Recent Blog Posts

It's spring here in Northern Michigan but it definitely doesn't feel like it! Many of us northerners are honestly overwhelmed with the spring snow storms. We are in that odd spring lull. The ski hills just closed this past weekend because well, it's spring.  You can't ice fish or snowmobile right n...
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Friends and acquaintances are forever asking for an insider’s view of Mackinac Island.   I have summered there for almost 35 years, but I still learn something new each time I visit.  Here are few things I’ve learned over the years: 1. Check the ferry schedule and be flexible.  There’s ...
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Although it doesn't feel like it, Summer is fast approaching and will be here before we know it. School is out in June and many parents I know struggle with what to do with the kids during the summer months and most parents I know are always on the look out early on for summer activities for their k...
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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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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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  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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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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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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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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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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