Thursday, January 1, 2009

More Bling Than Snoop Dog

Sometimes I forget that most of you who visit this site have never been to my little corner of the world and that you probably have an interest in what things look like around here. New Year's blog resolution #224: Show folks the scenery every now and then.

It's January 1st, so let's start today. I'll start with one of our favorite restaurants. It is tucked into the side of a hill near a large lake, and when I say large, I mean large. Not Lake Michigan large, but large enough to spend a very long time driving around it. This is a tourist area, and while the restaurant is a hot spot in the summer, it's actually the busiest during the holidays because of their tremendous amount of Christmas decorations...and their grilled pork chop....and their fabulous desserts. We visited this place to mark Teen Angel's birthday this week, and they still had their decorations on display. The place literally drips Christmas from every nook and cranny. This was a tiny portion of the stuff on the wall behind our table. This guy was about three feet tall. There are trees and lights everywhere. My favorite spots though, are the ones on the grounds. They have more lights and decorations outside than they do inside, and a visit isn't complete without a walk after dinner to "walk off dessert" as daddy would day. This photo shows about one fourth the decorations in the main gazebo alone. A lot of folks take family pictures for next year's Christmas cards in that gazebo. I love this mill best when it's really cold and is covered in one big icicle. Yeah, not happening this year. It was 74 degrees one day last week.

There are several shops on the grounds, and the windows are full of holiday attire. This picture has potential for our Christmas card next year. Three of them...three of us.....I'm not sure how yet, but it just looks ripe for a good Hula-gen caption.

I'm tellin' ya, I've never seen more tree trimmings in any one place. However, my favorite thing to do..is to look up. And up. But my very favorite thing? Other than the coconut cake? A touch of flam.

13 comments:

Lew Jetton said...

Would you believe in my 20 years here, I've NEVER eaten there! I don't know why. Seems like something always came up. I guess I have to make that a New Year's resolution. When I covered the Kiriakis murder trial, even they testified they made it a point to stop there to eat on the way here prior to the shooting. Now that's damn good!

Mike Golch said...

Great photos,especially the Flamego.Happy New Year my friend.

Amy said...

That looks like a very fun place to eat!:)I love all things Christmas.

And I love the idea of more photographed glimpses into the lives of the Hula-gens.;) I am very nosy that way.;)

Happy New Year, Hula!
God Bless,
Amy:)

The Girl Next Door said...

Totally fun. And I vote YES on the christmas card!!!

Kelley with Amy's Angels said...

I've been there!! How fun to recogize a place that I've eaten at--us MSU grads think alike! : )

Mia said...

Ever tried their giant grilled cheese sandwich? Makes me cry! I see you are giving that new camera a workout : )Great pictures...keep 'em coming!

Cruise Mom said...

I've been there - but in the summer months. As I recall they have this incredible mile high lemon meringue pie...

Happy New Year!

dkuroiwa said...

First of all...I am so very glad you didn't post these before Christmas...I'm thinking they would have completely pushed me over that "homesickness cliff" I've been dangling on for the past few weeks!!! :-D
That place looks awesome....the decorations are incredible. But...the one I love the most...yeah...uh-huh...that last one!! May I borrow her for a Friday?? :-D
Have a wonderful New Year, Hula...may the 'year of the cow' be a great one for all of us!!

karisma said...

Well thats all very xmassy and all, but it still does not really show us your local scenery now does it? I mean we can see xmas deco's anywhere!

(And please don't talk to me about food for the next week or so! I am totally over it! Yes I am!)

Happy New Year!

J.G. said...

Wow! More is more!

Anonymous said...

Looks like someone is having fun with their new camera! Great photo's, makes me want to visit. Looking forward to seeing more of your little corner of the world.

Trailboss said...

I love to go there but have only been a handful of times. Do they still have the goats on the roof?

Anonymous said...

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