I was able to take about a hundred photos of these beautiful creatures. In my opinion, the Sandhill Cranes are just amazing to watch. After a while, I just stood and observed the pair as they waded gracefully through the water’s edge in search of food.
I cannot believe how nature always finds a way to inspire and amaze me at the same time.
Today, March 23, 2016, is National Puppy Day. I currently have two puppies, Gizmo and Cocoa and an older dog, Minnie. All three of my dogs are a little bit spoiled. Okay, they are a lot spoiled.
My longtime pet, T-Bone died last Autumn, he was 16 years old. He was my pal, I always took him outdoors with me. He knew the back wood trails by heart. After he died, I told myself I was not going to get another dog. I still had my other dog, Minnie who is 11. She is a min pin who has recently gone partially blind. She still gets around the house just fine.
Minnie sleeping on her favorite teddy bear.
But then, I saw a picture of this little black puppy who needed a home. So, I brought him home. Gizmo added a lot of energy to my household.
Gizmo sporting his new red halter.
Then, a couple weeks ago I was contacted about another puppy who was going to be sent to the pound. Well, I hated the idea, so I brought her home. One of the main reasons I brought her home was to help keep Gizmo entertained.
Cocoa
Cocoa and Gizmo became immediate pals. With the two of them playing together, Minnie is left alone. She likes to sit by me while I write.
Gizmo and Cocoa sleeping in front of the fire.
So to celebrate National Puppy Day, I made them all homemade dog treats. I normally try to keep dog treats in the house. But my schedule has been tight, I hadn’t made any in a while. Needless to say, they were all happy with their special treat today.
Did you or are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? I have friends and family members out drinking green beer and Irish whiskey. Me? Well, I celebrated in my own little way. I did where my green Ireland shirt today. When I was in the store, I noticed a group of employees running around trying to pinch each other because none of them were wearing green.
I also splurged earlier with this delicious cake donut, the chocolate frosting, and Shamrock sprinkles were very yummy. And nowhere near on my current healthy eating list.
It’s allowed on St. Patrick’s Day, right?
I am currently listening to Celtic Thunder, one of my favorite groups.
For me, the day was simple but very enjoyable. If you are out and about this evening…I wish you safe travels.
May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
My parents love to stop at antique stores and little thrift shops. Recently, they came across a box of old photos and postcards. They absolutely made my day by giving me this box. I felt like it was Christmas. I am slowly sorting through the material. I thought I would share one of the photos with you.
Written in pencil on the back:
Kate Sheffield
3 Nov 1911
The photo does show signs of age. The man in the photo is unidentified which of course makes me want to know who he is even more…
March 15, 2016, has been named Buzzard’s Day. Here in Michigan, we have Turkey Buzzards or otherwise known as Turkey Vultures.
When the water down on the river flats goes down, carp and other aquatic wildlife are trapped in shallow pools. As the pools dry up, the fish die leaving plenty of decaying food behind for the buzzards to enjoy.
The large black birds are fascinating to watch. I have witnessed up to 20 in my backfield at one time. The birds have up to six-foot wingspan which provides quite a sight when they are all leaving the ground. One of the most noticeable features are the reddish heads. Some seem to have a dull reddish color where others are bright red. I cannot tell you the distinction in the varying colors.
I love how they perch themselves on top of my old barn.
Most people find Turkey Vultures to be ugly or an unsightly bothersome bird. I find the large birds to beautifully unique. Of course…I have always been the odd one.
Today, March 14, 2016, is dedicated to Moths. People usually like the beauty of butterflies over moths. I find both species to be naturally beautiful. I have come across some beautiful species here in Michigan. I would like to learn more on the subject of attracting moths. I have been trying to research plants to see if certain varieties will attract moths. So, I will have to see what I can come up with as I search.
Personally, I would like to learn more on the subject of attracting moths. I have been trying to research plants to see if certain varieties will draw months to my yard. I will have to see what I can come up with as I search. Who knows maybe the new plant life will add a touch of color to parts of my yard.
I do have to say, I am glad there is an entire day dedicated to the moth’s beauty. Everyone can have a chance to admire the flying little insects. Moth’s come in all different sizes. The Cecropia Moth is the largest moth I have ever photographed. The Cecropia Moth was about as big as my hand. I mostly took side views of the multi-colored moth. I never pick up insects to take better photos. I definitely did not want to harm her. (No, I really do not have any idea if the beautiful insect was male or female.).
For most people here in mid-Michigan the return of the Robin is usually the first sign of Spring. In fact, I witnessed a Robin down by the river beds just the other day.
For me, the first sign of Spring comes with the return of the Sandhill Cranes. I absolutely love these elegant creatures.
I hear their low throttling call echoing from the river flats. I could listen to them all day. With the rising water due to the melting snow, I have not been able to get down to the flats to photograph these magnificent birds up close.
I was happy to find a pair foraging for food out in the back field. The water levels are high and the fields have numerous areas with standing water. The Sandhill Cranes were definitely enjoying themselves as they searched for a meal.
I just found out that March 2nd is Old Stuff Day. I love old stuff which you can tell by my obsession with vintage photographs and history. My mother blames it all on her father, my grandfather. She said I spent too much time with the “old fool”. I can’t help it, I loved being with him. When I was a child, he and his girlfriend, Florence would go to every garage sale, estate sale, and church sale in the county. I felt like the luckiest
When I was a child, he and his girlfriend, Florence would go to every garage sale, estate sale, and church sale in the county. I felt like the luckiest girl, because I occasionally got to go along. I would come across the most wonderful treasures. My grandfather always seemed to have the best stories to go along with what I found. Oh, how I would love to spend 25 cents and hear one of his stories now. I guess that goes along with my obsession for listening to people’s stories, observing people and writing.
Now, I pick up used stuff to try and make new. I love the creative process. I thought I would share a couple recent upcycle’s or redos.
I took my old lamps that I picked up at a church sale and updated them with fresh paint.I am always picking up lawn ornaments and redoing them.