gardening, outdoors

My neighbor’s hive

“The keeping of bees is like the direction of sunbeams.”― Henry David Thoreau I've never been sure who tends them. I suppose that someone does even though I'd like to imagine them coming and going from a hollowed-out tree on the hillside above our home. Wild honeybees are largely a thing of the past. Not… Continue reading My neighbor’s hive

outdoors, spiritual life

On bears in the woods and a Psalms 37 & 91 world

“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.”― John F. Kennedy "Did you hear that?" my husband asked. I did. A "phuff, phuff, phuff" that sounded like a dog panting --… Continue reading On bears in the woods and a Psalms 37 & 91 world

community, outdoors

Winter weary? Take cue from wild things

Even if you don't have a feeder at home -- and, why not? -- you can watch birds living their best winter lives online. Many nature centers have a live feed from a feeding station. These are New Yorker birds at Cornell University. In Appalachia, we finally have plenty of snow -- and enough cold… Continue reading Winter weary? Take cue from wild things

family life, gardening, outdoors

Appalachian spring

" ... when the world is mud-luscious ... when the world is puddle-wonderful..." E.E. Cummings, American poet There are still patches of dirt-speckled snow on the ground here and there. There will probably be a fresh layer or two to come. But, winter's grip is broken in this part of Appalachia. It's true. Birds are whoop-de-doing… Continue reading Appalachian spring

outdoors

Savoring winter

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." Hal Borland, American journalist/nature writer This time of year, I try to think like a skier, savoring what remains of winter rather than looking longingly at the March and April calendar pages. It's winter. And, while spring-like warmth is sneaking in a bit here and there,… Continue reading Savoring winter