Winter Wonderland

I love all seasons and winter is no different. I think in finding many activities to do in winter such as skiing and snow shoeing, it makes the cold more tolerable. Our cabin is located in a snowbelt in Northern Michigan - and this makes my dog Scout beyond happy. (Greg has been grumbling about all the shoveling, but really all he's doing is the deck. We got a snow plow guy for the driveway.)







Here's Scout guarding all her snow.









Greg shoveled the deck. I was too busy feeding and talking to the birds.






My bird feeders have been so busy. Almost had the nuthatch eat out of my hand. The chickadees always do and scold me while they do it.



How much snow do you have? I was thinking about making a snowman but I figured Scout would canabalize it shortly after. Just how much snow can a dog eat?!

Winter Weekend

Made it up to the cabin last night. It was 32 degrees and plenty of snow on the ground. Scout could barely contain her excitement - I think she ate half the snow in our backyard! And of course she kept "faking me out" all night pretending she had to go outside to the bathroom and as soon as we got out there she ran around wanting me to chase her. Not fun at 3:00 in the morning!





The birdwatching was phenomenal this morning. We had Chickadees, Hairy, Downy and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Gold finches and a Tufted Tit-Mouse. The more birds I see, the more bird feeders I want to buy. So this afternoon I'm dragging Greg over to Bosmans to pick up more birdy food and another new feeder. Later on we are going to go snow shoeing. I'm debating about taking Scout - cuz I know she'll be pulling her leash so hard that I'll be water skiing on top of the snow! What have you got planned this weekend?

Christmas is coming to the cabin...

Gosh, it feels like ages since I've posted. To give you a quick run down.....changed jobs, registered for classes, been playing with my niece, had a bad root canal (which has left me with nightmares of my dentist) and joined the Board of Directors at the Michigan Audubon Society. How's that for busy?

I've started to decorate the log cabin for Christmas, just need to do the outside. I'll post some photos when we head up there next weekend. I can't tell you how much I daydream when I'm in my car (or at work, ha,ha!) and think about being at the cabin, snow on the ground, birds at my feeders, warm kitty on my lap, fluffy dog at my feet, hot chocolate in my hand and having my neighbors caroling outside my door. Okay...we know that's not going to happen......but really, don't you think they can at least sing to me?

Guess who's invited to Thanksgiving Dinner?

No, just kidding! We wouldn't have a squirrel for Thanksgiving. Well, unless he offered to bring a pumpkin pie or something.....

Salmon Run

It's a little late in the season, but Greg and I managed to find a spot in northern Michigan where the salmon were still "running." (For you non-fishers out there, it's when the salmon swim upstream to spawn and make more salmon babies!)

Here's Greg in action!





He landed this fish in less than 5 minutes after casting. Afterwards, we let the salmon go because he was "fresh" and we wanted to give him an opportunity to spawn in case he hadn't done so already. We're nice like that - ha,ha! :-)





Even Scout was impressed - she managed to wake up from her nap on the bridge to give Greg a congratulatory tail wag. After that, it was time for treats! It's hard work guarding the river of course....

5 Year Wedding Anniversary

Just a quick post today! We are up at the log cabin celebrating our 5-year wedding anniversary. We have nature hikes, a fishing excursion and some nice dinners out planned. I can't think of a better way to celebrate.

Greg and I met over 8 years ago at an art auction through a mutual friend. (And no, neither one of us bought art that night!) 3 years later, we married on October 28, 2005 in my favorite season - autumn of course! One thing I love about my husband is that he always strives to make me happy (for example, giving in to me by letting me get a cat and a dog. Though I haven't told him about my plans for a goat yet.....)

Have a wonderful week and I will check in with your blogs later this weekend my friends!

Unfinished projects at the log cabin

Is it just me, or is Autumn going by quickly? I didn't make it to the cabin last week due to the flu. (Now why did I get that painful flu shot at work? Hmph!!) But this week we will be headed up there as Greg and I will be celebrating our 5-year wedding anniversary! Hope there is still some fall colors left when we get there!

I was thinking about all the projects we didn't complete this summer, putting stone on the outside basement wall, putting in the walk out patio, having a party with my reclusive neighbors, etc. Oh well, there's always next year! Winter is coming and I must break out my wine collection! Cheers!

Bright Sunshiney Day

When we're at the cabin, we see the sun rise over the lake every morning. Every time I hear that song "I can see clearly now" by Johnny Nash, it makes me think of log cabin mornings, sitting on the deck, watching the birds and drinking some hot tea.

We are headed up this weekend and the fall colors should be at their peak. Can't wait to get some photos! Here are some from a few weeks ago.


Another morning at the cabin.....Scout is probably walking Greg right now. Ha!





Here's a little toad sunning himself. I had an explosion of toad babies this summer in our yard - at one point I had counted over 30 of them!





My Dahlias are still blooming and have become one of my new favorite flowers.





And now I leave you with one of my favorite songs....

Trains & Weather

Should I admit this? Okay, I am going to, I have no filter you know. I am fascinated by the weather and by trains. A couple weekends ago, they were having a fall color tour on one of these antique trains in Grayling, Michigan. I bought tickets for our family. What's really neat is the original train depot that was built in 1882 is still standing and is now maintained as a museum. The day was cloudy but here are a few photos:




















The next thing I'm fascinated by is the Weather. And in our cabin town, we have a National Weather Service Station, I believe only 1 of 4 in the state. (When we would drive by this mysterious building, Greg would always tell me I think it's a cover for a secret government operation....he had me going for a while!) So when they announced a rare open house, I jumped at the chance - secret operation or not, I was going to get to the bottom of this!


