Retired in Ann Arbor: German Park!

One of the most fun and happy events of the summer for us is the party at German Park that happens on the last Saturday of June, July and August.  With the german food, beer and music, it really reminds me of some of the weddings we used to go to when I was a kid-- back in the dark ages....  :)

If you don't have any plans, you might want to go-- I'll be holding down the fort at the Summer Beerfest in Ypsi, but will be dancing the polka here in August!  These Yelp reviews are pretty funny-- I'm not sure if they will encourage you to go or not, but they're good entertainment.

Where else can you get a bucket of great draft wheat beer!

Here are the directions from the German Park Facebook page:  "Hello to all the German Park guests...We open from 4-11pm on Saturday, July 28. Get there a little early to park and get in line. You'll see the flags waving to guide you in the park. Remember not to bring coolers/picnic baskets...why would you want to bring drinks and food when we have cold beverages and delicious authentic German food. All homemade food! Don't forget your id and no one under 21 admitted without a parent. $5 per person (12 and under free). No credit/debit cards or checks accepted; no ATM available. Remember NOT to bring pets and DO NOT leave them in the car. We love animals but not when they are not happy. There is designated smoking area. Music by the Sorgenbrecher band. We look forward seeing you!"

Impromptu euchre games--

Kids enjoying the music!

Retired in Ann Arbor: Farmer's Market in July

Beautiful fuzzy peaches

It's time to go to Farmer's Market!
Last Saturday we were up and around pretty early, so we were at the market around 8 AM.  It's not quite as crowded then-- almost like Wednesday!

Resulting "Michigan" peach pie

The best corn I've had since Grandpa's

Unfortunately, I only brought one bag along, as our garden exploded while we were gone, and we're buried in cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, new potatoes and yellow beans-- so silly me, I thought we wouldn't find much to buy.

New potatoes

But what a great market!  Blueberries, peaches, and some of the best corn I have had since I was a kid.

Blueberries are in!

Great petit peppers for stuffing

Retired in Ann Arbor: Art fair

Apologies to the artist for photographing this
 jewelry, but I couldn't resist.  I think it's stunning!

 We're back from our summer hiatus-- and wow-- we sure picked a good time to leave, missing most of the brutally hot weather.



Check out pictures of Berlin street art on my new travel blog:
www.retiredinannarbor-ontheroad.blogspot.com



And how time flies!  The tomatoes are starting in the garden, and it's time for the annual art fair.

I always think one of the requirements of Art Fair week is that it has to be the hottest weather of the summer, but surprise!  Yesterday was a gorgeous day, and we took full advantage of it by walking the entire fair(s).  I did my usual poor job of forgetting sunscreen-- so I do have sunglass goggles-- but it was a small price to pay for such a lovely time.

Mozart string quartet and a shoe sale.
What could be better?

Perhaps I'm getting jaded from attending the fair so many years, but this year we ambled through the sidewalk sales as well as the art exhibits, and came home without any new possessions.

We agreed that we already owned everything we wanted and needed.

The quad, puffy clouds, and art tents in the distance--
and it wasn't even crowded at 11 AM

The stage is set with the beautiful surrounding buildings