Memorial Day Weekend 2005

We stayed home on Memorial Day weekend and finally had an opportunity to work in the garden. As I grow older, I find that I enjoy working in the garden and admiring flowers. It's quite therapeutic and assuring to know that you are cultivating another life while beautifying your surroundings.

On Sunday, Michael, the kids and I took a drive down to Great Lakes Roses Nursery in Belleville. They specialise in growing roses. In fact, we were introduced to them at Eastern Market's Flower Day several weekends ago. We were very impressed with their knowledge of roses, and they sure did not disappoint! There were many beautiful roses from the old antiques to newer varieties.

We sat through a complimentary lecture about climbing roses and figured out that we were going to buy a William Baffin. This type of rose is a shrub that can be trained to climb.

We bought ten rose bushes including the William Baffin. We could not resist the 20% off if we bought ten or more. All of the rose bushes are really thriving in the front of the house 'cos of all the sun.

While I was waiting to pay for our rose bushes, Michael took the kids around the house and garden on the premises. The kids found some round yellow-green "fruits" that they called "me-bobs." Not sure why they called them that. But they reminded me of strawberries that have not ripened at all and were hollow inside. The kids had a pretty good time playing with them.


Anita at Great Lakes Roses (Belleville, MI).

Hoop Dreams (1994) Follow up DVD

I just found out that there will be a follow-up movie to the fantastic movie, Hoop Dreams, that followed the lives of two kids who try to become famous NBA stars. Great film... It really touched me the first time I saw it. You might have wondered what happened to William Gates and Arthur Agee. Read on in this Washington Post article. It's a very well-written and touching article. Looking forward to the sequel... might have to go to the library and check this one out again.


Hoop Dreams (1994) - A must see movie

The La's Reunion Tour 2005

I happened to do a search on Google to see if there were any good La's websites and ran across this:




I was completely gobsmacked. WOWOWOWOWOWWOWOW! I was so excited. So, the boys are back together somewhat it sounds. The La's were the other great band from Liverpool. (I think you know who I think the top band is! NOOOOO - not A Flock of Seagulls.) I don't know if I'd call Lee Mavers a genius, but the La's debut album is brilliant. You may have heard "There She Goes" in all of its incarnations -- most likely by the Nashville-based band, Sixpence None The Richer. Of course, The La's original provided two and half minutes of blissful pop.

A little known fact on my end: Many years ago, I sent off the cover of the album to their fanclub, and it was returned to me signed by all four members. If I have a chance, I will scan and add to this post. I never saw them live however. :O( A huge regret!

I'm glad to see whatever issues Lee and John Powers had in the past have been resolved. Now, if they'd only come over to do some gigs in Detroit ... Wishful thinking, I guess. I guess I'll have to get my La's fix at thelas.org and La'zarus site.

One last thing ... La's fans will remember this line: "Skin up yer bastards!" Yeah! :O)


I had a shirt exactly like this in high school! (I'm serious!)

39th Annual Flower Day @ Eastern Market

In prelude to the 39th Annual Flower Day at Eastern Market, we took a few photos of the kids in front of the house. They turned out really well!


Anita & Minnie in front of the daffodil bed at our house. Cute!


Another pic of Anita & Minnie in front of the daffodil bed at our house.

Sunday, May 15, 2005 | Flower Day!

This was our first time going to Flower Day which is held at Eastern Market in Detroit. According to the press, it's the largest single-day plant event in the world. Apparently, this event generates a $ 2 million revenue from selling plants and flowers alone. Check out some of the interesting photos we took along the way. BTW, I also have some cool video as well that I took with the digital camera. If you're interested, please let me know, and I'll send you the download link.


The bright pink blossoms of the Chenille Plant are so soft!


Apparently, Fox 2 News (Channel 2, Detroit) was also attracted to the smells of the grill!


Mmmmmm - very tempting.


Alpacas at Flower Day. Cute!!

Heather's 30th Birthday!

So, one day, I am working from home, and I get a phone call... It was from someone who I did not know, but they obtained my number from Robin. She was calling on behalf of someone who I hold close and dear to my heart. This someone, Heather (to be known as "Heather M"), called me to invite me to my dear friend, Heather's 30th birthday party. You have to understand that I have not seen Heather in two years! Loretta, Jody, Lisa and I practically grew up together and in Heather's house while we were going through high school together.

