Message from the Mountain

We stood beside the small frog pond at the Center admiring flowers when we heard a loud croak, and then another one from a different location. Following the sound, I searched for the frog. It was hidden in plain sight. Many people hide their abilities in plain sight. Support the show

I have found it takes a while for transplanted shrubs and trees to reestablish their root systems before they start to really grow. The hydrangeas at the Center took about five years. When people move or start something new, it can take some time to establish their roots again. Support the show

I love the different variety of daylilies in the gardens that provide color from June to September. When one runs out of flowers, another one begins. Then there is one variety that flowers all summer. There are people that have staying power and there are those that give up easily. Support the show

Another flower in bloom is the white astilbes. Their delicate appearance makes it easy for them to be overlooked by larger and bolder flowers. There are people who have a lot to say while others are quiet, but when they do speak, a few words make a big difference. Support the show

Years ago I planted a slender shrub with pink blossoms that, when trimmed, keeps flowering all summer. They have also reseeded themselves, jumping the stone wall. I think of people who go about their lives doing good things that could use some encouragement to do more. Support the show

When Derek began to plan the gardens at the Center, he saw it in his mind. He brought some lilies from his own garden. Now they are beginning to bloom. The future began with the planning. It is an interesting concept to believe that the past, present, and future are one. Support the show

When we had the Lupine Field created, the forester also included a healthy planting of clover to provide feed for the animals and nectar for the insects. That move has brought us many moments of joy over the years since. Nature and man can live in harmony. Support the show

Recently when we were walking over to the Lupine Field, we discovered a small mud puddle filled with tiny bubbles. I had never seen that type of thing before. I realize that there is always something new to discover in the Nature of Life. Support the show

My wife is very goal orientated. She is always active and often at her computer or her sewing machine, and when we walk the trails, she carries a hand pruner to snip branches that grow in the way. As for me, I am never done and always finished. She does make a big difference. Support the show

People are often labeled creatures of habit when they repeat certain things on a steady basis. These habits can be positive, like exercise or meditating, or destructive, such as smoking. We have a single turkey that often shows up at the same time in the afternoon. Support the show

The little flower garden at the Cabin has gone wild over the past few years, but it still has a few domestic plants hanging on. We are slowly introducing new ones to fit in with the still remaining ones. You may have thoughts with positive intentions that still remain in your heart. Support the show

Today we celebrate our forefather’s decision to create the great American democratic experiment that is still evolving today. People celebrate with barbeques and fireworks. Many have come to the White Mountains to find peace in Nature. Support the show

Years ago I remember reading an expert gardener’s opinion of orange day lilies. He felt they did not deserve to be planted in a flower garden. Personally, I love to see this common flower growing along the roads, and I know a common person has special gifts. Support the show

Milkweed is now in bloom, and the butterflies and bees will be milking its nectar. I am reminded of an old phrase, “Milking it for the most”, that relates to how we try to get the most out of something. I used to study things I wanted to do until I had done my best. Support the show

With all the rainy days this past month, the landscape is very lush, and sometimes I think of it as the jungle of the north. I am also reminded of how people view the landscape of life. For some it is dry and barren without positive intentions, while others experience a lush existence. Support the show

One of my favorite forms of music is the blues. It is the basis for rhythm and blues and early rock and roll. The music from the blue bellflowers may be silent to most, but their mind music plays on. Nature and music flow well together.   Support the show

I had noticed that our hosta plants were missing this year and recently discovered one of the reasons why. There in the middle of the afternoon was a deer munching its way across the lawn to the flowers. I was reminded that our intentions were to share not only with people, but wildlife too. Support the show

I remember an old song that was very popular when it first came out called, “A Daisy a Day”. Daisies make me smile, whether in the wild or in a flower garden. Some people also make me smile because they bring happiness to others. Support the show

Nature is providing tiny sweet strawberries for the birds and animals that enjoy feasting on them as well as humans who have the ability to bend down and the patience to pick them, but people will have their own domestic strawberries to enjoy soon. Support the show

T he past few weeks we have enjoyed watching the blue birds and swallows as they created nests and raised their young in the bird houses in the Lupine Field. All are gone except one last swallow that the parents keep coming back to feed. People can be the same way. Support the show

One of my favorite summer flowers is now in bloom: foxgloves. These tall slender plants are a special treat for my eyes and for the insects that enjoy their nectar. Nature provides a lot of sweet nectar for the heart for those that are aware. Support the show

Several different bear wander through the woods on the Mountain, including mothers and cubs, yearlings on their own for the first time and the big boys. We usually do not see them. Some people wander through our lives that we pay no attention to. Support the show

The tall slender white bell flowers are in bloom and playing a beautiful silent tune that people can only hear in their minds. I am reminded of people that go about their lives silently doing positive acts that benefit others. Support the show

Derek, our master gardener, has returned for five days of handwork with his magic hoe. His plan is really beginning to take shape. I am so grateful for his willingness to share his abilities as he is developing a peaceful positive environment for visitors to the Center. Support the show

When we first bought our mountain property, our logger discovered a formation that reminded him of Vikings. We had the area around it protected and discovered that it had a center stone divider lined up with the setting sun of the summer solstice. Support the show