Determined Little Maple

This little sprig was growing in the remains of a burned-out building in Detroit, Michigan.  I loved the contrast of the colors of the tiny sapling against the pieces of burnt wood. 

This tiny tree was determined to grow.  It's a Box Elder, "a tree that refuses to be killed even when everything around it is paved.  We need box elder like we need air to breathe.  We need everything it gives us, and we need everything it gives to our ecosystem as a whole."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: A Word
2017: The Chief Over All Winged Creatures
2016: Remembering The Old Spanish Trail
2015: Rain Frog
2014: Wanted: Traveling Maid
2013: Flippin' Fantastic Finds
2012: There’s Room At This Inn – For Dancing And Gambling
2011: Later, Fishies!
2010: It’s In The Details
2009: Plenty Of Places To Roam, No Place To Park It
2008: E Vac You A She Own!!
2007: Eddie Steals A Bite Friday
2006: Steal-A-Meme
2005: The Day In Pictures

A Meeting Place For Veterans Of The American Civil War

This is the Grand Army of the Republic building in Detroit, Michigan. Construction on the building started in 1898 and was finished in 1900.

See detailed photos and photos of the inside here. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: I Like the Light
2017: In The Stacks
2016: Isn't He A-Moose-Ing?
2015: Ten Saturday Links
2014: Farm And Garden Since 1936
2013: Waiting In The Waiting Room
2012: Waiting Out Our Mistake
2011: A Brilliant Island Adventure
2010: It’s Getting So Much Easier These Days To Spot Idiots
2009: Scenes From Motor City
2008: Eddie Mad Hatter Friday
2007: What A Grape Idea!
2006: You Couldn’t Pay Me Enough
2005: Due Amici Designs

Mail At The Depot

 

The mailbox at the Sturgis historic train depot.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Working With Wind
2018: You Really WON'T Believe What's Inside
2017: Blue Girl
2016: Vintage Beauty
2015: Truck Yeah
2014: Break Time Selfie
2013: The Glories Of Our Journey
2012: The Herb Whisperer
2011: The Switch Between Morning Glory And Country Strong
2010: Name That Tree
2009: Getting Plowed
2008: Eddie Friday In Squares
2007: The Color Of Elizabeth’s Eyes
2006: The Result Of A Little Flax In Your Diet
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

If You Could Just Move It A Smidge To The Left

 

The old train depot in Sturgis, Michigan is now the town's Historical Museum. 

Ten years ago it was moved to this spot.  Yes, they moved the whole building.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: One Last Grasp At The Sky
2018: Diner For One
2017: An Actual Manic Monday
2016: Sunday Reading
2015: Do You Give Good Internet? I'll Be Right There.
2014: Where Are We?
2013: Where You'd Go For Camel Repair
2012: The Color Of Happy
2011: Taking Possession Of The Sound
2010: The Bridge People
2009: Knocking Us Off One Candy Bar At A Time
2008: How To Entertain Yourself When Hanging Out With Sight Impaired Adults
2007: Is It REALLY Such A Mystery??
2006: Heading South And Going Country
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

The East Side Of The Thumb

While visiting friends in Port Huron, Michigan last weekend, they took us on a tour of their cute little town and one of the stops we made was Fort Gratiot Light, the first (and therefore, oldest) lighthouse in the state of Michigan.

Constructed in 1829, the lighthouse marks the entrance to the St. Clair River from Lake Huron, in the southern portion of Michigan's Thumb. If you are from Michigan or know anything about Michigan, you will know that most people hold up their hand and point to a spot on it, indicating where they are from. Michigan is shaped like a mitten, in case you're wondering why they do that.

The lighthouse is still active and is on the grounds of an active Coast Guard facility, although it's recently been handed over to the Port Huron Museum. It's a beautiful park and the building that was once used as barracks are available for rental. You can stay overnight or even host an event - we were imagining a wedding in the park with the river and lighthouse as spots for some great photos marking the occasion.

I look forward to visiting Michigan again.  I love all the lush greenery - gorgeous trees of many varieties, giant moved lawns, colorful flowers in bloom - and that numerous lakes that aren't far from any point in the state.  I could definitely see myself living there.  It's right across the river from Canada via the Blue Water Bridge, they have four distinct seasons, and they get lots of snow!  



