HARDWICK – We were treated to some relatively seasonable and precipitation-limited weather this past week. A few scattered showers were noted Wednesday and Thursday, and again on Monday. The totals between the three days, however, amounted to less than an inch in gauges from Stannard and Craftsbury to Plainfield. Highs[Read More…]
Columns
Creating Better Environment for us, and Animal Friends
CORNISH FLAT, N.H. — There is much gloom and doom spread in the news and on social media. Many people believe that our ecosystem is irreparable: climate change is bringing death and destruction to many of the animals that we share the earth with. But some gardeners believe that although[Read More…]
Ovenbirds and Canada Warblers: An Exercise in Luring Birds
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION – Nearing the top of Mount Cardigan, Dr. Desirée Narango and I stopped in our tracks after hearing the characteristic “teacher-teacher-teacher” call of an Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), whom she affectionately calls the “chickens” of the forest. Although we heard the bird, it was nowhere in sight. So, Dr.[Read More…]
It’s Not Just a Ride, It’s Phoresy
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION – I really don’t like weeding. So it was with great pleasure when, just moments into the task, I spotted a dragonfly acting strangely on a nearby plant. What immediately caught my eye was a pile of tiny, red, egg-like sacs all over its thorax. I ran[Read More…]
That Kind of Day
EAST MONTPELIER – So foul and fair a week I have not seen. It seems appropriate to paraphrase Macbeth talking about the weather and current events as he welcomes King Duncan (soon to be the late King Duncan) to his castle. He’d just had that kind of day, and was[Read More…]
Ovenbirds and Canada Warblers: An Exercise in Luring Birds
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION – Nearing the top of Mount Cardigan, Dr. Desirée Narango and I stopped in our tracks after hearing the characteristic “teacher-teacher-teacher” call of an Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), whom she affectionately calls the “chickens” of the forest. Although we heard the bird, it was nowhere in sight. So, Dr.[Read More…]
Drying Out After the Rain; Heat Returns to Conclude Weekend
HARDWICK – Some dry and comfortable weather dominated the span of late last week into the weekend. Low temperatures at the peak of the cooler and drier air reached the upper 40s. We were free from any deluge during the forecast period, although a moderate soaking rain occurred during the[Read More…]
Where Do Humans Fit In Cycle of Tick-borne Disease?
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION – “I admire its purity. A survivor… unclouded by conscience, remorse, or delusions of morality”— Alien, 1979 In Ridley Scott’s “Alien,” the fear of parasites living off humans was popularized in a story set on an uncharted moon 39 light years from Earth. That’s a long way to[Read More…]
Growing Roses and More
CORNISH FLAT, N.H. – June is, traditionally, the month for weddings and roses. A coincidence? Perhaps. But here, in mid-summer, I still have plenty of roses blooming. Many modern hybrids keep on blooming, just like the energizer bunny keeps running. My mom was an organic gardener who loved her roses.[Read More…]
Creative Aging
There are several versions of the concept of creative aging. One is related to sparking the artistic talents of elders. Others facilitate and share intergenerational stories. I want to make younger friends and write more. I deeply appreciate the wisdom and experience of elders. Dinner conversations can be fascinating here[Read More…]
Rainfall Totals
HARDWICK AREA – National Weather Service rainfall totals (in inches) for the storm beginning Wednesday, July 10 and ending Thursday, July 11 are (where several totals were listed for a single town, the highest total is shown here): Cabot 4.81 Calais 4.80 North Calais 4.50 Craftsbury 3.22 Craftsbury Common 4.17 [Read More…]
Flood Update: Road Closures, Washouts, Bridge Failures and Emergency Information, Compiled July 11
HARDWICK AREA — Thursday, July 11 brought recovery and repair efforts throughout the region as rivers and streams began to subside throughout the morning and early afternoon. Many area waterways remained above their banks, expanding into floodplains, forests and lawns. Many roads became passable, if only with one lane open[Read More…]
