PUBLIC PITY PARTY
Ok. I know I said I’d be here on Monday with a blog. And here it is Thursday.
I’ve never had a year on Mackinac start off like this one has. I’ve coughed continually for four weeks, and on top of that I slightly sprained my ankle in the woods this past weekend. I’ve pumped myself full of over the counter drugs that basically have done nothing but make me want to sleep all day, and basically that’s what I’ve done.
So – Monday – after volunteering at the Stuart House for four hours and coughing almost continually, I dragged myself down to the Medical Center and said, “Help.”
I saw a young female doctor who was on her first day of a two week rotation on Mackinac. I swear to you she wasn’t old enough to drink adult beverages, much less dispense medical advice and drugs. But she listened to my sob story and examined both my swollen ankles (the one I sprained only slightly more swollen than the other one). Her diagnosis – one ankle is slightly swollen due to injury, BOTH ankles are swollen because I’ve obviously been getting a lot more exercise since I arrived on the island than I was getting in Florida, and my body is retaining water. The cough is from a virus that is sweeping the country and lasting anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. She added a cough medicine to my over-the-counter regime and said, “This might help, but probably not.”
So, I’m four weeks into the 8-12 week cough cycle and in a compression bandage on one ankle. I’m drinking lots of fluids, elevating my feet when I can, and trying to talk myself into a better frame of mind. I know I’m being a whiny baby. I. KNOW. IT.
I promise to try and do better. I promise.
MACKINAC CONTINUES ON
Even when you feel bad you can appreciate beauty, and right now the island is at its full summer blooming peak. Here’s a little of what’s been happening since we talked last!

We were in on a surprise birthday party for friend Patty one evening at the Gate House. Her husband Buz did a great job of keeping it a secret, and several couples from Little Stone Church gathered for good food and fun. (That’s Patty in the white jacket and Buz beside her in the turquoise shirt.) Thanks, Jill, for this pic!

After dinner the birthday girl, Buz, Ted and I stopped for an ice cream at Sadie’s. What a great day!

Bodie got a chance to make friends up close and personal with one of the West Bluff horses. He continues to amaze me with his bravery around things that might scare a less secure dog. He seems to have the attitude that the whole world is his playground, and if I’d just give him a chance he’d be “king of the island” in no time flat.

I walked him over to Governor’s Residence the other night and had him “up” onto the bench that sits at the top of Turkey Hill. Love how proudly he sat there overlooking his domain.

Poppies on a road going toward Brown’s Brook – in the interior of the island. (Photo: George Piliouras)
Hoping you all are doing well and thanking you for your patience with me this summer.
Love, hugs, and God bless.