Escape...on the Island...it's Verslunarmannahelgi!

Well, not exactly... I am referring to the 1st weekend in August...in Iceland...that is, Bank Holiday Weekend.

At this time of year, there are many festivals going on in Iceland ...there are lots of interesting events happening on Washington Island, too... is it the heritage speaking? The photo above is from closing night of  Þjóðhátíð Festival on the Westman Islands the biggest of the Fests. (There are lots of Festivals in Iceland.) That closing night attracts more than 10,000 for the final sing-along. But then, it has been going on since 1874.

Biggest doesn't have to be the best... This Island is proud of its Scandinavian Dance Fest and lucky to have Kari Sena Gordon as director. It's her 43rd year! Kari is a busy lady ... look close in the upper left hand corner in the picture above. Kari was one of Joan Reynold's Sunshine ladies at the Red Barn this year. 

Many Island familles have their 3rd generation participating and the level of activity here has been steadily escalating these last few weeks! (Eric Johnson Photo) Hectic? ...perhaps, but it is worth it. 

There are ways to cope ... taking a nice slice of time to slip into the woods for a little break this week worked for me. Breaks are important. Nature is essential to re-energizing.

 That walk in the woods gave me a chance to refresh and reset. even though I find I trip...easily. So, I tend to be looking down in an unfamiliar area. Luckily, there are beautiful things to see on the forest floor! Taking the time to see .. to observe is so important.

All these kinds of happy can only occur in the present moment... indeed a very cool feeling. Relax ... refresh ... enjoy! Thanks Janet Hanlin for the share. Being in the right place at the right time, she captured this beauty after that recent hail storm. Just a normal day at the ferry dock!

An Island destination can indeed provide a fresh perspective! (Image:Buzzfeed Travel)

Coming Up:To honor the Scandinavian heritage of the Island, I have been posting thoughts and photos from those areas of the world on the Cottage on the Bay Facebook Page this summer. I saved this Northern Lights video to use a tribute to the Dance Fest coming this Saturday to the Foss Outdoor Stage at the Community Center...enjoy! (from Iceland Naturally)

Another Island escape? Here's a good one...a special treat, if you will...Two Open Access Days on Plum Island were announced over the weekend at the Annual Friends of Plum and Pilot Island Meeting/Picnic - August 16 & 23.

Watch for more information coming soon.

... til next time!

It's like, SUMMER outside!

It was a strange start to last week...I should say a cold start!

Sweaters and sweatshirts sure felt good. I would venture to guess area merchants sold a few. Sunsets remained beautiful...if mysterious.(Kim West Photo)

The Island Library was a popular place on those days!

These times remind us that the Island can be a reflective place ...one which allows time to cogitate ... ruminate ... create! This week there is evidence of the results of that power ... in several ways.

Tuesday at TPAC, director Charlie Siskel will be here to show and discuss his recent film, Finding Vivian Maier at 7:00pm ... free will donation...for further info on this personality and her photos see this  Smithsonian Magazine article. (NPR Photo)

This is Sophia, Finn, and Laura Hagen...all talented individuals. Their exhibit. "Portrait of a Family" will open this Wednesday afternoon with a reception at 5pm at the Art and Nature Center.

Yep ... some folks can ... and do...groups are active in a creative way on the Island... amazing what can happen when people put their minds to a common cause...One organization that does is the Washington Island Community Health Program. A grass roots organization, the idea for WICHP came about in 2005 as the need grew to help folks manage their independence in order to remain in their Island homes. 

Former director, Carole Machek tells the story of an Islander who pulled her over one day at KK Fiske...saying something like: "She's a nurse...maybe she could help" as a gentleman there grappled with a health mystery. A need was seen and a small group representing all facets of this community including the churches put their heads together. A grant - or two - was/were written. 

United Way of Door County is a source of funding for WICHP and this Thursday both groups will benefit from the Songsmith Renegades performance at TPAC. Come early for social time on the patio! Today, Christine Anderson is the director. Contact her for further info on WICHP.

Another creative group, the Washigton Island Art Association will be hanging their exhibit at the Red Cup this week.  The opening is this Friday.

