Sharing a Very Special Dinner 9/22/16

When I sat down in 2009 to write my very first blog post, there was never a single thought of one day having dinner with 15 folks who, over the years, have become so much more than readers of a blog about Mackinac Island.  These 15, and many more like them, are readers who have become friends – not only to Ted and I, but to each other as well.  We’ve shared our joys and sorrows and whispered each other’s names in God’s ear.  We’ve shared the loss of family members, friends, and pets and rejoiced in marriages, births, and new fur babies. In other words, we’ve become “family”.

Below are a few memories from a very special “gathering” this week.  It came about because these folks just all happened to be coming to the island at the same time  – and they shared that with each other and with me!

Some arrived on Saturday, some on Sunday, and some had been here a while.  Some were staying three nights, some were staying longer.

I know I say this about all of my readers, but I just don’t know how I got so lucky as to meet up with some of the sweetest folks God ever put on this earth. Lowell and Faye Greene are two of those folks. Lowell worked on the island as a teenager in the 50’s, and oh, the stories he can tell about “back in the day”!

About an hour later, Bud and Hilde DaVanon arrived. I think I met them the second summer we were condo owners on Mackinac, and I’ve loved them every since!  That’s Bud and Hilde just coming through the exit.

Our “official” photo from Monday evening – taken in the lobby of the Chippewa Hotel. Back row (l-r): Joleen & Bruce Griffin (Wisconsin), Pam Magers Schuch (Ohio), Kem & Ed Green (Iowa), Denice Magers (Ohio), Pam & Mike Day (Ohio), and Yvonne & Tony Pitsch (Iowa).  Front row (l-r): Bud & Hilde DaVanon (Illinois), the Hortons, Lowell & Faye Greene (Michigan) and Jill Sawatzki (Michigan)

And the “unofficial” one – how we were really acting!

Some candids from dinner . . . .

Looking down the table from our end.  The Chippewa seated all of us at one table (which was awesome) – upstairs on the outside deck.  Mike Day anchored one end . . .

. . . and Lowell anchored the other.

One thing I discovered everyone LOVES to do is . . . . talk!  Here on the left is Joleen and Bruce Griffin. They were the only ones there I hadn’t met before, and I was so glad they joined us!

LOL! Bud was trying to shield us on the other side of the table from the sun, until it went down behind a building. Good job, Bud!

Chatting and eating . . . .  Yvonne (in the blue sweater) and husband Tony are in the market for a condo (or home) on Mackinac, and Kem (white sweater) and husband Ed visit Mackinac at least twice a year.  They may be coming for their first winter visit this year!

Jill packed up her leftovers and had to get back to the bookstore!

Pam and Denise – two sisters who LOVE Mackinac and visit as often as possible!

Mike and Pam Day – they spend two months on the island, one in the spring and one in the fall.

I have to tell you I had an attack of tears before we ever sat down for that official photo. I was standing off to the side in the lobby, taking a few pics and watching everyone introduce themselves.  These folks, most of whom had never met in person, were laughing, sharing stories about the island, talking about their families and where they were from, and acting as though they’d been friends forever. I looked at all of them and whispered one more thing in God’s ear . . . . thank you, Lord, for taking me down this path that led me to each one of these dear people.  And then I had to excuse myself and go put my face back together.

The first annual “Blog Dinner” was a big success, and there’s talk already about another dinner next year.  Or maybe a dinner-a-month.  With special coffee mugs.  Hmmmm . . . . what do you think?!

God bless.

Come Walk With Me! 9/17/16

Oh. My. Gosh! What beautiful weather we’re having on Mackinac this week!  All the humidity is gone, the temps are in the high 60’s during the day and low 50’s at night, and we’re beginning to see a red leaf here and there.  I can feel Fall standing just behind the curtains – waiting backstage for just the right moment to appear in all her glory!

With that thought in mind, I set out with my camera on a walk a couple of days ago.  I didn’t capture too much in the way of fall colors, but I sure had fun looking!  My photo idea for the walk was to focus on Mackinac fences, and I did that some, but it really just turned into one of my “happy walks”!

Just past the new condos is this tall wooden fence.  There is one on both sides of the road here, and they hide some of Grand Hotel”s maintenance equipment.  The gates are seldom open, but if you happen by at the right (or wrong) time, you might spot someone leaving on a riding lawnmower!

