Backyard farming in Michigan

A couple of weeks ago my new iPhone4 came in and I decided to get it in spite of the reception problems. Truth be told, I have been using Mac products for my entire career and have yet to be disappointed with the company. I LOVE the iPhone4, it is a huge upgrade from the original iPhone, which is what I had. Here’s why:

– The optics are amazing, result, everything is easier to read and a joy to look at.

– I love the movie camera on the phone, it takes great video and is so convenient. I won’t be dragging around my movie camera any more.

– The still camera. Okay, it’s not as good as my SLR, but for crying out loud, it takes great photos and again, it’s convenient.

– All the apps. The scope of truly helpful apps that are free or just $1.99 boggle my mind. Everything from making expense reports easier, to tracking my workout program.

I just thought you might find it interesting that I took this photo with my iPhone. After taking it, I processed it with Topaz Labs software.

About the photo… more and more Michigan residents are raising chickens in their backyard. That would include my friend Ruth, these are her “Chickapees.” They follow her around everywhere and are so cute, she even tolerates them tearing up her amazing flower gardens (at least until recently!) Grand Rapids is considering and ordinance to allow homeowners to keep up to 5 chickens in their backyards. A similar ordinance has been effect in Ann Arbor since 2008. I love visiting her and watching her chickens, they make me laugh.

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Sure, I'm a terrier and have an attitude, wanna make something of it?

One of the things I love most about Michigan is beautiful backyards in the summer. And, enjoying my backyard this summer is one of the things I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.

I’m ready for winter to wrap up. When I went outside this morning I heard the birds singing, the sun was shining, and dare I say it…. I could smell spring in the air. Today’s picture is in anticipation of the beautiful summer that is awaiting us this year.

He thinks he's cool.
He thinks he's cool.

The Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition will be winding down pretty soon, so if you want to see it, this would be the time to act. The event is over on April 30th. The butterflies are at their best on sunny days, they go crazy and are everywhere.

I appreciate having the Frederik Meijer Gardens here in West Michigan. We’re lucky to have so many philanthropists who care about making their hometown special. It’s not unusual to see Fred Meijer at the gardens he and his wife Lena so generously gave to this community. And the gardens continue to grow and give. Each year I’m amazed at the new exhibits and changes that make them even better.

Popular coming attractions are the Michigan All-State Bonsai Show May 16 – 17 and the Jonathan Borofsky exhibition, now underway through May 10.

What the? Curious Goats
What the? Curious Goats

I’m almost a little embarrassed to admit that up until I took this picture, I had never “met” a goat before. These little stinkers are REALLY cute and fun. First off, they are curious and secondly, very funny.

I was bored, so deliberately got lost in Coopersville farmland. I saw this farm with goats and the farm owner was nice enough to show me around and let me take some photos.

When the goats saw me standing on the fence to take this picture, they all stared at me like “Hey lady, what the heck are you doing there, shouldn’t you be in here standing on the picnic table with us and playing?”

Some people have goats for pets, and now I know why. If I was home more, I’d be one of them. As I was leaving the farmer told me that some of their goats are for sale. If you would like to find out more about owning a goat of your own: Call Beth at (616) 837-6432.

A Perfect Michigan Summer Day
A Perfect Michigan Summer Day

Okay, it’s official. I’m tired of winter. I think I smelled spring in the air two days ago too. I took this photo last summer on White Lake, which, by the way is a great place to go boating. It’s a nice sized lake with a great boat launch and then if you want some REAL excitement, you can blast on over to Lake Michigan through the channel.

So here’s why I stay here in spite of a too long winter:

1. Perfect summer days like the one here.

2. No matter where you live in Michigan, you’re minutes away from an outdoor adventure. Even in the city.

3. Low cost of living so you can have a much nicer home here than most places, and get one on the water.

4. My family, which is close by.

5. Great friends.

6. Great job.

7. Great neighbors.

8. LOVE Grand Rapids, not too big, not too small, big city venues, small city convenience.

9. All the beautiful beaches.

10. Great seaside towns with art galleries galore.

So, how about some other Michigander feedback? What keeps you here?

Feliz Navidad From Michigan
Feliz Navidad From Michigan

This is what can happen in Michigan, when you get snowed in. Okay, so this isn’t exactly a Michigan Sweet Spot, but we do have chihuahua’s here and I couldn’t resist putting this photo up. I hope you and yours are having a wonderful holiday season. Thank you all for making this blog  successful.