December Fog

Old US-27 south of Clare

Usually December means cold blustery days. It's still somewhat cool today, but the temp is well above normal. When warm meets cold we get fog and it's really foggy out there. Many people would say dreary but I say ... as long as you've can find one thing to be happy about, no matter how large or small, it's a good day. Now get out there and find something good about your day! :)

Downtown Clare, MI • December 30, 2010

Old US-27 south of Clare, MI • December 30, 2010

Walking dog in the fog • December 30, 2010

Merry Christmas lights!

Mid Michigan Medical Center - Clare

I love Christmas lights! One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is drive around and look at lights and decorations. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, you can leave them up all year round! Then again, maybe just all winter. They brighten up a time of year that can be drab and dreary. Many people don't like the snow and cold and I'm one of them. Yes, I love the four seasons, but I'd be happier if I could spend all winter inside nice and warm!

Clare, MI Lightpost

Luckily my drive home from work includes lots of cool lights and at this time of year, getting out of work at 5 or 6 it's already dark out and there's still lots of time to look at lights before going to bed.

I hope you enjoy Christmas lights as much as I do. Take some time this winter to drive around and check out the lights around your hometown. In case you don't get a chance to make it ... here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.

Doherty Hotel in Clare, MI

Cops & Doughnuts front window • Clare, MI

Looking back at history

I recently decided to go back to school and get my Associates Degree in Entrepreneurship at MMCC. Yes, I already have an Associates Degree but it is older than the hills. Somehow, I never had to take a humanities class – until now.

Before I go any further let me say that I think everyone should be required to take at least a couple of these and yes, I do have another one I need to take. Why? I think knowing something about another culture or another time is part of what makes us interesting and well-rounded individuals.


I wasn't really interested in the "usual" humanities classes, but one history class really caught my eye – "Exploration of the Mafia" taught by J. Bond. I had no idea who the instructor was, but growing up I heard lots of mafia stories about The Purple Gang. One local story was of them coming to Leebove's house in Clare to "cool off" when things were "hot" in Detroit. Another story is  about how Livingston
shot Leebove. Leebove was an associate (not a made member) of The Purple Gang, Livingston and Leebove had some business differences and Livingston thought Leebove was going to have The Purple Gang kill him. A case of kill or be killed. Livingston got off by pleading "temporary insanity." My father, about 13 or 14 at the time, was working across the street from the Doherty Hotel when it happened. He was an usher at the theatre and saw Leebove's body wheeled across the street. Of course it was covered with a sheet.


I once asked my mother who was born in Detroit in the mid 1920's how they got their name. She had heard that during the Cleaner and Dyers War in Detroit they would throw purple dye in a company's machines if they didn't pay them for "protection." During class we were broken into crews for a presentation. Our crew chose The Purple Gang and we found that there were at least 9 different legends as to how they got their name (including my mom's story.)


During the course of taking this class the Morning Sun did a story on "unusual" college classes and this class was one of those featured. For anyone who thinks this is an "easy" class, let me assure you it isn't. There was a lot of reading, studying, class participation, writing and even a group research/presentation project.


Recently a friend told me she decided against taking this class. I was very sorry to hear that she had changed her mind. Her reason was that she found something she thought would be more "useful." The only thing I have to say about what she said is that I found this class to be extremely useful.


Jeremy Bond, the instructor, has designed this class in such a way that it makes you come up with your own decision as to what really happened. While many people think history is learning facts about past events, there will always be questions left unanswered. Was there a conspiracy to shoot JFK? Was organized crime behind it? Did the mafia pay Lee Harvey Oswald to kill him? What really happened to Jimmy Hoffa? Where is his body burried? Was he a good president of the Teamsters? Some questions we'll never really know the answers to. But it sure is fun to figure out all the options.


Hats off to you JB – you are a great instructor. Thanks for all the good times. I wish you and future crews the very best in the future.

A stroll through Clare

Last spring I received an email from Kim Gray. Kim is what I might call a bit of a shirt-tail relative. Her husband’s niece, Gloria, is married to my cousin Don. Basically it means we’re not related to each other, but I still think of Kim and her husband, Loren, as family.  I’m always glad to hear from Kim but this email intrigued me. Truth is … I’d been waiting for it.

