AWAKENING

 I do believe the Snow Queen may have relinquished , or is getting pushed out by her sister of Spring. Last week and this week it has been nothing but sun and warm temps...today even reached 67! I went up to the lake yesterday since it was so beautiful out, and may have over done it. It's 6 miles around, and I did a double walk/run around the lake, just shy of 12 miles. Needless to say my legs and ass hurt today. I was goin to take another walk today, but I have a guy here re-screening the window screens. But yes, spring is awakening....I couldn't believe how alive the lake was...and even spotted the eagles several times.

Very pleased with this shot. I show several Blue Heron yesterday. Right before this, the heron was eating a fish, which a mink, I think, was going to try and snag from him. But the shot wasn't meant to be.

Said mink.A first! 

I have never seen a mink at the lake before. I thought I had to much gin.

Back at the Casa, caught a glimpse of the little wren outside near the bedroom window. I am happy to report I spotted several Blue Birds too....finally. Too darn quick to get a picture. Someone must have something in the feeders they like.

Yes indeed, I also spotted little onion crocus, I call them,  blooming. 

They made me happy.

Clarice Starling on the window sill. Between them and the grackles, it was very lively.

While all the racket was going on I enjoyed a breakfast before the run. If I keep eating breakfast like this I'll need to do a 12 mile run everyday...but I don't eat lunch.

And a 50 second video of the spring communing arboretum... 

LAKE GALENA

In these times, and with my pandemic summer retreat of glamping and the mountains being over for now...it's times like this that I'm thankful for having the glorious lake five minutes up the road. Each season, it's changes right along. Even as the temps are starting to dip lower, I still try to go and get my 6 mile walk and jog in. I will go till it is just too cold anymore, or it snows. The lake has a paved trail the whole perimeter which comes to just over six miles, so I divide it up into four parts. I start out walking and then jog, then walk and end the last part jogging. It generally takes me about and hour and a half to do the whole thing. One side of the lake can get very hilly too. You can feel the burn on the legs. But some days, I may take one of the many  dirt trails that break off the main paved one. Some go deep into the woods. During this time, it's been great because it's only been the locals who live on the lake or the near by streets like yours truly. Just last week was one guy still running shitless!!! I didn't mind...he was hot. I took my camera yesterday and took a few snaps.

This view is from the dam looking toward the Nature preserve at the other end. At that end, one can see many variety of ducks, geese, turtles and heron. It looks so big. I some days don't know how I manage to get the whole way around. But when I start out, I don't think about it.  In the summer, on the days I don't run, I rent a canoe and paddle the perimeter of the lake. Gives a good arm and chest work out. OMG....I almost sound butch!!!! But come the end of September the boat rental closes. 

Yes!!!!! Wild turkeys run rampant at the lake and this time of year even venture down to the Mistress's abode. It is their time of year after all. In the summer months, I suspect they venture further into the woods.

A Katydid on the path ....

I always thought this curvy twisted, intertwined, tree was cool. In the summer it's covered in wisteria. This also means it's my half way point on the path.

A black headed turkey vulture. They are there in numbers...after all the huge fish that get beached from wind blowing the water, making waves.

And it's for this sunset before leaving the lake that makes the whole thing worth it, and for giving me some solace in these times. How can you not feel at peace from the world, for that moment,  even for a couple minutes. And for that I'm truly thankful.

COTTON CANDY

I was out yesterday enjoying the overcast and dark day....the whole week was rather a odd overcast week with rain hit or miss. But about a week ago when I was outdoors, yeah I know, am I ever indoors would be a better question...and no I'm not, the weather was brilliant and sunny. I just happen to look up and thought the sky with the clouds,  looked so bright blue and the clouds like cotton candy. If you spend enough time looking at the sky, you will start seeing shapes in the clouds — a hippo, a dragon, a human face. The phenomenon is so common that it has its own hashtag: #cloudsthatlooklikethings. The reason we see animals, monsters and people in the sky has nothing to do with meteorology and everything to do with the mechanics of the human brain. We are just as likely to see familiar object in other things like the bark of a tree, toast, or coffee foam. So if you see a cumulonimbus cloud that reminds you of Presley’s pompadour, it doesn’t mean you have a profound, spiritual connection to the King. Although it is interesting to think, ‘Well, why did I see this particular thing?’ it’s not a Freudian sort of interesting thing. It’s not revealing something deep about your psyche or your soul. It’s really just telling you something about how your visual system is working and how your brain works. You sure don't want to know what I see.

Up at the lake. What a show that night with the color of the sky and the clouds. 

Sat for an age on the dock.

