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 […]
Interests
118 posts
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 […]
Dale Otto Remling, a charismatic criminal, had spent two years constructing his scheme for a third escape from prison. This elaborate plan involved a helicopter and three “get-a-way / decoy” cars. Join Chuck and I as we investigate Michigan’s malicious marauder and head to Jackson State Prison for this curious […]
Wait? What? Kalamazoo had once been the second highest producer of celery? Chuck and I had lived in Kalamazoo in the early 1990’s while attending Western Michigan University. Neither of us had known the important role that CELERY had played in the economy of K-zoo. Join us as we embark […]
A collection of flyswatters?!? I haven’t given these tools much thought, but when Chuck, my husband, and I entered the Kalamazoo Valley Museum we were captivated by the display of flyswatters! Some hung from the ceiling in front of three glass cases filled with many styles of these pest controllers. […]