Snow in Michigan

Living in lower, Western Michigan is a treat in all seasons. Beautiful landscapes, incredible sunsets, equally incredible lake shore, no end to athletic activities, cultural events, local award winning breweries, bike trails going just about everywhere, did I mention local award winning breweries and lately anyway plenty of mystery when it comes to weather. This year, instead of shoveling snow from my driveway, I am tempted to put vegetable seedlings into the garden. 50*! 55*! Holy Cow! It has been my custom to build a huge, 12 foot tall sled run in my front yard for family and neighborhood kids during December. January and February until the first really big thaw occurred in the last week of February or the first week of March. In the back yard I put a short snow wall around half the back yard and filled it with water that froze into a small ice skating rink. It worked well. Occasionally a two or three day warm up would put a skin of water on the surfaces of the sled run and the ice rink but that only served to make the surfaces faster and more fun. The thaw almost never lasted long enough to stop the fun. Three years ago, maybe four, we were inundated with three quarters of a dozen inches of snow driven by 20 mile an hour winds over the course of 2 days. I'm not wishing for that mind you, just stating facts. Aesthetically speaking it was a magnificent visual spectacle totally encompassing what the Michigan wintertime experience is. Skiing, sledding, tobogganing, ice skating and body shops overflowing with vehicle collision repairs. That's been my Michigan for most of my lifetime. Today 43*, tomorrow 53* Saturday 55*. It takes some adjustment. So much free time and money usually spent in shoveling, driving slow, delays due to accidents and high heating costs, extra gasoline to warm up the car, you know stuff like that. The other thing I've learned from living in Michigan: Don't get used to anything! Sure as the sun comes the weather will change and bring yet another surprise. So, in light of that wisdom, I guess I'll simply wait until the normal growing season to plant my seedlings. I don't pray for any particular weather, I've been bitten with undesirable results and now I simply pray for the wisdom and strength to deal with whatever comes and most of all, enjoy it to the best of my ability. Come to think of it, weather in Michigan and life itself have a great deal in common don't they?

Bicycle trip progress report

My bicycle trip around Lake Michugan is such a wonderful experience so far. Although distance is not what I had expected I am pleased with where I am.

First leg-May 6th: 36th and Burlingame along the Kent Trails pathway North to John Ball Park then West up the steepest hill I've ever seen on Lake Michigan drive to Wilson Avenue in Standale. By that time my legs were rubber and I was grateful to see my support vehicle pulling up. It was back home to ther blue room and a nap.

Second leg-May 20th: West on Lake Michigan Drive to the top of the hill and East boundery of Allendale. Winds were 25mph steady and the hills were intimidating. legs getting a bit stronger but still out of shape. I had to laugh at my overconfidence and having to face reality with humility.

Third leg-May 27th: 6:00 am, dissapointed with my progress I made up my mind I would tackle the metropolis of Allendale on my own with no support. An attempt to get over myself. East city limit to West city limit...and back to get my car. Quiet, beautiful sunrise, very little wind. Excellent for contemplation and facing the reality thing. A needed mental adjustment.

Fourth leg June 3rd: West city limit of Allendale to The Yellow Jacket Bar and Grill, about 7 miles. (No, they were closed) Once again the high winds were kicking my butt. 25mph steady, gusting to 45mph. I maintained a steady pace and never stopped my legs from churning those pedals. A victory of sorts. The legs were there for me. I needed that.

Fifth leg-June 17th: Yellow Jacket Bar and Grill West on Lake Michigan Drive to Lakeshore Drive and turned North. Lake Michigan Drive from US 31 to Lakeshore Drive was scary. No shoulder for a bicycle to safely ride. Cars and trucks whizzing by at 55mph. One particular truck went by maybe only a foot from my handle bar. Just as she was passing she laid on the horn to let me know she didn't like a bicycle riding on "her" road I guess. Takes all kinds. lakeshore drive is magnificant! A bike path on the East side is smooth and friendly. Some bikers still road on the street. I didn't understand that. It takes all kinds. I arrived at City Beach in Grand Haven close to noon. The sun was shining, people were beginning to gather for the days activities and as the water evaporated the steam rose from the sand like a fog, giving the elusion, to my mind of zombies walking. Kinda fun. I continued to the Northern edge of Grand Haven and stopped for the day. It was Father's Day and my kids and grandkids came in from out of town. A great way to end that day.

