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Friday, May 06, 2016

A Grand Arrival!

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Good Morning, from the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan!

Yesterday’s travel turned out to be pretty un-eventful, and even fun!

Oh, don’t get me wrong, getting up at 4am to catch a flight is never peachy, but I was so excited to get where I was going that it didn’t seem to bother me that much.

Son Jeff on the other hand?  Well, he doesn’t like being woken up at 4:45am to drive his mom to the airport!  But he is a trooper and he and Sadie and mama were on our way with plenty of time to spare.  There was NO WAY I was going to miss this flight!

I landed in Detroit, made my way to my next gate with enough time to grab a bite of lunch.  I was sitting in the gate area when I heard a familiar voice, turned my head to greet a familiar smile!

Mary Elizabeth Kinch is teaching with me this week!  She had landed in Detroit from Toronto Canada!

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Oh, this is going to be a week full of fun and trouble!

We boarded our smaller light for Pellston, Michigan where we met up with another instructor, Bill Kerr at baggage claim.  All luggage accounted for, and conversing a mile a minute, we boarded the shuttle to take us to the ferry docks, the next stop on getting us to our destination.

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Look!  We’ve got our own billboard!

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Mackinac Bridge!

The 26,372-foot (8,038 m) bridge (familiarly known as "Big Mac" and "Mighty Mac") is the world's 16th-longest in total suspension and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western hemisphere. [source]
Just get a look at that water!

I don’t think I have to tell you what a difference this is compared to the LAST time I made this journey to Mackinac Island!  REMEMBER!?

While last time I was unable to take the ferry because of the ice, and they had to fly me from St Ignace on a 4 seater plane to the island, this time it was a beautiful day for a ferry ride!



It was too cold and windy up on deck, so I took this video from down below. Besides, that put me closer to the level of the water for maximum effect.  At least that is my story for wimping out and going downstairs instead of staying up on top with Bill and Mary Elizabeth!


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Love seeing the horse drawn taxi!

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And there is the Grand, right ahead of us!

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Even luggage is pulled up to the hotel by horse drawn dray!

Another funny thing to see around town, loads of folks on bikes, and they will sometimes cozy up to a wagon and be pulled along for a ride uphill!

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Thanks, for the ride, guys!

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Room with a view!

Kind of dark due to the bright light coming from the window.

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I think I’m going to enjoy my week here!

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I’ve got room to move!

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Not to mention room to lay out things!

I moved one of the green velvet chairs from near the window to the end of the bed so I could watch some TV while doing some hexiing last night.  good thing I packed the little extra light with me. Hopefully while I'm here I'll get that second corner sewn on.  Right now it's just laid in place.

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But this view – is THE BEST EVER!

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And yes.  There is FUDGE!

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So excited to be here!

Quilters are arriving – some came yesterday, others are arriving on the ferry this morning.  I ran into some in the lobby already! 

It’s a half day “A Little Bit Hexie” workshop, starting at 1pm, and this thing will be in FULL SWING!

Since I’ve got the morning free, I’m about to go hit the sidewalk and see what I can see.

Did you catch yesterday’s Quiltmaker’s 100 blocks vol 13 Giveaway YESTERDAY?  There are some great goodies up for grabs.  Go check it out and enter if you haven't.

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Quiltville Quote of the Day!

Remember, it's not a failure if you keep trying! Find another way to get the job done.

Scrappy Bargello quilt of recycled fabrics from the free patterns tab found at the top of the blog.

Happy Friday, Everyone!


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13 comments:

  1. I'm here in my hotel in Mackinac City waiting for the 11:30 ferry. So glad to see a bright sunny day. Let's get this party going!

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  2. Anonymous10:25 AM EDT

    Have a wonderful week.Must tell you :have never seen wallpapar like in your room!
    and I don´t like them at all-
    Louise D

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  3. Oh I'm so jealous! I'd love to be there but just couldn't fit it in the budget...but my cabin mate on your Alaskan cruise will be there!! Have fun everyone!

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  4. I hope to get there someday. And as regards your quote of the day, if you're not making mistakes, you're not learning is my motto!

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  5. I'm glad the weather is calmer for your visit to the Grand Island this time. Fudge for Mother's Day Weekend is Perfect! Quilter's and Chocolate go together.

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  6. Good morning. What a beautiful and "Grand Hotel" it is. The views are great. Thank you for sharing! And I love the wallpaper, it fits the place. :)

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  7. Bonnie and Friends are priceless treasures promoting Big Mac, The Grand Hotel, and Pure Michigan! It is with pleasure that I am following along via Facebook to share your joy of our area. Although I am still working on my Grand Illusion quilt, your presence on the island brings smiles to this resident of the Upper Peninsula! Piecefully yours, Kay Susan

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  8. Get some Mays Chocolate pecan fudge its my favorite, I've been getting it since I was little and I am 56 now....soooooo yummy eat some for me. Have a great trip. I am so jealous.

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  9. I love your hexies and those ... wallpapers seems to disapear in the background of The Beauty.
    Beautiful scenery! Have a wonderful day :-)

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  10. It has to be great staying at such a grand place. Love the room--not the cookie cutters we see now. Have a great week and enjoy being in the "past"

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  11. I wish I could be there! Visiting Mackinac and staying at the Grand are on my bucket list. I had thought about joining the fun this year, but alas I had already taken the workshops you are teaching and couldn't justify it. But, maybe next time! Have a "Grand" time and I look forward to the photos and stories.

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  12. Bonnie... Have a wonderful week! Those of us stuck at home are looking forward to some great pictures!

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  13. So jealous. Have a great time on my favorite island.

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