When we re-establish connection with a previously well-travelled, subsequently abandoned route, we appear to become drawn back in by it.
Thus, he we were again on Wright’s Road recently.
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There are several kinds of sumac, including one that is poisonous. It has white berries.
Sumac is a deciduous shrub in the cashew family. In Fall the leaves turn bright red. Many have already changed, although these maintained their Summer appearance.
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The nice thing about Wright’s Road is that we hardly ever meet another vehicle…
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… making it possible for us to creep along slowly…
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…between corn fields…
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…or soy.
In the Fall, before harvesting, soy fields turn almost pink.
At least that is how the colour looks to me. It is very pretty.
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Coming to live in the country, I seemed to see colour differently, which I suppose is hardly surprising. Here, I enjoy colour in the landscape, where it is natural.
The environment is also full of shapes and textures that I had never appreciated before.
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Who could imagine getting pleasure from the sight of roadside tangles?
Or the edge of a corn field?
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What is it about this that so appeals to me?
It has to be the appearance of total freedom. These weeds grow unrestrained, developing to the maximum of their ability. They have no rules to follow, no guideline they must adhere to.
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Of course, they are free only in those spaces not appropriated by humans and if they overstep, they are subject to harsh treatment.
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Much like naughty children that make a noise, or go where they were told not to.
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As we drive along these roads I often wonder how this area must have looked before the pilgrims came. No doubt large portions would have been forested.
Loosestrife is an invader from Eurasia, but jewelweed is a native species.
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Wild carrot, or Queen Anne’s lace is also an invader, originating in Afro-eurasia.
Since I had to give up tending my flowerbeds, it took them over in no time, but I enjoy the flowers that require no effort on my part.
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Apart from the many weeds that decorate wild spaces, there are many types of grass.
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This day, we went to Wilton where a tornado touched down the other day. Reportedly, there was quite a bit of property damage but nothing devastating and no-one was injured.
Many homes there are surrounded by trees which would make me very nervous.
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Our own home is not totally in the open as it stands on a wooded hill, but the trees that could be a problem are not ours to cut down and in any case, I wouldn’t want to.
Felling trees is a sad business.
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