Around Here

Around here, a congress of crows, blue jays and catbirds squabble in the early morning light,  their rowdy melee broken up by the shadow of a red-tailed hawk hunting for breakfast.

Around here, I laugh at the sight of another of my neighbors:  a buxom red and silver haired older gal walks her Saint Bernard, whose countenance looks exactly like that of his owner. She clearly loves him, as she gives him a swig off her water bottle

Around here, there are duck crossing signs, and people who abide by them.

Around here, people carry on the amazing tradition of placing antiques and primitive decor outside their doors. I don't know what is more interesting: the idea that people would place costly and perhaps sentimental heirlooms of such worth out, or the fact that no one seems to be stealing them. Impressive. In New York, such displays would be a ticking time bomb for theft.

Around here, canoeing is the weekend activity amongst the younger set. Or maybe hiking.

Around here, I have eaten way too many strawberries. And made Way.  Too. Much Jam. 

Around here, the pit-stop after a day of outdoor activities is the frozen custard place. Old fashioned vanilla hits the spot; calories are negligible on the farm.

Around here, we hunt for wild raspberries. And find a black snake in the tall grass while doing so. I suppose some people would be in hysterics about that particular discovery, but I have been afflicted with a peculiar animal addiction that renders this charming, not alarming.

Around here, there has been a spectacular light show every night for the last three weeks. Not by street lights, nor fireworks, mind you. Fireflies are Mother Nature’s low tech, special effect luminaries…


Around here I sit in the dirt every day after work. I have dug a bit of soil around and placed a few humble plants within that black gold. In a few short weeks--with the help of fair weather and magical providence--that little box of leafy starts should chrysalis into eggplants, heirloom tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and squash. And I round it off with a small herbal empire: dill, verbena, thyme, stevia, and enough basil for a pesto kingdom.

Around here, I realize it has been nearly a month of mayhem. I already have a date with dance instruction and maybe horse driving lessons. The possibilities are endless.

What goes around your “Around Here?”