Millie!

When Bruce and I made Kosciusko County our full time home, we considered a pet. We wanted a dog that would enjoy the lake with us - a dog that would swim, jump off the pier with the kids and enjoy the water. We adopted a large lab mix from the local 'No-Kill' Shelter. HOBIE was a large, black dog with a long coat and beautiful feathers from his tail. He looked like a Flat Coat Retriever and the vet thought he might even be a Newfoundland/Lab mix.

Between us, Bruce and I had both had Basset Hounds. Bruce had Sam and Max and I had Lucy and Charlie. We both loved Basset Hounds - but the physics of a Basset hound is just not conducive to swimming and frolicking in the lake.

Our yard and small home and our busy work schedules were not a good fit for the large good natured watch dog that loved kids. I ran an ad on http://www.petfinder.com/ and found a family in Fort Wayne, Indiana that was looking for a dog that matched Hobie's description. The patriarch worked for a railroad and was gone for a days at time. They wanted a good watch dog - that enjoyed children. Hobie was the perfect match for them. Ironically - the same family owned a Basset hound, who wasn't such a good watch dog. The family also shared our love for Basset hounds and had presented a Basset to their best friends when they were struggling with infertility. That Basset must have brought good luck to that family - as the woman became pregnant after they recieved the Basset. The family didn't want to keep the Basset after the baby was born. How sad for this Basset - and it was the second time a family had given this Basset up because they didn't want her around thier children.

The family from Fort Wayne that wanted Hobie retrieved the Basset hound from their friends... We loaded Hobie in the back of Bruce's Tracker one Sept. Sunday afternoon in 2003. The Family loaded, Millie - the Basset in thier car and we met 'half-way' in South Whitley, IN
We traded dogs in the parking lot of Gas Station in South Whitley, Indiana.

I haven't heard from the Fort Wayne family in well over 4 years... but I know that Millie has brought so much joy to our lives. She is the best dog in the world. She doesn't swim or frolick in the water - but she LOVES to go for Pontoon rides and she sure enjoys the breeze that comes from the lake as she lays out under the weeping willow trees. Lankenau's Luau is a favorite event for her - as she is treated to ALOT of Hog during the event!!!!!!

We sure do love her alot - and have NO regrets or question that our Petfinder.com experience resulted in a very happy exchange for all of us. We couldn't ask for a better dog than Millie - and she is wonderful with our Grandsons. The families that gave her up because they didn't want her around children resulted in our gain. Our lives are richer because of Millie!

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY, MILLIE!!

Living the Legacy at Yellow Creek Lake!

In the summer of 1927 - my Grandma and Grandpa Pence rented a "clean, but simple little cottage" on Yellow Creek Lake for a week. Married just 8 months, Grandpa was recovering from an adverse reaction to rabies inoculations and my Grandma was pregnant with their first child, my Aunt Barbara - they called this vacation at Yellow Creek Lake, their "Honeymoon".

The "Honeymoon" began a legacy of family fun that has spanned 5 generations.

Following this "honeymoon" my grandparents spent several summers renting and camping on the lake - and in the early 1930's built a cabin on the same lakefront property where we live today. My grandma's memories indicate that in the summer of 1929 - "something must have happened during our week at Yellow Creek Lake" = that 'something' was my father, born the following spring on April 4, 1930...

My Grandpa writes in is personal memories:

"We built a small cabin on the lot (most of the material was scrap from the lumber yard), drove a water well, and put a pitcher-pump in the kitchen. We had a pot-bellied coal stove in the front room so we could extend our seasons a bit. The cooking was done on a coal-oil stove and we had a wooden ice-box. Each time we went to the lake, the first thing I did was take the tongs and a small wagon and walk to the little store to get a 50lb. block of ice for the ice-box. It would last all weekend. We enjoyed many years at Yellow Creek Lake as our family grew up around us"

When my father and my aunt were children at Yellow Creek Lake - they became friends with a neighbor, Janyce Knotts. The Knott's continued the same Yellow Creek legacy with their own family. In 1958 I was born - and late in 1959 - Janyce Knotts Ward gave birth to Laura Ellen Ward. Laura and I grew up together at Yellow Creek Lake and in the spring of 1980 we both gave birth to daughters , Katie and Amanda. This spring- our daughters both gave birth to sons. Wyatt Kucartz and Trevor Morgan are now the 4th generation of family friends to grow up together in the fun and the sun at Yellow Creek Lake.

Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake

We are in the process of planning our 6th annual

"Lankenau's Luau on Yellow Creek Lake".

This is such a fun day - neighbors and friends.... near and far gather for food, drink and fun in the sun. It has become somewhat of a "reunion" for old lake friends that no longer come to YCL - and it is a time for our neighbors to gather and our family and out of town friends to enjoy a day at the lake. The festivities are planned for

Saturday - July 5th ... and as always... we are looking very forward to this highlight of the summer!

Trevor's first weekend at YCL!

We are having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend at Yellow Creek Lake! Katie and Tyler and Trevor have come to visit. We miss Phil, because he works Saturday, Sunday & Monday nights... however, it is Phil's work schedule that gives us this precious time to spend with our grandsons and Katie....So, while we do miss Phil, it is wonderful to have this time with Katie and the boys.

Tyler and Trevor are the 5th generation of my family to enjoy Yellow Creek Lake... the joy of family, friends, fun in the sun, and evenings around camp fires - roasting hot dogs and Marshmallows.

We had a great visit with Grandma today - and we enjoyed KFC and an assortments of salads - and Grandma's homebaked pies!

I'm so blessed - I love living at the lake with my peaceful husband- it often feels like we are on vacation all the time. I love sharing the lake with my children and my grandchildren. I love it when Mom comes up - and we all share this legacy that Grandpa and Grandma Pence started for us in the early 1930's....

PS: Betsy & Debbie - We hope you had a great time at Summer Camp... We Miss You -

Hydrangeas!

I planted two beautiful 'Big Daddy' Hydrangeas last year on either side of my steps and they produced beautiful, huge blooms. I enjoyed them all summer long!!! I carefully mulched and covered with styrofoam cones last fall. They were supposed to be hardy with 'winter covering'. So far... the southwest has not presented any growth. The southeast has new growth, but there aren't any buds on the 'old' growth, which is where the blooms comes from.

I'm giving up on the Big Daddy's and planting Endless Summer - "Orginal" this year...

I love the beautiful blooms of these macrophyllas... and I won't give up completely.

I've got some Annabelle's that I've had for years... very, very hardy in Northern Indiana (Zone 5B) Annabelle is a large white bloom that is very forgiving. It will bloom if you cut it back... it will bloom if you don't cut it. It doesn't require 'wintering' and it dries beautifully! The arborescens is a taller shrub - not as compact as the macrophyllas and the blooms aren't quite as a big. Annabelle's are white - and the color isn't manipulated by the pH of the soil, as macrophyllas are.

So, here's to dirty fingernails and mud between my toes!!! I love my garden ..... and I love my hydrangeas! I love the smell of dirt and watching night crawlers scurry as I dig holes for plants.

I love summer!!!

http://endlesssummerblooms.com/

Friday's FIVE!

April 22 Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. I was just 12 years old when the first Earth Day occurred.... It was a time of focus on our earth - I remember vividly "Keep America Beautiful" and the commercial with the American Indian - that shed the tear when someone threw trash from a car window - I remember the commercials "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute"... The focus was on the environment... and it had a huge effect on me. More than 35 years later- we are still focusing on the environment by reducing our carbon footprint and 'going green' - I did not plant a tree this year (yet) - but I have made an effort to focus on reducing plastic bags -buying reusable shopping bags. I have made an effort to reduce the amount of plastic water bottles that I buy. Spring is upon us - and I've started my flower shopping - while I've perused the nursery aisles this week, I've taken careful notice of trees in respect for "Earth Day" - and taken time to appreciate the trees around me. This weeks Friday Five - focuses on 5 of my favorite TREEs.

Keep America Beautiful...

if you can't plant a tree ... take some time to appreciate a tree near you.

1. Weeping Willow Trees -

The east side of the lake used to be completely lined with weeping willow trees... and they looked like a waterfall when the wind would blow. In 2003, Bruce and I planted a Weeping willow on the east corner of our lakefront - and in 2005 we planted another weeping willow on the West side. I love my willow trees and enjoy the shade they bring on a hot summer day.

2. Sycamore Trees -

I grew up in Marion, Indiana... and during the 1970's ... Western Avenue/South bypass area was lined with Sycamore trees - and there was a big one in our front yard. Sadly, most of those trees have now been cut down - but I still remember the huge leaves that would blow around the yard - and I can still hear David Gates/Bread on my radio as I sat under that Sycamore tree writing teenage poetry.

