Author Archives: makielb

A beautiful sunrise this morning at Whitefish Point. This was a nice way to start the day after yesterdays hectic ride north. But there were things to entertain us. From Flint north, when I am not driving I take photos of cannabis signs. It’s a fun way to pass the time in the car. IContinue reading “I-75 in August and more”

Unlike Snoopy and Woodstock I am hoping to see a few “late season” dragonflies at Whitefish Point. We’re on day two of getting the gutter on the driveway side of the house replaced. Which is why I was taking photos of skeletons and the like at home. This Mexican skeleton was given to be byContinue reading “A late start heading north”

The pantry is nearly empty. A few jars of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. It’s time to use some of what’s in the garden. Processed tomatoes, and cooking on the stove. Later in the day this will be ready for canning. The last batch of giardiniera is gone. We only have some pickled green beansContinue reading “The urban gardener and cook”

Today it was reported that Jill Biden tested positive for Covid-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2). This is weeks after the President tested positive, and is now testing negative. And the pandemic continues. The number of new cases in the U.S. seem to be decreasing weekly, as do deaths. However, both remain quite high. So, continue toContinue reading “Here, there and everywhere”

Some songs from the late 1960s, and… I think that 1965-1975 was just about the best time for music. They’re all good dogs. When people talk about the various flavors of wine I never know what they mean. For me wine either tastes good, is mediocre or outright bad. And – if it’s good enoughContinue reading “Humor, science, politics, music and a great story about a bird”

Old toys from close to 40 years ago, not part of a group of “memorabilia.” This morning we had breakfast at Angelo’s with Mike and Linda. This was the first restaurant that I ate at in 1977 when I moved to Ann Arbor. Back then it was run by Angelo himself and his wife. TodayContinue reading “Reliving old memories”

It has now been a years since I last took my seizure meds. And it has been over a year and a half since I suffered a seizure, which I had always called my “neurological events.” I’ll say I do not miss either. The meds, which were an important part of my life for sevenContinue reading “An anniversary, of sorts for me and more”

Summer colds are the worst. Arlo and Janis always seems to be spot on. All of the pickled veggies I made before Alexis, Camilla and Oscar arrived are now gone. I guess it’s time to make more. This morning we headed downtown to hear some free live music. Sonic Lunch is a summer tradition inContinue reading “Sonic Lunch, music and lunch”

Timing is everything when trying to see flowers, insects and birds. Sometimes you get lucky and see what you are looking for at prime time. Sometimes you have to settle you get. Other times you miss what you are looking for. Yesterday we were lucky. Bishop’s Bog is a delightful site in Portage, south ofContinue reading “A day in a southern bog”

Sometimes where we are traveling and Susan is driving I have time to ponder life. For instance, why is the price of gas 80¢ cheaper in Gaylord than in Ann Arbor? The state of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (Covid-19) seems to be stabilizing. Perhaps the current wave is subsiding. The same can’t be said for monkeypox.Continue reading “Viruses and bombs”