This week has been one of celebration. Rejoicing the fact, I was released from the hospital, I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas Eve singing and listening to favorite Christmas songs. Christmas Day found me sharing a meal and conversation with family. I started my day celebrating the birth of Jesus as I fed and cared for the animals. I enjoy seeing the creators hand and character in the world around me outside on the farm.
The last stop before heading home might have been the best part of my day. Several members of my family paid a short visit to a nursing home to sing a few Christmas songs to my uncle who is living in a body damaged by multiple strokes. As we were leaving, I gave him a big wave, smile and said, “Merry Christmas”. From his wheelchair, he gave a big wave with his only working limb, his left arm. He suddenly had a glow about him, with a broad smile, he seemed to pick up his shoulders and say, “Merry Christmas”. To be honest, I am not sure if he actually said Merry Christmas or if I only sensed the spirit of his thoughts. For a few seconds, he was behaving as he always did, despite the limitations of his body. He looked like the uncle I remembered. Hands down, those moments were the most fulfilling part of my Christmas.
For the last couple years, I have wanted to attend the local Ice Festival in Shipshewana, Indiana. This year we made the one-hour drive to take in the sights. I invited my dad to meet us as a way to celebrate his birthday, which occurs between Christmas and the New Year. Shipshewana, named after a Potawatomi Indian chief, provides unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. I am rarely disappointed when I visit Shipshewana, Indiana.
A chili cook off was to be held in town and I was looking forward to sampling delightful flavors. I envisioned the wonder of ice carving artists brining their creations to life. Arriving in the early afternoon, I learned the chili cook off had ended. The supply had run out. We found several completed ice carvings out side the Wolf building where the cook off was held. I admit I felt a pinch of disappointment. We need a Plan B, I thought. The chili might be gone and carving over, but we are in Shipshewana and we can find a way to enjoy the afternoon.
One of my favorite places to hang out and shop is the Davis Mercantile. This 3-story building provides a wide variety of shops, along with a store that serves food and another that caters to the coffee lover (that would be me). My Dad met us in the basement of the mercantile. After breaking the news of my disappointment, we picked up a map showing the locations of stores and other places of interest in Shipshewana. I have been guilty of hitting the same places when in Ship and decided today was a good day to explore a few new ones. First, I wanted a hot drink if we were venturing out in the cold to the Wolf building again. This brisk walk allowed my Dad to view the ice sculptures on display.
Back to the Davis Mercantile to warm up. We hit a couple stores to do more looking than buying. I find myself inspired by the unique wares on display. I wanted to check out a store called Ole Tin Rooster. I raise chickens after all, certainly something in there would be of interest to me. In route, we observed large, 600-pound blocks of ice being unloaded and stacked in a strategic way. I felt overjoyed to learn that indeed the ice carving was still going on around town. Oh, my heart was happy! This particular work was to be a lego sleigh. Better yet it was to be finished for folks (like me) to sit on and take pictures. Indeed, my feelings of delight chased away the fact the temps were dropping and the sky was cloudy.
The Ole Tin Rooster provided a warm stop, full of country décor, combining old with new. We spent many minuets in the basement sections checking out the used books. Of course, there were other items that stood out to me like the old scales that used weights to decided the pounds and ounces of an item. A far cry from the ease of todays digital version. Right beside it an egg box made of tin. I am guessing that egg box is how they used to transport larger numbers of eggs. I estimate it would have held 150 eggs, or around that number.
I continued to feel inspired throughout the day. All around us, Christmas decorations, lights, and artistry in any form one could imagine.
Had to check out the progress on the lego sleigh ice sculpture before heading to the next store. It proved to be a wild goose chase, and I felt pretty cold by the time we found a warm place to step into.
Off to the Blue Gate we walked. I always enjoy the beauty of the Christmas lights outside the Blue Gate restaurant, the little creek and the fish!
In front of the main entrance, blocks of ice were being positioned for a guitar to be sculpted. Much to my disappointment that would not be carved until the next day.
But we enjoyed more shopping and pretty lights. We headed to a local joint south of town, the 5 and 20 to eat a hardy meal.
One more stop before heading home. I wanted my picture taken on the lego sleigh. The wet ice was slick to stand on and cold to sit on.
I did get my picture on the ice sculpture that I had been watching take form all afternoon. My heart was happy having spent a fun afternoon in Shipshewana, Indiana. Once again, my visit proved an entertaining one.
Do you have a local ice festival that you have attended? Share the location and thoughts in the comments below. I would enjoy hearing from you.
Love shipshewana and all it has to offer!! Thanks for covering the events of what sounds like a super fun day!
Shipshewana offers many neat shops, doesn’t it? The people sculpting the ice are creative and talented,
I really enjoyed spending this time with Brian and Maria. It was one of those last minute, unexpected events I call ” an unexpected golden nugget “
We all had fun hanging out!!!