Rural Symphony

This light show heralded a magnificent evening.

Last weekend we sat before our outdoor firepit as the sun set, and felt regaled by nature's performance. The sun was blood-orange and the sky turquoise-blue. The two danced together for half an hour in ever-changing hues and formations. The sun finally fell below the horizon of trees, but because the trees bore no leaves, the orb of the sun remained in perfect display behind thin, black, linear trunks of trees for a few moments. The contrast was brilliant, before the sun sank entirely. It was a breathtaking sight neither of us had witnessed before.

Then unexpected music was struck, with great crescendo, from Spring Peepers! It was thrilling to hear them on opening night. They inundated us with their full-throated rhythm, transmitting a joy for life and announcement of fair weather to come. They, too, arrived unexpectedly, for who would think their opening night would be in mid-February?

As we threw more logs on the fire, the night-sky dawned with clear-blue darkness. This darkness then began to sparkle with faint lights, which steadily grew stronger. Soon the whole sky was ablaze with pulsating stars. Orion's belt and sword hung directly above, protecting from lions and bears galloping across the galaxy. No artificial light interfered anywhere... The sky had become magically alive with beauty and activity, and it felt like it was all ours, forever.

By this time, we had fallen into a trance, from receiving so much of nature's magnificence in one evening. We felt grateful and humbled to witness this striking symphony of events, more fantastic than any at Music Hall.

Nature is always original, if one can find a way to witness the marvel.

We are investing in another shade-mobile, so manure is deposited in pastures rather than under trees, during the heat of summer. This version came from a small innovative company in Wisconsin (Shade Haven), who developed the concept. This one provides 3 times the surface area as the one we had built last summer, and is far more durable. We will use both. Over time, this investment will build organic matter in pastures, and generate return by producing more grass.

At conclusion of the rural symphony, we let hunger take us to a comforting dinner of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and shitake gravy. For some reason, it was one of the best meals we ever had...

May the symphony of your evenings be magnificent, wherever you are,