This weekend, the state of Wisconsin is offering free entry to state parks and forests, so many maybe enjoying hiking and exploring the various parks like Pattison State Park.
Crossing the Manitou River
Picture of the Day for June 3, 2016
This week the irises have opened up, displaying a range of colors with blues, purples, yellow and even these maroon and yellow ones.
Irises Blooming
Picture of the Day for June 2, 2016
The bumblebees were busy collecting nectar as soon as the rain stopped. The flowers were drooping their heads even more after the rain, causing the bees to play “Hang on Harvey” in order to get the nectar. Even the bee in the lower left corner had the same pose. Bumblebees are important pollinators of both crops and wildflowers but with their large round body size, compared to their wings, it is hard to believe they are capable of flight.
Busy Bumble Bee
Picture of the Day for June 1, 2016
The clouds last night, after the rain let up, looked more like smoke billowing from a fire than rain clouds. But the clouds did drop rain quickly in some areas, causing flash flood warnings and some thunderstorm warnings, so it was nice to see them moving away from the area.
Smokey Clouds
Picture of the Day for May 31, 2016
April showers may bring May flowers, but the May rain showers, like the one this morning, are keeping the flowers watered. Although wet this morning, yesterday the field lupine displayed it purple color in the sun and the bees were busy collecting nectar.
Displaying Purple
Picture of the Day for May 30, 2016
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer vacation, with trips, camping, picnics and other summer fun. Some people will celebrate the true reason for the holiday – to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and was celebrated on May 30. Renamed to Memorial Day, the holiday has been moved to the last Monday of May to create a three day weekend. But this year, the holiday lands on the traditional date of Decoration Day, so I hope people remember all of the soldiers who have died while serving in the country’s armed forces as they enjoy the long weekend.
Remembering the Fallen Soldiers
Picture of the Day for May 29, 2016
With a cloudy sky and the light rain falling this morning, one would think that seeing a sunset tonight would be unlikely. But the forecast is calling clearing skies so there could be a chance of seeing one like this sunset with different clouds from three nights ago.
Cloudy Sunset
Picture of the Day for May 28, 2016
At the beginning of the 20th century, before indoor plumbing became more common, a weekly Saturday night bath had become common custom for most of the population. A tub would be filled by carrying buckets of heated water and the bath water was shared by all family members so the first in line had the cleanest water.
The mother cow doesn’t have to carry water so she can give her calf a cleaning on the go as she licks the calf clean with her tongue.
Saturday Bath Time
Picture of the Day for May 27, 2016
While driving to the cabins and lakes for the holiday weekend, you might see some purple, pinks and white color along the ditches and river banks. Commonly mistaken for native wood phlox (with five petals), Dame’s Rocket, with only four blossom petals, is another highly invasive plant because of its prolific seed set. Dame’s Rocket is native to Eurasia but was introduced to North America in the 1600’s and is still found in some wildflower seed mixes.
Dame’s Rocket
Picture of the Day for May 26, 2016
The recent waves of rain showers have caused heavy rains in some areas but light amounts of rainfall in nearby areas, so while some rivers are running full, others like this stream barely flow. But even though the flow is light, it still creates a pretty waterfall.
Low Flow
