Michigan Postcard

Building a Dam on Belle Isle?

Is this the work of a beaver or someone acting like a beaver? Obviously the top was sawed off of this tree but the gnawed part looks like the work of a busy beaver. This would be a great spot to dam up but if is such a busy area I would be surprised that any beaver are in the area. It is right across the back side of the conservatory. Any thoughts?

Carillon

(click to enlarge)

Neo-Gothic in design the carillon tower was dedicated in 1940. Much work is needed on the tower and the surrounding garden. It still plays every hour and half hour. Let's hope that the State of Michigan can get the money together to repair this beautiful structure. For more information go to:
http://www.historicdetroit.org/building/nancy-brown-peace-carillon/

Dreaming

Imagine in your mind that it is snowy and 5 degrees outside......you walk into a tropical paradise only a few minutes from your home. The warmth, smell and humidity of lush green growth surrounds you and you look out a window for a reality check. Lemons are growing high up near the glass ceiling and spots of color pop up here and there. Yes, it's all here at the conservatory on Belle Isle, beautiful in all seasons. A sure cure for the winter blues!

Orchid Room

Christmas Eve

Mary

 At the DIA

 I think that this particular Mary is very scary....one of those artworks that has eyes that follow you around the room.....just scary.

This one is beautiful.

Mother and Child

from the DIA

Snow Photos from past winters....

From Christmases Long Long Ago

Well, all my postings and my Christmas preparations were interrupted by a surprize visit from my son and grandson (Mikey, above). Enjoyed 3 days visiting. We did a nighttime tour of Detroit and ate in Greektown....lots of fun. Now, the house seems really empty and quiet. My other son, Tim, was here today to wrap his xmas presents so I have had plenty of company. Back to the real world of Christmas prep for me tomorrow.

Snow

This is what I use to estimate the amount of snow that has fallen. It is my birdbath turned upside down and since there was no wind I think it is safe to say about 12 inches......this is from 2 snow falls.

I never realized all the stuff that I have sticking up that collects the snow

 This is an old birdbath base that has a sundial on top.

 Looks like a hat on this solar light

 Empty bird feeder :-(

This is chimney stack from and old factory in Pittsburgh that was torn down. I bought it at an antique fair years ago. I love the patina on it.

Burrrr

 9am and I am out taking pictures of the snow. My Chore Guy is here snow blowing and my neighbor on the corner is doing his and our neighbor's front sidewalk. It is 14 degrees and I am not paying much attention to the camera, just snapping away...... OK, you South Carolina folks, this is for you!

Knights in Shining Armor

 Anyone that knows me well, knows that I am in love with Medieval history and read a lot of Medieval Mysteries. That's why I enjoyed this armor at the DIA. Half of the collection is still being restored but this is what is on display now. The armor is all Geman and I am more familiar with English and French. Still, these are very old and are in amazing shape

 Can you see the little door on the left side of the faceplate? Wondering what that is for. I googled it but got nowhere. And how did they see? Doesn't look like a visor. The one below has a similar contraption. Wow, how did they get into these things...so uncomfortable looking.
You know that there are so many comments about the violence in the world today but it doesn't compare to those times when you could be hanged for stealing a loaf of bread.
Very interesting times.......Doomsday Book, would love to read that. Everything was recorded down to the number of chickens a person had. England has a wonderful grasp of their history..... that book was written in at the end of the 9th century.

The little door is more visible in this photo. Also, you can see where the coat of arms was on the right breastplate.

Winter Wonderland

 When I want to know how much snow has fallen I look at my birdbath and if it was not windy, I can pretty much tell how many inches we have. Last night it was an Winter Wonderland. Wish that I could have gotten out to the park. More snow tomorrow and overnight it will be 10 degrees with a wind chill of 0. More snow on Friday as well. I think that we can be assured of a white Christmas.

It's Snowing!

OMG, you guys! I love this GIF that I found. The lazy cat batting the ball of yarn, the little birds in the tree outside and the snow...... I need to find more of these.

Scenes from the DIA

 The DIA holds such wonderful masterpieces but not to be overlooked, is the building itself which is a work of art in it's own right. The picture above taken out a window overlooking the Kresge Court where we stopped for coffee. It's old world charm begs for a photo (jeez maybe I could paint the scene after watching all that Bob Ross on youtube) LOL

 On the floor in the grand court.

Wall art seen going into the Rivera court