Yum

Thanks to Ken & Deb's cucumbers

 and Rick's Grandma's recipe,

we now have jars and

jars of bread and butter pickles.

Excursion: Marengo Cave

Last summer, while we were down in Indiana visiting Grandma and Grampie, we were lucky enough to visit Marengo Cave.

We got our tickets,  

and were very impressed by the numerous formations we saw in the cave.

For me the coolest part of the cave was the story of how it was discovered. After over hearing some kids talking about exploring a sinkhole, a fifteen year old girl and her eleven year-old brother grabbed some candles and decided they wanted to explore it first.

I can't even imagine exploring a very wet cave with nothing but candles! Plus, they didn't tell anyone where they were going. Heaven forbid something had happened, no one would have come looking for them.

The kids reported their discovery to the property owner, and in just a few weeks the cave was opened to the public. Because of this, it's always been protected, so the formations are in amazing shape.

We loved it!

Many of the formations were amazing, 

and apparently Indiana takes great pride in protecting its caves. I searched and couldn't find a similar law in Michigan. I wonder if it's because we don't have nearly as many caves? 

Of course, when were were done, we had to "mine" for gems. The kids loved it when we were here, and they were willing to spend their own money, so how could I say no?

Plus, it's just fun!

And the geek in me adored how both of them spent a good twenty minutes with their identification cards to make sure they correctly identified each and every one.

Hanging Around

As I was leaving school yesterday, I noticed this little guy hanging around near the door. (I've been back at school this week working on getting my classroom ready.) Usually there is a little group of 10 or so bats that roost up under the entryway at school, but not this summer (due to white-nose syndrome.) I know lots of people don't like bats, but the do eat an incredible amount of bugs. Plus, they really are kind of cute - well, as long as they aren't flying around inside your house.

Some People

Not the best morning when you head over to the mainland to go shopping and find the side of your car looking like this. Ug!

Perhaps karma will even the score at a later date...

Mad Skillz

OK, to be honest no one in my family has "mad skillz" when it comes to sports, but the kids sure did have fun with out at Wawashkamo this summer. Each week Chuck, and a few helpers, worked to teach over 20 kids the basics of golf. 

Wawashkamo is such a beautiful course. It's kind of sad that I've been on Mackinac Island every summer since 1989, and I'd never actually set foot out on the course until this year. (Yes, I am hanging my head in shame.) 

Chick was really good with the kids. He taught them the differences between the different kinds of clubs, and helped them learn how to stand, swing and putt.

The best part was, for the introductory group, they never kept score; the class was about learning and having fun rather than who was the best player. Both S & K really enjoyed golf lessons - so much so that they've asked if we can go out to the course and play one day. I really appreciate the thinking that goes into golf - and since our school has a golf team S & K may want to play on the team someday. It's not a sport I have any interest in, but I'm glad they've had some exposure to it.