Natural Solitude

Something to do...

2011-04-26T00:30:00.000-04:00

After spending a lot of time designing logos and stuff for others lately, I've decided it was high time to give my poor old blog a little makeover. Of course, it doesn't change the fact that this sorry-excuse-for-a-post will probably remain the newest post for several months.

One Day on Earth: Slideshow

2010-10-11T10:56:00.002-04:00

Just a selection of the photos I took yesterday for this project. We didn't get to all of the places we had planned. It turned out to be a relatively short day for shooting, but I was okay with that. Between this project and Saturday's photography club outing, I am absolutely exhausted.

Find more photos like this on One Day On Earth

One Day on Earth: 10/10/10

2010-10-07T12:42:00.000-04:00

Visit One Day On Earth

Still around

2009-11-07T19:47:00.003-05:00

It was a beautiful day - over 60 degrees - and I couldn't resist getting outside with my camera. Unfortunately, it was not a smart thing to do - and my shoulder AND arm are suffering because of it.

This weekend, Marquette is also hosting World Cup Speed Skating, but the only photos I'll have of it are of the flags and wooden "skates" on the lamp posts around the downtown area.

But here is a collage of some of my photos from today's (painful) outing:

Milkweed Seeds and Pods - Collage

Life Lessons from a Sophomore & School of Rock

2009-05-06T22:15:00.002-04:00

I know I haven't posted much lately, but there really hasn't been much to blog about either. So, for now, here are a couple of 8-18 Media stories Hayley has worked on recently:

Life Lessons from a Sophomore (a commentary by Hayley)

and

School of Rock (she helped work on this story)

Manga Macro

2009-03-21T10:48:00.002-04:00

Macroday: Illustration

Happy American Frog Day!

2009-03-14T18:47:00.001-04:00

Happy American Frog Day!, originally uploaded by Natural Solitude.

From our home to yours.

Love,
Michi and Ren

Sweet Sixteen

2009-02-25T09:59:00.001-05:00

Happy 16th Birthday, Hayley!

Paludarium

2009-01-31T14:18:00.000-05:00

R.I.P. Yasu

2009-01-30T08:02:00.001-05:00

No, I don't have any idea what happened...

Showing a Bit of Leg

2009-01-17T22:41:00.005-05:00

Michi (not pictured here) and Yasu are both showing definite back leg growth. Ren (on left) is not quite as far in development.

Owl and Moon

2009-01-10T23:42:00.003-05:00

Just playing around with Photoshop, combining two photos. Still not happy with it, but might play around with it some more.

Besides, I have nothing else to post right now...

Obligatory New Year Greeting

2009-01-01T01:53:00.002-05:00

Happy Shmappy New Year....Yada-yada-yada..etc..etc...etc...

A Beginning and an End

2008-12-30T18:43:00.001-05:00

Merry ChrisMouse

2008-12-25T15:27:00.001-05:00

Three New Stories

2008-12-22T23:04:00.003-05:00

There are three more stories that Hayley worked on posted on the 8-18 Media website. Here are the direct mp3 links:
Sister City Youth Visit (Japanese students visiting Marquette)
Sister City School Differences (Japan vs. U.S.)
Ugly Phrases (Using phrases containing words like "gay" and "retarded".)

Ta-da! Da Tadpoles!

2008-12-22T19:11:00.003-05:00

Finally got a little bit better shots of the tadpoles today. While cleaning out their tank, I put them into a CoolWhip container, which made it a little easier to photograph them. Still not great shots, but I'm workin' on it!

Hayley has finally decided on their names (all Japanese names):

The small one is Ren (meaning lotus or romance, love - just 'cause it's so darn cute)
The medium-sized one is Yasu (meaning peaceful, peace or level - this tadpole is the most docile)
And the biggest one is Michi (meaning path - appropriately named, since that one is developing faster than the other two)

Otherwise Occupied

2008-12-21T21:01:00.002-05:00

Haven't been posting or taking photos much lately. Besides the weather being too crappy for taking pictures, I've also been busy trying to find supplies for a more permanent home for our amphibian houseguests.
We are pretty sure Hayley's tadpoles are going to be Northern Leopard Frogs. Of course, that's assuming they even survive the tadpole stage. Apparently, there's not a lot of success in this area - nor is there much information about these particular creatures as pets. But I did find an absolutely wonderful site, called Vivarium Forums, which has all sorts of information on creating habitats and animal care (for reptiles, amphibians, etc.) If the tadpoles don't survive even after we get an appropriate habitat set up for them, we will probably find some other creature to put into it. I really like the whole natural land/water vivarium idea! Even if we end up not having any critters to put into it, it'd be neat just for having plants and stuff.
So that's what is keeping me occupied lately. I'm still trying to get some decent shots of the tadpoles, but doubt I'll have anything before we get them into a better tank. The little plastic one they're in now just doesn't make for good photos.
If anyone has any ideas as to where to pick up some fairly inexpensive frog supplies, please let me know! Right now, my biggest problem is finding a tank large enough for when (IF) they become adults. I was told I'd probably need at least a 4-foot long aquarium (they're "excellent climbers, jumpers and swimmers"), and those are definitely not cheap and are difficult to find!

