Getting into nature

September 21st:

When I want to get out in the woods, but don't have a lot of time, I just walk across the street and walk the path there.

There are many raspberries in the summer and we have a freezer full now.

The only competition was the deer, chipmunks and birds.

The dragonflies would land nearby but I don't think they eat the berries.

As I walked into the clearing/playground I couldn't resist the moon's pull.

Then a bluebird drew my attention momentarily.

On the way to take my berries inside I spied a spider and her eggs.

Yummy!

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October 8th:

Two weeks later and the leaves have changed. I wanted to show the sky that we get to see so many months of the year. In fact, this sky has more blue in it. Most of our winter is spent with white skies and ground.

This is a view towards the road from the side of our house. The trees leaves are now gone, and the bush is totally red and losing leaves every day.

They sure were beautiful the short time they were here. This is the large tree in our back yard, it's always so bright towering over our home.

And I always love the color of the leaves against the white bark - the background has kind of lines - that was snow pelting me while I snapped.

I just loved this rock wall - from our trip to Washington Island earlier this month.

And we enjoyed walking this road while on the island. Fall was SO short here!

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October 27th:

Twister and I walked the path to the park, he has the raspberry bushes on either side of him, as you can see they're done too. You can't see many trees, but trust me, all leaves are gone.

We had a day of sunshine and warmth - I think it was in the 40s, lol - so we took advantage of it.

On our trek back home we discovered this nest, funny that it must have been there, right across the road from my home, all summer and I never knew it was there, until the leaves fell.

After we got home Twister put the eyes, nose, and mouth on this little pumpkin for his mom and dad. He did it all by himself; I did not hold his hand.  I think he did very good!   He's only 2 years old. Such a big boy! Now if he'd only talk to me. :(

Spooky Unique Country Cemetery

I need to periodically post some photos from warmer days to help remind myself that there is beauty and warmth buried under the snow.

One, bright, warm, fall day we stumbled upon this little country cemetery. It was the most unique cemetery I have ever been to.

There were several wooden crosses. . .

. . . a line of pvc crosses. . .

. . .and then there were the ghosts hanging from the trees. How do you think they got there and, um, why?

Strawflowers in fall colors

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

One of my favorite flowers are Strawflowers (Bracteantha brateata). I actually only discovered them a couple of summers ago. I had a hanging basket full of yellow blooms all that summer.

So this spring I looked for some seeds when I went to plant. I found some and these are what grew from those tee tiny seeds.

I’m always amazed at how they feel like dried flowers even while freshly blooming.