Steven Helmer Publications

A few days after coming across a woodchuck hanging out in a tree, I rounded the corner at lunch today and spotted this critter staring out at me from the woods. It's not the first time I've seen a deer there, but it's not a common thing and it's usually during hunting season, when they are trying to avoid getting shot. Took me a surprisingly high number of tries to get it in focus considering how cooperative it was (probably because my hands were shaking from excitement) but I managed to get one good photo at least.

Synopsis: A group of friends discover they can conjure spirits by holding an embalmed hand and saying the words "talk to me" and can also invite the spirits to possess them by saying "I let you in." While scary, it is also surprisingly addictive. However, things take a dark turn when Mia lets her friend's younger brother try and doesn't pull the hand away in time.  Who's in it? The movie stars Sophie Wilde ,  Sarah Brokensha ,  Sunny Johnson ,  Joe Bird and  Alexandra Jensen.  Review: My wife ordered pizza for dinner and since I didn't need to cook, we had time to watch a movie yesterday evening. I chose Talk to Me  primarily from the image of the possessed Mia (Wilde) on Paramount Plus, which made the movie look like it would be scary. As it turns out judging the film solely by its cover wasn't a great idea. I'll give the movie a few points for originality. While the premise isn't 100 percent unique, the idea of using an embalmed han

Synopsis: After losing her mother when she was very young, Jo Mitchell has moved around with her father, race car engine builder, her whole life and after attending many different schools, has a set of rules against making friends and getting involved in "girl drama." This includes her latest school, North Shore High School, which is ruled by "the Plastics" and their leader, Mandi Weatherly. However, when she learns her father can't afford tuition to her preferred college, Jo accepts payment from Sidney Hanover to befriend his unpopular daughter, Abby, one of Mandi's preferred victims. This brings Jo in direct conflict with the Plastics while, at the same time, improves her popularity and encourages her to break even more rules. Who's in it? The movie stars Meaghan Martin , Maiara Walsh , Claire Holt , Nicole Gale Anderson and Jennifer Stone . Review: My youngest daughter attended her first prom this weekend. She had fun, but it was an exhausting Sat

I shared the woodchuck photo from lunch yesterday but didn't get around to sharing the photos I took yesterday morning while on my walk by Beaver Dam Lake. Here they are:

 To tell you the truth, I didn't even realize woodchucks could climb trees until I was on my walk at lunch today and happened to see a bundle of fur hiding from the wind. I thought it was a squirrel at first but clearly it isn't.  The critter was very cooperative with me, letting me try to get a good photo that showed its full face. Once I had it, I left him alone. Anyway, here is the photo of it.

The sun is coming up early enough now for me to squeeze in an early morning walk by the lake. I took my camera with me and managed to get a couple photos then, at lunch, went out again and walked a hidden trail at the park that is only accessible around this time of year, before the trees get leaves and block it from view. It's been mostly the usual suspects this week, robins, geese, etc. But I got a couple spring-like photos while I was at it too. Here you go: