Life Along Lake Michigan

July's Last Day
Posted by: JanesVacation, 12:30 PM GMT on July 31, 2008 +0
Wow, today is the last day of July. It has been a month of great weather in Michigan. The days have been sunny and warm and while we started the month with regular rain showers, the end of the month has been dry.
I had an email yesterday from the principal at my school. She was updating teachers on the building and grounds improvements over the summer. She mentioned some news from the staff and got my mind focusing on some new ideas for the classroom next year. Summer is beautiful and relaxing, but I miss my job and I will look forward to seeing the students on September 2.
In the meantime, lots of summertime left! A predicted high of 84F today with full sunshine.
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Wine Day
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:18 PM GMT on July 30, 2008 +0
We grow wine grapes here at our home and today is the annual wine growers day in Benton Harbor, MI. Michigan wine growers meet and have a series of seminars on grape growing, pests, soil management, etc. The annual event is cosponsored by Michigan State University. The weather is usually hazy, hot and humid for those attending.
This morning is bringing the promise of a warm July day. A few clouds are drifting overhead this morning, but over Lake Michigan it appears clear. No rain again over the past 24 hours. I've been watering the plants and the day lilies have appreciated it! They are blooming in all colors from yellow to orange to pink. I look forward to the day lilies all winter!
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Cool Morning
Posted by: JanesVacation, 12:42 PM GMT on July 29, 2008 +0
It is an amazing 64F in the house this morning. There have been several cool nights to enjoy this summer. The highs will soar to the mid to upper 80's before the day is over.
I took some photos of the monarch caterpillars that are munching their way through the milkweed leaves this week. I found several yesterday and they seemed determined to eat as many leaves as possible to prepare for their metamorphosis. Sprinklers continue to run as the dry spell continues. The sun is hot and the sandy soil is dry.
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Last Week of July
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:08 PM GMT on July 28, 2008 +0
Sunny, warm and humid to start this Monday morning. The sun is out and a bit of haze is in the air. No rain expected until tomorrow.
The flocks of turkeys are out and about wandering around again. One evening I saw two potted fawns traveling along with the turkeys. The turkeys seem full grown and they are just hanging out in the woods. when I walk by they are unafraid, they just move slightly off the path and when I looked back behind me, they had returned.
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Alaska Pics
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:29 AM GMT on July 28, 2008 +0
I just want to remember where this photo gallery is located. It has lots of nice Alaskan pictures to look at when I am bored.
 
 
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88 in the Pool
Posted by: JanesVacation, 4:29 PM GMT on July 27, 2008 +0
Well, it is definitely summer when the pool maintains an 88 degree water temperature. We only heat our pool up in the spring and then we use a solar cover to keep it warm for the rest of the summer. We uncover during the sunny days and cover it up in the evening. It can maintain a 82-84 degree temperature for most of the 3 summer months, but right now we are up to 88 which will likely be the warmest it will get.
The air is clear and sunny again today. I believe the forecast high will be 80. I am watering the flowers and shrubs again today. The daylilies are coming nicely and I would like them to last throughout August. The yellow ones are blooming the most this week. A few of the "cherry" variety are also coming well. They tend to not flourish as much as the yellow. Most of my flowers here near the lake tend to be in the purple/blue shades. A bit of yellow or red brightens the landscape. Blue bachelor buttons, blue salvia, purple clematis, blue hydrangea, blue...blue...blue.
 
 
Updated: 11:19 PM GMT on July 27, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Saturday Morning...and its NOT Raining
Posted by: JanesVacation, 2:35 PM GMT on July 26, 2008 +0
Saturday morning is here again, and it is sunny, humid and warm. Rain was predicted as a possibility last night...but it never happened. I talked to my younger sister in Interlochen this morning and it is sunny and warm and humid there as well. Up and down the Lake Michigan shoreline should be a great day for outdoor activity.
the Ottawa County Fair wraps up this week. I didn't head over to see the action this year, but I should have. They had a great week of weather and since it was their 50th Anniversary = I'm hoping it was a big success. When the kids were little we would always walk through the animal barns and visit the petting zoo. It was great fun to get up close and personal with the farm animals (despite the smell). My daughter had a guinea pig so we would always go in search of the 4H barn where there would be a guinea pig or two on display with a ribbon. One year a small horse stepped on my foot and I never went very close to any of the animals again after that experience. I don't remember the details, but it hurt. I basically dislike animals of all kinds and I guess all of these experiences throughout my life with animals doing unpredictable things is the reason.
