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Archive for July, 2023

Always A Thrill To See A Bear

Posted in Hikes, Wildflowers, Wildlife on July 22, 2023| 2 Comments »

I have been dealt a stressful 2023. With that in mind, once I heard of early morning temperatures in the fifties, a hike was in order. I donned a light flannel shirt and off I went to enjoy some time to reflect.

I had only walked less than a quarter of a mile when I spotted the bear at about eighty yards. I quickly snapped some photos in the early morning woods not expecting super quality photos, but what can you do but attempt to get clarity. I shot several shots before the bruin walked away. I attempted to circle and close the gap but no bear was to be viewed.

I did see a hen turkey with five fist-size poults. She must have lost her first clutch for these birds were very small for late July. I saw several deer as well.

Dog-bane Beetle

Black Cohosh or Bugbane

Almost the end of the cycle for the Mayapple.

Bee Balm

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Black Oak Down

Posted in Historical, Uncategorized on July 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Laurie and I were arriving home on July 12 around five when I noticed something was amiss. The huge Black Oak tree living on the front yard was down! The driveway was completely covered with the tree, so I had to come in from the road onto the yard.

After the initial shock wore off I gathered my little chain saw and began to clear a way to get to teh garage. This was a big job, and I completed this task in the following morning with a charged battery for the saw.

We were extremely fortunate with no part of the tree hitting the house and deck. The satellite dish was missed, also. My rail fence across the drive had one post knocked off level but no breakage. I do have various damages that will need replaced, but the fact of nothing major sure is a great thought.

I called the insurance company and a couple of tree crews and settled on one outfit. It took three days for the oak to be removed and cleanup.

Interestingly, I counted the rings the best I could and came up with 158 to 160 growth rings. This tree’s growth began around 1863 or so at the time of the Civil War! Once the stump was cut close to ground level I measured the base at six feet- four inches.

I always liked the old tree and will miss the shade it provided. Acorns were forming on the limbs. The tree man said he could evidence of a disease around the roots. This was what caused the decay at base level. The rest of the tree was sound solid wood.

The driveway is under this mess.

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