Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Best Kept Secret and Vacation (Lots of Pics)

WOW! has it been a busy month!  I have missed everyone's blogs so much, but hopefully I'll be able to catch up in the next few days  After my sister left, we took off for some family time up at Torch Lake in northern Michigan.  What a beautiful lake, but I'll talk about that in a minute.

Anyway, I kept a secret.  A big secret.  A HUGE secret!!  And I kept it from my kids.  Don't ask me how I did it - I almost stumbled and messed up the whole secret quite a few times, but I did it.  I secretly made phone calls, took trips back and forth to Ohio a few times to check up on the little secret, bought things (like 4,000 toys from PetCo) and took them to my neighbors so my kids wouldn't find out.  What was the secret?  Well, this is what it was:

Meet Bailey.  All 13 weeks and 16 pounds of him!  The family finally wore me down!  It took years for them to do it, but it finally happened.  Bailey is a Golden Doodle and the sweetest thing that you could ever meet.  He loves sitting on your lap, kisses and being petted.   My kids were in shock I tell you.   We had tried to adopt a puppy a couple times and it never worked out and I think the kids had given up.  When I pulled Bailey out of the car, DH was standing there with the movie camera and the kids couldn't even talk. They both just stood there with their mouths hanging open seeing me standing there with a dog on a leash.  It was priceless just like the credit card commercials!  Truly priceless!  So now we have a new member of the family, and I feel like I'm following after a baby.  Bailey is full of energy and like a devil on four huge paws, but then there are those times when he just falls over:

He's a sweetie, but I can't wait until he's potty trained and stops waking us up howling at 5:00 a.m.

Our vacation was wonderful on Torch Lake.  I've lived in Michigan all my life and don't know how I ever missed this lake.  Crystal clear and uncrowded.  Beautiful.  My husband rented a boat, and I could tell some crazy stories about that (like he doesn't know how to drive a boat, but I'll spare him the embarrassment).  Okay, I won't!  LOL  He was so afraid to take the boat across the lake from where it was dropped off over to our cottage.  The lake is only about 1-1/2 miles across, but he was worried, so he pulled out his wallet and handed me all his money.  LOL  He thought he was going to drown!  I knew exactly what was going on and later told him so.  He was sheepish about the whole thing and I told him that he was lucky that Catie and I didn't hightail it to the antique stores and spend it!!

We also beached the boat a couple times, but I will spare DH the embarrassment on that.  But do you know how heavy a boat is to unbeach it?  Ahem!!  Me pulling it out into the lake so we could start it up, and I'm fully clothed and wearing the only bra I took up with me and there is no washer or dryer?  And later standing with a hair dryer trying to dry it out?  Ahem!!  But we had a great time once DH got over his fear -  we tubed from it, fished from it, skirted the lake, and just had a wonderful time in it.  Here are a few pics from vacation (you can skip these if you hate family vacation pictures):

Alden - The nearest town

The cutest shop - Alden's Mill - with more kitchen gadgets than you've ever seen in your life crammed into this quaint cottage

One of the spectacular sunsets, but taken on a cell phone so you don't get the full impact
DD relaxing (or glamming - however you want to look at it)

Torch Lake is located on the 45th parallel - we got a real kick out of this sign

DD tubing
Us girls relaxing on the boat - my freckles come out in the sun
Watching the sunset
Getting the campfire ready for s'mores

Loved the name of this alley in Charlevoix
And all the boats in Charlevoix Bay


And the town clock
And all the flowers in the town.

And this says it all - Summer - I'm so sorry that it's ending.

We all had a great time and even DH was hesitant to come home.  We drove home at a very leisurely pace and visited some antique stores along the route home.  DH is NOT an antique shopper, so you know that he didn't want to go home if he allowed me to drag him into those shops.

On the crafting side not much at all,  but while my sister was here I picked up this yarn from a store in Frankenmuth:


Even though I did take cross stitch up North with me, I didn't feel like pulling it out.  I also took this yarn along.  In the early mornings when the others were still sleeping, I would sit with my cup of coffee watching the water lap on the beach and knit and I did get a little bit done:


I love the colors of it - reminds me of the color of the sunsets - and as you knit it it forms a spiral - so much fun!!!  I think I've seen it called a Potato Chip scarf too.  Easy pattern and it works up quickly.

