Scrap room update

Thought I better post something about scrapping.
Well, the room is painted, new carpet installed, new counter installed, some stuff moved in.
I still have to go though some of my stash and purge. And I have to empty out my armoire so Steve can get it moved in. Then the organization can start.
I have to decide on drapes and a couple of good chairs.
I will have a tv and my laptop (hooked to my cricut)!
I'll post some pictures when it's all finished.

Testing out new camera

Here are some pictures I took with the new camera. Just playing around.

I got a new toy!

So, after much debate, searching and learning. We bought a new digital camera. Not just any camera but a SLR.
Can't wait to get out and take some pics. Because you know I can't be without a camera.

Us at Coffee Creek Park

 

 

Here are some at the dunes

What a beautiful day for a ride!

Didn't think today was going to turn out as beautiful as it did, lucky for us! We decided to take a ride. After gassing up the bikes we went to Coffee Creek Park and took some pictures. Then went to Santiago's in Porter for lunch. Headed out to the National Lake Shore and took some more pictures. Most of the leaves have already hit their peak but there where still some stretches of road that had nice fall scenery.
After last week's weather we thought we were at the end of the riding season but there might be a few left after all.
Now, to print some pictures and scrap them.

So, how do I look?

This was taken after my first ride on it!

My Early Birthday Present!

I've got something new (new to me) red and shinny.
I'll be scrapping the pictures that I took of it.
Wanna see?

Here you go.................

Crabfest '09 in Ft. Wayne, IN

My friend Pam and I went on a road trip to Ft. Wayne. Why, you say? To see Captain Phil from the tv show Deadliest Catch and to eat king crab!

It sure was a blast. We got there and saw him standing on the sidewalk in the front of the building. After waiting to get in we finally did. There was a dj from one of the Ft. Wayne radio stations doing a q&a with the captain and audience members.

I was lucky enough to get choosen to ask a question! How cool is that?

US NATIONALS on Saturday

 

 

 

 

Lily House

 

 

 

 

Indianapolis Museum of Art

 

 

 

 

More from the road

 

 

 

 

On the road

 

 

 

Some covered bridge pictures

 

 

 

 

Rockville, IN

 

Well..............

854 miles, 3 Harley dealerships and 4 scrapbook stores later, we're home!
We got home Sunday evening.

We left Indianpolis Sunday morning road to Marion (dealership was closed), then to Wabash. Brandts dealership was open and it was pretty neat in there. They have an antique motorcycle collection that is open to the public.

Road towards Plymouth where I had to stop at The Memory Zone. The tone there was sad as this past week it was announced that they will be closing in Dec.

We took hwy 6 to Walkerton. There I topped off my gas tank and we put on rain suits.
Rained from Walkerton to Westville. Not bad just annoying. Mostly we worried about how slick the road would be. Pretty good weather for being gone 8 days. This was the only rain. Actually the weather was perfect this week, not too hot and not too cold. Only had to wear chaps one moring.

Steve is back to work today. I have to go grocery shopping, laundry is calling and I want to get pictures loaded for you to see.

Dreaming of where to go next.
Thanks for reading.

Indianapolis Museum of Art and Lily House

Today we went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the J. Lily House.
We spent alot of time looking at art from 1300's to modern. European and American (skipped the Asian).
This is a free art museum so, if you are ever in Indy looking for something to do, I'd recommend it.
On the same grounds is the Lily House and gardens. The Lily that bought it from the original owner Landon, was the grandson of Col. Lily that started the pharmaceutical company.
Pretty awesome to be rich that's for sure. The original owner was head of the Indianapolis Water Co. They really promoted the gardens but the house was our favorite.
More picture taking opportunities.

Steve and Ian are going to the U.S. Nationals (NHRA) drag races tomorrow. I am not!
I am going to check out some scrapbook stores though. :o)
They will have to take pictures there.

We'll be heading home Sunday by way of Marion and Wabash and then northwest on home.

It's been a fun week of riding but was happy for a couple of days of "rest".

We're back in Indy

Let's see where did I leave off.............

We got to Ian's last night (Thurs) and went to Skyline Chili for supper (yum).

Our riding yesterday was a mixture of roads. We look off north and east of Bloomington on county roads that were recommended routes to us. Really nice except for the locals that are in a hurry around curves and up hills.

