Two Wednesdays ago (Oct. 3) we left Huntsville and began our drive to Island Lake, Michigan. We arrived the following day. Our purpose was to visit Nancy's sister Elaine and her husband Karl who live year-round on the east side of that lake.

We expected what we would call "Fall weather" but the temperature each day reached into the 80s and only a few of the trees were changing colors. On that Thursday, near sunset, the lake was utterly calm, and I took the first picture above.

When we returned from church Sunday morning, I gathered everyone onto their deck, put the camera on their table, set the 10-second timer, and took the group picture above. We left for our return to Huntsville the following day.

A good time was had by all. Nancy particularly enjoyed our trip to Frankenmuth, which included shopping at the largest Christmas store in the universe (my estimate) called Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, a hearty lunch at Zehnder's of Frankenmuth, and more shopping at Prime Outlets at Birch Run. Even I bought a few shirts at one of the outlet stores! But mostly we spent our time together just talking and catching up on each other's goings on. Thanks for the invitation, Karl and Elaine.