I don't remember much from chemistry class. I wish I did. How does moving water turn into ice? How does it create such amazing structures? Those are the questions that arise when you visit O Kun De Kun Falls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula at the end of March. More photos and thoughts below... Flowing water … Continue reading Icefalls
Yay! Spring!? Nope....not yet. In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, spring teases you. One day it's here and the next, it's gone. Actually, it is "here," officially. The calendar says so, even if my eyes don't. The vernal equinox, spring's astronomical arrival, occurred a week ago. At my other home in Zone 7 (Virginia), daffodils are blooming. … Continue reading Spring? Not!
More than 3' feet fell in some places. In the end, it was an historic winter storm in Michigan's Upper Peninsula -- in some places. But not right here. Almost 40" fell on Mount Arvon, just 15 miles away. But here on the west side of Huron Bay, maybe 16" based on my twice-daily shoveling. … Continue reading Winter Storm – Prediction Vs. Outcome
Sometimes, you have to "lose" something in order to find something else. News of an expanding war is distressing to many of us military vets and retirees who served during the Iraq War and 9/11 and have studied wars through history. The "what's-happening-now?!" question lives too much in our brains. The "what-happens-next?" question follows closely … Continue reading Losing “The War,” Finding Nature
Human-animal interactions are complex! At least for us humans; maybe not for the animals. I've been observing this dynamic close-up -- and participating in it, too -- and it's raised some questions in me. At what point does a wild animal become a pet? When is it a bad idea to support wild animals and … Continue reading Dogs & Deer + Humans = ?
Life brings stress. It's a natural and even healthy part of being human. We do weight-bearing exercise to stress (strengthen) our bones. We do mental exercise to stress (expand) our brains. But, lately, that societal stress...whew. It's showing up almost everywhere, isn't it? It's important to get relief. To find the "wow." (The good kind.) … Continue reading Winter + Wildlife = Wow
Most full-time locals are tired of it by now -- they've been dealing with it since November. But I'm a "seasonal resident" (albeit one who visits in all seasons). And a "remigrant" (one who moved away and came back.) My northern winter started at the end of January. And I love it! Here on the … Continue reading Winter on the 46th Parallel
We knew the storm was coming. We had plenty of notice. So first, I skied. Then, I excavated. Play first, then work. In retirement, it works better for me that way. As the storm-with-no-name (as of today) struck the Washington DC area with both snow and ice, I tackled the inside job I've been avoiding … Continue reading A Life Exposed – The Wall
Ditch the clutter! But only when you're ready. Clutter can clog a house, an office, a car or a mind. But, like anything else, it's not all bad. Clutter serves a purpose. It can bring comfort, jog memories, remind us that we exist, or conceal an issue we aren't ready to address. When we recognize … Continue reading Clearing The Clutter
Snowy woods are magical. Yes, it's cold. You have to dress for it. And it's worth the extra effort, because...the stillness. You can hear yourself think! (Or, not. Sometimes not thinking is the point.) American poet Robert Frost must have known this when he wrote "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." (See him recite … Continue reading Woods on a Snowy Evening
For Many Moons 