6/24/2008

Some Views From Michigan

The Wildlife



Tahquamenon Falls


The Mackinac Bridge


Cherries in my Grandmother's Orchard


We had the privilege of celebrating my Grandma's 90th birthday wile we were there. She is a strong woman of God and a dedicated prayer warrior for our family. Her and my Grandpa made their living by peddling fruit from their orchard. They had the most wonderful cherries, apples, pears, plums, apricots, peaches, honey, and maple syrup that would ever pass your lips. My Grandpa use to tell me that you needed rotten weather for good apples and that's why they stuck with the cold winters of Michigan. I miss my Grandpa and I know that Grandma does too. They were a great example of people sticking together through thick and thin and have passed on a legacy of long and loving marriages to my family. They were together for more than 60 years and their children have all been married for over 40 years and are going strong. None of their kids' kids have been divorced and we are all keepin' on keepin' on. My wife and I will celebrate our 13th anniversary next month.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's some pretty country... and the bridge sure looks like the Golden Gate!

I grew up in the Santa Clara Valley...sunshine 95% of the time... and I don't remember eating many apples, but the cherries, plums, walnuts and apricots couldn't be beat! Yumm...

The Merry Widow said...

FJ-Spent a couple of years in Santa Clara...in the late 90's.
HUGE difference. I think I'd have liked your version better!
Jason-Welcome home, glad you had the time with all those family members!

tmw

Papa Frank said...

Farmer -- The Mighty Mac is sort of the big brother to the Golden Gate. It spans 26,372 feet while the Golden Gate is 8,981 feet.

TMW -- we loved our vacation but it is always nice to come home. Thanks for the warm welcome.

Rita Loca said...

Good to have you back...love the photos!

nanc said...

i love the sticktuitiveness of previous generations - i call it great legacy! you come from good stock, frank family and i can see you appreciate it.

glad you're back.

topher1kenobe said...

You came to MI and didn't stop in to say hi?

Z said...

Would that all families had such great examples for marriage...and everybody'd have the good sense to recognize what a blessing that is!

The pix are terrific, thanks so much, Pops! So glad you had a great time.

Brooke said...

Great pics, PF!

I remember taking a ferry to Mackinac Island when I was about 13. Too much fun!

Anonymous said...

Great photos, Jason!
What a sweet heritage you have. I have a great example in my grandparents, as well.
Congrats on your upcoming anniversary! We'll be celebrating our 13th in December.
Blessings to you and Kimberly.
You are the kind of people I'd be blessed to know and fellowship with.

Papa Frank said...

Anytime you travel north just stop on in Pinky. You and your family will be welcome at our campfire anytime.

Papa Frank said...

Sorry Topher! It was all a blurr.

EDGE said...

Man...that's one BIG ASS bear.

Papa Frank said...

Yeah Edge, he weighed in at about 600 lbs.

Resa said...

Glad to see y'all are home safe! Love all the pix. What a wonderful legacy you have to continue! E and I decided to START such a legacy when we were engaged...to end the trail of brokeness that plagues both our families (ugh). Friends like you keep us on the path!!

mystic minstrel said...

thanks, resa! we are glad that we are able to help. sometimes we feel like our influence doesn't matter so much, so your words are very encouraging. it was jason's family legacy that helped me overcome my families legacy of brokenness as well. it was my plan to never get married for fear of abuse and divorce.

topher! it broke my heart to not visit friends on this one. with the family gatherings we were lucky to get any sleep let alone choose our own agenda. believe us when we say it was not for a lack of love!

jason - lucky 13 and i still think you are as cute and handsome as ever! smoochie, smoochie!

by the way, mysticminstrel, is my new blog for my online master's class - this is really kim/momma frank

Anonymous said...

I see what you mean. That is one long bridge. The "Golden Gate" must be "way" over-designed.

Anonymous said...

I lived there from '63-6; '70-75; and '79-82. By '82 it was kinda sucky... couldn't afford to raise a family there.

elmers brother said...

I'm glad your back Jason..you were missed. The pictures are great and I'm glad you had a good time.

The Merry Widow said...

FJ-It had reached the point that couples had 2 choices; buy a home, or have children. That was it! And both worked to achieve even that much!
When we left in 99, a brand new, 1 bedroom apartment rented for $1900/month!
And I hated the packed feeling of the neighborhoods. The last place we lived was built the same year as my house, the lots were uniformly smaller, even in 1957!
The bedrooms were only about 5' from the neighbors on one side! Awful!
Hi, Kim!
Good morning, G*D bless and Maranatha!

tmw

Steph said...

BEAUTIFUL shots. I love the one of the cherries. :)

Congratulations on your (almost) 13 years. I can't wait to find the man God has created for me to spend years upon years with. Reading how you love your wife is so inspirational to me.

I just love your blog!

Glad you had a wonderful trip, and glad you're back. :)

Papa Frank said...

Thanks so much Steph. I also love reading your blog and seeing your love for your daughter and how well you care for her. Take heart that God always gives good gifts to those who are His children.