It is a sunny, clear afternoon in early June. There is definite bird activity in the magnolia near our back patio. As I walk back from the woods, two robins in obvious distress chatter and flit from branch to branch above me. A few white patches of bird excrement on the patio prompt me to move out of range. Wonder what their problem is.
A few minutes later in the house, a small dark figure on the patio catches my attention. I look closer to see it is a fledgling bird lying motionless under the magnolia tree. Oh! - synapses slowly fire and connect the proverbial dots - that must have been what the birds were fussing about. Darn, I can feel the bird parents' anguish over the apparent loss of the fledgling lying on the bare pavement.
I tell Suzanne about the mini-drama of nature unfolding with the birds. We observe a few bird deaths from time to time - sometimes from confused fliers who crash into one particular window, apparently thinking it is open space. A few minutes later, I look out, and the patio is empty. The fledgling thought dead is alive and gone. I survey the bushes and yard; can't see it anywhere. Good news. The fledgling lives. The parents are still around but quiet now.
Half an hour later, the drama takes a different turn. We see a kitten walk by the patio door past where the fledgling was observed. Suzanne says "look at that cute little kitty." Then we look at each other and exclaim together: "the bird!" I rush outside and shoo away the kitten. We never saw the kitten or the little bird again.
Another little drama plays out in Bittersweet Woods, with a presumed happy ending.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
It smells like summer
Most seasons lack characteristic smells in Bittersweet Woods. But in mid May and early June, pleasant fragrances waft over sections of the trail. It always comes as an unexpected surprise, though it is predictable each year. Coincidentally, two of the scents all come from blooms on invasive plants.
In late may, I notice the subtle odor of rose blooms from multifloral rose bushes. They are thick in parts of the woods. Each year we dig out or pull up hundreds of these plants. Multiflora rose is a quick-spreading invasive plant introduced in the 1930's with good intentions as a natural pasture fence. They have since become an invasive nightmare in eastern US pastures, woods, and trails. But the scent is wonderful when the flowers bloom.
Next in late May is the unsmistakable smell of honeysucklebblooms. These are those pleasant fragrances to me. They bring back pleasant memories of years past hiking in the woods. If you pinch the base of the bloom, you can force out a drip of the nectar and place it on your tongue. It is awesome - I use that overused word
for things that truly inspire awe to me.
The last fragrance was a newly discovered one for me. Yesterday I kept noticing a jasmine-like fragrance. I also saw some spent blooms from privet bushes along the trail. But I did not connect the two. Until...I smelled one of the flowers. A very pleasant and distinctive scent. Privet is considered invasive, I guess. But in our woods, they are in shaded areas and do not spread much.
There are other smells of the seasons, for sure. But these stand out to me in Bittersweet Woods. They signal that the "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" (Nat King Cole song from 1963 release) have arrived. Enjoy each day while you can.
In late may, I notice the subtle odor of rose blooms from multifloral rose bushes. They are thick in parts of the woods. Each year we dig out or pull up hundreds of these plants. Multiflora rose is a quick-spreading invasive plant introduced in the 1930's with good intentions as a natural pasture fence. They have since become an invasive nightmare in eastern US pastures, woods, and trails. But the scent is wonderful when the flowers bloom.
Next in late May is the unsmistakable smell of honeysucklebblooms. These are those pleasant fragrances to me. They bring back pleasant memories of years past hiking in the woods. If you pinch the base of the bloom, you can force out a drip of the nectar and place it on your tongue. It is awesome - I use that overused word
for things that truly inspire awe to me.
The last fragrance was a newly discovered one for me. Yesterday I kept noticing a jasmine-like fragrance. I also saw some spent blooms from privet bushes along the trail. But I did not connect the two. Until...I smelled one of the flowers. A very pleasant and distinctive scent. Privet is considered invasive, I guess. But in our woods, they are in shaded areas and do not spread much.
There are other smells of the seasons, for sure. But these stand out to me in Bittersweet Woods. They signal that the "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" (Nat King Cole song from 1963 release) have arrived. Enjoy each day while you can.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Snowfall
We hadn't seen a decent snowfall for 2 years. The forecast called for 2-4 inches of snow. That often is a false alarm. My expectations were low and my emotions were mixed. Bittersweet Woods are beautiful when there is snow. But we have a large driveway to shovel.
We awoke on Saturday about 5 am as is our custom. It was white outside. Daylight revealed an incredible filigreed wonderland. The snow was wet but it stuck to every single tiny branch of trees and bushes.