From Heather M's description, it sounded like it was going to be a blast. Heather's family was going to be there and a few old school friends. This was to be a surprise party, and boy -- was Heather surprised! :O) The party was held at her mother's house in Highland which is a lakefront property. The kids, Auntie Fai & Steve (Samantha's husband) went on a nice boat ride with Heather's mum driving.

Interestingly enough, Heather's mum drove while kneeling on the driver's seat. Also, I found out a bit later, that she just started learning to drive the boat two weeks ago. She is a VERY fast driver! Minnie was scared as we were crashing through the waves, but he started to really enjoy the ride when we were cruising through the windy watery path looking for animals. We saw a turtle, ducks and plenty of other birds. Yummers was sitting at the very front with Steve and asking him many questions.

All in all, a great time - it was so awesome to see Heather's family who I haven't seen in years! Everyone is doing well and happy. Heather looked so happy, and I really believe that it's partly due to her partner, Heather M. It was a privilege to be a part of this occasion. Enjoy some of the photos below.


Heather's Mum, her boat and Robin!


Heather, Jody, Loretta & Samantha.


Yummer and Auntie Fai.


Auntie Fai, Aunt Joan, Jamal and Uncle Robin playing a game of Euchre.


Heather looking cool as usual!


Minnie getting ready to give that pinata a good whacking!


Heather's delicious gelato cake.


The girls: Loretta, Heather, Jody and me!

Michael Levitates ala David Blaine

or so I thought... You might have heard of the Street Magician, David Blaine. Michael actually performed one of David Blaine's more infamous tricks which involves levitation (i.e. rising a few inches above ground).

After completing freaking me out, I invited the kids and Grandmother Anita to come and watch Michael levitate. After he impressed us again with this feat, I immediately did some investigation and found out that there is an applied method called the Balducci Levitation. This method conveys the impression of levitation when done right. Pretty impressive!

Minnie's Fourth Birthday!

It's hard to believe but Minnie turned four on Thursday, April 28, 2005! He went to bed the night before as a three year old and woke up as a four year old. The kids went to school in the morning, and I picked the kids up for lunch. I took the kids out to Boston Market 'cos dad told them that they the "best macaroni and cheese." The kids agreed that their macaroni and cheese was delicious. After lunch, we stopped off at Baskin Robbins for a yummy ice cream cone.

Minnie received balloons for his birthday from Grandma and Grandpa. The man asked if there was a "Michael Michaud" who lived in the house. Minnie was a little bit shy, but then realised that the balloons were his! :O) He loved them!


Minnie, Yummers and Birthday Balloons!

Bird's Nest Cupcakes
We also made "Bird's Nest Cupcakes" for Minnie's birthday. They look great, tasted great, and we had fun making them, too! As you can see below, here is some of the finished product below. The leaves are spearmint gumdrop leaves. The eggs are Coconut and Buttered Popcorn Jelly Belly Beans. The nest consisted of Chow Mein noodles held together with melted marshmallow and butter. Cool, eh?


Voila! Some of the finished cupcakes.

Friday, April 29, 2005 | Grandma and Grandpa Arrive
Grandma and Grandpa were driving eight or nine long and hard hours from Nashville to Michigan to wish Minnie a happy birthday. Yummer had the option of going to Junior Jazzercise or seeing her grandparents on Friday night. Grandma and Grandpa won out! :O)

Saturday, April 30, 2005 | Guernsey Diary
We had a busy day on Saturday. The kids had their first gymnastics glasses at the SPLITZ Gymnasium and LOVED it! They enjoyed tumbling around the facility. Afterwards, we headed out to Guernsey Farms for an Open House to see how ice cream, milk and other dairy products were made. Unfortunately, when we arrived and parked, we discovered that there was already a two hour wait for the tour! So, we decided we would have a nice lunch and ice cream treat there.

There is a family tradition of eating ice cream under the big trees and on the big rock in front of Guernsey's. We decided to carry on a bit of tradition and have the kids get on the rock for a picture.


Yummer & Minnie on the Big Rock at Guernsey's on Novi Road with Roger in the background.

