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The Cliffhanger

 As our cousin Maclean said, what a cliffhanger! Sorry about that, we got sidetracked by other activities.  In short, we put the shorn bolt back in place where it nestled right in and got us safely to Harbor Springs with no issue. We stayed in Harbor Springs for 10 days, enjoying the 4th of July with the ever hospitable Kastens, Ryans, and Garrards, a cocktail cruise, a fishing charter with the fabulous “Fellowship“ crew (thanks for the tip, Ed James!), lots of swims and porch time with Lulu and Big Mase, and a bit of polo. Auntie Liz and Uncle Mason were there for the end, Liz sweetly giving us a “Fine Time” welcome mat that now graces our boat (note to self, work on thoughtful gestures). Winslow joined Mason for this stint, and they explored every body of water around for fish. Meade had Sims come up, and they were off on their bikes at every opportunity. Both Winslow and Sims were excited to do all of our motley activities and made great additions to our crew.

We had a final cruise to Charlevoix with the extended fam. Unexpectedly, we were surrounded by cigarette boats participating in the annual Poker Run. As they whizzed around us with buxom ladies and large bellied men looking like they might bounce off their vessels, we peacefully continued on for a plunge into the arctic waters off the Charlevoix coast.

We ultimately flew back to Charleston to catch up on all things overlooked at work and home. Fine Time was safely docked in Bay Harbor to later be taken to Irish’s by a captain when they had time to service it. Upon our return to the homestead, the pups were overcome with excitement and very confused as to where we’d been. The horses looked hot but healthy, and we silently agreed to continue taking a break for a few more weeks. Thank the lord for Carrie and Sam for the TLC. They can handle a boat, barn or house crisis with ease and the Cogswells always seem to have a few.

The first week of August came around which means Lake Summit for the extended Aichele/Rhett clan. Of course, we have an engine issue with the Whaler (our usual boat for this adventure) that could not be fixed in time. Thankfully, Edmund had secured a boat from a friend so we were good to go. The usual activities commenced: wakeboarding (not me), swimming, walking, bridge jumping, dock lounging, and family dinners. We had a couple fun gaming additions this year: Liar’s Dice and Family Olympics. Both were hysterical. If you ever want to feel pretty, get yourself on a pool float and joust with your sister-in-law.  If you ever want to feel tricky, try bluffing in a round of dice with your in-laws.

Back home for another work week.

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