Urban Nature

I've been thinking about my role as a Park Ranger lately.  I would like a change of pace, but it will take time to make that happen. In the meantime, although I am surrounded by history in a big city, I am drawn to signs of nature.  It is there, I just have to look closely.

Sometimes it is quiet and still...

Above my head in the London Plain tree sits a hawk watching cars go by.

...while other times, nature is noisy and energetic.



This squirrel chitted at nearby birds after burying a supply of acorns.















Sometimes nature offers an unexpected surprise...

yet often provides an expected comfort during change in a rushing world.

No matter where or when, signs of nature help me regain my focus

The Simple Pleasure of a Swing

A swing, indoors or out, is a delightful thing and sets the imagination aflight.

The Swing

How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside--

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown--
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

-Robert Louis Stevenson-

Pine Cone Fun

I am thrilled that our 2-year old is happy to play with simple pine cones just as much, if not more than, plastic, battery-operated toys. (Pine cones always sit on our nature table awaiting play.)

When I watch the boys play with objects of nature I am convinced that simplicity in their toys and surroundings is beneficial and attainable.

With this post, we are joining Beneath the Rowan Tree in an international playdate.
Come join us!

See others' nature inspiration at:

Baked Acorn Squash

With Autumn, comes comfort food. One of my favorite comfort foods is Baked Acorn Squash. It is so tasty and makes the whole house smell good. (Now if only I could get the boys to eat it!)

Baked Acorn Squash

2 acorn squashes

4 tbs water

4 tbsp butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 medium apple - diced

Preheat oven to 350

Cut acorn squash in half vertically. Spoon out the seeds and place halves in a baking dish, hollowed side up. If you put 4 tablespoons of water in the baking dish, it helps the squash stay moist while it bakes.

In a glass measuring cup or bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of butter, stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar. After the sugar is well stirred in, add 1 medium apple, diced. (You may want to peel the skin off as some varieties have a thick skin that does not soften much during cooking.)

Spoon the butter/sugar/apple mixture in the halves of the squash. Cover with foil, leaving an opening for a vent. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes. (To test the squash, your fork should slide in easily.)

Enjoy!

Simple Pleasures - Weeping Willow in the Wind

One of my favorite simple pleasures is listening to the wind blowing through the trees. Yesterday, while Shane and I played outside, the wind picked up and we couldn't help but notice the blustery noise of our willow tree as the wind blew through. It was so loud and wonderful! (My dad planted the tree in 2003 and it is already a wonderful shade tree that lends a dreamy quality to our backyard. A friend who brought her children over recently said our play house under the tree looked so quaint that she expected the 3 bears to walk out any minute!)

Oh, how I wanted to spread out a blanket in the shade and fall asleep listening to the wind blow, one of my favorite childhood memories. But alas, a little boy wanted to play ball with mama instead. I happily accommodated.