This open fencing borders the back side of the first nine holes of Grand Hotel’s Jewel Golf Course.  Since we’ve moved right across the street from the course, Ted has been “climbing the fence” after the flags are removed in the afternoon and trying to improve his golf game (yes, it’s ok to do that – I promise he won’t get in trouble).

This beautiful team of horses came by while I was at the golf course fence.  Pretty sure they are Percherons.

Looking across the golf course to Little Stone Church.

This serpentine white picket fence surrounds the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence.  Wonder where that bench on the dray was going?

The Governor’s residence is to the right of this photo.  I’m standing at the summit of Fort Hill, looking out over the harbor – a fantastic vista!

I turned left, walked up a small hill, and spotted a team of dray horses through the trees.

Sometimes a fence can be a living thing – like this hedge at the back of Fort Mackinac.

The North Sally Port entrance to the fort.  On July 17, 1812, American troops marched through this gate to surrender to the British.  This is not a public entrance but is used by State Park and Tea Room employees, tour groups with a State Park escort, and service vehicles.  And it’s handicap friendly.

I cut through the open area beside the fort and passed several private residences on my way to. . . .

. . . the Somewhere in Time gazebo, scene of dozens of island weddings each summer.

The view from inside the gazebo.

From the gazebo, it’s just a short walk over shaded dirt paths to Anne’s Tablet, where you can stand at that split rail fence and see . . .

. . . the entire marina, the bay, Round and Bois Blanc Islands, and both lighthouses.

There are many short trails that meander near Anne’s Tablet.  One takes you to . . .

. . . the edge of a cliff that drops straight down.  Careful on that one!

Another leads to a fence-bordered set of very steep stairs leading down to the back of Marquette Park in town, and one leads to . . .

. . . . the East Bluff, where Victorian cottages reign over . . . .

. . . what could possibly be the best of all views of town and the Straits of Mackinac.

I retraced my steps to the back side of the fort, then took a shortcut through the State Park Maintenance buildings area. Love this old building that has probably known many uses over the years . . .

. . . but right now seems to be mostly used for storage.

Beyond the maintenance area I come to this well-known fork in the road.

Picking the road on the left and walking just a few steps, I come to the Cupid’s pathway sign (on the right). Directly across from that sign is the shortcut path we would take through the woods going home to Surrey Hill.

I’ve found myself avoiding this path all summer because it was one of the most frequently walked paths for Bear and I. We’d choose it as the shortcut to one of our adventures and as the shortest way home from those adventures.  I knew what was going to happen, but I turned down the path anyway.  Just a few steps, and tears filled my eyes and rolled down my cheeks.

That tree up ahead (the one on the left and closest to the path) is the one I’d slip behind and hide while Ted, Maddie and Bear walked on ahead. As soon as Bear would look back and not see me, he’d fly down the path to find his lost mom.  And then he’d dance happily all around, and sometimes . . . .

. . .  that would be followed by one of his famous “Bear zooms” through the woods at full speed.

My heart has been heavy this summer without my sweet boy. I love this photo of us taken several years ago on a beautiful Fall day.  I’m praying for many years ahead on Mackinac, sharing this beautiful island, with Bear’s blessing, with Bodie.  Just the thought of Bodie makes me smile

That special path takes another fork toward the end. One way leads to the back of the carriage museum at Surrey Hill and the other, which I took, comes out behind the building which houses one of the island’s fire trucks.

Behind the fire truck building, it’s a short walk across the area which houses the offices of the electricity company, then out into the open in front of Grand Hotel Stable.  And I’m back to the condo!

Can’t tell you how excited we are to have dinner planned on Monday evening with a dozen or so blog readers.  Right now my reservations list includes Lowell & Faye, Kem & Ed, Yvonne & Tony, Hilde & Bud, Joleen & Bruce, Pam & Mike Day, and Jill.  If you’re a blog reader and going to be on the island Monday, Sept. 19, and want to join us at the Chippewa at 6:00 p.m., please email me at brendasumnerhorton@hotmail.com so I can add you to the list!

God bless.

Maddie’s Treat Tale . . . . 9/14/16

Hey!  Maddie here!

I know I haven’t written in a while, but there’s a reason for that. You see, in dog years I’m even older than my mom – so I’m just not as chatty as I used to be.  It’s kinda the same with mom, although with her it’s more like she still talks all the time, but she just doesn’t have as much to say. 

Please don’t tell her I said that.