Updated: 1:10 AM GMT on July 27, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Christmas in July
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:06 PM GMT on July 25, 2008 +0
July 25th couldn't be more different than December 25th. It is unbelievable to even think about Christmas at this time of the year. The television ads are filled with back to school and the days are filled with sunshine, warm air and green grass. I drove down Lakeshore Drive yesterday and noticed the beautiful flowers lining both sides of the road. Many were garden flowers put out by homeowners, but there were plenty of wildflowers blooming, too. The colors were beautiful and it reminded me of the beauty of Lake Michigan in the summertime. I saw three girls riding their bikes carrying beach bags and wearing flip flops. I was thinking how fortunate they were to be having such a carefree afternoon going to the beach with their friends. I felt a bit of nostalgia for the summer days I spent with my siblings at our grandparent's home on the lake. I was aware of how fortunate I was to be driving along on such a beautiful summer day to visit my sister and nephews! Christmas seems far away - the real Christmas gifts are these beautiful days of July!!
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24th of July
Posted by: JanesVacation, 2:26 PM GMT on July 24, 2008 +0
I feel like we are in the middle of the best week of the summer. The air is cool and clear in the morning and the skies are blue and filled with giant cumulus clouds in the afternoon. The highs get to around 80F each day. Great time for working in the garden, walking to the beach or just hanging out with a book and being lazy.
The winter seems so far away, but Christmas in July will be talked about tomorrow!
Have a great day everyone!
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Cool and Sunny
Posted by: JanesVacation, 12:47 PM GMT on July 23, 2008 +0
It's a sunny, cool and clear morning here today. (60F) Quite a big change from just a few days ago and the forecast is for more of the same. The lawn sprinklers are on for the first time in over a month this morning. It has been several days now without any rain and our sandy soil has dried. I went for a walk last night and I am jealous of the homes that have the beautiful hydrangeas blooming right now. Mine are covered in green leaves, but some of the bushes have zero blooms and just a couple of blooms on the others. Disappointing results every year.
My sister's birthday is tomorrow, so I will be out shopping a bit today. She loves animals and has just started raising 5 chickens. I guess it will be a "chicken" theme party for her this year!
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Air has Cleared
Posted by: JanesVacation, 3:54 PM GMT on July 22, 2008 +0
The air has cleared today. It is much less humid this morning with the breeze out of the northwest and the temps in the lower 70's. The A/C is off, a welcome relief for the electric bill.
The phone rang with less than desirable news this morning when my mom said that my dad was admitted to the hospital with low blood pressure last night. We are hoping for a solution to this problem. He has a pace maker, but it may be time for a new model. He seems to be feeling good this morning, which is great news. I have my own appointment this morning for my yearly physical, I hope I fare as well. (I doubt my BP will be too low.)I walk everyday for at least a half hour, hopefully that is paying off.
Cool air should continue for a few days which will mean more good walking weather. Each summer I add more distance.
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July Days
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:14 PM GMT on July 21, 2008 +0
July days are lazy, warm and humid. The flowers are blooming along effortlessly now and the green tomatoes are hanging from the tomato plants. I have to remember to water because the humidity always makes everything appear wet.
My sister's birthday is this week, so I will go out shopping for a bird feeder she saw at Tractor Supply. Maybe some new garden gloves to go along with it.
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Slow Economy
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:27 PM GMT on July 20, 2008 +0
I can't really blame the weather for the lack of people along the Lake Michigan shoreline this month. It has been very rainy, but not that many ALL day rains. This morning it is cloudy, damp and hazy, but I just heard the water temperatures are in the lower 70's.
