Happy World Frog Day

As many of you know, today, March 20, 2023 is the first day of spring. But, today is also World Frog Day.

I love frogs. I mean they eat bugs. But I also love listening to them late at night. Of course, right now in mid-Michigan we are still experiencing cold, snowy weather. Today, the wind is making everything feel extra cold.

Hopefully, soon I can open up the windows to listen to the frogs singing all night.

Until next time… peace

Signs of Spring

Even though the wind still holds the winter chill, the sun is shining brightly today. I am ecstatic to see the first signs of spring. Don’t get me wrong I am positive old man winter is not done with us. But, the early signs of spring always provides an extra mood lift.

The Sandhill Cranes have been voicing their return. Their deep throating rattle is music to my ears as they fly high above me.

The return of Sandhill Cranes always means warmer weather is on the way.

The Canadian geese are very vocal down on the river flats. The snow is slowly melting away.

I see Robins searching for food in my yard. The Red-Winged Blackbirds are singing loudly. The slight warm-up brings good cheer to all creatures, not just humans.

Well, until next time…peace

 

Winter’s Last Word

“I believe in the process.

I believe in four seasons.

I believe that winter’s tough, but spring’s coming.

I believe that there’s a growing season.

 And I think that you realize that in life, you grow.

 You get better.”

 Steve Southerland

The calendar may have officially ushered in the spring season. But, winter is still having the last word.

Social media is full of complaints of the day snowfall. Even though, I would love to see warm sunny days. I realize this is Michigan. This is normal. We always seem to have a “spring snow” around this time of year. I know everyone is impatient. Mother Nature seems to have her own time table.

Forgetting Mother Nature is in charge is always a mistake.

Until next time….peace

From Today’s Wanderings

Originally, my plan for today was to mow the lawn. After I reached half way around my yard, I soon realized, I could not finish. The yard had standing water from the other night’s rain. So, I decided to do some wandering.

Being in nature and unplugging for a short time helps me stay creative.

This little frog was attempting to get warm by sunning himself on a branch.
This little frog was attempting to get warm by sunning himself on a branch.

Frogs and more frogs, and tadpoles….

Just floating along....
Just floating along….

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On the pond’s edge

Tadpole
Tadpoles of all sizes were visible.

Some wildlife was harder to spot than others.

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Hidden bunny

Who is watching who?

One of the does watching me.
One of the does watching me.

Just Another Spring Day in Michigan

Most of the time, I find Mother Nature endearing. I love Michigan’s changing seasons. With that being said, I want warmer weather. I know I get what I get.   But today with the mixture of heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet I must admit I am ready for warmer weather.

My poor early blooming flowers are looking pathetic under the weight of the snow and ice.

With that being said, I must admit I am grateful (despite the dreary day) I started a warm fire and spent the rest of the day doing what I love most….writing.

At least, the updated weather forecast shows signs of improvement, I just would like to spend some extra time outdoors without being cold and wet.

Until next time….peace

Sandhill Cranes: Up Close and Personal

“Look deep into nature,

and then you will understand

everything better.”

~Albert Einstein~

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.

Until next time….peace

Another Spring Day?

Another Spring day here in Michigan.  I say this with a tone of sarcasm. Even though the weather is really typical for Michigan. I woke up this morning to snow.  Not much just enough to let me know the air would be cold and damp all day. In fact the snow has actually disappeared already.  According to the weather report, there is a promise of warmer weather coming in.

So, I took my own advice from yesterday’s blog and went for a walk. The walk was a bit “crispy” but I enjoyed seeing all the wildlife. I was able to view a magnificent Sand Hill Crane fly over the back property. She (no I don’t know if the crane was a female for certain, I don’t have that knowledge) was spectacular to watch. Her enormous wind span is such a sight. I could watch cranes all day especially when they use that low throttling call. I find their “song” beautiful.

The Canadian Geese were making their voice heard down on the river flats as I approached. I accidentally startled a small pair of wood ducks.  When I returned to my house, I noticed a small herd of Whitetail Deer (around 12) were making their way across the field. I am happy to see the wildlife returning to the area. As more and more wildlife becomes visible or heard, I know the warmer weather is fast approaching.