Our long-awaited return to Copper Harbor

It is so peaceful this morning with Maddie lying next to me in bed and Imke on the floor next to me, happily chewing away on a bone.  We are at the end of our long foray-our nearly 2-week journey away from home.  When I first decided to make this journey, I really had no idea what to expect from it, but I did know that we were going to find some new adventures and make some good memories.  I think we definitely accomplished those things, but I think we gained more than I expected.  

As I take time to reflect over the last two weeks, it seems like it has been a whirlwind of activity.  So much to do, so little time.  I know that seems silly to say on a trip that will last 13 days, but we're on day 12 already! Where has the time gone?

We started our journey on June 21 with the first leg of our drive from home to Munising.  It was late in the day when we left, so we didn't make our usual stop at the Mackinac Bridge, we just drove, anxious to get to our real starting point.  When we woke up on the 22nd, we took our time getting ready and spent a little time lounging.  And then it was off to points further North. 

Imke at Canyon Falls

Our first stop was at Canyon Falls just outside of L'anse.  The North Country Trail runs through the area and we were determined to add some miles on this trip.  It is a beautiful area with a gorgeous canyon and the Sturgeon river running through it.  Unfortunately, about 3/4 of a mile into our hike, I twisted my knee and we had to turn around and head back to the car, although the girls weren't ready to leave!  But at least we got 1 1/2 miles on the trail that day.

North Country Trail

Next stop was Houghton for some food and supplies (and a knee brace) and then a stop in Eagle River for some lunch at The Fitz before heading into Copper Harbor for the weekend.

Our lunchtime view in Eagle River

Finally, after 5 long months away, we were back in Copper Harbor for a peaceful weekend of fun and adventure.  The adventure portion of the trip was made a bit more difficult due to the knee injury, but we are pretty determined to have fun and not much will slow us down.  

Copper Harbor dock

We settled ourselves into Room #1 at the King Copper Motel.  It's one of the best rooms in town because of it's awesome view of the Harbor and it's awesome deck to sit out and enjoy the view.  Plus it's directly across the street from the 6th Street dock which happens to be one of my favorite parts of the Harbor too.  And probably the best part of the location is that it is just a short walk to Jamsen's and their amazing turnovers.

Our view for the weekend

Due to the bum knee, I decided most of the weekend would be spent close to our Copper Harbor home.  We, of course, would make our daily walk to Jamsen's and would walk the dock, but I was determined to make the most of the deck and it's amazing view.  But what I discovered is that I'm not very good at just sitting still.

Exploring at Hunter's Point

 So as I was going a bit stir-crazy, it was decided that our first full day in the harbor would be spent trying to get out and see some old familiar places-Esrey Park, Hunter's Point, and Great Sand Bay.  But I quickly discovered that even with the knee brace, I was in no shape to do much hiking or walking, especially on rocky and uneven ground.  So instead we spent the day with me driving from location to location and then sitting in one spot while the girls got some limited exploration time at each location. 

Hunter's Point Park

When lunch-time arrived, we drove into Hancock to waste a little time and get some fish and risotto at Four Suns.  The fish is always good there and there are picnic tables outside so the girls can join me and beg for some yummy morsels.  I never regret making this trip and it was a lunch which we all enjoyed!

On the way back to Copper Harbor, we made a small detour to visit a new, out-of-the-way location I had discovered.  It was a nice drive through some definitely back-road spots to get to a little county park at the mouth of the Gratiot River.  It was beautiful and peaceful and, best of all, we had it all to ourselves.  With the more level, sandy soil, I was able to get out and walk around more, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  

At the mouth of the Gratiot River

Then it was back to Copper Harbor for some rest.  I picked up dinner at the Mariner and as the sun set on our day, we took a little walk and then sat out on the deck enjoying the evening.  

After a busy first day, my knee was more sore than I expected on day two, so I really needed to spend the day resting.  We made our morning trip to Jamsen's, of course, because no day in the Harbor is complete without it.

We love Jamsen's!

Then we spent our Saturday lounging at on the deck and taking small walks on the dock or in the yard surrounding the motel.  

