Year in Review-Travel

 Las Aventuras took a break this year from international travel.  Why?  I discovered Southern Arizona with new eyes.

 So while I stayed home, we had such an amazing time here in Arizona.  However, we did get a chance to meet some amazing people, visit Wisconsin and bird in nearby Mexico along the Pacific Ocean.

 One our favorite spots was in Wisconsin Dells over the summer.  Wonderful weather along with beautiful forests made for a very special day.

 And in my hometown along the shores of Lake Michigan, we were able to hang out with the family.

 We even found time to visit Madison, the Capital of Wisconsin during the Scott Walker vote!

 My brother and SIL took us to the Green Bay botanical gardens which was a real thrill.

 Sometimes.  Just sometimes.  I wish I could grow some of these amazing green and colorful plants.

We did get out to Mexico though and had an amazing birding trip along the Sea of Cortez to go to the Bird Islands!

 This next year, several epic outings have been planned.  Some are in the works right now and I'll keep you updated.  I am plotting our courses for next year as are my travel buddies.

 Life is full of good people and experiences.  I believe in kharma.  Throwing bad cause out into the world is not good. But when you send out the positive vibes.......

 .......they come roaring back to you loudly full of incredible energy.  And I'm loving life.  Each day is a new adventure whether it be close to home or elsewhere.  All we have to do is step out that door:)

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Huddle

 Cold.  Frosty.  I'm in Wisconsin visiting family and with it, I come with an agenda.  I have been given the gift of gifts......a zoom lense that puts all zoom lenses to shame.  This is not using my new zoom lense or tripod, but it will be the beginning of several photo shoots, environmental issues, and places to check out around the Lakeshore area for this week.  I have hope of getting a picture on an owl, but if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.  Today's theme is on the frozen waters of Lake Michigan.  There were snow flurries.  The sky was grey.  And it was cold.  So cold, that the waters partially froze in the nearby rivers.  Here we witness several shots of ducks and seagulls huddling close together enduring the freezing temps.

 This shot captures the front views from my parent's house. I always wonder how life can survive during our winter months.  Everytime I come from a visit from Arizona, it gets more difficult to endure these terrible temps.  The wind whipped up a storm here and my ears and hair froze.  Note to self, I will need gloves, scarf, and hat if I am going to survive these photo shoots.   

Seagulls are a common bird in the Great Lakes area.  Things have changed here as some birds don't migrate like they used to in the past.  Because of warmer temps, some birds, which include geese, have been hanging around the lakeshore area all year round.  Two Rivers is a beautiful town and a place I'm proud to call my hometown.

Friday's Musings

Dad with Nolan during a storm

My parents have a goldfish pond and I have never thought of this before, but it was raining crazy here and filled the pond.  There could have been a fish massacre but my father went out and saved the poor guys.  Here is the vid along with several of yesterdays pics around town:)