Sunday, May 1, 2005 | Presents!
One thing I did not mention earlier was that Spring Clean-up date was on Saturday. This is the only day of the year where we can put out as much trash as we want on the curb without having to pay a tag fee ($ 1.50 per bag to have your trash thrown out - outrageous!). This, along with getting an area cleared for Minnie's big present gave us plenty of motivation to begin cleaning up the basement!

The big present was Minnie's Lionel train! It has the normal whistle and bells. It also blows smoke and has lights. Very cool present. Minnie also received a nice suitcase, a marble race, Batman figure, Batman shooter and clothes.


Marble Deluxe - Over 100 Pieces - Cool!

Monday, May 2, 2005 | Chuck E Cheese
Let me tell you that I am not the biggest Chuck E Cheese fan. However, that was until we went at 4.00 in the afternoon... It was perfect: Not a lot of pushy kids (and parents) which in turn leads to less screaming and chaos. Lesson learned: Take the kids to Chuck E Cheese on a late Monday afternoon. The kids played a whole bunch of games thanks to Grandma and Grandpa and redeemed their tickets for three prizes apiece.


The Two Anitas at Chuck E Cheese.


Minnie (with a Roostertail) and Roger.

Snow in Late April? You betcha!

On April 24, 2005, the strangest thing happened in the state of Michigan. It snowed, and we actually had accumulation. It was quite a change from the previous week's record of 80 degrees! I've said it all my life... Michigan weather is SO unpredictable. The plants and flowers were starting to come up, too. As you can see in the pictures, the leaves were already on the trees.


Snowing in the back of the house on April 24, 2005!


Looking out on Union Street - April 24, 2005.

Our First Family Fishing Trip (04.16.2005 - 04.17.2005)

On a beautiful weekend recently (April 16 and April 17, 2005), Michael, Grandmother Anita, Yummers, Minnie and I went fishing! For some reason, Minnie had it in his heart that he really wanted to go fishing and would ask everyday during our trip to Quebec when we were going to go.

Saturday, April 16, 2005
So, we went to two locations to catch a fish after we came home. The first location was at one of the small ponds on Schoolcraft Road by Hines Drive. While we were fishing, a Parks Officer questioned folks who were fishing whether or not they had a fishing license. We learned that kids who were 18 and under did not have to having a fishing license. Good thing to know.

After some time, it was fairly clear that today would not be a day where we would catch a fish. While we were fishing, there was another man who was walking around throwing his line in and around different areas of the ponds. Apparently, these ponds have some good sized fish. They just weren't biting today. He recommended another park in Plymouth with a little lake on McClumpha Road.

After bidding farewell, we decided to eat lunch and let the kids play in the park across the road. Tomorrow, we would go to the park on McClumpha Road.


The two Anitas at our first swimming site on Schoolcraft and Wilcox Road.


Sunday, April 17, 2005
We went to the park on McClumpha Road and were a little more successful as you can see! :O) Minnie and Yummer both caught a bluegill each. It was a really exciting time for both kids.


Minnie's first catch - a bluegill!


We're looking forward to more fishing trips!

Morrissey: "Who Put the M in Manchester?"

He never fails to amaze me. Morrissey is still very clever, and the voice is strong and clear. I listened to the DVD at work this morning which made me pull out the "World of Morrissey" CD out of my desk drawer. It was really cool to see Alain Whyte, Boz Boorer and Gary Day in the band again as well. Gotta keep those rockabilly cats employed...


Morrissey still from "Who Put the M in Manchester?"


Great still of Mozzer from the same DVD.

Thanks to my brother, Tien, for the AWESOME birthday present!

Quebec City, Canada: Part 8 (Toronto and the CN Tower)

After four wonderful days in Quebec City, we had to head home. We had a three hour layover in Toronto, Canada. The Toronto train station is across from another Fairmont property, The Royal York. Michael took a cute picture of the kids on their cool couch.


Anita & Minnie posing on a fancy seat at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Ontario.


We decided to explore Toronto a little bit more. On our walk in downtown Toronto, we saw the CN Tower on our left! we decided to go up and see the amazing views from the world's tallest observation deck at 1,465 feet. A wonderful way to spend our time.


The kids standing next to a replica on the way to the top of the CN Tower.


The kids and downtown Toronto below!


Another view of Toronto and the kids.

Overall, we had a great time and looking forward to coming back for a visit.

