Most of mine have changed with the exception of 1 Jap Maple,1 sawtooth oak, and 1 english oak, the 2 oaks are still green. We had a good frost a couple days ago too, it is evident on some of the plants, but these 2 are being stubborn.I promised the Eng Oak to the neighbor because there are 2 Eng oak in the same spot from seed so I don't waste a good tree I'm waiting for dormancy and it is taking it sweet ol time. But the reason for it, since the 3 trees are very close to each other, must be that the location is sheltered from wind in a sort of courtyard type location, high wood fence, building and Nor spruce blocking wind. If you have a microclimate too, maybe that can explain it, if not sorry I couldn't help.

Just finished looking a ALL the pictures and enjoyed each and every one!!!! I did the slide show, but probably should have put more seconds in between. I so enjoyed the one picture of the rocks. The suttle shades of color were amazing. I can see that you are very much newly weds! LOL Makes me wonder where the spark went from my 46 + years of marriage. I think there is a tiny flame still flickering somewhere. LOL Connie

LOL, lpink, I remember swimming in Lake Superior and feeling my skin tingle from the cold, but I think not many who are not native Michiganders are going to like it. You are right, though, Superior is aptly named. I also enjoyed a ride in a "glass bottomed boat" to see the shipwrecks off WhiteFish Point. Superior is so clear and clean that you can see a long way down, usually 30 to 50 feet. Because of some violent storms, as described by "Up North": "Raging northwest winds, building up over 160 miles of open water, create waves of unbelievable proportions. These violent storms and wild waters erupt with a suddenness that often catch sailors unprepared. The mountainous waves strike harder and more often than any ocean wave. The waves come roaring in from two or three different directions, ricocheting off the shores and returning with even more intensity. These monstrous storms, of hurricane force and duration, strike with all the ferocity and brutality of any ocean storm." Those storms mostly come in the winter, but summer storms are not uncommon and they are amazing to see when The Lakes are angry. They do demand respect, though, as many "sailors" shrug off a Great Lakes storm, saying they have weathered storms at sea. If they survive, they find that the Great Lakes, especially icy Superior, are unforgiving and that there is no time for a boat to recover its bearing between waves. The end result of those storms and some complacency is an 80 mile stretch of Superior's coastline from Grand Marais to WhiteFish Point called "Shipwreck Coast" or "the Graveyard of the Great Lakes" The wrecks have been preserved as an underwater historical site, including the 2007 discovery of the Cyprus which sank over 100 years ago, in 1907. More than 4700 ships have sunk in the Great Lakes, so there are several you can see. Oh, and if Chance goes in very deeply, be careful of rip currents, which we call "undertow". Not so likely that she'll go deeply enough into the cold water to find one, LOL, but be careful. Oh, and if you go to Tahquemenon, be sure to take a pocket full of crackers or popcorn, the chipmunks are so accustomed to being fed that they'll mug you on the sidewalks and take treats from your fingers. Don't let Chance put down an empty hand, they'll nibble a finger with no treat.... Annie

Wow! I can see your house has a lot of potential. Right now it is too white!!! I think shutters would be a nice addition. Also I would paint the window trim a nice contrasting color. Right now the windows just blend into the house. I am not sure how to put shutters on the bay window area. Maybe someone has suggestions for that. We have an older farmhouse, not shaped like yours though. Our is very "square" and bllahhhh. We put up window boxes this year and we LOVE it. They were pricey tho, but it is worth saving up for! painting the door and stairs would help too. I know people have special software and can paint colors on the areas so you can see what it would look like. Maybe someone here can help you out on that! -renee