Groundhog Day

We don't need Punxsutawney Phil to give us a prediction. We have 'Cede!

Unfortunately, she couldn't bear to look at the long shadow across the lawn.

We are hoping for six more weeks of winter and not this crazy weather we have had, but a good old foot of snow, high of 20, low of 10, winter!

Winter Wonder-full!

Even with the odd winter weather, our guests have been enjoying great cross country skiing at Forbush, Hanson Hills, and Cross Country Ski Headquarters.

Karen, Megan, Sarah, Connie, Amy and Sabina

There was also a Small Farm Conference in Grayling and we had the pleasure of having Mike & Ginny stay with us. The Schaerer family and friends was here for the conference as well and the topic at the breakfast table was raising goats for fun and profit!

I was glad to pick up some tips on living with my old goat.

SNOW!!!

I was wringing my hands and walking from window to window waiting....
and at last it snowed!

The trails were amazing. Jeff and his son burned up Forbush, Hanson Hills, X-C Headquarters, and took a side trip to VASA.

Regulars Mark, Judy, and AJ
took the opportunity to snow shoe.






After a full day of outdoor fun, they came back to Borchers to get warm and cozy.

















We had a full week-end of visiting with returning guests and newbies and look forward to seeing our other winter regulars.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Mark, Cede, & I would like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

We spent our Christmas Eve with good friends, Mel & Denise, and Barry & Cindy, and had the pleasure of attending Christmas Eve service at their little country church.

Christmas Day was spent with Cheri's side of the family and phone calls with our children (maybe 2012 we can have our boys and their families in person).










The Henry Side





2011 had a lot of milestones. Mark's parents, Earl Mark and Doris Gail, passed away this summer. This was followed by the loss of good friend, Russ Payne. We also had some happy milestones, Borchers 75th anniversary, our 20th anniversary of owning Borchers and the wonderful news that niece, Emily, and her husband, Jerry, are going to make us a great aunt & uncle.
(We have always been a good aunt & uncle, but now we are going to be great!)

We are looking forward to 2012 and a happier year.

This post is dedicated to Dad & Mom Hunter

November

We had the pleasure of seeing both of our sons in November and for one brief evening, this mother hen had both of my "chicks" in the same place!












Our son and daughter-in-law, played tour guide in Chicago for our Thanksgiving week-end. We rode the el, went to a great little german restaurant, and just spent some kick back time together.

Teresa's family welcomed us for a fabulous Thanksgiving feast!

We went to the Museum of Science & Industry and I'm sorry to say that the giant walk-through heart that really impressed me as a kid is gone. :(

Michael & Teresa

Christmas on the Magnificent Mile and "The Bean"

Autumn

We have had some great guests through this fall. The Toledo Gang was here and treated Mark & I to another great cook out! Out September & October have included so many great guests; families, couples, returnees, newbies....

Ed, Sandy, and Alex were back for a visit. Ed & Alex headed down river
while Sandy enjoyed the porch.

It has been a rainy fall and we have been experiencing "Lake Borchers" in the big yard where we park cars. In the twenty years of improvements to the place, we have gotten rid of the willows, fixed the broken drive way, the city made some major repairs to the street behind us and the dam in the park has changed to a spillway. We think they are all contributing to a change in the water table.

Most recently, we had the grade on the yard fixed. We hope to have beautiful new grass next to the freshly sealed driveway by spring. Good work Shawn, Asphalt Seal Kings, and Millikens!

"The Old Ladies Kayaking Group", their title not ours! These women are amazing. Back at Borchers for their annual kayak trip, they spent three days touring different sections of the AuSable.






Roberta, Jeanette, Margie, Darlene, Joan, and Janet.





Breakfast with the ladies.

You don't stop paddling when you get old, you get old when you stop paddling.