tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89103983379066609132024-03-18T20:02:07.555-07:00Ferida's BackyardAs our communities become more urbanized, the natural features around us tend to get pushed into the background and often go unnoticed. In “Ferida’s Backyard,” I look at the details of nature locally, from a neighborhood perspective, frequently from a backyard vantage point. It excites me to share what I see. An awareness of the natural connection can beautifully enhance our lives.feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-64348479220857022612024-03-18T16:12:00.000-07:002024-03-18T16:28:34.831-07:00Spring is Coming<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwVTXiX34K7xN8u9wi7gfW5BTW0_6bYsqROv4XEBfkc089Lp43GJN4rR_aw6HT_sWC9FW4FlwuivhpMFHtrIsf_vqwCGV3n_HKS-MU4U-L-TUikMxeHdraSYCA6Qj0km48R3FhaIiEjseOAW1paXRLEX5-cp00mltQ7d2cNLdxDmv3gPsrqgnaIJOCGB5/s1296/Daffies%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1296" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwVTXiX34K7xN8u9wi7gfW5BTW0_6bYsqROv4XEBfkc089Lp43GJN4rR_aw6HT_sWC9FW4FlwuivhpMFHtrIsf_vqwCGV3n_HKS-MU4U-L-TUikMxeHdraSYCA6Qj0km48R3FhaIiEjseOAW1paXRLEX5-cp00mltQ7d2cNLdxDmv3gPsrqgnaIJOCGB5/w320-h240/Daffies%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p>Spring is Coming</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My backyard is beginning to awaken. The daffodils are flowering
across the yard and brightening what had dulled during winter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The daffies have been spreading over the years. They seem to
decide where to plant themselves and then surprise me when they bloom. It’s a
pleasure to see the vibrant yellow greeting me when I look out the kitchen
window and it feels like the flowers’ energy is present when I do qigong exercises
outside on a nice pre-spring day. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A daffodil is seen as a symbol of hope and healing. It feels
like an awakening as it begins to bring our thoughts to Spring. It’s almost an
invitation to set aside what the winter offered and to welcome what is yet to
come.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lots of symbolism about daffodils:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://orchidrepublic.com/blogs/flower-facts/flower-facts-daffodils-spring-flower-arrangement-tips">https://orchidrepublic.com/blogs/flower-facts/flower-facts-daffodils-spring-flower-arrangement-tips</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-80174103246411099452024-02-18T11:44:00.000-08:002024-02-18T11:44:40.868-08:00It's Raining Snow!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuBq4D7BlBv5A93-GOGz7yt2ExDzapQtMuDXHm-KmI8f3VE1fH4Bz1idcwAxNhJ-SCyda4V4Y_QtTt8iDGzNspSGNI0pPCgaMbOXwPW5jMju157QYRZYNnNUrl37_pSoQtPfmcWL05gZESHhhhx-MdMbgQJacPS9p9D64mzXBmppStqHedE8e2txlQNZf/s1222/Snow%20falling%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1222" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuBq4D7BlBv5A93-GOGz7yt2ExDzapQtMuDXHm-KmI8f3VE1fH4Bz1idcwAxNhJ-SCyda4V4Y_QtTt8iDGzNspSGNI0pPCgaMbOXwPW5jMju157QYRZYNnNUrl37_pSoQtPfmcWL05gZESHhhhx-MdMbgQJacPS9p9D64mzXBmppStqHedE8e2txlQNZf/w255-h232/Snow%20falling%20.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>It’s Raining Snow!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The snow was falling as usual during this time of year, gentle
flakes landing on trees and lawns, laying inches of white coating on cars and
patios. Inconvenient, perhaps, but lovely to see. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then something changed. There was a slight rise in
temperature and the snow started melting off the tree branches, splashing down
like heavy rain. What was fluffy became squishy, thick and wet. It was very
dramatic but shifted what started as an snowstorm into something new – it seemed
to be raining snow!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I enjoyed watching the snow change as the temperature
changed but it made me think of the way our climate is shifting. So much of our
planet is dealing with new weather patterns. At least I was able to enjoy the
snow while it lasted.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here are some questions about what Mother Nature is going
through:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/climate-change-frequently-asked-questions/">https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/climate-change-frequently-asked-questions/</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-60725276378151524002023-12-30T15:32:00.000-08:002023-12-30T15:32:57.741-08:00Shifting Seasons<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd0UDmruPoG3RbgUIwjqE2tSd9mjW4REFsek1ooe-1CkYFpYAoz1XQTbzwma7ZnUyf1i4DEkOzhIvF0O1XH1IjLDFxCY2xrGfANxgNtv2UECRPZfuvDzaLs_3HmKVy6JaneWiifsK1ftjKaDW5drnUAX1Hq2wOnfuDvpo9YhI99eI5UUVjmF6R9Xckn89/s1131/Evening%20Tree%20%20%20%200224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd0UDmruPoG3RbgUIwjqE2tSd9mjW4REFsek1ooe-1CkYFpYAoz1XQTbzwma7ZnUyf1i4DEkOzhIvF0O1XH1IjLDFxCY2xrGfANxgNtv2UECRPZfuvDzaLs_3HmKVy6JaneWiifsK1ftjKaDW5drnUAX1Hq2wOnfuDvpo9YhI99eI5UUVjmF6R9Xckn89/s320/Evening%20Tree%20%20%20%200224.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span> </span>Shifting
Seasons</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I was
moved when I looked at the leafless tree. It seemed to be reaching up to
embrace the sky. It will be like that through the winter months, allowing us to
see its inner strength before it covers its bareness with beautiful greenery in
Spring. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It
reminded me of our hopes that seem so barren in troublesome times, like the
world is going through right now. We need to remember that we are strong
underneath, that things change and that the world is flexible. If we can hold
onto the understanding that life often shifts like the seasons, perhaps the
beauty of humanity will come back into season.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-10266114189455447602023-12-01T15:19:00.000-08:002023-12-01T15:19:24.883-08:00Not So Ordinary<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpHHu7KOrmyJ7LSXweRaoKvLaBnVT_gOgzOzFBv08mRIChaxExJvFcPNsrNio0M6OhcbRGl_4NtDWCMu90TjwwFW8k3M0PZqxoZ58F1k6Q2oTpmghSgQgoGaYBlrJBqFhDz_Jsx1W8zD953ouyqSC-SArpHSEivaAJgTruqeOxYhOyuLduXSHoM2nMrNL/s1254/India-Backwaters%20-%20South%20India%20-%20%20Cabin%20128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1254" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpHHu7KOrmyJ7LSXweRaoKvLaBnVT_gOgzOzFBv08mRIChaxExJvFcPNsrNio0M6OhcbRGl_4NtDWCMu90TjwwFW8k3M0PZqxoZ58F1k6Q2oTpmghSgQgoGaYBlrJBqFhDz_Jsx1W8zD953ouyqSC-SArpHSEivaAJgTruqeOxYhOyuLduXSHoM2nMrNL/w276-h194/India-Backwaters%20-%20South%20India%20-%20%20Cabin%20128.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk152339285"><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span>Not So Ordinary<o:p></o:p></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152339285;">The ordinary things
that we see are easy to pass by. We take them for granted and move on to
whatever is next. But maybe if we allow ourselves to look at things
differently, we may notice something new about the usual.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152339285;">I like to take a
walk each day. It’s a simple exercise that gets me out of the house and helps
me to see beyond my own walls. Most of the time I just follow the same routine
and see the same things though every now and then I’m startled to see a
different view of something ordinary. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152339285;">On one of our trips,
the woman who cleaned the rooms put out towels on our bed that looked like swans!
