The Moonplant - Ipomoea alba

 Been waiting all day for this one to open. Moon rose at 8:51 PM here tonight. An hour ago the bud was still closed. The Moon is still behind the trees in back of our house. It will continue to rise and this bloom will continue to unfold until about 5:31 AM tomorrow morning when the Moon sets. And then it will begin to droop and die. 

There is poetry to this cycle which never ceases to amaze us. Parts of the Bible read like poetry, particularly Psalms. This has always been one of my favorites. Psalm 103:15-16. "As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more".

The Cardinals Nest

For whatever reason, our homes have always attracted various animals. Squirrels, doves, wrens, lizards, turtles, frogs, and even Midnight the cat, have all made themselves comfortable with us over the years. But the latest addition is really exceptional.

A family of cardinals has just taken up lodgings in the creeping vine which grows between the back porch and the downspout. They are only feet from me when I sit out back to play music, or just to lie in the sun. I usually find the chirping of birds distracting, especially if I can’t see them, but this family; let’s call them a Council of Cardinals; are exceptionally entertaining.

They are currently in the process of moving in and building their nest, and it seems that everyone in the family has a job to do. So far as I can tell, the family consists of three; so far no sign of Papa. So, basically it’s Mama and her two hatchlings doing all the work.

They fly in with material and then turn right back around after dropping it off. After several sorties they all congregate inside the vine, atop the rain gate , and then there is  incessant chirping as they each debate their own visions about how the nest should be constructed. In the end, I’m sure, Mama will win out.

They’re still a bit wary of me; it’s probably the banging of the screen door as I go in and out which startles them. They are probably wondering who the hell I think I am, living on the side of their new home? But they tolerate me. After all, the cat is friendly and when the bird feeder next door at Chip and Anne’s is empty, they can always wing over to Midnight's bowl for some cat food. In a unique sort of way, it’s a self-sustaining eco-system. It should last forever. Well; as long as I supply the cat food.

If you enjoyed this story about the wildlife in my backyard, you might also enjoy this true, but sad story from 2011;

http://robertwilliamsofbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2011/03/lovers.html

Midnight and the Grasshopper

Midnight has been hanging around our house for a bit over 2 years now. He has weathered the heat of 2 summers, along with the biting cold of 2 winters. Honestly, I don’t know how he does it. Basically, he’s homeless and relies upon Sue and I to provide him with the dry food and tuna fish on which he subsists. He has no instinct when it comes to killing something to eat, so I am locked into this relationship with him. After all, it was I who fed him in the first place. What’s that saying about “if you save someone’s life you are responsible for it?” Well, I’m living it.

Midnight makes friends very easily. He has no one except for me and Sue to play with; meaning that he’s pretty much on his own. So, he has some unusual friends for a cat. There’s this grasshopper for starters; which he enjoys swatting with his paw. Notice how his claws; which are not trimmed; are curled in so he can play with his friend without inflicting any damage. No matter though, the grasshopper is free to hop away at any time, leaving Midnight to search for it in the bushes. He also plays with the little green frogs in this same manner.

Then there’s the matter of the birds; with whom he has become overly friendly; allowing them to eat from his dry food bowl, and even take some home with them; while he sits, or lays, only inches away watching them come and go like planes at JFK. He knows more food is coming, and besides, he doesn't pay for it. But even if he did he would probably still share his food with his feathered friends. I think he’s hoping that they will someday teach him how to fly.

Here he is, looking for a cricket in the thicket...

"Blesss Me, Ultima" with Miriam Colon (2012)

This film is like a poem. In fluent and ethereal ways the story unfolds about a boy, his grandmother and a bond that exists between them. The story takes place during the middle of World War Two in New Mexico.

A woman comes to live with Antonio’s family; the reason is never really clear why. It is known to the viewer that she delivered all of Antonio’s brothers and sisters. She has a reputation as a “curandera”; or a type of healer; and the boy is immediately drawn to her mystique. Adding to that aura is the way others react to her. They seem to want to keep her distant, which puzzles Antonio.

The boy and the woman take walks together and she teaches him all that she knows about the plants which cure; as well as the ones which will hurt. As they become closer he begins to understand that she is truly at one with nature. Indeed, nature is her God. She speaks with the trees and the rivers, passing that understanding to Antonio.

When a man in the village inadvertently stumble upon a coven of young women holding a blood sacrifice in the woods, he feels he has been cursed, and so takes to bed, seeming possessed and ready to die. No doctor; or Priest; has been able to cure him. This simple woman, who is usually reviled as a witch, is called upon to rid his body of the poison within; be it real or imagined. She takes Antonio with her only after he tells her he is not ashamed to be with her.

