It seems as if the phrase “Now be careful” on the front of this card has been around for many years. They were saying it in 1915!

How often has someone said that to you? How often have you said it to someone? You probably can’t count the times. But you know, when I am leaving the house, climbing a ladder, or whatever I am doing, it feels good to be told to be careful. It means someone cares.

I like the way this pair is gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. I like the way he is gently easing her boat out into the water. And since he told her to be careful, and I am quite sure he kept his eyes on the lake until she returned.

One thing I notice that is missing from the boat is a life jacket. If life jackets had been available to the public in 1915, I am certain he would have made sure she had one. It would have given him a little more peace of mind.

And, it should you too. Always make sure that when you go out on your boat you are abiding by the Michigan DNR life jacket requirements. U. S. Coast Guard statistics state that 90% of the people who drown in boating  or water related accidents could have survived if they were wearing a life jacket.

Now be careful, and take time to enjoy a Michigan Lake!

Instead of the formal church wedding with all the detail and formality, the couple chose a lakefront home with beautiful view to start their new life together.

Somehow, this seemed so right to us.

Their vows were spoken at the landing on the top of the stairs leading to the lakefront. The newlyweds did not want to make a photo appearance on the blog, so we will respect that. It was a wonderful wedding.

Just to put in a plug, the couple chose Snyders BBQ in Big Rapids to cater the event. The food was great, the smoked beef brisket being a favorite at my table. I understand it is a 24 hour process that makes this meat so tender and tasty .

Congrats to John and Amie. May your future be as bright and blessed as the day on the lake.

You know a new year has arrived when the indoor boat show season begins.  This year, as usual,  a nice  variety of shows are scheduled throughout the state.  These shows provide a great escape in the middle of a Michigan winter and remind us that warm weather and sunlight is coming again!

Here is a list of some of the shows brought to my attention. If you know of other,  please let me know.

Enjoy the show!

January 7-10: Ultimate Fishing Show, Detroit, Rock Financial Showplace Promoted as Michigan’s Biggest Pure Fishing Show.

January 14-17: Camper, Travel and RV Show, Grand Rapids, De Vos Place Promoted as the One and Only.

January 15-17: Lansing Boat Show, Lansing, Lansing Center, Details Pending

January 29-31: Huntin’ Time Expo West, Grand Rapids, Delta Plex, Promoted as the 19th aniversary of Celebration of the 2nd Admendment.

January 30-February 1: Traditonal Bowhunters Expo, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds, Details Still Pending

February 12-14: Michigan Deer and Turkey Spectacular, Lansing, Lansing Center

April 16-18: Cadillac Boat, Camp & Fishing Show, Cadillac, The Wex

February 13-21: Detroit Boat Show, Detroit, Cobo Center, Promoted as “A Premier Boating Event”

February 17-21: Grand Rapids Boat Show, Grand Rapids, De Vos Place, Promoted as “A West Michigan Tradition”

February 17-21: RV Expo, Grand Rapids, Delta Plex, An extra day this year.

February 19-21: Mid Michigan Boat Show, Saginaw, Saginaw Valley State University, Details Pending

February 26-March 1: Cottage and Lakefront Living Show, Detroit, Rock Financial Showplace

February 26-March 1: Outdoorama, Detroit, Rock Financial Showplace

February 26-February 28 : Petoskey Boat Show, Petoskey, North Central Michigan College

March 3-4: Flint River Valley Steelheader’s Sport Boat and Fishing Show, Birch Run, Birch Run Expo Center

March 7: Quiet Water (paddlesports) Symposium, East lansing, Michigan State University Pavilion for Livestock and Agriculture Education

March 6-7: The Midwest Fly Fishing Expo, Warren, Macomb Community College

March 11-14: Spring Boat Expo, Novi, Rock Financial Showplace

March 11-14: Lansing Boat and Fishing Show, Lansing, Lansing Center

March 18-21: Ultimate Sport and RV Show, Grand Rapids, De Vos Place

April 16-18: Cottage and lakefront Living, Grand Rapids, De Vos Place, Promoted as “Unspoiled, Timeless and True”

April 16-18: Traverse City Boat Show, Traverse City, Howe Arena

April 23-25: “Up North” Lake & Cottage Show, Traverse City, Howe Arena

Our checklist of closing down the cottage:

Drain water heater, shut off the gas valve if it is a gas water heater, or turn off electric to the water heater if it is electric. Always be sure to leave water valve open.

Open all faucets in the cottage, don’t forget the tub or shower. Flush all toilets, drain water lines from the lowest point or use air compresseor to blow out the waterlines.

Pour antifreeze into the sinks and all drains, as well as the toilet bowl and tank.

Make sure the breaker for the water pump is turned off.

Take one last look through all kitchen and bathroom cabinets and remove all jars, cans of food or anything else that could freeze. Empty the refrigerator, defrost it and leave the door ajar. My wife always places a box of baking soda in the refrigerator. I always unplug it.