It perked us up after a busy, tiring day and encouraged us to be present to
what we were seeing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152339285;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ordinary can be calming because we don’t
have to pay it any attention but viewing things in a new way can help us expand
ourselves and have fun at the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152339285;">Artist Helgo
Stentzel looks at things from a wonderfully wider perspective:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152339285;"></span><a href="https://www.helgastentzel.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152339285;">https://www.helgastentzel.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email</span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk152339285;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-3192426859102934512023-11-13T08:22:00.000-08:002023-11-13T08:23:28.873-08:00Goodbye Tree<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHYZUYx22P-NGyCDmHKgc-C2BaecnCZoe0-I_iP-8dQFwMv6V9K69jy8xB8y7oM2161mXi-MatpGZ89XfebnoBrLR2VV85dm_95XtXx6LuGN1CzJXxt8eEvXYbk5R7B2BKtcp399KgTxjmH-iCNvE5sO-_IW75Im2uyYflLnqPS0EMRDvkwfb4y2Iw2Zs/s946/Cut%20tree%20TZp%20%20_0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="709" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHYZUYx22P-NGyCDmHKgc-C2BaecnCZoe0-I_iP-8dQFwMv6V9K69jy8xB8y7oM2161mXi-MatpGZ89XfebnoBrLR2VV85dm_95XtXx6LuGN1CzJXxt8eEvXYbk5R7B2BKtcp399KgTxjmH-iCNvE5sO-_IW75Im2uyYflLnqPS0EMRDvkwfb4y2Iw2Zs/w225-h300/Cut%20tree%20TZp%20%20_0147.jpg" width="225" /></a></div> <br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span>Go</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">odbye Tree<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 105%;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">My neighborhood was built up fifty years ago on what was then an apple
orchard. Houses were constructed, gardens were planned, people moved in. Maple and
oak trees were planted on the grass at the curb in front of each house.
Everything looked fresh and growing. We moved in years later, delighted by all
that we saw. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 105%;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">But things move on. The trees grew tall and broad and provided the
streets with welcome shade on hot summer days. Sometimes, though, their roots
pulled up the sidewalk cement. Sometimes their branches rose high up to the
wires that provided the houses with electricity. Recently, a crew was out
sawing away at one of the mature trees. When the work was finished,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the thick branches and sawed trunk lay on the
street, a reminder of how big the tree had grown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 105%;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">It was sad. I thanked the tree for sharing its life within our
community for so long. Then looking beyond, I could see that new trees,
self-planted, were rising down the block. It was a reminder that even though
there are challenges, life can be resilient.<o:p></o:p></span></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-4743277124763029282023-10-30T11:38:00.001-07:002023-10-30T11:44:52.495-07:00Ahh Autumn<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzcf3b07ynGT_JyEwGecXOj1WkO6fIOnGPWHRvOaGWBfSVx8u5dXXDPUoHay2ye-efj3R7XdEO54ApDRa-8kn-3XanhbVVbsuGkc8vNmAxVrrj-lw_sNJuGps_5pBllp7XuzHuq2w_TQjt8458Z94M46Wn4f8rBKSe7WS1DOJuNieorQ-8kLB75O-xpL/s1204/Tree%20old%20orchard%20%20%20%202907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1114" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzcf3b07ynGT_JyEwGecXOj1WkO6fIOnGPWHRvOaGWBfSVx8u5dXXDPUoHay2ye-efj3R7XdEO54ApDRa-8kn-3XanhbVVbsuGkc8vNmAxVrrj-lw_sNJuGps_5pBllp7XuzHuq2w_TQjt8458Z94M46Wn4f8rBKSe7WS1DOJuNieorQ-8kLB75O-xpL/w296-h320/Tree%20old%20orchard%20%20%20%202907.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Ahh, Autumn<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s officially Autumn. The weather traditionally would be
cooling down on its way to greet Winter. But this has been a strange season,
weatherwise. Fewer jackets are being worn than expected and it’s not unusual to
see kids still in shorts. Temperatures have been way warmer than average. Greenhouse
gases such as carbon dioxide and methane trap the sun’s heat and have been warming
Earth’s atmosphere. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It seems like a warmer Fall would alter the timing of when leaves
change their color but trees seem to know better. The leaves are glowing with
brilliant reds and yellows and starting to fall in huge numbers. I used to like
to crunch them when I walked down the street. I still do.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ahh, Autumn. It remains its beautiful self. Now it’s time to
get out the rake and gather the fallen leaves. Crunch, crunch, crunch.<span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-51089022046933327762023-10-17T12:26:00.000-07:002023-10-17T12:26:14.842-07:00Blue to New<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyHDeEurWroK2mJR9ae5anNVJoCf4vngu1XwlK4Cib95K_zf4p7zb4d9n24MCoJcBV5Pq7GMgfpVJ8U4dkFwYuZ1ZcgZYlSwCUlhyNwXrpsnWf9hKNZgixYvuhUrbP2MtoZ03zmm4XD5BJn2RaE0-mn7OPqX_in-MJwzxFmQGRBmByRuWAnRD-Gqj2VYz/s1584/Clouds%202848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyHDeEurWroK2mJR9ae5anNVJoCf4vngu1XwlK4Cib95K_zf4p7zb4d9n24MCoJcBV5Pq7GMgfpVJ8U4dkFwYuZ1ZcgZYlSwCUlhyNwXrpsnWf9hKNZgixYvuhUrbP2MtoZ03zmm4XD5BJn2RaE0-mn7OPqX_in-MJwzxFmQGRBmByRuWAnRD-Gqj2VYz/w213-h320/Clouds%202848.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 48px;">Blue to New</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The sky was clear blue this morning
like a calm sea that you could see deeply through. Later in the afternoon some
wispy clouds started to appear, creating a breathtaking impressionistic
painting across the sky. Later in the day, the sky was covered with thin, white
clouds as if a sheet had been stretched across the trees.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Rain was being predicted for the end
of the day and the air seemed to be following the forecast. The white clouds
turned darker gray and soon drizzles started to tap on the ground. The rain
increased for a while and then the clouds moved on, leaving a new, clear evening
to appreciate. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The sky was dramatic as it shifted
from clear to cloudy to rainy and back again. The process was hard to ignore.
