Wintertime trees are honest trees, stark and bare, their dark branches rising in graceful shapes. Nothing is hidden, all is in plain sight. There’s something bracing about walking through winter woods with the limbs of wild blackberries reaching out to snag the passerby and soft moss carpeting the rocks. A chill breeze blows away cobwebs […]
Dec 14, 2021
Winter Wildscape
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Backyard bushes, green and flowering in warm weather, become gray, drab sprigs in the winter. The birds don’t mind. When moonlight silvers the yard, they crowd deep into the thick twigs, twittering and chirping, discussing the day’s happenings, content to be hidden by darkness and their stubbly cover. A few wild, forest creatures slip into […]
Oct 12, 2021
Winter’s Warning
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Nature is telling us that now is the time to prepare for a change. Fall is here, but winter is coming. Somehow, birds, animals, and insects, even trees and plant life seem to know and get ready for cold weather.
Apr 19, 2021
Beginning Again
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It looked to me like there could have been a light frost last night, at least, on the neighbor’s roofs. The cold front is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I just had a sobering thought. If the temperature really hits 28 degrees, will all these lovely, green leaves be killed and will the trees have to […]
Apr 18, 2021
Whippoorwill Winter?
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The maple leaves are as large as a rabbit’s ears; flowers are blooming, but, you know what? We have freezing temperatures, in the upper 20s and a possibility of snow on the way. In the early spring, we have periods of reverting to cold weather, called by various lovely names. Whippoorwill winter? Blackberry winter? Someone […]
Feb 15, 2021
Mini Ice Age?
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A memorable Presidents’ Day! Mr. Washington and Mr. Lincoln, I’m sure you were accustomed to cold winters with not nearly as many ways of staying warm as we have today. Bring out the fake-fur lined caps and coats and knee boots, mittens and mufflers. Light the fireplaces, mix the hot chocolate. The temperature is minus […]
