Farming/Nature

Porcupines

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Our weekly pilgrimage on the trails around town helps us to lead a wide awake life. Earlier this fall, I had launched into one of my endless narratives while climbing the hills; my friends may or may have not had their hands clapped over their ears, but their peace on the trail was short-lived, as my faithful pup uttered a strange bark and bounded off after two woodland creatures. She was in hot pursuit of a pair of porcupines. I watched as they headed towards the nearest tree. They were still on the ground, so I needed to rein in the pup, and I resorted to all the tricks I had learned at the dog obedience class which we had pretty much flunked earlier last spring.

Farming/Nature

The Beauty of Imperfection

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A little while back I was on a ferry off the coast of Cape Cod. The seas were a bit rough and I was glad not to be upchucking when I caught sight of two men making their way on deck. Like bookends, these two guys had bald heads, madras shirts and sneakers. I noticed one of the men was helping the other; hand on the small of his back, arm resting on his friend’s. The friend had some crutches, and a glimpse at his footwear told me that walking was not easy, and had never been.

Farming/Nature

Troubled Youngster

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At least twice during a few days in September, this juvenile bald eagle was seen loitering on a residential street in Suffield center, a surprising view for early morning walkers or motorists.

Farming/Nature

Good Harvest This Year

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Farmhands load a few more lath on the rack, to be hauled off to be hung. On August 30, the Nowak farm crew had nearly finished cutting the broadleaf on the Mountain Road field west of the Goodyear greenhouses.

Farming/Nature

Possums, Our North American Marsupials

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Around this time of year I can’t help but think of times spent in lecture halls back in those college days. One of my favorite professors was a tall drink of water, had Clark Kent glasses, a bald head and wrote in all capital letters on the board. During the honeymoon period I hung on his every word until half way through the semester when I decided to divert my energy towards enticing my dreamy lab partner into my inner circle. My hook was largely a collection of peasant blouses, hoop earrings, and huarache sandals coupled with a nonchalant attitude about schoolwork. I figured that combination screamed casual sophistication and soon we would be inseparable.