May 15, 2020. Work began in earnest today on the septic system with the delivery of three loads of sand. (We will get up to ten more loads, then a load or two of gravel.) I made this commitment last fall when we pulled out trees to clear the space, but I still feel regret … Continue reading Development = Disturbing Nature
May 16, 2020. I have to write. I write for therapy and clarity. Sometimes I don't know what I think (or feel) until I write it down. I've been unable to write since retiring young, five years ago. Something inside was stuck in psychological mud. The mud-clog is easing now as I sit on the … Continue reading Writing on the Waterfront
May 16, 2020. The season's first flowering plant brings a "yipee!" in planting zone 5a. It's a long wait! This cheery yellow wildflower, called marsh marigold, is springing up in the low-lying places. Spring arrives so slowly here, each indicator is a little thrill. The ferns are sending up their first curly shoots too. I love … Continue reading First Flowers & Natural Habitats
May 15, 2020. Shots are ringing out across the bay...continually, for about 30 minutes. Next, a staccato of six shots. Most likely a hunter doing target practice. In the Navy, I achieved the status of “sharpshooter” on the target range and wore the ribbon on my uniform to prove it. But I am so grateful I … Continue reading Seeking Peace, Hearing Gunshots
May 14, 2020. Roscoe loves outings in the john-boat as much as I do, and I always try to take him with me. It cracks me up when he sits on the stern seat like that. (Does this seat make my butt look big?? Yes! ;)) He gets in the way of the oars sometimes … Continue reading A Husky = Great Boat Partner
May 14, 2020. Spring is so slow to arrive this year. While I never tire of looking at the water, I yearn to dig into the dirt too. Is it finally safe to put in perennials and sprinkle flower seeds? The weather forecast suggests that our below-freezing nights are finally behind us. I hope so, … Continue reading Nurturing Plants – And Humans
May 10, 2020. All species have their own nature, don’t they? And Siberian Huskies need to run. I found a new way to exercise him at camp: let him “pull” the four-wheeler! He took to it quickly and loves to go into a full-on gallop (something he can't do when we ski together). I worry … Continue reading A Husky’s Nature – Human Nature
April 30, 2020. If you're one of those who likes to feel clean all the time, you aren't cut out for the rugged life. Occasionally, I'm not sure I am either. Most days, though, I accept dirt as part of the deal. I feel closer to the earth somehow when I see (and feel) the … Continue reading A Rugged Life = A Dirty Life
April 24, 2020. In the far north woods, nature can kick you in any season. A late-November storm brought down dozens of trees and cluttered Camp Many Moons with fallen branches and brush. My little patch of heaven is a mess. Cleaning it up is back-breaking work. What would I do without Jeff and his … Continue reading A Kick From Nature
April 17, 2020. Wild turkeys visited Camp Many Moons today. They're becoming a common sight around here. They look clumsy and silly on the ground, but surprisingly powerful when they take flight. I remember a college friend who was homely and uncomfortable in his shoes, but beautiful and graceful on the ski slopes. Most animals … Continue reading Yes, Turkeys Can Fly
For Many Moons 