Singing Along the Journey

animals, birds, and nature

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More

Seeing is believing…or is it?

I think a lot about the relationship between our physical senses and our spiritual understanding of our selves and the universe of which we are a part, particularly as I wander the streets in the early morning hours of the day. And more often than not, I am thinking about the importance of what we think we see and what we think that means, an importance that informs our identity and our interactions with life around us. I mean, what do we do with these images? I keep thinking about this quotation from Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "The Turning Point," (translated by Stephen Mitchell): The work of the eyes is…
Read More

Hints of resurrection…

I have to give credit to my friend Mitzi Budde for the phrase that has become the title. This was her observation and it stuck. I continue to be in awe of this plucky little former tree. This was what hope looked like on a Wednesday morning. Not the greatest picture, but if you look at the bright green shoots with the tinge of color, that's what I'm talking about. Three weeks before this morning late in August, a tree surgeon came and cut down our beloved 20+ year old crepe myrtle. It had split under the weight of snow during the winter and then picked up an infestation called…
Read More

Do you think I planted enough…

Daylilies. The final word in that sentence is daylilies. And maybe roses. I'm not sure if I planted enough of either. I've just returned from more time in the mountains of the western part of Virginia, and I returned to a flower explosion. I like that. Yes, I probably planted a few things too close to one another, but hey, I can always move them in the fall. And no matter how carefully I scan the planting guidelines, I never get the distancing right. That is mostly because nothing ever grows to the size stated in those guidelines -- most plants get at least two times bigger than specified! I…
Read More

Everybody needs a little away time…

For the past few days, I have been out of town, taking a little time to work on a project that is close to my heart and soul. This trip is, for me, the first time that I have been away from home without my trusted pod companions since before the pandemic began. In fact, I can't remember the last time that I was away and on my own. I've been getting a lot done, and you will eventually hear more about that, when it is time. Today, though, I took some hours away from my efforts to enjoy the nature around me. That's right, even when you are doing…
Read More

To the birds…again

It was a good morning for birds...side benefit of going back to the earliest walk time possible (because of the heat). Finally got a picture of this beautiful catbird...not too many of them in the neighborhood. Now, if my brain could just stop making sentences about finally being in the catbird seat. Yes, you can tell that it is hump day. And still hot.
Read More

Summer time…

Well, this morning feels like summer. Not in that yucky swampy way of a DC summer, but in the more livable cool breeze after a thunderstorm but yea it is hot kind of a way. The birds were pretty happy, especially this guy who posed quite awhile for me while I captured the moment. Hope the weather is kind wherever you are.
Read More

Squirrels gone wild…

I have come to learn that there is a lot of drama going on if you just look up. That's the truth of living in a kind of urban forest. The cicadas are driving the squirrels crazy. I've seen many a squirrel throw down (literally) in the forest canopy since they arrived. I don't know what's going on here, but this little creature was on the highest of high alerts and making the most appalling noise about it. Oh well, even a squirrel needs to have some fun on a Saturday.
Read More