Cat-Nap Wednesdays (w/ Goofy Vid)

Need I say more about the above pix? I know I need to say something, however, about the video below! Katie is a very goofy cat and her idea of playing is sometimes quite lively--rolling on her back while swatting, biting, and pulling at a brown mouse on a string. 


Or, it is not lively . . . but simply "odd" to the point where we laugh not knowing what else to do when she gets into these goofy "inner" play sessions. You be the judge.

"Cat-At-Play" . . . kinda.


Andy

Caramel Ice Cream and Morel Frittata!

Well, we've blogged frittata's before so the only comment here is using local, fresh ingredients. You'll note asparagus--in season--and now, morel mushrooms! If you are not familiar with them, read more here. They're delicious! 

The big idea, however, to share today is . . . Caramel Ice Cream! Simple, lucky (I'll explain), and out of this world. We've blogged ice cream before and the Donvier maker we use. See our January 26, 2011 post.

Here is an insanely simple recipe with a simple trick. Luckily, we came across an incredible gourmet caramel from goat's milk. Check it out here. That was the key ingredient to make this work. And, work it did! Here's the recipe.

• About 3 cups of heavy cream. Yes, we use locally produced Shetler's. Their byline is humorously, "Our cows don't do drugs, but they are on grass!" 
• About 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp (good) vanilla
• And, the prime item: 8oz jar of Fat Toad Farm Traditional Goat's Milk Original Caramel

Enjoy,
Andy

The American Robin

It is our state bird and they are so common that I must admit I usually take them for granted. The other day, however, I took note of this sweet specimen and give him his due. 
Andy

Cat-Nap Wednesdays

Katie has only one toy that she really likes and she makes sure that we have at least two play sessions a day.

First she stares at us .... if that doesn't work then she starts meowing ... quite loudly. I'll ask her "do you want to play mousey?" She runs over to the cupboard that is referred to as "where mousey lives." And the game begins ...

Someday Andy will make a video ... she acts pretty silly with this game.

~Michele

Asparagus (Dog?) Festival

Well, we took in the local Asparagus Festival again this year. It is without question hokey, BUT everyone knows this so there is a self-mockery silliness to the whole event which makes it very fun. And, of course, there is great food!

What is also fun and quite interesting are the sheer number of attending dogs. We don't know much about the history of the event where possibly it was promoted as dog-friendly. That might explain it, but who knows.

Regardless, it's an event to have good food, people watch AND dog watch!
Andy

Cat-Nap Wednesdays

This is that same box I received a shipment in a few weeks ago ... Katie still loves it!

~Michele

Pix for Sale!

Gotta make a few plugs . . .


Small Works Show
First, many of my pix will be in the Small Works Show at Dennos Museum starting Thursday evening, May 19 through Sunday, May 22. All submitted pieces must be 5x7x1 or smaller and be under $50 and a max of 10 are displayed at once. I have submitted 20 5x7's pix and hope you'll stop by to check them out. They comprise swans, butterflies and a few other shots seen here. It's a very fun show.


Leelanau Birdfest
This is an inaugural event in our county and long overdue (write-up in MLive). It is a birding festival from Wednesday, June 1 through Sunday, June 5 with events scattered throughout the region. I'll have 6 matted 8x10's on display and for sale at the Suttons Bay Visitor Center. These consist of a variety of birds (of course!). If you like birds stop by the visitor center during your participation!


Heart of Zen
Lastly, I was very fortunate to work with Michelle Racich for photography of her wonderful Chinese medicine practice, Heart of Zen. Michelle is a very cool person, has amazing knowledge and skills in the art of ancient healing, and taught us Qigong. 


(Also, she holds the rank of second dan with the American Tae Kwon Do Association and first dan with the World Martial Arts Federation and American Tae Kwon Do Federation.)


Michele (MY Michele, that is!) and I feel lucky to have her in our community and I really enjoyed the photoshoot of her studio. 


Thanks!
Andy

Cat-Nap Wednesdays

OK, I thought I should take a "shot" at CNW. These are mostly of Katie in the sun in front of our door-wall and another in one of her (many) favorite boxes.

BTW, box = Katie's never-ending fascination and the bane of our living room . . . ;->

Andy

Spring is in the Air

Again we lucked out with some nice weather on Mother's Day. 

Granted, Michele is "just" a cat mom, but sometimes we feel . . . . like it is having a perpetual 2 year old! 

Regardless, we enjoyed the day with a short outing: a picnic with pix! Can you beat that?

Andy

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park

One of our favorite places to visit is our local national park, Sleeping Bear Dunes. Check it out "officially" here or here. We're finally getting some sun and it was wonderful to get outside. Here are some shots--hope you enjoy!
Andy

Self Portrait