Keeping track of auction bids.

In 2009 the Pere Marquette District Library in Clare had some extra chairs that were taking up space in their basement. The library teamed up with the Clare County Arts Council and announced a “Spare Chair Fair.” The chairs were distributed to local artists of all ages who turned the simple chairs into wonderful works of art. The chairs were displayed in local businesses for several weeks and were then auctioned off in late September. The proceeds were split between the two organizations ~ it was a win-win situation for everyone.

Window by Michelle Bain

Having talked with Kim earlier in the year, I knew what this year’s “Spare Fair” item was and I had an idea. This year the “spare item” was the old windows from the 4-H Camp in Isabella County. Quite a while back they replaced the windows and the old ones had been taking up room in storage. Now it was time for them to have a new home. (I found out the night of the auction that they had been offered to another organization and luckily they turned them down!)

Window by Darb Bain

During the past 12 months I have taken a drawing class and a photography class. Surely I could come up with something to do with one of those windows. My inner creative juices started flowing. I guess actually you could say they started overflowing. I came up with idea after idea after idea. Finally I decided on a photo that I had taken while at a workshop downstate. The photo is of lush green grass and beautiful green trees along a relaxing pathway.

Then, when it got down to start working on the project …  I knew it wasn’t the right fit for the window. I really wanted to do something “close to home.” I love my small little town where even if you don’t know someone personally, you know who they are, a member of their family or at the very least you know someone they know.

Tracey's new Spare Window

Then I realized what I wanted to do ~ I wanted to take photos from around town. So off I went one evening after work. I shot photo after photo … the water tower, a street sign near my house, the Pioneer Mother, the Doherty Hotel, the Post Office, Cops & Doughnuts, the library, the rail-trail tunnel that goes under the expressway, the 4-mile marker southeast of town, the depot and the Welcome Sign at Big Boy. Since there were only 6 panes in the window, I had to decide which photos I wanted to use. No, I didn’t pick the 6 that I thought were the best. I ended up picking the 6 that I thought fit best together.

A Stroll Through Clare

My dad helped me work on the frame. We stripped it and I repainted it with a metal paint ~ yes on a wood frame. I got the prints made, mounted them and placed them in the frame. I got a backing for it and finally, it was time to return the frame to the library. I even remembered to sign it. What I didn’t think of was a name for it. When I dropped it off Kim fell in love with it. She mentioned that it reminded her of a “stroll through Clare.” Well that was it … the perfect name for my window!

After the windows were placed in the businesses my dad and I went down to see them. We walked downtown looking in the windows. Disagreeing on the ones that we liked. We knew mine was at the Chamber office, but we took our time walking around. I was really proud of my project when I was finished and it was really exciting to see it on display.

Two of my best friends, Tracey Brooks and Laura Strait, went with me to the auction. Another close friend and co-worker and her husband, Michelle and Darb Bain, also went. They both did windows too. While none of us won a prize, we did have a great night! The auction is after the Chamber’s Business After Hours at the Doherty and we went early to enjoy the food plus it’s a great chance to catch up with old friends.

Norman Yoder

At the auction A.J. and Sandy Doherty bought my window. I was especially glad because I know they love Clare as much as I do! Tracey ended up buying a beautiful window that will hang in her house someday soon.

I have worked on similar events and I know how much hard work goes into a project like this so I have to say “hats off” to Kim Gray and Jane Sartor who both worked tirelessly. Thanks also to Norm Yoder who donated his services as auctioneer for the evening. Mid Michigan is full of inspiring artists of all ages. Now I just can’t wait until next year … maybe you’ll decide to get your own creative juices flowing!

Back at it ...

Someone recently mentioned to me that I hadn’t been blogging lately and they’re right. I have photos and things I want to write about, but work and school have been my priority. It did make me stop and think. I really like blogging. A lot. So I’m promising myself and you my readers to do more. My goal is to write at least once a week. Starting now...

Backyard Hunting

Most years we have an unwanted guest or two at our house. They get between the floor of the attic and the ceiling of our house. From what I understand, they can do quite a bit of destruction in a very short time. The culprit? The elusive Red Squirrel.

Most years my dad live-traps them and take them to a new home by the dam about a mile or so from our house.

