Eat it up!

Hi, my name is Melanie and last year, I became addicted to grilling. I grilled any vegetable I could get my hands on, I had to make up for the previous 28 years of lost time, you know! I love to grill not only because it tastes good, but because it usually means sharing time and a meal with people you care about. While I did not cook or eat anything from the photos below, these images have me inspired for a great grilling season to come!

Here are a collection of photos I've taken while on the job for AnnArbor.com at a variety of festivals and gatherings during the last two weeks. Eat it up! :)

And what meal is complete without a little dessert?

Photos in this post are © AnnArbor.com 2011

Catching up with summer

We've certainly seen some wacky weather this spring. From cold to warm, to monsoon rains and don't forget way too hot. If you live in Michigan you learn to be prepared for anything. Heck, even as I write this my handy weather app tells me it's a chilly 59 degrees outside! While the weather has been up and down so far, we did manage to sneak in a few really great days. Here are some recent photos from my job at AnnArbor.com. Bring on the summer lovin' fun!

Early last week we hit record highs and I was sent out in search of people trying to stay cool. Needless to say, I was pretty excited when I happened upon these cuties taking a water break from preschool duties!

Then there are those who enjoy the heat, not to mention running a half marathon in it! Here are a few photos from the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run. See the full gallery here.

The benefits of waking up early, great light!

June also ushered in the start of festival season. From 5Ks to patio concerts and festivals celebrating heritage, food and your friendly science geek, there has been plenty to shoot and plenty of smiles!

Looks like a jellyfish, right?

Memorial Day at the DYC

I spent Memorial Day observing a tradition I never knew existed, the "Blessing of the Boats" at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle. You see, my mom and her boyfriend Mark spend the warm months of the year living on a boat there. This year they were asked to captain the fleet boat for the annual service. Mark carefully drove the boat up and down the docks as a Chaplin splashed holy water and gave a prayer to anyone interested.

The Chaplin waves from the top deck.

And what boat trip is complete without a handful of cold beers? None, I say.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, too!