Category Archives: Uncategorized

I love bats, and have been lucky to see quite a few in the US, Canada, Mexico and Central America. But one I would love to see are the “flying foxes of SE Asia. But as the human population has grown exponentially over the years these animals, along with many others are brought into closerContinue reading “Human population growth, animals and disease”

An American Goldfinch on a branch with nearby lichens. A male Pine Grosbeak on our deck this morning. Lots of Common Redpolls to watch today. Photographing them required some patience. But the next bird was a pleasant surprise. The un-streaked under-tail coverts and the overall white coloration of this bird makes it a Hoary Redpoll.Continue reading “Whitefish Point Birds and the human population”

Our walk to the point was snowy and cold (27F). But it was still a nice walk. Back at the cabin I was finally able to get a quick photo of a Red-breasted Nuthatch. They are really darting to and from the feeders so fast it’s hard for me to focus on one and getContinue reading “A snowy day at Whitefish Point”

On our way north yesterday we saw this “help wanted” add on a billboard. I guess that the thriving industry needs help. I am surprised at how many of the cannabis billboards are green, although some are blue. Green is “obviously” iconic. But the clouds are blue. Dunegrass, a higher latitude was next to theContinue reading “Back in the land of ice and snow – cannabis and birds”

Yep, got hit is the armor. I’ll bet that hurt less than the 30+ arrows killing the other guy. Oh no, that pesky last leaf crying for attention. Now, compare this BC comic with the Wizard of Id below. I wonder if Mastroianni had much to do with with. Ooh – those needed Zambonis! ItContinue reading “Some humor for Monday”

We went shopping at Fresh Thyme today. It was the first time there since I retired from Eastern Michigan University in 2019. We had forgotten how nice the shopping experience was there. We’ll keep it on our list of places to shop when we are on the east side. Now, here’s an add that IContinue reading “A blustery day in Ann Arbor”

Yes, finally a proper November Saturday. And with the cold weather came a trivial amount of snow. The full moon from a couple of nights ago and the lunar eclipse. Some of the nasturtium from this morning. Nasturtium and snap-dragons. Will they make it through the day? Flu season has arrived and hitting the southContinue reading “The weather has changed and snow has arrived”

Peanuts always seems to be spot on when it comes to history. I learned about Bill Mauldin as a kid. My father had old editorial cartoons cut out from Stars and Stripes that he showed me. It’s hard to believe that my memories were from a mere 10 years after he was in the marines.Continue reading “Remembrance Day, Veterans Day Celebrations”

My father was proud to have served in the USMC during World War II. He’s #8 at the tail of the pack howitzer. I’m not sure where this photo was taken, but do know that it was in the South Pacific, possibly Guam. My father, squatted down low at the tail of the gun becauseContinue reading “In 1775 the U.S. Marines were formed”

I think that women and concerned men helped tread on the bull snake. All propositions passed. The governor, secretary of state both won. The house and senate went to the Democrats. A great day for freedom. And now, on to names. John is such a simple and common name. Here are the varieties across EuropeContinue reading “A blue wave in Michigan”