We Just Got Home From Michigan...

... and we would have loved to stay a little longer! After we arrived Thursday evening, we took a short walk to a neighborhood schoolyard park.

This is the "short-person's" way of enjoying a neighbor's flowers along the way.
(I'd be kneeling! At least!)
;-)

A race isn't always fair when one person's legs are shorter than the other's,
but there were plenty of swings!

Then there was a bit of climbing.
Grandpa and H

On Saturday, the girls and their dad and I painted some pottery (an early
birthday gift to me!) I didn't take my camera - THAT was a mistake... but I'll post
the outcome later.

Then there was a short run to Meijer's Garden Center... purchased a few flowers and a bag of dirt. :-)

Here's a puzzle for you! Vinca minor with different blossoms?











The weather was pretty blustery and chilly, but we did get another walk in on Sunday afternoon.




Last, but not least: Two evenings in the motel pool.
Did WE care if it wasn't so nice outdoors? Not at all!



















At the last... family photos.
A great time always goes quickly!

Mother's Day Weekend Visit

On Friday evening, L helped me make the batter for "Platz." Recipe follows at the end of this post. He used his strong muscles and shaved the butter. (That's how I do it... with a fork.) We enjoyed this with breakfast Saturday morning.

And here's a little video showing the process in action! We also use a great apple peeler that peels, cuts, and cores!

C & K and L & A were here for the weekend! Were we ever busy! Here's a photo of Friday night's Bedtime Book with Grandpa.

After Saturday's breakfast, we headed out to "the farm" to search for morel mushrooms.

Here's a little video of our foraging party. :-)

Sometimes Ada led the way,

and sometimes it was more fun to watch ladybugs!Here's a photo of some Great Cup Fungus!We did a lot of walking and searching.
Sometimes a fellow just needs to rest!
Somebody's Dad found a great morel mushroom!
This is one of three bags that was bulging
by the time we finished!After naps, we girls went across country to a Mennonite greenhouse.
The rest of the family went fishing.And had a great time!I don't know that we could do MORE in one weekend, but we sure had a great time...
and made some great memories!


Platz (Mennonite Apple Cake)

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsp. vanilla

Mix all batter ingredients and spread in a well-greased 17" x 11 1/2" x 1" jelly roll pan.

Cover liberally with fruit of choice (sliced apple, cherries, berries, plums, peaches, etc.).

Sprinkle topping over fruit: 1/4 cup melted butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup flour.

Bake at 375 degrees for around 30 minutes or so... until lightly but not over-browned.