The dogs loved it, Tess especially, and they romped around in the new snow. The snow made it easier for the dogs to see wildlife. Tess took off after deer several times while the snow was on the ground. Gabbie stays behind and observes, the scolds Tess when she inevitably returns to the hike.
Thankfully our neighbor Dan plowed our driveway. A week later, most of the snow is predictably, in our latitude, melted. But the north-facing hills still have the blanket of white, a beautiful reminder of nature at work in Bittersweet Woods.
We awoke on Saturday about 5 am as is our custom. It was white outside. Daylight revealed an incredible filigreed wonderland. The snow was wet but it stuck to every single tiny branch of trees and bushes.
The dogs loved it, Tess especially, and they romped around in the new snow. The snow made it easier for the dogs to see wildlife. Tess took off after deer several times while the snow was on the ground. Gabbie stays behind and observes, the scolds Tess when she inevitably returns to the hike.
Thankfully our neighbor Dan plowed our driveway. A week later, most of the snow is predictably, in our latitude, melted. But the north-facing hills still have the blanket of white, a beautiful reminder of nature at work in Bittersweet Woods.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Derecho
June 30 was a Friday. It was warm but there was no rain locally on the radar at 5:00. There was a little red section on radar NE of Columbus. No problem; we need the rain but that storm will dissipate, as most such storms do as they move east and lose energy. Anyway, it would not arrive here until late evening.
I returned from picking up take-out food about 6:00 and noticed the sky was really black. I looked up weather radar on my phone while sitting at a traffic light. Wow! That tiny red spot seen earlier was here already; now a giant swath of red and orange sweeping towards us. Another glance to the west, and I could see sheets of rain moving fast. Suddenly the storm hit - huge gusts of wind, mainly. I could not see for the dust. Trees bent 90 degrees from wind. Trash cans were airborne. At Greene St. and Colegate Drive a traffic light is out already. We shouldn't have to worry about power at home; it almost never goes out.
I turn onto Glendale Road and head out the ridge. Will I make it home? The van lurches from wind gusts. Trees fall into the road; then just as quickly blow across to the other side. A tree trunk lands in my lane. Gingerly I inch the van forward, and it clunks over and past the trunk. Traffic slowly meanders into and out of lanes dodging around obstacles and other vehicles trying to get through.
I made it home; branches, leaves, and grit littered the streets. But there were no large trees down, thankfully. We sat down to eat the takeout burgers I so bravely carried home through the storm. Suddenly there was a loud crack and....no power. No problem; it would be back soon as in the past. The rain stopped - for all the wind, there was almost no rain.
It was quiet with no power - no TV blathering, air conditioner silent. An occasional vehicle passed out on Glendale Road. I decided to locate the handcrank radio that I had bought a few years ago - and had not really needed since then. We did have a cell phone signal, so could access the internet on mobile devices. But there was nothing as yet on local news or emergency web sites telling us what was happening. Two hours later it was getting dark.
We deployed lanterns, candles, and flashlights. Heck, I decided to dig out the headlamps I use when camping. They are so convenient because their light is there all the time and it is hands-free. I also retrieved the camp stove; we may need it for coffee and cooking. We try not to think about the food at risk in two full refrigerator-freezers.
We retreat to the basement where it is several degrees cooler. Suz works Sudoku puzzles. I read a little by lantern light and occasionally glance at the internet. The dogs look at us strangely. They know things are not right. Time for bed; no fan and no breeze means it's warm and humid. Fitful sleep gradually sets in.
Early morning. Internet news indicates almost no one in a several-state area has power. I decide to drive around town. It is eerily quiet in the dawn twilight. No one has power. Traffic lights are dark. Drivers mostly realize that all intersections become 4-way stop streets with no traffic control devices.
I notice that gas stations are dark, too, yet cars are waiting at all open pumps, hoping the power comes back soon. There were no functioning gas stations within 50 miles because of the power outage.
We work outside cleaning up the lone large branch that fell in the woods and doing our normal yard work. There is no respite from the heat. Gabbie and Tess are noticeably uncomfortable in the heat. We decide to fill up the black tub with water. The dogs climb in the water to cool off. Suz and I douse ourselves with water from the hose and sit on the patio.
Later we enjoy leftovers from a still cool fridge and read before turning in. Only WMOA radio has updates on what has been a major event for millions of people in several states. We cringe at official statements from AEP that power restoration is days away.
