Yooper Mamas, Say Ya to da UP, EH?

[russianthistle]

NAK
I'll be there, tomorrow, too. Can't wait to see you all!
Was supposed to call Redhotmama tonight to confirm...hope she's an early riser...I threw a party for one of my best friends tonight...didn't think redhot would want me to call at 11p.m.:lol

AAAaaah, the party's over, and I'm gonna settle in with C., watch the weather quickly and catch some zzz's It's been a long day!

We're housesitting for two separate people...one set with 2 dogs and another with 1 dog and a horse. Both of these people live about a half hour from my house (and five miles from one another, thank Gaia), and I've got a garden going at my house and need to water everyday (I'm very thankful for the rain!!!)

My garden is growing very nicely! Radishes are nearly entirely harvest...and mesclun is growing like a weed!

[Qerratsmom]

It was so great to meet you Redhot! Thank you for bringing us the meeting. Even though it was a little unconventional, discussing some of the issues that were brought up helped me to release some stress and prepare for my visit with the inlaws next week. Thanks gals! Also what beautiful little girls you have. Here's hoping for a future meeting, maybe we can come over for one in H-town sometime.

Peace,
Kyra

[lakesuperiormom]

Hi...sorry I missed all today...we have the Big Ballet Recital this week and lots of pactice and little sleep for my little ones and they are showing it! We had a rough whiny-I-need-sleep day...and then papa came home and rescued me! I am thinking next tues. night mom's night out??? Tues. night at lagniappe at 6p...not sure about vegan dishes...you would think they would have something??? If it's too smoky we'll just go elsewhere!! I have asthma and smoke is a huge trigger. Let me know if anyone is coming so we'll have a big enough table! Qerratsmom...did you do the enki group with Jack??? I have a friend Melony who thought she knew you.

[Qerratsmom]

HI Lakesuperiormom, Yea, Melony with three kids? We were just talking about trying to maybe get our boys together this summer to play.
I won't be able to make the night out next Tuesday as we're heading out of town, but I hope you ladies have a nice break! I'll be around after the 1st again.

[redhotmama]

Hi Marquette mamas!
Thanks for allowing Jenny and I to crash your Tuesdays at the library. It was fun seeing your faces (and trying to remember your real names instead of your MDC names!)
Can't wait to see you in H-town:p

[Qerratsmom]

We got hit bad by the recent storm. My garden was in the path, so sadly all my lettuce, kale, onions, radishes and other herbs have been DEMOLISHED. Very sad. 45-50 mph winds with golf ball size hail and torrential down pour. Weird weather for this area.

[russianthistle]

:Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug Oh Kyra! :Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug

I'm sad to hear about your garden. It was just days ago when I was admiring your little Tom Thumb lettuces and your tall Red Russian kale.

I will share my harvest.

[russianthistle]

And, I wanted to write a quick thanks to the traveling band of LLL :lol

It was nice to meet like-minded mamas from not-so-far away. We appreciate you visiting and look forward to more random library (or otherwise) visits.

Here's my storm story.

One of the dogs we were care-taking was out in her kennel when the storm hit. I was at the other house at the time...this storm literally hit in a New York minute! Anyway, as the storm approached, I thought to run to the other house to get the other dog, but three people called me in the time-span of about 30 seconds and told me that a tornado was approaching...needless to say I didn't leave. Poor Roxie! Tortured by thunder (and hail, and who knows what else!) again!

Roxie dug her way out of the kennel (this was the second time this had happened in two days...), let herself in the house, went totally bonkers, broke all of the legs off a big basin double sink, and turned on the water which, then ran for at least an hour or two and flooded the basement.

I'm getting sick of Mercury retrograde!

[babycatcher01]

Hello there been away from the computer lately bonding with my new guy,and taking care of Grammy.

Yooper ladies avery special woman needs your love and support. Karen Kamyszek our resident midwife and Grammy midwife here, is dieing. She has fought cancer for two years now, and she is at the end of her journey. Please send your love and visit if you can, she is only going to last a few more days. She has touch so many lives here in the copper country and I cant reach every one right now. Visitors are welcome she is at home. YOu can contact me at 370-2443 if you would like to talk or get directions to the house.

To all her mothers out there she loves you guys and felt so blessed that you have welcomed her to be apart of your family, I will up date as I can but I am caring for her around the clock, so I will not be online much.

Thank youguys for you support.

Sincerly Amanda Klein

[russianthistle]

I have not met Grammy but am very saddened by this news. Here's just a bit of the love that I send.:Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug :Hug

[redhotmama]

:1praying: For Karen and her whole family.:1praying:
Love and thoughts of peace to you, :Hug Grammymidwife

[KariM]

Hey der! I'm a Yooper, yah. :)

My folks moved up there when I was ten and I lived there until I was 19 when I moved down to Cheboygan, MI. Since then I've lived in CO, IN, and now WI (with a brief time back in da UP for my BS & MA at NMU).

DH and I dream of retiring up there as well. :loveeyes:

[redhotmama]

Welcome KariM
Once a yooper, always a yooper

[lakesuperiormom]

Hello Yooper Mamas!! Enjoying the sunny weather?? We're loving living 2 blocks from the beach!!! I wanted to remind and re-invite all to the mom's night out (with nurslings!!) tonight at the cajun place Lagniappe (?) at 6pm. I hope some of you are able to make it! I will be the mama with the little boy in a turquoise and black sling and long brown hair....spit up somewhere on my clothes as well!!! Enjoy the weather!

[JenLove]

Hey der! I'm a Yooper, yah. :)

My folks moved up there when I was ten and I lived there until I was 19 when I moved down to Cheboygan, MI. Since then I've lived in CO, IN, and now WI (with a brief time back in da UP for my BS & MA at NMU).

DH and I dream of retiring up there as well. :loveeyes:

:wave

Where are you WI? I am in Marinette right now, but was born and raised a Yooper. My heart is yearning to get back across the river now as we are looking for houses.

[russianthistle]

Hello Yooper Mamas!! Enjoying the sunny weather?? We're loving living 2 blocks from the beach!!! I wanted to remind and re-invite all to the mom's night out (with nurslings!!) tonight at the cajun place Lagniappe (?) at 6pm. I hope some of you are able to make it! I will be the mama with the little boy in a turquoise and black sling and long brown hair....spit up somewhere on my clothes as well!!! Enjoy the weather!


Sorry that we weren't able to make it. Life has been :dizzy: CRAZY:dizzy: in my neck of the woods.

Please keep this thread in mind while planning events. I'm bound to gather at some point...

Looking forward to Hiawatha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[russianthistle]

:jumpers: :carrot :banana :jammin :snap :broc:
:dust
My tixfor Hiawatha are ordered!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait!

[Qerratsmom]

I picked up my Hiawatha tickets the other day! :drum: :guitar Woo Hoo, Hiawatha Time! I"ll be camping with imalego! Can't wait to catch up with you Erin, ITs been WAY TOO LONG!

I got my bunnies yesterday!!:carrot :broc: :broc: :carrot

[redhotmama]

Have fun at H-Fest mamas!
I'm off to Chicago for LLLI Conference on Friday!!:p

[russianthistle]

It has been WAY TOO LONG! I know!
Are you camping THursday night, too? I am!!! We were just offered a camper. That would certainly make the weekend sweet. Although, I did just order a new tent...

:broc: Hooray for the bunnies!!!:broc:
I bet they're adorable.

REdhot, have a super time in Chi-town!!!

[YooperMama]

Just checking in and saying, "Hi" to the Yoopers!

[daysella]

Hello to all the Marquette Mama's!! I just wanted to introduce myself and get a count of how many of you there are in or very near to marquette? I tried living in the area last year but became so lonely as I had a small baby, and was single parenting. She's grown more and I am more confident in my mama role... I'm ready to create community for real you know? Like organise on a local and big level...I just know their are mama's lurking out there in the northwoods who need this. I STRONGLY feel mothers/women have sacred connections to the earth and have even more strength when connecting with each other...please read my profile if you got time http://www.myspace.com/jennaday14
...right now I am in Baraboo, Wisconsin and am seriously thinking about making the trek back up north to STAY and help create a community. I think a lot of people come to the U.P... but staying is truely for the strongest in spirit...would most agree with this?
Jenna

[daysella]

I see from searching around a bit is that the biggest organised event would be the Monday Homeschool mom's nite out group....sounds awesome! Thank you LakeSuperiorMom... I hung out with RussianThistle once before I moved away after meeting her on here...Big hello to you two! Anyone else? I'm thinking I'm going to create an earth centered playgroup to begin...possibly a women's spiritual growth group as well...I have a feeling the circles most revolve around the food coop and are already close knit...maybe getting into them involves time away from the computer? ha. alright.. time to get busy then.
Jenna

[russianthistle]

Hello to all the Marquette Mama's!! I just wanted to introduce myself and get a count of how many of you there are in or very near to marquette? I tried living in the area last year but became so lonely as I had a small baby, and was single parenting. She's grown more and I am more confident in my mama role... I'm ready to create community for real you know? Like organise on a local and big level... I just know their are mama's lurking out there in the northwoods who need this.

I have not yet met LakeSuperiorMom...but other than her and I, there is Qerratsmom and Imalego who in Mqt...Also, Leta (who I've also not met) is in Ishpeming or near.

I am interested to hear that you have been away...that I was not, perhaps, just too weird for you or something :lol Since our meeting, I, too, feel like I've grown into myself as a mama...that I am not so unsure or overwhelmed as I was last summer. I feel like I can let myself flow in my parenting.

I feel like the little circle that has come of our convergence of fellow like-minded mama (many of whom met here, on some level) has been one of the greatest assets I have in my life here in the northwoods :wink I truly need and enjoy having a like-minded collection of with whom my family can gather and share.

Imalego, Qerratsmom, and a couple of other mamas get together (at least we were...and will again once the craziness of summer wears off...) for that playgroup type of thing.

I STRONGLY feel mothers/women have sacred connections to the earth and have even more strength when connecting with each other...

