Last year I managed to learn a lot about my Bellotti ancestors in southern Italy. Recently I closely examined what I thought was a strange coincidence. Three of Stanislao Bellotti’s great-grandparents died in 1822. Coincidence? Perhaps something else was involved. Donna Veneranda Florio, her husband Don Giovanni D’Amato and Donna Veneranda Vincenti all died in 1822. I searched forContinue reading “A volcanic eruption and my Italian ancestors”
Author Archives: makielb
Some birds in northern Michigan
Our first stop in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was at Rudyard where we typical see Snowy Owls. Not this year though. There was very little snow, which would change in two days. Maybe in a few weeks the owls will show up. In stead of owls we settled for barns and homes in various states of dissaray. Often we’llContinue reading “Some birds in northern Michigan”
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
A few days ago we went to Sault Ste. Marie in search of winter birds (more on that tomorrow). Our trip was cut short by a serious winter storm. We headed home yesterday beating the 13-18″ of snow that was predicted. Regardless we had fun with our friend Mike seeing some birds and enjoying our dining experiences. OurContinue reading “Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan”
Hail to the Victors!
I’ve been a big fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines since the mid-1960s. My first memory of coming to Ann Arbor was for a UM game. In the late 1970s I had season tickets and enjoyed going to the games. Fast forward to the 1990s and work and family limited me to watching games on SaturdayContinue reading “Hail to the Victors!”
Finally some snow
I knew it was going to be a colder morning when the flamingoes down the street were all wearing scarves. So in the morning we headed down to Avalon for breakfast. Somehow there were Brush monkey paintings that I had missed in December. I’m sure that there are more to be seen. We were ready forContinue reading “Finally some snow”
Insurrection Day – 2024
It’s still had to believe the events of the 6th of January 2020. However, I watch the attempted overthrow of the U.S. government live on television. I called Susan, who was out on a walk and suggested that she get home as the situation was un-nerving and felt it would be better having her at the house.Continue reading “Insurrection Day – 2024”
Ann Arbor, viruses and moths
Back in Ann Arbor where we found a yard full of flamingoes with hats and scarves. There is currently an uptick in Covid cases and hospitalizations. The current situation in Ann Arbor (from the Ann Arbor Observer). More worrisome is the situation with influenza. So far this flu season 5,000 people have died. So, be careful outContinue reading “Ann Arbor, viruses and moths”
Best birds of Oaxaca
Where do I start, what do I include? I hadn’t been to Mexico since 1996. I was so excited to be back where days included great birds and natural history, excellent food and mezcal! Also birding with old friends and new friends. It couldn’t have been better. Here are a few highlights from the trip. Let’s start with my favoriteContinue reading “Best birds of Oaxaca”
Dinner, shopping and games
After seeing The Nutcracker the other night we went to Chapala for dinner. This restaurant is close to Market of Choice, a nice place to shop. Near Market of Choice is a place called Toxic. Jokingly I told Susan I hope they don’t sell food. Well – they do! Their signature burger is intoxicating! Still, I question the name. MarketContinue reading “Dinner, shopping and games”
Oregon lichens and mosses
The perfect habitat for lots of lichens and mosses Oaks in the fog at Mt. Pisgah. Oregon white oak with mistletoe at Mt. Pisgah. Trees “dripping” with Usnea lichens. A gift from Alexis who knows that I love lichens. The pale one is perhaps hammered shield lichen. At this time I do not know the otherContinue reading “Oregon lichens and mosses”
Michael's Place 