Amazing plants

I am always amazed that plants, especially trees, can grow just about anywhere! This fairly good-sized maple has spread its roots around the boulder, then down into the soil. The mosses and ferns located around the tree base usually take hold first and help break down the rock into sediments, eventually into soil. This tree just couldn't wait for that to happen, so it adapted to its situation and grew!

Hail

Afternoon summer thunderstorms are very common here. Hail seems to be occurring more often this summer. This five-minute storm of hail tore holes in my hostas! A few young sunflowers were knocked over as well. I put one in the freezer in order to measure and observe; it's marble-sized!

shells

Another reason I love the beach is because of the sea shells. I really can't explain the obsession I have with collecting them. I have thousands, yet every time I go to the beach I must collect more. Maybe it's because each one is unique, maybe it's because they are free. For whatever reason, when I begin walking along the beach, I must stop and inspect shell colors and look for unusual shapes. This trip, I have decided that since I already have so many, I will take this year's collection back to school with me and share with my students. Some students have probably not been to a beach, and might be happy to have one of my beauties. I just hope I can share!

Rhythms of Nature

One reason I love visiting the beach is because nature is so predictable there. The waves come up to shore and back out consistently all day long. The breeze blows all day long. The plovers and sanderlings scurry along the water and gulls float overhead on the breeze. My stress sinks into the sand as I lie on my back and listen to the waves and birds. No electronics necessary.

Signs of Spring

After such a dreary winter with little snow but lots of grey, I was thrilled to get a glimpse of color a few days ago. There are also yellow crocuses blooming in another area of my "yard"* that I saw this afternoon, and the forsythia are budding out. I also discovered buds on my plum trees, which are great producers for the squirrels and blue jays in my neighborhood! They seem to like the plums a little sour, so I don't get any. The warmer temperatures are coaxing out some green in the other yards around the neighborhood. It's definitely nice to live in a temperate zone and not more northerly or westerly, where winter still has a strong grip.

* I do not grow grass in my yard, but I have lots of moss, and currently leaves!

Mountain ridges

I live below the northern sloping ridge of Lynville Mountain. This is a view I have from my driveway. I like the fact that in the winter I can see the shape of the landscape. It makes the mountain seem a little less intimidating-maybe I can hike up that mountain one day when it's a little warmer! On this particular afternoon, the sun created a nice contrast, along with a few clouds rolling by. I hope it stays pristine the way it is now, with no cell towers or houses, roads or windmills, to tarnish my view.

Recycled trees

We have always enjoyed cut trees from local tree farms for Christmas at my house. This year was a lovely Fraser Fir that held on to its needles the entire three weeks it was decorated in our home. Because it was still so lovely, the week after the holiday when all decorations were removed, the tree was placed on our deck. I think it added a fresh look to the deck. In fact, I have considered getting a live tree next year so I can keep the tree! A few birds used the outdoor tree as a temporary home. They flew away when we exited onto the deck. But, I have now placed the tree in the woods to give better cover to the birds and other animals. I know some people mulch their trees. In Roanoke, the city does the mulching and spreads it throughout town. All of you who use fake trees to conserve trees and your own money, my hat's off to you. I just love the smell of the real thing and am glad to support the local farmers.