I agree. In connecting with other mamas in the area, I feel like I can grow and learn...like we can work together...use our energies as a tribe..growing together, teaching our children, teaching each other, learning as one. Yeah.

right now I am in Baraboo, Wisconsin and am seriously thinking about making the trek back up north to STAY and help create a community. I think a lot of people come to the U.P... but staying is truely for the strongest in spirit...would most agree with this?
Jenna

Absolutely! And, I think that the stay is worth the while. The longer I am here, in the U.P., the more I feel that I should be here. I have found that I am encountering, perhaps even attracting, likemindedness on many levels. I feel like I have been slowly weaving this wonderful circle of people around myself and my family since I got pregnant with Casimir.


I'm thinking I'm going to create an earth centered playgroup to begin...possibly a women's spiritual growth group as well...I have a feeling the circles most revolve around the food coop and are already close knit...maybe getting into them involves time away from the computer? ha. alright.. time to get busy then.
Jenna

I'd love to hear more about your idea of an "earth centered playgroup." Enlighten me please!

I have been feeling a strong urge to collect and to study and/or discuss energetic, astrological, spiritual...etc! topics. I have really been feeling the urge to return to my metaphysical studies...I've had to step away from that realm for a bit, but am eagerly looking to indulge.

I'm very interested in communing! Keep in touch, Jenna!

[redhotmama]

Welcome back daysella and YooperMama!
I've just returned from LLL conference in Chicago. Oh my, was it ever awesome
:bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs
I saw Dr. Sears, Martha and son Dr. Bob Sears.(and he gave me to books and signed them too)
I heard Ina May twice:loveeyes:
John and Sheila Kipley talked to me for 30 min, signed my book
PEGGY OMARA!!!!!
Six founding mothers of LLL
2200 mamas, 1000 babies, 150 physicians, totally amazing conference
:bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs :bfs

[russianthistle]

ooooooh! Ina May!!! Wow, I am envious.
I'm glad to hear that you had a wonderful weekend!

Hiawatha was groovy. The best performance I saw was done by The Carolina Chocolate Drops...a close second, perhaps even a tie, was a duo, Dean McGraw & John Williams , who played long, whirling reels and jigs that made my legs want to fall off! We bought dp, Matty, (for his up and coming birthday) a nice handmade drum crafted of hickory and goat skin...its energy is amazing. I am just getting over the Hiawatha high, I swear! Festivals are exhausting!

[lakesuperiormom]

Jenna, I think we spoke on the phone last year...I run the homeschool group Marquette Independent Learner's Cooperative MILC for short. I think it was you?? I was actually thinking about you the other day!! I was wondering what happened and what you were up to!

Well,I've been lacking in the organization dept. this summer and desperately need to plan some get togethers!! I'm thinking some park and play days?? anyone interested....and definately a mom's night out!

I'm interested in your thoughts on a preschool co-op. some of my friends and i are going to try and start a waldorfy arts and crafts co-op w/out the anthroposophical religious tone. too busy enjoying my kids and summer to get organized!!

I would like to give my two cents on likemindedness, if i may? I would caution on only allowing people who are likeminded to join your tribe. I was participating in the enki co-op and likemindedness came up several times and so I have a particular bumper sticker (mostly to p** off my fil!!) and a couple of fathers inapropriately verbally attacked me because of it. I left the group because I 1) was very hurt by the comments that i thought were really not any of their business 2)i felt like i didn't fit in anywhere w/homeschooling we're not religious (we say we're catholic but it's not too frequent we attend!) and didn't feel like i fit in the religious circle and then i didn't fit in w/the what i thought were like-minded momma's. It's been hard for me and i joke it off, but i hurt that i don't "fit" in. I would like to see a group of momma's in marquette "tribing" (yeah, i made it up!)together regardless of what you believe,or if you gave birth at home or in the hospital or cloth diaper or homeschool or public school. I think mommas need mommas and the variety is what helps us grow. anyway, my babe needs milkies so i need to go....i just want to see mommas getting the support they need not feeling "poohey" 'cause they aren't likeminded in every aspect.

[russianthistle]

I'm interested in your thoughts on a preschool co-op. some of my friends and i are going to try and start a waldorfy arts and crafts co-op w/out the anthroposophical religious tone. too busy enjoying my kids and summer to get organized!!

I would like to give my two cents on likemindedness, if i may? I would caution on only allowing people who are likeminded to join your tribe. I was participating in the enki co-op and likemindedness came up several times and so I have a particular bumper sticker (mostly to p** off my fil!!) and a couple of fathers inapropriately verbally attacked me because of it. I left the group because I 1) was very hurt by the comments that i thought were really not any of their business 2)i felt like i didn't fit in anywhere w/homeschooling we're not religious (we say we're catholic but it's not too frequent we attend!) and didn't feel like i fit in the religious circle and then i didn't fit in w/the what i thought were like-minded momma's. It's been hard for me and i joke it off, but i hurt that i don't "fit" in. I would like to see a group of momma's in marquette "tribing" (yeah, i made it up!)together regardless of what you believe,or if you gave birth at home or in the hospital or cloth diaper or homeschool or public school. I think mommas need mommas and the variety is what helps us grow. anyway, my babe needs milkies so i need to go....i just want to see mommas getting the support they need not feeling "poohey" 'cause they aren't likeminded in every aspect.

I understand what you mean on likemindedness...on seeking out likemindedness...and on what that can mean in a place like here. What I mean when I say likemindedness is to be connecting to people who do not condemn mothers nursing at 3 or 4 years old...who avoid microwaves because they are harmful...who appreciate organics and support local businesses...who avoid commercialism...who appreciate that homeschooling is a well-thought-out choice...who are supportive and knowledgeable people on many levels...and finally, who are caring and understanding people who support other people's choice to make their own informed decision without judging. The last point is one to emphasize, in my mind.

I have two sisters who may not cloth diaper and may support hospital birth...They make those decisions themselves. I do not feel like they are on the other side of the earth (nor do I send them there...) because they have made different choices than I. I think for me that it is more that I am in search of playmates for Casimir that are not spoonfed sugar in the morning, babysat in the day by the TV, and put to bed with a bottle of kool-aid in the mouth (okay, I'm getting a little extreme, I know...).

Different strokes for different folk, you know? I think that likemindedness can mean a million different things to a million different people. I want a tribe of mamas who are caring, supportive, and aware for themselves and for their children.

[lakesuperiormom]

well put,russian thistle!! i like what you said. we lean that way....although i did give birth 4x in a hospital and glad i did 'cause we had complications everytime and last time nearly blead to death.....eeeeeeek! we cloth diaper,eat organically(will go out to eat when i just can't make dinner tonight honey!!),homeschool,we do watch an occasional tv show(i have 4 kids aaagghhh and need to shower without them deciding to turn the living room into a repelling mountain...it's happened before..boys!) we have barbies...i know the evil goddess...i think i look relatively like her....well the boobs anyway....and possibly the hips.....my 3 yr old also wears an orange gawdy buzz lightyear fleece...and he sleeps in it on ocassion....3 yr olds! i'm blabbering 'cause i've had very little sleep...nursing baby....we nurse until mama can't stand anyone sucking on her boobs anymore so we're with you on the nursing....and do they call it nursing because it's so much better for them?? my mil who bottlefed wanted to slap me when i asked this!! :) i think we are going to have an emergency mom's need to get outta the house night tuesday the 31st...i think we are meeting at a restaraunt unless a momma decides to host it at her house...will keep all posted on that and i hope some of you come!

btw....is mountain dew in the bottle okay..;)....my friend's fostering boys who's mom did that....i know...what is wrong w/her!

[daysella]

Hello LakeSuperior and RussianThistle..
I find this conversation very interesting and engaging...thank you for getting back to me. As far as creating a group of like mindedness I'm really not so much caring about that to be honest. My heart gives me no other option than wanting to heal the earth through mothering, through activism, through my sprititual journey...through every action a can conciousley take in this moment. Me wanting to create an Earthmothers playgroup is simply an extension of that...me advertising here to find mom's in the Marquette area is because I didn't grow up here, I didn't go to college here...I simply like the wildness and balance outside of materialism that exists in this special U.P. place. I don't care who shows up for the earthmothers playgroup...all I know is that when I'm in the woods or outdoors mother earth tends to watch my daughter as much as I do and I find that I am able to let more guards down...my daughter learns so much out of doors in natural environments, there is also an activism spirit about this group as well...I strongly feel that ALL children growing up now will have no choice than to turn to more of a simple and natural way of living, there is nothing more just right now than to help foster this love, learning, and appreciation for nature around. The focus is on the next generations and the earth... not on who thinks the same.

[daysella]

Oh... so I forgot to talk about my ideas with the earthmothers group...
It's very much in the beginning stage by the way...

To start...everyone is included...even fathers if they would like to come.

I feel the basic structure of the group could be meeting together every week out of doors somewhere...going for hikes, doing an earth-centered activity like building a bird house out of pine cone and PB, go bird watching, collect rocks, having a real life animal tracker take us all out tracking in the winter, swimming...etc...after the first few visits and getting to know each other I think it would be great to also get requests from the group, each familycould pick and decides the next location or activity...this would engage everyone and create diversity. This would be for ALL ages as well, this way the kids could be more challenged too. Babies could be held by their mother or watch and learn from the older. I know my daugher prefers about 7 years older than her to play with...ha.

Anyway...just a vision right now...
I may be visiting there soon...super excited!
Jenna

[daysella]

Lake superior mom I do remember talking with you yes! I am in the U.P. as of yesterday and would love to go out for that Tuesday Nite you were talking about? Do you know the location yet? I'm super interested to learn more about the homeschooling cooperative you are running as well. I actually moved down to Baraboo because I found a charter school that was very much attractive to me at the time...I didn't plan on homeschooling then...here is the website...out of all my searching I haven't found such a beautiful thing put on by parents...as far as a coop I would love to learn more about what one is to be honest...I know charter schools well and that's about it. Looking forward to hanging out.
Erin! You are not at all wierd..omg... that made me laugh. Hopefully you can come out Tuesday nite too so we can catch up and meet again in our new roles, would very much like to hear your comments on the playgroup too?!
I just looked threw marquette monthly and saw that you have free yoga at presque isle on Sundays at 10....how divine!! Wish I could get a sitter, have to work on that.
Alright...excited to be here... hope to catch up with you both on this vacation.

