"Peebles Road - S. of Essex Rd." -- plein air field study -- oil on gessoed panel -- 8x10" -- Margie Guyot

The 50 mph winds from yesterday died down somewhat, but it still was quite chilly to be out. The high got up to about 13 degrees with a windchill factor of minus 1 degree. I parked my Explorer on the side of the road and set up my easel right in front, using the vehicle as a kind of windblock. Had to wear 2 pairs of gloves. The blue sky began peeking out this afternoon, which was good to see. We've had a number of days of storms.

The land around here is quite beautiful, rather like Vermont, with rolling hills, ponds and streams. It's big farming country up this way, with lots of orchards and vineyards.

"Farm on Farrell Road" -- plein air field study -- 8x10" -- oil on birch panel -- Margie Guyot

Yesterday was probably one of the last nice days we'll have here in NW Michigan until next April. So I had to get out and "make hay while the sun shines". I saw this farm scene on Farrell Road, just south of Essex Road. I loved the way the shadows fell across the grass and road and the bright green grass.

Behind this windrow of spruce and deciduous trees was the farmhouse. I believe that bright green field (on the left) was planted in winter wheat. It was fresh and new, only several inches high. On the far right you can see a tip of the cornfield, fully dried out and still waiting to be harvested. Farmers often plant cover crops such winter wheat and rye to help save against erosion and to help fertilize the soil. Besides corn and other grain, there are many apple and cherry orchards. This area is also known as "The Cherry Capital of the World".

The day started out with 100% pure blue skies, but as the day wore on, the clouds and chilly breezes came in. After several balmy days with highs about 70 degrees, we're expecting a weekend of ice pellets and snow.