Mid-Michigan has been experiencing rain for the last few days. Being indoors means working on my writing. The weather reminds me of Snoopy writing while sitting on top of his dog house. “It was a dark and stormy night”.
Until next time…peace
Waiting patiently for Spring, Michigan was hit was some wintry weather last weekend. Knocking out my power for a couple of days, the ice storm was not a welcome visitor. My main concerns were my pump and freezers (I have 3). Other than that, I actually don’t mind the quietness of being unplugged for a couple of days.
I admit I prefer snow over ice any day. The ice just is not safe especially for me. Yes, I fell. I am fine, just bruised.
During the wintry mix, filling the bird feeders was one of my priorities.
Several kinds of birds frequented my feeders. Since I had no power anyway, I took a lot of pictures. The little Goldfinch was one my favorites. He (I think) just did not seem happy with the surrounding conditions.
On a positive note, the sun is shining brightly today. Maybe Spring will actually show up.
Until next time…peace
Michigan’s weather temperatures are slowly decreasing. Winter is here. Most people should understand the colder weather is a normal part of living in Michigan in December. I personally do not mind the colder weather. But the high winds make going outside difficult. Feeding the little Sparrows and other winter birds is a cold process. However, if I do not feed them daily, the birds sit on my porch. So every time, I walk by my sliding glass window, I see them peering in at me. Yes, I am convinced this is a guilt trip tactic.
Tonight, you can tell snow is on the way. There’s a heaviness in the air. According to the weatherman, the next couple of days should only bring about three inches of snow. So, if you are out and about in Mid-Michigan, drive safely.
Until next time…peace
“I go to nature every day for inspiration in the day’s work.” –Frank Lloyd Wright
–Frank Lloyd Wright
Setting new temperature records, Michigan had six extremely hot days last week. Taking advantage of the lowering river flats, the various birds enjoyed snacking on the plentiful amount of fish and other water creatures.
Until next time…peace
And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.
Oscar Wilde
Today, September 22, 2017, is the first day of the Autumn Equinox for us in the Northern Hemisphere. Right now in Michigan, the temperatures are over 90 degrees with added humidity for fun. Personally, the warmer weather does not inspire a fall like atmosphere.
Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy the warm week. But I remember my grandfather and others telling me that warmer fall days mean a harsh winter.
I guess time will tell.
Happy Fall!
Until next time…peace
Rain is here in mid-Michigan. I cannot complain. Our mild rain showers are nothing in comparison with the destructive path of the hurricanes. My thoughts, positive vibes, prayers, and well-wishes go out to everyone and every animal affected by the hurricanes.
The pause in the rain showers brought a beautiful, bright rainbow. Snapping over 100 photos, I cannot believe the awesome beauty of a rainbow amidst the storm clouds.
Until next time…peace
Everything is so green right now. I cannot help but to stop and stare at the beautiful landscape.
Until next time…peace
The month of January is known as Soup Month. Normally, in mid-Michigan, the cold winter months welcomes a bowl of warm soup. Lately, our daily temps are above freezing. But I am certain the cold temps and snowy days are just around the corner.
My question for all of you is do you have a favorite type of soup? My soup tastes usually depend on my mood. (Yes, I am one of those emotional eaters). When I am feeling ill, I love a nice warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. On days, when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I like a high-quality tomato soup with a tasty grilled cheese sandwich. What can I say–my tastes are rather simple. But I am always willing to try something new.
As a child, the winter months always met homemade bean soup. For almost two days, my mother would allow the Navy beans to slowly simmer in a large cast iron pot on top of the old, pot belly stove. Adding ham, onions, and other seasonings, the smell of the soup would drift throughout the old farm house.
The final meal would always involve homemade bread, biscuits, and a dessert. Of course, the best part of the meal was the house full of guests. For most of us, the homemade bean soup was a tasty treat. Well except for my younger sister who to this day is not a fan of bean soup.
My attempts to make bean soup as an adult do not yield the same results as my mother’s tasty homemade recipe. I cannot tell you if my attempts fail because I do not own a cast iron pot and an old wood burning, pot belly stove. Or the difference in taste is due to missing family members and friends that are no longer with me.
Regardless of the reason, homemade bean soup will always remain one of my all-time favorites; a nestled memory on a cold winter’s day.
Until next time….peace
“Fall has always been my favorite season.
The time when everything bursts with its las beauty,
as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”
~Laura DeStefano~
Today, Thursday, September 22, 2016, is the first official day of autumn. While ushering in the fall season, the day marks the end of summer. I personally love this time of year. Even as a child, I just found the fall season fascinating.
The crisp fall air suddenly ushers in cooler nights. The sunsets occur earlier, bringing perfect weather for stargazing and bonfires.
The local football season is in full swing. Pumpkin spice is a major ingredient in various products. As the season slowly marches on, changing leaves bursts into vivid color across the Michigan landscape. Bringing one last moment of natural beauty before the blanket of winter engulfs the area.
Walking through nature, I can honestly view the signs of the wildlife preparing for the upcoming cold winter months. I love watching the squirrels and chipmunks gather acorns. The little critters scamper across the dirt paths in front of me. Of course, the chipmunks chatter loudly in my direction as if to tell me I am intruding on their personal space.
I try to enjoy these last moments of fall before winter brings nature to a quiet standstill.
Until next time….peace
“The sudden appearance of mushrooms
after a summer rain is one of the more
impressive spectacles of the plant world”
~John Tyler Bonner~
In Michigan, the end of summer rainy days allows for the arrival of vast amounts of mushrooms all over the woodland floor. Bringing a sense of fascination and wonder, I spend a large amount of time photographing each one. I am slowly going to try to identify each one. I cannot guarantee I will find the correct name for each kind, but I am willing to try. The colors range from a purest white to a deep red. Some mushrooms seem to appear out of nowhere only to be gone before the next day.
The colors of the mushrooms range from a purest white to a deep red. They seem to come in all shapes and sizes; each unique in their own way. Some mushrooms just seem to appear out of nowhere only to be gone before the next day. I would love to attend a course just on identifying Michigan mushrooms.
Of course, I use the different photos of the mushrooms as inspiration for writing about fairy worlds.
Until next time….peace
Rebecca's Writings and Photography 