Hello, Friends! In between a busy schedule of painting and repairs on our new/old house, Mr. P and I have been enjoying the warmer weather, and particularly the explosion of leaves and flowers on the deciduous trees and in the gardens and on the porches of many of our neighbors. We had one day that was much too hot for me, but so far, only one, so I have nothing to complain about. I am loving the mostly cool and humid spring climate here in the upper peninsula of Michigan. I told my husband it’s sort of like a cool Hawaii—lots of interesting weather changes within a day along with a lush and verdant landscape. It can go from sunny to cloudy and back again in no time.
Our neighborhood consists of a sweet few blocks of century old two-story homes built for employees of the Ford plant that was here at the time, along with a park and a three-story home, called “the clubhouse” used by Ford and other important individuals.
“…Construction on the houses […] in the upper Ford Addition began in mid-May, 1924. Placed 24 to a block and kept in good repair by a crew of men employed by the Ford Motor Company for that purpose, the homes had electric lights, indoor bathrooms and were wired for a telephone. Most had three rooms downstairs, three rooms upstairs and a large cement basement. Some had five rooms, three on the ground floor and two upstairs. The smaller bungalows had five small rooms. Prices ranged from $3,500 to $5,500. A block-and-a-half square situated between Woodward Avenue and Hamilton Avenue was left for a park in the 600 block. In 1928 the park was equipped with tables, benches and garbage cans. A bandstand was erected in 1929, and a concert was held every Wednesday evening during the summer months. A cinder path was added in 1930 and tennis courts were also added [Menominee Range Historical Museum].” https://history.dickinsoncountylibrary.org.
I’m told we have our own little neighborhood parade, that the high school band marches down our street, and that we have a very big Halloween turnout here. The middle school, high school, a little lake, a park, medical clinic, a brew pub, tavern, and restaurant are all within easy walking distance. Nearby there are bigger lakes, the Menominee River, ski hills . . . . just all kinds of wonderful natural beauty. Walking and kayaking are our favorite activities here so far.
It’s fun to watch the rhythms of the place unfold as we begin to find our place here, bit by bit.
Reading News:
My latest reads include
Blonde Dust, Tatiana de Rosnay—loved it!
My Husband’s Wife, Alice Feeney—entertaining
Judge Stone, James Patterson and Viola Davis—entertaining
Broken Country, Clare Leslie Hall—loved it
The Widow, John Grisham—entertaining
The Missing Pages, Alyson Richman–entertaining
My current read is Slivers, by Vicki Atkinson. Vicki is a fellow WordPress blogger and author of the wonderful memoir, Surviving Sue, which I loved. She is a licensed professional counselor with a doctorate in Adult Education and degrees in Psychology. I’m delighted to read her debut novel, Slivers, and will be writing a review soon!
Happy Reading! Happy Summering! XXXOOO -Lori
LakeArrowheadLadyWriter 
Oh…finding the rhythms in your new home, the surrounding area. Love the photos, the history you’re uncovering. And the pic of you and Mr. P is fabulous!
Sending big hugs as you enjoy the cool days…I love them, too!
P.S. Thank you for reading Slivers! I am SO honored.
Xo! 😘❤️😘
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I’m so honored to be reading it, Vicki! Love you!
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!!!❤️❤️❤️!!!
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Your new neighborhood and surrounding areas look beautiful! Love lakes, waterfalls, green! Relaxing and peaceful!
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It’s really great here, Kathy, for sure! I will always also long for my mountain home and mountain family in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains. 🏔️🏕️🏔️ Sending you hugs! xxxooo
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what an idyllic setting! very happy for you two. and those pictures really sell the place. being that you’re in the UP, how is it in terms of getting packages i.e. Amazon Prime, Fedex, etc.? Mike
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Thank you, Michael. It is beautiful here and mail and package delivery is right on time.
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Your new locale looks to be excellent.
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Yes, it’s a great area that I didn’t know much of anything about before moving here! Such a risky adventure, but we did have some guidance from my sister-in-law who has a home not too far away. So many forests, lakes, and rivers! 🏕️🥰
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Love your photos, you are such a lovely couple. ❤️❤️ What a nice looking neighborhood. All the water shots look idyllic. I’m excited to read your review of “Slivers”.
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Awww, thank you, Rose! We did land in a lovely area here. The water soothes our souls and we’re beginning to make progress on our house which has been in need of repairs for years. The neighbors are so kind and supportive. I hope you’re feeling well and enjoying this beautiful day.💞💛💞
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I’m glad you are adjusting well to your new life in Michigan. I remember your post when your new house was barren, and you had your share of anxiety, hoping this was a good move. The setting and cooler weather sound appealing.
I just read the first two chapters of Slivers last night, and I’m already hooked.
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So good to hear from you, Pete! Yes, things were a bit bleak in the beginning and this move was my hardest, so finding beautiful places just to be and to breathe is a healing balm.
I look forward to reading Slivers and also reading your review! Enjoy your day!
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Looks like a nice place to live
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Thanks for commenting, David. It is feeling like a good fit for us. There’s a lot of natural beauty and no freeways or crowds. 🥰🏕️📚
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Thank you for sharing your new world! Enjoyed every word and view!
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Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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The UP of Michigan scares me. It’s so cold in Michigan! I loved your pictures.
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🤓 You are right about the cold, Jacqui! There will be no going outside without lots of Arctic gear once winter is upon us! We’re working on the windows while it’s still warm and enjoying being out and about!
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What a beautiful neighborhood – and environs. Sounds like you are “finding your home” and exploring it gently. Congrats! Thanks for the book sharing – and sharing Vicki’s newest book. We bloggers are wonderful. 🙂
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Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Pam. I love your phrase “exploring it gently.” That’s truly the way it feels! So glad to have met you here and to have the opportunity to read your blog!
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Thanks for sharing. I love the images. Looks like a beautiful place to live. Keep enjoying your reading time. I love John Grisham and have The Widow on my to read list.
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Thank you, SanVercell! I hope you enjoy the Grisham book. 📚✍️📚
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