Sunday we attend mass at St. Mary church. With the warm weather and no power, mass is over in 30 minutes. On the way home we discover that ice is available and stuff several bags into the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
Later I decide to golf. Why not? Turns out the country club has power now. When I return - could it be?....I hear the AC running. Power is back. Wow. What a relief. But we can't help thinking about how many others still have no power.
I realize how much we take for granted when power is on - so many electronic devices, the fixation with on-line access, emails, and other "stuff." We had a chance, for a day or two, to try other things like reading, talking, and doing nothing. Perhaps we can learn something about the experience.
I returned from picking up take-out food about 6:00 and noticed the sky was really black. I looked up weather radar on my phone while sitting at a traffic light. Wow! That tiny red spot seen earlier was here already; now a giant swath of red and orange sweeping towards us. Another glance to the west, and I could see sheets of rain moving fast. Suddenly the storm hit - huge gusts of wind, mainly. I could not see for the dust. Trees bent 90 degrees from wind. Trash cans were airborne. At Greene St. and Colegate Drive a traffic light is out already. We shouldn't have to worry about power at home; it almost never goes out.
I turn onto Glendale Road and head out the ridge. Will I make it home? The van lurches from wind gusts. Trees fall into the road; then just as quickly blow across to the other side. A tree trunk lands in my lane. Gingerly I inch the van forward, and it clunks over and past the trunk. Traffic slowly meanders into and out of lanes dodging around obstacles and other vehicles trying to get through.
I made it home; branches, leaves, and grit littered the streets. But there were no large trees down, thankfully. We sat down to eat the takeout burgers I so bravely carried home through the storm. Suddenly there was a loud crack and....no power. No problem; it would be back soon as in the past. The rain stopped - for all the wind, there was almost no rain.
It was quiet with no power - no TV blathering, air conditioner silent. An occasional vehicle passed out on Glendale Road. I decided to locate the handcrank radio that I had bought a few years ago - and had not really needed since then. We did have a cell phone signal, so could access the internet on mobile devices. But there was nothing as yet on local news or emergency web sites telling us what was happening. Two hours later it was getting dark.
We deployed lanterns, candles, and flashlights. Heck, I decided to dig out the headlamps I use when camping. They are so convenient because their light is there all the time and it is hands-free. I also retrieved the camp stove; we may need it for coffee and cooking. We try not to think about the food at risk in two full refrigerator-freezers.
We retreat to the basement where it is several degrees cooler. Suz works Sudoku puzzles. I read a little by lantern light and occasionally glance at the internet. The dogs look at us strangely. They know things are not right. Time for bed; no fan and no breeze means it's warm and humid. Fitful sleep gradually sets in.
Early morning. Internet news indicates almost no one in a several-state area has power. I decide to drive around town. It is eerily quiet in the dawn twilight. No one has power. Traffic lights are dark. Drivers mostly realize that all intersections become 4-way stop streets with no traffic control devices.
I notice that gas stations are dark, too, yet cars are waiting at all open pumps, hoping the power comes back soon. There were no functioning gas stations within 50 miles because of the power outage.
We work outside cleaning up the lone large branch that fell in the woods and doing our normal yard work. There is no respite from the heat. Gabbie and Tess are noticeably uncomfortable in the heat. We decide to fill up the black tub with water. The dogs climb in the water to cool off. Suz and I douse ourselves with water from the hose and sit on the patio.
Later we enjoy leftovers from a still cool fridge and read before turning in. Only WMOA radio has updates on what has been a major event for millions of people in several states. We cringe at official statements from AEP that power restoration is days away.
Sunday we attend mass at St. Mary church. With the warm weather and no power, mass is over in 30 minutes. On the way home we discover that ice is available and stuff several bags into the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
Later I decide to golf. Why not? Turns out the country club has power now. When I return - could it be?....I hear the AC running. Power is back. Wow. What a relief. But we can't help thinking about how many others still have no power.
I realize how much we take for granted when power is on - so many electronic devices, the fixation with on-line access, emails, and other "stuff." We had a chance, for a day or two, to try other things like reading, talking, and doing nothing. Perhaps we can learn something about the experience.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Theme Park Adventure
We planned our Orlando trip a year ago - for our grandchildren, you would suppose. You would be wrong. The adults became tired of the youths' apathy when each year we asked the loaded question: you'd like to go see Mickey, WOULDN'T YOU? The years were slipping away. Someone needed to take a leadership role. Nana and Pap rose to the occasion.
