Recent Blog Posts

Wherever I go, I’m always on the hunt for history.  This need to know though, is just as important when I’m comfortably at home. And what’s great about living in Petoskey is how easy it can be to locate local history. As a reader and writer, of course I’m delighted to think about how E...
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In Northern Michigan, the weather is a frequent topic of conversation, especially in the winter. One common topic of winter conversations are the storms of winter's past. There are many Michigan blizzards to recall. One of the memorable blizzards was that of 1978. In January of 1978 more than two ...
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This past Saturday was Petoskey's Downtown Holiday Parade. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit! Having rained the night before lost we lost almost all of our snow downtown. The rain held off (for the most part) during the Holiday Parade and it's our family tradition that we attend every...
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On the bulletin board behind my school desk, I have a found note of wishes. Among them is this one: “I wish I’d been more grateful.” This little message is a daily reminder to avoid obsessing on what problems come my way, to recognize the simple pleasures all around me, and to appreciate th...
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The holidays are officially here and Thanksgiving is only days away. Petoskey's Downtown Holiday Open House is Friday December 7th and that marks the official Downtown Petoskey Christmas season. Like many small midwest towns, the Christmas season is magical. Maybe it's walking around downtown during...
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I think winter is officially here in Northern Michigan. The last month, it felt like fall just arrived here and now there is snow on the ground. Us northerners woke up to at least 1-2 inches, if not more, of snow this morning. My morning drive to school was filled with anxiety as the roads were icy...
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The holidays are right around the corner and that means the inevitable holiday rush. Every year I try my best to plan ahead on holiday gift purchases, yet I always seem to be rushed regardless of what I do. I love shopping local during the holiday season, especially while the kids are in school. The...
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Veteran’s Day is a solemn commemoration in any year, but in 2018 the event carries additional significance.  This year marks 100 years since the armistice to end the war to end all wars. Americans possessing a basic sense of history know how that armistice signalling the end of World War 1, ma...
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Fall in Northern Michigan signifies pumpkin patches and hayrides, fall wine tours, downtown Petoskey Trick or Treating as well as many more community events. Petoskey is such a great little midwest town. Sitting on the shores of beautiful Little Traverse Bay, it's one of those few places that you ca...
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A month into the school year and I have plenty of reason to speak to students about what they are reading. A few even ask sincerely for suggestions, and while I recognize the challenges of suggesting or assigning reading, there are just some books that all high school students should read. M...
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