Blazing Sunset

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, was a normal chilly day for winter in Michigan.  The sunset tonight was amazing.  As the sun began to set, the orange colors made the top of the trees look like they were on fire. The blazing sunset was absolutely stunning and beautiful.

During the winter months, the blazing sunset seem to be clearer and crisper. Of course, I have to remember to actually put a coat on next time.  I had grabbed my camera and ran out the door to capture the moment.  The air definitely was freezing.

Until next time….peace….

Farmer

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I am curious about this old photo like all photos I come across.  What I assume about this photo……

  • The gentleman is a farmer.
  • He is either water or fertilizing the plant.
  • Another option, the plants have a bug or slug; the farmer is applying a pesticide.
  • The area looks dry.
  • I like the fence around the garden which would aid in keeping bunnies away.

Other than that, I have no other ideas on what the farmer is doing. If he is watering each plant, the task would be time consuming.  The garden appears to be a large one.

More Mourning Doves

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I will admit I have been enjoying a lazy Sunday.  I wrote an article before tomorrow’s deadline.  Now, I am just relaxing.  I did go outdoors for a little while.

There has a been a dampness to the air today.  I cannot tell if there is going to be snow storm or icy rain.  I guess time will tell. With the coldness in the air, I put more seeds and treats out for the birds which attracted more Mourning Doves.

Of course, I have about two dozen Sparrows out there right now. I also saw some a Titmouse, Bluejays, and a few Blackcapped Chickadees.

Until next time….peace.

 

Morning & Mourning Doves

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Beautiful, crisp winter morning here in Mid-Michigan; the temperatures are actually above 20˚F. I admit the shift from negative temps to the current temperature actually makes the air feel warm. The wind has finally died down.  Of course, I know this is just the calm before the next snow storm.  But I will enjoy the “warmer” temps while they last.

Drinking my morning tea, I was able to watch all the different birds coming and going from the variety feeders I have set up in my yard.  I was impressed to see 15 Mourning Doves.  Most of these little doves were on my porch.  My porch is all opened with two different feeders.  Numerous seeds fall down unto the porch which the Mourning Doves love.

I decided to look up some quick facts about Mourning Doves to share with all of you.

  • Mourning Doves actually go by other names depending on the area. Different names include Turtle Dove, American Mourning Dove and Rain Dove.  I thought those were interesting, I had never heard the name “Rain Dove”.
  • Mourning Doves were once called the Carolina Pigeon or the Carolina Turtledove.
  • Mourning Doves will stockpile seeds for later use. They actually plan ahead.
  • The cooing which I love is done mainly by the male Mourning Dove.
  • Mourning Doves will usually mate for life.
  • When they sleep they actually put their head between their shoulders close to their body.
  • Mourning Doves will lay two eggs at a time; the eggs will take two weeks to incubate.
  • The oldest known Mourning Dove lived to be 31 years and 4 months.

Personally I just enjoy watching the doves especially first thing in the morning when everything seems quiet. Until next time……peace.

My Favorite Vintage Photos of the Week

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Michigan has been displaying typical winter weather this week which means I have stayed indoors more than usual.  Even though I keep myself pretty busy with my writings, I have had extra time on my hands.  So, I turn to my stacks of negatives and slides to change them into digital prints.

These are six of my favorite vintage photos of the week.  Since there is another snow storm in the forecast for the weekend, I am certain I will have more favorites soon.

The main image (featured image) shows three children playing on a bike.  I love everything about this photo. I am assuming they are all girls just spending time outdoors together. The girls seem to be enjoying themselves.  The laundry hanging in the background is definitely a sign of the times (even though I hang my blankets out on the clothes line in the summer months too).

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The photo of the children on the swing brings back memories.  My siblings are younger than me. They use to sit on my lap while I would swing.  Of course, that was before swings came with child seats and safety harnesses.  But despite everything that could have went wrong by swinging two on a seat, we still had a good time.

 

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This is one of the older photos that I have redone.  The negative was most likely from the late 60’s or early 70’s which corresponds with the way with the young men are dressed.  They just seem to be “hanging out” in a park.

 

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I am bad with uniforms, but to me she looks like a military nurse.  I like her smile. Perhaps, she was on leave or maybe she just received her credentials to be a nurse.  I know the possibilities are endless.

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This photo looks like a family gathering of sorts.  I love how the boy in the front has a big and somewhat fake smile.  While the other boy in the background is giving “bunny ears” to the boy who has no idea.

 

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Two young girls on a wooden swing.  I love everything about this photo.  I am considering having a swing like this built for my photo sessions.  I really like the idea especially with the fence in the background.

World Wetlands Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today is considered to be World Wetlands Day; I love these unofficial holidays especially the ones that directly relate to nature and wildlife. Even though today in Mid-Michigan; the entire area pretty much had a snow day.  Some areas actually received 18.7 inches of snow last night.  Mother Nature just wanted to remind us who really is in charge.

Wetlands provide habitat for various types of wildlife and plants. Here in Michigan, we have wetland areas.  I will often refer to them as river flats; the name everyone in the area calls them.

Wetlands have various benefits.  The areas reduce flooding by absorbing the rain or snow melt off.  At the same time, wetlands act as a filter getting rid of pollutants and other contaminants by breaking down the material. In Michigan, there are actually three different types of major wetlands: marsh, swamp, and bogs.

Marshes

The river flats are more like marshes.  Depending on the time of year, they can an inch of water to several feet deep or completely froze solid.  I like these areas; I can grab my camera and photograph all types of wildlife.  I have spent hours photographing herons, cranes, ducks, geese, and much more.

