Sunday, January 31, 2016

Eating Well in Houghton Lake

Day 84


I moved to Houghton Lake form Warren in April of 2005 and since then I have gained 70 lbs. It's the restaurants in this area.

Down state there are plenty of glitzy restaurants and not so glitzy eating establishments. Here in Houghton Lake we have a lot less glitz and a whole lot of family style dining. And that means good hot food and plenty of it.

One of my favorites is Garrett's Restaurant on M-55 next to the new Little Caesars. They make the best ham and cheese omelet in the area. On Thursdays they make a Grilled Club Sandwich with Fries direct from heaven. I haven't tried their Chicken N Biscuits yet, but I will. I saw another diner eating this one day and I have to wait until it's on the daily special menu again.

The best Biscuits and Gravy goes to Shaker's Restaurant also on M-55. The gravy has a noticeable amount of course black pepper so if you don't like pepper it's probably not for you. They have a House Salad made with a salad dressing that comes from an old family recipe. Fabulous.

I haven't had a pizza from Buccilli's yet but it's on my list. The parking lot is always full. G's Pizza near Walmart is also reputed to be very good.

Even the fast food restaurants here give you more. I really enjoy Arby's Beef & Cheddar. The last time I had one down state was in Warren. The cheese sauce on this was smaller than the pickle on a McDonalds cheeseburger. I had a Beef & Cheddar here in Houghton Lake and there was so much cheese sauce it was all over the wrapper.

There are several more excellent restaurant's here and I could spend the day writing about them but I won't. You'll just have to find out for yourself which is your favorite. Enjoy.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Fortune and Glory Easy If You Know Where To Look!

Day 83


I finally received my copy of Fortune and Glory: A Treasure Hunter's Handbook. As soon as I opened the book I discovered a mystery that confounded me. Why is the print in this book smaller than the interest rate on a credit card application? I need reading glasses and a magnifying glass to read this.

And that's not the only book with super small print I have come across this week. I went to the library and checked out two books; The Forgotten Room by Lincoln Child and The Magician by Lev Grossman. The Magician also has tiny print. Does it really cost that much more to add a few leafs of paper and make the print a little larger? I understand this book was also released in large print. What I don't know is; does the publisher have to pay separately for the rights to publish in large print? Also, if you find it necessary to release a large print edition; why not just use larger print to begin with?

My reading list; The Divine Comedy by Dante, Gods of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Silas Marner by George Eliot, Conan the Barbarian the Complete Collection by Robert E Howard, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, and Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain.

Searching for fortune and glory? The library is the first place to look. It's shelves are filled with rare gems waiting to be discovered. And endless tales of glory.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, January 29, 2016

Tip Up Town 2016 Final Weekend

Day 82


This is the final weekend of Tip Up Town USA and it's going to be HOT. Literally. The temperature both Saturday and Sunday is predicted to be in the upper 30's, maybe even low 40's.

The Polar Bear Dip, probably the most popular event, is Saturday at 1 PM. Come early if you're planning to dip. Lines start to form around 10 AM. If you are a spectator and you want a seat in the stands, better get there early for those too. There is usually standing room along the barrier to watch the Dippers.

For schedule of events click here.

Until tomorrow,

Ken


Thursday, January 28, 2016

Jimmy Fallon & Jack Black "More Than Words" with a Touch of Stephen King

Day 81


Minus the horsing around for comic value it's actually an excellent cover of the song More Than Words by Extreme. Also the video is almost shot exactly as the original. Both of these guys are very talented. I only wish I could sing as well. Guess I'll have to be content to be a writer/photographer.


Then again, I've heard Mitch Albom and Stephen King sing. I count myself lucky.




Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Fortune and Glory The Quest for Riches

Day 80


I have been anxiously awaiting the latest book that I ordered from Jet.com. I should say ordered anything "through" them since this is being sold and shipped by Barnes & Noble. This is not about where I got the book from it's about the subject matter.

Fortune & Glory: A Treasure Hunters Guide deals with a subject I have been interested in since I was young. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to say most boys are interested in adventure and finding hidden or buried treasure. The book cover even strongly resembles the title from the Indiana Jones movies.

