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While foraging just-ripening blackberries for water kefir, I came across some striking beetles in the far pasture. Their metallic iridescence could not be ignored, so I captured a couple of photos as I traversed the back fields.
Continue reading “Around The Farm: The Dazzling Dogbane Beetle”
As we were moving tractors this morning, I noticed some unusual tan objects clinging to the shadecloth. Upon closer inspection, I saw that they were the molted skins of cicadas – Brood X had arrived!
Continue reading “Around The Farm: Brood X Is Here”
Perhaps the most beautiful and friendly mantis I’ve had the privilege of meeting to date was this one. She (just a guess, but my gut feel) made me view these amazing creatures differently, question my previous notions about them, and left me completely in awe of them. She was magical.
Continue reading “Haiku: First Contact (Mantid Series #3)”
Sometimes, an insect gets itself into a bind, like this big praying mantis that was found with its leg stuck under the weather seal on the outbuilding garage door. Fortunately, helping hands were ready!
Continue reading “Haiku: In A Bind (Mantid Series #2)”
The elderberry harvest was phenomenal this year; there were many more productive bushes, providing a bounty of elderflowers (from which an ethereally delightful wine was made), followed by more berries, than I’ve seen in the past. When I went out to collect a last few clusters for syrup before the berries overripened, I almost didn’t notice the mantid patrolling the bush…and you can see why.
Continue reading “Haiku: Guardian Of The Elderberries (Mantid Series #1)”
While it seems to have taken longer than usual, it’s like a switch has been flipped and the foliage is turning color. We’ve had a couple of beautiful fall days, with frost riming the grass in the morning and the kind of azure skies that only seem to appear at this time of year. Autumn’s beauty is spellbinding – and worthy of appreciation.
Continue reading “Around The Farm: Burning Bushes, A Steadfast Sunflower, And Something Surprising”