Only on Mackinac

My friend, Travis, took this picture this afternoon. It's how he got his Christmas tree home from Island's tree lot...

Yes, you can buy a Christmas Tree on Mackinac Island. 4-H brings them over and sells them to fund their programming.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Mackinac! Just look at that plate. My husband, Allen, planned and cooked everything you see on that plate; all from scratch.  (I am so thankful for his skill and willingness to cook.) All I had to do was make the hors d'oeuvres and the pies for deserts.

When I asked the kids what hors d'oeuvres they might like, I got one answer: bologna pies!

They scream 1950's Tupperware Party, but they've been a family staple since my grandmother's day. Both my kids love them so I had to honor their request. I've searched online for a recipe to share, but I can't find one. These literally are just bologna and a cream cheese spread made with onion and garlic juice. 

Hand-Me-Downs

You have no idea how much joy this picture brings me. This is one of my second grade students and the shirt she's wearing originally belonged to a girl named BD. (BD is currently in her last year of nursing school.) BD grew out of it and handed that shirt down to my daughter K, when K was about five. (K is currently a senior in high school.) K wore it until it no longer fit and then we handed the shirt down to AK. AK wore it and then passed it on to two sisters - both with the initials LP. They enjoyed the shirt until they handed it down to its current owner - my second grade student pictured above. 

Six girls have played and learned in that same shirt; and when it no longer fits its current owner, I'm sure it will move on to another little Island girl. I love that the Mackinac Island community works that way. 

Student photo used with permission.

At Peace

When you live on Mackinac Island, you have to make peace with the rain. We spend a lot of time outside, so in the fall and spring that often includes rainy days. Don't worry - we all have gear to get through these unpleasant days. In fact, unless it is below freezing, my raingear is always with me; you never know when you're going to need it. And I'd rather carry it with me than bike home, in the rain, without it.

So this morning, rather than being frustrated about having to take K to the mainland for a doctor's appointment in a torrential downpour, I tried to focus on gratitude. What was I thankful for? The Cat was running! That meant our ferry trip across would only take 20 minutes instead of the 45 minute trip I was mentally prepared for. What a lovely surprise on an otherwise dreary morning.

For my walk home (still raining) I chose the less traveled path through the woods. Mackinac did not disappoint. Even on a gray rainy afternoon, Mackinac Island is gorgeous. It's hard not to be grateful to be alive when you get to walk home through this.