Welcome Comfort Farm

Floor Hockey Goalie.

Derek is playing on a floor hockey team named the "Flyers". He got to be the goalie for the first game and blocked at least 4 pucks from going in the net. He was very excited ! After watching a bunch of elementary kids run around after a hockey puck for half an hour, I decided  that all kids should have to play floor hockey right before they come home from school.After running for the entire 30 minutes and expending all manner of energy, it makes for a quiet re-entry back home. See mom smile!

A new Rescue.

This little gal was found abandoned in this awful weather! She is a dachshund, about 8 to 9 years old with a persnickety attitude. We named her "Ruby". She made herself right at home and prefers to be in your lap as opposed to anywhere else. She can sit up and beg and she does not like to be disturbed after dark, unless it's her idea.

Now, the husband told me just a few weeks ago to not bring anything new into the house. I replied, of course, that I do not bring anything here, it just seems to find me! Lo and behold, who brings in the dachshund? Uhuh, The husband brought her home!

It's not every day I'll get on a plane, but I did it and flew down to see Christopher in Raleigh, North Carolina. We had a great time, up until I got sick and spent the rest of the time on his couch admiring his tray ceilings. (I am claustrophobic, so point that little air thing right on me...sucking up every germ from every passenger flying with me, no doubt.)

While I was upright, we ate out, walked downtown Raleigh, and strolled a farmer's market. I bought Chris a big metal fish for his upcoming birthday. Got myself a great metal turkey, welded together from various parts and so heavy that it cost more to mail him than to buy him. We love him though!

The last picture is Christopher's condo. Very nice. The whole area, actually is beautiful. New buildings, businesses, and homes. The landscaping is beautiful. They even landscape the freeways down there. With big trees, bushes and flowers. White and Red pines grow naturally and they have the area all so well maintained and mulched even! So my college boy who grew up in the middle of a corn field has a taste for the luxury and has found himself a nice little spot. Next time around though, it's either a train seat or passenger car for me!

Marlene Cutcher visits Hensley's!

Marlene Cutcher and "Skoob" the library elf, came all the way from Cambridge, Wisconsin to visit Union City, home of Patricia Polacco and Hensley's Variety Store. Luckily the famous John Soncrant, owner and dearest person around, was in the store to welcome them! Skoob, (books spelled backward) visited many other sites in Union City as well, including the Graves House from Patricia's story book!

Don't forget you can have an opportunity to visit with Patricia Polacco and her home town for Meteor Festival, this July 12th! For more information, look under "Meteor Festival" right here on this blog!

Area Accommodations.

UNION CITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Welcome Inn Motel
8004 M-60
Union City, MI 49094
(517) 741-8201

The Victorian Villa Inn
601 N. Broadway
Union City, MI 49094
(517) 741-7383
______________________________________

Branch County Tourism Bureau
20 Division St.
Coldwater, MI 49036
800-968-9333
www.discover-michigan.com

Coldwater Michigan Lodging

HOTELS/MOTELS

Comfort Inn & Suites*            Cadet Motor Inn                   Red Roof Inn
1000 Orleans Blvd.                443 E. Chicago St.                 299 S. Willowbrook Rd.
Coldwater, MI 49036            Coldwater, MI 49036            Coldwater, MI 49036
(517) 278-2017                        (800) 900-3399                     (517) 279-1199
www.choicehotels.com        www.cadetmotel.com            www.econolodge.com

   

Econo Lodge                                   Super 8 Motel                          Holiday Inn Express*       
884 W. Chicago St.                       600 Orleans Blvd.                  630 E. Chicago St.
Coldwater, MI 49036                    Coldwater, MI 49036            Coldwater, MI 49036   
(517) 278-4501                               (517) 278-8833                       (517) 279-0900
www.econolodge.com                   www.the.super8.com            www.holidayinnexpress.com

Hampton Inn*
391 N. Willowbrook Rd.
Coldwater, MI 49036
TBA

To get to Union City from Coldwater hotels: Take (Business) US 12 West (also called East Chicago Street) to Marshall Street and turn Right (North). Go approximately 6 miles to Girard Road. Turn Left (West)

Go approximately 5 miles to Union City Road and turn Right. This takes you into Union City (about 3.5 miles) to a 4-way stop. Turn right and you will be in the downtown.

