Living Michigan Family: Sharing Our Love of Michigan!

          Today, August 22nd, is my Hubby's and my "Mona-Versary" (monthly anniversary).  We got the idea from a wonderful, favorite couple of ours.  Consequently, we always try to do something fun and special on this date-- even if it is just popcorn and a movie at home.            However, we thought that we would go to one of our favorite places-- Gallagher's Eatery & Pub (Irish/American), located at 4210 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49008. http://gallagherseatery.com/Locations/Kalamazoo.aspx   This restaurant, and the pub-side of it, are well known for their Irish fare of food, beers, beer club, and other such things. If you do seek a good pub experience, check out that side of the restaurant! (The below double-decker bus is one of my favorites!  It is also available to rent!) THE EXPERIENCE :                 It was 6:45pm on a Monday night-- we had the restaurant side to ourselves.  Our waitress took our order by memory.  We ordered the Potato Skins w

Just came across these online and had to share them!  http://www.miicetrays.com/

A great place to visit in the Battle Creek area is the Fort Custer Recreation Area (& Camp Ground).  Since we have the "State Park Pass" on our license plate, we did not have to pay anything extra to get in!  (Yet another perk of getting the State Park permit!) (If I currently had a horse, it would be an amazing place to ride.  There are miles and miles of trails.  It is a very quiet, relaxing place to visit.) It is a small, yet beautiful place to spend some time.  In the afternoon/evening, when we went, it was fairly quiet.  There is a lot of land, and wide-open spaces, and a lot of room for stretching out.  There are hundreds of minnows in the shallow water.  It is a great place for wading and walking in the water and relax.  There are a couple of picnic shelters, as well, that have handicap access, too. 

PLEASE NOTE:   This restaurant was not told ahead of time that we would be coming, critiquing, and reviewing the restaurant, food, or service.  We came and dined as typical clients, paying for our own meals.  We try to write non-biased reviews.  ALSO-- Since cameras are not allowed in the casino, presented below are embarassingly low-quality phone pictures-- not my typical, professional photos.  Apologies! Mijem Buffet 11177 East Michigan Avenue , INSIDE Fire Keeper's Casino , Battle Creek , MI 49014   http://www.firekeeperscasino.com/default/index.cfm/dining/mijem-buffet/   BACKGROUND INFORMATION:   All in all, two of us were able to dine for $16+tip for the very fast wait-staff. (PLEASE bring cash to tip-- they are excellent and very attentive servers.)   PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A "Red Hot Rewards Card" BEFORE you stand in line.   They are free and are sometimes necessary to get the special deals.  Just bring your license and head toward the coat-check area.

Fort Custer National Cemetery           In the late afternoon hours on August 17 th , 2011, we discovered the Fort Custer National Cemetery without meaning to—and we are so happy that we did-- it is striking.   This is a place full of simplicity, beauty, honor, and somber dignity.   The entrance is lined with numerous, majestic flags.   Many noble men and women have been laid to rest here.   It makes one think about the sacrifices of those brave men and women who have laid down their lives for our country, and for the sacrifices of the families who support are military.  Many brave men and women laid down their lives for our Country, their family, friends, and loved ones.  God Bless. All photos are original and copyright: Erin Wiseman-Parkin & Dj Parkin, 2011. http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftcuster.asp  

One of my favorite things to eat in the summer (big surprise) is good ol' Michigan Sweet Corn.  On the cob or sliced off and pan fried, either way, it is amazing.  This is one of the ways that my family has eaten corn for many, many moons.  Thought I would share it with you all.  Step 1.) Heat up non-stick frying pan with about 2-3 TBS of either Butter Crisco, Vegetable Oil, or some other oil. (Note:  Even though I use Olive Oil in everything, most cooks do *NOT* recommend using it in frying due to chemical properties of that particular oil.) Step 2.)  Cut the corn off 4-5 ears of corn, (OR, out-of-season you can use 2 cans of *drained* whole-kernel corn) and then place in hot pan with oil.  BE CAREFUL.  IF you have a "splatter screen" for the top, it would be helpful, as these little corns pieces dance! Step 3.)  Let corn cook for a bit, and then use a good spatula and turn the corn-- MAKE SURE to get all the good brown stuff off the bottom of the pan before it burns-

FAVORITE FOOD: Another summer favorite of mine are strawberry salads, with one of my naughty little pleasures-- Arnie's Riviera Salad Dressing (made with strawberries!!!).  Since finding out that my former favorite iceberg lettuce has little nutritional value, I have switched over completely to spinach.  I knew I didn't like spinach growing up-- just say the word, "Spinach", it's weird... right?  Not so much, not until I ate it, on accident, at a Ruby Tuesday's salad/garden bar.  Then, I had to admit defeat.  Happily...  This salad features freshly washed spinach, with carefully roasted almost slices (they burn quickly!!), and fresh-sliced, locally grown strawberries.  Pair this with a tablespoon (or 2) of Arnie's Riviera Salad Dressing (either regular or fat-free), and it is just an amazing, slightly sweet, strawberry tinted delicious delicacy!