Sunset

These aren't the best pictures, but the sunset Friday night was absolutely incredible. Even in winter we have the most fabulous sunsets here on Lake Michigan. The first one was taken on my way out of Spring Lake heading into Grand Haven. Yes, I was driving and taking pictures. (Don't worry mom, it was safer than on that bridge in California=) The second one I was sitting at the end of Sam and Jeff's street at the stop sign. Our spectacular sunsets are one reason I love living in the Tri-Cities area.

Red Flags

Typically, when a person hears the term "red flag" he or she thinks "warning, danger, be alert, stay away." Not in Grand Haven!!! When we hear that the red flag is flying at the beach, we get excited. This is when the fun starts. Enormous waves, strong undertow....You think, "that sounds like danger to me!" Well, I suppose it is dangerous, but for those of us who grew up in Lake Michigan, these are the best of times. Today was a red flag day; a fun day. Karin wasn't so into the waves, but Melissa and I spent a long time being buffeted about by the raging waters. We came out tired, weak, and dizzy....and happy as could be. You should come try it sometime...come to Grand Haven and play in the waves!

Friendly Day

All my college friends live in other parts of the country, except for Karin Woodby of course. Today I got a call from Bethanie Wall, my best friend in college. We talked for about an hour and a half, just getting caught up on each other's lives. Email is great, but a phone call is better. Then this evening I was invited to dinner at the Woodby's house and then to go out with Karin and Melissa MacNeal. Melissa lives in New York but is working at Camp CoBeAc for the summer. She was the same year as Karin in school, two years behind me. They were friends first, but when we started riding to church together and working in Sparks together on Wednesday nights Melissa and I also got to be pretty good friends. I loved college and miss all my friends, so I was blessed to have contact with two of them today. Thank You, Lord!

So, tonight Karin, Melissa, and I went down and walked on the boardwalk. First we stopped in Mackinaw Kite Co. and had some fun. On our walk to the pier we walked on the rocks just like when we were kids. Saturday nights are always crowded and super busy, but it was still fun. After our trek to the end of the pier we stopped in at Cold Stone to enjoy some of their delicious ice cream. Great friends, nice weather, yummy food, perfect night!

Don't You Dare Call the Musical Fountain Boring!

If you have not already guessed, I love living in Grand Haven. In all my travels, including overseas, I have not found a place that compares with the town I call "home." One of my favorite things about Grand Haven in the summer is the world- famous musical fountain. So many people see it once, then ignore it the rest of their lives. If I had the opportunity, I would walk the mile from my house down to the waterfront and sit and watch the musical fountains every single night. First of all, it starts around 10pm, so the town is fairly peaceful, definitely more quiet than during the day. Second, I love to just sit and listen to music; it is always interesting to hear what songs they come up with. Third, the movement of the water and the colors is practically hypnotizing; relaxing, to say the least. Last night I was fascinated as the colors changed right on the beat. Amazing! It truly reminds me of dancing....and for those of you who don't know (and for the ones who do know!), ballroom dancing is my number one hobby. So, there is a fourth reason for me to enjoy the musical fountain. Usually, I end up going by myself since no one else shares my passion for this spectacular event that takes place every summer night. But I don't mind. Going alone adds to the peacefulness and relaxation of the experience. All I can say is, you all are truly missing out on a lovely experience. Hope to see you there soon!

Gray Day Downtown

Any day is a good day to enjoy Grand Haven's delightful downtown area, but a gray day makes it easier since on a sunny day I would rather be at the beach. Quaint shops, yummy restaurants, and crowds of both locals and tourists line both sides of Washington Street, the heart of downtown.

Today Andrea and I (and Nick, but not on purpose, we just ran into him) popped in and out of several shops. Anyone who comes to visit me in Grand Haven must stop at Mackinaw Kite Co. Amidst the hundreds of toys and games there is a little table to stand at and play games. A worker came over to us and taught us four new games. Rat-a-tat-Cat, Sleeping Queens, Blink, and Ruckus. All four of them were tons of fun....if you get the chance to play any of them, don't pass it up! The bead store is also another favorite. I made two pairs of earrings today, and have made several other pieces of jewelry in the past. Melt-in-your-mouth Italian chocolate can be found at the Italian store so that, too, is a must.

We wrapped up our shopping adventure with one of Grand Haven's famous pronto pups. These are not your everyday corn dogs...no,no,no indeed. I can't begin to explain how delicious they are. You just have to come and taste for yourself!

Have I convinced anyone to come visit yet? What must I say to convince you?! Don't worry, if I have not yet convinced you, I will soon enough. When I am done you will not be able to stay away!!!