Where the Wild Things Are

My sister Ruth and I drove to Mark's (see Tuesday's post) yesterday. He and Greg were at work, so he was kind enough to let us enjoy his garden and woodland retreat on our own. And what a treat! When we got there, the sun porch was left open for us with some surprises on the table ... fresh pole beans and garlic!

The natural garden was very interesting and Ruth couldn't stop shooting photos. And I couldn't stop shooting photos of her because she looked so cute and was enjoying herself so much. She really liked the way Mark used all the things in nature — the fence posts around the garden are made with tree limbs, for example — and she marveled at the raised beds made with logs from trees Mark had cleared to make a spot for his garden. For a no-weeding and pesticide-free garden, things sure are growing well in this place. I had Ruth crouch down near the rhubarb  so that you could appreciate the size of the leaves. I don't think I've ever seen rhubarb leaves this big. And Ruth's question, "How does he keep the critters out?" was answered: a fence with wire mesh about 8 feet high. It also keeps out the surrounding woodlands that seem to want to encroach into this small enclosure. It made me think of times gone by. It seemed like a garden that our ancestors might have kept. It was very charming and we could feel the TLC put into it.

My favorite spot was the goldfish pond with its waterfall. What is it about moving water that is so attractive? We fed the fish with some food that Mark left us. When we first walked near the pond the fish seemed to perk up. We think they knew what was coming. We sat and stood and crouched here for a long time, taking photos (the most photographed area!) and eating our lunch of leftover rice, chickpeas, beets, kale and fresh organic blueberries, sitting on the grass. I mentioned to Ruth that it was funny that we were watching the fish while eating from fish-shaped bowls!

Another great thing about the fish pond is that it's also inhabited by two frogs, one large bull frog and a smaller one. I LOVE frogs ... and so does Ruth. She got up close and personal with these guys. And took some really good pictures of them. Neither of us has a telephoto lens, but she practically climbed into the pond to get face to face with them.

On the way home, as Mark suggested, we drove by Torrey Pond and on to Elvin Farm in Readfield, about a 10-minute drive farther. The corn wasn't quite ready, but I bought some sunflowers. And Ruth got a nice candid shot of Eric Elvin leaning up against his tractor resting after a long day's work. I take credit for spotting this shot and give her the credit for her lightning speed and reflexes with the camera! He seemed like a really nice man. On our way out, a woman smiled and waved as we drove by, which always gives me a good feeling, like good energy passing between two people. It made me think of our Mom.

On our way home Ruth remarked that she had done a lot of fun things this week. I took this to mean that this was one of them! Thanks Mark. What an enjoyable day!

P.S. We decided to each do a photo album of our favorites from Tuesday, so check back! They'll be posted soon. Wait 'til you see Ruth's frog! Mark, do the frogs have names?

Comments

[maria]

Hi Meg,

This is a really cute story. Jeremy is planning on building a natural pool and an organic garden, then we will live in heaven...that´s what it sounds like when you are talking about your little adventure, nature is the best thing in the world....

I have been trying to find out if frozen vegetables have even more vitamins than the ones that have been eaten after a few days of collecting them. A friend sent us an article where it said that since frozen vegetables are frozen right after they are picked up, they don´t loose as many vitamins. Is this true?

Love,

Maria

[Ruth]

I still want to know if the frogs have names? :D

[Meg Wolff]

To answer Maria's question, I would say the fresher the better, frozen still may have vitamins, but not the same taste or life force.

And Ruth, I have emailed Mark to inquire about the frogs names!

[Mark Boucher]

Hi All!
I finally christened the frogs this morning, Bubba and Tina!! Although I can only see Bubba (the big one) this morning..Reminds me of a funny story, one morning a couple years ago I was down at the pond watching the frogs...A huge bullfrog was nose to nose with a little frog and I was thinking "how cute is that!" Well, before my shocked eyes in a flash the bullfrog gulped down the tiny frog, it's hind legs squirming outside of the bullfrogs mouth!!! Makes me think there's a good chance Tina ended up inside Bubba's belly.
Mark

[Meg Wolff]

This is funny and sad at the same time...keep a watch out and let us know if Tina returns. So,...are frogs canabalistic???