Portable Snowman III: Bigger and Better Than Ever

2008-12-15T00:06:00.002-05:00

Portable Snowman II

2008-12-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

Nov. 15, 2008

Frogs-to-Be

2008-12-12T22:17:00.001-05:00

In Hayley's Biology class, they had to break into groups and raise any type of living organism. Hayley and her partners decided to raise frogs -- first from embryos, then from tadpoles when the first set died after someone accientally used undistilled water to fill their tank. (At least that's the story Hayley's sticking with.) Apparently, nobody else in her group wanted to bring them home. So...we are now the owners of three (rather ugly, but interesting) large tadpoles. I have no idea what kind of frogs they will be -- assuming they live long enough to reach adulthood. But this now means I need to figure out not only what these li'l creatures need (now and later), but also how to pay for the stuff. *sigh*
Of course, we don't HAVE to keep them. But as my friends and family know, I like almost any creature or critter. (Except maybe humans, heh heh.) So I will do what I can to provide the froggies-to-be a suitable home...'til death do us part, and hopefully that doesn't happen before they grow up.

As a side note...Hayley's Biology teacher is also a photographer. She takes beautiful portraits! I hope she got better shots of these tadpoles. It was difficult shooting them through their plastic tank, and with poor lighting too.

Twelve Days of Christmas (Naturally)

2008-12-07T17:20:00.021-05:00

On the 1st day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

...a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 2nd day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 3rd day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 4th day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

four balls a-hanging, three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 5th day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

...five inches of snow...
four balls a-hanging, three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 6th day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

six snowy headstones
...five inches of snow...
four balls a-hanging, three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 7th day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

seven maple leaves, six snowy headstones
...five inches of snow...
four balls a-hanging, three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 8th day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

eight minutes waiting, seven maple leaves, six snowy headstones
...five inches of snow...
four balls a-hanging, three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 9th day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

nine 'pecker holes, eight minutes waiting, seven maple leaves, six snowy headstones
...five inches of snow...
four balls a-hanging, three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 10th day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

ten freezing fingers, nine 'pecker holes, eight minutes waiting, seven maple leaves, six snowy headstones
...five inches of snow...
four balls a-hanging, three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 11th day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

eleven tiny pinecones, ten freezing fingers, nine 'pecker holes, eight minutes waiting, seven maple leaves, six snowy headstones
...five inches of snow...
four balls a-hanging, three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

On the 12th day of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me:

twelve squirrel footprints, eleven tiny pinecones, ten freezing fingers, nine 'pecker holes, eight minutes waiting, seven maple leaves, six snowy headstones
...five inches of snow...
four balls a-hanging, three birches bare, two stumps with humps
...and a portable snowman in a tree.

Introducing Seth

2008-12-05T23:35:00.003-05:00

Another teen couple update. As previously mentioned, Crystalyn and Carl are now parents of a beautiful baby boy. Today, Hayley and I finally got to see him. We didn't get to spend much time with them though. Crystalyn's mom, Cyndy, picked us up (thankfully, she now has a car) to run to Walmart and the grocery store. These are shots were taken at Walmart. As you can see, Mom and Dad are still very much teenagers -- they immediately went straight to the video game section.

Argh! Not sure why Blogger is chopping off my images all of a sudden. No matter which options I choose, nor which size photo from Flickr. Oh well. I don't post on here all that much for it to matter, I guess.

I've Been Shot!

2008-12-04T01:49:00.003-05:00

Taken by my buddy, Henk, during our trip to Washington, D.C.
And, no, my hair isn't red. It just looks like it is 'cause of the processing, I think.

We're Baaack

2008-11-30T20:11:00.001-05:00

A few highlights from our trip to D.C. and Maryland.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2008-11-24T22:50:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't been posting much lately. Haven't really been out taking pictures much either. We've been busy preparing for a trip.
Not sure I'll be posting while I'm gone. We leave for the airport at 4:00am Wednesday morning, and flying to Maryland for Thanksgiving. Hayley's excited because we'll be landing at Washington National, and will be seeing the sights as we drive through D.C. With at least a 2-hour layover in Detroit (in each direction -- to Maryland and back), I'm wishing I had a laptop!
Won't be home until Sunday, but I'm sure I'll have plenty of photos to post then. So Happy Turkey Day (even though we are having chicken)!

