A Dog’s Work is Never Done 3/5/15

Posted on March 6, 2015 by bree1972

Hi Gang!

Bear here. I very quietly turned on mom’s laptop to let you know mom went to bed tonight without blogging because . . . . she forgot! I kept waiting and waiting for her to remember, but she went to sleep watching TV, and then she woke up and went straight to bed. I know she’s going to get up in the morning and HAVE A FIT when she remembers. And then she’s going to rush to the computer, turn it on, and find that – once again – I have saved the day. She’ll be back on Sunday. In fact, I will MAKE SURE of it by writing her a reminder note on Sunday morning. Geez . . . what would she do without me! Bear out. P.S. I found that photo I used in the header in a bunch of pics mom was going to use tonight on the blog. I hope she doesn’t get mad I borrowed it, but she should have thought of that before she fell asleep and left me to take care of business. Bear out again.

Ready for Spring! 3/1/15

Posted on March 1, 2015 by bree1972

There’s only one word to describe our weather the last three days . . . WET! Maybe two – add WINDY! Ok, ok . . . three – add COLD! This afternoon the sun has being trying its best to peek out for the first time since Thursday, but so far the clouds are still winning. But . . . our weather person is saying by the middle of the week it’s going to hit 85 degrees . . . . . WHAT!??? WHAT???! Start packing Ted, it’s time to go NORTH!

SPEAKING OF NORTH

The island remains a frozen wonderland – even for otters! Brett Horn captured on camera this guy/gal scurrying up the Grand Hotel sidewalk last week.

A beautiful panoramic by Greg Main this morning. That's the U.S. Coast Guard ice cutter Katmai Bay heading east out by the lighthouse.

A beautiful panoramic by Greg Main early this morning. You can barely make out the U.S. Coast Guard ice cutter Katmai Bay heading east out by the lighthouse.

Last night’s sunset – complements of Clark Bloswick. It’s so beautiful how the ice reflects the sun’s rays.

Love this shot from Tom Chambers. That bike should be wearing a sign saying, "Waiting for Spring".

Love this shot from Tom Chambers. That bike should be wearing a sign, “Waiting for Spring”.

Heather May captured last Sunday’s fun day of sledding down Fort Hill!

A great aerial shot from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station out of Traverse City. The red roofs of Mission Point Resort sure stand out against that snow!

This is a fun little video clip of island children riding snowmobiles to school AND there’s a peek inside Mackinac Island School as the students arrive and put away their helmets: http://youtu.be/DOi5UxxTknA.

BACK TO THE SUNSHINE STATE

BEFORE the rain and cold arrived last Thursday we got in one good day out on the boat.

We cruised up the Intracoastal a few miles and turned up and down several canals off the Intracoastal. These areas remind me so much of Lake Blackshear.

We cruised a few miles north on the Intracoastal and turned down several canals to check out these little “on the water” neighborhoods. These areas remind me so much of Lake Blackshear.

We are loving our boat . . .

. . . and we’re adding a few accessories to make it more comfortable – like this boat seat with a back that lets up and down. I would normally sit in that seat in front of the center console (to the left), but I found that sitting on the deck was a much smoother ride if we’re going fast and crossing the wake of other boats!

The one drawback of sitting on the deck is not being able to see over the bow of the boat.

The one drawback of sitting on the deck is not being able to quite see over the bow of the boat.

On the other hand, it gives an excellent sideways view of the local shorebirds . . .

. . . like these egrets!

My buddy Lowell Greene called this photo a “meeting of the Winter Pelicans Conference” when he saw it on Facebook last week! I’ve never seen so many pelicans in one place before, and if the one hadn’t flown, you would have thought they were all statues.

Back at our boatlift – demonstrating how the boat chair can be used on the sundeck if we’re cruising at a slow speed.

A FEW RANDOM SHOTS

There are some mighty nice homes and boats along the Intracoastal!

So excited yesterday to open The Flagler/Palm Coast News-Tribune and find they’d used my photographs of Hannah and Nala in their Pets of the Week segment. Hoping these two kitties, as well as sweet Babs and Terry, get their forever homes soon!

