Travel Perks-New Finds

We do love to travel and take photographs, but we also like to learn new things about places. Sometimes the places are those we've been to before, but find new ways to explore. And sometimes we have that accidental find....the kind where you turn a corner and there it is. Something new and interesting and explorable. This happened on our trip to Chicago last weekend, when we were exploring the northern suburbs. We like to drive and explore, and on this excursion we turned a corner and there was Fort Sheridan. A town. And a fort. What a unique place!

Originally established in about 1670 as a French trading post, it was on the trail between Green Bay, WI and old Chicago. The fort evolved from a crude stopping place into a formidable fort. And now the original vintage late 19th Century architecture blends with 21st Century convenience with this northern neighborhood - the fort has been converted to condos, town homes and single family residences. Amazing. Quaint. When I looked for more information about Fort Sheridan, research indicated that part of the renovations include 11-20 foot ceilings and 8 foot windows in some of the units.

Driving through the neighborhoods, you can see how officer residences and barracks are now well appointed dwellings. How romantic! And sweet:).

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100 Blessings

It's funny how a project takes on a life of its own. I started out making a list of things I'd like to take pictures of - piles of M&M's, rocks on the beach, license plates hanging on an old garage door. Then I decided it would be interesting to find 100 items about "me," celebrating my 100th post with items about me/my life/etc. This way I could tie my compulsion to blog in to my theme. So, I started THAT list. And when I was done I decided all the things I was collecting, ideas as well as items, were actually blessings. Things about my life that make me who I am and allow me to keep striving to be the best I can be at what I do. Each activity isn't necessarily a blessing, it's my ability to do the things I love to do, and be with the people I love to be with. This became an introspective activity, and that's probably where I am in my life right now. If the shoe fits..., so to speak. So, welcome to my 100th Post ! Without everyone I've met thr...

Hidden Gem

Thank you, Georgia , for helping me focus on the hidden gem, the place we love to go and not be found. Not far from home...it IS home. We call it "out back," and once there we are transported to a private place, not visible from houses or road or the casual observer. I couldn't choose just one photo, so I created a collage of this special part of our world. Enjoy.

Restoration in the Works!

The Ammi Wright House. Built 1888. Our town has some pretty remarkable older homes and businesses. Many have already been restored and are residences and/or businesses. We went to a meeting the other night which focused on how to go about restoring a beautiful old lumber Barron's home - the Ammi Wright house, just off the main street. It has been empty for a great many years and needs a lot of work to bring it back to life. But this group of people can do it. The building itself is already purchased as part of an agreement with the Gratiot Area Historical Society. Located in a nearby town, they have purchased it and Alma will be part of this system. We are now forming committees for all the areas which need to be addressed, including historical research, fundraising, publicity, etc. Lots of work, and lots of interest. There is a steering committee in place, and we all signed up for an area we feel...

Life: Through the Lens

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