Michigan Getaway and Notre Dame

Jonathan and I spend the 4th of July weekend in southwest Michigan. We spent a few days tasting wine at local wineries and enjoying Lake Michigan. We didn't have high expectations for Michigan wine, but it was pleasantly surprising. Who knew they made decent wine in Michigan? Granted, they also make wine out of a lot of weird things like blueberries, cherries and lemons. We stayed away from all of those. We also picked cherries in the orchard. It was the first time for both of us, but I think it was more fun for me.

We spent two afternoons picnicking on Lake Michigan and watching 4th of July fireworks over the lake. Jonathan braved the cold temperatures of Lake Michigan and actually got in. I only put my feet in the water. The fireworks didn't start until almost 11 p.m., but we had a nice "pre-fireworks" show by several locals who spent hundreds of dollars to shoot off their own. Jonathan and I snuggled under a blanket because we were both so cold. In fact, Jonathan requested hot chocolate at one point in the evening. It was one of the most memorable 4th of July celebrations for both of us.

On Sunday, we decided to take a side trip on our way to Chicago. We went to see touchdown Jesus at Notre Dame. We're hoping to watch a college football game in South Bend this fall, but in case we don't make it at least we've seen the stadium and campus.


Jonathan in Lake Michigan


The beach at Lake Michigan




The sunset over Lake Michigan





Erica picking cherries

Jonathan and touchdown Jesus

To see all of our photos from the trip click here: http://picasaweb.google.com/ericagreen/200907Michigan#

Flash News

Flash stayed at the farm while we were in Michigan. He really does well there, and we feel very comfortable leaving him there. When we dropped him off, we found out there were going to be four other basset hounds there for the weekend. We started laughing and thought Flash will make friends.

When Jonathan picked him up on Monday, Flash had made friends with Bob, a terrier. Go figure! It was just the boys for a few days as I was in Chicago until late Wednesday. When I talked to Jonathan on Monday, he told me Flash had been sick and wouldn't eat his dinner. Definitely not like him. Tuesday pretty much went the same way. Jonathan also mentioned that Flash had pushed his pillow to my side of the bed and slept there for the past two nights....can you say mommas boy. Since I've been home, Flash has been fine and he's started eating again. So Jonathan and I joke that he was on a hunger strike until I came home.

I've been trying to teach Flash to sit on a blanket on the couch for a couple of weeks now. It started out with me having to block the other sections of the couch with chairs. Then, we moved to pillows, but for the past few days I've been able to leave the pillows in their normal positions and he lays in his spot on the couch. I think he may finally have it down!

Texas Trip

So I missed writing about our trip to Texas completely. I'm not sure where my mind was so I'm going back track a little and sneak in a quick post and a few pictures. Jonathan and I were down for a visit in mid-June. We had a few weddings and the baptism of our newest nephew. It was a pretty busy trip. We expected it to be warm, but I think it's pretty evident we've become accustomed to the weather in the Midwest. As we walked out of the airport Jonathan said, "This isn't so bad." It was only 11 a.m. and he wasn't saying that several hours later.

Our friends Dana and Coby were married on Friday at Delany Vineyards. We're so happy for them, and excited to see all our friends from the DFW area. We also got to meet the Tinker's newest addition, Jonah.....I made him cry. Saturday, we headed to Weimar via Austin to have a late lunch with my girlfriends. One of my friends from high school was getting married so we stopped by her wedding for just a couple of minutes. We were pretty tired from the evening before and the post-party at the Foster's house.

Sunday was Jack's baptism. Jonathan and I served as godparents for the little guy, and I'm proud to say I didn't make him cry! Leah and Jonathan had a lunch afterwards and we were able to play with Jack, Addison and Colton. They are all growing so quickly. I've attached a few pictures.

Dana & Coby's wedding

Jack's Baptism

This is one of my favorites....Addison holding Jack.

Jack

A Quick Update

Jonathan and I spent the July 4th weekend in Michigan. I'll post more over than soon. It was a wonderful getaway. Sunday, we took a spontaneous trip to see touchdown Jesus at Notre Dame. South Bend was about 40 minutes from the little town we stayed at in Michigan so at least we can say we saw it even if we don't make it there for a game. We walked around, took a few pictures, but couldn't find the campus store to buy t-shirts. Maybe the Catholics keep such things hidden.

We drove to Chicago Sunday afternoon and spent the rest of the day at the Taste of Chicago. I've been wanting to go for several years and this just happened to work out. It was the last day of the taste so we were hoping the crowd wouldn't be too bad. It was crowded, but there were spots to sit on the lawn and enjoy the foods. Jonathan and I went for the ethnic foods. We sampled African, Indian, Puerto Rican, Thai and Indian with a Latin flair....we felt so worldly. My favorites were the Indian and Puerto Rican. We followed it up with Indian food for dinner. Jonathan and I have started eating Indian food on a regular basis....too bad we didn't sample it until we were 28. I feel like we've been missing out on something.

I'm in Chicago through Wednesday taking Spanish wine classes. I had the chance to take the classes for free so I thought, “why not.” The first few days were fun and interesting...I guess everything is a little more fun when you are tasting wine. I'm looking forward to the last day and learning about Sherry, but there is a test I must pass. I've learned a lot and it really makes me want to learn more about other wine regions around the world.

Michigan and the 4th of July

Wow! is Michigan beautiful. Jonathan and I have spent the last two days in southwest Michigan, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area. We'll leave tomorrow for Chicago. The temperatures are in the 60's, much better than melting away in the Texas heat. It's been so cool in fact, I've needed a sweatshirt or sweater at times.


We're staying at a beautiful Mediterranean style bed and breakfast that overlooks the river (sorry I don't recall the name). Our room walks out onto a patio that has "the best view of the river in town." We visited several small wineries over the past two days and have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of wines, in particular Rieslings. Yesterday, we spent several hours at the beach on Lake Michigan, the water was freezing! Jonathan braved the cold temperatures and went in, but I just put my feet in the surf. The days are really long here. The sun doesn't set until 10 p.m., even on cloudy days, but it's up between 5:30-6 a.m. So we've been thrown off by the long evenings.


We plan to visit a few more wineries today, eat some ice cream, pick fresh berries (it's blueberry season!) and watch the fireworks over Lake Michigan tonight. Tomorrow we're heading to Chicago. I was selected to take Spanish wine education classes for FREE. The classes normally cost around $500 so I'm very excited for the opportunity for a few formal wine classes. We're hoping to catch the last day of Taste of Chicago tomorrow and sample some delicious foods!


Happy 4th of July!




River Bend Retreat Bed and Breakfast





The river from our patio



The beach at Lake Michigan