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2020: Sorry, no post on this day
2019: The Luck Of Double Sevens
2018: What Surfing Produces
2017: How To Make A Girl Feel Like She's On Top Of The World
2016: Resting Bitch Face Is Real
2015: No Rooms To Let
2014: Beautiful Brutalism In A Bucolic Bourg
2013: Have A Little Faith In The Romantic Comedy
2012: The Perfect Volunteer
2011: The Men Who Stare AT Goats
2010: A Peek At A Working Team
2009: Alligators Are Not A Girl’s Best Friend
2008: Forget Your Cholesterol. Get A Hearing Aid.
2007: Sizzling Good Time
2006: Amarillo May Smell Like Cow Shit, But They Have Some Pretty Tasty Steaks
2005: List Of Fives

Reversed In Michigan

Shouldn't this sign say "Shipping and Receiving"?  It doesn't sound correct the other way around.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: Not Fast Enough
2016: Shopping On Wheels
2015: The Duck And The Gargoyle
2014: V-8 Reflection
2013: Keeping H-116 Safe
2012: It’s Never Too Late For A Monday Meme
2011: Minatory Montana Morning 
2010: Crafting A Way To Fill A Need 
2009: The Other White Meat: Tropical Style 
2008: Night Falls On The Fuel Island 
2007: Wanderlust Checklist 
2006: What Are Records?? 
2005: Hello, America!

The Queen Has Entered The Kingdom

We lost a legend today.  Aretha Franklin, who has provided the soundtrack to many of our lives, has passed at the age of 76 at her home in Detroit, Michigan. 

I watched Soul Train every Saturday for most of my life - the first episode aired in 1970, the last in 2006.  I don't remember a Saturday morning without the Soul Train line.  In the video above, from a December 1979 episode dubbed "A Salute To Aretha Franklin", Don Cornelius switches it us and asks Aretha if she knows any Smokey Robinson songs. She proceeds to play "Ooo Baby Baby" with Smokey jumping in, making it a duet.  Most artists are honored to have Aretha cover their songs, but as many find out, once Aretha does one of your songs, it becomes hers. 

Here are some of my favorite Aretha songs:

Ain't No Way

Day Dreaming - this is probably my top favorite.  It  "He's the kind of guy that would say, 'Hey, baby let's get away, let's go some place, huh, where, I don't care'..."


Until You Come Back To Me - "I guess I'll rap on your door, tap on your window pane."

Here's another arrangement of Until You Come Back To Me - recorded live, in Canada, in 1978.  Upbeat, sassy, and fantastic.

Something He Can Feel - "I'm givin him somethin he can feel.  To let him know this love is real."  So soulful.  So Aretha.  En Vogue did a super sexy version of this song in the 90s - I don't know who's sexier in this video, the girls on the stage or the guys in the audience.  Oh my my.  Great song.    

I Say A Little Prayer - "The moment I wake up. Before I put on my makeup. I say a little prayer for you. "

You Are All I Need To Get By - "Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you,
And it was plain to see, you were my destiny."

Aretha has sung songs in all genres, from her start in gospel, to the time she stepped in for Pavarotti and did Nessun Dorma.  The Queen of Soul does Opera.

In 2015, Aretha sang You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman, in tribute to the song's co-writer, Carole King,  who was receiving the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement.  The entire crowd, including President Obama, his wife Michelle, Carole King, Clive Davis, rose to their feet as she belted out this classic.  Aretha was 73 years old when she brought the house down.

Aretha also performed at Barack Obama's 2009 Inauguration - to the largest inaugural crowd in history - she marked the occasion by singing "My Country "Tis of Thee".  Estimated at 1.8 million people, it was generally considered a record for the number of people on the National Mall. The hat almost stole the show.

Many people consider Aretha's music to be part of their life's soundtrack.  I certainly do, as many of her songs, I first heard in my youth.  She's a true legend.

And she's left a rich legacy that'll take us through the rest of our lives.

And that certainly warrants R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
 


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: Dreary Weather Surrounds The Pin Stripe
2016: Circa 1980
2015: A Tornado Dreams Of Wide Open Space Like This
2014: The End Of Day
2013: Until I'm One With You
2012: I Didn’t Even Have To Slip Him My Room Key
2011: Rest Comes For Robo-Ed
2010: Better Than A Leg Press Machine. Or How To Get A Good Looking Left Gam.
2009: How Can I Tread On You When I Can’t Even Turn Around?
2008: Popping Good Time
2007: Touching Down For A Quick Rest Break
2006: Follow Your Heart
2005: All About The Benjamins

Worst Trucking Day Ever

I've never seen anything like this in person and hope I never do.

