December 28, 2017. They were here first, the deer. Their trails crisscrossed this land. Before we crashed into their home to make space for ours, this was their winter refuge. This deer seems confused to come across our new road, and more confused still to see my vehicle approach. There I go, ascribing human emotion … Continue reading Our First Visitors – The Displaced
Category: Journals
The First Big Burn
December 26, 2017. Step #1 in land development: clear a space to work. So we clear and burn, clear and burn, with an enthusiasm that surprises me. Is it the day after Christmas? I hardly notice. While others are returning gifts or recovering from big meals, we are chain-sawing and chopping and hauling and heaving … Continue reading The First Big Burn
And So It Begins
Dec. 23, 2017. The papers are signed. I am the proud owner of 300 feet of waterfront on Huron Bay in the Western Upper Peninsula. Just in time for Christmas! Within hours of my text ("It's mine!"), Jeff arrived with his heavy equipment to start creating a road through the rugged bush. I followed him … Continue reading And So It Begins
From Navy Captain to Yooper Girl
December 20, 2017. I'm about to purchase a rough and undeveloped patch of land on the waterfront of Huron Bay in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.). It's so rough that we can barely walk through it...lumpy and wet and thick with underbrush and fallen branches and rotting logs. Jeff is my partner in this adventure and … Continue reading From Navy Captain to Yooper Girl
For Many Moons 