You know it has been a rough Michigan winter when . . .

The top news headline of each day is one of the following:

• "Yet another day of single digit temperatures"
• "4-6 inches of snow expected overnight"
• "Number of potholes at a record high"
• "Warm temps and rain to bring another round of flooding"
• "Today's near record warmth to be followed by sub-zero wind chills"

Seriously, I can't remember a winter like this where we have had so many 30 degree temperature changes in a matter of hours. There are flood warnings about every other week and the constant fluctuations in temperature have created the most pothole filled roads I have seen on paved roads here in Michigan.

The good news?

One month from tomorrow, February 20, Spring officially begins on March 20, 2008!

For those longing for more light later in the evening - Daylight Saving Time begins March 9th.

And as they say - "Hope Springs Eternal."

USPS to raise postage rates again this May

I don't know about anyone else, but I still have a few $.39 stamps and even a $.37 stamp that I have yet to use. On May 12, 2008 the Postal Service is again raising rates for stamps up a penny to $.42. It looks like they will most likely be raising their rates across the board merely one year after the last increase. We will unfortunately have to monitor any changes to Priority Mail (said to be announced in March) as that could possibly affect our shipping rates. I hate having to raise prices of any kind, but we just might have to raise the shipping rates in May. We'll keep you posted.

The Power of the Internet

A house about a half mile down the road from our house exploded this morning. I never heard the explosion, but the constant cavalcade of emergency vehicles convinced me that something bad had happened nearby. Where did I hear some information about the explosion?

The radio? No.

Surely the local television station carried it as breaking news? Nope.

I read up to the hour reports of this tragic accident online. Yep, the internet was the first place I found any coverage.

WWMT.com was the first news format of any kind to break the story with video images shot while the local fire departments put out the smoldering bits and pieces of the house. No live reporters giving the usual soundbites, just a stark video of the devastatingly small remains of the home.

The owner of the home was airlifted up to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo with burns over 70% of his body. My thoughts and prayers are with him.

News about Indoor Water Park Hotels in Michigan

Did you know that Michigan is currently home to six indoor water park hotels with two more scheduled to open later this year? So far only the lower peninsula of Michigan has indoor water parks attached to hotels. Although, they are getting closer to the U.P. with one opening in Mackinaw City later this year. Hopefully one will sprout up there sometime soon.

Anyway, I created a page over at Squidoo about all of the Indoor Water Park Hotels in Michigan.

You will be able to see video of some of the indoor water parks in Michigan, get lodging deals through Orbitz, and learn more about the size of the water park and types of attractions.

New book available on history of Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - A History & Pictorial Souvenir is produced by the Mackinac State Historic Parks and is available for $10.95. The book covers the lighthouse from its construction to its decommission in 1957 when it was made obsolete by the lights of the Mackinac Bridge. The lighthouse is currently undergoing a restoration to its 1910 appearance and tours are available. As part of the tour you can climb to the top of the tower and look out upon the Straits of Mackinac.

You can purchase the book at the lighthouse gift shop (in the old foghorn building) or by calling the Mackinac State Historic Parks at (231) 436-4100.

See Michigan.gov for more information.

Top five words Governor Granholm used in her State of the State Speech

The Detroit Free Press had an interesting article on the number of times certain words were used in Governor Granholm's State of the State speech. Here is the breakdown:

1. Jobs - 54 times
2. Alternative or renewable energy - 25 times
3. Schools - 18 times
4. Taxes - 12 times
5. Anger or angry - 8 times

And the two words most Michigan residents wanted to hear her say . . . I quit ;).

Read the full text of last night's speech.