The strange thing is that there is no traffic and many lakefront cottages remain unrented for July and August. Normally we sit out at night and hear the swish of the traffic and the squealing of the tires as vacationers rush their way up and down Lakeshore Drive. Not this year, the evenings are dead silent. A few power boats are heard on the big lake in the mid afternoon, but it is barely noticeable compared to the roar of their twin engines in the years past.
I think it is sad for everyone that it has to be this way. the one bright spot seems to be our Holland TJ Maxx store. I went over there yesterday and it was the busiest that I have ever seen it. I suppose the rainy weather encouraged visitors to shop instead of head to the beach. The store was filled with people looking at everything from dresses to housewares. It was definitely a party!
Updated: 1:29 PM GMT on July 20, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Another Saturday with Rain
Posted by: JanesVacation, 2:22 PM GMT on July 19, 2008 +0
Every Saturday morning this summer begins with rain. Today is no different. It is warm, humid, cloudy and dark with a steady, light rain. The wind is calm. Our sprinklers have been shut off for weeks now, it is totally unnecessary to water when we get regular, deep rains.
I took some pics of flower blooms in my garden yesterday. I will post them today. It seems that the daylilies, petunias, geraniums and daisies are all dependable bloomers despite the weather conditions. Every year they will be beautiful. The surprising thing I noticed in my garne this year is that the things growing in the ground have done much better than normal. I usually find that putting plants in pots is the way to go, but this is the first year that things in the ground are doing well with the increased rainfall. I planted many varieties of seeds from the dollar store and they are not blooming yet, but they are all growing and show potential of blooming in August.
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warmer, warmer....
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:24 PM GMT on July 18, 2008 +0
A low of 76F last night is a reminder of the warmer days of July. This morning it is cloudy and breezy and warm. Chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon to bring in slightly cooler temperatures for the weekend.
I usually have a basement cleaning job lined up for these warm days, but I haven't started anything yet this week. The spare guest room needs to be cleaned up before my daughter and her friends arrive in August for a short visit. I think I would rather work at the computer than clean the basement. I am creating a wiki for my classes in the fall.
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Dog Days
Posted by: JanesVacation, 4:17 PM GMT on July 17, 2008 +0
Every year we have the dog days of July. I am trying to remember how dark and cloudy and depressing it was here just a few months ago. Now it is sunny, hazy, warm and humid. Everything was watered by the storm that rolled through here at about 7:30 last evening. The wind came up from the east and the storm clouds rolled and tumbled their way off Lake Michigan. The rain pounded down and added much needed water to my gardens and swimming pool. The flowers looked rather beat up last night, but they are recovering nicely.
Our wireless home network is not working this morning, so I am enjoying the air conditioned comfort at Panera. Free internet, good smells, great air conditioning and some interesting people watching are all going on here!
Check out my photo of last night's storm cloud.
Updated: 4:19 PM GMT on July 17, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Warmer Today
Posted by: JanesVacation, 2:48 PM GMT on July 16, 2008 +0
Today is warmer and more humid than yesterday. The clouds appear when it is humid. Temperatures are headed toward 90F with a very light wind and lots of sun. The flowers love this weather! Good day for the pool after the sun goes down a bit this afternoon.
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Cool Beginning
Posted by: JanesVacation, 3:36 PM GMT on July 15, 2008 +0
Temperatures in the low 60's to begin this halfway through July day. I drove to the airport under a cloudless sky to deliver my precious daughter to Continental Airlines by 9AM. She is halfway to her destination as I arrive back home again. I am reminded of the summer days still to come before school will be in session again. I saw some children waiting for the summer school bus today. I enjoyed teaching summer school for several years. The children had already gotten bored at home and were anxious to have planned activities and see their friends once again. Our summer curriculum focused on reading and math and it gave kids an opportunity to learn or relearn previously taught material. It was a relaxed, summer atmosphere and I enjoyed the time and the extra cash! Now, with adult children that may unpredictably "pop" home in the summer from time to time; I hate to commit to a job where I might be unavailable to "host" a summer gathering if they have the opportunity!
I have new pics to post today - lots of photos were taken this past week!
The house is closed up tight in anticipation of the south wind bringing temps in the high 80's later this afternoon.
