The ceremonial start (for me) to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘴, the Birkie Week, is marked by the reading of 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 - that my friend, Christine, borrowed me back in 2016. It’s a quick, easy, charming and lovely read for children of all ages (or adults who refuse to grow up). Reading it hasn't gotten old and I'm sure it never will! The Birkie has transformed from … a topic of Keweenaw Contingent’s seemingly endless discussions every October through March to … a mythical town that I failed to find in 2014 (not making this up) to … a once in a year event with its own mathematics to … a week-long family union-isque festival to … a year-round training program to … a lifestyle. The whole process has been bringing in fantastic people, experiences and opportunities into my life. May it be all that and more to you and yours too! #BirkieFever #Birkie2023 #Birkie49 (at Houghton, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co4nwQ9O3pRddnyqc8NOaIURYlzcRnwQBufFuc0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=