This weekend I plan to go on from Grand Haven North as far as my legs and time slot allow me. I've found that if I ride approximately 5 miles and rest a bit I can go another 5 miles with little difficulty. Now if I can string a few of those together in one day I'll get somewhere. I'm still learning.

One last thing before I go.I can't help but notice how things have changed in 50 years since I walked around the lake. Back then many of the things we did along the shoreline, due to our ignorance were destroying it. We have come to the point of realization and much of what we do now is restoring it. Progress! Yeah, that's a good thing but still a long way to go. Just like my trip.

Have a wonderful day............Joe

Lake Michigan walk and Joe's Story

In "Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime" one of the chapters covers my trek around Lake Michigan. It was an adventure of such massive proportions I'll never forget. Loreen Niewenhuis did it too. She has recorded her experience in a book titled: "A 1000 Mile Walk on the Beach" From what I've read in the Grand Rapids Press yesterday it's sure to be a good read. I just finished emailing my congratulations to her on her accomplishments.

I walked around Lake Michigan in 1964. I was just being a young man trying to find himself. I had no intention of writing about it. She and I had completely different reasons and I believe I will learn much about the Lake from her perspective as an adult. I also walked around in one complete event. She broke it up into 10 segments. I road a bus through Chicago and Gary because I didn't want the hassle or the stench of such a congested area. She walked through there too. It is our differences throughout the whole project that interests me. We saw the same Lake. But, at different times, under differing circumstances, with different agendas, at different ages. I want to see the picture she's drawn.

Sometime in the future, depending on responsibilities and life in general, my goal is to ride a bicycle around Lake Michigan. A mishap with my leg and ankle have pretty much eliminated my ability to walk around but I can ride a bike anywhere. I look forward to it and the plans are being formed as I write here.

So I congratulate Loreen and wish her well. Her next goal is to walk around all 5 of the Great Lakes. I say, "Go for it!" I offer my encouragement and good wishes.

Blizzard of 2011 in Michigan

Here we are, right in the middle of the blizzard of 2011. Personally, I've seen worse and I think anyone on the East coast lately would think we were as bunch of wussies if we were overly concerned about this one. Sure there has been about 10 inches of snow blown around by the wind but still, a blizzard?

Jokes abound concerning Michigan and the amount of snow we deal with but lately we've been dodging the worst of it. That's the fun of living in Michigan though, uncertainty. Blizzards make a good news event but on a scale of one to ten, this isn't much of one yet. Within 24 hours the sidewalks will be clear, the roads mostly passable and the kids will be yelling and screaming while they slide down the nearest hill. That's Michigan! When it comes, we deal with it and get on with our lives. Snowmobilers, skaters, ice fishermen and skiers love this sort of thing. Some of us use the time as an excuse to kick back and get a much needed rest. Every snowstorm brings a silver lining for someone. What's the old adage? "When you get a lemon, make lemonade."

In 1978 there was a true blizzard. Roads were shoulder deep in drifting snow. Snowmobiles were ridden down the major roadways without so much as a second look from the local sheriff. Store shelves were emptied of all food staples and amazingly enough, toilet paper was no where to be found. A significant note of historical fact is that nine months later there was a whole bunch of babies being born. I think I'll start the countdown right now to see if that happens again. It may very well be the primary measuring stick of the intensity of a blizzard do you think?