One of the trucks was carrying formic acid (not pleasant), another carrying fireworks. They both caught fire.

Bad all around.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2014: Books Are So Much More Interesting Than Guns
2013: Contemplating Broccoli Cheddar
2012: I’m Totally Contemplating Thievery
2011: Some People Are Just Fucking Nuts
2010: 7am In Beantown
2009: Eddie Taking A Moment To Enjoy Nature Friday
2008: Pull Up A Chair
2007: Brad Blows
2006: Expressly American
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Spanning The Straits

If only we could have crossed Mighty Mac on a less dreary day, maybe my photos would be a little better.  But this is how it's been the entire time we were in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - overcast.  I actually like when the weather is overcast, but it doesn't always make for the best photos.  Cloudy, yes - you get some good color on a cloudy day as the clouds sometimes act like a filter - but when it's completely overcast, not so much.  Ed promised we'd be back, which I do hope because I've been wanting to go up

That said, we got this photo of the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan, at a little rest area pull-off just before we hit the toll booth.  At five miles long, it's the third longest suspension bridge in the world, and the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere. 

I have a thing for bridges - being so high up, seeing the views and all the water - I also fear plunging off the edge, but I rarely think of that part.  This is the only bridge we've ever been on that requires trucks to drive twenty miles an hour.  It was actually quite peaceful, that pace.  I wish they'd have a twenty mile an hour speed limit on the George Washington Bridge, or even the Tappan Zee.  I don't like all those people whizzing by me when there's so much traffic and so much room for operator error - theirs, not mine.

Our load picked up in the city that anchors the southern edge of the bridge - Mackinaw City (which is actually a village, not a city) - pieces of a dismantled water park heading east.

Ed promised me that we'll come back, another time when the weather is a little prettier and the tourist spots aren't closed for the season.  I've been wanting to visit Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel ever since I saw the movie "Somewhere In Time" back in the eighties.  I need to sit on that 660 foot front porch!

See you soon, Mishigamaa.


 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Diner In The Mountains
2010: Limone Costa d’Amalfi
2009: To Tattoo Or Not To Tattoo
2008: Sparkle And Glow
2007: I See Sea Scallops
2006: My New Favorite Song
2005: Lazy Sunday

The Only Kind Of Pasty Ed Is Going To Get Me To Consider

Whenever we go somewhere new, I always do a little research on the place.  I like to find out if there's anything in the town I shouldn't miss, if they have any notable statues or museums or tourist attractions, and most of all, if they're famous for any kind of food.  In the Upper Peninsula, the regional favorite is the Pasty.

Pronounced PASS-tee, not PAY-stee or PAY-stree, this little bundle of meat, onion, potato and rutabaga sounded like something we'd definitely have to try.  The pasty made its way to the Upper Peninsula when a group of Finnish immigrants followed Cornish miners to the area in 1864.  The Finns adopted the Cornish Pasty and started to bake them to feed the mean who worked in the copper mines. 

We found Lawry’s Pasty Shop- the home of the Mining Journal's Reader's Choice award for the Best Pasty six years running - on the recommendation of a local who said he's not really crazy about pasties, but the only ones he does like come from Lawry's.  His recommendation was corraborated by that of Jane and Michael Stern of Roadfood.com, who have eaten everywhere.  Of course we had to go.
You'll find Lawry's on US Highway 41 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in the town of Ishpeming.  The place looks like a dump from the outside - non-descript building, tiny neon "open" sign in the vestibule - but it had enough room for us to park the truck, so we pulled in!

The place was small, with a few tables, a small area with items for sale, a cash register and the kitchen prep area, visible to the room.  We were greeted by a young guy who was SUPER-friendly.  I asked him to explain the pasty to me (what exactly was in it and which he recommended trying) and show me the difference in the sizes they offered. 

He launched into a ten minute explanation of the pasties, showed me the different sizes, told me how they were made, what they put in them, how long they cooked them for, and answered our question about how busy they are during the summer season.  Three times busier, he said. 

