You know the stories: the one where the red-caped girl goes to grandmothers house to find a surprise and the one where three innocent little pigs had a house blown down and many, many more tales; all focused on the wolf.

Binder Park Zoo kicks off Wolf Awareness Week beginning Saturday with Howl-a-Palooza. We took the family last year and the kids absolutely loved it! Visitors travel through the Zoo to the Mexican Wolf exhibit and listen to the Keepers as they educate the public on the most endangered wolf-species. They also give a free wolf poster to attendees (while supplies last).

Its the perfect time of the year to take the family to Binder Park Zoo. I love walking through the forest as the leaves begin to change and re-discovering all the zoo has to offer. To save you trouble,I looked up the phone number 269 979 1351.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

The ghouls and goblins will be making their way through the shadowy streets this evening. Halloween in Michigan is never a time to depend on the weather. Hail, snow, sleet or rain; we’ve had it all. This year, however, will be perfect! Temperatures in the sixties and bright, sunny, skies (until dark that is)!

My kids are so excited and can hardly contain themselves. We have a Halloween tradition of going to some family friends of ours. About four families get together and we order pizza, get the kids dressed and then take them out into the neighborhood. Every year we rotate who passes out candy and who takes the kids. This year, the dads are the ones roaming the streets!

If you haven’t quite finalized your plans yet, be sure to check out the CVB’s events Web site. What is your favorite Halloween tradition? I’d love to know!!

Ever lived your most dreaded horror story? I have…and just about everyone else’s out there as well.

So, the story goes…I love my kids more than anything in this world, but I do need to go out and have adult (or young adult) fun from time to time. So, last weekend, with the children at their grandparents, my husband and I met up with some friends. We decided to feel a little younger for the night and enjoy the haunting season… so we drove out to the Homer Mill; the very Mill where Alice Cooper went last year.

Along with the Haunted Mill, they have a haunted-themed-restaurant and bar where we began the evening. The menu creatively reflected the theme and the food was to-die-for (thought you’d enjoy that one).

As the evening became lively (or deadly) we decided to stand in line with the other scare-seekers. From an outside perspective, the Mill is covered in commercialism for the season. However, looking at the establishment, without all the lights and smoke, a real shiver ran down my spine; the place just looks haunted.

My heart began to race as we walked in the Mill. Now, I will not give you the horrific details of the evening, that you will have to discover for yourself, but my husband will say that I left permanent marks in his arm and his ear-drums ringing.

As we left we walked past the ticket counter. Now, being who I am, I had to stop and talk with the employees. They shared horror stories of other guests and I realized what a fantastic job they do; one guest suggested using the restroom before entering, but that she will, of course, be back.

As will I. What’s been your experience?

Do you ever find yourself being impatient? I do. Earlier this week I was driving home only to find myself behind a bulky tractor that seemed to be winning its own 5mph race. So, I did want any logical driver would do, I turned down the next street and knew that I would eventually find my way back to my original route.

The second I turned the corner I was in awe of the fall colors around me. I’ve never been down that road and I was stunned at how gorgeous the afternoon sun looked on the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges that decorated my site. The windows were down, I turned the music up and it was a simple, perfect moment.

So next time you feel a little impatient, don’t forget to take that other route because you never know the sights you’ll find!

There are many wonders of this world; some are man-made, while others are nature-made. Once a year THOUSANDS of Sandhill Cranes flock to one location in Calhoun County; the Michigan Audubon Baker Sanctuary. It is a spectacular sight to see! From my knowledge, there is no particular reason why they do! I have to watch in awe of the natural beauty of them, and my kids, they love it too! Not only do they love all the birds flying in, they also love all of the events that go along with it. They have an art show, guided nature trails, book singings,live raptors (birds of prey,) hay rides, and food! It's definitely a great weekend activity for everyone! With the Indian summer that's predicted for the next few days, I for one, know I'll want to be outside!! If you’d like to meet me down there be sure to check out www.bakersanctuary.org for more information.