Saturday promised to be too warm for working outside, and Lake Huron was calling, so I once again headed East.
I headed north from Port Huron, stopping first at Port Hope, then continued on to Lexington.
The jetty at Lexington Harbor has a paved walk, which takes you right out into the Lake, where a stiff breeze tempered the heat, and offered wonderful views.
Today is going to be even warmer, and I will soon have to break down and put on the AC. I much prefer open windows and fresh air, but as the outside temperature approaches 90 degrees, I reluctantly close the house up and flip the switch, grateful that I have this option.
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June 12, 2017 | Categories: Outdoors, Photos, Seasons, Weather | Tags: nature, outdoors, Photo, weather | 2 Comments
It has been a sad and difficult week for me, and I was becoming quite depressed. But after complaining for so long about the nasty weather, I was determined not to waste a beautiful, sunny Saturday feeling down, so I set off for my favorite nursery to buy and photograph some flowers.
Coming upon an unexpected road closure and getting lost on the way there was just the way my week had been going, but I resisted the urge to simply give up and go home, and eventually found my way there by an alternate route.
The nursery was crazy busy as it always is the Saturday before Mother’s Day, but the colors and scents did help to lift my mood.
We are not usually safe from frost here until the end of May, but since all my plants will be in containers, I can plant some early, and bring them in for a night if need be.
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May 15, 2017 | Categories: Flowers, Nature, Photos, Seasons, Weather | Tags: Gardening, nature, Photos, weather | 6 Comments
After a wet and chilly start, and some frosty nights, May is finally bringing some truly Springlike weather. The woods were so beautiful this morning with the tender new leaves such a vivid green, a photograph really cannot do it justice!
The windless morning made this part of the lake a reflecting pool.
It is a good year for Lilac, and I could not resist bring some into the house. The sweet smell fills my living room.
The warmer weather has inspired me to put out my hummingbird feeder. I have heard Orioles in the Park, so I have put some grape jelly out in hopes of attracting them to my deck. No takers yet, but soon I hope.
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May 11, 2017 | Categories: Flowers, Nature, Outdoors, Photos, Seasons | Tags: nature, outdoors, Photos, weather | Leave a comment
I was hoping when we turned the calendar to May, we would be blessed with some really Springlike weather, but rain and cold seem to be the order of the day.
Yesterday was warm and sunny, but today we are back to a cold rain, and the forecast is for more of the same for the rest of the week.
The pasture is lush and green, and normally my horses would spend all afternoon out there chowing down, but today they are huddled in their shelter, unwilling to brave the chill. Now that the longer days are here, they like to stay out until after eight o’clock, but it looks like I will have to bring them into the barn early tonight and give them extra hay.
The exceptionally wet weather is producing a fine crop of Dandelions. Although they are a terrible nuisance in our lawns and flower beds, they really are quite beautiful, and I read something the other day, encouraging us not to kill them as bees rely on them because they are one of the first things to bloom in the Spring.
Managed to get some shots of my apple blossoms before the rain spoiled them. The wind made it quite challenging. Anyone who considers flower photography ‘Still Life’ has never tried to photograph them on a windy day!
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May 4, 2017 | Categories: Flowers, Horses, Nature, Outdoors, Photos, Seasons | Tags: Horses, nature, Photos, weather | 2 Comments
Our weather seems to be playing a belated April Fool’s joke on us. I awoke this morning to about an inch of snow on the ground. Poor light and rain have discouraged me from taking the camera out lately, so I am glad to be able to post a few more photos from my visit to Dow Gardens.
They have a nice collection of orchids, and the camera really doesn’t do them justice. They are so beautiful and exotic.
This Giant Swallowtail was attracted to a lady’s flowered blouse and rested there for quite some time, giving many people a great photo-op!
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April 7, 2017 | Categories: Butterflies, Flowers, Nature, Photos, Seasons | Tags: nature, Photos, weather | 2 Comments
I did not expect to be taking outside shots when I visited Dow Gardens, but even with the river still ice-covered and snow on the ground there were many attractive areas.
The brief walk from the entrance to the Conservatory revealed this lovely waterfall.
This red bridge is one of three at the gardens, designed by Alden B. Dow.
As March draws to a close, Spring still seems to be dragging her feet. Yesterday brought us a rain/snow mix all day, and today is just cold, wet and dreary. So glad I have these sunny pictures to remind me of a pleasant day out.
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March 31, 2017 | Categories: Nature, Outdoors, Photos, Seasons, Uncategorized | Tags: nature, Photo, weather | Leave a comment
Well, we are now almost halfway through March, and there is no sign of any lambs yet! Last Wednesday falling temperatures and high winds knocked out power to a good part of the state, and I was without heat, light and water from Wednesday until Friday. I heard on the news this morning, that there are many people still out, and I really feel for them.
The lake in the Park, which was completely free of ice a couple of weeks ago, is now almost completely frozen over, and to add insult to injury, we have several inches of snow on the ground.
I finally managed a couple of shots of a male Cardinal as he waited his turn at the feeder. The feeder has been busy and I hope my offerings are helping these tiny creatures make it through the bitterly cold nights.
This Tree Sparrow was almost too quick for me, but I managed to catch him in flight.
Less than a week until the Official start of Spring. If only Mother Nature would cooperate!
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March 14, 2017 | Categories: Birds, Nature, Outdoors, Photos, Seasons, Weather | Tags: nature, outdoors, Photos, weather, Winter | 3 Comments
I hope the old saying that if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb holds true, because we are truly back in the deep freeze now! Wednesday night brought falling temperatures and blowing snow, and after a couple of bitterly cold days and nights, the lake, which was ice-free last week is now starting to ice over again.
My feeder is once more doing a brisk trade and I notice Goldfinches are showing signs of changing to their bright Summer plumage, which is a hopeful sign.
A couple of pairs of Cardinals have been regular visitors, but they have been hard to capture. They usually take off the minute I pick up the camera!
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March 4, 2017 | Categories: Birds, Nature, Outdoors, Photos, Seasons | Tags: Birds, nature, Photos, weather | 4 Comments
After about a week of unseasonably warm temperatures, we are seeing quite a few signs of Spring. The ice has retreated from the lakes and ponds, and the Canada Geese are back in force.
The Pussy Willow is beginning to bud, and the Park was full of the sound of Redwing Blackbirds this morning. Not only are the Robins back, but I actually heard one singing the other day!
I have been a little lax in refilling my bird feeder, but with the snow all gone, and the summer-like temperatures, I don’t think it is needed as much.
Today is wet and chilly, and colder temperatures are on the way, but these last few warm, sunny days have been a wonderful break. March in Michigan is very unpredictable. It often brings warmth and sunshine, followed by a major snowstorm, so we cannot afford to let our guard down just yet!
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February 24, 2017 | Categories: Birds, Nature, Outdoors, Photos, Seasons | Tags: nature, outdoors, Photos, weather | 6 Comments
We managed another walk at the Conservatory the other day. Still some ice and snow on the trails, so I had to tread carefully, but was glad I made the effort.
The level of the stream was down a little since I was here last, and snow and ice made for some interesting shots.
Scared up at least a dozen deer from the meadow. The most I have seen since hunting season ended. Unfortunately they spotted me before I realized they were there, so all I saw was white tails disappearing into the woods. No chance for a photo. 😦
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February 13, 2017 | Categories: Nature, Outdoors, Photos, Seasons, Weather | Tags: nature, outdoors, Photos, weather, Winter | 7 Comments
