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
Month: October 2021
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