The days are getting longer, with daylight well past 6 p.m. Sunrises to the east and sunsets to the west continue to be a breathtaking sight illuminating the sky in brilliant colors. Those crossing over the ice bridge in the early morning or late in the evening get to enjoy a bit of what Mother Nature has to offer.

It truly was a fun weekend on the Island, with business brisk in the Village Inn and Mustang Lounge. Travel over the ice bridge by safaris brought many visitors to our shore. Glancing down Hoban Street at noon on Sunday, all one could see were dozens of snowmobiles as folks stopped at the Village Inn for lunch. The lot owned by Grand Hotel between Twilight Inn and the Windsor was filled to capacity. Quite a sight on Mackinac Sunday, February 20. Such was true on Astor Street, in front of the Mustang. The Friday night fish fries and the contest at the Village Inn chili cook-off livened up the town with everyone truly enjoying winter treats on Mackinac. Later in the afternoon, high winds and heavy snow caused flying to cease. Folks continued coming over the ice bridge, but visibility was limited.

At left, Steve Zacharias, with pencil in mouth, scoops up one of the 14 chilis submitted for Mackinac Island’s chili cook-off at the Village Inn Restaurant. Jane Chambers of St. Ignace won the event. Others who placed were Rodney Meyers, Rebecca Knapp, and Ray Card. Above, Jamie Bynoe was the winner of the 2005 annual stone skipping contest the Island. Participants collected smooth rocks and skipped them off the ice from the shoreline near Shepler’s dock. Both events were February 19. Also, thirty-three people participated in the Postcard Memento Ski/ Walk Poker Run last weekend on the Island. Andrea Tiller of Grand Rapids won the Poker Run with a full house. We enjoyed a winter visit on Sunday with Bill, Ann, Tammey, and Jacquelyn Taylor of Delta, Ohio, summer guests of the Windermere, who are avid snowmobilers. They always attend the MASA Ride-in Convention in Sault Ste. Marie over the weekend, where 300 persons convened at the Sault Tribe Hotel. The Taylors praised their accommodations and service as the greatest. They flew over to the Island on Sunday, later getting stranded in the afternoon because of the storm. On Monday morning, they were thrilled to drive over the ice bridge with Islanders Jackie and Dennis Bradley Sr. Early in the morning, the plane was unable to make the early morning flights so the Taylors were happy to try our other mode of transportation. The folks thoroughly enjoyed their weekend and had a super time. Great to see them again.

Congratulations and best wishes to new parents, Cynda and Matt Techenttien, on the birth of a beautiful baby girl, Emily Catherine, who was born Monday, February 7, at 3:05 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce. Cynda and Matt met on the Island when Matt was a member of the Mackinac Island Police Department and Cynda was employed at First National Bank. They were married at Ste. Anne’s. Friends wishing to write to Cynda and Matt may do so at the following address: 208 Gasner, Blissfield, MI 49228.

Christi Dupre and daughters from Florida spent an enjoyable weekend visiting friends on the Island and the chili cook-off. They’re summer cottagers of Woodbluff and publishers of Mackinac Living magazine.

The headlines in the January 9 travel section of the Arizona Star read, “Absolute Elegance.” “Across the country, historic hotels are available to delight comfort travelers.” A large colored photograph showing on the front page is the beautiful Grand Hotel with all the flowers and the American flags flying in the Mackinac breezes. Let us not forget the private carriage with prancing hackneys driven by the red-coated high hat coachman. The caption of the article read, “They were not permanent residents, but five U.S. residents who vacationed at Grand Hotel in northern Michigan on Mackinac Island.” Built in 1887 the Grand is regarded as the largest summer hotel in the world. A friend sent the clipping to Debra Orr.

Roxanne Pettit and her cousin spent the weekend with Roxanne’s parents, Brenda and Jim, and her brother, Jason. Roxanne is a freshman at Grand Valley State University.

The Jim Reitman family enjoyed the weekend at their cottage at Stonecliffe.

Greetings to our good friend, Jack Ryerse. We sincerely hope that you’re feeling much better. Best wishes from all your Island friends.

