November is for Nesting

According to the Collins English Dictionary, nesting is defined as “the tendency to arrange one’s immediate surroundings to create a place where one feels secure, comfortable, or in control,” and there is no other month that brings on the nesting urge like November.

The welcoming light of home on a cold day (Photo by Alicia Slough on Unsplash)

For me, nesting comes about once the fall weather has turned cold enough to make staying indoors seem like a really good idea! But it’s not an easy transition for this garden-loving gal who, during warmer months, spends as much time as possible outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. Still, every year at this time, when the last pile of compost has been spread over the soil and the gardens have finally been put to bed for the winter, I turn towards the warmth and comfort of home.

A vintage table scarf and Mom’s hand-crocheted afghan warm the room (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

To help me ease back into life indoors, I like to fluff my winter nest to create a feeling that’s inviting, warm and comfortable. November sunlight bathes my living room in its golden rays and I like decorating with dried hydrangeas, crocheted afghans and vintage table scarves to enhance the cozy ambiance. Home-grown gourds and little pumpkins now adorn the mantel. To complete the look, wood is stacked by the fireplace which becomes the hub of our winter home, warming our hearts and bodies on cold nights.

The delights of autumn baking (Photo by Dilyara Garifullina on Unsplash)

The kitchen calls to me as I turn once again to making favorite comfort foods. Homemade bread, hearty soups and stews, baked yams and winter squash become part of our routine fare. I slide an apple crisp into the oven and the house fills with the tantalizing scent of cinnamon and baked apples. It’s such a pleasure to cook this time of year for the rich flavors of fall and winter foods are by far the most satisfying and heartwarming!

Houseplants enjoying some afternoon sun (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

I miss my gardens in the winter, so I enjoy caring for many different types of houseplants. Situated near any available sunlight, I create small green spaces to nurture me through the darker months ahead. Winter flowering plants are the most uplifting as they cheer me with their summery blooms. Plants add life and beauty to our home and even the smallest room can accommodate at least one. Without houseplants, life in winter would be very dull indeed!

A small group of plants on our side table (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

By filling my nest and surrounding myself with all the things that bring me comfort and joy such as cherished family objects, satisfying homemade meals, and happy green plants, I’m ready to face whatever winter brings!

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Botanical Interests

Cyber Gardening

I’ve always been one to research topics of interest and find myself constantly seeking inspiration and guidance from what I fondly call “the oracle,” known to most of you as Google. Since I’m passionate about plants and flowers, and there’s a world of information available on-line, I do a lot of cyber gardening to learn more about my favorite pastime.

Photo by Breakingpic on Pexels.com

When I was growing up, my parents had an encyclopedia set called, “The Book of Knowledge.” There were many of these large heavy volumes which sat on a bookcase shelf in our living room and were relied upon heavily by my family for all kinds of information. They were the search engines of our day! Although already out-of-date when I came on the scene, my siblings being much older than me, I still consulted these beloved books for homework assignments and more until I was old enough to visit the town library and do more current research on my own.

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Who would have believed in the 1960s that in just a couple of decades many of us would have personal computers in our homes and along with that the ability to look up anything, any time, on the World Wide Web! Today, most of us carry a personal computer with us at all times in the form of a smartphone, a pocket-sized device that allows us to accomplish more tasks than I can even list. As we close in on the year 2020, we are never without instant access to any and all information and it’s this unlimited access to learning that has so enriched my life!

Photo by Marianne Krohn on Unsplash.com

As a gardener and garden blogger, there are always questions to be answered and lessons to be learned. Over the past year, through internet research, I’ve learned how to propagate African violets from a single leaf and start new begonias from cuttings. After watching a few “how-to” videos, I repotted all my phalaenopsis orchids with confidence and watched with pride as they began to thrive! I’ve learned about the importance of garden design and plant placement and have used foliage and flower colors in new and creative ways. I’ve achieved quite an education, right here in the comfort of my home!

