thenextmile

Vibrant colors, crisp air, and plenty
of eye catching scenery – it’s fall in Northern Michigan. Fall
colors generally peak around the tip of the lower peninsula the first
week of October, but the colors can be vibrant anytime between
mid-September and late October. To get the most of of the season,
enjoy a day trip along the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline from
the quaint town of Charlevoix on up to Mackinac Island.

Charlevoix is an excellent spot to
start your adventure. The town is full of shops and art galleries
and swells in population in the summer months. The town sits between
Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. If you’re in the mood for more
lengthy color tour, try taking the ferry over to Beaver Island. The
island is known as America’s Emerald Isle and is about a 2 hour ferry
ride from Charlevoix.

When leaving Charlevoix, travel up the
coastline along US -31 to Petoskey. Along the way, you’ll notice a
bike path that runs along the shoreline. This path, known as the
Little Traverse Wheelway, extends 26 miles from Harbor Springs to
Charlevoix and is always bustling with bikers, walkers and runners.
It’s a great way to enjoy the colors and get in some exercise. There
are a couple roadside parks along this route that are excellent spots
for a picnic lunch.

Once in Petoskey, be sure to stop and
enjoy the downtown gaslight district with all it’s shops, art
galleries and fine restaurants. For those literature buffs, enjoy a
meal at the historic City Park Grill in downtown Petoskey. The
restaurant was once a favorite spot of author Ernest Hemingway.

Continuing north on US-31, just north
of Petoskey is the community of Bay View. Bay View was founded in
1875 by a group of Methodists who used the community as a summer
retreat. Century old homes and cottages dot the tree lined streets
and overlook Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay.

From here, take M-119 north to the town
of Harbor Springs, which lies on the north side of Little Traverse
Bay. Here’s you’ll find a resort town that resembles what you’d
expect to find on the east coast. If you continue north on M-119,
you’ll find yourself in Michigan’s famed “Tunnel of Trees.” This
stretch of M-119 that runs from Harbor Springs to Cross Village is
known for stunning lake views, wooded scenery, and plenty of photo
opportunities.

Once in Cross Village, you’ll find
yourself at Legs Inn. This authentic, Polish restaurant sits atop a
bluff along the shore of Lake Michigan. It’s a great place to enjoy
the region’s million dollar sunset while having a great meal.

From Cross Village, you can head up to
Wilderness State Park which is just north to enjoy the scenery of
Sturgeon Bay Beach, or head over towards Levering and up to Mackinaw
City. In Mackinaw, enjoy some famous fudge and stroll the historic
Fort along waterfront, or catch a ferry over to Mackinac Island. The
island is known for it’s ban on motorized vehicles – so once you’re
there, you’ll have to get around by foot, bicycle, or horse.

With so much to do in Northern Michigan
this fall, you might just have to make a weekend of it!

Happy 4th of July.  I hope you’re enjoying your holiday weekend enjoying burgers and hotdogs, potato salad and watermelon, and partaking in some fireworks this evening.  Today’s a great day, and while we all need to remember why we’re celebrating, we also need to think about how we got here and where we want to go.

Anyone who knows me probably knows that I’ve always taken an interest in politics.  Really, I’m not sure where the interest came from, possibly from watching The Smothers Brothers during the 1988 Presidential Election with my father.  It’s a memory I’ll always have - Dukakis, Dole, and Bush.  I remember these little pieces of the election when I was just 10 years old.  I remember the jokes about Bob Dole and how he was a pineapple head.  For some reason, I was obsessed with the process, and eventually wanted to study politics in college, although after a year or so that lost out to English and Film studies.

Today’s blog really isn’t just about the 4th of July, but the death today of North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms made me think about his place in society, and how his legacy has had a part in our country’s history.  I’ve never liked Jesse Helms.  There are few people on this earth that when they die, my first response is “Good.”  But I’ll be honest when I say that today when I saw notice of Helms death, that was my first reaction.  I feel the man was a bigot, and helped promote racism and separation in our country that anyone should be ashamed of.   While I always say that you are free to do and say what you want, you do need to be aware of what your actions will cause.  And it’s unfortunate that so many people followed Helms lead.

