Squirrel scientists continue to investigate the squirrel-proof feeder. This generation's PhD candidate works on his thesis: Maybe through the back?

Snow, rain, snow, hail, rain, ice

It has been an interesting few days, weather-wise. I never understood why people would think talking about the weather was interesting until I moved to the midwest.
Last night's ice storm brought down some big tree branches and coated everything with a thick crystal layer. This is the American Cranberry - a native, but it seems nothing likes to eat its fruit.

The branches of the elm that fell across our driveway were covered with round buds. Encased in ice, they clattered like a shaman's rattle as we dragged them out of the way.

Golden Morning (Chinese New Year)

In the light of sunrise, golden mist rising from the river as it pours over the Boys' Dam. The river seems to be frozen almost solid behind the dam. But there are many beneficial dragons!

Sun and Ice

Ice on the river almost reaches the top of the dam, stopped only by the fast-moving water.

Portage River sunrise