Over the years I have always been intrigued by the Mayan, and other ruins in Mexico. I have also been quite fortunate to be able to visit some. The great ceremonial city of Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico sits on the side of a hill overlooking a vast plane. I’ve been on every one of theContinue reading “Palenque, Mexico”
Author Archives: makielb
Peschici, Italy
My grandfather was born in Peschici, Foggia, Italy in 1892. I’ve heard stories about the town all of my life. I have friends and family from Peschici and can trace my ancestors to 1500 there, with several coming from across the Adriatic in what was Dalmatia, and is now Croatia. This photo showed up inContinue reading “Peschici, Italy”
Last night’s bird talk
Last night I gave a talk on warbler migration for the Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance at the downtown Ann Arbor Library. As always it was amazing fun. I saw a lot of people that I hadn’t seen for years. I censused birds in the Arb between 1979 and 2008. At the end my responsibilitiesContinue reading “Last night’s bird talk”
I’ve got a bad feeling about this
I’ve got one of those scars, but I am worried about the next generation with the incoming administration on their anti-vaxxer agenda. Who are the only two people not with their hands over a heart? Besides this he has other convictions – so, should we call his FOTUS? Felon of the United States? FOTUS wantingContinue reading “I’ve got a bad feeling about this”
Climate disasters and more
Denying that Climate Change is not occurring is not the smartest thing that any person can say. It’s been quite obvious for a very long time. In the past year there have been tremendous flooding events, hurricanes and wildfires among other things. Additionally, as the climate warms tropical diseases are spreading northward. The argument hasContinue reading “Climate disasters and more”
The never ending search for life – part 2
Last night we went to the Conservancy Farm hoping to find one of the Short-eared Owls that have been seen there. But we got there at least an hour before sunset, which on a clear cold night was great. Since we had a lot of time to walked several trails seeing what we could find.Continue reading “The never ending search for life – part 2”
The never ending search for life
My never-ending search for different living things is well underway in 2025. I started on January first with several walks in Eugene, Oregon. I had some 17 species of birds and managed to find a total of 116 species of animals, plants and fungi. Every walk that I take give me a chance of findingContinue reading “The never ending search for life”
Happy Insurrection Day!
Somehow the events of January 6, 2020 seem even more significant today than than did in past years. The idea that the monster who condoned and even enflamed the insurrection is being radafied as the next President of the United States is beyond belief. How did this country ever get to this point? So, withContinue reading “Happy Insurrection Day!”
The Pandemic Doctor on vacation
The Pandemic Doctor was visiting with Yoda getting tips on how to use a light saber. Then he went and visited the statue of Yoda dressed as Santa. He also spent some time with Snoopy and Woodstock. But besides visiting new friends, he also spent time with Michael, like going out on the deck toContinue reading “The Pandemic Doctor on vacation”
New Year’s Day – 2025
My day started slowly sipping coffee and watching the distant clouds to the north. Somehow I had managed to get a nasty cold. The somehow being that Susan had a few days earlier. Now it was my turn fight the crud. But I wasn’t going to let it keep from my my morning walk onContinue reading “New Year’s Day – 2025”
Michael's Place 