The Undiscovered Country

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.

Read More

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

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.

Read More

Terrapin Tales

What a relief that I actually like the smell of bug repellent! A few days ago, I was nearly bathing in it while enjoying an outback safari-like experience complete with incessant mosquitoes. As I now liberally apply no-itch sprays, I still wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.

Read More

Gone Fluking

Harry promised sleep of the gods. This was my first thought when the alarm woke me at an obscene time last Saturday morning. An avid fisherman, our pal Harry said the waking up part was terrible, but come nightfall I could expect a glorious slumber.

Read More