What follows will alter Antonio’s life and perceptions of those around him. And as time passes and the old woman gets ready to pass on, she reveals the biggest secret of all to Antonio; the secret of who we are and how we are connected to the world in which we live.

Fluently directed and well written, this film is carefully paced and will leave you thinking about life; and death; just in a different way.

This film is from a contemporary classic novel first released in 1972. It has won many awards for literature and is emblematic of the Chicano struggle for identity in a multicultural society. For more about the book, see Wikipedia at;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bless_Me,_Ultima

The Last Flower

The last flower

Of the year

Stands alone

But sheds no tear

For the coming frost.

Every hour

Brings it near

It seems to know

And shows no fear

Of being lost.

Does it think?

And hold it dear?

It must know that next year

The winds will toss

What reappears?

The Turtle

This is the first turtle I have bought home in about 3 years. There was a time when I was able to “rescue” one each year, and the last two years without seeing one crossing the road has made me a bit sad. It means that they are losing more of their habitat to us humans.

I found this plucky little fellow after a big rainstorm which was the back side of Hurricane Andres last week. He was right on the center line of the road near us, frozen there by the vibrations of the passing cars. I had to make a U-turn to go back and get him, but I’m glad I did. He might not have made it across without getting hit.

Several years ago I picked one up that and been hit and flung, cracking his shell. Not much I could do for him except to place him off the road and in the shade. I know he couldn't have lasted too long after that, but I like to think that I made him a bit more comfortable.

Turtles are very special to me. They represent not only the little red eared turtles I had as a child; and one in particular which was given to me by a friend in junior high school; they also remind me of the huge sea turtles which we encountered from time to time when I was in the Navy. These turtles would break surface; reminiscent of some prehistoric creature from the deep; gaze up into the sun, and then use their flippers to “pump” air into their shells before plunging back under the swells. Apart from the snapping turtle, they are generally such docile creatures.

One year I brought home a turtle that was almost ready to lay eggs; which of course Sue and I had no way of knowing. Hell, we didn't even know he was a she. We had been keeping “him” for a pet and were really surprised when “she” laid the eggs right in the garden where Sue had taken her for some exercise.

No sooner had she laid the eggs than she was off and running. That’s what they do. And, it also explains why so few of the hatchlings survive. That so few do, in turn, only serves to make those that do all the more special.

So this fellow; I’m calling him “Gus”, this way if “he” turns out to be a “she” I can just call her “Gussie”; is now living somewhere between my backyard and a nearby creek. I’m hoping the strawberries in the garden will keep him here, but I wouldn't put any money on it. Have you ever put a turtle down on the lawn and looked away for a minute? It’s incredible how quickly they can move when motivated. Kind of makes me think that the story that the story about the tortoise and the hare might actually be true.

Blowing Rock

Sue and I took a day trip up to Blowing Rock the other day. It was a beautiful, sunny and not too warm day for a road trip, and we hadn’t been to Blowing Rock in years, so it seemed like a good place to go and catch some fresh air and sunshine. Everything looks so fresh and clean when you’re several thousand feet above everything else.

The views are spectacular, 3,000 feet up with a stiff wind blowing all year long. At times the gusts can be over 150 miles per hour. Hang on to your hats! The cause of the stiff winds is the sheer when the wind hits the side of the mountain and causes a severe updraft.

At times, during the winter months, you can actually watch the snow “falling” upward with the wind. This is no optical illusion, as with the Empire State Building, where the refraction of the sun’s rays can make it appear that the rain is falling upwards. That phenomenon is just a mirror like reflection of the reality. At Blowing Rock it is the reality.

Of course, the best part of any road trip is the people, and pets, you meet along the way. This fellow, Gus, was waiting in the car outside of the chicken place in eager anticipation of a wing or two.

"Birds In the Spring" - A Silly Symphony Cartoon (1933)

Gather the kids and watch spring unfold in this old Disney cartoon form 1933. The Silly Symphony series of cartoons may not come as near to perfection as the Max and Dave Fleischer cartoons, but they have a charm of their own. Additionally; not being tied to a series of “static” characters, as in the Merrie Melodies or Looney Toons series; these cartoons had a wider range of subjects which they explored vividly.

In this cartoon the little birdies learn to deal with their young lives, while at the same time their elders are trying to teach them the lessons they, themselves, have learned over the years. Mother Nature is in full force as the youngsters learn that all is not as sweet as it may first look; but, with a bit of wisdom, and some luck; things usually work out in the end. This is a great cartoon for little kids like me.

