Summer Happenings

I've taken a little summer vacation from blogging.  Our gardens are going gangbusters now so I've been busy canning and freezing some of the extra produce.  Cucumbers and zucchini are currently the vegetables of the week.  I froze green beans last week.  My daughter suggested them and I still have so many canned beans from last summer I thought I'd give something new a try.  

J and I travelled to northern Wisconsin for a week at the end of July.  Apparently, we had some of the hottest weather of the summer at home but it was nice and cool on our trip!  We stayed at a small resort, Four Seasons Island Resort, near Pembine, Wisconsin.  It has a lovely nine-hole golf course, pool and 2 nice restaurants.  It was beautiful, peaceful and relaxing!  

This little resort is located on Miscauno Island in the Menominee River on the Wisconsin and Michigan border.  You access it driving on one of these small bridges.

The setting is so pretty and peaceful!

There are canoes to rent or, with a license, you can fish.

This bridge is on the other side of the small island and taken from the golf course.

J teeing off on one of the nine holes.

I probably spend as much time enjoying the scenery as playing golf!

We ate a couple of nights at the hotel grill.  J enjoyed trying out the local beers but I enjoyed a Blue Lagoon.  It's one of my favorite summer drinks.

We spent a couple of days driving down dirt roads and finding surprises 

like this little waterfall, near our hotel

We also enjoyed visiting the Menominee Range HIstorical Museum.  It shared some of the local history around Iron Mountain, MI such as the Cornish Pump, which pumped water out of iron mines in the late 1800s-early 1900s.  This was the largest 

steam-powered pump in the world.  

The display included lots of items used in iron mining.  

Next door to this display was the Glider and Military Museum.  There was a variety of vintage vehicles, military items and a restored glider used in WW II.  

According to the museum's website, "During World War II, the Ford Motor Company's plant in Kingsford built more Model CG-4A Gliders for the United States Army than any other company in the nation at less cost than other manufacturers. The glider featured in this museum is one of only seven fully restored CG-4A World War II gliders in the world."

It was certainly impressive!

J and I like finding these interesting, local displays.  Many communities have interesting histories and are proud to share with any who take the time.

We also spend a little time in Door County, Wisconsin.  We found a few wineries and this new brewery in Sisters Bay called Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery.  It just opened this summer and is owned by a young couple.  They served their offerings out of a barn on the back of their property.  Visitors relaxed in their backyard in a laid back, comfortable setting.  There were a lot of families enjoying the cool weather and playing outdoor games.  We just happened upon this place and really had a fun time.  The beer was good, too!

One of our favorite wineries on this trip was von Stiehl Winery in Algoma.  We sat outside with others and enjoyed visiting with locals and listening to live music.  

This was taken at the Northleaf Winery in Milton, Wisconsin on our way home.  You can tell J is a red wine kind of guy.  Surprisingly, one of our favorites from this winery was one of their peach wines!

Since we've been home we've had fun with this little fellow!  

Jack's Lego combine

I guess you can tell he loves fresh corn on the cob!

I just love this picture of Jack and his GG (Great Grandmother - J's mom)

And one more EXCITING event happened recently!  Our future daughter-in-love said YES to the DRESS!  

Michelle and I got to go along with her mom and sister  It was so much fun watching her try on all kinds of different styles.  The one that she picked is so elegant and beautiful, just like she is!

We've had a very happy and blessed summer so far!  I'd love to hear what you've been up to.  Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

                Zenda