Indiana Jones, of course, stimulated the desire for fortune and glory through movies and a lesser known book series. But outside of entertainment, the search for mythical treasure is nothing compared to digging up information about possible hidden treasures. I thought the internet would be full of websites dedicated to stories of lost cities of gold, pirate booty, lost artifacts and antiques. I found nada, nothing, zip, zero, zilch. The only thing I found was this book. I'm hoping it's a starting point for my research.

I have no intention of running off to South American jungles in search of riches. But I would like to write some stories of someone who does chase their dreams. Half of the fun of writing a story is in the research and the surprising tidbits of information that you discover.

Maybe I should take my research and start a website for treasure hunters. After all I can't be the only Indiana Jones fan out there with dreams of "fortune and glory".

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a Disappointing Ripoff

Day 79


The new Star Wars movie The Force Awakens has been out long enough and made record amounts of money, so I can reveal the truth. Ready?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is nothing but a REMAKE of the original Star Wars movie.

The first movie, later renamed Episode IV: A New Hope. All Disney did was rearrange the characters. Luke Skywalker is now a girl, Han Solo is a disenfranchised storm trooper. Mark Hamill plays Luke Skywalker and is set up to be the next Yoda (although not nearly as cute). Carrie Fisher as "General" Leia replaces Mon Mothma as the rebel leader.

R2D2 is a rolling ball with "the secret plans inside" put there by the new Princess who is a male fighter pilot for the NEW rebels. Harrison Ford plays the part of Old Ben Kenobi Telling the new characters that the force is real. And we have a new Emperor and new Darth Vader. And the Death Star is now a Death Planet. Mind boggling!

If you've seen both movies I'm sure you can see what I'm saying. Unless, of course, your in denial. True fans though would know they're being flim-flammed. And it is seriously disappointing.

With all of the excellent books and stories they could have chosen to make a new movie, they took the easy way out and did a transparent remake using the exact same story as the first movie.

News flash Disney! The first movie wasn't successful because of the story or the actors (most relatively unknown). It was epic because of the special effects. Those special effects are no longer special as they have been copied repeatedly over the years and today are almost common in scifi movies.

I can only hope the next movie is not a copy of The Empire Strikes Back. The fans both old and new deserve better. The proof is the record money the fans spent to watch this retread.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, January 25, 2016

I Like to Hibernate

Day 78


I find it's getting late in the day and I'm behind on my blog entry. I should have had this done a couple of hours ago. I am a procrastinator by nature but even more so in the winter time. I'm like a big ol' bear (in more ways than one) who hibernates in the winter. This is suppose to be the time I do most of my writing. Come spring and summer and fall I'll be fishing, though not as much as I use to.

The point of this 365 day blog challenge is to get into the habit of writing everyday. I want to publish a book of poetry, as much for the publishing aspect as the poetry itself. Poetry is not a big seller and so I'll be self publishing or indie publishing is the modern term. Of course, I hope to sell some books. That would be great for my ego if not my wallet.

So with that in mind I must start reading Dante again. When I read Dante I start to think and talk in verse. My brother tried to take me to the hospital once, saying I was babbling and he thought I had brain damage. Poetry is not for everyone, often filled with hidden meaning. My poetry is not deep. Like maybe knee deep. Written by an average poet for the average reader. Why should only those with a high I.Q. be the only ones to enjoy poetry? Here's to the common reader with
extraordinary passions and some imagination.

Well, that's enough waxing poetic for one evening. But, there will be more, oh yes, there will be more.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Fishing, Football & the X Files

Day 77


Watching the football championship games today. I didn't see the end of the Broncos-Patriots game but I read it came down to a 2 point try for Pats denied by Broncos. I like Peyton Manning in Superbowl 50. I believe he'll retire after this season.

The other game of Panthers-Cardinals has been Panthers all the way. They did have the best record in the regular season and almost went undefeated. Miami still holds the record for the only undefeated season in the NFL.

The new X Files 6 episode mini series starts tonight after the game. Hope I can stay awake that long. If I can't I'm sure it will be on OnDemand.

Some very nice weather ahead for this week. Temps in the upper twenties and thirties. Fishing has been very good from what I've heard. And the ice on Higgins Lake is 3" so be very careful. Pike and Lake Trout have been biting moderately well. On Houghton Lake the Pike, walleye and Perch are biting.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Houghton Lake Ice Report

Day 76


What a great first day for Tip Up Town. It was sunny with the temps reaching 26 degrees and calm.