[russianthistle]

Hello LakeSuperior and RussianThistle..
I find this conversation very interesting and engaging...thank you for getting back to me. As far as creating a group of like mindedness I'm really not so much caring about that to be honest. My heart gives me no other option than wanting to heal the earth through mothering, through activism, through my sprititual journey...through every action a can conciousley take in this moment. Me wanting to create an Earthmothers playgroup is simply an extension of that...me advertising here to find mom's in the Marquette area is because I didn't grow up here, I didn't go to college here...I simply like the wildness and balance outside of materialism that exists in this special U.P. place. I don't care who shows up for the earthmothers playgroup...all I know is that when I'm in the woods or outdoors mother earth tends to watch my daughter as much as I do and I find that I am able to let more guards down...my daughter learns so much out of doors in natural environments, there is also an activism spirit about this group as well...I strongly feel that ALL children growing up now will have no choice than to turn to more of a simple and natural way of living, there is nothing more just right now than to help foster this love, learning, and appreciation for nature around. The focus is on the next generations and the earth... not on who thinks the same.

NAK
I agree with all of what you say.
I put a ton of energy into living simply and feel that we, as a family, thrive living simply, naturally, and in touch with nature. My absolute dream is to live sustainably on land that will be used to nourish, teach, and enjoy. I dream of an eco-farm with a children's art or herb camp (or both)...this is just touching on the edge of my dream...

Oh... so I forgot to talk about my ideas with the earthmothers group...
It's very much in the beginning stage by the way...

To start...everyone is included...even fathers if they would like to come.

I feel the basic structure of the group could be meeting together every week out of doors somewhere...going for hikes, doing an earth-centered activity like building a bird house out of pine cone and PB, go bird watching, collect rocks, having a real life animal tracker take us all out tracking in the winter, swimming...etc...after the first few visits and getting to know each other I think it would be great to also get requests from the group, each familycould pick and decides the next location or activity...this would engage everyone and create diversity. This would be for ALL ages as well, this way the kids could be more challenged too. Babies could be held by their mother or watch and learn from the older.

Nice! I love your idea. It plays right into the dreams I have.

Hmmm...I'm wondering where Qerratsmom is for this discussion. I know she'd love your idea as well!

I am in the U.P. as of yesterday and would love to go out for that Tuesday Nite you were talking about? Do you know the location yet? I'm super interested to learn more about the homeschooling cooperative you are running as well. I actually moved down to Baraboo because I found a charter school that was very much attractive to me at the time...I didn't plan on homeschooling then...here is the website...out of all my searching I haven't found such a beautiful thing put on by parents...as far as a coop I would love to learn more about what one is to be honest...I know charter schools well and that's about it. Looking forward to hanging out.
Erin! You are not at all wierd..omg... that made me laugh. Hopefully you can come out Tuesday nite too so we can catch up and meet again in our new roles, would very much like to hear your comments on the playgroup too?!
I just looked threw marquette monthly and saw that you have free yoga at presque isle on Sundays at 10....how divine!! Wish I could get a sitter, have to work on that.
Alright...excited to be here... hope to catch up with you both on this vacation.

Lakesuperior, I, too, am interested in Tues. I will have to bring Casimir, however, if you plan on eating anytime before, say 6:30 or 7p.m. Matty doesn't usually get home from work before 6 p.m. and I live nearly a half an hour from town. Hmmmm...or if we plan in advance...perhaps C's Grandma Leahy can take him...

Jenna, why I said I thought you might think me weird is because I felt very strange in my own skin at the time of our meeting.

You know, I did not know about the free yoga at Presque Isle! What a great idea! On Sunday, I am helping a friend and running her booth at the Outback Art Fair 10-5 at Picnic Rocks

Yes, let's get this plan out there so that we might all meet!

[lakesuperiormom]

I'm thinking 6pm at Los Tres Amigos? It seems to be the one place that I don't get sick afterwards when I eat....my husband thinks it's from being used to eating organic and naturally and the msg and pesticides in the food. Plus, I like their margharitas or at least 1/2 of one!! Hey I've got 4 kids this momma needs one! ;)

Jenna, I am soooo glad it's you! I was really hoping things had worked out for you! My husband's assistant has a 23 yr old daughter who babysits...not sure how much she charges...I can look into it. I can help out in a pinch once you get to know me and I have a friend with an almost 12 yr old daughter who would love to help.

Our family has been doing exactly what you've mentioned this summer...and climbing the hill for carp river falls with baby in sling and flip flops on was interesting and empowering when done! I'd like to plan some "adventures" (what our fam calls them!) with you! My husband and eldest son are avid birders and would be willing to share that knowledge. We also know a place in Big Bay where we saw an owl...bard???? I can't remember if that's the name. We also saw the stuff it pukes up....kinda gross...but nevertheless educational! Jennas how old is your daughter now?

Gotta run..kids have skating..yes ice skating on a beautiful summer day...my husband set it up!

Waiting to hear who all is coming and excited to meet you! Russian thistle please bring your little one if you want...we may do starbucks after to sit and chat and they are open until 10p. We usually see how the night goes..if we still feel like chatting or need to go night nighty!

[russianthistle]

Do they make their margaritas from scratch?

[russianthistle]

I'm totally game for Tues. night! I love Mexican and haven't had anything authentic since I was in Durango.

[imalego]

Don't know if I'm invited or not, but North and I would be down for some Tres Amigos on Tuesday!

oop, he just woke up...gotta run :)

[Yooper]

I have been off MDC for some time but do check back on this thread about once a week. I just wanted to mention that we LOVE Los Tres Amigos!!!!! Yum yum yum! We live in Houghton but stop in there for our frequent trips downstate. FYI, on Sundays, kids eat free and everything else is reduced price. I have been waiting and WAITING for someone to have a decent Mexican restaurant within 3 hours of our house for YEARS. Ever since Los Dos in Houghton closed I have been very sad:( Taco Bell just does not cut it.

[redhotmama]

Now don't go cheating on Taco Bell, Yooper. I know many a 7 layer burrito has layed down it's life for you:duck:

[lakesuperiormom]

ALL momma's are welcome! not sure on the margaritas.....please don't tell me there's high fructose corn syrup in them :( although, i've had a migraine all day and don't need anything to induce another!! i'm excited i get to meet you momma's!

[russianthistle]

NAK
I'm glad to hear the recommendation of Los Tres Amigos! I really really hope they have good margs. Honestly, I'd drink one even w/ the corn syrup, but it certainly wouldn't compare to a real one.

Hooray! Lauren & North are coming too!!!!!!!!!

I'm emailing Mavis, too...

[Yooper]

Now don't go cheating on Taco Bell, Yooper. I know many a 7 layer burrito has layed down it's life for you:duck:

7 layers will always have a special place in my heart:)

I did try out the margaritas. I am a margarita snob. I cannot say for certain that they do not use a cheapo mix with HFCS but I would be surprised. They seemed to be the real thing. And strong too.

[Qerratsmom]

Hey I'm here! Trying to get caught up with the thread! I think I'm in for Tuesday, let me get back to you all when I have more than 30 seconds to sit and think:dizzy:
Peace.Kyra

[daysella]

Awesome! See everyone on Tuesday!!! Sounds like fun! I'm so getting the combo platter.

[daysella]

I forgot to tell you Lake superior mom, Jennifer right?...my daughter is two years old next week. And thank you for the possible referral for babysitter.. I appreciate that. Right now I'm not moved up here yet, but would like to very much be working on creating a center and support network here for sure on these visits.
Erin, it feels so many mothers/women/peope are tapping into similar dreams/visions/actions right now...it's super empowering and still very much at a grassroots level but rising above the surface at a super alarming rate! Your camp sounds super cool!!! Don't let go of it, I want my daughter to go!!! Many towns and cities are adopting the "natural step" model of becoming sustainable and greening everything from businesses, transportation, schools, local farming.etc...have you heard of this? It's really not at all an innovative or progressive idea but more an act now...so very cool and past meeting in other towns I've been to have ALL different kinds of people interested in sustainability/ renewable energy and such. I found this video clip about the non profits here gathering for Lake Superior and was so so inspired not only by the groups' sizes but also in how much they are doing here!!! Wow... lots of beauty surrounds. See you all soon! Jenna

http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/file/305804/

[daysella]

I forgot to say as far as your birding family...that would be super cool if they would lead us on some birding adventures or whatever else that comes up!!! It's sounds like this could be tons of fun!! What I will do is bring a notebook and get down the names and numbers, emails, of everyone who is interested and try and get the first couple of ones cordinated, then we can just let it all flow and see what comes into being!!!
:shy

[spaceymom]

That is Erin the fabulous red-haired bairn, not Erin the fabulous mom,

Finally got all logged on here. I know many of you from the library. Would love to see you at Los Tres Amigos tomorrow night (Saw Erin at the Outback yesterday and she told me about it).

She's awake now. Must answer that call....

[Qerratsmom]

Hey daysella, I'm one of the Earth Keeper event coordinators/communications people. Thank you for posting the link! The Lake Superior Concert was a huge hit. The UPFront Banquet room was completely packed with some people having to stand.
Welcome, Spaceymom!

[Qerratsmom]

I have a birthday party to attend on Tuesday evening so I wouldn't be able to make it to Los Tre Amigos until about 7:00-7:30, would folks still be there? I'd probably already have eaten so I 'll just grab a drink or dessert...

[Qerratsmom]

Oh wait, disregard, b-party is on Wednesday. I'll be there!

[lakesuperiormom]

i am soooooooooo looking forward to tom. night! It looks like we'll have a big group of momma's there! the margaritas are strong...a half of one and i'm tipsy....we're going to be the only mom's night out where we have to have designated drivers!! lol lol....i started a yahoo group for upperpeninsulahomeschoolers and thought it would be another good route to connect to people. that could be used as a tool for keeping track of events and people?? i know not everyone here homeschool's, but it could be an avenue?? or we could start another one. we're going blueberry picking tonight in big bay!! yeah! i am looking forward to that! so, i gotta get ready.

my name is christy and i will have a huge 6 mo old baby in a turquoise and black sling..unless he's fallen asleep and i decide to carry him in the carseat that weighs 200 lbs and is great for my back! i have long dark brown hair and not sure what i'll be wearing..whatever hasn't been spitup on! i will probably wait in the bar..no smoking...at a big table until about 6:30ish and wait for stragglers. i'm excited to meet you momma's!

