We live in a neighborhood where it isn’t a matter of IF you’ll see a bear but only a matter of WHEN. One day a few years back we saw SEVEN bears in one day. We’ve since stopped putting out birdseed and that’s cut down on the traffic. Fall is a busy time for bearsContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – Bears & Bees”
Category Archives: Nature
When a Shortcut Isn’t
I spent the past weekend at a Christian retreat in the mountains of western NC. On Saturday afternoon we had some down time and I decided to take a hike. There were all sorts of trails but the “High Falls” was listed as the most popular with it’s beautiful waterfall payoff. Done. It was, indeed,Continue reading “When a Shortcut Isn’t”
Appalachian Thursday – Signs of Autumn
Fall is my favorite time of year. And as I get out and take Thistle for walks, or write with the windows open, I’m definitely seeing signs that it’s right around the corner. Now that it’s September, I thought I’d take a moment to list some of my favorite blessings of autumn in Appalachia: Cool,Continue reading “Appalachian Thursday – Signs of Autumn”
Monday Meanderings – Ginseng Season
I have several “pet” ginseng plants. I know where they grow and I’m not telling anyone. I like to check on them to see how they’re doing and when they produce their red seed pods around this time of year, I plant them to spur future growth. Seeds need 18+ months to germinate so ifContinue reading “Monday Meanderings – Ginseng Season”
Bookending the Seasons
We’re seeing the first signs of fall here in Western North Carolina. Thistle and I had our first morning walk requiring a jacket this past week. The maiden’s bower and joe pye weed are blooming. And yes, there’s even a colorful leaf jumping the gun now and again. While the LAST flower of the seasonContinue reading “Bookending the Seasons”
Monday Meanderings – Just Flowers
It’s been a quiet weekend with early morning hikes before the heat, humidity, and insects get bad. I know lots of people love the hustle and bustle of a city, but give me a couple thousand acres of national forest any day! Especially when there are sweet spots of botanical sunshine all along the way!Continue reading “Monday Meanderings – Just Flowers”
Appalachian Thursday – A puzzling connection
Some friends and I have been trading jigsaw puzzles back and forth. I have a pretty good collection, mostly from my mother who shares hers with me. My friends had discovered puzzles based on art by Charley Harper, a renowned illustrator and artist who specialized in nature art. I am NUTS for these puzzles! IContinue reading “Appalachian Thursday – A puzzling connection”
Monday Meanderings – Going Bearfoot
We weren’t the only ones meandering the rain-fresh trails this weekend! Perhaps whoever was going “bear”foot ahead of us was also enjoying the gorgeous rhododendron reaching full bloom over the Fourth of July weekend. We certainly did! How did you spend your Independence Day?
Monday Meanderings
The days are turning to summer in the mountains, but the mornings are still cool and delightful up on the trails. It’s rhododendron season in Appalachian. Such a lush and lovely time of year!
Monday Meanderings – Almost Heaven
Today I’m in WV spending the day with my nine-year-old niece. Which means my meanderings are a little more, well, meandering! But I still got some gorgeous photos to share!
