Mother Nature
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Anatomy of a Sunrise 02/02/2020
This past Sunday, we marked Groundhog Day, and this year, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, so spring is on the way. Sunday also marked the first palindrome date in 909 years, meaning it is the same when read… Continue reading
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That’s So Pat! 1/9/2020
Dear Pat: I miss you very much. I haven’t seen you since October of 2018. During all these long months, I’ve left out — in all kinds of weather — a garden sculpture of your likeness so you would be… Continue reading
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The Knee Also Rises
“The sunrise view” — that’s the formal name of the featured image in this post which is an x-ray of my right knee flexed. It’s called the sunrise view because the patella (the kneecap) appears to be rising over the… Continue reading
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Green Orb
Ever take a photograph with your iPhone (or any camera) and later realize there was a green orb in the middle of it, seemingly ruining it? Apparently this phenomenon is haze or flare created by a strong source of light… Continue reading
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Faces of the Tulips
Good morning, good morning, good morning . . . and HAPPY EASTER! Last November I planted about 50 tulip bulbs in my front garden in honor of my mother and sister, Karen, believing they would never bloom because the ground… Continue reading
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That’s So Pat! 2/27/19
Pat here again to provide Pat answers to all of your questions from toad rage to the DaVinci Toad! A Richard Feder in White Flint, New Jersey writes: Dear Pat: my friend, Romeo, is the loneliest frog in the entire… Continue reading
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Survival of the Prettiest
What if survival of the fittest is not enough to explain nature? What if we also needed survival of the prettiest? These are the provocative questions of the New York Times magazine article, “How Beauty is Making Scientists Rethink Evolution”… Continue reading
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That’s So Pat! 1/17/19
Hey there! Pat here with some toad-ally exciting news! I’m launching an advice column about life — from toad rage to the DaVinci Toad! Send your questions and I vow to always give Pat answers! My very first question is… Continue reading
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A Blackbird’s Song
Did the song of a blackbird bring comfort to my dying friend? ***** “A blackbird’s song can’t stop disease, but it can offer comfort.” So believes Rachel Clarke, the author of Your Life In My Hands: A Junior Doctor’s Story… Continue reading
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Aglow 9/22/18
This weekend, Spark and Spitfire introduces a new regular weekend post called AGLOW, which will feature a poem that has had meaning for me — and perhaps for you, too. Peace to all. A GIFT by Denise Levertov Just when you seem to… Continue reading









