June 9, 2013. The Bugler and the Gulls Never Rest.

 

June 9, 2013.  The Bugler and the Gulls Never Rest.  I received this email today from a colleague:

In a dark and hazy room, peering into a crystal ball, the fortune teller delivered grave news:

"There's no easy way to tell you this, so I'll just be blunt. Prepare yourself to be a widow. Your husband will die a violent and horrible death this year."

Visibly shaken, the young woman stared back at the old woman's lined face, then at the single flickering candle, then down at her shaking hands.

She took a few deep breaths to compose herself. Her mind raced. A question forced it's way out... she simply had to know.. She met the Fortune Teller's gaze, tried to steady her voice and asked,

"Will I be acquitted?"

I quickly responded, "I type this message with trembling fingers. Please forgive any typos which result from my unsteadiness. But, I must know, tell me, was the soon-to-be-widow named Annie?"

He assured me that it was not.  Whew . . . I breathed normally again.  However, in the case of Annie, the "needed killing" defense might have worked.   

We returned to Mackinac Island today for more biking, eating and, this time, a nap on the grass expanse in front of the old fort.  However, after a few moments of nap, the 'tupid gulls would wake me.  A few of those reposing on the lawn were trying to enjoy a picnic.  The gulls screeched, cawed loudly and fought over which might get close enough to catch pieces of bread being tossed to them.  The people finally packed their basket and left.  I nodded off again.  Then the even more 'tupid bugler at the fort began tooting his obnoxious horn.  I wished the picnickers would return so I could fight the gulls for the bread and stuff it down the bell of the bugle.  We gave up and returned to the bikes.

Tomorrow, we will turn north again, not to Canada, but to what Michiganders call the Upper Peninsula.  There are several state parks there which we'd like to visit.  Tahquamenon Falls State Park has  a water fall that is said to be second only to Niagara east of the Mississippi.  That will be our second stop.  The first will be Brimley State Park by Sault Ste Marie. 

Oh, the Grandchildren's Quiz, I extended the deadline to midnight tonight.  One of the "supervisors" was out of town and requested the extension.  Benevolent quiz-master that I am, I consented.  The results will be published tomorrow night.