When we came upon this quaint breakfast stop on Washington Island, we never imagined the powerful impressions that would fill our souls as well as our stomachs. We had just camped at Willow Pond Farm on the Door Peninsula where the owners, Craig and Cindy, suggested we stop at The […]
Interests
The Badger’s motto is “BIG SHIP! MORE FUN!” We made memories on our voyage across Lake Michigan from Ludington to Manitowoc and then on our return trip several days later. The Badger Car Ferry is the last coal-fired passenger steamship in operation in the United States. My first trip aboard […]
I have marveled at this statue and the life of it’s inspiration, Leonardo di Vinci. Each year I would read, “Monday with a Mad Genius,” by Mary Pope Osborne to my students with the hope of sparking interest in past inventions and artwork. Leonardo di Vinci was an engineer, sculptor […]
When Chuck organized a private tour of the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, I was thrilled on many different levels. First, I hold fond memories of attending a Billy Bragg concert with Chuck, Martin and Brian in 1988 when we were college students at Western Michigan University. After the concert we […]
As a retired elementary teacher, I fancy anything to do with youngsters’ learning and school operations. Ever since I felt “the pure joy” of witnessing my little sister learn her ABC’s under my direction, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was four […]
I have always visited Mackinac in the summer when Main Street is teeming with horses, carriages, bikes and many, many people. Main Street felt as if we’d found a supernatural museum. The roadway was so peaceful and serene. What’s it like to live on this small island year round? Margaret […]
Where do all the Mackinac Island horses go in the winter? Chuck thought they relaxed by sitting at a bar drinking while wearing derby caps. I adore his imagination. Sometimes I have to roll my eyes, though. We were curious and started our research. After digging deeper, we found several […]
In preparing for our winter escapade to Mackinac Island, I researched the fascinating history of the area. This is the first in a series of articles about the island and the people who have called it home. The Anishnaabek (also known as the Odawa, Ojibway and Potawatomi) tribes inhabited the […]
In October 2020 I took a scenic drive from Cheboygan to Lowell and came upon this exhibit on M-33 between Fairview and Comins, Michigan. I was curious about this display. I safely pulled over and strode up the hill for a closer look-see. I navigated the slope carefully as I […]
Who better to understand mental illness than one who had been seized by authorities and hospitalized five times over a twenty-two year span? Dr. Ferguson led a troubled life of addiction and psychotic breaks. In 1954 he arrived at Traverse City State Hospital, but not as a patient, but rather […]