Baring trees

There's been very little florescent orange seen today. One neighbor walking the road wearing a vest has been about it. Today's wind will keep the deer from moving more than they absolutely have to. That may explain why I haven't hear a single shot all day. The better news is that warmer temperature have opened up the local ponds again.

November (re)opened water    © harrington

We're just back from a trip to Taylor's Falls. Today was the day for craft fairs all along Highway 8. The one in Taylor's Falls has the kind of crafts and ambiance we like, plus, some of us wanted to check out the building for possible use in an upcoming event. It was a quick trip, the dulcimer music was a delight, the free coffee was good and we got to say Hi! to our favorite local potter. Once back home, since we were already in coats and jackets, we decided to harvest  some of our red cedar/juniper berries. The part about shaking the branches and having some of the berries fall off onto a sheet was pure fantasy (no berries fell at all). We hand-harvested about half a cup. We'll report back on whether they actually work in some recipes we're planning on trying from Heid E. Erdrich's book Original Local.

eastern red cedar juniper     © harrington

By now, almost all the berries have turned blue (that does not make them blueberries). If postings here suddenly stop without explanation, maybe they weren't juniper berries after all. : >) In the interim, enjoy Adelaide Crapsey' poem, November Night, that nicely matches today's weather and this month's season.

November Night

By Adelaide Crapsey

Listen. .

With faint dry sound,

Like steps of passing ghosts,

The leaves, frost-crisp'd, break from the trees

And fall.

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Thanks for listening. Come again when you can. Rants, raves and reflections served here daily.