Sturgeon are spawning on the Black River, and they are a sight to behold. I traveled upstate last weekend to see them making their way upriver. Sturgeon were extirpated in generations gone by, but they are on their way back. The fish are prehistoric and huge. It is a thrill just to see them. … Continue reading Sturgeon
Author: Nancy J. Moncrieff
Livin’ Large
At last, it’s the time of year for Rascal to loll in the grass. He’s been licking grass for some weeks now. He feels that water is at its tastiest when licked off grass. In fact, he’ll spend long enough licking grass that, as far as you can tell, he’s trying to find which single… Continue reading Livin’ Large
Barn Quilts
My friend Janice and I have just returned from the “Tour de Barn Quilts” put together by the village of Manchester, Michigan. Manchester is small enough and remote enough from Ann Arbor that few Ann Arborites swing by on a regular basis. We need a reason to go there. Ta-da: barn quilt tour. Barn quilts… Continue reading Barn Quilts
Poetry and Mud
Last Saturday afternoon, my husband and I went to hear Billy Collins, former poet laureate of the United States, in a nearby town. He gave a reading as part of the Chelsea District Library’s fourteenth Midwest Literary Walk. It was wonderful. We showed up early, and a few folks even earlier. Eventually, I believe,… Continue reading Poetry and Mud
Tasty World
On a recent foray to Sur La Table, I picked up a Bundt pan that makes six bunny “cakelets.” The bunnies are quite detailed and differ slightly, one from the next. We were concerned about whether the delicate details, such as the ears, would come out of the pan intact. They did, though. When… Continue reading Tasty World
Progress
‘Just came in from a walk. All by myself. That’s right, as of this week, I am confident enough again to go out on my own. Hurray! It feels like progress. My destination was the pond, where I sat on one of the benches and saw pretty much the same cast of characters as… Continue reading Progress
Double Play
Outpatient physical therapy started this afternoon. Jessica, my new physical therapist, professed amazement at how well I’m doing so soon after the accident. I was chuffed. Then she handed me off to her helper, who had me do exercises, after which I was less chuffed. Then the helper asked me to fill out a survey,… Continue reading Double Play
Recovering
Our wonderful neighbors have been taking our dog for his long morning walk since my accident. This is a huge investment of their time, as the little squirt isn’t happy unless he’s been out for an hour or so. He doesn’t understand that they’re doing this as a favor and that they both have jobs. … Continue reading Recovering
Four-Wheel Drive
Prakash, the physical therapist who comes to the house, has graduated me to a four-wheel walker and sometimes just a cane. This is wonderful. Not only does it represent progress in the abstract, but the four-wheel walker glides along the sidewalk, whereas the two-wheel one did not. Prakash still wants someone with me when I… Continue reading Four-Wheel Drive
Saint Patrick’s Day
Last Saturday, we got together with the four friends with whom we have periodic wine-and-cheese gatherings. Heretofore, Anne and Todd have hosted these gatherings. They’re great at it. We all know what to do when Anne and Todd put the word out about a wine and cheese. We think of what great things to bring… Continue reading Saint Patrick’s Day