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

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/ .

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?

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!!!