Walking Iten's Acres: Mythology December 31, 2015

I heard some interesting mythology today--at the gas station. I mean, where else can you find such stories? They said that there used to be this bright yellow thing up in the sky. No, really, Even on the coldest days it would make things warmer and, of course, brighter. There were times during the year that it would make all these little colorful things pop out of the ground--some of them even had aromas! I know! Man, fantastical stuff. It would even turn your skin brown if you were out in it too long. Whoa, does that mean prophets would have had to cover their bald heads? How would you know who they were? Scary! They said sometimes it made things so hot you had to turn on these machines called air confusers or air conflicters, or air . . . conditioners. Yea, that was it--air conditioners. To cool off buildings and stuff. They called it the sun--I guess because like sons brighter up your day. Now, now, I'm not saying daughters can't be bright--I'm just discussing the mythology. Gee, don't be so sensitive. Anyway, it's just a myth. I've seen such things that might make you want to believe. I've seen pictures of those pretty things that supposedly come out of the ground. There's this strange box like machine outside my cave that someone could imagine to be one of those air things. But hey, I've lived in Ohio long enough to know a myth when I hear it. Especially coming from a couple guys in a gas station. And I'm not wearing anything on my head! Sun. Humph. The things people come up with. Well, off for another gray walk under the lovely skies of Ohio. Enjoy your day!

Today at Iten's Acres: Frightful December 28, 2015

Blustery day at The Acres. The walks were, shall we say, "brisk." I loved them. Feathered friends were quite active. Calico didn't come out until the rain stopped. She sits now by the "bowl" until I come out to put some food in it. She still slithers away and waits for me to go back inside before she'll eat. But she knows that if she just sits there, the old man will feed her. The drops on the trees were freezing today--beautiful sight and even a lovely crackle in the wind at times. The tree tops are howling and moaning, singing the wind's song. The pond is as deep as I've ever seen it. It has gone from a mud hole to a new Great Lake--Lake COBG sounds good to me. The inhabitants are still clustering in the middle. Swimming a little deeper but still leaving a golden tint. An almost winter day. All we need now are some flakes. If all this rain had been snow . . . I'd have been safe in my cave until April. Oh, the trials of being a hermit. "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow." Frightful is good.

Walking Iten's Acres: Winter Decorations December 26, 2015

Another nice "perk" of living in the country is that God does my winter decorations. Green pines stand out everywhere against either their blue or gray background. As soon as you enter The Acres, "Hester" looms before you covered with the deepest red cones. Red and green every Christmas! And other conifers are scattered everywhere--along the sides, around the pond, up by the cave, in the meadow and wild areas. Green everywhere no matter how cold it gets. And there are little green ornaments throughout The Acres too--Lenten Roses scattered here and there. And along with Hester's gorgeous red "ornaments," I have the "reds" streaking or congregating on the waters of the pond. sometimes under a film of ice. And the flying red beauties are ubiquitous--and on warmer winter days they even burst into song--:"pretty, pretty, pretty." Flying musical ornaments. Are you jealous? And the lights!!! True, on cloudy days they don't shine. But, oh, on clear days! The skies are stunning. Breath-taking. And, on occasion, He decorates everything with beautiful white crystal lace. Beauteous even as He "sprinkles" them on everything, everywhere. He does icicles, too. He is quite the decorator for my winter times. And, even cooler, He never takes them down.

Today at Iten's Acress: Spoiled December 22, 2015

Observations from another day at The Acres:
Actually, it started last night. Being a light sleeper, I was twice awakened by rain drops falling on my head. I think it may possibly be as restful as sleep to lie in the darkness and listen to the falling rain. One of these days I need to get a tin roof.
I think the two calico cats must be Mom and Daughter. They look so much alike. Hang out together. Mom always lets the kid eat first. Beautiful creatures. Fearful. They need to learn from Homesteader. After I fed her a couple of times, she followed me around whenever I came outside. And gave me a piece of her mind, of course. That hasn't changed. Bossy.
What a luscious day to sit on the green throne at the top of the hill. Way too warm for winter. I'd like some cold please--and snow. But I can't complain about today. In quietness will be your strength. I should be the strongest man in the world. Sigh. Reality, reality, reality. I'm just an old man who likes quietness. Shhhh.
The blue pincushion flower that wouldn't quit blooming must have drawn attention to itself. Something ate most of it. Beware of the danger of showing off.
The home of the red polka dots is getting deeper and deeper. They certainly love the rain and the warmth. I think 150 may have been a little low when it comes to the pond dwellers. They apparently don't take a break from schooling.
A possum can run pretty fast when it's being pursued by an old man with a shovel.
Pileated woodpeckers like the feeders in the trees. Shy things for being so monstrous.

