Category Archives: Wisconsin

Returning deer

February 26, 2020Sunnybook Farm, wildlife, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

They came from a distance, but their movement caught my eye.

At first, I thought it might be turkeys. When I got out my binoculars, I found it wasn’t feathered friends, but furry ones.

The deer have shown up again on Sunnybook Farm.

The deer to the right looks like it has two heads.

I always appreciate it when deer move a bit closer to our farmyard. Our woods are about a mile off the road.

When I went to feed barn cats, I made a noise and the deer scattered.

It was nice to have them near, even for a little while.

I’ll have to keep my good camera on the ready so I can again zoom in on far-off wildlife. My phone camera is good for closer animals, but not those who keep their distance, like these whitetails.

Cave Point, Door County

February 22, 2020fun, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

Rebecca and Andy asked me to join them for a day trip to Door County today. It seemed like a good idea, so I went along for the drive.

We were heading to Jacksonport to take Rebecca’s copper trees to a shop where she sells her artwork. On the way, we took a side trip to Cave Point County Park. The photos that follow were taken by Rebecca–I forgot my phone/camera on the kitchen table at home. We could have spent the whole day just watching Lake Michigan coat the Door County park.

Oops, how did that one slip in? We had lunch at the Shipwreck Brew Pub.
My drink was hard cider. It’s a good thing I wasn’t driving.

Cave Point was an extra special stop and highly recommended. But stay away from the slippery cliff edge especially during winter.

We also stopped at a couple of cheese and wine shops. The whole adventure took 5 1/2 hours. A perfect Saturday outing.

Out the window

October 31, 2019Bob, Farming, Weather, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

The family that rented our farm started harvesting here last night.

Bob came out of his chair to see the lights moving through the dark field. Today his view was better.

Bob sat at our kitchen table and watched. He may not be farming, but farming is still a big part of the man he is.

Dump carts are used because they are lighter than big trucks. Big equipment gets stuck too easily. It’s not a usual farming year here in Wisconsin.

Bob watches as trucks of chopped corn go to farms in need of livestock feed.

Invasion! … Maybe

October 1, 2019gardening, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

I didn’t know that Queen Anne’s lace was considered an invasive species in Wisconsin. I’ve always liked this plant.

Some call Queen Anne’s lace Wild Carrot, Birds Nest, and Bishops Lace.

It may be thought to be invasive by some but the black swallowtail butterfly find it a good host plant. I’ve added some to a bouquet of flowers to bring out the colors of my cultivated flowers.

I just want to say that I will continue to enjoy the blooming of Queen Anne’s Lace in our ditch where it makes the world a little prettier–at least I think so.

Enjoying the season

September 18, 2019creativity, Farming, photography, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

Too much rain has put a damper on the best of days. Water and mud block our farm lane. Yet I am enjoying today’s warm, windy weather–I’m trying to take it all in, even the humidity, and keep it in my heart. That way I can bring it out mid-January and remember.

Last evening I raced outside with my cell phone to take a photo of the sunset. It was another day I’ll set in my heart.

As I was enjoying the sun setting over the cornfield, I saw another view of the sky.

I stepped down into the ditch and used the tops of the corn to frame the evening sky colors.

Hope you enjoy my view.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person