Recent Blog Posts

Because I read books, because I teach books, and because I write regularly about books, folks are forever asking me “What’s your favorite book?” I also have two dogs, have long been a dog lover and dog owner, and likely will be a dog guy for as long as possible, but no one ever asks me whic...
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Categories:  Michigan Love

Easter is only a week away and the Easter Bunny has been making his rounds at Grandpa Shorter's this past few weekends. He will be making two more stops at Grandpa Shorter's in Petoskey next Friday March 30th & Saturday March 31st, 12-3pm. This week is spring break here in Northern Michigan for...
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Categories:  Recipes, Holidays

  My own hockey season might have recently concluded, but there is still time to enjoy what some refer to as the greatest sport on ice. Whether you enjoy collegiate or professional versions, or something in-between, there is still enough hockey in the current schedule to make you think wint...
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Categories:  Sports

Tea just like coffee tends to be an acquired taste. Growing up my father was a huge tea fan. We constantly had some version of black tea, usually Lipton's stocked in the pantry and a huge jar of raw honey. On cold winter days we would spend the morning ice fishing out on Mullett Lake and then head i...
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Categories:  Shopping, Michigan Love

Winter might be winding down, but it is not too late to enjoy a memorable frozen site close to home. So, stop whatever you are doing, drop everything, and then point your truck north to Mackinaw City to appreciate the widely reported blue ice. The much-photographed colorful ice formations st...
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Categories:  Michigan Love

Established in 1946, Grandpa Shorter's has always carried a wide range of fun, beautiful and unique gift items. Throughout the years we've carried tried and true brands such as Minnetonka moccasins and gorgeous Petoskey Stones. Jewelry aficionados have come to love Grandpa Shorter's selection ...
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Categories:  Michigan Love

The good folks at the Mackinac Bridge authority just put a big dent in my spring running schedule. Hoping to ensure safety and history for the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk, the authority decided to cancel several other bridge-closing activities, including the annual Memorial Day run across the Mi...
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Categories:  Michigan Love

It's finally March and spring break is only weeks away. It's heard to believe that winter will soon be over and we'll have the boat out of storage in only a few short months! Almost everyone I know looks forward to spring break. Most families have trips to Florida or other warm weather destinations ...
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Categories:  Travel, General

St. Patricks day is right around the corner so it's time to start planning your St. Patty's Day feast! Over the last few years we've shared a few St. Patricks Day recipes including Traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe and a Reuben Slider Recipe using up all the delicious leftover corned beef...
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Categories:  Recipes, Holidays

Dogs are man's best friend. I should know, I'm two shades away from being a crazy dog lady. I grew up with dogs and I couldn't imagine my life without pets. I know dogs aren't everyone's cup of tea but I for one love them and I know many others do too! A while back on the Grandpa Shorter's blog, I w...
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Categories:  General