I read as the girls lounged in the sun and occasionally walked around sniffing new and interesting smells.   We watched the Canadian geese with their goslings and we saw ducks with their ducklings...and Maddie barked like there was no tomorrow.  And it was on this day that Maddie discovered a new delicacy that she is now absolutely obsessed with...goose poops! Good memories!

Sunday morning we woke to see our new friend, the loon, swimming around the harbor for the third morning in a row.  Such a beautiful sight to see on a serene Copper Harbor morning.  I wish I could have gotten a picture.  We saw our friendly neighborhood family of geese on our morning walk too.

And then it was on to packing so that we could move on to our next stop of this great adventure-Wausau Wisconsin.  We made our morning trek to Jamsen's to get one last turnover that would hopefully hold us over until we returned, and then we were on the road.  

Foggy morning stop at Esrey Park

Along the way, I made a stop at Old Victoria for their Log Cabin Day.   This is an old historic mining site that I had never heard of so I figured I'd visit and learn more.  I had a great tour and enjoyed the amazing scenery in the area before continuing our journey. 

Old Victoria NHP

And then we finally arrived in Wausau.  After allowing my knee to rest for a couple of days, I felt I was up for a walk.  So as the evening settled upon us, I found a nice park in the downtown area that had some nice walking trails along the river and off we went.  We had a good two mile walk just before sunset and after a good weekend of adventures, we were ready for  a good-night's rest.  

Wausau Wisconsin

Tomorrow would bring the rest of our drive to Minneapolis and leaving the girls for the week while I attended a work conference.  I wasn't sure I was ready for it, but I had no choice.

Our Lucky Dog Experience

Just over two months ago, I found out that I’d need to make a trip to Minneapolis for work and it just happened to fall right between two weekends I had planned to be in the UP.  After exploring all the options available to get there, it just seemed to make the most sense for us to drive.  And so, it was decided.  We’d drive to Minneapolis between our vacation weekends and make an adventure out of it.

Even after making the decision I still debated if it was the right move...taking the girls with me meant boarding them for 4 nights, and I wasn't quite sure I was ready for that.  But there was no way I was leaving them home either.  Seriously, I wasn't going to go North without them.  So it was settled.  I would find a good place for them to stay while as I was in Minneapolis.  And I found Lucky Dog Pet Lodge-a place that had great reviews and offers 9 hours of doggy day care as part of their boarding package.  So all of the dogs in boarding would be out of their kennels all day with the ability to play in 3 large play areas or lounge around outside all day.  At least I knew they wouldn't be stuck in a kennel all day and they might even make some friends.

I still worried about Imke, though, with her arthritis and the fact that she's just my sweet, old , fragile girl.  I didn't want her to be hurt by some rambunctious youngster.  And I didn't want her to over do it and not be able to walk...she's done that before.  But the staff reassured me every time I had any questions.

One week ago at this time(as I write this it is the morning of July 3), I was preparing to drop them off at Lucky Dog.  It would be their very first overnight boarding experience.   Four nights away from anyone they know...three whole days of me not seeing them.  I knew I had found a great place, but I was still sad and nervous to leave them. But once again, the staff reassured me that they'd be fine and, ultimately, I knew that was true.  It sure did make me feel better, though, when they walked away with a complete stranger and didn't even look back.

It was a beautiful, sunny week in Minneapolis so they got to spend most of every day in the outdoor play yard where they could lounge or play with friends before going into their kennel for the night. From what I can tell from their report cards, they made the most of their days lounging in the sun. Imke made friends with a Great Dane-so typical for her and Maddie had her own friend, a bulldog, and they were both happy to snuggle up with their good friend Koa, a pit mix.  And, of course, they had each other.

While all of this lounging in the sun was going on, I was 20 miles away in all day meetings for work. One of the first things I did after dropping them off was download the O Doggy app (which was connected to cameras at the facility) so that I could watch them in the play areas during the day.  It's not like they have never spent nights away from me, but this was different for us all.  This time they were with complete strangers in a strange place; they weren't in their own home and they weren't with someone who knew them.  I didn't have much time to check in on the cameras and after the first day, I relaxed a bit and just knew everything would be alright.

