Lazy Summer Days

Posted on by Rebecca C.

In mid-Michigan, the last couple of days has been warm. I mean, the state is being declared a moderate drought zone. Now normally, I don’t mind the heat. But, the added humidity just seems to drain all my energy. So, I have been rather….lazy. Well, lazy for me.

Spending most of my days indoors with the comfort of the fans. I don’t have air conditioning which is an investment I may have to make at some point. I have managed to catch up on some social media networking and writing. And, I even picked up a book for some afternoon reading. So, I guess the warmer days have some benefits. I don’t really want to complain. Because I know in a few months, we will have snow.

But toward the evening hours, I tend to wander outdoors. The one aspect I have noticed, the wildlife seem to be having lazy summer days too. The bullfrogs float in the shallow water along the creek bed’s edge.

I have spotted turtles just lazily floating along. Diving down for a quick cool off and coming back up to the surface to float again.

 

 

Little turtle floating along the river's edge.
Little turtle floating along the river’s edge.

The forecast is calling for continuous warm days with a chance for a rain shower at some point. I am absolutely convinced if a rain shower occurs, I will be outdoors standing in the middle of the downpour.

Until next time…..peace

Last Night’s Sunset

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The strange weather has been the topic here in mid-Michigan the last few days. The below normal temperatures are preventing farmers from getting their fields planted.

Yesterday began with rain and ended with rain. The extra rain keeps the fields very wet. But, there were moments of sunshine in between. My yard is starting to resemble a small lake. At least, all the wildlife are enjoying the extra ponds. The birds were out bathing themselves and searching for food.

The sun was out for most of the day today. As the evening began to usher in, the temperatures dropped, the wind picked up and the rain returned. Tomorrow, I cannot believe the forecast….rain with a chance of snow mixed in. Is it really May? Of course, it is Michigan. We all should be use to the changing weather by now.

Until next time…peace

Just Another Spring Day in Michigan

Posted on by Rebecca C.

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

The Return of the Sandhill Cranes

Posted on by Rebecca C.

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.

Until next time….peace…..

The Beauty of Snow

Posted on by Rebecca C.

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
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.

The Windwalker
The Windwalker standing tall.

 

Until next time…peace

 

Sunset Love

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“There’s never one sunrise the same or one sunset the same”

Carlos Santana

For the last couple of days, we have had beautiful weather. The temperature has been above 50 degrees. For Michigan, the warmer temps are out of the ordinary for this time of year. Unfortunately, I have a bad feeling that by next week, we will have a foot of snow. But for now, I will enjoy the sunsets….

Until next time….peace

Here Comes the Snow Storm

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I was outdoors for a little while this evening.  Well, the time was before 5:30 pm because I was grumbling how dark everything was.

I could definitely feel the cold and dampness in the air. The snow storm is suppose to hit the mid-Michigan area around 5.a.m. Depending on the new report, we could get about 6-10 inches of snow. This snow storm is the first one for the season. I will just have to wait and see how much the system brings.

At least the snow makes the area look beautiful and new.

Until next time….peace

30 Days of Thanks- Day 2

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“Climate is what we expect,

weather is what we get.”

Mark Twain

 

Today, November 2, 2015, I am thankful for the absolutely beautiful weather here in mid-Michigan. Trust me this time of year, the weather can provide a mix bag of tricks. But today, the temperatures were almost 70˚F. The beautiful sun was shining most of the day. The gentle breeze made the last of leaves softly float downward as if to greet me as I was walking around outdoors. I could not ask for a more gorgeous November day.

I hope everyone enjoyed their day!

Stormy Michigan

Posted on by Rebecca C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning
This was the very beginning of the storm. I really didn’t think much of it at this point.

 

 

 

After the Storm
After the storm was clearing, I looked up to see this bird flying by. The large bird was too far away for me to properly identify.
Dark Clouds Over Barn
The sky became almost black in the middle of the day. But the storm was not as bad as I originally thought it was going be.
Storm Clouds
My cloud fascination continues.
Storm
This part of the storm had me a little worried. But the storm just brought a lot of rain and wind.
Storm
Over the Trees
Storm
Love the Clouds
Storm
Moving across the back field

 

Michigan has been experiencing seasonal thunderstorms. I do not have the knowledge to state the proper terms. But basically, the weather is hot and very humid which when colder air pushes in creates the storms. I am lucky and grateful that none of these storms have caused any damage.

I have recently become fascinated with photographing clouds. Storm clouds are just another part of my new found curiosity. Believe it or not, the entire time I was out photographing the clouds, the rain held off. The clouds moved across the sky first. Then, the rain seem to follow behind. Absolutely fascinating.

And, yes….my mother called and left a message on my phone to “stop taking pictures and get in the house”. Some things will never change.

Until next time….peace always.