One Way Bus Ticket to Cleveland

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I walked into the bus station on a sunny afternoon to purchase a one-way bus ticket to Cleveland.  The woman behind the counter looked at me with questioning pity in her eyes.  Why would a woman be buying a one-way bus ticket to of all places, Cleveland?   I chose to buy the ticket in advance to save money. I was planning ahead of time for when I was going to make my escape.  I had so much to do for this trip.  I had to get all my ducks in a row.  What should I take with me and what should I leave behind?  That question plagued me as I went home to prepare for my trip.  I had a couple of weeks to get on with my life until the day of my departure. 

A few weeks later I traveled from my hometown of Sault Ste. Marie to Cleveland by bus.  What an adventure.  During the entire process of this trip I learned a lot about values and personalities of others and myself. We were late departing and to make matters worse the bus driver stopped by the side of the road on I-75 to St. Ignace while he was talking on his cellphone. That surprised me.  The bus driver seemed to be angry about something.  When you use any form of public transportation you are at the mercy of vehicles and planes running smoothly and human error.  I was already getting concerned about late arrivals and missing connections. This felt all too familiar. 

The bus driver who took over driving the bus from St. Ignace to Lansing was a lot friendlier and didn’t seem to be as distracted as the other bus driver.  I discovered that the bus stopped at sites even if there were no passengers who boarded the bus at these locations. It seems as if time and gas could be saved by communicating with the drivers that no one purchased a ticket from these sights so they didn’t have to stop.Or do they have to stop at all the scheduled locations to develop a routine? 

We stopped in Grayling at this bakery and deli at around lunchtime to get something to eat.  Our time there was shortened considerably because the bus was running late. I talked with the bus driver and he assured me that we were going to arrive on time in Lansing so that we would make our connections.  He said that he has never been so late that passengers didn’t make their connections. The bus driver demonstrated that he cared about my concerns, an admirable quality.

On the way to various towns sometimes we would stop longer so the bus driver and passengers could have smoke breaks.  I got off the bus to stretch my legs and wandered off to escape the cloud of smoke that was heavy in the air. What a nasty and expensive habit.

During our stop in Claire, MI a young man boarded the bus.  He was busy listening to music and kept looking back at me.  We struck up a conversation.  He was traveling to North Carolina to attend a religious camp that provided services for people who needed assistance.  His name was Eric.  He asked where I was going and why.  I told him that my final destination was Cleveland and why I was going there.  It was nice to see a young person who was interested in someone else’s life.

We finally reached Lansing, a little later than scheduled.  However, to our dismay the bus Eric and I were going to ride from Lansing to Detroit was running late due to mechanical problems.  Oh no!!  We befriended a woman whose name was Loretta and we, meaning Eric and I, watched each other’s luggage and provided each other with support while waiting for the bus to arrive.  When it finally arrived, we loaded our luggage and then Lorretta, Eric and I sat in the back seat of the bus together to provide each other with the comfort of familiarity. The bus was crowded and we soon became a minority.  I was reminded how comforting it is to receive and provide support to others. 

Lorretta shared why she was on the bus with Eric while my head was propped against the window with my eyes close. She told Eric that she hasn’t been home for months since around Christmas time. Lorretta’s home is located in the Detroit area. Her husband and daughters have come to visit her in the area on a few occasions.  Her oldest daughter graduated from high school. She was visiting her parents in Marquette.  I could tell Eric was struggling with the idea of Marquette and a mother not living with or seeing her children.  He was trying to appear that he accepted what she was telling him; but he was finding it difficult.  Lorretta was returning home to her family, her children and her husband, that was the purpose of her bus ride to Detroit.  Lorretta was an interesting character.  At the risk of sounding judgmental, she had blond hair that was streaked with a dull pink.  It would have been intriguing to learn more about her story considering what was already revealed.  Was she visiting her parents because of a sick parent?  The questions could go on and on. 