[daysella]

Qerratsmom: I'm so interested in learning more about the Earthkeepers...is this a committee of citizens/general people or is this northern university group affliated only? I keep finding Mr. Lindquist's name attached...is he a professor at nmu?
So excited to learn more.
See you tommorrow!

[russianthistle]

If they're strong, I'll probably just get a cerveza...I have to drive 25 miles afterward. I am short, have med. length straight brown hair, and wear double terminated crystals in my ears. I may or may not have an adorable little 17 mo. boy with me.

[imalego]

Yay, I logged on here today and had totally forgotton about dinner tonight! Now I have something to look forward to after work. 6 o'clock, right? Or was it 6:30? Hmmm...well, I'll probably be there sometime inbetween there anyway.. If you see a short girl with pulled back brown hair and a little dude(9 months) with a tuft of hair on top looking lost, thats us.


Erin did you get ahold of Mavis? That'd be great if she--or Heidi too infact--could come. Are you guys going over to Mavis' tomorrow for Lilly's bday? I have to work until 7, but lovely Co-op I think is going to let me go a little early so I'll be able to stop by.

See everyone tonight! :)

[Qerratsmom]

I'll see you all tonight...I will be single, dh gets the kids!

[russianthistle]

Erin did you get ahold of Mavis? That'd be great if she--or Heidi too infact--could come. Are you guys going over to Mavis' tomorrow for Lilly's bday? I have to work until 7, but lovely Co-op I think is going to let me go a little early so I'll be able to stop by.

See everyone tonight! :)

Let's see...I told Mavis, Heidi, Ellen, and asked Mavis to tell Tracy as well, since I don't have her contact info. I may have even told another person...I don't remember I got the word out ;)

And, yes, I am going to Miss Lily's b-day tomorrow! I will be celebrating Lily's and Jerry's b-day tomorrow (oh, and the preview of the Grateful Dead channel on Sirius, too!).


Has anyone been swimming over the past couple of days? The lake is gorgeous! I even freed myself from the swim suit last night...absolutely divine! I swear that that lake is the most cleansing, invigorating, purifying place to go after a long day.

[lakesuperiormom]

6pm tonight at los tres amigos...thus far, i'm wearing a black tank w/bling and a short denim skirt....may change if baby pukey's on me! what a hot and humid day 'eh! we are headed to the beach for a bit!

[spaceymom]

I called Los Tres Amigos and made it for 10 people, four high chairs at 6:00. That way they'll be ready for us and we can add and subtract seating as needed. Now will anyone see this post in the next two hours and know to ask for the reserved table...

[lakesuperiormom]

i see it...a bunch..8 to be exact...of the homeschool mama's are not making it...so we may have less :(....can't wait....

[russianthistle]

Oh, Jenna, what happened? We were thinking you must have gone to the Starbuck's on campus rather than the one near Michael's.

Thanks for the night, ladies! I haven't done anything social alone, like, ever since Casimir was born.

Yeah...let's do this again.

[lakesuperiormom]

yes, jenna where did u go?? i'd love to get together and talk if your still in town.

i had a great time meeting all of you and chatting! i greatly enjoy the "momma" company! I think the starbucks had caffeine in it as I lay awake until 2 am! i came up with some great ideas for an "adventure" group with support for all momma's. i think there is a great need for it at this time. i was also worried about the lll and if new momma's are finding support that they so desperately need....does anyone know the specifics of what need to be done to help the lll thrive?? has anyone been showing up to the posted monthly meetings?

so first, "adventure" next thursday do a beach day and maybe a nature treasure hunt at picnic rocks?? it would depend on the weather, but doesn't everything here??

my vision for a "homeschool"..which i think would be open to everyone not just homeschoolers...is to form a support group for momma's and children and have fun while doing it. i would like to see the group meet in a non-religious place...ideally an old barn renovated...i guess were going to have to buy some property...still working on the farm idea w/my husband!! and make our own toys using natural materials...tree blocks,tunnels,wooden people and animals,wooden doll house,silks,handmade babies...there's instructions on mdc in the arts and crafts section...she's filled w/wool and warms to the body..i am making one w/my daughter....she's got one arm longer than the other...but she's homemade!! and use natural materials for crafts like beeswax crayons and modeling clay,wool roving for felting and possibly knitting and crochet, and things found on nature walks.

i think, over the next few years, as our babes and other babes continue to grow there is going to be a real need for this in our community. most importantly, the momma support.

anyway, i'm rambling from lack of sleep and was really inspired last night ny some of the conversations we had....i'm soooo happy to meet you all! I had a wonderful time and hope we can get together again really soon!

[lakesuperiormom]

i'm gonna be at the library in the childrens area at about 4 today if anyone is interested and gets this in time.

[daysella]

It was so nice to get to meet you all... I got called home right as I was leaving the parking lot so I apoligize for not showing. I will be heading back to my wisconsin home very soon but you all very much helped me make my decision!
I will be in contact!
Take care,
Jenna

[Qerratsmom]

I had a really great time as well yesterday evening. We had a busy day today but we will try to connect up next week!

[3703]

Hi All,
Not to change the topic on you all, but I just checked my hometown newspaper online, the Daily Mining Gazette, and was surpried to see a nice article on the benefits of breastfeeding and the way it is supported by WIC. I left home before I hit my childbearing years so I never really paid attention to how BF played in the public eye when I was still in the Copper Country. But, the article made me happy, as does logging on to this thread and seeing the conversations and thoughts and sharings of you mamas.

Here is a link if you are interested:
http://www.mininggazette.com/stories/articles.asp?articleID=8025

Hope all is well with you all, both those who are in those who are currently in the UP and those who "Yousta be a Yooper" like myself.
:bfs

[timneh_mom]

Hi All,
Not to change the topic on you all, but I just checked my hometown newspaper online, the Daily Mining Gazette, and was surpried to see a nice article on the benefits of breastfeeding and the way it is supported by WIC. I left home before I hit my childbearing years so I never really paid attention to how BF played in the public eye when I was still in the Copper Country. But, the article made me happy, as does logging on to this thread and seeing the conversations and thoughts and sharings of you mamas.

Here is a link if you are interested:
http://www.mininggazette.com/stories/articles.asp?articleID=8025

Hope all is well with you all, both those who are in those who are currently in the UP and those who "Yousta be a Yooper" like myself.
:bfs

WOW!! The Gazette did an article about breastfeeding! That is SO cool!!! Thanks so much for posting about it!

I'm a Yousta, and horribly homesick... DH and I are entertaining the thought of getting some kind of summer cottage up there somewhere... *sigh* I miss it so much... :bawl I'm totally jealous of everyone who lives up there now... :(

[redhotmama]

I met the breastfeeding lady from the article the other day on the street. She's an acquaintence of Crayon's. Invited her to LLL tonight:loveeyes:

[timneh_mom]

Cool, you'll have to tell me if she came to your meeting!! :)

[redhotmama]

:carrot We have two new Yoopers in our midst:loveeyes:
One vbac for cherrypudding now living in Texas and one hbac for our good friend up in Keweenaw County!
Babies come out!:champagne

[redhotmama]

Cool, you'll have to tell me if she came to your meeting!! :)
She didn't come but we had a rockin' meeting nontheless. Maybe next month!

[lakesuperiormom]

i think a bunch of us are getting together tom. afternoon at the park on presque isle at about 1:30ish if anyone's interested.

[Qerratsmom]

Hey not going to be able to play today (Thursday) as we just got home from a nice time at camp for five days and I am trying to get reorganized. Keep me posted though and I will come out another day with my kiddos.

[lakesuperiormom]

we're getting together friday the 1oth at 1:30is....i think. i will post tom. morn.

[russianthistle]

Keep posting events! Although I cannot come today (as I am doing the weekend market in Munising), I will come in the future. Casimir sure hasn't been getting the social time I think he needs...

[mama in the forest]

mamas ~ hi! I don't mean to but into your thread, but I'd love it if you could come over and offer me your comments on the thread I started here:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=727498

I live in southern MI right now and am thinking about moving up to either the upper LP, or the UP. I have a small farm down here, but would like to buy a larger piece of land.

[lakesuperiormom]

is anyone ordering from the mercurius co-op in the trading post? i though we could combine shipping and order together.....they have super cheap beeswax crayons and stuff.

[lakesuperiormom]

is anyone interested in doing a weekly arts and crafts gathering with us using mainly natural materials? a couple moms and i are going to get together and discuss setting this up this thursday night at 7.if anyone is interested please pm me. :)

[russianthistle]

nak
I'll be interested, like, next year or the year after. C's not very interested in making art...believe me, I've tried everything from finger paints to pastels. However, I do have a couple of interesting ideas you might use...one from Herb Quarterly. I'll post them when I get a moment...I've been stuck nursing C for the past three days...:toddler: nursing nursing nursing :toddler: ... He's had a fever for three days w/ no other apparent symptoms...

[Yooper]

We are planning a vacation that will take place in a few weeks. We are taking our pop-up to the Leelenau Peninsula for dh's family reunion. Seeing as this will be our only real vacation for the summer, we are thinking that we would like to add a few days to the beginning for our own family to do something. We are planning to go to the small waterpark in Mackinac City. But that will only be a few hours and we plan to do that on the actual day that we travel across the bridge. We are looking for interesting places and things to do in the eastern U.P. Originally we just planned to camp on Lake Manistique in the Curtis area for a few nights. But that in only because we really do not have any other ideas. I thought I would ask around here and see if any of you that live over there had any. We are looking to spend 3ish days somewhere. We like natural wonders but would also like to be near indoor attractions in case the weather is bad. We would like to be with 1.5 hours of the bridge. We are also looking for nice campgrounds. We took dd to the shipwreck museum, Tacquamenon Falls, and Pictured Rocks earlier this summer. She is a very strange child and was fascinated by the museum:) Any suggestions would be great!

