Small, tender trees near us are sporting costumes of fine white mesh, secured around the trunk. They look like not-very-scary-sized alien life forms. In fact, the netting is to protect them from nearly-alien life forms. The 17-year cicadas called Brood X are beginning to emerge. They’re pretty benign as invaders go, but can be tough… Continue reading Contact
Category: Michigan Stories
Drama, Subtlety, and the Long View
Drama and subtlety have been the watchwords this week, and Baltimore orioles have starred in the drama department. With their vivid markings, all they have to do is show up to create drama, and they’ve just returned to southern Michigan. I came upon one in the woods yesterday that was so gorgeous, the sight of… Continue reading Drama, Subtlety, and the Long View
In Motion
Whether critters going about their business, a truck moving about its appointed rounds, or excited children, this was a week in motion. The freezing weather seems to be behind us at last, and the world is busy. When the dog and I were out walking in Sugarbush woods, we came upon a garter snake. … Continue reading In Motion
Migration
Spring is a time for seasonal migration. Books and magazines from our Wyoming daughter chronicle the movement of large animals—bison and mule deer—around her state. Michigan’s lifeforms move, too, although the migrations are more apt to be winged than quadrupedal. From raptors to smallest songbirds, migratory birds are arriving in our state. We read… Continue reading Migration
Chatting
Tuesday was a wonderful day, sunny and warm, a welcome relief after our late snow. Trees were blooming. Flowers were blooming. The grass was so green now that it reminded me of Ireland. Cardinals had built a nest in the rosebush twining around our porch, and Mrs. Cardinal was already sitting on eggs. … Continue reading Chatting
Late Snow
We had a late snow this week. Television meteorologists had been daring to hint that we might have had an early last snowfall, and then, late in April, along came this winter storm. A couple more inches of snow is no big deal after months of wielding a snow shovel. We didn’t even need… Continue reading Late Snow
To Lighten the Darkness
Since CoVid-19 descended on us and spread its darkness over the world, neighbors in the Midwest have been creating points of light to cheer each other on their way. We put teddy bears on window sills. The thinking was that children walking by would enjoy seeing the bears and be, for a moment, comforted… Continue reading To Lighten the Darkness
After the Plow
The roar of an approaching snowplow is a welcome sound in the Midwest. It holds the promise of being able to venture out with the car again after the latest snow. You’ve shoveled the walks and driveway. You’ve scraped the car’s windows and brushed the snow off its roof. You’re ready to go. But the… Continue reading After the Plow
Winter Surprises
Winter has arrived in Michigan, and with it come certain expectations. Michiganders know there will be grey slushy days and days so beautiful they remind us what a privilege it is to live here. Children will build snowpeople, then head for the sledding hills. Hockey players will clear rinks on the pond. Dogs will cavort,… Continue reading Winter Surprises
Enough Boots
Another cold grey day today. Yesterday was glorious and sunny, but that was then. The situation today is snow on the ground, clear sidewalks, and the path through the woods so icy you could skate on it. What to put on my feet? As I surveyed my choices this morning, I decided I might not… Continue reading Enough Boots