Another day at The Acres. God certainly knows how to spoil His children.

Today at Iten's Acres: Day One of Christmas Break December 20, 2015

Day One of Break:
Awakened early by the furry alarm clock--cold nose, whiskers, incessant caterwauling. There has to be a button to push that says "This is not a school day." Ah, well.
Fed the boss breakfast. You didn't think she was looking out for my benefit did you? Huh. Fed the feathered friends. Takes awhile. There are several feeders spread throughout The Acres. Fed the flock of cats--it's down to two--calico both. One is kitten size. One is Momma size--in more ways than one. Beauties both. Still a little scaredy cat in both of them. The kitten not so much. She comes right up to the doorwindow and exchanges stares with The Homesteader. Reading minds maybe? You never know with cats. Interestingly, I had a whole flock of city dwellers at The Acres today--house sparrows. There's nothing remotely resembling a city within miles of here. Must have followed me home from Worthington.
Film of ice on the pond. Goldfish undeterred. Several large schools in attendance all day. They, were, however, more toward the middle of the pond than the edges. Lovely sight.
Took several walks naturally. I still have one flower that refuses to give up--a blue pincushion at the front of the property in one of the pot bunkers. I am expecting the pussy willow by the pond to start "blooming" soon especially if the weather stays warm--it was a little chilly today with a snow flurry or two.
The challenge for today was writing sixteen devotionals for the school project. Tomorrow I will have to go to school after church and enter them on the computer so they can be "harvested" by the folks in charge of the project. That will take most of the afternoon.
All in all, a good day one. Now, if I can just do something about the alarm clock.

This Week at Iten's Acres: Three Days November 28, 2015

Two beautiful days at The Acres. Couldn't have asked for better weather. And tomorrow should be great too--until the evening showers. And I love showers. My soul is overwhelmed with the serenity of God's creation--and its gentle quietness. Thank You, Lord. Now, I was thinking that for Christmas break . . .

Day three is "in the books." Strange, I know, but I love walking and "working" in a soft rain. (Even sitting on the green throne.) I could, of course, use another month or so to get the things done I'd like to do, but a day at a time. It's a while til spring. And it is amazing as I clear some of the wildness in the front of The Acres how many things that were in "hiding" have been doing just fine. Unlike we humans they don't need to be noticed to keep on being faithful--growing and spreading, waiting for their season to bear fruit. The goldfish, too, seem to like the rain. Tons of them at the very top of the pond seemingly enjoying the showers. Different kind of wet, I guess. And I still have a crab apple that refuses to surrender its leaves. I won't complain. By the way, one of my new neighbor's dogs is named Annabel Lee. He's a Dublin policeman, so I (judgmentally) assume he's not a Poe fan. Maybe his wife is an English teacher? Wouldn't that be scary for the hopes of Morrow County. Two English teachers living next to each other. Horrors!!! I wonder what the other dog's name is? Pendulum? Pit? Ah, well. The three days are gone. Loved everyone of them. Well, I do love just about every day. Gifts to be thankful for, are they not? Don't forget to tell Him.

Today at Iten's Acres: Rest November 22, 2015

I am thankful for Saturdays. Time to roam The Acres. Do some last minute mulching. Move a couple things. Fill up the bird feeders. Clean out one of the beds. Imagine what spring will bring. Sit in the chair in front of the doorwindow, lights off, watch and listen to the rain. Enjoy the pile of white fur sleeping contentedly in my lap. Rest. Thank You, Lord, for rest. May I never become addicted to busyness--especially spiritual busyness.

