Spring is here

And the crocus are in bloom to prove it. Today was a beautiful day. Warm (70 degrees), sunny, and windy. My ideal weather situation. I love spring. So, I decided to head out with the camera and see what was coming up in the yard. I found some crocuses and some mini irises (not the technical term) but enjoyed seeing them none the less. The daffodils are working their way up. In another two weeks they should be ready (depending on the weather). In my new garden the tulips are popping up but it appears someone has been munching on the foliage. Grrrr. I thought I was getting animal resistant plants...
Oh well, hopefully they did not ruin the plants and just did a little munching on the leaves? 

Invading Spaces

This week I am hosting a recording session at my home. I have a nice studio space where I typically shoot photos, but since it is not in use this week, I decided to help out my friend Greg and let the band record here.

So far just the drum tracks are being recorded. A mic is needed for every piece of the drum set so each instrument goes onto its own track. Cool. I guess it is like layers in Photoshop and when all the tracks are combined, it will make a "pretty picture" or, in this case, song. I never knew how much time and work went into recording music.

It is fun to have the gang over here and invading my space. Perhaps "Invading Spaces" could be a new reality TV show? Anyway, I can't wait to hear their new CD.

First Day of Spring

Yes, the vernal equinox is here so the days are getting longer and the weather will begin to warm. WOOHOO! I love spring.
It is hard to believe that March is almost over, this year is flying by already. I guess time flies when you are having fun? Well, whatever the case, I am enjoying the sun that was present in the area today. Winter is just not bright enough.

Spring was here today

It was in the 60's here in west michigan and felt AWESOME! I love spring. It was sooo good to hang out in the yard, light the grill, think about gardening, etc. I know it will not last, but it felt so good.
My plan for this summer is to tackle one of the Raspberry/Brush beds and turn it into something enjoyable. Below is a photomerge of my backyard with notes of what I would like to do. I took the pics today and then put them into photoshop to play with ideas. Ah, I can't wait...

A pond runs thru it

This morning I woke up to a sight I had seen a couple of springs before; a pond in my backyard that had formed overnight due to the heavy rain. While it seems innocent enough, last year the pond found it's way into my basement which was not fun. So, instead of ruin the carpet and contents of the basement, I decided to be pro-active and pull the carpet back Just In Case. Perhaps I am being a worry wort, but I do not have another $700 to shell out to a basement drying company.
Until I can get the deck off the back of the house, the dirt re-graded, and gutters on, I will be proactive. The joys of spring. : ) 

a little bit of this

and a little bit of that. Lots of bright colors and textures to photo in and around the honey creek today. It feels like spring is upon us although next week will be cold like winter again. (Bummer) 

De-Barking of a Tree

I am pretty sure this is not the technical term for a tree losing its bark, but the tree is definitely losing it. The tree is dead (which could be why it is losing it's bark) but was it sick and then died and is now shedding? Or do they just naturally let go of their bark after they die? Who knows. I'm not sure what kind of tree it even is but it is really shedding it's skin. I don't see any signs of bugs although it appears as though the wood peckers are feasting. Nonetheless, I am enjoying it visually.

St. Joseph Lighthouse

On Feb 28, I ventured down to the Benton Harbor area to meet with an agency about my work. While I was in the area I decided to take a walk down to the beach and out to the pier to shoot the st joe light. It was a beautiful day (albeit it very cold) and lake Michigan was very flat. However, based on the ice formations on the pier, it had been quite windy, wavey, and cold.

Some people love the summers at the beach, I actually like it in the winter so I can shoot the lighthouses without a bunch of people milling around.  

Mango salsa for Carribean Chili

My Mango Salsa - for my carribean Chili is now complete. The inside of the mango is very different looking than its outer skin. Nonetheless, it turned out good. Tonight I will make the chili to go with it since the chili and soup season is drawing to an end.

 

Mango

 

Mango Time

A friend asked me to give her my mango salsa recipe which prompted me to go out and buy a couple of mangos. So, being the photo geek that I am, I had to shoot them. They look so pretty. The poor things will look a lot different when I get done with them today. : ( However, I am sure they will taste yummy in their new role.