Field Journals

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience".  I found Mr. Emerson's words to be on point this past Summer.

 After long days in the shop working on trailers, each evening brought a nice, and relaxing celebration.  I'd come home to the cabin, start the grill, grab a beer and sit on our rocking bench......and watch. Binoculars by my side, I watched the birds and the occasional deer or turkey meander through our vast CRP field. 

Some nights I sat longer then others, but it was always enjoyable. The sounds of the bobwhite quail echoing near and far mixed perfectly with the unhurried sunset. Almost always, during the last 15 minutes of light I'd jump in my Jeep Cherokee, roll down the windows and take a drive.  These drives were the highlight of my day, and the greatest memory of my summer.  I counted every deer I'd see, and try to keep some sort of pattern on them.  They drives were never hurried, and always a reminder that some things never change.

Occasionally, I'd remind myself to bring the camera back to the porch, and snap some pictures.  Most did no justice to the staggering beauty that this Summer entailed, but some did. 

Here, a hummingbird takes a break and sips on some sugar water. 

Notice the hummingbird in the foreground on this picture. Tough to beat the looks of a yellow finch! 

Another yellow finch on the feeder.

 This doe takes her time crossing the CRP in mid July.

A picture of the same doe, but with perspective thanks to the bird feeder.

Hummingbirds in mid flight!

Single dude by himself!

I knew that I loved our family farm and spending time on the land. However, I underestimated the value of  sitting on the porch.

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