A meadow walk .....observations

I took a mid-day walk in the local park near work.
It is an old pasture with lots of wildflowers.

The earth and plants heated by the sun produced a wonderful fragrance
as I walk up the hill toward the inviting shade of the woods.

Indian Paintbrushes we called these as kids.

Wild Sweet Pea, a new one for me.

Blue Vetch, beautiful in the wild with these milk weed plants
and briars but you never want it in your garden!

Pink Mountain Laurel

Red clover

Coming back to the office after my traipse I find this fellow
sunning on the walkway.

Lumbering along to work.

My commute to and from is a bit longer than it used to be but the time goes by quickly enough. I'm traveling in the opposite direction of most, out of the city. It's highway driving and the NHDOT does a great job keeping the roads clear of snow and ice. This winter we have gotten off easy without much of the white stuff. Bad for the ski areas but easier on those who shovel it. February is half over and already it seems like spring is not so far away. I was excited last night to walk out to my car in the day light. The days are stretching out and what a difference just a few extra minutes of day light can make to one's spirit.

Sugar Maples glow right before undressing.

A U T U M N

Very soon the wind and rain will come

a great affair

with swift precision

the trees will be left bare.
Just their bony skeletons will remain.

Back Road Turkey Trott

A delightful country drive.

Locals out for a stroll.

Small traces left behind.

Got Corn?

It is hard for me to describe the excitement I get at the sight of a corn-field.
The farm daughter in me just can't resist stopping and trespassing into the rows of corn.
It is cool and shady in there. The smell is sweet and earthy all at once.

Childhood memories of my father and uncles cutting corn silage
to fill the silos for winter feed flood my mind.

I felt fine Saturday......where did the rest of the week go?

We went to a country wedding for our friend's daughter held on the lawn at their house. A marvelous party with wonderful food and the fun went all afternoon and late into the evening.
Sunday morning was quiet. After I mowed the lawn I had a hard time cooling off and my throat hurt. Monday morning just a sore throat and off to work I go. As the day progressed, ugh, headache and Congestion!!!!
The rest of the week I laid low. My head felt like it was in a huge clamp. I took medicine and slept. The cats thought it was great fun having someone home to nap with.


Last week was just a blur. Something good did come out of this: I realize I don't have to kill my self to get everything done all at once. Some things can wait and it's OK! Driving to work this Monday and even at work I had this feeling of peacefulness and calm.

Mount Kearsarge (click the photo to really see her)
I work North of the mountain.
I live South of the mountain.
Weather between the 2 places can be very different.

Spring planting Skywatch

Agriculture is a part of me. I just couldn't drive by this field of
newly sprouted cow corn without taking a picture.

It just really excites me.
It reminds me of the fun I had growing up on the farm.
Promises of warm days.
The miracle of seed to plant to harvest in 4 short months.

All God's Children Need Travelin' Shoes.

Remembering Tom, a co-worker, who perished in an avalanche in Tuckerman's Ravine on Mount Washington, Thanksgiving 2002.

Mama always reminds me that we're only passin' through
The treasures of this world are not for us to hold on to
She says the way we're headed
Will take us where we're bound
And we can not lay are journey down

Chorus
Because all god's children need travelin' shoes
To walk the road that's narrow but it's true
We can't stop here we're just passin' through
That's why all god's children need travelin' shoes

My bags are pack and waiting and I'm headed for the door
The train Is at the station , got my ticket and I'll board
The brakeman swings his lantern
Lit with never ending love
And mama I can't thank you near enough

Chorus repeats twice

We can't stop here we're just passin' through
That's why all god's children need travelin' shoes

Song : Sawyer Brown.

Farm Field

Farm Field Foliage, originally uploaded by addvt2nh.

One of my favorite roads home through hills and valleys and past this lovely farm. None of the black Angus cows were near the road but the fall colors were there. I love this time of year. Brisk air and warm sun on your back, great for being outside.

Country Road Take Me Home

I always get home sick when I see a dirt road.