Brother Mark

We are at the cabin this weekend and both Michael and I are still struggling to process the loss of brother Mark Ahnen Nolan. I know each of you are also struggling with lots of emotions. The cabin is a place Mike and I feel renews us. He is fishing right now with friend Dennis Carney. I just finished an hour long kayak upriver with a float back down.

The solitude of kayaking is wonderful. I had lots of thoughts and want to share a few.

Beautiful day, sun, wind and flowing water.

Wind thru the trees but no leaves on the trees yet. Rustling and blowing. The sweet smell of spring and new life in the air.

Hendricson flies in the air and the trout are slurping them up. ..I hope Mike catches a fish.

Woodpeckers...tap tap tap tap tap tap tap...don't they get a headache?

Songbirds with sweet songs...are they building nests?? Is Mr bird chasing Mrs bird in the air.

New trees in the water from the winter storms and the current of the river changes, paddle harder here and don't let it turn you sideways.

No wildflowers yet, we need rain, daffodils are beautiful in my cabin garden.

Lots of bubbling brooks coming into the river...bringing fresh water and musical notes to the air.

Back home at the cabin...I love it here so much and feel so lucky to be here ..we are blessed

Brown eyes and a wet nose...Riggs knows hurt when he sees it and always gives an extra hug with his nose. He is such a comfort

.Silence...but it is never really silent in nature...life is everywhere.

We will miss Mark so much...I will always think of him here at the cabin and how much he enjoyed kayaking with us two summers ago. It is a memory I will always cherish.

Love and hugs to all of you...Kathy...and Mike but he is still fishing!

New Quilt, Great Muffins and Fishing??

Spring is trying to come to northern Michigan but as usual it has a sense of humor. Mike and I spent 3 days at the cabin and Friday morning it snowed 2 to 3 inches...and stayed for over 24 hours. The tulips are up and the trees are almost blooming but had to slow down a bit with the cold temps and snow. We are to get 60's next week so I hope things can finally bloom.

I used the cold nasty weather to start a new quilt...a Log Cabin Quilt...for our bedroom..I have never made one before and pictured here is the first of 80 blocks. It is a labor intensive quilt that will take me some time as I will only work on it at the cabin. Love the colors.

Mike and his friend Dennis Carney could not resist the lure of the fish and floated on Saturday in 40's temps. No fish but a good time was had by them. Notice Riggs looking longingly from the dock as the guys took off on the river!

My new muffin recipe worked out wonderful...very delicious!! low calorie and used items that I do not usually cook with....see recipe below.

Blueberry Muffins 130 calories each makes 18

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup almond flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp orange zest

2 cup fresh blueberries

2 large eggs

1 1/4 cup low fat buttermilk

1/2 cup brown sugar

6 T canola oil

1 T orange juice

1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix flours, Baking Powder and soda, salt and O zest. add blueberries and toss gently. this will help keep the BB suspended in the batter instead of falling to the bottom. (it works!) In another bowl mix eggs buttermilk, brown sugar, canola oil, OJ and vanilla. It will be lumpy. Pour into dry stuff and mix. Muffin pans with liners...bake 400 degrees for 12-14 min. makes 18 muffins

Try and I think you will enjoy them.

Kathy and Mike