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
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 = ?
It's a phenomenon I haven't felt since retiring, this driving need to stay on task. Set daily priorities, accomplish them, evaluate, adjust. Next? When we set out on this ambitious DIY building process, Jeff promised to give it a year. Is that even possible, I wondered, without a contractor? When I know nothing about building … Continue reading On Task
Average annual snowfall here on Huron Bay in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is about 100". This year? I can't find the total-to-date, but it can't be more than 20. When it does show up, it's not much and doesn't last. Snowmobiles are grounded. Skiis and snowshoes sit unused. The ice on the bay comes and goes. … Continue reading A Strange Winter
And now, the installation of interior doors as our DIY progresses to create the Cabin at Many Moons...another milestone in the process of turning a house into a home. We've had reliable heat for months. We have a flush toilet and shower, and a washer and dryer. And now, a door on the bathroom. Yes … Continue reading In-Doors & Outdoors
Sometimes the moon jumps into your eyeballs -- especially when it's full -- and reminds you to Just Stop. Look. Breathe. Notice. Make sure you're living and not just existing. When you're doing DIY construction, it can become a long grind from one task to the next. Each morning, the same questions: What's the top … Continue reading Full Moon, Full Schedule
The things we take for granted in "civilized" life! Winter has finally returned to Michigan's far-north. Snow is falling steadily as I write this, now measuring five inches with more to come and temps falling to 10 degrees. But the real headline here is something indoors at Camp Many Moons...something most of you take for … Continue reading Winter & Washing
In my 60s, I'm more and more attracted to browns. I wonder why, since I once preferred reds and blues? I think one reason is my increasing immersion in nature. I find the earthy colors calming. That's why the Cabin at Many Moons is planned around them. This is a fortunate trend in late-autumn since … Continue reading Beautiful Browns
For Many Moons 