It made me think of how our energy moves throughout the day. Sometimes it is calm
and peaceful, sometimes dark and worrisome, but it is always something to
observe. Remembering the path of the sky on that day helps me to put things in
perspective, to recognize that life moves along and to respect the flow. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-53117743611722901932023-09-05T13:42:00.002-07:002023-09-05T13:56:06.591-07:00Turtles Sunbathing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi__wbnxUtkRKwn4RR30aH5g-zoLVQkfBWKitmvKN9UBy1qXcYv3-uPf2sqoeZbHNaovgA_Plz8-yKBkF9DpOXZj_gh--dDQwyI8cTUBfQXLqbk0HHctux4zSHah45daXTY58nAI_9Pcq-yaRIuFs-NQCtU2Au_DdgAjyFnTHB3-86PCK25Mvp-E21hW8L/s1578/Turtles%20TZn%20Exp%20TZns%20v%20%20%201290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1578" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi__wbnxUtkRKwn4RR30aH5g-zoLVQkfBWKitmvKN9UBy1qXcYv3-uPf2sqoeZbHNaovgA_Plz8-yKBkF9DpOXZj_gh--dDQwyI8cTUBfQXLqbk0HHctux4zSHah45daXTY58nAI_9Pcq-yaRIuFs-NQCtU2Au_DdgAjyFnTHB3-86PCK25Mvp-E21hW8L/s320/Turtles%20TZn%20Exp%20TZns%20v%20%20%201290.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a name="_Hlk144821408">Turtles Sunbathing</a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821408;">We were out for the
afternoon on a hot, late summer day, walking through the woods at the John
Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia. We came upon the lake where
flowers were blooming and greens were flourishing. I assumed that there would
be fish swimming around as there were signs saying No Fishing, but I didn’t see
any. Was it too hot for them to peek out of the cool water?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821408;">There were some
logs among the plants in the water. And there, on top of the wood, were turtles!
They seemed to be enjoying the lazy, sunny day. Just hangin’ out and bathing in
the afternoon sun. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821408;">I remember having a
turtle pet when I was nine years old. It lifted its head when I walked near its
cage, expecting food, I suppose,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but I
was always glad to take it from its tank and share part of my day with it. I
hope that these turtles are able to find food. And I thank them for being
visible on such a hot summer day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821408;">Turtles are such
interesting creatures. They’ve been around for an extremely long time and have
lots of varieties. Here are some amazing photos:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821408;"><a name="_Hlk144821363"></a></span><a href="https://www.doi.gov/blog/13-turtle-ly-awesome-photos-world-turtle-day"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821408;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821363;">https://www.dogov/blog/13-turtle-ly-awesome-photos-world-turtle-day</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821408;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821363;"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821408;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk144821363;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-51980553245943216642023-08-14T14:34:00.000-07:002023-08-14T14:34:49.859-07:00A Museum Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHy2FvSqQz3L0s8K3YbTudKdGkJrYPg7tR_x4KcGbqsCWhmMe6yQgoMgRv8QsCBVHROMcGoxka4ysRs9YtjZzm9TZ7W-XEOEkAE_z35Fm8eLr_n-p3M7dev2BDTLeowZn8AaeQ0BYPbtV8XJneocl4KY-Q5dAvvDgLodv3hhvcBC-NHGorHxkGRKsV4ko/s1584/Tree%20Sculp%20_1554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1001" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHy2FvSqQz3L0s8K3YbTudKdGkJrYPg7tR_x4KcGbqsCWhmMe6yQgoMgRv8QsCBVHROMcGoxka4ysRs9YtjZzm9TZ7W-XEOEkAE_z35Fm8eLr_n-p3M7dev2BDTLeowZn8AaeQ0BYPbtV8XJneocl4KY-Q5dAvvDgLodv3hhvcBC-NHGorHxkGRKsV4ko/s320/Tree%20Sculp%20_1554.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>A Museum Tree</p><p>Trees and neighborhoods mature together. Many of the trees were planted near the curb and have grown so big, with expanding roots, that they started raising the cement nearby and had to be removed. They are also often taken down when they interfere with above-ground wiring.</p><p>Sometimes trees reach their life span and start losing their leaves, eventually remaining as just a trunk with bare branches. Most of the time they will be chopped by the township and no one will know that they had once been providing beauty and shade and nesting places for local birds.</p><p>So it was quite the surprise when I came upon the trunk of a dead tree that was artfully transformed! It was sculpted and painted and stood as something that could be in a museum. It was a delight to see and it made me remember that we can be creative in all sorts of ways. I am delighted each time I pass that tree and I hope that other residents appreciate it as well. </p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-41928954519878200502023-08-04T12:37:00.000-07:002023-08-04T12:37:02.808-07:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3lXGNtJoZlKltWZKM4ZqH1xsIncgHMzkdxr8NGB2wk9CrjOR_I-UYJDpDW7IIPRfBqtbzButPZX7AUJA0opQp5kL6qfAyyDpbLYmzJbL6A4N266dheyhDIKp19GDnYT1oVX1DuzhUT8z1LFyTHvaeSPEzL9EpACqtpLy85etyKqkvhG3uWlXhhLyO7wE/s1512/Duel%20rainbows%20with%20C%20%200007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1512" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3lXGNtJoZlKltWZKM4ZqH1xsIncgHMzkdxr8NGB2wk9CrjOR_I-UYJDpDW7IIPRfBqtbzButPZX7AUJA0opQp5kL6qfAyyDpbLYmzJbL6A4N266dheyhDIKp19GDnYT1oVX1DuzhUT8z1LFyTHvaeSPEzL9EpACqtpLy85etyKqkvhG3uWlXhhLyO7wE/s320/Duel%20rainbows%20with%20C%20%200007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Double
Rainbow<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
it was, up above the rain-drenched roofs, arched over the trees – a
magnificent<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rainbow! It spanned across
the sky, in a brightly colored arch, wide over the street. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
would have been enough to see but then above the rainbow was another arch. I
had never seen a double rainbow before and I was awed. But there was something
interesting about the rainbow above. It’s colors were the reverse of the
rainbow below it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #313131; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A rainbow, besides being amazing, is seen as a sign
of possibilities. In the midst of life’s storms it is often hard to spot a