Empty all wastebaskets and trash recepitcals and take trash home with you.

Vacuum the cottage one last time.

Check all windows to make sure storm windows are properly in place and screens are stored and windows locked. Pull curtains shut and lower the blinds so no one can look in and be tempted by what they may see.

Make sure all things of value are removed or at least well hidden.

Make sure all outdoor equipment, furniture and tools are stored away and properly secured.

Check to make sure fireplace damper is closed.

Make sure you lock the door to the cottage and the outbuildings.

Notify a neighbor you are gone for the season.

He has not yet closed up the cottage for the season, but this is going to be the week. When talking to him, I was reminded of an earlier post I wrote about closing down the cottage. One thing I often overlook when getting property ready for the winter is cracking open the outside water faucet.  I guess I don’t readily see it, so it is often over looked.

And while it is easy to forget, it is important. If the waterline leading to the outside spicket slopes towards the outside of the cottage, water trapped at the faucet can freeze and split the faucet. That, of course, adds to the expense and headaches of opening up in the spring.

This season, could you use a little Divine help in your fishing? Be honest now! We all could. That help is available. Visit the 2008 Newaygo Troutfest where Father Thomas of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Pastor Pat of the United Methodist Church will pray the Blessing of the Poles on Friday night, April 25, at the Brooks Park amphitheater. There will be a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. at the park, as well as a carnival, games and contests.  Be sure too, to visit  the craft show or the raffling off of many items donated by local merchants. More information can be found:  www.NewaygoTroutFest.com

Yes, it’s true, only 182 shopping days until Christmas. So, for those of you who like to be prepared, you’d better start on your Christmas list and start digging out those cookie recipes. You can never be too prepared when it comes to Christmas!

For the rest of us, knowing this will give us a good reason to spend more time enjoying the warm weather , the sunshine and our favorite Michigan lake.

But, if Christmas takes you by surprise this year, don’t say I didn’t warn you!

I was going to write you a letter Sunday but had company and now it is Wednesday so will drop you a card. Have so much talking to do. Don’t have has much time to write as when I was alone. We are going to the cemetery this afternoon. I have a nice lot of flowers to take. Write and let me know how you are. We have not heard about the reunion yet.

Postmarked Sept. 3, 1914

Have you ever had that? You intended to do something on Sunday, and suddenly it was Wednesday? I have that nearly every week. It seems as if time flew by as quickly in 1914 as it does in 2009.

I like the picture on this postcard. I always appreciate the beauty a White Birch tree. Whether in a forest or in someone’s lawn, the White Birch always stands out.

I read that Native Americans often used white birch when building their canoes and also used the bark in the construction of their wigwams. I think using the white birch bark would make a rather attractive wigwam.

Hmm..I may have to consider siding my house with it! Well, maybe not. It would probably be pretty high maintenance.

So, take time to enjoy a Michigan lake, and while you are out and about, try to spot a few White Birches.

There are roadside produce stands every few miles. The stands range from large buildings filled with fresh fruits, vegetables and plants, to a table set up on a farm, selling just one product.

For us, no summertime trip along the shore is complete without a stop at one of these stands. Nothing beats the taste of fresh summertime produce, and as soon as we get into the car with our purchase, we have to give it a try. So, depending on the season, we are enjoying fresh, sweet cherries, juicy peaches or tart, crunchy apples as we travel home.

The next time you see one of these stands, stop and enjoy. Not only will it taste great, it is good for you and for the Michigan economy.

With our stomachs full, we were off to the Traverse City Farmer’s Market. As I mentioned before, I love farmers markets and this is one of Michigan’s best. Located across the street from Grand Traverse Bay, it boasts beautiful water views. For the best selection of produce and baked goods, get there early, as it can get very busy. Parking is somewhat limited, but street parking is available nearby.

A walk down Front Street is an interesting study of people, as tourists and locals peruse the shops lining the street. As dog lovers, we were amused to see a sign posted outside of one of the shops “Dog Park”. Beneath the sign was a bowl of water for any dog in need of a drink on a warm summer day. The water splashed around the bowl was evidence that many of our canine friends took advantage of the free refreshment.

M22 starts just outside of Manistee Michigan and follows the Lake Michigan shoreline for 116 miles, until it ends in the picturesque town of Traverse City.

The breathtaking drive begins it’s northern course along the shores of Portage Lake in Onekema, continues north through Arcadia and into Frankfort. It winds it’s way north around Crystal Lake, through the village of Empire and along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Traveling past Glen Lake, you enter the artistic village of Glen Arbor and then enter Leelanau County. The waterfront towns of Leland and Northport are great places to stop for a a breath of fresh air and snack or meal at one of their unique restaurants or cafes. When leaving Northport, M22 turns southward along Grand Traverse Bay and through the towns of Omena, Suttons Bay and ends in Traverse City.

We have travelled M22 many times and in every season. Each time we think it is the best time of year to travel M22, but having just been there this past Saturday, my vote is for the fall!