The Cabin Path (All Blogs and pictures ©The Cabin Path)

2011-10-31T07:38:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!!

An updated version of last year's Photoshow....Happy Halloween!

Simple Gifts

2011-10-25T13:30:00.000-04:00

Simple Gifts

It's been almost a year since my last children's workshop. I have missed them. Fall was always my favorite time with the Pioneer Workshops at the log cabin. We'd have a cabin dinner...either pot luck or veggie soup and cornbread on the old wood stove. We'd do "chores" and even have a one room school lesson, and then we would eat our lunch outside on straw bales and makeshift board tables.

Previous Pioneer Workshops

I'd usually have my Tree Workshop in the fall, too. Everyone soon learned that one of my favorite trees here at TCP was the Beech. Beech tree leaves will stay on the trees through the winter. As the frosts and freezes come, their green leaves change to brown paper bag looking leaves. On windy winter days, they will dance and play their crackling songs. I always imagined that the Quaking Aspens have nothing on the Georgia Beech trees! Only the new spring growth will push off the brown bag leaves to make way for the new ones. The old leaves will then drop to the ground and help make new soil for all the living things in the woods.

Beech Tree in Winter

Yesterday, I received a phone call from one of the workshop family Moms. She asked if they could come by for a short visit. She knew that I no longer had my workshops, but she simply asked if they could come for a short visit. I gladly agreed. Frankly, I was not sure which family it was...they had attended several of the workshops, but they had not been one of the regular groups. I recognized them as their car drove up to the Gathering Room. The little boy, about 7 or 8, excitedly got out of the car and gave me a big hug. He then said, Ms. Sarah, my Nanna died!!" His Mom nodded, "Yes, last week, and it's been hard to explain it all to him."

I felt honored that they thought of TCP as a place to visit, a place to heal. I asked if they wanted to take a walk, and they both agreed, but not before they got their sacks to collect things along the trails. I also noticed that he went by the marker jar, but I assumed that he might be going to journal some, too. As we walked, they remarked about the changes. The bright blue sky and the autumn fireworks...it was a perfect day for a walk. As we walked the path above the cabin, he stopped and took out his marker. "Ms. Sarah," he said, "I want to write Nanna's name on one of the Beech leaves." His Mom smiled and said that it was all he had talked about since his Grandmother's death. He wanted to put her name on a Beech leaf so it would dance in the wind and stay until spring, and then it would help other things to live. I felt a huge lump in my throat, and I know my teared up eyes were obvious! He had remembered. Every fall, we would write our names with black permanent markers on the green Beech leaves. We'd watch them all winter as we walked the trails, and then we'd see them turn brown. The names would remain on the faded brown leaves. I was always amazed that each child remembered where their leaf was. Sometimes they would take their brown leaves back to press them in a book, but most wanted them to fall naturally and help the forest to grow.

"What a wonderful gift for Nanna!" I told him.

"I told Nanna about writing my name on the leaves," he said. "She wanted to write her name on one, too...and now there's her name!"

We continued our walk on the trails. We stopped off at the labyrinth cove and sat in the sunshine while he threw rocks and sticks and looked for bugs and dragonflies. I did not take my camera on our walk, but I returned to take a picture of Nanna's legacy. Such a simple gesture, a simple gift, but it will forever touch me...and Nanna.

2010-12-18T13:53:00.001-05:00

2010-12-02T19:46:00.000-05:00

Thursday Home School Workshop…sadly, when the weather turns colder, the attendance drops off. It was a brisk day, but not that cold in the sunshine, so we headed down to the labyrinth cove to see what we could see! We were greeted by the

Canada

geese as they were also sunning the cove.

We discovered some fishing line that was carelessly left by a fisherman. Too many times, I have seen ducks and geese tangled in fishing line resulting in much pain and suffering. We rolled it up to take back to the Gathering Room to discard in the trash.

We noticed several nests in the trees. The leaves are almost all gone now, and the bare limbs and blue sky revealed the homes of squirrels, birds, and of course, the hornet’s nest! It is still dancing in the wind and hanging by a tiny thread.

They also found the seeds of a Tulip Poplar tree. The boys thought that the middle part of the bloom looked like swords for Lego men, and they also decided that they would work as talons for the eagle project, too! We noticed the different bark on the trees, and we tried to identify the tree from the bark. We agreed that the leaves made identifying them much easier!

We walked back to the log cabin for a game of checkers. We didn’t even notice the chill!

Back at the Gathering Room, we resumed our eagle project. With a Paper Mache base, we added feathers, and they decided to hunt for a tree branch to have him perched. We will need to add eyes (probably acorns) and attach the feet, but he should be complete next week! One of the homeschoolers is writing a report about birds of prey, and we will be completing the project in the next 2 weeks.

A time to have our lunch, and then a time to share a “Cabin Path Field Guide” that one of the families have been working on since the beginning of this school year. It included pictures of wildflowers, trees, animals, and animal tracks that they have seen. It also contained a leaf collection, and other things that they found interesting. It is a wonderful journal of The Cabin Path!

Winter is here, but nature continues to share in all seasons. I’m glad for the faithful few who wrap up and get outside...even if it is a little chilly!

I think that they agreed, too!

2010-11-25T07:35:00.000-05:00

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

2010-11-19T10:37:00.002-05:00

Fall at The Cabin Path..many Cabin Dinners and Pioneer and Native American Workshops...here is one of them:

2010-10-15T10:45:00.000-04:00

The Home School Workshop this week:
LEAVES!!

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/TA3iD5Un

2010-10-11T10:08:00.000-04:00

The Georgia Mushroom Club met at The Cabin Path for a walk. BEAUTIFUL weather!! but also dry, so we did not find the mushrooms that are usually found here in the fall. We did, however, find many.

New friends for The Cabin Path, and I hope they will visit often! Thank you all for sharing your knowledge about mushrooms!

Here are some of the mushrooms that have been found here at The Cabin Path:
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/vE8Zs8eY

and a link to the Georgia Mushroom Club:
http://www.gamushroomclub.org/

2010-10-01T14:29:00.000-04:00

It was a morning of showers, but a forecast of clearing skies. Our TREES Workshop began. We met in the Gathering Room to discuss some facts about trees, and then we hit the trails as the sun peaked through the clouds. We saw the damage from storms earlier this year. We lost many trees. “Tornado” or “down bursts”…the damage remained the same, but the shallow root clusters of those towering giants were still amazing to see.

On our walk, we stopped to pick up some of the “golden stars” of the Sweet Gum Tree. We talked about the differences between the Evergreen Trees and Deciduous Trees. We saw the canopy above us, and we began to explore the forest floor. We talked about animal and insect homes, and how the fallen limbs and leaves renewed the soil and provided a habitat and camouflage for many critters.

As we stopped to watch two tiny toad jumping among the leaves, we were all awe struck as a snake quickly grabbed one of the toads and held it tightly in its mouth. It was such an unexpected event for all of us, we simply stood and watched as the snake began to slither away…toad in mouth! I was certain it was a non-venomous snake, but I was uncertain of its exact species. I emailed a reptile expert friend who identified the snake to be a Midland Water Snake.

I was a little unsure about the reaction of such an unsettling event, but all of the kids and Moms were eager to go on with the walk. “COOL!” was the common comment! It was an important lesson that nature teaches, and it made the discussion of the food chain very realistic! They understood that trees helped give food and shelter, and all things are connected and work together. They also continued their walk eagerly looking and watching, but I had to admit, the snake’s lunch was a little hard to top.

We walked to the labyrinth cove and talked about how fallen trees in the water gave cover to fish and insects.

We saw the Long Needle Pines, and we collected some of their needles. I explained that many Native American wove intricate baskets with them, and many have survived for over a hundred years. (an art project for our Native American workshop!)

Our path back led us by the old log cabin, another use of trees. After a tour of the cabin, we rested on the cabin porch. There was even time for a game of checkers.

Before we left, I pointed out the hornet’s nest hanging like a piñata from a tree near the cabin. I explained that it too was made from wood!

Back at the Gathering Room, we took time for a picnic lunch before making some leaf rubbing of our finds along the trails. It was also time to practice a little rock skipping in the lake and just a time to visit and explore!

It had been another magical day of discoveries. It was not anything that I taught, but it was rich in the lessons that nature shared…something that I learn daily on my walks around The Cabin Path!

2010-09-30T07:56:00.000-04:00

We're changing servers...and there is a delay.... :(
Our website and email is down for now, but it should be up and running soon.

2010-09-28T12:28:00.000-04:00

My walk to the barn this morning....a hint of fall! The ground was wet from the rains the night before, and the fog on the lake looked like dancing ghosts. Everything felt clean and crisp...good for the soul.

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/JQ4sI8Uj

2010-08-17T14:24:00.003-04:00

"Intuition is a spiritual faculty and does not explain, but simply points the way."~Florence Scovel Shinn~

A walk around last week....I looked for wildflowers, and I found several new ones!

