The End Is Near!! (December 19-22)

The old girl is ready for bed

It's been a long season for her

The last load is loading corn in Toledo heading for storage in Port Colborne, Ontario

The John J. Boland already laid up in Toledo

Behind her is the American Republic


The Calumet coming through the Craig bridge and under the Veterns Glass City Skyway

Heading up the Maumee to Andersons E

Tug Idaho meeting the boat to make the turn.

The Boyer all closed up for the winter.

Tug Idaho

At the dock, ready to load. The guys are welding where they fixed the unloading gear.

The Maritime Trader loading grain across the river

An icy deck. All of the corn dust from loading actually added a lot of traction to the ice.

Another hatch full

The guys painting on the grease (aka cooking lard) before putting on the hatch cover, to make a water tight seal

Nearing the end

Passing through the King bridge on their way out of the Maumee River, heading for the Welland Canal

A little further along, nearing the Skyway

A cold, windy, rough day on Lake Erie

The Indiana Harbor and CSL Niagara at anchor waiting for the weather to clear. A total of 10 boats were waiting there together

Addy's 1st and Jay's 43rd Birthday Party (November 22-23, 2008)

We had an early birthday party for Addy and Jay since Jay will be back on the boat.

Graham, Jenn, Addy, Dad, Lizzie, and Auntie all made it over to celebrate.

Addy's Elmo birthday cake

We started off the day on a sad note. Here's Graham and Addy looking sad after another Michigan defeat.

Addy loved playing with the balloons.

The birthday princess.

Addy took her new Elmo sipper cup everywhere. Even when she fell down she didn't let it leave her arms.

She wasn't sure about opening the presents at first.

Eventually she got the hang of it.

Auntie brought her a new hat her great-grandma had knit.

She loved her Elmo too.

Addy helping Uncle Jay opening his presents.

Wow, it's a horsey that sings.

Uncle Jay and his presents.

Addy riding her new horse all around the kitchen. Elmo even has a place to ride.

Trying to figure this thing out.

Addy and Grandpa, all dressed in Michigan colors.

Dad and Auntie.

Supper time!

Addy and Uncle Jay with Addy's birthday cake. Time to sing.

Addy wasn't sure what to make of the cake. Can I touch it? Can I eat it? Maybe I'll just look at it.

Eating a little bit of cake Daddy gave her.

Jay with his birthday pie (all the way from Guppy's)

Maybe I will try this cake thing, or I'll just play with the plate.

Addy had lots of toys to play with. Boy did we have fun. So many new things to see and do.

Aunt Carrie's old crib toy was fascinating.

And then there was the purple dog she carried all the way downstairs from the bedroom.

She loved trying out our stairs though. Boy she's an old pro at these.

Uncle Jay and Addy out front by the birthday flag. The party's almost over.

Some family pictures before everyone left.

Jay, Dad, and Graham.

Graham, Jay, Auntie, Dad, and Addy.

Lizzie, Jenn, Addy, Auntie, and Carrie.