Finally, Friday morning arrived and I could pick them up!  When I arrived, I could hear the dogs all playing in the outdoor area.  It sounded like they were having a good time.  As I waited for them to come in, I saw Maddie come prancing into the building from outside and I nearly cried because I was so happy to see her.  Quickly they were ready and in the lobby greeting me...or at least Maddie was greeting me.  Imke was trying to get behind the counter with the staff and begging for treats.  Maddie jumped up with her cute little hop she does when she's trying to give kisses.  She was happy to see me. Imke wandered over to say hello as well, although she was bound to give me her typical cold-shoulder.  After 4 long days, I was finally back with them.   They were happy and healthy and I was so happy to see them.

My learnings from the experience-we can handle being away from each other, but we'd rather be together.  Every day is better when we're together!

Stopping to smell the roses...or any other flower will do

What a week!  With so much going on in life, sometimes the things that really need to get done just get ignored.  But this was the week I was determined to get things done.  For the last year, things have really been unusually busy for me.  We've had what seemed to be a never ending string of fosters with short breaks for vacations in the Spring and Fall, I've found volunteer opportunities with ISR and ICAC and Meals on Wheels to fill my time, I've had what seemed like weekly vet appointments for Imke with her arthritis and her ear infection, and I've done more work travel than is normal for me.  It's exhausting just thinking about it.

Now, don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed all of the time with my fosters and I love my volunteer work...and of course I'd do anything to make sure Imke stays healthy and happy, but sometimes you need a break.  And my time has finally arrived!  But not before getting a few more things done.  

My poor yard has seriously been lacking attention and was in need of a spruce.  So many plants didn't make it through the Winter, the weeds were taking over, and the mulch was gone.  My plan for this week was to fix that situation.  Every night I would come home from work and head outside to get some work done.  It was beautiful weather for being outside and the girls were happy to be out with me.  Without a foster to worry about, I was happy to be able to let them follow me from back to front yard so that they could investigate every inch of their domain, while I was hard at work. It took lots of hours of effort, but I am so happy with the end result!

The yard always looks so much better with some colorful mulch!  Everything looks fresh and new...and weed free!  

I had planned to take things easy over the weekend and maybe even head North for a couple of days, but the yard work took longer than planned so I decided to stay home to make sure everything got finished.  And as a bonus, I even had time to clean the house.  But after a very long and very exhausting week followed by an exhausting Saturday, we needed a nice relaxing Sunday.

With the forecast calling for temperatures in the 90s, my first thought was that we should head North toward a lake, but when Sunday morning arrived, we were all too tired to even think about a drive, so it was settled.  We would spend a slow and easy day at home.   We were all slow to get moving, but sometimes those are the best kinds of days.  After lots of lounging, it was time to head outside.  A good landscaper's work is never done, and I had flowers that needed watering.  With my shadows in tow, we were out into the front yard with a watering can and a plan.

Imke loves the front yard.  It has always been her favorite part of our yard and she'll wander around sniffing everything.  Luckily, I never have to worry about her wandering off.  Maddie hasn't always been as trustworthy, but lately she's been very good...and she never really leaves my side.  So she went from plant to plant watching me water each one.  From front to back yard, in and out of the house to refill the watering can, Maddie followed while Imke was off exploring every corner for the potential of something new to smell.

Dianthus

Gerbera Daisy

Once the watering was done, I decided to sit down in the yard with the girls for a while and just enjoy the beautiful, sunny day, but not before I snapped a few quick pictures of some of the flowers currently in bloom.

Purple Coneflower

Geranium

Now with the pictures done, I laid down in the grass in between the girls under the weeping cherry tree.  There was a nice breeze and some good shade.  I took a deep breath and just had to smile.  This is what life is all about- a nice day with your work done spending time with someone you love.

Imke

Maddie

It was at this point that Imke spotted a tiny red squirrel in the middle of the street and I was reminded just how lucky I am and just how good these girls are.

We see a squirrel!

They inched a bit closer and watched him climb the tree, but never even considered leaving the yard.

Mom, he's right there!

And they settled in to watch him run and jump around the tree.  Ever patient and always watching. I'm sure this was the best part of their whole day.

Squirrel TV

We spent much of the day outside, took a break to take a ride in the Jeep to get a special treat, and I got lots of time to catch up on my reading.  I think I'd forgotten how nice life can be when you take some time to relax and just enjoy it!

Happy girls!

But the real highlight of the day, and of every day, was just spending it with these two.  No matter where I go, they make every minute better.

