“Imaginary Friends Stay Free” Last May as we had been driving along Highway 2 in Michigan’s upper peninsula, Chuck and I simultaneously read, “Imaginary Friends Stay Free” on The Colonial Motel sign. We each repeated the line with laughter. Chuck had quickly turned around and pulled into the parking lot. […]
Interests
101 posts
Did you know there’s a multi-use recreation trail from Kalamazoo to South Haven? Through the effort of many and the resistance of some, this retired rail line had been reimagined into the linear park it is today. This rail line is FULL of crazy, curious history! Join us as we […]
“That historical sign says, ‘Ice Cream Sundae.’ ” I noticed as Chuck and I drove through Two Rivers, Wisconsin. “Birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae” banners had flanked the streets. Curious minds had wanted to learn all about this “Ice Cream Sundae” situation. So, we spun the Jeep around to […]
Chirps of birds had threaded through the branches early one June morning as we strolled along the path at Palms Book Park near Manistique. The buzzing insects had answered the bird calls as Chuck and I stepped quietly, clad in our bug shirts. Suddenly the glassy water of Michigan’s largest […]
I’d like to introduce you to Bob and Karen Wiltse, a most dynamic pair! They call themselves, “Serial Entrepreneurs.” Over the past decades this visionary couple has creatively carved their own life path through innovation and hard work. Bob and Karen had invited us to stay at their off-the-grid, lighthouse […]
“What a shame. No victory.” Vietnam veteran, Ron Hayward, had shared with WOODTV8 reporter, Amber Krycka, as they stood next to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. Seventy-five mid Michigan soldiers, including three women, had been invited to attend an Honor Flight. These veterans were able to pay their respects […]
The Grand River, Michigan’s longest waterway, stretches 262 miles from Jackson to Lake Michigan. This road of water has been the lifeline of commerce and transportation for over 10,000 years. Come along with us from Jenison to Grand Haven as we explore this entrancing river, the river boats and the […]
With rumbling chugs and hissing steam the 1225 Pere Marquette rolled into “The North Pole” located in Ashley, Michigan. This remarkable 1941 steam engine had been Chris VanAllsburg’s inspiration for his well known story about a train journey, “The Polar Express.” Today, families board in Owosso, Michigan for the hour […]
“Let’s say the intro from a distance, so you can see the whole Bronner’s store in the background.” Chuck had suggested as we had been capturing video footage of Christmas traditions around Michigan for our Restless Viking YouTube channel. Bronner’s is the largest Christmas store in the world located in […]
Have you ever wondered about the enormous Christmas tree that stands in front of our state capitol? This year’s story is especially touching. Join my husband, Chuck, and I as we follow the journey of this year’s state Christmas tree. Let’s begin in Onaway, Michigan which is located in the […]