Month: February 2021

All Things Tall

The view above the trees and rooftops from my back door

I like looking at things that are tall. When I walk, I look at the treetops (which is sometimes hazardous to my feet), and I look at the mountains. Though I love them both, the mountains provide the best food for thought. There is mystery there. In spite of all the expert climbers who have ever climbed, I am convinced there are places that no human foot has touched. I imagine treasures there, known only to the birds — a rare blossom rising from a crag in the rocks, a hidden cave that glistens with veins of gold, a hidden spring, a strange creature never previously seen.

Beyond their physical mystery, mountains remind me that there is so much more to life than I am able to discover or grasp. There is so much more in this world that I will never know. This is a source of abiding joy for me. Life is inexhaustible. There is always more. There is always hope. There is always God.

Mistletoe

Took my camera with me this morning in the hopes of seeing something interesting, but all I saw was an abundance of mistletoe in the neighborhood ash trees. When the trees come into leaf, the mistletoe will be hidden, and the birds will carry the seeds from tree to tree. These parasites eventually kill the trees if left to spread. We had our trees cleared a couple of summers ago, but we will need to carefully watch them.

Who needs mistletoe to kiss your Sweetie at Christmas?

Unfortunately, Gentle Reader, even in the plant world there are some stinkers.

Old and New

Catalpa trees are beautiful when young, with pink and white blossoms that last all summer. They don’t live long, but even in old age, the bare branches form a lovely winter silhouette against the morning sky.

Yesterday, we had to say goodbye to Emerson the Dog, aged 16. I picture him romping in heaven with all the other dogs who have faithfully loved and entertained their owners. I am grateful for everything he taught me.

Emerson in his pajamas last month after a five-day stay in the doggy spa (hospital)

Two weeks ago, I planted some seeds in my studio and placed them on warming pads. Most of them have sprouted. Now, if I can only keep them alive until it’s warm enough to move them outside…