Monday For messages about today's picture, see Cam Notes. This area is for other friendly conversation. Please read our Acceptable Use Policy.

Some other links of recent interest to Pasty Cam watchers:
• Ancestors 2006  • New Arrivals 2006
•Progress Report: The Hut and Pasty Central Express
Eight years ago on the Pasty Cam: 5/8/98^{Printed on Recycled Internet}

It's a beautiful day here in Toronto. Lilacs are
on the verge of blooming and the nine trilliums
in our backyard are looking gorgeous.

It's a cloudy day here in MN. Looks like rain again. When we take our dog for a walk though, you can small the lilacs. That has got to be one of the best smells in the world. It's such a sure sign of spring. Happy Day everyone.

Congrats on the Early Bird, Kosk!

Good morning everyone :) Sun is shining on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, and the temps are promising to be in the high 60's to low 70's. Definately the perfect day to wash the bed linens and hang them out on the line to dry ;)

Kosk, the lilacs here have already bloomed... about two weeks ago. My daughter brought me home some lilacs from her from her fiance's house, the other day...now that's what spring smells like ;)

Between you and me, Usedtobeayooper, I'm beginning to wonder if Kosk sets her alarm clock early, so she can get that early bird. :)

The lilacs are half opened here and the smell is wonderful! (We seem to be behind the foliage even 30 miles inland.) My folk's house was surrounded on three sides by walls of lilacs. It was unbelievable when they bloomed!

Morning!

Sur5er, I think you're right. What can we do about that? We'll have to come up with something so we can get the early bird award more often.

Llamamama, Isn't it a great smell? Ours are only 1/2 opened too. It is the best smell. I can't wait until they're all open in our yard. But you can still smell them everywhere.

Sur5er, You're lucky they've bloomed, yet unlucky they've bloomed. We still have it to look forward to. That's what comes from living in that warm climate. Here in MN we don't have that.

Good morning, I think there should be a late night award for some of us. My lilacs are in full bloom.Here in Berkley we don't have black flies, or deer flies. I spray my yard with palmolive dish soap after each rain, so I don't have any bugs at all. My grass and bushes all shine after the soap treatment. I don't know what happens but it works. I have all the neighbors doing the same so the neighborhood is bug free.

Mikie, I'll second the idea on bug-free repellant with dish soap water mixture. I mix a dish soap/water mixture and spray my horses with it for insect relief, works great and no harmful chemicals to it!

Bobbysgirl, what kind of ratio do you use? I mostly have problems around the faces of the llamas. Thanks!

I mix a 1 (Ivory soap) to 4 (water) ratio, but I use the fly masks made to be worn on horses to protect their eyes from bugs, dust, etc. so I only spray their bodies, legs, and tails. There is a "stick" applied method fly repellant made for the eye and face area as well. Or another method is I have used is spray fly repellant on your hand or cloth and wipe the face area.

We're moving to the UP soon. Do the black flies go after chocolate labs? Just wondering.

Well, we've been through the crocuses, and the tulips. The irises are up now. The mesquite trees blossemed about two weeks ago so it's safe to plant tomatoes here--if the hail doesn't beat them to death.

Julwisc, I would be prepared for the comfort of your lab. I have three black dogs and our daughter has a choc lab and the bugs pester them so bad compared to our daughters piebald Dachshund. I have read that bugs, especially nats, are more attracted to darker colored dogs, sure seems to be the case with us.

Julwisc, I do believe the black flies go after everyone and everything! At least that is what I seem to remember.

Also I find that dark clothing attracts them, black sox etc. Native Americans call them no-see-em big-bite-em

If you're stumped as to what to get Mom for Mother's Day this year, why not take her to the Seventh annual Lake Linden-Hubbell Lions Club Dinner. It will take place on May 14th, at the Harbor Haus in Copper Harbor, MI, featuring a five course meal with the usual flair of the Harbor Haus. Tickets or more information can be obtained by contacting Mary Drew either by email: mdrew@pasty.com or by phone: (906) 296-0367. Let Ron and Chris Waara's expertise and hospitality, help you show Mom how special she really is!

In just a couple of days, all of Cedar Bay (AKA Sedar Bay) will be in full bloom. It's a spectacular sight, especially coming down the hill with blooms abounding right and left, with magnificent Lake Superior sparkling in the sunshine and a view of Isle Royal on the horizon. Wow!

For those unfamiliar with Cedar Bay, it's in Keweenaw County, and starts just 3½ miles from M-203 off Tamarack Waterworks Road and continues on Cedar Bay Road a couple of miles North.

Although my friends still call me "City Kid" I'm quickly adapting to living in the wonderful Keweeenaw. Have attended more diverse cultural activities than ever in the City. And even more special, I have deer who come regularly to feed on sunflower seeds right under my bathroom window. Saw 13 deer one winter morning chomping on the bushes in the yard facing the Lake, including one which is an albino.

To all former Yoopers, trolls, wanna be Yoopers, ccme visit this summer if you can. The air is fresh and the pasties superb!

Andytofu--

I will add Cedar Bay to my list of places to visit
this summer when I am in the UP. I'm always
just so happy to be in the UP and love where I
am, who I am with and what I am doing that I
don't worry about the places I haven't been.
This year I intend to remedy that.

Usedtobeayooper and Sur5er--

You are bad! I rarely get tthe Early Bird,
despite the fact that I am a genuine early bird
myself. Actually--5-6 hrs. a night of sleep is
typical for me. Probably not enough, but I have
to say that I love to get up early and start the
day. I would say that typically I get most of my
chores, walking, reading and e-mailing done
before I leave for work. Weird, but it works for
me.

Kosk, I am the same way. I love to be up early. But I try to be sleeping by a little after 10. I just want to see the horrible happenings in the world before I nod off. But I get most of my stuff done in the morning before work too. I love the mornings, especially once spring arrives. The birds are outside the window chirping and who wants to sleep after that? Congrats anyway on your Early Bird though.

Kosk, Do make sure you visit the Cedar Bay area. It's beautiful! While you're at it, spend time at McLean Park too. What a great area, eh:)

Usedtobeayooper--

Will do. My daughter is planning to camp at
Twin Lakes on the Memorial Day Weekend. I
haven't been there since I was about seven
years old, so we're talking about an absence
of half a century. Oh my goodness!

Kosk, Tee hee hee hee hee ;)
About the morning thing, I will be so glad when I am finally done with this case...so I can get back on a normal schedule. There is nothing better in the world, than rising bright and early in the morning, before everyone else :) There's just something about grabbing a cup of fresh coffee from the coffee pot and sitting out on the deck, sipping it, and watching the sun rise.

Re: Cedar Bay vs. Sedar Bay:

Just for the sake of historical accuracy:

I was under the impression that it really is Sedar Bay, not 'cuz dem Yoopers din't know how ta spell Cedar, but 'cuz it was named after the original landowner, whose name was ... <drum roll> ... Sedar!

Must've been Armour Sarkella, Sedar, 'eh? Is his HOPE still rotting away by the shore? He was a good friend of Mimi's parents.