Michigan Family - The Gallagher's

---

Awwww family. I have just spent the last few days with my Aunt Val and Uncle Mike. Their two daughters Lucy and Marie were in and out as they were preparing to leave for the school year. My first 24 hours in MI was not impressive. Going north from Green Bay WI to the Upper Peninsula (The UP is what the locals say) I hit solid sheets of rain. Visibility was mere yards so I was unable to see the beautiful sights Val has told me about. Apparently it is the most beautiful part of the state and where many go to vacation. I will have to try it again on another trip in the future. I did stay at Kayla and Michaels, Val and Mike's friends, lovely wooden cabin on Lake Superior. They were gracious hosts but I needed to get on the road the next morning bright and early so I could pick up Marie from the University of Michigan's biostation near Mackinaw, MI. Lucky me got to drive the next 3 1/2 hours with pure 1 on 1 time with this young woman. Look out world, this lady is going to change things up!

Val and Mike have created this comfortable home in MI where they raised their 3 children. I have never visited before but was instantly at home and basked in their warm family comfort for the next few days. (Do I really need to leave today?) We enjoyed walks through the local parks, kayaked a nearby lake, ate amazing meals primarily outdoors since Mother Nature decided to show me the blue skies of MI. My last day was spend just Val and I. We did an hour yoga class at a local studio, watched Where the Crawdad's Sing at the theater, ate tacos and listened to live music at a taco festival, then ate ice cream and watched stand up comedy on TV until bedtime. Just what I needed. Some serious "sister" time. This is what keeps a woman going sometimes.

I am so grateful for having the time and opportunity to see their home in action with the girls laughing, food being prepared, and life going on as always.

Life is a gift. Wake up every day and realize that.

Michelle

---

Photos

Kayaking
I was so impressed with the wildlife and foliage in the area. So suburban yet, wildland is just around the corner.

Traditional pastie
I was told this is pronounced (Pass-tee). A meat, potato, carrot, onion delight that could also be dessert style with a fruit pie filling. I opted for the traditional meat pie and I was starving! This company made it like a big meatball wrapped in a baked crust. So satisfying.

Mackinaw Bridge
The Mackinaw Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinaw, connecting the Upper and Lower peninsulas of the U.S. state of Michigan. Opened in 1957, the 26,372-foot-long bridge is the world's 27th-longest main span and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere.

Kayaking
This is me!

Val and Chelle
We were blessed with beautiful weather, I am so thankful we were able to get out on the kayaks and paddle around.

Lucy, Marie & Michelle
Delightful young woman that I am so lucky to have spent time with during this trip.

Marie, Val, Michelle & Lucy
Darn it, we should have gotten Mike in on a picture before he took off for Seattle.

Comments

[lillinda]

Making beautiful memories..
Michelle, you are making memories you can look back on & enjoy forever 💕💕

[Michelle Ray]

Yes! Exactly. 🥰

[Karen]

Pastie = yum!
I make those! Tradition i n Bob’s family, but no carrots in mine. We have on Christmas Eve, and any other time of the year I feel like putting in the time. Really good for breakfast, too with eggs over the top!

[Michelle Ray]

Pastie
Sounds delicious. I love those types of traditions. ❤

[Karen]

You and Val
Such memories of you two as little ones. I still see your toddler faces in your grown faces.