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain

Adder's Tongue Orchid and Mountain Mint

Unidentified Yellow Orchid

The summer has been brutally hot and humid..and stormy! Earlier this summer, we lost about 30 trees from a storm. Straight line winds, I'm guessing. It wasn't a large area, but it did some damage. A friend cut the trees to clear the roadway to the barn, and the others will wait for cooler weather. The "dry" then "wet" seasons have weakened the trees, and many old friends are falling.

Nature seems to endure all hardships...and go on to be stronger. Change is continuous, sometimes cruel, but miracles prevail!

Earlier this spring, I watched for the Pileated Woodpeckers to nest in their usual spot. The tall dead Pine has been home to several generations of these large, majestic birds. I often took my morning coffee up to watch them feed and care for their babies. The "first flights" were magical..the low clucking of the proud parents would eventually give the babies enough confidence to venture outside the hole, and the flapping of their tiny wings while clinging to the tree was almost comical. Lessons were learned quickly, and they all would loop through the woods hunting for bugs and practicing life skills.

This spring, they did not nest in that old Pine tree. I wondered if the parents were gone. I had heard their calls, but yet I wondered if they were all right. I had noticed new holes in a Pine tree behind the dam. The oval shaped opening led me to believe that it was indeed a Pileated's home, but I missed my mornings with them. Perhaps this was the younger generation, and they wanted a change!

My walk around last week took me took me to the woods in front of the house. As I walked by the old, abandoned Pine tree, I paused to take a picture of it...in fact, I had walked past it and returned to inspect it more closely. Something seemed to make me go back and take this picture. It was still empty, but it stood tall and stark against the green of the woods. As I paused, I had feeling of sadness, but I did not understand.

Another storm over the weekend. A limb crashed through my back windshield as I was returning from feeding the horses. A scary sound, but nothing that can't be repaired. Something earlier in the day had told me to park in a different spot, (and I did) but I had been rushing to beat the next approaching storm, and I pulled down to be closer to turn off the pump to the barn. Still, that voice had warned me earlier. Intuition.... that small voice that I ignored.

Another walk around yesterday...and back to the front woods. As I rounded the curve, something was not the same. As I got closer to the tall, white monument Pine that had been home to many generations of Pileated Woodpeckers, I realized that it had fallen in the storm over the weekend. Was this the reason that it was not used for the spring babies? If so, how did they know? And was that the reason for my quiet reflection and the photo from last week?

Animals seem to be blessed with a keen sense of intuition. I have read about animals that sense earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters. There are service dogs that are used to predict seizures in people, and I even notice that our horses can predict storms and severe weather changes. The birds and deer intuitively know when strangers are in the woods, and I think most of us have heard those "voices" from time to time. Is it that we are often too busy to listen, or is it that we don't want to listen? Is it an acquired gift, or a random

happening?

Perhaps that is why I love The Cabin Path. Its quietness and beauty is a blessing that I do not take lightly, and as years go by, I am realizing the true miracles in this life. Within each of us are gifts that are waiting to be discovered and explored. We all have these voices, and too many times, they are ignored.

Albert Einstein once said,

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.”

May I always be grateful for life's gifts...great and small.

2010-08-04T12:26:00.000-04:00

Another morning at the barn....feeding critters and enjoying the peace and semi-coolness of the day. The heat this summer has been severe. Many, many days of 90 + temps..and heat advisories. We have been skipped by most of the afternoon showers with the exception of some damaging storms. I have not spent the time outdoors that I normally do, and perhaps that is why I have missed this addition to the landscape for as long as I have. While sitting on the cabin porch, I noticed a bump on the roof of the hay shed. At first, I thought it to be the old fat possum that visits from time to time. I thought he had climbed the pole to escape some predator, and he was now trapped by the light of day. As I neared the "critter"... I soon realized that it was a nest of hornets! How had I missed seeing it?? How many times had I put hay in the shed and walked right under it..and NOT seen it or at least the hornets?!

I thought back to some morning back in late spring when there would be several hornets on the porch of the cabin. They were attempting to build from the rafters of the cabin porch. I had resorted to using some spray on them, and then I repeatedly tore down the paper stub they had made to start their nest. This was a morning ritual for over a week until one day, they gave up.

In reading more about these insects, I found many interesting facts. They are not true "hornets" and they are in the wasp family and closely related to the yellow jacket. They will attack if provoked, and they can sting multiple times.

http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/facts/bald-faced_hornet_712.html

I plan to leave the nest undisturbed until winter. These nests are rarely reused, and the queen will hide away in tree stumps and protected places until spring...and not in the nest. I have recovered several nests over the years at The Cabin Path. The paper nests are beautifully designed pieces of art, and we have used the paper in many projects (fairy wings, dragonfly wings, nature journal pages, etc)

I am not thrilled that these Bald - Faced Hornets have built so closely to the horses and the cabin, but they have not bothered anyone. Now that I am aware of the nest, I will be careful not to disturb them, and I am willing to share the space. They are interesting to watch, and they play an important part in our eco-system.

As I sit on the cabin porch with the cabin cats, I'll just watch them from a safe distance...so much can be seen from that old cabin porch!!

2010-06-13T15:05:00.000-04:00

Another Archaeological DIG at The Cabin Path!

The Archaeological DIG a couple of weeks ago generated much interest around The Cabin Path's Groups (Yahoo Home School, Facebook, and Website) By request, the Summer Workshop kids wanted to have DIG of their own! Since the majority of this group were 4- 6 year olds, I needed to think of more activities! I knew that the actual "Dig" involved hard work...and this younger group's attention spans might not last. (and it was really hot!)
We began our workshop with a box of dog treats, a dog leash, and a dog collar. I asked them to pretend that they were detectives, and that these 3 things were clues. Of course they guessed that I had a dog..or that a dog might be nearby. I told them that archaeologists used the clues that they uncover to know what might have lived in the area of their dig! We then looked at the box of artifacts that have been found here over the years at The Cabin Path. The arrowhead points and the Mississippian pottery pieces are always fun to see and hold, and I had a fossil of a fish that I have had for years. (a gift..not from The Cabin Path!) We talked about how fish, animals, insects, and even bones get trapped between layers of rock..and how fossils are formed.

Next was our art activity....the old Plaster of Paris fossil making!! Over the years, I have learned a few tricks to making fossils. We started with a paper bowl. Names were written on the bottom and then filled with about 1-2 inches of sand. We then picked our fossils! Nature found objects (leaves, thin bark, feathers, etc) are beautifully preserved, but most of this group elected to find "bugs" from the boxes of plastic animals and insects that we use in sand play. I had pre-measured the Plaster of Paris in cups, and when the fossils were arranged in the bowls and sand, I added water and a little brown paint..and they stirred to make a thick milkshake consistency. We then poured the plaster over the fossil...but NOT moving the bowl! A little "tap" on the sides to remove air bubbles, and we then left them to cure. I have to admit, they turned out great! The sand and paint gives them a more realistic look.

Grapevine Leaf

We walked over for the DIG while the fossils hardened.

Using the area from the previous dig, we filled buckets....

and then took the buckets to our sifting station.

After digging and sifting, we then visited the Native American hill that has a rock formation that was used for ceremonies. The large rocks are arranged within double rock circles. They mark the directions North, South, East, and West...to suggest that they were used as a calendar using the sun and the moon.

We want to conduct a DIG on this hill next fall.

We then returned to the Gathering Room for our picnic...and the fossil reveal!!
Pull the "fossil" out gently....

A fun day...learning about the past and how archaeologist uncover clues and learn from the past. We even talked about some of the things that archaeologist would discover about us! It even led to a discussion about conserving and our environment today.

2010-06-01T07:38:00.001-04:00

I have always loved the crows around The Cabin Path. They are the "watch dogs" in the woods. I learned many years ago to listen to their warnings, and other animals also respect their caws. They sound the alert for coyotes, fox, cats, dogs, hawks and even people in the woods!
Cornell has a wonderful site to learn more about crows.

Last year, I heard an unusual sound from the woods. It reminded me of the "beep, beep" of a truck backing up. After several days of waiting and watching, I discovered that the sound was coming from a crow! My research of crows lead me to the fact that will often mimic sounds of other birds and sounds. I strongly suspect that this poor creature sat and watched as construction bulldozers and trucks took apart its habitat back in the building boom days!

I have also studied about "animal messengers and animal totems" throughout history, and especially important to American Indians. Many legends and stories have been passed down about animals, and the crow is often the trickster, but it also serves as a spirit protector and guide. I have learned to pay attention to my surroundings when I hear the crows. Ted Andrews wrote many books about animal spirit guides, and there are many sites online that discuss animal totems. One site wrote:
"Crow teaches us to know ourselves beyond the limitations of one-dimensional thinking and laws. It is about bringing magic into our lives. This animal teaches to appreciate the many dimensions both of reality and ourselves, and to learn to trust our intuition and personal integrity. There is magic wherever crows are. They give us the message that there is magic alive in our world and this magic is ours to use and create a new world for ourselves ."

Yesterday was Memorial Day. I wrote about my Dad, a WWII veteran and POW. I returned to the website of the 303rd Bomb Group, and I was reminded that the nose art on my Dad's plane was "Old Crow".....another link to this messenger in the woods, and another reason to love this creature.

Archaeological DIG!