Photo courtesy of Rotary Botanical Gardens

For me, the internet has become my private schoolroom, and learning through cyber gardening has expanded my personal knowledge base while also providing a constant source of inspiration. As I look forward to more learning on-line, I am grateful for all the available technology that has helped me to grow right along with my plants!

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The Downside of Feeding Birds in Rural Settings

I’ve always been a bird lover and for many years, my husband and I religiously fed the birds in our wooded yard. All winter long, tube bird feeders and suet cages would adorn our garden. Large bags of black oil sunflower seeds and wild bird mix filled the garage shelves, disappearing almost overnight as the feeders were constantly replenished with fresh seed. Summer months called for the hummingbird feeder with its bright red flower-shaped feeding portals. Some mornings there were several of these tiny birds fighting each other for the sweet nectar within and it was always a joy to see their antics. We thoroughly enjoyed our time watching all the different birds that visited our feeders but this seemingly innocuous pastime had a hidden downside that would soon become apparent.

Feeding the birds in winter (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

It’s a known fact that bird feeders bring in animals as well as birds. We’ve all heard stories about bears tearing apart bird feeders and plenty of videos have circulated social media showing the same. Squirrels are also notorious raiders, even widening the feeding holes for easier access to the seed. Because we live in a heavily forested area of Northeastern Massachusetts, we’ve always had wild visitors, but there was a noticeable increase in wildlife once we started regularly feeding the birds. There were more gray and red squirrels, chipmunks, mice, raccoons, foxes and fisher cats visiting our yard, no doubt brought in by the feeding frenzy of the birds and the abundance of spilled seed on the ground. Even the hummingbird feeder brought in endless ants and wasps attracted by the sugar.

Black-capped Chickadee in May (Photo by Walter Allen)

Turkeys, too, came through in troops of 20 or more, walking in single file while intently foraging in the grass, while raucous black starlings would swoop in from the sky, covering the lawn in large numbers. Even young Cooper’s hawks would perch on our garden fence, looking for easy prey. But of all the wildlife frequenting our yard at that time, the one that caused the most concern and trouble turned out to be the deer, for in a very short period of time we were infested with deer ticks!

A browsing fawn (Photo by Walter Allen)

By innocently feeding the birds, we had unwittingly created the perfect environment for these vile creatures. According to the Tick Encounter Resource Center of the University of Rhode Island, “Blacklegged (deer) ticks do not get infected with Lyme disease, babesiosis, or granulocytic anaplasmosis by feeding on deer. Instead, white-footed mice, other small rodents, and some birds carry the infections and pass them to ticks that blood feed on them. Deer are important, however. They are the main reproductive host for the adult stage of Blacklegged ticks. Rule of thumb: no deer, likely no deer ticks. See deer, watch out, ticks may be present! Remember, deer typically are active at night, so even if you don’t see them on your property, they may still be visiting. Look for signs, like browse on favorite plants, pellet piles or even hoof prints.”

A pair of wrens in early spring (Photo by Walter Allen)

After I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2004, we were forced to take a long hard look at what was going on in our back yard. We decided that taking down the bird feeders would be our first line of defense against the ticks. In addition, my husband treated our lawn and rock walls with food-grade diatomaceous earth after a friend suggested it might help. https://nancymarieallen.com/killing-ticks-with-diatomaceous-earth/ Although we realized that using DE could affect other insects as well, we believed the severity of our tick infestation warranted its use and we didn’t want to resort to chemicals. In case you’re wondering, bees and other pollinators continue to flock to our gardens in spite of its application.

Honey bee on garlic chive blossom (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

Today, we enjoy seeing as many birds in our yard as we did when putting out feeders. By adding birdhouses and plants that birds love to feed on, we have constant feathered activity in our yard and gardens. Birdbaths also encourage our winged friends since birds love water, and the small trees and shrubs nearby provide shelter. Last year, a volunteer catmint plant was covered with goldfinch for weeks and blue jays are regular visitors to our compost pile. Cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows, juncos, wrens and more abound in the garden while woodpeckers enjoy seeking out insects hidden in the bark of our many large trees. Hummingbirds dart in and out of our perennial gardens all summer long, savoring the many nectar-rich blooms!