rainbow, but they tend to appear after the storm and offer hope.</span><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
double rainbow is even rarer and a good omen. It is the symbol of hope and encouragement
and prosperity. It also provides spiritual encouragement</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. </span><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But whether scientific or spiritual, any rainbow is <span style="background: white; color: #313131;">a joy to see,</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here is the technical reason for a double rainbow: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzgNM-P_JCQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzgNM-P_JCQ</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-3985577033980377202023-07-23T10:49:00.000-07:002023-07-23T10:49:04.358-07:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBMzCf8gnwYskP2On31EFXvu3o9cOiiIn1wzP5mRs9szD8wKN_GFWl4hYwYdoBsuzHnZLWtT8jWebIl7M0Ah8XEdg68SKoUl-n56Rpv-0vaJKSkDkYu2JCru_mWbJesVuux-NO0cmDzrivYnTd0d9k4TmpRIhoS4iVUphsWhCisbEJdyBcPduggq8wRC-/s1537/Mushrooms%20%20IMG_1538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBMzCf8gnwYskP2On31EFXvu3o9cOiiIn1wzP5mRs9szD8wKN_GFWl4hYwYdoBsuzHnZLWtT8jWebIl7M0Ah8XEdg68SKoUl-n56Rpv-0vaJKSkDkYu2JCru_mWbJesVuux-NO0cmDzrivYnTd0d9k4TmpRIhoS4iVUphsWhCisbEJdyBcPduggq8wRC-/w333-h320/Mushrooms%20%20IMG_1538.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Mushrooms, Mushrooms, Mushrooms<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I looked down at the grass on the street side lawn as I started
my daily walk. It looked like two golf balls had been lost and ended up on the
grass. Then I looked closer and saw that they were really round, white
mushrooms, a kind I hadn’t seen before. Quite impressive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been noticing that there are more mushrooms popping up
on lawns recently. Brown ones, white ones, flat, round, and, well,
traditionally mushroom-shaped. I looked up mushrooms and I think the ones I saw
were like <span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Giant Puffballs (<i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Calvatia gigantea)</span></i></span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Montserrat; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0in;"> . <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0in;">Each day’s walk has become an observational trek. It’s hard to believe
how many mushrooms there are. There are over 14,000 species out there! Some are
edible-and delicious-but many are poisonous so it isn’t wise to pick any off
the lawns. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0in;">But whatever kind is local, they are so interesting to see. It makes my
daily walk new each time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Montserrat; mso-ligatures: none;">11
edible mushrooms</span><span style="font-family: Montserrat; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.plantsnap.com/blog/edible-mushrooms-united-states/">https://www.plantsnap.com/blog/edible-mushrooms-united-states/</a>
<span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-22868362964066156692023-06-25T12:45:00.002-07:002023-06-25T12:45:51.005-07:00Awesome Goldfinches<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUIuKekiZxEVKoe28TLzqjB1TsCB5c2XWU2X5BxYpabGvHOg_0Ljz8qQeXHG3yckwGSosiafvwnfl5Pi7GqwArH8crV5QmyM-EVtvYNlRexjUUsz-gCnzyOgen0FA8UKS9I4NI9IMYMlV_0aw6V8JVrLw_iAToY8v_vExd5VVTC1Ea6hCO6ciWMF4AQK1/s1440/2%20Goldfinches%20%20%20%20%20FW%202777-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1440" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUIuKekiZxEVKoe28TLzqjB1TsCB5c2XWU2X5BxYpabGvHOg_0Ljz8qQeXHG3yckwGSosiafvwnfl5Pi7GqwArH8crV5QmyM-EVtvYNlRexjUUsz-gCnzyOgen0FA8UKS9I4NI9IMYMlV_0aw6V8JVrLw_iAToY8v_vExd5VVTC1Ea6hCO6ciWMF4AQK1/s320/2%20Goldfinches%20%20%20%20%20FW%202777-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Awesome Goldfinches<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Outside our front door was a wonderful sight – a male
goldfinch was sitting on one of our Astilbe plants. His beautiful gold color
was startling. As we watched, a female goldfinch flew to one of the other Astilbe plants and seemed to be watching the male. He didn’t chase her away so
perhaps they were a couple. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They sat there together/apart for several minutes until we
had to go out. Then our movement disturbed them and they zipped off and we haven’t seen them since.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A sight like that is breathtaking. I remember hearing once
that we should look for awe in each day. That is how I felt about seeing those
beautiful birds. It was awesome and started my day with enthusiasm to be on the
lookout for the incredible possibilities that nature might offer – if we are
open to seeing them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Directions for growing Astilbe plants: </p><p class="MsoNormal">https://www.thespruce.com/growing-astible-plants-1402833 </p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-44883159022884767272023-06-12T19:03:00.002-07:002023-06-12T19:03:54.858-07:00Nature's Jigsaw Puzzles<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlK6RwnAK57P9TXVrTFZTaJfuJ-h3MFlm_olbf2pNhtp-m2aRop486mtdYEU15nIiV2NTPb10jHpNpE0EgZOlgQgjmCOcLF2Nj84iRbNKZSLhon1JGDdsXTV2PbYiQllbEwXw17GPvrr2U3M4uJYQMFF4qeaICOS9jVzowv9FcjlimZMfTBhDciefQQ/s1334/Jigsaw6-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="1334" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlK6RwnAK57P9TXVrTFZTaJfuJ-h3MFlm_olbf2pNhtp-m2aRop486mtdYEU15nIiV2NTPb10jHpNpE0EgZOlgQgjmCOcLF2Nj84iRbNKZSLhon1JGDdsXTV2PbYiQllbEwXw17GPvrr2U3M4uJYQMFF4qeaICOS9jVzowv9FcjlimZMfTBhDciefQQ/w416-h144/Jigsaw6-23.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Nature’s Jigsaw Puzzles</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I love doing jigsaw puzzles. Recently, I was given a
thousand-piece puzzle that showed lots of birds, which I also love. There were
robins, cardinals, hummingbirds, bluejays, and sparrows all enjoying the field
of wildflowers that was the puzzle’s background. So colorful. I sat down and
got to work. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The puzzle wasn’t easy. It took me lots of days to finish
but while I was working on it, my backyard seemed to have its own bird puzzle.