After the visual art, head over to the Red Barn for art of the vocal kind. Jesse and Annabelle Hansen are headlining. Show starts at 7:30... Friday. So much talent... they have their own show this year!

The Art and Nature Center has so many things on their schedule this week! Check the bulletin boards around town or see their announcement/ad in the Observer!

Saturday is busy too. The  Rec Run and the Friends of Plum and Pilot Island Annual Picnic  (on Plum Island) will be held as well as a performance of the Improv group, Monkey Business (fun for all ages) at TPAC will continue the fun. 

Yes, the sun did come out as the week progressed and I can say it indeed feels like Summer! Enjoy it while we can. Wonderful things can happen when living in the moment... the present... on Washington Island!

til next time!

busy...busy...oh so busy!

 So much to do, I want to get this to you ASAP!

When traveling to the Island at this time of year, count on a lot to do! (Kim West Photo)

 Activities start right off on Monday when Emily Sena, granddaughter of Islander Connie Sena, will speak on her recent experiences during a semester in the Middle East. Emily will be a Senior when she returns  to school at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. She is eager to present and welcomes your questions.

If the packed ticket jars are any evidence, the Art & Nature Center had a successful day with  "Art in the Park" over the weekend!

 Naturalist Steve Waldron looks happy too. This week continues to be packed with activities @ the ANC. Hikes, a star party, and a 3 day class on "The Science of Art" (presented by Steve Schmidt) to name a few on the Nature side. See the Observer for more info.

Family Pioneer Wednesdays continue at the Farm Museum. This week, make a newspaper kite - 1 to 3pm Oh! The other big activity for the Farm Museum is their Home Tour set for this Friday.

The tour will feature: Fragrant Isle, the Stevens, Westbrook, Stolz, and DeWitt homes. This is their big fundraiser held every two years. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Red Cup, Recreation Center, or Fiddler's Green or at the Farm Museum on Friday. The Tour runs from 10 to 4.

Friday night, out at the Red Barn, Joan Reynolds returns with her Island Sunshine Singers. A selection of standards arranged by Joan in 3 & 4 part harmony, a solo by Cindra, and a rag played by Joan make this evening a special one for sure! 

Saturday, the fun continues at the American Legion 61st Annual Fly-In Fish Boil...yes, at the Airport ... 11 to 1. A hay ride, crafts, and music attracts as any as 150 airplanes to the grass runways here.

 In the evening, jazz will be on tap as the TPAC welcomes  the Birch Creek Ambassadors ...note a special time for this performance - 5:00pm.

While there is plenty to do...there remains the possibility of finding your own way to make this week on the Island memorable.

til next time!

Cruising on Island Time...

 There are many ways to "cruise " on the Island.

 One of Lew's favorites is with Dorothy, his 1930 Ford Pick-Up . He likes to say she is a work truck. Today, it was a run to the "Island Exchange" aka the Dump, typical for a Monday.

Coffee first...at the Red Cup...looks like there are new hoodies on sale...what a nice present that would be!

On the way,  on Michigan Road, I noticed that Wendy Cook is once again selling her "baby" lavender plants.  

 Look for the cart on the North side of the road.

On the way back from the Island Exchange, we came across a very well built - and busy - Lemonade Stand on Town Line Road @ Glenna and Don's home, between Mountain Road and Rangeline Road.

Grandson Dylan (sp.?) built it with his Dad and is open in the am and pm (closed at the lunch hour). They have Greens, too! That took care of Salad but...

... we needed to stop at Mann's Store for the rest of Dinner. 

 Where I saw there are two events at TPAC this week - Tuesday and Saturday...

... as well as Islanders Ball Game is on the Island this coming Sunday and also on the 20th - @ 1:30pm. 

However, let's not forget all the action at the Art & Nature Center. There are so many events/classes, I suggest you check out the ANC ad in this week's issue of the Washington Island Observer. There are two fun things I will mention, tho...the t-shirt tie-dye class is set for Thursday @ 1pm ... longtime favorite so don't forget to pre-register your child(ren) and ... 

  the Art in the Park Ice Cream Social coming this Saturday, 11 - 3, ice cream, treats, face painting, and other fun things for kids of all ages!

 After all that ice cream, consider signing up for Rec Run set for Saturday, July 26!

