Welp, it’s here, Memorial Day weekend, the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day that I long for in the depths of winter.
Finally, a chance to get outside and get some sunshine, which I have been enjoying over the past couple of weeks.
The blossoms have turned, and the weather is hopefully clear (from freezing) as we enter the last week of May.
I’m excited for the memories that will be made for myself and all of you during the hectic but relaxing summer time.
I am concerned about price raises across the board at county establishments.
The price increases at some of my favorite establishments have been upwards of 10-20% from food to rent over the past several months.
I understand that everything costs more today and there are a lot of factors when it comes to price raises, I just hope its done with visitors and locals combined.
I encourage people to spend their dollars accordingly and be frugal if price raises seem unjustified.
It’s very important to keep a mental track of those aspects in your life.
It’s very hard to find a burger meal for less than $20, after tax and tip.
What is that going to be in five or 10 years? Never expect that price to come down again once that price goes up, no matter what happens to the local and national economy. But I recognize that everything has gone up and those prices are tossed onto the consumer.
I just hope in 5 or 10 years we aren’t going to be seeing $30 burgers across the board.
If local inflation continues at this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a $30 cost for a simple burger meal by 2030 as the norm.
This is just one example. I wonder how the new tipped-wage law will be received during the first summer. Even more money will be stripped from hard-earned tips as the law discourages people from leaving a tip. Tip fatigue will be something to keep tack of.
What are locals cutting back on this summer? For me, less money will be spent taking my family around town, even with personal revenues increasing because all other prices are rising exponetially.
We will opt for more days out on the trail and beach instead of some of the “must-do” paid activities and meals in Leelanau.
Now, I hope you will all support as many small businesses as you can this spring, summer, and fall.
I’m not trying to be cheap, I’m just trying to stay alive on this beautiful peninsula.
I can’t wait to make summer memories with family and friends by hiking trails, fishing, and visiting the islands.
We hope and pray for the many farmers for a successful harvest.
My summer bucket list includes going to South Manitou Island, taking friends and family on a wine and beer tour, hiking all the trails possible, golfing as much as possible, swimming every physical chance, seeing the Northern Lights, and enjoying classic sunsets and campfires, to name a few.
As I sit here making my summer bucket list, I can almost feel the sun warming my skin, the sound of laughter echoing in the distance.
