Martha Stewart and Amish Shoofly Pie

Typical Amish baking oven and stove top.

 The Amish live a wholesome life, uncluttered by the overwhelming presence of technology and modern conveniences like cars and internet access. But while these "plain people," as they are referred to within the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, opt for the more simplistic things in life, they certainly know how to deliver on robust flavor by way of all natural ingredients. 

      Case in point: shoofly pie. A sticky, sweet, molasses pie characterized by a wet bottom and sugary aroma is one of the most beloved traditional Amish desserts. As legend would have us believe, the name comes from the need to "shoo flies" away from the saccharine dessert as it cools in the springtime air. Whatever the origin, one can count on the sweet treat hitting the spot in the best way.

            Further demonstrating just how popular the dish has become in mainstream society, Martha Stewart took time to highlight her own spin on a shoo fly pie recipe on her signature website as a seasonal delight fit for spring and summer. Below, you'll find that recipe and the easy steps for making it, even without the clunk and clang of a cast iron oven like that of the Amish. By the end, you'll be able to serve up a little slice of heaven and shoo your own flies away from this heart dessert.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CRUST

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Pure Cane Granulated Sugar

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3 to 5 tablespoons ice water

FOR THE TOPPING AND FILLING

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2/3 cup boiling water
• 3/4 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  DIRECTIONS

1. Make crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, salt, and sugar until combined. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal, with a few pea-size pieces of butter remaining. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons ice water. Pulse until dough is crumbly but holds together when squeezed (if necessary, add up to 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon at a time). Do not overmix. Form dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a floured work surface, roll out dough to a 12-inch round with a floured rolling pin. Place in a 9-inch pie plate, trim excess, and crimp edges. Make topping and filling: In clean bowl of processor, pulse flour, butter, and brown sugar until combined. In a bowl, combine baking soda with boiling water and whisk to dissolve. Whisk in molasses, then egg until combined.
3. Fill crust with molasses mixture, then sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over top (some will sink into filling). Place pie on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until set in middle, 45 to 55 minutes. Let cool 1 hour. Serve warm or at room temperature.

CHAIRS OF DISTINCTION

Chair made ca 1915-1925 now sits in Library.

Chairs... libraries have plenty of them. Some are more important than others especially if they're part of A Celebration of Grand Rapids Furniture Design.  

At the Grand Rapids Public Library, this Jacobean Chair was made about 1915 to 1925. It's made of Oak with the original caning. It was Manufactured by the Century Furniture Company. 

And, it as acquired by the Shakespeariana Club Collection -- a group of savvy ladies in Grand Rapids who obviously know the worth and value of this piece. 

So why is the antique here? Because the Grand Rapids Free Museum has loaned the Library 6 pieces of furniture to familiarize patrons with early 19th century pieces. And the ladies of the Shakespeariana Club were also asked to lend a piece to round out the exhibit. 

Seems that the Jacobean era, 1560, which includes our bard Shakespeare, focused on elaborate architecture, visual arts, decorative arts, and literature which predominated in that period. Heavy oak was part and parcel of tables and chairs. However, none of the pieces at the library date back further than 1800. 

Of course, since Grand Rapids used to be called the "Furniture Capital of the World", the Library does hold the world's finest collections of books devoted to furniture and design. The lot of furniture is worth the view. 

What makes this fascinating is that the Furniture Design Collection was acquired in 1904 from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition World's Fair when the Grand Rapids Library bought every furniture title available from the French book Trade Exhibit.  Someone really was ahead of their time and knew exactly what they were collecting. Plus, there were plenty of funds available for the the big buy.

Does the general public appreciate it? Well... I sure do.

What makes this such a coup for arts curators, antique collectors, students and hobbyists is that both the Library and the Grand Raids Furniture Designers Association have added hundreds of important titles published in various languages. 

Local designers have enhanced the collected with their private donations. There's about 4,000 items and the collection just keeps growing. The thing is, it's for reference only, so it warrants a trip to the former capital of furniture city. 

This library has lots to offer not just those interested in furniture, but also the advertising and design community who can look at the very well designed catalogs and trade periodicals of the early 1900's.   

The library has 5 floors and lots of historic artifacts on each. It's worth a visit. Plus, you'll find plenty of places to sit. 

