I love the colors, but really I feel like I’ve stepped into a strange world. This is the first time in my 55 years on the planet that colored leaves have been around on Thanksgiving.
This extended leaf season is both soothing and disturbing. It’s hard not to be in awe of the expanse of color. But I wonder if the trees are as confused as I am.
This elm tree has green leaves.
The insects are still active, including this ladybug.
The climate is changing, regardless of the reason. I keep writing that over and over, as if the repetition will make some kind of difference in the world around me.
My Thanksgiving dinner menu was mostly locavore. The baked russet apples, black walnut pie, steamed bok choy and chickweed were harvested here. So were the herbs, wild grapes, wild blueberries, chicken mushrooms and onions.
I could have upped the locavore ante by preparing winter squash. But I want to savor some of Harmony Gardens in February and March.
I am blessed to have access to local food and thankful that I know how to identify and harvest so many different wild edibles. I am convinced that the time I spend gathering and preparing my food adds a dimension to the nourishment I get from eating it.
I’m grateful to have a place to hike, even if an extended leaf season feels weird. I am thankful every day for the opportunity to spend time doing what I love.