Well that was quick! Colder days already. It never lasts long enough.
Michigan
Vacant
I’ve walked this path several times but never saw this nest. Usually the area is dense with vegetation so it’s not surprising. The nest was empty and I guess maybe the wasps went underground for the winter knowing it was time to vacate for the season. I don’t now anything about wasp habits, if they actually do go underground for the winter. The nest was a little damaged too so maybe an animal got into it looking for a snack.
Either way the occupants knew it was time to go. I kind of feel that way too. Things are a little empty and it just does not feel like it will work out. It’s strained and distant and being honest with myself it’s just not enough. I’m going to dig my heels in a push out of this empty thing in my life. I’ve come too far to allow this now.
Quick Break
In between appointments today I had a little down time so I headed over to my favorite cafe for a bite to eat and coffee. After I finished lunch I still had time to relax so I went to one of my favorite nature preserves. It was cold today but the sun was killing it making it seem a lot warmer.
Sunny Day
The weather this winter hasn’t been too bad but the lack of sunshine gets me down so when we have days like today I like to take advantage of it. The trails at Parker Mill park were soggy but it was worth being out.
Ann Arbor
I’ve been lucky so far this winter. There’s been some snow but not much. It’s the same with bitter cold, a few of those days but for the most part not bad at all.
Reflection On Pond
Back at the botanical gardens.
Deer at botanical gardens
Today got up to around 53F so only having a morning appointment I decided to take advantage of the warmer weather. While 53F to me isn’t warm, it is December and really anything over 40F is a bonus. Hitting the trail I was first surprised at how most of the gardens were pretty dry. I half expected the trails to be muddy. As always I headed toward the far end of the gardens maybe two or so miles in from the entrance where my favorite pond and bench are. I did in fact make it there where I sat for a while to relax but the wind made it cold. I started to feel too cold so I got up and walked back. On the way I saw around six doe and one buck, about an eight point who just stood there on the trial as though he didn’t give a damn about my being there. Then there we two doe, they’re always so easily spooked so it’s hard to get a picture of them because they run away so fast. The one pictured ran about 20 feet into the brush then stopped and stared at me.
Kensington
Heading to the morning appointment I passed the park and thought maybe I’d stop on the way back. The spot I always go to was empty and quiet which appealed to me. I’ve always preferred solitude when I’m in nature. Opening a cigar pack I took a puff and my mind wandered back like it always does. I’m very aware of it when that happens but I always welcome it. I thought about my kids and all the times we hung out here over the summer having a BBQ or hanging out with my best friend while drinking beers and talking shit. Then there were other thoughts too about the past. There’s always the comparison thing I do where I consider whether my life is better now than it was then. Looking out over the water I felt calm and content. Life is good and it’s getting better.
Sunny Day
Not too long ago I was facing this.
The Mystery Meat 