Well, that's it for me.  I'm still recuperating from vacation, learning how to be a mom to a little baby (dog) again, and gearing up to get the kids ready for school.   It's going to be a busy couple of weeks.

Thank you again so much for all your wonderful comments, and I'll definitely catch up with everyone soon!!

66 comments:

Rugs and Pugs said...

Deb ~
OMG!!! Bailey is just too precious. I'm sure the kiddos were thrilled beyond belief. Please keep posting lots of pix of him.
Your vacation sounds like heaven. I need something like that!
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Rugs and Pugs said...

P.S. Welcome back to blogland. Yours is always such a delightful read.

Melissa said...

Oh my goodness, Deb, that Bailey is so adorable. He looks like one of those stuffed toys! I bet he's a lot of fun and so cute you can forget all those little accidents (sort of).

Lovely vacation photos - just idyllic! Perfect time to stitch up that funky scarf!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I have no idea how you kept that secret so well! It must have been HARD. Welcome Bailey! I hope we see more of him often.

The vacation looks like it was wonderful. Away from the hustle and bustle and a great time to recharge. I love how you kept your husbands secrets! :)

Stephanie Hughes said...

Love love the puppy. Your pics are wonderful and make me want to be there. Great looking family. Steph

Anonymous said...

Ok...I know you have the holiday photos and all but I seriously am in love with Bailey. I quickly brought husband over to the computer because we hope to have a Goldendoodle some day. I'd love to hear more about where, who and how much if you would email me.

WoolenSails said...

Bailey is adorable and love his coat.
The lake looks like a wonderful place to be with the family.

Debbie

Sherry :o) said...

your new puppy is adorable! Missed seeing you here on the computer...but glad you enjoyed yourself. I love that yarn - never saw anything like it!

Deborah said...

Bailey is so cute!! The lake looks like a wonderful place to vacation.

Kim said...

Hi Deb! OMGosh is Bailey cute or WHAT??? Too much fun in store for you!! Congrats! Love the scarf project and your vacation at the lake looks like heaven...summertime heaven. :o)

Natasha said...

OMG! Bailey is SO cute. I would never be able to have kept that a secret LOL He looks just like my MIL's dog Riley, whom, we had to adopt out after she passed away.

What a beautiful Lake. I just had to google it to look at more pictures. I would love to live there so pretty. Enjoy you new family member :)

Kathy said...

Bailey is adorable. Makes me want another dog.
Dh and boats. LOL My DH doesn't do boats but my brother said he had to drive it to the ramp to get it out of the water. He broke the prop and the fin and we are facing a big repair bill. You should have come to visit me on Crooked Lake a little north of Petoskey. I was there until Friday.
I'm glad you had a great time.

valerie said...

Bailey is so cute!! He makes my puppy fever go into overdrive! Too bad you live so far...I'd puppysit if you needed it! lol I am sure the kids are over the moon!

Great vacation photos. It sounds and looks like a great place to unwind and have some fun!

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

What a wonderful vacation! Love the pictures. I always like to see vacation pictures as I don't travel much and this gives me a chance to see the world through other's eyes.
The scarf is really pretty, very beautiful colors.

Your new furbaby is so cute. You'll love having a dog again. They add so much to your life, or Abbie has mine.

Jennifer

Cari said...

Oh my gosh Deb...what a great post. Bailey is ADORABLE!! I'm sure we'll all get to see more of him!! And your vacation looks like it was just perfect!! Thanks for sharing the pics! I have this yarn in my knit shop..it's really a lot of fun isn't it? It's making up a great scarf too!! Hugs

Anonymous said...

Bailey is adorable!!
Looks like you had a great time on your vacation!!
~Cindy~

Andrea said...

Bailey is so adorable!!! OMG, that face, that curly hair, I'm in love! Congratulations on your new baby :-) I remember the puppy days very well...they are exhausting, lol! But they fly by quickly...take lots of pictures!
Your vacation looks and sounds very lovely! I'd love to get away to some place like that :-)

xoxo

marylin & poussy said...