Other events this week include:

• Pioneer Day at the Farm Museum - Wednesday from 1 to 3pm - Candle Making is the special activity.

• Red Barn - Friday @ 7:30 pm - Hagen Family Singers

til next time!

Fired up for the 4th!

 What is on your agenda for the 4th of July weekend? 

There is plenty to do on Washington Island!
 

Way before the Fireworks at the Ball Field ...

 ...the Fire Department will start their day prepping their Pancake Breakfast.

At the Farm Museum, the reenactors return...July 3 to 6...stop over... oh!  Wednesday the 2nd, Family Pioneer Activities begin for the Summer with Ice Cream Making ... 1:00 to 3:00pm! 

While the playground equipment at Red Barn Park may look idle now, I am guessing it will be in heavy demand at the annual BIG Potluck Picnic, July 4 starting at 6:00pm. Bring a dish to pass...grilled meats, coffee, lemonade, plates & utensils will be provided. 

The Red Cup is ready and waiting...Saturday starts with a sale at the Cup...Jewelry by Island resident, Amanda DeWitt will be featured in this one day sale and...

 

...this year jewelry artisan, Islander Laura Findlay Hagen, is exhibiting her work at the Red Cup as well as the Art & Nature Center!

 The fun continues on Saturday at the Annual Friends of Rock Island Picnic...food available... I think there will be a silent auction in the Boathouse... take a tour of the lighthouse...11 to 3...come on over! (Melody Walsh Photo.)

 

Also - Island Players present The Miracle Worker ...@ TPAC...July 5, 6, 7... tickets are available at the door or for advance purchase at the Recreation Center or the Red Cup. It's a multigenerational cast...looking forward to it!

At the Red Barn, Jim Sorenson hosts the 12 Annual Folk Festival - Saturday - 7:30pm 

A great memory ... do remember to chip in when the fire boot or hat is passed to help defray the cost ... the fireworks just keep getting better every year! (Christine Anderson Photo)

So much to do!

Til next time!

Ready...Set...Summer!

I have to be honest...it has been a foggy week... cloudy...rainy...yes, all of it.

Anna Gibson Photo...off  West Harbor Resort...it pretty much looked like this on Figenschau Bay...well everywhere in these parts...this is June up here!

The weather did not stop activities tho... things just moved inside...the Community Center stepped up and the last day party for Bethel Vacation Bible School, Friday, went on as planned complete with inflatable play equipment and painting et al. Further fun for the week can be found in Tim Sweet's article in the Green Bay Press Gazette re his stay at Rock Island!

Driving to or from the Island? Take a moment to check out the Eggstravaganza in Egg Harbor. The village is celebrating 50 years of incorporation. Over the Winter, 50 artists fashioned an egg  in their style. All are now on display through August 23 when there will be an auction. 

Right across from Harbor View Park, Island Artist Judy Yamamoto's "Rainbow" Egg is on view at Fat Louie's Oil Company. A map can be found on the Eggstravaganza website.

It was noted recently that Island resident Patricia Hewitt has stepped back from her work as the Managing Editor of the Washington Island Observer. Thanks to Pat for her creative & conscientious job at the helm! However, this change will allow her to enjoy other talents... (Cathy Meader Photo)

Friday: One being her vocal talent as she and Patricia Hansen present as the Red Barn Kick Off Event! The "Two Patricias" will sing a special repertoire to open the 42nd Season of entertainment - 7:30pm

Before the Red Barn, don't forget to check out the Whitefish Broil at the Maritime Museum. Serving starts at 5:00pm.

What's this? A beautiful Sunny Photo from Pat Clarke...this afternoon at the Farm Museum...

Sun?

Just in time for the weekend.

Here's hoping!

Til next time!

Happenings...Friday Edition!

As I look over the calendar, thought I better send out a Friday post ...so folks can plan...for the weekend and beyond...

 Saturday - 

Fragrant Isle has been moving along this Spring - Grand Opening - Saturday 3:00 - 5:00pm 

  - also: River City Six entertain with their blend of Dixieland at the TPAC - 7:30pm

Sunday - While Islanders Baseball is off Island at Sister Bay today, there are several other happenings.