I learned something this year ... they can really travel. A co-worker informed me they can find their way back if they don't get taken at least 10 miles away. Really? That seems like an awful long way for such a little animal. I asked around and yup ... he's right. Those little suckers can move!

This year there were two of them spending time in our house. One of them got trapped fairly quickly and is now living out by the dam with us hoping he doesn't return. His little friend hasn't been so cooperative. I think he saw what happened to his little buddy and since he doesn't know there's a nice place by the dam to live, he hasn't gotten near the trap.

Oh Dad's caught lots and lots of squirrels this summer. Some of them are quite friendly. The reason we know this is one of the black squirrels got in the trap and another squirrel came to help him escape. They never did get it figured out, but eventually I opened up the trap, let the black squirrel out and reset the trap. But these two have come back ... over and over again. And worse yet ... they're telling their friends!

 Dad used to put nuts out as bait leading up to where the trap gets sprung. He's stopped putting bait up now. Why??? There is one black squirrel who figured out that as long as he doesn't step on the pan, he won't get caught. There was nothing stopping him from coming and eating all the bait. Consequently, there was no point in just feeding him so there is no more bait ... except for on the pan.

For the most part now the trap sits empty ... sad and alone. The red squirrel comes down on the roof of our house over the kitchen and bathroom and chatters at me some mornings. Other mornings I see him in the black walnut tree in our front yard. I think it's his way of laughing at us.

(NOTE: the pics were taken while Dad was still putting out bait.)

Dedicated

Looking in the dictionary under the word dedicated you will find: "wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal."

I think that along side this definition should be a picture of today. Over 30 motorcyclists came from all over Michigan for the annual Ride4Sam which brings awareness to the problem of domestic violence. The ride is named after Sam Babb. His mother Mary was murderd by her estranged husband in the parking lot of the Morning Sun in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

I refer to these riders as some of the most dedicated people that I have ever met for two reasons. First, year after year we see new faces, but more importantly we see many of the same faces over and over. Second, it rained today. And I don't mean a little sprinkle or light rain. When I arrived to help with registration ( the ride leaves from the Morning Sun) it was pouring rain. And the radar didn't look good. These riders wouldn't be wet at the end of this ride – they would be soaked.

Usually by the time I arrive (1/2 hour before registration) the parking lot has several bikes already there. This year ... no one. We all wondered how many would there be. Would anyone show up? And then within 5 minutes one lonely biker arrived. He was drenched, but ready to registered so he could continue his ride. The next bike that arrived was that of Shel Fox, Mary's godfather, and the founder of this event. He works with Beth Mills of Mary's Dream: Living Without Fear to help pull this event off. He is from the U.P. and brings several Grey Dragons down with him every year. He and the Dragons work tirelessly throughout the year on this event. They are wet, but ready to get the show on the road. Right behind them ... three more bikes pull in. Yup ... it was gonna happen ... and it was gonna be good. Our numbers were down quite a bit from years past, but these dedicated individuals wouldn't dream of letting us down. Before registration was over the rain had lightened up to an occasional sprinkle but there was more rain to come.

Danielle Brennan, along with her husband Alan and kids Deryn and Tim, were the lead vehicle. Danielle worked with us at the Morning Sun when Mary was killed. Carrie (Mills) Eaton and her husband Aaron and their son Brayden were in last vehicle. I am proud that both of these women involve their families in helping with this event. Raising your children to know that domestic violence is wrong is a good thing.

This year the route took a short spin through Mt. Pleasant before heading north throuth Clare, out to Jay's, across Surrey Road and over US10 to Evart. I left right behind them so I could be in Clare when they arrived. Since they were going through my hometown, I wanted to be able to be there when they passed through. Coming up old US-27 I was pleased to see the Clare City Police waiting a mile south of town to escort the ride through Clare. I wasn't sure I'd find the right spot to get some pictures from, but right in front of the Doherty the first parking spot was open – no cars would be blocking my view. As I settled into my spot I looked up I saw the sign at the Doherty Hotel welcoming the riders as they passed through. Just one more reason I love the town I live in. People here stand up for what is right in the world.