We each ordered the 12 oz. pasty.  They were slipped from a paper bag, which was kept in a heated box.  The kid behind the counter said they were always made this way, that they were baked and then kept warm, ready to serve.

The crust was golden browna and crimped on the edge (not the top!) like a traditional Cornish Pasty should be.  I asked about the vegetarian pasty - only vegetables, no meat inside - and was told really it wasn't really vegetarian because of the lard used to make the crust. 

Which explains why the crust was so flaky and delicious.  Nothing makes a crust flake like lard does.  Inside, the chopped meat, onions, and chunks of potato and rutabaga.  Who even uses rutabaga anymore??  Everything mixed together with some spices (which I think were secret, because he didn't elaborate), plopped in the middle of the dough, and baked up.

I don't know that I would necessarily rave about the pasty, but it is something I would eat again.  It was very comfort foodish to me - warm, with meat and potatoes, wrapped in a crust?  It wasn't bad.  I think if I were to have one again, I would ask him to throw mine in the pizza oven - I like my food piping hot.  I know they're supposed to be eaten by hand, and could be the way they're wrapped, but I could see a little sort of gravy of some kind being served with them, making them doubly delicious. 

 

I'm glad I was able to partake in this regional food, as I kind of like being able to say "I've had that!" when someone mentions a certain type of food from a specific region.  Next time, I'll have to try the cudighi.

You can find a little history on the pasty here and here, and a recipe to make them for yourself here.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: What Would You Think If You Saw A Grown Woman Climbing Out Of A Big Rig Wearing Pajamas?
2010: The Machines Might Be Old But The Smokers Start Young
2009: Don’t Take It For Granite
2008: Yes We Did!!
2007: Green Acres Is The Place To Be, Solar Living Is The Life For Me
2006: Hail To Our Beautiful Maine Coon Mascot
2005: Weekend In Nature

The Yoopers Little Piece Of Heaven

After hitting Negaunee, we headed over to Ishpeming. Ishpeming. Ishpeming. I just like saying it. According to wonderful Wikipedia, the name Ishpeming comes from the Anishinaabe language, meaning "on top" or "from above" or "upon high." Ishpeming, in the Ojibwa dialect of the Anishinaabe language, also means "Heaven".

If heaven is where the National Ski Hall of Fame is located. 

Because of the sparsely populated area, we didn't think taking the truck through the town would be a big deal.  Turns out it wasn't a big deal at all since the place was virtually deserted.  But the few people we did see greeted us with friendly wave, including one woman riding a scooter. 

At one end of town was this unusual structure.  I had no idea what it was - thought it might have been some kind of artsy sculpture - but Ed set me straight and told me that it was a vertical-axis wind turbine.  How does he know these things??

Then, at the other end of town, was the Tee Pee Bar.  The place where you can buy happiness. 

What I really wanted to see though, the reason we even drove down Main Street, was to see the statue of Old Ish.  It was erected in the town square one hundred and twenty-eight years ago (in 1884) by a local mining company as part of a set of drinking fountains - one for humans, one for horses, and one for dogs.    

The iron statue was originally painted black, but now sports what I'd guess you can say are more "lifelike" colors. 

There are reminders all over town - a street named Hematite, an old mining cart, a newspaper called The Mining Journal - that this area was founded on mining and is still supported by mining.    

Ishpeming.  Go ahead, say it.  It's fun.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: From Pot Roast At The Buckhorn To Gambling With An Inky Malbec
2010: Nestled In The Fertile Plain
2009: I Think I’m Kinda Lichen This Moss
2008: Holding My Breath
2007: Ahhhh…..Ahhhhh…..Aw Shit!
2006: Contemplating Flight
2005: Eddie Blurred By NyQuil Friday

Lured Into A Tourist Trap

Today we delivered some equipment to one of the mines in the area of the Upper Peninsula.  One of the towns we went through on the way out of the mine was Negaunee.  Through its painted train trestle...

Past old vine covered brick buildings...

And into town where the fired department was located; crossing streets named Silver, Copper and Gold, which reflects its mining heritage.

We've never been to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, but I always thought the "U.P." sounded kinda cool - part of Michigan, but a little disconnected.  I've always wanted to go to the U.P. - although, my ideal trip would have been to Mackinac Island - but when we got this load, I was excited that I'd finally be able to add this part of the country to my travels.

