Tag: Nature

Miscellaneous Thoughts and Information

I miss my water lilies. We had to totally clean out the pond this spring because the cattails had taken over. It was a mess to clean out, so I am skipping water plants this summer. Next summer I will probably put one in, and closely monitor cattail invasion. Without pond plants there have been very few dragonfly sightings.

Here are 3 pictures taken today of an Ironweed native plant named “Southern Cross”. It is just beginning to bloom. I purchased it out at the historic Abernathy & Spencer Green House & Garden Center in Lincoln, Virginia

My camera card is full of pictures, some I had never downloaded and really looked at. I chose one to highlight today. It is a picture of a North American Green Tree Frog that I took at Huntly Meadows Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. For more information about the frog look here: https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/amphibians/frogsandtoads/green-frog/index.php

Since I am not an expert, I am just guessing that it is a North American Green Tree Frog. I provided a link so that you could make your own determination.

Since the full Buck Moon is today/tonight, I did a little research on historical events that have happened around the full buck moon in July. I was surprised to see that the Apollo 11 Moon Landing was close to the full moon (not exactly on the full moon). They listed other historical events, though none appeared to have happened exactly on the day/night of the full moon. I did not do extensive research.

This is one of my favorite t-shirts. I wore it yesterday

I saw the buck moon last night and it was so lovely, it looked full even though it was only almost full. I hope to see it again tonight.

Cranberry bean update– I picked my third full bowl of the beans this afternoon. I have made 2 soups so far…soon to be 3. 🙂

Update 7/30/2026 –5:26 PM-– I did see the moon last night! After I had cleaned up everything for the day and turned off all the lights, I had the thought to check to see if I could see the moon, and sure enough it was front and center skimming the tree line directly in line of my kitchen window. I went outside and right on the threshold between inside and outside I got a beautiful full view of the Buck Moon. Light wispy clouds were hugging it and some moved across its surface, though none could dim its brightness and its beauty.

Measured by Sunrise and Sunset

The sun begins to rise with the moon still in the sky.
The sun is higher and the moon begins to fade. The day takes over.
The sun is setting just over the bridge and the night takes over.
Several of my friends at work are celebrating Ramadan this month. It started with the sunset last night. They all have said this is a good month for it. They have morning rituals before the sun rises so that they can eat before the daily fasting begins. After the sun sets they can celebrate with food and community. It is a month of charity with many celebrations of free food after the sun sets each night. The working day is an exercise in will-power sustained by their faith.

I can relate to measuring time by the sunrises and the sunsets. Anyone who works with the land and nature can feel and experience time with and through the natural workings of the world we live within. When you can leave behind the artificial lights of technology and begin your day with bird song and the warmth of natural light, you can feel your body responding to a natural cycle of days and nights. You can sleep and feel better when your body begins to sync with this natural cycle. 

I hope this new month of March can bring freshness and renewal.