THE FREEDMEN'S BUREAU PROJECT

Watch for stories about the Freedmen's Bureau Project of 1865

Slavery in the United States from the 1600 - 1867 was the most heinous crime committed against humanity in a country that espoused freedom. One cannot even begin to imagine the horrors that people lived under then.

Just imagine what historic gems and dialogue this will uncover. This is history that intrigues us. I guarantee that major media will report on this story throughout the rest of the year. Don't miss the coverage. I'm looking forward to seeing the actual documents.

The Freedmen's Bureau Project is shedding new light on this era -- showing how people thought and what made their actions to oppress another ok with their churches.  How can hurting another be okay?  There will be documentaries, story telling and more reports about this tremendous undertaking. Maybe we will learn about the role of the agents and how their lives were threatened in their newly assigned duty.

Some people were courageous enough to tell about their experiences as slaves shortly after their Emancipation, which was frightening to them because as newly freed, they were convinced that if they said anything that disagreed with popular opinion, that they would be netted back into the Peculiar Institution. What tremendous convincing it must have taken to assure former slaves to talk about their life under oppression. 

At the end of the Civil War the Freedmen's Bureau Project (FBP) was established in 1865 to help those freed in 15 states and Washington, DC -- again not every State freed slaves at the end of the War. And many didn't know they were free for years after the Civil War. However, this post focuses on the FBP -- which was design to help newly freed slaves with housing, medical,food, clothing and life in general during the Reconstruction of the country after the war. 

It was a very difficult assignment for the 900 agents assigned to collect information and help resettle former slaves. They received little to no assistance from former slave owners who only mocked them. Southern legislatures passed laws for Black Codes that restricted movement, conditions of labor, and other civil rights of African Americans, nearly duplicating conditions of slavery. There was no winning for former slaves. 

The agents "encouraged" plantation owners to hire and house former slaves -- that was met with laughter and indignation. Andrew Johnson, a Southerner who replaced Lincoln upon his assignation, vetoed the Bill because it offered people too much independence. The KKK was on the rise, and the FBP was closed in 1872. Imagine just how many agents were beaten.

However, the story of the FBP is becoming more important.  Check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_iKCXE8MaY

A new national family history effort will connect African Americans with their Civil War-era ancestors through the release of 1.5 million digitized images containing four million names from the Freedmen’s Bureau.

“For many of the freed slaves freedom was almost as perilous as bondage. They often had no job, money or shelter. They didn’t have proper training or education, and bigotry was almost ubiquitous. For some, the situation was so desperate that they were forced to continue working for their former masters — an indignity compounded by their lack of access to basic public services.” Sherri Camp, a genealogy librarian in Topeka, Kansas said in a recent editorial in the Topeka Capital Journal.

It was resurrected in 2000 when U.S. Congress passed the "Freedmen's Bureau Preservation Act," which directed the National Archivist to preserve the extensive records of the Bureau on microfilm, and work with educational institutions to index the records.

Take this opportunity to walk back in time ... good or bad, it's our history. 

AIRBNB: IS IT FOR YOU? 12 THINGS TO CONSIDER

My lovely room at an Airbnb. Clean & nicely appointed.

When I travel I enjoy staying in an approved lodging facility. Preferably one that has an elevator, lit exit signs, an antiseptically clean and private room and parking so I can see my vehicle. Motels and Bed and Breakfast Inns are alright by me. 

So when I stayed at Airbnb recently, I really learned a lot about an undercurrent of the lodging industry that's taking billions of dollars away from the hotels/motels. 

The reason for my staying at an Airbnb is that I attended a travel conference about 1.5 hours from my home or four tanks of gas plus the wear and tear on my "senior" vehicle. 

Hotels were too expensive for my budget so I searched online for an Airbnb. My criteria was simple -- a historic structure, close to the conference, inexpensive. 

I found a lovely 1920s home with history for $25 per evening plus the $6 Airbnb fee.  The owner and I communicated and we both felt that the reservation was okay and that each of us is an upstanding citizen. As I explained to her, I would be at a nearby conference all day long and simply needed a bed and shower. Nothing more. I applied for the stay and my credit card as immediately debited for the amount. 