 
 
Updated: 6:26 PM GMT on July 15, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Blue Skies
Posted by: JanesVacation, 11:40 PM GMT on July 14, 2008 +0
The sky is 100% clear blue here today. The monarchs are visiting the milkweed flowers and summer is in full swing. We saw several yellow swallowtails today, along with a buckeye.
My daughter and I are going to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan this evening since tomorrow she returns to Montreal.
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Summer Sunday
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:49 PM GMT on July 13, 2008 +0
Got up early and went to the store for donuts this morning before everyone wakes up. The kids are both here today and enjoying a bit of a late wake up time on this sunny, windy and cool day. It is July and the pace is slow around here. I have some farm fresh blueberries to put in pancake batter when everyone arrives at the table this morning.
The air is once again cool and dry. With a stiff wind from the west it looks to be a clear, blue sky day with temperatures in the mid 70's and low relative humidity.I imagine we will go for a walk to the beach since the stiff breeze should keep the mosquitoes away. I saw a mosquito plant for sale at the Farmer's Market yesterday, I wonder if they are effective? They are kind of pretty.
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Rain, rain, Go Away
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:16 PM GMT on July 12, 2008 +0
A trip to the Farmer's Market has been delayed due to rain this morning. Poor farmers...as if the price of fuel, the poor weather in Michigan this spring, high taxes and the lack of farm workers aren't enough problems; they now can't sell their crops because people won't come in rainy weather. I have a 5th grade student who gets up at 4AM to work with his Dad and brothers to prepare for the market. He said they get up early to pack the veggies and arrive in downtown Holland to set up their tables by 7AM. They will have radishes, potatoes, spinach, onions and strawberries. The entire extended family will be there working together today. All wear matching hats and shirts while they pass out samples and give recipe suggestions for using their wares. My fifth grade student told me that I should use the Candysweet onions to fry in a pan with potatoes. I came home and tried it and they were delicious. The teacher becomes the pupil!
I received some comments yesterday about how we are amateurs here when it comes to humidity. The comments were correct! It never hit 90F here yesterday, just humid. We should just enjoy it before winter creeps back.
Updated: 1:23 PM GMT on July 12, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Humid, humid, humid
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:46 PM GMT on July 11, 2008 +0
My daughter thinks it is humid in Montreal and she is always reminded that it is incredibly humid here in Michigan in July! The current temperature is 66 under cloudy skies, but the dew point is also 66! We are headed for a high in the upper 80's before the end of the day. More rain last night continues to give everything a lush tropical feel.
Updated: 7:20 PM GMT on July 11, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Car Trip
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:17 PM GMT on July 10, 2008 +0
A nice, summery day for a car trip to visit the relatives. The temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 70's with full sun and light breezes. The humidity if high this morning, but it will likely decrease as the day goes on. I saw some monarchs flying past this morning. They seem to be interested in the orange butterfly weed blooming in the side garden. The milkweed is available for egg laying.
Tonight the prediction is for much more warm and humid. We should be back home by sunset.
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Sunny and Summery
Posted by: JanesVacation, 12:35 PM GMT on July 09, 2008 +0
A beautiful start to the day! Light, north breeze brings cooler temperatures and less humidity today. Everything is fresh and green from the abundance of rain in our area this summer. Everything is green and lush. I noticed that the Lake Michigan water level is up noticably this summer. Our local beach is much narrower with the waves reaching up to the dune gras line in places. This should be good news to the marina owners. I suppose it is countered by the huge increases in gasoline prices for watercraft.
Today is the big day...my daughter arrives for a week's vacation! She will be coming alone with her new engagement ring to show off! I am so excited!
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Humid Day
Posted by: JanesVacation, 1:40 AM GMT on July 09, 2008 +0
The humidity was quite high today and we had rain overnight. I didn't do much outdoors since I had grocery shopping and other errands today. It was typical July weather I suppose. A rain shower overnight was about .5 inches. Clouds and high humidity kept everything feeling moist. I'm sure the mosquitoes will continue to be an issue with this constant rainy weather.
My daughter comes home for a week long visit tomorrow. The last time she flew in she was delayed for 8 hours by a late March snowstorm. We are fairly certain that will not happen tomorrow!
