Transitioning to Fall ...

The late summer wildflowers -- goldenrod, asters, thistles -- are coming into bloom.  A few colored leaves on the black gums and maples starting to show.   Morning and evening lighting beginning to have a softer glow...

For some it may be a melancholy time, for others a time of exuberance.  For nature, it's the completion of another growing cycle. 

Vegetables to Share !!

Thanks to a great load of manure and the help of "friendly" dog Stella who does discourage foraging by deer and rabbits, our vegetable garden is doing well this year -- plus it seems to be a "low bug" year so far. We've been harvesting and freezing mostly greens until recently-- but we are about to be overwhelmed with green beans, summer squash, and cucumbers.  Tomatoes, peppers, and okra to follow.   And always a variety of fresh herbs to add exotic flavors for cooking and salads.
... Plenty to share with our guests !!

Summer Season on the "temperate" Blue Ridge

We are well into summer season now with our typical pattern of pleasantly warm days and cool nights up here at 2900+ ft elevation. The woods and field edges are lush and green -- with first Blackeyed Susans just starting to bloom.  The spring-fed pond is always available for a refreshing dip or you can walk down into the woods and stick your feet into the cool creeks. Nighttime entertainment includes fireflies sparkling in the trees with frogs providing the soundtrack.  Morning birds songs are the "wake-up symphony."

Check out the links under the Area Attractions tab to find out about local places and events of interest -- including music venues, craft shows and markets, festivals, wineries, and hiking opportunities.

Spring back on track !!

Spring flowers now into the next stages.  Trees are leafing out and tree frogs making lots of noise at night ...

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Hail Storm Hits Meadows of Dan !!

Wow !!  It was quite a spectacle.  Weather can certainly be interesting -- even when it does cause inconvenience and damage.  We temporarily mourn our lost spring flowers, but there will no doubt be more as the season progresses...

Spring continues...

Spring is busting out all over !!

You first sense it with the morning light, smell it in the dew, and hear it in the bird songs. Then see it in the flowers.   Daffodils in bloom and forsythia just starting.  Maples beginning to flower and tree buds swelling.  Spring is happening fast !!

Morning Light