When others asked about my criteria and why didn't I put safety first, I balked, never even considering that I wouldn't be safe. I've traveled the most in Canada and Europe for decades on my own or to meet up with friends. I've had to depend on strangers when the Italian railroad workers went on strike in the middle of nowhere and I didn't know where to go and others took me under their wing; when I was horribly sick; when I couldn't understand the language and needed to be driven to the train station. Maybe I am too trusting. And, I made it out alive. 

However, in my rich-like-fine-wine life, I read people well. The lady of the Airbnb is a great person with an immaculately clean home. She was very friendly and even helped me locate my favorite BBC-TV show Grantchester so I could watch the latest episode.  How very thoughtful.

Airbnb's aren't for everyone though. It's an interesting concept and was created for people to see the area of their choice with a local. However, many are in it for the dough. As a way to keep their homes, to pay the mortgage, to earn extra income. There are almost 200 countries offering Airbnbs -- even some in your backyard. You'd be surprised. If you want to know more about Airbnbs, search online. This post is only about MY experience and not a summary of the latest stay-and-play fad that is quickly growing in extreme popularity and taking billions away from the lodging industry -- which quickly translates into people's jobs. 

Here are things to consider though if you are planning a stay at an Airbnb.

1. Neighborhood could be marginal

2. Stairs, not clearly marked. Bannister may not be handicapped approved. And, don't expect handicapped accessible. 

3. Bring your own soap and towels. It's not a hotel. There is no box of tissues for your runny nose.

4. Parking may not be close and you may not even see your vehicle.

5. Coffee and/or breakfast may not be supplied.

6. Only you are going to haul your luggage to your room - there's no porter and don't scratch the wood floors. You're responsible for damages.

7. Stay close to your location -- crucial for me.

8. Economical for me, but some Airbnbs may be more expensive than a hotel

9. Noise -- traffic, dogs barking, aquarium running all night long -- you have no control.

10. You are Housekeeping and are told off the bat to leave the place better than you found it. Both you and the owner review each other much like an ebay purchase.

11. If you have a slip and fall you bear the cost as the Airbnb's insurance will not cover anything for the guest or homeowner. This will be news should an owner try to collect and may be discontinued for running a business using standard homeowners insurance as protection. You're at risk. Be very careful.

12. Don't expect to see a fire extinguisher all kinds of safety this and that, a smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. You're in a person's home.

13. People snore and you will hear each other all night long. Go to the bathroom at night, you'll hear that, too.

If you haven't tried it, don't knock it. Again, I was on a severe budget.

The Airbnb experience was fine with me. I had no problems, no difficulties, no complaints. 

As I said, I prefer hotels. I am uncomfortable staying in someone's house. Yet, the Airbnb was there for me when I needed it. And, it's not regulated. Use caution.

BECOMING AMISH? SIX STEPS TO CONSIDER

Typical hats worn by Amish men

"How do I become Amish?" the email said. "I admire their culture. I'm sick of the rat race. I want to unplug." 

I don't laugh at these requests as we are constantly asked how to join the Amish. Since we offer a number of trips to Amish communities, we suggested the following before even making a decision: 

1. Read books about the Amish. All kinds to learn about their lifestyle.  When my travelers visit an Amish community, the Amish speakers make it very clear that there is nothing special about them. And, that they were born into a lifestyle just as we were born into ours. They are quick to point out that the majority of books about the Plain People are incorrect, fairy tales and a writer who has not a clue. They shake their heads and tell me how the stories do not relate to them. 

2. Find out what they wear. Buy the kind of clothes they purchase. Wear them. Are you comfortable? There's no designer "Amish by Miller" labels. Remember that these are the kinds of clothing that you would wear everyday. Party dresses? There's social gatherings of course with attendees wearing their regular clothing. Some communities are stricter with attire than others. The garments are quite durable, plain and usually in dark colors to reflect the simple life. 

3. Stay at an Amish Bed and Breakfast. Watch how long and hard these people work. Note the cleanliness of the facility. The maid and the housekeeper are generally one in the same, the owner of the lodging facility.  Have you noticed that there's no stopping to watch the football game?  

4. Amish place God above everything. Is this something you can do? Do you read the Bible now? Can you live according to the Bible? Do you do so now? Do get a copy of a book called "Martyr's Mirror", a highly respected publication that chronicles the history of the Amish people and honors those who died for their faith.