Personal Note: I was “off in a cloud” in church this morning (yes, I admit that I sometimes do that) – thinking first about how thankful I am to finally be beginning to feel settled, but also letting those nagging little worries filter through the blessings. Did you realize, Lord, that we have friends and family facing all kinds of bad things – financial problems, family pressures, illnesses, loss of jobs? What about our health as we age, Lord? Will Ted and I manage to find all the right doctors before we really need them?

I was called from my “cloud” to stand for the Confession Prayer, and it read in part: God of compassion and mercy, our faith is weak in the face of crisis. Our hope collapses when we are threatened or maligned. We seek our own safety and abandon those you love. We trust in objects we can create and control We speak much and risk little. But you, O God, have given your promise that you will never forsake us. Forgive our failure to take you at your word.

I smiled, thanked the Lord for speaking directly to me, and settled back to tune in the rest of the service.

Have a wonderful week . . . and God bless.

A fiery Sunset Inlet sunset.

Exploring . . . . 2/26/15

Posted on February 26, 2015 by bree1972

Ted began volunteering last week at the Fort Matanzas Visitors Center, so it seemed like a good idea last weekend to take the ferry over to actually SEE the fort he’d be helping folks visit! Does it seem funny/strange/coincidental to anyone but us that we’ve settled into a new home in Florida where we have to take a ferry trip across a body of water in order to visit a historic fort? We find the irony of that just priceless! Although Fort Matanzas (and its Visitors Center) is much smaller than Fort Mackinac – and the ferries are much smaller than even the smallest Shepler, Star, or Arnold Ferry – it’s still pure history, and Ted LOVES his history!

Each ferry holds 36 people and right now it runs on the half-hour. If there are more than 36 waiting to go across for each trip, they simply take the first 36 over, then come back for the leftovers!

Each ferry holds 36 people and right now it runs every hour on the half-hour. If there are more than 36 waiting to go across for each trip, they simply take the first load over, then come back for the leftovers! When things pick up during the summer I’m sure they put that other boat in the water and do pretty much constant ferrying back and forth.

It’s only a five-minute trip across the Matanzas Inlet to the fort . . .

. . . and a park ranger accompanies each boat to answer questions and give a brief history.

The fort is only 50 feet on each side with a 30-foot tower and is built of coquina, a local shellstone.

The fort is 50 feet on each side with a 30-foot tower and is built of coquina, a local shellstone.

The fort was built to protect the southern approach to St. Augustine, which was held by the Spanish.

Fort Matanzas was built to protect the southern approach to St. Augustine, which was held by the Spanish from 1565 until 1819 (except for the years 1763-1784, when it was under British rule).

If the British took control of the Matanzas Inlet, St. Augustine could have been starved into surrender.

Spain had good reason to fear an attack at St. Augustine. In 1740 Gov. James Oglethorpe blockaded St. Augustine inlet with troops from the British colony of Georgia and began a 39-day siege of the town. A few Spanish vessels managed to break the siege by evading the blockade and were able to resupply the town. With the onset of hurricane season, Oglethorpe gave up the attack and returned to Georgia. If the British had maintained control of the Matanzas Inlet, St. Augustine could have been starved into surrender. With the fort near completion in 1742, Oglethorpe returned to the inlet with 12 ships, but the fort’s cannon drove off his scouting boats and the warships left.

Soldiers were rotated from St. Augustine for one-month duty tours at the fort – usually an officer-in-charge, four infantrymen, and two gunners. The officer-in-charge got a private, vaulted room, and everyone else bunked here.

In 1819 Spain transferred Florida to the U.S., and by that time the fort was so badly deteriorated that its soldiers could no longer live inside. The U.S. took possession of the fort in 1821 but never occupied the fort.

After thwarting British attempts to gain the inlet in 1742, the fort never again fired its guns in battle. From that point on the fort served as a rest stop, coast guard station, and a place where vessels heading for St. Augustine could get advice on navigating the river. In 1819 Spain transferred Florida to the U.S., and by that time the fort was so badly deteriorated its soldiers could no longer live inside. The U.S. took possession of the fort in 1821 but never occupied the fort.

Blake – looking across Matanzas Inlet.

Occasionally the photographer gets photographed.

