August update from Grand Rapids

Hi - Emiliana Concha de Ossa here again to give you a report on how Steve's procedure went. 

In a word: fine. Being under general anesthesia for the first time was certainly strange, or so he told me, but one minute he was on the table and then he was in recovery. An hour or so later Susie was driving them home. He had to go easy on the heavy lifting (something he's pretty good at anyway) for a couple of weeks but he's back in the swing of things and ready to bring you up-to-date on what's been happening in West Michigan.

Thanks, Emiliana. I suggested she lose the flowers but she was adamant - and anyway her smile proves distracting so there's that.

After spending the rest of July in a recovery mode lounging around the house reading Camilleri's Inspector Montalbano series (I'm now on volume 18) we had a busy August. 

First up was Susie's birthday, of course, which we spent at the Old Goat for lunch followed by a stroll around Meijer Gardens and then at the Ten Have-Chapman home for dinner . While it was a send-off for Laurie and Garret's son James who was moving to California it was a pleasant coincidence to happen on Susie's birthday.  Later that same week we went to Sovengard for our anniversary dinner; 38 years of marriage but we've been together for 40! 

A couple of days after that event Dick and Dorothy flew out for Bernice's 94th birthday and we celebrated by taking her to Clear Lake for a visit with a couple of her nieces and their kids and then five of us treated Bern to a hamburger at Marco's New American Bistro.

Toward the end of the month Susie and I picked Bern up and the three of us drove up to McBain, MI, to have lunch with one of her Lucas cousins. It's always a treat to visit Harv and Ev; the food is almost as good as the company. It also gives Bern a good opportunity to catch up with what's happening on her mother's side of the family.

Lastly, Susie, Bern and I drove out to Clear Lake for a Labor Day meat loaf cook off (3 entree entries, no voting)! Daniel Loaney was up from Missouri with several of his friends and it turned out to be quite a party. Wish you were there!

outside at the Old Goat in Alger Heights

the new entrance, something like $150 million or so. . .

Meijer Gardens, Lena's farm

Matt, Jen and James

the family at dinner!

Happy Birthday Susie Q

Ev's garden is superbe!

The backyard: started out as a handful of wildflower seeds and a tulip tree from John Ten Have

Harv and Ev - generous with their time and their hospitality

Lastly, here's a brief update on the Old 3rd Michigan Infantry Project:

John E. Spalding was 24 years old when he enlisted in Company E, 3rd Michigan Reorganized Infantry on September 3, 1864, at Grand Rapids, for three years and was mustered on September 9. He was discharged at Benton Barracks, MO, on September 28, 1865. 

He eventually returned to Michigan and settled in Grand Rapids township. He is buried in Mason Cemetery not far from where we live.