MICHIGAN COTTAGE COOK

MICHIGAN COTTAGE COOK
SUMMER AT THE BEACH

Thursday, May 3, 2012

THE FIRST WEEK IN MAY IN MICHIGAN--HUMMINGBIRDS, TREE FRUIT, STEM FEST, AND PINTEREST.

We are already well into the first month of May.  Time seems to speed up every day and the world seems to be spinning faster and faster.  This post isn't about the whole state of Michigan.  People who haven't been to here have no idea how big of a state is Michigan.  When I lived in Marquette, Michigan, I was farther from my home in Grand Rapids, Michigan than I was when I lived in Missouri.

The first day of May, here along the lakeshore of Lake Michigan, I saw my first hummingbird.  It wasn't impressed with the orange I had out for the orioles and with the empty hummingbird feeder.  I quickly cleaned up the feeder and made some hummingbird food.  I learned this year at a bird store that I can use white vinegar instead of bleach to clean the feeders.  I find that easier.  I also have started use finely ground sugar like C&H's Baker's Sugar.  It dissolves much faster.


We have such crazy weather this year that the newest estimates is that Western Michigan has lost 75% of its tree fruit like cherries, apples, etc.  All along the coast of the Lake are acres and acres of fruit trees and bushes.  The very warm weather in March woke the trees up much to early.  Then in April came all the cold weather.  When it is cold, not only do the blossoms get frozen and die, the bees stay warm in their hives and don't wander out to pollinate the blooming trees.


Stem Fest starts Saturday in Holland, Mi.


May 5th is the opening day of the Holland Tulip Festival, the second largest flower festival in the country.  The first is the Rose Bowl Parade.  This year, again because of the crazy weather, it looks like we are going to have a Stem Fest.  Even though most of the tulips have bloomed and are gone, Holland is still a fun place to visit.


I, with the help of my son, Matthew, am still trying to figure out Pinterest.  Matt put three different posts up on Pinterest this Sunday, but I don't know if they work. I will get this figured out.  I will not let it defeat me.  I won't be an old lady who can't use a computer. 

1 comment:

  1. Rita Briseno(rita.briseno@yahoo.com)May 27, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    I just wanted to thank you for such a nice web site. I too am from Michigan and currently reside in beautiful Bay City. I put up my hummingbird feeder less than a week ago and have already had visitors. I can sit at my kitchen window in the morning, drink my coffee and have a wonderful view of "my" birds. I sincerely hope you continue your web site and am very sorry for the loss of your husband. Please, keep up the good work.

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