The word pansies comes from the French word pensées, which means “thoughts”. For centuries, pansies have been given as symbols of remembrance, contemplation and love.
On a visit to a local nursery, I saw thousands of pensées, or pansies, in all colors. One of the first flowering spring plants in Massachusetts, they are also practical. Both their petals and leaves are edible, and have a slightly spicy flavor similar to lettuce. They are a source of vitamins A and C.
There are about 400 varieties of pansies. They are popular due to their hardiness and adaptability.
In Victorian times sending pansies as a gift meant “I’m thinking of you”. Coded messages of feelings or intentions toward another person were sent via the color of a particular flower.
Although the symbolism of colors might change over the years, blue often symbolized peace, tranquility and faithfulness.
Orange often meant energy and enthusiasm.
White most often symbolized purity.
Cheerfulness and happiness was symbolized by yellow; red could stand for thoughts of love.
Tree Cookies are cross section slices of tree trunks, like these at Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow. They are used to learn about a tree’s age, growth and history by studying its growth rings. (Video clip at end.)
Recently, tree stumps and cookies were used in the design of a new bird feeding area.
It’s a popular feeding stop for birds and other creatures, such as…
the eastern gray squirrel,
the white-breasted nuthatch,
and the downy woodpecker.
Bon appetit!
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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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A “raft” of ducks is a collective noun for a group of ducks who gather together as they float on the water. A “paddling” of ducks describes how a group moves across lakes, ponds or rivers with synchronized , graceful movements. I look forward to the March arrival of hooded mergansers at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Center soon, whether they are rafting or paddling.
This raft of hooded mergansers are diving ducks that have a serrated bill designed for catching fish. Along with other mergansers, they are the only North American ducks specializing in eating fish. They are excellent divers, and can go as deep as thirty feet.
The male hooded merganser looks like this when relaxing…
or can raise and lower a large fan-like crest or “hood” on his head like this. The crest is raised during courting or when then duck feels threatened.
Two male Mergansers with crests down…
and three paddling with crests raised.This raft of female mergansers sports smaller crests of a cinnamon-brown shade.
The crest is sometimes described as a “punk rock hairstyle”.
Male mergansers have intense, bright yellow eyes while the females’ are brown or reddish-brown. Their eyes are specially adapted to allow them to see clearly while fishing underwater.
It can be difficult to photograph hooded mergansers, as they are shy and paddle fast. They are sensitive to sound and movement, and move away quickly when approached. I’ll be waiting -quietly -to photograph whatever fleeting moments are possible.
Rock specimens from around the globe on display at the Beneski Museum show how rocks from millions of years ago are used in contemporary art and home design.
Agate, which is a type of quartz, forms over millions of years inside cavities in volcanic or ancient lava rocks. Because of their natural beauty agate slices and patterns are frequently used in wall murals, canvas art prints, jewelry and even kitchen counter tops.
Andalusite Hornfels is a metamorphic rock which includes crystal within it. It is around 400 million years old. These crystals can resemble seeds, pods, or stems, giving the rock a deceptive organic look. Because of its toughness and attractive appearance, it is frequently used in architecture for interior flooring and curbing, and also in modern art installations.
Sutured Ammonites were prehistoric marine animals that went extinct approximately 65 million years ago. This fossil exhibits natural “fractal-like” patterns, which are the wavy lines (sutures) formed where the internal chamber walls (septa) met the outer shell. These intricate, often leaf-like or feathered designs, are highly valued in both fine art and personal crafts.
This fossil plate contains several crinoids, prehistoric marine animals commonly known as “sea lilies” from about 345-350 million years ago. While they strongly resemble plants, crinoids are actually related to starfish and sea urchins. These limestone or shale slabs are popular as interior decor, in specialized jewelry, and as inspiration for acrylic painting.
This item is an Ammonite, which is a fossilized shell of an extinct marine mollusk that lived millions of years ago. The fossils are often used in jewelry, textile or surface designs and home decor.
A pair of Eastern Bluebirds brightened up my snowy yard on a gray morning. The specially designed bluebird house installed for them has an opening of exactly 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure that larger birds cannot nest there. Although bluebirds often visit, and occasionally start to build a nest, they never stay through the whole season. After territorial skirmishes sparrows win out. Fingers crossed for this spring!
Herons are important for the environment as they act as “indicator species”. Scientists monitor heron populations to detect environmental contamination, such as toxins in the water or mercury levels in eggs, which reflects the health of the entire ecosystem.
Although they are named “great blue”, herons can look grey or brown depending on the light conditions.
This great blue heron does look blue. Herons appear bluest in low light, fog, or shadows, which reflect cooler, blue tones.
This heron is taking advantage of the All-Persons Observation Deck.
Herons are known for their exceptional camouflage, often appearing nearly invisible when perched among dead branches, or debris.
This heron can see well from high up in the tree. Its eyesight is estimated to be about three times more detailed than a human’s. From this high perch, a heron can spot small movements below.
