I know. I know. I don't deserve any of you. I don't deserve to have anyone visit this place because I'm never around.I'm sorry. I really am. The truth is, this may be my busiest time of year. I'm not complaining, but there were three 11-12 hours days this week. I am learning to relax a bit, and I am trying to make unwinding a priority. I'm Type O blood but I have a Type A approach to work. And I enjoy my job.
That's why we're taking off for a few days in the Door later this month.
The Door is Door County, Wisconsin's rocky arm of land jutting northeast into Lake Michigan. It is both peninsula and island and it is resplendent with cherry orchards and rock outcroppings and pristine villages of white and the aroma of woodsmoke and carpets of ladyslippers and trillium and oh, you must discover it for yourself.
Originally, it was more or less discovered by the French, who have a way of discovering stylish and tasteful things. Pierre-Esprit Radisson called it "a kingdom so delicious" and he wasn't talking about the legendary fish boils and cherry desserts.
For those of us who love the Door, a trip there is a pilgrimage of sorts, anticipated like a trip to Paris. The misty mornings, the sunny afternoons, the chilly nights. The quiet havens and the busy harbors. The plethora of restaurants from gastropub to fine dining to classic supper club. The galleries, tucked away in the woods, or in whitewashed cabins near beaches or docks. The potters, the jewelers, the weavers.
Meanwhile, we're getting ready for our first season as CSA customers. L, the coordinator promises rhubarb and herbs the first week. The gooseberries above are from L's garden, circa 2007.
And we are down to one bottle of wine, a potent bottle of strawberry elixir I fear will put hair on my chest. Must buy wine, or wake up very hirsute.
What are you up to?
19 comments:
Mimi, I am so glad that you are getting a reprieve to Door County. I have never been there but know of it and because we are from Michigan. I have a feel for the beauty. We grew up with cherries in Michigan. Enjoy your sojourn and the strawberry wine.
Oh, Penny, I am delighted you know how beautiful cherry country can be. I am technically a Michigander, too. Or, I guess we are called Michiganians now.
Door County indeed, It IS the "DOOR" to another time and place. It's often said that Door County is the Cape Cod of the Midwest. With all due respect it is more. It's everything you so eloquently describe with a blanket of human warmth where people make eye contact with you and are quick to tell you their stories and tales of other times.
And the FOOD! from gourmet fare to fudge galore. Others may dream Tuscanny as wine country but the Door vinyards have become the premiere producers of award winning wines. A visit to The Door always includes a pail of cherries to be brought home and prepared in favorite ways.
I smile at those who view Wisconsin as the cheese and beer haven of the Midwest. We are blessed with our own sample of heaven in The Door.
The Milkmaid
Mikmaid, I though you might post today.
Yes, The Door is a great place to unwind and enjoy good food. I'll bring the laptop with me on our trip.
Mimi- We're appreciative of your recipes and stories whenever they come. I love Door County. My late husband and I were married in Door County many years ago at the White Lace Inn Bed and Breakfast in Sturgeon Bay. We spent the week there going up and down the penisula and visting so many wonderful little towns and areas. It was indeed magical and a time I'll never forget. I'd love to take David (my husband now) up there someday. It's a true American treasure.
Trish
Hi Trish! I hope you can make a trip to the Door soon. It hold lots of memories for us, too, as we used to spend a few days there mid-summer every year. We started going in the spring about 10 years ago and that practice has been sporadic at best. The White Lace Inn is lovely!
Oh Mimi have a wonderful time on your little vacation. I don't think I realized how much time this blogging thing took when I started mine. I visited a year before I actually started my blog so I should have had some idea. Wouldn't you think? I love cherrie and berries. I'm anxious to hear about your CSA and how you like it. Enjoy the wine!
Judy, I had more time when I started doing this, almost three years ago. I have enjoyed it, but it really is time consuming.
That's a wonderful photo of the gooseberries. I never seem to learn either. Even when no body really asks me specifically, I raise my hand and say yes when I should just do what needs to be done. Hope you enjoy Door County!
Thanks, Tanna! In this case, I have no choice, I must raise my hand and say yes!
Door will be lovely.
Mimi, I know what it means to be so busy that you just disappear for a while. I think I've been doing that for this entire year!!!
Your description of Door sounds positively ethereal. I am officially jealous. Never been there. Now on the "Bucket List"!
Toni, I just know you would love Door County!
Thanks so much for the visit and comment.
Those cherries look lovely.
You deserve a break Mimi, you have worked long and hard. Door County looks and sounds wonderful. Wish I was coming with you ;)
You would enjoy it, Fiona!
Mimi,
Your story not only make me nostalgic of the 3 beautiful vacations we had several years ago in the northern tip of Door County but also of marvelous canned cherries from Sturgeon Bay. They were my wife's favorites to make cherry pies because they were not packed in heavy syrup. Unfortunately we do not find these canned beauties anywhere in the Chicago area anymore. I wonder if that brand of Sturgeon Bay cherries still exist and can be found in small grocery stores in Northern Wisconsin. Unfortunately I forgot the name of the brand. I think they were just labeled "Sturgeon Bay cherries""
Best,
Alain
French Virtual Cafe
P.S After more than 3 months of blogging inactivity due to tiredness after a broken ankle surgery, I'm back.
Alain, I wonder if it is "Jerry's Cherries" that you are referring to?
Glad you are back!
Door County is one of those places we have been "meaning to go" for twenty years! (And then wind up in Grand Marais). And you are there during cherry season! Love the photos of the fresh fruit. Isn't May grand? Hope you had a lovely time in the little midwestern French town.
Thank you , Claudia. Door County is lovely just now. You MUST come over.
I like your article
Post a Comment