exaggerate, as I am an accurate counter.
2. Our daughter amends that, even though 35 hungry mosquitoes prepare to feast outside yonder window, she’s not experienced too much difficulty during her visit in our woods this week. I agree. A few weeks ago the mosquitoes feasted and feasted and feasted. Now they don’t bite as ferociously, thank all the stars in the yonder heaven. They only look ominous. However, if one is weeding the garden–watch out. Only Deep Woods Off will save you.
3. Our daughter is visiting from New York City! We are loving it.
Me, My friend, Pattijo and her grandson, and daughter from NYC
4. We picked her up at the Flint, Michigan, airport a week ago Friday before my dad’s 80th birthday party. Our son and his wife also flew in from San Diego. All of my parent’s children and grandchildren attended the birthday party except for one grandchild from Singapore and now she’s coming to visit him and the rest of her Michigan family for a few weeks. So my folks get to see ALL their extended family this summer. What could be better?
All of us at the birthday party. Points for those who can name every immediate family member. (Hint: some are boyfriends and girlfriends of some children and grandchildren.)
5. The birthday party was a blast. Except I could only talk to every visitor (maybe 75 of them?) for 5.4 minutes. Then one had to move on to the next long-lost friend or relative. It would have been nice to talk to everyone for 10.6 minutes. Guess we’ll have to throw another party, eh, Mom?
Chris and Seunghye playing croquet
6. The party happened downstate in Yale, Michigan. We then drove home to the Upper Peninsula 550 miles north and west. We liked having a third driver.
7. The third driver and I play cribbage every night. She taught me cribbage a few years ago. I forget how to play in between her visits. However–you all should know this–your blogger is now ahead of the third driver in numbers of games won. 3-2. Full disclaimer: without her counting skills, I would be losing.
Cribbage board
8. It is the coldest summer imaginable here. You know how cold? The temps rarely top the upper 60’s (19.4 C). Last week we enjoyed two days in the 50’s (12.7 C). However, just to mess things up, our fan now attempts to cool us off. It’s almost 90 degrees (32.2 C). But don’t feel too sorry for us. It will be back in the 60’s for three days this upcoming week, darn it. We claim it’s because of the icebergs still floating in Lake Superior in early June.
9. Back to those dreaded insects. I told you about mosquitoes. We also feature wood ticks, two of which crawled on my daughter when she walked down the road the other night. (None attached.) However, she and I enjoyed a three or four mile walk by the Mouth of the Huron yesterday. Delightful! Except for those crazy biting flies which prevented us from ever ceasing our walking movements. (Click on this post if you would like to read The attack of the killer flies.)
From a previous biting fly episode in 2010
10. We also ambled along the Silver River on Thursday. I sank both sneakers into a muddy swamp. We glanced upward and viewed a bald eagle winging down the river. She saw its mate, flying behind.
11. Said daughter is gone tonight visiting friends. Thus I have time to blog.
12. Any of you bloggers want to play with Karma and create a whimsical photograph post? The due date for “Whimsy” is Monday, June 30th. I have a whimsical blog to post and will try to show you soon, before or after our birthday celebration tomorrow. (It’s not really Barry and my actual birthdays. His was in June, and mine is later in July. However, we chose a middle date and daughter will cook us a delicious dinner and, mosquitoes cooperating, we’ll eat on the deck and open presents wrapped in newspapers.)
Lake Superior Spirit 
Sorry, I just wrote a blog about mosquitoes … I did not know the subject was band before I posted 😉 (did you know … only the females bite? Someone told me that … )
Since we seem to be discussing those annoying insects any way …. Those flies are disrupting the nesting loons in the southern part of the State .. I heard on the radio they have been so bad that momma and poppa loons stay off the nest too long trying to avoid the flies, thus eggs not hatching.
Glad to see that you are having a lot of family fun this summer …
Bearyweather, the ban on mosquito-talk only started a few minutes ago. LOL! I read your mosquito blog and totally concur. What a crazy summer! I did not know that about the flies and the loons. How sad to think the eggs aren’t hatching…
Your ban is a good idea. I think mosquitoes enjoy being notorious threats to our summer happiness and are fueled by our complaints. Maybe if we totally ignore them, they will get bored and just go away … wishful thinking.
I’m with you on that wishful thinking!
