The pond in front of our house is a big draw for local birds. We have a lot of trees, especially around the pond. Since the weather got warmer it has been a virtual menagerie of wildlife. Not only have a pair of mallard ducks made the pond their second home, but other birds enjoy it as well. This cardinal and her mate come regularly. The male likes to sit in the tree. I haven’t been able to get him to stay there long enough for a photo, but I’ll keep trying. Continue reading
The temperatures hit 80 today in southeastern Pennsylvania. Barkley stood at the door this afternoon and barked and barked and barked. What’s going on? I went to the door and saw this bird sitting in the grass by the side of the pond. Is she nesting? Five minutes later she flew away. Continue reading
Sunset at the Grand Canyon, AZ
Well, I suppose mid-February is a good a time as any to post my holiday (yes, those holidays) guest blog post. After months of subtle reminders from Marla dropped over texts, calls, emails, cards, e-cards, in-person reminders, and carrier pigeons (well, almost)… here it goes! Commence guest blog now! Continue reading
The view from the garage.
On Sunday we woke up to a cacophony of snow blowers. It was our neighbors clearing their driveways. It seemed like everyone had a snow blower. Larry went out to join them and try to get us out. It was trial by fire for the poor machine, first time out in the snow with the challenge of two feet to move and our long driveway. Continue reading
The pond frozen over with a dusting of fresh snow.
A few days ago we had our first snow. It started with a blustery wind and chunks of snow that blew around the yard. About half an hour later it was over. The few flakes had already melted as the temperature rose to the high 30s. We went to the gym, we fed the dogs, and I settled down at the table with my computer, answering and writing emails. I had sent a number of emails to friends the day but some of them had not arrived . . . gremlins at work, so I was trying to reconstruct them. Continue reading
As a student of history I appreciate old houses and like to read historical fiction and biographies. A few years ago I began researching my family history. As my parents age and have forgotten their past, I am trying to revive it. Last year we visited the house in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania where my mother spent the early years of her life The house still stands, at the top of a hill, as does the home of her grandparents across town. The current occupants have no memory of my mother’s family, but the place endures. I will make more visits like this, to see the places where my ancestors lived and worked and raised families. Continue reading
The big dig begins.
Early last week the crew arrived with a drill and set up in my front yard to drill two big holes. You need 640 feet of hole in the ground for a geothermal system. This is one more step in our quest for energy neutrality. Despite having one of the largest houses on the block, we should soon have one of the smallest utility bills. Continue reading
Explorations In Place 