I vividly remember my Grandma and Grandpa Stone’s pink brick home on Eden Hill. Their home was perched atop a hill, overlooking their sweet cherry orchard, with a near panoramic view that opened to the west and the north. During my early years, I knew these Grandparents the least, because of their annual departure south to Bradenton, Florida. But what I DID know, was because of my Grandmother’s letters. She …Read the Rest
Michigan Farming
My Name is Jane and I Am An Aviation Junkie Part 1
My fascination with flight probably came from my father. At an early age I discovered my dad was a Navy Aviator Trainer during WWII. He never continued flying after the war, but was drawn to planes. In my teens the air …Read the Rest
Twin Orr-chards Once a Traditional Farm, Now a CSA Farm
Last week I popped in at my cousin’s estate sale. She was selling items that belonged to her family that she reluctantly needed to let go, due to lack of space. She surprised me with our Grandma’s red Pyrex applesauce …Read the Rest
Not an Ordinary Tree By Any Means
So why do I say this is no ordinary tree? It is a century apricot. This tree was planted by my Great Grandparents, John Jacob Lipp and Ada Thalman Lipp. Apricot trees typically mark the first sign of spring in an orchard. It is …Read the Rest
‘Tis The Season
Bells ringing in front of stores and malls toll in the Christmas season. Christmas tree sales popping up in front of store parking lots. Wreaths and garland gaily topped with red ribbon, hang on display racks in front of grocery stores. Cold weather finally …Read the Rest
NW Michigan Orchard Farmlife in the 50’s & 60’s
Horticulturist. That is what I said my father was. I discovered this fancy term for farmer from my guidance counselor after a secondary education assessment, a test to see what vocation would best suit my interests, talents, abilities. As an aside, …Read the Rest