Power Line Mysteries and Musings
The alley behind our house, like alleys throughout the city, is lined with poles threaded with power lines that link ours to other alleys and garages and homes and businesses.
Colorful Names and Stories
I have a weakness for stationery shops, even those that are a little too precious and expensive, as long as they are just enjoyable enough to browse, whether online or in person. One such shop, Brooklyn-based Mr. Bodington’s Studio, won me over when I saw their blog post about Pantone’s colors. It was just the right mix of engaging trivia, a little bit of history, whimsical illustrations, and amusing wordplay, and it made me want to play around with colors and color names myself.
Bee Watching in Your Own Backyard
There's a whole diverse world of tiny critters that call our backyards home that I find quite fascinating to watch, especially when I can get up close and really observe their behaviors.
August Days of Note, and an Egyptian Snake Goddess
To the Ojibwe, this month brings the ricing moon; in Minnesota the wild rice harvest season begins August 15, in accordance with the 1854 Treaty Authority—but only if it's ripe, and only for those who have the proper permits. To the Anglo-Saxons, the new moon visible on Aug. 24 begins Weodmonath, meaning month of plants.
Snake Holidays This Month Nurture Understanding, Quell Fears
This is the Year of the Snake, and July 16 was World Snake Day. July 29 brings another snake holiday, Nag Panchami. I'm going to tell you a little bit about both of them, but first let me tell you why I'm calling attention to these particular holidays.
Garden Plans Must Adapt to Uninvited Guests
The garden box was going to house three tomato plants, but when I saw all the poppy volunteers, I realized there was only room for one.
Catnip—A Surprisingly Useful Herb
Catnip has long been known to have medicinal benefits for humans, mainly as a soothing tonic when made into a tea, but new to me are its insect-repellent properties, which may explain why natural selection favored cats that like to roll on it.
July Celebrations: Blueberry time, Nation Founding, Saving Snakes, and More
To the Ojibwe people of central North America, the full moon on July 10 is the Blueberry Moon. Also occurring this month, which is still the Year of the Snake: two snake holidays.
Morning Rituals
These days my morning routine often comprises thinking about all the things various experts have recommended to do before breakfast, then getting dressed and eating breakfast.
The Delight of Open Windows
A few years ago, we had a big gray-and-white cat named Tres who loved to nap in open windows on warm, breezy summer days, belly pressed against the screen.