Episode 64: July – September 2013

Highlights of the quarter:

• Concerts, Cubs baseball, and another gorgeous summer in Northern Michigan;
• Deb’s impromptu trip to Australia.

It was another gorgeous summer in Northern Michigan.  The temperature was perfect – not too hot, not too cool – and the long, sunny days were very much welcomed after the seemingly never-ending winter.  In addition to spending plenty of time outside, we also caught some great live music.  One of the highlights was two concerts we say on consecutive days – first, Bruno Mars brought the house down at the Palace of Auburn Hills, and then the next night we saw night by Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five, and Guster at an outdoor pavilion near Detroit.  Both concerts were great, but an especially memorable part of the two night was being chauffeured to and from the Barenaked Ladies concert in a massive RV (mobile home), complete with pre- and post-concert tailgating in the parking lot – all thanks to our friends, Jane and Dean.

Our friends, Stephanie and Luis, who are still living in Brazil, came back to Michigan for the summer, and again we joined them for a week in Northern Michigan.  This time around, we changed towns, and ventured a little further east to the quaint town of Beulah.  The location was great – located right on Crystal Lake – and we had a nice, relaxing week.  It was nice to take the time to unwind and spend some quality time catching up.  The boys managed to fit in a few bike rides, the girls got in some dance classes, and of course, we all enjoyed the sun, sand, and beach.  Needless to say, the vacation week up north is becoming one of our favorite rituals of the year.

Another routine we took up is Sunday morning Ashtanga Yoga, followed by brunch.  Neal and I were looking for a common activity that we could both get into, and yoga has certainly fit that.  We’re almost always joined by our friends, Michelle, Ed, and Jesse, giving us the added benefit of hanging out with great friends while ending the weekend with some exercise and mental clarity.  It is something we really look forward to each week and miss it when we’re out of town for the weekend.

Another highlight of the summer was a weekend in Traverse City to visit the annual Cherry Festival and take a scenic drive on the Mission Peninsula to visit some wineries.  Ed and Michelle once again rented a house on Torch Lake, and we joined them there for the weekend after exploring Traverse City.  We also spent a weekend in the beautiful town of Saugatuck in Western Michigan.  It’s one of our favorite towns to wander around and explore.  We ended that weekend with a brief stopover in Grand Rapids for some great tapas before heading home.

Both of us have been keeping active, but Neal certainly has me beat in this goal.  In addition to riding in two MS-150 bike rides (so far), I am very proud of him and Ed for completing a sprint duathlon at the local Sanford ‘n Sun race.  They’re really taking this fitness thing seriously!

There were plenty of other fun activities over the summer, many of which were attached to either work or fundraisers.  Neal and I decided to be tourists in our own town, spending the weekend capturing photos of ourselves at the front of local attractions.  We went to a fundraiser for the Midland Symphony Orchestra, called Blanc Bash.  It was an outdoor party where the only pre-requisite was that everyone wear white.  I emceed an outdoor fashion show for Family and Children’s Services.  I also took a work trip to Chicago and was fortunate enough to get to watch the Chicago Cubs play baseball at Wrigley Stadium – a place I had not visited since Neal and I were dating back in 2002.  So, being there brought back some great memories.

I ended the last few weeks of the quarter with a trip to Australia.  It was a great trip, and far more relaxed than going home over the Christmas break.  Mum, Candace, and I had a girl’s day at a spa near the region of Daylesford where we indulged in massages and had a lovely lunch.  I spent the rest of the week catching up with friends and had some great quality time with my sister, mum, and many of my girlfriends.  I also had the chance to meet Rohan, the man who has stolen my sister Candace’s heart, during my trip.  Much to my surprise (and delight), Rohan is a big fan of Broadway musicals and loves a show tune or two.  While I was singing show tunes in Australia, Neal headed to Oklahoma to spend the Labor Day weekend with his parents and grandparents.

And while it’s technically not the end of summer yet, we’re mentally preparing for cold weather.  Hopefully, we’ll have just as many adventures (in the snow) as we had this summer.  Until next time, take care!