The bus arrived in Detroit a little late; but it didn’t appear to be a problem because the drivers’ were not prepared for us to board.   I had to stand in line and have tickets reissued for Greyhound.  My original ticket was issued under Indian Trails from Detroit to Cleveland.  Eric had a tighter connection so I asked another traveler if he could go in front of us.  She did so reluctantly and then two passengers were taking what seemed like forever to obtain tickets to ride the bus from Detroit to whatever their destination was and I became frustrated.  I finally got through that line and then became confused about what line to be in to board the bus.  I was told what line and then discovered that information was incorrect.  I helped another woman who was confused also.  She was so grateful.

The bus had a final destination posted as New York.  I guess that was the final destination of the bus. I asked the driver to make sure I was boarding the right bus and he reassured me. Later on I met the same woman who I helped earlier and she smiled at me, again thanking me for my guidance.  I discovered that we can rely on others and can be of support when we are in situations filled with strangers.  Kindness exists in the most unlikely circumstances. 

Finally, on the bus, I chose to sit in the back seat again. The bus was very crowded. I sat next to a young man of what appeared to be of African American descent.  In the beginning, he had his eyes closed most of the time; but when they were open he begin to tell me about not being able to make his final destination until the following day.  The bus he was scheduled to ride from his previous destination to Detroit happen to be hours late. He didn’t have any money.  I looked at his clothing. He was wearing what appeared to be expensive shoes, and clothes.  He complained about being hungry and broke.  I offered some of my trail mix.  In my homemade trail mix, I included Wasabi peas.  They are rather hot and spicy.  He said they were good; but a little too hot for him to tolerate. This young man explained that he recently had surgery and proceeded to show me his scar on his stomach, too much information.  After taking his clothes into consideration among other things, I handed him $5. which included a short lecture about leaving home without being prepared.  He needed to pack things to eat and bring money. He listened and then thanked me.

I finally arrived in Cleveland at approximately 9:30 p.m. The bus stopped outside the gates to the bus station like a pilot would do when waiting for someone to manage gate services at an airport.  So close yet so far away.  We waited for approximately ten minutes until the bus driver drove to the boarding area.  My friend was outside waiting for me. Her brother was inside the terminal.  She offered to carry some of my luggage, which was so nice of her. I discovered her brother was afraid to come into the city of Cleveland and the bus terminal was in the heart of Cleveland city proper.  He has lived in the Cleveland area most of his life, if not all of his life.  Everyone has fears. 

To tell you the truth, I am uncomfortable being in big cities.  I am not comfortable around too many people and I sometimes feel anxious when I am unfamiliar with my surroundings.  I grew up in a small town with a population of 2,500 during the winter months and approximately 3,500 to 4,000 during the summer months.

I spent one night in Cleveland at my friend Betty’s home, which is the home of her mother.  Her mother was a treat.  She is over 90 years old.  She told me that I would be more than welcomed to come again and visit.  The rest of the week was spent in Cincinnati with Betty.  Betty had a book signing with other authors for a book they co-wrote.  I attended a writers’ group and attended a publisher’s board meeting.  I met a lot of Betty’s acquaintances and friends.  The last night we were in Cincinnati we had dinner with a young woman, Daphne, and her husband, Keith, at Outback near the motel we were staying at.  They are computer experts and work with marketing. She is also a college professor. Daphne informed us that they appeared as extras in the movie the “Avengers.” She offered to help me with setting up a website among other computer issues I may experience in my quest to becoming more adept with expanding my horizons with social media. 

Daphne is a gorgeous woman whose origins are based in India.  She was going to be a bridesmaid for a friend.  Daphne was concerned that the bridesmaid’s dress she was going to wear was going to make her look fat.  Now according to most standards, Daphne was the perfect weight.  Keith stated that she couldn’t look fat in anything.  I was reminded about how critical and uncomfortable we can be in our own bodies, even people who can be considered very attractive struggle with the way they look. 

I met my husband Don in the Dayton area at his stepfather’s home on Friday.  Our fifth child, Don’s youngest, was graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Wright State University. I was thrown in the mix with Don’s ex-wife and his family.  Calgon take me away.  It was nice to get away and explore busy cities and it made me really appreciate the pace of Sault Ste Marie.