I've seen the pictures of even minor snow events down south in Alabama and surrounding states. They have a problem. No snow removal equipment. Here in Michigan we have enough machinery to do the job so a storm like this is just like a bump in the road. A government survey conducted a few years back found that there is greater financial cost involved with the damage from bad roads in Michigan each year than from weather related accidents.

Today I get to play with "Bruno" my trusty snow blower. Probably a couple times. I'll be visiting some of my neighbors too. Bruno and I really enjoy that sort of thing. Have a good day..........Joe

Jobs and snow storms

We're finally getting snow around here. Hurrah! I know I am treading on thin ice here regarding the old axiom: "Be careful what you pray for." But at the same time, I continue to live in Michigan because I like the seasons, including but not limited to the snowy winter. Back when I was a kid it felt as though we received way more snow than the past few years. Streets were bordered by huge mounds of plowed snow covering even the sidewalks. It was a natural playground for us little guys. You could dig straight into the piles and they'd become a fort or an igloo in no time at all. The snow plows chugged up and down the side streets by attaching chains to their tires that dug deeply into the ice and snow. To my recollection there really wasn't much salt used to clear the roads as they do today. The trucks were filled with sand which they spread behind into the chain grooves as they plowed. It was cold, the snow was deep and cars got stuck regularly. That was solved when the neighbors would come out of their toasty homes with their coats, gloves and goulashes to push the unlucky soul out and on their way again. There was a lot of that. The tow trucks did a landmine business too I am sure but all in all w survived until spring came and it was time to go spearing for fish in the local creek. The change of seasons and the accompanying weather differences were a cause of celebration. When the weather stays the same for a long time most Michiganders like myself get bored. That's why I like the snow when it arrives and let there be no doubt that I also like it when it leaves.

The reason I mention this is that our economy is also seasonal and right now it is very much like the dead of winter. It is a difficult time for many of us and its hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I've been here before too. As sure as Spring follows winter, the economy will rebound and there will be much cause to celebrate. The thing is, we have to make the best of where we are right now. The trials and tribulations of recession can make us stronger and wiser. Just like winter helps us become more aware of the opportunities that come with Spring. Relief will come quicker for some of us than it will for others. recently I spoke with a friend who hadn't had a permanent job for over two years. He has now been working for a company for three months and they just told him they want him to stick round for many years to come and gave him a raise and a promotion. He handled the snow, now his Springtime has arrived. There are a lot of stories like that and more are popping up every day. I think we need to remember that and keep the faith. But we really have to work at it sometimes..I wish you a good day................Joe

Just another day in Michigan.

I am the first to admit that I do not have a huge speech vocabulary. I do, however have a vast vocabulary of understanding. In my writing and every day speech I probably work around a high school level. I've found that is where I am most comfortable. That's perfectly OK with me. I'm not out to make my mark as a word smith, public speaker or great orator of any measure. I'm simply an every day, almost invisible type of guy. But there are times when I feel I'm doing better in some ways than those that are way more educated than I am. Namely, those folks on TV and radio that give us the news. For the most part they are excellent in keeping me up to date on current events and weather. I am grateful for that and will continue to use them as well as the newspaper. I do have to take issue with their more than occasional misuse of superlative descriptive terms. RE: "Shocking, surging, jumping, leaping, shattering, terrible, incredible," you know, stuff like that.

This morning I listened as the local meteorologist described how a snow fall of 5 inches, "Shattered" the old record. What was the old record? "4.75 inches" In my limited vocabulary 1/4 inch of snow doesn't shatter anything. The other day gas prices were described as "surging" and "leaping" up in price. Although gas prices are extremely volatile, this particular increase was 2 cents, or less than one percent. A financial wizard was reporting on the huge increase in the price of gold one day. Gold is presently at around $1375 an ounce, not an insignificant piece of change by any means. But she described the increase of $1.60 as an "incredible, almost shocking" rise in value. I think you may be getting my point.

