'Gone fishin'

Well, not exactly, but by the time this edition is delivered I will officially be 'on vacation.'

That means R&R in the north country - the Lake Michigan beaches of Charlevoix, to be specific - and catching up on some home improvement projects - Forest Hill Road in Riley Township, to be equally exact.

It also means extra time spent with the 'most beautiful granddaughter in the world,' Gwendolyn, who at nearly 21 months old is not so little anymore. She talks a blue streak - most of which is actually understandable - and often seems to move at the speed of light, as well.

At least Mollie thinks so. At age 84 in human years, my canine companion doesn't even try to keep up with Gwendolyn - staying out of her path is much more to Mollie's liking.

My thanks to readers who continue to ask about Mollie's well-being. It's been quite some time since I've written about our walks down the lane - rest assured that those treks are a nightly routine, and that she still enjoys pouncing on field mice whenever possible.

I also appreciate the positive remarks that keep on coming from readers who enjoy the County Road series of articles - which is nearing completion, by the way. When ever more than a week or two goes by without a township visit, I definitely hear about it. We're glad it's been a fun ride for you all, too.

The lead paragraph of this week's article notes that the final trips through Westphalia and Riley townships are particularly noteworthy for me - Riley, where we'll end up in a couple weeks, has been 'home' for most of my life, while Westphalia has strong roots on the Kloeckner-Thelen side of my family tree.

As much as I'm looking forward to getting away for a bit, the pleasure of coming 'home' here to this part of Clinton County is never far from my mind.

Time spent on warm and sunny beaches gazing out at blue water, and walks down the lane while fireflies dance in the cool summer evening - it's going to be a great vacation.