Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Beauty and the Beast




In recent years we've come to expect a certain amount of destruction by the newly-introduced and seemingly invulnerable Japanese beetles. 


The fallout can be disheartening, but recently I've been appreciating the beauty of what's left behind. 


Today especially, against the backdrop of a milky sky, the work of the beetles resembles nature prints or lacework.


Fortunately, they have so far only fed on a few of our trees.
 

Also, we are lucky we don't rely on those trees, like our apple trees, for income.

And in the end, the trees will survive, and are already doing their best to overcome their dire situation.

So for now, we will just marvel at the work of these industrious little creatures, who, in addition to making beautiful leaves, are hard at work making babies who will undoubtedly be visiting us in the years to come….




 

Monday, July 6, 2015

Sunday, July 5, 2015

A Mistake


Proper thunder is so uncommon here that just now I thought someone was pushing his wheelie bin across the cobbles.

P.S.  Yay!  Thunder!!

 

Friday, July 3, 2015

Abundance


I stepped outside this morning and found an astonishment of gifts.


A veritable cornucopia, right in my own back yard.  And just when I really, really needed it.


I hope it encourages you, too.



Thursday, July 2, 2015

Celebratory Pancakes


It is the first breakfast after the last day of school, and the junior masterchef has everything under control.  Pancakes with vanilla-infused maple syrup and two different coulis (raspberry and strawberry).  Yum!