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
April 14, 2020. I love a new snowfall in the spring. When the sun comes out, everything is so clean and bright -- it makes me feel clean and bright. Camp Many Moons sparkles. Jeff's 1948 Ford Tractor looks even more iconic. The wood piles look more charming. Even the ditch looks inviting. Locals who … Continue reading Spring Snowfall = Beauty
For Many Moons 