It was a fun afternoon, and I highly recommend this little adventure into Florida’s history, if you’re in the area! Personal Notes: 1) A huge thank you for the prayers and/or donations to Molly McGreevy’s medical fund. You can access information and updates by clicking here: http://www.gofundme.com/mollysmedicalfund. 2) Ted has had several skin cancers removed over the last couple of weeks, and this morning the worst one was removed by a plastic surgeon. It was under the tip of his nose – in a very hard-to-get-to spot – and it was first thought skin grafts may be necessary. But – YEAH – it was removed and closed with stitches, making everything MUCH easier and faster to heal. We are glad that is over, and thankful he is now on the mend. 3) The world of volunteering is becoming busier for me. The hospital, which had said they needed no volunteers at this time, let me know a few days ago openings had become available. I’m starting the process of volunteer orientation at Florida Hospital Flagler on Monday, and I think it takes about a month to complete the whole program and actually start working. 4) Took a few more kitty photos this week. My favorites are below:

“Boo” – a 4-year-old female.

“Faith”- a 5-year-old female.

“Jazzabelle” – a 7-months-old female.

“Tiger” – an 8-year-old female.

“Panther” – a 2-year-old male.

And – GREAT NEWS!

Little Crossfire from last week has been ADOPTED!!

Have a great weekend everyone! God bless.

Contrasts . . . and a Special Request 2/22/15

Posted on February 22, 2015 by bree1972

After a few days of “bitter” cold (low of 29), we awoke on this glorious Sunday with the weather person on TV proclaiming a high for today of 78 (a few degrees cooler out here on the beach). But hey! It’s the first time it’s been over 60 in several days, and we took full advantage!

“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s GO!”

One day I’ll count the number of steps from our front porch to the ocean, but all we really need to know is we can make it from our door to the water in under three minutes (plus or minus 30 seconds for traffic when we cross the highway and whether it’s high or low tide)!

It's one of those days when the water is at its bluest!

A beautiful Beverly Beach day!

We still can't believe that neither Bear nor Maddie seem to care at all about running into the ocean. I guess when you get to senior citizen status on dogdom before really being exposed to the ocean, all that water can be a little intimidating!

We still can’t believe that neither Bear nor Maddie seem to care at all about running into the ocean. I guess when you get to senior citizen status in dog years – before really being exposed to the ocean – all that water can be a little intimidating!

Approaching a surf fisherman . . .

. . . who had three poles stuck in the sand and seemed content to sit quietly and wait for a strike.

Maybe half a mile from our house is a strip of land directly on the ocean where RV's can spend anywhere from a night to several months by the ocean . . .

Maybe half a mile from our house is a strip of land directly on the ocean where RV’s can park for a night or for several months by the ocean’s edge.

. . . and these two little Westies have a front row seat to watch seagulls, people, and other dogs.

These two little Westies have a front row seat to watch seagulls, people, other dogs, and sunrises.

The four of us!

MEANWHILE, UP NORTH

There’s nothing warm up north in the way of weather this week. Blog reader and friend Steve Fridley was on the island last week and shared some great photos (as usual). Steve arrived in St. Ignace to find it was snowing too hard for Great Lakes Air to be flying, so – never one to give up easily – he decided to hitch hike across the ice bridge. He decided to do WHAT?! I lost 10 years off my life when I read that! Even though Steve DID think about walking across, providence intervened in the person of an islander who was crossing and offered him a spot on her snowmobile. Steve says he really WOULD have turned around after only a few steps if no one had picked him up, and I’m holding him to that! The first four photos are from Steve.

Hoban Street. Cawthorne's Village Inn is open for business all winter and is

Hoban Street. Cawthorne’s Village Inn (on Hoban) is open for business all winter, and it is there and the Mustang (on Astor) where most visitors stop for food and drink while on the island.

Downtown on Main Street early in the evening.

The Iroquois Hotel – still strikingly beautiful in the snow and cold.

Another downtown shot toward the west end of town. Thank you, Steve, for sharing your photos!

Absolutely one of the eeriest photos I’ve ever seen from Mackinac in the winter. Larry Pennell was out on the ice when he captured the sun setting over this other-worldly landscape. I think this photo shows how easy it would be to get lost out there without the Christmas trees marking the Ice Bridge.

A VERY SPECIAL REQUEST

Over the years, while writing about Mackinac Island, you’ve heard me mention Molly McGreevy several times. Molly is a dear island friend who has driven private tours for Gough Livery for many years, and she’s always who I recommend to friends who want something special in a tour driver. She is the BEST!

