Boo Goes to School

The weekend before Labor Day, MJ and I headed up to Bay City, MI to check out the Tall Ships. There were 3 ships docked there on the River: one tall ship from Baltimore and one from Port Huron, and a catamarran that was ( I believe) locally owned. We made it our last "hurrah" before Michael headed to college in Watertown, WI. It was a windy and very warm day as we checked out the 3 ships and were impressed by the extensive rope systems involved with the manipulation of the sails. We had a fun time together exploring the ships and cruising through Bay City.
I know you're going to do great at school, Boo, and I'm going to miss you. Look forward to seeing you in November.





Names of various Great Lakes voyageurs were painted on the sail of the catamarran.

A Wolverine in Buckeye Country

Heidi and Elisa Boothe:

fingernail painting time At the beginning of August, I took a quick trip South and headed down to the home of Heidi and Eric Boothe--into the realm of Buckeye territory (Columbus, OH). Fortunately, I came out as an unscathed Wolverine. Heidi is my closest friend in this world, and is the sister I never had. Besides being a great friend, she's a wonderful mother to two little girls: Elisa and Sarah Joy. So, while I have only one nephew by blood relation, I also have two nieces in Columbus, OH. While I visited the Boothe's, I got to take a trip to the local library for "storytime". Elisa walked around with me and would just randomly pick any person in close proximity and say "Hi! This is my friend Aunt Sarah." I guess you could say that we both met several new strangers! We went for a walk in the neighborhood and jumped on the trampoline. We read library books and sang songs with Billy the singing Bass (picture above), painted fingernails, and played toys on the family room floor. Heidi took me out to dinner for my Birthday and we did as we usually do: ate good food and talked/laughed a lot. Nobody in the world like my Heidelia, and I wouldn't trade her for all the money in the world. Nope. Money can NEVER buy a good friend, and I'll treasure those kinds of friends for as long as I can.

Life Has the Final Word

"The edges of God are tragedy. The depths
of God are joy, beauty,
resurrection, life.
Resurrection answers crucifixion.
Life answers death."

- Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki

You were, in my mind, an example of a woman who faced Death and the end
of life here on Earth with incredible dignity, grace, and beauty as God defines it.
I'm grateful for the invitation to play for you and to hear the beautiful voice
God gave you one last chance before you took the journey Home; I won't forget that opportunity. I'll be looking for you in the 'second soprano' section of the heavenly choir; save me a spot.
I'm so glad Life has the Final Word.

In loving memory of Sue Seaman