Hello, your embroidery are small marvels, I looked at your album and I am under the charm of your embroidery bravo to you
Best regards marylin

Ineke said...

Baily is adorable! It must have been hard to keep the secret.
Your vacation looks wonderful.

KarenV said...

Bailey is so adorable! Well done you on keeping such a big secret, your kids must be thrilled!

Lois said...

Well, isn't Bailey just the cutest dog!!! I'm not surprised it was love at first sight! Well done for keeping the secret.

I really enjoyed seeing all your holiday pics - what a beautiful spot you stayed in. Did have a chuckle at your DH and the boat!

Love what you're knitting. The colours are great!

Brigitte said...

Your vacation pictures are so great. You must have had a fun time with your family at the lake.

Nicola said...

What a gorgeous puppy! Looks like you had a great holiday, loved seeing the photos.

Kerry said...

Glad to hear you have a new puppy. They are such a wonderful addition to a family. We have a nine year old Irish Setter, Tucker, he is such company to us now that our two girls have flown the nest and are making their own homes with their own puppies. My oldest Sarah has a four month old brown lab named Maximus and my youngest daughter has a two year old Blue Tick Coonhound named Copper. What a family.

We love Michigan State, we have spent some time there on holidays too. We went to Mackinac Island. My Mom lives in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Just across the border from Port Huron, Michigan.
Hope you stop by my blog.

Annie said...

What an adorable new addition to your family! He looks so huggable!

Looks like you had a wonderful vacation in the perfect place for relaxation and fun.

Katherine said...

Bailey looks a wonderful addition to the family - a Golden Doodle - is that anything like a Cheese Curl? Just kidding - he's a mix of Golden Retreiver and Poodle? I always wondered what those were called. Since we have the best Golden in the whole wide world, I know exactly how wonderful that breed can be! Glad Bailey has those traits. You will love him more and more each day. Your vacation pictures are beautiful - I especially like the one of Alden - don't ever be hesitant to share them. Welcome back!

Vinniey said...

I'm glad to see you post again. What a big surprise for your family! Bailey is so sweet and cute, he looks like a stuffed toy. What a wonderful family trip to Torch Lake! I love the 45th parallel sign too. :) Looking forward to see more pictures of your cute "baby", Deb.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

First of all: Warm welcomes to Bailey! What a cutie patootie!!!

And Deb, I totally understand your sorry to seeing this summer go - I feel the same way, we had, I believe, the BEST summer ever and by the looks of your gorgeous vacation pictures you did too!
I'm so happy you had a blast on your vacation, your telling us all about it, reminds me of how happy I was on our vacation and how wonderful it was. Good times, memories of the heart :)

Kathy A. said...

What a wonderful addition to the family. He looks so cute all flaked out!
Lovely vacation photos. Glad it was a summer full of family and laughter. It gives us the strength for the rest of the year LOL.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Baliely is adorable. Looks just like Julie's horse, I mean dog, Cooper! Great pic of DD in the hammock! She's all legs!

Margaret said...

Your vacation looks like it was lots of fun. Love that yarn and the project too. And Bailey! That face! Sooo cute!!! Congrats on the new family member, and congrats on managing to keep it such a good secret too!

Roberta said...

Bailey is adorable, looking forward to several great stories and pictures. Your vacation looks so nice, refreshing and relaxing.

Like you summer was way too busy so I am in blog catch up mode. It has been a fun morning getting caught up with you and your blog.

Carol said...

Torch Lake looks like the perfect vacation spot! I'd love to vacation there instead of the beach some year...

And your new family member is just adorable--so great that you were able to surprise everyone. My sister-in-law has a Golden Doodle who is HUGE!! But he is an amazingly sweet and lovable companion! I'm sure Bailey will be the same :)

BrendaS said...

Your new addition is just precious! I can hardly wait to see more pictures as she is growing up. We got 2 puppies last fall and it's a lot of work but so worth it. One of our pups is named Bailee too!