Woodpecker (Photo by Walter Allen)

We keep the deer at bay by planting deer-resistant shrubs and aromatic perennials. Deer sprays help as well as Irish Spring soap since deer dislike strong fragrances! https://nancymarieallen.com/garden-design-with-deer-in-mind/ Although we still find the occasional deer tick and have to remain vigilant in checking ourselves after working in the yard, the infestation we once had is gone and the natural balance in our little world has thankfully been restored.

A rare Bluebird (Photo by Walter Allen)

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The Power of Fragrance

With the advent of spring, I’ve been treated to many beautiful flower photos on social media while, in my own garden, the earliest bulbs are just beginning to waken from their winter’s rest.  Over the next couple of weeks, the garden will come alive with tiny blooms while their sweet fragrance will once again fill the air.

flowers plant spring macro
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The first emerging spring flowers such as Snowdrops, Chionodoxa, Puschkinia, and Crocus may be small in appearance but they can be big on fragrance.  Since you would have to be at ground level to catch their delicate scents, many people miss them altogether.  To capture this fleeting essence of early spring, I like to cut some of these little gems and place them in vases inside where their soft colors and subtle fragrances can be enjoyed close-up.

selective focus photography of yellow flowers
Photo by David Jakab on Pexels.com

As I take it all in, I know it’s just the beginning of many weeks of delightful garden scents as Daffodils, Hyacinth, Tulips, Lily of the Valley and Alliums make their debut!  Soon, the fragrances of blooming shrubs and perennials will envelop us.  One only has to take a walk on a warm spring day to fall under this intoxicating aromatic spell; all around, fragrance permeates the air!

relax old rest book
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

There are many scents that I enjoy this time of year, but if I could pick just one flower that speaks to me most powerfully, it would be the Lilac.  Here in New England, it’s hard to find a yard that doesn’t include at least one lilac shrub.  Many people have several different colors and some properties even boast lilac hedges.  It’s a perennial favorite and for good reason – there is simply nothing else like the fragrance of lilacs!

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White Lilac (Photo courtesy Veri Ivanova – Unsplash)

More than any other flower, lilacs hold the magical power to transport me to another time and place.  The scent carries sweet associations of my childhood as I envision the white and purple blooms by the back porch, my mother filling a vase for the house or my little self carrying a small bouquet to school.  It’s the fragrance of many cherished memories!

close up photography of pink roses under sunny sky
Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

The romantic scent of Roses also has a powerful effect on me, carrying me back to a gentler time when ladies wore long flowing dresses and carried parasols to protect their fair skin from the sun.  My mind conjures up images of Downton Abbey, the grand entrance filled with huge oriental vases, all overflowing with fragrant English roses.  Thanks in part to the efforts of breeder David Austin, the romance of rose growing has resurged in recent years and it’s easy to find roses of many colors everywhere you buy plants.  Once you’ve added fragrant roses to your garden, you will never again want to be without them!

girl sitting on grass smelling white petaled flower
Photo by Tetyana Kovyrina on Pexels.com

The next time you pass a beautiful bloom, go ahead and give it a deep sniff.  Take the time to stop and smell the flowers!  It may surprise you to find out that many plants we don’t typically think of as fragrant carry their own sweet scents such as Pansies, Violas, Iris, Astilbes, Daylilies, and even some Hostas.  This year, try incorporating some fragrant flowers into your gardens or outdoor pots and experience what the power of fragrance can do for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Springing Into Action

Although I wait all winter for spring to arrive, it always seems to catch me off-guard.  I find myself bubbling with enthusiasm for just about everything yet it’s hard for me to focus.  There are so many things I want to do in spring, so much waiting for me to accomplish, that sometimes it’s a little overwhelming.

