Retired in Ann Arbor

Retired in Ann Arbor: On the Road!

2017-05-13T15:41:00.000-04:00

Greetings all fans of Ann Arbor!

After several years, and 166 posts, I have decided to give this blog a sabbatical.

We have sold our house, and decided to travel the world for a year, before settling down once again in Ann Arbor. Our possessions are now in storage, and for our first stop, we are staying in one of our favorite towns: Ann Arbor!!

Avalon Bakery

We have a great little mid-century modern Airbnb in upper Water Hill, and have been enjoying walking downtown for coffee, lunch and farmer's market. Our new favorites include Avalon Bakery and Mighty Good coffee.

Writing a few cards, while sitting on a sidewalk table at Mighty Good Coffee

RetiredinAnnArbor will be continuing on Facebook and Instagram during our gap year. We're planning on spending time in Utah, Lodi valley in California, Quebec City and New Orleans. We will be popping into Ann Arbor between trips. We're also hoping to cruise around the world in 99 days in January through March!

If you're interested in following our adventures, search and like the Retired in Ann Arbor Facebook page, or @retiredinannarbor on Instagram.

Regards,
Wendy

The Session Room

2017-04-03T11:18:00.002-04:00

Cheers to you!

Alert! There's a new awesome place to hang out in Ann Arbor: The Session Room. I have been driving past an old machine shop building on Jackson Road (by the car dealerships) for many years. Last summer, we noticed that someone had started working on the building-- and when we heard that there was going to be a beer garden, we happily waited for it to open.

Usually I visit a site several times before posting about it-- and this time, I can say I REALLY did due diligence. We have been there with friends, by ourselves, on a girls' night out, and even with our 2-year-old grandson. Each visit, we have had an excellent time. The service is very friendly and knowledgeable, there are 70 rotating taps of beer, and a small but acceptable wine menu. I especially like that you can get the beer in 4oz, 8 oz and pint sizes-- and even the wine comes in 5oz or 8oz pours.

6000 square feet of friendliness

The food is much higher quality than normal bar fare-- they source much of it locally, as you can see from the blurb on the bottom of the menu.

We have tried many things off of the menu, but now we head to The Session Room when we feel like a pizza, and don't want to make it at home. The Caesar salad is also excellent and the menu seems to be wide ranging enough for all preferences. Note the purposeful lack of a fryer in the kitchen, so in a real change-up from most bar menus, nothing is deep-fried.

Yes. 70 taps. My new favorites are New England IPAs. Unfiltered and not as hoppy as a regular IPA.

Excellent beer garden area, with room to roam for the kids

Come early on weekends-- the word is out.

Closed Mondays
Tues-Thurs: 11AM-11PM
Fri-Sat: 11AM-Midnight
Sun: Noon-10PM

Autumn Walk in Matthaei Botanical Gardens

2016-10-18T20:36:00.000-04:00

Beautiful photo by Zohair Mohsen

Look who we spotted doing a little fishing in the pond across from the visitor center

One of the best places to enjoy fall colors around Ann Arbor, is Matthaei Botanical Gardens. A couple of weeks ago, we did a walk on a Thursday morning, and we had the paths to ourselves. The colors were just starting, but in the last couple of days, it seems that the maple trees have exploded in color!

We used the Map My Walk app to track our progress, and we did a big loop and a little loop that equalled 2.57 miles in a little over an hour. I get slowed down a bit when I have to skid to a stop every few minutes and take a picture!

Be sure to also visit the display gardens, right next to the visitor's center.

Display garden

Drying his wings in the sun

The Produce Station

2016-10-07T11:00:00.001-04:00

Usually this time of year, I shy away from places selling plants, because they start looking so sad. The Produce Station, however, seems to look beautiful during spring, summer and fall.

They also have a fantastic selection of hens and chicks, and sedum.

I have a rock garden that I am trying to fill in, but I also love keeping sedum in the house during the winter, because they don't seem to suffer with the lack of humidity, like most indoor plants do in the winter.

The inside of the store has been updated since my last visit, and it is very attractive. There is an interesting variety of prepared food, a lovely salad and soup bar-- as well as groceries to "build it yourself".

I have also enjoyed the selection of wine that The Produce Station offers-- and this time, I was delighted to find the full selection of Tandem Cider, from northern Michigan.

