BLUEBIRDS

I attended a meeting last night at Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson http://www.ellasharp.org/. about helping Michigan Bluebirds thrive and survive. It was presented by the Jackson Audubon Society and the speaker was the president of the Michigan Bluebird Society http://www.michiganbluebirds.org/.  It was very informative and helpful. We put up a nestbox last year, but the sparrows took it over, which we found out is very common, and believe it or not, the most aggressive bird against the bluebird is the house wren! That little thing will break the eggs and even pull a baby out of the nest if it gets a chance. If you enjoy birds and birding, the Jackson area is a great place to explore. http://www.jacksonaudubon.org/

March!

March - Lamb or Lion? Today, March 2, it is a Lion!  Rain, Wind, and Thunder, and Maggie, our dog, is right under my feet shivering and shaking(she hates thunder). But, spring will come, and in honor of that, if you stay 2 nights here at Dewey Lake Manor Bed & Breakfast in the Irish Hills of Michigan, the second night is 50% off.

There is also the second "Taste of the Irish Hills"  happening March 9 & 10  Friday and Saturday, with 17 restaurants participating. Tickets are $15 per person and are good for both days. Last year folks said it was a "good time", and you will get to see the Irish Hills if you haven't before. You can go from Artesian Wells where all the motorcycles are, to Clark Lake, to Devils Lake, and even visit Cherry Creek Winery.

Winter getaway

The calendar says winter, but when I look outside, where is the snow? In spite of this,if you can still get away,this is the month for chocolate here at Dewey Lake Manor. We have a chocolate buffet every weekend in February. And President's Day is also this month. If you have Monday,February 20th off and stay Saturday and Sunday, Sunday will be 50% off AND you will be treated to Cherry pie and/or cobbler, in honor of that man that cut down the cherry tree.

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!