Downtown Development Authority

A presentation was given by Justin Kepper, the director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), for the Lake Superior Elders on July 11, 2012.  In 1975 Michigan lawmakers made the decision to put into place the Downtown Development Authority Act.  As a result of the deterioration of cities such as Detroit, this act would turn things around.  The DDA was established in this community for at least 20 years.  This agency is responsible for beautifying the downtown area and making improvements in areas that need improvement. The board of the DDA includes business people from Sault Ste. Marie and any other person who is voted in to sit on the board by other board members.  There are eight or nine people who serve on the board of the DDA. The boundaries that the DDA are concerned about consist of all of Ashmun Street side streets near the downtown area, East Easterday Avenue, Osborn Blvd., up to the new city hall on Portage, and any area considered a part of the downtown area of the Sault.

One of their projects included fixing up the area behind Maloney’s Alley and nearby businesses.  The area that will be fixed next is behind Avery Square.  The DDA is responsible for the planting and upkeep of all the flowers that were planted in the downtown area.  The group has been working diligently to improve and promote retail services in the downtown area.  They are exploring the possibility of developing an opportunity for niche shopping, for people looking for specialty items.  “Thinking of You” and “Hidden Treasures” are two new shops.  The later is a clothing store. Many volunteers, interns and staff provide their time and effort and carrying out all of the DDA’s responsibilities. 

The DDA operates under a budget of approximately $800,000 to $13 million annually.  There are separate funding bases such as one set up for the parking places and structures.  These areas are maintained on a regular basis.  A call was received about a dog messing up the front of a business.  This was cleaned immediately by the maintenance staff.  Two sororities cleaned a couple of the parks.

A discussion was held about specific ideas for the downtown area. One suggestion was the fact that many of the buildings that exist in this community should be considered historical buildings.  This town has existed since the 1600s. Kepper thought that perhaps there may be restoration of some of the buildings. Some of the businesses have put canopies and other things on the front of the buildings which detract from the way these buildings were before.  It would be great to return things to the way they were before the renovations and make this town a historic site. 

An elder asked about bike and walking trails.  Kepper stated that this has been a request since the 1930s.  It has been discussed that eventually there will be a walking/biking trail that runs along the canal.  He added that there are not very many apartments above the businesses in the downtown area.  An elder said “there isn’t any parking.”  He responded by saying that there is a parking garage with 400 spaces and only approximately 100 of the spaces are being used.  Kepper went on to tell the group about a grant that will be paying individuals with apartments to agree to renovate these apartments and they would be paid $35,000. per rental unit to go towards these renovations. This grant would also be good towards the constructing of new apartments in already established buildings.  He told about an apartment that was constructed from a bank that was closed down.  Kepper said that one of the apartments comes with a bank vault.

There was another question about the Bomb Shelter.  He responded that the man who was renovating that building didn’t want to obtain a building permit.  The man didn’t like dealing with the system so he finally threw in the towel.  The business is being sold for under $400,000. 

Another future project may be the construction of a community kitchen.  People can rent the space to make things such as jams in a licensed facility to sell to the public. 

Part of the presentation included a discussion about future events.  He handed out a flyer describing what was occurring during the first week in August.  Some of the events are a sidewalk sale, car show, tall ship exhibit, and the DDA hired the U.S. Official Navy Band for that same weekend.  Should be a good time. 

Barns

BARNS

By Sharon Brunner

Youth frolicking on bundles of hay,

Horses greeting the day with a neigh,

Cows chomping on their cuds,

Portly pigs play in the mud. 

Honeycombs built by bees,

Dogs receiving shade from trees,

Cats stalking small mice,

Older men tossing dice. 

A lazy hot summer day,

Horse and cow tails sway,

Mosquitoes buzzing searching,

Old tractor tiredly lurching. 

Aroma of baked pies,

Washing scents of lye,

Crops reaching for the heavens,

Dough preparing to leaven.

Fat hens waddling,

Young mothers swaddling,

Enjoying soft warm rain,

Swaying rooster weather vane. 

