David Multer

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. ...

My dad sent in these pictures from our second night of Passover at my aunt Carole’s house. The male progeny of Ira Multer. Hanging out on the day after.

Before subjecting the kids to the pain of making it through the Haggadah, it’s time to treat them to fun at the local park. That rope web thing was a big hit. Having the Seder outside was a real treat. I think Gabe is worried about what’s coming. Scott looks like he has the same concerns. We all made it through in one piece, so it’s time for more fun. ...

Now that Scott is in town, it’s time to pack the families up and head down to historic downtown Philadelphia.There’s no shortage of famous spots in this birthplace of our country. We grab some lunch along the way. Annabel is really enjoying her spaghetti. Next stop is the Betsy Ross house. That girl was quite the seamstress. On to the next historic site, Independence Park.

It’s such a beautiful day here in Pennsylvania, we decide to head out and do some sightseeing. Here we are at Washington Crossing.The river really is moving here, it’s hard to imagine old George making it across on that cold winter. Back at Lynda’s house there’s plenty of fun with Kyle and Rachel. That trampoline and playhouse sure looks familiar. Gabe had so much fun with those Nerf footballs. ...