The Road Less Traveled

2012-02-16T03:36:00.000-08:00

After two weeks of babysitting in the wilds of Northern Michigan Cindy has returned to Bag End. Apparently the temp. was in the mid-teens when she left Michigan and mid 80's degrees when she arrived in Florida.

I think Our two above average grandchildren gave her quite a workout.

Heather and Nathan Collide With Matinee (And Bobo founds city of 'Bobofat")

2012-01-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

Nathan and Heather got off the plane Monday dressed for the cold spell we have been having. I thought mittens and ski parkas were a bit much for the 75 temperature in the parking lot. Michigan people are funny that way.

We were really excited to have them visit!

They of course admired our metals and were kind enough to listen to our 'race' stories.

We took a boat ride on the inter-coastal and had to 'endure' the dolphins. They can be such a nuisance. Squeaking around the boat and demanding food. We went to the beach and watched the sunset.

We went shopping at 'John's Pass' and had drinks with umbrellas on the wharf. Later we took a boat ride to the 'Pub' where we had drinks without umbrellas.

Our Trip to the gulf was interrupted by some cloudy weather. We saw this...

Cindy saw this.

So we decided to come in.

Next day however we went out at dusk and made it out to the Gulf. Even Cindy agreed it was a good ride. We saw a pirate ship with a whole bunch of tourists on board. The trip back was interesting because we couldn't see the marker buoys in the dark and I forgot if the green ones were supposed to be on the right or left of the boat. But the coast guard helicopter hovering overhead made me feel a little better.

In the morning Nathan and Heather went out on the kayaks but had to come back in because the Manatee's were just too aggressive. Nathan made the mistake of taking a lettuce sandwich and the Manatee kept trying to take it away from him.

We played cards, enjoyed some terrific meals (Heather and Cindy had stone crabs) and enjoyed some wonderful conversations with our son and daughter-in-law. Nathan introduced me to a neat on-line game and I founded the city of 'Bobofat'....how cool is that...

We had a wonderful visit and feel blessed that they are a part of our lives.

Badger and Otter Visit Bag End

2012-01-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

We received the best Xmas present ever when our grandchildren came to Bag End for a visit last week. They were our first visitors from Michigan and we did our best to show them around our

new neighborhood.

We went to the beach where I got to build sand castles with Badger....We even waded out got knocked over by some waves....

Otter got to dance in the surf with his mother....

We hit 'Crabby Bills' for the beach bar scene...Nana and Badger got a little rowdy...

Otter wasn't too sure about it....

Next day we went to Saint Pete Beach and did some dancing on the pier....

Badger and her dad climbed a tree in the park...

We saw some pelicans and a couple dolphins...

We also got a cool puzzle and had fun putting it together....

Badger took a kayak ride....

But best of all we got to sit and talk...I even learned that my son-in-law (despite his protestations) actually reads books...

The Dolphin quest on the inter coastal was a bust. Every time Cindy and I have been on the water we see a plethora of dolphins but of course when your trying to impress your granddaughter there isn't a one....I figure it's a good excuse for them to come back...Yesterday they arrived home safe and sound which is another gift...

Tomorrow Nathan and Heather arrive and we're pumped...Got Pina Colada mix and because the dolphins are swimming in the back yard I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing some...

39th Wedding Anniversary

2012-01-09T05:26:00.000-08:00

Last August, after several beers, we were having a nice conversation with Sarah and Joel about their 'running addiction'...Cindy and I were attempting an "intervention"...At some point in the evening they implied that we were too old to run a half marathon...

Next day we spent $300. on running shoes, down loaded a 5 month training program and signed up for the Donald Duck Half Marathon...It could have ended there but $300. is a lot of money and the thought of Joel saying "I told you so!" was just too much...So it began...

Our first attempt was on August 21st...we did 2.43 miles in 43:04 or 17:44 minute miles...(to get a metal we had to go 13.1 miles @ 15:30 per mile)...we went home and took a long long nap...

We 'wajoged' (walk/jogged) three times a week gradually building up our distance on our every other week long run...3-5-7-9-11-13 miles...on the 5 mile I pulled a hamstring and on the 11 mile run Cindy "hit the wall at mile 10"...we were sustained only by the thought of Sarah and Joel and their smug knowing looks....

I gave up beer for a whole week before the race and Cindy and I drank gallons of water to hydrate...The day before the race we drove to Disney World and picked up our race packets and numbers...

We got up at 3:00 in the morning, took the mono rail from our hotel and got in line with 26,600 other racers...the temp was 46...we made it to our assigned coral and waited....we could see the start line (about a mile away)...and watched as the 5 corals in front of us made their start...Donald was there with Mickey and Goofy to start each coral...fireworks went off for each coral start...the wheelchairs went off at 5:30 and we went off at 6:10...Oh the humanity!...

My hands were cold because I'd forgotten gloves...around the half mile marks I picked up a glove and at the mile marker I picked up another...sweatshirts, gloves, hats and running pants littered the first two miles...

About mile three we settled on a 'race mantra'...something to keep our motivation up...something to make our blood boil...we decided on "Sarah and Joel are watching!"....

At mile four we came around a turn and along the fence was Sarah, Joel, Badger and Otter...Badger/Otter?...we had no idea they were coming to Florida and assumed they were sleeping in Traverse City...

Cindy threw out her arm to point (knocking a poor Asian woman into the ditch) and I (mouth open) drifted into a crowd of other runners creating havoc...complete

and total surprise...My first thought was that I was hallucinating....

Joel yelled something about meeting at the finish line and suggested we keep running...(putting distance between ourselves and the pile up was probably a good idea)...so on we went...9 miles later we finished and got our medals...3:13:37 for Cindy and 3:13:38 for me...(she beat me!)...Our pace was 14:47 per mile...well ahead of the 'goofy bus'....

Sarah and Joel had been planning the trip since last fall!...They ran the 'chip and dale' the next day (relay marathon...each doing 13.1) and we got to cheer them on...our metals are 'cooler' though!....

Best of all we got to see our grandkids....note how loose Cindy's jeans are fitting...

Wednesday they are coming down to Largo to stay for a couple days so Cindy is obsessing about food/beds/etc....We are both really excited...Best anniversary yet...

And I finally got to have a beer...

2012-01-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

Eleven months later and 'Bag End' feels like home. We bought the place 'move in ready' and proceeded to rip out several walls, pull down paneling, fill in the sunken living room, and in general create a construction site with dust everywhere. That wasthe easy part.

Putting the place back together took a lot more time. Wood flooring, relocated kitchen, new lighting, gallons of paint, carpet for the bed room and several hundred man hours later and I can finally say 'feels like home'.

Our last project was the boat and boat lift which we finished up today. (I added stairs so Cindy doesn't have to 'jump' on board.)

Decorating has been problematic. (One of us has very poor taste...before jumping to conclusions remember 'I married her and she married me')

Saturday we're off to celebrate our 39th anniversary in Disney World by 'wojogging' (walk/jog) the 13.1 mile Donald Duck half marathon.

If we can finish under 3 hours 30 minutes we get a Donald Duck medal!

WHEN WE GROW UP

2011-02-17T05:49:00.000-08:00

We've had one joint resolution that has remained constant throughout our planning for retirement. Live somewhere warm in the winter!

We considered Mexico and did quite a bit of research, (30 years worth), we tried RV'ing (admittedly only 4 months) and we looked for houses.

