Just northwest of the suburbs of Detroit, the land is dotted with morainic lakes caused by receding glaciers. This abundance of fresh water makes it a prime destination for all kinds of activities from fishing to water sports. One sport, in particular, that has found a home there is hydroplane racing. Every year Walled Lake plays host to the Walled Lake Thunder Inboard Hydroplane Races.

Though I’m not a huge fan of the sport, I do find the forms of the various vintage water craft to be quite fascinating. Out of context especially, the thunderboats seem so alien as cranes pluck them from the water and swing them overhead, back to their trailers.

Royal Oak is a suburb just outside of Detroit. It’s in perfect proximity to several “happening” suburban Detroit districts. The area is green with vegetation and has plenty of parks and sidewalks. The city seems to stay on top of things. There’s also a great farmer’s market downtown.

Yesterday we biked down to the Detroit Zoo (which, go figure, happens to be in Royal Oak). On the way back, we stopped for oysters and drinks in downtown Royal Oak.

Plenty of choices for food and drink. For foodies, it’s a great place to live.

This past winter was cold on a biblical scale. I hope it wasn’t a sign of things to come.

A middle-aged goth dude who has a family now.

Right now, I’m thoroughly engaged with all things Matthew Barney. I’m also beginning to scratch the surface of Willoughby Sharp’s oeuvre, which I recently discovered. Sharp was like the godfather of avant-garde video performance art. I also really like the new Real Estate album.