The latest ice report I have heard has the ice at 9-12 inches but remember it's a big lake and some areas are going to be thin. So as always, whenever your on the ice, be careful.

Several shanty towns can be seen around the lake. The largest concentration near Lyman's bait shop.

You can rent a shanty at Lyman's and Korbinski's off the south shore. Papa's Bait Shop has some for rent off the east shore. There are others around the lake with bait and shanty rentals.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, January 22, 2016

Tip Up Town 2016 is Finally Here

Day 75


Tip Up Town is finally here. Kick off is tonight in the adult beverage tent (adults only) with entertainment by Uncle Groovy.

Saturday morning is the parade at 10 am, ending with the annual bed race finishing by Pineview Highlands golf course. Parade float judging later in the day.

An official Tip Up Town 2016 badge ($10) gets you lots of free stuff.

FREE STUFF: Free parking at the high school and free shuttle service from there to the TUT site. Free carnival rides, petting zoo and pony rides. Of course, plenty of free family entertainment all day long at the Family Fun Tent and various areas around the site. Also free admission to the adult beverage tent. Food and beverages are not free.

The ever popular Polar Bear Dip contest will be held on Saturday, January 30th at 1 pm. Dippers should arrive early as the line to register starts forming a couple of hours before 1 pm. Be sure to wear a pair of shoes to jump in with, as bare feet will stick to the ice OUCH! Most wear an old pair of sneakers they don't mind getting wet. Have an unusual bathing costume? Bring it. The crazier the better. There is a fee to participate in the Polar Bear Dip but you get a sweatshirt.

And so much more. Contests and competitions abound see schedule.

The weather is cooperating with temps in the mid twenties to mid thirties over both weekends. Tents are heated to help you stay warm.

For more info, TUT schedule of events and site map click here.

Hope to see you there.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, January 21, 2016

John Coffey:"...I'm tired, boss..."

Day 74

Takin' the easy road tonight.

Paul Edgecomb: On the day of my judgment, when I stand before God, and He asks me why did I kill one of his true miracles, what am I gonna say? That it was my job? My job?

John Coffey: You tell God the Father it was a kindness you done. I know you hurtin' and worryin', I can feel it on you, but you oughta quit on it now. Because I want it over and done. I do. I'm tired, boss. Tired of bein' on the road, lonely as a sparrow in the rain. Tired of not ever having me a buddy to be with, or tell me where we's coming from or going to, or why. Mostly I'm tired of people being ugly to each other. I'm tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world everyday. There's too much of it. It's like pieces of glass in my head all the time. Can you understand?

Paul Edgecomb: Yes, John. I think I can.

-The Green Mile- by Stephen King


Stephen King proves he's more than just a writer of horror novels. This is sheer poetry.

This particular scene toward the end of the movie, always brings a tear to my eye. 

Until tomorrow,

Ken 

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Musings From My Mind: Don't Be Harry Potter

Day 73


"If ever you become insane and believe yourself to be someone else, set your sights high and be someone impressive. Be George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Napoleon or even Gandhi. If your ego will allow it, be Jesus Christ himself. Just don't be Harry Potter."

Kenneth A. Stephenson

OK, first. I love the Harry Potter books and I enjoy the movies. I understand the popularity of CosPlay. Dressing up as your favorite character for a get together much like a Halloween party, or at a convention. Writers have been known to dress up as their main character or in period garb while writing and some even claimed they couldn't write a word otherwise. There are worse things you can do to escape reality for a few hours, alcohol and drugs come to mind.

We have always emulated our hero's, it's a part of growing up for most of us.

But over the past few decades our heroes have drastically changed. We went from famous people in history to movie characters. From people who have actually accomplished something extraordinary to actors in an imaginary world.

When I was young, monsters were bad. Vampires were evil and drained your blood for food because they had no blood of their own. Werewolves had anger issues and would rip a human being to pieces just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Today these said monsters are just misunderstood "bad boys".

What the hell is with this 160 year old vampire attending high school? He should be teaching history at some Ivy League college. And he's hanging out with a 15 year old girl? That makes him a pedophile! Besides, what the hell do they talk about? How is this romantic?

What's next? Latte's with your favorite flesh eating zombie who gives advice to the love lorn? I can hardly wait.

The world has already gone insane and this is what we are reduced to.