3. Gingko Trees -

Easily recognized and always a part of our high school leaf collection as the Mississinewa High School parking lot was lined with Gingko trees. Everytime I see a gingko tree - I am taken back to the early 1970's and my high school days.

4. Oak Trees -

My grandparents had a huge oak tree in the front yard of their wildwood home in Marion - I can remember gathering with my cousins at Grandma and Grandpa's home and raking leaves all around that huge Oak Tree in Marion. There are also several tall oak trees behind our cottage at the road - and I can remember many fall weekends raking leaves at the lake when my daughters were young. Good memories of a hot pot of chili on a cold fall day ... and tall oak trees that have been standing for more than 5 generations.

5. Tree Tunnel on Tree Road -

There is a road in Kosciusko county - just a few miles from our cottage. Tree road is legendary to all of us that have traveled these roads. The excitement in my belly as we would travel to the lake when I was a little girl would only escalate as we drove down 'Tree Road' and I know my daughters share the same experience.... The Tree Tunnel on Tree Road was (and still is) a gateway to fun and sun and good times - before "I spying" and smelling the lake!

PURPLE MARTINS!

Several years ago, my brother gave us a Purple Martin house. We put it up - and kept it cleaned... year after year - only to attract invasive - infidels - English Sparrows. Last year - I was thrilled to see that after about 5 years, the Martins finally decided to take up residence.
We paddled the paddled boat last night and saw several in the Martin houses at the church camp....and we saw several flocks flying over the lake... I was sad to think they had arrived but were not in our Martin house. While I was working at home today - I hear the familiar 'summer' chatter of the Martins!!!! WWWWHHhhooo HHHHHoooooo...
They came back!!!
We heard the Loon last night - but I bet he heads north pretty soon.
His departure and the arrival of the Martins - is another clear indicator that summer is officially on the way!!!!!

Red Breasted Mergansers!!

This evening - we were entertained by three male Red-Breasted Mergansers that seemed to be engaged in synchronized swimming...they would dive in unison, swim underwater and then appear - in unison... they swam on top of the water together....and then they would dive in unison - again, and again and again.... So beautiful!!!!!!!

The Loon arrived on 3/26/2008 ... a few days later than usual, but the lake was late thawing.
There are two on the lake - and he calls every evening just before sunset. I love it!!!!!

SPRING THAW!!!!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel!!!! The lake has finally thawed!!! A strong south wind is bringing splashing waves to our shoreline this morning - and while it is cold.... and the lake is too rough for leisurely migration observations.... it screams SPRING to me!!!!
Finally!!!! It's been a long - long.... winter!!!!

Bufflehead and Woodducks!

I love this time of the year ... I have become and avid birdwatcher and I am fascinated by the migratory waterfowl on the lake.... The Wood Ducks are so beautiful - with such vivid color. We have a pair of Bufflehead on the lake right now too - they are so chubby and fun to watch. Bufflehead are divers and you can be looking at them and then suddenly they disappear into the cold water. We've seen a few grebes - and a female Hooded Merganser. The migration season is short - and they are here for such a short visit. The binoculars are always close at hand during March and April. You never know what you are going to see out on the lake during this quiet, peaceful season. I'm happy to see signs of Spring arrive while I continue to wait patiently for our calling Loon......

Friday's FIVE!

My husband will celebrate his birthday tomorrow... and as a birthday tribute - today's Friday FIVE! will recognize some of HIS favorite things! (Of course, these are also favorite some of MY favorite things as well, but that is why we are such good partners)... I married my soul-mate 6 years ago - and we have such a good time sharing things that we both enjoy.

1. Pedaling his Mountain Bike on any trail... but Winona Boys Club is his local favorite.

http://www.villageatwinona.com/village-bike-trails.asp

2. Paddling his Kayak ...

He made sure that he was the first out on the lake this morning....even though the lake still has a covering of ice in the middle.

http://www.greatcalusablueway.com/

3. Catching Crawdads and minnows with his Grandson, Tyler....(or any other 'boy' games... like building stuff, a round of squirt guns, water balloons, fishing, etc. etc. etc.)

4. Enjoying time out on the lake in our pontoon or with our friends, Allen and Esther.

5. Cold Microbrews - anytime, anyplace!

http://www.madbrew.com/ontap/beer.php

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRUCE!!! I love you! ?>

Friday's FIVE!