While I am hard pressed to think that our country will ever be united as one, I do think that it’s about damn time we start trying.  Black, white, gay, liberal, conservative - we all live our lives as one, and need to start acting like it.  The 4th of July was meant for all of us, and our leaders should reflect that in their words and actions.

How fitting that Helms died on the 4th of July.

I’m proud to say that while I’ve sold a few articles now, the first one published by a publication I’ve actually heard of is out.  While I wouldn’t say it’s my best work, it didn’t take long and is an opinion piece, so now research required.  It’s a piece published today in the St. Louis Beacon about the potential sale of Anheuser-Busch to Belgium beer maker, InBev.  You can read it by clicking here.

Since my husband is gone on a project this evening, dinner was a beef enchilada from my local butcher shop topped with guacomole and homemade salsa.  Now I’m pretty full.  Tomorrow night I’ll be meeting some friends who are in town from Tennessee for the holiday weekend at a buffet type place.  While buffets aren’t my favorite, I’m looking forward to seeing my friends since it’s been 2 years.

Happy Holidays everyone!

What’s to say on a day like today?  It’s Friday, I’m running on about 3 hours of interrupted sleep thanks to a massive thunderstorm that ripped over
Michigan last night, and I’m at work.  Yippee.  I will have you know that I did bring my running clothes and shoes just in case I felt up to doing a short 3 miler after work.  Getting it out of the way this afternoon would be nice, that way I can sleep in a little longer tomorrow.  However, in case I don’t update this blog ever again, it’s because I’ve been attacked and killed by a killer bear.  Yes, there have been bear sightings along a 1.5 mile stretch of my regular running route:

“Police in Harbor Springs say there have been 3 reports of black bear sightings in the last 3 days.One of the reports came from a city in Emmet County. One spotter told 9 and 10 News that the bear broke off a chain to get into a can of sun flower seeds.  Another night, the bear bent a pole to the ground to get into the bird feeder.  The D-N-R says the bears are fresh out hybernation and searching for some food.  They recommend that people on the west side of Harbor Springs remove all bird feeders, grills, and dog food so the bear returns to its natural habitat”.So, um, yeah….  Actually, that’s probably the most action Harbor Springs Police have seen in years.
   

Today for food, well, it’s not that exciting so far at least.

Breakfast – egg, toast with jam, huge bowl of fruit and coffee.  Noticing a trend here?

Lunch is a big Greek salad, and some yogurt

Snack will be watermelon and some toast with peanut butter and jam.

Notice how I said “not exciting yet.”  Yet will be dinner at Legs Inn, one of my favorite places.  It’s so out of the way that we don’t get there all too often, but the food is amazing.  Who knew I’d end up liking Polish food?

And the views from Legs Inn, well, they can’t be beat.

While the last reported case of Smallpox in the United States was in 1949, nearly sixty years ago, the disease is a serious and one that is often deadly. There is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, right now the only prevention is vaccination. Smallpox outbreaks have occurred from time to time for thousands of years, but today, the disease has been eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program. The last case of Smallpox in the world was in Somalia in 1977. Since the disease has been eliminated, routine vaccination against Smallpox among the general population was stopped because it was no longer necessary for prevention.

There are two forms of Smallpox Variola Major which is the most severe and most common, has had an overall death rate of about 30%. Variola Minor which is much less severe has a death rate of about 1% or less. The disease is spread by direct contact. It’s rarely spread by the air in close quarters, such as on a train or bus. Smallpox is not known to be transmitted by insects or animals.