Molly - driving by our condo at the end of a day of making visitors happy!

Molly – driving by our condo at the end of a day helping visitors make happy memories.

We learned this weekend that Molly has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and is getting ready to start the fight of her life with surgery, chemotherapy and possibly radiation. Here is Molly’s story in her own words:

My name is Molly McGreevy. I was born and raised in Utica, NY but have lived on Mackinac Island for almost 22 years. This is so hard for me to do as I am a very private person. But here goes. On January 29th 2015 I found out I have cancer. I have an invasive breast cancer, that is also in some lymph nodes, that I will need Surgery, chemotherapy and possibly radiation. The news has been devastating to my husband and I. We married on September 9, 2013. He is my soul mate. We cannot imagine life without each other. He started a new job in May after working for the same company for almost 30 years. The company restructured and luckily he was able to find a good job. We also are moving due to not being able to afford the rent. It doesn’t rain, it pours. lol. My surgeon and Oncologist said that I will not be able to perform my job this summer as a Private Carriage Tour Driver on Mackinac Island. This is a crushing blow as I love giving tours and I love my horses. I’ve been doing private tours for over 18 years. However with the chemotherapy I will be weak, and succeptible to viruses and infection because my immune system will be down. With the surgery I will be unable to lift or strong enough to drive the horses. So times are going to be very tough for a while. Our community is wonderful and has helped. But we are still struggling financially. My Jeep has over 123,000 miles and has major electrical, and suspension problems. We don’t know how much longer it will last and we never drive over 50 miles away anymore. With all this going on we are going to need help. Even with financial help from the community and our insurance we had spent over $2000. out of pocket in less than a month on travel expenses for appointments and copays, etc. We are overwhelmed emotionally and financially. If you can help us even in a small way by donating it would mean so much to helping me win this fight with Cancer. My mom died of breast cancer back in 1986, and I don’t intend to go that way. I’m not ashamed to admit I am scared. But I plan on winning this battle. Anyone that knows me knows that I never give up. Please donate. Thank you.

All of us who know Molly know how hard it was for her to make this request. If you possibly feel led to make a donation to Molly’s fund, you can do so by clicking here: http://www.gofundme.com/mollysmedicalfund.

It goes without saying that your prayers throughout this journey will be so appreciated.

God bless.

Molly and Ed on their wedding day – September 9, 2013

Volunteering, Kitty Cats, and a Ride on the Ice Bridge 2/19/15

Posted on February 19, 2015 by bree1972

Hi gang! Is it C.O.L.D. where you are?! We hit 36 this morning, but the wind chill knocked it down to 26. Friday morning is supposed to be even chillier, and record lows could be set – according to our weather lady. I know, I know. Some of you reading this would kill for 26 right about now! We watch all the weather reports about what’s happening up north, and we think about what you’re having to go through this winter. Hurry up, Spring!

The Hortons have been pretty busy this week getting into volunteer mode! Ted spent his first day in the Fort Matanzas Visitors Center on Wednesday, and I spent Tuesday afternoon photographing adult cats at the Flagler Humane Society.

You know how much Ted loved working in the Mackinac State Historic Parks Visitors Center each summer. He got to talk, talk, talk about the history of Mackinac, and he loved meeting folks from all over the world. Here at Fort Matanzas (story coming on the fort as soon as the weather warms up) the Visitors Center is very small, and each volunteer mans the Center alone. A day includes greeting visitors, sharing a video on the history of the fort, answering questions, providing free tickets for the ferry which carries folks over to the fort, and selling books and souvenirs. Ted has never run a cash register in all his 67 years, so that was quite an experience the first day – he got a quick 4-hour training session, and then he was on his own!

We’re both learning that living in a Florida beach town is good AND bad when it comes to volunteering. It’s good because there are tons of senior citizens wanting to volunteer their time, and it’s bad because there are tons of senior citizens wanting to volunteer their time. Finding an empty “slot” to work is difficult. That is great for the organizations wanting volunteers, but having to get on a waiting list to work for free is a new experience! I think Ted will be “on call” for a while – working when someone else can’t show up for whatever reason, and that’s fine – but he’s hoping for a regular spot soon!