Bob St. Onge of St. Ignace visited his daughter, Mandy Wandrie and family, over the weekend, where he enjoyed the chili cook-off at the Village Inn.

The past weekend was a very special one at Mackinac Island Public School for it was Homecoming. The visiting team was from Grand Marais. A fun dance followed the game.

Ben Mosley Sr. remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Cheboygan Memorial Hospital following heart problems. His son, Ben Jr. and family, are with him. Best wishes to Mr. Mosley for a speedy recovery. During the summertime, he drives the wedding carriage for Dr. Bill Chambers.

The Mike Gamble family have moved into their beautiful new home in Trillium Heights, which Mike built himself and is one of the nicest and prettiest. Mike does outstanding work. Best wishes and enjoy the home that you’ve worked very hard for.

We’re so happy and pleased that more young couples are acquiring new homes. Recently Urvana and Jim Morse, with their two little sons, and Alan and Liz Burt, with their son, Sean, have moved to their residences in Trillium Heights. Congratulations and best wishes.

Jim Pettit stopped by Thursday, February 10, to give me a big news item. He delivered the first grocery and supply order to Grand Hotel as they prepare for its earliest opening in its 116th year. Great news from the Musser families.

Kate Koboski of Petoskey, along with five lady friends, spent a most enjoyable weekend on the Island skiing the trails and celebrating Kate’s 40th birthday. They were all guests of Kate’s grandmother, Helga Doud, who was a very happy and pleased hostess. Happy birthday, Kate.

Last weekend, Jody Chambers hosted a Japanese birthday party at the Chambers’ Gatehouse at Stonecliffe honoring daughter Maggie on her 12th birthday. It was a sleepover, with Maggie’s friends having a great time, especially eating with chopsticks. It was hilarious.

The P.J. Pultes are back on their favorite Island in their comfortable condominium at Leslie Court.

Please come to the Mark Gallagher Scholarship Dinner, which will be held Sunday, February 27, at the Community Hall. Everyone is welcome.

The Friends of Mackinac party will be held Wednesday evening, February 23, in Lansing.

The Dennis Cawthornes of Lansing were on the Island over the weekend attending the chili cook-off at the Village Inn.

Jody Chambers, with future girl students from the Island, visited Ferris State University, Central Michigan University, and Aquinas College over the weekend. They will all be future graduates of the Mackinac Island Public School.

The Michigan Municipal League is inviting friends to a reception in honor of their executive director, George D. Goodman, on his retirement, which will be held Thursday, March 3, in the Michigan League Ballroom on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. May Mr. Goodman enjoy many happy years in his retirement with the best of health. Now we will be seeing the Goodmans more often as they own a Victorian condominium on Mackinac Island.

Dr. Richard Hodgman of Kalkaska, who has been helping Dr. Don Weersing at the Mackinac Island Medical Center is vacationing with his family in Florida.

Tuesday, February 22 brings the news that the ice bridge, especially at the crack, has deteriorated. Please pass over with care; one man from the Island lost his sled.

Happy birthday to Nancy Cowell Ellison February 22.

Tuesday, February 22, was a bright beautiful winter day. The sun shone down on our snow-covered Island, making it as lovely and picturesque as ever.

A workman at Grand Hotel suffered painful injuries Monday morning when he fell and broke his shoulder. We wish him well and best wishes from Island friends.

A very happy birthday to Larry Parel February 28 and to Luanne Mosley February 26. Have a wonderful day.

Happy wedding anniversary February 27 to Elaine and Ike Bunker. Enjoy the best ever.

Enjoy the last few days of February as March 1 will soon be arriving and we shall be seeing the east end lights of Grand Hotel and the opening of the famous Jockey Club.

It is amusing and fun to see the big flock of ducks peaking in the windows of our patio, waiting for their daily handout. Rest assured they are not suffering from malnutrition, as we have cracked corn and birdseed thanks to Kevin Leveille, who brought big sacks over the ice bridge.

Happy birthday March 25 to two very good friends in St. Ignace, Ken Hardy Sr. and Louie Leveille.

Enjoy the sunshine.