6 years ago

Today marks 6 years since I started my journey as a volunteer and foster parent with the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter (ICACS).  My very first volunteer "job" was helping at the Information table at the 2011 Adopt-a-fest.  Although I knew no one and really had no idea what I was really doing there, I was happy to help.  Boy have things changed since that day!  

This past weekend I volunteered at my 7th adopt-a-fest and my most recent foster, Little Mermaid found her home during the event.  She is the 4th foster dog that I have had who got adopted during an Adopt-a-fest event.  In between these two events I have learned so much and met so many amazing people and dogs.  I can't even imagine what my life would be like without my volunteer time there.  

Little Mermaid, my 35th foster dog

6 years, countless volunteer hours, hundreds of dogs walked, and 35 foster dogs later, I am thankful that I made the decision to start volunteering.  I now volunteer for two amazing organizations, ICACS and Illinois Shorthair Rescue.  I have met so many people and made so many really good friends along the way and I have an extended family with all of my adopters.   It is pretty awesome.  

During that first event 6 years ago, another volunteer adopted one of the shelter dogs, a dog who he had met through his volunteer work at the shelter... who knew 6 years later, that volunteer would be such a good friend and that he and his dog would be such an important part of my life.  Zi has been on many adventures with me and my girls and if I hadn't decided to volunteer at the shelter that day...I may never have met him.  Great things can happen when you follow your passion and do what you love.  

So on this day I just want to wish my good buddy Zi a very happy Zi-day. You really hit the jackpot when your dad adopted you! 

The girls and ISR Foster Wade hanging out with Zi on his beach

Zi

In memory of Pongo

I'm sure many people think that it's silly, but I have loved finding friends through a facebook group dedicated to German Shorthaired Pointers.  We are a special lot, we who love these dogs. It is good to know that there others out there that share in the special bond that we have with these amazing dogs.   I am proud to be part of the GSP community.  We follow the journeys of each other's dogs and, even if we've never met, we love to hear the stories of their lives.

Over the years, new puppies have been added to families, many dogs have been adopted through rescues, happy, awesome, and every day things have occurred, and sadly. many have been lost to old age, to cancer, to tragic accidents.  And each time we mourn together.  Today we lost a very special member of our community.  His name was Pongo and he had a very special disease.  Pongo was born with a specific form of lupus that is found only in the German Shorthaired Pointer breed.  He started showing symptoms at a very early age and eventually lost all of his fur.  Lupus is hereditary and difficult to control. Most Lupus dogs don't have a very high quality of life due to the discomfort from the disease.

Pongo

But despite his circumstances, Pongo was a very lucky boy.  He was fortunate enough to have a mom who worked very hard to make his life better.  Kerstyn has been fighting for Pongo and for all the other GSPs out there for years.  She has worked with the University of Pennsylvania, who helped develop a test to identify carriers of Lupus, and is working hard to make Lupus testing mandatory before breeding, and to ultimately find a cure for this horrible disease.  She has done so much work to learn about holistic medicine that can help in the comfort of those suffering with the disease.  And she has assisted so many others...those that have Lupus dogs around the world and others who just need guidance in holistic methods for treatments for any number of ailments.  Pongo even had his own facebook page to help spread the word about Lupus

Pongo

Despite his difficult life, Kerstyn cared for him well and gave him much love and many fun times. Pongo loved to play ball and was a silly boy, just a like any other GSP.  Due to his disease, Pongo had to wear special clothing to keep covered and couldn't be out in the sun.  But today, he got one good round of playing ball and relaxing in the sun before he left this world.

We have lost many in this group, but some have been more memorable because of their journey. There was beautiful Hannah, not a GSP but a beautiful yellow lab...an honorary GSP because she lived her life with two of them.  She lived an amazing life North of the Arctic circle and was very loved.  Denise, her mom, takes some amazing pictures of her beautiful pups in the frozen tundra. Miss Hannah was always very lovely.

Hannah

Then there was Klausie...taken so young, but leaving us all with many memories.  Klaus Otto and his brother Bismarck lived in Germany.  They were real siblings from the same litter, but poor Klaus became very ill with some auto immune issues and died before the age of two.  During his short life he had a big impact on many of this us who followed his story.  He made frequent trips to the Vet and to make his life a little better, he was spoiled by his mom and dad with an ice cream cone after each visit.  So as we celebrate and mourn together, we have the very important Klausie cone tradition.