2010-05-22T22:49:00.000-04:00

2010-04-30T15:56:00.000-04:00

“Enchanted worlds still exist because the child within us never dies. The doorways may be more obscure, but we can still seek them out. There are still noble adventures to undertake. There are still trees that speak and caverns that lead to nether realms. There will always be faeries and elves within nature because they will always be dancing within our hearts.”

~Ted Andrews~

The Thursday Home School Workshop.... Fairies!

2010-04-22T16:46:00.001-04:00

Earth Day at The Cabin Path

Our workshops began at 9 with a walk to the labyrinth cove. We were looking for different kinds of trees, and collecting leaves for an art project. Along the way we saw wildflowers, birds, caterpillars, dragonflies, tadpoles, a Great Blue Heron, and it was a simply beautiful day to be outside!

Back to the Gathering Room, we made leaf mobiles. After taking leaf rubbings, we traced the leaves and cut them out. We had also collected our sticks for the top of the mobile, so we added yarns and ribbons and other seeds and found objects.

Leaf Mobiles:

We then hiked to the Native American Prayer Tree.

At the Prayer Tree, we talked about trees, and each person told about their favorite tree. I also told the group an American Indian story about trees.

A hike back to the Gathering Room, we were met by another group that joined us! We then had lunch and rested up for our afternoon hike.

A labyrinth walk and a stop by the Native American Rock Circle.

Earth Day...a day enjoying the outside wonders. The workshop groups already realize that the earth needs a little help. We see every week how important it is to preserve and protect the plants, trees, and animals, and we know that everything in nature is connected. We celebrated Earth Day simply enjoying it! I think all of us had fun!

Happy Earth Day...from The Cabin Path!

2010-04-16T13:47:00.002-04:00

Another Home School Thursday!

"Water" was the topic, and an important one at The Cabin Path. Our lake's spillway flows into a creek that flows into Camp Creek...that flows into the Chattahoochee River, so what we do and don't do affects the river and the environment downstream! I explained that we are careful with all chemicals. I only use poisons to control fireants, an invasive insect with a painful bite, and we don't use lawn chemicals that would flow into the water.

Water is important to wildlife! We frequently see deer, fox, rabbits, squirrels, beaver..and many birds. As part of a working wildlife habitat, it is a vital key ingredient. On our walk, we stopped to see if the tadpoles had appeared..and we weren't disappointed!

These tadpoles will grow into frogs that will help to control the mosquito population..and they will also be a food source for many other animals...the connection and continuing chain of life in nature!

Another discovery while looking at the tadpoles...a dragonfly nymph! They are a stage of the developing dragonfly.

A little further down the trail, we discovered the shell of a Canada Goose egg. It had been food for a coyote or hungry racoon...and we also found a shedded snake skin.

Our walk also led to the discovery of a winged shaped seed...a maple wing! We matched the seed with the leaf..and we watched as the wind scattered new maple trees all around!

Water helps the trees and plants grow, too!

Native Azalea

The lake is a nesting place for many birds, too. Do you see the Great Blue Heron in the center of this picture below??

Look a little closer....

and...our resident beaver is also a part of our habitat. He/she has constructed their own private pond at the upper end of the lake! I was amazed to see the size of him..he is much larger that I expected..at least 40 lbs!

The new pond is a home to many turtles, frogs, insects, and a nesting place for the wood ducks. We are watching to see if we discover any baby beavers!

We have two new families of Canada Geese....despite the munching of the coyotes and/or racoons!

Water plays an important role in our lives. These are some more facts that we learned about water:

• There is the same amount of water on Earth as there was when the Earth was formed. The water from your faucet could contain molecules that dinosaurs drank.

• Water is composed of two elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen. 2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen = H2O.

• Nearly 97% of the world’s water is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% for all of humanity’s needs — all its agricultural, residential, manufacturing, community, and personal needs. (we need to treat it as a gift!)

• 75% of the human brain is water and 75% of a living tree is water.

• A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water.

• Water is part of a deeply interconnected system. What we pour on the ground ends up in our water, and what we spray into the sky ends up in our water.

Important lessons for all of us!

2010-04-10T17:22:00.002-04:00

Thursday Home School Workshop: BIRDS!

Have you ever wondered how a little tiny bird builds a nest for its babies..how it stands up to rain and wind...how it finds all of the materials to construct it with its beak ...how it knows what tree will protect them...how it finds the right foods for its babies...well, we took a walk to answer some of these questions....

More Blog on C&NN Connect:
http://childrenandnature.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-cabin-path-thursday-home?xg_source=facebookshare

2010-04-01T16:15:00.001-04:00

April Fool's Day!!!

What to do for the Home School Thursday?? I knew that we are always on the hunt for more wildflowers, so I thought I would test their observation skills. I constructed a wildflower..a REALLY RARE wildflower!

I then went to feed the horses. This morning, I had my usual greeting party.... the Cabin Cats, the horses, geese, and a few deer!

After feeding the horses and putting out the hay, I walked around to pick the perfect place to "plant" my rare wildflower so that my home school workshop would find it......

My Cabin Cats had to follow ...

I returned to the Gathering Room to wait for the workshop group to arrive!

I knew that several families were on vacation this week, so I knew we would have less than usual. To my surprise, one family arrived with rakes and works gloves to help with trails! Part of our day was turned into a Trail Work Day!!!!

We did stop and see a few discoveries along the way.....

Sprouting Fern

Ants and Sticky mud!

The trail home had the hidden "RARE WILDFLOWER"..... Alex discovered it!

A wonderfully warm, sunny day....trail work done, discoveries made, and even time to water the seeds that are now sprouting! The sunflowers are really growing, and the tomatoes are beginning to sprout, too!

A fun..April Fool's Day at The Cabin Path!

2010-03-27T06:49:00.004-04:00

It's been a busy week at The Cabin Path! Last Saturday, we hosted a music workshop by Jodie. At lunch, we welcomed in SPRING with a drumming/pennywhistle ceremony on the Native American hill!

Also last week, the AJC interviewed my Mom and I about the GA farm newspaper, Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin...it was in Sunday's paper..and a surprise mention about The Cabin Path!

I also had the privilege to meet Evan McGown, co-author of the wonderful book, Coyote's Guide. Evan stopped by after a meeting down at Serenbe. He is helping to start a new school in that area.. a nature based school! We walked all around The Cabin Path. He is currently living in Athens, GA and working with a group, Wild Intelligence. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon! Evan is a very centered young man with a love and connection to nature... a genuinely welcomed new friend! My only regret, I didn't take any pictures!!

Friday, another workshop! The weather was cool and damp, but we still hit the trails..looking for the ABC's in nature! It is a great way to get children (and adults) to SEE things outside. Letters are found everywhere, and this group found many that I had never noticed before!

Look at the little curved stick..its reflection forms a "C"..and there are many other letters hidden in this picture!

Another "wonder"ful week at The Cabin Path...I even discovered another patch of Trillium! I plan to work on trails again today...and of course, take my camera..the wildflower hunt is on!!!

2010-03-18T16:28:00.001-04:00

Home School Thursday! We have been talking about plants and looking for signs of spring! Since this is also National Wildlife Week, we also watched for the critters

2010-03-16T08:10:00.002-04:00

As part of National Wildlife Week, the home school workshops will also look for wildlife here at The Cabin Path!

Celebrate National Wildlife Week Starting March 15 - Children & Nature Network (C&NN)

Posted using ShareThis

2010-02-17T13:34:00.002-05:00

A recent event featuring Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, was held in Atlanta. I found his speech very interesting. I realize that places like The Cabin Path are quickly becoming a thing of the past, and it makes me more grateful for having lived here for over 50 years.

http://blankfoundation.org/news/webcast.html

2010-02-14T08:52:00.001-05:00

Snow at The Cabin Path......

2010-02-09T12:39:00.004-05:00

American Beech Tree
Scientific name: Fagus grandifolia
Pronunciation: FAY-gus gran-dih-FOLE-ee-uh
Common name(s): American Beech
Family: Fagaceae
Origin: native to North America

In winter, identifying trees can be more of a challenge than in spring, summer, or fall. There are two main types of trees, Evergreens and Deciduous. The Evergreens include the pines and cedars. Most have needle like leaves that stay green on trees throughout the winter. The wood of evergreen trees is softer, and it is easier to use for building materials. Deciduous trees are the hardwoods. They have broader leaves that usually fall in autumn. The wood of the Beech is almost white and is used most often in toys, cookware, furniture, and for barrels that age beer. The tree is very resistant to decay under water, so it was used to make water wheels in Colonial times. The wood is also used for tool handles, chairs, cuttings boards, and charcoal.

There are some deciduous trees that do not shed their leaves in the fall. One such tree is the Beech. In the fall, the Beech leaves turn bronze but weather to a light tan color (top pic). Some leaves remain until late into the winter if they are not blown off by the wind. The new foliage will push the crisp older leaves off in spring, but until spring, they are easily identified among the bare branches of winter.

I enjoy the Beech trees here at The Cabin Path. They are easy for workshop groups to identify in every season. I've never seen the Quaking Aspens out west, but I imagine the Beech trees here are very similar. In winter, when the wind blows, the Beech leaves shake in the wind and sound like raindrops.

