By Mark Constance
Good morning Northern Michigan!
The snow came and went … Again. Hopefully for good this year.
So what time is it? Time for ICE CREAM! 🙂
Last summer we picked up some ice cream in Higgins Lake. We took our cups and sat at the Marl Lake launch to catch the evening breeze.
A family of five was there too. It included a young lady, about 13-14 years old. She caught a small toad over by the dock and her family was gathered around it, taking photos.
When they decided to leave, her dad said to put it on the ground and leave it. I could hear her say, “We can’t leave him by the road. He might get run over by a car!”
Then she gently picked the toad up. She carried it about 20 feet and placed it at the base of an oak tree, with the tree, for the moment, protecting the toad from the road.
When she started to walk away, I yelled “Thank you.” She smiled, and flipped her hand up to wave like kids sometimes do. Then headed back to her family.
The cynic would say the toad could die in any of a thousand ways. That in the battle between life and death, this was an action without value.
But I saw this kid try to protect this toad without ever considering whether anyone was watching. She just did the right thing.
Gives you some faith in the next generation.
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Quote of the day is from Comedian Ron White:
“I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade, and try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka and have a party.”
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Some events from across the region:
MIO – The Oscoda County Country Gardener’s Club is hosting a plant exchange at the Grow Show on May 6 at the Oscoda County Fairgrounds. Annual seeds, perennial starts butterfly and bird houses, crafts, etc. Proceeds benefit the club and community project.
TAWAS – The Tawas Bay Art Gallery is hosting a colored pencil art class May 4 from 1-4 p.m. at 302 Newman Street.
MACKINAW CITY – Summer openings this weekend: Colonial Fort Michilimackinac May 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse May 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
GRAYLING – Kentucky Derby Gala at the Camp Grayling Officers Club on May 6 from 5-11 p.m. Ticket info: 989-344-6390.
ESCANABA – Cabin Fever Craft Show May 6 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and May 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ruth Butler Building at 2401 12th Avenue North. Info: 906-553-7786.
TAWAS – Tawas Bay Players performing “Always a Bridesmaid” on May 5-14 at either 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. at 401 Newman Street. Info: 989-362-8373.
ALPENA – Alpena Farm Market opening day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mich-e-ke-wis Park. Locally grown and produce products from Alpena and surrounding areas.
TAWAS – Opening day of the Northeast Michigan Regional Farm Marquette May 6 at 815 W. Lake St. (US-23) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: 989-909-3193.
MANISTIQUE – Mueller Winter Market May 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Mueller Township facility on the corner of US-2 and Quarry Road. Syrup, eggs, breads, pies, donuts, teas, tinctures, produce, yarn good, wood product, freeze dried foods and meat.
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NOTE: Mornin’ from the Mitten is posted every Friday morning. If you want us to include your event, please email it to info@upnorthvoice.com. We accept major events from all areas of Michigan North of Standish.
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