Closing weekend 2025

Last weekend of 2025. Nothing exciting to share, just cleaned up and winterized for the season. The lawn is looking very good for November...

November 2025 - my last photo 

Landscape lights rewired!

Looking forward to opening in 2026...

Front walk-way

Back in 2024, we had a large flagstone walkway installed in the front and a small one installed in the back. After almost two years of trying to maintain them, I was not happy at all with their form or function. I really wanted zero maintenance concrete!

Luckily we ended-up with a beautiful weekend in October to get it done...  

Day 1 - excavation

End of day 1 - ready for forming

Day 2 - forming

Day 2 - pouring

Day 2 - edged

Day 3 - I cleaned up the mess and hand back-filled everything. The finished results are looking great! 

I just need to plant some grass seed, fix the flower bed side and re-wire the remaining landscape lights. 

Back deck staining/sealant

We had the back deck installed back in 2023. However, I never got around to staining it. So, finally I spent some hours power washing it and treating it to a deck brightener and mold remover. Then as a final step, I put on a coat of oil based clear sealer from Armstrong. 

Day 1 - Operation "Deck Seal"

Day 2 - 90% complete

I ran out of product. I had to order one more can to finish the job. I think I used like 7.5 gallons for the whole job.

Island Fest 2025

Kelleys Island Fest 2025 - this year's theme was "Boots & Boats"

 

The Captain's Corner ladies are ready for the parade... 

Here is a fun pic with the whole Cole family crew at Caddy Shack!

July fishing

Here is the fam just random fishing in mid July.

Just fishing...

Backstone Grill

Finally got around to getting a Blackstone Grill for the island. I've been hearing about these for years and a few of my friends had them and really like 'em.

Bacon action

I made smash burgers a few times and the kids loved it.

Sophie's graduation from Olmsted Falls High School

Sophie's graduation from Olmsted Falls High School - congratulations!

Big day for my baby girl!

Family pic

OFHS - class of 2025

Sophie's prom!

Sophie's Senior Prom at Olmsted Falls High School

 

Looking gorgeous girl!

Anna's graduation from Ohio University!

Anna's graduation from Ohio University - congratulations!

 

Lil' Bobcat on the bricks - now a grad!

 

Big day at the convo!

Grad present - new Taylor guitar!

Opening Weekend 2025

Opening weekend 2025 was not super fun, when I discovered the pool shell had some type of rusted "pin-hole" that caused the water to slowly drain out for days or weeks. Anyway, this lowered the water level so far down that it pulled the winter cover into the pool and dumped all the leaves into the water.

Long story short = Hot Mess 

Pool cover problem

Mysterious rusted hole in pool

Winter 2025

Here are some photos taken by friends who happened to be on the island during the long cold month of January.

From the street

Pool winterized

Side view from Bechtels

 

Closing weekend 2024

I spent the last three weekends, working on trim paint in the hallway, Neil's room, our room and the master bath. No pics to share since painting trim is super boring.

The biggest accomplishment this year was getting the lawn and landscaping installed/planted.

Last post for 2024...

114 Southaven - November 2024

Looking forward to 2025!

Sophie - Coast Guard Day

In early September, Sophie got the opportunity to spend some time at the U.S. Coast Guard Marblehead Station. She got to meet the crew, explore the boats in their fleet and ultimately go on a live boat run to Kelleys Island and around Lake Erie north of Marblehead.  

This was a fantastic, motivating day for Sophie as she plans to join the U.S Coast Guard in 2026. More to come!

Labor Day Weekend

Big fun as always for Labor Day weekend on the island. We had a last minute surprise when Uncle Al and Aunt Lori came to the island for the day.

Me and Bon with Uncle Al and Aunt Lori

More August fun

So far, this was a fantastic summer, weather-wise... plenty of sunshine, hot temps but not too much humidity.   

Neil and his buddy Aiden

My favorite times are the simple island days, playing tunes and hanging out with friends. 

Me and Bon with the Coles

August fun

At my annual summer Medical Mutual - Guardians game, met up with some KI peeps as a bonus!  

KI peeps in the CLE for a Guardians game

Later in the month, I finished a few odds and ends job by hanging miscellaneous stuff in several of the bedrooms.

Guitar wall hanger for Anna

Closet door sign

Battle of Lake Erie for Neil