Helping people enjoy the natural world around them

The Undiscovered Country

May 18, 2012 by Shari in Birds, Buds, Great places, Other critters, Things to do, Writing

Like a planet in a faraway galaxy, my most local wildlife area was essentially light years away. I can see Willow Lake, part of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, from my apartment window.

Garden Companions

April 30, 2012 by Shari in Birds, Buds, Bugs, Other critters

I was being watched. Every move I made, he was there. But I wasn’t worried – my harmless voyeur was an American Robin.

Life on the Farm

April 24, 2012 by Shari in Birds, Buds, Things to do

I received my first diary for Christmas when I was eight. Writing was never a bother, but I never took to the practice of recording the happenings of each day despite my good intentions. Now I'm trying to change my ways by keeping a diary for the sake of my garden, to have an annual record of planting dates, vegetable yields, chores, and other such minutiae.

Baby Boom

April 16, 2012 by Shari in Buds, Things to do

It happens every year -- the little ones arrive. I'm not speaking of tots pushed in strollers, but rather youngsters emerging from tree branches.

Sighings for Spring

March 02, 2012 by Shari in Buds

I really have no right to complain considering this mild winter. But no matter – around this time every year I get desperate for warmer weather and flowers. Conveniently some plants are happy to accommodate my longing.

Birds, Bugs, Buds, and Buddies

December 31, 2011 by Shari in Birds, Buds, Bugs, Great places, Things to do

As I consider the last 12 months, the places I've visited and the nature I've enjoyed, one consistent theme shines through: great people. So in this last post of 2011, let me just thank my wonderful friends and family. Wish I had photos of ya' all, but do have snaps of a few of you to share...

My Own Walden

November 15, 2011 by Shari in Birds, Buds, Bugs, Great places, Things to do

Thoreau's Walden passed by my eyes many years ago -- high school, perhaps? -- and while I might appreciate the concept behind the man's work, truth be told I found it a bit dull. Enjoying a recent walk through Queens Botanical Garden has made me reconsider his deep documentation of a single landscape.

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

November 01, 2011 by Shari in Birds, Buds, Great places, Things to do

While I love my home city, I succumb to tendencies of wanderlust. After a September filled with a whopping three trips, I must admit to enjoying some at-home time ... though I regularly catch myself reminiscing about that last jaunt a couple weeks ago -- a lovely vacation to London and the north Cornwall coast. In a desire to see EVERYTHING, there's never enough time for it all, including nature appreciation. Still, we did pretty well. Here are a few of the nature sights…

The Restorative Power of Nature (or, Pennsylvania: Land of Adorable Rodents)

September 17, 2011 by Shari in Birds, Buds, Bugs, Great places, Other critters

Each September finds us making a solemn trip to the western Pennsylvania mountains for a memorial. It's not a trip we relish but feel compelled to continue. There is a hidden treat: after six or so hours on the Turnpike, we are transported to a lovely countryside that softens the experience.

Home Gardening

July 25, 2011 by Shari in Buds, Things to do

To know me is to know I enjoy gardening. But this summer I took up a big challenge: attending the garden beds in front of my apartment building.

sell my photosFotomoto