I have to admit that I make a lot of demands on myself in caring for my house and gardens.  Creating and maintaining the “look” that I want, inside and out, takes a lot of time and effort.  As I get older my energy wanes but my desire to do it all does not and so I must seek inspiration to help spur me into taking action.

Front Door with Peonies 6-11-17
The Front Garden in Early June (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Since there’s still snow on the ground, I have to put gardening aside for warmer days and focus on the house chores, but where to begin?  Yesterday, after walking from room to room and reminding myself of all that needs to be done, I decided to pick just one task and see it through.  Maybe that would provide me with the all-important impetus to begin my spring cleaning.

Plant Stand
Living room with Plant Stand (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

My chosen project was a bit odd but one I will share nonetheless.  For about 20 years I’ve had a fragrant jasmine in my living room which eventually grew so large that it wound itself around the top of the plant stand it called home.  Sadly, this beloved plant decided to give up on life this winter and I had been watching the slow and steady decline over many weeks.  The leaves had begun to yellow and crisp, there were no signs of new life, and I had to face the fact that my jasmine was finally done with this world.  I mourned the loss of my old friend but was forced to make funeral arrangements!

night blooming jasmine
My Once Night-Blooming Jasmine (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Clearing off all my other plants from the stand, I grabbed my trusty pruners and cut the main trunk of the jasmine; the winding branches soon followed it into a large plastic bag to be composted later.  Once the plant was removed, I vacuumed the surrounding floor of debris and tackled cleaning the plant stand until it sparkled.  After returning the other plants to their home, even they looked brighter.

plant stand 1
The vacancy will be filled with more plants (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Completing this small task, and one that I had been putting off for weeks, gave me such a sense of accomplishment!  I had faced something unpleasant that needed to be done and made it through.  I immediately started thinking about what other plants would fill that space to create a similar look.  I was energized and inspired!  And I think that’s what spring is really all about for me – that inspiration, that renewed joy of living!  Once it strikes, there’s no stopping me, and the next few weeks will be a whirlwind of activity as I celebrate this wondrous season by once again springing into action!

I hope this first day of spring has brought you some inspiration as well!

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The calendar says spring but outside in the garden there’s still snow (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

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Jungle Love

“I met you on somebody’s island
You thought you had known me before
I brought you a crate of papaya
Then waited all night by your door”

“Jungle Love, it’s drivin’ me mad, it’s makin’ me crazy . . .” (from the song by the Steve Miller Band)

Pine Island Trees
Palm Trees Mingle with Pines on Florida’s Pine Island (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

On a recent trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast, my daughter and I were fortunate to make Pine Island our home base.  Friends of my daughter’s graciously put us up in their guest cottage while also sharing gourmet meals and the use of their car for nearby day trips.  It was a dream vacation and, upon arrival at this lush tropical paradise, I was instantly struck with jungle love!

Bananas
Florida Bananas (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Our hosts’ six acres of land in the village of Bokeelia was covered with palms, mangoes, bananas, coconuts, the ubiquitous pines and much more, some trees happily sharing their branches with air plants, hanging moss and the bright blooms of orchids.  Bold bromeliads of many shapes and sizes covered the ground with a sizzle of hot color, while overhead, circling birds constantly filled the clear blue sky.  A neighbor’s towering pine held a pair of huge nesting Ospreys at its very top, each parent taking turns flying off to bring back food for their young.  There was such an abundance of vegetation and bird life that it was hard to take it all in, and this old Yankee gal was always finding something new to gawk at.

Pine Island Bromeliads
Bromeliads are Common Florida Landscape Plants (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Pine Island is definitely off the beaten tourist trail and not what most people expect when you mention a Florida vacation.  The largest island of Florida’s west coast, its 18-mile length is partially framed by Mangroves whose myriad tangled roots provide a safe haven for a variety of wildlife.  As the name implies, there are pine trees everywhere, and although there is plenty of water all around, there are no sandy beaches.  It’s this lack of beaches that keeps most tourists away and helps Pine Island maintain its remote jungle wildness.

