A Springtime Throwback to Van Raalte Farm

A Springtime Throwback to Van Raalte Farm

Outside the birds are a cacophony of song, grass is greening and growing, and in my garden the rhubarb, raspberries, and chives are poking their little green heads through the rich black soil.

And today, it is gloriously grey outside, with promises of rain which will give everything a gentle washing and a much-needed soak.

img_5781_6886633300_o

img_5769_6886632960_o

img_5830_6886634606_o

It made me think of how much I love springtime at Van Raalte Farm in Holland, Michigan. 160 acres of land and miles and miles of walking trails make for the perfect place to immerse yourself in spring. It is beautiful to walk in every season, but especially spectacular in the spring. If you are nearby, you should definitely go – you won’t be disappointed!

img_5793_6886633790_o

img_5798_6886634020_o

img_5856_6886635230_o

img_5848_7032731889_o

img_5788_6886633616_o

Snowy Memories

Snowy Memories

With the potential for “Snowmageddon” for much of the east coast, today seemed like a good day to remember winter vacations in northern Michigan and skiing at the now long closed Sugarloaf Resort in Cedar.

It was where we learned to ski. My kiddos were much better than I was, and they all quickly surpassed me with their skiing prowess! They still ski, me not so much at all anymore.

I think Heidi was five in this photo in the winter of 1995-1996.

I did love this resort, and my favorite – Ridge Runner – was over a mile and a half of gently sloping terrain, winding through beautiful woodlands and views of Good Harbor Bay in Lake Michigan, which you can see in this photo.

It was such a spectacularly beautiful place.

Today, it seems like yesterday and the memories warm my heart.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Dreaming of a White Christmas

In the two years I have lived in Pittsburgh, we have not had any snow for Christmas. In fact, both Christmas’ have been marked by unseasonably warm weather.

Winter is one of the things I miss the most about Michigan! The frosty snow blanketing the earth as if to tuck her in for a long winter.

This photo is a lovely reminder, especially today when I look outside and see green growing grass!

 

Pin It on Pinterest