September 18 with Gail

Thursday:  Remember my dear friend, Gail? She is the friend who lives one block away from Lake Michigan at Pere Marquette Beach. We try to get together 2-3x each year to "catch up" on our families and things in general. We've been trying to arrange something all summer; but one thing or another kept coming up and it never happened until TODAY.

Usually, Gail comes in to Grand Rapids and we meet somewhere near my house. Gail's mom is still living and has an apartment in town, and also Gail has other "business" she takes care of here in Grand Rapids; so it makes sense to meet here when she comes this way. 

But TODAY it was my turn to come to her! Gladly!!! I arrived at 1:00 and didn't leave to return to my house until 5:30 and the time went by like it was five minutes. I love Gail. God has blessed my heart through her over the years in very profound ways.

I had my camera with me (!!), but photography was really not my goal this afternoon. I have thousands (I am not exaggerating) of pictures at this location that are truly nice photos--so it's not like I need 50 more or anything. However, I did take just a few pictures.

Lake Michigan is SO beautiful. I love it so much--you would think I would drive out here more often just to sit and enjoy it; but I don't do it. There is something about being ALONE out here that SHOULD be a wonderful thing; but for some reason, it isn't. Too much longing is awakened I think.

The breakwater light (below) is being refurbished, and it really needs it. Gail told me that they are going to repaint the light and repair the breakwater, and add boulders, etc. I'm glad the powers that be are taking care of this beautiful place.

THIS (below) is the Muskegon Lighthouse, however--NOT the breakwater light. I love this little light--the inner light at Grand Haven is almost identical to it.

Gail and I walked the breakwater as far as we could--but then it was fenced off because the renovation is beginning in the next few days. We retraced our steps and then walked down the little pier to the lighthouse, and then we took the walkway all the way to Muskegon Lake (which I don't think I had ever done before), talking a mile a minute the entire time! I love to listen to Gail. She is such an interesting person. It took us awhile to catch up with all of the things going on in our lives.

I took 43 pictures total ... these are the few that I found decent enough to post. It's getting to where if I can't imagine fashioning a card from a scene I am shooting, it doesn't interest me enough to bother taking the picture.

But I do love sailboats ... aren't they beautiful?

Gail and I promised to make another "date" this fall. We have so much to pray about for each other. Lord--thank you so much for this beautiful friendship you have given us!