While I was sitting there I noticed a few people coming out from business and looking up the street. They were waiting for the ride go by too. Just as I saw the ride coming down the hill at the south end of Clare it started to rain lightly. One police officer went by on his bike to get ahead of the ride while another blocked traffic with his vehicle and got out to clear traffic out of the way.

I hate that this ride happens every year but I can't imagine not being there. I would much rather us plan a ride to celebrate that domestic violence no longer happens. That abuse has stopped. That would also be Mary's dream.

If you don't ride or can't, please know that you can still be involved. Stop by the Morning Sun and watch the riders leave, show your support along the route, volunteer your time helping to get donations and prizes for the raffles or stop down and make a donation.

Proceeds to go to area organizations that help domestic violence victims. They do the work that so many of us aren't capable of doing.

 If you lucky enough to have a bike, or know someone who you can hitch a ride with, put next year's Ride4Sam on your calendar now. I look forward to meeting you on Saturday, July 30, 2011. I'll be waiting for you at the registration tent. And hopefully the rain will stay away. And even if it doesn't, please join this group of people who are "wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal." 

Memorial site at the Morning Sun where Mary Babb is remembered every day.

Wedding weekend three --- Lisa and Drew

It was the middle of May and I was driving back to work after having lunch with my friend Christy when my phone rang. It was my co-worker Drew. I was sure it would be work related, but since I was on my way back to the office I decided to pick it up. I figured it wouldn't take long to say "I'm on my way back to the office. See you in a minute." Boy, was I wrong. Drew was calling to see if I was willing to take some photos of himself and Lisa to send to T.J. Maxx --- and they needed them done asap. Sure, why not? The three of us spent about an hour or so together at Island Park on a beautiful spring day. One of my favorite photos is Drew smooching on Lisa's cheek. T.J. Maxx must have liked it too because it was everywhere including a big sign on the store's window, gift card holder, congratulations board, etc.

Drew and their minister, Jeremy Selvidge, waiting patiently at the end of the size 8 shoe aisle for Lisa to make her grand entrance. The end of the aisle was an archway that was decorated with red and white roses --- since they had met at work (the Morning Sun newspaper in Mt. Pleasant, MI) their colors were ... black and white and red ... or should that be read?

 Lisa beamed and her tears flowed when she turned down the aisle to see Drew (and their guests) waiting at the end of the size 8s.

Staying true to her colors, the bride wore a stunning white dress and veil with long black gloves and a bouquet of red roses with white tiny flowers dotted in.

When she finally arrived by Drew's side they took hand and stared into each others eyes. It was only then we could see Drew's reaction --- tears of happiness.

Of course when you get married somewhere unique, people are bound to find out and be interested ... next up ... NBC's Today Show. And it didn't stop there. I admit my camera was out, but I was glad I had brought my little point-and-shoot. It got really noisy with lots of clicking when the cameras started going off – their wedding photographer, T.J. Maxx's local store, T.J. Maxx's national headquarters, the Morning Sun, more media, and many family members and friends. In addition there were at least three videographers (a very classy woman from the Today Show and two from AP ... at least I think that's what they said – it got hard to keep track.)

If you get the chance, check out the Today Show this week. From what I understand their wedding will be on-air Thursday or Friday (July 29/30.)

It not only include their wedding ceremony, but they were in town the day before and were there for Lisa and Drew's final boot camp workout before becoming a married couple.

Since they met at the newspaper and that was the theme of their wedding, we all found a wedding version of the Satayut-Ellis Herald Time-News at our seats at the reception. If you aren't aware, Lisa proposed to Drew in a column when she worked at the Morning Sun. Their reception paper told they met, how their parents had met along with stories of the matron of honor and best man and their adorable flower girl plus the menu for the day.

Their wedding was by far the most unusual location I've ever attended which says a lot since I attended one wedding held on the stage the couple met while working backstage and two weddings held on the beach (one in Traverse City and one in Clare.) It was also wedding that was most covered by the media.

I did tell fellow Morning Sun employee photographer Lisa Yanick-Jonaitis to remind me of this next time Drew complained about having to have his photo taken for newspaper promotions. There is nothing we will ever do will compare to the media that was at his wedding.

Congrats Lisa and Drew --- wishing you both have a happy forever after!

