Yesterday was the worst of days. I could hardly breathe because of an allergy and asthma attack. I was suppose to go to work but I couldn't even get out of bed. My head was spinning in circles, my throat was sore, my eyes were tearing, and my nose was clogged. There were so many things I wish I could have accomplished yesterday but aside from walking to the nearby church to say a prayer and making a salad and eating it outdoors at a picnic table the rest of the day was spent sleeping in bed and watching a few very old television shows on "You Tube." I felt miserable. I spent the entire day by myself not communicating with anyone except a brief moment with the church secretary who was closing the doors because she was finished working for the day. She told me it was fine to exit on my own since the doors locked automatically. I prayed for several minutes and asked the dear LORD to brighten my day in some special way.
Well......yesterday is history. It's the kind of day I'm glad to have seen end BUT today, well today is another story. The dear LORD blessed me with an extraordinary day today. I took the bus to what GOOD MORNING AMERICA calls the most beautiful place in America' "SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE." From the moment I boarded the bus everything ran so smoothy I thought I was inside a fairytale living the life of Duchess Meghan Markle.
I'd been craving "oatmeal raisin cookies" all week but didn't have a chance to make them at home. Ironically the very first place I walked into was the Riverfront Deli in "Glen Arbor" the Gateway to "SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE" This deli had all kinds of mouth watering desserts. I was opting for the classic "seven layer bar" but among all the other ready to eat desserts was one plate of homemade "oatmeal raisin cookies." These were the very last plate of oatmeal raisin cookies and I got them. I ate some immediately, absolutely delicious.
From Glen Arbor I rode my bicycle on the uphill and downhill Sleeping Bear Heritage trail that goes right through the "SLEEPING BEAR DUNES." The steep powdery dunes had several climbers and I would have attempted the climb myself except I still felt a bit out of breath. No worries, the bicycle ride was extremely enjoyable and I was able to spend a bit of time at North Bar Lake which wins the hearts of many for it's picture postcard scenery of Lake Michigan.
Empire, Michigan has always been my favorite. It's like a Norman Rockwell scene where things have stayed still for years and years. Just a simple Main Street with a couple of cafes, a public library, and three down to earth shops. Beyond the Main Street is the breathtaking Empire Bluffs trail that makes you feel as if you're in Bermuda. A public beach just down the road from Main Street has not one but two lakes; the grand Lake Michigan and the smaller South Bar Lake. Everyone is mesmerized by water, water, everywhere and spectacular views of the sandy dunes.
For those that love submarine sandwiches the "Shipwreck Cafe" is the place to go. They make and bake their own sandwich buns from scratch and each submarine is made uniquely. I got the "Lady Elgin" which is a veggie sub made with fresh cut vegetable and herb mayo. Truly one of the best submarine sandwiches I ever ate in my life. You can eat indoors or outdoors at "Shipwreck Cafe" or better yet why not take the sandwich to the beach? I'm thankful for eating this delicious sandwich on the beach overlooking Lake Michigan.
After eating my sandwich I swam for several minutes in the fresh cool waters of Lake Michigan. No salt or sharks in these waters. The Atlantic Ocean has a competitor. On Lake Michigan you can kayak, paddle board, and swim. EMPIRE BEACH is a standout and the crowds get bigger every year.
So although yesterday was the worst of days today was the best of days. I didn't have to drive to the "Sleeping Bear Dunes" because the bus was only $3.75 round trip and I could sit back and enjoy the scenery. I did all the outdoor activities I love, and got to eat a yummy sandwich and melt in your mouth oatmeal raisin cookies. I met amazing people and enjoyed "America's Most Beautiful Place" all day long.
Please share if the worst of days turned into the best of days for you. It's amazing how each day has something different to offer us. SEIZE those sweet precious moments that bring bliss and blessings!
HAPPY SUMMER WHEREVER YOU ARE!
