What a surprise to wake up Thursday morning, April 8, and find the ground covered once again with snow and a strong wind blowing in a cold gale from the northeast. Of course, many people who have lived here for years were sure there would be an April snowfall, and they were right. Warm temperatures are expected again for next week, so spring must really be on its way.

Many people have been thinking and praying for John Duncan and his family the past several weeks. John, who has been so active in our school system and community affairs for many years, suffered a massive stroke several weeks ago. He has been hospitalized in Petoskey, where he has been in the intensive care unit for weeks. He is out of intensive care now and showing some improvement.

Last week a wonderful thing happened when John’s son and daughter-in-law, Kurt and Mary Duncan, loaded two of John’s pet horses, Cliff and Jack, and brought them down to Petoskey as a surprise.

John Duncan in his cowboy hat, feeding carrots to Jack, one of his favorite animals. (Photograph by Tami Duncan) The latest report is that John has since been moved to Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace, making visiting easier for his family and friends. We send our good wishes.

It was nice to see Stan and Linda Jack of Beavertail Point back from their month of sunshine at Siesta Key, Florida. Linda is happy to be home, feeding her birds, fox, deer, and the many other little wild creatures that she enjoys so much out on Beavertail.

The final winter luncheon at First Union Church will be Thursday, April 15, at noon. Soup, sandwiches, desserts, and coffee will be served. There is no charge, and everyone is welcome.

The last Cabin Fever gettogether will be Thursday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First Union Church. Bring your quilting, knitting, or whatever else you like to do, and a dish to pass. Dessert will be provided by the church.

The movie “Rear Window,” starring James Stewart, will be shown Thursday, April 29, at the Les Cheneaux Community Library.

Happy belated birthday to Lori Jacobus April 13.