Okay, the insects, especially the mosquitos and flies would drive me nuts! Wow, that’s a lot of bugs! And that fly photo! Yikes! Great to have a post from you today, my friend.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
Thank you for your comment, Kathy. The insects can drive a person nuts. Most summers it isn’t too bad, but certain summers are worse than others. I think this one might win the Insect Award. Isn’t it bad down in Ecuador? You would think that it would be, at least in wooded or jungle areas.
Kathy, the mosquitoes are huge and ravenous here too! Every time we go outside, we come in with more bites. Alex came home last night from a week up north at a faith camp and he is speckled all over with skeeter bites. I remember a time when Alex was only 2 years old and we were camping up at Copper Harbor when the tiny black flies were feasting on people and poor Alex got bit all over. I have some pictures that show his pudgy little face with many fly bites. He didn’t seem to mind and was having a wonderful time exploring and playing along the shores and woods of Lake Superior. ❤
I'm so glad you've had some visiting time with family and friends this summer. And an extended visit with your beautiful daughter is such a precious blessing ❤
It's a hot and muggy day here with strong storms heading our way. We're in for another 3" of rain…or maybe more with these strong storms over the next few days.
Have a fun time celebrating birthdays!! 🙂
Brenda, I can just picture poor Alex with those skeeter bites–and I feel sorry for him! It’s hard to be outside for too long at this time of year. I also sympathize with his two year old self. However, I remember our kids would get all bit up and it bothered me more than it did them. The young ones seem to be able to handle it better. I hope you don’t get more rain. You guys certainly could use a break.
Thank you, Kathy ❤ xoxo
Congratulations to your Dad! And what a wonderful reunion even if you only had 5.4 minutes for conversations. LOL! I also remember mosquitoes from Florida, but I live on a windy hill now that seems to keep them at bay. Deep Woods Off is still in order though. We have pesky gnats here in VA and bad-ass ticks who can bring Lyme disease, There is no perfect place on earth since we gave up Eden! 🙂
Hi, Dor. I am glad you laughed about that 5.4 minutes for conversation. Lucky you with that windy hill. Heaven on earth–a windy hill! But those bad-ass ticks, shame on them. I wonder what good ticks are. They have to be some good, in the circle of life and all. But what…? Please let me know if you know.
I am amazed by the difference between town and the woods. I went to see a kayak a couple of weeks ago near Gallery 325 and even there they were quite a menace. I do think the swarm of friends and family down in Yale must have been a rare pleasure. I do wish you 10.6 minutes per person at your next get together. (By the way, why do they call it Gallery 325 when its address is 319) So many things make me go Hmmmmm …
John, there is SUCH a difference between town and the woods! Someone must have banned the skeeters from town, lucky you. As for Gallery 325, I have no idea. I do have friends who would know though. If I remember to ask them…
I am so very very happy for you that you have had such wonderful family time! Coincidentally it is also my Aunt’s 80th birthday this year, and all my siblings are coming up in a couple of weeks to celebrate with her. Family is the Best Gift Ever.
Dawn, Happy Birthday to your aunt! That is a nice coincidence. I hope you have a little more time to talk with everyone. Family time IS the best. It sounds like we both appreciate it a lot.
Guess we’re old enough to realize what’s important and what’s not.
I’m pretty sure the reason there are birthdays and holidays is to motivate us to make the time to spend with loved ones. As to mosquitoes, ours are not too bad so far this year. Now that I’ve said that, however. . . .
Carol, I am happy to hear you are being spared. I am sure they will stay away. All 5,000,000,000 of them are here after all! 🙂
One of my screens was totally out early this summer. Not so bad when temps were in the 50’s, but as soon as they rose into the 70’s the flies swarmed into my house. The screen has been repaired, but the flies are not gone. 😦 (My back yard is a mosquito breeding ground with as much rain as we’ve had it’s worse than usual) Deet is a good chemical!
Lisa, it can be such a tragedy when the screens are out or not adjusted properly. I feel for you! I also feel for your mosquito breeding ground. Have heard that it’s bad (water-wise) over by you. Hope it improves soon.
Lovely post. Hope you have fun with your family 🙂
Thank you so much. I am glad you stopped by to read!
Wait, 75 family members? Are these just your parents children and grandchildren, or did it include other extended family members?
Funny you should share this now. Two weeks ago, my husband and I went to his parents 60th wedding anniversary reunion. All four of their sons were there, along with all of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Except, like yours, only one grandchild couldn’t make it. She is due to give birth any day.