There were robins flocking on the birdbath out back looking for a drink. A
bluejay flapped them away so it could take a bath. Crows piled onto the grass,
cawing as they searched for seeds. I heard chirping as I put the pieces into
their right places, which felt like the real birds were encouraging me to work
on the puzzle.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am letting the finished puzzle stay on my dining room
table for a while where I can see it when I walk through the house. I
appreciate getting the bird puzzle as well as Mother Nature’s actual variety of
birds. Both are gifts that I value and enjoy.<o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-63279290591183613872023-05-12T10:22:00.001-07:002023-05-12T10:22:46.691-07:00Tulips on a Tree<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWaHClZSQhtRsrrN7BLL0bChnYvtVL9AerCcJtDxCxNrdGn5XN7Uof8NCsTwagyQRuGT6CggwsKzUabuiB9Kzw7ApZw9sofkwsrLtzTetbZ5PxUb8kV9KMYB5GlPFSdJBvv81M7rm8Cvxoch5URis5DUUNGkyBGbSHxSlD53B0X4xgWZxfMrOHQoCXQ/s725/Tulip%20%20TZs%20%208334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="725" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWaHClZSQhtRsrrN7BLL0bChnYvtVL9AerCcJtDxCxNrdGn5XN7Uof8NCsTwagyQRuGT6CggwsKzUabuiB9Kzw7ApZw9sofkwsrLtzTetbZ5PxUb8kV9KMYB5GlPFSdJBvv81M7rm8Cvxoch5URis5DUUNGkyBGbSHxSlD53B0X4xgWZxfMrOHQoCXQ/s320/Tulip%20%20TZs%20%208334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk134782025;">I have always loved
tulips. The flowers bring Spring to mind and they have a charming look to them.
But I wasn’t aware that they could grow on trees until my sister asked me if I
would like to have a tulip tree for my backyard. She said that while it was
beautiful, it dropped flowers into her backyard pool. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk134782025;">I was delighted. It
was planted toward the back of my house and after a brief season of acclimating
to its new yard, put out flowers each Spring. That was many years ago and the
tree has been producing more and more flowers each year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk134782025;">There are things to
consider when planting a tulip tree, though. It grows TALL. It overlooks much
of our backyard. And my sister was right; the beautiful flowers eventually lose
their petals which spread far and wide over everything. Still, I am delighted
to have it in our yard and am grateful that it comes abundantly back each
Spring.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk134782025;">Tulip trees produce
beautiful flowers:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk134782025;"></span><a href="https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-tulip-trees-2132098"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk134782025;">https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-tulip-trees-2132098</span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk134782025;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-66348366941539616472023-04-17T08:27:00.000-07:002023-04-17T08:27:01.548-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8Q2krGaT9Db5vUBZb_q2HBheMApnIAqTc_W2NrU0hP9EvUNg3Hrv0xl4VM7UQCLLuHoRCi0HYFtMLFkhMT57WHIHKdCWhm5wj-tjI_aSWmJTscCxR9SJ6ZI_gdehlPx7N-2XMUpItDO8b9Q32Ww1AVLYHeHXaEmEaMB2Smgq1QHsx3vXLrUdODd6Ew/s1182/Bee%20side%20TZns%20MB%20VB%20cc2496-topaz-enhance-sharpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1182" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8Q2krGaT9Db5vUBZb_q2HBheMApnIAqTc_W2NrU0hP9EvUNg3Hrv0xl4VM7UQCLLuHoRCi0HYFtMLFkhMT57WHIHKdCWhm5wj-tjI_aSWmJTscCxR9SJ6ZI_gdehlPx7N-2XMUpItDO8b9Q32Ww1AVLYHeHXaEmEaMB2Smgq1QHsx3vXLrUdODd6Ew/w271-h216/Bee%20side%20TZns%20MB%20VB%20cc2496-topaz-enhance-sharpen.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk132556911">Bee-side Our Window<o:p></o:p></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk132556911;">Last Spring we
noticed that we had bees flying near our front door. They seemed interested in
the bushes by our front windows. One bee in particular seemed to be the most
aggressive – to other bees, not to us, thank goodness. I had even named it as I
watched it flitter around. It was chasing away any other bees that came by. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk132556911;">Well, the bushes
are beginning to flower again and Bebe is back! It seems to have even more
energy than last year. It is there when I open the door but it isn’t
threatening. It keeps its distance as I watch it discourage any other bees that
seem interested in the bushes. The strange thing is that I don’t see any nest
in the bushes. What is it protecting? Last year we checked the gutters but they
were clean, as they are this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk132556911;">By now I expect to
see Bebe greeting me in the morning. The buzz gets a smile as I open the front
door – a delightful way to start the day!</span><o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-54009813152040341382023-04-01T12:23:00.000-07:002023-04-01T12:23:02.072-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wE63VSG7cYxUrAwgJ_EZenlsKzVuL1BsqiOFSFCr9hL284f1bskke_91u5DsgXer7CAhjz1q6ejT-y8hc2Y-x0sqvJKdVJIFGE9e7SOSLKousEFCOuETw9Qm1Vxh9NIP6epVNh6NL3m5BnRlpCACEZlwynMxleHwkWsT6G0tUykz2NpZ1SCTgI2Asw/s1405/walker-Newtown%20Pk%20%208159_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1405" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wE63VSG7cYxUrAwgJ_EZenlsKzVuL1BsqiOFSFCr9hL284f1bskke_91u5DsgXer7CAhjz1q6ejT-y8hc2Y-x0sqvJKdVJIFGE9e7SOSLKousEFCOuETw9Qm1Vxh9NIP6epVNh6NL3m5BnRlpCACEZlwynMxleHwkWsT6G0tUykz2NpZ1SCTgI2Asw/w320-h209/walker-Newtown%20Pk%20%208159_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">A Natural Path<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are so many natural paths close to where I live. Some
are township properties, others are privately owned but open to the public.
