Brighton Beach is closed

The storm on Friday that brought the first snow of the year also brought winds and that brought waves.  Multiple places along the shore experienced damage and Brighton Beach was one of them.

I put photos on the Look at Lakeside Facebook page.  Meanwhile, here are a few:

Mid-August already - here

Have you done all the projects that you wanted to do?  Have you gone to the places you wanted to? Have you achieved all the goals you wanted?  It's hard to believe mid-August has arrived.  We still have painting projects, finalizing yard projects, and a few more fun goals to do.  The days are still pretty long - with early sunrise and some evening light.  I mean to savor these final days of summer, eat plenty more fresh local veggies, bake a little, and enjoy the outdoors.  You can tell there have been plenty of visitors to Duluth.  Isn't is great that we are here already?   Here to head to Brighton Beach, here to go out on the Lakewalk, here to enjoy public garden spaces and eat locally-grown food.   We haven't played as much croquet as last year but we will squeeze some more times in.  I hope there can be more neighbor get-togethers, especially on a smaller scale.  Books clubs, walks, potluck dinners, perhaps games - for neighbors to come together.   Time for a bike ride, sit in the backyard or out on a public bench catching a few more summer sunshine in between the rain drops.  I also have my dulcimers out to play.  I enjoyed sharing music at Ecumen Lakeshore today and introducing dulcimers to others and adding a bit of Celtic and traditional music to people's day. What do you do for fun?

Busy summer - great weather

Ahh - the flowers are blooming and the vegetable garden area is slowly coming up.  My husband and I built a new little patio in our backyard to spend more time outside.  Last night was an example of multiple activities going on in Lakeside and it was tough to choose what to attend.

Whether you choose to chill out in your backyard, read a book, walk your dog on longer walks, or go to special summer events it's all up to you.  We have Duluth's beautiful rivers/creeks and lovely Lake Superior to enjoy.

Here is an event July 23 - a Sunday later in July to take an opportunity to visit 5 garden/yards in Lakeside -Lester Park.  Here is a flyer for the event.  Please share with others.

Capture some of your favorite activities this summer by taking a photo.  Submit photos, announcement and news to wendyupnorth@yahoo.com.
The next deadline is July 14.  It's time for me to interview another person and dig into more local history.  

Wendy
www.wendyupnorth.com
www.LookAtLakeside.com

Gardens, flowers, birds and bees

This weekend we spotted our first hummingbird in our yard - just in time as the feeder went out.  Blood root is blooming in the front yard.  Days (or parts of days) are refreshingly warm and pleasant - but we always have a light coat on hand.   I'm working on the June/July issue and enjoy taking photos of current sites and pulling together happenings.  I'd love for more advertisers to place ads in this neighborhood publication.  This issue wraps up 5 years of producing this bi-monthly publication.  This began in the summer of 2012.  Thanks to the readers and supporters of this project.

Sppprinnnggg

We've had a few nice days or even hours of warmer weather to enjoy.  The snow slowly melts and seeps into the ground nourishing the plants.  The April/May issue is ready and has been distributed.  You'll learn about Sam Snively who lived just over Hawk Ridge on his farm, a couple teachers (one retired), a cool projects with Bluebirds, have a page to color of a bridge from Seven Bridges Road, and learn about lots of events in the community.  I always include resources to connect people and some photos taken recently.

I hope you can join together to play Bunco on April 25.  I'll teach everybody how to play this simple, fun game.  It's also a fundraiser for Circle of Hope so $10 donation is requested.

I'm also offering bus trips again this summer.  Eleven day trips are scheduled - going north, east and south.  We'll go on cruises, see theater performances, go to the Capitol, go to art fairs, eat out, and enjoy the scenic beauty and interesting history of events and places.  Please sign up early.  The trip list is at www.wendyupnorth.com/excursions.

Enjoy the days ahead.  The sunrises and sunset colors are short-term but beautiful.  Golfers are ready to play, I'm sure and the hockey players will have to wait until next year.  Get out on the Lakewalk, enjoy Brighton so close to home, and thank you for reading the current issue.

February is oh so fine - newsletter ready

I hope you'll enjoy the Feb/March issue and get to know more about the activities and updates happening in Lakeside.  There are some 'hotspots' like the Portman ice rinks.  New owners are now in place and are working on a sprucing up of the Snap Fitness Center.  Some neighbors are working toward a memorial for a popular and super friendly cat that once roamed the area.  An awesome person coordinates school groups and their visits to the Great Lakes Aquarium and lives in Lakeside - Samantha Smingler.  I also have included a handful of upcoming events in the community and some volunteer opportunities.
Have a sweet Valentine's Day and wear a bit of green for celebrating St. Patrick's Day.