5. Don't use your computer. There are no computers in their homes. Can you unplug? If you live and die by your cell phone ... you've already made your choice. This could be quite the challenge. Try not using your computer for a week. Can you do it?

6. Become a tee-totaler. Yep. They do not kick back with a Bud Lite at the end of the day. More like a lemonade, a book and discussions with family members. 

Carefully think about their lifestyle. Ask yourself if you are ready for this kind of cultural immersion. How do you think your friends and family will react?  

It's not an easy choice and takes determination and perservance. Don't just think you can do all of the above. The lifestyle is unusual and not easy for us "English" as they call us.  

So what's the next step after you do all of the above? Approach a church elder to request admittance into the community. The process is long. Be prepared to do everything you can to show that you are ready. Know that very few non-Amish have succeeded in joining a community. It takes an enormous amount of dedication to step from one lifestyle to another.

YERTLE THE TURTLE NEEDS OUR HELP

Saved by the snow shovel during his migration.

I take care of all of my passengers ... two and four legged as my travelers know. This is not a stupid story. Especially for this time of year. 

For the next few months, I make it my business to help turtles cross the road as they migrate. And, they need help to make it across as we drive so distractedly and seem to have such a low respect for some life forms.  Sometimes when we are on our cell phones, we just don't see what's in front of us. We're blind. And, we all know how true that is. 

I'm not a turtle wrangler. I don't have them as pets. We're on this planet to share with all of the kingdoms I feel. The turtle population is shrinking. This is not time for another species to become extinct. They migrate to find mates, lay eggs and establish a home territory. 

A snow shovel in my car's trunk plus an empty cardboard box are the proper tools for migrating assistance. I've helped the big and little guys cross the road because when they migrate they have this overwhelming need to move to their destination no matter what. They need help over the curbs and protection from vehicles. 

Often they try to bite the shovel and hiss.  No matter to me. It's better than the alternative of a squashed shell with their guts streaming out. Many magazine and newspaper articles suggest picking the turtle up by both sides of their shell in the back portion of their bodies, keeping them close to the ground while transporting and helping them go in the direction they're headed. Shovels work best.

In Portage County, WI, the DNR, a group of maverick student wranglers and local sheriffs discovered where the rare and common turtles were crossing, erected fencing to redirect the turtles to a safer crossing while the highway was undergoing paving. Concerned citizens drove the effort. 

Texas has yellow road signs alerting drivers to turtle crossings. Many newspapers all over the country have written articles about turtle migration. 

Connecticut has a tip sheet explaining how to help turtles cross, instructs helpers not to pick them up by their tales and to use caution while placing turtles. Here's the link.  
http://www.theridgefieldpress.com/46911/how-to-properly-help-turtles-cross-the-road/#axzz4AW4IzMds

There's a Facebook site called Turtle Protectors. The list goes on. 

And of course, the most famous of all was created by Dr. Suess in his 2001 best seller: "Yertle The Turtle." The last lines of "Yertle the Turtle" read: "And turtles, of course ... all the turtles are free / As turtles, and maybe, all creatures should be."

Just remember to share the road. And, give a guy a chance. 

SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON BEGINS

UPCOMING TOURS

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Visit China October 5 - October 13, 2016   9-Day Golden China Trip© Payments for this trip must be in by July 12 to my office in order to go on the trip. This is the last day. All registrants will receive a monthly paper newsletter in the mail - paper, imagine that. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you.  I'm very excited to return to Golden China. It is such an interesting country to explore. And we will have the best of the best tour guides - hand-picked by Yours Truly. I love this trip. Thank you to those who signed up. Looking forward to a fabulous time and lots of new and interesting sites along with shopping opps.

