With so little firewood left, perhaps it’s good that winter has come to an end.
Winter’s End
Spring Water
Directly behind the house is a spring that never dries up (which is good because it’s where we get our water). Year round we can step out the back and hear a reassuring gurgle. Occasionally, if there’s been enough rain, the water doesn’t just seep out at ground level behind the Masters family’s spring box, but comes out the hillside above. We’ve had enough rain that the gurgle can’t be heard for the roar of the waterfall. This photograph doesn’t do justice to the dramatic transformation.
On a Winter’s Night
Even a mild winter has some cold nights.
Lady on the Ridge
There’s a nice lady on the ridge who baked us this beautiful cake from scratch. It was greatly appreciated.
After the Rain
This obviously isn’t Niagara Falls, but it’s larger than the photo indicates. After enough rain, this waterfall roars to life behind our little house in the hollow. This is what we see out the window.
Autumn Salamander
I was descending the cellar steps last night when I saw a flash of orange in the beam of my flashlight. I stopped and returned the light to see this Cave Salamander engaging an insect in political discourse. I was surprised to see this beautiful amphibian out in the cold falling mist, but I’m quite naive.
An Autumn Apple Pie
Here’s a lovely apple pie for after supper.
Pygmy at the Mailbox
This little fellow was at the mailbox yesterday evening. He never seemed overly concerned about me, though he did coil up and shake his tail vigorously for a few moments. He was only about twelve inches long, so probably not even a full grown pygmy rattlesnake. Made my day to see him.
37 Years Ago Today
Today in 1982, Grandpa and I were watching the news. The KY3 lady was interviewing somebody inside the War Eagle Mill about that year’s fair. Behind the person being interviewed, Granny opens the door and peers inside pensively at the television cameras. She cautiously enters, followed by my mother carrying my sister.
I exclaim, “Look, it’s Granny!”
Grandpa does not respond.
Tarantula Time of Year
Yesterday evening, the neighborhood Master Naturalist borrowed my communication device to take this photo. This fellow was crossing the county road, undoubtedly on his way to visit a lady. Always a gentleman, he will tap the ground outside her borrow with his foot, awaiting her response. If she is unimpressed with this potential suitor, she’ll most likely ignore his polite knocking. If she dislikes him, she’ll come out and beat him up or possibly kill him. So he anxiously awaits from her a friendly response, tapping his foot and hoping for the best.
Salamander in the Vine
Strolling through the woods with the neighborhood Master Naturalist, we crossed a small dry creek bed and she spotted this salamander hiding in the layers of an ancient vine that died during our recent extended drought.
Going Home
