bit by bit…inch by inch

How do we manage? It's that time of year...we want it to be Spring...but, here on the Island...

...to me, it's more like this...snow cover, temps in the 20's...or less...thankfully, the forecast for snow this week seems minimal...via Green Renaissance.

This is what I see out our windows... but there have been a couple of positives... 

I saw my first eagle...close by, too ... not the greatest picture but it took me by surprise. How it soared! It's wingspan was a shock. Amazing! Bird sounds are becoming more evident! Red-Winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles and Sand Hill Cranes have been sighted on the Island in the past week!

Another positive? It is lighter longer! Sunset at 7:06pm is such a relief!

Oh, the Ferry Schedule is changing this Friday! It's the last week of only 2 boats per day. In the Winter, having two trips a day for the ferry is always a challenge. 

Lou Small took this photo on one of his trips over to Scand in Sister Bay for knee rehab ...  "View to front of icebreaker ferry cutting a path thru the ice along side a path they cut on a earlier crossing to bring fuel trucks to the Island." I think it symbolizes what life on the Island in the Winter can be like.

On the transit front ...  "Vessel transits will be subject to weather and ice conditions. Restrictions may apply in some areas until lighted navigation aids have been installed." The U.S. Soo Locks will open March 25. That's tomorrow! Many boats have sailed from Sturgeon Bay ship canal. It's time. Here's a time-lapse video of the Wilfred Sykes process of leaving Bay Ship, March 15.

Have been wanting to post this ever since I saw it earlier in the year...seems like the caption should be "Who Me?" One more deer ... this one by Susan Ulm.

When all else fails, just ...

Have a great week!

Island Time ...

It has been quiet this week...the school here is on Spring Break and many folks have been able to take a break from what continues to look like winter. A break from it helps to continue...  this week's temperatures continue in the 30's ... we have had a chance to take our break as well... this time, a return to another Island, Key West, as well as other stops in Florida. So, do be careful...

...these photos might be a hazard as the sight of warm places may be a shock to ones system.

It is always fun to find comparisons between Islands and we keep finding them. Pirates continue to be popular in Door County and in points South...it's a universal.

I'll let you figure out which one of the above is the real pirate. Pastor Frank joined us during the trip. He hasn't changed much in his first Florida Winter since his retirement from Trinity Lutheran here on the Island. 

Another comparison? (Or maybe just because I miss the Red Cup) Coffee! At Key West, Coffee Plantation reminds me so much of the Red Cup. Just love those porches! This one on Key West is used quite a bit......fun to enjoy another independent coffeehouse!

What else?  Fund Raisers!
 

At the grocery store in Key West, we happened upon a group of 8th graders raising money for their Washington D.C.  with a bake sale .. this one just happened to be outside rather than inside the grocery store...liked the red, white & blue color scheme...22 students will be on the trip.

Another Island similarity? Key Lime Pie! Frank worked hard in the hunt for the best Key Lime Pie.

However, after considerable research, I remain loyal to the version served right here at Sailors Pub.

Thanks to Andrea! Lucky to have this young lady - and her recipe - last summer on Washington Island! Hope she returns this year!

Small towns...small places... such environments have friendly, considerate people in common, too.

The first evening with Frank and Mary, we came upon a group of High School Seniors in need of a photo. Frank was happy to oblige...some things never change...thank goodness. 

A trip to an Island wouldn't be complete without a ride on a ferry...this one from Fort Myers to Key West was about a three hour ride...just people...no vehicles...lots of people!

One last item...traveling allows me to compare how innkeepers design, manage, decorate...in this case - albeit a lovely accommodation -  I think the person setting the tile must have been a little taller than me...did make me think about how others will perceive, manage, inhabit our Cottage. 

Have a great week!

Moving along...

We have been fortunate to locate the Sun on a recent warm weather adventure.

Here is our reminder...an image helps one to remember.  However, all things must come to an end.

 Landing at Chicago isn't such a bad thing. It allows one to transition...to see a bit of snow and feel a bit of cold to get prepared for the rawness to come further North. 