The Swimming Elephant

This footage of a baby elephant swimming on the beach at Phuket, Thailand made the rounds last weekend on the internet. Though it is from 2008, it is still a wonderful sight. Elephants are very special to me. For all of their lumbering size and strength, they possess; and display; a keen sensitivity which I usually associate with dolphins and whales. They’re all stronger and faster than we are, yet somehow I feel as if they look upon us humans with a bit of pity. We do such odd things in their eyes.

The baby elephant; who was on the beach at Phuket for a wedding party; just couldn’t understand why everyone was dressed up in the sweltering heat. The ocean looked so inviting that he naturally jumped in, to the delight of all present. Turn up the volume and you can hear the reaction of the people who were watching this in person.

I have seen the whales, swam with the dolphins, and even had a slight disagreement with a monkey once; but I have never seen an elephant enjoying himself quite as much as this fellow. The funniest part of the whole thing is that while the people on the beach couldn’t understand why he went into the water; he couldn’t understand how they could stay out! 

Hurricane Sandy Cars

This photo was taken last week flying over the old Grumman test facility, Calverton Airport, on Long Island. The airport is currently being used as a storage facility for the vehicles flooded by Hurricane Sandy You will have to enlarge the photo on your screen to really get an idea of the amount of cars which you are looking at. There are about 30,000 vehicles currently located there and more arriving each day.
 
Calverton Airport is where the wreckage of TWA 800 was reassembled for forensic purposes. Both runways are completely full. The total length of the runways is about 16,000 feet in length. That’s a lot of cars. And just imagine how many homes were affected as well. But this photograph gives you a very vivid and compact impression of the damage wrought by the storm.

The Andy Griffith Show - "Opie the Birdman" (1963)

All the Andy Griffith shows are like treasures to me. They harken back to a simpler time, when there were lines not to be crossed. Though things were far from perfect in many respects, sometimes it’s still easy to long for the sepia toned days of our not too distant past. But the entire myriad of social issues aside, there was more of a civility in the air of the times. Even the struggles for Civil Rights were tangible evidence that, for the most part, people were at least trying to get in touch with their “better angels.” Contrasted with today’s sharply divided nation, those times were less complex, and we could at least imagine a way forward.

This first episode from the 1963 season of “The Andy Griffith Show” addresses responsibility, a word which is rapidly disappearing from our vocabulary. After getting a slingshot; which was every young man’s dream back in the “old days”; Opie is at first content with shooting tin cans and other inanimate objects. But soon he sets his sights on a bird in the tree in front of his house, and without thinking about the consequences of his action, kills it. He is heartbroken and filled with guilt and shame. The chirping of the baby birds; who are unable to fly yet; as they await the return of their mother to feed them, eats away at him.

Andy; in his usual calm way; let’s the boy feel the pain he has caused and makes him provide for the baby birds until they can fly on their own. When the time comes to let them go, Opie has learned several lessons from his transgression. Beginning at the 19 minute mark, Andy explains to Opie about letting go. And that’s something we all have to learn how to do at some point.

"The Ghost and the Darkness" with Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer (1996)

This is an amazing story, and true. The film takes place in Africa in 1896 and tells the story of  an engineer named John Patterson, played by Val Kilmer, who leaves his pregnant wife at home in England in order to build a railroad bridge over Uganda's Tsavo River for the British East African Railway. He has experience with wildlife from his earlier exploits in India, where he was forced to hunt and kill a tiger which was preying upon his workers. Armed with confidence, and a trusted native named Samuel, played by John Kani, he sets forth on one of the wildest adventures he will ever have.

In his first few weeks at the worksite, he is forced to kill a lion that has attacked his men. He is certain that his rifle will always be able to vanquish, if not scare away, all of his opponents. But, within just a few short months in Africa, two more lions, who have been named “Ghost” and “Darkness” by the natives, have killed and eaten several more workers. Clearly, Patterson realizes, he needs some outside assistance.

To that end, American big game hunter Charles Remington, is called upon to help rid the worksite along the river of the two lions; both man eaters who seem to be working in unison. By this point, the lions have  stalked, and killed, a total of 130 workers in just a few short months.

Before calling upon Remington to assist him in killing these two man eaters, Patterson has tried; unsuccessfully; to kill them using some of the methods he used while building bridges in India. But these two lions have a sixth sense, and are able to elude; as well as outwit; the two would be hunters. When Patterson’s wife and newborn child arrive at the camp, they are immediately attacked and killed by the lions. Now the hunt is personal, and soon the two men find themselves to be the hunted, rather than the hunters.

