WUBIE AND MALLARDS BY OUR POND-FRONT

On this day Wubie's curiosity was sparked. He looked back at me with a look that said I want to see the ducks up close. However, the ducks had no intention of coming on shore. The ducks finally decide they were safe and went about their business.

We still aren't sure how he gets up there, but he does like high places.

UNKNOWN SPECIES OF WATERFOWL WITH BABIES BY OUR POND-FRONT

A species of duck we are not familiar with, but this mom and her 10 babies came out of the pond, went under our RV, and below took a break on our patio and then decided to rest on the lawn between our patio and the pond. These little ones are so cute. If they get any distance from the mom, they skim at a high rate of speed over the water to catch up with mom and siblings.

PAESANOS PIZZERIA

After stopping by the Elk Rapids Farmer's market we went into downtown Traverse City to try a highly recommended pizzeria. Paesanos is in a small building facing Front Street with the back at the edge of the fast flowing Boardman River that courses in a winding meander through downtown.

Today it is still a little cool outside, so we sit inside. The pizza is made by the owner with aromatic Italian sausage and spices. Ingredients are top quality so we get a crisp, flavorful pizza that is not dripping with fat.

Our loyal and reliable steed awaits for us under a large maple tree on Front Street. The TART trail used by bikers, roller-skaters and strollers passes right next to it.

ELK RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET

From our place we drove this morning along M-31 following the East shore of the East arm of Traverse Bay to the small town of Elk Rapids. The drive is very picturesque, with beautiful views of the Bay, fruit tree orchards, rolling hills and pretty farms. We pass a nice looking B&B, and the Altonen Farm Market where they sell freshly picked strawberries.

As we arrive in town we see the arm of Elk Lake that finally spills through rapids in downtown into the Grand Traverse Bay. The Market is open and we find it full of people buying flower plants, spices, bakery goods, homemade perfumed soaps, and many other local products.

HEALTH CARE MEET-UP

We were invited by a local couple to a get-together at their home to share ideas and perspectives on our mutual interest in a solution to the health care crisis in this country.

Sharon and Jay's house is not far from our RV place in the hills above the East arm of Grand Traverse Bay. These are very interesting and civically active people. They are clearly generous and friendly people, and we connect with them immediately. They had invited some of their friends, and we found them interesting and engaged. Maybe we will meet them again some day.