YES, VIRGINIA,

 ...there really is blue sky behind those gray clouds.  

 

 

WINTER’S MIXED BAG

 Happy New Year, friends!  Haven’t we had it all this past week?  Freezing rain.  Temperatures warm enough to melt most of the snow.  Heavy blowing snow with whiteout conditions.  And then more nonstop snow.  But there was a bright spot.  The wintry winds also blew in a female snowy owl.  I caught a glimpse of her on the ballpark rooftop on Christmas afternoon.  More to come when the weather improves.  

 

 

FAVORITES OF THE YEAR

 I’m grateful to all of you who visited my photography blogs in 2025.  After looking through the pictures I took, here are my ten favorites:  A Leelanau orchard in winter’s shadow.  A sandhill crane, its neck coiled for preening.  A lovely bouquet painted during the mural festival.  A cedar waxwing feasting on frozen crabapples.  A striking bearded iris.  Sailboats racing on West Bay.  Gracing chasing a ball in her new backyard.  The following three images are tied for my favorite picture of 2025.  I love the brilliant colors in this fall scene from Old Mission Peninsula. The next two are both from my many visits to Sleeping Bear Dunes.  The peachy sunset was taken at Platte Point, and the other is an early morning shot of the Mill Pond.  The white egret in the water was a bonus.  Do you have a favorite?

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIENDS

 Enjoy your holiday in whatever ways make it special.  For me, taking pictures is always high on my list, with seasonal lights a favorite subject.  Thank you for being a constant visitor to my blog and Facebook page.  May you find peace, contentment, and good health now and in the new year.  

 

 

 

 

MERRY AND BRIGHT

 

 I love driving around at night to look at the holiday lights and decorations.  As I scouted out places to photograph, I discovered many signs of the season were just as lovely in the daytime.