80 Reasons to Have a Portable Snowman

2008-11-09T16:45:00.001-05:00

80) It's cool.
79) It won't hurt you.
78) It's yours...'til it melts.
77) Just 'cause.
76) It would jump off of a building for you.
75) It's hopelessly hopeful.
74) It's innocent.
73) It's guilty.
72) It's innocent UNTIL proven guilty.
71) It's vegetarian.
70) It's vegan.
69) It likes dairy products.
68) You can make it look pretty.
67) You can make it look ugly.
66) You can make it look pretty ugly.
65) You can make it fly.
64) You can think about it.
63) You can jump with it.
62) You can fix it when it's broken.
61) It's insane.
60) It's there to have and to hold.
59) You can dance with it.
58) You can sing to it.
57) It'll be your homie.
56) You can gaze at the stars with it.
55) It likes animals.
54) You can bring it to work. If you work outdoors in the winter...or in an icebox.
53) You can put it inside a tire.
52) It can hide pretty well.
51) You can play tetherball with it.
50) It's pure random FUN!
49) It's creative and artistic.
48) It does dangerous stunts.
47) It's small. (And did we mention portable?)
46) You can eat chips with it.
45) It's magical.
44) It's kid-friendly and mother-approved.
43) It's safe.
42) You can share it.
41) It's easier to draw than your cat.
40) It's respectful.
39) You can take it on the bus. * Not recommended for long bus trips.
38) You can take it to school. But probably not a good idea. And definitely don't leave it in your locker.
37) You can write about it.
36) You can READ ALL ABOUT IT.
35) It's multicultural.
34) It's saintly.
33) It's your personal treasure.
32) It fits in the palm of your hand. (Remember, it's portable.)
31) It can talk to trees and plants.
30) It's family-friendly.
29) It's eco-friendly.
28) It won't hold a grudge.
27) It'll be a willing model for your portraits.
26) It's better than a video game or action figure.
25) It likes you and you like it.
24) You can cry with it.
23) It'll be your BFF.
22) It can sit on your head.
21) You can talk to it.
20) You can laugh at it.
19) You can laugh with it.
18) You can be as random as you'd like with it, and it won't judge you.
17) You can play with it.
16) It makes you giggle with delight.
15) It cheers you up when you're down.
14) It's a weapon of mass destruction. Sort of. Well, it COULD be!
13) You can throw it at your most obnoxious neighbor.
12) It's so loveable and hug-able.
11) It'll play four-square with you.
10) It's always up for a game of tennis.
9) It's a fun gift for all.
8) You can put it in a tree.
7) It doesn't make sense.
6) It brings people together.
5) It's unisex -- and one size fits all.
4) It's random.
3) We'll have fun, fun, fun...'til the snowman melts away.
2) It's cute and portable. Just like those little dogs you can put in your purse. Except maybe you don't want to put it in your purse 'cause it'll melt and make a huge mess. Okay, maybe you don't want to put it in your purse. But it's still cute and portable!

And last but not least, the number one reason to have a portable snowman:
IT'S A PORTABLE SNOWMAN. WHAT BETTER REASON IS THERE?!

Army of Women

2008-10-30T12:08:00.002-04:00

I received an email today from my friend, Nancy, who is a breast cancer survivor. She sent me -- and others -- a link to the Army of Women website, a collaboration between Dr. Susan Love and the Avon Foundation, asking us to sign up to be a part of the breast cancer research efforts.
As most of my friends and family know, I don't usually get involved in this sort of thing. Not because I don't care, but because I prefer to remain in my own little world of solitude. Just posting this on my blog is a huge step for me. I just don't like putting myself "out there" for the world to see. But because Nancy has been my dearest friend -- and the one person I truly admire -- for close to 25 years, I decided to join the Army of Women...simply because she rarely asks anything of me, and IS a very dear friend.
I'm not going to tell you that you should join. I don't like it when anyone tells me what I should or should not do, and believe it is definitely a personal choice. But if you would like to participate, please visit the Army of Women website for more information.

Welcome, Seth - Teen Couple (Update)

2008-10-27T22:12:00.002-04:00

For those following my (infrequent) updates on Crystalyn and Carl, the teen couple I tried photographing during pregnancy, they are now officially teen parents of a beautiful baby boy. Unfortunately, because Hayley and I have both recently been ill, we were not able to witness Seth's birth. Both mom and son are home and doing well, as are dad and grandma. As soon as I feel it's safe enough to visit them without making any of them sick as well, I will take LOTS of pictures.

New Toy for My New Toy

2008-10-23T21:02:00.006-04:00

Received my Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro lens today. Of course, I had to go out and play with it. So, again before torekimi asks (I'm one step ahead of ya, T. heh heh), here is what it can do:

My Newest (and NEW) Toy

2008-10-21T19:19:00.002-04:00

In response to Sarala's question regarding why I've not been posting:

Ummm....'cause I just didn't feel like it.....(Is that good enough reason? No? Damn. I thought not.) Actually, that WAS the reason for a while. Until I got my newest toy (which, by the way, IS actually NEW, not used) -- a Nikon D40 w/ the AF-S DX Zoom - Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G EDII lens (THANKS, HENK!). (Why can't they just call it a "General Purpose Lens 18-55mm One-Billionth-and-Something"? C'mon peoples - make it easier on us beginners, will ya?) Then, of course, I just got plain ol' busy with my playin' around with it. (The camera. Not Henk. Sheesh! Git yer minds outta da gutters.)

And, before torekimi settles herself in long enough to poke her nose into other peoples' blogs and start making demands, here's what it can do:

(Oops. Clicked on the "upload photos" link twice, erasing the 3 links I pasted in, so all you get is this one photo. Check out my Flickr and Aminus3 links for more.)

Just don't you go thinkin' I'll have more to say though. But I'll try to AT LEAST give a little update on what my next newest new toy can do. I'd tell ya what it is, but then I'd have to look it up online and do the copy/paste thing, and THEN shoot you. But I will tell you that it's some sort of Sigma 70-300mm telephoto lens with macro capabilities (Ooo....Aaaah...Ooooh). Of course, that's assuming I ever return to the computer once I've received it.

What it can do

2008-09-25T18:55:00.004-04:00

As requested by torekimi...

