First the 2011 Cherry Republic Talent Show:
and now for the cherry pit spitting contest:
Stop # 8: Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor, Michigan is truly a magical and fun place to take the family! As you can see we really enjoyed ourselves.... Almost everyday we made a stop there, ahem...
The children entered the talent show too!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
SUMMER FEATURE **a magical place** Glen Arbor Park in Leelanau and On becoming 40
I laughed so hard I cried! Then had to take it easy :)
Stop # 5: a new one for this year, The Glen Arbor Park... remember the part in the post where I said I dare to do just about anything...?
Sometimes that can get me in trouble! Our 2 year-old daughter was yelling at the top of her lungs, "You stop that Momma, NOW!" I love surprising the children with wild antics! ha
Stop # 5: a new one for this year, The Glen Arbor Park... remember the part in the post where I said I dare to do just about anything...?
Sometimes that can get me in trouble! Our 2 year-old daughter was yelling at the top of her lungs, "You stop that Momma, NOW!" I love surprising the children with wild antics! ha
SUMMER FEATURE **a magical place** D.H. Day Farm and Sleeping Bear Dunes
Stop # 3 and 4: D.H. Day Farm and Sleeping Bear Dunes
I have climbed these dunes for years... I once happened upon my cousins from a long distance away climbing as well when I was a child... Peter and Kristi... And now our children love climbing the dunes. We have even spent a few days here with our Amish friends... They loved seeing and climbing the dunes... They wrote a message in the sand with their address and received a post card later. It truly is a magical place. I have not climbed them this year as I should not at this time but I am enjoying watching others and my dear children discover their mystery!
And words canNOT describe the farmhouse and barns that D.H. Day built right across from the Dunes. If our barn looked like this, well I would reside in it!
The skies here have been unbelievably gorgeous while we have been here!
I have been tempted to ask the new owners of the D.H. Day Farm if they wanted someone to homestead their place with our beautiful Belgians and bring it back to a working farm in days of old! I know we could do it... But I probably won't becuase I dare do just about anything no matter how impossible it seems. What if he actually said yes?...
I know we would love every minute of it and cherish the time but for now the views are amazing and good enough for a lifetime...
I have climbed these dunes for years... I once happened upon my cousins from a long distance away climbing as well when I was a child... Peter and Kristi... And now our children love climbing the dunes. We have even spent a few days here with our Amish friends... They loved seeing and climbing the dunes... They wrote a message in the sand with their address and received a post card later. It truly is a magical place. I have not climbed them this year as I should not at this time but I am enjoying watching others and my dear children discover their mystery!
And words canNOT describe the farmhouse and barns that D.H. Day built right across from the Dunes. If our barn looked like this, well I would reside in it!The skies here have been unbelievably gorgeous while we have been here!
I have been tempted to ask the new owners of the D.H. Day Farm if they wanted someone to homestead their place with our beautiful Belgians and bring it back to a working farm in days of old! I know we could do it... But I probably won't becuase I dare do just about anything no matter how impossible it seems. What if he actually said yes?...
I know we would love every minute of it and cherish the time but for now the views are amazing and good enough for a lifetime...Thursday, July 14, 2011
SUMMER FEATURE **a magical place** Fishtown aka Leland - all 5 senses
Stop #2.Leland, Michigan aka Fishtown is pretty much indescribable...
Don't let a few photos fool you as they seriously do not do Fishtown its proper justice or place... You will leave with the longings of your 5 senses fulfilled with a little bit of your heart left behind.
From the moment you arrive you will be drawn in by the smells of smoke from the smoker at Carlson's Fisheries and fresh Lake Michigan air... These smell drift through the dear little wharf all the way up to beautiful Main St.
The quaint shops and boutiques will draw your eye but the sound of the water fall near Falling Water's Lodge will tune you in to find the peaceful noise you are hearing... Where is it coming from? Oh, here it is...
I love feeling the old wood that held the nets for fisherman of years gone by...
