Monthly Archives: July 2011

Quiet Medicine

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Randy Tindall

Being in our backyard calms—-me—-down.  It is a palpable sensation, beginning within minutes of going out there and just sitting—just watching and listening.  Even though Nadia and I live along a busy street, the traffic noise fades to insignificance in … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings, Society | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Beans and Butterflies

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Randy Tindall

My Dad stopped and stared at some plants in our yard, then turned to stare at me.  “Did you just forget to pull these things?” he asked.  “Because if you did, I can do it for you now.” “No”, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Edible Native Plants, Farming, Musings, Native Plants | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Backyard Haute (or at least, Hot) Cuisine

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Randy Tindall

Aficionados of native edibles can get into ruts.  It’s easy to cook down all wild greens like they were spinach, or to make omelets and fritatas with them, or throw them in with a bunch of potatoes to roast or … Continue reading →

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Beneath the Surface

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Randy Tindall

Daydreaming in our backyard one afternoon, I heard something hit the side of our house, just a few feet away. Startled, I looked up to see a struggling sparrow, looking newly-fledged and adolescent-clumsy, fluttering off our deck and again hitting … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Golden Invasion

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Randy Tindall

Koganemushi froze, senses alert for danger as it detected motion.  It raised its tiny oars in defense, then tucked and rolled, releasing its devastated leaf in a desperate bid to disappear beyond my sight.  Too late.  Before it could turn … Continue reading →

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Courtship and Cookies: A Dubious Guide

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Randy Tindall

There are cookies, and then then there are cookies.  These were cookies.  Handsome, dark, subtly sweet, not overpowering, but able to make you want another, and then maybe another after that.  Bad for diets.  Good for indulgence. So, of course, … Continue reading →

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