We liked the Villages and toured several homes on several different visits. Then we looked for homes in the Mount Dora area and a few other places in Florida.

Finally we toured several homes in the Seminole Largo area, just South of Tampa. We were looking for 'magic'.

We found it. 'Bag End' is 1861 square feet on a channel leading to the inter coastal waterway. With the right kind of boat we can sail to Africa, not that we would sail to Africa but the thought that we could is intriguing. We plan on starting with kayaks (not for the Africa leg) and moving on to a fishing boat.

I'm certain our traveling days are not over but our winters (hopefully) are going to be spent at 'Bag End'. Every room needs to be painted and the house is without a single piece of furniture. I have 'projects' to keep me occupied for the next few years.

We have manatee, dolphins, pelicans and a plethora of birds and fish in the channel. Of the three bedrooms one has been designated as the guest room with a new queen size bed on the way and a fresh paint job. (My skills as a painter are not up to Joe and Steve's standards and Joel may have to de/bo some minor things.) But 'Bag end' is now open for guests.

Having gone slightly above our original budget to purchase the house we going garage saling and driving through the rich neighborhoods picking out furniture on 'trash day'. You would not believe the cool stuff people throw away.

We have left the trailer with Mike and Kelly and will be picking it up on our way back to Michigan. Otter is due on May 15th and we want to be home in time to welcome our new grandchild to the world so we will be leaving here the first of May.

We thank Kelli, Mike and Colton for putting up with us as we house hunted in central Florida and Valerie, Rob, Heaven and Karma for putting up with us on the gulf side. We have a lot of work to do at the house, but would like to invite family and friends to visit. For now, guests should bring their own plates, silverware and a chair. More later..

Another Day in the Yucatan

2011-01-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

Cindy's Blog:

I lost at Gin Rummy, so it is my turn to do the Blog

Well, we are happily esconced in Merida. The weather is warm (Bo says "h0t ") and we are writing, reading, and wandering the markets while we talk about a future home in Florida. It is either a house in the Villages, a trailer next to Mike and Kelli, a house in Mt. Dora, or one

of several on/near the gulf of Mexico: chic house on the Intercoastal-(the fixer-upper has been sold), a condo on Treasure Island, a hippie hangout 3 miles from the gulf in Seminole (complete with condoms in the lanai), or a townhouse next door to Valerie and Rob). We haven't seen Ft. Myers yet.

This is the Hippie House

A few days ago, we took the bus to Progresso, a small town on the gulf of Mexico where we have looked for houses before, but we have decided that, though the beach is beautiful, there are a lot of Canadians and Americans here and we heard that when the cruise ships come in, the town is awash in drunken cruisers. So, here is Bo in a small restaurant contemplating a little house on the beach.

Yesterday we rented a car to visit the ruins of Uxmal and perhaps do some house hunting on the way. Driving in Merida is difficult without a map.

We passed this nice hacienda along the highway and stopped in for a visit. It is very nice, big enough for all the family, complete with pool, personal cenote (cave with water) and dis-

fibradora (machine that strips the sisal fibers from the leaves). It was a bit big for us, especially since we expect that few of our family or friends would come to visit.

Then we visited Uxmal. This is a great site that spans nearly 1500 years of habitation by the maya. Back when I was 20, I climbed this pyramid, but nothing could get me up those steps now. Luckily, they don't allow anyone on the pyramid any more, so Bo couldn't shame me into trying.

We found this little fixer-upper on the grounds of Uxmal that we really like. It is small and has a garden on the roof. It is government subsidized and we are guaranteed visitors every day. We thought it has possibilities!

We are back in Merida today and back into our routine. We went to the market today where Bo found a bathroom that, even by his standards (which are not as high as mine), was the worst one he had ever been in. this is saying a lot considering the fact that we have been in bathrooms in China that consisted of a trough or (for women) a hole in the ground.

Tomorrow, we are going to Yaxkukul. We will be spending some time there. It is the fiesta, so it should be exciting and we will have the chance to catch up on our friends in the village and how their lives are changing.

So, we are having a great time, and staying warm. We are thinking of everyone. Love, Cindy and Bo.

MERIDA MEXICO

2011-01-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Due to the overwhelming response to my last post (thanks Valerie), I've decided to try hazard another.

We are staying in the hotel Montejo, two blocks from the central plaza. After our 7 am wake up call, Samuel serves us a fruit plate, toast and coffee in the Court Yard.

Then Cindy stays in our spacious room and writes and I walk one block to the library.

Around noon we give up for the morning and wander around.

If it's really hot we cool off in the pool.

Lunch, siesta, reading then back to the library for an hour or two.

The evenings are for walking, dinner and people watching.

For those of you who have been here before it hasn't changed (except for the Walmart on the paseo de Montejo, which aside from the spanish is exactly like the Walmart in Mount Dora or Big Rapids.)

The local beer (Leon) is dark and delicious. I'm pretty sure the hop's are not organic and it's nothing compared to Joel's home brew but to me it's perfect at an outdoor cafe as we watch the people go by.

For those of you who have not been here the main attraction is the people. Cindy and I are tall compared to the locals.

Walking is a constant hazard, with open manholes, narrow sidewalks and vehicals of all sizes driving hell bent for leather to make the next stop light. Sometimes they even stop.

Still if we survive the walk to the paseo Montejo or confine our selfves to the plaza we can have a nice stroll.

Street vendors and 'store hustlers' give us free Spanish lessons and the food is great. Life is good. Love Bo and Cindy

HOUSE HUNTING IN FLORIDA

2011-01-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

This winter our two objectives were 1.) Finish a rough draft of our respective novels and 2). Find a winter home in Florida. As to our first goal we both seem to be chugging along (although Cindy seems to have chugged a lot further down the line than I).

The second objective has been a lot more problematic.

The process of house hunting by a couple married 38 years is not as easy as one may suppose. My dream and Cindy's seem miles apart. I want a two year project and she wants "move in ready". By consensus we have eliminated 'The Villiages' although this only happens when we're not there.

Thanks to Mike and Kelly we found a cute little town called Mount Dora in the center of the state which looks and feels a lot like Traverse City. Didn't find any houses there although we didn't spend much time looking.

Thanks to Val and Rob we did get a pretty good look in the Seminole area of Florida and found two that are definitely of interest.

The first one is a few blocks from the public beach and walking distance to a

host of bars and cafes on the coast. We both felt some good Karma about it although that may have been Rob's youngest daughter 'Karma' who we brought along to give us the 'grandchild perspective.'

The huge back yard is surround by a tall fence and filled with Live Oaks.

The second house is located on the intercoastal water and has access to the Gulf and a dock.

I saw these 'Sea Otter' floating off the back dock. This I took as a sign from God that this was the place. It's a bit above our budget but do-able especially since we learned Mike traded our trailer for a case of beer and a new karaoke machine.

Cindy and I disagree about the Otter, she swears it was a pelican, which was cool but hardly the epiphany necessary for house hunter desirous of seeing grandkids visit.

Family and friend input on our choices is requested. Likelihood that you would visit is one of our biggest factors.

Meanwhile we have landed in Merida. Temp. today was 87 but it is expected to dip into the mid 60's tonight. Forecast is for Temps in mid to high 80's for the rest of our stay.

Love to all Bo and Cindy

Life In A Trailer

2011-01-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

After exactly one week on the road, life is settling into a routine. Up at 7 (one of us stays in bed until 7:30), write util about 10 and break for breakfast.