I told mom the other day I was thinking about writing how nice it is to be up the hill again so we can go over to the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum for treats (I was really hinting that we hadn’t been over there in a while, but I’ve learned – as a wiser and older girl – that you have to use dog-chology when dealing with humans). I couldn’t just say, “I want to go get a treat from Miss Denise.”  If I’d approached it THAT way, mom would have said, “Maddie you know you don’t need treats.  At your visit the other day with Dr. Hites, he said you could stand to lose a pound or two.”  BUT – if I approached it by saying I wanted to WRITE about getting a treat, mom would say, “Oh, Maddie, that’s a great idea.  I’m glad you want to expand your vocabulary and use that sweet little brain of yours.  Of course, we can walk over to see Miss Denise!”

See . . . . dog-chology!

First of all, let me just say that Miss Denise and I are best buds, and we have been ever since we first met many years ago.  You see, Miss Denise has two doxies just like me (except they are black and tan).  Their names are Scooter and Minnie.  Miss Denise just LOVES doxies!  And I just LOVE Miss Denise!

The other afternoon, when we arrived at the Carriage Museum, Miss Denise had just finished putting some visitors on a tour buggy (that’s Miss Denise over there with long hair and the yellow shirt).

It’s not very often mom and dad take my leash off, but when Miss Denise is around, they do – because they know I’m going to hightail it over to see her!  After she petted me and told me how extraordinarily beautiful I am (another reason I love Miss Denise), I said to myself, “Ok, enough of this, let’s go get those treats!”  That’s what I said to MYSELF – but to Miss Denise I said, “I love you, I love you, I love you . . . .

. . . . and I bet if you just follow close behind me, we can find some treats!”

“Uh . . . . could you walk a little faster, please?”

 

I trotted right into the building, took a sharp left, ran right into the store room, and stood patiently until Miss Denise came and got the treats down off the top shelf (I’ve been trying to get her to put them on the bottom shelf where I could get them for myself, but so far she’s ignoring me).

Next came my SECOND favorite part of going to see Miss Denise . . . . .

. . . . sitting on the drivers’ seat of a Carriage Tour buggy!

I kept asking Miss Denise if I could say “Giddy Up” to the horses, but she ignored me on that too.  I’ve about decided Miss Denise doesn’t understand me when I talk to her.  I bet she understands Scooter and Minnie though – just like mom and dad understand me!  And maybe it’s best that it works that way.

By the way, mom and dad broke the news to me the other day that I’m going to be getting a new big brother.  I haven’t decided how I feel about that yet, but if it will make mom happier, I know it will be fine.  She sure has missed Bear, and to be honest, so have I.  Even though I like getting all the attention, it sure will be nice to have someone to BLAME stuff on again!

Maddie . . . . out!

 

 

 

49757 Postcard #10 9/12/16

Dear Friends,

Ted flew off the island with a bunch of buddies to play golf for two days on Drummond Island, so I went to church solo yesterday.  After joining the rest of the Little Stone Church congregation for lunch at the Gatehouse (a farewell gathering for our wonderful pastor Fred Zobel and his wife Mary), I decided to walk on downtown to Doud’s to pick up a few items I needed. We (the folks who have so far moved into the new condos) were planning a “thank you” grill-out for the condo construction workers we’ve all gotten to know so well this summer.  I thought my corn salad would be a good contribution. 

There are three ways to get back to the condo from downtown.  The easiest hill to climb is the one by the Grand Hotel, but that would have meant walking all the way back down Market Street to make that turn up Cadotte.  The other two ways were the much closer (and much steeper) Turkey or Fort Hills.  With a purse and a pretty heavy grocery bag, I decided to bite the bullet and climb Fort Hill – the steepest, but the shortest route. 

The Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence sits at the top of Fort Hill.  That’s where I was heading.

Totally amazing what a grocery bag with only two cans of corn and a few other items can weigh!  My first stop – looking down on my alternative route, Turkey Hill – not as steep a climb, but longer.

Fifty steps later – an official rest stop under a great big, shady tree!

Almost to the top!

At the summit I walked about 50 more steps over to the top of Turkey Hill – in time to say hello to some horse riders!

A few steps later I turned at the sound of horses behind me, and a friendly driver called out, “Hey! I know you!  Hop on board!”  Thank you very much, I sure will!  I was dropped off at the corner of our condos, as he made the turn up to Surrey Hill.  I love it when that happens!