When I submitted my application to volunteer at Flagler Hospital Flagler I was told there were no openings. But – I got an email this week asking me to come in – slots had opened up. So – hopefully I’ll be doing whatever they need me to do soon. It’s all a process though – especially working at a hospital. Lots of red tape – but that’s the way it should be in ensure everyone’s safety – so no worries!

Volunteering at the Flagler Humane Society is going to be my main focus – I think. I spent three hours Tuesday taking adult cats – one by one – out of their cages into an empty “play room”. I’d love on them a while, then put them down to roam and explore, while I sat on the floor and tried to capture a decent photo. I learned quickly that photographing cats is SO MUCH different than photographing dogs. You can get dogs to do a lot just by snapping your fingers to get their attention – or talking baby talk in a high, squeaky voice. Cats could pretty much care less about any of that!

Beautiful Vincia – she’s a one-year-old.

Cute little Nala – she’s one also.

Sweet Allie – a 12 year old owner-surrender.

Maggie – watching folks walking dogs outside the window.

Love, love, LOVE this little 2-year-old. He was Mr. Personality - his name is Crossfire.

Love, love, LOVE this little 2-year-old. She was Miss Personality – her name is Crossfire.

Ying Ying – seven months old.

I’m learning a lot about photography by doing this, but there is so much I don’t know. There are literally dozens of black cats at the shelter, and trying to get a good photo -showing their personality – is very hard. Studying up on this!

In case you’re wondering why I didn’t photograph dogs my first day: 1) I have to find someone to get the dog out of the kennel and take it outside. I learned VERY fast I couldn’t handle even a medium size dog very well even on a potty walk – and trying to get a good photograph is going to require two people each time – one to walk the dog and me to take the photos 2) It was raining on Tuesday.

I don’t think I even have to mention this, but I will anyway. If any of the kitties or pooches you see here over the next few months reaches into your heart – and you realize you can’t live without it – just let me know! I’ll be glad to get you in touch with the right person to start the ball rolling toward you giving one of these beautiful creatures a forever home!

A MACKINAC RIDE

This afternoon I received an email from a buddy who included a very recent video of a snowmobile ride from St. Ignace to the island on the ice bridge. I settled back into my comfy chair and escaped to my magical island via this video and the beautiful music that accompanies it. Thanks to Cal Kladder for sharing this Tony Baiardi (Images By Anthony) video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa8xzS_VqCd&sns=em

Have a great rest of the week, and I’ll see you back here – good Lord willing – on Sunday.

God bless.

Valentines, Snow, and Big Mackinac News! 2/15/15

Posted on February 15, 2015 by bree1972

It’s been an awesome Valentine’s weekend here in Florida. I mean – how lucky can one girl get!

On Friday evening my handsome son Blake took me out to dinner – just the two of us! We had some absolutely delicious fried shrimp at the Turtle Shack and talked about this being the first Valentine’s Day we’d spent together in almost 20 years. Needless to say, this mom was a very happy lady!

On Saturday my handsome husband surprised me with candy and roses in the morning and took me out to dinner that evening! We ate at the Funky Pelican (Shrimp & Grits for me) – totally yummy!

I just have to tell you that by late Saturday evening I was feeling pretty darn special!

After the flowers and candy on Saturday – but before the dinner – I spent a couple of hours in a volunteer orientation session at Flager Humane Society.

I now have a much better understanding of the workings of this organization, and I’m ready to start chalking up hours on my timesheet. I’m definitely staying away from dog walking (unless it’s a toy breed), and what I’d really like to do is take my camera and start turning some of these precious 4-legged furbabies into rock stars on the society website!

Love this photo Blake took last week of the Flagler Pier.

COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD. . . . . on Mackinac

Mackinac Island is getting a giant dose of VERY cold weather. It’s -2 degrees, with a wind chill of -15 as I write this at 5:30 p.m.- but earlier today the windchill was -31!

A Clark Bloswick sunrise on February 12.

Heather May stepped out her front door on Friday and was greeted by almost white-out conditions.

Jill sent me this photo a friend took as they flew to the island this weekend. How awesomely beautiful is Mackinac in her winter garb!

Jill sent me this photo a friend took as they flew to the island this weekend. The East Bluff cottages, Mission Point Resort, and the Mission District are awesomely beautiful clothed in winter!

