A Slice of Heaven

This lovely cottage was home for a few days this week, as 4 girlfriends and myself made our annual trip to visit our friend Maryanke on Mackinac Island. (She gets to call it home all summer long!) It is as glorious as it looks!

Click on the photos to make them larger!
We ferried in the same day as the hundreds of sailboats running in the 100th Chicago to Mackinac race. This view is from the front veranda looking towards downtown. You can see all the masts docked in the harbor.....the day starts early for some. Maryanke and Susan are coming back from an early morning walk with Sandy and Alex...
....and then Maryanke is off for a riding lesson on Regina.
Alls quiet this morning, but the night before the town was filled with hundreds of people on the island for the race or just to soak up the island's charm. There was music late into the night, fireworks and for us anyways, lot's of laughter and fun! More to come....

Off to the Island

Tomorrow I'm off to Mackinac Island with 5 girlfriends for a couple days of r &r. One of them has a home on the East Bluff that is right out of the Victorian Age, but with all the modern updates. Our plan is to sit on the veranda and lull away the hours. Will be sure to take photos!

Have some from last year, but after my computer crashed, they are all on a back-up disc..... no time to search for them now! Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Little Gifts

Inspired by Dana @ dana moore designs with her adorable laundry room, I decided to cute my area up a bit. All these little linens were hiding in a drawer. They were collected by my mother and many of them created by my great aunts. They add a bit of new life to laundry time!
Picked these delicious berries up at the farmers market here. Most of the blueberries have been frozen for future eating next winter when fresh aren't available. We have such a great market here, filled with all kinds of fruits, veggies, flowers and bakery goods. A fun way to spend a thurs morning!

New Life

Last week while sitting with my mother on her patio, I discovered this mother robin sitting on her nest.
Yesterday to our surprise her 4 little babes had been hatched. What a treat to see them stretching their necks hoping for nourishment....
Mama took a break to attempt to cover them and protect them from the intruder - even tho I was 15' away.... mom's know best!
Back to feeding - mama puts her beak and food right into her little ones mouth - no messy eating here. Several of the residents came out to watch the entertainment God provided for us. It was an uplifting experience for all of us.

Summer Read

The past couple weeks I've been reading the book Eleanor Roosevelt Vol. I, first printed in 1992.

She was an amazing woman who fought against racism, and injustice and was hugely instrumental in gaining rights for women - including the right to vote and hold public office.

All of this while overcoming personal traumas and struggles. I can only imagine the inspiration she was to millions of women (and men) during her lifetime. I highly recommend it - not just for her story, but the history of our country during the first half of the 1900's. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Vol II!

Playground Searching

Emma and I have been discovering new playgrounds throughout our community. This one was a new discovery located on the west side of town. She has little fear, but opted not to go down this slide.... Her play keeps the child in me alive and gives me the perfect excuse to enjoy all the slides and swings. However, I didn't go down this one either!

Harbor Springs

While visiting the quaint town of Harbor Springs today with my friend Sarah, we discovered these two ladies of leisure. More latte anyone?
This delightful little cafe was where we had our lunch. Located behind the deli, it offered a quiet hide-a-way and was full of hungry diners by the time we left.
Sue, this ones for you. Your beautiful Summerhill. Sarah was thrilled that the new owners had installed the railings around that fabulous porch. Something she said your two had always wanted to do. It looks charming! The bottom half of the cottage is painted a bit brighter than the upper half. You'll have to be sure to check it out while you're up north. I couldn't help but think of the fun times I've shared with you there. Most of the day was spent at Patricia Woods shop, which was filled as usual with the fab eye candy and the scrumptious furniture she is known for. Sue, I hope you'll take some photos there. I neglected to.....