 

The grill-out today in the backyard.  Craig manned the grill, and his wife Meredith helped workers Joe and Ken fill their plates.

Another of our favorite workers is Steve.  He’s from Jamaica, and we all wonder when in the world he ever sleeps.  He works around the condos all day, then works downtown until three in the morning.  Superman!  That’s neighbor Eugenia sitting with Steve.

The weather is going to be great the next couple of weeks – highs in the 60’s, lows in the 50’s!  There’s a crispness to the air, and I can’t wait to experience another Fall on Mackinac!

Grand Hotel cupola, in the fog a few days ago. (Photo: Tom Chambers)

Sunrise from Windermere Point. (Photo: Clark Bloswick)

Wish you were here!

On This Day . . . . . 9/11/16

There are very few citizens of our country who didn’t stop at some time today and reflect on what happened in New York City on this date 15 years ago.  We thought about where we were and what we first thought was happening.  And we thought about how we felt when we realized what really was happening.

There is an annual ceremony on Patriots Day on Mackinac, and this afternoon the ceremony was held at the island’s replica of the Statue of Liberty.  Our emergency vehicles, first responders, and American Legion Post 299 all took part in the remembrance program.

Today’s Patriots Day ceremony. (Photo: Clark Bloswick)

Earlier today members of the Mackinac Island Fire Department, as well as firefighters from St. Ignace, Pickford and Topinabee took part in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to honor the New York City firemen who died on that fateful day.

Firefighters walked the stairs to Fort Holmes (141 steps) repeatedly until they made their goal of 14 round trips.  The original World Trade Center numbeed 110 floors.  There were 2,071 stairs from the ground to the top.  This would equal 14 trips up the Fort Holmes stairs. (Photo: Robert McGreevy)

 

Participants in today’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb (Photo: Joan Barch)

Upon completion each Firefighter rang a bell attached to the top.

This afternoon I watched the movie Pearl Harbor, released in 2001, just a few months before the 9/11 attacks.  At the end of the movie, in a voiceover, Evelyn says, “When the action is over and we look back, we understand both more and less.  America suffered, but America grew stronger.  The times tried our souls, and through the trial, we overcame.”

I remember how America came together after 9/11, and I remember how we grew stronger.  I remember how we filled our churches and prayed for our country.

We need to continue those prayers.

God bless.

 

 

49757 Postcard – #9 9/9/16

Dear Friends,

We had another of Ted’s newly-found cousins, Dave Bennink and his wife Diane, visit with us for a couple of days this week, and we continue to feel so blessed to have the chance to connect with such nice folks.

We’d been told by other family members what a “big guy” Dave was, and that turned out to be an understatement!

At 6′ 5″ Dave is a commanding presence (no, Ted is not standing on a lower step),and we both instantly fell in love with him and his sweet wife Diane.

Even though the Benninks had been to Mackinac several times over the years, the private tour with Blake Ruddle took them a few places they hadn’t seen . . . like Fort Holmes!

We even spotted some trees at the cemeteries that had begun to show their Fall colors!  I think it’s going to be a brilliant Fall on the island!

While downtown, this sweet lady – Joan Bishop – recognized Ted and I from the blog, and we sat down to chat a moment.  It turns out Joan and Diane know some of the same people from Muskegon and attended the same high school! Such a small, small world!

Diane and I cracked up at this candid pic I took of Ted and Dave working those iPhones one evening.  Look at those faces!  Exact same expressions.  Yep, they’re cousins all right.

Our visit with the Benninks was saddened when we learned of the passing of Harry Shade, husband of Ted’s half-sister, Sheryl.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sheryl and her family during this sad time.

THE NEW PLACE

A few pics of the new condo . . . .

Thanks to neighbor Pam Day for this nice shot of the condos as she was returning home one evening. We’re in the bottom right-hand unit.  That’s the Grand Hotel stable and carriage museum behind us on the right. 

The living area . . . love that chaise!

. . . and kitchen.

Guest bedroom one . . .

. . . and two.

Master bedroom.

There are also two nice-sized bathrooms, a large walk-in closet, and a laundry room. The landscaping hasn’t been completed yet in the front, but Jack Barnwell is in charge.  Can’t wait to see what he will come up with, and one thing’s for sure – it will be gorgeous!  We are loving being up the hill again!

Backyard space.

