hello!

Welcome to my blog! I'm always telling myself I want to write, want to record everything that is going on in my neck of the woods, work on my writing style and composition, but somehow I keep putting it off; I don't feel like writing on the computer, I can't find a pen that feels right, I don't have a journal that looks right, etc etc. Enough excuses! WRITE!

I am interested in phenology, the recording of natural phenomena and when they occur: the first chorus of frogs in the spring, the dates wildflowers are in bloom, the first spring green of new oak leaves. It keeps me connected with the natural world around me. Living in the country, I am now more in tune with the natural rhythms than I am with professional sports seasons (is the World Series over yet?) or what's on sale at the mall. By the way, I have not set foot in an enclosed shopping mall in over TWO YEARS! Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for Wal Mart. Some day I will post the effect Wal Mart has on me, which is very interesting, to say the least.

I am planning my biggest garden ever this year, hoping to produce a good percent of our own food, all organic. I am crazy about tomatoes. Last year was a bust for them, I mean, when you have frost in early August what can you do? So this will contain some of my garden notes as well.

Those who know me well, and there are precious few, would not exactly describe me as outspoken. I am an introvert and I am at peace with that. Just don't call me shy. Anyone who can play a flute solo in front of a large group of people is not shy. I can even speak in front of a group of people and not turn forty shades of red. I'm an INFP if that means anything to you. I like to call myself an "earth hermit".

And, I must warn you, I like beer. Home brewed or microbrewed with lots of hops. Anderson Valley Hop Ottin' IPA is the nectar of the gods to me. I'll settle for a good old Leinenkugel's as well, but please no Budweiser!

Cheers!