Summer Archives Presentation with Dick Purinton - Trinity Lutheran Church - Sunday @ 4:00pm 

Monday - Once again, Washington Island is pleased to welcome the Wisconsin Council of Churches Forum. (Pam DeVos photo)

Meetings will mainly be held at the TPAC throughout the week.

Including an open air market featuring Island Artists & open to all shoppers - Tuesday from 12 to 4:00pm.

Thursday - Island Resident & Writer Dave Ranney will discuss his new book - 4:00pm at the Red Cup

                Writer, Actor John McGivern will be at the TPAC with his program "Wisconsin Stories".

Do Note:

There will be a special ferry to the Peninsula Thursday night at 10:00pm returning to the Island at 10:30pm.

Planning Ahead:

Island Favorite, Birds of Chicago returns to the stage at TPAC Saturday, August 16, 7:30pm. 

Facebook Photos! There is an addition to the group since their last visit.

 This little one is not only the newest member, she's definitely the cutest! To catch up on their life lately see this article from the June 6th Albuquerque Journal News.

 Oh! 

A big thanks to all you folks who have continued to return here to read what's up! It has been two years posting! Things will continue to evolve to make it interesting. Posting on different days is one idea, so... 

...til next time.

Fun + Downtime (can) = Island Time

  Getting things ready... however, taking a moment to enjoy the Island.

While this scene is a bit ahead of the season...part of it is indeed true...

 ...this part....I don't even mind as the sun feels so good!

 

Growing up, I remember spending long afternoons in the woods. I still enjoy the sounds, sights, and smells. Nature just seems so relaxing. Even research is acknowledging the power of being in a green place.

My Book Club is reading the Conditions of Love this month. This quote struck me as I came upon it...I can only agree...just have to allow a bit of time to observe...absorb...just as I/we did as 10 year olds.

It was nice to notice that the lilacs have been in bloom here this past week ...thanks for sharing some, John Moore! 

 All this....and a rainbow , too... Fathers Day 2014...Photo by Susan Ulm

Take a moment to refuel...a sunset in the woods can be pretty amazing. 

Longtime Island visitor Irene Kuiper understands what this Island can do for us. Her lovely photo can be seen in the Door County ad in the June issues of Real Simple, Health, Food Network, and Cooking Light! Nice going Irene!

So...take a moment...

take a breath...have a great week!

ANC: A Martha Moment

Well...the post this week had to wait a bit today...Summer has descended on the Island!

Even Mother Nature has cooperated with the woods fully green and the flowers coming out to boot...so, I was outside...straightening up, discovering what made it through the Winter...rearranging. It felt great...

I digress...another sign that Summer is here is that there is activity at the Art & Nature Center. The Nature Room is up and running as Cathy Meader's photo's shows. 

Artists are dropping off their work. The opening is coming up on Friday. This year the First Show features the work of Island resident, Martha Wagner.

Martha's paintings reflect her vision as a Modernist and the subsequent pull of Realism v Design...

Island views yes, however Martha says, "Design has been drilled into me." 

Influenced by the Bauhaus Movement, Martha graduated from Cardinal Stritch University and in due course earned a MFA from George Washington University. 

However, it is her work with Chicago Art Institute's, Paul Weighardt at the Evanston Art Center she enjoys discussing. Husband Bob was a grad student then and Martha's fulltime job was being in charge of their young family.

Saturdays became a significant time to maintain her "perspective". Bob would take over at home and Martha would lose herself in painting, developing her technique. In the years to come, Martha served as an art teacher in Virginia and continues to work with children, spending time at the Island School with Tom Hokkannen's classes.

Come have a look at the ANC!

Have a great week!

20/20: Thinking about the Season ahead

As I started to put this post together, I had heard the water level has gone up 20" - from Captain Joel and somewhere along the line that there was only 20% left to dredge in the ferry channel project (Doug Clarke painting...East Side of the Island)

But then the news improved...according to Hoyt Purinton, as of Monday morning 91.5% has been completed, or 8.5% remained. Sounds - to me - like if the weather holds, the machinery continues to run, and the regulators so permit most of remaining work could be completed in the next couple of weeks!