This is an edge of your seat film, punctuated by the beauty of Africa and all of its natural wonders. It is also a very real lesson in how we tend to think of ourselves as being superior to everything in nature, and how quickly our perceptions can be challenged.

Cold Blooded Encounters - Monroe, N.C.

Sue and I went to the Reptile Zoo yesterday; it’s located in Monroe, North Carolina, which is about 45 minutes from our home in Concord. Admission is $6 dollars, and you really do get your money’s worth out of the visit. These two friendly lizards are a good example of the activity displayed by many of the reptiles. Of course, some were docile and immobile; as is their nature; while others were quite excited to have visitors.

This corn snake was very active; I even took some video of him as he slithered quickly about his cage. Sue and I had a couple of these fine reptiles in a house we lived in a few years back. We buried them by the footers to root out a nest of mites that were driving us mad. They are harmless to humans, but deadly to rodents and small insects.

An abundance of turtles rounded out the visit, along with a variety of spiders, frogs and toads. All of the reptiles were kept in natural settings, with appropriate lighting and well cared for. The exhibit is small, housed in a unit of a strip mall. With time, this museum will grow larger and become a major attraction. The love and care of the owner for his hobby definitely makes this museum a delightful experience. The contact info is located on the business card below.Be sure to visit the web site at coldbloodedencounters.com for more information on this unusual and educational exhibit.

"Springtime for Thomas" with Tom and Jerry (1946)

This is a cute little Tom and Jerry cartoon from 1946. It was released under the title “Springtime for Tom” in some countries, but it’s the same old story everywhere. It's spring time, and everyone’s looking for their perfect mate. Tom and Jerry are no exceptions. This post is for Aliyah and Trinity, who will be visiting in a few weeks. And then we can watch these silly old cartoons together!

Butterflies

These 2 butterflies were a real treat while I was at the local nursery looking at plants and trees for the house. Well, actually, Sue was looking at the plants and trees; I was busy fooling around with these two overly friendly guys.

At first they won't sit still for a photo but then I guess they felt sorry for me and posed for several shots. They were even conversing with one another about the inept human with the camera; like, "should we give him a break?" They did, landing at my feet, allowing me to get some ground level shots.

Bird Fight

                        
I was eating breakfast on the back porch when I became aware of the screeching of these 2 birds as they flew about the yard. Upon closer examination I realized that they were engaged in a life or death struggle over another, presumably female, bird. There was also the bird feeder to be considered, as the victor would be the one claiming ownership of this coveted spot.

They came down to the ground, battling one another like prize fighters. A left wing to the beak, and even some claws were involved. From there they went on to some vicious pecking of one another, so I lowered the camera and tried to part them.

I got the two to break off the engagement, but they continued to circle one another, looking for a good opportunity to continue the fight. The object of their affections had, by this point, flown away, presumably seeking more sane company; or maybe just another bird feeder; perhaps one with less drama.

And so the winner now sat all alone on the fence, bewildered by the lack of company. He was now the official winner of this amazing aerial combat which interrupted my breakfast, but gave me a ringside seat to the ongoing battle in nature.                                                                   

Landsford Canal State Park, S.C.

The Landsford Canal, located in the Lansford State Park, just outside of Lancaster, in South Carolina, is about an hour south of our house. After having eaten the requisite amount of chocolate to fulfill our annual obligations to the Chocolate God, we were left with nothing much to do on a beautiful Easter Sunday. So, we did what we usually do; hopped in the car and headed out. Sue had a desire to see the old Landsford Canal, and, as I had no real objection, having a love of old canals myself, we set forth.

It was everything it was purported to be; historic, idyllic, inspiring and also there were turtles everywhere! On the rocks midstream, and all along the banks, were turtles, some small, some large, sunning themselves. Absolutely oblivious; or perhaps somewhat immune to the presence of humans; they lay all about.

The Catawba River, at that point, is choked off into rapids by the fallen, aged trees which block the normal gentle, and somewhat smooth flow of the river. In the early portion of the 19th century, the Catawba was a main inland commercial route, used for shipping cotton and tobacco from up north, as well as to bring goods back up river from the ports in Charleston, and also Norfolk. But the rapids were a problem, often the cause of financial loss, as well as the toll it took in human lives.

Still, it is an idyllic place. There is something in the air which makes you feel younger, and more vital. Here I am trying to walk out on this limb over the water; it looks simple, but to tell the truth, it was not that easy coming back! And to boot, Sue went much further than I did! But, in spite of some limited mobility, I still insist on climbing things that I know will do me absolutely no good. Oh well, you can't teach an old dog new tricks, so I'll take the aches.