This Week at Iten's Acres: Thankful November 19, 2015

I am thankful that for the last decade or so the Lord has allowed me to live my days at The Acres. The solitude is perfect for my timidity and "aloneness." The silence is perfect for my melancholy and meditative spirit. The beauty is perfect for my, well, my love of the beautiful in His creation. The variety of environments has allowed me to add a variety of shrubs and flowers to its loveliness--from shade to bog to pond side to sunny meadow to dappled hideaways, He has beautiful glories for every site. And the Gardening Angels He has assigned to "labor" at The Acres are masters of the stunning surprise. It was, in addition, the perfect place to bring Mom for the last five years of her journey Home.
He has given me a host of feathered friends as well. And lately a flock of cats for entertainment. Not to mention the white dishrag, Nosy Rosy, Homesteader to rule over the cave. He knows how to give good gifts.
Often He and I have had a conversation as I meandered in and out among the beautiful. Often I speak to Him aloud--without neighbors thinking I've lost my mind. I'm sure I do more talking and less listening than I should, but He is a loving, patient Father. Weeping and rejoicing have both been sown here as well. The soil is fertile. Each day I sense His presence Yet, He is wise enough to send me out into the "world" to love and be loved--I hope--by that most spontaneous of creatures--the teenager. I "try" to make sure they know that He is my constant Companion--even in the halls of man-made buildings.
It has been quite a marvelous decade. One I could never have imagined. Above all I could ask or think. Yes, good gifts are His specialty. And I thank Him each and every day, each and every walk, each and every bloom, each and every each and every. I have been truly blessed.

Today at Iten's Acres: Out of Hiding November 15, 2015

Now that they have come out of "hiding" and are basking in the sunlight in a pond that has lost its reeds to the now departed muskrat, I would say that there are at least--at least--150 goldfish in my little pond. All sizes--some not really gold, but active everywhere. Where were they hiding all summer?

This Week at Iten's Acres: Mid-November Musings November 14, 2015

A mid-November day at The Acres. Chilly but enjoyable. Planted a few seeds--if that's the proper term for sowing seeds. Filled the bird feeders that only get filled on the weekends. It gets dark too early now to do much once I get home from school. Walking in the twilight on week days is good though. Believe it or not a few flowers are still hanging on. Phlox under the eaves, liriope, hardy cyclamen, a few asters and even a small patch of goldenrod. Still have some mulching to do--well, lots of mulching to do. And clearing out beds and other areas. The "fun" work of late fall and winter. The pussy willow by the pond is getting ready to shake its fist in winter's face. Still a few gold fish enjoying the sunlight. They spread out all over the pond. I hope we get some more rain before winter's freeze. Just to make sure the pond is deep enough so the orange floaters can survive the frozen pond. Still two cats hanging around--both calico. One is older; one is just a kitten. They now come running whenever I leave out food--once I "go away," of course. Scaredy cats. The kitten and Homesteader exchange niceties at the frontdoorwindow. Who knows what they're plotting. Lots of birds feeding when the cats are elsewhere--sparrow of many kinds, goldfinch, snowbirds, cardinals, blue jays, chickadee, nuthatch, titmouse--even an occasional robin. Woodpeckers adorn the suet feeders. And it was a relatively calm day today. The last couple of days the wind was howling in the dead branches--though I actually love the moaning. There is never a time of the year when the serenity and beauty of The Acres is not good for my old soul. Thank You Lord for the beauty of the earth that you have allowed me to rest in (and Mom) these last few years. My soul rejoices in the quietness of Your artistry. Your still small voice whispers everywhere. Shhhh. Listen. Slow down. The Lord is at hand.

Today at Iten's Acres Dear Feathered Friends November 5, 2015

Dear Feathered Friends,
I am not trying to set you up, I promise. You see, someone dumped some kittens on The Acres, and I'm just putting out a little food each day so the little things don't starve to death. No offense. It is not my intention that you become "dinner." They will just eat and leave, and then you can feast on the bird food I put out for you. Fair enough? Good.

Dear Chipmunks. Please come to "dinner."

