Someone starts telling me that he wants his mid-morning stroll....a little longer with more time to sniff smells, conquer trees and do other important "business" please. So off we go again. This time I steer him toward the bike path and we walk north. It's a very windy day, but once we get in the trees we are somewhat sheltered and the day is absolutely gorgeous.
I start counting monarchs, beginning their southern migration. They are floating along in a sort of random way stopping on thistles in bloom and goldenrod. I lose count at 28 when I am distracted by four flying daffodils (goldfinch!) zipping from one goldenrod bloom to another. They balance on the tip top while the breeze stirs the stems and they find seeds or whatever it is that attracts them to the plant. I spot a woodpecker, a few white cabbage butterflies, one chipmunk dashes across the path in front of us and a solitary doe is grazing up on the hillside.
We turn back toward home and I begin to notice and really listen to Mother Nature's symphony in the trees. Sheltered on the path I can see the tops of tall trees demonstrating that there is a lot of wind "up there". And each tree is making music as the wind moves through the leaves and branches. Its a peaceful background noise that is just beautiful.
Just before home I notice a "something" growing on a vine so I grab it. At home I check my wildflower book and find it's a bur cucumber fruit. Mystery solved. I've had this little Audubon Society book since 1979 and it's well worn but has helped me identify wildflowers from all over the USA.
Once, when talking to a counselor, she made a comment that nature seemed to be very important to me. I think she was right....I know how much I love being out in it and noticing the small things. Thank you Fenway for your 9:00 look......if it's not raining we'll repeat tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment