The Tree Comes to the Yard

That's it... we got the tree here. We have no idea when we can manage to set it up! The upstairs (living area) is too big a mess to bring it in. That's my problem. Om went on a cleaning jag and the downstairs (bedrooms and den) is pretty good.

I'm facing a horribly busy week (I know, who isn't?), and don't see much hope of straightening up. I should have done it today, but mostly goofed off. Well, not mostly, but more than most days.

So, the craziness starts in about 8 hours. You can come along for the ride! I still promise something good every day, but who knows what it will be?

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Finding Inspiration Point

 
Today was the monthly Spirit of the Woods hike, and it was just us three girls again (Loren, Ellen and me!). We are having a great time every month, but if you are local, we won't mind a bit if you crash our party. Come join us in January (Pine Valley Pathway, Jan 21)!



A couple of years ago, someone asked me if I'd been to Inspiration Point on Hamlin Lake. I said that I had not, but for some reason (maybe we got interrupted?) I never learned how to get there. Well, today, we found it by accident!

We began by hiking the trail that I told you about in A New Trail To..., but we started at the dam and went the other way. Coming back, we took a side trail high on a dune ridge along the south side of Hamlin Lake.

In about a half mile, we came to a bench with the label "Inspiration Point." Here's the view to the NNW.



We sat on the bench and ate our lunches. But it was COLD, so we didn't sit there long. The ice is beginning to form on the edge of the lake, and I just liked the patterns it makes.



All together we hiked about five miles. We only had two dogs today. Loren only brought Corky, as Teak and Cedar are finding it harder to do the long hikes. This picture is closer to Lake Michigan, before we actually started walking, but I just like it.



We saw a Pileated Woodpecker, and some gulls. Not a great wildlife day, but we sure had a good time. And now I know how to get to Inspiration Point!

And... I can explore another day, because the trail goes on farther. I wonder where it goes? You know I'll tell when I find out.

	See Hamlin Lake Inspiration Point is just to the east of #3
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Little Manistee River Drive

There is a road that I like to take whenever I can, and if I have to go to a particular area it's likely that I'll be on it. This is because, even though it's a rustic road, it's really the only way to connect through from one area to another.

It's name is about as long as it is: Little Manistee River Road. The road is only about 1.5 miles long. It does parallel the Little Manistee River.



Here's the road! As you can see, it's not going to win for straight or smooth. Just my kind of thoroughfare. The potholes force you to slow down and look around. True to the name, the river is just to the south.



Today was really, really busy! But I enjoyed that short drive and hope you enjoyed it too.

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Ribbon Candy

This post is a bit different from my usual casual description of whatever... it's an essay, a memoir, if you will.

Driving home in the rain and dark last night the lights of the car ahead trailed streaking, wiggling reflections in their wake. It must be because it’s December that I was reminded of ribbon candy. It’s seldom raining here this close to Christmas. Usually at this time of year my thoughts are swirling with snowflakes.

But suddenly I found myself remembering ribbon candy, something I haven’t tasted, haven’t even thought of, in years. Truth be told, I probably wouldn’t even like it any more. Yet, it was a seriously important part of my family’s Christmas tradition when I was a child. Each year my father bought one box.

As I recall, my father’s contribution to Christmas celebrations was minimal. Dad was serious, precise and liked routine. There was a right way to do everything; Christmas was messy and temporary. I think he tolerated the tree and candles and decorations primarily for my benefit. And, he always brought home one box of ribbon candy.

How is it that ribbon candy tastes different from other candy? It’s made from sugar, corn syrup and flavorings, the same as a thousand other candies. And yet, it is different. There’s something about the way those thin strips of hard sugar crunch, and the way the flavors of the stripes blend together.

Do the red and white ones really taste different from the green and white ones? Why are some of the ribbons shimmery, while others are in clear primary colors? How do they make those perfect squiggles?

Why did my father choose this as his contribution to the festivities? Was there some tradition from his childhood that he never shared? He was adopted when he was four by a hard-bitten, Irish immigrant farm couple. I doubt that there was much extravagance in that family. Why did I never think to ask him about any of his Christmas memories?

Yet, as I write this, I can see Dad smile as I tear the cellophane off that flat, rectangular box. Did he know that I silently cheered when he bought the big box, the one with two layers? We would set a date each year when the bottom layer could be uncovered, to make the treats last longer. The last broken crumbs were savored some time before New Year’s Day.

A long red and white ribbon of memories flowed down the road, beckoning me to follow, last night. Dad, if I never thanked you for the ribbon candy, I hope you can hear me now.

	See My Yearly Nativity Project
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Interesting Barns

I had to work today, and it was raining all day. At least it wasn't pouring for most of the afternoon. The best things I saw were two interesting barns. First is one with an ogee roof. I actually saw several like this today.



They sent me to an area I'd never been to before. In fact, I don't think I'd ever been in one of the small towns.

Here's a round barn.



The day did not lend itself to exploring, and I just barely finished by dark. I can't complain about work for pay, but I got 26 assignments yesterday that have to be done by the 23rd! Time is going to be tight.

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