Back to writing (or blog posting) until around noon. Lunch then whatever. So far we've looked at houses in 'The Villages', toured Mount Dora, visited the McGormans', taken long walks, read and otherwise puttered around. No golf as yet but I'm sure that's coming.

The weather has been in the mid 70's, no rain and no mosquitoes.

Life is good.

Beginnings

2010-12-29T06:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas came a week early for Cindy and I this year. There was a joy at having all "the chicks back in the nest". This from Cindy who pronounces the words with a sigh in remembrance of days past. I think of Sarah's words in describing some minor outing by Adeline without both parents in attendance "We Are Raising Her For The World."

Easy words when your child is two and the world and it's clutching hands are far in the future. Far more difficult words when your children have kicked their way out of the nest, and with wild eyes and a shriek of joy, thrown themselves into open space.

In response Cindy and I have decided to do the same thing. With wild eyes and a shriek of panic we have thrown ourselves out of the nest and are back on the road. Admittedly the shriek of panic was more about me almost crushing the mailbox than anything else.

This morning we are sipping coffee and writing in our snug travel trailer 60 miles North of Disney World. Again we have stumbled on a quiet spot in the middle of Florida's wall to wall development. Lake Griffin State Park, 4 miles from 'The Villages'. Here we intend to stay for the next ten days, taking long walks and thinking deep thoughts.

After Lake Griffin we are without destination. We have vague plans of returning to Mexico for a month and still more murky plans of buying a winter home in Florida. We are in the midst of an unscripted play, a comic romantic adventure, with Cindy in the lead and I the principle supporting actor. She supplies the plot and I bumble along at her side. Occasionally I forget my lines but she is swift to prompt me.

EXPERIMENTAL HOPS FARM SOUTH

2010-04-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

The Vice President of research and development is pleased to announce that the experimental hops farm (southern division) is up and running.
Thanks to a new rear tine Troy Built tiller and two large buckets of seasoned cow manure the first planting has taken place. Thankfully a worker was found who recently crossed the boarder from Mexico and was willing to work for food.All for now...will report tomorrow when the first shoots pop up. Am thinking about installing a computer camera in the yard and streaming images on line.

Travels

2010-04-13T12:46:00.001-07:00

I'm aware that I should not post this on the web for fear my shares of Disney may take a dive, but there are other places to visit in the South besides Disney world. Ouch...that hurt...

Well we arrived back in Orlando from Mexico and found our car parked right where we left it. We then spent the night with Kelly (Mike and Colton were freezing in Mich) and took Kelly out for her birthday dinner. She found us this really neat Oyster bar and they gave her a free pitcher of beer. She shared it with me and not Cindy (somebody had to drive home.)

We then went to St. Augustine for three nights and took the free "First Responders Paranormal Investigators" tour. Our tour was led by the "Lead Investigator" (at least that's what his t-shirt said.) This is Cindy taking in every word. She kept trying to say things like "amazing" and "great experience" and "glad you brought me out here tonight Bo" but the only thing that came out of her mouth was "bullshit". I think it was the spirits!

This is me when I first realized my innate talent for communing with Ghosts. It was at the place where the Voodoo Queen was burned to death by an angry mob. I felt her icy breath on my cheek and heard her whisper 'bo youu da man' Thats when I knew I would have to bring my talents back to Chippewa Lake. I plan on buying an 'elf' meter (19.95 on Amazon.com) and leading tours of the famous haunted locations near Chippewa Lake. There may be some drinking involved (spirits invite spirits) so we'll need designated drivers. Details and invitations will be sent telekenetically and for those without "the gift" I'll just call you up.

This is St. Augustine by day. They got this old fort.

So now we're in Savannah. This is us in one of the 24 squares. They sure got a lot of flowers here.

My bout with the absess tooth is on the mend. Dr. Garlic phoned in some anti bodys for me and I'm felling a lot better although my face still looks like a chipmonk. I think it was the Voodoo Queen being pissed at Cindy. She probably threw a curse missed Cindy and hit me. Love you all and miss you.

INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL IN THE YUCATAN

2010-04-08T08:47:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

We are nearing the end of our Merida trip, wondering how we will get the kalua and other assorted stuff home without breakage and without buying another suitcase. We have had a great time here and, except for my ankle, have had no difficulties. We have been to the village three times and yesterday went to the Gulf of Mexico with the Lozada family for surf, fried fish, shrimp, and sun. Priscila's husband took us on a boat trip along a man made canal through "white mangrove" to a crystal clear cenote. Since there are no surface rivers on the peninsula, this was quite a surprise for us, and a lot of fun. Since we are yet to find a protestant church in Merida, we have been hanging out at the main cathedral off and on this weekend and it has been very busy with lots of processions among the various parish churches located throughout the city and with masses everyday. We went to a candle light mass last night in which I think the bishop presided. We were veryy tired fromour day at the beach that we gave up our seat to one of the many families that were packed into the hot, not-airconditoned cathedral. We will check it out again today.
We hope everyone is well and has a great Easter. We miss our family and friends. See you soon.

The Perils of Penelope/Cindy

2010-03-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it is a beautiful Saturday night in Merida and we are strolling in the main plaza... Bo is strolling. Bo is strolling, and I am hobbling. For those of you not on Facebook, I had a misstep in the Hyatt Hotel on very badly constructed steps and twisted my ankle. I was not able to get to the conference yesterday, but have attended wondersul session on the Maya and Mayan women. We have met a lot of wonderful people in and around Merida and our hotel-anthropologists, writers, journalists, and retirees, some come here yearly, some came and never left. We are going to teh village Monday, so I am hoping to be able to maneuver the village streets without too much pain. We will report back when we return. Cheers and love. Cindy

Merida Yucatan Notes From the Field

2010-03-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

I´s wednesday, I think, and I am again in an internet cafe on the main plaza sipping coffiee and composeing my thoughts. I don´t know how to use the spell check yet and Cindy isn´t here so forgive my poor spelling.

Yesterday we went to Progresso and strolled the beach. We were going to have a fish dinner but I asked our waiter for ´botannas´{free snacks that come with beer} six plates arrived. Some of the best food we´ve eaten while here. Our table was a wooden bench under a palm umbrella directly on the white sandy beach. I half expected to be in one of those tropical beer commercials for corona. Six bucks.

On the bus ride back I had a half hour conversation with three teenagers. Kids all over the world are the same.

Cindy was pissed because the bus driver had over charged her. It was the first time she handled the finances. Usually I pay the bus drivers and restraunt bills. The bus driver made off with 50 cents american and I got to smurk for the rest of the day. Priceless. I of course gave our bus driver the tratidional ´gracias´on our departure. He avoided eye contact with Cindy.

We are staying in a wonderful hotel in the center of Merida populated by several elderly ex pats who come down for the winter. Walking distance to almost everything and with a friendly staff who do not mind teaching spanish. The small pool and court yard are perfect. I snag a couple beers at the tienda across the street and we sit out in the moon light at night.

Today the antropoligists arrived at the Hyatt uptown. A five star hotel if I ever saw one. We took the bus up this morning so Cindy could register. {I made her pay to restore her confidence} and as I write she is attending lectures. This morning we met another professor of antro who is staying at our hotel. The first thing she said to Cindy was that her book on the Maya is assigned reading for all of her classes. I told Cindy not to get too excited because the students probably buy used copies.

Walked back from the Hyatt on Calle 60, stopping for a coke and a couple panucho´s at Parke Santa Anna.

