Red Lighthouse
Can’t wait to get out on a boat this summer.

Today was the first day this year that really, really felt like we are going to have a summer, yes! I had to dig up a shot that I took last year in Muskegon while on a sailboat with good friends Jon and Peggy.

Don’t you love how all the red football jerseys match the lighthouse? I’m sure that’s exactly what the football players were thinking when they were hanging out there. They probably had a convo to the effect of, “hey man, did you notice how pretty our jersey’s look with this lighthouse?” “yeah dude, I was thinking the same thing, what a perfect shade of red.” Okay, I know, it’s only in my head that these things happen.

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Bluebirds in a nest
These sweet little bluebirds don’t even have their eyes open yet.

I LOVE wild birds, and baby bluebirds are my favorite. Every spring they flock to an ornamental fruit tree in my back yard and pick away at the remaining berries on it that the squirrels couldn’t get at.

Don’t even ask me how I got this picture, but I promise you nobody got hurt and all the baby birds were fine.

On another note, I think spring is finally here. Flowers are popping up everywhere and the snow is melted. I can’t wait to take pictures of something other than winter scenes.

Driving along in the Michigan back country.

I took this photo driving through farmland in the Belmont, Michigan area. For those who think of Michigan as a washed up rust belt state, think again. The majority of the state sports lush farmland, lakes ripe for fishing and trees everywhere.

I just got back from visiting gorgeous Steamboat Springs. While I love the mountains and big, huge sky, I missed the variety of trees and “green” that Michigan offers.

Now for the favor… my son Paul is getting married on August 21. He’s having trouble finding a rustic cabin or cottage in the Upper Peninsula to rent from August 23 – August 30. Any suggestions or places you know of with availabilities? If so, could you please make a comment about it? I would greatly appreciate it!

Windmill Island Holland Michigan
Windmill Island just before dusk.

It’s Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan and Windmill Island is one of the featured attractions for good reason.

It’s a beautiful and leisurely paved walk to the island which is surrounded by marshes with cattails and red winged blackbirds.

Although tourists and vacationers travel from around the world to visit the island during Tulip Time, it’s an attraction that stands on its own and is well worth visiting any time of the year, especially spring, summer and fall.

Click here to purchase print of photo.

Manistee Beauty, Just 2 Hours from Grand Rapids
Manistee Beauty, Just 2 Hours from Grand Rapids

I just got back from a weekend in Manistee and was amazed at both the beauty and how few people were there. Here’s a link to the area I took this off Lakeshore Beach Drive. The first time I saw Manistee was about three years ago and I was blown away by what a hidden treasure this place is. There’s still time to soak up some summertime beauty, sun and waves up north, why not head to Manistee? It’s only two hours from Grand Rapids, check it oouuuttt!

Driving along the backroads to Fremont
Driving along the backroads to Fremont

I’ve been pretty lazy with my blog this summer so I thought I’d better make this post a good one since it’s been so long. I took this on the way to my friend’s wedding party (Congratulations Amity & Lance!). It was so beautiful that day driving though the backroads on the way to Fremont.

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.