Maybe Harry potter isn't so bad after all.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

 



Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Just Lucky I Guess

Day 72


As I drove around Houghton Lake today I noticed many fishing shanty's out on the lake. The seasonal ones, the heavier wood shanty's that remain on the ice until March when they have to be removed before the ice becomes unsafe and they fall through.

Tip Up Town starts this weekend with the beer tent open Friday night and the parade on Saturday morning. With the increasing numbers of anglers on the lake, it is important to be careful when heading out onto the ice.

When walking out on the ice, looking for a good spot to fish, be watchful for places where someone has already been fishing. Old fishing holes have a thin layer ice and cover over with snow. A ten inch hole is just right for an average size boot to slide into. At best you just stumble, at worst your foot could get caught and your foot and leg get soaked with freezing water.

I heard of a fellow who went out one day to an isolated area he thought no one else would know about. Somewhere on the north side where the water is deep. The angler was all decked out in a new ice fishing outfit complete with brand new top of the line insulated knee high boots. A great choice for warmth and comfort.

Being in a hurry, he wasn't paying attention and stepped into a hole. The ice was a good 12 inches and the boot went all the way down and got stuck. The toe bent back going down but straightened once past the bottom of the ice. He tried to pull his boot back out but his foot kept slipping inside. He was concerned that if he pulled his foot out the boot might sink through the hole and down into the lake. He had paid $500 for the pair.

He kept trying to work the boot out of the hole but it wouldn't budge. Suddenly he heard a thunder clap. This was strange since there are no thunder storms in the winter. Plus the sky was clear and blue. A few seconds later another deafening boom. Closer this time. Looking around he could see a crack in the ice just twenty yards away. He was in such a hurry to get on the ice he hadn't checked for cracks either. His boot was firmly entrenched in the ice hole and his ice auger was on the sled out of reach.

He had no choice, he had to try and pull his foot out of the boot before the crack weakened the ice and he went through. The lake was fifteen feet deep in this area. He tugged and tugged until his foot came free. Grabbing the boot he gave it a yank but it wouldn't budge. Another loud crack like a gun shot was all it took. He grabbed the sled rope and wearing one boot and a wet sock that kept sticking to the ice, ran as fast as he could back to shore.

A few days later, while at the sporting goods store ordering a new pair of boots, the clerk confided, "Ya know, it's a funny thing. I heard the fishing was good off the north shore and thought I would give it a try. As I walked out I saw one of these boots in the ice. I chipped it loose, tugged it free and dropped my favorite jig in the hole. Well, I tried and tried. I used everything I had in my tackle box. Never got a bite." The clerk shook his head.

"I guess that other fellow must have got really lucky. I mean, why else would you use a $250 boot to mark a fishing hole?"

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, January 18, 2016

Glenn Frey of the Eagles...Dead At 67

Day 71


Recently, David Bowie, then Alan Rickman, and "Grizzly Adams" Dan Haggerty passed away.

Now Glenn Frey of the Eagles and graduate of Royal Oak Dondero high school (my alma mater), is playing a final gig in the great beyond. All four of these celebrities died in the past WEEK. All are favorites of mine from my younger days. So you'll understand if I'm feeling a little old and vulnerable right now. Or maybe not.

I love most of the Eagles catalog of songs and several of Glenn Frey's solo compositions. My favorite being Smugglers Blues. He also did some acting but he ended up back with the Eagles where he belonged. Now he's jammin' in hereafter with all the musicians who have gone before.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Gas Down to .78 Cents in Houghton Lake...And I Already Have a Full Tank

Day 70


Gas prices for the first time in decades dropped below $1.00 a gallon to .78 cents a gallon. Of course, I had just filled my tank a couple of days ago for $1.71 a gallon. Just doing my part to keep the economy going.

I didn't make it to the Tip Up Town Fundraiser at Shenanigans last night but I did drive by and the place was jumping. Just before 7 pm last night the parking lot was full. Seems the word got out about the free nachos.

As of this writing, 8:45 pm, we're still waiting for the 3-5 inches of snow we were threatened with by the weather channel. Hopefully, we'll be waiting until next winter.

My brother Tom called today and we talked for two hours and had a great conversation. We avoided politics and religion.