I realize some high spots remain at the north end of the channel and that can't be fixed until after July 1 given the DNR rules...but progress is being made...just as the weather improves and we are seeing more green and temps are starting to warm up!! 

We look forward to more views like this one taken this Spring off Cottage on the Bay...Figenschau Bay! Thank you Anna Gibson for taking this photo!

 It could be worse...this photo was taken by Deb Webber... Memorial Day Weekend ...the far side of Horseshoe Island. Things are looking brighter...

 ...Cathy Meader who captured this sunset comments,"When our daughter, Kiersten Meader Spinn, was little, she used to say, "God really painted a pretty sky tonight!" We are so lucky to see sunsets like this! 

Looking forward to Summer!

Have a great week!

Simple Pleasures...

Feels so good...finally!

 I came up with this thought about a month ago ... the photo is from April 18. While Spring is always a gradual thing here, patience was necessary ... really necessary ... this year on the Island.

This Memorial Weekend was our reward ... it did not disappoint! Maybe a little late seasonal green isn't a bad idea ... many folks were able to see trillium ...

... lots of daffodils, too ... oh, the green was so good to see and the evergreen scent was very nice, too. Photo by Christine Anderson.

The sounds of clean up was evident ...

Once the Cottage yard was put into shape, Lew had time to get Mockingbird ready.

Nothing makes Lew happier than messing about with boats...even on land.

The hostas are starting, too. This cartoon from the New Yorker this week made me pause and think.  Take a breath and observe what Nature has to offer.

Have a great week! 

Coffee & Canoes…the Albi & Karfi, too

Color me happy! Lots of reasons...

The water level is rising...Pat Clarke captured this great view at Little Lake recently which speaks to this.

The Red Cup is open for business! Yay!

I saw my first kayak coming off the ferry this week!

Tis the season...Circumnavigation...Triathelon...Eco-Tour...Cross Death's Door or Visit Rock Island...the Washington Island Canoe & Kayak Event is coming June 13-15...Click here for more information on Canoe & Kayak Events.

Over at Mockingbird's slip, the Karfi is being readied for its Rock Island duties. While he looks pretty comfortable there, Captain Jeff assures me the Karfi will be off and away by Friday...at the latest.

Time for ice cream...the Albi is reopening!

There will be some lovely music this weekend to benefit the Washington Island Music Festival!

 Yes... at the Cottage on Figenschau Bay, the water is going up...so nice to see!

Have a great week!

On the Horizon...

Good time to think toward sunny days and Spring thoughts on the Island.

So true...I was able to get outside to work in the dirt this week for the first time...a wonderful feeling. Today was Island Clean Up Day, an Island Rite of Spring. School students spread out all over the Island to clear and clean up rubbish since Winter has melted away. The roadsides are all the better for their industriousness.

Lighthouse Fest Focus: Lighthouse Festival is coming soon! Fresnell Lens - Range Light Plum Island - Tim Sweet Photo 

Annual Lighthouse Festival  - June 13 - 15 - 11 -  trips are scheduled and some are filling up quickly ... as I write, several tours are sold out  ... for more information visit the Door County Maritime Museum Website. Pilot Island Lighthouse - Painting by Doug Clarke

Community Band Spring Concert - Tuesday, April 22, in the afternoon & Wednesday, April 22, in the evening...some surprises are in store.

It was great last year and it promises to be even better this year...come and enjoy!

Ch-ch-changes: On the Peninsula side of the Door -  Popular Green Bay Restaurant Chives is  coming to Bailey's Harbor opening this month...Fish Creek Market has been sold to new folks...Pasta Vino is under new ownership w/ relocation of recipes to Maxwelton Braes, Baileys Harbor. 

On the Island side, daffodils are steadily opening... 

...the Dredging Project continues...making good progress.

Have a great week!

Mother's Day & Island Thoughts...

 As I thought about Mother's Day approaching, it seemed to make sense to get a Mom's perspective. Lots of Moms and their children enjoy the Island in the Summertime.

St. Louis High School English Teacher, Kim West has graciously agreed to share her perspective. We met when Kim and her family - husband David, and daughters Ellie and Lily - stayed at the Cottage. As I recall, Kim has been an Island visitor with her family for at least nine years. In this post, she uses some of her Island vacation photos to center her focus. Thanks Kim!

