Category Archives: nature

A visitor to the farm

Sunny stopped before going into the backdoor. He had sensed something and looked up.

So did I.

This is what we saw.

Luckily, I had my phone in my pocket and could take these photos.

The third photo wasn’t worth saving as it only had part of the eagle’s wing as it flew away.

Seeing a bald eagle on Sunnybook Farm always seems magical–unless it is looking for a chicken dinner.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

A library that checks out skulls, furs, and mounted fish

This 2017 video starts with a library in Anchorage Alaska where you can really check out bones, mounted animals, and other preserved bits and pieces from wildlife.

I can see a teacher checking out native animals to display for his/her students, bringing nature into the classroom.

I can also see writers checking out the same conserved beasts and setting one up in his/her office as inspiration.

In this short video, you’ll see a snowy owl. I imagine that J K Rowling could have had that sitting in her office as she wrote about Hedwig.

I know libraries are more than books. Years ago, I checked out artwork to put on my walls before I filled my walls with my paintings and family photos. I have been in a library that offers patrons large cooking pots and tools for canning. They also had games and jigsaw puzzles to check out, too.

If I lived close to that Anchorage, Alaska library, I know I would be checking out interesting animal artifacts. If not for inspiration, I’d love having them around just to look and wonder at.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Canada Geese in the sky

It’s always a good show each spring and fall when Canada geese fly through the sky. One day, when a few flocks merged and flew over Seymour, people came out of shops and homes to watch.

Everyone had their heads craned skyward as the geese honked past. I was amazed at how many people came outside. They were quite a sight, too.

Here’s my video of a column I wrote in 1981.

Things really don’t change.

Sometimes I’m stuck in the kitchen waiting for something to finish baking when there’s a sight to see outside. Foos can get burnt when this happens.

I’ve been taking photos of sunsets. The shortened time to this daily event can catch me off guard. I almost missed one this week because it came so soon, or at least seemed to come early. My seat by the kitchen window doesn’t always mean I’m attentive to what is happening outside.

May you experience the beauty of the changing seasons today.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

Today’s walk

In the spring, when I walked down my blacktop road, I rescued worms. These wiggly guys had left the ditch and headed across the road probably to their death. Either they would have been run over or dried out from being out in the sun.

Now the season has changed and I rarely find worms during my walk. These days I find another critter trying to cross the road.

The caterpillar might not dry up while crossing the road like a worm, but it sure can get run over.

I relocated this one back in nearby greenery.

I may not be able to save a lot of worms or caterpillars, but I think the ones I do are grateful. At least I hope they are.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved

A revelation

Yesterday, three grandchildren visited. Two grandchildren came for a visit today. All had parents in tow.

While Caleb and Aryana were playing in the yard today they came across something unexpected.

Everyone who came for my birthday this weekend ventured near to this hornet nest. No one noticed it until Rob’s stepson found it.

Caleb directed us to the nest, only then did we learn that he threw a stick at the hive! OMG!!! Caleb is only 11, so he knows little about hornets. Today he was lectured to leave the nests alone.

I will stay away from this nest for now. Eventually, when it gets cold, it will be removed.

Until its removal, everyone will keep their distance….far, far distance.

Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved