Memorial Day Picnic Planning

The plan today was to finish planting the annuals and tomatoes!  Storms keep rolling in one after another with dark, dark clouds, wind, downpours.  Then it brightens for a bit.... and begins all over again.   We really need the rain so we should not complain.            However tomorrow we host the annual neighborhood Memorial Day picnic and I so hope it isn't soggy and the rain has stopped.   Either way, indoors or outdoors, we'll have a good time with good friends and the potluck dishes will be fabulous.

    My husband took off early for washers and a hose attachment for the hoses to water the kitchen garden, but I don't think we'll be needing to water for a couple of days.  He was sixth in line waiting for the hardware store to open.  Funny how we all hurry to plant and prepare for our short summer season.   I dashed out between squalls to snap a few photos of the garden... so bright and colorful in the rain.   Happy planting to everyone!

First Farmers Market

Tomato plants anyone?  Flowering shrubs?  How about some honey or beeswax products?

How happy we all are to have the seasonal opening of the local farmers market today!  It is located in a lovely setting along the bank of a fast flowing river ~ yes, the Boardman River as it approaches West Grand Traverse Bay.   Cool shady banks with the lilacs all in bloom.  Mallard ducks are hoping for a handout from the children. 

Rhubarb and asparagus were plentiful at the market today.  My purchases included a few herbs: thyme, parsley and cilantro.... so fragrant in the car on the way home.   At an estate sale this morning I also found this antique metal milk bottle carrier.  Love it!

My last photo is of a platter (small) of fresh morel mushrooms ~ a gift from my neighbor who knows all the secret woodland hunting spots.   They are amazingly delicious sauteed in butter and added to just about anything.... scrambled eggs, steak on the grill...  a springtime treat.

Groovy Night Club

Around 45 years ago, when I first moved to this then small town, there was a wonderful little night club called "The Brook."   It was situated on a stream that meandered through the city neighborhoods and flowed into the larger Boardman River and on into the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan.  I remember the live dance music floating in the air while walking by on many summer evenings.  It was a groovy joint in the 60's.  Torn down many years ago an apartment complex is now in it's place.

Much to my surprise while driving out in the countryside this past winter, I spotted this sign.... yes, the original sign from "The Brook."  Barely visible from the road, it is discreetly hidden beside this cute Boardman River summer cabin.  Brought back happy memories.

Recent Estate and Garage Sale Finds

From delicate to rustic, these are my favorite finds from my last two adventures.  The very last photo is of a long narrow wood box with two carved drawers and dove-tailed corners.  What do you think it might be?