In Loving Memory...

I took these pictures last week, a day before something horrible happened to my sons cat, Pumpkin. We don't really know what happened, but he came up missing for a couple of days. While he was gone, something had caused his eye to come out of socket, and also created a huge gash on his neck. My husband took Pumpkin to the vet who told him that there was nothing they could do except put him to sleep. Pumpkin now waits at the Rainbow Bridge....

Little Turtle

Isn't he cute?

Campanula (Bellflower)

Saw this growing in my aunts flower garden during a visit yesterday and it was so pretty, I just had to take a picture.

Pavilion By The River

This pavilion is located near the Bear River in Petoskey, Michigan.

Triangle Building

This interesting shaped building is located downtown Alpena and currently houses a realty company.

Sign

I saw this yesterday while out doing business a few towns over.

Mirror Image

This is a view of the Thunder Bay River as seen from the Briley Township park in Atlanta, Michigan. I was actually out trying to get some water lily shots when I noticed the sky reflecting off of the calm water.

Lost Highway

I took this picture last week on the night we had the thunderstorms roll through.

Interesting Playground

I went to a farmer's market in Tawas City yesterday where I saw these interesting playground toys. Unseen in the background, where it looks quite foggy, is Tawas Bay which is part of Lake Huron.

Convulvulus

This grows all over around these parts, but it is very invasive.

A Storm Is Brewing

We had some thunderstorms roll through yesterday while I was out running errands. Here are some of the storm clouds I captured.

St. Mary's Bridge

I snapped these photos while we were on our trip in the upper peninsula. This is the St. Mary's Bridge which crosses the St. Mary's river and connects the US side of Sault Ste. Marie to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. The St. Mary's river connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron, and is also where the Soo Locks are located.

Lake Superior Campsite View

This past June, my family and I went on a week long camping trip to Lake Superior State Campground in Michigan's upper peninsula. This was the view looking out at Lake Superior from our campsite.

Alpena Friday Night Street Fair

After taking the kids to see Wall-E at the State Theater, we came out to find that the Alpena Street Fair had been set up while we were watching the movie.

The kids played in the bounce house, but my son hurt himself while he was in there. Fortunately it was just a little bump and nothing major.

Then my mom and I watched the live band play a few classic rock songs.

Lake Superior Agate

We find these semi-precious treasures along the shores of Lake Superior every year when we go on our annual camping trip. This was the first one I found on our most recent trip this past June.

A View Of Lake Huron

I took this picture at a Lake Huron beach in northern Michigan last summer when my husband and I took the kids swimming.

Purple Clematis

I planted this Clematis vine the year we moved in to our house, which was almost exactly three years ago. It did not flower the last two years, and I was beginning to wonder if I planted it in the wrong conditions. I was quite happy to find it had bloomed this year. It was well worth the wait..

Water Fights

Every year after our Independence Day parade, the local township fire departments have water fights downtown. Everyone gathers around and watches to see who can get the ball to their side first. It's always a blast, and you can always count on getting soaking wet.

Behold The Queen

A Queen Anne's Lace flower gets close to bloom in our field.

Moon & Sunset

As I was waiting for the fireworks to begin on Friday evening, I sat atop a hill with an excellent view. The shot above was a reflection of the sunset on the front fender of a friends Chevy truck. I could not resist the shot below, although I have to say, with my shoddy camera, I was worried this one would not come out. Lucky for me it did...

Happy Independence Day

Wishing all a safe and happy Independence Day..

The Unknown Soldier

This sculpture was created by Moran Iron Works owner Tom Moran. Tom just happens to be one of my husbands clients. Last year Tom asked Mike (my husband), if he would paint this sculpture for him, so Mike did the painting on this. Tom creates a new sculpture every year and unveils his latest design at the local Independence Day parade, the latest of which will be unveiled tomorrow. Here are a few of Tom's other sculptures...

Gocha!

Oh, he got them alright..

Dream Home

This house is located in a town nearby. Every time I drive by I tell my kids or whoever is with me that this house is my future home. I'm not exactly fond of the location (I would rather be in the country), but I absolutely adore the house.

Crisp Point Lighthouse

I usually make a trip up to this lighthouse every couple of years. Sometimes, as was the case this year, there is a caretaker there and they will let you go in and look out from the top of the lighthouse. It is quite a sight to look out over the majesty of Lake Superior from the top. Very beautiful...

http://www.crisppointlighthouse.org