Without the TC-E2 conversion lens.

With the TC-E2 conversion lens.

I had the camera set up on my tripod. I first set up then took a shot without the new lens. Then I added the lens, without turning off or moving the camera or changing any settings. I didn't even notice how much of a difference there was until I transferred the photos to my computer. (The LCD on the Nikon is really tiny.)

My New Toy

2008-09-25T13:14:00.003-04:00

A few months ago, I picked up an old Nikon Coolpix 885 from the local Flea Market (actually a pawn shop) for $20. It only came with a dead battery and a user manual. I managed to obtain another battery and a charger, a USB cable and some CF cards for it. I originally bought it as a backup, and for Hayley to take on her trip to the RNC. I haven't played around with it much as of yet (the CF cards all hold a very small amount of photos -- most only 8mb), but am hopefully going to get more use out of it now.

I've been wanting to get some lenses and stuff for the Nikon, but couldn't afford the prices for even a used lens or anything. But a few days ago I found a TC-E2 Tele Converter lens (2x) with a UR-E4 step down adapter on eBay for $18 (including shipping). I don't normally get into the eBay bidding, because I always lost the bids at the very last second. Either that, or the bids go way above my price range. But I gave it one more shot for the lens and adapter....and I WON! Of course, I was the ONLY bidder, so that helped.

Just the adapter alone (which I'd need pretty much for any lens for the Nikon) was hard to find for less than $20. So this was a great bargain. It's nothing fancy, I guess. But at least now I can take even slighty different shots of the same ol' stuff, instead of photographing the same ol' stuff in the same ol' way. Can't wait to try it out.

Watching the Sun Set Over Lake Superior

2008-09-20T01:02:00.003-04:00

(best viewed enlarged)

Shutterday: Golden Hour

DNC and RNC Protests

2008-09-16T16:43:00.003-04:00

"DNC and RNC Protests"

This is a link to a short (about 2-1/2 minutes) video on my YouTube account that I put together, using (with permission) an 8-18 Media audio file/radio story, and some of Hayley's photos of the protest activities in St. Paul, Minnesota. The story is about the protestors at both the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention, but Hayley only has RNC photos since that's the convention she attended.

Busy Bee

2008-09-06T15:01:00.002-04:00

Shutterday: Hair
(Click image to enlarge)

On our way home from the grocery store, we encountered this fellow. Even with torn wings (and is that a spider web attached to the wing too?), he was collecting as much pollen as he could on this one flower. Poor li'l thing was literally working himself to death, I think.

Hayley at the RNC

2008-09-06T00:23:00.002-04:00

Hayley and Maggie interviewing John McCain's daughter, Meghan.

Hayley at the Xcel Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, covering the 2008 Republican National Convention with 8-18 Media.

On Top of Gaines Rock

2008-09-03T17:56:00.003-04:00

Looking down on the bike path at Founders Landing.
Lens Day: Relaxation

Apparently, there will soon be some development taking place at Founders Landing. Our scenic lakefront is turning into a Traverse City look-alike contest. Bummer, Dude. (No offense to T.C. -- my oldest brother, now deceased, lived there for many years. I just don't think the T.C. style fits in here.)

Hayley's RNC Photos

2008-09-01T21:45:00.002-04:00

More of her photos can be seen on my Flickr account. I'll add more to the set as they're available to me.

The life of a soon-to-be teen dad

2008-08-28T12:09:00.003-04:00

For those following my updates on the teen couple having a baby (less than 8 weeks to go!), here's another story -- this time, about the dad-to-be. He and his younger brother have spent most of their summer opening a new business. Today, the story about Carl's Coffee is in the local newspaper, The Mining Journal.

I was surprised when Hayley emailed the story (on the newspaper's website) to me. Nobody mentioned it to us that they were even interviewed -- not Carl, his girlfriend (mom-to-be, who is my friend's daughter -- and like a second daughter to me, and is Hayley's best friend) -- nor her mom (my friend). Goofballs.

A Puddle of Clouds

2008-08-26T01:10:00.002-04:00

Tuesday Challenge: Clouds

8-18 Media in Denver

2008-08-24T22:22:00.011-04:00

Just found out the 8-18 Media team covering the Democratic National Convention has arrived in Denver, and are already at work. They are currently using TV6's flip-cam (Hayley's team will take it over next week), and have a story posted already on the TV6 website.
8-18 Media travels to DNC
8-18 Media's video blog
I believe the video blog -- hosted on TV6's website -- will be updated during both National Conventions. So keep checking that link for updates over the next couple of weeks.
Still haven't found anything on The Mining Journal's site.

Updates
Tues. Aug 26th: 8-18 Media (finally) has a story in The Mining Journal.
8-18 Media DNC Blog (TV6 Website)
There are now three stories on 8-18 Media's video blog (also TV6 website -- linked above)
Wed. Aug 27th: Another Mining Journal entry
New blog entry on TV6 website
Thurs. Aug 28th: 8-18 Media also has blog posts on MLive.Com
We finally hear from Ben, with a story covering -- not surprisingly -- a more technical point of view. So far, we've heard from Emily, Erin, and Ben. But there is still one more 8-18 Media member on the DNC team we've not heard from. (Where's Eric?) Correction: Eric does have at least one post on the MLive website. Oops. My bad!
Short video clip from inside the Pepsi Center added to the Convention Coverage page on the TV6 website...AND another story by Eric.

