August 31, 2013 Relaxing at the Portage Lakefront with my cousins, Karen & Ken

Before I get started, yes that is a person with a surfboard on a beach at Lake Michigan...and right above him is a flying pig but I missed that picture. Now...

...here's Chrissy with my cousin Karen and her husband Ken. Karen flew to Detroit, where Ken is working, then they drove to Chicago to visit us.

We enjoyed a relaxing walk along the beach at the Portage Lakefront & River Walk. This area was part of the local steel mill property but was converted to public beach by the National Parks as part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Can you tell which one is my cousin? Could it be the one carrying a camera and sticking her tongue out like the smartass punk that I am too.

Chrissy on the beach with a setting sun lighting her up.

 

 

After the beach, we had dinner at the Warsaw Inn. This was Karen's choice because she remembers eating there 25 years ago before my wedding.

Then it was ice cream at Gayetys.

 



September 6, 2013 One Week Until Riot Fest Chicago

I am closer to a dirt nap than I am to being a teenager, but I am more excited about Riot Fest than a preteen girl with front row tickets to see One Direction. There are so many bands playing that I can't wait to see....GBV, Public Enemy, Pixies, Bad Religion, Dinosaur Jr., Rancid, X, Violent Femmes, Pennywise, Bob Mould and the best band of the 1980's...The Replacements. The fact that my little brother and his wife are coming to town just adds more fun to next week. If you are going to Riot Fest let me know...we can grab a few beers and head to the mosh pit. Also just a reminder about the Social Club get together with Georgie & Marcy at Café Borgia on Wednesday Sept. 11th at 7pm. We'll meet in the bar then have dinner...so please let me know if you plan on joining us.

 

August 18, 2013 August Social Club at the Indiana Dunes

I started the Social Club because as I got older, I didn't see my friends as often as I used to. E-mail, texting and Facebook just doesn't seem like a real friendship. Maybe they felt the same way, maybe not. So I thought a day at the beach would be a great way to hang out and bring the whole family. The weather was absolutely perfect for a day at the beach. I would like to thank everyone that showed up. I had a great time and am planning on doing it again next year.

 

Kristian & Cindy

Three generations of Mazrimas women...though Chrissy says it should be Beckman women.

While almost everyone went to the beach, Jim started grilling the corn, mititei, hot dogs, brats & sausages.

My niece, Kristian made a sign for the Social Club.

Kennedy looking for something to eat.

Kristian made all kinds of desserts including outdoor themed cupcakes with gummy bugs and real bugs dipped in chocolate. 

Grill Master Jim

My wife, Chrissy and her sister Kimmy made a big deal about me playing with the Silkaitis boys. My past reputation was that I didn't enjoy kids that couldn't control their bodily functions. Now I am so old that I can no longer control mine, so I figured we were all in the same boat. I was so nervous about the little guy falling I wouldn't let go of his hands on the chain and ran back & forth with him. Eventually I trusted that he would hold on tight.

His brother was yelling at me, "Hey why can't I be on a regular swing? I'd like to have kids someday and this thing is crushing my nuts."

Apparently, this was the old lady section.

 



The soon to be parents, Pat & Tammy

I was explaining to the youngsters that the Top 40 music that Kennedy was playing has no soul and is only good for dancing with girls. Real music is played by alternative or punk bands. I think I got thru to them.

Maybe not!

Proud Papa.

August 10, 2013 Cruise Night in Lansing

It was a beautiful summer night and downtown Lansing was full of impressive cars, bands were playing at Kilroy's and at Jack's and it was my sister-in-law Kimmy's birthday. So Christy, Kimmy & I walked up & down Ridge Road during Lansing's Cruise Night. I really enjoy our town's attempts at bringing the community together for events like Cruise Night, the Good Neighbor Parade, movies in the park and the upcoming Autumn Festival. Here's the pictures from our night out. I am not a car geek but I do love seeing cars that have distinct character, unlike today's cars. That said, I couldn't describe all the engine parts but I hope all you car geeks enjoy the photos.

A rare picture of Chrissy with a hat...I love this picture.

It's the birthday girl.

 The Lansing Fire Fighter Memorial. Our house was built by a Lansing fireman back in 1951.

 A special thanks for Mr. Vermeer and all military members from me.