Author: Michael Hardy

Michael is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. It started in 2009 covering Michigan and the Upper Thumb. Today, his Michigan Moments series has established a loyal base of 110,000 followers.

14th Annual Caseville Ribstock Fires Up the Start to Summer

Posted on June 24, 2022June 25, 2022 by Michael Hardy

The Caseville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the 14th annual Ribstock in Caseville Michigan June 24-26. BBQ and country music will be on tap each day.

New Apparel Company Is Thriving With A Michigan Midwest State of Mind

Posted on June 23, 2022June 23, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Brian Lewis approached Thumbwind Publications about doing business with them. We found that the Midwest State of Mind appeal company gives 10% of net profits back to Midwest charities, non-profits, and other groups committed to keeping the Michigan Midwest great. During our exchange, we thought Brian and his wife Anne had a great story on how they managed to bootstrap their company and quickly grow an appraisal business with a Midwestern flair.

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – Top 5 Things I Learned About Hybrid Driving

Posted on June 20, 2022December 18, 2022 by Michael Hardy

I wanted to see how efficiently the Pacifica would be traveling both in all-electric mode and then in the hybrid mode during this trip.

However, how would this vehicle’s system work on an 1800-mile trip on the open road? We would soon see.

If Great Lakes Ice Coverage Stays High in 2023, Lake Levels Should Too

Posted on June 15, 2022June 15, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Will high Great Lakes ice coverage rates across the region translate into high water levels during the following summer? In a recent, “unofficial” outlook of the Great Lakes water levels, the Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit District forecasts that the Great Lakes water levels may continue to be above their long-term average for the following year should weather and ice cover conditions be similar to this past winter.

Great Boat Names – 14 Bits Of Transom Charm Found In the Boatyard

Posted on June 9, 2022June 10, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Over the years, I spent a lot of working on my boat in my favorite little town along Lake Huron’s coast, and I found myself almost as fascinated by these names as I was with the beautiful beaches and lighthouses dotting my path. So without further ado, here are fourteen examples from across Michigan’s waterways—a reminder that it’s always important to have fun out there!

Corelle Agrees to Start Testing Pre-2000 Vintage Dishes in Response to New Hampshire Lead Warning

Posted on May 30, 2022April 19, 2025 by Michael Hardy

After years of testing conducted by Lead Safe Mama on the high lead levels in vintage Corelle dishes and cookware, the company now holding reign on this vintage brand, Instant Brands, indicated that it will begin a testing program on their “pre-2000 Corelle products”

If You Have These Vintage Corelle Dishes in Your Cottage, Camper, or Cabin – Should You Stop Using Them Now?

Posted on May 28, 2022October 5, 2025 by Michael Hardy

We love our vintage Corelle dishes. They are the same brand that I had growing up as a kid. However, we will be getting rid of them ASAP. Here is why.

See How They Build a Wind Turbine in 5 Short Minutes

Posted on May 28, 2022April 26, 2024 by Michael Hardy

The folks at MidAmerican Energy put together this terrific video that shows the entire process of raising a wind turbine like those in Michigan’s Thumb. The video is a little over five minutes and includes factoids during the entire process.