Just so no one panics, posting will be very sporadic for the next couple of weeks. Between a visit with the mother for Labor Day for a couple days, filling in for extra time at the ASPCA, and another trip up to the Pocono Mountains to the Woods, while my pied de terre is getting new appliances, re-painting and the carpets shampooed. I don't like upheaval, so the mountain time seems to be the best choice of the moment. I want to enjoy nature while I can. I also contacted my elections office, and if not working by then, will be acting as transport for people who need rides for voting day. Once back, I have to make sure the houseboys, are placing everything back in order correctly. I will be posting when I get time and if I have a signal. Otherwise, I'll be relaxing, scantily clad somewhere. 

THE GOOD EARTH

One of the most important occasions for Earth, Earth Day is observed on April 22 around the world every year to support environmental protection. The day is dedicated to key activities such as raising awareness about the environment and its advocacy. Again, how ironic with the current state of things, the one good thing coming out of it is the positive affects it's having on the environment. But even with the pandemic, we can surely do our bit while staying at home. I live but a hop ,skip and jump, from the Pearl Buck House, so hence our post title today, so for the good Earth, your Mistress gives some suggestions while I share some pictures from my latest walk from the lake with Buster. I'm truly lucky to have this place in my backyard practically. It's so calming to see the wildlife and scenery.

Plant a tree, or some seeds or flowers. If you have seeds with you in your house, you can place them in your garden and water them daily. Trees produce oxygen which is essential for both humans and wildlife to survive. Or plant some flowers , or throw some wild flowers seeds in a grassy hill or bare dirt spot. Plant some window boxes. Flowers will attract and help the honey bees. Potter in the garden.

Fill your bird feeders and put some fresh water in your bird baths. Or start a bird arboretum with feeders and a bath. Birds love a little fresh water source.

Recycling is a small way to make big impact on the environment. So recycle your paper, cardboard, plastic and aluminum if it is able to be. Or if your out walking and have gloves on,  pick up any litter lying about.

When you go the stores,  try to use market baskets or re-useable bags if you can. 

Speak up and share. Blog or go online and share your views or a beautiful picture on any of your social medias, to get the point out there, or just share a part of nature you like.

The easiest thing is, since were home...turn off all  lights and  electronics, and if it's nice, why not go for a nice walk, or sit outside with a drink and just enjoy nature, feel the sun and breeze, listen to the birds and enjoy the air. We already have masks, so that will even help with allergies. If weather permits of course. But also remember to turn off things in the house when your not in the room or house,  and save energy.

Any plans of importance on your list today to celebrate?

LAVENDER

There is never a end to the things to see or do in my neck of the woods. I look back now and for the life of me can't figure out how I didn't want to move here years ago. Above is the covered bridge up the road from the Casa that goes to the lake. My mother absolutely loves the area too, and has even given thought to making the move here as well. She deicide to come down last weekend,  and as part of the time, I wanted to take her to Peace Valley Lavender Farm up the road.  When the fields are in full bloom in June and July the smell is incredible. And lavender is one of those plants that I swear by for relaxation and other purposes.

The field dog Lavender Lily was there to greet us!

They raise several varieties of English lavender and lavandins with more than 3,000 plants blooming on their hillside. And with that raw material they produce a wide variety lavender products: bath & body, culinary, dried floral, sachets & pillows.  Lavender,lavander, or lavandar - it doesn't matter much how you spell it. If it's lavender you want, they've got it - growing plants, bulk blossoms, dried bunches, essential oil and more. Peace Valley Lavender Farm and Shop is located in historic Bucks County, overlooking the verdant Peace Valley Park. With a beautiful view of Lake Galena, where I go for nightly jogs, and the sun warming their southern sloping fields, it is an ideal growing spot for one of nature's most aromatic treasures, lavender. I let my mother pick out what she wanted and we got to see the drying room too. I was not disappointed with the candles I got either. So fragrant. It's nice to be able to also support local businesses first.

Historical anecdotes tell us that the lavender field workers and perfumers of the Middle Ages survived the Black Death and other plagues because lavender protected them from the lethal bacteria. The power of lavender to stimulate and supplement in the body's healing forces is unmatched by modern pharmaceuticals. And amidst the aromatic plants, there seems to be no other plant essence equaling its broad properties. It can kill pathogens in the air and in nasal sinuses and respiratory airways. It stimulates the immune system, yet it's also analgesic, soothing muscle aches, taking the pain out of insect bites and much more. Not only does lavender have hydrating, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender is also a nerve tonic and an antidepressant, boosting one's spirits as well as helping to beat "the blues" that accompany immune stress and illness. In addition, modern studies of burn patients have confirmed that oil of lavender eases pain, enhances healing and prevents scar tissue from forming. All of this is done non-toxically!

When we first got there it was after a rain storm, but then the sun came out and...

Just in time before Pride month starts.