Festivus Miracle

The tiny town across the bay from me, Elberta, maintaining a population of less than 500 people with some of the most beautiful land in the state, recently had a quandary. A developer about a year ago had targeted the land facing Lake Michigan for a large resort development. The only 'large' thing that should be in Elberta are the hills that encompass Betsie Bay and Lake Michigan. It would take a little over $19 million to be raised in less than a year to ensure the resort idea would go away. My checking account balance was a bit short of that value but did make a donation as another 600+ people did; one donating $9 million. The December deadline was met and plans are underway to use the land for recreational purposes. 

Three cheers for nature.

Trail Head

https://www.mlive.com/life/2024/12/land-conservancy-purchases-35-acres-on-lake-michigan-betsie-bay-after-herculean-effort.html

Real

Reason #1,022 of why I moved north is pictured. For all the Salvation Army bell ringers out there (thank you all), you won't see many with a pony (donkey?) helping out as I experienced yesterday while picking up a few things at the local grocery store. Real things. Real people. Like the line from the movie 'Almost Famous' when guitarist Russell crashes a local party, “You, Aaron, are what it’s all about. You’re real. Your room is real. Your friends are real. Real, man, real. You know? Real. You’re more important than all the silly machinery." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0vYuqsUyVI).

Speaking of real, I miss that show 'Real People' that aired in the late 70's (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8CHuhKNdc8). I'm surprised with the 1,000 channels we have available on cable, reruns haven't surfaced of the show.

Trail Head

Political Dog

This isn't my dog but a friend sent this to me.

And yes, they do matter.

Trail Head