It allows time to get things fixed...like a computer (thank goodness!), a Jeep, and more. The last few days have been jam packed!

On to Sturgeon Bay...as we drove through town on Friday, we noticed other things being fixed. 

Crossing the bridge, a bit of smoke and steam from the winter fleet caught Lew's eye. He couldn't tell which boat it was.  However, we had time to take a look.

Yes, there was activity at the Shipyard.

The boat we had seen seen from the bridge was the Paul R.Tregurtha ... it had its steam up ... a little bit. Is it getting ready to leave? Hmmm...nothing on the illustrious resource www.boatnerd.com... yet.

Also in winter layup are the  Hon. James R. Oberstar sandwiched in-between its Canadian cousins, Niagara and  and the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin.


 Repairs continue on the Wilfred Sykes.

 Finally, there is the poor old St. Marys Challenger.  After more than one hundred years steaming through the Great Lakes, she is being cut down to a barge. 

Interesting to see all the action on an otherwise cold, dreary day. 

 

Great to be back on the Island! 

While we've been away, the Island has been a happening place. 

To catch up, here are two excellent sources...click on this Article from the Green Bay Gazette website from Island Resident/Writer Mary Marik or on this Article posted on the Door County Daily News website written by Patricia Hewitt, Washington Island Observer, on a recent visit to  Island Teacher Steve Waldron's classroom. 

As I write this, the last rays of sunshine are ebbing away...bright and sunny in the 50's today!

 

An amazing change from -24 just a week ago. I know the temps will be back down in the teens by Wednesday...but then that's March...lots of ups and downs, weatherwise. It certainly was a glorious day!

Finally, here's another sign Spring is coming our way, well  Sturgeon Bay way today...yay!

Have a great week!

Ummm...there seems to be a problem.

Creating, planning, and completing a blog post can be quite a challenge at times.

Every so often I have wondered when it will stall...when will the elements lose their balance...well, it has happened.

 I know how so many of the followers of this Blog love photos...my computer has decided to play havoc with mine. I really do think it has a mind of its own lately. Here's one photo -from Anna Gibson- as there has been much new snow this past week...at least its prettier than city snow.

 

Right now, transmitting photos seems pretty impossible. The challenge of Island living interferes as well. That is, finding an Apple store will take time...even though I am off the Island...and on another one...but that is a story for another time. Until all is in alignment, a "Streamlined Version" will have to do. For now...

 

I believe the photo above is from the Buddhism Facebook Page...it just seems to fit...the way I feel and also the weather.

Have a great week! 

 

9 Reasons to Appreciate Winter...

 

Am thinking of the positives of this Winter...yes. there are some good points. First off...it's beautiful here!

1. I just saw Doug's painting "Providence Road Creek" set out in Virginia. It reminds me that some folks - in other parts of the country - are seeing Winter in a way that is unusual, allowing them to have snowy times long enough to capture this season in a fresh new way.

2. The Olympics! While fish shanties continue to make use of the thick ice, winter sports are being followed closely as the Olympics play out in Sochi. Team USA is always on our minds but with the Scandinavian heritage of the Island the longstanding medal performance of Norway makes many proud as well. As I write it seems the Netherlands are leading but I found this article in the Wall Street Journal on Norway & the Winter Olympics interesting.

3.Family Fun! Recently, Joyce and Dutton Morehouse's family descended on the Island for their annual Winter Skate. Using a snowblower, they prepped the ice at the foot of Main Road. The action attracted a few other youngsters/skaters and fun ensued

4. Ice...on the Lakes! According to an analysis by NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, ice covered 88.4 percent of the Great Lakes on February 13. Not since early 1994 has ice been so widespread on the Great Lakes...Lake Michigan has coverage of about 81%...makes me wonder/hope this will help lake levels this coming summer.

5. The plays the thing! What do we do in the Winter people always ask...one thing is prepare for the Island Players' Winter production and this image says so much! Henrik Ibsen's "The Doll's House" will be presented February 21 & 22 at 7:30pm as well as the 23rd at 2:00pm at the TPAC.