Those infected with Smallpox can expect to come down with symptoms such as fever, head and body aches about a week to 17 days after they are exposed to the Smallpox Virus. A rash will then appear, first as small red spots on the tongue and in the mouth. These spots can develop into sores that break open and spread into the throat. This is when the person is the most contagious. A rash will also appear on the skin on the face, legs and arms. The rash will become worse as the days go on. After about two weeks, scabs from the rash can scab over and fall off.

Diagnosis of Smallpox can be difficult. A doctor may take a throat swab or a sample from an open rash sore. The doctor will then send the sample to a lab where tests will be done to determine if the person does in fact have Smallpox. Even one case of Smallpox is considered an international public health emergency.

While Smallpox can be prevented through the use of Smallpox vaccine, there is no proven treatment for Smallpox. However, results from lab studies suggest that the drug Cidofovir may fight against the Smallpox virus. Tests are being done to better understand the drug’s ability to treat the disease. Patients with Smallpox can benefit from a number of drugs to control fever and pain and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections that may occur.

Despite Smallpox being eradicated, the deliberate release of smallpox as an epidemic disease is now regarded as a possibility. The United States has taken precautions to deal with the threat. In the event of a Smallpox outbreak, there is enough Smallpox vaccine to vaccinate every person in the United States.

More people are buying organic food, but is the cost eating into their wallet?  The organic industry has seen rapid growth in the last couple years.  In 2006 for instance, organic food sales in the U.S. totaled $17 billion, up 22 percent from 2005.  And that number is still rising.  And while both the price of organic and conventional food is skyrocketing, experts believe that green-conscious consumers will continue to pay top dollar for organics, before even considering reverting back to non-organic options.

Unlike the country’s 2001 recession, consumer today are coping not only with slower economic activity, but rapidly rising prices.  Many of them will continue to buy lower-priced groceries at retail outlets, but most are turning to farm co-ops, local farmer’s markets and higher end specialty stores to get the best organics for their money.Last year, 58 percent of U.S. consumers said they regularly check unit pricing at organic and specialty food stores, up from 52 percent in 2006, according to a study on grocery shopping trends by the Food Marketing Institute, an Arlington, Va., food retailer and wholesaler trade organization.And produce isn’t the only corner of the green market seeing the increase.  Price spikes are also steeper for grain, dairy and poultry.  And with many consumers worried about growth hormones and antibiotics, more people are turning to organic dairy and meat options.  A half-gallon of organic whole milk last week was selling in the U.S. at an average price of $4.19, compared with $2.09 for a non-organic version.  And a dozen large organic eggs cost $4.19, compared with $2.99 for their non-organic counterparts. A loaf of organic whole wheat bread carried a $3.99 price tag, while non-organic loaves ranged from $2.99 to $3.49.

The USDA last week said total food prices could increase by up to 5 percent in 2008, compared with 4 percent last year and 2.4 percent in 2006. But 2008’s price spike could reach 9 percent for fats and oils and 8.5 percent for cereals and bakery products.

So no matter if you’re going green or going conventional, the price for your lunch is going up.

