Out and about the log cabin

One of Greg's best friends and his family came to visit us at the cabin this past weekend. With their 4 kids and my stepson - they out-numbered the adults. I won't even tell you about the volume level......







Greg and his buddy went out onto the lake to check the ice fishing conditions. Later on they caught a nice pike!





Of course we had to take everyone to see the elk herd in Gaylord, Michigan. The city maintains an elk herd of over 70 elk on about 104 acres. It's amazing to get so close to these beautiful animals. Some weigh over 800 pounds!





Here's our friend's children posing in front of the elk park.






And of course Scout was beside herself - so many children to love and lick! I think it was the only time she left my side for more than 5 minutes!


*We're expecting 12 inches of snow tonight in lower Michigan - they are saying it will be blizzard conditions and that it will be "thundering" tonight. Should be an interesting drive to work tomorrow! To my mid-west friends - stay warm and safe!

This photo needs no explanation...

Winter Foliage

First off - a belated Happy New Year to all my bloggy friends! Did I tell you that one of my New Years Resolutions is to be a better blogger, that includes getting around to visit you more often! :-)

It was in the 20's and very sunny at the cabin this weekend. We went on a couple winter hikes and dreamed about never coming home. A lot of you know how much I love winter and wanted to share with you some of nature's handiwork.

I don't know what this plant is, but I liked how the bright red contrasted against the snow.





Look at the snow crystals on this bush glistening in the sun.






Evergreen trees are always one of my favorites.





And here's Scout eating some of nature's handiwork. She wants to let you know that winter is very tasty!

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.....