NEW JERSEY 2008

Taking a morning walk in one of New Jersey's wonderful parks with my brother, Paul, and sister-in-law, Janet.

This river that flows through the park is a fisherman's peaceful haven in nature.

My niece, Liane, and her son George. Liane prepared a wonderful brunch that we enjoyed along with her, George, her husband, Mike, and their youngest son, Benjamin, and Paul and Janet. A good family get together to catch up with each other's lives.

Stopping by the soccer game that my niece, Aimee, and her husband, Dave, were attending in which both their children, Allison and Jason, participated with their respective teams. Both children are very good soccer players. All of us, including Paul and Janet, followed seeing some soccer action with a wonderful meal that Aimee had prepared at their nearby home.

FALL CLOUDS IN TRAVERSE BAY RESORT

Enjoy the interesting cloud formations in the Northern skies during early October.

SCENES FROM MISSION PENINSULA - MICHIGAN

On the drive to the Mission Peninsula, we pass by Traverse Bay where many boats are docked. Along the route, signs of fall are everywhere.

Driving on the Peninsula, there are winding roads with water views, lovely homes, orchards, and wineries. Also, a pumpkin patch to begin decorations for Halloween.

This is the Boathouse Restaurant, one of several restaurants, serving wonderful lunches and dinners. The patio area is in the back and from there, whether eating inside or on the patio, there are lovely views of West Traverse Bay. Just after we left the restaurant, we saw this buck strolling in a nearby field.

One of many beautiful properties on Mission Peninsula. As you can see, it is election season.
Below is another beautiful home.

An island can be seen from this view along the way. Also, one of many docks that reach out into the Bay.

Another view of the Traverse Bay as we leave the Peninsula.

CHATEAU CHANTAL - MISSION PENINSULA, MI

Chateau Chantal is on a 65 acre estate in the scenic Mission Peninsula in the Grand Traverse Bay region. It is a winery, a vineyard, and a 15,000 square foot luxury bed and breakfast. The B&B has views of both East Grand Traverse Bay and West Grand Traverse Bay.

On the road to the winery, we drove past the vineyard with their plump, lush grapes on the vines.

Robert and Nadine Begin began the winery in 1983 and opened the B&B in 1993. The B&B has vista of both the East and West Grand Traverse Bay and is situated at the highest point on the Peninsula. The Chateau was named after their daughter, Marie-Chantal. Above is one of the winding segments of driveway up to the B&B and Wine Tasting Cellar. Below is a view of West Grand Traverse Bay from the B&B.

I am at the entrance to the Wine Cellar and Walter is in the parking lot for the Wine Cellar and the B&B, The story of Robert and Nadine Begin, the owners, is interesting. Robert was a priest for 12 years in Detroit and then left to start a construction business. Nadine joined the Felician Sisters in 1950, earning her Master's Degree in Home Economics, and teaching for 22 years. She also made the decision for a different life, they met, and we know the rest.

Above is the back patio of the B&B which overlooks rows and rows of vineyards and the East Grand Traverse Bay. It is really quite beautiful. Below is another segment of the wonderful road leading the the B&B and Wine Cellar.

One of many fields of grapes growing and below is the view from the back patio of the B&B

A VISIT FROM NEIGHBORING HORSES

Quite a group of people were following the horses as they walked freely through our streets. Two horses from across the street from us, apparently got out of their pasture, crossed the street, strolled up our half-mile driveway and then made their way to our street. The amazing thing is that they safely crossed a very busy road, M-72, that leads to Traverse City.
As you can see, the horse is without bridle, halter, or saddle. The younger of the two horses is being led away by its owner, a UPS employee. A neighbor, a few sites away from us, brought out a bag of carrots, and you guessed it, that kept the horses entertained until their owners showed up.

This is the older horse being let away. It is amazing how calm and gentle the horses where as quite a number of strangers and cars were following them around.
We are speculating that for the whole season, the horses have been wondering what was going on across the street. They made their get-away and had a great adventure. The owners hope they don't remember where they got the carrots from!!