Michigan Photographer Dave Dinsdale

It was a pleasure meeting Dave Dinsdale, photographer from Rochester Hills, whose favorite subject is Michigan's nature. His Jordan Valley masterpiece was made from piecing together 16 of his photos. Although he has captured wonderful images from his travels both here and abroad in France and Germany, he loves his home state. He and his wife Nancy (also his business partner) have transferred many of his pictures to tiles that can either be used as wall art or trivets and coasters.

Fine Art in Rochester Hills Village

What perfect weather this weekend for Rochester Hills' Fine Art in the Village on Adams Rd at Tienken which is running until 8pm today and 6pm on Sunday. About 6 dozen artists were set up and selling their wares from near and far. Two young girls were adding ambience by playing the violin and the flute. It was very well attended.

Sculptor Tim Burke in Detroit

There are some unusual sculptures in Detroit's Lafayette Greens by native Detroiter Tim Burke. He recycles old metal parts into unique creatures. Iron man was created from discarded parts of St Paul's Cathedral reroofing. Volunteers maintain the raised bed gardens in this beautiful 1/2 acre park on Michigan Avenue that is sponsored by Compuware.

West Bloomfield Rail Trail

We had an opportunity to hike the West Bloomfield Rail Trail earlier this afternoon and were very pleased with the serene natural beauty. It is about 7 miles long paralleling Pontiac Trail. There is a wee parking lot on Haggarty Road adjacent to the crushed limestone path and a well constructed boardwalk that traverses the low-lying marshy areas. At the opposite end is the Sylvan Manor Park. This is part of a network of hiking paths that extend across our state called the Michigan Airline Trail. Dogs are most welcome on leashes and they provide disposal bags for picking up after them.

Selinsky-Green Log House in St Clair Shores

St Clair Shores has nicely preserved one of their log homes from the 1800's that had been lived in by a long line of family members until 1974.  The Selinsky-Green home would have been razed for the I-696 expressway, but those with foresight fought to preserve it and it was moved to 11 Mile Rd and Jefferson adjacent to the library.  Volunteers restored this salt box house and maintain it. Pretty cool. This Saturday an old-time toy-making class is being held in the log house at 1pm.

Woodcarver's Pavilion in Frankenmuth

The woodcarver's pavilion is an interesting focal point in one of Frankenmuth's parks. Located on Main Street alongside the river, it represents various fairy tales of German origin in Zehnder Park. The beautiful carvings were done by members of Frankenmuth's guild and date back to 1986.

Java and Jazz at Detroit Public Library

Once a month there is a Java and Jazz series at the almost century old Detroit Public Library sponsored by Comerica Bank. In the midst of their 13th season, this month you can hear Saxappeal on Tuesday evening, May 21 at 6pm and they are free. This is a super cultural experience for all ages.