Northern Michigan Tour

It was a nice day to take a trip up north.  Final destination - Jen's house near Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.  Having time, I found a side road when the countryside turned appealing.  Luddington.  Suddenly, there were hills and orchards and pretty red barns.  Unfortunately, even after a drive, I couldn't find the same scene from the main highway.  The side roads were slushy and the promise of spring seems still a ways off.

Thanks to my trusty Garmin, Jen's house was found with success.  Time was granted to check out the small town of Empire.  Later, we would eat at the single bar.  A delicious onion, blue cheese burger with sweet potato fries. Oh my. Delicious!

Beautiful friend, Jen, by the lakeshore.

The lake is beautiful.  There are lots of trees.  Conifers, birch, maple, willow, sumac; trees everywhere.  There was a huge blow down in 2015.  A black locust fell on Jen's black Toyota pickup.  It's never quite been the same.  I should have taken pictures at our breakfast place.  Clean, white walls, with lake-blue trim.  Eggs over easy and corn beef hash.  It was really great!  We spoke of life's challenges and life's wins.  People.  And Time.  Good words to consider and pause in reflection.

Some pictures, see captions and enjoy.  Thank you Jen!  You live in a beautiful house, in a beautiful place, next to a beautiful lake.  You've got the time - go find your People!!  I am honored to be one of your People!!

On the way to Empire.  Big ship at Manistee.  Porch front in Empire.  Lake side.  Jen's house and sweet Bean.  What nice dogs - sweet, kind dogs.