They often include waterways that add a peaceful element to the surrounding
walkways.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As Winter changes to Spring, the colors start to emerge and
plants blossom to make a walk even more delightful. Others seemed to be
enjoying the path we recently discovered as well. We took a gentle walk on this
pleasant day and let nature embrace us with beauty and peace.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>I find this activity so simple and calming that I like to do
it often during the nice weather. And each season nature invites us to share in
the changes, to see the variety that exists naturally. I hope that everyone has
access to a calming place, a space to take a deep breath and let go of any
worries. </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-29253502432650829862023-02-12T14:04:00.000-08:002023-02-12T14:04:27.810-08:00Our Senses<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDGOiHVbSmJyCh9FMU7YlpGENdYttlvQiSXayzcsjkwvmqKnRherQTLuajZxnaD0UPMrZdDdeLvMxVGmnZS_bS0bWBEIp3ij8EqcgQ5F2ZUAKU-9E7pqSO0FY2xMKG-RmL_cISZJToDcfrID5Z4M448d8LvhX2s5GXrnANAdcCHSbUvaCEzEMB8geoA/s958/Pigeons%20on%20wire%20B+W%208081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="958" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDGOiHVbSmJyCh9FMU7YlpGENdYttlvQiSXayzcsjkwvmqKnRherQTLuajZxnaD0UPMrZdDdeLvMxVGmnZS_bS0bWBEIp3ij8EqcgQ5F2ZUAKU-9E7pqSO0FY2xMKG-RmL_cISZJToDcfrID5Z4M448d8LvhX2s5GXrnANAdcCHSbUvaCEzEMB8geoA/w256-h173/Pigeons%20on%20wire%20B+W%208081.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /> Our Senses<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It might only be February but I am already feeling the
coming of Spring. My five senses are being awakened by nature. I see the
pigeons gathering in flocks on wires, trees and roofs. I hear the squirrels
stamping across the roof when I awaken early in the morning. I smell skunks as
I drive through my neighborhood and pass a couple charging across the street. I
am delighted by the gentle feel of the buds on the plants starting to open
their flowers. And I can almost taste the mint that grows automatically in my
tiny vegetable garden.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But I discovered that we might have more senses than we
know. We are attuned to our world in many ways. We interact even when we aren’t
aware that we’re doing it. Perhaps if we understand that we are connected with
everything, we will be more careful with how we live. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There seems to be other senses as well:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://medium.com/the-philipendium/the-5-senses-or-maybe-7-probably-9-perhaps-11-f9e6c54f76f0">https://medium.com/the-philipendium/the-5-senses-or-maybe-7-probably-9-perhaps-11-f9e6c54f76f0</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-19283114120408233052022-12-23T10:52:00.000-08:002022-12-23T10:52:36.940-08:00The Holidays Are Here<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHi45yB4mQt-Bvjjw3e3q8niN4KgyQaj7Zszm_ZwdKhA_6bnFJsKmGuQlfRID-tZU6Ib4W-9kmYLQmIUDVkstbZFHd7V9FKftS_D9gdQ7fTcJZVnLktM4EpIj6SU33JH-MF5xw3VSQdhGNHDi3HEOUZCZcxhrOzp89UXuUVljjro-xTcDLUBIWs9Eisg/s1487/Xmas%20TZns%20%207945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #d9ead3; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1487" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHi45yB4mQt-Bvjjw3e3q8niN4KgyQaj7Zszm_ZwdKhA_6bnFJsKmGuQlfRID-tZU6Ib4W-9kmYLQmIUDVkstbZFHd7V9FKftS_D9gdQ7fTcJZVnLktM4EpIj6SU33JH-MF5xw3VSQdhGNHDi3HEOUZCZcxhrOzp89UXuUVljjro-xTcDLUBIWs9Eisg/w324-h233/Xmas%20TZns%20%207945.jpg" width="324" /></a></div>The Holidays Are Here<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So much has been happening through this year that it is
often hard to get into the holiday spirit. But, fortunately, that doesn’t stop
many of our neighbors from lighting up their homes to help lighten our
emotional load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The lights don’t have to be flashing or overly elaborate to
be appealing. One house in our neighborhood offers a simple light tree, which
shines brightly as we pass on our walk. It helps to remind us to allow light
into our lives and imagination.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I hope that this season brings joy to everyone. <o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-7647357173509216552022-09-29T15:33:00.000-07:002022-09-29T15:33:37.181-07:00Dandelion Landing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s05m44IzXVafPhUlBP8mITsFTgTgNerY3Zw5gKWCGB0eMqqLBfciCIruFJB9Zq597xWaz0pK0peZESzsiayXdaCZzbDvWKBLP0dGfqaj8obat-_xTQ1oEXaDF1g-hZ21yCdXZxYVl7FjJBkbXOn5kO-m2yBwGuGrEeFWkVqUIWojv4otVb3BbZ0tRg/s1440/Dandilion%20landing%20c_DSC6953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1440" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s05m44IzXVafPhUlBP8mITsFTgTgNerY3Zw5gKWCGB0eMqqLBfciCIruFJB9Zq597xWaz0pK0peZESzsiayXdaCZzbDvWKBLP0dGfqaj8obat-_xTQ1oEXaDF1g-hZ21yCdXZxYVl7FjJBkbXOn5kO-m2yBwGuGrEeFWkVqUIWojv4otVb3BbZ0tRg/s320/Dandilion%20landing%20c_DSC6953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Dandelion Landing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a pleasant afternoon, sunny but not too hot. Just
right for being out back on the patio reading a book. But then something took
my attention away from what I was reading, a puffy seed flipping over my legs. I
reached out for it but it slipped off my palm and hurried off. Then I noticed
other seeds frolicking over the lawn, all determined to be on their way. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I scooped one up as it was flying over me and brought it
inside where I could examine it more closely. How delicate it was and yet I
knew it wasn’t fragile. It was a dandelion seed that would plant itself with
the others and they would overtake the lawn if allowed to land. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I heard of someone who was considering planting dandelion
seeds instead of grass. No doubt it would be lovely to look out but not consistent
with what is considered a proper lawn. Maybe it will start a fad and change our
perspective about lawns. After all, there are many positives to dandelions,
including vitamins.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Check this out:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324083#what-is-dandelion">https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324083#what-is-dandelion</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-67481636248284091232022-09-06T10:56:00.000-07:002022-09-06T10:56:17.201-07:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4Yx-hMFTUTB894j0s2sq-Qq2Sah77_DdYG6X2ayLAN2g9dtxPngaD7X9O1BAKdyCjz1Kg-9UPjn-XIxQZ_c8G2sA53tYCs9SiLmGDoXerDCTcCPtZpT0Z-xMi9CoNuD-GdqPRVCsPt7w2jzkx6DdpgqeX0elXTRc468nxUTKaMZVAa-oZgI728xvEQ/s1080/Butterfly%20on%20sunflower%206775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4Yx-hMFTUTB894j0s2sq-Qq2Sah77_DdYG6X2ayLAN2g9dtxPngaD7X9O1BAKdyCjz1Kg-9UPjn-XIxQZ_c8G2sA53tYCs9SiLmGDoXerDCTcCPtZpT0Z-xMi9CoNuD-GdqPRVCsPt7w2jzkx6DdpgqeX0elXTRc468nxUTKaMZVAa-oZgI728xvEQ/s320/Butterfly%20on%20sunflower%206775.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Butterfly on a Sunflower<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Taking a walk in a local nature center om a hot day. It was
pleasant walking along the dirt paths in the cool shade of the trees on another
90-degree day. Each step brought something else to observe. The birds were out
in numbers, chirping and flitting from tree to tree. The leaves were starting
to cover the walkway, adding crunch to our footsteps. The water from the creek
was the lowest it has ever been; the hot summer and lack of rain was condensing
its flow. There were still some flowers
blooming which added color to the scene. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then we saw them – Monarch Butterflies flitting from flower
to flower. They loved the sunflowers and we loved watching them. They like to
winter in warmer places like Mexico and California but I wonder if that will
change as our temperature rises. Maybe they’ll end up staying in my backyard.