..................................

 I started to pull my favorites from the last nine years and think about some of the more important lessons I’ve learned along the way.  You know, it never ceases to amaze me that such a small mass of land in the middle of Lake Michigan has taught me so much about life.  So, here’s my “Everything I needed to remember about being a mom, I learned on the Island” post. Whew!

Mothers are a beautiful reflection of previous generations.  When I think of my mother, grandmothers, aunts, and friends I cannot help but be awestruck by the powerful influence they’ve had on my life.  It seems to me that mothers nurture everyone around them.  

It’s wonderful and exhausting at the same time. Often, I need to tune out the extraneous noise in my life and reconnect with my family. On our last trip to Rock Island, we spent the day sifting through sand looking for sea glass.  There was nothing extraordinary about it, except that there were no interruptions and we all had a single focus.  My secret Mother’s Day gift to myself will be more days where we unplug and spend time reconnecting.

Simple things make us happy.  Taking a walk, watching a sunset, or picking wildflowers are all activities that don’t take too long, but they ground families.  I think I’ll remember this lesson when I find myself doing something like hand painting the plastic punch cups for a themed birthday party. 

Strong moms create strong children.  It seems so simple, yet it’s not. I often forget to take much needed rest to replenish my strength.  Another gift I plan on giving myself this year: more time to refuel.

It’s so hard to take risk.  Moms have an aversion to chaos and I totally understand why. I often play it safe so as not to upset the proverbial apple cart.  I feel there’s often so much riding on the carefully orchestrated routine I set in place each week.When I looked at this photo sequence, I remembered the importance of taking risks and tossing the routine out the window now and again.  Sometimes, magical things happen even when they aren’t planned.

In addition to celebrating the day with your loved ones, Moms, remember to give yourself some Mother’s Day gifts this year. Simplify, laugh more, rest, take risks and reconnect with your family. I had almost forgotten my own secret gifts this year.  I’m feeling more than a little grateful that my Washington Island pics give me that gentle reminder. 

Motherhood is an amazing journey with so much to learn along the way.  Happy Mother’s Day to the women who inspire us. 

......................................................

Have a great one!

Writing & Travel

Why did I think I could do it all? I thought I had it figured out...take a trip? Of Course! Why not? I had thought it out....really.

 Island Visitor Kim West had/has graciously offered to serve as guest editor. Alas, a technical snag has occurred so I will wait til later in the week to share her thoughts with you...give it the presentation it deserves...so...for now, here's to warm days to come.

 Have a great week!

feathers...

One thing about living on this Island...one meets interesting people and sees interesting things. Nature is amazing and we are fortunate to be able to experience it here.

In the last few years, I have been observing and learning about the birds who use the Island whether it be as their habitat throughout the season or as a stopover on a migratory path. So, I am excited to post about Birds today and the 8th Annual Door Islands Bird Festival set for May 30-June 1. 

I found these feathers over the course of this past year on my walks...funny how objects present themselves and then come to light in a different way...The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has posted an interactive guide/source in March which I found helpful. 

I have learned so much from friends who are Birders here on the Island...never thought I would care about birds the way I do...but given time to observe,  they can effect all the senses ... as I have the time, take the time, make the time to observe the sights, sounds... 

This Winter, this trio hung out at Ranger Randy's window here on the Island. Although we may not have had the Red Cup as Winter crept on, we still had characters ... of a sort.

The focus this year I believe will be the resurgence of the eagle population...such amazing creatures...young eagle photo by Susan Ulm.

 

Steve Easterly, Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Technician, who counts and bands eagles in Wisconsin will be presenting his research on Eagles and Osprey in the Great Lakes Region Saturday evening. He says the number of active nests in Wisconsin has climbed from 108 in 1973 to 1,344 last year. (Photo submitted to/ printed in the Door County Advocate)

Peninsula Pulse 4/17/14 ... taken near Bailey's Harbor. I could go on and on about the growth in the population since the 1960s ... but then I have in other posts!

Melody Walsh is also on board. An experienced spotter, scout, educator, and photographer... although she would never say so ... Melody will be on hand throughout the weekend. (Oh, that shirt she is wearing reminds me to mention that the Red Cup is opening for the Season this coming Thursday, May 1st ... woo hoo!) 

