Between Cold and Warm

The weather has gone from cold and snowy to warmer and slushy. The snow is disappearing and the ice on the shore is trying to hang on to it's grasp. I hate these changes but in Michigan that's what we do. Soon it will be snowing again and the dirty look to the landscape will be pristine and beautiful again. Four and a half months of Winter is before us so I guess we should enjoy this reprieve from the cold. Enjoy your day and hope your Monday is going well.

Starting Up

I have not posted in awhile. So many things happening--birthdays, graduations and a Wedding shower for Tessa and Mike. They are all happy things. Kids are here for the summer so the house, once again is alive. I miss this blog because I can go back and see what was happening and enjoy it again during the winter months that are quiet. We finally got a good rain and my garden is looking much better. I was fortunate that Sandy took the time to keep my plants watered while I was gone. I hear stirrings and it has to be Miranda. She comes down, her eyes half opened, climbs onto Grandpas lap and gets some hugs. She is a sweetheart. Have a great day!

Fire!

We had a fire not far from Norm and Sandys place by the Black River. The smoke got very heavy and you cloud see the flames from their front yard. One house was told to get their animals and belongings they wanted out because for a while there, they didn't know if they would be safe. Everyone pitched in and helped load their birds and animals and get them to safety. It took a lot of effort by a lot of people to gain control of that fire in high gusting winds and we are very thankful. An ember got in a ceder tree in Norms driveway. Beth noticed it and Sandy put it out. It being so dry it could have started that tree on fire and made things worse. Norm was a little over 500 ft. from the fire and that burning ember made it to his place. That is why you should never burn anything when the wind is up. A bad situation ended well. No loss of property or animals that I know of. Hurrah!!

Vineyards

Spent the day out visiting different vineyards the other day. The countryside is beautiful. I want to try and make some of these fish for Paradise. They were unique. The weather took a turn for cool temperatures but the sun is out and it is pleasant. Ann made curry chicken last night with rice and she also had tofu. It took on the flavor of the curry and was quite good. I have to get the recipe for the curry chicken because I really liked it and Dennis did too. Our visit has been a lot of fun and so nice to see everyone. Enjoy your day! Happy Birthday Kelly!! You are one of our treasures. Jim and the kids are lucky to have you. You are tucked in with the others close to our hearts. Love you!

Davisburg

Davisburg has been the family house. I love the animals and most of the kids are close by. The chickens and the keets are fun to watch and the wild turkeys come in to sneak an easy meal from the flock. Rudy is the top rooster and Timmy is the mean enforcer. The other two just follow the hens. Enjoy hearing all the animal sounds. Jim had us over for a great meal. The ribs were outstanding. Denny and Jen came over too. Left for Ann and Richs the next day. We all went over to see Mike and Tessas condo. It is very nice--great neighborhood. There is so much to see and do close by them. Good choice. We went to an Irish Pub for supper and really enjoyed the drinks and food. New beginnings for Mike and Tessa--so happy for you.

Happy Birthday Jen!

Today is Jens Birthday. She is one of our many treasures and we love her. Have a great year. You and Denny working together have made a good home for Matt to grow. He is a young man to be proud of. Saw the coyote today and he was limping. Looks like he got his front foot in a trap. I hate the traps because they maim the animals and make them a danger. They will try to survive. I got a picture of the back end of him and look how he blends with his surroundings. The Bay is free of ice and the roar of the waves lets us know Spring is coming. My pansies, herbs and Rhubarb are doing fine. I planted some Garlic this fall and I haven't seen it break through yet. The Lavender Kelly gave me is looking good and I hope it spreads. Warm winter, little snow makes for a fire hazard without a wet Spring. Hope the good Lord gives us rain and keeps our forests green. Have a great day!~

Warming Up

The temperatures are supposed to be warming up into the low 40's today. The wind is still brisk and the sound of it going through the pines is very relaxing. The birds and animals are out and about. Soon we will have all kinds of birds migrating through. The squirrels are scolding and Dennis saw a Chippie out for the first time since the beginning of winter. He didn't stay out for long as they don't like to be exposed on the white snow. They know they can be an easy meal and stay in their tunnels they have made during the winter. Everyone will be helping Mike and Tessa move. What an exciting day! Dennis and I remember our first place in Alaska--not fancy but it was ours. Enjoy!