Meanwhile, they are appreciated whenever they appear and I wish them a safe
trip to warmer climes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://monarchconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/MBF-Fun-Facts-Feb-21.FINAL_.pdf">https://monarchconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/MBF-Fun-Facts-Feb-21.FINAL_.pdf</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-23270782683798077182022-07-03T10:28:00.000-07:002022-07-03T10:28:09.898-07:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT0BGpopSKoW_K4Mjh7rdglLO3ocj6l99rb1qiWVkTAwQe30yJNe7lj10ChqYEf15eBQ3soC009T_VUc8uV9LDMLcnSlFo1UARsxjC88zRSejLX5Zhz7tXhDrYkkcfZs3iRvC1LdZyEddONKA1e2M2ezRv2GhAGvL7tgOsNQJqXoWvwtK2qnDWpOgag/s1230/Bursts%20over%20parking%20lot%20%2006150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT0BGpopSKoW_K4Mjh7rdglLO3ocj6l99rb1qiWVkTAwQe30yJNe7lj10ChqYEf15eBQ3soC009T_VUc8uV9LDMLcnSlFo1UARsxjC88zRSejLX5Zhz7tXhDrYkkcfZs3iRvC1LdZyEddONKA1e2M2ezRv2GhAGvL7tgOsNQJqXoWvwtK2qnDWpOgag/w282-h320/Bursts%20over%20parking%20lot%20%2006150.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Fireworks Galore! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We went to a neighboring town last night to see some pre-4th
fireworks. Dusk came and the sky lit up with color! Everyone cheered. A little
kid behind us kept pointing to one particular burst saying “That’s my
favorite!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I remember when I was a little kid, my mother and aunt took
me, my sister and cousins to Coney Island to see the Fourth of July fireworks.
We stood on the boardwalk eagerly waiting for the first burst to brighten up
the sky. It was something I looked forward to. I loved it. I still do.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These fireworks were on the early side. Tonight there will
be more in a different local town. And then on the actual 4<sup>th</sup>, we’ll
be able to see the official colorful celebration. I hope that this is all a
reminder of the freedom that our country stands for. May politics be put aside.
Let’s see all Americans, regardless of our differences, as one people. And may
we all enjoy the brilliance of light and color and connectedness in America. <o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-55988638109853125152022-06-08T11:08:00.000-07:002022-06-08T11:08:03.620-07:00A Nest!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQYlhSI_nnnKvcigz3Gcuaqmk9iog9DYtjDFghW_HivhZLJp5uhUqYBDAQgeW7oJ_zaCmsPG0j13GdKJ0tE_mWMQ8KKBPKpP6TuMMPjnBj9Rtfap8ULuz3q7jDkaXGcB_PsmMdgxvMyBnqK2Z_P9dkWKEFuEGJCZznP8gbEeDEZuXbwhcm-bwV9Hvxw/s3188/Bird%20eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2600" data-original-width="3188" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQYlhSI_nnnKvcigz3Gcuaqmk9iog9DYtjDFghW_HivhZLJp5uhUqYBDAQgeW7oJ_zaCmsPG0j13GdKJ0tE_mWMQ8KKBPKpP6TuMMPjnBj9Rtfap8ULuz3q7jDkaXGcB_PsmMdgxvMyBnqK2Z_P9dkWKEFuEGJCZznP8gbEeDEZuXbwhcm-bwV9Hvxw/s320/Bird%20eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />A Nest!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Remember the robin that was knocking at our window? We had
put a light plastic material on the glass to see if it would discourage the
bird and it seemed to work but as soon as we took it down, the bird started
again. I thought perhaps there was a nest in the bush outside the window, but I
didn’t see one. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Oh, well, Spring is in full swing and there is more to do
than worry about an annoying bird; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>plant
new flowering bushes, weed the vegetable garden, fertilize the cherry trees. And
then one day, while trimming the bushes on the other side of the yard, a nest
with blue eggs appeared! Was this robin protecting that nest even though it was
away from the house? And were these eggs actually the robin’s eggs? Other birds
lay blue eggs. Plus, within the bush was a different bird that was warning us
to stay away. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I guess we will have to let nature take its course. If this
nest is the robin’s, then when the birds hatch and eventually fly off, the
aggressive window banging should stop. After all, parents need to protect their
young. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But wait, did I just see another robin gathering bits of dry
grass and bringing them to the bush by the window? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why do robins attack windows?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://birding-world.com/robin-attacking-windows/">http://birding-world.com/robin-attacking-windows/</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why do robins lay blue eggs? Many birds lay blue eggs:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.thespruce.com/why-robin-eggs-are-blue-4161031">https://www.thespruce.com/why-robin-eggs-are-blue-4161031</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-35554221883458697022022-04-11T08:01:00.000-07:002022-04-11T08:01:08.107-07:00Robin at the Window<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiOF1ZZGF0m4xWskNKAkTDaoSoE9gZT8U3IHs8P1jJb7ac26LXGmynFXjY32P6tAiQed0t4SwqzHnSDX-HkFEoCA8ZGeDmfGRuydRF7UZQAJWmJBu2WCWNt3zAjisKerFC-OdNf1k_nM5HPQDfRMeCLgW_pjCzOe0RWmR-Ol8FHszWDA_veCGAE9pIQ/s720/Robin%20at%20window%20close%203675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="713" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiOF1ZZGF0m4xWskNKAkTDaoSoE9gZT8U3IHs8P1jJb7ac26LXGmynFXjY32P6tAiQed0t4SwqzHnSDX-HkFEoCA8ZGeDmfGRuydRF7UZQAJWmJBu2WCWNt3zAjisKerFC-OdNf1k_nM5HPQDfRMeCLgW_pjCzOe0RWmR-Ol8FHszWDA_veCGAE9pIQ/w253-h256/Robin%20at%20window%20close%203675.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Robin at the Window<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A strange thing happened this weekend. I heard a banging at
the window of our den. The room is <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at
the back of our house so no one should have been there to knock. I thought it might