So, the mogul of the talk show circuit is going vegan.  Well, kind of.  Oprah Winfrey announced this past week that she’s going on a 21-day diet makeover.  Her vegan diet, which is free of all animal products including dairy, will be centered on fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans.  Many believe that with this diet, Oprah will be able to generate more of an interest in healthy eating among Americans.  Oprah isn’t alone, every couple months, we hear about another celebrity who’s passing up meat.  But really, do we want the American Public getting their health information from celebrities?Oprah’s yo-yo dieting has been a tabloid headline for years.  Do you all remember when she ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 1994?  I doubt she still runs.  Remember in the late 1990s when she would gain weight, then lose weight, then gain weight, then lose it?  Remember the backlash she received a few years ago after she blasted the cattle industry during her anti-beef rampage.  Pretty soon, Oprah’s going to run out of things to eat.  There is no denying the fact that when Oprah does something, people follow.  Take her book club for example.  For authors, if Oprah mentions your book, it becomes a best seller.  If Oprah devotes an hour long episode to the cruelty of animals raised in puppy mills, viewers start adopting pets.  When Oprah does something, Americans follow the leader.  But please, Oprah should in no way be considered a leader when it comes to health.We know that there are benefits of a vegan diet. Nutrition experts have found that a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes offer a wide-range of health benefits, including lower risks of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.  But going vegan, or vegetarian for that matter, doesn’t exactly equal instant health benefits.  Many people who make a quick switch from a typical Western diet to a vegan one, don’t often research how to make such changes.  Loading up on pasta and bread doesn’t equate to improved health.  When you cut out your iron intake by not eating meat, you have to find other sources.  Finding alternative sources of calcium becomes an issue.  Going vegan takes not just research, but an entire shift in lifestyle.  And although the number of Americans currently practicing both vegetarian and vegan lifestyles are at the highest point in history, that doesn’t mean that we all need to jump on the bandwagon.  I’m not saying that we shouldn’t all become vegans.  Americans do need to start making better choices when it comes to their health and what we eat.  But for heaven’s sake, don’t put down that piece of chicken just because Oprah is.  Sure, I hope she raises awareness about the benefits of healthy eating, but let’s not all jump on the Vegan bandwagon just because Ms. Winfrey says it’s the thing to do.  We all know where her diet fads have led her before.

Something happens to me each time there’s a race that I’m not a part of.  I get antsy, I think I’m missing out, and I wonder why I didn’t sign up.

This past weekend, two races in particular made me wish I had registered for a spring marathon – the Vermont City Marathon in Burlington, and the Traverse City Bayshore Marathon in
Michigan.  And while there were several other races this past weekend to choose from, I have connections to these two.

I live just an hour from
Traverse City.  Last year, I had hoped to run at least the half marathon portion of the race, but then life took over.  As I was watching the highlights on the news, I saw all those smiling faces.  Some runners cried as they crossed the finish line.  Some were in pain.  But they all had a huge smile, for they had just completed something that only 1 in 1000 will do in their lifetime – run 26.2 miles.  When I ran my first marathon, I remember that feeling.  The feeling of pain, triumph, and success are all wound together.  And no matter how much you hurt when it’s over, that’s not what you remember.  You remember who amazing you feel at the end for succeeding at something you worked months for.  I want to experience that feeling over and over again for the rest of my life.

In
Burlington yesterday, my friend Jackie ran her first marathon.  For Jackie, it wasn’t just about running 26.2 miles; it was a milestone in what has been years of hard fought effort.  For Jackie has lost nearly 100 pounds since 2004.  She has gone from someone who rarely took part in any physical activity, to someone who not only has become a role model for those looking to lose weight, but an excellent endurance athlete as well.  After hearing her race report, next May I hope to be lining up with her in
Burlington.

Sometimes I need to remind myself that there will always be races.  There will always be a reason to push to the next level.  For me, there will always be running.

Trust me, there is such thing as the “runner’s high.”  Without going into scientific mumbo jumbo, I’ll break it down as easy as I can – running can help you reduce the stress in your life.  Runners are great at battling stress.  Whether you use a run to think about personal problems, work issues, or just escape day to day frustrations, many say they can work through their most difficult issues while logging miles.  It clears your mind and allows you to focus on emotions that really matter.Aside from the typical health benefits – weight loss, cardiovascular benefits and increased lung capacity, running helps boost your mood.  It builds confidence in addition to muscle and it works in a way few other individual sports can.  Running allows a person to push themselves further, to recognize both defeat and triumph, and learn from it all.  It allows you to climb hills and overcome obstacles.  It gives you a feeling of empowerment and freedom as you see yourself progress.  The confidence and better self image you gain is a direct product of running.For years, doctors have even proscribed running as a way to treat clinical depression and some addictions.  Running gives these people something besides their addiction or depressed state to focus on.Bottom line, running helps train the mind as much as it trains the body.  But proving to yourself that you can overcome obstacles and learn from defeat, you gain strength in every aspect of your life.

