birthday treats~cheese

As I contemplate how to celebrate my looming birthday, I can't not think about what I'd like to eat. I'm just so in love with food, you see, that I think about it all the time. Like a lover. It really is one of my greatest pleasures in life...so how could I possibly celebrate without carefully considering what to nosh on?

I couldn't.

And one of my favorite foods in the. whole. wide. world. is cheese.

Michigan cheese

 

For my birthday, I would love to stick a candle in a wedge, like Jo's hubs did for her. What a jaunty little substitute for birthday cake!

I would absolutely want my birthday cheese to be chosen for me by Madame Fromage. She has the best, um, taste in cheese, and her blog always makes my mouth water. Plus, she is a fellow writing prof (I saw her food-writing presentation at the Conference on College Composition and Communication last year), so, solidarity. PLUS, how could you not immediately love and trust a woman who has designed a Downton Abbey-themed cheese board??

The answer is you must absolutely love and trust her. Obviously.

But, I don't have to go across the pond to get scrumptious cheese! I would love to savor some of my favorite Mitten-made favorites, like the peppery Bridgewater or the Great Lakes Cheshire from Zingerman's Creamery, or a creamy, velvety Raclette from Leelanau Cheese.

Of course, this does not in any way preclude enjoying chocolate or cake as well. Just so we're clear.

:)

What about you? What is your favorite treat (birthday or otherwise)? Do tell.

back in the mitten

Sorry if the posting has been sparse, these past few days. We were running around, getting ready for a long weekend up north. Not just the top of the Mitten, but (as my friend said) "in the squished-up-skinny-rabbit part of the state." Or, the Upper Peninsula.  Now, we are back in the Mitten proper. It was a great trip, but it is always good to be home:)

While up in Marquette, we hiked a small mountain...the payoff was fantastic views!

Lake Superior is just stunning. 

We also did a bit of wading, a bit of bouldering, to get to "Hidden Beach."

It is completely surrounded by these red, rocky cliffs... a private isle experience!

We wandered around downtown Marquette, checking out the art scene. I loved this fence made up entirely of skis!

True. Very true. 

This "tree" is fabricated. It "blooms" petunias!!

Taking shelter from a sudden rainstorm. 

We picked wild raspberries and explored behind our friend's Grandma's house.

On the way home, we stopped off at a beach to stretch our legs. Lake Michigan looked, felt, even smelled different than Superior had!

But both lakes were equally chilly! 

So, that was our trip. We had a great time, but now it's back to the routine. I'll hopefully get a Meatless Monday post up later today. Until then, hope you're having a great day, friends.

Saturday Snapshot

Ok, so this snapshot is from last saturday...but what a sublime weekend we had! Our little escape to the "edge of the pinky" (Michiganders know exactly what I'm talking about! Non-michiganders, just look at the palm of your right hand, like it's a map...) was splendid. As promised, here are some pics:

Couldn't get enough of my beach-read!

Our friends' son loved the beach--his first experience!

Oh, but Lake Michigan was icy-cold.

Could not get enough of this view! Breathtaking.

The men braved the freezing lake, but not without some--ahem--liquid courage.

Stripes!

even in the sand!

Lots of walks along the beach...

Ah, Lake Michigan...'till we meet again!