tagpipspearl

I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it!

You know how you do something that you didn’t mean to do, and as you’re doing it you know it’s wrong, but you can’t stop yourself? Like, for instance, squishing a bug? Or, smashing a bee? Or, maybe . . . like sending a spider flying over your hedge and into your neighbor’s yard soContinue reading “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it!”

In the Shade of Giants

I was offered cool, refreshing shade on a long walk early one warm July morning. This gift is received with much gratitude – I wish I could reciprocate. What they give us, we must treasure and protect.

Summer Delights

So far, this summer has been beautiful. Gentle weather, stunning skies, no drought (yet), thriving plants – not much more to ask for this small corner of our planet. In between long day trips and longer weekends of travel, I’ve been taking in the sites on my various walking routes. I thought I’d share withContinue reading “Summer Delights”

Cowiche Canyon Trails, Yakima

Part 2 of our Yakima Summer brought us to the Cowiche Canyon trail system, maintained by Cowiche Canyon Conservancy and the BLM. In dry, windy heat we came to see the immense and unique beauty of this shrub-steppe landscape. Arid, sparse, rocky, rugged and at times disorienting – with over 30 miles of hiking trailsContinue reading “Cowiche Canyon Trails, Yakima”

The Cookie Journal, Part 2

This morning was beautiful – an overcast thin and pale, a breeze slight and easy, warmth from the east countering cool from the west, and streets quiet and empty. Beautiful PNW morning. On early mornings such as this when I am between projects and work and chores, walking is even more appreciated than at mostContinue reading “The Cookie Journal, Part 2”

Yakima Area Arboretum Garden Tour

A few more pictures from a thoroughly enjoyable garden tour, sponsored by the Arboretum. A wide range of garden styles, sizes and ages were represented. One garden, in particular, filled a luxurious five acres with beds of full sun to full shade perennials, on slopes and flat areas, two very large ponds, and a uniqueContinue reading “Yakima Area Arboretum Garden Tour”

A Treasure of Trees

Yakima, Washington, is home to an exceptional and surprising treasure – the Yakima Area Arboretum. I first learned of this beautiful and educational arboretum in 1976 from a co-worker, with my first visit coming in early 1977. Having only experienced arboretums in Seattle, Oregon and western Canada before this, I admit that I was aContinue reading “A Treasure of Trees”

Canyon Road, Yakima, WA

It’s been a while since I posted an article. Spring is overly busy here – including fighting allergies and building energy – and time to write sometimes needs to be put aside. In addition, recently we took a long weekend to the town where Bill and I met. In Yakima (central Washington) we met manyContinue reading “Canyon Road, Yakima, WA”

Neighborhood Gardens, Part 9

Interlude Sometimes words are intrusive. Sometimes silence is kind. Look around to find the beauty offered to us all. It is our choice to see or not. What we do, how we respond, what we see – it is our choice. This is my choice for you on this last day in May. Choose peace.

Another mass shooting. Who are we?

Who are we? Have we changed since the last mass shooting? Are we different from the last time we heard someone insult, belittle, or mock another? Have we been changed since the last child was murdered – by gun, by neglect, by stranger or parent or relative? Since the last bystander was murdered? Have weContinue reading “Another mass shooting. Who are we?”