backyard project: on its way

Last week was full of progress, thanks to my ambitious husband! I can fast forward you through:
• mountain of gravel (4 tons!)
• edging in place (you can see the outline!)
• we need more gravel!
• sand!
• stones are here!
• we need more stones!
• one evening and one long Saturday of puzzle-piecing the stones in place

Still left:
• leveling each individual stone by adding or taking away sand
• filling in the cracks between the stones
• buying and staining wood
• building pergola
• finding, buying, and placing stone steps
• digging out sod to place stepping stones
• edging for flower beds
• shifting existing plants
• planting new plants

In case blue is your favorite color

Drink deeply.

We biked around Crystal Lake on the Betsie Valley Trail. 18 miles round trip when I haven't biked all season. Are we sensing a pattern of over-ambition here? This absolutely has to be the most beautiful, clear, amazingly blue inland lake I have ever seen.

Family crafts at Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Men from the Coast Guard were posted to the lighthouse for duty. Consequently, there is a long history of families with children living here. And children near the beach meant rocks were gathered and family projects were crafted! The little video in the museum made special note of these family projects. I was amused.

Treasures from the shore

Oh how I love my nature-based travels where one can acquire lovely natural bits of art. We were rock hounds this vacation. My husband was skipping smooth stones, my daughter delighted in a perfect "egg rock," and all three of us sifted in search of fossils.

Good design from the government?

I just have to give a shout out to the anonymous graphic designer who came up with the simple, modern black band that graces the top of all National Park materials. I even saw it used on a template for customizable flyers (where it didn't go all the way to the edge) and on the permanent signage and maps mounted near the campground bathrooms. The consistent use was lovely. I have to say I am seriously impressed the federal government managed to have some classy looking graphic design.

So kudos to the graphic designers doing their best behind the scenes!