Fat Tuesday is Paczki Day in Michigan!

Kresge Library Services Paczki Day Extravaganza by Corey Seeman

A Healthier Michigan has a nice look at the history of Paczki Day in Michigan:

The making and indulging in paczki (pronounced “poonch-key”) dates back to the Middle Ages. During that time, people in Poland would make pastries to use up all of their lard, sugar, eggs and other decadent ingredients before beginning Lent (a period of 40 days where Christians cut out certain foods like sweets or dairy and avoid eating meat on Fridays). Back then, the rich pastries were filled with pork fat. The more modern versions are a lot sweeter, often filled with fruit jelly (commonly raspberry, apple or lemon) or custard and dusted in powdered sugar.

When Polish immigrants came to the United States—especially Midwestern cities like Detroit, Chicago, Green Bay and Cleveland—at the beginning of the 20th century, Paczki Day came with them. And it’s been celebrated here on Fat Tuesday ever since.

FYI, paczkis often clock in at over 1000 calories & 30 grams of fat so no, they are definitely not the best of health foods but a perfect Fat Tuesday treat!!

Corey took a picture of this nice assortment of Paczkis from Benny’s Bakery in Saline back in 2020 at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business library. Head over to Flickr for his latest which includes pics of Runyon, an adorable pup.

Valentine Skies

Valentines Skies #2 by Gary Brink Photography

Gary took this stunning shot at Holland’s “Big Red” lighthouse on Valentine’s Day back in 2017. Head over to his Flickr for the latest & I hope that you all have a lovely week!

The winter waiting game with Woody

Waiting with Woody by Howell Nature Center

The Howell Nature Center is home to Woody, Michigan’s official groundhog. Woody has an accuracy rate is 76%, she will be making her 22nd prediction in 2022. A winter storm warning is in effect for Livingston County today, so they have rescheduled their annual festivities from today to this Saturday (Feb 5) from 7:30-9 AM. Get all the details on Facebook or their website & stay safe out there today!!

PS: If you look to Punxsutawney Phil for your Spring prognostication, I’m sad to report that the shadow was seen meaning six more weeks of winter. 

The fire that’s closest kept

The fire that’s closest kept by Fire Fighter’s Wife

“Fire that’s closest kept burns most of all.”
-William Shakespeare

Beth shared this photo from NYE 2021, and I think it’s a great reminder for all of us to keep that fire burning! See more in her 365: the 2022 Edition gallery on Flickr. 

Happy 185th Birthday, Michiganders!

Mighty Mac at 50 by Julie

On January 26, 1837 Michigan was admitted to the Union as the 26th state. The Freep has a feature with some fun facts about Michigan a few years ago. One that caught my eye was this one:

What’s a Michigander?

The term many of use and love today was coined by none other than Abraham Lincoln in 1848. Then an Illinois congressman, Lincoln referred to Michigan governor Lewis Cass, who was running for president as a Democrat, as a “Michigander”, meaning he was as silly as a goose. Lincoln was mad at the Democrats for making more than they should have of Cass’ military experience, and the term was meant as an insult. “There is one entire article of the sort I have not discussed yet;” Lincoln said, “I mean the military tale you Democrats are now engaged in dovetailing onto the great Michigander.”

They note that while neither is official, many prefer “Michiganian.” I have always been a fan of Michigander, but I confess this fact is making me reconsider!

Julie took this photo at a big birthday for Michigan, the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Mackinac Bridge which (IMO) is what made Michigan, Michigan.  See MANY more photos in her Michigan album on Flickr & enjoy our collective birthday!

Father Christmas

Father Christmas by Marsha Morningstar

I’d like to wish all of you a very happy holiday season, which includes Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Yule, Twelfth Night, St. Stephen’s Day, Festivus, New Year, and of course general good will and fortune.

If an inclusive wish of holiday cheer is in any way offensive to you, please remember the giving and loving that is the spirit of the holiday season. And also it never hurts to recall that Father Christmas himself has deep roots in the pagan midwinter feast with echos of the wild Hunt still seen in his famous sleigh ride across the sky.

Marsha took this photo back in 2014 at the Holly Dickens Festival. Head over to her Flickr for the latest!

Waterfallish Wednesday: Seasons Greetings from Fishtown

via Leelanau.com…

Flowing all night long by Mark Smith

While this dam isn’t an actual waterfall, I’m going to overlook it due to seasonal appropriateness. In their excellent overview of the history of Fishtown in Leland, the Glen Arbor Sun shares:

Fishtown is located where there once was a natural fish ladder on these traditional Native American fishing grounds. It is one of only few commercial fishing villages still operating today in Michigan. The Native Americans called this spot Mishi-me-go-bing, or alternatively Che-ma-go-bing or Chi-mak-a-ping, meaning “the place where canoes run up into the river to land, because they have no harbor.”

French Canadian millwright, Antoine Manseau, along with his family, are thought to be among some of the first whites to settle here. They came from North Manitou Island in 1853. The following year Manseau and his family, along with John Miller, built the dam at Fishtown. It raised the water level in the river and in Lake Leelanau by as much as an astonishing 12 feet. Since the dam prevented boat traffic from going back and forth in their daily business, launches were, and still are provided on both sides of the dam.

Lots more in the Sun. You can learn more about the history of the dam from Fishtown Preservation.

Mark took this photo a week ago. See more in his Leland gallery & view and purchase his work at Leelanau Landscapes.

Seeing Santa in Michigan

Do we have time for a selfie? by Tom Clark

If your holiday plans include a visit with Santa, you can see where to catch his courtesy the West Michigan Tourist Association, the Metro Detroit Little Guide, and of course if you’re near the UP, a visit to Christmas, Michigan is an option. Have a favorite Santa spot? Let us know in the comments.

Tom took this back in 2015 at Bay City’s 2nd annual “Santa Claus for the Cause” event. No word on if the event will return post-pandemic, but here’s hoping because it seemed like a really cool idea! See more in Tom’s Whimsical Things gallery on Flickr & view and purchase prints on his website.

Happy Back Into the Woods Day 2021

Deer by David Marvin

While I have yet to get any elected officials on board with an official holiday declaration, I will once again wish all of you a very happy Back Into the Woods Day!

As longtime Michpics readers know, Back Into the Woods Day celebrates the end of Michigan’s annual firearm deer season making most of the state’s wild places off limits. Here’s hoping you get a chance to get outside this week or weekend … and that you see some of our many forest friends while you’re there!!

David took this photo last weekend at the Fenner Nature Center. Head over to his Flickr for more.

Dig in for Thanksgiving

Pumpkin Pie by PepOmint

“I love Thanksgiving because it’s a holiday that is centered around food and family, two things that are of utmost importance to me.”
—Marcus Samuelsson

Can’t agree more with Chef Samuelsson!

I’ve featured this photo from PepOMint before on Michigan in Pictures. Sadly, she has passed on but you can view more of her photos in her Bits & Pieces gallery on Flickr.