This Week at Iten's Acres November's Bloom November 4, 2015

Even in November new flowers bloom:  behold, the gorgeous fall crocus.

Walking Iten's Acres News Flash November 4, 2015

News Flash from Iten's Acres: It appears the water got so low in the pond that the muskrat has moved on to deeper waters in some other pond in Morrow County. Ergo: When I took my twilight stroll after school--myriads of goldfish enjoying the evening with me.

Backroads of Morrow County: Promises October 28, 2015

I love this time of year. As I cruised the backroads this evening, the splendor of autumn was glorious. Though many--most?--of the leaves have fallen, the burnt orange, especially, have refused to give in and abandon their posts. The pin oaks as well--red as fire--are holding on to their loveliness. They, usually, hold on til spring--fade to brown--but refuse to yield their grip on the limbs until the new buds jettison them to the earth below. Life conquering death. The burning bush are everywhere as well. Morrow County is afire. A touch of yellow here, a bronze dogwood there, and, of course, the pines, firs, and spruce of every shape and size and kind stand boldly refusing to blush at the cold's onslaught. I even love the bareness of the leafless trees. Are they not a promise of new life, of fruit in its season, of the glories that follow the winters of life?
And the pastures are still full. Black Angus congregating around the stacks of hay but still feeding on the green grasses. Who can blame them? And I always love the one who seems to be a hermit cow, refusing to join the group--content to stand off by itself--comfortable with its solitude. My favorite flock is the sheep with its one slate gray, beautiful member. His distinctiveness in the sea of white makes him stand out--a stunning beauty in the still green meadow.
My favorite thing this time of year--as you may know--is the return of the expanse. Some fields have their corn stubble. Some have been plowed again--the brown and black clods with a signature stark beauty and promise of their own. Some fields have been replanted with something--new green meadows are rising to the sky. And the skies of autumn! Tonight, mountains of gray clouds with the fire of a sunset glowing behind them, silhouetting them with golden trim. But it's the openness I love the most. The contours of the land have returned. The gently sloping hills under the corn and soy beans are now free to reach into the horizon and the heavens. The stands of trees, too, have opened up--you can see the light playing in the shadows. A dappled darkness where once only dark prevailed and sight was useless. Houses and barns on the far side of the fields have reappeared as well. White and red and brown and gray. Added touches--props--to the beauty of a country open again to the sky. The world is bigger! And yet, it seems more intimate. I have no doubt that I could walk the hills and touch the sky on the horizon. Play among the clouds. I have no doubt that I could walk through the trees and find myself in the light of the meadow that's been hiding on the other side. And the human structures seem to be as touchable as the picturesque backgrounds in a new painting. Ah, autumn. thy beauty is a wondrous gift. And full of promise

Backroads of Morrow County: Nightime Harvest October 26, 2015

Driving home tonight in moonlight so brilliant I'm sure I could have made it safely even without my headlights. And the threat of rain has unleashed the monsters into the fields of Morrow County. Their four shining eyes and the sound of their feasting on the harvest is only fitting for a chill October evening. Spring sowing brings autumn's reaping. Sun and rain and time and patience always leads to a rich harvest.

Walking Iten's Acres: Last Walk before the Frost October 17, 2015

Last walk before the "killer" frost.

Walking Iten's Acres: Chilly in October October 4, 2015

Chilly wet day at The Acres. The phlox, hibiscus, and annuals don't seem to mind. And, of course, the wild flowers. The monk's hood and hardy cyclamen have just started to bloom actually. I'm still waiting for the fall crocus. I even have an iris with buds on it. Still not much in the leaf changing category. The dogwoods some. And the poison ivy is brilliant red. I was going to work outside all day today, but I'm leaning toward wimping out. The Backroads of Morrow County have edged toward harvest time. Lots of the soy beans are gone. Just a little of the corn. Lots of green and red monsters sitting in the fields. One farmer has already taken in his beans and plowed all his fields. Maybe he planted something, but I can't imagine what. Even if I don't "work" I will have to take a couple of walks naturally. Can't completely waste a Saturday!

Walking Iten's Acres: A September Gallery (and Cat Tales) September 27, 2015