Week 22 May 27-June 2

Visiting Dead Relatives

Some time ago, I did some research about my family tree. From what I found online, I learned that my family on the Train side was from Grant, MI. John Train & his wife Sarah, seemed to be part of the cities founding fathers.

I noted that many of the early Grant residents were buried at a cemetery raise of town. Needing a destination to ride my bike to, I decided to go see if I could find the head stones.

Once I got there, I went to the oldest part of the cemetery, and it only took a few minute to find them.

I hope, at some point to do a little more research and see how far back I can trace my family roots.

Week 21 May 20-26

Brat Buffet

For The Memorial Day Holiday weekend, Jenny got an assortment of flavored brats from the Meat Shack in Greenville, for dinner on Friday at my Mom's.

Some of the flavored included:

Loaded baked potato
Gummi bears
Jalapeño
Macaroni & cheese

So the favorite, believe it or not, was macaroni & cheese. It was surprisingly good. I also like the gummi bear brats. We did have candy brats before, and I highly recommend the brats with candy in them.

If you haven't, make sure you stop in at the Meat Shack in Greenville.

Week 20 - May 13-20

Camper Cabin.

My new thing for this week was to spend the weekend in a camper cabin through the State Park Services. Many state campgrounds now have "Camper Cabins". These are +\- 16'x20 rustic cabins with electricity but no water. It sure beats a tent, and at $65/ night, pretty cheap. The came with a microwave, coffee pot, fire pit, charcoal grill and other cool amenities.

We stayed at Tahquamenon Falls campground . There was a forest fire going on at the time just south of Paradise.

We had a great time camping. For those who don't have a camper, or camp much, the cabin was the way to go. You can reserve them on line through the State Park websites.

Week 19 May 6 - 12

PORTLAND

Not the same Portland we all know and "love", but Portland Oregon. Now I have to admit, this was not the first time to Portland, but the first trip consisted of landing at the airport, sleeping in a hotel just down the road, and leaving. So, I don't consider this visiting Portland.

This visit wasn't much more, but I got to go downtown and visit Henry's 12th Street Tavern.....and downtown in general. What a cool city! Right on the Columbia and Wilemette Rivers. The city itself has an interesting architecture. Trees and greenery incorporated in much of the city scape. It's like a hip Ewok Village.

There was definitely a nice vibe. Real people who were not pretentious and love their beer. Henery's Tavern was cool. They had an ice slab on the bar to keep your beverage cold! Genius!

This is definitely a city that I would love to go back and explore with Jenny! Well, maybe with all my buddy's too. After all, I heard it was the "Strip Club Capitol of the World".....(interesting....)

Anyway, in my recent travels to our Northwest Territory, Portland is definitely an impressive place. I recommend you visit.

Week 18 April 29-May5

Shortest Post!- Wooden Shoe Restaurant

Went to the Wooden Shoe Restaurant in Holland with Jerrod Pung for breakfast.  It was good.  They have a 12 egg omlette, that if you eat it all, you get a t-shirt.  I'll be back!

Shortest Post Ever!

Week 17 April 22-28

US Olympic Wrestling Trials

This is a piggy back on the last post for the Road Trip, but it was such a cool experience, I get to count it for two weeks.  Technicallities!  We went to the Olympic Wrestling Trials in Iowa City.  The winners of each weight class would be representing the United States this summer in London for the Olympic Games.


The boys at the end of the tourney.

The tournament included Freestyle, Greco Roman, and Women's Freestyle.  Watching all disciplines was remarkably easy to follow.  The tournament and facility was set up well.  I think the average session attendance was about 13,500. 


View from our Seats.

There were two Spartan wrestlers in the finals.  Nick Simmons lost a heartbreaker series of matches in Freestyle, and current MSU heavywweight Steve Andrus was second at 120 kg in Greco Roman.



I have to recommend this event for any wrestling fan.  It was very exciting and easy to follow. 



New statue of Dan Gable



Week 16 - April 15-21

Road Trip



Nate driving over the Mississippi River.

This week I took a road trip.  Road Trips are not new to me, but being the chaparone was a first.  I had the chance to take my son Aiden, nephews Zach & DJ, and Zach's buddy Nate.   We were on our way to the OlympicWrestling Trials at the University of Iowa.  What was cool for me is that is was so similar to the trips I used to go on with my dad.


The boys at a sign in Illinois to get gas.




We took many trips to Iowa or other locations accross the midwest to wresting tournaments.  Sometimes it was just the family, and sometimes we were hauling a packed car full of wrestlers.  In any event it was always fun. 

I remember dad's way of always making these trips like an adventure.  Simple things like getting something to eat, or getting a hotel, seemed to be exciting because dad would always try to find the best place to eat or stay.  The best local place. 

I really had a great time spending time with these guys.  It was fun to hear them tease each other and talk about things important to boys of that age.  It did make me feel like a kid again.  The trip was cool and it is definately something I will do again.