No Beaches but Plenty of Water Views (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Just a short drive down the road in Matlacha (Mat-la-shay) are galleries, shops, cottages and restaurants, all brightly painted to complement the canal and water views.  Although much more touristy than Bokeelia, the area has a laid-back retro feel to it, and life progresses at a leisurely walking pace.  The fresh tropical salads and seafood served here, such as Grouper and Mullet, were especially delicious!

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Colorful Matlacha Shops and Galleries (Photo courtesy Authentic Florida)

We took several short day trips off the Island which included visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers and the enchanting islands of Sanibel and Cayo Costa.  Our last full day was spent at the Naples Botanical Garden where we were wowed by 170 acres of tropical beauty including the largest orchid garden in the continental United States.

Sanibel Island Beach
The White Sand and Aquamarine Water of Sanibel Island (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Although I wanted to share my experience of staying on Pine Island, I was also hesitant to write about it.  Just like its residents, I don’t want this pristine tropical island to be ruined by development.  As people continue to move to Florida in droves, I wonder how long this remarkable place will retain its tranquil wildness.  I can only hope it will be for a long time yet to come.

Red Orchid
One of Many Striking Orchids at the Naples Botanical Garden (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Special thanks to our hosts, Ana and Steve, who made this trip not only possible but oh so enjoyable.  Good night, Pine Island!

Pine Island Sunset
Pine Island Sunset (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

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The Promise of Spring

Spring is the season of promise!  There’s something in the air, redolent of fresh growth as early flower bulbs cautiously poke through warming soil and buds swell with new life on shrubs and trees.  There’s something in the increasing strength of sunlight and, yes, even in our outlook as March makes herself known.  There’s something that tells us it cannot be long now!

red flower bouquet on brown leather boots during snow weather
Photo by Alena Koval on Pexels.com

It’s the promise of spring that beckons us outdoors in spite of the cold.  We can sense life quickening just under the snow, waiting for the right conditions of warmth and sunlight to make its appearance once again.  Soon the birds will break into vigorous song, the world will blossom with rebirth, and our hearts will be uplifted!  But right now, at least here in New England, the promise of spring is really all we have to hold onto for we are still firmly held in winter’s grip.

personal organizer and pink flowers on desk
Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

The calendar tells us one thing, but it’s always a long and tiresome wait for spring to finally make her grand entrance.  We watch daily for signs that things are progressing as they should but somehow the change never comes fast enough.  Spring takes her time, ever a cautious driver who feels safest in the slow lane!

adorable animal bloom blossom
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I understand why so many people take trips this time of year.  Not only does getting away from the cold rejuvenate us but, while we are away, we imagine spring already coming around and getting ready to greet us on our return home.  Although that usually doesn’t happen and we descend from the plane back into the wintry world we left just a few days before, we remain hopeful that warm and sunny weather will soon follow.

yellow tulip flower during daytime
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

And so I leave you, dear reader, while I take my own get-away trip this week to Florida.  The warmth of the sun will heal my winter-weary soul and all that lush tropical greenery will inspire me with its beauty.   When I return, I’ll resume my patient wait for all of the pleasures that make up spring in my neck of the woods.  It cannot be long now!

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Gardens Lost and Found

I have always lived with gardens and throughout my life I’ve enjoyed an ongoing series of gardens lost and found.

Bond Street
My childhood home had a large enclosed back yard and garden (Old Photo)

The earliest memories of my childhood home revolve around the large perennial garden my mother tended in our backyard.  Most of the plants had been growing there for years before our family moved in but my mother happily adopted them as well as adding many of her favorites including Lupine.  My father loved planting vegetables such as green beans and tomatoes in another small garden patch.  A row of large hostas that he planted in the front of the house survive to this day and still bloom every September, almost 66 years later!  In addition, we had fragrant white and purple lilacs growing by the back porch and a pink rhododendron that grew so large it was the envy of the neighborhood!  I can see my parents even now, planting and picking flowers and vegetables, cherishing every minute while they worked their own little bit of heaven on earth!