The bark of the Beech is thin and smooth, and it looks like elephant skin. Our older trees have carvings or arborglyphs of hearts and initials. Many old Beech trees are living recordings of events, mapping, and even poetry! We have arborglyphs here at The Cabin Path...including some of my early art work!

2010-01-31T14:58:00.002-05:00

Cranefly Orchids
Family: Orchidaceae (or-kid-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Tipularia
Species: discolor (DIS-kol-or)

I took a walk today…a little nippy, but a welcomed change from yesterday’s cold, rainy day. It’s early for my wildflowers, but there are a few to see. The Cranefly Orchid is easy to spot in the winter. The leaves remind me of the annual, Coleus because of their colors. The top of the Cranefly Orchid’s leaf (in winter) is a mottled green, and the underside is shiny purplish red. They usually grow in colonies. There will be several leaves—each a single plant. These late fall-winter leaves are called “hibernal” leaves. The leaves will wither and die in spring, and a 12-18 inch stalk will grow. When the orchid blooms in mid-July, no leaves are visible. The flower of Cranefly Orchid’s flower is very delicate and inconspicuous. It is a towering spike of pale green and purplish tan flowers. Interestingly, it is pollinated by night flying moths.
Other common names are Elfin's Spur and Cripples Cranefly. Cranefly Orchids are not usually available in nurseries since, like all native orchids, it is dependent on fungi in the ground. Another reason it isn’t found frequently in nurseries is the fact that all parts of the plant not considered “showy” enough for gardens.
I once read a quote:
“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
No, Cranefly Orchids aren’t weeds; in fact they are on some state’s rare and endangered plant lists. I enjoy finding the Cranefly Orchids, and they are a welcome sight in the dead of winter here at The Cabin Path….especially after the winter we are having!

2010-01-29T10:38:00.003-05:00

I recently found a site on Facebook called "Trees" very interesting!
I decided to post some of the unusual trees at The Cabin Path. I have been reading articles and books about the meaning of trees...just might be a new workshop!

2010-01-15T14:14:00.002-05:00

BRRRRRRRRRRR...it's been cold! The Cabin Path Workshops will resume in March!

As many of you know, I lost my only sister to ovarian cancer in November. I cancelled all fall workshops to help with her care. It has been a slow healing process for both me and our 93 year old Mother. Cheryl was my best friend...and a huge believer in my projects here at The Cabin Path. I miss her...and I am planning a Butterfly Garden in her memory down at the labyrinth cove. A few days after her death, I read a quote: "If there were no changes, there would be no butterflies."
That quote surfaced four more times in totally unrelated places, and a very late season butterfly was on the doorknob of the Gathering Room one morning in December.
I felt as though she was sending me a message. Several have made donations to The Cabin Path in her memory, and all funds are going to the butterfly garden.

New workshops are coming! A group of photographers have been meeting regularly, and The Cabin Path has a Flickr Group! Talk of photography workshops are in the works, as well as music workshops! The Cabin Path Pickin' Group is sounding better every
month! We plan some nursing home concerts, a Caregivers Day concert, and a Gathering/Picnic on Jan 23 here at The Cabin Path. Our monthly (2nd Thursday Night) practices (6 PM -8 PM) are open to any that want to play or listen! I am also going to start a Loss Support..or I may call it a "Life Support" Group!... and the regular Thursday Home School Workshops will resume in March! (11 AM - 1 PM)

Plans and projects are coming together. Much work on the trails will need to be done after this winter, so if picking up sticks is your therapy, please let me know!
I can vouch that it is very healing.

Watch for more updates! 2010 will be an exciting new year for The Cabin Path!

2010-01-08T15:50:00.001-05:00

2009-12-20T15:04:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays...

2009-09-24T14:36:00.003-04:00

Robert Bateman is regarded as one of the world's greatest wildlife artists.
http://www.gettoknow.ca/us/index.php This site has some very interesting information about children and nature. Take a few minutes to explore it. It also features a contest open for youth ages 18 and under. The theme: "Forests"

Look at this link for information!

2009-09-15T22:27:00.002-04:00

While watching the rain today...a surprise!

2009-09-15T14:54:00.005-04:00

Fall at The Cabin Path....

2009-09-10T20:25:00.002-04:00

For the past 2 weeks, the Home School Thursday Workshops have been learning about insects. Since insects make up 95% of all critters, we learned how and why they are so important! We learned about some invasive Fire Ants, and we even found an underground Yellow Jacket's nest..luckily before they found us! We finished our workshops with Build a BUG.

2009-09-07T19:46:00.004-04:00

Every week as I walk the trails, I watch for plants that catch my attention. Usually it's a bloom, or the fact that it seems to be a food supply for one of the critters, but this week, the Sassafras Tree spoke the loudest! I discovered new Sassafras Trees in several new places. Today as I sat at in the rock circle on the hill, I gazed up at a passing Pileated Woodpecker. The wind made the leaves of the Sassafras look like hundreds of waving hands. I knew then, it would be my plant of the week!

Sassafras belongs to the Laurel Family. Its leaves resemble a hand with three extended fingers. All parts of the Sassafras were important to Native Americans and pioneers. Infusions were made from the bark of the roots and were taken internally to treat fevers, as well as a remedy to treat diarrhea, rheumatism, measles, and scarlet fever. An infusion of the roots was used as a blood purifier, and it was even used as a dietary aid for those overweight! Infusions of the plant were used as a cough medicine, mouthwash, pain killer, and gargle for colds. Root infusions were used as a wash for eye problems. Decoctions made from roots were used to treat heart troubles. An infusion of the plant was mixed with whiskey and used for rheumatism, tapeworms, and as a blood remedy to purify the blood. The leaves were made into a poultice that would be rubbed onto bee stings, wounds, cuts, and on sprained ankles.

In addition to this variety of medicinal uses, Sassafras was used for food, construction, and other purposes. The leaves were used fresh as a spice, much like bay leaves, for flavoring in meat soups. Leaves were dried and pounded and used as a thickening agent and to added for flavor to foods and soups. “Filé”, made from the ground roots or leaves, is an important spice still used today in Cajun foods, such as gumbo. The white or red roots, made a pleasant-tasting tea, although the red roots were preferred, young leaves were also used. The wood from the Sassafras tree was used to make furniture and boats. The flowers were used as a fertilizer when planting beans. The plant was used as a fragrance to scent soap. The bark contains oil of Sassafras, an important flavoring. The bark was used as an emetic purification after funeral ceremonies. The roots were often used as a brown dye. A Sassafras in your yard also helps to keep mosquitoes and flies away! It was also used to make root beer, but because it has been linked to cancer, it is no longer used for it.

Wildlife is attracted to the Sassafras, and I have noticed that it is a favorite of the beaver. The fruit of the Sassafras is quickly eaten by birds, squirrels, and deer. Early settlers thought that the tree's wood had magical qualities to ward off bad spirits. Beds were often constructed from the wood of the Sassafras to protect them as they slept. Author Albert Constantine Jr., in the book Know Your Woods, wrote that Sassafras has had a peculiar history. "It was once supposed to possess miraculous healing powers, and people believed that it would renew the youth of the human race. The production of sassafras oil is perhaps the largest industry dependent upon this tree." A Fountain of Youth???

Sassafras Trees grow on the rock circle hill at The Cabin Path. I wonder if they sprouted from the roots of those used by the Native Americans in their ceremonies long ago. Their leaves will soon turn a beautiful orange and gold...and then fall and cover the ground with a carpet of little "hands". They are a favorite of the Tree Workshop groups because they are so easily identified, but they are a favorite of mine for all of their mystical history and beauty.

2009-08-30T09:38:00.005-04:00

Plant of the Week:

Saint Andrew's Cross (Hypericum hypericoides)

There is a little bushy plant that grows at The Cabin Path. Its leaves are soft to the touch, and most of the year, it goes unnoticed. In the fall, there are little yellow "X's" that sprout and bloom. Hence, the name, St. Andrew's Cross. I find that it is a close relative to St. John's Wort. Many of the early herbalists used St. Andrew's Cross for many of the cures of its cousin. One of the earliest cures was for snake bites! It was often boiled in milk, poured on the bite, and the rest was consumed. Other uses include crushed leaves to treat nosebleeds, roots and leaves boiled to treat fevers, colic, sores, and as an eyewash. The bark of the plants was often chewed and packed around an aching tooth. The most interesting remedy using St. Andrew's Cross was used by the Native Americans. The roots were boiled and cooled, and then it was used to bathe the legs of babies that were slow to walk. It was believed to strengthen the legs and make them stronger. Older NA also used it as a treatment for rheumatism. (I may look into this one a little more!)

In researching and learning about wildflowers, I am fascinated by the old remedies. A Cherokee friend once told me that, "the remedies you need will grow in your backyard." I know that the forest was the early pharmacy, and I remember my Grandmother using plants for coughs and colds and everyday scratches. I wish I had paid more attention! I am taking it a plant at a time, and learning a new plant each week that catches my attention... a weekly blog makes me stick to it! I'm blessed to have a big backyard, so it should be a pretty good learning experience!

