This morning clouds piled over the bay, and tall trees tossed in the wind, all silver and slate.
Signs of summer fading are everywhere. The cedars are covered with their rosebud cones. The grasses are pale, and the first bright leaves glow against the deep green of the pines. The pileated woodpeckers have been busy on a dying birch tree. No mosquitoes now. It’s a perfect time to explore the wetland woods. Miss Sadie is on the alert at once. She has that serious terrier look, and the muscles in her jaw are bunched. The Cowboy, on the other hand, is peering out from behind a tree. But do not be misled. At the first sign of danger Miss Sadie will be off, dragging us behind her, while the fluffy Cowboy keeps up a fierce rearguard action. You do not want to underestimate the Cowboy. (Yes, as always, click on the tiny images for larger versions of the photos.)
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- The Writing Studio and Bait Shop in early September
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- Cedar roses
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- Summer fading
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- Dying birch tree
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- The woods are lovely – dark and deep
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- Miss Sadie on the alert
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- The Cowboy peers from behind a tree
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- What’s that?
Torch Lake Views 
Katherine
September 6, 2008
Gerry, Dogs never learn…there is no such thing as a once skunked dog ,it usually happens multiple times. (at least with my two dogs it did. Maybe they were slow learners) The same with porkies, they usually will get quilled more than once and Fall is a good time for it because the animals are on the move, so keep a close eye on Miss Sadie and The Cowboy.
Gerry Sell
September 6, 2008
I suspect that Miss Sadie and the Cowboy may be rather slow learners, too, Katherine. Nevertheless, woe be it to either skunk or porcupine who interferes with the Cowboy and his adored Miss Sadie. Although the Cowboy is, well, aromatic, I rather think that particular skunk has departed for more peaceful crawlspaces. If the porcupine should reappear, I fear that the Cowboy might spring to Miss Sadie’s defense. On the other hand, Miss Sadie is a little ticked off about that incident, and she might well spring to her own defense, with dire consequences to both the porky and her own snout. In any case, I can probably look forward at some point to freshly dispatched porky, and another large vet bill, at which time I will definitely sign up for a quillwork class.
Babs Young
September 7, 2008
Gerry there will be a quillwork class offered as part of our Rare Threads on the Fringe show at the the Jordan River Arts Council. It is an Introduction to Quillwork and is being taught by Odawa elder Yvonne Walker-Keshick. I’ve taken a class from her and I assure you it’s worth the time. She is wonderful and will fill you all things Odawa. It will be held September 20 from 9 to 4 at the new Torch Lake Township Hall. Bring Miss Sadie and Cowboy too. Check out all our classes at http://www.jordanriverarts.com
Gerry Sell
September 8, 2008
I had a wonderful time at a Walker-Keshick presentation about birchbark quillwork boxes – can’t remember whether at JRAC or CTAC or . . . ? I came home full of enthusiasm. I would harvest birchbark from my own trees, at just the right time. I would watch for porky roadkill and – and – and maybe I would take up beadwork instead. Art is hard.