6. Quiet Time - Winter allows time to enjoy a birthday surprise or just read a good book ...perhaps a movie marathon or two.


7. Time to enjoy small things... never hurts to have a bit of another season inside to admire...

 

and inspire on a cold snowy day...before we know it, these folks will be back readying the gardens for Season 10 at TPAC!

8.Organization: Tidy Up! I must say lots of people are using time this Winter to straighten up...me included. I must admit I am a little jealous of Laura Kolosovsky Findlay's progress...

From Laura comes a great way to organize cleaning supplies..."shoe organizer hanging on the back of the door to the kitchen. Got all the cleaning products out from under the kitchen sink and away from (son) George!"

9. Snow... yes, the snow! While treacherous in some parts of the country, we mustn't forget that children in such places are getting a chance to make snow creatures...this one, comes from a young granddaughter of a North Carolina friend...a rare treat!

As I write, I see it is snowing...again...I wish you patience with this Winter...be safe.

Have a great week!

 

 

Something Red ...

 Valentine's Day is coming ...

 I can't help but think of Valentine-like things that are good memories...happy times. (m three studio photography)

Dick Purinton took this picture of us on Valentine a few year's ago... (That day we had a great run)  ... we were racing him as he piloted the Voyager on a Sunday afternoon. Appreciate that photo... we had never had our picture captured like this...a nice memory.

At this point, it seems like something else is in our boat slip at the ferry dock...at least it's red. (Photo by Lew)

 

Here's a Valentine thought... "All I wanted to do," says Michael Perry," was get my old pickup truck running. That, and plant a little vegetable garden. Then I got distracted by this woman..."  from his book Red Truck ...This truck is Mike Cascio's...given that it is red, it seems to fit right in here. Perry's truck was named Irma... not sure if Cascio's has a name.
 

 Interesting how often boats and cars are named after women.  Yes, cars and women can set a man off course...so will fishing.  The 37th Annual Washington Island Lions Club Fish Derby has begun. Lorel Gordon found a few fish were already weighed in at Nelsen's Hall yesterday. Thanks for sharing, Lorel!

 

Valentine's Day  Happenings...we start the day with food...and we end it that way...I guess eating is a priority here. 

Do note: Dinner at Holiday Inn won't be their normal Fish Fry this coming Friday! Can't think of a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day...

 

The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Chili Cookoff also at Nelsen's Hall. For entry rules, see the announcement in the Observer or the poster at Mann's Store. Everyone is invited to sample and enjoy lunch at 12 Noon on Saturday.

A nice thought for the ladies in the crowd...Art by Kathleen Podzimik 


Happy Valentine's Day!

Have a great week!

Out our windows ...

 Inside more at this point...so time to admire simple things.

 Brilliant blue sky these past few days is appreciated.

 While it may not be easy to see out, perhaps this places a focus on things that just might be overlooked at another time.

Beautiful sights at Sievers School, too ...both inside and out! Sievers in Winter is a happening place!

Here's Connie Westbrook's quilt in progress at a recent Ellen Graf class. (Pat Clarke Photo)

By the way, Connie is teaching "Handwoven Bags & Totes" right now to a full class... that is, this week.

The light through those windows will come in handy when Jeanette Biederman and Rich Prange return for "Split Woven Basketry: Independent Study" Feb 11-13 Alas, this class is also full! Fellas, here is your reminder...Feb 14 is right around the corner... a gift certificate for a future class at Sievers would make a mighty fine Valentine gift!!!

No matter what your honey's textile skill or passion may be, a copy of the  2014 schedule Sievers and a gift certificate tucked into a Valentine & you are good to go.  Registration is now open for the 2014 season. On the other hand, I bet that gift certificate could also be used for a lovely item from the Sievers shop as well.

 

In speaking with Ann Young this afternoon I found 175 places have been reserved already for the 2014 season and the new website is working beautifully!  For more information go to the Sievers website or call Ann and the girls at 920-847-2264. (Susan Ulm took this photo out her window!)

