Beautiful Weather

This looks far more like a fall day blog post than a January blog post!  At least for Nebraska that is.

This is a big old cottonwood on our place.  I know so many don't like cottonwoods because the branches crack off so easily.  But, those, people don't watch the leaves dance from their windows.  Or listen to the cottonwood leaves rustle in the wind.

And look at the beauty from a fallen branch of a cottonwood.

It's frozen to the ground right now but when it thaws I believe I will bring it in although it's big.  It has another branch scar like this on the other side.  I found some smaller ones yesterday that weren't frozen to the ground and they are drying on my back step right now.

I suppose there is a word for this formation.  Anyone know?

And, always, I scrounge for leaf skeletons.  Yesterday, did not disappoint.

I hope you had a nice weekend!

Garden Surprise

Late this summer as we were walking through the garden, my son noticed these seed pods.

They were from my primrose plants...no idea what variety they are.  I've had them for quite a few years, and I had missed these lovely seed pods nestled under them after they bloomed!

 I know these aren't seed pods, but once upon a time were seeds, now are faux acorns made by the talented Lisa at Lilfishstudios.  Ever since I saw one of these in a photo on Lynn's blog, I'd been pining for some and now I finally ordered some.  They are just the cutest little fall decoration!  ~Hand needle felted with wool~ I know though, I won't put them away after the fall.  Way too cute!

 

Anyway, back to the seed pods...look at the star in the end!

 

And, all the little seeds in a row.

As I took the pictures, I realized I had gathered a couple of leaf skeletons up along with the pods.  Bonus!

I hope you are having the same lovely fall weather where you are as we are here in Nebraska.  Harvest is in full swing at the farm!

I also need to add that I scored one of the sweetest finds yet for me this weekend at a garage sale...pictures to come this week!

Day in A Jar

I'm obsessed with leaf skeletons. I'm also determined to figure out what the best time of year is to find them. Will and I were out in March on a mild day looking and spent about an hour sifting through leaf debris by one of the marshy areas on our place. It is so serene to sit in the trees and be on a mission that means nothing, but everything all at once.




I took a lot of pictures the night we found a box full of skeletons, but the pictures sit on the disc. Today I found the box on top of the freezer when I was cleaning. It occurred to me that it would be great to save these in---what else----but a jar. Kind of like a scrap book, a memento, whatever...it was a really good day with my son and now the day is in a jar in my laundry room. I filled a jar for him too for his room. I'm not sure what his reaction will be.




I used one of my old typewriters to label the jars with the date we gathered these. (Just happened to be my Mom's birthday!)

I can see my day collection growing. Maybe the items we gather on a walk or perhaps odd mementos from a vacation; napkins, ticket stubs, fast food sacks, anything.

More Leaf Skeletons!

It's wet outside! This one is hanging on for dear life, but soon...

I'm obsessed with these.

Leaf Skeletons

I'd been wondering how to begin--my blog that is--It's Fall and almost Halloween, so leaf skeletons are perfect! I realized this past summer that I've taken them for granted. I'm sure that years back I could just step out the door and find one of these little beauties of nature and enjoy. But when I finally got a macro lens a few months back; I headed outside to photograph leaf skeletons. Couldn't find but portions of them and mostly they still had their "skin" on. I kept checking and today when I went out, I finally found one whole one. That was when I knew today was the day to start my blog and what images I could include.

NOTE & TIP: Watch for poison ivy when scavaging for leaf skeletons, and should you stumble upon some (yes, I did!) wash with COLD water and soap ASAP. The cold will close your pores and decrease the chance of the ivy "juice" getting into your circulation. Warm water opens the pores. I hope my next post isn't pictures of my rash!!! If you'd seen our place last summer, you'd have thought we were raising it as a cash crop.