Steve Warner and I decided to get out with our cameras Saturday morning to see if we might find something picture worthy. We scouted some shots for later in the Spring and summer but managed to find a couple of interesting subjects.

Our first stop was sunrise at an old schoolhouse east of Jackson. I have photographed this many times and each time is different.

When the sun was up we began looking for dirt roads.

Saw this in the mirror and grabbed a B&W

Passed on this the first time but a little sun gave it some texture.

Further down the road we happened on a hunt club getting ready for a chase. Instead of foxes they go after coyotes. The don't capture or kill but enjoy the ride through the countryside. What a welcoming, congenial bunch. They readily agreed to our request to take some pictures.

Pre-hunt tailgating!

Everyone was bundled against the cold: 24°

The master of foxhounds with the hounds.

"Pack-up!" These dogs were amazinly well-trained.

We didn't have time to get shots of the chose but will no doubt return again for another go at it. What a serendipitous discovery!

This one is for extended family, some of whom don't do FB. Christmas 2015 at Aunt Betty and Uncle Dave's. Allen and Laura came over later for another round of presents and Lasagna for dinner! 

My sister Betty's Christmas trees – four of them, and another on the right.

They liked their presents from Grandpa!

James wanted a Tilly Hat

Chocolate break

Betty, Dave, the grands and the dogs

Betty wanted an updated picture of her with Charis; one of them got older (the other one grew up!

Nathan got two remote control cars

Lydia and Kristen got to play with it.

Nathan with dogs in chase

Sadie in hot pursuit!

At the very end of the day Nathan was lying on the floor next to me watching TV. He looked over and said, "Grandpa, I don't want this Christmas Day to end." Yup, we had a good day.

I had the chance to go out to an old farmstead this morning at sunrise for some Americana shots. There are so many different ways to treat these old buildings and implements.

Old Queen Anne's Lace on front fence row

Love My Nik filters

Coming Sunrise

Old Grease Gun

Back in the neighborhood.

It was a cold adventure but worth the time afield.

I have wanted to write something about the river baptism we had at Eaton Rapids in August. While not a first for me, it was the first of this type. It really was incredible. A shooting buddy, Steve Warner, just passed on some images he took of the event.

We began with a service in the old tabernacle. This building dates to the early 1900's.

I got to preach a gospel message with an explanation of what we would be doing at the river. Then we all walked down to the riverside for the baptism

Praying with the new believers.

Two of our elders helped guide candidates out — the bottom was rocky!

  

At the end, we opened the invitation for anyone who would like to follow Christ and be baptized to come forward. This young lad was the first of two who came. His parents were crying with joy!

Closing prayer.

 It was an unforgettable, joyous experience and a marvelous tradition for the church!