As you know, my husband can’t get out of the house or travel easy. The reunion was 50 miles away. So, his brothers came to pick him up and then take him home that night. They all stayed a few nights at a hotel, but it wasn’t do-able for us due to our circumstances right now.
We only had 30 people, so I’m curious about your 75. Wow!
Didn’t mean to make it about me, but it seems sometimes our lives tend to by in sync. Sounds like a wonderful family time for you. Enjoy the rest of the visit.
No, no, no, I should have said friends AND family members = maybe 75 people. There were probably about 30-40 family and the rest were friends and neighbors and such. How interesting that you had a reunion, too. How challenging that must have been with your husband’s situation–glad his brothers were able to come and help him. We have definitely been in sync more than once. Thanks for commenting, Lori.
Gee Kathy, the various insects look like-well I don’t know what they look like. Words defy me here. There are mosquitoes and then there are mammoth skeeters., We are fortunate not to have a huge problem. Believe it or not, I’ve never been bitten by a mosquito. Something in my body repels them. i met one other person that I worked with who had never been bitten. Scientists need to learn what’s in out systems that keeps them from biting. They land on me but soon leave my skin after about 30 seconds.
Now onto the birthday bash for your dad. I’ll bet that was the best birthday that he’s had in a very long long time. And the bonus for you and Barry was to have your kiddos and daughter-in-law back home for awhile.
As far as cribbage goes, i’ve never had a chance to learn the game. Sounds like you are a natural as a player. The pics of the family gathering are really nice. You should frame the one with all the relatives plus and give that to your dad.
Yvonne, it looks like you were commenting on my blog while I was watching that video on your blog. How fortunate you are to repel mosquitoes! It does seem like we all have different body chemistry. I welt up with bites; Barry isn’t much affected. Figures.
As for my dad’s birthday, I think he would agree with you. It was amazing to have so many friends and family stop by last Saturday. That’s a good idea about framing that picture. Thanks for the suggestion.
Sounds like a great birthday for your dad. I hope he had at least 10.6 minutes to talk to everyone whom he reallllly liked (lol).
Mosquitos do not like me either…strange.
I have an old cribbage board. Never learned to play. It might make a decorative wall hanging.
I am sorry for everyone’s troubles with insects and feel guilty that I am not having any.
Linda, I do think Dad had enough time to talk to people. He seemed to be happy with how the party turned out. Please do not feel guilty for not having any insects–you are simply luckier than lucky! Even in lower Michigan we were not plagued by mosquitoes. It’s out here in the woods where it is rough this year.
I am truly sorry.
Your Dad looked happy as did Chris and Kiah.
Kathy – Oh the joys (?) of colder than usual summer temperatures. Oh the joys (?) of ticks and biting flies. Oh the joys — with absolute certainty — of visits from adult children. In this case, Kiah. I’ve never played cribbage so when I visit (on my bucket list), you’ll be able to rub my nose in it — fair and square! Happy late and early birthdayS to you and Barry 🙂
Joy, joy, joy~~that’s what it’s all about! (Suddenly signing that old song in my head, thanks to you, Laurie!) I am actually not even sure I could teach someone to play cribbage. At least the scoring part. But will give it a try when you come visit. And to think I might make it to Boise someday!
Oh those pesky bugs. Earlier this year our Mosquitos were huge. I kept explains them as big enough to carry you back to a grotto. What a wonderful time to spend with family when a parent turns 80. Having them around that long is truly a blessing, and what a wonderful reason for children to come home to visit.
I am grinning about your huge mosquitoes, Lucinda. The situation must be better now, or all the people have been carried back to grottos? lol. The visit with family has been a blessing. You are lucky to be able to see your crew more often, I think.
My sisters and I made a conscious effort to be close to home many years ago. I am sure we all gave up some things in terms of career, but perhaps it has all worked out. We are a fairly small family by area standard so that may explain the tight knit. As for bugs, our flies aware just starting.
Hello Kiah! We have such happy memories of meeting you in New York… gosh, it feels like *years* ago… I still hope that we will meet Kathy too one day – whether in the US, or – perhaps even – in South Africa? 😉
When she gets back from Marquette, I’ll alert her to your comment, Reggie. (I am not allowed to put her name in blogs any more because…well, I’ll explain when we meet. lol.) She still likes those little stuffed animals you gave her.