Old Garden 6
Some garden magic – a robin’s nest hidden in a clematis vine (Photo by Walter Allen)

When my first husband and I bought a house in the same seaside town, it wasn’t long before we started gardens of our own.  The yard was small but we used all the available space to create a vegetable garden and several little flower gardens.  It was here that I first started planting bulbs and roses, squeezing in more and more plants every year.  Although I took pleasure in other hobbies, gardening had become my first love and there was nothing I enjoyed more!

15 Revere Street
Our first home and yard were small but we still had gardens (Photo courtesy Realtor.com)

Twenty years later I moved with my second husband to another town about 25 miles from the coast.  This was a very different setting with two acres of heavily wooded land and lots of room for gardens!  We created a large, fenced-in area for growing vegetables but, over the years, I filled it with flowers and shrubs as well.  Rubbing shoulders with the vegetables were lilacs, hydrangeas, roses, peonies, clematis, and honeysuckle.  An asparagus patch filled one end of the garden while a pea trellis and tomato stakes dominated the space at the opposite end.  The center was filled with nasturtiums, herbs, kale, zucchini, and eggplant amongst others.  Even though the surrounding tall trees cast afternoon shadows, the garden had enough sunlight for the plants to flourish and was a sight to behold in high summer!

Boxford
Our new home had space for lots of gardens, front and back (Photo by Walter Allen)

We continued to live in garden bliss until, late in the summer of 2016, disaster struck in the form of a new septic system.  The old system dated back to 1964 and was literally crumbling in upon itself.  It had to be replaced but doing so also meant digging up the entire back yard with our beloved vegetable garden situated in the exact center!

Old Garden 5
Chickadees nesting on the garden pea trellis in early May (Photo by Walter Allen)

In the brief window of time before the work started, we managed to save many perennials by potting them up.  Briefly, we thought of saving the shrubs we had lovingly cared for.  I say “briefly” because the sheer effort and cost involved in digging up and relocating each mature shrub was daunting and more than we could handle.  Sadly, I had to face the fact that many of my garden plants were soon to become casualties of war.  When the heavy equipment rolled into the yard and we were left with a huge gaping hole, I mourned that garden like the loss of an old friend!

Old Garden 3
The old garden was carpeted with salt hay and had plenty of room (Photo by Walter Allen)

Because I simply cannot live without a garden, you might have guessed there’s a happy ending to my tale.  The following spring my husband and I began a new garden to take the old one’s place.  Wisely deciding against building atop the new septic system, we chose a narrow but sunny site next to our kitchen.  I was able to replant the saved perennials in one area while still leaving plenty of space for a few favorite vegetables.  The overall garden space was much smaller but provided easier access right off our kitchen deck; it would also be much more manageable in size for us aging Boomers.

Boxford Back Yard
Garden gone – nothing but a lawn is left of our previous vegetable garden (Photo by Walter Allen)

This year I will begin replacing some of those wonderful shrubs that once filled our yard.  I’ve already ordered Hydrangea paniculata “Little Lime,” Honeysuckle “Gold Flame,” and Rose “Coral Cove.”  These smaller-sized shrubs won’t dwarf the new garden and will add color and texture all season.  What was once lost will be found again.  I just can’t wait to get planting!

Veggie Garden August 2018
Our new vegetable garden last July (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

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The Gift of Time

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about time and the power it wields over us.  We can’t feel or see time; it’s intangible and formless, yet it defines our lives.

man and child walking near bushes during daytime
Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

We all share universal phrases about time:  What time is it?  Is there enough time?  It’s time for a change.  I’ll get to it when I have time.  Time for bed.  Time to go to work.  Look at the time!  Time’s running out . . .