2009-08-27T17:04:00.007-04:00

Senses in Nature Part 2 Workshop for the Home Schoolers! We had a great group, and the rain held off for our trail walk! After looking for ways that animals use their senses in nature, we headed back to the Gathering Room for our Senses Masks! Too wet to use many of our trail finds, so we used materials found the the art boxes. Creative minds and a little glue, scissors, and yarn helped us to construct masks (with a secret compartment on the back!) It will be a place to keep favorite finds from The Cabin Path.

2009-08-23T18:28:00.009-04:00

Elephant's Foot! A strange, but very descriptive name for this wildflower. It is identifiable in all seasons because of its big, flat and fuzzy leaves that hug the ground, but in the fall, it shoots up stalks of purple flowers. They are not rare, but very fun and easy for children to identify. There are other names, Devil's Grandmother (I never found out why!) and Wild Tobacco Plant. I thought perhaps with that last name, it was used for smoking, but the large leaves and the fact that it commonly grew next to large tobacco fields was the answer I found for that one. The Lumbee Indians call it Wood’s Mullein and describe a poultice of it held on the chest to treat pneumonia. For centuries, Mullein has been hailed for many healing abilities. Research indicates some of Mullein's uses are "analgesic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, bactericide, cardio-depressant, fungicide, hypnotic, sedative and pesticide"!! A "heal all" remedy! Elephant's Foot caught the attention of drug manufacturer Parke-Davis in the late 1890's when they marketed a liquid extract of the herb as an expectorant. The interest in the herb did not last, but many Native Americans and old timers still use the large leaves and roots for treatment of sores and even staph infections..as well as for respiratory problems.

Elephant's Foot is a perennial, and it commonly grows in the southeastern United States. It is found in dry, open woodlands. There are similar species that have smaller leaves and clusters of flowers.

2009-08-13T19:49:00.022-04:00

The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) is a terrestrial turtle found throughout the eastern United States, and is one of the longest lived animals in the world. Box turtles have a high domed carapace (top shell) and hinged plastron (bottom shell), which allows these animals to completely close up their shell to protect themselves from their enemies. The decorative shell patterns of box turtles are extremely interesting, and each box turtle is unique. The eyes of the male are usually red, and the female's eyes are a yellow brown. The male can also be identified by having a concave shape on the under side shell (see pic). Box turtles are omnivores with diets consisting of anything from slugs and snails to mushrooms and berries.

The turtle is very sacred to many Native Americans. In fact, many tribes attribute the creation of the world to the turtle. One NA legend believes that a sky girl fell to our world, which at the time had nothing but water and water based animals. The animals took her to the wise turtle. The turtle told them to put sand grains from the bottom of the ocean on his shell. They did this and soon the land grew and grew until the sky girl could live on this land. Many NA tribes believe this new land is North America.

Many box turtles have been found at The Cabin Path, but I have noticed a decline in their numbers over the years. For the last three years, I have been photographing and keeping a journal of the box turtles. Early fall seems to be a very active time for them, and they can also be found after a rain. Fire ants will disturb the nests of box turtles and eat the eggs, and I suspect that they are the single most cause of their declining numbers at The Cabin Path. I use chemical insecticides for very few things here, but I do treat the fire ant nests.

The Cabin Path is a certified animal habitat, and every effort is being made to help our Box Turtles to thrive.

2009-08-08T21:12:00.002-04:00

Fall 2009 will offer more workshops with Dr. Clifford Blizard and his wife, Valerie. I worked with Clifford and the Hill Country Montessori School last year. He is a walking encyclopedia with many degrees in geology and environmental science..and education. Valerie is a talented photographer, botanical artist, and student.
His BLOG is http://chattahoocheechorography.blogspot.com/ and you can read about some of the workshops that he is offering this fall...some of them at The Cabin Path.

2009-08-02T11:04:00.001-04:00

Looking for a BIOLOGY project???
What about MYCOLOGY?

There are many wonderful field guides available at your book store or the public library! Bring your camera, nature journal, and field guide and explore the mysterious world of mushrooms!

2009-07-31T14:47:00.004-04:00

The Cabin Path has a Facebook Page with updated events, workshops, gatherings, and news!

Don't miss out on all of the NEW FALL 2009 projects. Something for ALL AGES!!

2009-07-30T18:10:00.003-04:00

Fall at The Cabin Path 2008

Join us this year for new workshops, events, and fun.

2009-06-20T19:45:00.004-04:00

Comet was a fixture around The Cabin Path.... a well kept secret among friends. I first saw Comet one spring about 9 years ago. He was a tiny, frightened, spotted baby deer tangled in a patch of honeysuckle. I watched him from a distance thinking he was playing, but I soon realized that he was indeed hung. I walked slowly toward him (watching for Ma in case she was close by) and began talking to him. He protested for a moment, and then he seemed to sense that was not going to hurt him. I sat on the ground and hugged him in my lap as I unwrapped the vines from around his little stick like legs. It was evident that he had been trapped for some time, and he lay quietly, probably from exhaustion, but he seemed to instinctively know that I was there to help. After some effort, I freed his little legs and sat holding him and talking softly to him. He then stood up, wagged his tail, and trotted off. That was the first time I met Comet. I saw him many times that spring. His Mom would bring him into the pasture to eat the ducks' corn and lick on the horses' salt block. Most of the deer knew the sound of my golf cart, and I would often sing to them when I was working on the trails or walking. They would come when I called, "Here, Babes!" My hunting friends and family would roll their eyes and shake their heads, but they understood the special bond that we had. (The Cabin Path is posted and the hunting season for deer in our area is bow only.)
Two years ago, just after dark, I heard a shot and saw a light in our front woods. Without thinking, I ran out the door and started yelling. To my surprise, I caught up with them! It was a camo decked guy who mumbled that he lived right up the road, and he was tracking a deer he had shot. He was still carrying a gun, so I knew that he was not bow hunting, and he had a huge spot light..another "not suppose to do that" in the hunting world. I asked if he knew he was on private land, and asked how did he not see the posted signs that outlined the property. He spouted, "Oh, you're one of THOSE!" I replied by saying, "Yeah, if you mean someone that doesn't want someone shooting in their front yards! Yeah, I am!" He continued trying to tell me why people should hunt and how ignorant I was for thinking that way, and I sternly told him that people CAN hunt, but they need to obey the rules, and they certainly shouldn't trespass to do it! My husband arrived about that time..a relief to both of us, and he retreated. Several days later, the buzzards led me to the carcass of a little doe. (He bragged at the local store that he shot a trophy deer and some crazy woman stopped him from tracking it!)
Last October, I again heard shots and saw lights in the front woods. All were in bed except me, so I did not try to confront them. Tears filled my eyes, and I whispered, "Run, Comet!" The next morning, I left to feed horses early, and I called the deer. They all seemed upset and spooked..and no Comet. For the next two weeks, I walked and I called, but no Comet. "Some great hunter!" I thought, and it was creepy to think that he had probably been watching in the woods to learn his pattern. (and mine) Comet would eat at the barn and then sleep in front of our house, and then follow me to the barn in the mornings when I fed the horses. I realize he was a wild animal, but it was not his fault that most of his range had been bulldozed. He felt protected on our property. He was not fenced in, but I never knew him to wander very far...he was so predictable! I felt that I had betrayed his trust. He had been a gentle friend for many years. I watched him chase the ladies around the cabin, spar with the young bucks, and even gently nudge the new spotties every spring. He was never aggressive, but he was respected by the other bucks. Avid hunters agreed that he was special!

There is a new little spottie in the woods, and I hope that Comet is the Papa. I still watch the deer in awe, but I no longer encourage their trust. I know there are many responsible hunters in the world, but I know of at least one that is not. No one can convince me that Comet was not killed that night..by a gun.. and with a spot light, and on posted property. I'm sure Comet is on a wall somewhere, and he may have made it into a magazine or two. I'm sure the story is wonderfully exciting...the true sportsman with the trophy deer! I miss my friend, and I will never forget the almost 10 years he was a part of The Cabin Path.

2009-06-12T08:45:00.009-04:00

Nature Watch Workshop yesterday was a lesson about WETLANDS and the importance of protecting the plants and animals in these magical spots. We walked back down to the labyrinth cove to check on the tadpoles, and I noticed a strange alien like pod growing on a submerged stick. My first thought was an egg pod of some type...but the size of it was puzzling.

I notice several more dotted around in the water. Truthfully, it looked like something from an outer space movie..especially since there were the crater like bream beds just behind it. (top pic) Bream will fan out circles in the mud with their tails and lay their eggs in the carters... and then protect them from predators. We pulled the stick with the glob attached to examine it closer. It was a very alien like pod...slimy and solid, not mushy..too big to be frogs eggs.... or fish eggs...very unusual.

My Internet search (starting with "alien like egg pods in lake") led me to a trail of other sightings..no, not extraterrestrial in nature, but MOSS ANIMALS in nature! Pectinatella magnifica... Bryozoans, to be exact! No, they are not harmful, in fact, they live only in very clean, unpolluted waters!

