The quiet of the countryside is sometimes broken by the lonesome whistle as the train crosses at the local crossing. It is still an exciting scene for the youngsters who have not been privileged to live in the country or close to the train tracks. Now there are so many folks who have purchased property, some near the railroad tracks, and are either renovating or building their own little piece of our paradise.

Graduation is over. The last cap has been tossed in the air and for the last two weekends we have enjoyed open houses as well as great food. This past weekend friends and family were in abundance at the parties for John Browning. Among the guests were his aunts Norma and Melissa and uncle Calvin, as well as their families. Traveling north for the gettogether for Samantha Maison, who not only celebrated her graduation but her 18th birthday, were uncle and aunt Cliff and Linda Maison and former neighbors Rick and Patty Detrick, all of St. Clair Shores, her sister, Nikki Maison, and her fiance, Todd Harod. Here for niece Whittney Kerridge's get together, among lots of relatives, was her aunt, Sue Bazen and family. Lindsey Weger's family was out in full force as well, celebrating her milestone. Among the few folks I remember were her aunt Bobbi Ann, uncle Dusty, cousin John, and cousin Connie Gouza and family. I'm sure I have missed others, but with quite a few parties on the same days, it was a blur.

On a great weekend for a getaway, the smells, sights, and sounds of the U.P. are to be stored in our memory bank for when the cold north winds blow and the temperature drops. Hello to Larry Derusha of St. Clair Shores and Leon Derusha of Brimley, who were in town to see their folks as well as attend Sami Maison's graduation open house.

Hello to Lil Hoerz, who ventured down from Manistique, stopping by at the home of Bud and Marge Weger.

Nancy Godfrey of Gladstone enjoyed spending time with her folks, Ethel and Cecil Kerridge of Garnet.

Congratulations to all the Engadine High School students who took part in the U.P. track finals this past weekend at Kingsford.

Birthday wishes to Nicole Benoit on June 5, Gary Moore June 6, Linda Cobe and Cheryl Wurster June 7, Robert Nowak, Shelly Nowak, and Robert Wheaton, all on the 10. Anniversary wishes to Bob and Candy Aldrich June 5 and Jim and Ann Dyer June 7.