Klaus and Bizzy

Forrest was beautiful California boy who lost the use of his hind legs due to Degenerative Myelopathy, but his parents weren't ready to give up on him and bought him a set of wheels so that he could tool around with them still.  Forrest participated in a 5K and continued to spend time at his favorite place, the beach.  He showed us a strength of spirit that was an inspiration to so many.  But his disease became too much and we had to say goodbye to him as well.  With the loss of Forrest, the girls took a run on the beach in his memory since that was his special place.  His parents have set up a special basket of tennis balls on "Forrest's Beach" so that no dog shall be denied the joy of chasing a ball in the sand.

Forrest's Legacy lives on through his facebook pages RunFreeForrestRun and PostcardsFromForrest
as his parents continue to help raise funds for the GSP Rescue in California.

Forrest

There were also others, like beautiful Miyote from Canada and Rusa from Sweden who left us with beautiful old grey faces full of wisdom from a life full of love and adventure.  Both of the families of these lovely girls have brought new pups and new joy into our group, but we will never forget these wise and loving faces.

Rusa

Miyote

There was also our very own superstar Travis, the George Clooney of dogs, as his mom Stephanie always called him.  The older half of the Pointer Brothers duo and star (with his brother Gus) of Ifitwags.  If you love this breed, you should definitely follow Stephanie's Instagram page!  This handsome boy from British Columbia was taken from us due to cancer, I will never forget his final morning and the awesome breakfast his mom made for him.  But his loss brought us a new special friend of a different breed, the Ginger Ninja, whose antics I know we have all enjoyed watching.

And Pongo was a fellow Michigander.  Pongo would have celebrated his 10th birthday next month, but his poor little body could take no more and his loving mother released him from his pain.  I had hoped someday to meet him, but that was not to be. So tonight the GSP nation around the world is celebrating his memory with his favorite treat...McDonald's french fries.

To honor the memory of the many special dogs who have recently left our group and for their loving families, tonight we celebrate with a shared Klausie cone...and french fries for Pongo.

Imke and Maddie share a Klausie cone

Patiently waiting for the french fries

   

Yum!

I hope Kerstyn and everyone else that has recently suffered a loss in our group can feel all of our love surrounding them because we all know how hard it is to lose someone who has added so much love and joy to your life.

Everyone hug your furbabies extra tight tonight and think of those families out there dealing with the grief of their losses.

* Note:  I hope no one minds that I am sharing pictures from the facebook page, because I do it to honor the memory of your departed beloved pups.  I know too soon we will all suffer the same sadness, and I hope that we continue to support each other through our joy and grief.

43 minutes

The answer-43 minutes...but what is the question, you may ask?  Well that's the time it takes for a sweet little cattle dog to stop barking in her crate.

We have a routine every morning, the girls and I.  Generally, approximately an hour before my alarm clock goes off every morning, Imke, my living, breathing, brown-spotted alarm clock, will wake me up for her morning potty break.  Sometimes Maddie will tag along, but most times she doesn't.  While Imke is outside, I proceed to get breakfast ready for the girls.  As soon as the food hits the dish, Maddie shoots out of bed like a lightning bolt.  I then let Imke in and they proceed to eat while I go back and lie down on the bed.  When their breakfast is finished, they both come climb into bed with me for some morning snuggles and a little nap before the real alarm tells us it's time to get ready for work.

This is how most mornings work...and as we add fosters to the mix, they find their own way to fit into this routine.  But this morning, for one silly little cattle dog, Imke's wake up call meant it was time to get up and play!  

Poor Imke was knocked to the floor as she attempted to get out of bed...and grumpy old lady words were yelled at that silly puppy.  Outside they all went and the girls were thankful for a break when they came in to eat while mom had to chase down said puppy and convince her breakfast was more important than sniffing the grass.  Breakfast time finally completed, we all headed back to the bedroom to rest until it was really time to get up.  But not that silly little cattle dog. 

