The Life and Times of...?

 
One of my ridiculous personal goals is to be able to recognize every plant in the northeast United States in every season. Will I accomplish this? Not unless I live to be 342, but it's something to shoot for, right?

I'm pretty sure I know what this is, but I'm watching it as spring tries to get itself installed in our neighborhood. The leaves will give me 95% certainty, and the flowers will be the clincher for identification.

These are the same three buds. The first set was taken on March 20.






The second set was March 26. Spring is vacationing somewhere else, but I detect a couple of very small changes.







The last set was taken April 2. Something is happening!







How do you think it will feel about snow tomorrow if we get clobbered? The snow may miss us, but we got lots of rain! If the temperatures climb this weekend as predicted, there should be a big change.

Any of you want to guess along with me on this plant? There are some clues you can see in the pictures.

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Dusk-y Pastels

 
These pictures were taken last week, just a few days apart, but I loved the clear colors.

I suppose it's no big deal when the sky is blue, right? But it was a foggy evening, and it was like the air was blue... hanging between the trees. I love dusk.



This was the color before sunset a few nights later. It's not often the sky turns such a solid monochrome pink.



Work was slightly organized chaos, and the rest of the week is probably going to be the same. However, they did hire a truck delivery person today. Maybe this one will last longer than one day. That would be fine! We of the mailroom are getting frazzled from doing everyone else's jobs as well as our own.

	See Blue and Pink
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First Turtle, First Rescue

 
The first turtle of the year was nearly a disaster. I realized too late that the dark spot in the road was a turtle, so I straddled it. Then I stopped and went back (this was Saturday).

It was a Blanding's Turtle! That was my first turtle sighting of last year too, but in a much different place. The frequency with which I see this species continues to amaze me. They are considered "of special concern" in Michigan, although the Great Lakes is their primary area. In many states they are actually endangered.



The only other Blanding's turtle's I've held were captive ones for educational purposes. They usually keep themselves well surrounded by water. But apparently they will roam when looking for nest sites.

You can just barely see the spotting on the shell, especially on the front right where there's less mud.



And the plastron pattern is typical.



Anyway, I try to move turtles to the side of the road in which they were headed before they get smashed. It was especially gratifying that it was something more rare than a painted turtle. There are some drivers who seem to go out of their way to run over them. I hope this one lives to lay its eggs.

She was pretty big; about eight inches long.

On Sunday, I saw some painted turtles sunning. They slipped off their logs before I could snap their pictures.

	See First Turtles of 2016
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Shagway Arts Barn Workday

 
I've taken you to this location before for Betsy's Book Launch. This is the Shagway Arts Barn in Hamlin Township. This will be their fourth season in business selling local arts and crafts and photography, and providing a venue for weddings, parties, etc. There are also occasional classes. I'll be selling books there this summer, and probably some crafts as well.



Things aren't ready for sales yet! Nancy, the owner, has asked the artists to help with spring cleanup, so I went out there this afternoon to take a turn. Things look plain and bare with various piles lying around, but don't worry, when all is clean and the artists bring in their items this becomes a really attractive little shop.



There are also some nature trails- about a half mile. Just enough for a stroll to stretch your legs.



I found this interesting fungus that had grown completely around a branch.



You'll see this location again, as I give the venue a try for sales. Nancy says some books do well, so hopefully...

	See Shagway Arts Barn web site
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Spirit of the Woods Hike - April

 
I made the effort to get up and go on the monthly hike today. Great day! There were 17 of us that met, and 7 people turned around at the point to give them 5-6 miles. Ten of us went all the way to McCarthy Lake and back for a total of 8 miles.



I love McCarthy Lake when it's not overrun with people camping and ATVing, and today was one of the good days.



Here are the intrepid 10 who walked the entire distance.



Plus, Lily the beagle



and Sophie the dachshund did more than the 8 miles. Lily's radio collar registered 12 miles for her.



Both dogs are always very busy exploring, but Sophie gets around to being social too. Her "mom" says she really likes me. She climbed in my lap when I sat down.



Good friend, Ramona, was also on the hike. She's been all over the world since retiring, so we haven't seen each other very much.



We ended where we began (it was an out-and-back hike) at the Big Sable River, by the Vince Smith Bridge.



This hike was pretty much the opposite of the hike I took last fall, 78.3 and walking, except for the two southern miles.

I got almost no sleep before the hike. My goal was to stay awake till 7 pm, but I've already fallen asleep twice trying to do this post. I think I'll move the party to bed.

North Country Trail, south from Vince Smith Bridge to McCarthy Lake and back, Lake County

	See Big Sable Headwaters
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