Soon - the lake will thaw, and spring will arrive... I'm anxiously awaiting the annual arrival of the LOON - that clearly marks that Spring has arrived!!!

This is our 6th Spring as residents on the lake - and every year, we've seen the Loon on the lake within 3 days of the Vernal Equinox.

The call of the Loon is so peaceful.... and is one of my all time favorite 'sounds'..... So -with great anticipation....This week's Friday FIVE! is devoted to my Five Favorite evidences of Spring!

1. The Loon's arrival and hearing him call on Yellow Creek Lake

http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/loons/index.html

2. Migrating Bird Season... a favorite for any bird watcher!

3. Blooming Crocus

4. Mad Anthony's/Lake City Tap house Mug Club party, tapping the Spring BREW!

5. My New Grandson, Trevor - due to arrive soon!!!!!!

Walking....

I was released from my crutches today! That is the good news...
the bad news - The Tippy has not crested and it's still raining....and the lakes are still rising.
Pike Lake in Warsaw is devastating....We are praying for dry,sunny days...
My prayers continue for Megihann and her family... what a hero this mother is!

Lord willin'.....

and the creek don't rise.... anymore! I'd say we are well above flood level !

High Water!

What a difference a day makes.... In one week, we've had snow - the lake has been frozen....
Yesterday the temps reached 64 degrees.... and we have now about 3+ inches of rain.
We rarely see "flood warnings" in Kosciusko county, it seems the sandy, loamy soil and all the lakes make a good sponge. Sadly, just a few miles from us - a young mother, Megihann Leininger got stuck on a flooded rural road just a few miles from us and two of her 5 children died. Megihann was one of the first friends we met after we moved to Kosciusko County. We met Megihann and her sister at the bar in Mentone and I was affectionately drawn to them because they were about the age of my daughers. We haven't seen her for several years.... but my heart aches for her and her husband, Greg. We'll be keeping them in our prayers.

Deep Freeze

The lake is frozen today -

This is the first time this year it has been frozen in the morning...

and remained frozen all day. It also has a covering of snow on it...I love the peacefulness of the frozen lake. It's so still and quite. After it develops a pretty thick layer - it begins to groan.
It is such an unusual sound. I remember the first time I heard that sound - the winter of 2003, our first winter as residents. It is an eerie - and yet calming sound.

Winter is a different place here - we have company...and are surrounded by people in the summer....but the cold and quiet is not as inviting as the warm sun and the summer fun of the lake. That is part of the appeal for us though - the diversity of it all.

There was a small open spot that in the lake this morning....and there must have been 10 coots huddled together in the small open water. I saw two Tundra Swans flying over the lake this afternoon. It won't be long, and we'll hear the loon ushering in Spring... and the lakers will soon follow - so for now, I will enjoy the peace and quiet......

Happy New Year

January 1, 2008 -
We have about 10 inches of beautiful snow. The weather is perfect for a cross country ski outting... however, I'm on crutches - have ice on my foot and will be in a cast shoe for the next eight weeks. I have to think about the positive though, and appreciate that fact that it is January - rather than May... I do believe I would rather give up Cross Country skiing for riding my bike and kayaking.

We love living in Kosciusko County because of the activities available to us. Winona Lake has a wonderful mountain bike trail and there are so many lakes to enjoy great kayaking.
The county roads offer the perfect balance of hilly and scenic roads for country road bicycling.
There really aren't groomed cross country skiing trails, but the countryside alone lends itself to a good day in the snow. http://www.kcgov.com/

I'm looking forward to our 6th year as residents in Kosciusko County - I am looking forward to 2008! We have made good friends here - and enjoy our life. It is truly a place where you can appreciate the essentials in life. I am looking forward to the birth of our second grandson, Trevor James. I am looking forward to continued growth of the great company I work for, TRS Rehab.
I am looking forward to Bruce completing his associates degree in the fall of 2008. I am looking forward to hosting more family gatherings at Yellow Creek Lake.
I hope that 2008 brings some travel - and some wanderings. I hope that 2008 brings a healthy new baby.... and general good health to all.
I hope 2008 brings a focus on healthy living and increased exercise and activities with decreased injuries and ailments. I hope we can finish a few unfinished projects - and I hope we can continue to enjoy our happy marriage and life together.
I hope to spend more time with my beautiful daughters - and their families. I'm looking forward to this year, this 50th year of my life.
I'm looking forward to truly focusing on the essentials for Living Life ZESTFULLY!!! Welcome 2008!