Thimbleberry

2008-08-23T19:11:00.003-04:00

See It Sunday: Fresh

Can't get any fresher than this.

Not as bad as it looks

2008-08-23T15:37:00.002-04:00

You should've seen me two days ago. The scrapes on my legs and left palm are pretty much healed already. As you can see, my right arm wasn't so lucky. I won't even say how it happened, so don't bother asking. :^)

Lens Day: Self Portrait
(trying to do the "right thing" and NOT repost the same photo for another meme with a similar theme)

Convention Crunch Time

2008-08-23T14:05:00.006-04:00

As I've mentioned in a previous post, 8-18 Media has selected two teams of four kids to attend the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. The team heading to Denver, Colorado for the Democratic National Convention (unfortunately, not the team for which Hayley was selected) left today. Hayley's team leaves for the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota next Sunday (August 31st).

Planning and briefing meetings were held -- the Republican team will only meet a couple more times next week.
In the meantime, other non-convention-related stories still needed to be completed.
And, as always, Hayley reminds everyone to have fun and not take things too seriously.
The Convention Teams, other members of 8-18 Media, and family members take time out to volunteer for the Seafood Festival. Each year, the Seafood Festival is hosted by the Marquette Rotary West, who donated $500 towards the Convention Teams' costs.
And, finally, press passes and business cards were handed out. (Side note: Although Hayley has reported some of the radio stories, she was actually trained in as an Editor for 8-18 Media. Editors sometimes also do reporting.)
All that's basically left is the packing. We still need to buy a few things for Hayley to pack, plus try to come up with some money -- not just for buying things for the trip, but also to cover costs for meals...and, hopefully, some for her to spend on souvenirs and such. Other than that, she's all set and excited to go. She even gets to miss the first week of school in order to attend the Convention.
She's also excited because she may be the one who gets to use the flip-cam, which was provided by TV6, a local television station. Hayley said both TV6 and The Mining Journal (local newspaper) will post the kids' stories during the conventions on their websites. When I find out what the links are, I will try to remember to post them on my blog. I will also try to post some of the photos and/or video I get from Hayley. She'll be bringing at least one of my cameras with her -- probably the old Nikon Coolpix 885 I picked up at the Flea Market, and the old (crappy) Aiptek IS-DV2. We're not sure if she'll be able to send them to me while in St. Paul, so those may have to wait to be posted until after she returns from her trip.
In the meantime, here is a convention-related story Hayley worked on with two other 8-18 Media members, Maggie and Erin, about a recent mock election (direct link to mp3 file) that was held at Marquette's City Hall.

Vintage Cameras

2008-08-22T09:56:00.002-04:00

Photo Friday: Old Fashioned

Donckers: Not Just for Candy Anymore

2008-08-18T09:41:00.003-04:00

Moody Monday: 2.0

There has been quite a lot of confusion surrounding Donckers this year. First, we thought they were closing. Then they showed up across the street in the Masonic Square building. The next thing we know, that space is replaced by another business, leaving us to wonder, "What happened to Doncker's Candy?"

Lo and behold, they are now reopened in the original building, which went through a total tranformation. Not only do they sell candy, but also have ice cream, a soda fountain, lunch items and more!

In this photo, the young man is making Hayley's Cherry Coke ice cream soda.

I always wondered...

2008-08-15T19:50:00.003-04:00

what it'd be like to be tall and skinny.

My shadow sloping down the side of the Presque Isle breakwall.

Downtown Marquette Pirate Festival

2008-08-09T17:29:00.003-04:00

Busy, busy weekend here in Marquette. A lot of events for the Pirate Festival. The Ore to Shore mountain bike races were today too. I had planned on trying to catch at least the end of the Ore to Shore, but that didn't happen. (Sorry, Ali!) So you'll have to check AliB.'s blog to see how her race went. I have also missed most of the Pirate Festival happenings. I'm fine. Just not feeling quite up to trekking all over Marquette, up and down hills, and having my back scream for me to stop torturing it.

Anyway, here are some shots I DID manage to get during the Pirate Festival. I may try to catch the Pirate Ball tonight and take some pics of dancing Pirates, but I'm not going to make promises.

Mushroom Mania

2008-08-05T11:21:00.002-04:00

Spending more time on my belly. But it's worth it.

Roly-Poly Puppy

2008-08-01T23:18:00.004-04:00

Introducing Dextar's new baby brother, Finn.

Blueberry Festival and Youth Talent Show 2008

2008-07-25T14:35:00.005-04:00

Video of Hayley's dance for the Youth Talent Show.
She danced to Gwen Stefani's "Harajuku Girls".

Nice Miss, Brandon!

2008-07-23T16:19:00.002-04:00

Lens Day: Movement

Looking Brighter

2008-07-21T23:04:00.003-04:00

Yay. New hard drive (and OS, and updates, and software, and...and...and) installed, and life is back to normal. Of course, that means it's as crazy as usual -- plus or minus a few trials and tribulations.

If not for Flickr, I would have lost this photo along with the others. Thankfully, I had the sense to upload pretty much everything I wanted to keep before the hard drive crashed. Sometimes it pays to play it safe.

