TOM LAKE

Last night, I finished the new novel "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett. I had recently finished her last book, a collection of essays called, "The Precious Days," that I loved. Therefore, I was overjoyed to see that she had a new novel out set in Northern Michigan near Traverse City, of all places!

The book is about the life and coming of age of the main character Lara. Lara is married to a cherry farmer with three daughters, all of whom are back home in the summer of 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. This is an opportunity for the girls to learn more about their mom, and they are ever so curious to hear about her first first summer in Michigan when she was acting in "Our Town" and where she met their dad. 

During that summer, Lara also fell in love with a young actor named Peter Duke, who went on to become one of the foremost actors of his generation. Unsurprisingly, the girls want to hear all about it!

Lara narrates the story. Despite it being her origin story, in so many ways, she is surprisingly unsentimental about it. Perhaps that is because she had to make some tough decisions along the way and endured quite a bit of loss. She was clearly thoughtful enough to know that sometimes practicality trumps glamour when it comes to happiness. There are, indeed, very few glamour queens in a Michigan cherry orchard!

I will not spoil the story, but I was struck by the author's descriptions of this state I now call my home and of the cherry farming business. Most of all, I was struck by how relatable all the characters were and how lucky I am to have the family I have  - especially during a once in a century pandemic that taught us what was truly important. I hope you enjoy Tom Lake as much as I did!

THESE PRECIOUS DAYS

My friend and former nurse Pam from Portland and I share a love of books. Each year, we send each other a book for Christmas, and sometimes we put books in the mail for each other. It is always a treat to get Pam's books because she mails them herself and always puts a little stamp on the package.

Recently, she sent me a book she had just finished reading, "These Precious Day," by the novelist Ann Patchett. The book is a collection of essays - many previously published - with several common elements. Each essay centers around some event in the author's life, but there is also a common theme - appreciating the small moments and acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. 

The book made me think a lot about my own life and for how much I have to be thankful. As I took my walk to Starbuck's with Cate this morning, I literally stopped to smell the flowers and to snap this pic of these beautiful blooms.

Beauty and preciousness are present nearly every day! If only we can slow down and appreciate those moments!

BACKSEAT PASSENGER

Though we have been to Detroit several times, our trip there this weekend was different. That's because Cate was our driver!

Cate has had her learner's permit for about a month, and she has been driving around town with us. However, our trip to Detroit was her farthest drive. 

Getting out of town was no small feat because it was Michigan football game day. Despite, that, Cate deftly steered us out of town and onto I-94 East to the Motor City.

Our goal was to take in a mini eating tour, and our stops did not disappoint. First, there was Ima, a wonderful izakaya near downtown. We had karage chicken and rib eye, blistered broccoli, and robata ribe eye and mushrooms for a start. Then, each of us had a rice bowl.

From there, we headed to Eastern Market, one of the nation's largest, open air markets, where we bought beautiful produce for some upcoming Labor Day meals.

Our next stop was Sister Pie, a bakery started by Lisa Ludwinski that prides itself for hiring workers from the local community and that is known for its amazing pies and desserts. We picked up a few cookies and a "plum surprise." Needless to say, we were pleasantly surprised!

Finally, we hit the highlight of the trip for me - the vegan ice cream shop Cold Truth. I always tell myself I will try something new when we go there, but I always revert to my standard pick - sweat cream with chocolate drizzle. It is one of my favorite desserts - no lactaid required!

Not a bad roadtrip, and I got to enjoy it all from the back seat!