One article, http://www.millermicro.com/bryozoa.html describes them. It was a fun discovery, especially since we were talking about WETLANDS! Another Cabin Path lesson learned!

2009-06-07T21:55:00.004-04:00

Life gets complicated. Everyday stress and worries often fill the days, and even the nights.

I had a workshop last fall on the 5 senses in nature. I asked a group of children to name their 5 senses. "Sight!" exclaimed one child..."Smell!" said another..."Taste!" then "Touch!" and finally, "Hearing!" About to continue the walk and lesson, I noticed a little boy with his hand up. "Miss Sarah!" he said. "I know another sense!" I paused and asked him to name it. His answer, "I have a sense of WONDER!"

Too often we forget our sense of wonder. We take for granted a smile, a flower, our families, our memories, and sunsets. Simple things that would be missed and often go unappreciated...and even important things that will be missed and often go unappreciated.

I no longer call my workshop The Five Senses in Nature, it's simply Senses in Nature. Whenever things get hectic and seem overwhelming, I pause and remember the lesson I learned from a little boy one day last fall on a walk in the woods at The Cabin Path.

2009-06-02T15:39:00.004-04:00

The Kingfisher was teaching her babies to fly this morning! Every year, I watch and wait as she begins her ritual. They first start on the railing on the dock. She lines up the babies, and she fearlessly flies out over the lake, pausing only briefly before disappearing under the water in a crashing dive. She surfaces with her catch and flies to the fence post on the opposite side of the lake. The babies sit in awe. She then calls them with a clicking sound, and the babies fly over the water. They join her on the fence, and it is repeated over and over again. One by one, the babies try their first dives. Most of the time, their first attempts are just "fly bys"...they chicken out at the last moment, and Mom sits fussing. It is absolutely hypnotic to watch. The Mom calls, scolds, and seems to reward their courageous efforts. Patiently, she calls until every one of the babes learn to fly, dive, and hunt for their first little fish. They practice tirelessly, and then sit sunning and resting, and then continue their lessons. It's an important lesson to learn, and one that not only depends on survival, but trust...another one of those life lessons learned at The Cabin Path.
A wonderful link for birds is http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Belted_Kingfisher/id
It gives ID and the calls of birds. Enjoy!

2009-05-31T10:13:00.006-04:00

Thursday Workshops will continue through the summer. It's a wonderful time for a Nature Watch! Some weeks, we will have a specific topic (request one!) and some weeks, we will let Nature surprise us! Last Thursday, we saw many different kinds of fungi and mushrooms, baby frogs, leaf patterns, and BUGS! A fun day outside!

Join us Thursdays 10 AM - 1 PM..Bring a sack lunch!

2009-05-25T21:39:00.003-04:00

After a day of scattered showers, I decided to walk around the lake before dark. I paused to watch the Great Blue Heron fishing silently along the shoreline. The croaks of the frogs, the fog on the water, and the stillness of dusk was so peaceful. I checked the spillway and the beaver's progress of damming it up and picked up an empty water bottle and some tangled fishing line that someone has carelessly tossed away. Even with posted signs, we still have people to sneak in to fish..not a crime, but when they leave "our yard" full of trash, it makes me mad. Once our water leaves the spillway, it joins a creek that joins the Chattahoochee River...so our trash becomes many people's trash. I received a post from a Home School group about an effort to clean up the river. Too long, the Hooch has been abused, and the "South Side" has suffered the most. Many complain (myself included) but very few efforts have been made to clean it up. A group called Georgia Trail Outfitters http://georgiatrailoutfitters.com/ and Richard Grove are planning a weekend cleanup June 26 -28 on our part of the river! One trip has already been made. Richard and 3 others have hauled out 1,130 lbs of trash from Plant Wansley to Franklin. Please help to spread the word. The web site links will give you more information. There are many ways to help, so please do visit the sites and support this great cause.

http://georgiakayaker.com/featured/2009/05/cleanup-ga-chattahoochee-river-5-islands-bush-head-shoals-cleanup-2/#more-666

2009-05-24T18:06:00.005-04:00

Memorial Day....a sign of summer, school's out, and a day "off" from work disguise its true meaning. My Dad was a WWII veteran. He was a B-17 pilot with the 303rd Hell's Angels. Shot down over France, he survived a crushed ankle and being taken a POW, and his life was taken by Alzheimer's in 1996.

http://www.303rdbg.com/427wardowski.html

I treasure a plaque that was sent to the family by Bill Adams. We exchanged letters and stories, and he sent me many pictures of his family. His carvings were gifts of appreciation for the American efforts in England, and some of his story can be found on the link below.

http://www.303rdbg.com/art-adams.html

Take time to remember all of our veterans on this Memorial Day.

2009-05-24T12:36:00.005-04:00

Another year of fun with the Hill Country Montessori!

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/HX5hz9vd

2009-04-03T16:42:00.003-04:00

Spring is here!! After years of drought, we have been enjoying the spring rains. I took a group of middle schoolers from a local Montessori School to see the Hepatica and Bloodroot that I found blooming last week. They had passed their peak, but we were greeted with Trillium and Virginia Pennywort. The Trillium this year are huge, and one of them had a pale yellow bloom. I e-mailed a lady from the GNPS ( http://www.gnps.org/) asking her about the yellow color. She felt that it was just a variation of the brownish/red Trillium, but it was unusual to see. Tomorrow will be another sunny day before another round of rain, so I will walk the woods and continue my treasure hunt!

2009-01-14T08:05:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year!!

See what the Home Schoolers did last Fall 2008!!!

2008-07-31T08:00:00.012-04:00

The Cabin Path is reserving THURSDAYS for Home School Groups this year. Information and posts for this group can be found :

Yahoo Groups
(thecabinpathhsg)

If you are home schooling, or if you know of someone who is home schooling, please pass this information along. Watch for upcoming events and meetings. Book Clubs, Science Clubs, Writing Clubs, and Nature Clubs are just a few of the things we will schedule. There will be workshops for toddlers - high school. Our outdoor centers are expanding, and TCP will be an enrichment resource for your curriculum. Check our schedule, and we hope to see you soon!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecabinpathhsg (copy and paste)

2008-07-21T09:43:00.007-04:00

Although the temperatures here will be in the upper 90's today, fall is just around the corner. I have enjoyed the classes and workshops with the Hill Country Montessori. This year, The Cabin Path welcomes them as a weekly part of our schedule. Located a short distance away in the community of Serenbe, the HC Montessori School is composed of some of the most innovative, compassionate, and intellectual staff and teachers around. They are involved with many community projects, as well as offering a diverse curriculum. The Cabin Path is proud to share our nature habitat, trails, and outdoor centers with them. We are also looking forward to having their ideas and help with new projects, too. Fall will be an exciting time, and although Fridays will be reserved for the HCM, we still welcome individuals, groups, and families for workshops/walks any of the other days! Watch for all of the new projects and centers coming this fall!

2008-07-11T17:46:00.005-04:00

A side note... In February 2008, my husband took a photography workshop. As a field trip, the class visited historic Oakland Cemetery in downtown Atlanta for a photo assignment. For those of you that are not familiar with it, Oakland is the resting place of many famous citizens, civil war soldiers, "Gone With the Wind" author, Margret Mitchell, and its paths are a reflective history of the city and her people. It was originally Atlanta Cemetery, but was renamed in the mid 1800's to Oakland because of the wonderful oak trees that dotted the 88 acre parcel. http://www.oaklandcemetery.com/ I carried my camera, and found myself wandering the paths, and I soon became completely mesmerized by the epitaphs and intricate carvings on the markers. I found it to be a peaceful Sunday outing, but little did I realize that I was documenting some of the last days of Oakland in its glory. One month later, March 2008, a tornado ripped through downtown Atlanta. Most of the news attention was on the damage to high rise buildings in the city, but in the days that followed, they begin to show the destruction at Oakland. "The trees!" I thought. As I watched the news stories and pictures, I re watched my photoshow of my visit. A local TV channel did a follow up program about the cemetery and its damage. This site also has a photo slide show of the damage. http://www.wsbtv.com/slideshow/news/15617259/detail.html How relieved I was that our trees and place were spared. There have been many storms and tornadoes this year. We have lost several trees. As I walk the trails around The Cabin Path, I wonder about the history of our place. We have the unmarked grave on the hill behind the cabin, and the rock piles and squared stones of the rock circle that are perhaps unmarked epitaphs to those that once walked over our place. I remember a verse from a Native American poem reads:
Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die!
and I realize that we do live on though the lives of those who stop to remember.

2008-07-07T10:54:00.009-04:00

Speaking of animals.....
many have asked me the fate of some of the animals shown on my web site. The goose with the arrow gets the most concern because many of our visitors saw this pitiful creature. Great news..after many failed attempts to catch him/her, (you should see the PVC pipe/net my husband made..like a huge dipper) the goose actually loosened the arrow enough for it to be pulled out. I spoke to several vets that advised me to trim the arrow off and leave it. They all said that it evidently missed all vital organs. Well, Lance solved his own problem...he managed to work it back flush with his chest. There was a small dimple on his chest to identify him from the rest. He was able to fly, swim, and eat throughout the whole ordeal, and he/she raised a family that spring. I can no longer see the scar, but it still claims The Cabin Path as home.