Imke burrowed herself deep under the covers and got as close to me as she could, while Maddie buried herself inside her cozy cave for protection.  But I think the hiding made someone think this was just a fun game.  And there was much grumbling, and growling, and snarling...and general old lady grumpiness.  So, after 15 minutes of trying to convince a puppy it was time to relax, I had a brilliant idea!  I should put the puppy in the crate so the girls and I could get our quiet time. 

With a cute little puppy trailing behind me, I grabbed a Kong full of yummy peanut buttery goodness out of the freezer and down the stairs to the basement we went.  She followed me right down and ran right into the crate.  Whew, I little peace at last.  But as I crawled into bed next to Imke, it started...the barking. 

I hadn't heard one sound come from this adorable little thing since she got here...until that moment. And boy does she have a voice!  For the next 23 minutes it was non-stop.  But I know better than to fall for that pathetic bark for attention so I just let her go.  Then suddenly there was silence and I rejoiced. and less than 20 seconds later, it started again.  This time it only lasted for 6 minutes and there was nearly an entire minute of silence that followed, but I was wrong to think she was done.  

At this point, I considered just getting out of bed and turning on some music for her...forgetting that probably wouldn't work for a deaf dog.  Then I thought about starting to get ready for work, yes it was early, but I wasn't relaxing.  But I didn't move...and 14 minutes later there was silence again.  I was still out of bed before the alarm and in the shower...and there was silence.  A full 10 minutes of beautiful silence.  After 43 minutes of nearly continuous barking, I thought she was done.  But I guess she decided she still had more to say and the barking once again ensued.  

At this point, I was ready to let her out so that she could run and play and potty before I left for work, but there was still periodic barking so I patiently waited until the right moment.  The quiet came and I ran right downstairs to let her out...and then the smell hit me.  Poop!  One nice little pile that was easy to clean and she hadn't gotten into, thankfully.  And I wondered if all along, she had been trying to tell me something.

So she's gotten her play time, she's gone potty, she's tortured the girls, and she's now quietly resting on the couch.  Just in time for me to have to leave for work.  A good reminder of how much fun it is to have a puppy in your life!  Here's to hoping crate training part two is much more successful...

Memorial Day...Remembrances

My dad is a Vietnam Vet.  Although he never asked to go to war (he was drafted like so many other young men then), he did his duty and fought for his country...and he came home.  Lucky for me, since I wouldn't be here if he hadn't.  I can't tell you if he was proud of his service because he never really mentioned being proud.  I also do not think he was ashamed in any way.  I think it was just something he thought the he had to do and he did it.  It wasn't a secret, I've known my whole life that he fought in that war and occasionally he would bring up a story or two-nothing too serious, just small moments regarding his time there.  I knew he was a medic while he was there, but when I was younger, I never really thought about what that really entailed.  Now that I'm older, I hate to think about the horror he experienced.

Through the years, he talked about the time he spent in basic training in Colorado Springs and my grandparent visiting him while he was there.  He talked about flying on the helicopters in Vietnam and occasionally he would talk about some of the men he met while he was there.  He would tell stories of crossing rivers and having to pull leeches off of his legs after the crossing and the miserable weather.  And sometimes he would pull out his pictures (I wish I had one to share right now) and medals that he received, but there were never stories about what really happened there.  I'm sure part of that was to protect us from the realities of war and the other part was probably things he just didn't want to discuss.  I know that he talked about these things with my mom and thankfully he adjusted well to life after coming back...when many others did not.

I remember him telling me once, when I got older, that sound of helicopters used to give him flashbacks...and yet in 1976 at the Brady Township Bicentennial celebration, my dad took my brother and me on a helicopter ride.  There is really only one story that he told, when I was a teenager, that got into the life and death realities of war and what he faced.  One night, as his platoon was camped for the night, the night watchman fell asleep and there was an attack on their camp.  The enemy came in with guns blazing, shooting the soldiers as they slept.  Many of the men there died, but my dad made it out alive and unhurt.  As a medic he would have had to spring to action to help the others and would have watched these other young men, his friends, die.    I can't even imagine what that does to a person.

Just a few years ago, my nephew asked my dad a question about his time in Vietnam. He wanted to know if his grandpa had ever had to kill someone.  Pretty amazing question for a kid.  No one had ever asked him that question.  And my dad told me later that he was glad that he was able to say that he had not.  Before that moment, I had never thought about that.

