Today is the first full day of getting used to “natural” time again and the last full day of electioning. Which means it is hopefully nearing the end of the “poll” watchers – a term that used to mean someone in a strip club! And don’t think the summer solstice was the longest day of 2012 – TOMORROW is the longest day of 2012!

I look in awe at the extreme force and immense devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Not just the impact to the human population, but also the consequences to all populations of wildlife. Consider, for example, the tree toll from the hurricane and the storms of snow, or the damage of freshwater systems being infused with salt water. Watch the bird feeders for possibly displaced species.

While H. Sandy could be described as a fast moving disaster – the Drought is being painted as a “super slow motion” disaster. But there are many faces of a drought phenomenon and they are not always negative.

Gentiana puberulenta (Downy Gentian)

This fall the gentian prospered greatly, producing thick bundles of purplish blue throughout the research plots and the preserve. The cup shaped flowers open to show their pale green venation markings within.  The blooming of the gentian heralds the closing of the prairie flower season and often carries thru the first frost snaps.

The drought reduced the height of the prairie grasses, thus exposing the lower stratum to more sunlight. Upon inspection one can note the gentian flourished most vigorously near patches of bare soil. When back lit, the gentian silhouette looks much like its frequent visitor the hawkmoth.

Some gentian species have been known to yield potent alcoholic refreshments, upon fermentation of their roots.

Spiranthes cernua (Ladies’ tresses)

These small spirally nodding orchids did not fare nearly as well.  They were far fewer in number and smaller in stature than last year.

Equisetum hyemale (horsetail)

The dry season produced aerial heights and brilliant colours dubbing the Equisetum as the “Coral Snake” of the fall.

Dusty roads

No moisture and no wind produce “hayes-y” conditions along the gravel section of Fort Street at 180th. The dust hangs heavy in the valley reach.

Moonrise of the Hunter

Which orb is the Hunter’s Full Moon?

I learned while watching NCIS that we take approximately 18,000 breaths a day. Then I started wondering what exactly is in the “intake air” that we breathe 18,000 times a day?

And one should ponder why we call animal crackers “animal crackers?” They should not be called crackers at all – because cheese goes on crackers – and nobody puts cheese on animal cra–cookies.

Gnomeville W-A