Check it out! And remember to buy local.

Ann Arbor District Library: Westgate branch

2016-09-09T11:04:00.000-04:00

I love libraries! For many years, I have been driving to the Pittsfield or Traverwood branch of the Ann Arbor District library, because I was drawn to the wonderful architecture and ambiance of those branches.

Now that the new Westgate branch is open, I decided to stop in and check it out.

Tucked behind this non-assuming store front, is a new, spacious and inviting space.

And as a bonus, this branch also has a brand new Sweetwaters Cafe!

Inviting glassed-in meeting rooms

Sweetwater Cafe

Great lighting design, even in spaces without daylight.

My favorite space is always the reading room. This winter, I can see myself tucked into one of these chairs in front of the fireplace, enjoying a good book and a cup of ginger lemon tea. (Or maybe I'll blog more often!)

All branch hours are
Monday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Retired in Ann Arbor: The Villa of Mysteries at Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

2016-02-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

Time to revisit our most popular blog post!

A short distance outside the walls of the ancient city of Pompeii, sat a beautiful villa, surrounded by fertile fields-- and with beautiful vistas of the countryside, mountains and the Bay of Naples.

The best views were from a large room, used for entertaining and dining, that was decorated with large murals dedicated to the Greek god Dionysus. The Romans knew this god as Bacchus, the god of agriculture, wine and bacchanalia (according to Wiki, these were wild and mystic festivals celebrating the wine god--).

Today, the Villa of Mysteries still sits outside Pompeii, where it sat undiscovered between AD 79 when Mount Vesuvius erupted-- and 1909 when it was discovered by the then owner of the land.

In 1924, before the villa was fully uncovered, University of Michigan Professor of Latin Francis W. Kelsey commissioned a large-scale color replica of this room for the University. He contracted a famous Italian artist to paint the replica. And thanks to Professor Kelsey, we are able to walk into this room today, and enjoy the murals that the Roman owner saw in the year AD 79.

The meaning of the murals are a mystery, as these sacred rites were only known by the initiates, and the Roman owner of this villa is also a mystery.

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day or not, it is worth spending a few minutes at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology (free, but donations welcome) to ponder the mystery of love in this amazing room.

(And who can resist chubby little cupids?)

Open weekends 1-4PM
and Tuesday through Friday 9-4PM.
Closed Monday.

Winter walk in Nichols Arboretum

2016-02-07T12:03:00.000-05:00

Yes, there is beauty to be found in a winter landscape

Sometimes it's not appealing to walk in the winter, but after reading another warning that "sitting is the new smoking", we decided to layer up, and go to one of our favorite venues: The Arb.

We went on a Sunday morning, so all of the parking on Washington Heights (the road between the Arb and the hospital), is no charge, and was open. We had the place to ourselves.

What we're waiting for!

Promise of spring!

Walk in past the visitor's center and the peony garden, and turn right and go downhill past the Fairy Woods. Follow the border all the way around the Arb, keeping to the paths. We took some of the steeper paths on the way to the prairie-- that can be avoided if you choose. You can add a little distance by walking all the way around the prairie.

Check the map at the entrance, for a better description of the areas in the Arb.

It seems a little longer than this, because of the hills

Too chilly to sit for long

Total altitude gain = 17 flights of stairs
This info is from a free smartphone app, called Map My Walk

I slow down going downhill (old knees)

A little bit of sunshine

Retired in Ann Arbor: Winter favorite things--

2016-01-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing is better than a good fire in the fireplace,
especially lighting it in the afternoon on those cold and gloomy days--

Comfort and Joy tea, from The Republic of Tea--
This is only available during the holidays until it is gone,
so if you want to try it, get it now. (Browse on-line, and buy local.)

Every year about this time, I have to go find this post to remember WHY I don't hate winter. And here it is, from January 7, 2013.

Winter is definitely not my favorite season, but when you live in the north, it's good to find things to like about it.
Through the years, I have found some things that can only really be enjoyed in the winter--
What's on your list? I'm looking for more things to love, so help me out!

Fur shoes-- OK, so I know these have seen better days,
so maybe it's time for a replacement pair. These are Merrill's Encore-- They come in fur, and boiled wool. Perfect for long walks or sitting with your feet up in the house. (Browse on-line, and buy local.)

Holiday decorations are mostly put away,
but I usually keep a couple favorite ones out for awhile longer
for afterglow!

It's fun to put a couple of feeders where you can see them--
and watch who comes in to eat

Get out your camera for the most beautiful dawn shots--
and bonus! Dawn is at a reasonable time in the winter.

I'm always happy when Bell's Oberon taps are replaced by Bell's Winter White--

Holiday Amaryllis bulbs at Downtown Home and Garden

2015-11-18T15:07:00.000-05:00

It's time to start your holiday bulbs! Every year I plan to have blooming amaryllis in my holiday centerpiece, but don't think of starting them until it's too late. This year I got a jump on starting my bulbs, and have high hopes that they will be ready on time.

The best selection of bulbs that I have ever seen in person, is at Downtown Home and Garden, on Liberty and Ashley, a block from Main Street. (It's not an exaggeration that Mark is called the Amaryllis King!)

If you don't have a green thumb, check out the amaryllis planting session that they are hosting in Saturday Nov. 21, from 10:00-1:00. This is one of the most fail-safe plants you can ever grow. (And BONUS! At the same time, you can try a sample of smoked turkey from the big green egg.)

Uncle Bob doing what he likes best-- along with growing amaryllis bulbs!

Each Christmas I send my uncle in Florida one of Mark's bulbs, and it has resulted in a delightful tradition. After his bulb has finished blossoming, it gets planted in the landscape of his condo complex, resulting in a dozen naturalized amaryllis that blossom each spring in "Bob's garden". What a nice way to share the joy!

I also like to give kits to those who spend the winter in Michigan. It's a little ray of sunshine to see those big gorgeous blossoms open up in the dead of winter.

Get planting!

Looking at this on a mobile device, but want to see an index of all the places we've visited? Check out the right margin of our web version at www.retiredinannarbor.com, or use the link at the bottom of the post.

Argo Pond Walk

2015-11-09T13:19:00.001-05:00

Our favorite walk in Ann Arbor is around Argo Pond. It is 2.58 miles, and is an excellent walk in all 4 seasons (unless it is icy!).

As you can see, we took our time, and it still only takes an hour.

We like to park in the inner lot of Bandemere Park (not as many cars), so when you enter the parking area from Lakeshore and Barton, keep going across the one lane bridge (5 MPH), into the inner parking lot.

After parking, we like to walk back down the driveway we just came in, and across the river. Follow the river path until you walk under M-14. (I prefer to get this part of the walk over as soon as possible, as it's fairly noisy.)

I turned around to shoot this photo-- the river will be on your right

After you have passed under the highway, the path turns into a very nice boardwalk that follows the river. (In the spring and summer, look for turtles sunning themselves on the logs.) Check out what it looks like in March, here.

Toward the end of the boardwalk are wooden stairs that go down on the right. Take these to continue on the path that follows the river.

I'm shooting backwards again-- river is on your right

This is the most natural part of the walk, and is beautiful in all seasons.

Watch for the rowing club across the river.

The path eventually turns into a sidewalk, and passes the canoe livery. This is a good spot to see ducks, geese. and swans, and there are a few picnic benches around if you want to rest for a bit.

As you approach the dam, you get a great view of the new mill race (Argo Cascades) on your left. (Or if you're hungry, follow the path along the mill race to the Northside Grill!) If it is kayak weather, it's fun to watch them go down the rapids.

Walk across the dam. The views are great both ways.

You are just about half way-- so if you're ready to head home, follow the sidewalk between the river and the railroad tracks, away from the dam. If you still have lots of energy, cross the RR tracks (there is a sign warning not to cross, but there is a path worn from all the crossers), go through the parking lot, and you can follow Main Street toward Kerrytown. Or if you don't want to cross the tracks, follow the cascades to Broadway, and turn right to head downtown.

Follow the sidewalk back to Bandemere Park. Looking across the river, you will see where you just walked. About half way back, you will walk by the rowing club boat docks. You can get some great pics by walking out on them.

You can either stay on the sidewalk all the way back to your parking lot, or you can take the path that veers off to the right into the woods (after the rowing club), and walk along the disk golf area. It's nice, especially if there are bikers on the sidewalk.