Great vacation pictures. Brings back lots of great memories from our vacations in Michigan.

Thanks so much for sharing.

Have a great week.

Kathy said...

It sure sounds like you had a restful and wonderful vacation. It looks like a beautiful place. Love the photos.

But best of all -- Bailey! OMG he is just precious. Congrats on the newest family member. I look forward to lots more photos of him growing up and taking over. LOL

Oh and that 5AM business? Get used to it. :) After more than a year my Rory still doesn't get it that when I'm not working we do not have to get up in the dark.

Terri said...

oh, Bailey is adorable!! Congratulations! And that yarn is yummy!

Love the vacation pictures too! Michigan is an awesome state!

mary said...

I love your new addition, so sweet and cuddly looking. Careful, they are addictive, I'm up to six furry babies. Thank you sooo much for showing your vascation pics, Charlevoix is my hometown and it was so nice to "see" it this morning.

Enjoy your day!
Mary

Katrina said...

Bailey is so handsome, congrats on the new addition :-). Glad you had such a nice vacation too!

Berit said...

Congrats on that new family member! I can just imagine the looks on their faces, lol! Also love the vacation pics. ;)

SharoninStitches said...

I love living in Michigan. Your pictures are lovely. must visit Rapunzel's again soon. As for Bailey...totally adorable. Thanks for sharing.

Meadows08 said...

What a sweet pooch! Looks like you had a wonderful vacation too!

Patricia Lessell said...

Wow only 42 comments before me. I loved all those photos thank you so much for sharing. Your new puppy is just gorgeous and his name is just perfect. DH says Gracie Amelia (she has two names so she could get into the best private schools - don't ask) is our last pooch and seeing as she is 14 etc. etc. etc.

I love that scarf - it almost makes me want to start knitting. Maybe I could do that an it wouldn't look too amateurish????? We'll see but in the meantime I love yours and shall watch your progress with joy.

Lots of Hugs and Love
Patti xxx

samplerlover said...

Hi Deb, welcome back. Well what can I say. Bailey is beautiful. What a beautiful dog. I am sure that he is going to be a great companion to you after he gets out of the puppy stage.
It looks as if you had a wonderful break and I love your photos.
Your scarf looks interesting. How do you get it to twirl. - Sandra.

Stitching Cat said...

Love Bailey! Your vacation sounded perfect. I, too, vacation near the 45th Parallel but it is in Perry Maine! And there is a really neat antique/gift store named the 45th Parallel that I love to go into. Enjoy Bailey tons.

Mary said...

Deb, Bailey is adorable and will be a lovable companion! Your vacation photos and stories are great...you DID have a good time, thanks for sharing.

Sherry said...

Baily is adorable! We have thought of another dog but not yet. I loved all the vacation photos as we aren't taking one this year! You are coming right along on the scarf!

Lori said...

Bailey is adorable and I'm sure once he's settled in you will more happy!! Those early morning hours with a pup are killer!!

Love your vacation photos, what a beautiful area. Welcome home.

Alice ~ Folk Art Primitives said...

I love your doggie ~ how I'd love to have one again!! And love your vacation pix ~ looks like a charming place to spend time! Maybe next year you can get to Sauder ~ it's so inspiring!! Thanks for reading my blog!

Loraine said...

Deb! What a fantastic post. I love the vacation pictures. It looks simply divine! Funny about your DH. I wouldn't know how to drive a boat either! I'm glad he figured it out, so you could enjoy yourself.
The puppy is just the cutest thing ever! I can see why you caved. He is just a doll.
So great to see what you've been up to.
TTYS, Hugs.

Mylene said...

Great to see you back, Deb and looks like you all had a wonderful time.

Kaaren said...

Welcome home, Deb. I thoroughly enjoyed your pictures.

Now, as for your new family member. Keep him locked up because I guarantee you if I'm ever in your area I'm going to dog nap him. What a BEAUTY! I'm melting...and not from the heat but from his face!

You won't regret a day...I promise you!

Susan said...

Bailey is adorable!! I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with him. Your vacation looked sooo relaxing. Glad you enjoyed it!

Alice said...