I talked to my mom who is living at the Brook Retirement Community. She eats her meals in their dining room. Someone walked down the hall carrying Kentucky Fried Chicken and she freaked out.       "It smelled so good I thought I had died and gone to heaven."
    "Did they stop and offer you some?" I asked.
    "No." She said.
    "Then I think you went the other way."

The Brook hasn't called to ask when we're going to remove the furniture from her rooms. I guess mom is still with us. I'll just have to postpone my trip to the Caribbean for awhile longer.

There's a resort in Negril, Jamaica, called Hedonism II. I wonder if it really is ALL inclusive?

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Popcorn

Day 69


I got nothing tonight. Just really dragging my butt today. I'm not even going to share this one tonight. I'm just keeping up my 365 day blog challenge. Nothing says I have to write great content every day.

I've been reading a lot at night with my Kindle Fire. Still finding new features that it has and I didn't know about. Kindle didn't come with instructions. Might have been worth the extra $20 to get it without the advertisements. I can't get past the ads for approximately 30 seconds, sometimes longer. Still a minor inconvenience.

Plenty on TV tonight. NFL playoffs Green Bay vs Arizona, Pistons vs Golden State and the movie Red 2. Yesterday nothing, today too much.

Have to make some more popcorn. Damn microwave popcorn. I set microwave to 2:45 minutes and half the kernels don't pop; I set it to 3:00 minutes and they burn. I should pop it the old fashion way in a pan with some vegetable oil. Very few leftover kernels. Orville Redenbacher gourmet popcorn is the best.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, January 15, 2016

Grizzly Adams...Living the Dream

Day 68


Grizzly Adams. A guy who is wrongly accused of a crime, so he moves into the mountains where he; builds a log cabin, learns to live off the land, has clean mountain water to drink, catches fish with his bare hands and has a grizzly bear for a pet. Oh, and, he doesn't pay income tax. But the poor bastard is forced to live without a shopping mall close by. How much worse can it get?

As much as it sounds like a dream come true it wasn't (except the lack of a shopping mall). The early settlers were up before dawn and didn't sleep until after dark. And that was just to survive. The weather, wild animals and people trying to steal what they had built. We have it so much easier today yet we dream of the wonderful life away from our boring job and loud neighbors; high priced gas, groceries. And did I mention taxes?

Dan Haggerty wasn't a great actor. He got the role because he was the only actor who could stand next to a full grown bear without pissing in his pants. And that's man enough for me, or actor enough. I don't know what he did after the show was cancelled. Maybe he stayed in those mountains being his own man. He was 74 when he passed away. Not a bad age unless your 73.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, January 14, 2016

I Can't Believe It...I Didn't Win the Lottery

Day 67


Ever have one of those days when you just don't feel like doing a damn thing? This is that day.

Cable television...100+ channels and nothing to watch. How can that be? Someone wins $1.5 billion in the lottery, so the cable stations decide to pile on misery to all those hopefuls, who's dreams have been crushed, by putting the 2 am to 6 am programming on during the day.

Well, I've got news for you programmers. Next time the jackpot reaches $1.5 billion I'm going to buy a lottery ticket. And if I win, I'm going to buy the cable company and fire all of your asses. So next time you should think twice about some good consolation programming for the losers. Or else.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Writing a Horror Story

Day 66


The last episode of American Horror Story: Hotel is on tonight. I haven't seen the first series about a haunted house but I've been a fan since Asylum. I always love a good horror story set in an asylum. It just seems like the most likely place for some evil mayhem.

So I'm contemplating a story set in an old asylum. Maybe right here in Michigan. I believe we have a haunted asylum here in Michigan. If not I'll just make one up. Literary license.

Actually I'd like to write several short stories of haunts in Michigan and the Great Lakes. Especially the U.P. Very spooky places.

Since I'm semi snowed-in, I'll have plenty of time to work on my stories. If I can just turn off the television.

That's it for tonight.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Day 64

I find this to be most appropriate.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

BY ROBERT FROST

Whose woods these are I think I know.   
His house is in the village though;   
He will not see me stopping here   
To watch his woods fill up with snow.   
My little horse must think it queer   
To stop without a farmhouse near   
Between the woods and frozen lake   
The darkest evening of the year.   
He gives his harness bells a shake   
To ask if there is some mistake.   
The only other sound’s the sweep   
Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   
But I have promises to keep,   
And miles to go before I sleep,   
And miles to go before I sleep.


Robert Frost is my favorite poet. Beautiful.

