Judy Byykkonen practices “social distancing” as we have been ordered to do, so when it’s time to take her 3 “girls” out for their daily exercise, she heads to the shores of Lake Superior. This time of year, especially, you won’t encounter many others out and about on the icy shores there and if you do, it’s easy enough to stay clear of anyone else. I always enjoy seeing the berries on the trees this time of year, adding some color to the white that we’re getting tired of. Those little red orbs help to feed the birds that stick around here UP North for the winters. Judy also snapped some shots that give me hope that Spring is coming. The large rocks getting exposed from the warming sun and then in her last two shots, some of the small Lake Superior rocks showing up in melted places. Last but not least, the icicles are a good sign, too. It’s melting, it’s melting!

We’re taking a drive along M-26 in the Keweenaw Peninsula. This video was made about three years ago, by Steven Baumann. It’s a nice drive with relaxing music to accompany. Enjoy…

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay home.

Hi
I guess early spring is a good time to be
downstate; there is standing water, but no
snow, in our yard (we had an early morning
thunderstorm).

I saw on the TV news that northern Michigan
communities were urging downstate people to NOT
flee to their cabins up north, as they could
bring the COVID-19 virus with them and
overwhelm the small towns. It makes sense. It
also looks as if the deep snow would also be a
good deterrent. I hope all goes well for
everyone.

from our fearless leader:


CALUMET, Mich. (WLUC) - Demand for food and home essentials is on the rise all across the country, and one traditional Upper Peninsula delicacy is no exception.

Since 1996, Pasty Central in Calumet has been preparing and shipping frozen pasties to all 50 states.

At the beginning of March, the company had 8,000 frozen pasties in stock. As increased social distancing guidelines started to take place, orders started piling in. By the middle of the month, all 8,000 UP and cornish style pasties were sold.

They were able to satisfy those orders, but since suspended production as many ingredients have become unavailable.

“We’re right down to bare walls of all those pasties. It was kind of like the toilet paper shortage, suddenly everyone wanted pasties, and we were without,” Charlie Hopper, General Manager, Pasty Central.

The company does have a limited supply of breakfast style and “Imperfect Pasties,” or products that have minor defects and didn’t meet quality guidelines.

Everyone is doing their part, including Pasty Central. "Way to go PC crew."