Sweet memories

I don't even know what made me think of it, but the other night I had a craving for good... really good cherry jam from The Cherry Hut in Beulah, Michigan! This sweet face is a definate part of my childhood as we used to drive north to Crystal Lake to vacation in the summer and it was mandatory to go eat at the Cherry Hut-- cherry pie and jars of cherry preserves...yum! And during July was the Cherry Festival. I remember a few years ago my mom called them to see if she could order some preserves, as she wasn't able to make it to Michigan that year. They said sure and they'd send the bill in the box with the jams! Who does that any more?! So friendly! It was also tradition to stop at the weaver's shop and pick up a couple more rugs or wall hangings... so beautiful. I gained a really early appreciation for the loom and the wonderful fiber arts that were created on it. I was able to try weaving in college and just loved it, though it was hard! And then there's Gwen Frostic's studio! I feel like Gwen is a relative of ours! She ran a beautiful print shop...the old letterpress kind, making stationary and art of her nature sketches. She became one of Michigan's most famous artists through her little business. She passed away a few years back but her shop continues to print her work and Martha Stewart actually did an article in Living on Gwen Frostic's life and work! I still buy a little calendar from the studio every year. It's a family tradition. Lastly, I remember the cool water of the lake rushing over the little pebbles and tiny seashells on the beach. You can't see across the lake... it's like a little ocean. It's cool in the evening but warm in the daytime. There were little cottages to stay in among the pine trees and shuffleboard courts to play on. I had my first sailing experience on Crystal Lake and I fell in love with it! Nothing better than letting the wind push you along, hanging your toes or fingers in the water and soaking in all that sun! I'm feeling a little warmer on this cold January day!