Next week we´re going to the Village via taxi {12 pesos/one dollar} and if we survive the ride we´ll spend the night with Pablo and Dasiey and drink fresh squezed orange, water mellon or qual querie. Sarah, Nathan and David. Everybody in the village and I mean everybody asks about you. Pablo and Dasiy have a room for you and yours. Heather, Khristen start working on your spanish. Joel two words...Cervesa y bano...

Cindy is with the anthro´s for the day and much of the night so I´m going to wander around town.

Beach House in Progresso

2010-03-23T11:39:00.001-07:00

The Village was everything we remembered. Half a day and we were both exhausted. Taxi ride to and from was like Mr. Toads wild ride without the safety warning. Arrived back home dripping sweat and collapsed into the pool. Two beers and several taco´s later we revived.

Today we´re in Progresso at the beach....hot....hot....hot....

Merida

2010-03-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

I met this really sweet dog just before we boarded our plane for Mexico. He poked his nose into my crotch and sat in front of me. I now know that exporting more than 10,000 from the US is against the law. Lucky for me my money belt had only about 500 bucks. I guess some creatures can smell money.

We´ve been in Merida for a little over two days and already we´ve found the perfect house. One bedroom in the Santeago area of Merida. Right now we´re sipping coffiee in the plaza of Merida renting our internett connection and enjoying temp´s in the 80´s. Tommorow we´re off to the village.

By posted comments we need to know how many family and friends would visit us. {And what special services, accomidations, drinks, etc. you would need.}

2010-03-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Bo has written a serious posting on our travels, and I promised I would too. We have been on the road for 2 ½ months now, and getting ready to fly to Merida. We have been thinking about taking this journey for several years and planned for it for at least a year, and now we are half way through our four month trip. It doesn’t seem possible that we have been living in a 22 foot trailer for all this time without a major argument, and we have met many interesting people and seen lots of fascinating things. We miss our children and granddaughter very much, as well as our other family and friends. My mother has learned how to skype and it has been a blessing to be able to see and talk to her once a week.

Bo has been reading Walden, and I have been reading many books on my ‘retirement reading list,” many of these on my new Kindle (thank you Anthropology Department!). In real book form, I have been reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, a book I somehow missed in the 70’s. It is a slow journey as I read it mainly in Laundromats and places I don’t want to take my e-reader, and it is also slow because it is very philosophical and worth a midlife review. In the book, the narrator is traveling with his son on a cross country motorcycle trip and reviewing his own struggle with mental illness, referring to his alter-ego in the third person. He describes Phaedrus’ fall into mental illness as a crisis in faith in what he calls classical thinking, what we call the scientific method, and the struggle between scientific knowledge and romantic thinking or subjectivity. This, of course is a major tension in the discipline of anthropology.

Bo is retired, but I am still a faculty member, thinking about teaching four sections of anthropology in the fall—book orders are due next week- sorry Russ, not happening. But a major section of the book concerns education and Phaedrus’ dilemma in trying to define “Quality” as a teacher of rhetoric. How to define it and how to measure it. If we are teaching students about quality writing (or thinking or research), how do we define it? To be scientific, it must be quantifiable. What are the criteria for quality? How does a teacher know it in a student’s work and how does a student know how to duplicate it for a good grade? Is there an essential “quality” or is it what the teacher “sees?” Something like “I know it when I see it.” If it is quantifiable and has criteria, who determines these criteria? And if students follow all the criteria, does that mean that their product is quality? And does the rigor of defining quality smother creativity? So I have been pondering these questions (anew, not for the first time) in thinking about teaching and how to give our students a “quality education” and what that means. Since Phaedrus ended up in a mental institution undergoing electroshock treatment because his inner struggle destroyed him, it’s probably best not to become too obsessed about things for which there are no easy answers. The book is embedded with the question also, of what is insanity and who defines it, giving the book a quality of “One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest” in which we are left with the question of which of the alter-egos was actually sane and what price Phaedrus paid for his questioning of the status quo.

Well, enough philosophizing, we are off to Mexico in a few days and we will be able to return to the village of Yaxkukul, hoping that we can hold a conversation in Spanish. I look forward to visiting our friends in the village again, and in attending the SfAAs for the first time. We will not have regular internet access, but will try to blog when we find an internet café. Cheers for now. Cindy

Thoughts on Retirement

2010-03-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

My friends and family have wondered what effect retirement has had on me.

Roman history records the story of a general who was called from the mist of plowing his field to lead the army in war. When the war was over and the enemy vanquished the general returned to his plow, which lay exactly were he left it, and resumed plowing.

What happened to the oxen is unrecorded.

If the field is a metaphor for the soul, then I too have returned to my field. Some, especially my good friends would suggest that my field is rife with 'Bull Shit'. Of course it is! But I remind you that cow manure is a wonderful fertilizer.

As I compose these thoughts I sit with God behind our trailer in the mist of a Northern Florida Swamp. The air is alive with the sound of life. I've been reading On Walden Pond again and as I nod off at night in our small trailer, I fancy Cindy and I are living our own version of Walden. "One chair for comfort, two for companionship and three for society." We brought four chairs and indoor plumbing so I suspect I shouldn't take the analogy too far.

In sum I have returned to plow my field. To get my field ready for harvest. To mix the manure into the soil. To clear away the rocks that continually push through to the surface. To enjoy the sounds of life. I am content.

Travels in Texas

2010-03-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

Because we've decided nobody cares about us anymore (Ie. they never phone, they never write, they never skype, they never facebook) We've decided to just post the photos. If you can tell the significance you may win a prize. Maybe....a really really big prize...Maybe a really cool big prize...

1.
2 3 4

6. 7. 8.

BO AND CINDY'S MARDI GRAS ADVENTURE

2010-02-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

Most of our friends and family, not to mention total strangers, wondered why we would go to Mardi Gras. The music, architecture, history, art and culture were the main attraction for Cindy. The title of her xmas present is Cindy, Val and Susan have tea. The unveiling will be this summer at the farm.

I was attracted to other things.
We were told at a bar in Florida that because we were from Michigan we had to register with law enforcement before entering Mardi Gras so I did. They asked me if I was still on my medication and I said I was although how they knew about my cholesteral I don't know.
We had to be careful where we walked because on every street there were people on the balconies that threw stuff at you. Some of the folks yelled at Cindy and some yelled at me.

There were lots of parades where people in funny outfits also threw things at you.
There were lots of folks with signs. This group wanted everyone to remain in town and be happy.
I think this was a father and son team. The son has a beer with a sign that says "Ladies Jesus wants you to show your t..s". Some lady who looked like the wife/mother told them both to 'go to hell' and stomped off to have lunch.
The new orleans version of a rubber tree
Lovely ladies
Young Flamingos
Old Flamingos
I was suprised to learn that 'cajun' is another term for'red neck'.
It was so wild in Mardi Gras I actually saw man kissing his wife.
Footnote: Other photos may be forthcoming--after reviewed by the censors.

Dolphins, Woodpeckers, Manatees and Other Wild Things

2010-02-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

Since our last report we've made the most astounding discovery. There's a lot more to Florida than Fort Wilderness Camp ground at Disney.

We took a boat ride on the intercoastal waterway with Rob and Val. Someone had to be the lookout and watch for Dolphins which are known to ram and sink boats.

Captain Rob assembled the crew for a group hug when we set off.
Here are a flock of hostile Dolphins off our Port (maybe Starboard/never could get the lingo). Thanks to my sharp eyes Captain Rob was able to avoid them.

