Earth Day Celebration

“It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility.”

This year, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, my daughter and grandson celebrated by heading to George Bible Park to pick up litter. Armed with a bag, a camera, and backpack, the three of us walked the paths that meander in and out of the woods. We were outside breathing in the fresh air and letting this tiny microcosm of the world fill us with the joy and wonder.

"The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction."

“One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, “What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I’d never see it again?”

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”

"Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life."

“If I had the influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.”

"Beginnings are apt to be shadowy..."

"I wanted to make my own mark."

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter."

I have quoted Rachel Carson exclusively. She wrote the powerful book, Silent Spring in the 60s, but her words ring as true today as ever.

I hope you celebrated Earth Day in your own way and found a moment to consider this magical, wonderful place we call earth. 

Scenes from September

align="center">September’s been a busy month with two weddings, school for Redding, and the end of summer. It’s also been a month of surprises when my son and his girlfriend showed up for a wedding, when I thought they were not going to be coming. In between the joys of family and friends, there’s been a little time to seek September scenes.

align="center">September is falling into October, but before the transition month from summer to fall completes its journey take a look at the beauty found in the ninth month of the year.

One morning I’d planned to meet with my friend Mary Jo for breakfast in Archbold. I left early, providing time to take a few photos of the Fulton & Williams landscape.

align="center">
Goldenrod looking bright on an early morning in September.

The covered bridge in Williams County always presents fascinating photo opportunities. The morning light filtered through the trees created a magical moment.

Colorful small leaves looked like confetti dropped at the gnarled roots of this tree standing on the edge of the Tiffin River that runs beneath the covered bridge.

While heading for a wedding outside of Bowling Green in Wood County I stopped to photograph a windmill rising from a ripening corn field with arms swinging in giant circles and whooshing in the wind.

Who can resist the bright red and greens of Asian peppers ripening in the garden? The colorful heat of the peppers makes fall seem warmer.

One Saturday, Redding and I headed out early in the morning to find September. We came across expanses of yellowing soybeans creating a patchwork of fall across the landscape.

The same morning we stopped at a small wildlife preserve outside of Montpelier. Redding ran along a small dock looking at his reflection while his shadow chased him from behind.

I call them tiny sweet autumn wildflowers, others call them weeds; no matter what you call them, autumn asters brighten the roadsides.

This photo was captured at the wedding of my niece Carrie to Tom Cloutier. The edge of lace on Carrie's train caught a fallen leaf creating an exquisite fall moment during a beautiful late afternoon wedding.

Five apricot pink roses were courageously blooming in the front flower bed this morning. I tried photographing them outdoors, but the wind blew so brisk I decided to cut them and enjoy the last roses of summer indoors.

Scenes from September can be found everywhere...in yards, gardens, along roadsides, and at weddings. As the first frost approaches, leaves will color and fall changing the landscape once again into something old, but oh so new. I'm looking forward to finding the grandeur of October.

Garden in July

Whooohoooo! The first vegetable of the season in my container garden is a Hungarian wax pepper. The yellow-green finger sticks straight up among leaves and more blossoms ready to develop and end up in my kitchen. I had my first Hungarian wax pepper a few years ago when my brother Paul brought the peppers stuffed with cheese to dinner one evening. The peppers were a hit and I can't wait to try my hand at stuffing a few.


I’m so excited about my container garden that I’ve been dreaming up ways to grow even more in containers. I’m thinking next year…galvanized tubs bought for cheap at auctions and yard sales would make great containers for lettuce, peas, green beans, radishes, and green onions.


Bill & Judy’s July Garden

Bill and Judy have been broccoli busy. The huge heads just keep coming and then heading into the kitchen to be eaten or frozen for later. The tomatoes look lush, healthy, and loaded with blossoms. Bill was cutting lettuce and Swiss chard when I arrived. Later, a family favorite dressing would cover the crisp salad.
I was surprised at the height of the sweet corn. My father-in-law insisted that corn grew best on hot nights when you could hear the crackle and pop of stalks growing. This summer has been cool and wonderful for everyone, except plants that prefer heat and lots of sun, but that hasn't stunted the growth of Bill & Judy's sweet corn.
Judy planted sunflowers along the side of the deck fence. The gigantic buds smile from tall stems with irresistable charm.

Beneath a tree, a cluster of wildflowers surrounded by rocks greets visitors to Bill & Judy’s home, along with two big, boisterous, but lovable dogs. Otis takes a breather from romping along side the bed of wildflowers.

The garden’s lookin’ good, you two!

Now get out there and nibble on a crunchy green bean while harvesting.