Night Rains
Nothing seems so natural as sunshine after rains
The sound of night rains on the roof, the trickling in the drains
To awake upon a sunny morn when darkness saw naught but wet
Is to feel refreshed, reborn, alive and cheered
By clearer eyes that see blue skies and richer greenery yet.
To walk beneath the dampened leaves and feel as water drips
Stirred by the breeze that shakes the tree
Drops fall at random on your lips
Sent earthward drops that sweetly taste
To open minds, like cool sweet tea
The flowers stand up once again from their rain-driven bend
The rain, the soil, the new day’s sun gives them strength again
With proud display and dressed for day
To show their blooms with richer tones and touching in our mind
Reminders of what pleasure’s found in the perfume of their kind
While no-one sees we scan the trees then shyly hold petals light
Sense through our nose aromas sweet, enhancing nature’s sight
It is the boon of night-time rain whose rhythms ease our night
That we can rise in sunshine bright
And feel through odors from the plants that nature has it right.
So do not care when rain does fall, while we take our sleepy leisure
Tomorrow’s sun will quickly raise our sense of life and pleasure
The morning brings to us a sense so fresh with time we ought to treasure
The clearer air, to see the world more vivid to our eyes
To feel, smell, taste what rain has brought is nature’s wondrous prize.
© 2004 Barrie P. Richardson
Birds In Our Apsley Area
By June Hitchcox
Ontario's second Breeding Bird Atlas 2001-2005 has only one more summer
to run. It will provide an assessment of the distribution, relative
abundance and the status of the birds that breed in our province. Comparisons
are being made with the first Atlas 1981-1985. Some species are showing
increases, some about the same and some a worrisome decline.
Efforts will be made to help those in trouble by such measures as setting
aside suitable breeding habitat and studying their migration routes and wintering
grounds.
July into August is the peak time to notice breeding birds when the hungry fledglings are eagerly following their parents and chirping loudly to attract their attention. The more sightings reported, the more successful the Atlas will be in achieving its goal of protecting our birds so please let us know what species you are or have seen.
Past sightings become very valuable in the future to be able to make comparisons of what is around as to what used to be there. Barb and Bill Johnston kept detailed daily diaries from 1992 to 1996 of any wildlife they saw, including birds, around Apsley and on trips such as to Algonquin Park, Peterborough and Presqu'ile Park. The head Naturalist at Algonquin Park heard about these diaries and realized their importance. He will be listing all the entries that pertain to Algonquin Park and file these in the Park's Archives for future use.
All your observations and stories are greatly appreciated - many thanks and please keep them coming.
By June Hitchcox
Ontario's second Breeding Bird Atlas 2001-2005 has only one more summer
to run. It will provide an assessment of the distribution, relative
abundance and the status of the birds that breed in our province. Comparisons
are being made with the first Atlas 1981-1985. Some species are showing
increases, some about the same and some a worrisome decline.
Efforts will be made to help those in trouble by such measures as setting
aside suitable breeding habitat and studying their migration routes and wintering
grounds.July into August is the peak time to notice breeding birds when the hungry fledglings are eagerly following their parents and chirping loudly to attract their attention. The more sightings reported, the more successful the Atlas will be in achieving its goal of protecting our birds so please let us know what species you are or have seen.
Past sightings become very valuable in the future to be able to make comparisons of what is around as to what used to be there. Barb and Bill Johnston kept detailed daily diaries from 1992 to 1996 of any wildlife they saw, including birds, around Apsley and on trips such as to Algonquin Park, Peterborough and Presqu'ile Park. The head Naturalist at Algonquin Park heard about these diaries and realized their importance. He will be listing all the entries that pertain to Algonquin Park and file these in the Park's Archives for future use.
All your observations and stories are greatly appreciated - many thanks and please keep them coming.
June Hitchcox 656-9264
area and were looking around for an interesting business. When they bought
the restaurant they were please that their old friends from Mississauga,
Linda & Roger (former owners of the Sandman) promised to help them out
and guide them. The New Pheasant is open at 8 am till 9 pm seven days a week.
They have a good menu and will be offering specials every day. They plan
to have an open buffet for breakfast and possibly dinner. They are looking
for suggestion from their customers as they hope to be an asset to the community
. Keri makes chocolate sculptures which she will feature in the future. The
party room is available for private parties.