After an exhausting boat ride avoiding Dolphins we picked up Rob's mother Pam and she took us (by boat) to the American Legion Hall (in this case the hall is on the bay) where they had a live band playing Jimmy Buffit music and selling beer for 2 dollars a pitcher.

Then we were off to the McGormans (talk about wild life) where Mike beat me twice at golf. The second 18 holes I only lost by one stroke. I of course had a hole in one. I got so excited I almost dropped my wee (wii) remote.

Then we were off to Manatee Springs. A really really big spring (1.5 million gallons a day) where Manatees hang out. Maybe that explains the name.

Woodpeckers can really be annoying. This one was making a racket next to our trailer. No wonder they're on the endanger species list. I was tempted to chuck a rock at it myself.

At Manitee Springs we learned that Manitees are to be found in the wild. Until then I thought they only lived in Disney World. Unlike the one's in Disney the wild ones just sort of lay around in the mud all day. The grey spots behind Cindy are a herd of the critters.

On our way to Panama Beach we stopped in Apalachicola for oysters. (The town and surrounding area provides 80% of the raw oysters American's eat everyday.) We had no idea until we stopped for gas.

This is Cindy studying her new bird book in back of our camp site. Yup, we're camped on a beach. Life is indeed a beach!

Next week we're heading to Mardi Gras and I'll have more wild animal reports. Missing all our friends and family. Love Bo and Cindy

BADGERS TRIP TO FLORIDA

2010-01-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

As most of you know I sent mom and dad off on a cruise. We had a long talk about a baby sister (or brother if they must) so I decided it was best they go off alone for a while.

I suggested that I stay with Grandmother and Grandfather Mulder at the Villages.

This is their back yard.

I helped Grandfather Don with some computer problems he had.

Grandmother needed help with the chocolate chip cookies. Funny how grandparents never say 'no' to another cookie.

I showed Grandmother Mulder and Nana how to color.

Later Nana and Grandpa Bo took me out dancing .

The rock band was a little dated. (The youngest guy was in his 70's) But they did ok. I did notice a bunch of old guys circling the square in their tricked out golf carts hooting at the girls who stood in groups giggling. There was a lot of talk about "drugs", colestoral/heart/arthritis etc. but I think it was mainly talk. Someone really should have been there to chaperone though.

Grandpa Bo and I danced a bit but we kept knocking people over in their walkers and when the wheelchair folks tried to start a mosh pit I decided we better get off the floor. Besides, I think Grandpa Bo was winded.

The next day we went to lunch. I had a hard time keeping those four in line. You'd think nobody else in the world had a granddaughter. Geeze!

Finally I took Grandpa Bo's Beer away from him.

I've decided that babysitting grandparents is exhausting work. I hope mom and dad get back soon. Thats all for now- will report on the brother/sister thing later.... Badger (aka Adeline)

Woman Shoots Retired Husband At Village's "He Upset Me"

2010-01-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

The title of this update (a recent headline in the Flordia Papers) has nothing to do with Bo and Cindy (so far).

We had a great time at Disney and were pleased that the McGormans could join us. With Mike along we got the insiders perspective. We also learned that Kelly knows every person in Central Florida who works with horses. Including Joe who gives hay rides at Disney. A little weird because there's no hay and they use a horse (Belgian not American) to pull the wagon instead of a John Deere tractor.

We were serenaded by the 'Hat Lady' at the Rose and Crown. We though were doing pretty good with 37 years of marriage but 'Hat Lady's' parents were sitting with us and they had 64 years. 'Hat Lady's' mom and Cindy got a little toasted and began exchanging ideas on marriage.

We were surprised to find that Florida has other places to stay besides Disney. More economical too. As we write this we are presently in Little Manatee River State park. $24. a night, but no 'Hat Lady'. But judging from the jolly way our camp hosts greeted us (Jerry and Caroline) I don't think it will be that different.

Anniversary #37

2010-01-08T15:10:00.001-08:00

Happy Anniversary to us! Our 37th, hard to believe! We started the day in Hollywood studios, formerly MGM studios. It looks mainly the same, but colder than last time we were here. We walked from Hollywood studios to Epcot via a long canal and the Boardwalk, about 2 1/2 miles and our first stop was, of course, the Rose and Crown, Bo's favorite pub west of London.

We met a couple there who are originally from the thumb area of Michigan, who left for Florida when they retired 10 years ago and never looked back. They were also camping in Fort Wilderness, why, I am not sure.

We are inside the Japanese Restaurant, awaiting our wonderful dinner. So where's the saki?

So this is our personal chef, grilling steak, shrimp, mushrooms, zucchini and onions. Here he is making a Micky Mouse volcano with zucchini and onions... I guess you have to be there! Great dinner, costing more money than a year's worth of tortillas in a Yucatecan village.

Having slept through the New Year's Eve fireworks, we managed to stay up for the Epcot Fireworks, cold notwithstanding. Life is good.

Technology Woes

2010-01-03T05:09:00.000-08:00

On day 9 of our four month retreat, the microwave blew. I think that this was the first time we had used it since we purchased the trailer two years ago, since most of our camping has been in parks without electrical hookup. Anyway, the rice did not cook and soon a funny smell and smoke came out of the unit. This is never a good sign. When we took the unit out, the back panel was crushed in, obviously defective when it was installed... so we have no microwave, but have solved the problem of what to use as a little lamp table in the screened-in porch area.

As for pedometers, we each purchased one at Walmart after Christmas. Bo bought the $5 one and I bought the $7 one. At Mike and Kelli's, we carefully calebrated them measuring our paces. So a nice walk from the campground to the Wilderness Lodge is 1.7 miles or 1.3 miles depending on whose pedometer we believe. We have decided to do averages, not that it really matters... we are enjoying the walk, despite the cold weather (50s).

New Years Day and TV

2010-01-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

Our stay at the McGorman resort, RV and horse ranch went well. We would have liked to stay for the New years Eve bash but we neglected to make reservations. When we called guest relations at the McGorman Resort they advised us that the park was full so we had to make alternate plans at a second rate accommodation.

Still I was able to give Kelly some advice on riding horses. Arabs are a very dumb sort of animal, kind of one step above an amoeba and one step below a Congressman.

I was also able to give mike some ideas on landscaping and electrical work.

Well for New Years Day we watched the Rose Bowl at the Pioneer Hall in Fort Wilderness. The drinks you see in front of us cost $24.00. Cindy mentioned that we could probably buy a TV for that and a couple 6 packs of Natural Lite besides. She mentioned that the super bowl was coming up but so far I'm resisting her pressure.

This is Cindy in front of our camp site. I know it's a little off my normal exterior illuminations, but remember folks I'm traveling in a 22 foot trailer (with 40 pair of shoes, only two of which are mine) and space is a little limited.

THE QUEST BEGINS

2009-12-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was about as wonderful as Cindy and I could want or deserve. We got everything we wanted. ie. all of the chicks under the same snow covered and very cold roof.

In Florida we've discovered that when the temp's are in the mid 60's it's considered too cold for teenagers to go outside.

This is the view from our front door and we've decided to buy the 9 acres behind the flag and build our winter home. Of course we still have to negotiate the price. I've set our limit at 300. dollars an acre. Kelly thinks that may be a tad bit low but Mike pointed out that Walt Disney only paid 28. dollars an acre back in 1962 so it shouldn't have gone up much more than 100%.