Quebec City, Canada: Part 7 (Miscellaneous Pictures)

Here are some other pictures of our trip to Quebec City. Of course, a stay at a hotel would not be complete with a trip to the swimming pool! Le Chateau Frontenac had something at the pool that I've never experienced ... pool attendants! Their changing rooms also had a "dryer" (more like a wringer) to dry out your bathing suits. Pretty cool.

Anita and Minnie are having a ball in the kiddie pool. Doesn't Minnie's eyes look green? Sometimes they look green, and sometimes they look brown.


Anita & Minnie swimming at Le Chateau Frontenac's kiddie pool.


Smith is a very common name in the States ... Michaud is a very common name in Quebec. If you look in the phone book, there are over four pages of Quebecers with the Michaud surname. It's pronounced "Mee-show."

Roger reminded me that his grandfather was from Quebec. Perhaps the following Michauds are relatives! :OD


Could Yves be related?


Florent ... very interesting name!

Quebec City, Canada: Part 6 (The Country Tour)

On the second to last day of our trip, we decided to go on a bus tour and explore a little bit of the country (or the area outside of Old Quebec).

We traveled to the Island of Orleans. No stops here unfortunately - hence, no pictures. The island is comprised of many houses that were over 300 years old. The tour guide / bus driver pointed out the houses whose doors and windows were set very low to the ground. Three hundred years ago, the average height of a man was about five feet!

Our next stop was the Montmorency Falls. Niagara Falls gets a lot more publicity, but the Montmorency Falls is 23 metres taller than Niagara Falls. Take a look at the map on this web site. We crossed the bridge even after reading a sign that three people had plunged to their death when the original bridge fell apart. But, you must realise that the bridge had long been replaced since that incident.


Montmorency Falls


Our next stop was Saint Anne de Beaupre Basilica. Grandmother Anita recalled coming up the steps when she was 14 on a family trip to Quebec City. It is an impressive and beautiful church both outside and inside. I found another site with additional history about the Basilica.


Fancy some Holy Water?


Crutches and other aids left by those who were healed.


After our visit at the Basilica, we went to the Albert Gilles Copper Works museum / store. This was very interesting because he created 51 copper panels depicting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Finally, our last visit was to a Bee Store where there was a complimentary wine tasting. They specialise in creating wines with honey. Roger and I found some honey made by a Michaud family in France.

Overall, a great way to spend four hours and learn more about Quebec.

Quebec City, Canada: Part 5 (La Citadelle)

La Citadelle is an active military garrison that is a "must visit" if you are interested in military history or in Quebec's history. Check out the history and more information at their web site. It is about a 15 minute walk from the Chateau Frontenac. On our way there, we walked on top of the surrounding walls which is covered by grass. It was very windy when we visited La Citadelle. Our tour guides provided a great overview of the history and purpose of the structure.


The kids in front of La Citadelle.


Yummers running around on the flat area on the way to La Citadelle.


Anita, Minnie, me, and Roger with "Rachel" and Le Chateau Frontenac in the background.

Quebec City, Canada: Part 4 (Funiculaire and Quebec City's Lower Town)

You may wonder what a Funiculaire is ... so did we! What did we do? We went to check out it was and discovered it was a neat way to go to Quebec City's Lower Town. The fee was nominal, and thankfully there were no lines.


Anita, Roger, me, Minnie sitting on the base of the Samuel de Champlain statue in front of the Funiculaire.


The kids and I in front of the Funiculaire.


Going down to lower town ... See the other one coming back up?

We walked all around Lower Town and marvelled at the stores. It was a breath of fresh air to see historic and original buildings being utilised. While admiring the architecture and the city itself, we had an important mission: to find a coat for Anita. We had accidentally left her jacket on the train! Although we were visiting Quebec City in April, it was still fairly chilly (about 10 - 15 degrees colder than Michigan).



We were looking for a coat for Anita, but saw this shirt in the window...


A street in Lower Town.


There were several very interesting lifelike and realistic murals painted on the sides of the buildings in Quebec City. Take a look at the pics I posted.


The kids in front of a mural in Lower Town.


Another mural painted on a side of a building.


While we were in Quebec's Lower Town, we found this and HAD to snap a picture!


We loved the message on this weight which translates to "Roger loves you!"