All that cold and snow makes me just know the Chili Cook-off this weekend was a HUGE success. Haven't heard who won yet!

All that cold and snow makes me just know the Chili Cook-off this weekend at Cawthorne’s Village Inn was a HUGE success. Haven’t heard who won yet! (Photo: Patrick Conlon)

Ok. Totally awesome and brilliant idea from islander Jason St. Onge (pic by Clark Bloswick). Jason has put up "reference point" markers along the ice bridge this year. These will make it so much safer for those who choose to travel across the ice AND for first responders who are called out to help those who get in trouble out there. Instead of having to "count trees" to tell someone your location ("I'm just past Christmas tree 33, you know - the one that the third branch from the top is broken?"). NOW, it'll be "I'm just beyond Marker 3". The markers have the same number coming and going, by the way. They are actually mile markers, but reference points!

Ok. Totally brilliant idea from islander Jason St. Onge (pic by Clark Bloswick). Jason has put up “reference point” markers along the ice bridge this year. These will make it so much safer for those who choose to travel across the ice AND for first responders who are called out to help those who get in trouble out there. Instead of having to “count trees” to tell someone your location (“I’m just past Christmas tree #33. You know – the one that has the third branch from the top broken at a 90-degree angle?”). NOW, it’ll be “I’m just beyond Marker 3”. The markers have the same number coming and going and are NOT mile markers, but reference points!

MY BIG MACKINAC NEWS!

It’s official! Ted and I will be on Mackinac Island June 7-11, and I’m so excited I’m about to split! Stefanie Congdon, the General Manager for the Inn at Stonecliffe, has invited me up to do some free lance writing for them!

We will get to stay in the Stonecliffe mansion in one of the newly renovated rooms, and I will get the full tour of this historical estate and hopefully learn all its secrets.

Ted and I have never stayed at Stonecliffe, although we’ve eaten there several times in their incredible restaurant. I can’t wait to write about the mansion AND the Summer House Suites. And how lucky is this! We’ll be there in the middle of Lilac Festival, so I’ll also be able to share all the festivities and beautiful flowers that week. I’m pinching myself!

Much more to come on this – including how Bree’s Mackinac Island Blog was a contributing factor to Stefanie coming to live and work on Mackinac Island! I’ll open the Mackinac Island Blog back up for these stories and for everything else going on while we’re there, so stay tuned. EXCITED!

Y’all have a great week, and I’ll see you back here in a few days!

God bless.

Mostly Mackinac 2/12/15

Posted on February 13, 2015 by bree1972

A pretty scary event this afternoon on Mackinac – an islander left St. Ignace on her snowmobile to cross the ice bridge to the island.

She hadn't gotten very far, when her snowmobile caught on fire! She was able to get off and get away from it and wasn't injured in any way! (Photo: Josh Carley)

She hadn’t gotten very far when her snowmobile caught on fire! She was able to get off and get away from it, and she wasn’t injured in any way! (Photo: Josh Carley)

Also from Josh Carley – fire out, and nothing left except . . .

. . . a badly burned frame! SO GLAD no one was hurt! (Photo: Molly McGreevy)

Video of burning snowmobile by Josh Carley: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10100667425092080

On a lighter note . . .

In the category of “only on Mackinac”! Awesome photo from Robert McGreevy.

Personal note: There may be something in the works that will involve an early season visit to Mackinac. You’ll hear all about it as soon as all the details are worked out, but for now . . . keep your fingers crossed (and your toes)!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day on Saturday, and – good Lord willing – I’ll see you back here on Sunday!

God bless.

Oh, by the way . . .

I had a moment of temporary insanity and cut my hair short and added bangs. Haven't worn my hair like this in a long, long time, but I just needed a change. Feeling . . . . lighter!

I had a moment of temporary insanity, cut my hair short and added bangs. Haven’t worn my hair like this in a long, long time, but I just needed a change. Feeling . . . . lighter!

PHOTO Sunday . . . and a Story to Tell 2/8/2015

Posted on February 8, 2015 by bree1972

A Few From the Frozen North

This little Chickadee is lucky to have friends on the island . . . like Clark Bloswick!

Two of my favorite Mackinac Island children – Joan Barch’s grandchildren (Jordan and Jenavieve). They took leftover pumpkins from the summer garden and put them in the woods for the deer and squirrels.

