Author Archives: makielb

When I think about the Russian claim to Ukraine I think about what the south-western US would think if Mexico marched in and claimed ownership. An editorial cartoon from this morning. The higher gas prices that we are seeing is due to profits by the gas companies – it doesn’t have to be this way.Continue reading “A war, a virus and a walk to downtown Ann Arbor”

I pulled God’ Playground, A History of Poland, Part II down from a bookshelf to put into perspective what was happening in Ukraine today. Somehow the parallels between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the German invasion of Poland are difficult to miss. Let’s hope that the outcome of this invasion is better than theContinue reading “The war, the pandemic and humor to help getting through it”

Starting the day with a funny but appropriate cartoon. Having had kidney stones I appreciatre “drinking my troubles away with water.” First Common Grackles at our feeders. We spent most of the late morning at Ford Lake looking for waterfowl. The local flock of Greater White-fronted Geese were rather obvious. There were a few CacklingContinue reading “Interesting geese and a nice evening”

But first, what’s happening in the Ukraine. The attack on the nuclear power plant is both scary and unimaginable. I hope that this is all resolved soon. In 2013 I was invited to an Anatomy & Physiology meeting in New Orleans. Susan was able to attend with me. She was able to wander town whileContinue reading “New Orleans meeting – 2013”

We went to Barton Pond today in search of a White-winged Scoter. We found the scoter along with Redheads, Common Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks and Bufflehead. Unfortunately, they were quite distant. Although easily seen with a spotting-scope I could not photograph them. So I settled for the dam and some other stuff. More later…

This is ll too familiar a problem. I went through a lot the same issues several years ago, Fortunately, I am still here to annoy people with my writing and photos. Right now the garden consists of enough kale plants to get us through the next couple of months. But it’s time to plant nextContinue reading “Walking in the neighborhood and thinking about the garden”

My day started out with a blood-draw (all routine, not due to a problem) then I walked over to Toyota to meet Susan who was waiting for the cars routine maintenance. It is now ready for our first trip to the cabin in April. Since my blood-draw required fasting we stopped at Village Kitchen soContinue reading “The March to spring in Ann Arbor”

On this beautiful winter day I have been looking at some drawings that I did last spring. I was drawing the spring ephemerals as I has seen them. Here are a few violets. I’m thinking of redoing these drawings, but in color. Long-spurred violet is perhaps my favorite violet to find in the spring. WeContinue reading “A beautiful winter day in Ann Arbor”

Our day started at the North Star Inn in Corinth, Kentucky. I would recommend this place if you are taking I-75 either north or south through Kentucky. First time since we were at Sault Ste. Marie in early January that we woke to frost on the car. It was 27F, and running the car asContinue reading “Back in Michigan”

After spending time with so many friends in the south this really makes sense. Heck yes! I’ll take a good tequila or mescal over beer any day. I had a negra modelo with lunch yesterday and a bit of Espolon in the evening while playing a game with Mark. The Espolon labels are as entertainingContinue reading “North Carolina to Kentucky”