Trip to Kentucky

I traveled to Kentucky two summers ago.  While I was there, I visited various places such as the Jim Beam Distillery, a Coca-Cola Musuem, Mammoth Cave, Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Falls, etc.  I took over 600 pictures while I was visiting this beautiful state; however, these photos got downloaded from the camera to the computer but never made it out of my laptop.  I finally decided to print some of the photos.

Souvenir store at Mammoth Cave

  




Observation deck at Cumberland Gap overlooking three states

   




Another shot of three states from observation deck

  




Wild mushroom found at Cumberland Falls

  




Walkway to Cumberland Falls

  

Death is messy!!!

Have you ever seen any dead animals on the road?  If so, have you ever wonder how and what had happened to them that they were laying on the road?  Here in the midwest, we have lots of wild animals and they are forced to co-exist with humans because we are invading their territories.  Here is the story of an abruptly ended life of a deer.

I live in the country and often see many wild animals - mostly live ones.  The house is built in the middle of corn field.  Today has been a bit different.  I received a call from a colleague right after lunch today.  She lives a few blocks south of me and she was on her way home for lunch.  She called to inform me that there was a dead deer, well half of it, RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY DRIVEWAY.  Apparently, this poor deer got hit by a semi, was dragged over, and smeared his guts and blood all over the road right in front of my drive.  She said it would be hard for me to get into my driveway without driving over the deer.  What a joy!  I wanted to come home and take a picture of the massacre but thought that it might be a cruel thing to do.  The remains of the dead deer is still in front of my driveway.  I am not sure what a proper thing to do might be - call the County Road Commission for clean up?

Updates (3/31/11) - the remains of this dead deer are still in front of the driveway.  It has been a challenge for me to go in and out without running over it.  Still don't know where to call for clean up and still tempted to take a picture before it gets too bad.

Beloved slippers

I receive care packages from my sweet sister once every three months or so and this cute pair of slippers came to me in one of those packages.  Mind you that I could easily go out and get a pair of slippers if I needed them; however, I wouldn't be able to find any cute ones like these.  I just love these bear slippers and have been wearing them ever since I got them.  Not only it is getting warmer (so I don't need to wear slippers anymore to keep me warm), but also they are pretty worn out.  Like babies cling to their blankets for security, I cling to these slippers for comfort.  Soon I have to say "goodbye" to this beloved pair and my heart will break.

It sure smells like SPRING!!!

This winter has been a bit rough for many of us here in Michigan - several snow storms, one big ice storm, freezing rain, sub-zero temperatures, losing electricity for countless days, scraping ice and/or snow off your car pretty much every day during this winter season.  Even though you have lived in Michigan all your life and have certain expectations of winter weather, it is always so astonishing to experience so many cold snowy days.  We, Michiganders, live through the harsh winter year after year because what comes after this makes it worthwhile - spring. 

It is almost at the end of March and many are wondering when and if spring will arrive.  The current temperature sure doesn't show any sign of it - today is at least sunny but 32 (F) degrees (0 Celsius).  There is, however, a glimpse of hope - it is SUNNY.  When you look around you, you can't feel the spring but you sure can see, smell, and hear it - birds are chirping, buds are popping, and flowers are blooming.  To welcome the spring or to my meager attempt to hurry the spring to arrive, I cleaned the flower beds out a few days ago and planned out this year's vegetable garden.  I am anxiously waiting for spring to arrive so I start this grand plan of gardening.



Ice storm in February this year

  








First flower of the season

  


















A bird in the backyard sunbathing

  


















Updates (3/31/11) - morning temperature has been consistently low (16 to 19 F) and we are expected to see some snow this weekend which means we will have snow in April.  What is up with this?

First time for everything

6 months from now, I may ask myself why I started blogging.  Well, I will worry about that if and when the time comes.  At this point, I am so inspired by many bloggers especially those who are living/working in Korea.  Blogging is a great way to share what your life overseas is like with others.  In this day and age, you can easily text, email, and chat with folks; however, it is impossible to share every bit of your ever challenging life with them.  I was drawn into the possibility of sharing my life in Michigan with my friends and family back home.  I have lots to learn about this newly found blogging.  We will see how things go.  Wish me luck!