When I was little, I lived on a farm in Wisconsin and took it for granted that I would eat peas off the vine, sitting in the dirt in the sun while a loving grandma worked nearby. I would pick blackberries and blueberries in the sandy, brambly patches near the woods. No wonder that years later, when I lived in the city, I could get all weepy over 4H produce displays at the State Fair.
Living here I am constantly dazed by beauty. Sometimes I just have to stop and fill my eyes full, saving it up so I’ll have it when I really need it. As we have discussed, I am no Babs Young. These snapshots are just a suggestion of what you can find to look at for yourself. Go ahead – this is the time. Take a Sunday drive along M-88 through Antrim County. Fill your eyes full.
One of my favorite sweeping views on M-88 – this one from the top of the hill by King Orchards, looking north toward Shooks Farm.
Tarts are ripe. Not so many this year, but jewel-like all the same.
Making hay while the sun shines and cloud shadows chase across the fields.
Piglets at Providence Farm – I’m trying to get used to the idea that if I want bacon . . .
Taking pictures of my produce again. This week’s share: new potatoes, peas, romaine, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, radishes, dill, baby zucchini and pattypan. The Cowboy is fond of vegetables and fruit – especially new peas and sugar pears. Have to watch him.
Torch Lake Views 
Leslie Smyers
July 16, 2008
I have to tell you – I love your photographs!
Gerry Sell
July 17, 2008
I’m glad, Leslie – I want to give people a sense of what I love about this place.
Carol Somers
July 17, 2008
Beautiful website, photos and commentary! My family and I are renting a cottage in Eastport at the end of the month and we are looking forward to exploring your nabe. Thanks for providing some inspiration.
Beth Dunham (Toner)
July 17, 2008
Two things:
1) Where in WI did you grow up? that’s where I grew up, too!
2) My husband and I have been talking endlessly about relocating to MI after our four “big kids” go to college. Your pictures make it even more compelling!
Gerry Sell
July 18, 2008
Welcome, Carol – you’ll have a wonderful time.
Hi, Beth – (1) some people who know me well say that I never grew up, but until I was ten we lived in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. It is a wonderful place, in spite of the prevalence of fierce muskies. (2) Life in the north lane sort of sneaks up on you. Better be careful what you wish for . . .
Dad
July 19, 2008
Just don’t go there in the Summer. If you do, be sure one of you is tied to the mast, oops, steering wheel. Otherwise, you may wind up spending many happy years far from your previous life.
Gerry Sell
July 20, 2008
Ah, the Siren song of the North . . .
p.j. grath
July 21, 2008
Rhinelander! Many the stopover we’ve made there on our way to the Twin Cities. They have a wonderful library and a county building with a beautiful dome lit up deep blue at night.
Our produce here in Leelanau rivals yours, but Antrim has us beat for farmstands selling delicious homemade fruit pies.
Gerry Sell
July 21, 2008
Here’s the plan, PJ – we’ll organize expeditions of eccentrics from our respective counties. You bring the Leelanau wine and cheese, we’ll bring the Antrim pies and some brats – we’ll rendezvous in the middle of the Bay and swap Rhinelander stories. Wonder where I can borrow a boat. Or find one lying about somewhere . . . must investigate.