Linens streaked with drops,

Mother Nature feeds the crops,

Large black crows cawing,

Men with logs sawing. 

Barns standing tall and proud,

Bells ringing sound and loud,
Breakfast, lunch or dinner,
Apple dumplings are the winner. 

Tired bones weary,

Laughing eyes teary,

Rumbling bellies need to eat,

Many hours before sleep,

Many hours before sleep.

One Sole Survivor

I attended a presentation provided at the Sault Locks Visitors Center in Sault Ste. Marie, MI on June 29, 2012. Dennis Hale was the sole survivor of the SS Daniel J. Morrell on a cold blustery stormy night off the thumb of Michigan. Winds exceeded 70 miles per hour with swells of over 25 feet. It started out as a normal trip, nothing out of the ordinary. Dennis almost missed boarding the ship.The second time he had to board the ship at a different port because of oversleeping. Making the last run of the season was its sister ship the Edward Y. Townsend. During the early morning the captain of the Townsend decided to pursue safety from the storm in the St. Mary's River heading for the protection of Thunder Bay. The Morrell was left alone in the waters off the north shore of Pointe Aux Barques, Michigan.  

At 2:00 a.m. the Morrell started sending out its screams with the banging of metal as the ship was being torn apart by the swells of wind and waves. Many of the men jumped to their deaths in the 34 degree waters of Lake Huron. Dennis was clothed in a pea coat, boxer shorts and a life jacket. His life jacket served as a prop during this presentation. First the attendees of this presentation were shown a video of the ship as it rested at the bottom of the lake. Dennis' cabin was shown along with the rest of the back portion of the ship. The ship was broken in half during its assault on that stormy eve of November 29th, 1966. The ship housed fish who saught its protection.  

The length of the ship was 580 feet, a beam of 58 feet, height of 27 feet and was operated by the Cambria Steamship Company, a Bethlehem Transportation Company Mgrs. subsidiary. The ship was a bulk freighter like the many ships that sail through the Sault Locks. There were 29 crew members, with only one surviving the trip.

The crew was called on board by the load crashes.  By 2:15a.m. the ship was ripped in half. Because things were happening so quickly, an SOS was not sent.  Some of men dove in the water or were thrown overboard. The remaining crew boarded rafts at the forward section of the vessel.  While they were waiting for that portion of the ship to sink, there were shouts that a ship was spotted off the port bow.  It was soon discovered that the ship they thought they spotted was the aft of the ship they were on.  This portion was barreling towards them under the power of the ship’s engines.  The two sections collided, and the back end of the ship kept traveling at a fast pace off into the darkness.  It was reported as looking like a wounded beast with its head shot off.

Dennis reported that it took him 24 years to talk about this incident.  When he finally spoke of what happened that stormy night, he felt a huge weight lift from his shoulders.  He boarded a raft with three other crew members.  While they drifted he was under the impression that the other crew members were off on other rafts behind them in the darkness.  As they clung for their lives battling waves of up to 35 feet, one by one the three crew members lost their lives.  Mostly due to lung problems, and the frozen temperatures.  ohn Cleary was one of these crew members.  He asked Dennis to tell his wife he loved her.  Dennis reports being in a lot of pain as he laid against two metal bars that were wedged into his back and hip.  When he was saved he told the medics that he had broken bones because he was in so much pain. 

He began shooting off flairs to no avail.  After hours he welcomed death.  He finally heard the sounds of a helicopter above him.  As far as I understand he was hung up on the shore of Lake Huron.  He has written a book about this experience A Sole Survivor. 

During this approximately 38 hour ordeal, Dennis received messages from what he thought was real.  He was told not to eat the ice from his jacket because it would freeze him from the inside out.  He followed these orders.  Dennis visited a meadow with flowers.  He also suffered from a loss in faith. 

Dennis showed a video of his trip on a ship called the Roger Blough.  He vowed and stuck to this vow for many years that he would never step foot on another ship.  Dennis finally broke that vow a short time ago with some of his friends who joined him on this cruise and a song writer joined them and wrote a song about it.  The presentation ended with some humorous things written about that excursion. 

