I am especially happy to see this one slip out the door (before I kick it out) and to get on with 2011. This year I have seen health and sickness in my family, triumph and tragedy in my community. I have weathered a few personal challenges, which have given my strength and wisdom. I have, sadly, not had much time to experiment in the kitchen.
To celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary, my husband and I slipped away to The Four Seasons Resort on Miscauno Island in Pembine, Wis., where my father began his career in the restaurant/resort business a few years after World War II. It's a 105-year-old establishment with a storied past that allegedly includes Al Capone. History is palpable in the resort, which includes two bars and a dining room, sweeping porches, a nine-hold golf course and much much more. The newer hotel, which is connected, is all suites, and my favorites offer whirlpool tubs. I feel at home here, in part because the new managers have been very hospitable, and in other part because the staff and guests here - back when it was a private club - gave me a start in life with a baby shower. My mother still has some of the gifts they gave me, saved for me.
For two days my husband and I had wonderful food, whirlpool baths, a powerful shower, a fireplace and for me, a day in the house spa. It was a wonderful way to end more than two decades of what has been a good marriage and begin a 22nd year together, which, because of my husband's brush with cancer in 2010, is more cherished than ever.
I am shamelessly putting in a plug for the Four Seasons, because it holds special memories for me, and for my parents. My little world up here on the Wisconsin-Michigan border holds many hidden gems and secrets. Everyday I experience and appreciate something new. I am blessed to be here, and congratulate myself for returning to it 17 years ago.
I wish you happiness and good health in 2011.
5 comments:
The connection you seem to have with your home town area sounds much like mine to my own.
I grew up in Illinois. My entire family for many, many generations all lived their entire lives there. I was one of the first to leave when at the age of 18 I moved to South Florida. I lived there for over 20 years, I had a wonderful life but a part of me still missed my 'home.'
Having lived there in Florida for more years than I was even in Illinois didn't matter. I was raised here and I wanted to come back.
We have been back her for almost 6 years now and I am very happy.
Happy New Year to you. I enjoyed your post.
Why thank you, Lori! You meet the nicest people in the blog world!
I was gone for about 15 years. It took me another 15 to totally appreciate this little gem.
I may not live here the rest of my life, but I am certainly here for the duration.
Sounds like you had a tough time in 2010.
Je te souhaite donc, chère Mimi, un excellente année 2011.
Glad to see you are still blogging and that your blog has a great new look (perhaps not so new, but I haven't been visiting blogs much.
I see your themes have evolved a bit too. I guess I didn't need a new blog to do that, but I felt like a clean slate.
I just put you back on my Google Reader too. Cheers!
Merci, Daniele!
Betty, I hope to get back to the kitchen soon!
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