The Turner Family

Lady Comets fall in opener Dec. 4, 2011 GRAND LEDGE - Grand Ledge varsity head coach David Jones says that his goal and that of his team is to play at the level that visiting Portland played in last Monday's season opener. Portland jumped out to a quick 14-3 first period lead and never looked back as they surged past the Lady Comets 47-27. "We knew going into the game that Portland would have an excellent team and they did," said Jones. "They're probably one of the top three teams that we'll face all season so we learned a lot from them." That they did as Portland's Sarah Trierweiler knocked down 17 points of her own in the win. After falling behind by 11 at the end of the first period the Raiders outscored the Comets 10-8 in the second period to hold a 24-11 half-time lead. That lead expanded to 36-21 heading into the final eight minutes of play. "We struggled early in the game but when the girls settled down they

I'm sure every one has received a flurry of emails from Mom and/or Dad describing what has been happening in Kenya but I thought it would be better to consolidate everything into a huge post for the Turner Family Blog. As of now we've done a load of things including visiting the giraffe center and elephant orphanage among other things. This is of Garrett at the Giraffe center to the left of him there was a standing area that was higher and we got the opportunity to feed the giraffes that would come close enough. I was the only one who actually got to feed the giraffe because after this one ate out of my hand it decided it was full and left. Then we went to Coast or Mombasa for a day. After an eight hour drive where Mom and I got to sleep almost the whole drive we finally arrived and then planned on sun tanning but rain pushed us inside where we fell asleep yet again. This was dinner on that night. The next day we went to a wood-carving place pictured below and then left the fol

Mega rock band U2 announced around Thanksgiving 2009 that they would be touring and performing at Michigan State's Spartan Stadium in June of 2010, and as a previous MSU ticket purchaser, I was given advance access. Thus, during a mandatory high school wrestling parent meeting on some November 2009 evening in the library, I stole over to my laptop to purchase 4 tickets, opting for Section 126, northwest of the stage. Fast forward to spring 2010, and during rehearsals for the shows, Bono goes and injures his back , which forces a year's postponement of the tour. As ticket possessors, Tiffani and I propose to our western New York friends Drew and Mary Beiter that they join us for the show to complete our 4 tickets, and they agree to a weekend visit and concert. Subsequently, and coincidentally to Bono, a back injury keeps Mary from traveling, so it was then suggested that the boys attend instead: Drew's Mitch, and our Nick. The plan was to organize all the folks that we

In mid-May, while in our (Acme) Township office on other business, the township supervisor asked Glen, as a township resident and veteran, if he would be willing to participate in the upcoming Memorial Day service. The township was planning their second annual program, to take place in one of two township cemetaries. Having no other plans for the day, Glen agreed. It was a beautiful day. The ceremony began with the entrance of local bagpipers. Glen was one of four men who read the names of veterans buried in one of the Acme Twp cemetaries. The color guard were members of the Fife Lake Masonic Lodge and VFW. There were more people that I would have expected. A descendant of one of the famous Native American Civil War sharpshooters - Comany K - was invited to say a few words. Our family and friends: Andy Miller, Jack Swanson (another Native American Veteran), Dennis Miller (who can still fit in his Navy uniform) and Glen. On the flatbed in the background is a p

Stacy, a Grand Ledge graduate, explaining the labeling machine that was acquired from Budweiser. Cruising through the  Twitter  this winter , I note that  Aradia  -- a semi-local brewpub, and of which mom and dad are founding members -- is having what they term a 'beer dinner' on April 28, which also happens to be dad's 70th birthday. Thinking that it's a natural occasion and destination to celebrate dad, the Turner boys scheme to get him there. When we arrived (albeit, a little late, due to unforeseen Michigan Avenue construction in Battle Creek), we were provided with a brief tour of Arcadia's production facility, and given a menu agenda for the evening. Chef Sean described the evening's meal as turning food inside out, changing our perception of what we typically perceive, encounter, and eat. Tables were set up separate from the restaurant, again on the production side, where they were white-linen clad, and supplied with plates of Swiss and cheddar ch

Last Fall, the Grandson was at our house for an afternoon, and he had on the worst shoes ever created by Man - at least in the opinion of the Grandfather. When dry, they were virtually impossible to get on and off of his feet. When damp, the shoes laughed in the face of any attempt to put them on. And, they smelled BAD. Mercifully, he outgrew them and they never reappeared in Eagle. Until Christmas - when they did reappear in the form of a malevolent gift to his Grandfather. Oh horrors ! - the shoes still lived ! Over the winter the Grandfather wondered what would be a suitable fate for these terrible, these evil, these shoes most foul. At last it was decided that the shoes would be put to the torch - they would be burned alive -as it were. So, on a suitable day, all who had suffered at the hands of these wretched shoes assembled in Eagle and they were BURNED until nothing remained of them !! One could almost hear the shoes scream. Gone, gone, gone at last. Taken a few days later at

The Accra Turner's had big plans for the Spring Break. Dad and Mom had taken the week off while Garrett and I were looking forward to enjoying some relaxation. We had parties, a 3-day beach trip to Ada, and even a house guest planned. But... this is Africa, so not everything worked out as planned but better then planned. After hosting yet another Hale and Farewell on Friday, this one turned out to only be a Farewell. With a running Indian theme including traditional Indian music and food, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Afterwards Mom, Dad, and Garrett rushed off to their weekly Salsa class. We spent the rest of the weekend lounging and taking naps. Monday, instead of going to Ada as planned we continued to rest in the sanctuary of our own home. We did leave Tuesday though, arriving after a 2 hour car ride just in time for lunch with a side of bad-news. The hotel had no more rooms. We dined, afterwards looking at the other hotels close by but none seemed to suit us so we turne

These are just photos I love from the birthday gathering at my house last weekend. No particular order (and I wish I wasn't missing a few people - maybe others have some to post?). This one of Lucy and Sophia cracks me up 'cause this is the expression Lucy made when Chris asked her to 'smile' - so hilarious! Thanks for coming to help me celebrate! I loved the day and wish it didn't go so fast!

At least 14 inches in 18 hours and still coming down! Spring can't come soon enough in Traverse City and there's nothing in the forecast that says it's going to warm up and all melt away. Glen has already cleaned out the driveway twice. (He says if he's not driving a truck, he'd just as soon be driving the snowblower) Our bird feeder looks like a wedding cake. Heavy, wet snow on trees. Neighbor across the street struggles with his driveway. The pink flamingos in the yard behind us wish they were back in Florida!