So, while it may seem quiet here on the Island, activities continue inside and the views out our windows always have something to catch our eye. Gloria Small reports Mr. Pheasant comes to munch on her deck every day...hope Mr. Pheasant finds another interested observer as the Smalls started their annual trek this past week   and are now safely in Florida...for a while...not a bad idea...

 ...as it looks as if it will be some time before we will be enjoying picnics on Schoolhouse Beach...Christine Anderson Photo

So true...via

 

 Don't forget:

 Island Players will be presenting it's February edition of Center Stage at the Rec Center this coming Sunday, Feb. 9 @ 2pm.

Have a great week!

PS Many thanks to the folks at Sievers for the use of several of their photos in this week's post.

Little Bit of Nature & a Bit of Birding

Things Nature and Birds ...in Winter

Views of Nature can be quite impressive at anytime on the Island.

Nature can also be beautiful in something simple.

Where I grew up in Southern Illinois, Eagles have been "discovered"...I don't remember them, but I guess that would be due to the DDT issues and the subsequent drop in the population back then. Now ... at this time of year, eagle spotting is a popular thing to do... thankfully.

 Here, eagles fight over a fish on the ice in the middle of the Illinois River next to Pere Marquette State Park, north of Grafton. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com...

...lucky to live in another place that nurtures these amazing creatures (Susan Ulm photo). The Washington Island Bird Festival will be focusing on Eagles in this year's event...a post on the Cottage on the Bay Facebook Page highlights the work of the expert who will be presenting.

 Other birds do hang around here in the Winter...amazing that they can stand on the ice...but they do...Here's Cathy Meader's photo of gulls at Northport...I think her comment that little Ugg boots might be nice is a good one....makes me chilled just looking at those bare feet!

Ore Boat... sometimes when out for a hike or a cross country ski trek, we see things  - while not quite of Nature  - such things are quite impressive. ANC Naturalist Steve Waldron captured this ore boat off Boyer's Bluff on the 18th. Wonder if  this was the Paul R. Tregurtha making its last trip down from the Soo. I did see a super video  from the Door County Maritime Museum and posted it as well this week.

O is for Owl ... here's a Hawk Owl - taken by Melody outside of Ellison Bay - on her way back to the Island after the Christmas holiday. It was the first one sighted this season in Door County, I believe. Winter is a time for travel for many Island residents.

From our Island rep, Margaret Young, on location in Texas, "This the the Reddish Egret White Morph when fishing. Its bill color (near the top) will soon be bright pink.  A beautiful and agile creature." Nice to see Margeret is enjoying her stay on South Padre Island....

While this is not a white cedar, it reminds me to mention a great item posted on the ANC Blog yesterday. Photos, art, and copy which pulls it all together...a lovely read on a snowy day.

Yup, small things in Nature can be pretty neat. We just have to take a moment to notice.

Have a great week!

 

 

Snow Day

 It snowed last Tuesday...a lot... for that matter, subsequent snows have fallen to freshen the look.

 Visibility on the way to Northport that day was a challenge. So much for a scenic shot on the "wiggle road".

 There are days when just making it to the boat deserves a gold star in my book.

Something tells me this will not be a problem today.

 Checking the reservation list...

I always go through this "routine"  in my mind as I wait in line in the Winter...did I remember to make a reservation???

Made it...after the challenge of getting to Northport, the ride back across the Door was a piece of cake, at least it felt like that to me.

The sky cleared the next day...a beautiful blanket of snow coated the Island. Although the Red Cup and Islandtime Books were/are asleep, I did notice a little activity over that way...

...continues to be baking up a storm, check the Bakery Facebook page for updates...something bakery oriented is upcoming. I think a pie crust demo might be on for this Thursday!

 Yes folks! I am here to keep you informed of significant events...whether on or off Island...some things need to be celebrated! I have taken the liberty of borrowing an Apple Pie from the Danish Mill to remind us of this special day coming up Thursday, January 23. Yes, the Danish Mill has reopened (yay!). 

 Which reminds me...another good place for pie has also reopened after their Winter Break...Findlay's Holiday Inn...(can I hear a yay, yay!)...thinking of the cherry pie served with the Fish Fry on Friday nights...yum.