We went around Lemmon Lake and saw some of the biggest lily pads ever. No place to pull over, lake houses in the way.

Stopped in a town called Bean Blossom (truly, that was the name), went into the little grocery store for some water and I got a compliment on my bike color from the bread delivery man.

We road back to Nashville to check out some shops since it was daylight they where open. I even found a scrapbook/stamp store! We went in and I dropped a little $$.
I got a covered bridge die cut, motorcycle stamp and a covered bridge stamp. Went to three leather shops. Now tell me, how can one tiny town who's busy season is Oct. support three leather shops??? The first one had nice things that they made on site but was it pricey. The other two weren't as bad. Steve did buy a pair of chaps.
Have you ever had apple butter ice cream? We did. Had it at Miller's ice cream shop it was really good (on a sugar cone, of course).

Left Nashville and road over to Columbus. We got messed up with the roads and had to take 65. I don't like semi's passing me that's for sure. But we did it and made it to the HD dealer there.

Going to hang out round here today. I think we are going to go to the Eli Lily house at the Indianapolis Art Museum. Steve took Ian to work so we could have the car and not ride in the city.

Talk to you all soon...........

Still on the road

Hope you all haven't been waiting too long...........
I've been without a working laptop since my last post and I'm not sure what's up with it.
Anyway, here's an update.

On Monday we left Indy and road west to Parke Co. to a town called Rockville. It's the the starting point for all the covered bridge routes.
We where able to get a room at a nice quasi B&B. The lady was really friendly and the room (suite) was very comfortable. I say quasi because there was no breakfast just some coffee and rolls, which was fine since the room was only $50.00. She let us park the bikes on her lawn.

We did see lots of covered bridges. Not all but a good portion. We even road across a couple of them. I would never want to be down there during covered bridge fest though. Ten days off people and higher prices from what everyone was telling us.

From there we road to Terre Haute. Nice short ride from Rockville. We went to a HD dealer there and had lunch at a Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant. We had the crab burgers, yummmmm. And have to support crab fishermen, right?

After lunch we road down though Bloomington and on to Nashville. They roll up the streets there early. Not much open. We did find New Moon Pizza and the guy there says that they are gearing up for their busy season -- October. Spent the night and got up today and road south.
Through the National Forest. Nice twisty, curvy roads, that was fun. We road down to Salem and had lunch. Followed a pumpkin truck fully loaded into town. Took some pictures of the courthouse there. Took some back roads back up north. They were so back that the GPS didn't know where we were. Through a different part of the National Forest and stopped at the Monroe Reservoir too. Took some more pictures. We are staying in Bloomington tonight. Did so much riding that when we got to the hotel we had chinese delivered because we didn't want to go out again.....that's pretty bad.

So, what did we see today (well I did Steve missed them) a field with wild turkeys in it. Cool. No deer today, that was yesterday while I was leading (figures).
Saw hawks today.
Yesterday and today we passed Amish horse and buggies.

I'm going on a mission when I get home. I want to find out if you can mount a camera on a bike. There must be a way to take a picture while riding. There where sometimes where it would have come in handy. By the time you stop, get off, get the camera out the shot is gone.

Steve asked me tonight which I like better, riding together on one bike or separate.
I really had to think hard about this as there are advantages and dis-advantages to both. One thing I don't like about being on two is I can't talk to him until we stop. But we are taking turns leading and that's working out pretty well. I am use to riding behind him but I'm getting use to riding up front and it's not too bad.

We're going to go back to Ian's tomorrow (Thurs) and see what the weather has in-store for the weekend. We have to be home by Sunday so Steve can get back to work on Monday.

I'll post more soon. Thanks for reading.

We're in INDY!

We made it to Ian's apt. And we did it without taking 65!
And I did it on my own motorcycle! Aren't you proud of me? 160sh miles.

If you want to follow us on a map here's how we did it.
Our first stop was at Kerstings HD (on 39 in North Judson). We decided to take 39 south and see how that was. That worked out pretty well. We had lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Monticello.
Continued south on 39. That is a strange road in some spots. It seems like you are going east then south back east but you aren't really.
We kept on going through little towns. Went through Lebanon and kept on going.
There are a couple of towns with nice old court houses and squares. Large with domed tops and clock towers. I will have to find out which ones they where.
Eventually over 65 and over 74 heading towards 136. 136 is a nice ride.
You don't stay on it too long just east of Claremont is where you turn to go to Ian's.