Wedding two ... Nikki and Bob

Nikki and Bob's wedding was held on the beach in Traverse City and it was an absolutely perfect day. Nikki's aunt is one of my best friends and I consider Nikki to be one of the family. As much as I know Nikki is a woman, I still think of her as a young college student just starting out in the world.

If you remember last Saturday, it was incredibly hot outside but there was this cool breeze coming off Traverse Bay that it seem the perfect temperature. I should have known before we tried walking to our seats, but I tried wearing shoes anyway. Within a few steps I knew it wasn't going to work and the shoes came off.

As usual, music is a big part of any wedding. In this case both on the beach and at the reception. The music at the ceremony and the music at the reception were very different from each other, but they were both perfect --- just like the rest of the day.

Nikki is very much her own woman and knows what she wants and everywhere I looked I could see Nikki shining through. But during a private moment between Nikki, Bob and their pastor, I saw Bob shine through. Bob put his arm around Nikki and pulled her just ever so slightly closer to him. His look in his eyes spoke volumes --- he felt so blessed that he had found the woman who would be by his side for the rest of his life and he could hardly wait for them to begin their life together. Lucky girl!

I have to admit it was a little odd with people swimming, tanning and boogie boarding next to us. But I really can't imagine a more perfect place for Bob and Nikki to start their life together. This is Nikki and Bob (they're in the middle) with her family: sisters Jessica and Megan, dad John, step-mom Kathy and sisters Kaylee and Stephanie. They are such a pretty family (and lots of fun too!

I have been to a ridiculous amount of weddings through the years but I have to say, this was by far the BEST wedding cake I have ever had. Wait ... make that the best cake of any kind I have ever had. I joked with the baker's sister that I think we're going to start having parties just so Justin can make cake for us. OK ... maybe I wasn't joking. The lemon cake melted in your mouth and I was thrilled to be able to have a second piece. If you were there, you understand what I mean about the cake. If you weren't there ... you should be jealous!

Congratulations Nikki and Bob ... I wish you both a happy forever after!

Wedding Season 2010

This summer is a first for me. I've got three weddings to attend in three weekends. This past Saturday was the first. I've known the bride, Gabby, since she was just a little girl. I met her Aunt Ginger our first day of third grade and we've been good friends ever since.

The first time I saw Gabby they had just moved back to mid Michigan. I was shopping with my mom and saw Gabby walking down the aisle of the store with her mom. I hadn't seen Carly since she had moved back and was delighted to see her and meet her daughter. Gabby was a beautiful little girl with bright eyes and a disarming smile who was about to become the proud owner of a new yellow rain slicker and matching umbrella. She chatted on as if she had known me all her life.

Fast forward several years and I find Gabby auditioning me for a part in "Dracula" at the Broadway. Sweet as ever and talented as can be. She ended up being one of the vampire girls that attacks poor Jonathan Harker. Unfortunately, VanHelsing kills all the vampires so by the end of the show she is dead.

Fast forward again to this spring. While taking my photography class I needed several model for my portfolio on emotions and feelings. I was looking for someone to model for a studio shoot and Gabby was home on break and happy to have her picture taken. I asked her all about this Canadian boy named Steve who she was engaged to. Her face lit up while talking about him and I could see in her eyes that she loved him with all of her heart.

This weekend I was happy to be able take some photos of Gabby while she was getting ready for her wedding. No matter what picture I look at part of me still sees a little girl with a yellow slicker and umbrella with big bright eyes and a disarming smile. Congratulations Gabby and Steve! I wish you a lifetime of love and laughter.

Summertime in Michigan

There are many signs that summer has arrived in Michigan ... flowers, garage sales and road construction. Looks like someone wasn't too happy with the road construction barrels. This one has a huge dent!

Dog Bowl 2010

The Friday before Memorial Day I received a text from my friend Dawn. It read something like "There are Weiner Races in Frankenmuth tomorrow" to which I replied "Does this mean we are going." Actually I already knew the answer. Of course we were going. We made a few calls and only Schannel agreed to go. The rest of our friends still think we're nuts ... except Laura. She wants to go with us next year. It was a good time. We watched dogs of all shapes and sizes catch frisbees and race obstacle courses, border collies herd sheep and, most importantly, we watched weiners race. Enjoy these pics and consider spending Memorial Weekend 2011 going to the dogs in Frankenmuth.