Squirrel - Frankenmuth

As we were walking across the covered bridge in Frankenmuth, I heard something in the tree next to me. I looked over and saw this squirrel looking at me. I managed to get a few shots before he moved on.










Robin

Bronner's - Frankenmuth

It has been a busy week, and I have not had time to put up any photos. Last weekend, my family went to Frankenmuth for a visit. Our first stop was the famous Bronner's Christmas Store. There are acres of Christmas decorations. It was quite overwhelming. Here are a few scenes.













Robin

Downtown Sunrise - Lansing

This morning, I was sitting at my desk. One of my coworkers came in and said, "you need to see this sky." I looked out the window to see a beautiful sunrise. So, I grabbed my camera and went outside.


















Robin

Signs of Fall - Lansing and Williamston

This morning, temperatures were in the upper 30's. Tonight, we have our first frost advisory. Fall is in the air. Here are a few early signs of fall.

Pumpkins and gourds at the Farmer's Market on the Capitol Lawn.



Ripe apples in the trees.



Apples at the Farmer's Market.



Early fall color is a sure sign. With the cool temperatures, this little tree will have plenty of company very soon.


Robin

Lansing City Market - Lansing

Today, I had lunch at the Lansing City Market, so I thought I would post some photos I took today as well as some photos I took a few weeks ago. Lansing has had a City Market since 1909. The old building was torn down a couple of years ago to make room for condos. The developer put up this new building to replace it. I loved the old City Market building, and I hated to see it torn down. The good news is the new building gets more traffic than the old one.

The City Market sits across the river from the Accident Fund Building I highlighted recently.



This shot was taken a few weeks ago from across the river as the sun was coming up.


This shot was taken today from a boat on the river. I had the opportunity to take a short lunchtime cruise on a pontoon boat.


This sculpture, titled "Inspiration" sits between the City Market and the Shiawasee Street bridge.


Robin

Flowers - Williamston

Summer is fading, but there is still plenty of activity in the garden.

Explosion of marigolds! (along with some basil for good measure)


Green eyed coneflower. These plants grow to 7 or 8 feet before they bloom. The flowers are about the same size as a black-eyed Susan.


Another green-eyed coneflower.


Take a closer look. I did not notice the small bee until I looked at the photo on my computer.



Another busy bee! This one is bigger.


Robin

St. Mary Cathedral - Lansing

This afternoon, I was getting in my car when I noticed St. Mary Cathedral. I see it every day, but since I was on a different level of the parking garage, I was able to see it in a new light. It is a beautiful building.

From the fourth level of my parking garage.



I liked the way it looked, so I decided to go to the top level of the garage and get a different angle.






Some of the details of the church.


I love the way the crosses come together at this angle.



Here is a bonus picture. On the other side of the parking garage, I was able to take this picture of Christ Community Church. I thought the different levels looked really cool.


Robin

Old Barns - Williamston Area

I am fascinated by the old barns in Michigan. They are in various states of repair (or disrepair). Most of them are painted red, but they all have one thing in common. They have character. Here are a few old barns in the area.

This barn on Sherwood Road is no longer in use.


This barn on Noble Road is in good shape and is in use.


The last two photos are three structures on the same farm on Dietz Road.





Robin

MSU Horticulture Gardens - East Lansing

The Horticulture Gardens at Michigan State University are really beautiful. I toured the gardens this morning. A couple of weeks ago, I posted photos from the Children's Garden. These pictures are from some of the other gardens.

The giant peacock greets you at the entrance.


I need this lamp and hanging basket in my front yard!


Fountain in the Annual Garden.


This has been the backdrop for many weddings.


Banana plant in the Annual Garden.


Just one of many beautiful scenes in the Perennial Garden.


It was fun to watch the bees come and go.


Robin

Accident Fund Building - Lansing

This building used to be The Lansing Board of Water and Light's Ottowa Power Station. It sat empty on the Grand River for many years. A few years ago, the Accident Fund decided to renovate the building to use as their national headquarters. Before long, the smoke stacks came down and work began. They were able to maintain much of the beauty of the art deco design.

This is a morning shot with the sun just coming up at my back.


I went back in the afternoon to get a different perspective.


Robin