Times, they are a changing...

Back in 2009 I posted a photo of Farber's, the old-fashioned barber shop over by Pewaukee Lake. Just recently it closed and it looks like a new independent insurance agency has taken over.  I wish them the best of luck, since it's a tough climate for small businesses these days.

Seeing Double

This is the kind of thing you'll see when walking into an Associated Bank branch in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rogers, is a fan favorite, and is currently a spokesperson for the bank - all suited up, complete with cheesehead!  Notice how he is also in the background in a less flashy style?

Trilliums

Trilliums are the perfect "trifecta." - The flowers have three petals and the plant has three leaves.
This pretty pink variety was growing along the edge of Lindsay Road. I experimented with a b&w overlay to show the contrast of the flowering plants against the lush green background.

Spring Wildflowers

Spring is truly here and there are a variety of wildflowers, blooms, and fungus scattered throughout the woods during our daily walks.  Here is a delicate variety of spring beauties (or fairy spud!) growing in the shade under a canopy of ash and hickory trees. Latin name: Claytonia virginica. I'll have more postings of our discoveries throughout the week.

Brrrrr!

The sheep at the neighboring Freyer Family Centennial Farm in Pewaukee had just been sheared and were frolicking outside their barn yesterday afternoon, enjoying a little bit of sun and fresh air. It was still rather chilly, so even though they were saying "baaa" they were probably thinking "brrr."  Bet they wish they still had their warm coats!

The "head honcho" of the group is this ram:

...and the most entertaining of the group is the Siamese "Border-Cat" shepherd!

Reservoir Pond Sunset: SkyWatch Friday

This reservoir pond sits in the midst of our nearby shopping center.  Beyond the far edge is a little subdivision of houses and the Simmons Woods trails.

See more entries in SkyWatch Friday here.

Dog-Gone

This old house in the Village of Pewaukee is currently used as a dog grooming facility.  Rumor has it that this - and several of the neighboring homes - will soon be razed to make way for a Kwik-Trip.

Hoo-Who?

While waiting at an intersection the other day, I had to do a double-take at the utility pole across the way.  Upon closer inspection, I realized it was merely an owl decoy placed to keep other birds from congregating in the area.  I'm not sure why there are no wires attached to the pole itself, unless it's just a throw-back to the "olden days."

End of the Leash

Pewaukee's very own pet supply shop - "End of the Leash" - is located down by the lakefront, across from the beach.  It has everything from soup to nuts for your furry friend, including toys, beds, collars and leashes, food, treats, and much more. As much of it as possible is green-friendly, sustainable, organic, and local.

But my favorite part is the bakery section. For Easter they were offering holiday dog cookies shaped like carrots, eggs, and bunnies, so I got Nik a special treat.  Looks good enough for me to eat, too - if I didn't know better!

Better and Better

The sunsets around here lately just keep getting better and better! I love the reflection on the blanket of clouds above.

The Dark Knights Rise

An army of Batmen are waiting for you at Costco!  (Love the outstretched arm of the one near the back right. )

Skywatch Friday: Storm Front

This view is looking west down Capitol Drive between Brookfield and Pewaukee.  You can see the rain storm above (note the few raindrops on the windshield) and the clearing and sunshine ahead.

See all Skywatch Friday images here.

Tu-Lips? No, Tree Lips!

The shelf mushrooms are back again this spring, growing on an old tree in our backyard.  There are two, one growing on top of another... they kind of look like a big pair of cartoon monster lips!

Birthday Present

At the end of April, I received a coupon for a "free lunch" at the Chocolate Factory from our insurance agent.  It's a cute little restaurant across from Pewaukee Lake. The neat thing is that my husband - whose birthday is 12 days after mine - received one, too. Of course, there is no such thing as a free lunch... they were really just worth $2 each.  Still - it was nice to go out on a date for a sub, some fries, and a little home-made ice cream for dessert!

In Like a Lion

Ok - technically this was March 2nd, but the snows came overnight and made our rural community a winter wonderland! However, today's near 60 degree temps melted just about all of it. Let's hope that March's weather continues to be gentle as a lamb. :-)

Bandits-Redux!

UPDATE! This afternoon I was able go back over to the big tree on the corner and get a closer shot of the baby raccoons with my regular camera... there are FIVE of them...(maybe more?) Be sure to double-click the photo to see the close-up of their cute little faces. :-)

[See the original posting and image of them in my 6/25/11 entry.]

Bandits

So, I'm patiently waiting my turn at the 4-way stop at the edge of our subdivision, when I casually glance out my my window at a huge knothole in an ancient box elder tree. Imagine my surprise, when I see these two little guys poke their heads out and stare back at me! (I must apologize for the poor quality of this particular image - I did not have my regular camera with me while out running errands....isn't that always the case?) I quickly pulled over and was lucky enough to get a snapshot with my cell phone before they ducked back down inside.

The odd part about this is that, even though we live in a semi-rural area, and see lots of turkeys, pheasants, ground hogs, possum, and deer, I can't recall the last time we saw a raccoon wander through the area.

SkyWatch: Like a Prayer

This photo was taken just before a recent evening thunderstorm. The cloud formation below the setting sun almost appears to be a pair of hands praying upward.

See more SkyWatch Friday images here.

Sunset at 65 mpg

A nice view of the hazy sunset as we were driving back to Pewaukee from downtown Milwaukee on Friday evening. We didn't really have spring this year in Wisconsin, but there is always 'construction' season!

See more SkyWatch Friday pix here.

Skywatch: Pewaukee Farm

This is one of my favorite vistas on the Ryan Road hiking trails. Such a pleasant, quiet refuge - far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Looking westward, it's a great place to watch the cloud formations and weather move in.

You can see more SkyWatch Friday photos here.