While Waiting for Summer.....

I have been visiting estate sales in obscure places.   Yesterday while following signs to a sale down gravelly roads, I stopped to take photos of this stately old house and barn.  Makes me wonder what the story is... someone is tending the lawns beautifully.   And the lilacs.... aren't they gorgeous?  Even though the foundation is falling into the basement under the house, the building is still square as can be.   Just a few of the old asphalt siding shingles are still clinging to the upper exterior.   

A Perfect Event!

 We had the pleasure of hearing Sebastian Junger speak the other night.  If you will remember the movie with George Clooney:  "The Perfect Storm," Junger is the author.  He has written other true life thrillers including the just-out-in-paperback:  "War."  He also co-created the movie "Restrepo" now out on DVD.   We are so fortunate to have the National Writers Series here in our town:   http://nationalwritersseries.org/ 
 Lots of talent here and lots of talented visitors.

Mobile Farm Market

Returning from an estate sale today I spotted this truck/farm market alongside the road.   The truck is a 1946 Ford.  Note the attached "greenhouse."  The vendor had split dry firewood, huge pots of gladioli, well-established blueberry plants.... all for sale including the truck.... but not the dog.   I carry a box of

dog treats under my car seat for just such occasions and made a new friend.

Coast Guard and Culinary School

We have a wonderful community college here.  It includes a fine Culinary School which serves lunches to the public in a fabulous facility overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan.  I had lunch here this past week with six lady-friends.... wonderful food and conversation.  Thought you'd like to see the gleaming kitchen in plain view of the patrons as well as the Coast Guard cutter docked out front.

This is a beautiful place to eat and view the expansive fresh water if you are ever in the area!