This weekend in Indy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the MotoGP race. We saw lots of people riding towards the track.

Going to go down there and see what type of vendors are out on the road later.

Not sure what the plan is for Sunday yet.

I'll update when I have more news. Thanks for reading.

We're going again!

Yep, a last minute (well Monday) desision was made to take another road trip.
IF the weather cooperates, we will be leaving tomorrow (if not, Sunday). We're going to visit Ian in Indy, then over to Parke County to see some covered bridges and then head to down state Indiana and hit some scenic roads.

This time we will be riding down on two motorcycles! Yes, I am going to be a rider this trip. We shall see how it goes. Hopefully, my butt will make it as I won't have the comfort that Steve will have.

Of course, I will be bringing along the camera. Like I go anywhere without it, right?

I've had a couple of requests to blog while we're gone. I will try if there is internet available.

Pray that we have good weather and safe travels.

Be back in a week.

Scrapping our trip

Yes, I know I haven't been updating like I should and a couple of you have mentioned this to me. Shame on me I know.
I printed out all of our pictures from the trip around the lake and I have started to scrap those.
I'll upload picutres when I get more pages done.

In case you want to see what else I've done latly here ya go. Took a ride yesterday with three friends and here we are.

What a day !

Let me just start out by saying -- I need to remember today in case I ever want to write a book.

The morning was nice we checked out a couple of HD dealers. One in Manotowoc (strange little town) and one in Sheboygan.

We made it to Milwaukee around noon. We toured the HD museum. It's awsome and we've decided we will definatly go back. We stayed until 4:30 ate at the Motor restaurant, checked out the museum store and closed down the place at 6pm.

Put on rain suits and headed south on 94 out of Milwaukee. We where on our way home.
Well, that is where the "adventure" begins. The sky was very dark. Hummmmm......continue on we did. We didn't too far before the rain came. And came it did!!!!
We made it as far as outside of Racine. We pulled off the high way to try and find a gas station, building with an awning, under pass to sit at -- NOTHING.
We pulled into a parking lot (Mayflower movers shipping terminal actually). Didn't find much there but they did have a shipping container that was open so we stopped and got inside it. Yep, the two of us sitting inside this thing for about an hour watching it POUR RAIN and BLOW HIGH WINDS. You see now why I need to remember this in case I ever write a book. I'm not making this up.

We get out the gps to see how far we are from any motel and pull out the cell phone to start making calls. First place, disconnected phone, second place way too expensive, third one is the charm. Now, just to get there. The girl gives us good directions so we don't have to get back on 94. We go through a little town called Sturtevant and there is a storm drain that is like a mini fountain in the middle of the road, we get through that ok., only hydro-plained once (scary) and then made it to the Super 8.

We must have looked like drowned rats walking in to the lobby but they have us in a nice room and we're out of the rain. I have to say that the one last night and the one tonight have been very nice.

Wouldn't you know as soon as Steve got the bike all locked up and covered it quit raining. Well at least it was warm. If it had been cold that would have been worse.

We're going to hang out here and leave towards home tomorrow. Let's hope that plan works.

Bye for now, drowned in Racine,
Julie

Only a couple of days left

We left the UP this morning and finally made it to WI.

We ran into a bit of rain before lunch but not too hard and not too long.

Green Bay wasn't as large of a city as I had expected so that was good. Yes, we made it to Lambau Field. It was getting late in the day so we didn't go through the hall of fame but that was ok because they had a lot off good stuff around to read about this years inductees, Lambau and Vince Lombardi. Plus the history of the remodel from 2003.
I got some pictures there, of course.

We where able the go to two HD dealers today. I got a cool t-shirt from the one in Green Bay with the stadium on it. #4 is still as popular as ever. His jerseys are still full price not on the discount rack.

We are spending the night in Manitowoc. Not a real tourist destination as we had a little trouble finding the area in town where the hotels are but we did.
Tomorrow we are going to Milwaukee.

We are having a dilema about getting home. We wanted to take the car ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon but it's not on the summer schedule yet, so the times aren't working in our favor and the thought of going through Chicago isn't very appealing either. So, no decision tonight we will have to decide tomorrow. We may have to go west and then south to avoid it.