Going Buggy

2008-07-15T11:12:00.002-04:00

Well, the hard drive is dead. It has only been a day, and I'm going buggy already. Probably won't be posting much for a while, unless I keep coming to use the library computers...which probably won't happen often. Can't upload photos or anything on their computers either. :^(

Speckled Feather and Fuzzy Weeds

2008-07-12T21:03:00.003-04:00

Macroday: Fuzz
(Click to enlarge in order to see the "Fuzz". Hint: It's not the feather.)

This makes the fourth post in one day. I know...scary, isn't it?

Get Down with Nature

2008-07-12T20:45:00.003-04:00

See It Sunday: Connection

The mushroom cap's connected to the mushroom stem....
(to the tune of the song that tells us the thigh bone's connected to the hip bone...)

Sometimes what you find at ground level is much more interesting. This is one of those situations in which looking down is much more inspiring than looking up. Of course, you could look up while being down. Either way, it works.

My Food Creation

2008-07-12T18:05:00.002-04:00

While Hayley spent most of the day bagging groceries at EconoFoods (part of the 8-18 Media fundraising plans to help cover the costs for the two Convention teams), I headed out to Park Cemetery to take some photos around the ponds. When it got close to dinner time, and Hayley still wasn't home, I searched the refrigerator and cupboards for something simple to throw together for myself.

There wasn't much to choose from, since I haven't been able to do my normal large-scale grocery shopping for the month. What I decided to do was take a flour tortilla, brown it in oil, then set it aside on some paper towels to soak up the excess oil. In the meantime, I fried some chopped white onion in margarine, sliced up half of an avacado and sprinkled it with salt. After the tortilla cooled off, I spread some sour cream over it, then topped it off with a shredded taco-seasoned cheese mixture, the avacado slices and fried onion. Once that was all put together, I sliced it up and ate it like you would a pizza.

It was really good, but I think I'll make some changes if I make it again. For starters, I'll probably mash up the avacado and put that on the bottom. The sour cream was a bit too thick, so I'll just dab some on the top of the "pizza" next time. I'm guessing it'd be good with tomato on it as well, but 1) I don't have any, and 2) I'm not fond of them unless they're cooked in chili or something.

I'm sure there are a lot of ways to do this easy meal. So be creative! :^)

Hung Out to Dry

2008-07-12T15:43:00.001-04:00

Shutterday: Pants

Hot Summer Night

2008-07-09T18:13:00.003-04:00

Thursday Challenge: Hot

One of the few photos I have of a sunset over Lake Superior. I have a lot of sunrise shots, but we can't see the sun setting over Lake Superior from Marquette -- except maybe from Presque Isle, but that's a trek I'm not willing to make at night. This particular shot was taken from the Munising Campground during our mini weekend getaway.

Mini Vacation

2008-07-08T18:15:00.003-04:00

After several changes of plans, Hayley and I had a mini vacation last weekend -- something we don't get very often.

My dad sent me an email last week, saying he and my stepmom were going to take a trip to the U.P. (they live in Northern Lower Michigan) and wanted to know our plans for the weekend. We happened to not have any plans, so he said they'd be spending Saturday with my brother and sis-in-law in Newberry. Then they'd park their trailer at a campground in Munising, pick us up Sunday morning, and we'd go hiking with them (my dad and stepmom) at Pictured Rocks on Sunday.

Well, my brother had to work on Saturday, so he (my brother) suggested we all meet at the Munising City Dock on Sunday and we'd take his boat out to Grand Island, where we'd have some lunch and go hiking. My dad emailed me with the change of plans, and I replied by saying I didn't care where we went as long as I'd be getting photos somewhere other than Marquette.

Then on Saturday, my dad phoned me from the Munising campground, saying my brother sold his boat (he'd been trying to sell it on eBay or something, and wouldn't you know someone buys it just when we were going to use it). So then my dad said it'd be a lot easier if Hayley and I stayed with him and my stepmom (in their trailer) at the campground that night because we were going to rent a pontoon to take to Grand Island. After finally finding someone to watch the dog and cats, I phoned my dad and said the plan was fine -- we'd spend the night with them and meet up with my brother and sister-in-law at the pontoon rental place for 9:00am on Sunday.

Other than Tim and Jan being a little late on Sunday morning, all other plans were still in order -- we'd take the pontoon to Grand Island, do some hiking, and have lunch out there before returning the pontoon by 2:00pm.

The ride out there was great, with very little wave action. Tim drove the pontoon, and showed us where we'd stop for lunch. Then he played tour guide, taking us around to various parts of the island with the pontoon. We stopped at one beach, just to take a look around. When we left there, Tim decided we might as well go all the way around the island. However, the waves started picking up. Not only was it getting choppier, but the waves were also coming from two different directions in some areas. At one point, I was taking a photo of the island just off the front of the pontoon, when a huge wave came up, flying over Hayley's head (she was sitting in front of me), and soaking both her and Jan.

We ended up skipping part of my brother's tour, cutting across bays and channels as much as possible. Dad, Sharol, and Jan all wanted to just forget landing at our original destination on Grand Island, and return the pontoon two hours early. So that's what we did. Then we went back to the campground, Tim and Jan left before we had lunch, then Dad and Sharol drove us back to Marquette -- several hours earlier than we had planned.

