What I am learning about the cooperation in nature

[truedelphi]

When we moved into this hillside property some three years ago, we put out bird feeders.

Our whole goal in doing this was so that the birds would have some food.

However by the end of that first fall, with four separate pairs of gorgeous red headed woodpeckers now living almost full time in the woods surrounding our place, we came to realize that the trees were healthier.

Many of the pines had been in very bad shape when we moved in. They probably had some type of beetle problem. They were missing any green needles on their lower boughs. And even quite high up on the tree, you would see only wispy pale green foliage.

Now many of the pines are bright green, with new spring green needle clusters emerging even though it is July. It is so nice that none of them had to be sacrificed to a "tree company" due to illness. Many of them stand over sixty feet. And some might be above ninety.

I have become so delighted by all the interconnections. When M. or I go out and hose down the cucumbers and tomatoes and peppers, and also of course the flowers and St John's wort, little lizards come out to snatch the insects. One time a 20 inch alligator lizard came strolling down the forty foot pinion oak - quite alert to every insect he or she saw on the way down.

My back was in very bad shape last fall, and X rays told a sad tale - my spinal column was disintegrating. But this spring, I felt well enough to drive the van about eight blocks over to a hillside where I pick nettles. There I scoop up anywhere from 20 to 60 lbs of rich organic earth to replenish the rocky soil of my yard. And just the simple activities of working on this project has strengthened my back immensely.

The nature surrounding me has cleared my head, rejuvenated body and soul. Like the pines, I am immensely happier.

[sazemisery]

1. Mother Nature is one smart cookie.

If we would just let her work her magic and get out of the way! Glad to hear your back is feeling better, your pines are doing better and Mother Earth is sustaining you.

[truedelphi]

2. One of my true loves is Astrologer/philosopher Carolyn Casey

She mentions in one of her lectures that when things were really bad under G Bush, she noticed that some people still felt optimistic and still looked and acted very grounded.

She found out that they were the ones deeply involved in gardening.

I can totallly relate to that insight.

[sazemisery]

3. Intense gardening got me through the last 8 years!

I agree 100%.

[truedelphi]

4. Makes a person wonder if we should not require that all our leaders spend time

Planting and cultivating the soil.

If George W had just planted things instead of brush whacking - maybe we'd have gotten some peace!