For those following from WPL I will see you all on Monday.
Riding friends I will catch you all up about the beautiful bikes I've been leaving behind at the different dealers. And which dealers are good and which ones to by-pass.

Julie

We are heading south

Greetings from Watersmeet, MI.

Mileage wise it doesn't look like we went far today but we saw alot.
We went to the HD dealer in Marquette (it's the only one in the UP).
Headed out on highway 41 and there was a museum in Negaunee. Sounds weird but it was actually pretty neat -- Michigan Iron Industry Museum. It's run by the state historical society. We were there about an hour. It gave alot of information about the area, indians, early settlers and iron mining.

Then took this north along the coast of Lake Superior. The scenery was beautiful (almost like small mountains) but cold along the shore. Made it up to the town of Houghton by the afternoon. We had a good lunch/dinner in a brew pub that use to be the old library in town. Steve had been up there in Feb. on a snowmobile trip and wanted to see it without snow. I could not imagine this town in the winter as the roads are straight up. You would just slide down. Getting around town on a motorcycle wasn't too easy either but we did it.

The roads from Houghton to Watersmeet are NOT heavily traveled. Which was kinda cool having the road pretty much to ourselves. We saw a few cars and motorcycles and a couple of logging trucks but that was it.
Did see one deer today, no moose and no bear (hahaha).
Most of this is going through the Ottawa National Forest.

We've been VERY LUCKY when it comes to weather. Sunny, comfortable temps. but from what we can tell the farther south we get the higher the chance of rain. I hope not but we have rain suits.

Tonight we are supporting the local tribal nation by staying in the hotel attached to
the Lac Vieux Desert Resort & Casino. It is indian owned. We had to turn around up the road as we passed the hotel and turned around (by accident) in the parking lot of the tribal police dept. I think they thought we were nuts. The little indian girls standing outside weren't sure what to make of us.

We are going to Green Bay tomorrow. My plan is to go to Lambau Field -- too bad Steve, you have to go too.
After we will keep heading south.

While I'm composing I've got some laundry going. Steve is watching a movie and when the wash is done we're going to check out the casino just to see what it's like. Since we don't gamble they won't get any profit from us.

Today, Ian turned 20! Can't hardly believe it. I tried to call him this morning but all I got was his voice mail, the little fart didn't even call me back. Like he's busy or something.

I'm taking pictures all along the way. Can't wait to scrap them.

I'll write again when I can. It's funny, most places anymore have free WIFI that's why I've been on more then I thought I would be.

Julie

Sometimes plans change

Hello followers!

Last night I posted that we where in Machinaw City and where going to Mackinac Island today and spend another night.

That changed today.

We got on the 8:30am ferry to go to Mackinac Island. Sat on top to see the view -- a little chilly but ok. On the island we walked up to the Grand Hotel, walked Market Street, watched the scouts at the fort do a color guard change, smelled the horses (the wind was strong, yuk), went to the fur trader historic area, had lunch on the island and got back on the ferry at 1pm. Then wondered why stay another night? So, we checked with the hotel about canceling the second night and it wasn't a problem. We packed up the bike and off to the bridge we went.

By 3pm we were on the other side.
Let me tell you it was an experience! First of all there are only two lanes each way, one is paved and one is the metal grate. The paved lane was closed!! Ok Steve, grab the handlebars and hang on! We were warned that this lane was tough. The wind off the Huron side was horrible. At one point I had to hang on to my helmet!
We got to the other side and was glad that was over but we stopped to take pictures.
The toll to cross cost $3.00 better than the skyway bridge in Chicago.

We decided not to go up to the Soo locks and just headed toward Marquette.
We have stopped at different locations along Lake Huron to walk the beach and take pictures, stretch our legs and just enjoy the views. The roads where straight and flat and in the little town of Seney we stopped to get water and sun screen. Maybe a little too late on the sun screen as our faces are a little red tonight. Weather was funny, cool by the water, hot in the middle of the UP. Lucky, no rain today and only a couple of spots of road construction, not too bad. Some guy on a BMW stopped to talk to us while we waited in construction. He wanted to know how far Duluth, MN was? Off we went like a nut, he's probably there alread :O

So, here we are in Marquette at a little mom and pop inn. Walked to dinner and while I type Steve's in the hot tub relaxing.

Tomorrow we will head to a little town called Watersmeet. There is a story behind this and I'll save that for another time.

