This time of year many folks here in the northern part of the U.S. suffer from a seasonal sort of depression, caused in part by the lack of sunlight. You sometimes here it refered to as "SADD" or cabin fever. Today was one of those welcome breaks in the gloominess, with bright sunshine most of the day. I had to rush out this morning for some early meetings in Calumet and Houghton, and didn't get a chance to post the daily picture. There was blinding sunlight much of the day, and I must say I feel like my own batteries have been recharged.

Seeing these pine needles reminds me of the very first 'paying job' I had when I was 14. I worked for a Christmas tree farm, helping to load trucks throughout the fall. I love the smell of pine sap to this day... but I also remember a strange rash developing on the front of my legs above the knees. Those needles had been poking through my blue jeans, like tiny pins. Funny how we remember the 'little things'.

Sure would be a good choice for next year's calendar. Love the focus on the pine cone. Good work, as always, Donn. *** Sandy ***

By George... I think we have a new WOW!

You're right about that sun, Charlie. It was sunny here today after a couple of inches of snow overnight and it was so welcome. Someone told me the other day that Michigan is second only to Pennsylvania in having the least amount of possible sunlight during the month of January. And no, I don't know why Penn. would be so cloudy. Here, of course, it's the lakes not having frozen over yet. But I do savor those sunny days, even tho they tend to be cold ones!

I recall that the bright sunlit days were always such a treat after weeks of gray. If you forgot to take your sunglasses when you went out you were hurting. I really like this shot. The blue shadows on the snow, the pine, the quiet. I am imagining the freshness of the air that I miss so much. And call me strange, I really miss my nose freezing up. Had some nice fresh air yesterday here in Central Florida. Low 60's, little humidity, flannel shirt type weather for a change. It was a perfect day to take down Christmas lights during half times of the playoffs. Hey! What the heck happened to Green Bay? They aren't supposed to lose at Lambeau during the playoffs and I was so looking forward to them kicking Tampa Bay and perhaps getting some satisfaction for Chad Clifton. The cheap shot that Warren Sapp put on him in December, although legal, was totally unnecessary, the ball was on the other side of the field! Made me mad. How is Clifton doing? anybody know?

Alex & Fran, check this out...
http://www.clevermedia.com/game.cgi?snowballfight

If you check you will find that lansing michigan has the most cloudy days for the entire state, I believe it is pay back for having won the state capital vote by one vote vs Calumet. I dont know if it was a public vote or in house only?. I never did hear if there was a recount or if they just let it stand, if the vote had been like modern times there would have been. Think of how that would have changed life as we know or knew it in Calumet. To be the state capital and have all of the useless politican's who couldn't find jobs anywhere else except by scaming the public.

Great photo Donn! Just looking at it gives me a feeling of peace. That will be on my "wallpaper" for a long time!

Alex & Fran, check this out...
http://www.clevermedia.com/game.cgi?snowballfight

HA! ROFL... We're getting desperate now, aren't we! Oh and thanks alot... I loaded the thing and got one right in the nose before I could figure out what to do!

Charlie... We need a snowball fight page! Especially for us down in the South!

I just love that picture,I can still remember what those kind of days felt like.Isn't it funny how you don't forget those things.
It was very cold here


today,had to bring out the winter jacket! It is about 33 -34 now.We had a BIG snow again today!Hah!

Pegg and Alex,I don't know if I can play that snowball fight game.I'm not sure if my Compaq can download it.I sent the address to my son and am letting him check it out for me. Looks like it would be fun.

God was looking out for us future Yoopers by making sure the capital went to Lansing...

I am wondering about Marvin and his bride and the wedding on Bumbletown Hill on New Year's Day..........Hope all went well for them and that they send us a picture. Please keep us informed because it was such a nice romantic story....Best Wishes for a long and happy life together.

Only wish that I had a camera when in Eagle Harbor over the New Year. I was sitting having a cup of coffee when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something in the sky. I looked and there were 2 of the great EAGLES flying over the Harbor and then finally landing near Eliza Creek. It seemed that they were there for ever, then off for a flight, what a wing span, and then landing again in the same area. They stood there until they saw movement of someone on there walk and away they flew. This was the first time that I had ever seen a EAGLE as close as they were to me. A sight one will not forget.