Sometime around 1810, the canal was hand dug to by-pass the rapids. The dirt was loaded into carts and used in creating the embankments for the locks, which raised, or lowered, accordingly, the barges which traversed the canal. The canal was also a safer way to navigate the river during times of flooding, allowing the bargemen to have more control over their movements.

It's a beautiful area, also known for its annual explosion of water lilies, which usually occurs in May. Judging by the mild weather and early spring, it may happen sooner, rather than later. At any rate, we will be back for that event. The lilies are said to spread from bank to bank on the Catawba, and is one of the few places in the world where this happens.

For more on this beautiful place to spend an afternoon, visit their site at;

http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/landsfordcanal/introduction.aspx

Turtle In the Morning

Just when you think that nature is losing the battle to survive, something happens to give you hope. I live in a typical development, you know the type, 10 feet either side of my house is another house. To create this scenario a large tract of land was cleared and graded. When they were done, there was nothing left, not even a bird. So, it's really a wonderful treat to walk out for my morning paper and see this fellow, sunning himself on my lawn.

He was headed toward the road, intending to cross it in order to reach the creek behind the other row of homes there. He wasn't shy at all, even allowing me to pick him up and gaze into his trusting turtle eyes. I photographed him from every angle, but I like this shot best. Something about it implies communication. He's looking at me, and I'm looking at him. I went back inside to eat, but had to keep getting up to go out and see what progress he had made on his journey.

After about 20 minutes he had reached the side of the road. He was headed in the right direction for the creek, but I was worried about his crossing the street. During the day he has a good chance of making it, but at 8 o'clock in the morning, with everyone leaving for work, crossing the street can be a hazardous undertaking for a turtle. So, I lifted him up, giant that I am, and took him across.

Placing him on a neighbors lawn I pointed him toward the creek. He needed no coaxing from me. His instincts told him to follow the downward grade toward his destination. And 10 minutes later, when I went back to check on him, he was gone. Some of the most beautiful things in life are fleeting moments - and the slow amble of a turtle crossing my lawn on a muggy summer morning is one of those.

Daveste’ Vineyards - Troutman, North Carolina

Sue and I went to the Davesta' Vineyards, located about 25 miles north of us in Troutman yesterday. North Carolina has some very good local wines, a resource that dates back to colonial days in the area, and has recently enjoyed a revival. Daveste' Vineyards is the first one to open in Iredell County, just north of Mooresville. With 52 acres of grapes, this little vineyard puts out some fine wine.

The grounds are beautifully kept, the white building to the right in the photograph houses the actual winery, where tours are available twice a day. There is also a "Tastery" where you can sample the various wines, or, if you prefer, order a glass of your favorite locally grown wine. I chose a Merlot, which had been aged for 14 months in a wooden cask. Full bodied and smooth, it was a fine change from the more "thin" tasting Merlots that one usually encounters in more expensive wines.

The Daveste' Vineyards is also a wonderful place to simply stroll around, looking at the pond and the animals is both soothing and educational. Luckily, we arrived on an "educational" day.

The tree at the edge of the pond is home to a large birdhouse. Two black snakes, probably looking for food, were in the birdhouse, and having already eaten the eggs, were trying to make good their escape from the scene of the crime. But every time they got about 3, or 4 feet of themselves out of the birdhouse, someone was there to take a picture, forcing them to retreat back inside.

It went on in this manner for some time, as people came and went, taking pictures as they did. To complicate matters there was a tree across the pond, upon which sat a huge hawk, watching and waiting out the two snakes. I don't know what happened after we left, but my money was on the hawk.

A great local excursion for a cloudy Sunday afternoon. And the glass of Merlot made it just that much better.

The Frog- I Wonder Where You Are Tonight?

It's winter outside and the lawn is covered with snow. I know my little green friend is probably doing just fine, but on days like these, I just can't help but wonder about him. It brings to mind that old Hank Williams song, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry";

Hear that lonesome whippoorwill
He sounds too blue to fly
The midnight train is whining low
I'm so lonesome I could cry.

I've never seen a night so long
When time goes crawling by
The moon just went behind the clouds
To hide its face and cry.

Did you ever see a robin weep
When leaves begin to die?
That means he's lost the will to live
I'm so lonesome I could cry.

The silence of a falling star
Lights up a purple sky
And as I wonder where you are
I'm so lonesome I could cry.

Listen to the original recording here;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvW6_-TP5cs