When It All Comes Together!

Those of you who live in the midwest know that it has been an odd summer to say the least. Colder than usual, long periods of no rain, then downpours that can't stop. It seems as though the weather calendar never went past June.

Now, think "sunny and 70s-low 80s." Now, that's the weather you want for a holiday weekend -- and we got it!

I've enjoyed my time alone at the lake, and been rather productive, finishing a new book I'll be writing about soon. But my primary art project this holiday has been silk painting (and I have the dyed hands to prove it).

I've done about 10, although there are a couple that I'm not fond of and will probably mess with some more, adding another layer of color to see if I can make them a little better.

But when they're good, they're very good!

I may take this scan and print it out for collage paper!

Or this one!

On Saturday, I went to meet Rick on day three of his bike ride, where we enjoyed a great party with fun cyclists. I have to say they were the greatest group of people, and while my knowledge of the bike is nil, I felt so very welcomed. That night we stayed with one of the riders at his beautiful Victorian home that was once a B&B. I wish I'd taken a photo of the kitchen! Oh, it was to die for!

They put me into service as a luggage carrier, so my little Toyota (with its engine light still on -- living dangerously here) was loaded to the gills as they took off.

I left shortly after they did and managed to get ahead of them at one point. As I realized I'd passed them, I raced ahead, parked by the road and was able to capture my gang as they went careening down a hill!

They were faster than speeding bullets! So fast, that basically I got them coming and going -- and nothing in-between!

I meandered up the state, stopping at a gallery in Petoskey and then at points along the way for a few great photo ops.

I couldn't resist this zinnia haven, near Stafford's Bay View Inn!


Then to Harbor Springs. More photos from there on this week's Pink Saturday, but here is a glimpse at one of the prettiest towns in Northern Michigan.

Working my way back, I stopped at Joie de Vie, another favorite shop of mine. These two photos are a hint -- more of this beautiful spot on Pink Saturday in two weeks!

I worked my way up country roads, stopping at a few garage/yard sales and making a few good scores. (A hymnal for a quarter, a book with great photos for a dollar, some wonderful old corsage pins on the card and a couple of cute bottles!) And of course, photos along the way!

I finally made it to Mackinac City. I'm always relieved when I actually see Rick after a long ride -- knowing he's back safe and sound gives me great joy -- and I breathe a little sigh, knowing my prayers for safe passage were answered.

I found the rest of the gang -- all smiling from a great ride on a great day. After loading up bikes, they showered, and we just hung out for awhile. I think they clean up pretty well!

Then it was back to the lake, with a stop for a post-biking dinner with the group and home in time to enjoy being at the cottage in the evening. It's nice to have Rick back safe and sound, close at hand to enjoy another beautiful sunset.

Only one more day of vacation. Heavy sigh.