Until tomorrow,

Ken


Monday, January 11, 2016

David Bowie...Thanks for the Music & the Memories

Day 64


In 1983 I spent five months vacationing in Europe and cruising around the Mediterranean, in a submarine, on Uncle Sam's dime. It was pure culture shock for me, riding in the submarine, Europe not so much. It seems we have a lot in common. I was able to find many Europeans who spoke English which made my time there much easier and more enjoyable.

Most of my time in port was spent on a small island, off the coast of Italy. Actually there were three; The Rock was the nickname for the base where we resupplied. Close by but only accessible by boat were La Madeleine and Palau, on two separate islands. La Madeleine being the older and more traditional city and Palau more of a resort town for vacationers. The latter is where I spent most of my time when on liberty.

Palau had the discos, beaches and the young people, as I mentioned, from all over Europe.

The number one song was Let's Dance by David Bowie. It was played in every dance club and usually a half dozen times a night or more. If it wasn't for the fact that we were only in port 2 weeks or less (usually 2 days), I would have quickly grown tired of it.

A year later it was Bowie's Blue Jean. A song meant to mock the american penchant for wearing designer blue denim jeans which still is in fashion here in the U.S.

David Bowie had many hits throughout his career. Yet these two stick in my mind along with Space Oddity (Major Tom). He has now joined the other rockers in the great beyond.

Thank you David Bowie for the music and the memories.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, January 10, 2016

TIP UP TOWN USA 2016 Fundraiser Event January 16, 2016

Day 63


There will be a fundraiser event held at Shenanigans Pub on Saturday, January 16th at 7pm with live entertainment and a free Nacho Bar. Will be asking for a $5 donation that will go to Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce in support of Tip Up Town.

Tip Up Town gets more expensive each year as the cost of insurance and rides goes up. The local business community does great but this they need a little help. Thus the fundraiser asking a mere $5 donation. Wow. What a deal. Hope to see you there.


Saturday, January 9, 2016

Houghton Lake Fisherman on the Ice January 2016

Day 62


There have been fisherman on the ice, having some success although the DNR reports the ice is not safe. If your going out be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you will return.

The only report I've heard, so far, is 3 inches of ice and slush and that was before we had an average of 35 degree highs and lows for the past three days. The temperature is suppose to drop tonight. So that should help thicken the ice.

We are having a winter storm warning calling for 4-8 inches of snow between 7 pm tonight and 7 pm Sunday night. It should give us more ice n the lake.

I drove past the Houghton Lake Playhouse tonight and the elections are in full swing. The parking lot was full. Previously the TUT elections were held at the Houghton Lake high school. They changed this year so they could have the "After Party" to help fund TUT, as it get's more expensive each year.

If you can't make it to the elections tonight but you want to help TUT there's another fund raiser next Saturday, January 16th at Shenanigans on M-55. See tomorrows blog entry for more info.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, January 8, 2016

Old Time Writers Had It Easy

Day 61

pre·rog·a·tive
prəˈräɡədiv/
noun
  1. 1.
    a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.



  2. "it's my prerogative to turn off the television when I should be writing"

Writers in the 19th century had it easy. Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe, Longfellow, Emerson, Thoreau, just to name a few. I don't mean they didn't have their hardships, most writers do. It gives us character and teaches perseverance. Through it all, great writers keep writing and rely on their experiences for subject, color and depth.

The reason I say these writers had it easy, was little or no distractions. They didn't have cable television with a thousand channels vying for their attention. They didn't have digital games with 3D graphics. Sports teams, concerts and movie theaters with 20 screens around every corner. They didn't have Imax and theme parks and on and on.

I'm sure at one time or another they had to exert their will to divert their attention away from watching the grass grow or watching the cows saunter from one field to another. To prevent being mesmerized while watching the paint dry. I know they had entertainment but it just wasn't as readily available or as abundant as it is today...

Uhhh. Something distracted me. I've lost my train of thought.

Oh, yeah.

I appreciate having the technology today that makes the act of writing easier. My laptop with spell check (essential) and a hard drive for storing the many pages it takes to convey a good story. It is so much easier to correct a spelling or rearrange the order of paragraphs when using a computer. It saves a lot of paper. Even submitting a manuscript for editing or printing can be done electronically. Any changes the editor requires can be accomplished in a snap without rewriting a whole page. Past authors probably would have love it also.

