Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Small Stone - 31 - The End
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Small Stone - 30 - Bear Scratch Tree
On a recent hike close to home, we came upon a bear scratch tree. Bears use trees to mark territory and also to scratch their backs. They both bite and claw the tree. This marking was new because the sap was still bleeding where the bear had damaged the bark. We've seen paw prints and scat on our property but so far this summer, haven't seen a bear. The new tree marking makes us more alert to predators roaming where we roam. Black bears usually try to avoid conflict. I've had several close encounters, and the bears never showed aggression, though in one instance a huge male bear was too close and too curious. I don't want to encounter a mother with cubs. I like seeing bears, but only when I'm inside and they're outside.
(comments closed)
Monday, July 29, 2024
Small Stone - 29 - Survival (Not Necessarily of the Fittest)
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Small Stone - 28 - Straightforward
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Small Stone - 27 - Undaunted
Fireweed is setting the hillsides ablaze. It makes a statement:
Friday, July 26, 2024
Small Stone - 26 - The Whole Picture
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Small Stone - 24 - Chiffonade
The word "chiffonade" came into my mind.
Have I ever used the word previously?
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Small Stone - 23 - Intricate
Monday, July 22, 2024
Small Stone - 22 - Traditions
They become part of family lore.
It feels good to be needed.
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Small Stone - 21 - Who Are You?
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Small Stone - 20 - Bounty
We can't grow tomatoes or basil outside at high altitude. Our nights remain too cool. I resort to an indoor basil plant and store-bought heirloom tomatoes. I diligently water the basil plant 2 times a day. We love a salad of sliced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Even though not from my garden, it tastes like summer's bounty.
Friday, July 19, 2024
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Small Stone - 18 - Rain
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Small Stone - 17 - Calm
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Small Stone - 16 - Books
(comments closed)
Monday, July 15, 2024
Small Stone - 15 - Blooming
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Small Stone - 14 - Details
white paintbrush |
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Small Stone - 13 - Meow
Friday, July 12, 2024
Small Stone - 12 - Celebration of Marriage
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Small Stone - 11 - Obstacles
blown-down pines obstruct the trail |
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Small Stone - 10 - Summer Hike
Bald Mountain and a field of Senecio |
halfway point |
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Small Stone - 9 - Fields of Lupine
lupine with Peak 10 in background |
Monday, July 8, 2024
Small Stone - 8 - What's in a Name
Long ago, I began learning wildflower names. I know the common names, not the scientific names. Some of the flowers have names that suit them perfectly, so they're easy to remember.
Pearly Everlasting grows in matted clumps with the leaves close to the ground.
The "pearls" are easily identifiable by the papery outer husk. The center of the flower will eventually turn a faded white-gold color. These early flowers are on stems only a couple inches off the ground, but they'll continue to grow taller through the summer. However, I've rarely seen them more than 6" tall.
You don't have to be showy to be memorable.
(comments closed)
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Small Stone - 7 - Hush
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Small Stone - 6 - Follow the Sun
The Arnica flower closes tight at night, but at dawn's light opens. Throughout the day it turns to face in the direction of the sun. It's a heliotropic plant that can be used as a directional guide if you lose your way. An essential oil from flower has medicinal properties that are healing for bruises and sprains. Aside from these practical uses, I love its bright face. It greets me daily in a yellow swath outside my dining window.
When I see it, I know I've found my way home.
(comments closed)
Friday, July 5, 2024
Small Stone - 5 - My Secret Garden
delicate elephant head wildflowers |
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Small Stone - 4 - Independance Day
columbine in the meadow behind the house |
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Small Stone - 3- Piggies and Pansies
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Small Stone - 2- The Scent of Summer
wild roses along the trail |
the fragrant scent of wild roses
means summer has arrived
Monday, July 1, 2024
Small Stone - 1 - Memories
Forget-me-nots blooming in our yard |