Southwest Michigan Realtor Blog

By Michael Delaware, REALTOR®

Category Archives: Adventures


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Montgomery, Michigan AKA ‘Frogeye’

I was visiting the small community of Montgomery, Michigan last week to photograph a house for a bank, and came across this sign.  Montgomery is a small community not far from the Indiana State line in Hillsdale County.  According to the 2010 census, the little community has a population of 342.

The area was first settled around 1870 by several farmers: Joshua Dobbs, Israel Sheppard, Enoch Teachout and George Hewitt. When they went to the Hillsdale County Registry to register the town in 1871, then county clerk William R. Montgomery said he would perform the task for nothing if they named the town after him, which they agreed to. It was eventually incorporated as a village in 1906.  Th community also apparently goes by the name of ‘Frogeye’ and host an annual festival by the same name.

Montgomery Michigan

Buggy in a Snow Storm

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Amish Buggy in the Snow

Last week when I was traveling to go look at some houses in Three Rivers, Michigan I drove into a winter storm front.  The ‘Lake Effect’ snow was starting to come down, and the visibility was becoming more difficult.  On one of the roads I was driving on, the traffic slowed down and there was a Amish buggy in one lane.  Fortunately I had my camera next to me, and was able to snap this photo.  The contrast between the lights on the buggy, and the winter weather was kind of aesthetic in its own peculiar way.

Amish Buggy in the Snow

Winter storm

This gallery contains 2 photos


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On Top of the Smoky Mountains

Last September I took a vacation to North Carolina, and took a drive through the Smoky Mountain National Park on my way home with my wife.  When we began our journey on the Blue Ridge parkway, it was slightly rainy.  As the day progressed, we left the Blue Ridge and took the route through the Smoky Mountains.  When we reached the parking area where there is a sight seeing point on the State line of North Carolina and Tennessee, the fog was all around us.  This made for an interesting setting, and I had this photo taken of me on this journey.  I hope you enjoy it.

Michael Delaware, Realtor and Author in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park September 2012.

Michael Delaware, Realtor and Author in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, elevation 5046 Feet at the North Carolina  & Tennessee State line in September 2012.


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Moe Skeeter – Mascot with an Attitude

If you live in Battle Creek, you have probably heard about the Bombers baseball team that plays on the north side of Battle Creek. They also have a mascot, and it is Moe. ‘Moe Skeeter’ is the mascot with an attitude. A few years ago I shot some video of Moe in action, and posted it on Youtube. I even heard from Moe himself, and he liked it! Baseball season is still a few months away, but there is no reason not to get excited if Moe is around. See you at the Bombers games this year!


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Tunnels in the Smoky Mountains

In September of 2012, I traveled to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which is one of my favorite places to visit whenever in that area of the Eastern U.S.  Along the scenic roadway that one travels though the park from North Carolina to Tennessee, there are many tunnels.  These are works of art in themselves, all built from stone and carved into the mountains.  Here is one my better shots I took, as my wife and I emerged from one of these famous tunnels.

Tunnel in Smoky Mountains

Dogwoods Grow in Southwest Michigan

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A Dogwood bloom.

Although as of this writing, it is too early in the year for dogwood trees to bloom, I thought I would share some photos of one I captured last season.  The dogwood tree has a unique

A Dogwood bloom.

A Dogwood bloom.

flower that has always captured my attention.  It is hard to overlook in a forest when one is going for a nature walk.

The dogwood tree is classified as Cornus Florida.  Its dense wood has been used for a variety of small hand made items from dulcimers to laminated tennis rackets and walking canes.  The bark is sometimes used in combating malaria, as it is rich in tannin.  It has also been used for larger items such as basket for pressing fruit and wine.

Ultimately, however, I merely love coming across one when it is in full bloom in a quiet forest, and taking time to admire its beauty.

Dogwoods blooming in a Southwest Michigan forest.

Dogwoods blooming in a Southwest Michigan forest.

This gallery contains 2 photos


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Cows in a Field

I often take my camera with me when I travel around the Southwest Michigan countryside, and occasionally a pause to take a photo of something that I think is interesting or fun.  Seeing cows is common, but seeing them in a winter setting is somehow peaceful and aesthetic.

Cows


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Symmetry of a Country Road

The symmetry of some of these rural country roads in winter captures my eye as a photographer.  I took this photo when I was in a rural area a few weeks ago, and I thought the rise and fall of the unpaved road and the alignment of trees was quite beautiful.  I thought I would share it on my blog today.

The beauty of a rural road in Michigan.

The beauty of a rural road in Michigan.


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Hockey – Battle Creek Style

A few years ago I went to a Battle Creek Revolution game and filmed the entire game, and edited it down to a short video and posted it on my Youtube channel. The BC Revolution is not the same team any more, and a different league plays there now, but this was some great hockey. The Rink still is in downtown and one can go to see a hockey game there. Hope you enjoy this look back at a great game:


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Standing & Enduring

This is a photo I took recently of the remains of a tree one morning in Dowling, Michigan. I thought it was a nice contrast against the morning sky, and somewhat symbolizes the concept of ‘endurance through all time’.  This tree has faced infestation, cutting of its limbs, and possibly storm damage, etc. It still tries to grow again with new sprigs.  It is standing and enduring despite all efforts to destroy it.

Standing and enduring against the odds.

Standing and enduring against the odds.

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