It won't be long now

Good evening and Happy St. Patrick's day to all the Irish who celebrated last night. The weather in northern mid-Michigan has left many wondering if winter has finally given up. Daytime temperatures have reached into the low sixties and the sun is shining its' love upon us. For that, I am happy but am as much anxious and eager of the upcoming birth of my son. The past 6 months have seemingly flown by, leaving nothing but a trail of paint cans (fixing up the babies room) and a seemingly endless parade of baby gifts accumulating in our house. Everything from a stroller to blankets, the gifts are endless. Thank you to all who have made this exciting event in our lives a little less stressful on Sonya and I.

I arrived home from work early on March 17 (mid-night) and found Sonya and the cats lying on the couch, patiently awaiting my arrival. Much discussion of the babies movements and stirring all night perked my attention. After a few moments of the famous baby-belly rub, I was able to feel the soft touch of the baby in the palm of my hand. The experience left me awestruck for the moment. I was not able to connect with the baby anymore after this faint, light touch greeted me. I felt that the baby was communicating to me in a way as to say, "it won't be long now". We welcome your arrival.

Jeremy J Schrader

Perchville 2009 Photos

What does Scooby Doo, a nurse and a woopie cushion have in common? The frigid waters of Tawas Bay. I give much credit to all who braved the icy waters but these three looked the best, in my opinion.

Kevin and Jennifer pause momentarily for a photo op!

Angie and Linda from Lansing and Eaton Rapids respectively enjoy a fistful of beers. Visitors such as these two find time to make the 3 hour drive for fun on the beach of Tawas Bay. Angie approached me very apprehensively, inquiring what was under my coat. I explained and showed my camera (covered for clumsy drinkers) and we were friends for only a moment. Here's the photo! It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance.The photographer and author, Jeremy, finally convinced a security guard that my forehead needed stamped rather than my wrist. He obliged and I was inked for the entire evening, drawing questions from strangers and friends alike.

Perchville 2009

East Tawas and Tawas City, MI, known as "The Tawases" host the annual Perchville USA each year in February. This year marked the 59th Perchville. Perchville began as a way to attract fishermen to the area and exploit the abundance of Perch in Tawas Bay. Some 59 years later, the tradition lives on but with less Perch and more Walleye and Pike being caught. Today's activities include a "Polar Bear" swim where people, young and old, pay $15 to brave the icy water of Tawas Bay and make the plunge. Oh yeah, for that $15 you get a one of a kind T-Shirt that says you were brave enough to hit the water. The event is overseen by the US Coast Guard. After swimming many can be found in the hospitality tent on the beach. A circus sized tent with live music, libations, beads and funny hats finish up the day. People from all over Michigan and the mid-west come for this fun filled event.

If you find yourself or someone you know in the photos below or just like the photograph and wish to order a print, please feel free to contact me at jeremyschrader@charter.net or
(989) 484-3401 to order your prints. For the month of February, a Perchville discount will be applied. 8 x10 prints for only $10 each plus $5 shipping cost. Order three 8 x10's and get free shipping. Smaller prints are also available;
4 x6 for $2 each and 5 x 7 for $6. Shipping for 4 x6 and 5 x 7 are $4. Order now! Check the post below this one for additional photos of Perchville 2009.

(Top Left and Top Right photo) A personal friend Christine Bean (left) makes the best of an icy situation.

WHERE IS THE LOVE?

WHERE IS THE LOVE?

Where has the romance gone? Are we all in such a hurry with phones, IPOD's, and MP3's that we forgot to love someone? Valentines Day is celebrated on the 14th day of February each year. Many use the day to share their love with a special someone. Affection is shown by giving gifts of flowers, candlelit dinner and candies. Children share candies with their school mates; be mine was a common theme when I was in school. This year, it appears as if we have lost touch and instead we should simply email instead. I may send an email or two this year on Valentines Day, but rest assured, I am going to tell my special someone, in person, the old fashioned way.

Jack Rabbit Beans

Neon signs are among us everywhere we go; bars, restaurants and stores to name a few. The last place I thought I would see one is on top of an active bean elevator. Jack Rabbit Beans, located in downtown Saginaw, MI is a favorite sight for locals and visitors alike. Some call it "Houdini's Bunny" which dates back to the 1920's when Houdini himself was performing a magic act at the Jeffers-Strand Theater in Saginaw. Some years later, an inspired entrepreneur was so amazed by the rabbit in the hat show that he used the rabbit as the symbol for his new bean elevator. It is said that the neon sign is the largest in the world. I can not confirm this, but it sure looks nice after dark. The letters "BEANS" are illuminated green and the jumping rabbit is a light red. A portion of the rabbit is out now and many wonder if this spells the end of a favorite icon in Saginaw. Only time will tell.

It's a Boy

After much anticipation and many sleepless nights, the babies ultrasound was a success. The pregnancy is progressing well and Sonya is also doing well. It still looks as if the the June 15th due date will be a close guess. Oh yeah, we are pleased to announce that we are having a BOY! Photos coming soon.

Silence is Golden

The daylight has departed me and the night sky has joined me. The snow whips around outside my window and the wind makes sharp crackling sounds on the building. Nary a switch engine or local roams the rails tonight, only a lonely freight. No phone is ringing, no Trainmaster calling, no gunfire from hostile neighborhoods, not even a lone trespassing citizen of the city. Silent for the moment. Soon a crew will call, a customer will inquire about a lost shipment of flour, but for now, I cherish the silence while working the lonely job of a Yardmaster. How peaceful silence is.

Jeremy (2nd shift Saginaw Bay Southern Rwy Yardmaster)