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All Things Michigan

Michigan travels, events, photos, and more

Looking For Hickories - A Michigan Notable Book

Andrew Norton

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of reading Thomas Springer's book, Looking For Hickories. It's a charming collection of essays with the theme of nature woven throughout each one. Reading the essays made me chuckle and sigh with contentment at the wonderful life of simplicity. Much of the book covers life in an old farmhouse with a bit of acreage and all that goes with trying to live more in step with nature. I got a kick out of the free range chicken that had a love affair with automobiles until it met its unfortunate dismay in trying to answer that age old question, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" Springer craftily weaves his essays across the years with the perspective of youth and the wisdom that comes with getting older. Looking for Hickories was a quick read (168 pages) that left me sad as I finished it because I wanted it to keep on going.

The other main joy I received while reading it was that he is a local author so I was familiar with the territory he was writing about and could smile at his interactions with the local characters. Coming from a local author, I had heard of Looking For Hickories long before it made the 2009 Michigan Notable Books list. It's a well deserved honor for Thomas Springer and you will not be disappointed in spending a few pleasant evenings with this fine collection of essays.

Michigan sweet corn is here!

Andrew Norton

I've been hearing reports from people that the Michigan sweet corn crop is just starting. The weather has certainly held up the crop a bit this year and it looks like it might be rather staggered as well. In other words, if you see some for sale on the side of the road and think you'll just stop by later - you'll probably be out of luck. I've been told, "if you see it, buy it because odds are it will be sold out later." Remember, for best results cook your sweet corn the day you buy it. After being picked, the sugars in sweet corn break down into starches and greatly affect the flavor/quality of the sweet corn. If you can't cook it right away - put it in the refrigerator to at least slow down this process.

Went above our goal and picked nearly 50 pounds of blueberries this morning

Andrew Norton

After our previous trip to the blueberry patch resulted in over 20 pounds of blueberries my wife and I knew that we would need to shoot for a goal of 40 pounds in order to have enough blueberries to freeze and enjoy all year long. We went above and beyond that by picking over 47 pounds of blueberries at Locke's Fruitful Acres just north of Volinia, Michigan. The picking was easy and you just can't beat the fun of picking your own blueberries and chatting away while you work. We honestly didn't know that we had been there for three hours when we were all finished. I now sit here typing this with sore shoulders, aching back, burning calves and the satisfaction of knowing we have enough blueberries put up in the freezer to enjoy at least one pound each week. Fresh Michigan Blueberries in the summer taste great and are extremely enjoyable. Eating blueberries in the winter over hot cereal, in pancakes, or pies is a great way to remember and appreciate the work it took to have such a treat in the winter and it helps (in some small way) to get through those darkest and coldest of winter days.

There's still plenty of blueberry season left so be sure to get out and enjoy some fresh Michigan blueberries! :)

Time lapse video of 2009 Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race

Andrew Norton

Ken Scott Photography created this mesmerizing time lapse video of sailboats in the Chicago to Mackinac race. The photos were taken as the sailboats passed Sleeping Bear Point and you can see the southern end of South Manitou Island in the background as well. The time lapse aspect makes the boats appear to skate across the lake's surface as if it were ice. I also found it amusing to watch the people at the beach as they look like ants jumping in and out of the water.

If the video player does not appear - watch the video here.

Pardon our dust while we renovate our blog

Andrew Norton

I am in the process of upgrading our blog's look for the first time in far too long. Please bear with me as I get the look adjusted. I'm trying to keep most of the old and incorporate some new for a nice clean look. As this is tested, fixed, and tested again things will look a bit different for a few days. Feel free to offer suggestions and comments on the new look here in the 'comments' area for this post.

Have a Great Day!