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 […]
Winter’s Warning
·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.
Beginning Again
·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 […]
Whippoorwill Winter?
·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 […]
Mini Ice Age?
·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 […]
Not Really Balmy
·Happy birthday, Mr. Lincoln! Just in case anybody thinks he and President Washington were born on the same day, different years, let me tell you it isn’t true. Let’s not forget the good things this sixteenth President did. And, let’s remember his birthday is February 12. Always has been and always will be. In honor […]