I was at Tech in the winter of '78-'79 back in the heavy snow days of the late 70's. I can recall one stretch that winter where it snowed 28 days straight without stopping, and hardly a ray of sun the entire time. We got, I think, 398 inches of snow that winter. That was the longest, grayest stretch I recall ever enduring. Bleak, but still beautiful.

When can we expect the bridge cam back in action-sure miss it. Keep up the good work Charlie. We all appreciate your daily pictures and the ensuing comments.

Yooper in Indiana,
Check George's Eagle Harbor web for a nice story on the eagles you saw.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE BUT I WOULD PREFER AN ANGLE SHOWING THE TOPS OF THE TREES, WITH THE CONE & NEEDLES. HERE'S MY REASON; A PET PEAVE; MANY ARTISTS WILL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SCENE & VERY OFTEN CUT THE TOPS OF THE TREES ( & SKY} SOMETIMES IT'S ECONOMICS OF NOT ABLE TO AFFORD THE CANVAS TO SHOW THE TOPS,CLOUDS & SKY. I SUPPOSE I'LL CREATE SOME HOSTILITY FOR MY OPINION. BUT I JUST WANT TO GIVE YOU AN OPINION FROM ANOTHER ARTIST.

Geez DJB, is it necessary for you to shout at us?

I appreciate constructive criticism and will make the next tree landscape appropriate. Keep up your comments please.
Donn

The photo is wonderful just the way it is. I can almost smell the pine. Not every photo is improved by adding sky and treetops. In this case it would be too much like an ordinary snapshot. Hoping to see more of your work. Thank you for sharing it.

Donn,

Guess you can't please all of the people all of the time! But I for one appreciate this photo just as it is. I can clearly see that it is a Red Pine, and I have a LOT of memories having to do with that species and some of the Copper Country plantations. I'd be typing for an hour, and probably bore the socks off the readers, so I'll quit while I'm ahead.

I can just smell the pine. What a beautiful photo. Wish I were there snowshoeing or cross country skiing.

Donn,
I have to echo the last three comments.....don't change a thing.....the photo is great! If you had included the treetops and sky, you'd have probably had to exclude the wonderful PINECONE, which IMHO is the whole picture!! That's just it, everyone has their own opinion as to what we like and don't like, just keep doing what you're doing......we love it!

Donn, If I try to visualize what this picture could look like if you were standing under the pinecone, aiming up, well, I get a crick in my neck. Seriously, you probably would not get the tree tops, they would be obscured by the branches. You have a wonderful eye. Keep taking pictures as you have. They are inspired. In DJB's defense, there is nothing as hopeful as the new candles on the tips and tops of pines in the spring.

I'm glad I instigated discussion & opinions on this web site, which most of us believe is the best & is my first & last click of the day. I appologize to artists who are on a tight budget as I have been at times. also , thanks to Don for the many great pictures he usually presents & we are well aware of!!--99% From this eye.---a few chuckles here & there---.Could anyone get a picture I described??--Hmmm

It's a perfectly beautiful picture. I love it, and I wish I could be standing right where it was taken. Great work, Donn!

Smiple and pure. What more do you want.. It's a real feeling of a real place. At a close up look,, Thank you for it.

Here's a picture to catch; visualize raindrops on that pine cone branch,as you look through unto the tall pines, where the sun is sparkling down through to you. And you can feel the gentle breeze
on your face & smell the sweet aroma of copper country air & pine.--- ARE YOU GETTING HOME SICK?

DJB I visualized the scene now just need to be able to photograph it when we get rain and sun in the Spring.
Regards,
Donn

Grey dreary days you should live in the Pacific Northwest, now that is grey and mostly dreary this time of year. Great picture is right, I can smell the pine and I wish I was cross country sking thru those woods. Hadn't been back to my place of birth for 22 years until last Jan. and I miss it, have missed it and continue to miss the area. Once a Michigander always a gander. Thanks for the site Karen

Such nostalgia - those blue shadow days of my youth in the UP - Laurium (where I was born in the Florida location), Calumet - surrounding areas - I worked at the hospital in the 1950's and those blue shadow days really stick in my memories. Nothing can compare with them. This picture is truly lovely.