Not much plantlike to see this time of year-- but there are still some beautiful plants, if you look closely.

So what are you waiting for? Call a friend, and make a walking date. Or just go by yourself. You'll feel great!

Blank Slate Creamery

2015-11-05T11:55:00.002-05:00

Now that the time has changed and the firewood is stacked for winter, it might seem like a weird time to blog about an ice cream shop-- but it's less crowded when you visit businesses off season, and their shop is a cute place to sit.

This is homemade, natural ice cream-- so it beats the socks off of any soft serve type. I'm usually a dark chocolate/nuts or peanut butter fan (like their PB chocolate or Wolverine Tracks), but on occasion, the interesting flavors at Blank Slate have actually lured me away from chocolate.

Check out today's flavors here

I'm a fan of Blueberry Pancake (fresh blueberries swirled in buttermilk-maple ice cream)-- and I'm thinking of buying a quart of Vietnamese Cinnamon to go with Thanksgiving pumpkin and apple pies. Or maybe Salty Caramel Coffee.....or Roasted Pistachio?......or one of the 2 vanilla flavors?

Maybe I need a pint of each.

Old style counters to sit and enjoy the ice cream, with chalkboard tops.

You can find them at 300 W. Liberty Street, 2 blocks west of Main.
Check out their hours here.

(I couldn't resist a little advertising on their counter)

Ann Arbor: A perfect place to keep growing in retirement

2015-07-03T07:11:00.000-04:00

"Retirement is the perfect time to explore and take advantage of new opportunities. Comfort zones should be places where we go to relax, reflect and rejuvenate. They should not become permanent retirement destinations where we passively allow time to slip away." Jonathan Look

Click here to read the entire article

Ann Arbor is full of opportunities to explore and learn new things.

I have barely scratched the surface, and I have learned to row,

taken a sewing class,

traveled the world while hiking, biking and river cruising,
taught a class on FaceBook, attended many concerts, and sang with the UMS chorus at Summer Sing.

What are your plans for this summer?

Shakespeare in the Arb!

2015-06-13T13:33:00.004-04:00

Last night we went to see A Midsummer Night's Eve at Nichol's Arboretum-- and I would highly recommend it to everyone. There is something hilarious about traipsing around in the woods, watching a play where the characters spend lots of time traipsing around in the woods!

If you love Shakespeare, you will enjoy the sheer beauty of the surroundings, as well as the play-- and if you're not a huge fan, you may be surprised at how much you enjoy the play itself-- and how FUNNY it is! Shakespeare spoofs actors and audiences, as well as the aristocracy.

To add to the atmosphere, the peonies are also blooming

One of the parts that I loved best, was walking from scene to scene, with fairies running around in the woods-- and other fairies playing music.

Be sure and bring a folding chair, if you don't enjoy sitting on the ground. It may be possible to catch a ride on a golf cart rather than walking-- but I would call first and inquire.

The play runs Thursday through Sunday, until June 28. Senior prices are $17, or with a Matthaei-Nichols membership, a reserved ticket is $15. Read all the details here.

Ann Arbor action-packed weekend!

2015-06-05T15:29:00.002-04:00

If you are planning on visiting the peony garden, now is the time! This photo was taken today (Friday June 5), at noon, and the garden looks perfect.

This is the largest peony garden in North America, and has been open to the public since 1928. Curious as to how it got here? Check out this link to read the history.

On Sunday at 2-3:30 PM, hear Chinese flower songs performed in the peony garden (details here)

And what better Shakespeare to see in the Arb, but A Midsummer's Night's Dream-- the play that 14 years ago, began the tradition. On now, through June 28, Thursdays through Sundays, at 6:30 PM. (details here).

YA'SSOO! Greek festival-- Greek food and dancing, all for a good cause. Basically, a huge Greek party! Lots of fun for you and the grandkids. 11- midnight on Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 on Sunday (details here)

Water Hill neighborhood yard sale-- Saturday 9-3 Your chance to check out this cool neighborhood on foot, while walking the yard sales. (map here)

Motawi Tileworks summer mega sale! Saturday 10-3 (details here)

There are many other fun activities, including nature walks, history events and art shows and sales. Want to see a more complete list? Check out The Calendar from The Ann Arbor Observer.

