UP UP and AWAY!

Yesterday was one of those memory maker days!  Donn and I traveled to Traverse City to cash in our gift certificate we received for our 40th anniversary from our kids!  It was for tandem parasailing in the Bay!  How awesome is that?  We both had wanted to parasail a few years ago in Thailand but kept stalling until one day we got up the nerve and the wind conditions prevented it!  Whew!  Finally, we have experienced parasailing!

Two other couples joined us in the boat for this adventure.  Donn volunteered us to go first, of course.  We were harnessed into straps that would be our seat.  I thought there would be chairs.  Oh no, straps and buckles.  We then were hooked to the sail, sat on our bottoms on the platform of the boat and waited.  The engine roared to life, the sail filled with air and the 800 foot line began to reel out!  No turning back, we began to fly up.  It did not take long for us to be high above everything, everyone, even the birds were far below us.  The flight was scheduled for 15 minutes so it was imperative to not think of the height, the water below or the tiny rope that held our two big bodies in tow!  Instead we focused on the clear blue sky above, the brilliant blue shades of glistening water below and the peaceful freedom of flying!  Occasional wind gusts tilted and tipped us which again could have panicked a person...hey, I am ready to die at any time, so why worry?  Coming down slowly I felt like a kite.  Our landing was a little rocky,  I did not like the look of the guys face reeling us in..he later said it was a little tricky!  All in all,  I would suggest you give it a try.  Up UP  and AWAY!  OK, what is our next adventure?

Livin' and Lovin' the life!  Dianne

Summer is here at last!  So many things to see, so many places to go, so many things to do!  On and on the list always goes, no matter how many times I promise myself the calendar will not be filled up every day with people, places and events.  We have entertained, traveled to the Smokies for our 40th anniversary, spent some time with family in Indiana, had Eli and Hannah stay up north, camped...it has been an awesome couple months.
   This morning early early I wandered out to my gardens.  They are at their peak right now overflowing with daisies, baby breath, lilies of all colors, hostas, delphiniums, bee balm and numerous other plants.  Breathtaking.  I am beginning to settle down now.  All I hear are birds chirping, the occasional buzz of a pollen gathering bee and the quiet of my own heart.  My huge patch of raspberry bushes is dripping with fruit.  I plunged into the sky high bushes and began to pick the harvest.  One hour passed and honestly it was pure bliss doing this time consuming task!  Did I do it for the berries? Not really.  Donn doesn't even like them.  It was a gift from Father to me.  A time to be still and enjoy His creation.  I came in the house a little scratched, a lot sweaty with 2 quarts to show for my work.  As I popped them into the freezer I knew that this winter when the bushes are buried in snow I can pull these treasures out and remember a hot summer day in NE Michigan when it was just me, God and his bounty!  I pray you are slowing down some every so often and seeing, tasting, smelling and resting in the One who loves us so!!  Happy Summer.
           Daisies, Hammocks, ponds, gardens, flowers and sunshine await!
                      Still livin' and lovin' life!      love, Dianne