JUNE

Shipshewana Quilt Festival©  June 23     Nestled in the heart of Indiana's largest Amish communities, there is no better place to acquaint yourself with the Amish culture, craftsmanship, and genuine friendliness than the backroads. Amish Backroads meander among beautiful lakes and are dotted with farms, markets, and small shops. The Quilt Festival is the highlight of the trip. There is a lot to see and do, plus classes. Simply make yourself at home and prepare to have a great time as you discover all that Shipshewana and LaGrange County have to offer. This show is a lot of fun. The Back Roads Sock Hop is also included as is a box lunch and a drive thru on the way back. Time leaving is 6 AM Madison Heights former Kmart, 6:30 AM Novi Senior Center and 7 AM Livonia Ice Arena. $90/person   Southeastern Michigan Superb Suburban Churches© June 30 Detroit and its suburbs are home to many fine examples of houses of worship - from the Roman Catholic Shrine of the Little Flower, to the Presbyterian Kirk of the Hills, and the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul, as well as Jewish Temples and Synagogues, Hindu and Buddhist places of worship and shrines and memorials of Michigan's many faiths. From them, this tour provides a select group of architecturally notable buildings, interestingly presented by knowledgeable docents and guides, along with historical notes that cover the many contributions these parishes and congregations have made to the lives of their communities. Lunch is provided. $68/person

JULY

Quilts, Quakers & Questors - The Underground Railroad© July 8 The paths of freedom were the tracks of the Underground Railroad as fugitive slaves sought the best routes to Canada. Slavery was, and is, a crime against humanity. This Michigan tour visits historic sites of undeniable interest to all who would show solidarity with the brave resistance in our state. History happened on our soil. We will walk back in time to where the Underground Railroad comes alive in this fascinating and entertaining tour.  Your Step-On-Tour-Guide knows about the Underground Railroad and will inform you in a fun and delightful manner of the conductors and travelers along the route.  This is a fun and educational tour for all ages. $85/person The Real Housewives of Amish Country© July 13   Meet the women who do what we consider back-breaking work without electricity on this exciting day trip into the Amish culture. You will see first-hand how: Amish meals not only get made, but comes up hot.   Ladies saddle up the horses and attach their buggy, and what happens if they have a mishap on the road   Teachers work in a one-room class and comply with the State exams   A quilt really gets started and finished   The preacher's wife also ministers  And there will be plenty of time for a bulk market experience for food, housewares, furniture and outdoor goods.  This is a fabulous experience where we go into private homes and see first-hand how things get done. Remember, there is no TV in the background. $105/person             Huron Lady II & Trolley in Port Huron© July 15     Board the Huron Lady II in Port Huron and enjoy a two-hour narrated cruise on the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. Lunch will be at a popular Port Huron Location, followed by a visit to the Knowlton Ice Museum. Enjoy a trolley tour of the city too and ice cream.  Of course there will be shopping! Cost includes transportation via motor coach, lunch and cruise. $85/person                Killer Angels of the Civil War: Theatrical Performance© July 17    Must register by June 20 to reserve your spot.   The Killer Angels, Karen Tarjan's critically-acclaimed adaptation of Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning Civil War novel. The Killer Angels tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg, in July and August of 2016, 153 years after the battle itself. It's the third summer of the Civil War. General Robert E. Lee leads the Army of Northern Virginia into the North and the Army of the Potomac has no choice but to pursue. Over the course of three historic days, beside campfires and amidst firefights, a remarkable group of soldiers wrestle with their doubts, their fears, and their hopes for a shattered nation. Cemetery Hill, Culp's Hill, Little Round Top, and Pickett's Charge come to vibrant life through the indelible stories of the men who fought these legendary battles. Includes tickets, lunch, additional docent and cemetery tour. Register early to reserve your spot. First come first served.  $110/person             You Be The Judge© July 20   It's all about the Jess Turner Trial. Jess seemed like such a nice person when they moved into the neighborhood, but then people began disappearing & dogs started dragging home the most interesting bones. Audience volunteers are witnesses and everyone gets to be part of the jury in this hilarious trial! Always unpredictable & always fun! Lunch will be served in a Queen Ann Victorian home. Must have passport, passport card or enhanced driver's license. $80/person           Haunted History Hunting©  July 22   The residents of Lake Erie's North (OH) coast have trouble leaving-even after they die. The area is flooded with the spirits of locals, some friendly, some not. Our guide will hold you spell bound with her stories and dress of the day. We'll tour Johnson's Island Civil War Officers Prison Cemetery in Sandusky Bay, OH, that features colorful history. Lunch will be filling at the Island House. A stop at Ferguson Glass Gallery, an 8000 sq. ft store. The owner is a Master of Cutting & Beveling (only 5 left in America). There are a wide variety of items with something for everyone. $75/person     Tavern Tour of the D's Finest Bars© July 28   Visit bars that have a historic value and are really great places. Total of 4 bars. Some new some historic. Each bar is well known in Detroit and offers not only amazing drinks but interesting and historical tales. The trip offers a fun and safe way to experience the best bars that Detroit has to offer. Lunch and drinks on your own. Games with substantial prizes. Need 35 people for this trip to run. $30/person