Summer in Ann Arbor!

2015-06-03T15:56:00.003-04:00

It seems that every year someone asks me, "how can you retire in Ann Arbor where the winters are so cold?" After explaining that I am a Michigan native, so I love snow and cold weather, I then admit that my enjoyment runs out of gas somewhere at the end of January, and we leave. (One of the beauties of retirement.)

And now we're back, the garden is in, and I am overwhelmed with all the things to do in this great town that we call home. Of course, Michigan is one of the most beautiful spots to be during this time of the year-- and I am inspired by the beautiful gardens in the Arb, the wildflowers that are showing up on the walk along Argo Pond, and my own back yard!

Our calendar is filling up with all the "can not miss" summer activities, such as German Park, Top of the Park, the Art Fair, Wednesday's Farmer's Market and Sonic Lunch-- and it's time to start re-acquainting ourselves with the fantastic happy hour venues in Ann Arbor as well.

I'll be posting the fun things we do this summer-- and I hope you join in. If you think I'm missing something, please let me know-- maybe we can post together!
Regards,
Wendy
wendy@retiredinannarbor.com

Small Business Saturday

2014-11-28T22:56:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is one of my favorite days to shop small businesses in Ann Arbor-- and I owe it all to the Small Business Saturday program by American Express. This year is even better! If you have an American Express card, go online and register your card with the program. It requires one click on the mobile app, and a link is on the first page of their website.

In the past, if you charged $10 or more on your registered card in a participating small business on the Saturday after black Friday, a $10 credit would appear on your statement.

This year, you are allowed 3 $10 credits!! What a fantastic idea.

I thank you, American Express, and so do all of our lovely local businesses.

It's time to join the chipmunks--

2014-11-05T16:40:00.000-05:00

3 years ago I started a blog called RetiredinAnnArbor.com. At the time, I didn't know how long I could post about fun places to eat, shop and enjoy in Ann Arbor before running out of destinations-- but here we are, 3 years later, and it seems like we have just scratched the surface of fun places to go and things to do!

This is one of my first posts, and I like it--but what was I thinking? This looks more like a month's work instead of a week's.

It's time to join the chipmunks, and get ready for winter!
Today is one of those gloomy, cold days that makes me want to sit in my chair and read a good book-- but instead, I decided to make THE LIST.

Buy and stack wood for fireplace
Reactivate Netflix subscription
Find favorite soup recipes from last winter
Winterize sprinkler system
Hang Thanksgiving wreath
Compost Jack-o-lantern
Put away lawn furniture
Clean and fill bird feeder
Bring in Christmas cactus from the porch-- oops. Too late--
Buy a new Christmas cactus when they are on sale.

I'm sure I'll add more things, but this is our honeydo list for this week!

Matthaei Botanical Gardens footpaths

2014-10-26T09:13:00.000-04:00

It's time to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather, and go for a walk in the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. If you walk the footpaths, the distance adds up to 3.5 miles of easy walking.

Dix Pond

We often visit the conservatory during the winter months, but usually walk along the river or in the Arb during nice weather. I think we have been missing out!

Helpful identification markers along the path

Fleming Creek

Argus Farm Stop

2014-10-14T11:55:00.001-04:00

Do you ever have those days when you wish it was Wednesday or Saturday because you need something from Farmer's Market?
Or do you think about going to Farmer's Market, but you don't want to fight the traffic or look for a parking spot?

Then there's a brilliant new shop in Ann Arbor that has been opened just for us. I recently stopped into Argus Farm Stop, and was greeted by the friendly owners, who made me a cup of delicious hot cider and invited me to look around the shop.

You can find local and beautiful fruit and vegetables, dairy, meat and baked goods.

Argus is a direct-to-customer market for local food providers, where 80% of the price that you pay goes directly back to the farmer, which is much higher than a grocery store.

Read more about their charter at Argus Farm Stop. You can find them at 325 W. Liberty, a couple of blocks from Main Street. Open 7-7 weekdays, and 8-6 on weekends. See you there!

I decided to take advantage of the sunshine, so sat at one of their picnic table with my paper, and enjoyed the day-- and being retired in Ann Arbor.

