Nature Visits

Oops, hey Mr. Raccoon, you've been discovered. Now vamoose!

Um, Mr. Squirrel? You might want to see your lawyer about the fact that Mr. Raccoon had previously cleaned out the feeders.

Rats, this feeder is empty too.

And, now I lament the fact that you cannot share in the sensory overload that we are experiencing right now. Let's call it Eau de Skunk. I'd gladly share this natural essence with you if I could.

Just Because...

I saw this scene outside my kitchen window this afternoon and ran to get my camera so I could record this. Disclaimer: in order to get the camera to "see" the same thing the human eye sees, I had to adjust contrast and brightness on the computer program. I am satisfied that you are seeing roughly the same thing I witnessed. Okay, I know; I need a life...

This is an un-retouched photo of the scene this afternoon.

I love the way the light hits the limbs of the trees. The trees in front of the road are on our property and are mostly Slippery Elms (ulmus rubra). They are so named for the wet, inner bark that was thought to have healing powers for sore throats by Native Americans. Early settlers considered the leaves of the Slippery Elm to be the best to eat.* These trees are indiginous to southern Indiana. They are also susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease, so they are necessarily in the Elm Witness Protection Program.

*Source: The New Encyclopedia of American Trees, by Tony Russell, Catherine Cutler and Martin Walters. Published by Hermes House, 2005

I'm Thankful for...

Once I have more time, I will upload pictures of my daughter making some terrific baked goods for Turkey Day. But for now, you will have to do with these pictures from my camera and my yard. As bad a year as we have had - first with a very late freeze and then with a prolonged dought - this year's fall explosion of color has been magnificent. We have now had two months of fall color decorating our landscape and I am delighted by this rare gift from nature.

My Cornus Floridas (dogwoods) and Fothergilla gardenii in front of my house.

Moon over Cleveland Select Pear (hmm, that doesn't exactly sound poetic now, does it?)

An absolutely beautiful ending to a perfect day. As the days, the months, and the years pass, I find more and more that I so grateful for the little things in life. A moment such as this cannot even be ruined by the nearby gun shots that herald hunting season in Southern Indiana.

I wish each and every one of you the Happiest and most Joyful Thanksgiving ever. Even if you must dig deep down inside youreself, please find something for which you can be truly grateful. I promise you, your life will truly be enriched.

Our Honored Visitors

The first bluejay of the season

I felt sorry for our fine feathered friends this year and opened the All-You-Can-Eat-Bird-Buffet early. The cardinals started visiting my deck, signalling their desire for additional sustenance. Clearly they appreciate it, even if they lack the manners to properly thank me.

A male cardinal visits. Cardinals always travel in pairs. Aren't they cavalier?

Last winter I participated in the Great American Backyard Bird Count. It not only helped an environmental group, it helped to educate me. I learned to truly watch and observe. I also learned to appreciate the variety of wildlife that surrounds me. I urge you to join in the effort this coming season. It takes very little time and brings so much personal satisfaction.

Having grown up amongst the corn fields of West Central Ohio, I am still amazed by the numerous species that surround us. Every day is a new miracle.