Hey Muskegon!

First time back in the Skee since T-day 07. So, here's what Megan and I did:


Megan at Lake Harbor Park. Unfortunately, there was a slightly cool breeze... Still nice though








Me and Megan


Nice sombrero!






Nothing wrong with a private paradise.




The theme of the weekend seemed to be "Jimmy Buffett."


The famous "Turtle" from Frosty Oasis seems to be like Heroin to Megan


Here we are at Kruse Park now.






As some of you know, Muskegon destroyed their downtown in the 70's by putting a roof over their main street to create a "mall," then bulldozed about 8 blocks or so for parking lots. After about 30-40 years, they realized that didn't work, so now they are trying to build a downtown again. Here's the old Comerica Bank building, which use to be part of the mall. It will be converted to condos, tax free until 2023, and pretty much the old Art Deco building in town, I think...


Here's another section of the old mall which use to be the old downtown. These are a few of the survivors.


The Century building somehow survived and now a furniture store.


The Frauenthal


This is by Richard Hunt. I never heard of him before this went up in downtown Muskegon. Now, I've seen him in a couple of places since he's a Chicago artist. Here's his website: http://www.richardhunt.us/ I'm a big critic when it comes to public art. The jury is still deliberating...


What a great name for a fudge company


Art Fair in Hackley Park with the Civil War Memorial


This is what I need to drive around in...


Pier at Pere Marquette Park




Channel to Muskegon Lake




Megan checking out the lighthouse


Muskegon Lake at sunset


The Cherokee Restaurant. All you need to know about this place is it's good food, cheap prices, and has nothing to do with Cherokee's: http://www.cherokeerestaurant.com/


I have to say, this is the first protest of any kind I've ever seen in Muskegon (Norton Shores). If there are protests here, it's time to bring the troops home...


My cousin Johnny Duff is married to Ruth. You may remember them from my trip to Miami last fall. The wedding took place on top of the dune at Michillinda Lodge: www.michillindalodge.com. Welcome to the family!!!


More lodge


Stairway to beach


Sparkly Lake Michigan


One of Ruth's relatives showing off on of their family traditions. They'll fit right in with our family...




My sister Lisa's new Boxer, Laila


Lisa with dog






At the El Bracero in Michigan City, Indiana, "We will be every day special."


Here's a nice little park on the Chicago River with a little waterfall. This is what I love about Chicago. You don't have to go far to find something interesting and nice you've never seen before. Everyday is a vacation...

The Things I Can Help You With

One of the candy bars in Megan and I's odd candy bar collection. This is Mypa from Nestle. It may be Greek. At least it sounds Greek. It was really good. Somewhere between a Kit Kat and Snickers.


You know about the BBQ by now...


A home they are completely rebuilding on Wabansia and Campbell. It's good to see people rebuilding beautiful homes. Unfortunately, it will probably have the aluminum siding and modern windows. But, still better designed then most of the new construction out there today.


This is the Scooter Dog or something like that from Scooters Frozen Custard on Belmont. As their name states, they are more of a custard joint than a hot dog stand. But, the Chicago Style Dog with Red Relish was really, really good. Check them out at: www.scootersfrozencustard.com


Belmont Street Fair


This vendor was working on his T-shirt prints by carving a woodblock. How very 1600s of him...


One of my MANY, MANY beautiful pictures of Alice Won. If she doesn't like this pic, she has no taste... Anyway, randomly met up with her for the Belmont Street Fair concerts along with Ronan


Here's Cursive at Belmont Street Fair. Has anyone else really noticed how completely awesome the bands are this year at Chicago's Street Festivals? I mean Nada Surf at Ribfest, Stevie Wonder at Taste, Tiffany at Gay Pride, C & C Music Factory and Vanilla Ice at something in Wicker Park. I <3 Chicago!


And here are the Redwalls also at Belmont Street Fest...