Peony Garden in Ann Arbor

Have you noticed there's a boatload of youngsters today that can't tell the difference between petunias, pansies and peonies amongst others? Now's the time to take them on a stroll! The Peony Garden in Ann Arbor, part of the University of Michigan's Nichols Arboretum, is the largest collection of these types of blooms in North America!  It is so worth a visit.  The tree peonies are in bloom right now, but the rest--which look like a massive army--are just ready to burst.  We took these photos during a gorgeous hike on Memorial Day.  Their 70 different varieties of peonies peak in mid June. They were a gift of William Upjohn and family.

Resurrection Cemetery - Clinton Township

"...that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God, ...and that government of the people by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth." --Abraham Lincoln
A special service will be held at 11:00 am to remember those that honored us at Resurrection Cemetery. This cemetery has beautiful sculptures throughout which may be be reason we see so many walkers there. Have a peaceful Memorial Day.

Josef's Pastries in Grosse Pointe Woods

Enough already with this soggy weather! Forced to make our own sunshine, we overindulged on the pastries at Josef's in Grosse Pointe Woods. They are celebrating 40 years in business and AAA Michigan Living Magazine has even recognized them as the best bakery in Michigan. Owner/Chefs Anthony and Jimmy bring their master pastry making skills all the way from Montréal. Woot! Woot! Let's see...shall we take another fruit tart please or a lemon meringue or a creme brûlée?  OK.  We bought all three.

The Governor's Residence on Mackinac Island

Here we have a little peak at the three-story summer residence of the governor which is located on Mackinac Island's Fort Hill, giving it some commanding views of all the activity in the straits. Known also as the Lawrence A Young cottage for the Chicago attorney who had it built in 1902,  it has 11 bedrooms and almost as many bathrooms! The Mackinac Island State Park Commission purchased it in 1944 and has since maintained it and its beautiful gardens. Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops help with Wednesday tours of this National Historic Landmark when the house is not is use.

Zoo-de-Mackinac Bike Adventure

Magnificent views on the Zoo-de-Mackinac make this a popular bike ride in northern Michigan. Starting in Harbor Springs, participants made a whole weekend of it May 20th-22nd, biking 50 miles up to the bridge then ferrying over to Mackinac Island. There were parties, great bands and thousands of friendly pedal-pushing outdoorsy types. Begun in 1990, it's a keeper and something to put on your bucket list. Thanks, Patty Weidman, for the great photo.

Clinton Township Historical Society

We were really intrigued by the garden fencing around the flower bed at the old log cabin on the Clinton Township municipal property. How did they make that? Is it a rabbit proof fence? Settlers is this area really had to have a lot of patience. The buildings are open on the weekends. The senior center really rocks on Thursdays in Clinton Township with afternoon live music!

60th National Square Dancing Competition

The exciting 60th National Square Dance Convention takes place next month at Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit from June 22-25 which features round, square, contra, clogging and country line dancing. There's a section for youth under 18 to compete as well. You would be surprised to find out how many square dancing clubs there are in Michigan! They offer a great work out and they are certainly fun to watch! The photo above was taken last year at the Michigan Square Dance Competition at the Troy Marriott.