Butterfly

Today's a 10!

I started out this morning a bit depressed and decided instead of mulling in it, to get my exhausted butt outside. I went to the Co. Park only to find 7 cars. 3 up top in the parking lot,  and 2 at each trail head. I desperately needed some nature time and to get away from any cancer talk or thoughts. I know everyone who walks their dogs up in that park, so I left.  I proceeded to C. Lake.  I found that park to be nearly empty. One dog walker and a couple hiking. I had a glorious hike.  I saw Phoebes, Bluebirds, Red-shouldered Hawks, lots of Painted Turtles and the two RE Sliders survived the Winter. Spotted Salamanders laid eggs in some of the wetlands where I've not seen eggs before. Some eggs were even in a puddle.   On the way home I decided to stop at the land only intending on staying a short time. Immediately,  Monty found me a adult female W. Turtle!  I decided to look around for more. I was rewarded by finding another very large healthy female W. Turtle!  I was out for a total of 3 hours!  I feel really good.

Hail

Today is was around 50 degrees. I got the boy out. We went up to the Co. Park. He was so happy, and so was I. We both need our nature time. We checked the Vernal Pool and there weren't any more Spotted Salamander eggs yet. We went up 2 nights ago and there was one small mass and we only spotted 2 Salamanders. The wood frogs look like they are almost done. I heard FOS Phoebe and N. Waterthrush. I also cut my annual pussywillows. Later on at home we had thunder storms and HAIL! It was an awesome day. I also received 1000 paper cranes from a friend. They were made for her when she underwent a bilateral mastectomy. What a beautiful gift! 

Gaia principle

Gaia principle, proposes that organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings on Earth to form a synergistic self-regulating, complex system that helps to maintain and perpetuate the conditions for life on the planet. I believe in this principle. 

I was able to scrape up the energy to get out to the land again. Beautiful sunny day in the low 60s. Monty was so happy to play fetch in the creek. His life is back on track after the last two months of inactivity.  Later we took flash lights and headed up to the vernal pool.  We were only able to catch a glimpse of two Spotted Salamanders, we will try again Monday night in the rain. We hope to see the females head to the VP.   It was beautiful out, 50s, some stars and a beautiful smiling crescent moon.  It was really nice to be outside at night. 

Wood frogs & Spotted Salamanders!

I'm so proud of myself!  I got myself up and outside despite feeling like hell and having ZERO energy! A hike up in the Co. Park that usually takes me 45 minutes took, 1 hour and 10 minutes.  That is okay....I'm out there!   Last night it was very warm and it rained steadily for several hours, and not surprisingly the Vernal Pool was loaded with Spermatophores! The males were definitely out in good numbers.  Wood frogs were calling too!  The bigger pond had dozens of Spring Peepers calling as well. One foot in front of the other-I got this now!  I am going to breeze through the next 3 months of treatment! Nature is going to be my sidekick! Monty too! So happy to be able to hike. Getting out in nature I feel whole again. I am grateful. 

Spring Peepers!

It's official for me! Spring has sprung-the Peepers are singing!  I took Monty up to our property early this morning. It's his 6th Birthday and I've been neglecting him due to being too sick from treatment. I made myself put one foot in front of the other and just get out there!  We had fun. Fetch in the river for 30 minutes. Lots of birds singing. 3 Red-shouldered Hawks calling and circling for a long while. I could hear others as well. After we left I decided to do a birding loop down State School Road to Wickam Park. Lovely out to say the least 70 degrees. Notables were more then 30 painted turtles sunning on the bank of the farm pond. 3 killdeers and lots of Spring Peepers singing! I need to get myself out there everyday again. I gained far more peace of mind then the physical energy I lost. I NEED MY NATURE TIME.