Julie

Michigan Back Roads

Hello everyone, I see a bridge!
We finally made it to Mackinaw City today.
We've been riding the back roads of Michigan. We left Ludington took 31 north to Manistee from there we got a recommendation from a guy (we've been lucky with this) to take M22 north. It is beautiful. If you are in a hurry stay on the highway if not, take this road. It runs along the coast, you see LOTS of vineyards and orchards. Tiny towns and dunes and twists and turns.

Stopped in Leland and went to fishtown (thanks Alisa) we ate at the Bluebird -- I had smelt and Steve had walleye. That's a switch, I usually have the walleye.

We've seen more lighthouses. Outside of Sleeping Bear National Park there is a maritime museum that houses a lifesaving station from the 1870's - 1942, later called a coast guard station.

Then we road around past Northport and down to Traverse City where we stayed last night. Found an off beat motel 4 blocks from the water where we walked to last night. When we got back there were 6 other motorcycles. Three of the riders where from Germany and three from Peoria, IL.
We took a ride up to Suttons Bay to see the Old Mission Lighthouse round trip from the hotel it was 36 miles. One road up and back but when you get to the top -- AWSOME! You see the water on both sides, rolling hills and more vineyards.

This morning we got up and left Traverse City took more coastal and back country roads. Stopped for dried cherries and a walk around Charlevoix. Walked along the river walk = out to a lighthouse. Road through Petoskey and on to a tiny little town called Cross Village. After driving through the area called tunnel of trees we found this neat polish restaurant on the water called Leg Inn. At this point we needed to get off the bike just to walk. Great motorcycling road, more twists and turns.
After lunch we finally made it to Machinaw City. You can see the bridge from our hotel room. Tomorrow we are taking the ferry over to the island. So we will be here until Wed. morning then cross over to the UP.

For those of you that want to know about the HD dealers -- Traverse City sells, Harley, Buell, Triumph and John Deere (yes, the green tractor co). Pretty cool.
Zips in Mackinaw City is not a dealer it's a HD off shoot of their main dealership in Gaylord that we didn't go to but we still found things to buy. LOL

Well, off we go to take a walk towards the bridge.

The Adventure Begins

So, I worked Friday morning until 12:30 then came home to see that Steve was repacking again! After much discussion the camping items where left at home.
We got on the road about 3pm and got as far as Holland, MI. We found a motel that I would not recommend to my enemies but it was cheep!

We covered the bike and kept the drapes open just to make sure it was safe. Good thing it was covered because during the night it rained.

Sat. am.....we wake to dark skies so we put on our rain pants and after a good breakfast at the wooden shoe restaurant we hit the road. We stopped at Grand Rapids HD. Everyone there was really nice. We even got a tour of the whole place. Bought 2 t-shirts and off we where.

We road into Grand Rapids and toured the President Ford Museum and burial site.
It was very nice. The grounds are beautiful so much so that we saw two bridal parties getting pictures taken there. After our time in the museum we came out to sunny skies and no more rain -- yahoo!

After gassing up the bike and ourselves we got a road recommendation from some guy in a parking lot and decided to try it. Boy was it nice. Off the highway with very nice views all the way to Muskegon. We tried to get to the HD dealer there but it was closed by the time we got there. Oh well. Fromt there we took scenic drive along the coast. Found a lighthouse from the 1800's -- I got pictures! Walked out to the lake on the pier.

From there we took the highway up to Ludington, where we are going to spend the night. Road out to the end of the road, stopped at the shore and there was a lighthouse, go figure (hahaha). Best Western looks pretty good. Used the hot tub and are just hanging out.
I'm typing and Steve is watching tv.

Heading towards Traverse City and possibly beyond tomorrow.

Will write more when I can. Pictures will go up when I get home.

Preparations for trip around Lake Michigan

So, today we got the bike packed. After much packing and unpacking I think we've got it.
Looks like we're going to leave Friday afternoon, if the weather clears up.
The plan is to ride to Holland and then Sat. go to Grand Rapids and tour President Ford's museum.
Who knows after that.

I'm planning to take LOTS of pictures!!!

We're taking a laptop (not my good one) so sometime during the week I'll try to check my email. Maybe even update the blog :o)

Behave while I'm gone, if you can.

2nd attempt to post pictures

 

Here we are out on a nice ride. We went over to my mother-in-law's house so she could see the bikes.