Simple pleasures in Ann Arbor

2014-09-06T14:44:00.002-04:00

I was happy to read the recent article in the NYTimes about affixing more value to the ordinary experiences of life. It is great to read about studies that prove that experiences are more likely to make one happy than possessions, and how even ordinary experiences can make you happy.

Ann Arbor is one of the best small cities to find interesting and inexpensive speakers and activities, and this is the time of the year to sign up and mark your calendars!

Some of my favorites include:

OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning program)-- Join for $20/year, and check out the great opportunities for learning and social events

Margaret Waterman celebrity lectures-- Includes lunch at the beautiful Michigan Union ballroom

Ann Arbor City Club Lunch and Learn sessions-- At the Ann Arbor City Club, which is a destination in itself. Check out their history, here

Science cafe', presented by the University Museum of Natural History-- At Conor O'Neal's. Free and very fun, with snacks provided by the sponsor. Science and beer..... what could be better? Starts Oct 22. Want to know what it is like? Read about the first time I went, here.

Penny Stamps Distinguished Lecture Series-- Paradigm breakers, presented by the School of Art and Design. Free, Thursdays at 5:10 during the school year. Michigan Theater. Includes a short organ concert before the lecture begins. One of my first blog posts was about my visit to this lecture. Read about why it is still one of my favorites!

I can't wait to see you there!

Bird Seed and Beer!

2014-08-07T12:52:00.001-04:00

It's no news that Ann Arbor scores at the top of all kinds of Top 10 lists, but I would like to suggest a new rating: a quirkiness index.

The other night we decided to run into Downtown Home and Garden because our chickadees were sitting on their empty feeders and shouting at us. This is our favorite place to buy birdseed, because of the selection, local sourcing, and the fact that you can measure what you want, rather than buying it in large plastic bags! (The price is also competitive.)

Old school: measure your seed and write the weight on the sack

While we were shopping, we ran into some friends that we had not seen for awhile, and decided to hang out for a bit while the store closed, and Bill's Beer Garden opened.

We spent a great couple of hours enjoying the early evening and catching up. And what does that score on the quirkiness index-- (your favorite 100 year old former livery stable turned urban emporium, converting to outdoor beer garden in the evening)? I'd give it a 9. Oh wait!

You're hungry? Walk through the drive-through part of the store, and visit Mark's Carts for a snack or dinner. And you can bring your food back to enjoy with that great Michigan brew.

Bring the kids! The vibe is like a neighborhood BBQ.

And I think that makes it a 10 out of 10 on the quirky (and awesome) scale.

It's so refreshing to be away from the "cookie-cutter" chain stores and restaurants, and find an experience that is completely unique to Ann Arbor. Thanks, Mark Hodesh!

25 year marriage SAVED.

2014-07-24T19:00:00.000-04:00

It's that time again!! As we are loading cucumbers in our car to head to Food Gatherers, I thought I would repost one of my favorite stories from last year.

I recently heard a statistic that stated couples that had been together for a long time had fewer arguments than newer couples. For anyone who has had a long marriage, this is hardly a news flash.

After all, if something hasn't been settled by now, it's certainly not going to be settled by yelling at each other (again), so life goes on, and the differences of opinion get avoided, when possible.

So what does this have to do with the gi-mungous pile of cucumbers and pickles in the picture???

Flash backwards a couple of summers when we first put in our giant kitchen garden. It was awesome!! Then the prolific gardener I live with, did his thing. And the produce started coming in bushel baskets. I'm not kidding.

So here is where the arguments started. It seemed every time I left the kitchen, he would sneak out to the garden, and bring in a huge basket of vegetables. Whaa?

"What am I supposed to do with those???" I asked-- to no one, (because by now, he was as far away from me as he could get). In defense of my favorite gardener, I guess he had done the hunting and gathering, and now it was my turn. Except I only knew how to hunt and gather too. Problem.

Every inch of the refrigerator was stuffed with produce, and I was about ready to start sneaking it on our neighbors' doorsteps in the dead of night-- like in some Garrison Keillor story. And I especially learned to dread cucumbers!! Now I like cucumber salad as much as anyone-- but really. How many cukes can one woman eat?

