The Flowers of Torch Lake

There are 1,000 things you could be doing today…

High summer in Northern Michigan is filled with art fairs, picnics, family, cookouts, campfires, friends, car shows, sailing, fishing…really, at least 1,000 things to do on any given day. It can be exhilarating & it can be exhausting.

So here’s a chance to take a deep breath, relax for a moment & just enjoy!

From me & my garden to you with gratitude…

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Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom & a little flower.

Hans Christian Andersen

 

Me…I’m off to the farmers market with a friend!!!

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Posted in Turquoise Life | 2 Comments

The “Chilly” of Torch Lake

Whining is not an attractive activity unless you’re 3 – but…

Are you whining? There's no whining in baseball!!!

Are you whining? There’s no whining in baseball!!!

BRRR….

Not enough swimming yet – water’s still chilly.

Not enough kayaking yet – too many waves.

Not enough sailing yet – too much wind.

Not enough boating yet – long story.

But don’t despair! There are still lovely things to do on a cool day at the lake!

Here are the top 3!

1. Jigsaw Puzzles – this is an old & time honored tradition whereby you sit at a table inside & try to reconstruct a picture, all the while looking at the beautiful picture of the lake outside. If you are the patient sort, this is a highly relaxing way to spend an hour or so but be warned that if you lack the patient gene, you may end up with significantly less hair, due to too much pulling on it.

Tip: choose a puzzle suited to your temperament…puzzles range from the classic wooden 12 pieces to the insane 33,600 piece puzzle available at http://www.puzzlewarehouse.com/product/piece-count-over-6000/ .

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Wildlife

 

2. Baking Cookies – this is also a time honored tradition best done in a group. Find a friend or a family member or a kid & put your aprons on! Cookies have long been revered as the universal symbol of happiness. Try frowning sometime while eating a cookie…it’s just not physically possible. There’s a cookie recipe for everyone, ranging from the simple chocolate chip treats found on the back of every yellow bag, to the most complex gourmet delicacies found in swanky cookbooks & online. There are even “no-bake” cookies for the “culinaryily” impaired. Everyone can use a sugar rush now & again so grab your flour & sugar start your mixer.

Tip: Sampling the cookie dough is one of the highlights of baking cookies! Yes, I know about the whole raw egg thing but seriously…one taste?

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3. Shopping – need I say more? One of the last great time honored activities guaranteed to help you spend some quality time. Head into Alden with your wallet & a friend. You can start your Christmas shopping early (like you plan to do every year), treat yourself to something delicious, or just browse & dream. Shopping isn’t a competitive sport so there’s no pressure, only the thrill of the hunt! Alden is a great place to start but if you’ve the time or inclination, Traverse, Elk Rapids, & Charlevoix also offer excellent opportunities & don’t forget the area art galleries & farm markets!

Tip: Create an “I Need List” of things you’d love to have given to you by the people in  your life who love you & share it with them!

Alden Stores

  • Alden Company Store
  • Alden Outfitters
  • Alden Mill House
  • Carter’s Candles
  • Curiosities
  • Grandma’s Parlor
  • Higgins Store
  • LaVoie Design
  • Michigan Corals
  • Nifty Things
  • PK’s Place
  • Simply Elegant
  • Spencer Creek Trading Company
  • The Redeye Gallery
  • The Warm & Fuzzy

All great ways to spend a not-so-hot summer day!

Me…I’m off to get that old peanut butter cookie recipe!!!

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Posted in What did you say? | 2 Comments

The Angels of Torch Lake

Here’s a riddle for you…

What do you do when the sparklers are all gone & the fireworks are finished??

Here’s a hint…

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Here’s another riddle…

What is blue & yellow & goes 700 miles per hour?

My high school boy friend was sure it was his Camero – but that’s not the right answer!

Here’s another hint…

FLYIN' HIGH ANGELS

You go to the Blue Angels Air Show!

It’s a great way to spend the day after the 4th of July!!!

Yes, you have to battle the traffic (lots of traffic) & yes there are crowds… but there comes a moment when you reach the water’s edge & stand in the glorious summer sunshine… you hear the distant thunder & see the specks in the sky & in an instant, they’re roaring overhead! You are lifted up into the skies to watch the dance.

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Now you have the answer to the riddles so I’ll give you the answer to the most frequently asked “Blue Angel” question…

“Can I get a ride??

Answer:  “The Blue Angels give three backseat flights at each show site for selected personnel. All three riders fly with the #7 pilot in the two-seat jet. Two of those riders are selected from the Key Influencer (KI) program and one rider is a credentialed media representative. The KI program selects individuals who shape attitudes and opinions of youth in their communities. KI’s may be experts in their field, public figures, leaders of youth organizations, teachers, guidance counselors or school administrators. They are not always the person at the top of an organization, but rather individuals that have a strong impact on recruiting youth and/or a specific target audience. Flying these candidates, in coordination with media presence, is intended to promote the Navy and Marine Corps as professional and exciting organizations in which to serve. To be selected as a Key Influencer, you must first be nominated by a commanding officer of a Navy or a Marine Corps recruiting district. For more information, see your local recruiter or contact your local air show.”

Yup – lovely way to spend the day after the 4th of July!

Me…I’m off to cool off after a lovely hot summer afternoon!

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Posted in Just Down the Road | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments