Category: living simply

Ears To You

In these troubled times, moments of laughter and seasonal festivity can provide relief from the never ending news cycle. Here are some photos from a spring visit to my local vintage shop, which both adults and children can enjoy.

What did one rabbit say to the other? You’re ear-resistable.

What do rabbits say before they eat? Lettuce pray.
What is a rabbit’s favorite dance style? Hip-hop.
What did the rabbit say to his wife? No bunny compares to you.
Why do bunnies like to stay together? Because they’re just one big hoppy family.
What did the carrot say to the bunny? Do you want to grab a bite?
Why don’t rabbits get hot in the summer? They have hare-conditioning.
What do you call a line of rabbits hopping backwards? A receding hare line.
Where does a bunny go if he loses his tail? A retail store.
Somebunny is thinking of you this spring!

Thanks to Punsnet for their joke listings.

Colorshift

In photography, “colorshift” refers to the time at twilight when the sky transforms in minutes through what is sometimes called a “kaleidoscope” of color. Last evening, the skies above my house colorshifted in a dramatic changing show of orange, pink and blue.

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Ewe Can Do It

Sheep at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary spend fall days on the go.

Visitors are greeted with this sign at the entrance.

I’ve watched this sheep and her friends

walking the stone wall,

choosing fresh tree leaves to munch on,

strolling through the Visitor’s Center entrance,

and posing for a painting.

Then there’s time for a bit of lawn grazing,

flower pot grazing,
mirror-image grazing,
and a pause to show off luxurious layers of wool.
Finally it’s back into the sheep pen,

and a quick rub against the scratching post.

Dinner Awaits!

The Original Tick Tock

Delaney Antique Clocks of Townsend, MA has the largest collection of American tall case (grandfather) clocks in the United States. It is considered the leading venue for buying and selling antique clocks in the country.

Although tall case clocks were first developed in England, production of these clocks in America was at its height from around 1750–1820.  These clocks could be six to nine feet tall, with an 8-day brass-movement. They were symbols of wealth in American homes.

The shop owners, John and Sean Delaney, regularly appear on Antiques Roadshow (PBS) to appraise clocks such as these.

This is an example of a highly sought after Willard Clock. I explored these famous clocks on an earlier blog here.

Clocks with a moon function were common on tall case clocks.The painted moon disk rotates to display the current phase of the moon. The numbers in the arch (5, 10, 15, 20) are part of the 29.5-day lunar calendar, with the number 15 indicating a full moon. This feature was historically useful for planning travel, fishing or farming activities at night when moonlight was essential before the advent of electricity.
The moon faces themselves were hand painted and displayed intricate artistry.
The shuttlecock moves back and forth in this hand painted clock.

A Windmill symbolized rural prosperity.

An urn symbolized immortality and classical refinement.

The clock shop is located in a small town which is known for its antiques.

A great place to spend some time!

Take a Seat…

and enjoy the possibilities within a garden.

Hydrangeas lend a “secret garden feel ” to this conversation area.
Tall phlox provide a shelter for solitary meditation.
This wooden bench folds for winter storage. A just-picked garlic crop dries beside it on an all season table.
Coleus and evergreens stay cool in the shadier area near the road where neighbors walk by or come to visit.

The hand made wooden bench in the zen garden was fashioned from recycled stair steps. It is a perfect place for reflection.
There is room under the apple tree for picnics and conversation. Potted young plants enjoy the shade, as well.
Gardening celebrates life and growth!

Traveling Uke

Several months ago, I joined a ukulele group. We strum together each week, sharing songs from long ago right up to the present day. We also perform at local nursing homes, senior centers and town events. Our performances last summer included a Christmas in July celebration, a luau and a local town fair. It’s fun to see the smiles that ukulele music brings to the faces of our audiences. We also enjoy being part of the global resurgence of the ukulele’s popularity in the 21st century.

This affordable and portable instrument is capable of a wide range of styles and uses. Here, the ukulelist Cynthia Lin leads a simple Hawaiian rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow while hundreds play along. Here, virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro demonstrates the full capabilities of the ukulele with his rendition of of Bohemian Rhapsody.

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September Sunday

My small local state park offers a variety of ways to relax and experience nature in any season.

The 300 acres of Rutland State Park provide opportunities for hiking, dog walking, swimming, boating, biking, fishing and picnicking. This family friendly park is truly a photographer’s treasure trove!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

To refresh and renew the front yard, combine seeds and plant cuttings collected last fall with duct tape and spray paint.

Duct tape strengthens the old resin chair, while “spring green” spray paint lends a pop of color to the furniture.
Last fall’s coleus cuttings have taken off in the recent wet weather.
Inside or outside, the succulent green kalanchoe flourishes.
Six cosmos seeds saved from last year go a long way to enliven this year’s flower bed!
Scarlet Runner bean seeds are easy to dry, and never fail in succeeding years.
Bright bean flowers are magnets for a variety of birds and insects.
Last year’s nasturtium seeds have bloomed yet again.
The “outdoor living room” under the hemlocks is a cool and breezy place to chat with friends and neighbors.

Butterfly Wings

(Short audio included at the end of the post.)

During my recent blogging break, I have been learning to play the folk harp.

This is a Fireside Harp from Backyard Music, made of cardboard.

The shape of the harp reminds me of the wings of a butterfly that visits my garden.

A rain storm came up just after these photos were taken, but I’ve included a short audio with a rainy backdrop, which can be played along with these photos.

Eleanor Plunkett, by Turlough O’Carolan, arranged by harpist and composer Anne Crosby Gaudet, performed by Julie Mankowsky.

Watershed Walk

Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Tributary Headwaters Zone, Mason Farm, Holden, MA

The expansive fields of the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Zone are open to the public for hiking and bird watching. The extended hill climb leads up to a noted former dairy farm.

Winter Meditation

Zen inspired elements enhance my winter garden.

Zen inspired landscaping offers opportunities for meditation and contemplation in my winter garden. Bamboo is one of the loveliest and most recognizable features.
An invitation to sit is provided by a worn stair step. Below it are smooth hand chosen stones from the Atlantic Ocean.
Rocks suggest mountains, stability…
…and sculptures.
The aged laurel bush, worn by time and weather, is a favorite shelter for native and migrating birds.
A weathered bird feeder ornament intrigues our feathered visitors.

Big Birds

Lilac Hedge Farm, Rutland, MA

In New England, emus and ostriches are rare and exotic. A recent visit to Lilac Hedge Farm provided an extraordinary opportunity to see them close up. This stately emu strutted casually through its enclosure.
Oftentimes, emus display graceful ballerina moves.
These birds are easily identified by patches of blue on their heads.
Nearby, ostriches were protected in their own enclosure. Their feathers look soft and fluffy when seen close-up.
This imposing male ostrich had a a thin coating of white feathers on its head.
Two delightful juvenile ostriches regarded visitors with quiet intensity and great curiosity.
Lilac Hedge Farm is the former site of a Heifer International Educational Center. Its many acres provide ample space for both local and exotic creatures to roam.

First Snow, Part Two

The view driving away from the Town Common on Barre Road, Hardwick, MA.
“Meadowbrook” was part of a former dairy.
A typical colonial home of the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Thick, winding stone walls can be viewed throughout the town.
A traditional style Cape Cod home on Ridge Road.
A view of the Town Common, from the left to right: the First Universalist Church, the Historical Society and the Town Hall.
The bell tower of the Town Hall.
The Paige Memorial Fountain with fields beyond, which are used for showing sheep during the Hardwick Fair.
Paige Memorial Fountain with the Congregational Church and a Coffeehouse behind it. (The Coffeehouse was formerly the general store.)
The coffeehouse also includes the Hardwick Post Office.
An historical cemetery abuts the Town Hall.
Holiday decorations on the First Universalist Church capture the imagination.

Now and Then

Even though it’s been a summer of extreme weather here in Central Massachusetts, most parts of the garden have thrived. Below, recent pictures are paired with those from late May, when the garden was first planted.

The pole beans are luxurious. The squash is holding its own, despite not being in full sun and hosting a mole that samples ground level fruits nightly.
Squash seedlings were barely visible in late May. Beans had yet to sprout.

Hard working Scarlet Emperor beans are on double duty attracting hummingbirds with jewel-like red blossoms and providing a screen from the road beyond. Additionally, the beans are tasty if picked when they are small.
The beans were planted in high planters as protection from hungry rabbits. Fortunately, rabbits have been few and far between during the past weeks.
The “Christmas tree” look of the heirloom Boston Pickling cucumber lends visual interest to the garden with its height and large leaves. A prolific grower, it is sprawling out on the ground in back of the “tree” as well.
Growing cucumbers vertically on bamboo canes makes harvesting produce much easier.
Eggplants that are ready to harvest are surrounded by marigolds for support. The plants cover the blue bucket they are growing in.
Marigold seedlings are barely visible in this picture. They bloomed so prolifically around the eggplant, I had to remove one to give the eggplant more room.
Kale has been continually harvested throughout the summer. Nasturtium and marigolds make good companion plants, as well as surrounding it with spots of edible color.
Lettuce (that had not germinated when this photograph was taken) was planted in between the kale. The kale provided shade for the lettuce during the hot July days.

How I Miss Them!

A mysterious bird disease is affecting the Southern and Mid-Atlantic states.

Birdbaths in my yard, usually a focal point for visiting birds, have been turned over at the urging of Massachusetts Wildlife officials. Although not yet reported in Massachusetts, a mysterious bird disease has affected many Southern and Mid-Atlantic states. Since late May there have been numerous reports of dying birds with swollen eyes and crusty discharge, as well as neurological problems. In lieu of the bright colors and uplifting energy our feathered friends provide, I offer these digitally altered photos, hoping the birds will be back flitting around my yard soon, and in good health.

Hide and Seek

An Eastern Cottontail rabbit has arrived in my garden.

Knowing rabbits appear each summer, I protect my garden plants as much as possible. Still, many plants are within reach of curious furry friends.
Little feet and ears are hiding just behind the cucumber and basil plants. Tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, eggplants, beans, peppers, marigolds, calendulas and more are nearby–a veritable feast for a half-grown bunny.
It ventures out from its undercover safety, and surveys one side of the garden….
And then the other.
What will it choose?
Sweet, green clover left in the lawn just for rabbits.
Good choice, little bunny!

Homes for Hobbits and Their Friends

Circular constructed high rise.
Bio-diverse landscaping, helipad included.
Elegant wrap-around patio.
Ultra-private entry with geothermal energy.
Castle with crenellated rampart.
Shabby chic with roof garden.
Spacious duplex with central chimney.
Contemporary styling and bold modern coloring,

Cupboard Cooking

ttps://www.inspiredtaste.net/15938/easy-and-smooth-hummus-recipe/
Hummus with beets, turnips, celery and Italian bread.
For the chocolate cake mix, I used Bob’s egg replacer, but you could also substitute 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil mixed with 1-1/2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon baking powder, (NOT soda), per egg.
I frosted a few cupcakes, but left some plain for that total “chocolate” taste.

Paying Attention

  • Tomie dePaola
Strega Nona, which means “grandmother witch” in Italian, is a wise old women who has served her village will for many years. Hard-working and attentive, she would never forget the magic that would stop her pasta pot from boiling over.
Big Anthony does NOT pay attention. He forgets (or never hears) the magic that will stop the pasta from spreading all over the town, risking all those around him.

Home Comforts

Easy Popovers in a regular muffin pan. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/7238/popovers/
Spaghetti and added “zucchini pasta” made with the spiralizer.
Easy no-yeast flat bread.
https://www.recipetineats.com/easy-soft-flatbread-yeast/
Beans and rice. Uncle Ben’s Quick-Cooking Rice with black beans, kidney beans and corn.
Vegetable lasagna made with green beans, carrots, celery and mozzarella.
Boiled polenta (cornmeal).
Power Puffs. Lots of protein, no cooking. https://www.lowfodmap.com/low-fodmap-power-poppers-recipe/
Fresh apple sauce made with local apples. Just the apples-no sugar added.
A welcoming and cheerful table can lift your spirits during these isolating times.

Bringing Cheer

American Robins are known to run a few steps, then stop abruptly, both to listen for danger and watch for worm movement in the ground.
Robins usually hop through tall grasses; this robin is hopping through the last of the snow.
Each year, robins build multiple nests, like these from last year, under my deck. Sometimes they choose one as their nesting site. Other years they all remain empty.