Memorial Day isn't really about my dad or any other of the veterans who made it home and yet in many ways it is about them and what they saw, what they lived through, and who they lost.

As a kid, every year we would go to the Memorial Day Service, put together by our local American Legion, at one of our local cemeteries.  We'd watch them raise the flag and then watch as they did the 21 gun salute and we'd run to collect the empty shells that fell to the ground.  The ceremonies never lasted long and we would walk around the cemetery afterward to visit a few graves of relatives and then head home.  I have very fond memories of those days.  I'm guessing, in retrospect, one of the reasons that we attended was because of my dad's service and his desire to remember those that were lost.

Over the years, I have found other ways to celebrate Memorial Day and to remember, throughout the year, those who sacrificed their lives for my freedom.  I have visited a number of National Cemeteries and have attended many Memorial Day parades, but I have missed those small town celebrations of my childhood.  Many times over the years, I have contemplated finding a Memorial Day service to attend and finally, today I was able to do just that.

Bayshore Park Veterans Memorial, Munising, MI

It was a beautiful sunny morning, as we left our hotel room to walk to Bayshore Park in Munising for the first part of their Memorial Day Celebration.  There was the raising of the flag, the playing of the National Anthem, and a brief speech and prayer followed by the reading of the names of all of the area residents who had been killed in the line of duty since World War I.

Imke, Maddie and Max were very good at paying their respects too.  Max especially enjoyed all of the extra love and attention he got while we were there.  Maddie was about to get the shock of her life.

Honor Guard

And then to end the service, there was the 21 gun salute and the playing of taps.  It was beautiful ceremony.  I was so proud of the dogs and even more proud and thankful to be an American and to be celebrating the freedoms we have.  And there was a beautiful view to top off this celebration.

Munising Bay

Following this ceremony, we attended the Blessing of the Fleet also held in the park.

Blessing of the Fleet

In addition to the service at the Veteran's Memorial in the park, I wanted to attend a service at a cemetery as well, so we walked back to our hotel and then drove to the Maple Grove Cemetery for the 11am service that was planned there.

Maple Grove Cemetery, Munising MI

Unlike the services of my younger years, this was a much more formal affair with a podium and speaker system.  They did the flag raising and then one veteran stood up to tell a story, a story of friends who had gone into war together, but who had not all made it back home.  And as I watched this group of veterans and listened to this story, I saw one man slowly wiping tears away.  This man, probably in his early 70s who had fought in a war that happened 50 years ago,  still had the raw emotions of that loss of friends. It's a moment that would have been beautiful to capture on film, but out of respect, I just couldn't do that.

Maple Grove Cemetery, Munising 

After the speaker concluded his story, there was a blessing and the reading of the names of all of the area Veterans who had died in the last year and the ceremony ended with the 21 gun salute and the playing of taps.  They quickly concluded as storm clouds began to roll in, announcing that there would be two more services held at two other local cemeteries.

Since the weather was a bit questionable and with no other solid plans for the day, I headed East to the Munising Township Cemetery in Wetmore.  This is a tiny little cemetery and the turn-out was small.  It was a quick raising of the flag and 21 gun salute as the downpour began.  I was glad I had come to show my support.

Munising Twp Cemetery, Wetmore MI

As a quickly as the rain had started, it stopped, and the skies cleared as I drove West to Au Train for the final ceremony of the day.  With another quick raising of the flag, the 21 gun salute, and the final round of taps, our Memorial Day celebration was complete. 

Au Train Twp Cemetery, Au Train MI

I have to say that I am honored to be an American.  I am proud of who we are as a people and what we stand for.  I know that not everything in our country is perfect, but in small towns across this country there are hard working people who believe what I believe...that America is great and that our freedoms are worth fighting for...every day.  I am thankful for all of the men and women who fight for our beliefs and have fought for them for over 240 years.  And I hope that we can remember every day, those who made that ultimate sacrifice so that we could live in the home of the free...the land of the brave, the country I am proud to call home.  I am free because some died fighting for me. Someone I never knew, someone who lived before I was born.  Someone who died for the promise of the future...a future they never got to see.  That is an amazing sacrifice.  And that is what makes America great.  

Happy Memorial Day