Rays Retreat Ramblings

Pirates Invade Rays Retreat

Squaw winter has set in today and tomorrow. Windy and snow showers on and off today will continue thru tomorrow. Then real Indian Summer returns for a short spell.

We had our family reunion this past weekend - you might guess by the pictures. The theme was pirates! This pirate family is our oldest son. 

  Here's middle child, and youngest son and two of his pirates.

 

My sister - who was proud to call herself 'The Old Hag' and her family.

If you look at the table behind them... who's that? Dan, the Mennonite Man. Yup, he slipped in and enjoyed a pirating good time with us.

See Each Other

39 Days!

I knew Bob Boldman would know how many days until the snowmobile trails open - 39!

Its sure feeling like more like winter these mornings. 20 degrees and everything good and frosted this morning.

We're still daydreaming of our great fall camping outing. Its time to move on though... this weekend is our family reunion. Nothing like having a family of pirates invading the north. Our reunion theme is 'Last Pirate Standing' .. you can be sure someone will be walking the plank.

Gizzy enjoyed going into work with me yesterday. She put in a hard days work too. We had a resident who suffered a massive stroke during supper time Monday evening. She had been a very independent, healthy 88 year old. So it was a shock for staff and residents.

Gizzy and I made many room visits, listening to residents share their memories, stories and shock. As they did, and tears would begin to roll down the cheeks Gizzy was there to lick and love. Soon a smile and even a slight laugh would replace the tears. She is an excellent grief therapist. She was also dressed in her pirate dress.

Mike's been busy everyday blowing leaves. The next day, the yard is filled again. hmmm, its like the kitchen sink and dirty dishes. Or the washers and dryers... never ending.

Another Weekend is Over

I had an awesome walk this afternoon. We joined up with my collie friends (there are 3 now) and they all walked (while I raced, and Tessa did some racing with me) through the woods. Great fun.

Gizzy got her bath tonight. She must have known it was bath night because when she got back from our walk she found the loosiest dirtiest dirt in the drive, and just rolled and dug herself in. Was she ever filthy! She wasn't even allowed on the couch. Now's she white and fluffy.

Dan! Can't wait to see you. Mike told me you're coming in this coming Saturday. You'll get to enjoy the Ray Pirate family. All the kids will be here for a pirate family gathering.............Sparky T. Ray....................................

Sparky's right... as this weekend comes to an end, we're preparing for a busy week of getting ready for family. As with any family gathering there are feelings of dread/work/anticipation. I'm starting to work on my lists.

Good to hear from you Merryl and Linda. Hope things are going well in Ohio. Are you still getting out in the boat any, or is it up for the season?

Favorite Things

  Hey Dan the  Man, You'll always be My Man!... I have no favorirtes. I just love everyone... whether they bring me gifts or not.

You do know that my all time favorite toy... bestest of all toy anyone has ever given me, is the frisbee you got me. I love it!! I even carried it into the motorhome when we went on vacation. I love it!

Wasn't I cute? ... one of Ann's friends made this little 'tag'... hey, did you know I have a birthday coming up the First of November? I'll be 3.

It was great hearing from you Dan, and will be even better getting to see you again. Be sure and give us a call so they don't decide to take off for a day or two.............Sparky T. Ray

Sparky has his favorite toys, and we're starting to think about our favorite season - winter! Its getting closer. It was just 25 degrees Thursday morning. Mike got new skis for his sled and assures me he'll be able to keep up with me this winter. How many days until the first day trails open? I'll bet Bob Boldman knows.

Gizzy, warming up

  Gizzy enjoyed racing along the beach of Lake Michigan too, but she went diving in anytime she got the chance. And then, was shivering from cold. I just waded.

Here she is all bundled up after a romp in the cold lake.

I got tired of hearing Mike and Ann say... 'she's the perfect little traveler'. What are they implying.. I'm not? I am a little nervous, but someone has to worry about things. Both Mike and I do that!

----Sparky T. Ray

I'm Ready for another vacation.

I got an email from my collie pals that they were enjoying a fall vacation last week, just like we were! They were in the U.P. and had some great pictures. I decided it was time for me to start sharing some of my vacation memories.

My favorite part of the trip? Running along the Lake Michigan shoreline! This was a blast.

We did lots of hiking every day. Along the beach, because no one else was around... I was off leash. I did some power running along the shoreline, and in the water. Those waves were such fun.

Gizzy couldn't be off leash, because she has a tendency to ignore us all, and we are afraid she'll get her little self into some big trouble.

 

I would race way up the beach, then turn around to see where they were... and turn around and race back! So, really I walked much much more than they did.

 

Here I am... ready to go! Where is everyone? Lets get this 'Rover' on the Road!

Really.... I've watched long enough. I know how to drive this thing!

All Aboard.

Really... I am a nervous passenger. That's why I hang over Mike trying to keep an eye on him, the road and oncoming traffic. Those rumble strips (which Mike seemed to run over alot) really made me nervous. Keep it between the lines, please.

I mean reallly.............I know I can drive it just as good......

Sparky T. Ray

Rays Roving Retreat

 

We enjoyed a great mini fall vacation in Rays Roving Retreat... the Fleetwood Motorhome that I was rather upset when Mike purchased it. But I have to admit - I love it!

It's a great way to travel. Gizzy and I greatly enjoy the big wide front windows, the swivel very comfortable passenger seat.

It very quickly turns into a permanent campsite once you pull it in.

Sparky is still not real comfortable while in motion. He has to stand on watch almost all the time. I'm sure its tiring work. He slept like a log every night.

The week started out cool, but each day warmed. The colors in the U.P. were at their peak. We enjoyed the state park in St. Ignace. Beautiful spacious campsites along the lake, with the great view of the bridge.

The dogs and I walked along the beachfront, and discovered such a peaceful cemetary as  ways down, and up a hill. A great final resting place. I thought how comforting it must be for the loved ones left who come out to visit and contemplate. The surf, wind, birds, and beauty can be restoring to the soul.

Peak color is all over northern Michigan now. This is an absolute perfect Fall weekend, color and weather. Hope you're enjoying it.

How many stars in the sky

There are 10^11 stars in the galaxy. That used to be a huge number. But it's only a hundred billion. It's less than the national deficit! We used to call them astronomical numbers. Now we should call them economical numbers.
  - Richard Feynman

Mighty Mac at Night

This was the beautiful scene we saw two nights this week as we went to bed, or sat around the campfire.

We camped at Straits State Park (St. Ignace) and also at a private campgrounds on the south side, in Mackinaw.

Impressive and beautiful.