[Leta]

Yooper- If I were going to Leelenau, I'd look into going to Beaver Island. But I am island obsessed and have always wanted to go there, so that might just be me.

************

Marquette Area Mamas, I need help! DD, 18 months, really is needing to be around other toddlers. Her brother is 9, and all the people we know up here are either childless or have older kids.

We have been thinking about putting her into daycare two half days (2-3 hours) per week, but that has proven difficult, as childcare providers prefer full time clients and not only would I have to check out whether or not there were toddlers there, but what days/times.

Despite 15 minutes of Googling, I can't find any playgroups or Mommy and Me type things for the Marquette area. Anyone know of anything?

TIA!

[lakesuperiormom]

Leta pm me i've been trying to get something together. Our family homeschools, but I would like to have a regular "school" type get together on fridays. I was thinking an arts and crafts inspired one, but after talking with a friend we are thinking of switching it up a bit and doing different things each week. we'd love to have to you.


i'm ordering from mercurius..a waldorf natural arts and crafts supply company...and was wondering if any momma's were interested in ordering anything. i think we're going to get supplies for 45% off. beeswax crayons and such will be super cheap this way. pm me if you're interested.

[lakesuperiormom]

btw, my friend and i are ordering silk blanks also to dye for playsilks if anyone is interested in that...i'm thinking mid-september for putting an order in.

[russianthistle]

Marquette Area Mamas, I need help! DD, 18 months, really is needing to be around other toddlers. Her brother is 9, and all the people we know up here are either childless or have older kids.

Despite 15 minutes of Googling, I can't find any playgroups or Mommy and Me type things for the Marquette area. Anyone know of anything?

TIA!

I only know of "us" the little group that sometimes gathers here and there.
My son is nearly 18 mo. (will be on the 2nd) and I would love to get together! I live in Deerton but will travel :) I'd love to meet another mama with a baby Casimir's age. I was, for long time, in the situation you are in...so many (wonderful) single friends...or friends with no children. I love those friends, but we need more than that with C. at times. I feel like I've really made some great connections to other mamas in the area. What kind of freedom do you have to meet?


i'm ordering from mercurius..a waldorf natural arts and crafts supply company...and was wondering if any momma's were interested in ordering anything. i think we're going to get supplies for 45% off. beeswax crayons and such will be super cheap this way. pm me if you're interested.

hmmmm...is there a website? I know it might have been posted earlier on in the thread, but...do you know it off-hand? I won't have any $$ until mid-Sept. (my b-day!) to spend. When shall you organize the order? I could wait until next time as C. doesn't give a rip about crayons at this point.


btw, my friend and i are ordering silk blanks also to dye for playsilks if anyone is interested in that...i'm thinking mid-september for putting an order in.

AGain, same questions as above...I would love to be in on that order (if you won't need the money until mid-Sept!) I'm game :) I want to start working with my new plant dye info.

Oh! and that Herb Quarterly thing~ I will get to that shortly. I have been in Milwaukee at Irish fest and visiting Matty's family...have a best friend coming into town this week (with her baby I've not yet seen!)...and will be going to California next week to baby sit my sis's kids... What a crazy summer it's been!

[spaceymom]

Hi Leta,

I also have a daughter near same age (just two weeks younger than Casimir). We live close to picnic rocks and go to the Peter White Library to play almost every day, usually in the morning. I work there half time. We're free the rest of this week and would love to meet you and you dd. BTW, is dd darling daughter? Am new to some of these abreviations....

[russianthistle]

BTW, is dd darling daughter? Am new to some of these abreviations....

I always thought "dear" but darling makes sense too :)

[lakesuperiormom]

we're headed to traverse city we until fry....will plan some park days when we get back

the co-op...both mercurius and dharma...orders are due sep 13th and payment sep 15th....i could float you russianthistle...when's your bday??

here's the mercurius:
http://www.mercurius-usa.com/ams_shop.php?amsid=69e38869d1a03830807233c8039dd62 1

here's dharma:
http://www.dharmatrading.com/

and here's my organization thread:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MERCURIUSCO-OP/

i'll nix the $4 fee for those who choose to help me organize and fill the boxes :}

russianthistle have you tried watercolours with c? not the crappy crayola's either the real ones?? we use real ones and read stories about the color's and the kids love it...he may be a bit young yet....my kids always loved rubber stamps...on their bodies of course!

[Yooper]

Hi all!

I just finished "Animal, Miracle, Vegetable" by Barbaba Kingsolver and "Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan and decided to try making a bigger effort to eat more locally. I am doing research and making plans to grow more next year. I have a shady yard but am going to check out the community garden open house tomorrow to see what other options I have. I also subscribe to Chip's CSA in Houghton, but we eat all of that within two days of getting it each week......I think we might need a double share:) Between Chip, the co-op, the Tori market, and the local farms, we can eat mostly local for two months out of the year. I am pretty experienced at canning and freezing produce but do not do much due to perceived lack of availability of local bulk produce. Anyone know of any farms/farmers that have enough surplus of just about anything at any point that might be interested in unloading to one buyer? As far away as Marquette would be cool since we drive through there often for travel and business. I am checking with the bigger farms in Houghton myself (Chip, Grego, Hughes) but am wondering if there are any smaller players I am missing. Anyone know of anyone growing apples, pears, or plums for sale?

[russianthistle]

the co-op...both mercurius and dharma...orders are due sep 13th and payment sep 15th....i could float you russianthistle...when's your bday??

Sept. 16 :)
I'll check the sites and let you know!


russianthistle have you tried watercolours with c? not the crappy crayolas either the real ones?? we use real ones and read stories about the colors and the kids love it...he may be a bit young yet....my kids always loved rubber stamps...on their bodies of course![/QUOTE]

I have not tried real watercolors with C...will in time, but know that he's not really ready yet. I can barely get him into the brush :) Aaaah...rubber stamps...yes. I bet he might like that.

Hi all!

I just finished "Animal, Miracle, Vegetable" by Barbaba Kingsolver and "Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan and decided to try making a bigger effort to eat more locally. I am doing research and making plans to grow more next year. I have a shady yard but am going to check out the community garden open house tomorrow to see what other options I have. I also subscribe to Chip's CSA in Houghton, but we eat all of that within two days of getting it each week......I think we might need a double share:) Between Chip, the co-op, the Tori market, and the local farms, we can eat mostly local for two months out of the year. I am pretty experienced at canning and freezing produce but do not do much due to perceived lack of availability of local bulk produce. Anyone know of any farms/farmers that have enough surplus of just about anything at any point that might be interested in unloading to one buyer? As far away as Marquette would be cool since we drive through there often for travel and business. I am checking with the bigger farms in Houghton myself (Chip, Grego, Hughes) but am wondering if there are any smaller players I am missing. Anyone know of anyone growing apples, pears, or plums for sale?

Did you ever hear about the people in BC who ate locally for one year? I think that they allowed themselves a 100 mi. radius for which to shop but no more. I read about them in Utne Reader

I am certainly into eating more locally (and do my best at this point to do just that...) I have considered buying a grow light to have things like mesclun mix (which grows so easily by itself!), arugula, kale, spinach... I am also considering allowing some space for smaller items such as green onions and herbs. With the addition of sprouting, I figure that I can, at the very least, grow my salads at home.

I'm sure that there is at least one or two people who grow apples, pears, and plums in these parts. I'm not familiar...but there is a farmer's market early on Saturdays at the downtown commons area...I would bet there is a farmer there with those types of produce (at least there have been in prior years.)

There are several farms in the area...here are some sites:

http://www.localharvest.org/search.jsp?map=1&lat=46.550000&lon=-87.400000&scale=8&ty=0&co=1&nm=&zip=49855

[redhotmama]

Yooper,
My friend Mary who lives across the street from the Salvation Army is putting in a community garden next summer. I can get you in touch with her if you want to share your ideas with her. If you go back on Maasto Hiito trail just behind my house there are "wild" apples in abundance this year. They are large, juicy and bug free (not the case last fall). I would like to read that BK book if you'll loan it to me, I've heard it is soooo good.
Chris and I have finally had a come-to-Jesus agreement about Mall-Wart. We can't do it anymore:o I don't want my grandchildren to have to sell their souls to China to feed and clothe themselves. There I've said it. My confession is out and there is no going back!
Why did we have to pick the time in our lives when we are poorest to make this decision:dizzy:

[russianthistle]

Yooper,
Chris and I have finally had a come-to-Jesus agreement about Mall-Wart. We can't do it anymore:o I don't want my grandchildren to have to sell their souls to China to feed and clothe themselves. There I've said it. My confession is out and there is no going back!

:twothumbs :clap

I swore off chain-stores some time ago. I, literally, don't shop at any place that is not local on a regular basis... Here and there, perhaps once or twice a year, if that...but I never go to Walmart. I just can't support Walmart. Walmart is like this big gigantic monster that goes around eating our local economies...look around the U.P., the downtown area in many towns are suffering...mostly because of Walmart and stores like Walmart.

We don't have a lot of money, ever, but we dedicate ourselves to the purpose of sustaining our local economy. I often trade for items that I need...my time or jewelry for body care items, for gifts...for those whimsical wants of mine (artwork, clothes, and the like). There are a lot of things that I've had to forego due to my decision to spend more for less product...but it works for me if I just simply don't allow myself to depend on places like Walmart.

You can do this! It is totally possible. You don't need Walmart!:wink

[Yooper]

Yooper,
My friend Mary who lives across the street from the Salvation Army is putting in a community garden next summer. I can get you in touch with her if you want to share your ideas with her. If you go back on Maasto Hiito trail just behind my house there are "wild" apples in abundance this year. They are large, juicy and bug free (not the case last fall). I would like to read that BK book if you'll loan it to me, I've heard it is soooo good.
Chris and I have finally had a come-to-Jesus agreement about Mall-Wart. We can't do it anymore:o I don't want my grandchildren to have to sell their souls to China to feed and clothe themselves. There I've said it. My confession is out and there is no going back!
Why did we have to pick the time in our lives when we are poorest to make this decision:dizzy:

Hi! I would love to lend you the BK book....but I am borrowing it from the Portage Library and THEY had to inter-library loan it from Grayling. It was quite the hassle to get it!