And it’s that last one that scares us the most.  As we age into our 60’s and beyond, is there anyone amongst us who doesn’t think about how much time we have left?  Like my husband is fond of saying, “There’s more sand now at the bottom of the hourglass than at the top.”  Time is outside of our control; we are forced to continually move forward in time knowing there are no brakes we can apply to stop it!

shallow focus of clear hourglass
Photo by Jordan Benton on Pexels.com

It frightens us to think about running out of time because when our time ends, we end – at least in the physical sense.  But what happens after our time on earth ends?  Many of us believe there is something more on the other side, an afterlife free of pain and suffering, an afterlife free of the constraints of time!

angel art black and white clouds
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

But what can we do right now to make the best of our time here on earth?  As we grow older, our priorities change because the time we have left becomes so very precious.  As the sand of life slips through the hourglass, how will we spend that remaining time?

close up of tree against sky
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In retirement, I’ve made a choice to enjoy my remaining time by doing what I love but also by giving and receiving love.  Love empowers us; the more love we give, the more we receive and the more fulfilled our lives become.  Love is really our only weapon against the ravages of time for love transcends time, making life worth living!

baby child father fingers
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Although it’s become a cliche to “live in the moment,” the present is all we really have.  By opening our hearts to love each day, we can alter our perception of time and maybe even learn to finally embrace it as the priceless gift it truly is!

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February Awakenings

Although the year is divided into four neat segments, there are many seasons within seasons and winter is no exception.  Many people would like to skip over winter altogether, but it’s the one season when we’re most likely to appreciate those subtle natural shifts and awakenings taking place around us.  Today on my walk I noted some of these interseasonal changes due to the unusually warm temperatures we’re experiencing this week in the Northeast.  With the snow and ice leftover from our last storm furiously melting, I found some photo opportunities that otherwise might have been missed.

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The Mill in Early February (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

It’s hard for me to resist taking photos of the mill pond next to our property; no matter what the season, it’s always captivating!  There are still large chunks of bluish ice, but you can see that water is flowing freely over the little waterfall and rushing to fill the pond below.  In the foreground, red maple buds are already swelling with life, reminding us that spring can’t be far away.

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Rhododendron Buds (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Rhododendron buds are also getting fat in anticipation of their May blooming, while in the still sleeping perennial garden, clumps of Irish moss appear once again between the stepping stones, sporting straggly coats of bright Kelly green.  In the warmer weeks ahead this moss will spread to fill in any gaps, creating a lush carpet underfoot.

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Irish Moss (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

I can hear more rushing water as I stroll by another small stream weaving its way into the woods.  There’s another sound, too, breaking the winter silence.  The birds, awakening from the cold, are singing and flitting from tree to tree.  They simply cannot contain their happiness over the spring-like warmth and are celebrating their good fortune!

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A Meandering Woodland Stream (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

It’s only early February but there are already many signs of the earth awakening and readying itself for the coming of spring.  Now that I’m retired I have the time to enjoy these seasonal changes on a weekly, if not daily, basis.  There is always something in the natural world to take note of and be astounded by, all of those tiny changes that move us quietly but steadily onward.

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Winter Lichen (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

Lichen is one of those amazing life forms that moves so secretly and slowly that few take notice, yet its many forms and colors create natural works of great beauty; the ubiquitous rock walls of my native Massachusetts are liberally covered with them.  One can easily miss this in other seasons, but in the starkness of winter, any green growth begs our attention and reminds us that life goes on.

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Black-capped Chickadee (Photo by Peter Lewis, Unsplash)

In the meteorological world, spring begins on March 1st.  The few short weeks between February and March bring about great changes as the earth prepares once again for rebirth.  By getting outdoors and taking the time to observe the natural world around us, we can find those seasons within seasons and take joy in witnessing the wondrous awakenings of life!

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