We took a trip down the Whitewater River via Morgans in Brookville for Nick’s 5th birthday. The weather was beautiful and we saw a bunch of wildlife including many turtles and a beaver as big as a pig. The river was busy as many other enthusiasts seized the day.

Afterwards, we headed over to uncle Mike’s to grill out and eat cake. Took some good pics to document the experience.

July was busy month… both for business, and personally. I’m glad I got to slip back up to Michigan City with the family. It’s such a practical place for us and those who know me, know I am *Mr. Practical*.

Serious, I still maintain that the Great Lakes offer just as much beach as any coast. Then again, I’m more of a snowy mountain guy than a sunny beach 🙂 Still, it’s just an awesome 4.5 hour drive from home. I don’t even leave Indiana. Many people argue that the Great Lakes have colder water, but to me, it seems insignificant. It may be true, but it’s freshwater and the “beach community” we stay in is something out of a Walton’s episode. It’s like people come here to love one another. Serious.

It feels like we gained a week back in our life after this trip. It’s perfect for kids and just a short scenic walk to the lake. We took two trips last year and just did our first one this year. Friends Brian Hensley and Jeremy Ostrow rode their bikes up for the day on Sunday to check it out. Since it’s only about a 4.5 hour ride up, it was a good trip for them. We fed them dinner and sent them on their way. We’re told it was a worthy trip for them. The rest of the week was good to us. There was plenty of sun and a slightly overcasted day right in the middle of the week so we could take a break from the sun and hit the local scene. Can’t wait to go back soon.

The garden is running at approximately 75% and we’ve been pulling produce from it since we’ve returned from vacation. We have had our first tomato’s and in less than a week, we’ll be making salsa and canning so they don’t go to waste. I’ve also harvested all the garlic. See it in the garden photos below.

The banana trees, fruit trees, grapes and berries are all doing well. The peach tree has been a total wuss this year. Had to cure it of peach leaf curl first thing this spring and I had it pumping out the serious foliage since then. However, it seems to have another “leaf dropping” ailment that I’m still diagnosing, but I’m not worried. The goal is to get a good year of green growth this year. My cherry trees are going nuts. They look text-book healthy. All for now.

Michigan City (Northern IN at Southern tip of Lake Michigan)

July 2009 Photos