Celebrating the 4th of July in Munising

Celebrating the 4^th of July in Munising

By Sharon Brunner 

Waking from a deep, restful slumber,

bogs of fog wove through the mist.

Bugs swatted, leaving behind slimy matter.

Smell of bacon wafted from the campsites.

Children laughing, playing with toys,

riding bicycles and pulling wagons .

Trailers pulled by diesel engines.

Clowns telling jokes, freely bantering.

Skin tan from the summer sun.

Assemble to watch war heroes marching.

School bands playing loudly for their audience,

ignoring the sweat gathering on their brows.

Stoic statues stand picturesque in the park.

Masses file through crowded streets,

to go to summer parties, paid by the reap

of this year’s earnings.

Is it sane to bane, what a sham, or is it?

A row of vendors selling their wares,

musicians citing words from favored songs. 

Uncle Don’s delicious homemade pies.

Aunt Donna said it’s time to grill,

Potato salad, beans, bratwurst, and hot dogs.

Cousins pat and form the burgers.

Corn on the cob, wrapped in foil.

Feeling like fatted hogs, eating heartily. 

Sitting around with family, memories cherished.

Find the core, turn the page, dear ones caring.
Laid on the grassy knoll, staring upward intently.

Brightly colored fireworks, smoke lingers.

It’s time to quit and call it a day.

Before retiring, enjoyed Diary Queen treats.

Another 4^th of July celebrated in the beautiful

town of Munising.

Hi Readers:  I wrote this poem by using words that were developed during the playing of an Up Words Game.  I challenge you to play a game of scrabble or Up Words and come up with a poem or a short story.  Sharon

Celebrating Sault Ste. Marie

I attended a presentation put on by Linda Hoath from the Economic Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie, MI.  This organization works diligently to promote Sault Ste. Marie to foreign countries and all over the United States. She enhanced my pride of being a resident of Sault Ste. Marie (Sault).  A lot of people, especially younger people, are often saying there’s nothing to do in the Sault.  I am going to argue with that statement and add activities that Linda informed the Lake Superior Elders about.  There is plenty to do in the Sault.  If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will find this area to be absolutely beautiful and entertaining. We have a large movie theatre, plenty of shopping and lots of restaurants. Tomorrow starts an anniversary celebration of the 50^th year that the international bridge was in existence.  There is going to be fireworks, the lighting of the bridge and other ceremonies to honor that anniversary.

My husband and I are going to attend a play entitled “Die a Stranger” at the Sault Theatre Project, an old theatre that a group of dedicated volunteers has worked diligently to restore.  They still have a way to go; but have definitely made a lot of progress.  The previous owners when they closed the theatre some time ago did not winterize the building by shutting off the water, etc. so things were in complete disarray after it was closed down.  After we see the play we are going to watch fireworks. 

Tomorrow Dennis Hale is going to speak at the Soo Locks Visitors Center. Since it is Engineers Day, the Cloverland Hydro Electric Plant is holding an open house.  I attended this open house last year and thoroughly enjoyed myself. There was a video, informational displays, and speakers informing the visitors about the history of the plant. The plant has been in operation for 110 years. They offer free hot dogs, popcorn and pop along with a whole host of vendors and lots of free stuff such as key rings, pens, etc.  The Coast Guard opens its doors for Engineers Day also. Part of the Engineers Day celebration and what happens annually, is the international bridge walk.  We participated in that walk last year and may do it this year. 

On Sunday, July 1^st, we may partake in a pancake breakfast aboard the barge Nostalgia.  The Canadian Fireworks are being held on that same day, actually during the evening. 

Weekly “Music in the Park” is held.  They have many bands and musicians playing music for the public from the Sault and surrounding areas.  I especially like to listen to Gentleman George’s band. 

The community offers a variety of activities depending on your interests.  As mentioned earlier I belong to a group entitled the “Lake Superior Elders.”  You only have to be 50 to join.  I have learned so much since I have joined and joining things like this elders group can help you feel connected to this community.  You can volunteer for various organizations.  I informed my blogger audience about the Rotary Club.  I volunteer at our local animal shelter and for various organizations associated with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  There is so much to do that I have to pick and chose. Come join us in Sault Ste. Marie.