What a handsome family you have, Kathy. And yes, your parents are quite lucky to see all the family this summer. How often does that happen?
Why, Ms. Stacy Lynn, thank you. It is a rare ocassion any more that the entire family gets together. So sorry Jillian couldn’t be there, too (I mean our Jillian, the missing grandchild from Singapore) but she’s in Michigan as of yesterday. I am only sorry I can’t see her.
Well, I certainly can’t identify everyone in the photo, but I am proud to report that I recognized your segment of the family, grouped on the left, and even know your parents, from your pictures and stories! I hope this time with your daughter is wonderful. Thanks, Kathy!
I’m glad you recognized our immediate family, Cindy. I think I might even be able to recognize a few of yours, too! Part of the fun of blogging, don’t you think?
So glad everyone was able to return for your dads birthday celebration. I am sure your parents were thrilled. Add to that a little extra time with Kiah in the north woods. What a great way to start your summer.
I’m enjoying the summer a lot so far, Christie. Seeing you again toward the end of it would make it extra special. Let’s keep that as a real possibility.
We are lucky this year in that there are not many mosquitoes (due to a lack of rainfall), and our efforts to rid ourselves of the horrible blood-sucking deer flies seem to be working. I do not have to wear mosquito netting over my face this year in order to go outside for a walk. Yay for that!
You have a lovely family. How wonderful that you had time with all of them, and then get an extended visit with your daughter as well. Yay for that! 😀
I commend you on your lack of the insect population, Robin, although do you need the rain? Glad you are mosquito-net free for your walks! Thanks, also, for the kind words about our family. We’re enjoying our daughter’s visit…hope you have a good visit with your sister this week.
Happy birthday to your dad! We only get mosquitoes when we get lots of rain and it has been dry here but I would take the mosquitoes for a chance of much needed rain.
Wishing you, then, some much-needed rain with only a few of the pesky mosquitoes who will hopefully not bite. 🙂
You just cannot win visiting. You want to spend so much time with each person, but every second you spend means you’re not spending time with someone else. Another party is definitely called for 🙂
As for mosquitoes – ours are still biting. When we hiked over at Mosquito Bay, I mean Maple Bay, the other night, we ended up running through the woods between the car and the beach because they were chasing and biting us. Thankfully we’ve not had too much experience with the biting flies.
Enjoy your almost-90’s. And your 60’s. And whatever else you get, because it will surely be warmer than our winter that will come sooner than any of us are ready for!
You are so right, Heather. Changing the subject completely, I was just talking about you with K. While she ate her soup I got in a long discussion about ageism. (Included a comment about never thinking of Heather’s age.) About how one can feel ageless. Finally, as this intellectual rambling ceased K grinned and said, “I never think about this,” and “I am just trying to eat my soup…” Anywho, I know you understand about that visiting conundrum. May your mosquitoes cease their bites. Amen.
Ugh! The mosquitoes ARE awful. 😛 We couldn’t even escape them in our cabin. Swarms of them would follow us in and harass us while we tried to sleep. Our bathroom looks like a squashed mosquito war zone. I do have to say that I enjoyed the cooler weather. We’ll be back up in a few days to escape the downstate heat!
Holly, I SO understand your pain. (And the mosquito war zones.) Last night all I heard was constant buzzing outside the open bedroom windows. At least they weren’t inside eating us. Good luck with the skeeters on your upcoming trip.
Congratulations to your Dad! I cannot think of a better birthday presents than to visit with all of one’s descendants in one summer and to have one of them cook a special dinner! Love the group shot – it will become more precious as the years fly by…
Barbara, you are so right about the group shot. It is such a special time that we can all still get together. I will tell my dad of your well wishes.
What a great reason to have all the family together. Happy Birthday to your Dad, Kathy. I remember the mosquitoes in Michigan and can’t say I miss them here in New Mexico.
My husband and I recently cancelled our television service and started playing cribbage! He has a cribbage “board” made out of a deer antler that we use. It is handmade and is part of my husband’s childhood memories. I like cribbage! It’s a fast-moving game. (Now I’m sure I sound like some kind of old-timer!)
Thanks for the birthday wishes for my dad, Patty. I guess moving away from those mosquitoes might be a benefit! How fun that you are playing cribbage, too. I think I have seen a deer antler board. By the way, who wins the most games? You or your husband?
My husband. 😦