Sunday, January 8, 2012

Polar Bear Sighting



After an Indian Summer fall that's continued into winter, we thought we'd inaugurate a January Polar Bear Club. So far Mark's the only member. (Even Jessie thinks this is a bit crazy.) Water temp was about 48°, certainly not as bad as it could be, but Mark didn't stay in long. Air temp was a balmy 70°, so it was nice to get out, and find a towel. If we have a normal January next year, this might be a very short lived tradition!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Accessorizing the Forest




The last two weeks have been unseasonably mild, which allowed us to get bulbs and trees in the ground.

500 more daffodils (joining last year's 500) through the forest, interspersed among 100 dogwoods. Plus, 100 river birches lining the road and driveway. In a few years, our entrance should look something like these.

The bulbs were purchased commercially, but the trees came from the North Carolina Forestry Service, a real bargain.

Thursday, January 5, 2012