Spring is in the air

Lake St George in March showing signs of the ice melting, it is so lovely at this time of the year!


One of the true rites of spring in this area of Maine, the St George River Race. I spent a happy hour crouched on the icy shore shooting photos. See more photos


And what a delight!!! The first snowdrops reaching up through the melting snow!!! The crocuses are up in the warmest spot, although not in bloom yet. It is so exciting to see the plants appearing where the snow is melting, to see what survived and what is actually appearing to do well. The proceeds from the composting toilet have been of great benefit to the garden and I am looking forward to another season of harvesting compost and exploding flower gardens.

Winter is here!

Yesterday I noticed that the pond has started to freeze over after several very cold days and nights. Winter is definitely setting in and there may not be any more kayaking until spring.


Looking down towards the pond this morning it has turned white in the first real snow fall we have had this winter.

Brrrr! Here we go!

The Coming of Fall

Smokey and Dryad are cousins and Smokey seemed to recognize this immediately. He loves his wild little relative.

This shot was captured during an idyllic evening kayak on Trues Pond.

The seasons of Maine are magical. In spring, the red maple blooms compete with all the different shades of pale green. As summer progresses the greens blend together until late summer and early fall when golds, yellows and reds begin to creep in until once more every tree is a different shade.

Here the changing trees are reflected in the water of Ruffingham Meadow in Searsmont with the reeds starting to blend into gold.

Pastel early sunset over Ruffingham Meadow

After a few days of rain we had a huge brush burning session and cleared much of the front yard.


Another "mistake". Dryad's brother Nixie on his terrified first day. All the remaining kittens were taken to the shelter, but it was full and Nixie came to join my family.

Fiddlehead ferns begin to change color quite early.

Red maples on the edge of a wetland

Red maples on Trues Pond during yet another magical kayak trip.

Late Summer

It was with delight that I greeted the return of our pileated woodpecker to the tree outside the bedroom window. Hopefully he will stay for the winter.

Later summer mushroom hunting was rewarding after some heavy rains. The black trumpets below are delicious and easy to recognize.

And this is Dryad, a strange looking kitten with dark, charcoal gray striped fur and huge tufts in his ears.

A Fox in the Flowerbed!

Early morning in Montville and a calm scene as mist rises from Trues Pond. There is a distinct chill in the air today. Some maples are turning color, fall is coming! When I returned to the house I spotted a red fox dashing across the flowerbed next to the screen porch! Sadly I did not have time for a photo.

The front garden, looking down the driveway.

Another gaillardia

A bee enjoys a small sunflower from a seed that escaped the bird feeder

Bee balm, a favorite with humming birds

My hibiscus that lives indoors through the winter.

Anemone

A toad, one of my favorite garden helpers with it's appetite for slugs!

Summer flowers

First we had drought and heat and now endless rain! The garden is struggling, but here are some of the beauties that have survived the weather and are currently in bloom.Delphinium

Blanket Flower - Gaillardia

Oriental Lily - Stargazer. Their scent fills the air!

Hosta

Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal flower, native to Maine

Tiger Lily

Passion Flower - Passiflora

Purple Cone Flower - Echinacea purpurea

Daylilies

In the last couple of days I have seen some leaves beginning to change and heard the geese beginning to fly south. Looks like another harsh winter is on its way.

Summer Wildlife

Living out in nature is one thing, close encounters with bears is quite another!
It was quite a shock to find this very large bear staring in through my living room window!

I am assuming this is who is responsible for all my nibbled hostas!

And the beneficial wildlife. This pretty little toad is one of many frogs and toads found in my garden and busy feasting on slugs.

Misty morning sunlight, as seen from the screen porch.

And a peaceful late afternoon paddle on the pond. It had retreated to the old river banks but recent heavy rain is swiftly restoring water levels.