Their times are varied, too...I thought a photo would say it best.  

Another celebration this Saturday...it's year 7 for Kate's Fiddlers Green. 

A good bit happening on the Island ... in Winter ... happy the ferry ran ... happy to be back!

Have a great week!

In Winter...

The Island in Winter...it's cold...really cold...but then, it is everywhere. However, the questions still come...people are curious about this place in the Winter season...so here is a dose ...a short tour.

Ice shoves seem earlier to me this year...crossing the Door...Sue Cornell

Now from the shore over off Green Bay Road...amazing ice monster...a Lorel Gordon photo...captured on December 29 and here to stay...Nature ...so much Art in Nature...when one has time to observe.

Stavkirke in Winter...December 24, 2013...Mary Maxwell

A sleeping Art and Nature Center ... do know lots of thinking is happening - right now -  to make the 2014 season the best season ever.

Winter nets at Jackson Harbor ... makes me curious about Rock Island ... right over there...

... a view from Rock Island seems appropriate...this one by Jim Jorgenson...albeit in Feb. 2013...

From fishnets to KK's ... an appropriate jump ... especially since Winter Hours are a little complex ... do take a look...remaining open...serving fresh fish...as always, do call ahead to find out the catch of the day...wonderful.

Movie! Always check out the signs on Main Road...The Butler...coming this Saturday.

Back at the Cottage...hard to tell but the Cottage continues to be plowed, thanks to Lew... Dorothy might want to go for a ride.

That's it for now... a final shot...this one from Cathy Meader during her crossing the day of the Deep Freeze, January 7...-14 w/ a wind chill of -40...a braver soul than me!

Stay warm out there, wherever you are...

Have a great week!

By the Numbers...

Those of you who know me, are keenly aware I am not one for numbers...but through this cold spell I have had time to think about quite a few significant events in the year just past...by the #s.

4 - The # of pounds the bass caught by Michael Cornell weighed this past Summer. 

30 - The # of years KK's has been in business ...

60 - Fly In Fish Boil

65 - Scandinavian Dance Fest

85 - Trinity Lutheran Church

  ...in the 90's ... Birthday Babes! 

...and those were just the birthdays in December! 

On to 2014... the Polar Plunge #s +

6 ... as in Degrees ... a cold one this year...

7 ... as in participants ... Schoolhouse Beach was so iced in, a hole had to be cut - with a chainsaw - the day before...and the water skimmed repeatedly before the event. Yes, there might be a bit of a glaze in the photo above. (Melody Walsh Photo)

+ a note from Gloria Small re the annual Island Picnic, Florida style:

Please share this post with any of your Island friends who travel to Florida during February.....the annual Washington Island winter picnic will be held on Feb. 22, 2014 in Naples, FL 11 am-2 pm.....this picnic is open to anyone with an Island connection and their friends...bring a dish to share.....more information later....just mark your 2014 calendar now!

Stay warm wherever you are!

Have a great week!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many Thanks to Christine Anderson, Linda Henkel, and Eric Johnson for photos appearing in the collage pieces.

 

Thoughts for the New Year...

Hold on to the ...
Enjoy the Moment...
We continue our Holiday travels and today, I hunted for a satisfying hot drink...
 I found one ... it was a day for gloves and woolens...oh, alpaca socks,too. 
Enjoy the moment... As  I post, it is -9 in Wausau  and I bet it is colder on the Island!(Island Photo)
Look forward to the future!
Saw this on Facebook...think it was shared by Gloria Small...thanks for sharing.
Grateful for the small things...Happy New Year!
Have a great week!

Merry Christmas!

Taking a little time with family this week...wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Holiday.

Saw this wonderful image a while back and thought I would save it til now...for all you builders, lovers, and tumblers of cairns, here is a wonderful photo by Door County Photographer, David Biermann. 

Have a Merry Christmas and a great week!

words… things sheep & shepherds

The recent snowfall has helped the birds stand out.
This photo by Susan Ulm is positively Christmasy! Island bird lovers gathered yesterday for their part in the Door County annual bird count and I do believe a few finches were sighted.

