NORTHERN NOTES

We’re North again in Michigan.

And again, we’re not under canvas.

But we are in our camp just North of Traverse City.

And we’ve got deer and wild turkeys and even bear are starting to show up here and there.
Have not seen one of them in camp yet. We understand that there is not enough swamp for them to…thrive.

I guess not enough garbage either.

Local paper today talked about the negative side to having bear in the neighborhood: they wreak havoc on the beekeepers. Makes sense but I would never have thought of that.

DNR folk are resisting talk of reimbursing the keepers for any damage done, saying that the keepers should exercise more caution/care themselves to protect their ‘crop’ and even to protect the bear.

Interesting idea: people have a responsibility to protect the bear, not only from us, but from their [the bears’] own bad habits. Or should I say natural instead of bad?

Speaking of the local paper: no or little news of ‘driveby shootings or liquor store robberies or muggings. I suppose they happen, but they do not dominate the news.

Lots of stuff about fishing and fish frys and the like tho.

And a movie is being made right near us. We can walk the English bulldog down to the set and talk with the hands setting up the scenery.
I imagine that the filming of this endeavor in Northern Michigan has something to do with the Governor’s plan to provide incentives to movie makers to bring their work to the state.

Good for her. It is about time one of her efforts paid off.

And another thing: the North is changing. Macy’s is in the North. I cannot believe it. But I do.

And the prices are pretty good. Super in some cases.

And Kohl’s and Bed Bath and Beyond and Home Depot and Lowe’s.

I have been vacationing in the North for half a century and I would have bet money that such stores were not North yet. How little I know what is going on.

And I thought that the building of The Grand Traverse Resort years ago was a big change. It was…but the changes are still going on, big time.

American Indians own it now and they are apparently doing a great job.

And the casinos.
And the vineyards…and the wine tasting.

But you can still get a fishing license at the barber shop. Or at the neighborhood tavern.

Fifty years ago the TV newfolk wore sports shirts. And there were no women doing any local anchoring.
Suits are in now, and lots of flaming foxes [two-legged cuties].

How sweet it is.