Clark Lake weekend

Sheila invited the Birthday Club girls to her house on Clark Lake, Michigan for this past weekend. Only five of the twelve were able to go. We missed those who weren't there, but managed to have a great time anyway :)
Sheila, Jean and Carol left Friday morning. I had committed to doing a presentation at Midwestern University with my coworker Kristen on Friday from 11:30-12:30, so I couldn't leave until later. Christy and I left around 2 and arrived at Clark Lake around 8 their time. We made a quick stop on the way at .....where else?? Schuler's! I hadn't eaten lunch and decided to hold out for some Schuler's meatballs. It was a fun adventure! Schuler's is only about a mile off of I94. We went into the Pub section, told our waitress that we wanted to split an order of meatballs and then take two orders to go for our girlfriends. We were in and out of there in less than 25  minutes.

meatballs + barcheez+ crackers=yum

When we arrived, the girls had dinner and drinks waiting for us. Sheila made a 24 hour salad and Pam's cheese bread. We sat on the porch and ate and drank and talked. The highlight of Friday night was hearing all about Sheila and Marty's trip the previous week. They went to Fort Drum NY to welcome home their son Jack from Afghanistan. Praise God that Jack made it home safely! We were all praying for him. We so appreciate Jack's service to our country and know how hard it was for his family.

coffee cake and brownies before bed

Saturday was all about boating, eating, drinking, chatting and relaxing.

hanging out on the boat 

a view of Sheila's house from the lake

I had the most relaxing weekend. I have realized that is difficult to fully relax unless I am away from all of the distractions of all that needs to be done at home. I appreciate that it could not possibly be as relaxing for Sheila since she is the hostess, but she never makes it seem like her guests are a chore. Sheila creates such a cozy and welcoming environment. It is special that her lake house has been in her family since the early 1970's. In fact, the check that her dad wrote for the house is framed and is hanging on the wall. Family pictures and memorabilia, all beautifully displayed, capture some of the happy days spent on Clark Lake. 

Such a great place to relax and renew.

Sheila's dad's golf clubs are at the foot of the stairs