AUGUST

Quilt Show for a Day© August 12    If you're thinking about attending the American Quilters Society in Grand Rapids, you're in for a treat and a very good time. Walking through American Quilters Society Quilt Week on Friday is like roaming through an art gallery brimming with color and texture, in various shapes and sizes. This is where some of the Quilt stores shop so you know it's got to be big and different. You will find unique items not normally found in local stores. Learn new techniques as there will be many free demos, vendors galore, classes and more. Your entry ticket covers all demos at the show. Box lunch for your pleasure and also a drive through meal on the return so you will have plenty to eat. $65/person    Step On Bus Tours© Babes, Booze & Bars© August 15   Your tour of historic Detroit pubs and taverns begins with a brief walk down Memory Lane as our "hitch-hikers" rave about the glories of the bars gone by. As we journey around the city, we'll hear the secrets about what buildings and restaurants were popular back in day and visit about five historic pubs that are filled with history and mystery galore. Our actors from "Mugsy", "Sister Indignatious" and others, will gossip about local legends and shocking scandals on this fascinating tour of the "D's" watering holes. This day trip is an ideal way to learn about Detroit's colorful past while checking out some of its most infamous pubs. Your guide will also tell you about the local legends, racy scandals and scintillating secrets of this 311-year-old city. Along the way, we'll stop in at historic pubs such as Nancy Whiskey's and the Anchor Bar along with three others and learn the part each plays in Detroit's colorful history. You will learn about drinks of the day and maybe even have one. Indulge in drink specials at the pubs (own expense) and soak up the local culture. $75/person     Shipshewana Flea Market & Shopping© August 23   Shipshewana is always a wonderful experience. Our lunch will be at the Essenhaus, former Amish man to give us a tour of nearby places and he will tell you are the farms, who lives there, where and how they work. Not only is there shopping at the Flea Market, but also count on a unique bulk food shopping stop. Breakfast foods on the ride down. $75/person

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SEPTEMBER

Wineries & Rolling Hills of Ohio© September 6    Wineries & Rolling Hills of Ohio - Between Toledo and Cleveland we'll visit three wineries, stop for lunch and visit a couple of historic and unusual off-the-beaten-track historic sites. Enjoy award winning wines while relaxing and taking in the picturesque views of the vineyard and countryside. From handcrafted cheeses and wines to meats and candies, there's a wide variety of items that tempt your taste buds. Lunch - you will be treated to an elegant wine tasting. You will be able to purchase wine, fruit and other unique items. $85/person     Private Home Tour of Indian Village© September 12   Your tour starts in legendary Indian Village, one of Detroit's earliest "posh" communities, where your guide will escort you through four of the original mansions of the City's early elites, a church where many of the residents still worship, and describe how this once famous enclave is restoring its luster and regaining its eminence. From here, you'll proceed over the Detroit River to the "new" Belle Isle, where you will visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. a glass palace designed in 1904 by famed architect Albert Kahn, and enjoy its collection of unusual and  exotic botanicals. Then it's a few steps away for a delicious luncheon prepared by the exclusive Detroit Yacht Club's chefs. $65/person     Bard & Bourbon: As You Like It© - Theatrical Production September 16   As You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jaques who speaks many of Shakespeare's most famous speeches (such as "All the world's a stage" and "A fool! A fool! I met a fool in the forest"). Jaques provides a sharp contrast to the other characters in the play, always observing and disputing the hardships of life in the country. The play features one of Shakespeare's most famous and oft-quoted speeches, "All the world's a stage", and is the origin of the phrase "too much of a good thing". Includes lunch and bourbon tasting. $110/person      Art Prize© September 20   A docent will step on our bus and lead us around the city so that we have an actual guide to take us to several of the artists' installations. She will arrange for a couple of the artists to tell us about their work. No one can even begin to match this tour because it has everything: fascinating historic, elegant and new buildings juxtaposed with amazing art installations. We will go to a "funky" area where we will stroll down the street and into some very interesting private stores Lunch is at Golden Corral. $80/person     Oktoberfest© - Historic Frankenmuth September 29   Join us for a German festival with a large wooden dance floor. Good food, drinks, and German Ooompa music. If you've never been to Frankenmuth before, it looks like it was plucked out of southern Germany. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Bavarian Belle. All generations will enjoy it. Lots to explore and plenty of on-your-own time for shopping. Of course, no trip to Frankenmuth is complete without a stop at Bronner's The Christmas Store. $68/person

