Waking Up from Winter – Luna Belle Gets Ready for a New Season
by Luna Belle
Every winter, I take a little nap. Not the cozy-by-the-fire kind, but the parked-outside-in-the-elements kind. My wheels stop rolling, my bar goes quiet, and the party lights are dark for a few months while Michigan does its snowy, icy, windy thing. But spring is right around the corner—and that means it’s time to wake up.
This week, Anna and Brad came out to check on me and officially get me out of winter storage. After spending months outside through snow, freezing temps, and all kinds of weather, I’ll admit… I wasn’t looking my best.
For starters, I was dirty. Winter has a way of settling into every nook and cranny when you live outdoors for a few months. But the real surprise was waiting inside my cooler.
Apparently someone left a case of Coke in there before winter hit. And if you know anything about Michigan winters, you know exactly what happens next…
Freezing temperatures.
When soda freezes, it expands—and those cans exploded like little sugary grenades. Now my cooler smells like a sticky moldy soda factory and needs a serious deep clean. Lesson learned: always check the cooler before winter hits.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only thing the cold got to. Some residual water was left in my hot water tank, and when it froze, it cracked the heater. So that little piece of equipment is officially done and will need to be replaced before the season starts. Not exactly how I wanted to kick off the year, but hey—better to find it now than during a party.
But it’s not all repairs and scrubbing.
The big project this spring is something I’m really excited about: refinishing my walnut countertops.
Right now they’re covered in a heavy, dark stain that hides the real beauty of the wood. Anna and Brad are planning to strip that stain back and bring out the natural walnut grain underneath. Once finished, the bar top will have that warm, rich glow that walnut is known for—something that will really shine when guests gather around it with a drink in hand.
A little cleanup. A few repairs. A fresh new look. And then I’ll be ready to roll again. Not a moment too soon, because the first event of the season is already on the calendar: a Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. ☘️
I have to admit—I’m especially excited about this one. Saint Patrick’s Day parties have their own kind of energy. Lots of green, lots of laughter, and plenty of cheerful music, and toasts between friends who may not have seen each other all winter. I’m already imagining authentic irish decorations, festive music, and guests gathering around my bar for drinks and good conversation.
After months of quiet winter days outside in the Michigan cold, I’m ready to hear the sound of people again—the buzz of a crowd, glasses clinking, and the first big celebration of the year.
I’ve spent the winter resting Now it’s time to roll again.
I want to see all of you soon,
Luna Belle 🐴🍀🍹
