It's been awhile

I haven't posted on my blog since the beginning of the summer.  Now that the summer is over, I have had some time to reflect on it.  I didn't do much outside of work this summer except for a trip to Mackinac Island with my sister Jamie, mom, niece Ilana and nephew Riley.  We had a lot of fun up there and it was my first time ever on the island.

Ilana and I on the ferry to Mackinac Island

Arch Rock.  Looking out on Lake Huron

Ilana, Riley and Jamie looking out at Lake Huron

In the trolley on Mackinac Island

Riley and Ilana playing in Lake Huron in front of the Mackinac Bridge

Taqhuamenon Falls

My favorite sign in Taqhuamenon Falls.

I have also really started getting in to reading books.  I never really liked to read books before.  At first, I started to see what my nieces and nephew were reading, but now, I enjoy it.  It is something peaceful that I can do with my time.  I also started reviewing books.  It gives me a directive when I am reading, so I am just not seeing words on the page.  Jamie, Ilana and I have been to a few author signings.  I never knew about these before I started reviewing books.  They are lots of fun and you learn quirky things about authors and sayings that will stick with you forever like "hot monkey."

The latest book signing in Lansing, MI

I have been having health issues.  It first stated with this nuisance of getting hives. I couldn't figure out what was causing them.  After the whole summer of doctor's appointments, we finally have it narrowed down to a condition called demographic skin.  This basically means that when I have a lot of pressure on my skin (like when I would lean on the counter at work) or scratch, hives will appear.  The Allergist I'm seeing thinks it might be related to my psoriatic arthritis.  So, that means another doctor to see. I just want the hives to go away.  I realize they are as bad as they COULD be, but still...

The other part of the summer is getting ready for the dreaded winter.  YUCK!  I don't like it.  :(

I have one question for all my friends out there.  What is the difference between grey and gray?  I never know if I am using the right one and this bothers me.  It's trivial, I know, but it has been on my mind.