This morning, on my way home, I saw a flock of Robins in a tree along side Oakwood Blvd.

 It was 6 degrees.

Is there any hope?

Succulents and Cacti

This room at the Belle Isle conservatory held all succulents and cacti. I was amazed by this Jade tree.......I've had Jade plants but not this size ...wow!

Sunny Day

Sunshine coming through the window but, alas, it is only 12 degrees out there. 

Can't wait......

Last night we had our first Photography class for this semester and our outings were discussed and planned. I am excited about where we are going to shoot even though I am going to miss a few when I am in South Carolina. This coming Saturday we start with of a tour of the inside of the beautiful Guardian Building in Detroit and on another date we will tour the Fisher Building as well.  Plan also to go to the Detroit Zoo to visit the butterfly house.  We will end with a late class in May spending the whole day at Hidden Lake Gardens where we will have a picnic and get to see the whole garden and conservatory. The above photo was taken last fall there.
So looking forward to all the new and exciting trips planned and our meals afterward :-)

Belle Isle Conservatory in Febuary

 is tropical....warm and humid. There are a variety of orchids and many Cyclamen. I think that the display of Cyclamen get changed out periodically. There are poinsettia around Christmas. I always seem to go there at the same time of year....need to change it up a bit :-) It is just nice to see flowers and color when it is cold and drab outside. Honestly, I don't know most of the flowers...there are some real exotics on display.

 Bananas or are they plantains? 

 Someone has a sense of humor....bet the kids like it.

 More Cyclamen photos on the way....

Prom Orchid

 When I was in high school many many years ago, this was the orchid that we girls got for the prom. I don't know what variety it is but it sure looks familiar. If you didn't get an orchid, it was a gardenia and those really smelled. The orchid didn't last long. I remember coming home and putting my corsage in the refrigerator in hope of saving it.

Flower Collage

My Trip to Belle Isle

 The sun was deceiving...bight and warm. But as you can see the river is still frozen and the roads around the island were iced as well. When I stepped out of the car to take this picture the wind took my breath away and the cold air was whipped through my coat as if I wasn't even wearing it. I decided to head to the conservatory.

 Belle Isle Conservatory

 Back lit by the sun.....you can see the tall palms reaching for the sky.

 The place was filled with little kids, running all around and yelling "Look at all the pretty plowers". It occurred to me that the aquarium (right next door) has reopened and is only opened on Saturday, so they visited there and then made their way to the conservatory.  Go away you children, I was pretending that this place belonged to me.

A tropical 64 degrees the warmest temp in Michigan.

I have many beautiful flower photos to come!

Allium

 Purple Allium at Overland Park Arboretum last June.

Snow and More

 The other day I said to myself "No more snow pictures". But of course I couldn't resist the heavy snow this morning that was quite beautiful....like a Christmas postcard. There was thunder and lightening and then the snow turned to heavy rain. That was when I decided that I had to go to the library...what a mess.

My neighbor across the street.

Where have all the birds and other critters gone?

Brookgreen

By the time I get to Brookgreen Gardens this year all the tulips will be done but the azalias will be in bloom and it will be absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to go there and to the beach. Brookgreen is open until 8 pm the month of April. I love walking there in the evening when the sun is starting to set....lovely.

Old Family Photos Collage

Remembering Spring

Spring 2012 and I am out with  my new point and shoot Canon SX40. I walked along one of my favorite trails at Lower Huron Metropark and took photos of the beautiful redbuds. I left that area and was driving by where I had just been and saw Bluebirds! Hurrying back, I grabbed my camera and was able to shoot one of my best bird pictures ever. It is all about being in the right place at the right time. The more often that you are out and about, obviously, the better chance of a good shot. I actually sold a print of my Bluebird photo.
Anyway, with 6 inches of snow predicted for tonight, I am trying so hard to even remember Spring...that's what got me looking through my 2012 folder.
Just dreaming of warmth, color and bird song. 

Tea for me....

Waiting for Spring

I'm really ramping it up.....I'm not waiting for spring, I am dreaming of summer. I promise not to complain about the heat and humidity ...promise! I want to go looking for birds and butterflies and take photos of flowers. I want to sit on my front porch and sweat...I won't care. Just give me some color....please!

Still Winter

I am sorry to announce that winter is still here. There is still plenty of snow on the ground, ice on the walkways and the temperature is still bitter. My gas/electric bill was sky high. It is all so depressing and we are all wondering when will it ever end. I see that there will be a warm up next week......high in to the 40's a week from today.  Can this be true? 40 sounds like a real heat wave.
I am busy cleaning and organizing the basement and finally got my Christmas stuff put away. I have a sense of accomplishment.
I took this picture a few weeks ago at Lower Huron. It is rather stark but represents the season well.