49757 Postcard – #9 9/9/16

Dear Friends,

We had another of Ted’s newly-found cousins, Dave Bennink and his wife Diane, visit with us for a couple of days this week, and we continue to feel so blessed to have the chance to connect with such nice folks.

We’d been told by other family members what a “big guy” Dave was, and that turned out to be an understatement!

At 6′ 5″ Dave is a commanding presence (no, Ted is not standing on a lower step),and we both instantly fell in love with him and his sweet wife Diane.

Even though the Benninks had been to Mackinac several times over the years, the private tour with Blake Ruddle took them a few places they hadn’t seen . . . like Fort Holmes!

We even spotted some trees at the cemeteries that had begun to show their Fall colors!  I think it’s going to be a brilliant Fall on the island!

While downtown, this sweet lady – Joan Bishop – recognized Ted and I from the blog, and we sat down to chat a moment.  It turns out Joan and Diane know some of the same people from Muskegon and attended the same high school! Such a small, small world!

Diane and I cracked up at this candid pic I took of Ted and Dave working those iPhones one evening.  Look at those faces!  Exact same expressions.  Yep, they’re cousins all right.

Our visit with the Benninks was saddened when we learned of the passing of Harry Shade, husband of Ted’s half-sister, Sheryl.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sheryl and her family during this sad time.

THE NEW PLACE

A few pics of the new condo . . . .

Thanks to neighbor Pam Day for this nice shot of the condos as she was returning home one evening. We’re in the bottom right-hand unit.  That’s the Grand Hotel stable and carriage museum behind us on the right. 

The living area . . . love that chaise!

. . . and kitchen.

Guest bedroom one . . .

. . . and two.

Master bedroom.

There are also two nice-sized bathrooms, a large walk-in closet, and a laundry room. The landscaping hasn’t been completed yet in the front, but Jack Barnwell is in charge.  Can’t wait to see what he will come up with, and one thing’s for sure – it will be gorgeous!  We are loving being up the hill again!

Backyard space.

MADDIE UPDATE

While Ted was seeing Dave and Diane off yesterday, I was transporting Maddie down to Chambers corner for a visit with one of the island vets, Dr. Hites.  Maddie has been limping for over a week, and we discovered a growth between two of her toes. I didn’t want her to have to walk all the way down there, so I put a towel in my bike basket, put Maddie on the towel, and away we went.  No, I didn’t ride the bike, I walked it (I’m off-balance enough without an extra 12 lbs. in the basket to throw me off).  Dr. Hites gave her an oral antibiotic, an antibiotic cream, and something for pain relief.  He said she could have gotten a cut, or a thorn, or it could have just come up on its own.  Back in the basket she went, and up the hill we came.  I can’t begin to tell you how many tourists took pictures of Miss Maddie riding in the basket! 

BODIE UPDATE

I received a few more pics of Bodie yesterday, and all I can say is “That boy is growing like a weed!”

This original photo was taken at three months.

And this is Bodie today at 5 1/2 months!

He’s a gorgeous BIG boy already, and I can’t wait to wrap my arms around him and take him home five weeks from now!

BLOG FAN WEEK

It seems there are going to be several blog fans on the island Sept. 18-21, and I’m hoping we can all get together for dinner Monday night, Sept. 19.  Those I know for sure will be here are Lowell & Faye Greene, Frankie Thill and her friend Sue, Kem and Ed Green, Hilde & Bud DaVanon, Yvonne & Tony Pitsch, and Joleen & Bruce Griffin. If you happen to have a trip planned to the island during that time period, I’d love to add you to the dinner group.  Just email me at brendasumnerhorton@hotmail.com.  Looking forward to it!

God bless.