OCTOBER

Mennonite Girls Can Cook© - And we can eat! October 1   Reservations due Aug 1   Something completely different. Mennonite Girls Can Cook! Watch the excitement, confusion, and just plain frantic fun when a small town cable cooking show, hosted by two Mennonite women, attracts the attention of a Hollywood producer. This idea is a recipe for hilarity that will make you laugh your spatulas off as these lovely ladies gear up for the "Big Time" - and do their best to deal with their star struck neighbors, who compete for their own fifteen minutes of fame. From the same team that brought you "Half-Stitched" and "Josiah For President", this brand new one act comedy joins faith, food, and friendship, and is inspired by the popular blog and subsequent cookbook "Mennonite Girls Can Cook," by Lovella Schellenberg. After play - Shop/Walk around Shipshewana. Includes entry tix, meal, snacks on the way back. $105/person Ghosts, Foodini and Answers to the Questions of Your Universe October 18   This Historic Downtown Ghost Tour will be guided by Medium Dianna Kelly. She will share her personal experiences along with some history of the buildings on this outdoor walking tour. Come dressed for the weather, as tours are conducted rain or shine.  Your guide is a multi-talented intuitive/psychic medium, who is extraordinarily sensitive to the energies that surround us. She has been working in this area for over 20 years, her natural abilities and accuracy are highly regarded. In addition to private readings, she has assisted law enforcement personnel with missing persons and murder investigations. Dianna has taught numerous workshops and classes in Intuitive Development and Meditation. She also has a natural ability to receive and interpret messages from those who have passed on. We'll enjoy the "Art of Cooking" demonstration with "The Great Foodini" ... amusing & amazing. All eyes upon Chef Renee's culinary uses of cooking implements that we take for granted.  Lots to eat and we'll take home the recipes. Menu includes a fresh market entrees, fountain drinks/coffee . A seasonally selected presentation of Renee's signature soups, salads, pasta and/or sandwiches is always accompanied by a special dessert. We will have a tarot card reader on the bus. Of course, there will be shopping time, and let's make a lolli! It's all about the pop. $70 /person

REAL HOUSEWIVES OF AMISH COUNTRY

Amish Women helping English ladies into the buggy

            The lifestyle of the Amish is a mystery to most of those immersed in the fast paced world that is city life, but it's one certainly worth admiration. Maybe there won't be fully loaded Audis, but there will be horse-drawn buggies, the product of top notch craftsmanship. There won't be any Nine West purses or Gucci cocktail dresses, but you can trust that every frock an Amish woman dons was skillfully created by hand. The Amish way is characterized by its hard work and resistance to the influence of modern worldly progress, but what some will call "outdated," we like to think of as a refreshing throwback.

            They don't live in McMansions. You won't find a collection of trendy exotic cars parked out back. Their children don't vacation in Cancun when home from posh boarding schools. It's not the glamorous life molded for reality show fodder, but it's a beautiful life nevertheless. Amish women supply the necessary backbone for upholding their homes. As most tend not to seek formal employment, all of their time and energy is poured into securing the well-being of the house and the ones they love.

            What does the life of an Amish wife and mother look like? Awaking before the sun? Preparing breakfasts and lunches without the overwhelming addition of processed food? Crafting extraordinary handiworks that survive for generations and putting in time in the family's crop fields? 

Actually, all of the above. The work of an Amish housewife, while seemingly never done, is hands-on and woven into the heart of the home. Yet once beyond the remarkable nature of their rustic way of living, it becomes clear that they too are just regular moms trying to find what works. Trips to local stores owned by the Plain People , assigned chores for the children, and hoping to squeeze in just the tiniest nap. 

It's the life of a mom. Any mom.