Some Spring Shots

Who says dandelions aren't beautiful?

Three Year Anniversary

2013

Although I'm late posting our blog anniversary picture this year, this photo was taken close to our anniversary date of May 3, 2010. This year the cherry trees are on more of a normal schedule. They are usually in bloom about mid-May. Last year's early heat wave, followed by several hard frosts left the cherries corp severely damaged. 

 As for blog, we are deciding what direction we would like to take it from here. We appreciate all of our readers and hope to make our blog changes soon.

2012

2011

2010

The Rowe Inn: Morels!

Seared scallop en brioche with morel duxelle.

If you like or love morel mushrooms, like me, then you need to visit The Rowe In in Ellsworth, MI. Not a well-known town by any means, Ellsworth still boasts some wonderful gems and The Rowe Inn is certainly one. Almost every spring they develop a special menu centering on the local morel harvest in which I was lucky to participate . . . in every way! 

Morel Bisque

I did this photoshoot a while back and felt compelled to share now just before the local morel crop. And, yes, despite the odd, very chilly-below-average temps we will STILL have morels soon!

Roasted beef tenderloin with morel chasseur.

Click here to learn more about The Rowe Inn and happy spring.
Andy

Lemon napoleon dessert. (Correct-no morels here!  ;-> )

Upon arrival, each plate holds the special menu of the evening.

Yes, their wine selection is DIZZY-ING!

Ice Macros and Such

Kinda like a gem-ice encased lilac bud.

Yep, about half the state of Michigan had a late winter storm: ice, sleet, snow, rain, cats, dogs, etc. Since I was frozen in, I worked from home half the day and took pix the other half! 

Not a bad surprise . . . happy spring.

Andy

PS Don't forget that clicking on the images should provide a slideshow.

The pine trees are so frail right now--one touch and this frozen branch would have broken off.

Lichen on lilac, under glass-ice.

That's right . . . no line drying today.

Waning Winter

Don't know why I like this subject so much. I always look out for it when coming home in the late winter/early spring. I love catching either water or ice interplay with the old, unused agricultural station. Then, I always love the leftover leaves that refused to give in to the winter harshness. They, too, hold out for spring.
Andy

Winter "Ice Mushrooms"

We were able to check out a Lake Michigan beach in winter. Always a neat contrast to a summer visit, a winter beach amazes with ice structures including these iced over pilings.

Andy

Whaleback Natural Area (hiking trail) is in the background.

Yes, some of these have faces to me!

I see another face.

Here is a 30 second look at windy, chilly beach weather.

Kehl Lake Snowshoe

Unbelievable snow, unbelievable temp, unbelieveable snowshoe day at Kehl Lake Natural Area in Northport, MI.
Andy

A shanty on the lake.

Nature's magic trick??  Ta-da!!

Just relaxing on a park bench . . . with a little snow.