Let’s take a break and talk about what is really on the minds of all of us this week - Gas prices.  No matter where you live, whether you own a car or not, this topic is impacting you right now.  And it will continue to impact you.  I’ve compiled some tips to help you save money as we head into the busy summer driving season. 

According to AAA, just six months ago, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the
United States was $2.91.  In May, the average price is now sneaking up on $4 a gallon.  Since the start of the year, crude prices have soared more than 30 percent and analysts predict the price will go even higher.  Many predict prices could reach $150 a barrel by the end of this year.  Darin Newsom, an analyst at DTN says the price isn’t going down any time soon.

“There’s no indication we’re at the top of the market,” he said.

The price of oil isn’t just a consumer issue, it’s a political one.  The U.S. Government temporarily stopped buying oil for our country’s strategic petroleum reserve.  They hope that will help lower demand and ease pressure on surging prices.  The reserve was established in the 1970s to help boost the economy from supply interruptions such as that decade’s oil embargo.

But some lawmakers want more done.  Many are calling on President Bush to release oil from the reserve to help level off prices.  But that’s just a short term fix, since the reserve contains only enough oil to help keep our country running at its current rate for about two months.  No matter how you look at it, the price of $1 a gallon gasoline is over.  We need to start making changes in our driving habits. While Americans are still going to travel, they need to find more efficient ways to drive without breaking the bank this summer.

There are a number of ways to help save on fuel, but for many of us, depending on where we live and our driving habits, not all options may apply.  I live in a beautiful area of
Northern Michigan.  I live here because of all the outdoor activities that are offered – swimming in
Lake Michigan, hiking, biking and skiing.  But living in a rural area does have some disadvantages.  Public transportation doesn’t exist here.  Trust me, if I could take a bus or subway to work, I’d hop on in a heartbeat.  Biking to work?  Sure, if I wanted to bike for an hour each way.  And that doesn’t include the winter months.  Biking in -20 degree wind-chill with snow in my face doesn’t sound appealing to me.

I do get out and walk when possible.  But for many Americans, walking, whether due to location challenges or health reasons, just isn’t an option. 

But I do what I can.  I’ve started to make changes in my driving that will help me.  Many of these tips will apply to you as well.  While we all can’t enjoy mass transit or the ability to walk or ride our bike everywhere, we can make small changes that will add up in the long run.  Here are some tips to get your started on saving at the pump.

Combine Errands – You can use twice as much fuel with several short trips as you would with one longer trip.  Combine your grocery shopping, dry cleaning, and post office runs altogether. 

Carpool – If you live near one of your co-workers, or you work near one of your neighbors, share the ride.  It may take some schedule adjusting, but even if you carpool once or twice a week, the savings will add up.

Cruise Control – When traveling longer distances at a steady rate of speed, set your cruise control.  It will greatly improve your fuel economy.

Dead Weight – All that extra stuff you’re hauling around in your trunk and backseat are costing you.  100 pounds of extra weight can reduce your fuel economy by 2%.

Filter Control – When was the last time you checked your air filter?  Replacing a clogged filter will increase your gas mileage up to 10%.

Gas Up – For most cars, the recommended gas is regular octane.  Using a higher level offers no real benefit and just leaves a deeper hole in your wallet. 

Get Under Your Hood – Change the oil already!  Clean oil will reduce the wear between moving parts and also removes harmful substances from your engine.  Your owner manual will recommend what grade of motor oil works best for your vehicle.

Tire Check – Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper levels.  It can help increase gas mileage up to 3%.

Tune-Up - Keeping your engine in-tune to your owner’s manual recommendations will help increase your gas mileage up to 4%.

Watch Your Speed – Once you hit 60 miles per hour, gas mileage decreases rapidly.

Scientists are frantically searching for ways to help us limit our oil consumption, but many advances are a long way off.  And while the price at the pump is only expected to increase, making small changes can help take you further in the long road.