Dandelion Lawn...

The dandelions have certainly come out in full force this spring!

Belle Isle Adventures...

We visited Belle Isle State Park for Earth Day on Saturday, 26th April. There were lots of activities to coincide with Earth Day, and free entry to a number of places that would usually have an entry fee. We took the opportunity to visit the Aquarium, Conservatory, and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. 

The exhibits were absolutely fantastic in all three places. The Aquarium and the Conservatory highlight a huge selection of both local and exotic animals and plants. And the Dossin Great Lakes Museum focuses on the maritime history and how early trade on the Detroit River shaped the region.

The Aquarium is a beautiful building.

Admiring the various displays.

Clownfish and blue tang.

Piranhas.

Axolotl.

The fish pond outside the Conservatory.

Filled with amazing plants.

Japanese lantern.

Venus flytrap.

Hibiscus flower.

Beautiful plants from all over the world.

There were lots of South African plants in the area with plants from arid regions.

Lush ferns and palm trees.

Riaan with the anchor of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Beautiful stained glass window from the City of Detroit III paddle steamer.

Model ships highlighting early trade on the Detroit River.

A theodolite dating from 1876.

Eliza takes us for a boat ride. :)

Model of the SS Greater Detroit.

The shipwreck section featured the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The William Clay Ford sailed directly over the wreckage during its futile search for survivors.

Eliza peers inside a lighthouse lantern.

Riaan on the bridge of the William Clay Ford, now part of the museum.

View across to Windsor, Ontario.

Eliza surveys the scene from the bridge.

US Coast Guard launch speeds along the Detroit River.

The Detroit Princess riverboat sails past more leisurely.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit in Michigan...

We were excited to spot our Jack-in-the-Pulpit, looking happy and healthy earlier this month. We transplanted this "Jack" from Indiana when we moved to Michigan in 2023. Last spring we only had the leaves emerge, but this year we have the "pulpit" too. Riaan commented, "Look - the cross is in front of the pulpit!" Indeed, may the Cross guide us all in our everyday lives. :)

The tiny "pulpit" before the leaves had unfurled.

Sweet Dusty...

Our youngest has really taken a shine to our new canine family member. And Dusty is so gentle and loving with all of our children. She is also so protective. We've all benefitted by having a sweet dog in our house - even if she is rather silly from time to time. :)

Dusty makes a comfy pillow. :)

Saturday Afternoon at Fair Lane...

On Easter Saturday, we met up with good Mercy Ships friends and explored Fair Lane Estate, the country home of Henry and Clara Ford - a beautiful place close to home. We love to walk along the many trails in the vast grounds.

On this particular day, we spotted several deer, four snakes, a solitary great blue heron, Canada geese, ducks, and at least 44 turtles sunning themselves on various logs in the lake. Riaan was sure to count them as we walked along the lake's shoreline.

It was a fantastic day in Dearborn!

The house at Fair Lane.

Looking over the lake. A hiking trail goes all the way around.

Beaver activity by the Rouge River.

The markings from the beaver's front teeth are clearly visible.

Garter snake - one of four we saw on our walk.

Common snapping turtle.

Painted turtles sunning on a half-submerged log.

Great blue heron.

Mallard having a rest.

Tulip shooting up from a flower bed.

The garden was full of daffodils!