Happy February 29th! Yep, that is right…this year has 366 days. Did you know that a person born on February 29th is called a “leapling” or “leaper?”
I have never met a “leaper,” but it sure seems like a cool birthday to have!
But for all of us that aren’t a “leaper” it just means you get one whole extra day to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you each day here in Michigan.
Have a great Leap Day!
January 26th is Michigan’s 175th birthday! On January 26, 1837 President Andrew Jackson signed a bill declaring Michigan the 26th state of the union.
In honor of this special occasion, here are some facts about this great state from www.michigan.gov.
State Name: Michigan
Name Origin: Derived from the Indian word Michigama, meaning great or large lake.
Nickname: Wolverine State
Statehood: Jan. 26, 1837 (26th)
Capital: Lansing, since 1847; prior to that, Detroit.
State Motto: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice, which translates, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.”
Flower: Apple Blossom
Bird: Robin
Tree: White Pine
Stone: Petoskey Stone
Gem: Chlorastrolite
Fish: Brook Trout
Soil: Kalkaska Soil Series
Reptile: Painted Turtle
Game Mammal: White-tailed Deer
Wildflower: Dwarf Lake Iris
Fossil: Mastodon
I knew we had a state flower, tree, reptile, etc. But, I did not know we had a state soil! You learn something new everyday!
To celebrate Michigan’s 175th birthday, look around you and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us all! Turn your porch lights on Thursday night so Michigan shines brightly for all to see!
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!!
It is that time again – time for fireworks to be lighting the night sky in celebration of our Country’s Independence. There isn’t much better than sitting outside on a nice night watching the beautiful explosions light up the sky.
Here is a website address that lists all known fireworks celebrations: michiganfireworks.com
You can search by City, Date, or County.
Today is the first day of summer! It seems like we have waited so patiently for this day to arrive – and it is FINALLY here! Now is the time for summer barbecues and vacations. There are so many wonderful places to visit around this beautiful state.
Tell me, where will you be vacationing this summer?
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Michigan this December, here’s a short list of events:
December
2-2 Goodrich – Goodrich – Downtown Christmas in the Village 810-636-3409
2-3 Flushing – Flushing Candlewalk 810-659-4141
2-5 Manistee – Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend 231-398-3262
2-5 Sandusky – “The Original” Ctry Christmas Lighted Farm Implement Parade 810-648-4445
2-8 Caro – Gingerbread Village 989-673-5211
3-4 Ida – Christmas in Ida Festival 734-269-6017
3-5 DeTour Village – Old Fashioned Village Christmas 906-297-2787
4-4 Gladwin – Gladwin County festival of Lights Christmas Parade 989-429-6565
4-5 East Lansing – MSU Holiday Arts & Crafts Show 517-355-3354
4-5 Holly – Dickens Festival 248-634-9571
10-12 Northville – Handcrafters Unltd Artisan Mkt – Tinsel & Treasures 734-459-0050
11-12 Holly – Dickens Festival 248-634-9571
31/31 Kalamazoo – New Year’s Fest 269-388-2830
12/31-1/1 Grand Rapids – Hot New Year’s Eve Party 616-774-8461
The Cupcake Station: Helping people one cupcake at a time
One of Kerry Johnson’s passions in life is cupcakes, but an even greater passion of his is helping people. When he decided that it was time for a new venture in life, he started The Cupcake Station, and has kept his passion for helping people as an integral part of the cupcake business. Today, The Cupcake Station has helped over 2,000 different organizations. The Cupcake Station is now accepting applications for Franchises with one “condition.” The future franchise owner must stay true to the roots of The Cupcake Station; giving back to the community.
Over 25 varieties of cupcakes are made daily from scratch. Their most popular cupcake is the Carrot Cake Cupcake followed closely by the Michigan Bumpy Cupcake. The Michigan Bumpy Cupcake features Dark Chocolate Cake with smooth White Buttercream bumps dipped in Dark Chocolate Ganache and drizzled with White Chocolate. The Cupcake Station created this little piece of Heaven in homage to Sanders, another Michigan institution. The Cupcake Station was the first to come out with The Michigan Bumpy Cupcake, which was featured on the national news. Now, cupcake stores nationwide have started making Michigan Bumpy Cupcakes.
Currently, there are two locations, Birmingham and Ann Arbor that employ 22 people. During the week, they sell 500-700 cupcakes per day and an additional 1,200 – 2,000 per day on weekends. This weekend many more cupcakes will be flying off the shelves since Valentine’s Day is their busiest holiday of the year. The Cupcake Station now ships its amazing cupcakes nationwide.
For locations or franchise information, please visit: www.cupcakestation.com.
January 13, 1862
Governor Austin Blair approved a joint resolution asking Michigan’s congressional delegation to use their influence to assist the exchange of prisoners of war.
The legislative request focused on obtaining the release of Colonel Orlando B. Willcox, who had languished in a southern prison since his capture on July 21, 1861, at the Battle of First Bull Run. Commander of the First Michigan Infantry Regiment, Willcox was finally exchanged on August 19, 1862. The following day, promoted to brigadier general. Years after the war, he received the Medal of Honor for heroism at First Bull Run.
Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past. See more here.
Based on the input from our readers, here are the Top Ten Favorite Michigan Holiday Traditions:
10. Putting up the lights before it gets too cold or snowy
9. Snow
8. Gary Lane Lights & the house with the lights set to music
7. Bronner’s/Frankenmuth
6. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
5. Making cookies
4. Visiting Santa at Kellogg Park
3. Driving down Lakeshore Dr. to see the lights
2. The food
1. The Wayne County Lightfest (Hines Dr.)
Based on the input from our readers, here are the Top Ten Michigan Thanksgiving Traditions:
10. Leftovers!!
9. Preparing for Black Friday
8. The overstuffed drive home
7. Spending time with the Family
6. Pumpkin Pie
5. Turkey & Mashed Potatoes
4. Watching non-Lions football
3. Putting up Holiday decorations the day after
2. Watching America’s Thanksgiving Parade
1. Watching the Lions Game
Michigan is Amazing 