Island friend Molly McGreevy got this great shot from the air as she traveled back to the island from St. Ignace. It’s Canada Steamship Lines’ Frontenac passing under the bridge. The Frontenac has been hauling frieight on the Great Lakes for almost 50 years.

From Tom Chambers – an icy view showing Trinity Church on Fort Hill in the foreground and the steeple of Little Stone Church on Cadotte Avenue in the background. Brrrrrr . . . . .

A great story and video about the Ice Bridge – and all its dangers! http://www.9and10news.com/story/28047180/the-ice-bridge-connecting-saint-ignace-and-mackinac-island-opens

A Few From Lake Blackshear

Lake Blackshear friend Marianne Lashley shared that the Camellias are blooming at the lake. I bet our old yard is full of these pink and white blooms right now. I miss Camellias . . . and I miss Marianne!

Lake Blackshear friend Marianne Lashley shared that the Camellias are blooming at the lake. I bet our old yard is full of these pink and white blossoms right now. I miss Camellias . . . and Marianne!

Another Lake Blackshear friend, Samille Posey, has been posting a photograph of sunsets from her dock each day since Jan. 1. This one though was sunset from the other side of the ri'vah - the Booger Bottom dock! I miss Booger Bottom . . . and I miss Samille!

Another Lake Blackshear friend, Samille Posey, has been posting a photograph of sunsets from her dock each day. This one though was a sunset from the other side of the ri’vah at our favorite hangout, Booger Bottom. I miss Booger Bottom . . . and Samille!

And A Few from Sunny Florida!

The final pieces of our family room furniture came – the coffee table – which is really a very old trunk from Indonesia (it took five months to get here) and two small ottomans that will give us extra seating when we need it! I wish that old trunk could talk. Oh, the stories it could tell!

A beautiful Sunday morning . . . .

. . . . a perfect day to walk out through the Nature Preserve . . .

. . . to watch Ted and Blake launch the kayaks . . .

. . . and head south on the Intracoastal.

Things we saw walking back from the dock . . . red berries (wonder if they are edible).

Other docks – the tides come and go under our walkway, so sometimes there’s a lot of water underneath, and other times it’s practically dry.

And a wonderful Egret resting in the top of a mostly dead tree.

This elegant Egret resting in the top of a mostly dead tree.

The “not fun” part of kayaking!

Back at the house. Little Maddies - waiting on her daddy to come back. P.I.T.I.F.U.L.

Back at the house. Little Maddie – waiting on her daddy to come back.

A Story to Tell – the “Other” Lowell

All of you who are regular readers know Lowell Greene, one of my favorite people in the whole wide world and someone who loves the island almost as much as we do. You’ve read about him, seen his comments and photos of him and his sweet Faye for many years now.

But . . . there is another Lowell in my life!

His name is Lowell H., and he’s been a Bree’s Mackinac Island Blog fan for almost as long as Lowell G. (except that Lowell H. does his commenting through email, not directly on the blog). Lowell H. was born in Michigan and loves Mackinac. Although I feel as though I know him and his wife Amy almost as well as Lowell G. and Faye, you readers don’t know him at all.

Phone rings Friday morning, and it’s Lowell H. He and Amy are traveling back to their home in North Carolina from Key West, and they’re staying the night in Palm Coast. What are the chances we could get together?

Are you kidding me?! I’ve been corresponding with this gentleman for over six years and have never laid eyes on him!

So, Saturday morning Ted, Blake and I meet them at their hotel for breakfast, and we spend almost two hours talking our heads off and just having the best time! Thank you, thank you, Lowell and Amy, for calling and making this meeting happen – it was awesome!

Sunday love and hugs to you all!

God bless.

North and South 2/5/15

Posted on February 5, 2015 by bree1972

It’s COLD on our favorite island, and there’s plenty of snow . . . a perfect weekend for Winter Festival!

Oh man! I sure wish I was going to be there! You haven’t lived until you’ve snow-bowled!

Beautiful island sunset a couple of mornings ago. (Photo: Clark Bloswick)

Beautiful island sunset a couple of evenings ago. (Photo: Clark Bloswick)

This panoramic view makes me want to put on a few more layers of clothing and go buy plane tickets! (Photo: Greg Main)

A new stop sign up at St. Anne’s Cemetery. (Photo: Josh Carley)

In Town!! Robert McGreevy photographed this spectacular Bald Eagle hanging on in the Cottenwood Tree on Benjamin Hill.

