The Beginning of Autumn

Mr. Bumps

 Every once in a while we like to re-vamp Mr. Bumps' habitat.  It makes things a bit more interesting for him and he always seems to enjoy exploring the new landscape.

 We also let him wander around the yard as well to stretch his legs and explore the great wide world.

Mr. Bumps will be 4 this fall.  What a handsome fella he is!

Exploring the Woods

I love finding secret streams off the beaten path full of emerald gems of green, green moss.  Dappled sunlight streaming down, creates a magical fairy land forest.

 We stumbled upon this old iron - it was full of fire ants when we picked it up to inspect it.  It was promptly thrown down and left to be admired by others and to continue providing a retreat for said ants.

This swampy area is our favorite spot to forage cattails.  They are gathered in the spring when they are about the size of leeks - they look a lot like leeks too.  Just grab them around the base and pull gently.  Cut the tops off and peel the first layer of leaves off the plant.  What is left is a white, tubular shoot that is quite edible.  

It tastes like a mild cucumber and perhaps a little "foresty".  You can find out more here.  Oh, it's also important to remember to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy!

If you are lucky enough to live close to a forest, don't take it for granted.  I am so blessed to have these gifts of trees and land at my fingertips.

Hiking on Up

I love how the topography changes as the elevation increases.  The rocks become larger, the trees thicker.

 Rocks like these just call to me and make me feel like a kid.  I can't help but climb on them.We play lava and can't touch the ground.

and then we find emerald gems, clinging to a cold rock and absorbing the winter's sun.

Hiking in January

The weather has been crazy lately, from bitter cold and below freezing temperatures to 40 degree days.  Those above freezing days feel like summer after the windy chill of the polar vortex.  We grab our coats and head out to get some much needed sun and fresh air!

 Hiking in January means wearing orange (we don't want to be mistaken for deer!). It means flooded trails from melted snow with crusty iced edges. Frozen ground and quiet, quiet.

 Lots of monotone browns that make the sky seem more brilliant blue than ever

 And finding green pathways of mossy green, you can't help but follow into the wild woods.

Many Colored Days

I used to read that book so often I had it memorized, Many Colored Days, by Dr. Seuss.  Our days are filled with color.  Sometimes  in hues so beautiful it nearly tickles my soul to know such color exists.

Home is Where the Moss is