Who ever thought this little girl......would write a book?

Well, this one just did! That's Island resident Donna Briesemeister.

The book is a collection of short stories based on Donna's 13 years raising sheep when she first came to Washington Island. We all know Donna here on the Island.

Why the name change on the book cover? Well, she explained, "Did you know 'Briesemeister' has 13 letters?" Hard to fit that name in a graphic that would show clearly on a mobile device, according to brother Gary who served as illustrator for the book, released at the end of last month. That leads to the other reason for 'Smith'. This is a brother and sister team effort...enough said.

Here's a vintage photo of ewe Cassie, a favorite of Donna's and Esau, the ram, from Donna's first flock, Cassie's half sibling...Their stories are part of the book.

This is an illustration from Like Sheep, with Cassie and a picture book Donna. It may seem like a children's story but as I read it, I found the intricacies of the sheperd's responsibilities, the personalities of the sheep, and the challenges of doing it all on the Island made for a good read for grown-ups.

For more information, go to the Like-Sheep web site. The book either paperbound or in ebook/Kindle form is available through Amazon.com. My copy just came. Ebooks are great when you need a Christmas gift in a flash...hint...hint.

So, whether you choose to use the remaining days to get the last errands run, get outside or just read a book, remember:Take time to chill, Dude!

Now, I need to go find Lew and get him off that snow blower contraption. Yes, we have had snow...but, I think he just likes to ride around on it

Upcoming:

Film @ TPAC - December 21...Love Actually. See the marquee for times.

Winter Fest @ Trinity, December 28 produced by Washington Island Music Festival...believe it starts at 5:00pm with a concert and then dinner, tickets are $15. Call Ham and Chari Rutledge for more information.

. I saw this at Base Camp the other day. Given how far this blog can go, I just thought there might be a filmmaker or two out there with something to enter. The DC Short Film Fest has been going on for some years and is a great mid-winter interrupter coming in February...deadline to enter is December 31st...check the website or call Base Camp in Sister Bay and speak with Joel.

Happy Holidays ...have a great week!

Thanks to Anna Gibson and Kathy Garneau for helping with this post!

December doings...


I'm sort of feeling like this...every minute counts at this time of year. Our trip was nice...but...there is so much to do! However, no matter where I am, my mind seems to think of the Island - as I am sure many of you do.

For instance, we had time to stop off in Chicago...Even the designs at the coat check area were lovely.  When I see lovely patterns and fabric, Sievers comes to mind...oh, the Sievers in Winter Class Schedule is out. Click on the link for more information.

Ellen Graf's Little Black Dress of Quilting started today but if you missed that one, she has another class set for January. Remember if you are coming from off Island,  reservations on the ferry will be necessary. Go to www.wisferry.com for more info on reservations.

We were at the Art Institute to see the Art and Appetite exhibit. Sorry, photos were not allowed as many pieces were loaned by other museums and galleries. Suffice it to say, if travels take you through Chicago  this holiday, it was intriguing and worth a stop. The exhibit is on until thru January 27. Appetite? Food?

 

That reminds me...had to use this photo...when I look at it, my mouth waters...never too early to order your holiday goodies and Danish Mill is here for you...pies, cakes, and yes...other delectables like these.

We were fortunate to see the Wreathing of the Lions at the entrance of the Art Institute. Readying for the Christmas Season was starting there as it was also on the Island.
Preparations are underway for A Celebration of Christmas with Donna, Julian, some great children and ...oh...a few surprises, too...if Julian is involved, there are always surprises!
...................................................................................................................
Sometimes though there is a moment to sit down and check the action outside our windows...and just before the cold snap hit, the squirrels were filling up their tummies.
Lunch time! A photo from Margaret Young...Well, now I know what to do with my pumpkins!
Another day... from Margaret, "They love the outer rind and it is bitten off and consumed with great gusto!" 
We arrived back to more than chilly temps...frigid now.  Watch out on those icy steps! Another somewhat icy step...auditions...this time for Island Players Winter Play, Ibsen's A Doll's House...tonight and tomorrow, 12/9 & 12/10 at the School Commons from 7:00 - 9:00pm.
............................................................................................................
As we look forward to the weekend, we have to prepare to say good bye to Pastor Frank of Trinity Lutheran Church as he will be retiring after Christmas. There is a potluck after the Sunday service. Frank, as this chapter closes and the next begins... I have one thing to say:

 Have fun!