But we've had our fair share of creative problem-solving through the years, so first, we learned the age-old skill of canning. It is actually kind of fun, and since the extended family enjoys anything pickled, we're off to a good start. We have successfully pickled carrots, peppers, yellow beans, green beans, onions, beets, and of course pickles. It's not particularly hard if you follow the directions-- if you want to try it, the only book you need is The Complete Book of Home Preserving, brought to you by the Ball Corporation. It answers every question, and has recipes for everything you would possible can. See it here, buy it at Nicola's!

But alas, the "burpless" cukes that we like best, cannot be pickled. (Sweet Success, by Burpee, if you're interested.) So they kept showing up, 10 lbs at a time.

Just when we were on the verge of D-I-V-O-R-C-E, (don't worry kids, just kidding....) we came across THE ANSWER. One of our very favorite charities, is Food Gatherers. They have a stellar rating with the folks who rate charities, (top 1%)-- and they are happy to take extra produce, and put it to good use. In 2013, we gave 52 lbs of dukes to the "plant a row for the hungry" program, and we both have a smile on our faces, after visiting.

So drop off your extra produce, volunteer, and keep an eye out for the date of Grillin' 2015-- the most fun fund raiser of the year!!

You can't miss their entry...

Zingerman's Deli

2014-07-04T10:26:00.000-04:00

Olive oil and vinegars-- ask for a taste!

It was time to make pizza, and we were out of pepperoni, so we decided to head to Zingerman's for the good stuff. My strategy for eating fattening or basically unhealthy foods is to buy the highest quality, and (hopefully), eat less of it. If you are used to the tiny slices of the pepperoni you get sealed in plastic from the grocery store, you really must try the real thing from Zingerman's. The slices are bigger, and are deliciously spiced, with fennel overtones.

Fantastic cheese case

You can ask for a taste of anything before you commit to it, so you are in a no-risk proposition.

Zingerman's staff seems delighted to share tastes of their wonderful offerings, and are very knowledgeable about everything they sell.

Zingerman's also has a well-deserved reputation for being expensive, so smaller quantities keep the price in the reasonable range, as well. While we were there, we also bought some Ursinger's German hard salami (nicely smoked, and made in Wisconsin)-- which is one of my personal favorites. One slice of good salami can completely wake up a turkey sandwich!!

There is a reason that the international food writers love Zingerman's. If you don't know why, maybe it's time for you to visit!

Farmer's market and marché agricole

2014-05-27T08:36:00.000-04:00

Michigan asparagus

It's rather pitiful that the pictures of my last post have no leaves on the trees-- but in my defense, I have been much too busy 'doing' to post!

We have spent some time in southern France, and one of our favorite activities is to visit the farmer's markets wherever we are. It was very nice to be able to go to our Farmer's market when we returned.

I think French tourists would be delighted to find our market!

Michigan flowers

French breakfast radishes

Michigan mushrooms

French asparagus

Market at Chalon-sur-Saone

Our beautiful market space

Argo Pond walk: Looking for signs of spring

2014-04-03T12:37:00.000-04:00

Wooly Bear caterpillar on the sidewalk just past the dam

The sun was out on the last day of March, so we decided to go for a short walk around the Argo Pond.

Skunk cabbage pushing their way up to the sun at the bottom of the steps off Barton

We started at the inner parking lot of Bandemeer Park (drive across the single lane wooden bridge and follow the drive to the parking lot at the beginning of the disk golf course. Then walk back under M-14, across the river, and under M-14 again. This is the worst part of the walk to me, and I like to get it over with first.

Then it's time for a choice: either stay on the sidewalk/road and walk Barton to Longshore Drive up above the river, or if you have good boots and don't mind some mud, take the steps down and walk the path that follows the river. I like the path best, but if it's raining or icy, the road is the safest.

When you reach the canoe livery, the dam is just ahead. If you want to add additional steps, turn left and follow the cascades to Broadway (and have a snack at Northside Grill). Or after you cross the dam, cross the railroad tracks and head left toward town. You are a short distance from Kerrytown, with many cute shops and lunch destinations.

To continue walking around the pond, cross the dam, and turn right on the sidewalk, past the Ann Arbor rowing club barn and dock. Follow the sidewalk back to the parking lot where you will find your car.

This is a very pleasant 2.5 mile walk, that takes about an hour to do if you don't take any detours.

Argo dam releasing water downriver

I love the 8 man crew boats ready for practice, parked next to a leftover snowbank.