Today we have to set aside time to write. We have to ignore all of the distractions and concentrate on our writing.

When I weigh it out I like using the computer even amidst all the distractions, after all, if I want to write out a story on paper using antiquated long hand, cursive writing, like the old time writers, I still have that prerogative.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Thursday, January 7, 2016

You Make Me Smile

Day 60

Truly

Anyone can make you smile
On the outside.
The truly special ones,
Make you smile
On the inside.

By
Kenneth A. Stephenson

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Red from Shawshank Redemption

Day 59


RED: I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend.

Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King

There are days when I just miss my friend. This is one of those days.
Until tomorrow,
Ken

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Cabin Fever Already in 2016

Day 58


It's not even one week into January and I already have the dreaded "cabin fever".

How could this happen? I always considered winter a great time to catch up on doing those things I never find time for in the summer. Things like straightening the office, sorting old bills left on the desk, going through old clothes I no longer (or never did) wear. Straighten out my closet and drawers.
Learn to play the piano (been meaning to do that one for ten years). Write a novel, once again on my new years resolution. And so on.

Normally, I make it all the way to the Tip Up Town USA festival before banging my head. This year I have already started looking for a soft spot in the wall. Don't want a head injury, although that would get me out of the house with a trip to the hospital.

I'm lucky gas prices are down since I usually take a ride around the lake in the early evening. I have a "traveling jones". Probably the reason I joined the Navy and eventually became a long haul truck driver. I love to travel and see new things. I've already been surfing the travel websites. Just daydreaming about a weekend here or there.

There's a bed and breakfast in Ohio called Ravenwood Castle. I'd like to spend a weekend there someday (in the summer). The whole place is setup like a castle with rooms and a village with cabins. They have murder mystery and other themed weekends. Sounds like a lot of fun. It's about an eight hour drive from Houghton Lake, although there is a small airport close by. That's how I first heard about it, as a great vacation spot for people who fly their own plane. Wish we had one like that in Michigan, save on the drive time. If you like B&B's and don't mind the drive check out the link. They have a great website.

Almost time for my evening ride.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Monday, January 4, 2016

When Cruisin' with Bench Seats was Groovy

Day 57


I was very tempted to write blah-blah-blah tonight. As I have mentioned before it's getting hard to come up with witty prose and imaginative stories. I can do it. Just not everyday. Maybe with time I will improve which is the purpose of this exorcise of writing a blog entry everyday for 365 days.

As I was taking my ride around Houghton Lake and surrounding area, I was reminded of a time when cars had AM radio, big engines that got 12 mpg (that was OK gas was 20 cents a gallon) and bench seats. Back when "cruisin' was groovy".

Friday night we would go to the drive-in to see a movie. The last movie I saw at the drive-in was Smokey and the Bandit. Debbie wasn't too thrilled by the title until she heard Burt Reynolds was starring with Sally Fields. All I cared about was the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. CB radios became all the rage after that and everybody had to have one. The airwaves have been filled with chatter ever since.

Saturday nights were for driving up and down Woodward Ave, checking out the other cars and listening to great music on the radio. Cruising with my arm around my girlfriend, her head on my shoulder. I was content in the moment, she was dreaming of our future. She was beautiful and I was so proud she was mine. Among our friends we were THE couple. Everyone just new our future would be great. Ah, the dreams of our youth.

In the 60's a small recording company started by a black business man in Detroit was breaking down racial barriers with a long string of hit songs. Motown filled the airwaves with timeless classics that can still can be heard playing on radio stations around the world.
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In the 70's it was an eccentric and colorful rocker from Great Britain named Elton John that did the unthinkable and released an album as a two record set. At the time double albums were almost unheard of because record companies didn't think fans would pay the higher price. That album was titled Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and became a top seller.

Back then only small expensive sports cars had bucket seats. Cars were considered six passenger, three in front and three in back. Now front bench seats are hard to find even in pickup trucks.

There is a nostalgic weekend once a year in the Detroit suburbs when car enthusiasts either drive Woodward Ave or line the sides of the 8 lanes highway to see the classic cars of days gone by. A chance to recapture the days when riding in the car with your favorite guy or girl by your side while listening to the radio was heaven.

And "groovin' was groovy".

