Arriving in Ann Arbor

We landed in Detroit, MI at 2 PM, ready to conquer the world—or at least the local food scene. We snagged a ride via TURO, which is like Airbnb for cars, but with fewer awkward conversations. The owner’s dropping off the car at the airport, making it more convenient than a pizza delivery, and way cheaper than those big rental companies that charge you for breathing their air. It all went smooth as silk until we tried to get out of the parking lot and found ourselves going around in circles before finally finding the opening that spit us out onto the road. 

Once we hopped into our chariot, we zoomed off to our cozy abode in Dexter, just outside of Ann Arbor, where we’ll be crashing for the next 9 nights. After unpacking, dinner became our top priority—because let’s be honest, our stomachs were staging a protest after a day of minimal munching.

There’s ample space to stretch out, but let’s just say the cleanliness could use a little TLC.

We picked Raterman for dinner. There weren’t many choices in Dexter. 

Beautiful garden dahlia

Jo Anne indulged in the half figgy piggy sandwich, a delightful concoction of fig jam, smoky bacon, creamy chevre, red wine vinegar-pickled red onions, cilantro, and microgreens. Meanwhile, I savored the Raterman Reuben, featuring luxurious Wagyu pastrami, Tillamook Swiss cheese, Brinery sauerkraut, and Haus Russian dressing, all nestled in rustic sourdough. Let’s just say, it was a flavor explosion that had our taste buds doing a happy dance! 

  Naturally, no birthday bash is complete without ice cream! Jo Anne went all out with a double scoop of Sorta Sweet, Sorta Beth Dutton Caramel Whiskey Bourbon, swirled with salted toffee and crunchy toffee bits, plus in some Moose Tracks magic—think vanilla ice cream loaded with peanut butter cups and the legendary Moose Tracks fudge. Meanwhile, I opted for a sophisticated twist with tiramisu: Espresso Mascarpone ice cream featuring Espresso flakes, ladyfingers, and a delightful coffee swirl. Because, you know, you only turn 73 once.

The Dexter Creamery, crowned the crème de la crème by the North American Ice Cream Association, scoops its delightful flavors straight from the beloved Mooville Dairy Farm.  

This little $15,000 piece of art was stopping traffic outside the ice cream shop. 

Tomorrow, we’ve got a jam-packed schedule of classes, so an early night is on the agenda. We’re aiming to wake up bursting with energy for the Ginger Jamboree class in the morning and the Fresh Milled Grains class in the afternoon. Talk about a grain-tastic day ahead! Can't wait!

Since we are on a food journey, I thought I would end each day with "food for thought" based on a few names of God. 

Food for Thought: 

El Elyon, a beautiful Hebrew name for God, means "God Most High." It appears first in Genesis 14, during the remarkable meeting between Abraham and Melchizedek. This name embodies God’s ultimate sovereignty, showcasing His supremacy over all other gods, and His position as the possessor of heaven and earth. El Elyon means there is no power, no person, no authority, no circumstance sitting above God's throne; not the four kings Abram defeated, not Satan who tried to seize the title for himself, not whoever currently holds power over your situation.

I feel a deep connection to this name because it reminds me of God’s authority in every aspect of my life, especially in those uncertain times. By embracing El Elyon, I encourage you to look up and remember that no matter what’s happening around you, there’s a higher throne and a greater power at work. As we step into His presence, we shift our focus from our limitations to His boundless nature.

Take a few minutes to think on these scriptures:

Psalm 9:1-2 "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

Psalm 91:1-2 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (what an amazing promise!). I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" Psalm 91 puts two names side by side. El Elyon is the name that makes you tremble at his greatness, El Shaddai is the name that lets you rest underneath it.

Revelation 4:1-3 "After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.' At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald."

After reading this scripture I immediately wanted to grab my art supplies and paint a door that opened to a throne, with all the colors of the stones and the emerald rainbow.

He is the one who blesses and redeems and in whom we rest—how gloriously beautiful that is!