A few petite blossoms lingered along the path to the coop, strewn like shiny pennies in the sunshine. Though the main bloom time was past, the ever resilient dandelions still put on a bit color here and there, until winter's chill lulled them to sleep for the season. I realized this weekend that I sometimes take wild plants (weeds) for granted. I can't look at a dandelion (or plantain, or lambsquarters, or...) without knowing the plant like an old friend, and thinking about how I could use...
8 days ago • 3 min read
"They looked other-worldly, almost prehistoric. First one enormous ghostly white shape alighted on the pond, followed shortly thereafter by four more. As they moved closer to the house and were no longer blocked from view by the island, their silhouettes became clear - pelicans! Our main pond is not that large, only about 1.3 acres, so we were surprised to see these large water birds stop in. They stayed for less than an hour, but it was a memorable visit." I also found out that pelicans can...
15 days ago • 2 min read
Like a bubbling brook creating music as it splashes over stones, so the trickle (and sometimes torrent) of flowers creates a panorama of color rippling across the landscape. Spruce buds and hazelnut catkins, honeyberries and apricot blossoms, apple blossoms and honeysuckle, a sea of autumberries, and countless other blooms adorn the yard. Time outside is aromatherapy. (As long as the neighbors aren't spreading manure or chemicals or burning trash, or Canada isn't on fire with the wind blowing...
22 days ago • 5 min read
Moments... There's a lot of focus on "big things" in life - getting a job, going on vacation, graduations (this time of year) and so much more. And big things are great, but what makes them really special are the moments. Like when you walk into your home and smell a delicious dinner that your spouse prepared - or walk in and your eyes start watering because your spouse was making HOT salsa and the air is filled with pepper juice. Or when your seven year old proudly displays three tiny wild...
29 days ago • 1 min read
"The depth of color after the spring rain was astounding. As the morning light trickled over the horizon, the verdant foliage lay like like a rich, green cloak on the land, dappled here and there with a flush of blossoms from blooming trees and shrubs." We've had a slow start to spring this year, with one warm week or a few warm days surrounded by largely chilly weather. It hasn't been safe to put out frost tender plants yet, but I'm hoping that will change this week - and not swing too...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
"As we walked around the pond that sunny morning, we spotted them - near perfect circles, etched into the algae, exposing the brightly lit sandy bottom. Each circle was defended by its gallant protector fish, preparing for spawning season." This place seems a little bit magical at times. You never know what surprise you'll find when out and about. Whether it's spawning circles or a volunteer apple tree (we found one of those on the same day we spotted the dancing fish), there's always...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
"A whippoorwill trilled in the twilight. We stopped evening chores to listen. This was the first time we'd heard the call in 20 years. Though they used to be common in the area, the mega farms that now dominated the landscape had left them without a sanctuary - until they found our home." It gives me such joy to hear "new to us" bird calls in the yard. From the early morning light to sometimes well after dark, our feathered guests serenade us with a multitude of songs. So much habitat has...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
"The day started out cool and grey - again - with a steady light rain that topped off the ponds and would soak you through if you lingered too long on outside tasks. It would be easy to be glum - if it weren't for a certain troop of extremely happy duckies who came barreling out of the coop at lightning speed, careening around the yard to see who could grab the most worms before they darted back into their underground tunnels. Whenever rainy days dampen my spirits, the duck patrol perks them...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
"The chill of winter lingered like that one friend who insists on striking up a conversation on their way out the door when you're more than ready to wrap up the party. The honeybees had made it through winter, but you could feel their hunger and eagerness to forage as they gathered around the sugar water set out to hold them over until blossom season began. Spring bulbs still hesitated, showing greens, but reluctant to lift their flowers to the wan sun. Still, signs of spring peeked out and...
2 months ago • 3 min read