Eaglet ... US Fish and Wildlife Services Photo...interested in learning more about eagles, osprey? ... take part in a walk with able experienced volunteers? Click this link to the Door Islands Bird Festival site for more information. 

As I move about, I now notice so much more about these creatures...NPR had an interesting piece recently on "Divorce Rate for Birds" ... read it here to figure out the Island connection(s) ... illustration: Robert Krulwich/NPR... based on Noah Strycker's latest book, The Thing With Feathers.

(Pinterest Graphic)

Have a great week!

Ice Out?

Sort of hard to believe I am talking about ice ... in April ...

 ...but that's the way it is sometimes on the Island. It's been a little bit of everything this week...a snowstorm hit (again) Monday with a bit more as the days wore on...

The ice continues...smooshed into parts of the various harbors although it is starting to darken and lose it's jagged shape. Despite the weather, there is activity on the Detroit Harbor Navigational Channel Dredging Project.

WIFL has been granted an extension and the project has been broken into three phases, with one phase finishing before the next one can be started. Over 50% of the project was completed last December. The project has been accelerated in the hope that completion will occur before July.

 Although action has started  @ the Soo Locks , the ice that had been broken up by the Coast Guard continues to freeze over causing some vessels to be "stuck" in place...so it made me wonder when, in past years, ice has moved out...totally. (Susan Ulm photo) 

 Here's a view of the stack up at St. Mary's River as of the evening of 4/17...all freighters plus three ice breakers. (Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association)

 Wondering about ice out history, I spent several afternoons at the Archives in the Community Center.

 The redecoration of the adjoining Rutledge Room has made this a wonderful place to spend some time. When I think how often and how varied these seats will be used, it is great that they are so comfortable!

 Through research at the Archives, I came upon past issues of  Bethel Tidings. In an issue dated April 30, 1972,  I found ice out dates around April 24. In that same issue I also found a note that Butch & Lorel Gordon were to be married on May 14...hmmm. 

Why not ask? Sure enough, Lorel did say there was ice around in 1972 - ice shoves:" My dad took photos on our wedding day of ice along the west side shore! But inland it was a sunny, no snow, warm day. How interesting!" Here's Howard Scott on the west side this week. (Thanks for the share, Joanne Jack.)

 

It was Lorel who mentioned that  south of Plum Island the ice has also shoved up into huge banks as a result of Monday's storm.

So when Lew went off Island Tuesday, he took the camera along and was able to get these two images...yup, the ice shoves are above the tree line. This could take a while...to dissipate.

 For the time being, Ken Koyen continues to fish the See Diver out of  Detroit Harbor......often following in the path of the ferry on its run to Northport. 

 Just last year, according to Tom Koyen, the See Diver was able to get into Jackson Harbor on April 19. How bad could it be? (Lew Clarke photo) Another late date I found in the Tidings: April 25, 1996 for fish tugs' return to Jackson Harbor..."At this writing, snow is falling and it seems winter does not want to leave." May 5, 1996 issue

Oops, more snow...sigh...sort of a daily thing. 

 Easter this year could be interesting. Wish I could credit this photo...found it at the end of March on Facebook...was hoping I wouldn't have to use it. Looking over the weather forecasts on the national news, it looks like we have all had our share of Winter.

I feel like I'm in Groundhog Day.

 Have a great week!

Happy Friday…Happy Pet Day!

I decided to switch it up and post on a Friday...It's National Pet Day Woo! Hoo!

 There are some pretty cute ones here on the Island. Susan Ulm's Bosin is so darn photogenic!

...from Sue Cornell.  What is it about a snoozing dog? So sweet...

I found Kate's Cowboy in his special place one afternoon resting up for his trip out West.

Here's Steve & Laura Waldron's ever curious Chelsea, checking out some new smells and sights...

... Gene & Mary Jean Callahan's  ever companionable Hannah.

Some pets become familiar because they visit with their families. These two lovelies are part of Music Fest's Mike and Julie Thornton's family...not sure if this was before or after they ate my slice of pie...this is when pet's can look sooo innocent. Can't they?