Congratulations on your new puppy! Don't you love it when they nap? You had a beautiful vacation, such gorgeous pics!

Bekca said...

Bailey is the cutest puppy, but he must be quite a handful! Thank you for sharing your holiday pictures, I hope you had a wonderful time :)

Jan said...

Deb..don't know why, but I am just now seeing your post! I love Bailey, in fact, when I get a pet the next time, it is going to be a Golden Doodle (I hope). I just think they are the cutest, sweetest pets!

Lovely pics of your vacation, know you must have had such an enjoyable family time. Hope you had plenty of relaxing times with everyone and tons of memories to bring back home with you. It is sad to see summer going away, but the good thing is, there will be another one next year.

Have missed you, hugs to you!

Nicole said...

Bailey is just adorable!! What a sweetie!! Looks like you had a fantastic vacation. Michigan really does have some of the best lakes. We had fun on my dad's (Fenton) and my brother's (Walled) this summer. Love the scarf!! I started to make one of those a long time ago, but never finished, it was fun while I was knitting it though! :)

Robin said...

It looks like a beautiful vacation. Love the yarn and scarf. And think it is great to be able to pull something off on the kids! They get to an age when they think we don't know anything so it is cool to keep them on their toes! Enjoy that puppy!

MyLifesAStitch said...

Ah, Deb!

Bailey is sooo adorable, it almost hurts to look at him! In fact... the more I look at him the more he reminds me of my favorite stuffed toy as a child - a pooch named Le Mutt. Please don't be offended... I LOVED that dog! Wish I still had him.

Love the 45th parallel "weather station" sign, lolol!!!

I'm with ya on taking stitching/ etc. out while on vacation. I always take it with me, but rarely pull it out.

That yarn is beautiful and the scarf is really coming along. It's gorgeous! I can't knit... I think it's b'c I'm a bit too uptight so my stitches are too tight. You are so gifted at everything you touch, seriously! You're amazing!!

Alice said...

It is so good to have you back Deb. : )I did miss you. Bailey sure is a cute Golden Doodle. It is a breed I am totally unfamiliar with. We don't find them in Europe as far as I know but I could be wrong. I have the whole picture in my mind with you arriving, Bailey next to you, hubby with the camera and kids shell shocked! Good thing you got it all on film. A day to remember. Your holiday at Torch Lake and experiences was such fun to read and I loved the photos. That yarn sure is pretty, just the kind of thing one needs to brighten up a dreary winter.
Sending you a BIG {{{hug}}}
So glad you are home safely.
Alice
xxx

tina said...

Bailey is adorable, congratulations!!
Bentornata!!
Tina

Cindy F. said...

Deb, Bailey was an awesome way to surprise your family!! Such a handsome fellow:)
and your vacation sounds just wonderful:)
Loving your yarn choice! Going to make a fabulous scarf!!

Isabelle said...

Hello Deb, I didn't know how I did but I missed this post and it's a shame indeed because how many beautiful photos of your vacation you posted .
My goodness, could your Bailey be more adorable ??? oh ! no , i don't think . I am sure he will be a sweet boy with you and all your family!!!
Have a nice day:-)
Isabelle

Pauline said...

Bailey is just the cutest pooch, isn't he?! Please enter me in the giveaway for him (just joking!).

Loved looking at your holiday pics, and loved all YOUR quilting too!!

Pauline said...

Me again- crikey Deb, I just saw on your bloglist the Linen Closet Quilts blog and her new Folk Art Tribute BOM. I'm thinking about doing it...

Nancy M said...

Geez 67 comments? How do you keep up with it all?? LOL That was so sweet to surprise the family with a new puppy. I'm sure he is taking up all your spare time. When we just rescued our dog this year, I got a 5 year old.....cause I didn't want the puppy stage again! It is truly like having a baby all over. Your vacation looks like it was very enjoyable indeed! School starts Tueday....maybe then you'll get some quiet time back.

Loraine said...

I looked at this post last week, and didn't have time to comment. Love the scarf! So pretty. I really should learn how to knit.
The vacation pictures are fabulous too!
Hugs to you.