Winter on the Boardman, Part II

Same walk as the pic above, but different angle.

Winter on the Boardman, Part I

It's been an odd winter in northern Michigan. Some record breaking snow falls - as in NO snow - along with unseasonably warm temps. Friday night our local meteorologists predicted about an inch of snow. We woke up to over 6! 

Michele and I thought it a gorgeous, heavy, wet snow that clung to most everything. For about an hour or so with camera in hand I was able to walk along the Boardman River that meanders through Traverse City. It was sublime.

Andy

Cat-Nap Wednesdays: The Yawn

Chocolate Banana Muffins

Chocolate Banana Muffins

These make a yummy, somewhat low fat, snack. Add a bit of peanut butter for protein and they are a great breakfast or mid-afternoon energy booster. They are quick and easy to make and freeze very well.

• 2 C flour (Whatever kinds you like; I used 1 C each of spelt and barley. Sometimes I toss in some rolled oats)
• 1/2 C brown sugar
• 1/3 C unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 t baking soda
• 1 t cinnamon
• 3 large overly ripe bananas; mashed
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
• 2 t vanilla
• 1/4 C dried Michigan cherries
• 1/4 C chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Generously grease and flour a muffin tin (12).

Combine wet and dry ingredients separately. Add wet to dry and stir just until combined. Gently fold in cherries and chocolate chips.

I use a large cookie scoop to place dough into muffin tins. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Yeild: 12 muffins

Winter's Day

I tried to get to one of my favorite view hot spots (the High Rollaway over the Manistee River) today. I've never done it before in the winter and knew it would be hard. Yep, it was; I was not able to find a reasonable way to get there through the snow and within the time frame I had. I have some ideas for another attempt and may get another chance again this winter. 

Until then, here are some shots I got instead. The bay (Suttons Bay*) was a gorgeous glow with mist/fog/steam rising from it in 6 degree weather. Then, I later got a shot of the Manistee River. Not from my desired vantage point, but pretty just the same. 
Stay warm!
Andy
*I also took some of the shots on this site.

Cat-Nap Wednesdays

Katie goes in spells of favorite places to nap. The past 6 months or so she likes the dining room chairs. So, yes, the cushions are covered, making it easier to keep the kitty fur under control.

More little paws!

Happy Wednesday to all,

Michele

Last night we were playing this new game we got for Christmas ... of course, Katie found the box and tried to see if it would work for a bed. Silly girl! (The game is called "Dizios" and we've been having fun playing it ... Andy always wins though. We purchased Dizios at "Enerdyne," our wonderful local science, nature, and toy shop.)

Another Winter Hike

This is NOT on the hike, but I drive by it on the way.

Yep, it's here. Not enough snow for snowshoes so (insulated) hiking boots still work fine.
Andy

Suttons Bay (the "bay" of Suttons Bay) is in the background.

An old ski hill now turned into a great sledding hill.

Not a military bunker, just a water utility station.

Winter Hike

Lake Michigan (Good Harbor Bay) with Pyramid Point in the background.

One of my favorites--Whaleback. I got a couple of shots on the drive to and from as well. Oh, and winter arrived.  ;->

Andy

Along the hike is the work of Pileated Woodpecker!

Grape vines for our impressive local wine industry (to the south of the trail).

On the drive across the Lake Leelanau narrows.

Cherry orchards.

Cat-Nap Wednesdays

Winter Pix . . . Not Quite

We don't really . . . have winter yet!! We have broken many records though - for the least amount of snow. So, here are some shots from our fall day trips on the dunes. 

Happy  . . . winter . . . I guess?   ;->

Andy

One of the walks up . . . and down.

Kate's Wedding

The very happy couple, Kate and Jerry!

I was very fortunate to travel downstate to visit my Mom, my sister and her family, and also attend (second) cousin Kate's wedding. At the latter I caught up with lots of extended family and felt quite blessed. It was a nice holiday season, especially with a New Year's Eve wedding! Hope 2012 is wonderful for you!

Andy

Kate could not contain herself for weeks . . . and here!

Neither could Jerry!

Goofin' off with my nieces, Miranda and Ellie.

Sina and her Mom, Cathy.

 

Sis, Mom, Aunt Pat sitting and Doug and Cindy standing.

Christmas Lights--One House!

Here are some shots of the lights from ONE HOUSE by us. Cars pull up by the tens, park in the cul-de-sac and walk the property. Awfully generous of the home owners!! (Thank you!)

These pix do not do the decorating justice--they have acres of lights. Happy Holidays!
Andy