Fresh picked

Tis the start of summer and our garden is bursting with fruit!  Each day we pick about two bowls full of strawberries.  The only way to use them up before they go bad is to incorporate strawberry into everything-- strawberry ice cream, strawberry cereal, strawberry pasta?--but still there are plenty left over.   I think it might be time to take up jam-making.

ONE YEAR FRIENDVERSARY

One year ago yesterday, Zach Nichols and I became fast friends when he moved in next door to me at the ole Cradle-o-Forestry.  He sent this delightful boutique of flowers yesterday to mark the occasion!

Now I know I've been friends with people for longer than a year before, yet this is the first time I can recall getting a friendversary flower arrangement. There's just something not right about that.

Yesterday

I went up to Grandfather Mountain (about 2 hours northeast of Asheville) yesterday for a Project Conserve program.  After a very long and exhausting weekend, I was happy to have a day out of the office on Monday.  We had a relaxing hike along the Profile Trail and  a less relaxing trek along the mile high swinging bridge. 

Mile high swinging bridge

Only 3 months left in these mountains.  :(

bored black bear in captivity