The weather has turned distinctly autumny over the past few weeks. We went from blazing heat every day for most of July to wind, rain, mist and chilly temperatures just as August began. While a bit of respite from the heat is welcome, I’m not ready for autumn just yet!
Continue reading “Autumn comes too early”Tag: country life
Into the Woods
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately. I wanted to live deep and suck all the marrow of life, to put to rout all that was not life, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.
From “Walden”, by Henry David Thoreau (condensed)
Living in the Moment
I envy animals sometimes. They live life in the moment. If they feel like eating, they eat. If they feel like sleeping, they sleep. And while they’re alert for danger and will bolt if they feel the need, they return to their relaxed state very quickly. No need to dwell on that last danger. No need to worry about the next danger until it presents itself. They are blissfully unaware that their world is full of danger, and that tomorrow might never come. Continue reading “Living in the Moment”
Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen…
“You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen…🎼”
“Not again, Robert – WE’RE NOT REINDEER!” Continue reading “Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen…”
Lovely Luna!
It’s incredible the joy a little animal can bring into your life. It’s almost a year since I collected Luna from an animal shelter. Her mother had been dumped with seven tiny pups on an abandoned farm. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. She had walked away from all the argy-bargy with her siblings and found a quiet corner to just sit and take in the world. I guess she reminded me of myself a little! She is playful yet calm, and full of love. We celebrated her birthday this week with a “cake” and some toys. I look forward to many more happy years in her company. Continue reading “Lovely Luna!”
Pale Morning Sun
I find snow very soothing. It dulls sounds, softens light, quietens the mind. Having a dog is great for getting you out of the house and into the fresh air, even when the temperatures have fallen well below zero. I walk about 4 km each morning, and even though I regularly take the same route, I always experience something new – ice crystals sparkling on fine branches, the way the light plays with the shadows, the crunch of the snow underfoot. The pale morning sings. Continue reading “Pale Morning Sun”
Homemade Nettle Tea
Making the most of nature’s bounty is a huge part of my philosophy. I try to make use of anything that is available to me, whether it’s fruit and vegetables I grow myself, that given to me by friends and neighbours or wild food I find out in the fields and forests. So when I found a large patch of young nettles in the back garden recently, I decided to make tea. Continue reading “Homemade Nettle Tea”