Green blood...

Many Dow High fans had "We bleed green" shirts on today at the Dow vs. Traverse City district soccer matchup.

Unfortunately, "Mr. Soccer" helped TC to a 6-0 win, even when double (or even triple or quadruple-) teamed...

...and the green blood fell as green tears for Dow High's seniors.

Jewel - Acoustic and Live!

"No taping or photography"


Sorry - but in my first opportunity to see Jewel live, and from the 7th row at that...I'm carrying along a purse that can easily hide my camera.

It looked like a big lightening storm during some parts of the concert. And for good reason.

Jewel is a phenomenal story teller, and her vocal ability is beyond anything I've ever heard. Incredible. I highly recommend spending the $45 (or a lot more!) any time you have the chance to hear her.

Of course, my camera cost a bit more than $45, and I was a little chicken about taking pictures even though at least a quarter of the people present were - so my pictures were flash-less, rushed...and not always focused well. DARN IT!

I recommend being brave on the photography if you do happen to get that chance!

Mark felt like a stud, being the only male in the group. Of course, he drove, so we could also call him our chauffeur...

"Lend our voices only to sounds of freedom. No longer lend our strength to that which we wish to be free from - fill our lives with love and bravery and we shall lead...a life uncommon."

Homecoming '07 ~ Future Scot Training...?

Gina, Kevin and the kids joined Kay and I for homecoming this year. Gina poses well for pictures, doesn't she...


Oh, the sounds, colors, smells and overall feeling of fall bring back memories!




They don't get any cuter than this.




Does the game face still work as well with a temporary tattoo on one's cheek?






Only if you keep the face going, I guess!

By the time they left, Jordan noted that he would only move to Alma when it was time to go to college.... OK. That works!

Future Scots:

Music, pumpkins ...and a little German?

The Pumpkin Festival brings lots of people to Caro...maybe we could even say it brings out all of the local color??

Here, Amy and I model the hats Mom and Dad brought back from their recent trip to Germany, Austria and Switzerland:




Dad plays music every year for the Pumpkin Festival; I have a great time when I'm around to help out! (next three photos courtesy of Amy!)

"Uh... what were the words you just sang? You know those aren't correct, right?"

Dad helping Wayne and Tracy (who followed us) with their sound check. I remember going to Wayne's house when I was young, and watching him play bass with my dad. How cool to be there playing with my dad, then have Wayne follow up - playing with HIS daughter!

Finally, Dad sits with Mom to just enjoy!

Are you lost yet?

85 degree days in Michigan - in October. Corn, corn and more corn. Trucks in the water.

Are you lost yet??

I set the spring "being in the water" record at our cottage back in March - the 26th to be exact (check out my blog from March!). Today I believe I set the fall record. October 7th, 10 a.m. - ALL the way under, and it was fantastic! This picture is from yesterday, when Amy and I went in. The 10 second timer only lets us get so far...!

After relaxing thoroughly with swimming, walking the beach and reading in the shade, Amy and I ventured out for an "amazingly" fun time in the Depner Farm's corn maze. Great exercise. Intriguing intellectual stimulation . And the smell of corn.

I had flashbacks to corn detassling in my youth. I still HIGHLY recommend it!

A welcome sight after we gave up with only 5 of our 6 holes punched. Next time we're going for the night time flashlight edition of the maze! Only on saturdays in October, so get yourself there!

I posted a similar picture a few months back. For the october edition, just add leaves and fences.

Elevator testing.

Somehow I missed this photo in my blog from last week.

It was one of my favorite photos from the weekend, when all of the family crowded onto the elevator. We wondered how many more people we could fit in.

How many do you think?




(incidentally, the Sponge Bob cake is hiding Kelsey - she IS part of this family photo!)

Fun in Colt Country.

Family trips yield lots of pics... here are a few of my favorites from our fall birthday celebration weekend in Indianapolis:

"Aunt Lou gave you pizza?????" NO, of COURSE not silly...what else would all of the nieces and nephews get but ALMA COLLEGE clothes???

"Check out how I can make my hand disappear..."

"I think you're silly, but I'll smile at you to make you feel good."

Think Gina's feeling self-conscious about FINALLY picking up a guitar??

"Yep, I really AM all that. Check out my servants below, getting my ride all ready."

"I want to be a Scot! When can I sign up for classes??"

The park provided fun for all...

So did the hotel pool...

Happy Birthday, Darrin!! May the Colts and Packers keep winning...

The whole gang after church:

And, I couldn't resist...

Gizmo entertaining me before work on Monday morning. It's nice to come home with such a loving companion...he really DOES miss me when I'm gone!