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Cloudy and Humid
Posted by: JanesVacation, 2:03 PM GMT on July 07, 2008 +0
What a difference a day has made! The 100% sunny, dry and perfect holiday weekend weather has turned into cloudy, humid and frankly...kind of depressing for a Monday morning. the breeze is keeping it tolerable as it is already almost 80F here at 10AM this morning.
It's a good day for housework I guess. Might as well tackle the indoor jobs while the A/C is running. I watered the flowers and my tomato plant this morning in case the rain showers don't fall on me. the sunflowers were topped off by a deer this weekend. The hoof print was clearly visible in the soft earth. I have another 1/2 package of seed (and some deer netting), so I may plant those today.
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Sunny and Warm
Posted by: JanesVacation, 6:07 PM GMT on July 06, 2008 +0
Today is sunny and warmer - more like July with increasing humidity and highs around 80-85F. My tomato plant is flowering quite a bit now and it has grown taller in it's pot. I water it at least twice a day, I heard on TV that watering is the most important part of growing tomatoes (along with heat). I remain optimistic this year after several failed attempts in the past.
Jeff is moving to a sublet today while he continues to take summer classes at MSU. All of the stuff that went to the basement in May is now reappearing and being placed into his trunk. It is funny to see his priorities...coffee maker, tons of electronics and misc. dishes and cookware. I haven't seen any books.
Updated: 6:08 PM GMT on July 06, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Sunny and Warm
Posted by: JanesVacation, 7:06 PM GMT on July 05, 2008 +0
Another perfect day. Cool 55F nights turn into 76F days with low humidity and fair skies. The pool is open, only 82F due to the cool nights, but still warm enough for the kids to enjoy this afternoon. The "kids" are barely kids anymore, but I anticipate cool drinks, grilled burgers and lots of salads and chips will liven the party!
I had enough flowers in my garden to make a small bouquet for the table. Coreopsis, Shasta daisy, a sprig or two of climbing roses and some cherry yarrow make a nice vase of colorful blooms.
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Independence Day
Posted by: JanesVacation, 8:01 PM GMT on July 04, 2008 +0
Cumulus clouds in a blue sky and 70 degree temperatures are the agenda for today's 4th of July celebrations along Lake Michigan. The breeze is gentle and the humidity is low; quite unusual for July 4th.
A small picnic at our house today, a much larger one tomorrow when my siblings and their families join us. I am spending the day cleaning the pool, pulling weeds and watering the flower beds. Everything continues to be green with the large amount of rain we have had recently.
Tomato plants have yellow flowers and the basil is deep green. The day lilies near my front porch have just started to shoot up stalks of buds. I saw my first Monarch butterfly yesterday.
Updated: 8:02 PM GMT on July 04, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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Cool, cloudy, 70 today
Posted by: JanesVacation, 6:54 PM GMT on July 03, 2008 +0
Yesterday was crazy, Jeff and I were in East Lansing when the storm came through. It rained like crazy and we thought for sure we were going to be stranded by all of the rain. Our car barely made it through the deep puddle water as it sheeted off the sidewalks and flooded the streets. I was so happy to get home in the evening.
Today is the opposite (as often is the case in Western Michigan). The skies are cloudy and the temperatures are struggling to reach 70. Everything is lush and green from the rain. My parents and brother and family are all without power from yesterday's storms. My sister took the "kids" to Michigan Adventure since it is a cool and less humid day.
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Happy Canada Day
Posted by: JanesVacation, 11:45 AM GMT on July 01, 2008 +0
Happy Canada Day...ey? It is a cool and clear July 1. The temperature is 55 in Holland, MI this morning with clear air and blue skies. July is a great month and I am looking forward to the heart of the summer. My garden is struggling from too much rain and cool temps. Tomato plants in the pots have blossoms. My sunflowers were topped off by a deer yesterday so I have spread deer netting over them until they get taller. The grass is deep green and growing strong after so much rain and cool growing conditions.
Updated: 11:47 AM GMT on July 01, 2008   Permalink | A A A
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About JanesVacation
I am a teacher and I enjoy living along Lake Michigan. It is a beautiful place that makes me feel like I am on vacation!

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