be a pebble tossed by the wind. Then it happened again – and again. When I
looked out back I saw a robin on the branch of an evergreen bush near the
window. And then I saw the bird fly off the branch and knock its beak against
the glass! It did this multiple times.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Okay, I thought. Maybe the robin sees a reflection of the
bush and wants to land on a different branch. But I would imagine that after a
few tries it would get the hint and stop. It didn’t. I went outside to encourage
it away. It left as I opened the door but soon returned to continue its jabbing
at the window. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It stopped when night came and I hoped that it was finished
with whatever prompted its action. No such luck. I was awakened in the morning
by the now familiar thumps. The robin was back at it. I thought that maybe if I
blocked off the window with a blanket it would discourage the robin. It
continued anyway. I removed the blanket and looked straight at the bird,
telling it to leave. It just stared at me but didn’t fly away. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I thought that perhaps it was seeing its own reflection and
thought it was another bird that was threatening in some way. Then my husband
got an idea. He taped some newspaper pages on the outside of the window to hide
whatever it was that the bird was seeing. We sat down to breakfast and listened
as we ate. We did not hear any knocking! As the morning continued, all was
quiet. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We can’t leave the papers there forever and there is rain in
the forecast for tomorrow which should destroy the papers. Will the robin be
back then? Who knows? I just hope it has satisfied what prompted this strange
action and I wish the robin well – just not at my den window.<o:p></o:p></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-78742644587363749462022-03-23T10:08:00.000-07:002022-03-23T10:08:11.573-07:00Winter to Spring<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-2giA32BFAkh57dVv3JVfaMIfAjWQg8dNoz7pLB0veEImYf6JqZ8j07a6uHfoSWiYSGUB5TW-W64T27C0zt8zwBUJrEpJmKj69L8fjtREVp-Mh8AXaZvmo97uk44LEh1m69mRC62TuwFbNfZo3dDqCAg8HameAGd3pEhejzD7wKmFLMmwvVNdSAF4g/s1335/Daffies_DSC3526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1335" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-2giA32BFAkh57dVv3JVfaMIfAjWQg8dNoz7pLB0veEImYf6JqZ8j07a6uHfoSWiYSGUB5TW-W64T27C0zt8zwBUJrEpJmKj69L8fjtREVp-Mh8AXaZvmo97uk44LEh1m69mRC62TuwFbNfZo3dDqCAg8HameAGd3pEhejzD7wKmFLMmwvVNdSAF4g/s320/Daffies_DSC3526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Winter to Spring</p>Looking beyond the
brittle stems of last year’s Giant Hibiscus plants, I can see the daffodils
starting to bloom in my backyard. It is quite the reminder of how the seasons
change. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They are beautiful
flowers. Whether planted as a border or to brighten up a garden, daffodils are
just the thing. They are hardy and prolific, too. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seeing the daffodils
perking up brings to mind the rest of my backyard. My weedy vegetable garden
needs to be cleared for new plantings. I have cucumber seeds and tomato seeds
and lots of herbs all waiting to be given their chance to thrive. I’ll remove
the dead branches from the hibiscus plants when the new ones start to come up. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What a wonderful way
to view the season. The daily temperatures may still be shifting but I am eager
to start Spring planting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lots of things to
know about daffodils:<o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://www.almanac.com/plant/daffodils"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">https://www.almanac.com/plant/daffodils<br /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8910398337906660913.post-69325410900792576882022-03-17T10:04:00.000-07:002022-03-17T10:04:23.402-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkKkZFnkARg6ibKOJZbz51LItmdYPOLh8LXYEvUItiBVK2whntdwrVKSale93jiSbjO7TeShQGQEgZw6AMuwmvS0xmaD1mHSCTgKQ81BfeTI2H3PFj8OMuO73bolkmGKebf3Vx-HTl2J03PAwGA45DyL0cr4-lBX8JCbrhY7DErW7joC1YI60j8zoPjA=s862" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="862" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkKkZFnkARg6ibKOJZbz51LItmdYPOLh8LXYEvUItiBVK2whntdwrVKSale93jiSbjO7TeShQGQEgZw6AMuwmvS0xmaD1mHSCTgKQ81BfeTI2H3PFj8OMuO73bolkmGKebf3Vx-HTl2J03PAwGA45DyL0cr4-lBX8JCbrhY7DErW7joC1YI60j8zoPjA=w200-h198" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Nature’s
Cleaning Crew</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">Turkey vultures
were gathering on a local street. There was a dead squirrel for lunch. Sadly, it
must have been hit by a speeding car but it provided a welcome meal for the
large birds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">I often see
the vultures flying overhead looking for food. They sometimes swoop down to
check out a possible dead critter and if one is found, a bunch of them will
gather for the feast. They aren’t the prettiest of creatures but they are
practical as they help clean up the environment. Their red heads are slick so
that dead remains don’t cling. They eat </span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">dead birds,
reptiles, amphibians, mammals and invertebrates. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">There is such diversity in our world. Mother
Nature supplies us with so much, even a cleaning crew when necessary.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">This site
has lots of practical, natural, information about how to avoid attracting
turkey vultures but it also includes ads so just read what you need to and
avoid the rest: <a href="https://pestkill.org/birds/turkey-vultures/">https://pestkill.org/birds/turkey-vultures/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>feridahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360253053833877858noreply@blogger.com0