Happiness is a Choice

I have made this statement to others and personally follow this principle.  Happiness is a choice.  I say to myself “I love my life” even if things are not going so well for me.  When I tell myself over and over again that I am blessed, I feel blessed. I tell myself that I am not alone.  So therefore I am never alone. I was away from home for a couple of days helping someone in need. When I returned home I was greeted by a husband who missed me and a house full of pets. I am blessed.

Mastery of your own personal happiness takes effort.  Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment. It is easier to be sad and find fault with our lives.  People get so used to being unhappy that unhappiness becomes their norm.  If you force yourself to smile on a daily basis, smiling will become your norm. Feeling grateful for what you have is first step to happiness and then there needs to be humility, appropriate communication skills and a desire to control your need to obtain all your wants.  The recipe for happiness involves two parts of being grateful and not reaching for things beyond your reach plus two parts of not allowing things to bring you down.  You are in charge of your emotions.

We often practice feelings of lack instead of being grateful. We look at things we don’t have in our lives instead of being thankful for what we do have. If we choose to be enthusiastic about our lives, we will be able to overcome laziness.  We need to seek happiness like our life depends on it because it does.  Happiness and prayers have been known to cure illness or at least makes the illness more tolerable.  Happiness is the end result of thinking and behaving in a positive manner. Keep asking yourself how can I change this thought into a positive one. This book clearly delineates how to achieve happiness. When we are happy, we are able to cheer up others. 

Another barrier we need to overcome is our expectations of perfection which is counter- productive.  To master life satisfaction we have to challenge our counter-productive ways of thinking and consciously make an effort to convert our thoughts to positive productive thoughts. Selfish happiness and frivolity are considered a fault in character and represents a badge of shame.  When we have more things in our lives, we end up with less control of our lives.  We have to fight the urges to have more things in our lives, especially the things we don’t really need.

I  examine the good and bad things in my life and look for the lessons and blessings with each and every one of these circumstances.  I believe that when something bad happens that causes discomfort, we are being taught a lesson.  When good things happen to us it is the universe giving us blessings.  Either way, good or bad, there are good things that can come out of every situation.  The terrible 911 situation brought alot of people together to help those negatively effected by this disaster.  I have suffered many losses in my life; but at the same time things have come into my life to fill those voids. 

Last night I was at the Chippewa County Animal Control Shelter getting  to know more of the cats that have a temporary residence at the shelter.  They are all looking for a good permanent home.  Many of the cats are sweet, loving and fun to be around.  I sit on the floor and they come to me for attention.  When I walk in the front room where the cats are displayed in cages, the manager stated they know I am here.  Most of the cats were trying to get my attention.  At the shelter, I meet with many of the cats to conduct interviews.  I complete bios that are presented on the front of their cages and on petfinder.com.  I work with socializing the cats and both my husband and I work with cats who demonstrate behavioral problems so they can become more adoptable. We have experienced a lot of success stories.  Another worker made the same statement that the manager made and I told him "believe it or not they do more for me than I could ever do for them." Part of how I fill my tank is by being in their presence. 

I serve as a chairperson for the Lake Superior State Elders which leads me to feel that same way. On June 13, 2012 the annual luncheon was held.  What I witnessed was a room full of people who enjoyed being in each others' company.  Again, I was getting my tank filled.  We need to get our tank filled with all these heart warming moments.  I don't look at my role as a responsibility; I look at my role as chairperson as an opportunity.  Volunteering is very good for the soul. 

Take time to count your blessings.  They are plentiful.  Perhaps you have to be thankful for the small things at first such as you have a roof over your head, actually not a small thing.  When I was attending a sociology class working on my undergraduate degree, one of my professors stated that she thinks the poorest people are those who don’t have a home. When I struggle to get comfortable in bed at night, I think about the poor people living in boxes that are placed on cement sidewalks. I am reminded how lucky I am.  I soon fall fast asleep.  Happiness is a choice.