We reserved two condo units at Marriott's Cypress Harbour. June 9 finally arrived. After an all night drive, we arrive comatose but revved up for a fun week. We picked up Todd at the airport that evening. The first day we attended church, then did little else except sit by the pool and ride paddle boats.
Then we hit the parks. One group went during the day; others used the previous group's tickets to return later in the day. My first outing was an evening shift to Magic Kingdom, with Gregg, Emily, and Katrina. The place was packed. We hoped to see the electric parade and the finale. Despite the crowd, the place is still magic. The castle was a spell binding presence, bathed in alternating colors.
The parade started, but we couldn't move, or even get decent view. The girls were troopers - no whining. We caught a glimpse of the parade floats.
When the parade ended, we threaded our way to the Haunted House. Sitting down was a welcome break; theme park visitors realize that most of the "experience" is walking and waiting in line. On the way back to the park entrance, the fireworks started. Then we realized from announcements that the laser light show was next. I had heard about it but did not see it in any literature. We watched from the train station; the girls were tired but patiently allowed the adults to watch the spectacular laser light show.
Then the real fun began; going home. Long lines to leave, wait for the boat ride to the parking area, then wait for a tram, then finally the short drive home. Arrive at condo around 12:25 am and do a fast fade.
In between park visits, we lounged by the pool, shopped at numerous retail venues, and at times kept busy doing nothing. Connor, Todd, and Dave played tennis. Late afternoon showers helped break the heat.
Next park stop: Epcot. Connor, Suz, and I set out early in the morning. First stop: Space Mission ride. Since our last visit, they have added a "less intense" ride experience. I did that first. Then Connor shamed me into doing the more intense Space Mission version. It was intense; I was within milliseconds of blacking out (really) on the takeoff run. After that ride, we roamed around the international section and enjoyed a beautiful day.
Last park visit was Animal Kingdom. None of us had been there before. There was lots of variety. I passed on the Mount Everest rollercoaster ride. We liked the river raft ride, but it was too short. The silverback gorillas were majestic; really up close views. Then there was the very large dino photo opportunity.
Time is growing short. The trip home back to Bittersweet Woods and reality will soon intrude on our pleasant break. Time for the obligatory resort portrait. This one was quite good, actually.
Good memories until the next visit.
We reserved two condo units at Marriott's Cypress Harbour. June 9 finally arrived. After an all night drive, we arrive comatose but revved up for a fun week. We picked up Todd at the airport that evening. The first day we attended church, then did little else except sit by the pool and ride paddle boats.
Then we hit the parks. One group went during the day; others used the previous group's tickets to return later in the day. My first outing was an evening shift to Magic Kingdom, with Gregg, Emily, and Katrina. The place was packed. We hoped to see the electric parade and the finale. Despite the crowd, the place is still magic. The castle was a spell binding presence, bathed in alternating colors.
The parade started, but we couldn't move, or even get decent view. The girls were troopers - no whining. We caught a glimpse of the parade floats.
When the parade ended, we threaded our way to the Haunted House. Sitting down was a welcome break; theme park visitors realize that most of the "experience" is walking and waiting in line. On the way back to the park entrance, the fireworks started. Then we realized from announcements that the laser light show was next. I had heard about it but did not see it in any literature. We watched from the train station; the girls were tired but patiently allowed the adults to watch the spectacular laser light show.
Then the real fun began; going home. Long lines to leave, wait for the boat ride to the parking area, then wait for a tram, then finally the short drive home. Arrive at condo around 12:25 am and do a fast fade.
In between park visits, we lounged by the pool, shopped at numerous retail venues, and at times kept busy doing nothing. Connor, Todd, and Dave played tennis. Late afternoon showers helped break the heat.
Next park stop: Epcot. Connor, Suz, and I set out early in the morning. First stop: Space Mission ride. Since our last visit, they have added a "less intense" ride experience. I did that first. Then Connor shamed me into doing the more intense Space Mission version. It was intense; I was within milliseconds of blacking out (really) on the takeoff run. After that ride, we roamed around the international section and enjoyed a beautiful day.
Last park visit was Animal Kingdom. None of us had been there before. There was lots of variety. I passed on the Mount Everest rollercoaster ride. We liked the river raft ride, but it was too short. The silverback gorillas were majestic; really up close views. Then there was the very large dino photo opportunity.
Time is growing short. The trip home back to Bittersweet Woods and reality will soon intrude on our pleasant break. Time for the obligatory resort portrait. This one was quite good, actually.
Good memories until the next visit.
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