In town!! Robert McGreevy photographed this spectacular Bald Eagle hanging out in a Cottonwood tree on Benjamin Hill.

Eerie sky and a lonely ship light under the Mackinac Bridge. (Photo: Josh Carley)

Stormy sky and a lonely ship light under the Mackinac Bridge. (Photo: Josh Carley)

To all my buddies on the island . . . . share photos of the weekend festivities, please!

MEANWHILE – BACK IN FLORIDA – A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON

Our weather has been all over the place – warm, cool, rainy, sunny, windy – in other words, winter in the Sunshine State.

Ted and I went exploring again last Sunday afternoon and found Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park just a few miles from our house.

It seems that back in the early 1800’s settlers in Florida were establishing plantations on lands that the Seminole Indians believed to be theirs. In 1821 Major Charles Wilhelm Bulow acquired 4,675 acres of wilderness, and – using slave labor – cleared 2,200 aces and planted sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo. Major Bulow died at age 44, and left everything to his only son, John, who increased the plantation’s production and prosperity until the outbreak of the Second Seminole War.

John Bulow didn’t agree with the U.S. government’s intentions to send the Seminoles to reservations west of the Mississippi, and he fired upon the State Militia, led by Major Benjamin Putnam, as they entered his property. Bulow was taken prisoner, but after a brief campaign against the Indians, Major Putnam’s command relocated to St. Augustine and allowed Bulow to go free. Bulow realized the Indians were becoming more hostile, so he and his slaves abandoned the plantation and followed the troops northward.

Shortly after the plantation was abandoned, the Seminoles burned “Bulowville” and other plantations in the area. Bulow died in St. Augustine at the age of 26.

The shady walk through the plantation grounds to the burned ruins of the sugar mill.

All that is left today of this plantation are the coquina ruins of the sugar mill, several wells, a spring house and the crumbling foundation of the mansion.

The cleared fields and rice paddies have been reclaimed by the forest, and the area looks much as it did when it belonged to the Seminoles.

A few days later I rode with Ted to Fort Matanzas National Monument – south of St. Augustine – where he picked up an application to volunteer at the fort Visitors Center. Ted’s been studying up on Florida history ever since we arrived, and with his years of experience in the Visitors Center at Fort Mackinac, I’m pretty sure they’ll find something for him to do!

Y’all have a great weekend!

God bless

Bear and His Knee 2/2/15

Posted on February 2, 2015 by bree1972

Ted and I are sitting in the exam room at a veterinary hospital in Daytona Beach that specializes in orthopedic surgery. The tech has just come in to get Bear’s “story”, then escorts him past us and into the hall.

“I’m just going to get his vitals,” she says. “Then the surgeon will take him outside, examine him, watch him walk, and do a few tests.”

Ted and I sit and wait – talking about whether to let this surgeon do Bear’s operation or take him back to Georgia. Talking about the challenge of keeping him off the stairs for six weeks. Talking about how much he’s going to hate being isolated downstairs (although Blake being here will help that). Talking about the scatter rugs we’ll need to purchase with non-skid backing so he won’t slip and slide on the tile floor downstairs and damage his newly repaired knee. Etc., etc.

The door opens, and Bear and the surgeon walk through. Bear comes happily over and greets me as though we’ve been apart for ten weeks instead of ten minutes.

The surgeon leans against the wall and says, “His right knee is definitely unstable. The ACL is torn and will not heal itself. But – he has absolutely no symptoms. He’s not limping. He’s not favoring that leg. He’s not losing muscle mass in either leg. A doctor’s first lesson is ‘do no harm’. So I’m going to say let’s leave it alone and see how it goes. Stop babying him. Let him be himself. If he wants to run and play, let him. You can’t keep him in a box the rest of his life. He might become symptomatic two days from now – or he may never. Let him be Bear.”

Instead of tears, I walked out of the office with this huge grin plastered on my face. We got home, opened the back of my Ford Escape, and for the first time in six months let Bear jump out of the vehicle instead of using the ramp.

If sparkling eyes could talk, Bear’s would have said, “Finally!”