Winter Solstice

December 20, 2011

The Winter Solstice is December 22. Hanukkah starts tonight, Christmas is on Sunday….and I want to know where is the snow to really get these holidays going?? I know some of you don’t like snow and are content to put off the inevitable flakes for as long as possible. I like snow, it is one of the best things about winter in Michigan (even better if you don’t have to drive in it!)

The holiday seems complete when a beautiful white blanket covers the trees and grass. Plus – I want the snow now…when we are supposed to have it…not in April and May!

The Winter Solstice is also the shortest day of the year…so on Friday, our days will start getting longer again – now that is something to truly be thankful for!!


Happy Thanksgiving

November 23, 2011

This year, while we are all surrounded by friends, family, and of course – delicious foods; let’s all be thankful. Take a moment to not only be thankful for the big things, but the small moments too. Let’s slow down, if only for a moment, and really enjoy the spirit of the holiday. We all have so many things to be thankful for.

Be safe in your travels and Happy Thanksgiving to all!


November is here

November 4, 2011

November is here and that means it is time to start thinking about the approaching holidays. There always seems to be art & craft fairs at nearly every school and church during this time of year. Visiting these art & craft fairs is a great way to find unique gifts and support crafty people from all over Michigan. I have found a website that has a listing of all the craft fairs around the state. Check it out: Michigan Craft Fairs


As the cold settles in…

October 17, 2011

The days seem to be getting a bit cooler each day. It is blustery and chilly – not quite in need of a parka yet, but soon. As we creep closer to winter, what do you do to pass the winter months – snowmobile, ice fishing, hunting, skiing?? Do you embrace the cold and snow or do you reach for a blanket and wait for spring?


Fall in Michigan

September 26, 2011

Now that Fall is officially here, there are a lot of fun things to do in the cooler weather.

Cider Mills are always a great place to visit for people of any age. Some offer a simple cider mill experience with cider, donuts, and other baked goods available. Other cider mills offer games, pony rides, pumpkin patches, and apple picking in addition to cider, donuts and baked goods. I have found a website that has a listing of cider mills in Michigan. They are in alphabetical order by city, so finding one near you should be easy.
Michigan Cider Mills

There are also corn mazes opening. Here is a website to check out for a listing of corn mazes in Michigan. Michigan Corn Mazes

If you are planning to enjoy the beautiful colors that Michigan offers in the fall, you can check out The Weather Channel’s website for a color map of where the colors are peaking. Michigan Fall Colors

There are many more things to do in the fall – tell me, what is your favorite fall activity?


September 11

September 10, 2011

Tomorrow, all of us will be remembering the morning of September 11, 2001. You’ll remember where you were, what you were doing, who you called that day, and most of all – you’ll remember the way you felt that fateful day.

September 11 is a day that will forever be burned into our memories – it is a day of mourning and remembrance, but it is also a day of celebration. Celebrate the memories of the people that were lost, and celebrate the resilience of the American Spirit.


Visiting State Parks

August 23, 2011

Summer is not over yet, but now is the time to think about campground and harbor reservations for next year. The Michigan DNR allows reservations 6 months in advance for campgrounds and harbors. The campgrounds that are on or near one of the Great Lakes fill up extremely fast.

As an avid camper, I love visiting our State Parks. I am currently planning next year’s camping dates and locations. I know that at the 6 month mark – I need to be ready and waiting at the computer to make my reservations or I will not be getting into the park I wish to visit.

Here is a list of the parks I have visited:

Tawas Point State Park
Tahquamenon State Park
Lakeport State Park
Hoffmaster State Park
Sleeper State Park
Van Buren State Park
Newaygo State Park
Holly Recreation Area
Bay City State Recreation Area
Brighton Recreation Area
Straits State Park

They are all great parks, but my two favorites are Tawas Point State Park and Lakeport State Park.

Tell me, where you have camped and what are your favorite parks.


The Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad

August 3, 2011

I recently visited Fairview and stumbled upon this hidden gem – The Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad. This amazingly beautiful train ride sits on 40 acres of Jack pine forest and overlooks the Comins Creek Valley.

I had the pleasure of speaking to the owners, Howard and Joanne Schrader about the property. The idea of this railroad came from Howard’s love of trains and ground was broken in 1994 with the construction of the engine house. Over the next 5 years the Schraders built two wooden trestles (one is over 220 feet long), a tunnel (115 feet long), the depot and gift shop, and many more buildings to make this a complete experience for the rider.

There is a 1/4 scale steam locomotive as well as two F-7 diesel hydraulic locomotives. There are 7 passenger coaches each with a unique name.

The Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend. The steam locomotive runs on select Sundays and Holidays – you can call ahead for the steam schedule.

For more information and directions, please visit: www.michiganausablevalleyrailroad.com

Stop by for a great ride and have some popcorn too!


Woodward Dream Cruise

July 26, 2011

Each year the Woodward Dream Cruise draws a large crowd of car enthusiasts from all over the country. Over one million people will soon begin pouring into the Metro Detroit area to participate in the Dream Cruise. Some will bring their cars to drive and show off – others will bring chairs to sit and admire all the cars as they creep up and down Woodward. This is the one time a year that people happily insert themselves into a gigantic traffic jam – and love every second of it!

This year the Woodward Dream Cruise is on August 20, 2011. The Cruise runs from 9am to 9pm.
For for information on the Woodward Dream Cruise, please visit:
www.woodwarddreamcruise.com


Ann Arbor Art Fair

July 11, 2011

For all of you art enthusiasts…The Ann Arbor Art Fair is almost here! The art fair runs from July 20 – 23. Hours are W-F 10am – 9pm, Sat 10am – 6pm.

For more information on the art fair history, artists, locations, and maps, please visit:
www.artfair.org


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