Right next door to the Crooked Tree Art Center is the Artist's Marketplace. It is not affiliated with the art center, but it is a nice place with many artists' work shown. There is pottery, jewelry, paintings, and so much more. If you're in town, be sure to check it out!

Probably Not Something You See Everyday

Unless, of course, you live in Petoskey, where I've seen at least 3 of these signs this winter!!

Another of my Favorite Things...

I love turrets!! When we were choosing the design for our house, my second choice had a turret, but the layout wasn't what we wanted. I think I it was only in the running because it had a turret! This Victorian-looking home in Petoskey is one of my favorites for just this reason. Hope you enjoy it too.

Signs of the Times

I think he could probably paint over this now....

Pizza, anyone?

Today we had a birthday party and this was what was chosen for the "cake". Except that it wasn't exactly cake. You'll have to guess what it is--(not that difficult, but fun!)

Off the Track -- Now

This building is now part of Penn Plaza, but in a former life, it was Penn Plaza Station. Trains from the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad would come here and drop off passengers for a refreshing vacation in the clean air. The tracks are still here, though not used anymore, but a great reminder of how people used to come here to enjoy the beauties of Northern Michigan. It has since been converted into an office building with many different businesses located there. I'm so glad that it can still be used and be a part of Petoskey's landscape.

A Few of My Favorite Things

This is one of my favorite houses in Petoskey. I don't know who owns it or anything, but the columns are just beautiful. It is in a nice area and you can probably see the bay out of a few windows. The bay is nearby, although you could say that about a lot of the houses in Petoskey. :)

I went to the Library last night and there in the lobby was this quilt. I know that the library hangs quilts here often, but this one really caught my eye. I looked for the artist's name or some information about it, but didn't see anything, so you'll have to be in the dark as I am right now! For now, enjoy the beauty and intricacy of the workmanship of this quilt, and try not to think how dizzying it would have been to work on it!

Fun in the Sun

So, "fun in the sun" might mean something different here in the North during the winter! But sledding at the Winter Sports Park is a good time. They also have an ice rink for hockey, a snowboard and skiing hill with a towrope, an ice skating area, and a warming house with skate rentals. The ice skating area looks like a pond, but when visited in the summer, some were disappointed to learn it was just a smooth field that is flooded in the winter to make an ice rink. The Winter Sports Park is in the middle of Petoskey, but if you didn't know how to get there, it might remain a mystery, since it is a little off the beaten track. If you get a chance, this is a great spot for lots of family fun, give it a try!

Completely Frozen

The temperatures have been well below freezing for a few weeks now, so the bay is completely frozen. In fact, the first ice fishing shanty is up on the ice. It is in the picture--that tiny dot on the right hand side out in the middle of the ice. Not a speck on the camera, but an ice shanty. Not my idea of fun, but there are those who think this is the best time of the year.

Winter Sunset

It was getting dark last night, just before 6 pm, but the sunset was so lovely, I had to share it with you today.

"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator” --Mahatma Gahndi

Not Just a Hole in the Wall

This little alley is home to a small and very yummy restaurant named Chandler's. They have a great salad with warm goat cheese on top that is to dream for. It is located right behind Symon's General Store --the red building--and have a patio area that is fun to eat at in the summer and fall (a little too nippy right now...) and I look forward to the day that I'll get to go and enjoy the patio again! The live music they have in the summer is fun too! Check it out when you are in town.

Almost Frozen

I took this picture a few days ago. It shows a little bit of open water yet, which has now since closed. I tried to take a picture yesterday, but as my camera's battery was low, I couldn't. So, you'll have to check again soon to see it totally frozen!

Art Deco

This building is intriguing and very art deco in style. I wonder what it looks like inside... Doors are always such curious things. You can never tell what may be behind them and that just stirs the imagination.

200 and the Coldest Day of the Year

Today is supposed to be the coldest day of the year with the temperature reaching 6F and the wind chill of -30F. This is a picture of Walloon Lake (about 3 miles outside Petoskey) with the snow blowing and the sun trying desperately to break through the clouds. A great day to stay home and stay inside--so that is what I'm doing. Today is also an anniversary of sorts, my 200th post. Thanks to all who visit my blog and for the comments left. I love seeing what others think of the pictures I choose. I hope you all have a warm and happy day!

The Icing on the...Bay

I took a picture a few days ago of the bay with mini icebergs floating in the water. Those icebergs have merged and frozen together to form a solid sheet. The whole bay hasn't frozen yet, but the temperatures are supposed to be a high of 10F today and that's the highest it is supposed to get until this weekend. Brrrr. Which in turn means that the bay will most likely freeze all the way across by the end of the week. (FYI--it is 7 miles across the bay to Harbor Springs on the other side!)

A Time for Every Season

And this season just happens to be winter. Yes, the clock is correct, it is 2:45 in the afternoon. It just doesn't get the bright here unless the sun is shining! Many days here in the winter are gray and cold, but the knowledge that spring and green things are coming in a few months makes even this cold gray day bearable.

Inspiration

I love Petrea's (Of Pasadena Daily Photo)idea of getting your ideas of what a picture means to you. In fact, I'm going to borrow the idea here and ask you what this picture says to you! Leave a comment and tell me what you think!

The Bay in Winter

Along about January or February, the bay starts to look like this; miniature icebergs that eventually join if the weather is cold enough for a long period of time. A cold snap will insure this happening, and that cold snap is likely on its way. The wind also plays a vital role in this production as it pushes water up onto the breakwall and the lighthouse and makes very interesting snow sculptures for our enjoyment. But for now, the temperatures are winter-comfortable (mid 20's) and there is no snow expected today.

Watch out, Bambi!

This was a gift for a friend who narrowly missed a deer this season. Thankfully, both the deer and the driver were safe. We thought if he had this on his car, the deer would stay back and realize that they didn't want to mess with him! In the late fall and winter, there is a real danger of hitting deer on the road. It can be scary, both for you and the deer. Mostly, they stay off the road, but there are a few who NEED to get to the other side, right as you're driving by. Thankfully, I have missed those with my car thus far (knock on wood) and hope to continue doing so in the future. Drive safe today, wherever you are!

Outdoor Fun

One of our favorite outdoor activities in the early winter is sledding with the four-wheeler. You can't have too much snow for this or the four-wheeler will get stuck, so there is usually a small window of time before the snow gets deep. But it is fun, and there is usually a lot of "Woohoo"s to be heard!

Series on the Sun

I know I've posted a lot of photos of the sun lately, but snow pictures get tiring after a while! This was the afternoon sun today with some interesting clouds as well. I enjoy seeing the sun, hope you do too! (And will someone, somewhere enjoy some warm weather for me? Thanks!)

Winter Sunset

I haven't been out much lately as I've been sick, but I did open the front door tonight and there was a beautiful winter sunset. It is cold today, but no snow. I just really love a great sunset!

City Daily Photo Day

Happy New Year! Today is a day to look back over the last 12 months and choose a picture that you think is the best. This is one of my favorites--who could not love a sunset?--and I love the softness of the pink and the color of the hazy evening. I remember this evening, it was quite chilly and cool. It was June and I had a sweater on, and wished I had taken a coat with me as well. Summer in the North! Enjoy your day and I hope your 2009 will be sunny and bright!