Terry Tempest Williams

It has been more than a decade since we last visited Utah where, for a number of years, we enjoyed camping and exploring the state’s iconic national parks, including Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Capital Reef NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Zion NP, Natural Bridges NM, and others. Much to my chagrin, we have never made it … Continue reading Terry Tempest Williams

Velvety Weasel

I am, of course, making an assumption about the consistency of this Long-tailed Weasel’s fur, as I have never had the opportunity to touch one, and likely will never get it. But looking at this animal’s pelt, the thought suggests itself. The ground squirrel who has just made a lucky escape likely felt the weasel’s … Continue reading Velvety Weasel

Welcome to Denver Botanic Gardens!

Better late than never! It took a looong time for us to visit this regionally and nationally renowned Denver destination that opened in its first iteration in 1951, but we finally made it on July 21. We don’t particularly like to drive to and in Denver, Colorado’s capital city, because traffic is atrocious, despite (or … Continue reading Welcome to Denver Botanic Gardens!

Yearning for Petrichor

The mere fact that such an aspirational noun was invented to describe the odour of dry earth freshly kissed by rain tells me that this aroma is pleasing to us humans. In order to appreciate it, I do not necessarily have to know that it is caused by volatile oils exuded by plants, and by … Continue reading Yearning for Petrichor

Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose: John Quincy Adams

One stimulating aspect of the semi-quincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence has been the revival of an interest in the history and trajectory of this country, as well as the publication of a trove of new books. One such work I learned about while listening to On Point on our local NPR … Continue reading Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose: John Quincy Adams