Great Blue Herons are expert fishers, but they will eat almost anything they can catch and swallow. In a meadow, herons hunt for small mammals, which can make up a large portion of its diet, especially in winter when waterways freeze .
The Great Blue Heron is widely considered one of the most prehistoric-looking birds alive today. While all birds are living descendants of dinosaurs, herons appear more like dinosaurs because of their large size, sharp angles and guttural sounds.
Herons possess specialized flexible necks with 19 to 21 vertebrae.
They can form their necks into an S-shaped curve which acts like a coiled, spring-loaded mechanism. This allows them to catch prey in the water with high speed and precision.
In addition to the world’s largest collection of dinosaur footprints, the Beneski Museum features skeletons and casts of dinosaurs and primitive animals.
A Dryosaurus altus skeleton watches at the window of the Beneski Museum at Amherst College. It is the most complete and best-preserved of that species in existence today. This small, fast running herbivore lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 to 145 million years ago. When it arrived at the museum the students joked that there is a new vegan in town.
A fossil cast of the head and thoracic armor of a Dunkleosteus, a large armored fish. It is around 300 million years ago, and likely grew up to 33 feet in length.
A fossil skeleton of a Smilodon, or saber toothed cat.
A skeleton of a Cave Bear. They were as large as or larger than present day bears.
The museum’s prehistoric mammal collection wall display features nine different fossil mammal mounts collected during Amherst College expeditions to the American West in the early 20th century.
Diverse and energetic birds welcome visitors to Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. Feeders are placed just steps from the parking lot, allowing everyone to experience nature up close, no matter their mobility level.
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.
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!
“Shinshin” is a Japanese term for the deep silence of a fresh snowfall, or the “sound of no sound” as soft snow absorbs sound. It evokes a sense of calm and stillness, and is a favored time for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Holden, Massachusetts/ The Morning of January 19, 2026
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts is often described as a literary pilgrimage site for those who come to pay respects at Authors Ridge, where they may visit the graves of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott.
It is a bit of a climb to the top of the Ridge.
Henry David Thoreau’s family marker. Visitors often leave pencils at Thoreau’s site, both as a tribute to his writing , as well as his family’s ownership of a pencil factory. (I did not see any pencils during my visit.)Nathaniel Hawthorne’s grave site. In 2006, his wife and daughter were interred beside him.The Alcott Family MarkerFlowers, stones and written tributes have been carefully placed on Louisa May Alcott’s Grave.
A stone marker leads the way to Emerson’s grave.
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s rose quartz stone.The inscription is from Emerson’s poem, “The Problem,” which reads: “The passive Master lent his hand/ to the vast soul that o’er him planned,” reflecting his Transcendentalist ideas about the divine in humanity.
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The Gale Free Library of Holden, Massachusetts exemplifies adaptive reuse architecture, where old buildings are updated for modern uses while still preserving their historic character.
Built in 1888, the library was originally a high school.Historic stained glass windows are being restored.The original stone exterior melds with a modern interior extension.An enlarged historic photograph greets visitors to the second floor. Wood beams and lighting soften the stone, while the rooflighting above floods the space with light.The Children’s Room is currently being updated, but a peek through the door hints at learning and fun to come.In the reading room room traditional statuary and stained glass windows are enhanced with tiny golden lights.
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The nearly 100 year old Mountain Laurel in my yard is still going strong.
Mountain Laurel is a common hardy evergreen in Central Massachusetts. It can withstand quite cold and snowy winters in the north of the United States. The evergreen leaves of the Mountain Laurel offer excellent winter protection for birds. They give crucial shelter from wind and cold.Diverse, abundant and large lichens are excellent natural indicators of clean air. They are effective because they absorb nutrients and pollutants directly from the air. Birds find insects and spiders hiding under tree lichens. These provide them with energy when other sources of food are scarce.Mountain Laurel berries are not a favorite food of birds. However, they can provide nourishment when food supplies are limited, especially at the end of winter.Birdbaths underneath the laurel are covered in black tarps. In the spring, they will be filled again. Fresh water will be offered under the laurel, in addition to the food and protection to be found there .
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Photographers love the “blue hour”, and I was lucky to capture this phenomenon on Solstice Evening. The blue hour is the period just before or just after the sunset. During this time, the landscape, including frozen ponds like this one, is bathed in deep blue light. In northern climates this phenomena often occurs in the colder months.
Wildlife Pond, Mass Audubon Wachusett MeadowBeavers have kept a stream of water open. It leads to a water hole on the far left. They use this opening to crawl onto the ice. A close up of the beaver’s hole. Notice the small sticks and branches left on top of the ice.
Currier & Ives produced popular lithographs depicting idyllic American winter scenes during the 19th century. These prints featured snow-covered New England towns, with skies of icy-blue or gray enhanced with subtle color shifts. Here are my “updated” Currier and Ives style selections from the most recent snowstorm here in Central Massachusetts.
