Where do I begin? This last year, and more, has been different…for everyone! 2020 will forever be known as a year that the world changed. But how it changed and continues to change will remain up to each of us and how we choose to see it.
Our hearts go out to those who have felt the pain and loss of family, friends, businesses…minds…. But I would like to encourage everyone to look for the silver lining! Make the choice to find the blessings that have been poured into your lives.
This is the way we have chosen to view the Pandemic year. Beginning in February, just before the world became “different”, I flew to California to be with one of our daughters as she gave birth to her first child! What a blessing! And thankfully she came before the lockdowns! Unfortunately, Rick was schedule to join me on St. Patrick’s day but by then, things were too iffy for him to make the trip. But, I was able to spend the winter and some of the spring with our daughter, her family and our brand new granddaughter!
And when the lockdown came, our daughter was “forced” to stay at home and work. What a blessing to not have to leave her precious baby, especially in such crazy times. Since our daughter lives so far away, we don’t see each other often and it was such a blessing to spend so much quality time with her!
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about flying back. Not knowing what to expect or how “safe” things were. Well, another blessing, for me – not the airlines, was that I was the only person in the entire row! Talk about a comfortable flight! I did have to go to 4 different airports to get home, but the trip was pleasant.
Once home, Rick and I quarantined for the 2 week time the CDC was asking. Which gave us plenty of time to catch up on all the things that had occurred in the world and in our world. Then we had to face the upcoming season. Would we remain open? Would we be out of business in the next coming months? We had no idea. What we did know is that we were meant to be here and somehow it would all work out! After losing what could have been a great May for business, we were even more unsure. And then Michigan began to allow “hotels” to operate. Since each of the cabins at Mountain View Lodges are completely separate, we became a real viable option for people to come and bring their work or just come and forget about the continuing barrage of bad news.
And then, outdoor activities started to become even more of a great idea! The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the largest State Park in Michigan, was found by many who never paid much attention. And where better to escape a Pandemic than Upper Michigan! If you have never been here, we try to remind people that it really is like going back in time. No fast food, just good home cooked meals that you will have to be patient and wait as they are made to order. And you are thinking, “but restaurants had to close or serve less people”.
In our little area, the restaurant industry stepped up in a big way! Some created outdoor dining, everyone did some type of take out and Syl’s Cafe even created some interesting new meals designed for “grab and go” along with curbside delivery. And the Yooper Diner even did some take and bake pizzas! We all ate well and we are all still standing!
We did miss some of our regular guests who just couldn’t chance the trip last year but are so glad they have come this year! And we thank all those who braved the Pandemic to make the journey UP North and support our businesses!
For those of you who know Karsten, she also was able to work from home and be with her twins, who will be turning 3 soon! She and her kids were able to take a little trip with us to visit Rick’s Dad who turned 94 last year! Another blessing that he was able to meet his great-grandchildren!
We did suffer some sadness and losses, not due to COVID, but just life. So, now we move into 2021 looking forward, not back except to reflect and learn, with hope for a bright future!
We hope to see and hear from old friends and make new as you plan your trip to Mountain View Lodges!
Rick and Jeni
won’t forget the birthdays as September 1, is our anniversary! And our Daughter, Julie, also had Charlotte in July 2017. So our little family is growing!
