Fall and the Sandhill Cranes

The fall foliage around Dewey Lake Manor has been spectacular. The blue of the lake against the red-gold of the trees has been breathtaking, and the calls of the sandhill cranes has added to the magic. Unfortunately, tonight, it is raining with the promise of more to come and wind, which will put the pretty leaves on the ground. BUT, it won't bother the cranes, and just north of Dewey Lake Manor   near Jackson  is the Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary where hundreds of sandhill cranes gather. Now is the best viewing time. Go to http://www.haehnlesanctuary.org/ and/or http://www.jacksonaudubon.org/  for information . And you might also stay at Dewey Lake Manor after your adventure with the birds.

Earth Day

Did you know that April 22 is Earth Day, and is every year, and has been since it was first celebrated in 1970. Today is also Good Friday, but that changes from year to year. Earth Day  was the creation of Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. In the late 1960's he said"Our soil, our water, and our air is becoming more polluted every day. Our most priceless natural resources-trees,lakes,rivers,wildlife habitats, scenic landscapes-are being destroyed. How are we going to get the nation to wake up and pay attention...." Nelson's wake-up call was that first Earth Day ,and 20 million people in the US,Canada, and other countries participated in activities showing their interest in their environment. Today Earth Day is observed in more than 140 countries with rallies, speakers,groups planting trees,picking up trash, and information about conservation. You can celebrate Earth Day every day by practicing the five R'S-  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Replenish, and Restore.  Our Planet needs help!

St.Patrick celebration in the Irish Hills

St Patrick's Day isn't quite here, but last weekend the Brooklyn/Irish Hills area celebrated anyhow. Friday and Saturday was the first "Taste of the Irish Hills" with 18 restaurants participating, with "tastes" ranging from BarBQue to Mediterranean to Subway. To celebrate St Patrick's Day, guests at Dewey Lake Manor received a free coupon for a Shamrock Shake.
There was also a "Taste of History" held on Saturday, sponsored by the group OH These Irish Hills! This is the second year for the" History Palooza", and it was well attended again. Local people bring their historical  items-pictures, writings, memorabilia-and visitors are welcome to sit down and read the information, which many did. To learn more about this group, check their website http://www.otih.com/.

The ice storm of Presidents Day at our Michigan Bed and Breakfast



View more photos from this Michigan Bed and Breakfast

 After four inches of snow here in the Irish Hills we have a half inch of ice. The landscape has turned from a thawing sensation to a crystalline wonderland. The guests at our Michigan Bed and Breakfast this weekend enjoyed watching it snow from their seat by the fireplace. Most of southeastern Michigan including the Irish Hills, is to recieve several more inches of snow tonight.