Bingo, my beloved dog, died last fall. She was almost 18. She was the most gentle spirit, but she would have defended me to her death. She never chased any deer, cats, geese, but she was my shadow and friend. She loved to ride in the golf cart with me around the property, and she never left my side. I miss her terribly.

The baby deer is now grown. This season, there are 2 new spotties. The Moms wisely have them safely inside of our neighbor's fenced yard...the "nursery"...and they will be released when the Moms say it's time!

The cabin cats have all been spayed and neutered. Two have disappeared..I suspect coyotes. Callie and C.C. love the freedom, and they have the shelter of the cabin and the barn. I feel that it would destroy their spirit to confine them to a house, but I worry about them constantly. An old yellow "Grandpa" Tom has also taken up at the cabin, and he's next on the list to be neutered.

Maddie is a fairly new addition. She is an Australian Sheperd from a rescue. Badly abused when she was a puppy, she was returned to the shelter two times before my daughter saw her. She cowered down if she was approached, and she would be so frightened that she would wet on herself. Months of patience and lots of love have helped her, but she still frightens easily, and it has been challenging. She is so sweet...I cannot imagine anyone harming her, but she still bares the visible and invisible scars of abuse. She has a safe place now. Jesse was found at the barn when he was about 6 weeks old. A mystery still, but he and Maddie are best friends.

Stormy, the white horse, passed away a year ago last fall from Cushing's Disease. He was 22. The purple on his head in the picture was from a berry patch! He loved to scratch his head on the tree, and he often looked like an Indian war pony or a mystical unicorn! He greeted me every morning with the most wonderful neigh..even up to the day he died! Some mornings I forget he's gone, and I expect to hear him. He had the typical Arabian attitude, but he is missed. He was part of our family for 12 years. He's buried at the far end of the pasture, and it is now called "Stormy's Point"

Those are a few of the updates. Some sad, but all of the critters have love, care, and a safe place. They give so much and ask so little. The 2 new kittens have almost doubled their weight, and they are thriving. I'll be posting more updates, and I have been keeping a journal of their stories that may turn into a book! I'll let you know! See the Photo Show, "One Safe Place" on my web site. The web site is http://www.thecabinpath.com/ and click on the sign post "STABLE" The Photo Show is at the bottom.

2008-06-30T10:14:00.003-04:00

For those of you who follow the events at The Cabin Path , you know that animals play an important part in our place. On my web site, I have a Photo Show called "One Safe Place" with many of the animals that we have rescued..(or is it that they rescued us!) I have seen the magical interaction between children and our critters. I hope one day to expand and have an animal therapy program here. The horses, cats, dogs, and wildlife seem to have that secret key that unlocks the soul. They give unconditional love, and they do not judge. A life lesson for all.

We have 2 new additions....2 tiny kittens. Barely 5 weeks old, their family was forced to give all of their pets away because they are being evicted, they will have to move, and they can no longer afford them. Tears streaming down her face, the lady begged that we take them. Having just lost Kuffs, (also a rescued kitten and a family member for 16 years) I suppose we do have a little more room. I have seen stories on the news about hard times for animals. I know how much our feed bills have gone up, and I imagine it will only get worse as the cost of necessities rise. I will need to have a few extra workshops to help pay for shots and neutering, but that will be no problem. Please support your local shelters and rescue groups.

"Until he extends the circle of compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace."
Albert Schweitzer

2008-06-23T22:19:00.003-04:00

Last week, I received a call from a neighbor. "We have a baby deer trapped inside our fence!" I, too, was concerned that the little guy was away from his Ma, and it needed food. I searched wildlife rescue sites and read up on the feeding and care of baby white tailed deer. I promised to help the little guy, but I knew that deer would take care of their young unless something major had happened. I waited until the next morning to make sure that Ma was indeed gone.

I received a call the next day. "The Mama jumped back in the fence and is feeding the baby AND there is another Mama and she had her baby inside the fence, too!"

DUMB animals? I think not! Coyotes have become a problem in our area. Last year, I noticed a big decline in the number of Spotties. I had to imagine that coyotes were to blame. Evidently, these two very resourceful Mamas figured that a fenced yard would protect their babies. I see them every morning and every evening as I feed the horses. They stay close to the fence and keep watch. One of the Moms is an old timer around here, but I believe the other one is a first time Mom. How amazing it is that they teamed up to protect their young. I told my neighbor that they should feel honored to be trusted with such a gift. Yes, there are many life lessons to be learned from nature.

The babies have a large email following. Our neighbor sends out daily updates and pictures. Yes, they eat Hostas, flowers, and veggies, but we have taken so much of their habitat. It's nice to share.

2008-06-05T20:39:00.007-04:00

On my walk this week, I have discovered more wildflowers. The Paw Paw with fruit, Hearts a Burstin', White Milkweed, and a white flower that I am still researching. Its bloom is similar to the Fly Poison, but the leaves are different. I have ordered another wildflower book for the SE United States and a book on rare wildflowers in Georgia. I am hoping that I can identify several that have gone unnamed.

Georgia is starting off the spring hot and dry. The only memory of the storms a few weeks ago are the browning leaves from twisted and fallen trees. We need rain. We have already passed the 90 degree mark, and I am afraid we will repeat last year's record drought. I notice a reduction in the number of plants...probably the results of drought and loss of habitat. I joke about the future and "Tree Zoos" but I realize that it may not be so outrageous. "Green" is in right now. Let's hope it's not too late.

2008-05-26T21:19:00.005-04:00

Another walk....another discovery! I have said that finding wildflowers and plants is like a treasure hunt, and identifying them is like a puzzle, but books and the Internet are helpful. Nature can blend and camouflage, as well as surprise! Today, I had a taste of both. I found a vine growing at the labyrinth that had muted purple-brown flowers. I have identified it as Carolina Milkvine (Matelea carolinensis) I plan to build a trellis and help secure it.

My second discovery was by accident. While walking near the Gathering Room, I bent down to pick up what I thought was a deflated balloon, but it's texture and smell soon let me know that it was some type of growing thing! It was somewhat grotesque looking. Bright orange, tubular, and VERY stinky. Mother Nature having a little fun! There were no leaves, so I was not sure if it were a flower or fungus. Quite a surprise. After searching my wildflower books, I concluded that it must be in the mushroom/fungus family. I found a site from UGA on Georgia mushrooms, and found it to be one of the most informative sites I've seen. I have put the link with the information and picture the Dog Stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus) . I have also posted my pictures of both of the discoveries today. Two new finds for The Cabin Path.

2008-05-23T20:44:00.003-04:00

Wednesday, The Cabin Path was visited by Don Wells and his wife, Diane. Don is a member of the Mountain Stewards, a group that is collecting data on signal/trail trees and Native America history. Using a GPS , Google maps, and mapping software, they are tracing the trails and and settlements around the SE United States. "MY" tree was blown down by Hurricane Opal, but it was a favorite place to sit, read, and dream as a child. I remember taking my horse, Penney, down the trails and jumping off of her and onto this giant, bent tree. It was a like woodland lounge chair with a gentle curved backrest. Thirty years later, I would tell my children about this magical tree, and they, too, played on it. When our oldest was a senior in high school, she took many pictures of this tree. It helped her to be awarded a photography scholarship to college, and it left me with my favorite photograph of this tree. A few years ago, I learned about signal/ trail trees. They were used by Native Americans as a road sign of sorts to mark important places. We believe that this one marked the rock circle on the hill that overlooks our lake.

The tree seen in the pictures is believed to be a Prayer Tree, and it is also located on the property. It will take a core sample to date it, but it has all of the characteristics of a tree that was used in prayer ceremonies. Pines were used by the Utes and Plains tribes. Evergreens would carry their prayers to the skies year round, and this group is finding that pines were also used in the Southern states. The Cabin Path seems to have an important Native American link to the past.

2008-05-18T20:46:00.002-04:00

A walk around to see all the trees down from last weekend's storms led me to new discoveries. The upper part of the property had suffered the most damage. A swampy bog area filled with River Cane and Switch Cane is now the resting place for 3 huge giants. Two oaks and one maple are now uprooted. They took down the top of an old Dogwood as they fell. They led me to a new area that I don't visit often. A grassy leafy flower..looking alot like monkey grass..had a tall white plume. A tentative ID is Fly Poison... not rare, but interesting..and the little three lobed plants..no flowers, but I'll watch them carefully. I believe they are Hepatica, but will ask a few friends about them. I spent most of the afternoon with all of my wildflower books and downloaded pictures. Amazing that these treasures have gone unnoticed. It took downed trees after a storm for me to discover them. True...it sometimes takes a storm to notice what has been in front of you all of the time.

2008-05-17T22:13:00.005-04:00

Summer Camps:

COST: $200 INCLUDES ALL ART MATERIAL

Each Camp Session is 1 Week Long

http://www.thecabinpath.com/reservations.html

Hours of 9:30 - 3:00 AGES 8-12
Bring a sack lunch, drink, and a healthy snack. Bottled water will be provided at no additional cost. Also apply sunscreen and bug spray or send it with your child. Please wear walking shoes!

