The Carolina morning is sweet, cool and clear, a frisky breeze ruffling the new leaves. We've left the coast, and with it the bowl of still and humid air that is the mid Atlantic, even in the freshest seasons. We're further south but higher, resulting in the same stage of spring: radiant dogwoods, new leaves, …
Stubborn Cherry Blossoms
DC is rightfully famous for our very special flowering cherry trees, "as a gift of friendship to the People of the United States from the People of Japan." The world renowned collection bordering the Tidal Basin is packed with tourists every year in early spring. Check out the live webcam here. And for me, it's …
Spring brings friends out of hibernation
I'm waiting for spring. And I'm dreading it. I'm eager for song: choir, bird, frog. And blossoms: those first wild daffodils push a silly grin up from my belly. A forecast of snow, cause for joy last week, makes me angry today. I want to frolic by the river with dogs, and laugh with friends …
New Life arrives in Storm
We humans were warned to expect violent thunderstorms late this afternoon. The doe, if she knew of them, was too preoccupied to care. She found a safe-enough place in my woodlot to birth a tiny fawn. Coming home from the CSA pickup run and snacking on fava beans, I see a deer cross the road, …
Today in the Garden: Surprise Gifts
I went to the garden the other day for solitude. To my surprise, five children under 7 ran up alongside my car, squealing about the dogs and can we play with them? Two girls and three boys were looking for something to do while their families set up for a big wedding at the community center. They …
The River Flows to the Sea
Sad but Not Surprising Two days after River Cleanup and the first bits of trash have already washed ashore. It's not messy boaters and fishing folk who create all this litter, as some assume. The bulk of the trash is washed down from storm sewers all over the metro area. When you toss an empty …
Recently-in-the-Garden
Lots happening in the garden this time of year! Last weekend we had a big Fence-Mending work day, replacing the rusted-out chicken wire that was no longer keeping critters out of the garden. Take that! goundhogs and bunnies! Then yesterday, housemates A and N helped me weed strawberries, water and plant broccoli and red cabbage. …
Spring Abundance!
a little over one year ago I posted a photo of my produce haul from my first veggie garden in ten years. I was delighted with the delicious food and beautiful colours I was reaping so early in the season. I'm ready to repeat the tradition, the first harvest that feels like abundance: My strawberries, …
New Music
I awoke to something new this morning, a forgotten sound. The wind was moving through leaves. It always takes me by surprise, this time of year. There's the winter version, too: the first time I hear the wind waving bare branches. That sound has more of a roar to it. The leafy version is, of course, …