There is a community garden in Houghton too. Is it the same one or are they doing one in Hancock too?

Where are these apples?!?!?! Are they already good for eating? I would like to do applesauce. Dh is on travel this week so I have the car all of the time. It would be a great time to get some.

Good for you on the Walmart front!!!!! We gave it up about 10 years ago and have not looked back. I have not even been in the Houghton one. Times were pretty hard for us financially a few years ago too. Luckily, having no idea what I was missing, I was not tempted into the big big "bargains" at the palace of evil:) Good luck!

I scored big time this morning. I went to Hughes. I have not been there in a few weeks. They had canning tomatoes!!!!! I bought them out. I am in the middle of canning them as I type. Dd is actually a HUGE help. She peeled 30 pounds of tomatoes while I did the chopping and blanching. I have no idea what i would do without her. Usually dh helps when I do all-day canning sessions. The really scary part was going into my icky basement to dig out my jars and equipment. That too, is usually dh's job:) Many a spider perished in my canning pot.

[russianthistle]

I just found the article "24 Herb Projects for Kids" in the Herb Quarterly. Anyone interested in a copy of this article can pm me with her email address...I don't think that I can send a PDF file through MDC mail.

[lakesuperiormom]

the apples in marquette are $5 a bag and you turn left on the first rd past menard's something kiln like or cement something for the name...they make awesome cider and applesauce....they guy is really nice and picked us "special bags" last year. Seeds and spores is our fav farm and we are buying a cow and pig from them and they have TONS of produce. we try to eat locally as much as possible. i have chemical sensitivities to anything that has been sprayed or a "solution" has been added...maybe that's why i get sick when i eat at los tres amigos??? i love to can..i've made blueberry jam,strawberry jam, and sweet relish(my husband like it), and salsa from stuff grown locally that we've either purchased or picked or both!! my prob is that my family goes through it to quick!!
we shopped at walmart when we first moved here as it was $1.50 per container of soy milk cheaper than the co-op and had a fresher date and we went through 1-2 container's a day...my eldest is a self-proclaimed milk-aholic! when i was preggers with my last babe we went to walmart and i started having blurry vision and just felt weird and the fumes were giving me asthma and making me sick....i then had a gush of fluid and it turns out the toxins in the air could have been the culprit...think chemical poisioning! ick! i've since heard other stories about miscarriage happening at wally world and similar stories to mine! kinda scary!

[russianthistle]

the apples in marquette are $5 a bag and you turn left on the first rd past menard's something kiln like or cement something for the name!

Brickyard is the road name :lol

maybe that's why i get sick when i eat at los tres amigos??? !

I had the same problem last time...

About the toxins...I guess I had never thought about how toxic the building of Walmart (or Target or Menards...or many places) actually is...how it houses millions of items that are treated or created from totally toxic substance and how they are all sheltered from fresh air and how all of that air is being circulated with anything except fresh air...wow...yeah, hadn't considered that. :dizzy:

[lakesuperiormom]

kinda scary isn't it! when we take the children into those places their behaviours change drastically! last time we were in target getting dd a bike the kids were acting out...like they couldn't control themselves and my dh and i turned to each other and i said i think it's the fumes..half believing it and he said no way and then we had an aha moment and kinda thought that the toxins overload their little bodies and they are so sensitive to things that they didn't know how to respond to it...kind woohoo, but i believe it..... as for the apples...you turn right by the way....see kiln..cement....brickyard....it flows...i think i breastfeed too much and have lost any thought processes i once had!

[lakesuperiormom]

russianthistle...everytime i look at my sig and the one with the smilie doing her laundry....i think of you :)

[Yooper]

the apples in marquette are $5 a bag and you turn left on the first rd past menard's something kiln like or cement something for the name...they make awesome cider and applesauce....they guy is really nice and picked us "special bags" last year. Seeds and spores is our fav farm and we are buying a cow and pig from them and they have TONS of produce. we try to eat locally as much as possible. i have chemical sensitivities to anything that has been sprayed or a "solution" has been added...maybe that's why i get sick when i eat at los tres amigos??? i love to can..i've made blueberry jam,strawberry jam, and sweet relish(my husband like it), and salsa from stuff grown locally that we've either purchased or picked or both!! my prob is that my family goes through it to quick!!
we shopped at walmart when we first moved here as it was $1.50 per container of soy milk cheaper than the co-op and had a fresher date and we went through 1-2 container's a day...my eldest is a self-proclaimed milk-aholic! when i was preggers with my last babe we went to walmart and i started having blurry vision and just felt weird and the fumes were giving me asthma and making me sick....i then had a gush of fluid and it turns out the toxins in the air could have been the culprit...think chemical poisioning! ick! i've since heard other stories about miscarriage happening at wally world and similar stories to mine! kinda scary!

Thanks for the tip! Dh is going to be in Marquette on Saturday so I am going to send him that way. Do you know if Seeds and Spores in open on Sundays? Their website is up but is not completely functioning to get contact info. I also saw a Dancing Crane Farm in the area. Anyone know about it?

[Qerratsmom]

I've banned all megastores for a while now too. I always feel like a rat in a maze in them and want to chew my tail off. I once left a Walmart crying with my cart full in the middle of the isle. I just had to escape.

Ooh I've really wanted to read Kingsolver's new book. I noticed that its out until like January at our library.

Is anyone interested in a canning/ applesauce/ cider making get together this fall?

ALso did anyone get blueberries? We tried all our favorite spots but everything was dry and crispy. We were very disapointed. I'm looking forward to cranberries in a few weeks though.

[russianthistle]

I also saw a Dancing Crane Farm in the area. Anyone know about it?
Imalego does...she has a share there...I might be talking to her today...I will ask her about it :)

Is anyone interested in a canning/ applesauce/cider making get together this fall?

ALso did anyone get blueberries? We tried all our favorite spots but everything was dry and crispy. We were very disapointed. I'm looking forward to cranberries in a few weeks though.

I would be interested! I have been testing apples, out here, and some are great and others are dry...each apple seems different! Many apples are ripe as we speak, too...I usually wait 'til fall, but this year, I'm thinking apples will be as early as everything else seemed.

My favorite spot was very crispy as well...I scolded myself for not thinking about picking earlier...they were probably ready earlier than when I checked. No surplus of any berries, now...we ate them all.

I would love to pick cranberries...Qerratsmom, will you show me your secret spots?:loveeyes:

[russianthistle]

russianthistle...everytime i look at my sig and the one with the smilie doing her laundry....i think of you :)


...and every time I'm out hanging laundry while naked, I think of you, :lol

[Leta]

The season is over for this year, but I know where the huckleberry :yum motherload is, if anyone is interested.

lakesuperiormom, russianthistle, and spaceymom, I pm'ed all of you- my baby needs friends! :lol Please get back to me. :loveeyes:

[Smalls181]

Is there anyone in this group from Sault Ste Marie? My in-laws live up there, and so we go several times a year. Our next trip is planned for Labor Day weekend. Just wondering if anyone is going to be around then that would possibly like to get together?

[imalego]

...and every time I'm out hanging laundry while naked, I think of you, :lol

:lol :lol :lol

And about Dancing Crane... We have a CSA box from this year, which sadly isn't much with the drought. They have the farm open on Wednesdays to the public and are at the Scandia farmers market on....hmmm, I can't remember, maybe Fridays?? I don't think they have all that to sell though, given that our boxes have been really skimpy lately. :(

They've got a great website, www.dancingcranefarm.com and if anyone wants to check us out, go to the picture gallery link, and click on the farm faces vol. 1 and you'll find us near the bottom with a grumpy looking North. :)


Oh and Kyra, count me in on the canning!! I got to can some strawberry jam earlier this summer after picking some in Trenary, and I've been can-crazy ever since!

[russianthistle]

Does anyone know anyone in the Mqt. area with a cider press? I know, in the past, that the co-op hosted a day where one could bring in all of the apples she has and press them for free (as long as she does the work ...or gets her man to do the work :lol ). Imalego, do you know if the co-op did this in cooperation with a person who owned the press??? They might not even do this kind of stuff anymore...last time I did the co-op apple pressing thing, the co-op was still on Washington (and veryvery small...).

Anyway, I don't want to pick apples until I know where I can press them...I'm into doing sauce and whatever else, too!

I can look about for a press...I'm sure someone who I know knows someone who has a press, somewhere...

[Yooper]

Dh just called and said he picked up 30 more pounds of tomatoes as a farm stand on the way back from Duluth!!!!! It looks like I will be canning AGAIN tomorrow.

[redhotmama]

Where are these apples?!?!?! Are they already good for eating? I would like to do applesauce. Dh is on travel this week so I have the car all of the time. It would be a great time to get some.

Come over this week and we'll take a walk. Tuesday is out and Wednesday we usually get together for playgroup. Monday or Thursday? The apples are gorgeous this year:yum

[lakesuperiormom]

i am soooooooooooooo glad to be back in marquette! the traffic was horrid in traverse city! people are just sooooo much nicer here! plus our water's cleaner...we couldn't go to the beach because of an ecoli scare....aggghhhhh!!

[redhotmama]

Hey all you Yooper Mamas who love wearing their babies:msling: :fsling: :fuzdad :aasling :dhsling: :slingtwin
LLL of Portage Lake is holding a Baby-Wearing fund raiser. We are offering beautiful, functional and helpful carriers. If you buy a Moby Wrap or gorgeous hand- crafted Mei Tai, LLL of Portage Lake keeps a portion of the proceeds. I have fabric samples and great testimonials:loveeyes:
PM me for more details and thanks for supporting breastfeeding worldwide!:bfs :bf2: :2bfbabe: :1pump: :fbbf :flyby2 :toddler: :flyby1 :3bfkid: :aabf :nak

[imalego]

Any Marquette mamas wanna get together for a nurse out at Applebee's this weekend??

[incorrigible]

ooo...subbing....