Gibby West, Island regulars Kim & David West's latest addition has that look...I have it on good authority he is not quite ready for the Island...not just yet.

Love this perspective of Diana Haskell's Sally last Fall.

I could go on and on. Pets are so special to us, aren't they? Send me your pics...

Love your pets and have a great weekend!

Rock on...

 I had a whole different idea for this week's post.

It wasn't coming together...lots of info...just wasn't working...these things happen.

It did snow...but as I look back, I see this is more of a pattern than a one time thing. Looks like a Northwest wind to me.

As often occurs when I let my mind open a little wider, something pops up...even in this dull & dreary time of year. This time was no different...amazing! Rock Island has kept placing in that contest I mentioned last week...kind of cool, too! Not only news, but time requires the post come out a day earlier!

I think this is the fifth round. I do know it's the Final Round. So it seems a good time to remember some summertime adventures we have all had in this neat place. Can't you just feel it? (Melody Walsh Photo)

 How many of us have walked this path? (Pam DeVos Photo)

We all have our own memories. Now it's time to help Rock Island be recognized for the hidden gem it is. Maybe others will discover it through this campaign. I do think it will maintain its charm. (Melody Walsh Photo)

For me, my mind always goes back to the times we would sail to Rock Island and get to enjoy a special sunset. With its remoteness, the uniqueness that is Rock Island will be able to continue.

Don't forget to vote ... today and on Monday the 7th til midnight ...by using the link mentioned below or using this mobile-friendly link:http://woobox.com/ejizgb...do vote daily and share...spread the word...Rock on! Oh, there are prizes, too! For more info and a link to the contest, click here. (Initial image: Jim Johnston)

Other Happenings this Week:

Danish Mill reopens this Friday!

Fellowship at Trinity next Sunday...

Have a great week!

March Madness … 2014

Spring...brings March Madness...as I started to put this title into the system, it popped right up...I had used it before...last year for the same week...hmmm. It was snowing then, too..when I did a little research I found we have been in this same pattern at least snow-wise...this is March on Washington Island.   

The meteorologists seem scared to talk about snow lately...Seems like the key term for the weather man is "wintry mix"...yes, about 6" of heavy sticky stuff fell this past week ... possibly more next week...it is what it is. 

Speaking of snow...the new Phone Directory is out and the cover photo by Amy Jorgenson memorializes our heavy duty Winter. The new Directories, a fundraiser for Washington Island School, are available for purchase at Mann's Store and Mann's Mercantile.

Snow may be confining, but...it means we get things done. Is a house ever done? So, being held captive can be helpful...

... then those pesky little "to dos" can get done. 

Another place -  doing a somewhat larger project - is the Danish Mill. Work started on March 24 on the kitchen remodel.

The wall is gone with expansion into the space that was formerly part of the Island Fantasy gift shop. The Mill is scheduled to reopen on April 11.

Oh, what else do we do in the Winter? Well, this awesome Melody Walsh photo will help me transition to a very special place... 

Here's the reason I am posting a day early! There is another March Competition (although the Badgers making it to the Final Four is pretty cool on its own) ... this one is our chance to promote Rock Island, at least I think it is. Rock Island has made it to the Great Eight in this State Park competition for recognition of natural hidden treasures in WI. 

 Help the Rock move on to the next bracket, the Fantastic Four. Don't forget to vote ... everyday ...by using the link mentioned below or using this mobile-friendly link:http://woobox.com/ejizgb...do vote! It's tricky tho...click on the drop down bracket for Governor Thompson as Rock Island is hiding there...vote for Rock Island and share daily ...this round ends midnight on Tuesday April 1...Rock on! Oh, there are prizes, too! For more info and a link to the contest, click here.

Something to help us avoid the madness of a snow covered Spring...Julies Upscale Resale of Door County opens this Thursday, April 3. Hours are 10 to 4, Thursday thru Saturday til May. 

The best part is you can find the shop on Facebook (very nice when one lives on an Island)...she posts daily so shop online, wherever you are...yes, they mail items!

So, for now, I guess the flowers and greens I see will remain in my "sun room"...I knew there was a reason I brought a few impatiens in last Fall! 

Have a great week!