“Simply enjoy life and the great pleasures that come with it.”–Karolina Kurkova
Enjoy Life
Creature of the Week: Opossum
Here in mid-Michigan, I have come across a variety of little creatures. I thought I would share some of them with everyone. I tend to love all aspects of nature.
When most people view an opossum in the wild, they see an ugly rat-like creature. When I view an opossum in the wild, I see a fascinating creature with ancestral ties going back to the times of the dinosaur.
Truthfully, the opossum is not even related to the rat family. The little grey creatures receive a bad reputation just based on their appearance. The opossum is actually a marsupial. (For those who do not remember or need a refresher, a marsupial is simply a pouched mammal).
The slow-moving creature is the only marsupial in North America which I found to be an interesting fact. Just like, I found the fact that there are around 65 species of opossums world-wide. But, only one type is located in Michigan and all of North America: the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana).
Other facts:
- A nocturnal animal, I usually view them late at night. I have one that comes up on my porch; I enjoy watching her with the pale light from the porch.
- Opossums hiss and growl when they feel threatened but they are actually a gentle creature avoiding conflict. In fact, “playing opossum” or “playing dead” is one of their best defenses against conflict. The little creatures will act dead in order to ward off predators.
- Eat mostly insects, berries and fruits (I notice the one that visits my feeder loves the day old popcorn that I put out).
- An opossum can be up to 21 inches long with an additional 10 to 20 inches with the tail.
One of the fascinating facts, I recently learned about opossums is they like to eat ticks. I am always worried about ticks getting on my pets and me. So, the little gray opossum with the cute pink nose may eat as many ticks as she wants when she visits my yard.
The one thing I have not witnessed in the wild is a mother opossum with her babies. I really would like to photograph them.
Until next time….peace
Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day
Today, January 21, 2016, is Squirrel Appreciation Day. I know a lot of people do not like these rodent-like creatures. But I enjoy watching them scurry and chase each other across my yard.
At times, I think they are just out here to eat all my bird seeds and tease my dogs. But they are definitely little characters to watch.
Beautiful But Cold
“Beautiful But Cold” is the only way I could describe today. Even with the sun peaking through at various times throughout the day, the temps never made their way out of the teens. With the wind chill factored in, the air felt even colder.
The wild birds seem to spend extra time at the feeders which were wonderful to watch this morning.
The evening air was crisp but I could not resist the view. I with my little puppy, Gizmo in tow went out for a few minutes. I snapped about 50 pics when I decided the air was just too much for me. (I really need to invest in some new outdoor wear. Thank goodness for REI). Gizmo did not hesitate when I asked if he was ready to go in.
We both have been enjoying the rest of the evening by the fireplace.
Hope everyone had a great day.
Until next time…..peace.
Save the Eagles Day
Today, January 10, 2016, is Save the Eagles Day. The day is dedicated to the conservation and protection of these majestic birds. Here in Michigan (and all of North American from what I understand), the two species of Eagles are the Golden Eagle and the Bald Eagle. I have been fortunate enough to view both of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. I have only been able to photograph the Bald Eagle. But I still have time to get more photos of both birds. I actually investing in another lens just for this reason.
These large birds of prey are beautiful to view out in the wild. Catching a glimpse of one in a tree or swooping down to catch their prey is a wonderful sight to witness. A Bald Eagle can actually reach speeds of 100 mph while trying to catch their prey. I find that fact to be absolutely amazing. Not to mention the wing span can be up to seven feet wide. I guess, you can tell why I love to watch these wonderful birds down on the river flats. In fact, my neighbor informed me of a pair down on the Maple River today.
If you get a chance, you should take the time to sit and watch the Eagles in their natural surroundings. You will find the experience breathtaking.
Until next time….peace
Foggy Evening
The fog has definitely rolled into mid-Michigan this evening. I can feel a dampness in the air as the weather slowly warms above freezing. Depending on the news outlet, we will receive between 5 to 10 inches of snow within the next two days. I am wondering if the dense fog is just the prelude to the coming snow storm. I know there is an old weather tale that states, ““For every fog in August, there will be a snowfall.” But I do not know if the fog actually is an indicator of an upcoming snow storm.
Michigan has seen a mild winter so far. A really good snow storm is just a matter of time. I guess, we will find out tonight. The snow is reported to begin after 1 a.m. I have nowhere to go for the next couple of days. I can just spend extra time working on my book. And, of course, go out and take pictures of the newly fallen snow.
Until next time…..peace.
P.S. A special shout out to my father who celebrates his 70th birthday today.
Cold Day to the New Year
“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.”
Anton Chekhov
I really do love this quote. Today, January 1, 2016, was definitely a cold start for the first day of the New Year. I know, we have had worse here in mid-Michigan. But up until now, the weather has been mild.
The cold temperatures are just a reminder that Mother Nature is actually the one in charge.
I hope your first day of 2016 was filled with memorable moments.
Until next time…peace….
A December’s Dawn
Keep your face always toward the sunshine– and shadows will fall behind you.
Walt Whitman
This morning’s sunrise was inspirational: A December’s Dawn. The crisp, chill of the morning air just made the colors seem more vibrant. In fact, the photo I am sharing has no filter. I just wanted everyone to see what I did.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful day.
Until next time….peace
30 Days of Thanks-Day 18- Rainy Days
Today, November 18, 2015, I want to say I really thankful rainy days. Today was windy, cold and damp. I could complain but I actually enjoyed my entire day. The morning stated with hot cocoa and toast with my mom. There’s just some enjoyable about chatting over trivial matters and planning the Thanksgiving menu for next week.
My father loved the Indian pudding I made the other day. ( https://rebeccaswritingsandphotography.com/2015/11/13/national-indian-pudding-day/ ) He’s always ready to try any new recipe I attempt prepare or attempt to prepare. He said the pudding actually reminded him of his childhood. The old school use to have picnics especially toward the end of the year. Apparently, there was an elderly woman who always made the same dessert every time a picnic was held. The dessert was exactly like the Indian pudding, I made. The only difference was the topping. I used a frozen whipped topping; he remembers a heavier whipped cream. Of course, the cream was probably straight off the farm. Now, I need to come up with something new for Thanksgiving.
So, we sorted through various cookbooks. Some were really old. Despite my lack of cooking and baking skills, I actually own a lot of cookbooks. I still haven’t found anything exciting to try to make. Any suggestions?
After my mom left, I spent the rest of the day doing what I love- writing. And what I really dislike- laundry.
This later evening, the rain is still lightly coming down. The wind has picked up immensely which actually howls through this old house of mine. In fact a few of the stronger gusts actually made my upstairs windows rattle. The wind is slowly going to die down over the next two days. But then the snow storm will be ushered into Michigan. The first one on radar for the season could drop a fair amount on us.
First snow falls are always magical…….
Until next time….peace
Take a Hike Day
“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.”
–Henry David Thoreau –
“In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson –
Today, November 17, 2015 is considered to be “Take a Hike Day”.
I love hiking. The trails I take are not long or hard. But I get to go out and enjoy nature. I always take photos along the way. For me, the time spent outdoors gives me a chance to unplug from my computer and just relax. I also find my imagination works over time when I am outdoors which always helps in my writing.
Until next time….peace
Rebecca's Vintage and Wildlife Photography 