View from the Corner of the Pump House

We had supper this past Saturday evening at the Pump House on Kelleys Island and I happened to have my camera with me to use in between bites of my perch sandwhich .

To my left:

Straight ahead:

To my right:

All good!

Happiness on Kelleys Island

Happy Labor Day

To rest from our labors this past weekend, we headed to Kelleys Island in Lake Erie on Friday night. The lake was a little choppy in the dark when we went over, but John took this picture of Bridget & I on the way back. This is what you do when you are only left with one kid at home.

The nautical striped ladies.

We had a relaxing time there. The way that time goes so much slower when you separate your usual life with a trip on the ferry always amazes me. Swimming, hot tubbing, photoshoot with Bridgie, going to the little island church, visiting with my aunt, uncle & cousins, biking, eating out... and definitely one of the highlights, seeing Mom & Dad.

Flash Back Friday 171

1981...2010, Calvin College Suitemates

This year, we moved our daughters in to Calvin College. I haven't seen Kristi since graduation - she has been living in Africa - but we have been in touch a little through Facebook.

And a big happy birthday to John today!!!

last year's celebration...

Love Thursday

Well, yesterday was the big day when I took Maria to Calvin College. I LOVE that place!!! I was so excited in the morning after we loaded the car that Maria told me to calm down. We had to wait for about 25 minutes before we could leave because Maria said they said not to get there too early. Well, we pulled in at 9 o'clock on the dot and we were not the first ones there by any stretch of the imagination.

We were met by a wonderful We-haul girl whose shirt said, "I offer my cart promptly and sincerely." This makes perfect sense if you know the Calvin motto, Lord I offer my heart promptly and sincerely.

Soon Maria's friend Abby came and I could take their photo in front of their dorm.

John came over and met us for lunch since he works at Calvin. We dined also with Abby's parents and her brother.

Then to add to the excitement of the day, I ran into a floormate Paulette moving her son in and my suitemate Kristi who was moving her daughter from Ethiopia (both from my freshman year). We were feeling the excitement for our kids that we felt 29 years ago when we moved in.

First Floor Veenstra reunion

It was a good day!

And She's Off!

Bridget starting 10th grade

Gather Round While We Enjoy Her for One More Day

And the roses...

Worship on the Waterfront

But first...Happy Birthday Sister Marianna!!!

Every summer, we move our church outdoors for a few weeks and have a worship service on the Grand River which is right across the street. These are always so memorable and yesterday was the perfect day for it!

Practice Leaving

Grabbing every last shot I can... Maria leaves Wednesday

How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?
~Dr. Seuss

Flash Back Friday 171

2002, Hike to Crater Lake near Maroon Bells

Climbing Roses, Late Summer

“I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

That Strange Feeling is Back

I get it when one of my kids (Edward) leaves for college and it's bedtime and it feels like there are still kids of mine out who are still out and not safely tucked in! It's unsettling. Do you get this too?

Times They are A-Changin'

This past weekend, Edward moved into the apartments where he is going to live near Calvin. The apartment complex where he is living is referred to as the "Alliance" - Calvin bought these a few years ago and rents them to athletes or very athletic-minded guys. Since he already cooked for himself in the Netherlands last semester, he will be used to that part of apartment living. John went with him Friday night with his stuff and Bridget & I met them over there, but he didn't need our help unloading. We did get to look at the apartment which appeared to have a fresh coat of paint, so I approve.

I noticed that Maria had done a cool photoshop technique using "smoke" brushes to the above photo I had taken of her at prom, so I asked her if I could post them side by side on the blog. She will be moving into a dorm at Calvin on September 1 and we will be left with our dear Bridget!!!

Flash Back Friday 170

Grand Canyon, 1998
Edward, Maria & Bridget

I know I did this one before, but today, it's for Andy!