Dewey Lake

Dewey Lake
morning mist

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

The Winter Solstice

Today marks the shortest day and longest night occurring in the Northern Hemisphere. The WINTER SOLSTICE! We call it the first day of winter as do astronomers also. It happens in December 20, 21,22,or 23, although the 23rd is rare, not since 1903. The word, solstice, is derived from the Latin word "solstitium" which means the "sun stands still". On this day it moves so slowly it seems to stand still and also reaches its southernmost position over the Tropic of Capricorn. This day is cause for celebrations in many countries. Stonehenge in the United Kingdom is a popular place for people to gather in both summer and winter to watch the sun. In Ireland a large monument was built between 3000 BC and 2500 BC. It is believed to have been designed to capture the Solstice sun's rays. In 2012, December 21 was considered "doomsday" by some people, as the Mayan calendar ended that day. Now that you have had your history lesson, I will just say-I'm glad the days will be getting longer. I like more sunshine!

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Here Comes Fall!

This is the first day of FALL-can you believe it! It was 80 degrees-I love it! This week is a gift!!!
The weather is perfect for taking down flower beds, which I was doing today, burning brush accumulated from the storms  and for just sitting in the sun watching the sandhill cranes. We have 2 that visit us regularly.
This weekend is the Tough Mudder event at MIS. If you are not familiar with this-it is an obstacle course designed by the British Special Forces and it is Tough! It involves mud, ice water, walls, electricity and other trails. You can be proud just to finish.

The other event this weekend is the Clinton Fall Festival. Clinton is 15 miles east of us on US12, and they put on a great Festival-been doing it for many years.
So you have things to do   or   just sit in the sun!

Friday, July 31, 2015

The BLUE MOON tonight!

You've heard of once in a blue moon". That's because this real "blue moon" happens only every 3 years. To define it-it's when 2 full moons happen in the same month. According to those that know, it may look bluer tonight because of tiny particles, from an unusually active fire season, are flooding the atmosphere. Someone has named it the FLOATING BLUEBERRY! So, get outside tonight, around 10pm or so, and check it out. There won't be another blue moon until 2018!

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

US 12 Heritage Trail

US 12    The Sauk Trail   Chicago Road   Michigan Avenue, whatever name it has gone by, the "path" has been here for many years. Originally used by animals, then Native Americans, settlers on foot and horseback, then Stagecoaches, and of course, automobiles. In 1825, settlers could leave their boats in Detroit and travel overland to Chicago. And, in 1825, the US government appropriated $3000 for a federal highway, the second in the nation, and it was laid out along an ancient Indian trail, the Sauk Trail. This road begins at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit  and traverses the state to Chicago.
During the summer, many things happen along US 12, but my main interest is in the Irish Hills area, because I live here. Walker Tavern-at the intersection of 12 & 50- has Vintage Baseball Games, Picnic in the park music events, and a Farmers Market every Sunday (except NASCAR Sundays).
And, the Brick Walker Tavern, just across the road , is taking reservations for events, weddings etc.
And, of course, Michigan International Speedway is on US12. They not only have NASCAR, they host a Beer & Wine Fest in May ,an SAE competition also in May, and the country Music Festival in July. There is also the Tough Mudder event in September.
A little farther West on Michigan Ave, is McCourtie Park.There are 17 bridges , one of which is shown below. They are made of sculpted concrete, carved to look like logs, planks, and ropes. There is a stream that runs thru the area-a great place to walk and picnic. There are even weddings held there.  
Below is an historic schoolhouse which houses Cherry Creek Winery. They do wine tastings, light refreshments, and entertainment on selected weekends. It is also on US12. For more info www.cherrycreekwine.com. For Speedway info www.mispeedway.com. For Walker Tavern www.michigan.gov/walkertavern. And, check www.us12heritagetrail.org, to learn lots more about this great road! And, remember the Longest Garage sale in August.
 
 

Friday, June 5, 2015

DONUT DAY???

Did you know that today was national Donut Day? Who knew! The first Friday of June, which is today.

Dunkin Donuts was giving a free one if you bought a drink.
Did you get yours?  I didn't -maybe next year.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Blarney Time!

Happy St Patrick Day! It will soon be here. The Irish Hills area is having their third TASTE OF THE HILLS this weekend March 14 & 15. This year there are 20 restaurants/coffee houses participating. A ticket is $25 and it also lets you go to the AFTER TASTE party at the Brooklyn Moose Lodge and there are FIREWORKS after. Check www.IrishHills.com for more info. And Dewey Lake B&B is offering a 10% discount on a overnight stay. http://www.IrishHills.com">