Today, April 10, 2016, is National Siblings Day. I am lucky enough to have two younger siblings. Over the years, our family has grown with spouses, nieces, and a nephew. We try to get together when we are able especially on holidays.
A recent picture of the three of us.
Along with the traditional additions, our family has added friends as members; allowing more children (well some of them are actually adults now) to call me, “Aunt”. I know in the past, I had a couple people make comments on why I let so many kids call me their aunt. Personally, I do not see the harm. I get notes on social media or pictures to hang on my fridge. Really, what else can I ask for in life?
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.
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.
The photo reads Nordhäuser Straße, my German is limited. I do use Google translate for the rest. But I believe this is in reference to a road in Erfurt. If I am wrong, I apologize.
The writing on the back continues to read:
“Hi, this is the town my uncle lives in in E. Germany. He met us at the station July 10. We are all well-seeing many scars of the war years and taking many pictures. All the houses are of stucco-no wooden framed ones. My uncle’s house is very nice—modern and a few bullet holes outside from the war years. Will write again. Margot & Boys.”
I wish I knew more about Margot and her boys. I am enjoying this last bunch of photos and negatives. I find everything interesting with a slight hint of mystery. I am hoping to learn more as I finish this series of photos.
My social media page was filled with negative comments about the snow storm. Yes, I know the snow is an inconvenience. But the natural occurrence is absolutely beautiful. To be honest, everyone was warned about the snow in advance. The shutdown of offices, businesses, and schools due to inclement weather is for the safety of everyone. I cannot see why people were complaining.
I love how the old barn looks after the snow
Personally, I think you should enjoy the extra moments with your family. Go outside, build a snowman, do a project together, etc. Enjoy the official snow day from work and school. But, that’s just my opinion.
As I work through these photos, there is always one or two items I would love. This beautiful car is one of them. I cannot tell you, the year or the model. I just know I love the old style.
The back of the photo reads “one of Edna’s”. Does that mean she had more than one car? During that time frame, women did not really own too many vehicles. The fact that she may have had more than one makes me wonder if the photos came from a family with wealth. Maybe I will find the answers one day.