At least I got some photos! Right...?

Wind Damage and Possible Down Time

2008-07-02T21:50:00.002-04:00

Hayley and I walked past this tree a few times today. Sometime between those walks, the wind snapped a huge branch. Some City workers had to come and clean up the mess.

On another note...
If you notice a lack of activity on any of my sites (Blogger, Aminus3, Flickr, etc), it probably means my computer died. For the last few days, it's been making a strange sound -- and I'm pretty sure it's my hard drive about to crash. Not cool at all. Anyone who knows me, knows that my computer is my lifeline. Even my photography would be useless to pursue without the use of the computer. So, if I suddenly disappear for any length of time from the internet, you'll know why. Not sure when/if I'll ever get back. (Scary thought!)

For Sale

2008-06-28T19:45:00.003-04:00

See It Sunday: Retro

Actually, I think it's sold, because Hayley said it wasn't parked where we saw it. This is a different shot than my Moody Monday: Shiny entry. That one had a landscape orientation, and a color-pop filter used on it.

Mini Daisies

2008-06-27T21:03:00.002-04:00

One of Hayley's favorite flowers. There are a lot of these growing in the grass near one of the ponds at Park Cemetery.

Shutterday: Grass

Heavy Fog

2008-06-27T17:30:00.001-04:00

Rolling in off of Lake Superior.

Shutterday: Fog

Double-Headed Freak of Nature

2008-06-26T18:52:00.001-04:00

Rocky Shoreline

2008-06-25T20:46:00.003-04:00

Thursday Challenge: Rocks

I practically grew up climbing rocks like this along the Lake Superior shoreline (in various areas of the U.P.). I like the fact that we live close enough to some rocky areas that Hayley can do it too. These particular rocks are below the Marquette Lighthouse -- on the side of McCartys Cove where we're not supposed to be. (OOPS!)

Baby Blues Checkup

2008-06-21T09:29:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I received a reminder notice from my optometrist's office telling me it was time for a checkup. Since her office is now in a location that's difficult for me to get to, I decided to switch to Hayley's optometrist, whose office is just 3 blocks from where we live.

The day before my appointment, I received a reminder call. Lo and behold, it was a friend I've known since high school who called. She used to work at both of the last two optometrists' places I've gone to, and it was great to know she was at the new one now too.

I brought along my camera, thinking it'd be fun to take some photos during my appointment. I got so busy, though, gabbing with my friend that I didn't remember to take out my camera until after my eyes were dilated. So this is the only shot I got. (It's difficult to focus the camera when you can't even focus your eyes.) But I would have loved to have taken some great shots like Ali B. did during her visit to the eye doctor!

Twilight Criterium

2008-06-20T23:02:00.002-04:00

Part of this weekend's 2008 Superior Bike Fest, these were some of the races held in Downtown Marquette this evening.

Citizens Women/Cat 4

Citizens Men/Cat 5

USAC Cat 4 Men

Lit-tle Baby Duck-EEEZ...

2008-06-17T16:30:00.002-04:00

Go "quackquackquack".

('Cause Sarala wanted more pictures. Happy now, S?)

DSS & ARR Dock No. 6

2008-06-14T00:29:00.003-04:00

Former iron ore dock in the Lower Harbor. The one at Presque Isle is still operational.

Shutterday: Iron

Apple Blossom Reverie

2008-06-09T21:36:00.003-04:00

Moody Monday: Dreamy

A larger version may be seen here.

Voice of Experience II

2008-06-07T19:52:00.002-04:00

Yet another 8-18 Media story Hayley worked on (with one other member). They interviewed graduating high school students, asking what their advice would be to incoming freshmen. Hayley did the recording on this one.
Voice of Experience II (direct link to mp3)

Finally - A Fellow Yooper!

2008-06-07T11:48:00.002-04:00

I received an email today from Betsy, a fellow Yooper. It's great hearing from others who truly appreciate Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She's lucky, though, to live in DA WOODS. I'm so jealous. So if you'd like to witness a REAL Yooper experience, check out one of her sites (not a lot of content, but what IS there shows much of what the U.P. is all about):
Random Acts of Thinking
Eye See 360 (Flickr)
Pine Stump Junction

To Cabin 5

2008-06-03T18:24:00.002-04:00

Tuesday Challenge: Bridge

I'm not exactly sure why the bridge is here. I've never personally seen any water running beneath it. The only thing I can think of is that there's a dip in the trail at this point. It's maybe a mile or so hike to the cabin from the parking area. So by the time anyone renting the cabin reaches this point, hauling whatever they deem as necessities, they're probably pretty worn out...and might stumble. Of course, that's assuming they're not already stumbling from being drunk.

Lichen on the Rock

2008-05-28T16:28:00.004-04:00

Lens Day: Portrait

Actually, his name is Luke, but when he wrote down his email address for me to send him copies of the photos I took, it started with "lichen". And that "rock" is part of the U.S.S. Darter - U.S.S. Dace Memorial.

Lookout Tower

2008-05-20T01:12:00.002-04:00

U.S. Coast Guard Lookout Tower - Whitefish Point, Michigan

Tuesday Challenge: Towers

Gettin' Jazzy

2008-05-19T22:41:00.002-04:00

John Broadway on piano

Moody Monday: Musical

Taken during the MSHS Choral Concert tonight. There was a special performance by the MSHS Jazz Band (and singers), and they were awesome!