 I think both Lew and I are happy to be home.

Have a great week!

 

Brightening the Season

While away for Thanksgiving et al, I happened to see a column by Tribune Writer, Mary Schmich ...actually, Lew had torn an article out for me...

and her column was on the reverse side...sometimes things just fall into place and the theme fits this week. So, with a thank you to Ms. Schmich, here are my 5 ideas for brightening the season.

1. Traditions...Memories...We all have them. It was strange to see maple iced longjohns...of course this was in Chicago so it was topped with bacon as well...lots of things have bacon in Chicago. It was the maple part that captured my attention. I would have a gooey maple coated beauty for breakfast at my Grandparent's house when I stayed overnight ...I guess all the sentimentality of the Season hit me ...and I had to have one...the bacon was a nice addition.

2. Paying it forward ...traveling version

Good Samaritans do exist in the city. As we checked out, the desk clerk was pleased to inform me that part of our bill was covered by the previous guest. It seemed that guest was using a gift card and there was a remainder. That guest decided to leave it for the next person. What a nice surprise. Being Thanksgiving, it just seemed to fit...now to work on my part in paying it forward.

3. Music...

I heard this was quite a nice event last year. Happy to see it returning. The Holidays wouldn't be the same without music.

4. Nature...preserved. While we were off Island, there was some news.

The Nature Conservancy announced the purchase of most of the acreage on St. Martin Island north of Washington Island. See this link for their release on the transition and campaign plans.

http://on.jsonl.in/1jKiM5y

Further info may be found in links posted on the Cottage on the Bay FaceBook Page.

5. Gifting...Little things...mean a lot. 


Here's a way to help that special someone remember a favorite spot on the Island... or just her favorite Island. Contact Laura Findlay Hagen to order or visit her Etsy shop...yes, she will mail your order and if it is done this week, it should make it to your door in time for Christmas.

Cherish the memories, keep the traditions, and enjoy this time!

Have a great week!



Being Thankful...


 Thanksgiving...

... to me, it is a good time  to express gratitude when someone goes a little above and beyond on a normal day...is there such a thing as a normal day?

Living on an island, a normal day is hard to find when one is traveling by ferry. Just this past Saturday, northwest winds kicked up and only the first boat ran...in 10' to 12' seas no less...November is like that.  But then, things are always interesting for the ferry crew. No matter what time of year...
Whether landing at the Potato Dock...or hangin' with a young passenger on a Friday night boat.

A big Thanks to the crews of the WIFL...for putting up with me/finding space for me ...even when I don't want to back the Jeep on the boat, I forget my keys, or I'm driving Lew's truck and there's barely room.

Coming Up...Winter Time!*

Winter Ferry: Make reservations now... the ferry line will start utilizing reservations Dec. 21 but the reservation book/log book is available now. Call the ferry office!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a great week!

 

Tis the Season...

I am not one for rushing the Christmas Season. 

However, Christmas seems sooner this year...uh-oh...Thanksgiving is later...oh my. Here's a thought...

So. it's a good thing that the sale that was such a success last year is back for Round Two!

Let the shopping begin!!!

Do remember the event is also a Fundraiser for the Rec Center...so the spirit of the Season grows.

Here's a list of options... so far... all this and Rec merchandise...Lunch...and Baked Goods, too!
 

Last year there were so many sellers ... and buyers ... the action spilled into the Lobby of the Mosling Recreation Center!

Wherever you are, just do it.


Just something to keep in mind ... sighted at Island Outpost this Fall ... so true...

So to keep the peace at home maybe something like this will help...shared by Susan Ulm...maybe a stop at Danish Mill is in order!?! It is Hunting Season so maybe things will take care of themselves.

One last thing...
Order Soon!

The deadline is fast approaching... 

Have a great week!