Maple “Surple”, Midland, and the Lighthouse that got away….

For the first time in awhile I have some time on a beautiful – although cold – Sunday afternoon, so how about an update on our recent meanderings… We are keeping very busy with our Institute responsibilities, but are having a great time and are finding a lot of satisfaction as we teach and testify about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We continue to become better acquainted with the young folks who attend classes and the ward, as well as those who are looking into joining the Church. I am continually reminded of what a great generation this is as I see them making thoughtful, prayerful decisions about their lives. What an inspiration it is to be around young folks who are so sincere about advancing their lives, both spiritual and temporal. Naturally, there is a full portion of challenges and disappointments, but it is impressive to see them learn important principles as they face adversity as well as success. Our Institute Director was unexpectedly called away for a week last Friday, so we will be extra busy this week with teaching additional classes, etc. Last Saturday we had a couple hours free so went to the Maple Syrup Festival at the local Fenner Nature Park. Got a first hand look had how collecting the sap, boiling it, etc. works. Karen is pretty enthused about making some Maple Syrup on our own, since we have a woods right behind our apartment full of the White Maple trees, but I am reminded that it takes 40 gallons of sap (!) to end up with one gallon of syrup. Makes going to the local grocery store for syrup look pretty easy….

We had an entire day free yesterday, so we took a little sightseeing trip. It was beautiful out, but the temperature was still in the low 20’s, not counting the wind chill. We went to Midland, which is right about in the “middle of the mitten”. (Hold up your right hand, palm facing you, then consider how much Michigan looks like a mitten, and you will get it.) Midland is the home of Dow Chemical Company, founded many years ago by a young Mr. Dow who the locals considered to be somewhat crazy as he conducted some curious chemistry experiments. Guess he was offbeat kind of like Bill Gates and his crazy PC’s as Dow is a worldwide producer of chemical compounds. They seem to take very good care of the hometown... most of the local attractions (Museums, Art Galleries, public gardens, etc. seem to have the word “Dow” in their name.

Among the attractions is the (locally) famous “Tridge”, a well done three way foot bridge that spans the confluence of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers and which then flow into Saginaw Bay, on Lake Huron.

After leaving Midland, we headed for Bay City, on Saginaw Bay to see the Saginaw River Rear Range Lighthouse. It turns out that it is completely inaccessible to the public, so we finally – after an hour or so of looking – gave up on it. But here’s a picture from the “Lighthouse Friends” website so you (and we) can remember what we missed.