Swamps

Swamps are more wooded. They are usually home to various types of little creatures including frogs, owls, and raccoons.  The plant life in the swaps can also be beautiful.

Bogs

Bogs are a result of decaying vegetation.  Bogs have different type of animal species including turtles.

Watching the wildlife in the wetland areas is fascinating.  I can spend hours outdoors during the warmer months.  Not today, when the temp is about 3˚F right now. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the winter months too.  I just don’t get outdoors as much.

According to the Michigan DNR website, these are the plant and animals that frequent the wetland areas:

Arrowhead
Bald Eagle
Baltimore Butterfly
Black Spruce
Black Tern
Bowfin
Brook Stickleback
Bulrush
Cardinal-Flower
Common Cattail
Common Loon
Cotton Grass
Damselfly
Dragonflies
Dragon’s Mouth, Wild Pink
Dwarf Mistletoe
Eastern Newt
Great Blue Heron
Green Frog
Green-backed Heron
Iris
Kingfisher
Kirtland’s Snake
Lichen		 Liverwort
Marsh Wren
Marsh-Marigold
Michigan Holly
Minnow
Northern Harrier
Osprey
Pitcher Plant
Poison Sumac
Red Maple
Red-bellied Dace
Red-winged Blackbird
Sandhill Crane
Smartweed, Knotweed
Snail
Sphagum Moss
Spotted Turtle
Sundew
Tamarack
Trumpeter Swan
Water Milfoil
Water Shrew
Water-lily
Waterweed, Elodea

So, the next time you see a wetland area on the side of the road while you are zooming down a freeway; take a moment to think about all the wildlife the area has to offer.

Reference:

Michigan DNR (2015). Wetlands. Retrieved from:

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_22664-61132–,00.html

Snow Storm, Photos & Memories

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Mid-Michigan is in the middle of a snow storm right now. So, I have put some extra wood in the fireplace to stay warm. Now, I am just working on some old negatives turning them into digital prints.  I am thankful that I really did not have anywhere important to go today.  The area could see up to 14 inches of snow by morning. I am just hoping that all those who have to get out for work are safe in their travels.

I honestly do not think these photos have been viewed since they were taking.  No one remembers the photos.  But I am enjoying the trip down memory lane. The first photo I am sharing with all of you today is of my grandfather and his first wife.  He was actual married twice before he met my grandmother.  At the same time, she had been married two times before.  They both agreed the third marriage was the best.  I love the old car in the photo, I wish I had that to play around with today.

I was surprised to find a photo of myself mixed in with his negatives.  Of course, I can’t really remember him taking the photo.  I can tell you the photo is over 40 years old.  The photo made me laugh.  My mom always tried to put us girls in dresses.  If you look closely at the photo, you will notice I am not wearing any shoes and I have band aids on my knee.  I loved being outdoors.  Still do.  And, yes I still walk around with no shoes on during the summer.  I think being without shoes connects you with nature.

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I hope everyone has a wonderful evening.  If you are out in this nasty snow storm, safe travels.

Old Buildings: Great Character

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I love old buildings, they have such great character.  Being the history nerd that I am, I would love to know who lived in the house which is located on a farm.  Was the house big inside? Was there a family? But until I know the facts, I can only guess at these abandoned places in Michigan. I know farmers by land to plant crops. If old houses or other buildings are on they land, they usually go to ruin.

The buildings seem full of despair; they were once grand homes or barns.  Now, they are falling apart in deterioration.

Abandoned barn in Gratiot County, Michigan
Abandoned barn in Gratiot County, Michigan

Just a Country Ride

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” ― Robert Lynd

One of my favorite past times is driving around my local country side especially on these cold Michigan winter days.  I took off this morning to look for a Snowy Owl. My mother rode along which made the time more fun.  We laughed about the birds that I failed to photograph.  The morning was fun. I did not come across the Snowy Owl today.  I saw the beautiful owl the other day.  Of course, I did not have my camera with me at the time.

Today, I came across several different birds. I will admit there were a couple of birds that I could not identify.  My mom and I spent some time this afternoon trying to narrow down the identity of the birds. I could identify the woodpeckers, Bald Eagles and the little Sparrows.

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Two Bald Eagles out in the field.  I wish I could have gotten a closer photo.

 

 

 

 

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The sparrows that hang out in front of my house.

The two birds I questioned because I could not get a clear photo.  I am hoping the birds are out again tomorrow.  So, I can try to get a better picture. I think the one is a immature Bald Eagle.  The other bird is a Northern Harrier also known as a Marsh Hawk.

Sometimes, just a country ride is all that you need to find inspiration in nature.

Vintage Military Photos

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Sorting through old black and white negatives is time consuming.  But when come across certain images, the whole process is extremely rewarding. I thought I would share a few of the military photos that I have been making into digital prints.  The negatives are old and wore; the prints are as best as I can do with what I have to work with.

Military

I honestly cannot tell you if they are going to see or coming in this photo.  There are more negatives from this estate sale.  I am hoping to come across more photos of the ship and the scene.

On a Train?

I absolutely love this photo.  I have no way of known what is actually being said between the couple.  But I would like to think, he just asked her to marry him.

Nurses

These two women are in a lot of the photos.  I am not 100% sure, but I think they are nurses. They look like they were with a group who were on a leave.  The two woman appear in various photos that also have landscape photos in the negatives.

Working on a Plane

These three gentleman look like they were working on a plane.  Or perhaps, they are just talking.

If there is anyone who can see any details in these photos, that may help in the research.  I would love input.  I am curious as usual.