Forest Fires, Naked Rainbows & a New Book

In a murky thicket I’m finishing final edits and additions to Ozark Voices, my oral history book. Several chapters deal with the U.S. Forest Service.          The head of this huge agency was …

First Killing Frost

Trouble sleeping. After sunset I walk in the woods where stars sparkle above soaring oak and hickories.          What’s that noise? An armadillo, bear or ghost? I’m nervous in the dark …

Alford Forest: New Lease on Life

How to escape a pandemic, urban stress or summer’s heat? A river offers a safe, forever cool retreat. Ozark streams present recreation constantly renewed by huge springs, some of the …

Enjoying Raking Leaves, Not Really

For the first time in some 40+ autumns I don’t have to organize the cleverly designed mini-solar collectors which fall from wooden structures dotting my current domicile. No more stuffing …

Into Deep Water with Tom Z

It’s a perfect summer day in western Connecticut, where Tom Zetterstrom still lives at the edge of an ideal town, Canaan. He’s the lord of nearby Rattlesnake Hill. We’ve been …

Blind Date

This evening I had been fixed up by chance with a very active wild character. Cute as a button. Loved peanuts. Thats what got us together. Would eat anything offered. …

From Tree Dialogues

What kinds of stories do people have about trees? Why are we so inspired by these huge, slow-moving leafy towers in town or out in the wilds? We all universally …