I never leave without some fresh smoked Lake Michigan fish from Carlson's... My choice: Smoked Chub, a favorite of mine! We go grab some aged cheese and local baked bread and find an outdoor picnic table and reward our taste senses of these fresh and marvelous local treats!
The action does not stop here... Manitou Transit will take you to N. and S. Manitou Islands... One of my family homestead is located on S. Manitou Island... "The Tobin House" For real... My ancestors photo resides there at the house... They were a lighthouse keeper (John Tobin)and post mistress (His wife)... I will make it to that island someday... I truly will. My relatives also worked for the USLS (United States Life Saving Service) back in the old days. Could this be my love for Leelanau? I was born with Leelanau in my blood...
The shops sell a lot of local crafts and artisan wares! I always am a sucker for the new local history books written... After all, they have photos of my family in them... You could say my dear Uncle Jack Phillips (Married to my father's sister "Tobin") lost his life while heading to S. Manitou Island to unearth more of our family roots...
S. Manitou... I will meet you... I will, just wait a little longer
From the moment you arrive you will be drawn in by the smells of smoke from the smoker at Carlson's Fisheries and fresh Lake Michigan air... These smell drift through the dear little wharf all the way up to beautiful Main St.
The quaint shops and boutiques will draw your eye but the sound of the water fall near Falling Water's Lodge will tune you in to find the peaceful noise you are hearing... Where is it coming from? Oh, here it is...
I love feeling the old wood that held the nets for fisherman of years gone by...
I never leave without some fresh smoked Lake Michigan fish from Carlson's... My choice: Smoked Chub, a favorite of mine! We go grab some aged cheese and local baked bread and find an outdoor picnic table and reward our taste senses of these fresh and marvelous local treats!
The action does not stop here... Manitou Transit will take you to N. and S. Manitou Islands... One of my family homestead is located on S. Manitou Island... "The Tobin House" For real... My ancestors photo resides there at the house... They were a lighthouse keeper (John Tobin)and post mistress (His wife)... I will make it to that island someday... I truly will. My relatives also worked for the USLS (United States Life Saving Service) back in the old days. Could this be my love for Leelanau? I was born with Leelanau in my blood...
The shops sell a lot of local crafts and artisan wares! I always am a sucker for the new local history books written... After all, they have photos of my family in them... You could say my dear Uncle Jack Phillips (Married to my father's sister "Tobin") lost his life while heading to S. Manitou Island to unearth more of our family roots...
S. Manitou... I will meet you... I will, just wait a little longer 
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
SUMMER FEATURE **a magical place**... Leelanau
Growing up you would not have considered us “rich” in monetary means. A family of 5 living in a beautiful home, a one car family at times with one income mostly and very blessed. Picnics packed of P B and J for the backyard in our “wood” where our bunnies resided for summer fun. 
Homemade tents from the clothes line with marble brownies to nibble on made by Mom. Dad working long hours to provide a great living for us in a nice neighborhood while we rode our bikes playing “CHiPs”! We never traveled to Disney World (not that there is anything wrong with that) because we didn’t have the money to put it frank.
My mother especially still feels bad about this and mentions it to me now. But, I never felt as if I missed a thing. 
What should be noted and always remembered is each summer a **magical** vacation in Leelanau… Glen Arbor, Maple City, Leland… Oh Leland I do love you so! The water in Glen Haven is like no other for beautiful Lake Michigan!
Glen Haven, Empire and Northport… All magical places in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I remember when Sleeping Bear Dunes was free to enter and not maintained by the NPS. I remember the mystery of the drives on the back roads… Visiting Lund’s Scenic Gardens when I was very young and meeting Mr. Lund that has now passed away. Driving to Tower Rd and watching my father climb the match stick tower –most likely not the best idea (is this where I get some of my crazy antics from?)
Climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes more than I can remember. 669 beach swimming, a cottage stay many times but I remember staying at a quaint cottage on Little Traverse Lake as my favourite visit to Leelanau with my dear cousin and friend Wendy. My parents even brought up a second car so she and I could gallivant around…
Visiting Aunt Ethel and Uncle Frank (an interesting highlight), always a stop at the Cherry Republic and a stop at the ice cream shop at the end of the narrows. Maple City Community Church and Uncle Tom and Aunt Toni’s a huge hit for sure!
The funny thing is now that we are all adults, my brothers and I, not one of us has taken our families to Disney World, nope… The minute we get some extra time and a few summer nickels in our pocket we find a way to head straight away to where our parents always took us each summer, **a magical place** Leelanau…
Climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes more than I can remember. 669 beach swimming, a cottage stay many times but I remember staying at a quaint cottage on Little Traverse Lake as my favourite visit to Leelanau with my dear cousin and friend Wendy. My parents even brought up a second car so she and I could gallivant around…
Visiting Aunt Ethel and Uncle Frank (an interesting highlight), always a stop at the Cherry Republic and a stop at the ice cream shop at the end of the narrows. Maple City Community Church and Uncle Tom and Aunt Toni’s a huge hit for sure!
The funny thing is now that we are all adults, my brothers and I, not one of us has taken our families to Disney World, nope… The minute we get some extra time and a few summer nickels in our pocket we find a way to head straight away to where our parents always took us each summer, **a magical place** Leelanau…And I am most certain my children haven’t missed a thing…
Leelanau, Leelanau, how I will always love thee...
Leelanau, Leelanau, how I will always love thee... Where is your favorite spot to vay.cay.shun? Do tell!
SUMMER FEATURE **a magical place**... Glen Haven
Stop #1. Glen Haven, Michigan 
The children and I have been frolicking this week and not in the work frolic sorta way...
just some beautiful sun, greenish blue waters of beautiful Lake Michigan and fresh air... Play all day, eat great food and sleep all night with the cool air blowing through our windows... I have been in a bathing suit all week!
This winter I had some seriously health conflicts I have not mentioned here. I still am struggling with some of them. I am gaining strength but had another set back this past few weeks so this is just what the doctor ordered...
and I am enjoying every minute of this and she is too!
The children and I have been frolicking this week and not in the work frolic sorta way...
just some beautiful sun, greenish blue waters of beautiful Lake Michigan and fresh air... Play all day, eat great food and sleep all night with the cool air blowing through our windows... I have been in a bathing suit all week!
This winter I had some seriously health conflicts I have not mentioned here. I still am struggling with some of them. I am gaining strength but had another set back this past few weeks so this is just what the doctor ordered...
and I am enjoying every minute of this and she is too! Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The summer that keeps on givin'
This week I will feature some of our true summer loves... Just a few...
Summer just seems so easy! Beach dresses, easy and fresh food, way cute and fun vintage purses, good weather, sand, sun, garden foods, late nights and family memories...
Summer just seems so easy! Beach dresses, easy and fresh food, way cute and fun vintage purses, good weather, sand, sun, garden foods, late nights and family memories...What could be better right now?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
much needed rest yesterday...
I sat all day, yes all day on a lawn chair where the Gentle Giant served all of us some wonderful foods he cooked right on the sand with a fire!
Children playing in the water, fresh local strawberries with wind, sun, waves and a little sand in our food...
We only saw 4 people... A private area on beautiful Lake Michigan.... we are relaxed...
Thank you to a friend of ours for blessing this family!
God continues to miraculously take care of this family, one day at a time...
Children playing in the water, fresh local strawberries with wind, sun, waves and a little sand in our food... 
We only saw 4 people... A private area on beautiful Lake Michigan.... we are relaxed...
Thank you to a friend of ours for blessing this family! 
God continues to miraculously take care of this family, one day at a time... and summer in Northern Michigan, well...
There is nothing like it...
a change up...
a red sky at night truly is a farmer's delight...
a view from our front porch...
a view from our front porch... Thank you God for these free gifts from You!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
they both wore the same little red dress..