MADDIE UPDATE

While Ted was seeing Dave and Diane off yesterday, I was transporting Maddie down to Chambers corner for a visit with one of the island vets, Dr. Hites.  Maddie has been limping for over a week, and we discovered a growth between two of her toes. I didn’t want her to have to walk all the way down there, so I put a towel in my bike basket, put Maddie on the towel, and away we went.  No, I didn’t ride the bike, I walked it (I’m off-balance enough without an extra 12 lbs. in the basket to throw me off).  Dr. Hites gave her an oral antibiotic, an antibiotic cream, and something for pain relief.  He said she could have gotten a cut, or a thorn, or it could have just come up on its own.  Back in the basket she went, and up the hill we came.  I can’t begin to tell you how many tourists took pictures of Miss Maddie riding in the basket! 

BODIE UPDATE

I received a few more pics of Bodie yesterday, and all I can say is “That boy is growing like a weed!”

This original photo was taken at three months.

And this is Bodie today at 5 1/2 months!

He’s a gorgeous BIG boy already, and I can’t wait to wrap my arms around him and take him home five weeks from now!

BLOG FAN WEEK

It seems there are going to be several blog fans on the island Sept. 18-21, and I’m hoping we can all get together for dinner Monday night, Sept. 19.  Those I know for sure will be here are Lowell & Faye Greene, Frankie Thill and her friend Sue, Kem and Ed Green, Hilde & Bud DaVanon, Yvonne & Tony Pitsch, and Joleen & Bruce Griffin. If you happen to have a trip planned to the island during that time period, I’d love to add you to the dinner group.  Just email me at brendasumnerhorton@hotmail.com.  Looking forward to it!

God bless.

Hodgepodge! 9/4/16

Hi Gang!

We’re all settled into the new condo, and we’re enjoying being back in our “neck of the woods” once again.  We absolutely loved being downtown near Mission Point, but you all know how much I dearly love the woods and trails of this island.  Since we’ve moved up here, I can walk the trails to my heart’s content, without having to climb too many hills to accomplish that!  We are above the ordinary noises of downtown, but there’s still plenty of folks traveling by here to keep us entertained.  We have a beautiful view of a couple of holes of the Grand Hotel’s Jewel Golf Course . . .

. . . and we can watch the ferries and freighters from a higher vantage point.

Ted and I feel very fortunate that we’ve gotten to experience Mackinac this summer from two such different locations!

Tomorrow is Labor Day, and Ted will be heading over to do the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk with a group of friends.  One of these years I’m going to join him for that again, but it won’t be this year.  I’m just going to sip coffee on the front porch, walk Maddie-girl (who’s nursing a sore paw), and maybe explore a few of those trails I love so much.

Thought I’d share some of the pics that haven’t made it into a blog post yet.  That way next week I’ll be starting fresh!

Looking out to Lake Huron from just to the side of Arch Rock.

The charming Windermere Hotel, photographed one morning this week as I was rushing to catch a ferry.

Fort Mackinac in the evening. Standing below this historic building and listening as a fort interpreter plays Taps from the ramparts each night – at precisely 10 pm – gives me chills every single time.

The gardens at Chambers corner.

Custer Road – one of my favorites.

Little Maddie in the woods. Her hearing isn’t what it used to be, but that nose of hers is still going strong.

Grand Hotel hackneys are VERY serious about their play-time!

Loving the view out our side windows!

Grand Hotel Dahlia.

Window boxes above my head . . .

. . . and luggage carts at my feet.  After being loaded, these carts are hooked to horse-drawn carriages or drays and used to transport tourists’ belongings back and forth to the ferry dock.

One of the two offices on Mackinac where you might meet one of our two veterinarians.  This one is at the main horse barns, and the other  is at Chambers corner.

It’s Jazz Festival Weekend at Grand Hotel.

A bench just above Grand Hotel’s shade garden.

Looking down Cadotte.

Simply a gorgeous just-before-fall day on Mackinac Island!

What happens when you are locked out of your condo, but you know your deck door is open? That’s what happened to one of our neighbors this week, and that’s when Mackinac Island team work took over!  Mission accomplished!

Wishing everyone a great holiday tomorrow.  We will be welcoming another of Ted’s cousins, Dave and his wife Diane, to Mackinac on Tuesday.  They’ll be visiting until Friday, and we can’t wait to get to know more of this wonderful family.

God bless.