Author: Barbara Burkard

Posted on

Cottage Weekend

Southampton sunsetI was privileged to stay at the Lishman’s cottage at Southampton this past weekend. Though I had a migraine the whole time it was mostly controlled by drugs and I had a good time!

Sister Cheryl and her little companion Maggie joined me Friday night and Saturday. I had to drive to Bloomingdale for church on Sunday as I was leading the service. After lunch I drove back to the cottage and stayed till Tuesday morning. Sister Martha dropped in for awhile on Momday afternoon. She snapped the photo of Billie and me.

I took a lot of pictures! Here are about a third of them

Posted on

A Special Full Moon

The First Nations of North America called the full moon of June the Strawberry Moon as strawberries ripen at this time of year. This year the full moon fell on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. This is an infrequent occurrence– the last time was 1967 and it will be another 46 years till it happens again. 

The weather was unsettled yesterday as a cold front moved in with relief from a heat wave. Moonrise was just after 9:00 pm but it was raining here then. But about an hour later the skies cleared and I got a picture of this special Strawberry Moon. 

Posted on

Great Blue Heron

This evening was beautiful so I decided to take Billie and my camera over to Shoemaker Pond. There I startled a Great Blue Heron. At first I couldn’t get close, but later, as it was busy looking for some supper I got some nice shots.

Posted on

Dandelions and other sights

Dandelions are definitely not loved by most people. But David Suzuki and others encourage us to leave them grow as they are a good source of pollen for bees. I don’t mind so much when the field is a sea of yellow, but when those white heads appear, and I think of all the seeds that will be flying through the air, landing on the lawn, and the back-breaking work to dig them out, I feel less favourable towards them.

I so like a dandelion salad, but haven’t had one since Mom made one years ago. If you try a search there are all kinds of recipes online.

And some like dandelion wine, but I’m really not into that. Nor have I ever tried dandelion tea, though some claim health benefits.

I just spent some time sitting in the field, taking pictures.

Posted on

Happy Birthday to You!