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Tip Up Town USA Election Night-Jan 9,2016

Day 56


Looking for a fun night out that will benefit Tip Up Town? Try election night for Town Mayor, Town Marshal and Tip Up Town Queen. For applications click here.

Election night will be held on January 9, 2016 at the new location Houghton Lake Playhouse at 1601 W Houghton Lake Dr. Admission to the election is free.

New this year. There will be an After Party with live music by Dominic and hors d'oeuvres. There will be 50/50 drawings, door prizes, raffles and a cash bar. For a modest $10 admission. Proceeds go to help keep Tip Up Town happening. See below or click here Tip Up Town kickoff


Until tomorrow,

Ken

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Houghton Lake Has Ice-Not Yet Safe

Day 55


For all of you ice angler's out there. The ice has finally begun to form on the lakes in our area. This is great news with Tip Up Town USA only a few weeks away. Whether or not the ice will be safe in time for TUT remains to be seen. The festival will go on either way as all of the rides, vendors and contests are held on snow covered land with the exception of a few, such as the ice fishing contest.

Late ice on the lake has happened before. A few years ago the ice didn't form up until the very end of December and TUT went on without a hitch. I'm sure I'll see someone on the ice in the next two weeks whether the ice is safe or not.

Unusually warm weather was the culprit a few years back. This year we set a new record for December average temperatures. Just over 40 degrees average for the month.

I don't ice fish so I'm not upset in the least. I look forward to an early spring and getting my boat back in the water at either Backus Lake or Reedsburg Dam area. I prefer fishing from my small two man boat. Over the last four years I have become very fond of trolling at Backus Lake. Partly for bigger fish but lately for any fish. The winter kill over the past two winters has been devastating to the smaller and shallower bodies of water.

Fishing has gone down so much at Backus there were hardly any campers there this past summer. One good thing though, the deer flies were almost none existent. Deer flies like to fly around your head and they bite. Mostly they bite my hands and ankles. Right through my socks! It's hard to catch fish when your constantly swatting at biting flies. I don't look forward to the flies but I have an electric fly swatter. Once you zap the first dozen they don't come back right away. So it's all good.

Anyway, the point is there's ice forming on Houghton Lake and a little snow on the ground. So ice fishing and snowmobiling aren't far away. Spring isn't far away either.

Until tomorrow,

Ken

Friday, January 1, 2016

Scariest Book I Have Ever Read...So Far

Day 54
Scariest Book I Have Ever Read...So Far

The scariest novel I have ever read, in my 56 years, is Dracula by Bram Stoker. I'm sure there many readers out there who will think me antiquated and that there are many modern books that are creepier. My answer to them is yes, there are many comparable horror novels out there. And I have read quite a few of them but I read Dracula back when I was twelve years old. As a typical young boy I saw the old black and white, Bela Lugosi horror movies and the newer color Christopher Lee depictions of Dracula. So I wanted to read the original. I found a copy at the library and brought it home ready to learn the true story. That evening I began to read Dracula. I didn't get far.

I read all the way to the part when Dracula returns from his nights feeding. His three female vampire slaves are about to drain Jonathan Harker against Dracula's orders. When Dracula comes through the window carrying a bag that is squirming. I thought it would be a small animal, a lamb maybe. The three females plead with Dracula to be allowed to feed on Harker, but no, Dracula still needs Harker. Instead he has brought them something from the village to feed on. A human baby. I felt a chill and my stomach felt queasy. How could anyone even suggest such barbarism. Such evil.

It was scarier than any movie I had seen. The description of the evil and cruelty couldn't be matched in a movie. The movie sensors at that time would never have allowed a general audience to view a movie containing that scene. It probably would have been rated X adults only.

I read no further. I didn't sleep that night afraid Dracula would come for me, a bag with a squirming baby held in his hand. Since then I have tried to read the story all the way through. I don't like to leave a book unfinished. It's no longer terrifying to me just the chase gets boring for me. I will try again soon to finish what I started when I was twelve.

A more recent read and also at the top of my list is a novel with an awful title.

Gone, Girl by Gillian Flynn.

One of, if not the best psychological thriller I have read to date. I must admit I saw the movie first. The movie stays true to the book. I won't write anymore as there are numerous twists and I don't want to reveal anything if you haven't read it. And if you haven't, give it a read. It's amazing how far someone will go to get back at a loved one.

Until tomorrow,

Ken