Holden, Massachusetts
Winter Morning Currier and Ives/ Public DomainWinter Pastime/ Currier and Ives/ Public Domain
The Arctic Blast last evening delivered extraordinary, if fleeting, sunset colors that swirled around my rooftop. After the vivid colors faded, temperatures sunk to 6° F., the coldest of the season. Wind chills felt as low as -5°F. My blog’s title “From My Window” can be taken quite literally in this case.
New Hampshire’s Cathedral of the Pines is an open-air complex built as a memorial to the American war dead. It includes a multi-denominational sanctuary and features a scenic view of nearby Mt. Monadnock.
Unlike classic Adirondack Chairs, these redesigned Ardirondacks at Wachusett Meadow feature ergonomic higher seats and straighter backs, allowing for greater ease of use for those with mobility issues.
These three chairs sit along one of the All Persons Access Trails.The chairs allow for views of the South Meadow…..The nearby boathouse…The Wildlife Pond, and beyond.
Cassie, the dromedary camel, lives at Lilac Hedge Farm in Rutland, Massachusetts . (Two video shorts are included.)“What a beautiful day!”“Perfect for catching a few rays.”
And now, a quick snack!“What’s that I hear?”My friends, the donkeys, are down there.”“Hi Friends! Nice to see you!”
The bird blind overlooks a section of the 85 Acre Beaver Wetlands. The Observation Platform is a popular stop for photographers.An American tree sparrow blends in perfectly with sumac bushes.
This tree sparrow does not breed in Massachusetts, but is a common winter visitor here.
A strange egg shape appeared on the Wildlife pond during a New Year’s Eve walk at Wachusett Meadow.
What could it be?A North American Beaver rests on the ice. No wonder it stays warm with its sleek furry coat!In Native American tradition, the beaver symbolizes wisdom, hard work, persistence, productivity and cooperation.
May we remember these beaver traits in the coming New Year.
An icy pond at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary won’t stop this beaver from “going out for dinner”.A beaver can break off large chunks of ice with its body, chew off smaller pieces, or swim underneath the ice to churn up warmer water from the bottom.Aquatic plants can be dinner for a beaver, along with bark, bushes and grasses.This beaver is likely munching water lily roots in the last of the late afternoon sun.
Time to head home…Past the bird blind….Near the Wood Duck box….And finally, home! The beaver has left behind a perfect trail to visit another day, but human visitors, beware!
Displays of Mophead Hydrangeas are spectacular in Massachusetts this season, thanks to a mild winter. My bushes, which usually sport a handful of blooms, have been going non-stop for several weeks.
The Peter J. Booras Museum at the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, New Hampshire houses hundreds of artifacts that have been donated to Cathedral of the Pines over the last 60 years, most of them from WWII. A section of the museum celebrates the service of women in Armed Forces.A wide variety of uniforms from all the armed forces are displayed throughout the museum.Models of important planes of WWII are featured, along with information about them.More than 59,000 nurses served during WWII, often near the front lines. This short video contains archival footage of the nurses arriving on the beach four days after D-Day. Rosie the Riveter was an iconic poster that inspired women to serve their country at home, as well as by joining the armed forces, much like the real life “Rosie” shown above.
New Hampshire’s Cathedral of the Pines is an open-air complex built as a memorial to the American war dead. It includes a multi-denominational sanctuary and features a scenic view of nearby Mt. Monadnock. The Women’s Memorial Belltower is believed to be the first monument in the United States devoted to women’s service and sacrifice.The Altar of the Nation was recognized by Congress in 1957 as a National Memorial to American men and women who lost their lives in war. The stones that make up the main body of the Altar come from all fifty states and from every United States President since Harry Truman.
“Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow, And everywhere that Mary went The lamb was sure to go.
It followed her to school one day, Which was against the rules, It made the children laugh and play To see a lamb at school.” -John Roulstone
This beloved children’s rhyme is actually a true story, which had its origin in the little town of Sterling, Massachusetts. You can read a fascinating history of the rhyme here.
Mary Sawyer, born in 1806, did have a lamb she loved. And the lamb did indeed “follow her to school one day” (with a bit of help from Mary and her brother).
The architecture around the town common, some which dates back to the 1800s , would have been a familiar sight for Mary and the lamb.
Signs remind us of other historical links of importance, as well, such as a visit from General Lafayette…
Or that the world’s first sewing pattern featuring multi-sizing was invented in Sterling by Ebenezer Butterick over 150 years ago.
Who wouldn’t enjoy breakfast overlooking Sterling Common while imagining how a little lamb (as well as a French general and a creative sewing genius) played a part in the town’s history?Consider this!
Third Generation farmers from Nicaragua roast and sell coffee from around the world in this delightful Holden, Massachusetts coffee shop.
Wall murals help customers visualize coffee beans on the vine.Brilla means “shine” in Spanish.Learn more about the farms and coffee here.A coffee bean ceiling!Roasted coffee can be purchased in-store or online.The on-site roastery.French Toast and Huevos Rancheros on a bagel.Traditional style furnishings.