According to Wikipedia, the Upper Peninsula "contains 29% of the land area of Michigan but just 3% of its total population. Residents are frequently called Yoopers (derived from "U.P.-ers") and have a strong regional identity."  The economy is based on logging, mining, and tourism.  Which brings us to Da Yoopers Tourist Trap shop:
 

Where Ed proceeded to try on all the goofy hats he could get his hands on.  I can always count on traveling with Ed to bring a smile to my face!

Next up, Ishpeming.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Dining At The Buckhorn
2010: Ancient Details
2009: Framed By Fake Fall
2008: Let’s Hope This Five Year Old Is As Accurate With His Predictions As He Is With His Aim For The Toilet
2007: Belated Greetings From The Great Pumpkin Pile
2006: Working Man
2005: Black And White

4423 Humboldt Street

This is the courtyard where I took the graffiti photo. It's an old warehouse in Detroit that Eddie and I went to look at; it was for sale - 45,000 SF for $150,000.00. They billed it in the ad as a place that would be "perfect" to make into loft apartments. Yeah, if you had thousands of dollars to convert it. It was soooo run down.

Here's another version of the tag I posted a few days ago. I really like this shot because it shows the entire wall and the trees growing out of control behind it:

Now if only I could read what it said.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1 YEAR AGO: Eddie Tourist Friday
2 YEARS AGO: Ripe For A Dognapping
3 YEARS AGO: What Lies Beneath
4 YEARS AGO: Big Sky Country

My Nizzl Fa Shizzl

I know many people consider graffiti unsightly, and many times I would agree. But sometimes, it's so colorful and so creative, that you can't help but sort of think it looks cool.

This is one of those times. Ed and I found this at a warehouse we went to look at in Detroit. I love the brick wall it's on and I love the charred wood in front of it.

It's just damn arty. Fo’ shizzle.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1 YEAR AGO: When You’re Smiling
2 YEARS AGO: I’ve Been Everywhere Sunday
3 YEARS AGO: Decision Dilemma
4 YEARS AGO: Alaska Later

Downtown Detroit: Occupied And Vacant

Two buildings at the corner of Grand River Avenue and Washington Boulevard; both presently occupied:

The Grand Army of the Republic Building; beautiful, but vacant:

The Kales Building: restored and presently occupied:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1 YEAR AGO: Barracks And Decatur
2 YEARS AGO: Dicks In Tennessee
3 YEARS AGO: Canoe The Blue
4 YEARS AGO: Minalicious

A Magnificent Place To Wait For A Train

When we came across this building during our exploration of Detroit this weekend, it stopped me dead in my tracks. Ed was driving and I begged him to circle back and drive past it. I wasn't planning on getting out of the truck, but I just had to see it closer up.

As we approached, my mind was racing. What is it? What was it? It was palatial. Right away it reminded me of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. It loomed. It looked like a grand hotel. At the very top it had letters placed on each window divider that spelled out, "Save The Depot".

After Googling, I found that it was the Michigan Central Depot. You have to check out that link; there are some fantastic pictures of not only this, but other forgotten buildings in Detroit. You can read even more about the Depot here.

We come across a lot of abandoned places around the country and I can't help thinking about what they were like in their heyday and I'm always a little sad to know they're no longer part of a community. Letting a place like this deteriorate is such a crime. With WalMarts and strip malls being built on every corner, making this entire country look the same town after town, it's really a shame that someone, anyone doesn't step in to bring a place like this back to its glory.

I know it takes money but there are a lot of people out there with just the kind of money needed to do it. Instead, it becomes a place for vandals and thieves. What was once a place of bustling activity, a meeting place for many, a crossroads of a city if you will, just gets tossed away. Pity.

I took several more pictures than what I posted here, but I only got exterior shots since the place was fenced off and didn't look too safe for explorers. But you can take a look at this and see many other shots of the interior as people worked to clean it up.

I think I want to live there. There's plenty of room to park a truck...

Inside.


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1 YEAR AGO: 37 Going On 20
2 YEARS AGO: Nostalgia
3 YEARS AGO: The Hills Are Alive…Or Are They?
4 YEARS AGO: Old Blue Eyes Was Right When He Said It Was A Very Good Year