I've been working on my relaxed look, and Cindy is in shorts (so you know it must be warm.

Tomorrow we head to Wally World. We have almost everything we want or need in life. There is someone we will miss but if I can get my son-in-law to quit blocking me on Skype maybe we can see her...Love and miss you all....

ORANGES

2009-12-29T05:25:00.000-08:00

Even though I've been to Florida on vacation many times, there is much to learn about this state.

Apparently there are some very interesting places besides that Magic Mouse park...Pat's place is one...

Pat is a retired physic's teacher who repairs instruments....He has a wooden shack behind his house chuck full of trumpets, guitars, saxophones, tuba's etc...He has strong opinions about musicians. Apparently his daughter is dating a drummer. If asked Pat will take the time to explain about the saxophone on his bench. It's in about 100 pieces and was found underwater.

Oranges are really a hybrid between lemon and orange. If a freeze (like the one in 82) hits really hard it kills the orange part of the tree and leaves just the lemon part of the tree. A few years later a fruit grows that looks just like a navel orange and tastes like lemon acid.

Also we've found a couple of potential winter properties...we're thinking of selling the trailer and buying a nice piece of land next door to the McGorman's....If we can get it for 1,000. an acre we'll be breaking ground next week....

Bo Versus The Mouse

2009-12-28T15:25:00.000-08:00

Well, the pixie dust has dissolved as Bo had an altercation with Mickey today... the back story. We thought we had reservations for Disney World starting Dec. 30, but found out that they start on the 31st. We tried several times to add a day to our reservations, but have not succeeded... this is not a big deal as we are visiting our friends, Kelli and Mike McGorman and they are very generous hosts. In fact, they asked us to stay an extra night to attend their New Year's Eve party, so we tried to cancel our first night, the 31st, and discovered that it would cost us $85 more to cancel a night. After spending many minutes on and off hold, he concluded discussions with Babs, the reservations clerk and asked for Guest Relations and things went down hill from there... You would think that someone who has gone to WDW at least 25 times and owns stock in the company, might be able to cancel one night without having to pay 2010 prices (when the reservations were made in January 2009).

Bo has refused to write this posting, but I felt that in the climate of full disclosure, we needed to add this bit of information on our itinerary. We will get to Disney on the planned day, but the magic is gone... at least for now. More later.

What is the half-life of a loaf of bread?

2009-12-28T15:19:00.000-08:00

Well, after our kids left on Christmas day, we decided to fight the weather and leave for GR on Christmas evening. This entailed a four hour cleaning, packing, closing up of the house.... turning off the water, putting antifreeze in all the orifices, etc. We cleaned out the refrigerator and checked all the cupboards.... except the bread drawer. It was about half way to GR, with the trailer weaving behind the truck when I remembered that I had bought a small loaf of Meiers baguette and put it in the bread drawer. It is still there.... So we are hoping that a lucky mouse finds it before it becomes penicillin!

Our trip was very cold. The temperature did not top 40 until we got to Florida, but it was in the 60s today and we did a lot of walking in sunny central Florida. We will be leaving for Disney on New Year's Eve, but that is the topic of the next blog... Bo versus The Mouse.

Waiting for Christmas

2009-12-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

Well, the trailer is packed, except for last minute items and the VandenNog is in the fridge, waiting for family and friends to arrive for Christmas celebrations. We are anxiously watching the weather reports of rain, ice and snow that might hinder our travels and the travels of our kids who are heading out in many directions to visit us and then to visit their other families in Chicago and Jackson. This is the lull before the excitement of Christmas celebrations and travel. To all our friends and family, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Keep in touch and we promise to keep the blog updated as we go!

29 ZANE GREY BOOKS ON KINDLE FOR 99 CENTS

2009-12-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

Badland Bo stepped off the front porch of the homestead and eyed the covered wagon and team.

"Will we make it Bo?" Little Cindy asked, her brown eyes flashing beneath her bonnet.

Bo pushed back his black hat.

"I won't lie to you Cindy, we'll be traveling through some savage and untamed country."

"But we won't be in Rodney long will we?" Cindy asked.

"Four days give or take."

"Will we be in Indian Country?" Cindy Lee asked, a quiver in her voice.

Bo nodded his head.

"And after what they've done to your family Badland Bo." Her voice trailed off.

"Now don't you fret Cindy Lee" He replied meeting her eyes. "I'll be there to protect you!"

"And I'll be at your side" Cindy Lee said as she gazed up into Bo's piercing blue eyes. "Together no matter what."

TRAILER PACKING IN LATE FALL

2009-12-17T10:46:00.000-08:00

There is a foot of snow on the top of our trailer and the wheels are frozen into the ground. I tried to open one of the lower doors and it was frozen shut. I used a tool and now it's broken. (The lock not the tool). Like all the other things broken on the trailer (I got a list) I've decided to wait until I get to Florida to fix it. Maybe with temperatures in the mid 60's (I'd be happy with mid 30's today) I'll feel more like gluing things back together. (Gorilla glue...the best invention since the monkey wrench).

I remind myself that it is still late fall (the official first day of winter is Dec. 21st). But I comfort myself with an image....It's 70 degrees outside and I'm motoring through Southern Georgia on I-75...the window is down and I watch in the rear view mirror as chunks of snow fly off (and maybe a trailer part or two)...I sip my cola and gaze contentedly into the sunrise.

GHOSTS OF LOST LOVED ONES

2009-12-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

To transport the cat to the son-in-law's it was decided (not by me) that they needed a sedative. The cat version of "a happy pill". Like most decisions made by generals, it had to be carried out by a private. Or as the Talmud Rabbi (Ben Somethingorother) said "Soldiers do the fighting and Generals are the hero's" In this case Cindy said "do it" and I got scratched.

At the vet's office the young lady needed to up date our records. From a rather thick file she began extracting sheets of paper. "moma cat" she asked. "Dead" (old age). With a red magic marker she drew a line through the page and pulled up another sheet.

"Tank?" "Dead" (car/dog accident). "Charlie?" "Dead" (car/dog accident). "Samson?" "Dead" (old age). "Athen?" "Who?" "A cat named Athen?" "Dead" (Squashed by a truck tire). "Lucky?" "Dead" (really missing in action but I didn't want to explain that I lost my dog.). "Dootels?" "No longer living with us!" (I gave that horse sized dog away before she dug up the other half of my yard.).

Two cats (gone where ever cats go when they die) and five dogs (four in heaven and the other still digging her way to the other place.)

PACKING A TRAILER

2009-12-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

The amazing thing to me is that 28 years ago, almost to the day, Cindy and I arrived at the farm with only those items that could be stuffed into a VW Beetle. Considering that two kids were also wedged in the back, we were possessed of very few material goods. Fortunately we remembered to bring along the hospital manual they gave us after each of the kids was born. The title was "HOW TO RAISE HEALTHY WELL ADJUSTED CHILDREN" (subtitled "DON'T PANIC")

Today I'm engaged in selecting those material goods which shortly will be wedged into a 22 foot trailer (with slide out) and our monster truck. I'm still trying to find that manual they gave me at the retirement party "HOW TO REMAIN HEALTHY AND WELL ADJUSTED IN RETIREMENT", ironically it has the same subtitle.

Xmas is now 10 days away and we are busy wrapping presents (too many for the grandchild), decorating the house and planing menu's. The angel on the xmas tree is 10 feet from the floor and she (like all of the really good angels) is a little askew.

