Author: Nancy J. Moncrieff

Changed from Glory

During the late afternoon of Halloween, as neighbors were arranging treat tables in their driveways, there was some fuss among the grownups on the grass island in the middle of the court.  It was covered in mushroom fairy rings.  They were much smaller than the one Sue and I found in Saginaw Forest, which was… Continue reading Changed from Glory

After the Feast

We’re leaning into the time of year for feasting, and we all have our own feast traditions.  But what of traditions for after the feast?           When our friend Len was growing up and celebrating with his grandparents in northern New Jersey, what happened after dinner was that everyone, from oldest to youngest, would… Continue reading After the Feast

Walking on Marbles

While stepping briskly through Oakwoods Nature Area this week, I found myself suddenly fighting to keep my balance.  It was as if I were walking on marbles.  The path was covered with acorns that had lost their caps, rolling freely and hastening my progress downhill.  Our neighbors had a similar experience near Jackson.  They were… Continue reading Walking on Marbles

Burnished

     Leaves are starting to turn, now that it’s mid-October.  Locust leaves, small and golden, are the first ones to fall.  That honor used to go to the ash trees so prevalent around here, but emerald ash borers killed them all, and locusts now lead the way.  Their leaves sprinkle lawns with color, and collect… Continue reading Burnished

Pleasures and Treasures

     Mushrooms are coming on thick and fast as autumn progresses.  In the woods this week, I saw some that looked like brain coral.  Some that looked like dainty parasols.  Some that looked like multicolored, fanned-out feathers.  My friend Sue struck it rich recently on a friend’s property; they looked for and found giant puffballs. … Continue reading Pleasures and Treasures

Suntrap

     Sunday evening we had dinner with friends.  We met early so that we could eat outside and enjoy the sunshine.  The weather cooperated, and we dined on their deck, overlooking their lush oasis of a yard while their waterfall burbled in the background.  Birds visited feeders, and a hummingbird hovered nearby for a while,… Continue reading Suntrap

Officially Fall

When the weather is really hot, a flock of cedar waxwings likes to fly through the spray of a fountain near here.  They are no doubt feeding on the wing, but they look like they’re playing.  The fountain, an aerator in a retention pond, shoots water fifteen feet or so up into the air, and… Continue reading Officially Fall

Early Autumn

The birds around here have been putting on a show.  Red-bellied woodpeckers—mom, dad, and junior—have been going house to house pecking on roofs and siding.  Their hearts aren’t in it, though, and the birds are gorgeous, so folks don’t mind.  Our back yard is full of drama, both within and between species.  Flickers, blue jays,… Continue reading Early Autumn

Going to the Fair

     My friend Mary and I went to the Saline Community Fair last week.  I love fairs.  I love looking at the animals and interacting with them, when they’re so inclined.  Petting llamas, for instance, is a treat.  You pet them on their necks, and their wool is so long and fluffy that you don’t… Continue reading Going to the Fair