Remember when you would run, play and just not care about anything but having fun?
Remember when you would run, play and just not care about anything but having fun?

As a child, I remember running on the beach and feeling totally free. I saw this little girl chasing after the seagulls in Manistee and all those memories came back to me. Of course after I took this shot, I had to help her out and chase the seagulls too.

Manistee Beauty, Just 2 Hours from Grand Rapids
Manistee Beauty, Just 2 Hours from Grand Rapids

I just got back from a weekend in Manistee and was amazed at both the beauty and how few people were there. Here’s a link to the area I took this off Lakeshore Beach Drive. The first time I saw Manistee was about three years ago and I was blown away by what a hidden treasure this place is. There’s still time to soak up some summertime beauty, sun and waves up north, why not head to Manistee? It’s only two hours from Grand Rapids, check it oouuuttt!

Driving along the backroads to Fremont
Driving along the backroads to Fremont

I’ve been pretty lazy with my blog this summer so I thought I’d better make this post a good one since it’s been so long. I took this on the way to my friend’s wedding party (Congratulations Amity & Lance!). It was so beautiful that day driving though the backroads on the way to Fremont.

Picadillis in Whitehall, MI
Pekadills in Whitehall, MI

I’ll tell you what’s going on, someone’s enjoying Pekadills in Whitehall, MI. YUM! I absolutely love this place. First of all, the food is great; second of all they have a garden area out back that is totally relaxing to enjoy that great meal in; and lastly, Whitehall is a nice little lakeshore town with one of the best boat launches around. Here’s a link to Pekadills website. And another link to Whitehall.

Oval Beach In Saugatuck, MI
Oval Beach In Saugatuck, MI

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer as far as most Michiganders are concerned. This is what we’ve been waiting for all winter long, the sugar sand beaches, beautiful cloudy skies, warm wind blowing off the water and clean air that feels and smells like it does when you live on a peninsula surrounded by fresh water. Today I feel like I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Another Beautiful Michigan Beach
Another Beautiful Michigan Beach

If you grew up in Michigan, you would probably take the beaches for granted because there are so many of them, and they are all special in their own way. This is the beach at Point Betsie Lighthouse near Onekema and Frankfurt. The beach is an interesting combination of sand and rocks. Just a few feet away from where I took this photo is a beautiful sugar sand beach. I can’t wait for summer and HORRORS, taking my laptop to the beach and working there while I’m baking in the sun.

For such a large event, Rothbury was relaxing and fun.
For such a large event, Rothbury was relaxing, fun and exciting all rolled into one.

When I took this photo last year at Rothbury, it was just getting started and I was wondering what I was in for. I was immediately struck with how creative the event organizer, Madison House, was. There were hammocks, tents, and just random fun things every where. There was even “Gangsta Yoga” in the morning. Some of the headliners Rothbury 09 features includes Bob Dylan, The Dead, String Cheese Incident, Willie Nelson and Family, The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule and much, much more. You can find out all about at their website here. When I was there last year I talked with people from all over the country who regularly attended music festivals and nearly every one of them told me this was the best they had ever been to. I hope to see you there too this year!

Walk this way.
Walk this way.

The entry to the beach next to Point Betsie Lighthouse leads to aqua waters and a sugar sand beach shared by a rocky shore. Although the site is a popular tourist spot, it is still easily accessible and serene.

He thinks he's cool.
He thinks he's cool.

The Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition will be winding down pretty soon, so if you want to see it, this would be the time to act. The event is over on April 30th. The butterflies are at their best on sunny days, they go crazy and are everywhere.

I appreciate having the Frederik Meijer Gardens here in West Michigan. We’re lucky to have so many philanthropists who care about making their hometown special. It’s not unusual to see Fred Meijer at the gardens he and his wife Lena so generously gave to this community. And the gardens continue to grow and give. Each year I’m amazed at the new exhibits and changes that make them even better.

Popular coming attractions are the Michigan All-State Bonsai Show May 16 – 17 and the Jonathan Borofsky exhibition, now underway through May 10.

What the? Curious Goats
What the? Curious Goats

I’m almost a little embarrassed to admit that up until I took this picture, I had never “met” a goat before. These little stinkers are REALLY cute and fun. First off, they are curious and secondly, very funny.

I was bored, so deliberately got lost in Coopersville farmland. I saw this farm with goats and the farm owner was nice enough to show me around and let me take some photos.

When the goats saw me standing on the fence to take this picture, they all stared at me like “Hey lady, what the heck are you doing there, shouldn’t you be in here standing on the picnic table with us and playing?”

Some people have goats for pets, and now I know why. If I was home more, I’d be one of them. As I was leaving the farmer told me that some of their goats are for sale. If you would like to find out more about owning a goat of your own: Call Beth at (616) 837-6432.