Month: December 2017

Winter Guest

This White-Throated Sparrow watched me warily from a nearby bush on a recent walk. It only visits in Winter, spending the other seasons in more northern woods. I think that its “lore” (the bright yellow spot near its eye) stands out just as much as its white throat. Unfortunately, I did not hear its unusual call: a slow whistle following the cadence “Poor Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody”.

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All Aboard the Fairy Garden Train

Looking for a way to involve kids in holiday decorations? How about having them create a richly colored, imaginative holiday fairy garden?
Tower Hill Botanical Garden used natural items such as greens, berries, seeds, nuts, stones and wood to create this child friendly garden. A train set runs through a grapevine tunnel and past mossy greens and birch bark houses.

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Before the Lights Came On

Tower Hill Botanical Garden in West Boylston, MA is well known for its astonishing winter color and light show most evenings during the holidays.

As I hiked the trails there this afternoon, I was immersed in the blue of Mr. Wachusett, the reds and oranges of the winter berries and the golds of the Wildlife Pond. Even the emerald of the famous Moss Steps sparkled with an overlay of red leaves. Throughout my walk, I was treated to a vibrant palette of colors even before the electricity was turned on!

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A Wayside Christmas Visit

Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts is the oldest Inn still operating in the United States. It has been serving travelers along the old Boston Post Road for almost 300 years.

I lived in a colonial home built in 1791 for a number of years, so I recognize and appreciate the architectural sturdiness, twelve over twelve windows, pediments, stone walls and other 18th century features.

While I was eating a delightful traditional New England meal today at the Inn, two thoughts came to mind. Did Longfellow ever imagine that the Wayside would still be thriving in 2017? And had he also enjoyed a glorious Indian pudding like the one I just ate?

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Saying Goodbye to Heifer Farm

For the last thirty years, Heifer Farm has been an inspirational and multi-cultural presence in Central MA. It served as an educational center for visitors and interns who wanted to learn more about Heifer International and its mission to help alleviate poverty and hunger around the globe.

While Heifer International is still going strong, the Heifer Farm educational site in Rutland, MA will close its doors at the end of December. As usual, it will hold a free Holiday Fair for the next two weekends. I took some time today before the holiday hustle and bustle to enjoy the variety and beauty of the animals and the uplifting landscape of the site for one last time.

I encourage you to visit and donate to Heifer International during this season of giving.

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