Delft Theater Side View

2008-05-17T14:07:00.001-04:00

Thursday Challenge: Shapes

The Tulip That Would Not Bloom

2008-05-12T12:20:00.002-04:00

In our yard, tulips are rabbit food. I don't think I've seen even one bloom since my former downstairs neighbors planted the bulbs. As the leaves start poking out of the ground, the rabbits start nibbling on them.

Moody Monday: Exposed

Acorn Cap

2008-05-10T18:01:00.002-04:00

Macroday: Cap

Kinda Cool News

2008-05-08T13:43:00.004-04:00

I received an email today from Dennis Whitley, Director of 8-18 Media, asking if he could send one of my photos from the 8-18 Media Recognition Night, which was held on April 30th at North Star Academy, to Pat from Marquette Monthly. It will be used in the "City Notes" section of their June issue. This is the photo I sent him:

Update: Yes, it was published in the Marquette Monthly. No, I did not receive photo credit. But that's okay with me. I'm just glad they could use something that I'll probably not use -- other than here and/or Flickr. :^)

Divided Reflections

2008-05-07T20:37:00.002-04:00

Lens Day: Mother
Thursday Challenge: Family

Padlocked Dinghy

2008-05-06T14:00:00.001-04:00

Tuesday Challenge: Padlock

Oil Spill Update

2008-05-04T15:15:00.004-04:00

We were assured by the news and newspaper that the oil spill in Marquette's Lower Harbor was cleaned up. Maybe my eyes (and camera) are deceiving me. Perhaps I need my glasses cleaned. What do YOU think?

Daffodil

2008-04-28T14:33:00.002-04:00

Moody Monday: Frilly

Interiors by Design

2008-04-27T01:05:00.002-04:00

Window display at Interiors by Design

Photo Friday: Electricity

Frog in My Garden

2008-04-26T16:49:00.002-04:00

Shutterday: Fake

Espanolandia

2008-04-26T01:11:00.002-04:00

Yet another story that Hayley worked on with three fellow 8-18 Media members.

Espanolandia
(mp3 - direct link)

Reclaiming the Garden

2008-04-23T18:54:00.002-04:00

Thursday Challenge: Earth

Oil Leak in Lower Harbor

2008-04-23T00:37:00.004-04:00

These are photos of part of the cleanup process of an oil spill in Marquette's Lower Harbor. Apparently it happened on Monday -- which explains the Coast Guard helicopter flying over our house several times that day -- but I didn't know about it until last night, when most of the cleanup had already taken place. Here's a link to The Mining Journal story in yesterday's paper.

This is the part I find most interesting:

The Coast Guard continues to investigate the grounding, and Adams said it’s possible that the lake bottom around the plant had shifted, creating shallows or sandbars where the boat’s captain did not expect them.
“It’s being investigated to see whether over the winter months, the bottom structure changed,” he said.

What I'd like to know is why don't they check if the bottom structure changed over the winter months BEFORE allowing ships to come through?!

Chinese Chops Set

2008-04-20T09:53:00.001-04:00

See It Sunday: Box

News Flash!

2008-04-16T21:54:00.003-04:00

We interrupt your blog surfing to bring you an important public announcement...

Tonight, Hayley received the news that she will be part of the 8-18 Media team covering the Republican Convention in St. Paul, MN, in September. She and several other members of 8-18 Media had to answer essay questions in order to be chosen for one of two teams -- one to cover the Democratic Convention (to be held in Colorado), and one for the Republican Convention. I don't think they really had much of a choice as to which they'd prefer, but Hayley is thrilled to just be on one of the teams. She's a pretty open-minded individual...but may have to utilize her acting talents in order to pull this off. I mean, does she look like a Republican to you? ;^)

We now return you to your regularly (or irregularly) scheduled blog surfing...

Shutterday: Girls in Glasses

Not Your Granddad's Cadillac

2008-04-16T14:04:00.001-04:00

Ooooohhh....shiny. Well, almost.

Lens Day: Automobile

A Horse of a Different Color

2008-04-15T15:46:00.003-04:00

Tuesday Challenge: Horse

Hayley painted (actually, it's glazed) about 4 or 5 years ago.

"Spirit of the Cougar"

2008-04-14T14:13:00.003-04:00

Moody Monday: Incomplete

A counted cross-stitch project I'd started about 3 or 4 years ago as a birthday gift for a friend. I haven't touched it since, except to photograph it. (My bad!) This is what it's supposed to look like IF I ever finish it.

Eye of the Fishing Pole

2008-04-13T13:21:00.002-04:00

Macroday: Round

Overlooking Grand Island Harbor

2008-04-12T22:17:00.002-04:00

See It Sunday: Map

High Winds and Waves

2008-04-11T15:40:00.004-04:00

We are currently under Winter Storm and High Winds/Waves warnings. (Yes, I know, it IS supposed to be Spring.) Of course, I had to walk down to see these Lake Superior waves. Not only did I take photos, but got a couple of video clips as well. It was much more impressive to watch than what I was able to capture. The wind was nasty, but it wasn't as cold as I'd expected.