Glad to know I'm not the only nosey person....I mean interested person in the weather!












Here's one of the meteorologist explaining the weather maps to us. He looks like he could be a secret operative.....





Here they are releasing a weather balloon. Maybe it's a secret message to aliens? Hmm...


At the National Weather Service, they are staffed 24-7. Most of the meteorologists have 4-5 computer screens in front of them, monitoring the weather. It was interesting to find out that they put weather buoys out in the great lakes to monitor the weather and provide information on lake conditions. So the last thoughts of the day are....they could be secret agents, and I wonder if they would hire me?! (Greg is rolling over on the floor laughing hysterically at me right now....)

Autumn in full swing

It seems like I cannot pick up enough fall decorations for the cabin. I still think I need more pumpkins (can you hear Greg grumbling now?) Here are some recent images...

From 2010_10_02

Scout is a little upset over the size of her pumpkin. Think I need to get her a new one.

Fall is coming!

My favorite time of year is upon us. I love autumn and can't wait to show off Michigan's colors to you soon. How is it looking in your neck of the woods?


I've started decorating the cabin. I've decided a girl can't have too many pumpkins. Thus I plan on putting pumpkins everywhere - inside and outside the cabin. Greg says we don't live on a pumpkin farm but I beg to differ...








The trees have a little hint of color right now.







The ducks are getting ready to migrate. I'm sure my poop covered dock will miss them.






And Scout may be the happiest of all. She thrives on cold weather and is ready for the white fluffy stuff.

A walk in the woods

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.
-Henry David Thoreau

Greg's parents have a cottage on 20 acres nearby to our log cabin. The setting is so beautiful filled with so many old trees. One cool morning, the four of us along with Scout went on a hike.






Here's Greg's dad leading the way. He wins the prize for being the fastest walker.





I did notice one thing. Greg and his dad walk alike.





I loved this photo of Greg's dad in the middle of the valley, breathing in the fresh clean air and enjoying the moment.


I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.
-Henry David Thoreau

Small Town Fun

I think one of the best things me and Greg did was select a "small town" in which to base our log cabin. It's nice to escape from the concrete jungle. And doesn't it seem like the small towns always have the nicest events and friendliest people?

One evening we headed downtown.....





I packed up my wine backpack with "spirits" and cheese. (Special thanks to one of my friends for getting us this gift for our wedding - best gift ever!)






And we headed to the town pavilion to listen to the local orchestra play a summer concert.







They played a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as many other favorites. My in-laws loved it. (On the other hand, my pre-teen nephew and stepson were begging for ice cream money but I think they managed to listen to a few tunes...)



Now I must admit, I wasn't sure if I should have brought my wine backpack. (Greg's mom was glad I did! Ha!) And during the concert, I noticed this elderly lady staring at me and my backpack. At the end of the concert she approached me and I thought "uh oh, I offended someone." Instead she smiled and said "now that's the way to enjoy a summer concert!" I knew I loved this town......

Love of a child and dog

Greg's best friend and his 2 boys came to visit us at the cabin this weekend. Scout loves all kids but was particularly enthralled with the youngest one. Scout loved him immediately and followed him all around. My heart melted to see these two together. Can you see the connection in the photo? I still can't stop saying Aw!

Wildfire

Remember that song...."she ran calling Wildfire......" It was by Michael Martin Murphy. I love the songs of the 70's and this was one of my favorites. When Greg and I went for a day trip down to the Manistee River recently, we saw this woman riding her horse down the River. Can you imagine what a beautiful ride that was.....wish that was me.....sigh.....

Special Note To Greg: I want a pony and I'm going to name it Wildfire!
For the rest of you, I've posted the video below.

Indestructible

See my chipmunk? He's lucky to be alive. He jumped from the deck railing trying to land on one of my bird feeders in the trees. Once he jumped, he was only able to grasp the very ends of the perch with his front paws, did a somersault and then fell 2 stories to the ground. SPLAT! Horrified and half crying (yeah, you all know what a softie I am)- I go running down and find him. Here he is looking around. He chirped at me and went on his merry way. Yep, he's indestructible!

P.S. I had several essays to write for school this week and a job interview that I think went well. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I'll be over to visit you soon!

Outdoor projects at the cabin

We've been busy at the log cabin doing outdoor projects and entertaining friends. This past weekend I was elected recording secretary of our lake association. I keep joking to Greg that I'm one step away from being mayor of this one-horse town!


Greg has been driving his ATV and picking up all these free rocks for our slope. He also put in a mulch pathway that I think turned out pretty nice.






Greg's flower boxes are doing well!






The butterflies seem to like these purple flowers. (I don't know what they are called, I'm just happy I haven't killed them! Ha!)






My new bird bath - don't think I've shown it to you yet. I found this in an antique shop for $20 - isn't it wonderful?





We've been invaded by baby Grosbeaks! I counted 7 of them the other day on our deck crying for their parents to feed them. They're noisy and I love them. Look at this plump little girl - she's certainly well fed! I don't know what my excuse is......I need to tell PF Changs and Pepsi Cola to quit feeding me....