Philadelphia Zoo, July 2015.
nature photography
Eastern Paint Turtle
This is the second summer in our house and living near water has meant spring and summers with a yard full of nesting Eastern Paint turtles. We’ve yet to ever see anything hatch and I’m not sure if that’s because they are so small, move in the night, or are completely devoured by predators while still in the egg. With the number of empty eggs and holes on the back lawn, the latter is probably the most probable, but I’m sure at least a few make it.
Photo of the Day: Tiny Toad

I found this tiny toad–about the size of a nickel–resting in the folds of a camp chair, outside. It was relocated using a coffee mug and piece of paper.
Photo of the Day: Fog

We’ve been in our house for six months now. Watching the fog rise off the reservoir and cranberry bog is never a bad way to start the day.
Cranberry Harvest, 2014
This past weekend was the cranberry harvest at the Carlisle bog. A strange little berry, but it does make for
Video Snacking
Franklin Park Zoo, Dorchester
With one of the kids sick and school vacation coming to a close we decided to go to the Franklin
Jenny Pond Park, Plymouth
2013 in Photos
Wellesley College in October
My husband and I had a very grown up Saturday and took in a lecture by Ang Lee and James Schamus at Wellesley College and then walked around campus for a few hours. Why is it that you appreciate things more when you no longer have them? I loved the campus when I was a student there (in my late 20s), but I didn’t realize just how special it was until it was over. How beautiful is it? Let’s put it this way, the sight of it this past weekend may almost make the remaining 10 years of monthly student loan payments a little less painful. Related articles Inspiring People: Ang Lee & James Schamus (musingsofanorientalgypsy.wordpress.com)
Pick Your Own
We have a number of pear trees in the yard, which produce pears we have no interest in eating. We also have a number of deer in the yard (which we also have no interest in eating). A relationship between the two has been established.
Photo(s) of the Day
The dog and I went on a little walk this morning at Great Brook Farm State Park.
The Woodchuck Trail and Garrison Loop
Yesterday called for a short hike on the Woodchuck trail and Garrison loop in Great Brook Farm State Park. Even with the light rain, it was a beautiful and easy hike. We parked near the canoe launch and walked across the road to the Woodchuck trailhead to find some historical spots for my daughter’s school project located along the trail. After passing the site of an old dam, our first historic stop was the remains of some kind of Colonial stone garrison. Fairly close by was an Indian grinding stone, that appears to have been intentionally destroyed. Looking at the stone you can see that holes were drilled down its length and at a depth almost reaching its bottom, splitting it in half and to its base. Finally we ended up at the site of the old grist mill. Not a bad 60 minutes.
Central Burial Ground
A fall day spent visiting the old cemetery in town.
Early Morning Fog
A little early morning fog on the Concord River today.
Falling Leaves
It just took a few days of temperatures dropping into the 40s and 50s in the night, hovering in the mid to high 60s during the day, and now it’s happening! The leaves are finally starting to turn.
Thoreau’s Garden
~ My in-laws were visiting from Colorado this past weekend and a trip to Concord to see Emerson’s Old Manse and the surrounding national park was in order. The highlight of the trip? A stroll through and around the garden, planted by Henry David Thoreau for Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne who were renting the house at the time.
Photo of the Day
Isleford (Little Cranberry Island), ME Related articles Great Cranberry Island 50K: A unique setting for a national championship road race
Photo of the Day

Cicada Shell
Photo of the Day
Lamb’s Ear Blossom
Video Snacking
Macro Timelapse from Daniel Csobot on Vimeo. ~ Swoon.
Photo of the Day
Orange Daylily
Art Show Entries
~ I’ve decided to enter four photographs in a local art show. I had no idea it would be so difficult to choose which images to commit to and now that they are done I’m second guessing myself. While sharing my photos online is one thing, financially committing to have them printed and dry mounted and then presenting them to the town is another. One thing I do know, if I do this again I need to learn how to dry mount and mat myself. UPDATE 6/29/13 – The photo of Boston came in second place for adult amateurs. I know it is a small town art show, but for some reason it meant a lot.