Monica’s been begging to go to the boardwalk for so long, we really had to go. It’s so close to the house, but the crowds are always a drag. We headed out early while the fog was still burning off. There were no lines, so it really was easy. Gabe loves the little flying rides like the helicopters. Nick goes for the high speed spinning rides. I like the roller coasters and the log ride. Anyone up for a big drop? ...
A few shots around the camp before heading back to California. The babbling brook really is going this time of year. The lake is so clear and still, Charlotte gets a shot of a crayfish making his way between rock fields. Before they leave, George manages to drop his expensive glasses into the lake. During the summer, this would be an easy problem, but the lake is really cold still. They decide to try and snag them from the small boat, but luck isn’t on their side. George finally leans over and reaches down to get them. Nothing like a nice cold plunge before heading out to the airport. ...
It’s good to see the family together on this very difficult day. It’s hard to see family pictures like these knowing that Charlotte won’t be in them anymore. I know I’ll always think she’s still there somehow. The ceremony at the church was a small affair just like Charlotte wanted it. After the funeral, I’m sure the conversation was very difficult. I’m happy that the girls were able to get out and enjoy the great Michigan outdoors on a day like this. It’s the kind of quiet time where thoughts come most clearly. ...
Charlotte’s mom just passed away and she’s off to Bootjack with her brothers and sisters for the funeral. It’s certainly not the type of event anyone wants to bring family together, but I know they’re all happy to be up in Michigan.
We decided to put on a century ride this year to raise money for our local schools through SVEF. We rode 100 miles down to Big Sur with about 15 riders. It was a beautiful day for a ride as usual.
Val’s bird Ruby was driving her crazy with his noises, so Charlotte decided to bring him home for a sleep over. Turns out that once he got a glimpse of Cheerio, it was love at first site. They were constantly nuzzling each other and he would sing the most elaborate songs I had ever heard from these birds. The only casualty in all this was Monica. Cheerio wanted nothing to do with Monica anymore. Ruby would also go bonkers if Monica took Cheerio into her room. ...
Charlotte Mae Hoyem, 73, of Bootjack, passed away Monday evening, May 5, 2003, following a lengthy battle with cancer at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock where she had been a patient for the past two weeks. Charlotte was born on November 30, 1929 in Ferndale, Mich., a daughter of Charles and Dorothy Valentine. She was a graduate of Marysville High School in Marysville, Mich., Class of 1947 and also attended the University of Michigan and Siena Heights College in Adrian, Mich. She was married to Gordon E. Hoyem on December 6, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minn. She later lived in St. Clair, Mich., Birmingham, Mich. for 27 years and since 1983, had made her home in Bootjack. She was an architectural draftsman, having worked for her father and husband. She was very artistic and did creative writing while living in Birmingham. She was very active in the Creative Art Center where she was the Director of Education. Charlotte enjoyed painting in her art studio in Bootjack. She was preceded in death by her parents. ...
Charlotte took Gabe on his field trip to Happy Hollow in San Jose. It’s really a very fun place for the kids, though it can be quite a mob scene. There’s a zoo, rides, and it looks like some kind of play. I sure would have loved to take him on this field trip.
After much encouragement, Charlotte decided to take some quilting lessons. She’s been creating so many great blankets for everyone, it’s a natural next step for her talents. She doesn’t think that highly of her first effort, but I think it came out great.
We head out to Carole and David’s place for the second night of Passover. I’ve never done the second night before, but it is a great excuse to see the rest of the family. John and Joni are there. Dad, Karen, and Max make it as well. Lots of catching up to do before sitting down for the Seder. Enough fun, it’s time to go through the whole thing one more time. I think Gabe is glad to be here. ...