A Lilac a Day, Day Eight

I'm always surprised at how the colors of the lilac flowers change as the buds open.

A Lilac a Day, Day Seven

The Island just keeps getting prettier... 

A Lilac a Day, Day Six

I know the rules of professional photography tell you not to shoot right into the sun, but I love this picture.

Happy

I know Fort Holmes doesn't look very happy, but he's actually thrilled that today is the last day of school on Mackinac Island. For me, summer begins today at 3:00 pm, and I'm ready - so ready. Please understand, I'm not bad mouthing my students or their parents; teaching is just emotionally tiring, especially during the last month. I'm ready for summer break so I can recharge my batteries.

Not a Lilac, but Still Gorgeous

One of the loveliest thing about spring on Mackinac is the trillium. They grow wild all through the State Park and, if you're lucky, they just might pop up in your garden. (I somehow managed to get three!)

A Lilac a Day, Day Five

We are finally having some spring-like weather in Northern Michigan. I think the lilacs like it.

A Lilac a Day, Day Four

This clump of lilacs grows between the school and Cadotte Avenue.

 

A Lilac a Day, Day Three

Every day they get a little bigger, and then, "Pop," they start to open.  

A Lilac a Day, Day Two

I was worried the lilacs were going to be really late this year, but they're not too far behind last year. Maybe they just feel late because it's been such a cold spring. 

A Lilac a Day, Day One

The lilacs may be a wee bit behind last year, but they're starting to wake up...

I Told You

Remember I told you spring comes late to northern Michigan? I wasn't kidding. This is what most of the trees and shrubs on the island look like. They're all just starting to leaf out.

Finally

The tulips in my garden have finally opened; they opened on May 25th. Spring in the UP is generally late, but this year it was exceptionally late. This winter just held on, and on, and on. 

Our spring hits so late, out plant date is Memorial Day. Usually, I can get away with planting things a couple of weeks early, but not this year.  This year, we had multiple frosts the week right before Memorial Day. 

Spring!

We are finally getting flowers blooming on Mackinac! Planted in the ground flowers, not ones that were started in a greenhouse and transplanted. Mine don't get quite as much sun as the tulips at Grand Hotel, so mine aren't quite this far along. Flowers always put me in a good mood so I'm glad I get to see these every morning on my walk to school...

Good Morning

Not much beats a freighter tooting "Good Morning," just as you arrive at work. I love where I live!

Waiting for Spring

Today is May 13th, and Mackinac Island still has snow. It's not everywhere - mostly in shaded spots in the woods, but it's still there. 

It really hasn't felt like spring much up here; it's been cold! I have yet to wear capris, let alone shorts. And none of my flowers have bloomed yet. You read that right - I don't even have tulips yet!

Teacher Appreciation

This past week was Teacher Appreciation Week. Each day we were treated to something special - including these beautiful flowers, courtesy of  Grand Hotel.

On Friday, one of my sixth graders brought me this hilarious set of pens. I have no idea where they found them, but I love them!

Teaching can be a thankless job, but the Mackinac Island community pulled out all the stops this year. We all felt very appreciated!

Happy Worm Day

 Happy Worm Day 2026!

This year's Worm Day is the latest since I've been keeping track, but it's a day to celebrate none the less.

 The first day we find huge numbers of worms on the pavement after a rain means spring is here!

Not Funny

Mackinac Island awoke to snow this morning.  Not funny Mother Nature, not funny.

Wet

Mackinac has had a wet spring. Not wet as in lots of rain, but wet as in the heavy snow pack has melted. Now the ground is saturated with all that water and it's finding its way into places people don't want it- like basements. One spot on the island is so badly flooded, that these pumps have been running, round the clock, for several days now. 

Busy!

March and April were busy months for me. I signed on to be the lead costumer for the Mackinac Island Community Theater's production of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. It was a ton of work but it was all worth it when the sets, the costumes, the performers, and the music came together on opening night. It really was a treat to be part of this show!