LAST DAY

2009-12-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

Well I had my last day today. A special and rare opportunity to plunge a knife into the heart of a young father. "Yes your parental rights are terminated" "No you won't be able to watch your daughter grow up" He cried...the grandmother cried...I packed and left the building.

Retirement

2009-12-09T05:24:00.000-08:00

By now most of you know I have stopped working at the courthouse. This may come as a surprise to many of our friends because you were convinced I never did work. All those years as a janitor cleaning up the emotional mess left behind by divorces, death, etc. are over and I have decided to "redeploy". I say redeploy because I'm convinced retirement is the wrong word. According to my advisors, (Micky et. al.) I will never stop working.

This is of course true because I am married....and have adult children, each of whom have "projects" (hops/garage/barn etc.). David hasn't checked in with a list yet but I know someday he will.

The view this morning outside the front door is everything I've come to expect from "late fall" in Michigan.

The trailer has yet to be packed, although we have several tables in the house piled high with "stuff".

Cindy and I have engaged in fierce arguments about how many juice glasses we need...(16 vs. 2)...clothes pins (24 vs. 4) and if it's really necessary to take 12 pair of shoes! But thanks to our "Kindels" we are both able to bring a miniature library. I have downloaded over 200 books (And yes I've read 4 already). That huge pile of books next to the bed is neatly shelved in the library and I am re-reading some of the books that brought me joy as a child. Alice and the white rabbit are still pleasant company.

One of my kids (I won't use names but her initials are S.M.) observed that something I did recently was prompted by my life long use of lists. (ie. my apparent obsession with making a "to do" list and then methodically crossing items off). She was correct of course. (It's concerning that I'm so predictable.) So I hereby resolve to be less predictable. I will of course add that to my "to do" list, along with "rose smelling" and long walks.

Most of all I am resolved to make my wonderful wife happy. So I guess the trailer will roll with 16 juice cups, 24 cloths pins and enough shoes to make Emelda Marcos red with envy.

Here come the bride and groom!

2009-10-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Teresa and Bryan!

Congratulations to Dr. Teresa and Dr. Bryan Kovas! October 10, 2009

It was a typical Vandenbergh event. All the usual suspects were there:

The Dutch Mafia

The Divas

The cousin and cuz-in-law

Important guests

and foreign Dignitaries

Cute Girls

and good lookin' guys

The bouncers / Designated Drivers

The one who never dances

The "Who invited him?" Uncle ......

and Last but not least, the happy couple!!!!

News From Chippewa Lake

2009-08-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Our above average grandchild in her back yard swing.
After winning a car the only thing left is to enjoy the company of my golf buddy...
A couple of good looking babes at the cottage...Note the matching dresses....Badger was consulting with aunt heather about the possiblity of cousins to play with....

View in the back seat...note the matching hats....

Hole in One

2009-06-12T17:36:00.001-07:00

Golf! Such a simple game...hit the ball win a car...why did I bother going to law school?

2nd ANNUAL WILDERNESS TRIP

2009-06-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

The 2nd annual Cook, Toogood, Lehner, Hoover, Hull fishing trip was yet another raging sucess

Arriving on Friday the mannly men (aka the four dwarfs) set off fishing.

Only two fish were brought back to the camp. Clearly not everyone in the group was contributing to the effort. I will be giving lessons next year.

There was a good camp fire with lots of wood.

Then we went to town for the 5th game of the Stanley Cup. The couples at this table represent 186 years of marriage. Connie and Bob Lehner were celebrating 40 years of marital bliss!

Finally on the trip home we got to see our grandchild Badger who got to watch Grandpa take a nap.

Are you my parents?

2009-05-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

I wait... and I wait.... and they don't call, they don't write. They have abandoned me with the diva and the nutcase... and then there's the grandparents..... I miss mom and dad and that little creepy crawler with the sticky fingers....

Proud Moment For David and His Parents

2009-05-02T13:49:00.001-07:00

Well, our youngest chick graduated from Grand Valley State University on April 25! Just him and 1000 of his fellow students, all looking for jobs! Congratulations to David!

Wise Mystery Dinner

2009-04-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

The climax of the the annual Wise Mystery Dinner involved the twenty actors idenitifying the goverment agent (masquarading as a dinner guest) and shooting him repeadly with squirt guns. The actors were an assortment of attorneys and Department of Human services workers. Thank goodness they wern't allowed to use real ammuniation.

BADGER TAKES A BREAK

2009-03-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

Hello world it's me Badger! Again, with the help of Grandpa (code name Gandoff) and Nana (code name Nana) I am able to report on my efforts to escape from Cleveland.

Last week I toured several new homes with mom and dad in the Traverse City area. Some were nice...

Some were not so nice...

Still I think I've got mom and dad talked into the one I want. The problem is I'm not sure they understand a word I say. Grandpa says it's something to do with both my parents being science majors and not having a clue about comunication skills. Grandpa says to be patient with them and with time they will get better. I guess all parent's go through different development stages. Grandpa has warned me about "terrible two" (the "two" refers to mom and dad) and that's the time when niether one of them has a clue!. I hope I can get them moved into a new home and settled in by then!

All in all it was a good week. I got to meet my great Aunt Susan (Code named "she who must be obeyed") and great Uncle Don (code name "shank hippo") .

I'm a little worried about my great uncle Don. His golf swing seems odd and the way he holds his club is pathetitic. He'll never be anything but a duffer unless he learns to relax on the links.

I met my great Aunt Val (code name Val) and some old guy she hangs out with (code name "old guy"). I was telling the joke about the duck, the pine tree and the cell phone. They laughed so hard I thought the old guy's teeth would fall out. They want me to meet their four grandson's but I stalled them. Maybe next summer.
Aunt Val had some problems with her Donkeys so I gave her a few tips. She let me ride one of them around the farm. I had to ride bareback. I kept telling dad I wanted a saddle but all he would say is "cute horsey! cute horsey!" It's a DONKEY DAD!

But the best part was the chance to talk with Grandpa...

and Nana!

All for now... remember Moscow Rules! Badger....

SPRING BREAK 2009

2009-03-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

This being our annual spring break, we had a choice between the Villages in Florida and Traverse City Michigan. Althought the choice might be obvious to those of you who equate "Spring" break with sandy beaches and warm weather, we march to a different drummer. Think ice covered bays, sub-zero temp's and the rumble of snow plows.

We began our adventure at a neat little b&b near Bellaire (Bellaire is

an Indian word meaning "too damn cold for people"). Lucky for us we had reservations. The proportors Pat & Stu made us feel right at home. Uncle Stu was anxious to show us their new heat source the patented "DVD Home Fireplace". I guess Uncle Stu saw it advertised on TV and was impressed that it was Amish built.

I actually burnt my finger when I touched the screen.

One of the other guests found the the "DVD Home Fireplace" so warm he wore shorts!

Later (after a wonderful dinner) we learned a new card game call "Bo and Stu Lose".

Aunt Pat took our picture. I think she wanted to compare us with america's most wanted.

The next day we went to Traverse City and stayed at the Bay Shore Hotel (Because of the recession they paid us to stay there).

Cousin Jody came and soaked in the hot tub (she refused to let me take her picture...something about an old scandal involving facebook and a transvestite midget wrestler)

Next day we went to look for Badger's new home. In between house hunting I sampled some excellent dark beer (We only ate at micro brewerys.) One of them offered to make me a life time member ($50.) with $5. refills on my "growler". Joel I'll explain it to you this summer.