I'm not a yooper yet, but I'm working on it. I'm buying land up there somewhere in the next 6 months or so and coming up to build once it thaws out! :lol

[Yooper]

Come over this week and we'll take a walk. Tuesday is out and Wednesday we usually get together for playgroup. Monday or Thursday? The apples are gorgeous this year:yum

I hope you are online and check this. I was on vacation until late last night. I still need apples:) I have a car for the next two days. You are probably busy tomorrow, but what about Thursday? If there are still nice, ripe, happy apples to be butchered and canned:)

[Yooper]

ooo...subbing....

I'm not a yooper yet, but I'm working on it. I'm buying land up there somewhere in the next 6 months or so and coming up to build once it thaws out! :lol

Where at? Houghton area?

[Qerratsmom]

Hey I miss all you yooper mamas. I've been without internet while my house is under major reconstruction. Living out of suit cases. We are home now for a while (until they start dry walling). Lakesuperiormom- I'm still really interested in looking over your kindergarten enki curriculum. Also have you picked any brickyard rd apples yet this year? If anyone is interested I'd love to go. I should have a car by next week. Erin we had a blast with your Matty on Saturday while you were kicking it in Cali. Lauren, what's up with the house??
Playgroup soon?
Kyra

[redhotmama]

Yooper,
I have company coming and am running around like a maniac. If you stop by tomorrow morning, I could point you in the right direction. Sorry....maybe next week we could hang and pick:p

The company is my mom and dad and I am not even pregnant! (This is their first visit without me being pregnant, we're hoping its not an early sign!)

Marquette mamas, have fun at Applebee's:bfs

[Yooper]

Let's do it next week. I am not in a position to start a big apple sauce canning operation this week:) I am probably going to be canning more tomatoes tomorrow anyway. Yikes! I am running out of places to put this stuff!

[incorrigible]

.

[lakesuperiormom]

so the apples are ripe? okay i know what a dummy i didn't even realize they were ready...i've got breastfeedin' brain! there is a guy at the co-op that has a cider press that helped the enki group out and let them use his cider press. just call the co-op and they will hook you up. i would be all over a big cider/applesauce making day....my kitchen is waaaaaaaaay too tiny...love my house, but could the kitchen be a little bigger?? i quess just more to clean! kyra, we can hook up and you can check out me enki. i'm lovin' oak meadow right now and they are way cheaper...i've been buying used and it's a third of the price new and it's better for our environment...enki doesn't allow resale and t's super expensive. oak meadow is very well laid out and uses all natural materials and is broken down into weeks as to what you need to do. enki leaves it up to you to put together.

i'd be up for a nurse-in at applebee's.....we're headed to grand marais sometime soon possibly sunday..not sure...we're wingin' it...i'd love to see everyone though!

[hopefulfaith]

.....we're headed to grand marais sometime soon possibly sunday..not sure...

I'm in Grand Marais! :wave I lurk here every so often, but usually don't post because everyone in the Yooper tribe lives a little far away from me. :shy I only come over to Marquette once every month or two, and am never over in the Keweenaw socially, so I can't get together much with the rest of you.

But if you ever come to Grand Marais, we're at the end of the Point! MDC mamas always welcome. :D

[russianthistle]

Back! after a long vacation! I was in Cali, then my computer crashed (again :gloomy: ), and now, I'm housesitting and have online access.

Welcome Incorrigible! There is cheap land abound! I recommend Lake Superior shoreline towns and areas. That lake is truly amazing! I live a mere 5 miles from a SUPER beach...it has gorgeous sand and is very unpopulated.

Also, there is an excellent collection of homeschoolin' folk near the Marquette area...I live near the border of Marquette and Alger counties...I am 25 +/- miles from two towns...for me, Deerton is an ideal place to live. I would also recommend the Big Bay area, Skandia area, and if you're interested in farming, the Chatham, Eben or Rumely area.

Here is a website for realty listings throughout the U.P.:
http://www.uparidx.com/idx/ncentral/bigc/land/browse.php

Good Luck!

[incorrigible]

.

[russianthistle]

It's okay, there is a certain sort of sweetness in waiting...if you let it be sweet. I find, sometimes, that I am wishing away times for newer, other times...and later regret (on some level) that I had spent so much time wishing. Your time is soon to come...it's kind of like waiting for a baby to come ;)

[redhotmama]

I did the great clothing swap tonight. Is it too soon to put away the warm weather things? These 40 degree days have me thinking summer is over, and yet last Friday we ran the air conditioning!
What's the vote, Yoopers?

[russianthistle]

Despite very autumnal weather...it is NOT Fall yet...my birthday has yet to happen...then it can be Fall.
Qerratsmom and I got a few jars of applesauce in. I am housesitting and there are GIGANTIC apples all over. This is my first time doing applesauce:yum...

What have I been doing all these years??

[Mrs. Cheerful Face]

Well the OrthoDONtist has spoken... we will be seeing ALOT more of Marquette these next two years. A kinda good news bad news situation, tho. Sorta out did myself last time in Target, whoa. Finally laid eyes on the dome too. Very nice empty beaches too! Now if gas would just come down under two a gallon, I'd be golden. It was so fun to check out all the places mentioned here. I'm feeling a little lust in my heart over Marquette, kinda a two timing thing. Shhhh... don't tell the Houghton mamas. I may need help driving home next month...

[incorrigible]

.

[russianthistle]

I feel lucky when I house sit here. It is a great house, complete with an attached greenhouse, and a commecial kitchen. It was the perfect place to make applesauce. Unfortuately, my time here has come to an end. This means that my computer time is over for a bit :gloomy: For the time,being, I will be on sporadically.

Incorrigible, is a small rental, until you get the land, out of the question? It's not too terrible to rent in these parts :wink

[incorrigible]

.

[Qerratsmom]

HI incorrigible, I'm not sure the actual address but google Marquette Mining Journal, that's our paper and its online. Out in Gwinn area at the old airbase there are cheap rentals (that's probably where the duplex is) but there is also cabins that come up for 200-300. Depends on how much space you need. Good luck!

[incorrigible]

.

[redhotmama]

Hi soon-to-be-Yooper! I'm up in Houghton and we have the Daily Mining Gazette. I think there are not as many housing opportunities here though because the students take them all! There are cheap apartments in the co-op though and then we'd be neighbors:bouncy

[incorrigible]

I'm familiar with food or homeschooling co-ops but not housing ones...is that like an in-town commune?

[Qerratsmom]

Actually the housing in the co -op that redhot is talking about is actually apartments above the food co op. Very nice and tasty location in Hancock. :)

[incorrigible]

.

[redhotmama]

I think it is just a little side business that the co-op runs. The apartments are quite small, but probably cheap. The downside is that you would have to be tempted by all the yummy smells all day as the co-op's deli kitchen is right there! But the parking lot is plowed every morning, U.P. bonus time:p

[lakesuperiormom]

Happy belated birthday russianthistle!!

[incorrigible]

well, it's definately something to look into when I'm ready to start looking for a place in earnest. I'll likely be asking about it more when the time comes. ;)

Happy bday thistle!

And, one of my own....*sniff* look at my siggy...little Floyd has a 9 down there instead of an 8 now. My little hobbit's bday is the 22nd. ;) He's such a little man now, too. I may cry a bit tomorrow....:loveeyes:

[636Jen]

Does anyone know if there are any groups that crochet in the Marquette area? Like a stitch-n-b!tch but crochet style? Thanks for any info! :love:




Jen

[crayon]

Now if gas would just come down under two a gallon, I'd be golden.

I paid 3.14 today- yikes... not sure what it is in Ho-twon but here 1 hour south of the bridge that is what it is.... YIKES again....

I need all the god lovin chicks to send out some words to the big man- we got a deal in the works and it could be HUGE.... Send your thoughts please :loveeyes: It NEEDS to work out- it NEEDS to work out- it NEEDS to work out- :lol Maybe then I can back to ho-town and let RedHotMama cook some brown sugar shortbread for me- oh, and I saw our tea at the market today- ahhhhh..... sniff snifff.... it NEEDS to work out - it NEEDS to work out!

[redhotmama]

I love God, let us see what He can do. They say a phone call from Gloria Dei is a local call...:lol
The price of butter has gone up along with the price of gas, but you're worth it Ang!
:1praying: :1praying: :1praying:

[JenLove]

:wave

I'm down in Menominee, but I was wondering where the best place is to go and look at the fall colors up north? I'd love to go to the Marquette area so that we could hike and walk around town too. Please share all of your ideas if you were to make a day of it. :D

TIA

[Yooper]

Houghton area moms......

Dd finally grew out of her Britax Roundabout and graduated to a Radian. So now I have this Roundabout that has 2.5 more years before it expires. It has never been in a accident and is in perfect condition. In general, I am against selling a used car seat but am wondering if anyone on here would like it for free. Or knows of a mom in need of a seat that could use it. I hate to just toss a perfectly good car seat. All of my parent friends have seats and do not need this one. It is gray and has the instructions and all of the things that came with it. It has been a GREAT seat. Very comfy, easy to install, and very easy to tighten/adjust. While we have had the seat for 3.5 years, we do not drive much so there is not much wear and tear.

[incorrigible]

Is there a freecycle group up there? I bet it'd go fast and to someone that really needs it if you posted it on freecycle.

[russianthistle]

:wave

I'm down in Menominee, but I was wondering where the best place is to go and look at the fall colors up north? I'd love to go to the Marquette area so that we could hike and walk around town too. Please share all of your ideas if you were to make a day of it. :D

TIA


I think that the Munising Area/Pictured Rocks Area is one of the most beautiful. There's something very sweet and amazing about descending into Munising from the west...the hills, covered in colorful maples, against the deep blue of the bay...

[russianthistle]

Thanks for the b-day wishes! I had a nice brunch in celebration...good food, groovy company, awesome gifts, and a gorgeous day...I couldn't have asked for more!

Taking some serious time away from the computer. I am not replacing my computer until (I hope, at least...) around Dec. Matt cancelled the dial-up the other day...It's crazy to me that, in the last ten years, I have gradually gone from not using computer in my daily life to practically obsessing about checking my email on a daily basis. I mean, the papers I wrote in college were done on a Brother...hahaha. And, now, some days, I wonder if I am being unprofessional when I send a "Thank You" letter from the arts association addressed and written out by hand.