Some of the activities include:

Nature Walks
Creative Writing
Nature Journaling
Paper/Book Making
Treasure Hunt
Fairy Homes
BUGS!
Labyrinth Walks
Yoga
Nature Photography
Native American Study and Dig
Fossil Printing
Tree Project/Study
Plein Air Painting
Eco-friendly Projects
Gardening
MUCH MORE! Including a week long project filming and editing a NATURE DOCUMENTARY! Each child will receive a copy to take home!

2008-05-11T11:33:00.006-04:00

Mother's Day.. Mother Nature's Day! The alarms, accompanied by the flashes of lightning, woke me early. According to the warnings, we had about 20 minutes until they were overhead. The storms looked fierce on radar, and we were in her path. I quickly turned on the coffee pot...a cup of courage.. and hurried the cats and dogs into the basement. I filled my coffee cup and called the rest of the family to take cover. Reluctantly, they followed thinking it was another false alarm. We settled in just as the power went off. The crackling old radio named our road as ground zero, and we sat in the darkness while the rain pounded outside. It passed quickly, but it was still so dark. It seemed like hours until morning's light arrived. I started out for the barn and dodged debris all the way. The driveway was blocked by two uprooted trees, but I determined that there were no wires down. As I passed the Gathering Room, I saw chairs and tables scattered around the deck. As I approached the barn, Muffin welcomed me with a neigh. The cabin, barn, and hay barn were all standing. Large limbs blocked the roadway, but I soon saw that all of the horses were frightened, but okay. Callie, the cabin cat ran to meet me, and even the new baby geese seemed to be fine. After feeding all of them, I then began to walk the trails. Limbs, pine cones, and leaves littered the way, however, no large trees were down. The labyrinth cove appeared to be untouched until I walked the path by the lake. There was a row of huge oak and maple trees all bowed and broken, and one huge oak completely uprooted. They all lay like dominoes along the bank, but the large old beech tree was untouched. Across the trail, the path of the wind picked up again, and there were more old friends down.
Mid morning, the lights and power were restored. I then realized the extent of the damage in our area as the news showed picture after picture of destruction. Homes and property were changed forever, and life seemed a little more precious to everyone that was interviewed. I'll start tomorrow with the clean up feeling blessed that we were spared the worst of the weather. A powerful wake up call this morning! Yes, it was Mother's Day.. Mother Nature's Day.

2008-05-05T21:32:00.003-04:00

It was an amazing workshop! Fairies were the theme, but it was a time for yoga, fellowship, reflection, and laughter. Patrice Dickey, life coach, led us to find the magic in our lives. New friends and fairies were created, and we ended the day with a labyrinth walk. Thank you Patrice. We should meet often and keep the magic alive.

2008-05-01T07:37:00.002-04:00

'The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a
green thing that stands in the way. Some see Nature all ridicule and
deformity, and some scarce see Nature at all. But to the eyes of the
man of imagination, Nature is Imagination itself.'
- William Blake, 1799, The Letters

2008-04-21T10:08:00.005-04:00

The neigh of the horses, the honk of the geese and peeps of the babes, the treasure hunt for new wildflowers, and the greetings from the deer. Can you blame for NOT liking mornings? A labyrinth walk completes it and me...or at least helps me cope. There is magic in this place. It is filled with memories and inspiration. I walked up to the hill above the cabin and sat for awhile. I want to add a memorial spot there...copper stamped leaves or name etched bricks, but some kind of tribute to those that are no longer with us physically. There is a stone marker, too old to decipher, but a headstone for someone or something. I also want to build a small chapel there..a "little church in the wildwood". About 50 years ago, my family was a major part in the organization of UMC in our community. There was a young, energetic student minister that was assigned to take a census in the area to determine if there was enough interest to start a church. John was the kind of person that could never meet a stranger, and he won the hearts and souls for miles around! Long story, short: the church was built! The song, "The Little Church in the Wildwood" was its theme song. So many voices blended together, and now so many of them have passed on. Yup, I'd like to add a little chapel in the wildwood to The Cabin Path.

2008-04-20T17:02:00.003-04:00

FYI....someone is using dwthecabinpathm to spam people. It is not us. How do people do this, or why do people do this? Anyway, just venting here and will find an anti spam program.

2008-04-18T10:32:00.008-04:00

Morning at The Cabin Path....Every morning I feed the horses. It begins a journey of new and unexpected discoveries. This morning, I was greeted by horses, the cabin cats, deer, the geese, and new wildflowers. Tiny yellow violets are beginning to bloom. The Trillium are also emerging, and several have buds. The Bluets are tiny purple/blue flowers..one of my favorites, but certainly not rare. The yellow Green and Gold were everywhere, and a few remaining Rue Anemones, Dwarf Iris, and a surprise...a blooming Pink Lady Slipper!! Many more are budding, but they were not even visible last weekend. Lady Slippers are very particular about their environment. They require a bacteria in the soil to flourish. Many Lady Slippers are killed by well meaning transplanters. They might survive a year or so, but they will eventually die. Perhaps that is one reason I welcome this wildflower with such warmth every year. We share The Cabin Path as home, and I don't think I would adapt to a transplant very easily, either.

2008-04-16T20:26:00.004-04:00

Baby geese....a sure sign of spring. Over the weekend, seven of the new babies arrived at The Cabin Path. I'm sure there are some that perceive these creatures as "pests" but I have a true admiration for them. I have heard that geese mate for life. They are very protective of their spouses, and they will attack almost anything that threatens their nests. During nesting time, they will fight off anything..including other geese.. to defend their eggs, but if they sound an alarm "honk" because of some danger, all of the geese on the lake will fly to help defend the one in trouble. After the eggs hatch, both parents watch over the young. I have seen them spread both wings over the young to hide them from a hawk, and I have watched as they seem to mourn the loss of a baby with a neck twisting movement and a low clucking sound. They are very devoted to family, and they watch over the babes until they can fly. Their loyality is to be admired, and their instincts are amazing...and they are just cute!

2008-04-15T21:25:00.010-04:00

The leaves are coming back! I am always amazed by their magic. There is always one spring rain that makes them pop, and then they disguise the fallen limbs and flaws of the winter into mystical hiding places for the wood sprites and fairies. With the aid of some very creative workshop helpers, the fairy village is repairing and rebuilding. Come and dust off your imagination. Believe!

2008-04-13T19:38:00.005-04:00

Native Azaleas and Beavers! This is NOT a good combination. I realized too late that the beavers were enjoying these beauties way before their time...not for the flowers, but for the easy access of these plants that grow along the bank of the lake. Ironically, the plants that I tagged with dangling surveyors tape (to label for cuttings) were the ones spared. Evidently, it was just enough movement to frighten them, and the labeled plants were untouched. A lesson learned. The nipped bushes will grow back in time and be fuller plants, but this spring is a little less colorful because of their gnawing. The predicted freezing temps may also take away some of the spring color...yet nature continues in spite of the obstacles. Another lesson learned.

2008-04-04T10:10:00.006-04:00

Springtime at The Cabin Path is a magical time. Wildflowers begin to bloom. There are nests and new babies all around. This year we are adding a bird and butterfly area near the labyrinth. Reading and writing "rooms" are tucked among the trees, and offer a quiet time for reflection and meditation. We are a work in progress, and I never want to come to the end of the list! Come and join us for a walk, or come and help us with a project! We will be finishing the chinking on the log cabin....messy, hard work, but it always leaves me with a reborn sense of appreciation for those pioneers! Trails always need sticks picked up..and often you'll discover new mysteries when you reach closer to the earth. There will be a Box Turtle study ongoing. These small creatures are suffering from lack of habitat, along with the White Tailed Deer, fox, and yes, coyotes. Discover the many kinds of dragonflies, trees, and plants. The Cabin Path is a place to relax and enjoy the wonders of nature.

2008-04-03T20:57:00.005-04:00

I try to find time to walk our labyrinth everyday. The Cabin Cats have begun to follow me down to the lake, and they often walk with me. They will stop and play..or get right under my feet..or they wait patiently for me to complete my journey. Callie and C.C. are my walking buddies.

2008-03-18T15:21:00.000-04:00

First Wildflowers!
Spring is almost here....yesterday, while walking, I spotted the Rue Anemone blooming. The tornadoes around Atlanta last weekend have downed many limbs and trees. The trail pick up is on....we were so lucky to escaped the worst of the storms. We had 2 tornadoes warnings for our place, but they did not touch down. We had golf ball size hail and strong winds..but nothing like the storm that hit Atlanta...about 12 miles away.

2008-03-18T15:04:00.001-04:00

Prayer Tree??? Until recently, I figured that this old pine was just the victim of a rough start! The Mountain Stewards is a group out of Jasper, GA has a Trail Tree Project, and I have been in contact with them. They plan to visit and document our trees. Their web site tells of pines being used as a part of prayer ceremonies of the Native Americans. We had a trail marker tree.. I have always called them signal trees, but it was downed by Hurricane Opal in the mid 1990's. This pine and another tree a short distance from it have always caught my interest. It is amazing to stand beside them and wonder what tales they could tell.