Oh, Baby.

Good thing it's raining today because the blackflies and mosquitoes would be horacious otherwise.  And it's also a good thing because the world was starting to dry out up here.  One more reason it's good (and I speak for myself) is because after 1,000 gray winter days in a row, hot and sunny days tend to fry a person right off the bat.  The cool, wet, grayness is a nice balance every once in a while.  Besides, it's Monday, and those usually feel gray anyway.  Okay, well, I like Mondays.

In my last post, I emphasized the fact that blood-sucking insects were at bay.  I knew they would be here by now.  My doggie can't even lay peacefully on the porch; he's too busy biting at the swarms around his body.

But, 'tis the season.  We knew this would come.  Of course, they can go away anytime now.  I think we've earned ourselves a pleasant summer.  I'll keep you posted as it progresses.

A few days ago, just before the bugs got bad, Duce and I went up to Lake Manganese.  After the "spring," that pond was a welcome sight.  Duce ran right in to swim.  I tested the water with my hand, then kicked off my shoes to wade a bit.  Pretty tepid, actually.  I would have to be beading sweat to want to swim in it, but it will be an option -- when the bugs die off a bit.

Speaking of sweating, have you noticed that I haven't been doing much of that lately?  I've traded my death-defying, hear-pumping adventures for wandering wildflower walks.  I'm currently not allowed to do the former because there is a baby in my belly.

That's right.  I'm incubating a mini adventure buddy!  This little person should make their appearance to the world in late October, so I've got all summer to give tours and write and garden and pick berries and paint a baby's room.  Aaron and I are really excited to be parents.  It must just be that time in our lives!

So, yeah.  No mountain biking or cliff climbing (or descending) or anything crazy like that.  But I tell you, I can't wait to take my kayak out.  The inland lakes should warm up a bit soon until I get a wetsuit.

But this weekend I'm going to a new place.  Mackinac Island.  Have you ever been there?  Talk about a tourist destination.  I'm going to the Annual Summer Conference for the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association.  Last year I went up to Canada for that, remember?  I sure am looking forward to that trip.  Something different, you know?

After that trip, I'll have some pictures for you.  But this time, well, I'm not really sure how it happened, but I have nothing current to share.  My apologies for this round.  And don't hold it against me; I'm a little sensitive these days. 

Well, have a great week, and I'll see you when I get back from the little island!