Deane & Jen Joyce are acquaintances of mine whose property is on the north side of Sharpsburg. Their story interests me for many reasons, one being that George has decided to let our own lawn grow upwards of 3 feet over the last few years. The Joyces'
story is quite different from our own; Deane has done much research and extra work to make his property a deliberate native grassland. George's intentions are much more selfish; he is interested in spending a lot less time on the mower so that he can spend those four hours every other week with his family . . . er, on the bike . . . But that is not all, really. We have thought long and hard about the fact that mowing more than three acres like that puts a serious burden on our carbon footprint. We also do give the harvested hay to the farmer who cuts it -- a nice trade in the old ways. As for ticks, critters, etc., we have not seen any kind of increase in that regard -- that's noticeable to us in any case. Our dear neighbor Theresa hasn't said a word about the tall "weeds" that line the north side of her property; I hope that means she doesn't mind. As of last week the grasses are short again. Farmer Knight came and harvested the hay last weekend, and George has spent the better part of this weekend cleaning it up. He claims that he is going to keep the south side manicured for a perfect sledding hill this winter. We'll see if he can get back into his old mowing habits.
Sarah Grace's PB&J sandwich (w/no J) and fruit cup from Mellow Moods
Don't let this photo fool you: that long-haired beauty is in fact George, not me, and he is not watching our children. He is talking on the phone to Dr. Paul. In any case, these are the remnants of our picnic lunch at Shepherdstown's Morgan's Grove Park. We love it here - despite the gnats.
All six of these lovely children (here enjoying a July day at Catoctin Zoo) get the privilege of growing up within a mile of our little hollow. The Videttis, the McCrossins, and the Downins alike share what I think might just be one of the prettiest places on Earth. Tonight, while I sat on the driveway watching Sarah Grace play, I looked east out over our yard across to the other ridges. I was struck by the vibrant colors of the mountains and this July evening sky. Despite the relentless gnats, I love it here. The rugged landscape is so different from the rolling hills of Carroll County.
