Virtual morel mushrooming, anyone?

Happy Monday, mushroom lovers!

How was your weekend? I happily crossed off a couple more items from my “Spring Forward” list yesterday, thanks to a sunny Mother’s Day hike at the Treat Farm. Cool but sunny meant a spring wildflower hike was in order. And maybe a meander into the woods for some morel-hunting if we were feeling ambitious. We were greeted with a forest full of trillium (some turning to their late Spring light purple hue already), jack-in-the-pulpits, columbine, forget-me-nots, purple and white viola, a few remaining dutchman’s breeches and other lovelies courtesy of Mother Nature.

Through the woods, across the meadow and out to the bluff…

On the way back, Chris wanted to cross the meadow and he spotted these. Have you ever seen such large, woody asparagus? Crazy!

Then we stumbled into the woods in search of morels, but instead we got some quiet moments and some leek-filled breaths. Somewhat dejected, off we hiked back to the car. Until… are you ready now for some virtual mushrooming, dear readers? Give it a shot!

Don’t pick them just yet. Wait until everyone has had a chance to “find” them…

OK, now you can pick! How’s that for a fun fun fun-guy adventure!?

Now what will you do with your bounty? I don’t like to *do* too much to them because the flavor is so delicate. My favorite partner for morels? You probably guessed it. Butter. Cleaned and lightly pan-fried in butter with a dash or two of salt and pepper. And some fresh asparagus… Sounds like we’ve figured out dinner tonight! Whew.

harbingers of Spring

It’s decidedly Spring in northern Michigan when the rhubarb’s thigh-high (remember, I’m short) and the local asparagus decides to pop its happy, green head through the sandy soil. At today’s windy, cold (36) first outdoor farmer’s market of the season, we giddily found both. The smiles of the farmers in spite–or perhaps, because–of the weather, made the outing worthwhile. OK, the down coat helped too. And the hot coffee from Morsel’s on the walk home. And being with my family. So I hereby dedicate this week to the tastiest harbingers of Spring, rhubarb and asparagus. Follow along on some tasty adventures with me this week! Rhubarb crisp and asparagus frittata, anyone? Or maybe some cream of asparagus soup to warm you up? What are YOUR favorite asparagus and rhubarb recipes?

Got plans for next weekend already? Of course it includes a trip to Empire for the 7th Annual Empire Asparagus Festival, right? Rain or shine, asparagus-lovers unite to celebrate the mighty green stalk. Even roasted asparagus beer. Yes! You will find it courtesy of Traverse City’s Right Brain Brewery. And lots more spear-ited fun! Hope to see you there.


auto lift recliner, Christian books, snowmobiles, and more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, lovelies, it is indeed Garage Sale season in northern Michigan. Some of my *favorite* items from today’s listings… are you in need of any of these? These are poached from various listings. Enjoy the hunt!

  • auto lift recliner
  • Christian books
  • 16 gage shotgun, 177 pellet gun
  • snowmobiles
  • bowling balls
  • Budweiser steins
  • basketball cards
  • rods and reels, knives and guns
  • NASCAR
  • stuffed animals
  • romance books
  • dog bathing station
  • 9 inch rear end off full size truck
  • ladies pink motor cycle helmet 30.00
  • gamer rocking chair with built in audio features and speakers
  • still have stuff left small big and some small stuff we also have a really nice bike for sale and a ring and other stuff
  • And if you get hungry we will be selling hot dogs and drinks!

But some people are clever. What do you think of these new words I stumbled upon today?

  • funtique
  • juntique

Some people think that the more exclamation points they use in the ad, the better the turnout. What do you think? Enjoy the hunt out there, folks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cash for stroller clunkers!

As if I needed another reason to love Sweet Pea, the lovely baby/kids/Mamma store in downtown Traverse City. But they gave me one more reason to be a devoted shopper so I had to share it with you, dear readers and fellow bargain hunters…

Bring in an old stroller and they’ll give you $25 toward a new one!

Now that’s something to smile about on this rainy day, eh?!

marquee comic relief.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy the world (besides kicking chunks of snow off the car wheel wells) is to point and laugh at signs. Here’s one at our neighborhood watering hole that I had to share with you.

“Burg-Frys-Draft 5.99” a healthy choice? Now that’s my kind of health food! Also, free chips w/ sandwiches? I am THERE. Actually, the food is pretty decent here at Lil’ Bo’s except that Chris says they serve the world’s worst Carbonara. And if you clicked on the link, you would have discovered the world’s worst Web site too.

Go for the olive burger I always say. It’s a HEALTHY CHOICE.

mid-winter lovelies

I don’t know what it’s like where you are, but it’s still decidedly mid-winter in northern Michigan. Although the bikinis are out in full force at Target, I’m still bundling my little birdie up and hoping for another solid month of skiing. Check out these hand knit lovelies for the wee ones in our lives… So cute!

I also had to share this cool snow sculpture of winter love birds that was erected in downtown Traverse City last weekend. One more reason to love living here! Thankfully, we do not take ourselves too seriously in the blustery north country.

After a rough week in our nest, we’ll all be back together again tonight. Healthy and happy. Yahoo!

What will you be doing in your nest this weekend? I hope to be cooking, baking, skiing, working on the craft room and snuggling up with my family. Have a great one!