In the spirit of Spring Break I wanted to take a stroll on the beach. This is as close as I could get Cindy to go.

Still we had a wonderful time on our northern spring break and look forward to returning again. (ie. in the SUMMER!)

My First Birthday

2009-02-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hello world...My name is Adeline Emma Mulder (aka Badger) and I am one year old...The following Blog Post has been smuggled out of Cleveland...Where I am presently being "held"...

Last week my gram (code name "Nana") and gramp (code name "Gandolf") met to plan my "escape". The two other members of my gang Uncle David (code name "Bevis") and my Uncle Nathan (code name "Butthead") were unable to cross the boarder into Ohio.

We met under the pretense of a First Birthday Party. I know it wasn't a real birthday party because I had to eat a "White" cake. They can't fool me... I asked for a "Cholacate" cake and by "birthday law" a cholacate cake MUST have cholacate frosting. Not this "foo white frosting"...I was not happy!

I got some nice presents dispite my parents specific instructions that people were not to bring me presents. (Further proof that this was not a real birthday party!). Weirdest was this big tunnel that I was suposed to crawl through while everybody laughted. I think it was a symbolic thing... sort of re-enacting events from a year ago...I don't remember Mom laughing then and "I" sure wasn't happy!...But it made everybody happy so I played along!

Later I read a book to Grandpa Bo so he would take his nap!

I spent some time with Mom, Nana and Grandmother Vandenburgh. I'm the one with the blue eyes.

I had some wine and a long conversation with dad (I'm pretty sure he still doesn't understand a word I say...White Frosting!...Yuck!)

Despite everything the day was pretty good and I think my plan to "escape" from Ohio is moving along just fine...Granpa Bo insists on "moscow rules" so I'll continue to bide my time and do the "baby thing" for mom and dad...Badger

Winter in Chippewa Lake

2009-01-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

Well, winter has settled in to Chippewa Lake, or continues to settle in and there is no end in sight. Temperatures reached a high of 6 degrees today so we thought we would take a trip to the lake to see what's happenin' there. The snow was plowed on the lake (yes, ON THE LAKE) in readiness for today's ice race but alas, no sign of the races yet.
Bo is anxious to start work on the Otter Room at the cottage, but the only way to the cottage is across the lake, so he has been traipsing back and forth from East Bay to the cottage. Hope you enjoy the pics...

Celtic Spirituality

2009-01-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

Last weekend our church had a retreat (we had to drive a whole two miles to camp brethren heights). The topic was Celtic Spirituality which embodies these seven elements.

1. Love of nature and the physical enviroment.

2. Love of learning, love of words and the precision of language.

3. Yearning to explore the unknown, to travel.

4. Love of silence and solitude.

5. Past, present and future, all times are connected.

6. Appreciation of ordinary life.

7. "Soul friend" relationships valued (aman cara).

Cindy and I decided we're spiritually Celtic (Cindy is from the Dutch side.) We also discovered a name for the next grandchild. "OTTER" One of the patron saints from Celtic tradition is Saint Cuthbert (Cuddy) who had a habit of praying throughout the night on the north Atlantic coast. Sea Otter would swim up and wrap themselves around his feet to keep them warm.

So this summer there will be an Otter Room at the cottage. We figure "if we built it he/she will come".

BADGER'S BIG ADVENTURE

2008-12-30T14:03:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad went out for an anniversary dinner....a two hour tour...and left Nana and Grandpa Bo to babysit...they also left some instructions...

and a power of attorney...

It was then that the creatures decided to attack...Grandpa Bo's suggested the use of firearms...But Nana insisted under the "instructions" guns were prohibited...Badger read the instructions again to Grandpa Bo and she was right...
So Badger armed only with a Banana stood up to the bad creatures..

The results were predictable so Badger rode away on her Pony "Thunder"

She met up with her friends from the 7th Calvary...but again the results were predictable...

Finally Nana rescued her from the negative influences in the house ....
And read a fairy tale to her...
The end....

Getting Ready for Christmas!

2008-12-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

Well, grades are in and students are snuggled all tight at their parents' homes and we are awaiting our own children's arrivals to the farm. We have ordered the snow and we are preparing the food and drink, and wrapping the gifts. We even have a tree all decorated, complete with tacky tree-top angel in place. We hope for a full house including Grandma Vandenbergh. But so far, guests are arriving and the cats are waiting in anticipation, wondering if Toby is coming to visit. Photos display our preparations so far...

WINTER IN MICHIGAN

2008-12-09T06:07:00.000-08:00

It's December 9th in Chippewa Lake and we have been hammered with our first major snow storm of the Winter. Two feet and climbing! By comparison last year people were playing golf on December 16th. All of the schools are closed and a few of the Courthouses. Sadly not Mecosta or Osceola. I stocked the birdfeeders last weekend so the critters are ok. It's days like this that I'm proud of my gas guzzeling 4-wheel drive redneck truck. Roar out of the garage and head for the office on our unploughed roads. It's neat to be the first vehicule on the road. It also helps to be four feet off the ground with a good heater. A couple of nights ago we watched a DVD prop-mo from the Villages. Happy people walking in there shorts and enjoying the Florida Sunshine. Those poor folks have no idea what their missing.
My latest book is Martin The Warrior. The hero is a mouse, who with the help of his friends (including a fearless female Badger) is attempting to rid the land of Stots, Fox and Rats.

THE GREAT DEPRESSION

2008-12-03T05:31:00.000-08:00

One of my habbits is to review the books the family buy in the annual xmas trip to Barns and Nobel. Somebody picked out THE GREAT CRASH, by John Kenneth Galbraith. It's a short book which discribes the economy leading up the the October crash of 1929. The crash that lead to the Great Depression. The comparison with today is pretty chilling. Then people were investing in something called Trusts (today read hedge funds) and through "leverage" and bank loans gambling with stocks and investments that they niether understood or were able to value. Sound familar? Of course the house of cards colapased and took america with it. Great Xmas reading!
For my next book maybe I'll read about the "Black Plague". Speaking of Plague, I vote that instead of Papa Vino's we celeberate all birthday dinners at home. I've never gotten sick on your mom's cooking!
We have some new stockings for Xmas but as always are open to suggestions for items to stuff them with. This is also our first Xmas with Badger and I've been busy in my workshop. Nana is getting ancy to make "VandenNog" and cookiees and when she turns in final grades for the semester I'm sure she'll shift into high gear.

Badger's 1st Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

Four Generations

New Wig

Cousins

Uncle David

Proud Great Grandmother

??????

1st Eddition

Some Guy at the Resterant

Hanging on Every Word

Welcome to Our Blog

2008-11-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

It is Thanksgiving Day and the first day of our blog. We are entering our pre-retirement phase and entering the blogosphere to keep in touch with our growing family. Please join us.

2008-11-27T07:18:00.001-08:00

Janet (in desperation) is attemping to put her head in the oven....fear not she was stopped in time (before she wrecked the potatos).

It's thanksgiving morning at the home of Loraine (mother-in-law) and chaos reigns in the kitchen. Two turkeys in the oven and many many side dishes on the stove. This is our first blog posting and with the help of our above average daughter we are up and running. We will be posting a mission statement later but in general our intent is to maintain contact with our family (including friends) as we enter our newest adventure (Retirement).

As to the name of this blog Cindy and I have traveled many roads in our 40 years together. Details will follow but the essence of our travels have been the people we have come to know and love.

2008-11-27T06:57:00.000-08:00