I'll drop in sporadically...I can only make it a week or so without checking at this point:lol

[Yooper]

Is there a freecycle group up there? I bet it'd go fast and to someone that really needs it if you posted it on freecycle.

I think Freecycle has rules about not passing along car seats. There is a certain degree of trust required for me to feel comfortable passing it along. Of course, I could be some crazy freak that has fabricated all of my posts just so I could pass along an unsafe car seat, but I would only feel OK about not tossing it if I was passing it on to someone who could look me in the eye and know I am passing along a safe seat. It always makes me nervous to see people selling car seats (used) at garage sales and thrift stores because the buyer might be buying a seat that is expired or that was in an accident. So, in general, I do not want to encourage this type of activity and would prefer to pass it on to someone I know at least (somewhat) personally.

But thank you for the suggestion. I am on our local freecycle group and have unloaded lots of good stuff that way:)

[imalego]

Does anyone know if there are any groups that crochet in the Marquette area? Like a stitch-n-b!tch but crochet style? Thanks for any info! :love:




Jen



I don't think there is, but I'd totally be into it if we had enough crochet-ers! :D

[redhotmama]

I am somewhat known as a car seat pimp in the community,:lol I'm forever being asked for car seats. I would love to take your's for the next time the phone rings!
P.S.
The apples are still in great shape, wanna go picking on Monday?

[Yooper]

I am somewhat known as a car seat pimp in the community,:lol I'm forever being asked for car seats. I would love to take your's for the next time the phone rings!
P.S.
The apples are still in great shape, wanna go picking on Monday?

Hi! I actually found some apples on the MH trails and have been back for them a few times:) I have canned TONS of apple sauce!

I am in the process of hand washing the cover of the car seat so once it dries I would be happy to get it to you. I usually have a car on Wednesdays and could drop it off. Or I could put it on my front porch if you need it before then. I am just thrilled to see it get more use. It is sad enough to toss an expired seat but it would be even worse to toss a seat that still has years of good use left:(

[636Jen]

Thanks for the reply Lauren! My sister is 30 years old and 26 weeks pregnant with her first. I wish I could be there in person for her but we live near Detroit. She's an active crochetter, a little overwhelmed and slightly stressed about the pregnancy. :o If you know of anyone else in the area, please let me know. I think she'd be excited to meet some other mommas out there with similar interests!! :)

[russianthistle]

Does anyone know if there are any groups that crochet in the Marquette area? Like a stitch-n-b!tch but crochet style? Thanks for any info! :love:

I'm w/ Lauren, here. I would LOVELOVELOVE for someone to teach me crochet..and would LOVE, also to crochet w/ others. I bead and need to learn crochet...may my horizons be expanded!!!!!!!!!!!



Thanks for the reply Lauren! My sister is 30 years old and 26 weeks pregnant with her first. I wish I could be there in person for her but we live near Detroit. She's an active crochetter, a little overwhelmed and slightly stressed about the pregnancy. :o If you know of anyone else in the area, please let me know. I think she'd be excited to meet some other mommas out there with similar interests!! :)

Well! She is very near my age! And, we love pregnant mamas in our little group :)

We have a nice collection of Mqt. area mamas! Some of us have started hiking on Mondays (nice, easier hikes) w/ babes, tots, and younger children. Last Mon. we went to the cranberry bog and picked cranberries! I'm not sure where we're hiking this week...Anyway, you can certainly pm one of us to put your sis in contact w/ some area mamas :) May we help her to feel more at ease with her pregnancy (and life thereafter :lol ).

[JenLove]

I think that the Munising Area/Pictured Rocks Area is one of the most beautiful. There's something very sweet and amazing about descending into Munising from the west...the hills, covered in colorful maples, against the deep blue of the bay...

Yeah, I have tossed up that idea in my head too. My DH and I are having our 5 year anniversary in mid-October, and our honeymoon was to that area. It might be nice to go back there to celebrate it. Thank you. :)

[russianthistle]

I am in Munising as we speak...and, earlier, I was driving along thinking that I should have remarked that the peak color time will probably happen within this week. It is getting pretty as we speak. I'm not even sure that the true peak will make it to next weekend. BUT, I could be wrong!

[JenLove]

We'll probably go mid-week if the weather is nice. Now I just need to get my DH to commit to going. :)

[redhotmama]

JenLove, Brockway Mtn. near Copper Harbor is outstanding as well. Quite the drive, too.:kewl

[Qerratsmom]

Hey mamas! I went to my old picking grounds in Dodgeville on Thursday and picked some very tasty, perfect apples. Yay!!

[redhotmama]

The apples are superb this year. Last two years they were gnarly, small and buggy.

[boadhagh]

Hi, mamas!

Former Yooper girl here; I miss being there almost every day, especially this time of year, so I thought I'd let all of you know how jealous I am! :wink

[redhotmama]

Hi boadhagh! We could swap, I'm from Oregon and miss it so. The UP is the closest I've ever felt to home of all the places I've lived though. And MUUUUUCCCHHH less rain:lol

[beatrixmum]

Just thought I'd say hello from the SF Bay area. Dad is from Hancock (Suomi grad), mom's from Escanaba. We're spread out all over the country now, but talked with my Grandma in Houghton this morning. I miss fall in the north country.:crying

[lakesuperiormom]

hey mammas! what's new? we started school this week and it's been hectic here...lovin' the weather!

[boadhagh]

Redhotmama: Yeah, I love Oregon, too. Especially the produce; both dp and I have commented on how great it is that we both love broccoli since that was the only decent vegtable we could get growing up in the UP in winter.

I'm always amazed that people end up in the UP without being born there! I'd love to hear how any of you moved there -- maybe we can get some clues on how we'll be able to move back one day :wink . I really wish that we were raising our dd there. Even though our lifestyle is pretty different from the typical yooper, I've just always felt that people up there were really friendly and compassionate.

Breathe some of that crisp, fall air for me, eh?

[Yooper]

I'm always amazed that people end up in the UP without being born there! I'd love to hear how any of you moved there -- maybe we can get some clues on how we'll be able to move back one day :wink . I really wish that we were raising our dd there. Even though our lifestyle is pretty different from the typical yooper, I've just always felt that people up there were really friendly and compassionate.


I was not born here. But I do have half yooper blood. My dad was born in the U.P. I grew up downstate. I went to school here at MTU. I met dh on the first day of freshman orientation. We did graduate and get "real jobs" but could not "cut it" in the big city (Boston) and came crawling back. Neither of us are working in our field and we are making about 1/4 of what we could be, but it is all good. It just does not take as much cash or bling or to have a good life here.

And we do like broccoli.

[Qerratsmom]

My story is similar to Yooper. I am from Marquette but went away to school, found jobs elsewhere but after having kids we just quit everything and came back with no job, nothing. We made it work though. Its been tough sometimes, but finally dh has a full time job (not in his field) and I have found part time work that interests me although also not doing what I got my master's degree in. Anything is possible, but it does take sacrifice. We are happy with our decision to come back even if it meant no money, and starting over.

We've had some GOOD cranberry picking this year and just got back from a great time at Dancing Crane Farm's harvest party!

[lakesuperiormom]

anybody participating in a christmas toy swap? i thought it might be fun to start one and get some christmas presents done! i'm trying to make a majority of the little one's christmas presents this year and it's kind of daunting! i'm thinking items like playsilks, felted or knit play food, wood animals or people...waldorfy toys. i'd offer waldorf dolls, but a certain 3 yr old broke mine :) if there were 10 of us each one could make a different item for the number of people in and then we would divide up and have 10 different gifts. kind of like a cookie swap...except waaaaay better! pm or email me if anyone's in....i'm gonna see if i can muster up some people in my homeschool group.

[incorrigible]

That would be cool. We're making cat toys and scented candles this year...I don't think I know how to make anything child appropriate! lol

[lakesuperiormom]

are cat toys not child appropriate? lol

[incorrigible]

Well, they're just catnip and cloth...I guess they're ok for kids over the age of choking hazard paranoia...Just not particularly interesting unless they have pet cats. :p

[Yooper]

Hi all. Is anyone going to the Conscious Parenting meeting tonight in Calumet?

[redhotmama]

Blast! I forgot about the meeting. How did it go? I really enjoyed the one time that I made it....

[Yooper]

It was pretty good. There were 10-12ish adults there, several babies, and 3 preschoolers. Next month's is going to be a speaker about vaccines at the library community room.

BTW, I STILL have this car seat:) I have a car for the WHOLE WEEK!!!! When is s good time to drop it by?

[redhotmama]

I'll be home today till noon, then home again after three.
Or...you could come by for my famous tea and pumpkin biscuits with orange-ginger-honey:yum butter Monday morning.
I'm glad the meeting was well attended. Sara asked me to host a meeting while she's gone, should be fun.

[Qerratsmom]

So Lakesuperiormom, remember that conversation we had last week....well ugh turns out... check the newy siggy....!

[redhotmama]

Querratsmom!
:broc::twothumbs:heartbeat

[lakesuperiormom]

So Lakesuperiormom, remember that conversation we had last week....well ugh turns out... check the newy siggy....!

:bouncy:Hug:twothumbs:jumpers:broc::balloons

CONGRATULATIONS!!! i am soooooo excited! i was worried i scared you! :lol let me know if i can help any if you start feeling sick. i can always walk the kids down to the park and let them play! i am so happy for you!

[incorrigible]

.

[MPJJJ]

Ah Ha! So there WAS something you needed to tell us!!! LOL, Congratulations! We miss you!

[lakesuperiormom]

Oh wow! Congrats! So cool! =D

I was popping on to share my news, but your's is WAY cooler! lol

I'm coming to the UP. I'm totally stoked. I'll be up there next weekend looking at rentals, but pretty much have it all set up already. There's a lady near Mass City with a big old farm house on 40 acres that needs to travel for work. Most likely, I will be taking care of the house and horses in exchange for rent. All I need to cover is my utilities, and I have permission to rent out rooms as I see fit. (there are like 3 more than we need) Apparently several of her neighbors make good $ on vacation rentals, so with a little guidance I may be able to cover the utilities on that....oh, and a pickup truck comes with the rental. I'm welcome to use it while I'm there and it's for sale if I decide I want to hold on to it for good. =D