Roadside Flowers

There Might an Elephant . . .

. . . is my explanation for why I almost always have my camera with me . . . in this case, on the front seat of the car. 

It wasn't an elephant this time, but an almost full grown bear, crossing the river road on the upstream side of Marshall.

Although I know they're around our place -- Justin spotted one a few weeks ago below our barn -- I never see them. So this was exciting. 

There's something so appealing about bears -- being brought up with teddy bears may account for it. But why did teddy bears become so popular?

I can fully understand why many primitive peoples venerated these magnificent critters.

Downstairs -- aka Justin and Claui's Place

Justin loves doing rock work. He's fortunate to have access to lots of rock and a tractor with a bucket on front. He and Claui are turning the yard of their very modest little house into a thing of beauty.

He's building yet another wall here -- check out the big rock with the hole.

I love the colors too -- orange day lilies, deep red Japanese maple, yellows and greens, and, of course, another blue bench.

When Things Go Right . . .

Norman Rockwell - Town Meeting

Here's some good news.  Permission has been denied for a planned asphalt plant, just outside the Marshall city limits and far too close to downtown, residential areas, our beautiful river, and other sensitive place.

At one time, the granting of such a permit would likely have been a slam dunk -- especially since the family requesting it is local and well liked.

But  . . . concerns about air quality, noise pollution, increased traffic, lowering of property values, and the potential for harm became a rallying point for many concerned residents of the area.

They formed a grassroots organization --Sustainable Madison -- and began circulating petitions against the plant, attending county meetings, and educating themselves and their neighbors about the potential damage such a plant in such a location could cause.

The County Commissioners, Board of Aldermen, and the Board of Health all heard the concerns of this dedicated group.

Finally, the decision went to the Board of Adjustments and that required legal representation. Money was raised to hire a lawyer for the hearings -- which in the end totaled  thirty hours -- and you know lawyers aren't cheap. So far, over $54, 000 has been raised to cover legal fees.

And it worked. Monday night the Board of Adjustment ruled unanimously that the applicants for the permit had failed to show that the planned asphalt plant "would not adversely affect health and safety of individuals living and working in the neighborhood, would not be injurious to property or public improvements in the neighborhood, and would not be detrimental to the public welfare."

It's wonderful what a group of concerned citizens can accomplish. I am so proud of and thankful for the dedicated folks that hung in there and won this victory for our town.

Aside from getting a few names on a petition, speaking against the plant at a meeting of the County Commissioners, and donating money, I haven't been nearly as engaged in this battle as the folks in the midst of the action -- folks who held fundraisers, interviewed people who live near other asphalt plants, did extensive research, and attended meeting after meeting, politely making their points. And just kept on keeping on . . .

Kudos to all the Sustainable Madison folks! It really gives me hope.

Rain Kissed

Reading All Over the Place

It's not unusual for me to have several books going at once but I realized today that I was reading all over the place.  

The giant tome of Ursula LeGuin's collected Earthsea books is too heavy to read except at a table. So I read a few pages every morning as I eat breakfast. This has its advantages, as the books deserve slow and thoughtful perusal rather than the rapid skim that is my default reading style. 

I'm listening my way (again) through the Aubrey/Maturin books by Patrick O'Brian.  I'm nearing the end of the series with The Yellow Admiral -- which I consume in 15 (sometimes 30) minute bits as I fall asleep at night. O'Brian keeps me company in the kitchen too when I have tedious food prep to do.

But . . .

I took a notion to watch Good Omens again -- I binge watched the whole thing in one long night when it first came out -- and I'm ready to see it again -- in smaller doses, So, watching on my Kindle at night is supplanting Aubrey/Maturin for the nonce.

And there's my continuing fascination with Aunt Jane's Nieces -- the early 1900's series written under a pseudonym by Baum -- the author of the Oz books. Yes, they're formulaic and silly but they're a fascinating look at the life and prejudices of the times. From dealing with bandits in Italy to motoring cross-country in a touring car that doubles as a camper (with a chauffeur named Wampus, ) I just can't quit these spunky girls and their millionaire uncle. 

If I need a change of scenery, there's Robert Graves's I, Claudius - the 1937 edition I found on my parents' bookshelf and read (with some amazement) when I was in eighth grade. There is much in this tale of imperial depravity, nepotism, and political maneuvering that reminds me of our current situation.  This book is so dense with characters and poisonings and betrayals that a little bit at a time is the way to read it. 

And of course there are the books I read to Josie -- Ladybug Girl and Skippyjon Jones, and Wait Till the Moon is Full, to name a few.

But wait, there's more! I'm also reading the submissions for my upcoming class at Wildacres.  Just finished the opening pages of a cozy set at a B&B and am embarked on the adventures of a badass female hacker. Who knows what awaits in the other six submissions?

Variety is the spice of reading. It's nice to have lots of choices  -- to match whatever I'm in the mood for.

What are you reading/listening to now? Are you reading all over the place?

At Random

Volunteer poppy, still producing blooms.

Justin's Father's Day socks from Claui and Josie.

Great Mullein -- another volunteer.

Josie rescued her hat from its original purpose as a toilet tissue cover.

A Scarlet Tanager -- they don't come to the feeders so they're not easy to photograph. I was elated to capture this much.

Basil

Josie is fashion forward with hat and button necklace.

And flower sex happens.

Josie Is Back -- and Catching Up

Daylily Time