I never thought I would have my own woods, let alone a bridge over a stream into the woods. Working in the woods is calming. I highly recommend it. I have some fence repair to do, but along the way, there is time to pause and look at the thimble berries. It won’t be long before the berries turn pink and then bright red before they disappear in my mouth. The best way to eat them is to bring your lips right up to them. When they are ripe, the thimbleberries will fall right into your mouth, no hands or fingers required.

On the forest floor, a bed of soft moss has become the landing place of vine maple samaras and cottonwood fluff.

The dogs love it when I have to go into the woods. With their ears and noses, they experience sensations that we humans can’t even fathom.