Just for Fun

Well, I still have not had a chance to get out and take new pictures to share.  There are a variety of reasons I give, including poor weather and inaccessible roads.  The main reason, and perhaps the real reason, though, is that I am lazy.

Here are a few fun shots I dug out of the archive.  There is not common theme really, just a bit of fun.  Some funny signs, a bit of photoshop, and a cheerful shot.  Enjoy!

My job has at times taken me to Frankenmuth Michigan, our own “Little Bavaria”.  In the back of a shop, on the wall, are a couple of humorous signs (I apologize for the condition of the first one, but that is the state of the sign, so there was not much I could do about it).

Just a bit of computer fun.  A miniaturized cub scout and a purple frog.

No photoshop here.  Just the cheerful water tower in West Branch, Michigan.  Have a nice day!!

I am still here

I am sorry I have not posted anything new for a few days, but the winter weather, work, and school activities have kept me away from my camera.  I did get some exciting news today though:  I have been asked to keep my photos up for a second month at the Sweet Boutique, here in Bay City!  Thank you Rob and crew!

Frozen Fish

And Frigid Photographers

Yesterday morning I went out to the Saginaw river to try to capture the essence of the day.  And that essence was….. COLD.  I do not know how those ice fisherman do it.  I was shivering and dying – and I had not even gotten out of the car yet.  I had some frost on the nose by the time I finished, but I expect I will warm up soon.  By the way, did I mention the wind chill was about 20 below zero?

I Thought Ducks Flew South

Here is part II from my excursion yesterday.  It seems that, thanks to the water discharge from the local sugar plant, there is an area of open water in the Saginaw River.  It also seems that the local Mallards discovered this before I did.

Here is that water discharge I mentioned.  It releases warm water that keeps an area of the river from freezing, to the obvious delight of the ducks. 

Winter Scenes

We got a couple of inches of fresh snow last night here in Bay City.  I visited an island in the river to capture a few images of the winter scene.

Grasses blowing in the wind

Snow covered weeds.

The Lafayette Street Bridge from a couple of unusual perspectives.

“Gone south for the winter.  Please forward my mail to Barbados.  Thanks, T. Finch”

“Ok, stay real still. He can’t see me if I don’t move.”

“Oh boy oh boy oh boy… I get to play in the snow!!!”

Some boats patiently waiting for spring.

Welcome to my exhibition

Welcome!  Thanks for stopping by.  I am glad you took the time to come and visit my first public showing of my pictures.  Come on in and take a look around.

Wecome to the Sweet Boutique!

How may I help you?

Here are my pictures on display:

Make yourself comfortable.

And please, help yourself to a little snack.  Don’t make me take it all home with me.

Thanks for stopping.  The Bay City Gallery walk was Thursday, January 6.  The weather was not the best, so the turnout was not high.  But some good friends stopped by, and I had a lot of fun. 

The pictures will be up throughout the month of January, so if you find yourself in Bay City, Michigan, stop by and take a look.  And be sure to tell Rob (the store owner) hi, and take a look at the fantastic treats!

And now a word from the snowmen…

A few weeks ago I posted pictures from my wife’s collection of Santas.  While visiting my wife’s parents last week, the snowmen that my Mother-in-law collects insisted on equal time.  So, in the interest of fairness, today I present the snowmen:

Winter Scenes from Up North

Over the Christmas holidays we visited my wife’s parents up in Rogers City, Michigan.  I took a little walk through Herman Vogler Nature Area one morning, and snapped a few pictures.  The day was sunny, not too cold, and overall beautiful.  Here are a few shots from my hike…

Water flows over the old dam.

A birch tree reflects in the small bit of open water.

Here is a “self Portrait”, done in shadow.  Did I mention it was early morning?

A lonely stump.

There were lots of signs of wildlife, including these cute little tracks in the snow.

The Trout River flows off toward Lake Huron.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you enjoyed the pics.