2009, you were generous indeed

As the final hours tick away, the year we know as 2009 are coming to a close and will soon be in the history books. Our proudest moment this year was the addition of our son to our home and learning the joy of becoming parents for the first time. Christian's baptism in July was exciting for all who attended this marvelous event. Christian has impacted our lives and the lives of others he has come to know.
A few highlights of 2009 include the birth of our Son, Christian Jon Avilia Schrader; having our roof replaced (I know, not all that exciting really, but it was leaking and the only leaking thing we need be concerned about were diapers); camping in Kentucky and Ohio; attending Summerail 2009 (a large gathering of well known railroad photographers showcasing their photos in a day-long multimedia extravaganza) in Cincinnatti, OH; Christian's first holidays and a 4 day trip to eastern Pennsylvania. Please enjoy the best photographs of 2009. With the end of this year brings the begining of the next. What adventures are we working on for 2010? Already in the works are SanFrancisco in March to see friends and attend Winterail 2010. Jeremy J Schrader

Smile.....

Uncle Kracker released his newest single, "Smile" this fall and it is giving folks in northern Michigan another reason to smile. He filmed the video in Hale and Long Lake, MI, just 15 miles from where we live. The vidoe was shot on the 4th of July weekend. Uncle Kracker can be found in various towns in northern Michigan, notably the bar in Long Lake and nearby Hale where he has a summer cabin.

This is my version of his hit "Smile". Music by Uncle Kracker with photography by Jeremy J Schrader.

Christian Jon October 2009

Christian has prospered much the past few months. He is healthy, gaining weight and growing long and strong. Quincy has taken a liking to him in the recent weeks, following his every move and sound he makes. She enjoys his small hands as he reaches for her, gently stroking her ears and head. Christian enjoys dogs too; a visit to grandma Suzanne's is not complete without the love of Logan, her puppy. Christian spent this weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Schrader's while mom and dad took an evening off and caught up on much needed rest.

Lifelong Reese, MI resident, Fred Steck, is a true fan of steam. Fred restored three steam locomotives to operating condition in his back yard shop on the outskirts of the village of Reese, MI. Fred worked as a tool and die maker and fabricated many tools needed to restore three locomotives, a true genius. Now long retired and out the railroad locomotive re-building spotlight, Fred made the 75mile journey with my father, Ed, to witness the labor of others he can relate to.

Fred states "Jeremy, my eyes don't work well, my hearing is poor, but I can smell that engine....and the valves are timed well" as the SP 4449 passed by a mere 200 feet away near North Star, MI. Fred doesn't drive anymore but always has a moment to discuss rail operations in MI over an imported Canadian beer. (the best in his eyes) Fred is 92 years young.

(Fred has been my grand-parents neighbor for nearly 50 years. My dad recalls spending his childhood summers firing steam in his backyard, doing various chores and smelling that familiar coal burning.)

Beef Kabobs and Grilled Peppers

This months featured grilling favorite are Beef Kabobs with grilled peppers and mushrooms. This is a very easy item to grill, preparation is quick and the appearance is sure to awe your potential diners.

You will need the following:

1 to 1 1/4 pounds of Sirloin Steak

1 each yellow, orange and red bell pepper

8 ounces of mushrooms

fresh thyme, parsley and basil

3 cloves of garlic

sea salt and black pepper

1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes

2 whole peaches (not canned)

1 loaf of Italian bread

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

Start with 1 pound of lean Sirloin steak, cut into one inch cubes. Dice fresh basil, parsley, thyme, crushed red pepper and garlic and place into a zip-loc storage bag. Place the Sirloin and spices into the bag along with a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Add a few twists of black pepper and sea salt and allow to marinate for at least 4 hours (the longer the better) in the refrigerator.

On a clean cutting board, wash 8 ounces of mushrooms and place on a skewer, being careful not to crowd the mushrooms together. Cut the peppers into quarters, removing veins and seeds and also placing on a skewer. Drizzle with olive oil and sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.

Cut the peaches into quarters and remove the pit. For added glazing, you can sprinkle the peaches with a pinch of white or brown sugar before grilling.

Place the vegetables, meat and peaches on a hot grill and grill on each side for approximately 4 minutes then turn. The meat should be cooked to no more than medium to preserve the tenderness of the meat. Cut the Italian bread into 3/4 inch slices. On a small plate, drizzle olive oil and in the middle pour a small shot of balsamic vinegar into the middle of the olive oil. Use the bread slices to dunk into the oil and vinegar. This is a great alternative to traditional bread and butter. Serve the items with a chilled glass of red wine. Use the peaches as a healthy dessert alternative.

Copyright 2009 Jeremy J Schrader

Sonya's Baby Shower

The shower was a success. Sunny skies and temperatures in the upper sixties greeted guest from near and far. Friends and family gathered for a luncheon and fellowship. The event was held at the Tawas Bay Eagles on Tawas Bay. Sonya's and Jeremy's family planned the event and made it a success. Please accept our sincerest thanks for the gifts and wishes of wellness. They are greatly appreciated.

Sonya and Jeremy