Thoughts on food, photography, psychology & whatever else comes to mind!
Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice is one of my favorite meals! I recently made it for a holiday dinner, and I’ll be serving it again this weekend for my mother’s 85th birthday. Years ago, my mother made Cornish game hens stuffed with wild rice …
Smoked and Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Cornbread-stuffed pork loin was my father’s favorite meal. The last time I made it for him was on his 80th birthday, just a few months before he passed away. Since then, it’s been difficult to make it again, but discovering …
Pefecting the perfect smoked rib recipe has not only been a goal, but a competition with my brother. We have different styles, but we both make kick-ass ribs!
The end of summer is always bittersweet, isn’t it? The days grow shorter, cicadas buzz louder than ever, and Labor Day Weekend signals the last big hoorah of the season. Here in Harbor Country, we have a unique tradition: Lobster Fest. It’s a much-anticipated event, …
August brings the delightful overabundance of zucchini, and I’m excited to share one of my favorite ways to use it in the kitchen. In the first of several zucchini-inspired recipes, I present my take on Zucchini and Spinach Lasagna. This version features traditional lasagna noodles, …
Hello, I’m Michelle, but most people—and even my pets and local wildlife—know me as Chelle. I started this blog as a way to archive cherished family recipes and share my passion for photography. It’s also a space where I blend my love for food and nature with insights from my practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. With over 35 years of experience, including time as a Family Law Attorney, I’ve seen quite a lot! Here, I’ll share articles, observations, and reflections from my journey in social work and beyond.
Having lived most of my life in Indiana, my husband and I found a charming little house less than 100 yards from the southern shore of Lake Michigan in the beautiful state of Michigan. After a major renovation a few years ago, our sweet little cottage became our forever home. One of the highlights of the renovation was designing my dream kitchen! I worked closely with the cabinet maker and architect to tailor it to my petite height, including a drop-down area that allows me to knead bread and pasta dough with ease—an investment that’s been perfect for both me and my equally petite daughters!
It’s such a joy to live so close to the Lake (that’s what we call Lake Michigan around here!). For those unfamiliar, Lake Michigan feels more like an inland sea—minus the saltwater and sharks! I love the soothing sound of the waves hitting the shore and the incredible wildlife that thrives here—deer, squirrels, foxes, several types of woodpeckers, and even the occasional bald eagle. This place is truly my happy place!
My professional life has taken some interesting twists and turns. I earned my Master of Social Work in 1991 and worked in various social work positions. But at 40, I had the wild idea to go to law school! A few years later, I earned my Juris Doctorate and practiced family and employment law for about 15 years.
Then, Covid hit. Chaos ensued as most of you are all too well aware.
In late 2020, I decided it was time to return to the world of clinical social work practice, and it’s been such a wonderful choice. I’ve realized I’m much more of a fixer than a fighter… unless you make me mad!
So here I am, in my early 60s and easing my way into retirement. I cook, I paint, I spend time with my camera, and occasionally, I still sit at the piano to play my favorite pieces. I’m here to share bits of my life with whoever stops by, and I hope that something you find here brings a smile, pleases your tummy, or helps with life’s little bumps along the way.
Warmly,
~Chelle