BED AND BREAKFASTS

Chicago Pike Inn & Spa               The HideOut Bed & Breakfast Lakefront         The Victorian Mansion
443 E. Chicago St                           260 Stevens Shores Drive                                     90 Division St.
Coldwater, MI 49036                    Coldwater, MI 49036                                             Coldwater, MI 49036
(517) 279-8744                               (517) 278-4210                                                        (517) 924-0020
www.chicagopikeinn.com            www.hideoutbnblakefront.com            www.1870victorianmansion.com

       

*  Indicates property has a swimming pool

For visitor information contact the Branch County Tourism Bureau at 800-968-9333 or dyee@discover-michigan.com or visit us on the web at www.discover-michigan.com.

CAMPGROUNDS

Just outside of Union City is POTAWATMOMIE RECREATON AREA.

A family oriented park, they are a very clean and tidy park with restrooms, showers, laundry, full hook up to no hook up sites, swimming, fishing, boat and canoe rental.

Located at 1117 Bell Road in Union City, MI 49094-9766 *Branch County (517) 278-4289

For another local campground, try the one below. It is only 20 minutes or so from Union City. We have not personally camped there, but my daughter and her family have and they really enjoy it. I found info on line by searching RoadCamping.com, but the name of the place is:

Tri-Lake Trails Campground.
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
42.186143 -84.962170

Campground Phone Number:
Phone: (269) 781-2297

Campground Address:
219 Perrett Road
Marshall, MI
49068

Pokagon is an Indiana State park, also excellent, Probably 40 miles from Union City. Just Google Pokagon State park. They are at:
450 Lane 100 Lake James
Angola, IN 46703
260-833-2012

These parks fill up fast, so don't hesitate to reserve a spot.

Whale of a Tale.

Jen's main squeeze holds on to the reason I do not drag my fingers out of a rowboat. Measuring in at 36" or more, (I wasn't really paying attention to anything he said as I was too busy looking at the TEETH), Tim caught this monster with a tiny ice fishing pole, no metal lead and a teensy bit of bait. Yikes. I prefer to get my fish from the grocery store, sans head, and am thinking twice about swimming in fresh water lakes.

Country fun!

Everyone was all smiles as Tim pulled passengers around their yard in the 4-Wheeler. Even Jen and Tucker the dog got into the mix! The snow just keeps falling around here, so between snowballs, snow forts, and snow angels, it's good to be kid of all ages!

Group Hug.

Jen and Caylie drove up to Ferris this weekend to visit with her little sis Kristy. After bowling, ice skating, and painting their tootsies, they made chocolate chip cookies and talked into the night. The next day they went thrift store shopping, watched old movies and stuffed their faces at "Bennigans". Twice. They will plan another road trip for "Sibs and Kids" weekend this spring. Hey Kristy, you did study for the GRE this weekend, right?

All Aboard!

This would make a great contest photo to "Name the Caption!"

I put PP on a train yesterday morning, heading off for "The Great Frozen Tundra", otherwise known as Milwaukee, WI where she will do the WSRA, area schools and bookstores. If you are in the Milwaukee area, check out the bookstore appearances under "Patricia Polacco Appearances" on this blog and stop in and say hello!

Farmer Fashion.

It's a good thing the fashion police stick to the big cities. Derek and I would be prime candidates for those photos with the blacked out eyes showing various fashion faux pas. But who wants to shower and clean up prior to cavorting with critters? With slobber kisses, muddy paws and pig snout smears, we just warm up the pj's with outwear and head out. The critters don't seem to mind, instead being so happy to see us. Well, or happy to see food. In any event, good thing I'm not dating :-)