J. Frost, Artist

Of the thirty-five windows in the home, we still have five that are the old-fashioned storm windows without thermopane. Maybe they don't insulate as well--but they sure make a good canvas for J. Frost.

Winter's Day to Dusk

When the air is still and the snow rests upon the branches, there is nothing more beautiful than a color image rendered by nature into black and white.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Winter Wonderland indeed.

ICE

We spent Thanksgiving in California, electing to see the country with a drive back to the lake here in Indiana. We took the southern route as there was already plenty of snow around Tahoe, and found lots of cold weather in the high desert of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. We got through Williams just ahead of a major snow storm and were patting ourselves on the back when we ran into a major league bout of intestinal flu. Just what a traveler needs. C was hit first, around Nashville, so we put in a couple of days at my sister's place--then we pressed north. I came into it as we drove into a blizzard just outside of Rochester. Oh misery. My niece put us up in her guest house, as I was in no shape for a row to the island.

It was becoming obvious that the lake was icing over, so we crawled out of our sick bed to make the row in high winds and 20 degree weather. Our arrival at the launch point was surreal, as amidst the tumult of the high winds and blowing snow we beheld our group of seven mute swans--as if they'd formed a nice receiving line for us just off the shore side. The juveniles were now resplendent in their new snow white plumage.

We filled the rowboat with two weeks' of groceries and launched across the bitter wind. I would have enjoyed the view more if the plug hadn't popped out of the stern of the row boat half way across. C spotted it as the water gushed in and quickly put her foot on it, as the water was too cold for her hand. Before we arrived at the island the gushing water had been reduced to a solid ice dam and there was no longer any need for a shoe.

The boat was full side to side with provisions and we had quite a dance in the lively waters as we unloaded enough supplies to last us till the lake froze hard.

Tomorrow is the day to test the ice. We will take the kayaks ashore across the newly formed skin of Lake Manitou. We'll be swapping oars for Phillips screwdrivers as our means of propulsion.

I watched the first Bald Eagle of the winter wheeling above the lake this evening--hopefully a good omen.

I Wonder

What is this all about? Surely we don't have a bird with a nut collection. Do we have a lazy squirrel who's tired of burying acorns? Who knows. It could just be that the nest was under an acorn tree--but the nest was so into the bush below the tree that it's hard to believe it had that many random visitors. This nest used to belong to the catbird, long since moved away.

Twilight

The Red-wings still bed down off of Alice's deck, and you still hear the call of the geese in the distance. Now there is a snap in the air--and the fall color triumphs over the muted tones of dusk.

Autumn on the Shore

Wondrous!

More Autumn on the Island

Why does anybody go to New England or Brown County?

Autumn Comes to Treasure Island

We're promised Indian Summer in a few days--but right now we're running fifteen degrees below normal. Hard on people but good for fall color.

Mute Swans

The top picture is from my tiny camera, pointed toward the Elks Club from the island. Mike Kenny, the Rochester Sentinel's intrepid photographer was able to get a lot closer--so I included his photo as well. Mike is one of the community's great resources. Constantly on the prowl with his camera, he has bagged a beautiful assortment of nature photographs over the years. Take a look at http://www.rochsent.com/.

The brown swans are the young ones. They will be snow white next season. The swans are frequent visitors to Lake Manitou. I've had them pass overhead within twenty feet of my kayak. Quite a sight--and sound, as they kind of wheeze as they flap their wings.

Fishermen Rule

We are after Labor Day, and although we still have a few holdouts in the form of wave boarders, water skiers and jet skiers, fishermen now own the lake. Crisp mornings and calm waters make Lake Manitou the perfect venue for a leisurely run with rod and reel.

You Know You've Been on the Island too Long When....

This set me back a little. The missus did it. I guess I'll just try to ignore the whole deal--unless I overhear her talking to him.

Lake Manitou has a Visitor

We are graced by the presence of a hot air balloon--they visit us from time to time. They always seem to miss the trees on Treasure Island, but not by much!

It's Not Just Bass!

Here we have a very nice-sized Bluegill, captured off the point deck last evening. My lady did the deed with an old-fashioned rod, reel, and worm.

THEY'RE BACK!

The hibiscus are back..Were they planted by former owners? Did they drift in? Who knows--but they are a pretty sight.

One for the Bug Blog

Behold the tomato horn worm--certainly big enough to eat a tomato! If you find your leaves missing from your tomato plant--here's the culprit. He has wonderful camouflage and it takes a sharp eye to find him.

Islands in the Sky

I thought the clouds were particularly pretty today.

Hammock Hints

With help from my grandson Lucas (visiting from Maine), we present the proper way to keep a hammock when not in use. Why? Because to us, "hammock" means rest and relaxation--a way to look into the tree tops and watch the clouds. However to a bird, "hammock" means "target." Let them try their luck when the hammocks are edge up!

HAPPY FOURTH!!

From the California Grandsons to you and your family.

How Does Your Garden Grow

Here are some pictures of the summer gardens on Treasure Island. Some in great plots--others in window boxes and pots. All add their bit to the joy of warm days and summer sunshine.