Since 2012, James and I have made it our New Year’s tradition to go for a long hike in the woods every January 1st. While it’s just one more reason not to stay up late New Year’s Eve, our little tradition often provides us with our fondest memories of winter here in Northern Michigan. When…
Years from now when I look back on this Christmas season, what am I likely to remember? I’ll remember the loss… Our dear friend, Nicole, passed away very suddenly on November 11th, just as the holidays were about to begin. Nicole was our neighbor for many years in Evanston, made countless road trips to Michigan…
The sound and the feel of wet sand gathering and falling away from my well-worn shoes as I walked down the lane on a late-October day, recently, alerted me of how quiet it is, now. The sky was nearly clear — a miraculous sight to behold after so many cloudy days and half-light. Looking up…
After more than a week of what could only be described as “glorious” weather — sunny skies, pleasantly warm afternoons, perfect evenings — we now find ourselves in day two, three, or maybe seventy of impenetrable clouds. The sun comes up, but it looks more like twilight — all day. When the sun refuses to…
Today, as the earth firmly plants itself into upright position and both day and night are on equal terms, I thought it was time to take a look back at the last few bits of summertime we’ve been cherishing and collecting. It has been a wimpy summer, weather-wise — a pattern of weather some experts…
After a winter that stretched the limits of our patience and our firewood supply, spring and its pendulum swings have been a welcome change. We’ve been heading into the woods and into the outdoors, in general, looking for all our favorite returning characters — wildflowers, songbirds, edibles, etc. James’ birthday, recently, was an excellent excuse…
Life Up North 