Debbie Jean (DJ) Artrip

Do you know where this clever deer resides?

Have you seen this uniquely carved deer in your travels, as you traverse our picturesque Northern Michgian. This is one deer you won't have to worry about ending up as a hood orniment. Northern Michigan is full of hidden surpises, be it a cleverly crafted mailbox, an orimental fence, a creative birdhouse on a fence post...the list goes on and on.

I'd love to feature your clever and unique photos on my website. Please email me the photo with a brief description, along with your email address.

PS. This deer is on Wolverine Road, west of Wolverine, in Wilmont Township, Cheboygan County, Michigan.

Yes, this is not a photo of the Ocqueoc Falls...They are soooo frozen over that I found this photo was much more impressive. This past weekend I decided to walk back to the Falls and take an inspirational photo of the Falls in the winter. When making any plans, you should always have a back up plan, just in case. Plan A: The Falls were completely frozen, so I could take a photo of a mound of snow, with a extremely small trickle of water, flowing underneath or Plan B: check out what else might strike my fancy...This picnic table became the object of my attention.

I've decided I'd like to take a photo of this picnic table during all 4 of Michigan's season's. So, please note, you are now viewing: Picnic Table in Winter.

I can only imagine the excitement this is causing you, the anticipation of Picnic Table in Spring, Picnic Table in Summer and of course, Picnic Table in Fall. Rest assured, I will not let you down. I, too, am waiting to see the thrilling and tantalizing world of the Picnic Table. :) Enjoy~ DJ

If you're thinking of heading north this weekend, we're ready for you. Snow conditions are ideal for all your winter sports.

Nub's Nob, Harbor Springs- has all 53 slopes open and skiing conditions are great. www.NubsNob.com

Boyne Highlands & Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls & Harbor Springs- all slopes open and great skiing conditions. www.boyne.com

Treetops, Gaylord- all slopes open and in great condition. www.treetops.com

The Michigan Rails to Trails is groomed and ready for your sleds.

If cross country skiing is more our thing, the Ocqueoc Trails and the Black Mt. Trails are groomed and in perfect skiing conditions.

Don't forget to also check out our home-style cooking restaurants.

While in Onaway stop into Woodwinds or Manzana's and as your passing through Millersburg, stop into Shiela's. The food, service and atmostphere are wonderful and welcoming in all three establishments.

And as always, stop into your favorite real estate professional, ME :) at Cardinal Real Estate, across from Ellenberberg's Lumber.

Take care and hope to see you soon- Enjoy our beautiful Northern Michgina but don't forget to bring you warm clothes, you'll be needing them.

Check out this new and inovative product from Simply Discrete.

www.SimplyDiscrete.com

If you have clients or customers who have made comments on having septic system issues, suggest Simply Discrete, as an option.

Simply Discrete is a small, pink, rose scented baggie designed for disposal of soiled feminine hygiene products. This product comes in two convenient sizes, small and large. The small box is ideal for tampons and pantiliners, the large box is great for sanitary napkins, peri pads and incontinence pads. Each box contains 20 bags.

Very affordable. Small box $1.99 and Large box $2.29 plus s/h

Check out the website for more helpful information.

www.SimplyDiscrete.com

We all need to remember to treat ourselves, daily. Here's just a couple ideas. What are yours?

1. Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and just reflect
2. Buy a bouquet of flowers
3. Read a good book
4. Turn off the TV
5. Ask your "significant other" to rub your feet with lotion...you reciprocate
6. Allow yourself "not" to answer the phone every time it rings. The message machine really does work.
7. Get outside for a few minutes just to breath the fresh air
8. Go to a museum
9. Always buy a box of Girl Scout cookies, even though you know they are over priced.
10. Smile at strangers, it's amazing how your smile is infectious.
11. Bake a loaf of bread, frozen dough loafs count, and eat a slice with real butter.

My wish to you is to enjoy the day, find peace in your soul and rejoice in being alive.