This little classic Laura Ashley frock and blouse was worn by each of them... 15 years later... Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
look what a few seeds can do!
Our gardens are in full swing this time of year! All the yummy and fresh goodness is intoxicating! Look here where we started and now see below! I understand the phrase, "The faith of a mustard seed"...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
our 4th of July dessert... Red Rhubarb, white crust and BLUE teeth!
Cut fresh ruby red rhubarb from your garden (Rhubarb is a staple here, we need to continue to plant more of it as we eat it up) or ask your sweet old neighbor lady is she has some to spare... The dutch ladies in these parts simply call it "pie plant"...
The mulberries are ripening quick but we had quite a few left to pick from... These can be found many places in the wild and this would be a fun field trip to look for them... 
They are pretty to look at but actually I find them to be a bland tasting fruit so I like to mix them with something else. They leave a beautiful bluish color everywhere... So remember when you pick them, do not wear white and you will have blue teeth and fingers!
Take a hot skillet and add some butter first (about 1/2 cup), then add your washed fruits (I used about 5-6 cups I believe)and cook downish...
then add some of your very own raw and unfiltered honey (I used about 3/4 cup) to "sweeten the pot..."
Roll out this easy dough: 3 cups flour, 4 heaping tsp. of aluminum free baking powder, 1/2 tsp. soda, 3/4 tsp. salt, 6 tbsp. butter and 1 cup water. Mix your dry ingredients first, then cut in butter and add water forming a dough ball and then roll out on a floured board...
The mulberries are ripening quick but we had quite a few left to pick from... These can be found many places in the wild and this would be a fun field trip to look for them... 
They are pretty to look at but actually I find them to be a bland tasting fruit so I like to mix them with something else. They leave a beautiful bluish color everywhere... So remember when you pick them, do not wear white and you will have blue teeth and fingers!
Take a hot skillet and add some butter first (about 1/2 cup), then add your washed fruits (I used about 5-6 cups I believe)and cook downish...
then add some of your very own raw and unfiltered honey (I used about 3/4 cup) to "sweeten the pot..." 
Roll out this easy dough: 3 cups flour, 4 heaping tsp. of aluminum free baking powder, 1/2 tsp. soda, 3/4 tsp. salt, 6 tbsp. butter and 1 cup water. Mix your dry ingredients first, then cut in butter and add water forming a dough ball and then roll out on a floured board...This recipe taken from Pg.91 of Mary Jane Butter's Ideabook.Cookbook.Lifebook given to me by my dear of a friend Farm Girl Cyn over 5 years ago now!
gather your easy rolled out dough and set it on top of your simmering fruits...
After sprinkling some cinnamon on the top of the crust, put a lid on this, lower your burner and then cook for about 15 minutes until dough seems finished...
Then "flip" your skillet over onto a nice size plate and this is what you will have!
I sprinkled some of our own farm fresh organic raspberries from our patch for good measure with a touch of powdered sugar!
I was not hearing any complaints as all 8 of us woofed it down (I cut about 8 pieces like a pie) ! It is one of the easiest thing you will ever cook, trust me!
gather your easy rolled out dough and set it on top of your simmering fruits...
After sprinkling some cinnamon on the top of the crust, put a lid on this, lower your burner and then cook for about 15 minutes until dough seems finished...Then "flip" your skillet over onto a nice size plate and this is what you will have!
I sprinkled some of our own farm fresh organic raspberries from our patch for good measure with a touch of powdered sugar!
I was not hearing any complaints as all 8 of us woofed it down (I cut about 8 pieces like a pie) ! It is one of the easiest thing you will ever cook, trust me! I use this easy recipe quite a bit and change it up here and there... Make the crust with some corn meal, flour and paprika, cook up some taco meat with onions and veggies, flip your skillet over and add some fresh sour cream and cheese with garden veggies... You get the picture so try it and let me know how it went for you!
In the spirit of farming, family and faith,
HomemakerAng
Happy 4th of July!
Happy 4th of July!
xo
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