I love you, Alix Dobkin.

Whenever I think I'm at my end and can't find my feet or focus or socks without holes I dig out a compilation entitled "Let My People Come", given to me by America's Funnyman and his lovely wife many years back, and suddenly all is right with the world.  Featuring, I think, just a few songs from the musical of the same name, the most significant track for me is "Every Woman Can Be a Lesbian" by Alix Dobkin.  I feel better just thinking about it.  Ms. Dobkin happens to be a fellow Hudson Valley resident and I'd probably have a little bit of a moment if I ever ran into her.  I'll probably never be a lesbian but Alix is a really neat lady and I'm so grateful for her (and appreciate the words of encouragement).


We haven't spent enough time in our woods.  So today we decided to spend some time there, despite the heat and the mayflies and ample important work that needs doing elsewhere on the property.  These aren't old woods and they don't harbor the kind of biological diversity I was hoping for, but they have some charm..

...and mayapples galore!

It never fails to amaze, how venturing past the tree line can transform a person.  The woods remind me, almost demand me, to be calm and quiet and present and to pay close attention.  If I'd rushed through hastily and carelessly I'd have missed (and likely destroyed) this:

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Another interesting aspect of our woods is this old stone wall or terrace that now serves as the boundary between ours and the neighbors' property. 

On our little woodland adventure Tristan also discovered bottles and bones and a weed we'd never seen..

What is this?  Not Scotch broom I hope...!

..as well as this peculiar orange rust on a native, invasive bramble.

Who says disease isn't pretty.