December, and winter, have arrived in western Michigan.  This morning was the first time I have used an ice scraper on a vehicle for 25 years.  It has been snowing since late last night, and this morning we had several inches of accumulation.  The people of Michigan take the snow in stride, living in a perpetual state of preparedness.  Holland, I had heard, has heated sidewalks, so I made the one mile trip to the downtown area to check it out.  It’s true.  The main street and the sidewalks were clear of snow and the outdoor fireplace was lit.

There is no better time to visit your local pub than when it is cold and snowing outside.  Holland is home to a very cozy and authentic Irish pub called The Curragh.  Their fish and chips are the best I have had in the states, and they play wonderful Irish music.  I had my usual, fish and chips.  It was a great way to spend a wintry afternoon.

The Curragh, Holland’s Irish Pub