All I'm saying is that when someone is coming into my living room with the news of the day, I ask that they please do not try to sensationalise the trivial. Save it for the truly amazing stuff. Otherwise I am reminded of the kid that cried wolf all the time and when the wolf did come nobody paid attention. Give me the news straight, give me the facts and I can see for myself what is worthy of a scary or surprising term.

"There roads are covered with snow and ice today and hundreds of people are slipping and sliding all over the place almost making travel impossible." Hey! This is Michigan, what do you expect as far as the weather in December? We'll handle it! Where's the skis?.................Joe

Fishing or not

To leave, or not to leave, That is the question.

The motor home is packed, the lot is reserved, the fishing boat is hooked up and I'm ready to go. The storms are moving in and if I know what's good for me I'll put everything back into the garage and settle down to read a good book instead of going on my long anticipated, weekend fishing trip. 100% chance of hail and high winds, lightning and flood warnings abound, even a tornado or two have popped up the last few days. Why do I continuously watch out the window for a break in the weather? Do I think that somehow in His busy day God will change the forecast just for me? Of course I do! I'm a true fisherman. It's the optimism by which we live. Each and every time we toss that line into the water we actually believe there is a trophy lunker fish waiting just below the surface. It's only a short distance of thought to switch over to a miracle like changing the weather isn't it?

No, I won't be going this weekend after all. Not a big deal, I'll just make it another weekend instead. Where I go, the fish are always biting. I've learned long ago to be a flexible person. Flexible is the standard for survival and sanity in a state like Michigan where the weather changes constantly from one extreme to another. I would probably be out on the water already except for the lightning. Standing on the bow of a boat, out in the middle of a lake, pointing a fishing rod skyward when lightning decides to strike is not the brightest of ideas is it? Even though, in hopes of being there when that trophy fish bites, the urge still exists to battle the elements. If you fish you understand I am sure. It's all in being there.

So, I will watch the weather until the sun goes down anyway. Tomorrow I'll put all that fishing stuff away until another day. All, except one pole which I'll take to a local pond and catch what I can. Some fishermen don't fish unless it's for a particular species, bass, pike, crappie, whatever. Not me, I fish, period. As a matter of fact, if this storm continues too long, my neighbor that has an aquarium in his living room best not invite me over and leave me unattended by that aquarium. I wonder if those fighting fish really fight all that well?...................

Michigan Snow Storm

Snow, snow, everywhere. Oh my gosh! I just woke up, looked out the window and lo and behold, snow fell all over the country side as I slept. The past few weeks around here have been downright balmy. Sunshine, light breezes, warm rain showers and temperatures in the 60's. Dog gone good kite flying, dog walking, flower planting, tree trimming, barbecue grilling, bicycle riding, lawn fertilizing, neighborhood jogging, and finally taking down the Christmas lights weather. All over town people have been walking with strollers and little kids in tow enjoying this prelude to a warmer, less unfriendly climate. Ice cream sales have jumped. Motorcycles are uncovered, washed, waxed and taken on test runs. Custom cars, covered and stored ever so carefully over the winter, protected from salt and other corrosive threats can be heard firing up in garages everywhere. Not today! Snow, the dreaded element, has reclaimed its territory at least one more time. Fresh, clean, brilliant white and mushy snow has spread here and there to bring us back to reality. I live in Michigan. March is not a snow free month. On any given day we can expect snow, even blizzard conditions. But I have to admit, this year with all this sweet, warm weather I grew a bit complacent. Almost forgetting my place in this world.

Being a hardy, resourceful type of person, I believe I can deal with all the consequences surrounding even a storm of this magnitude. After all, I have a new (to me anyway) 4 wheel drive, big honkin' truck to drive through the slickery streets. This old half inch or so of accumulated snow won't dampen my enthusiasm one bit. I'm from Michigan, I can handle it. Its a gift. Everything is a gift of some sort isn't it? Even the bad stuff because they make us think and appreciate the good. I wish you a great and wonderful day........................Joe