OUTDOOR LIVING
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<<< Canoeing in the pond Toasting brussel sprouts
As our thoughts turn toward gratitude in the month of November, I find nature is often on my list. At the beginning of the year, I wrote down three things daily for which I was grateful. Especially in this pandemic year, nature made my list. Here is a recap of my nature gratitude this year: • Daily, nearby nature is powerful! We watched the pond, noticed changes in the trees, and observed the birds during neighborhood walks or bike rides. • Nature allowed us social time—meeting friends at Wellfield, backyards, at the pond or beach, over fires, creek stomping, and for community star gazing. • Each season offers unique opportunities— we enjoyed the snow, maple sugaring, yard work, and frogs!
Gratitude
for Nature
• We enjoyed our woods in the backyard, pond out front, local nature spots, visiting Lake Michigan beaches, and visited family on the Big Island of Hawaii. After quarantine, snorkeling, star gazing on top of Mauna Kea, local foods, lava flow and steam vent visits, and hiking at state and national parks filled our interests. • Birding is fun with local bird walks and workshops! We saw long-eared owls near Middlebury with about 70 people trekking through the snow, brush, and bog to see them. • Weather, whether it be snow, a storm, watching the rain, sunshine, or just plain good weather, lifts my mood. • Live animals are always a hit—finding frogs and tadpoles, encountering turtles, visiting baby raccoons at my uncle’s house, going fishing, etc. • Getting out at night is a fun time to explore! There is something magical about safe spaces in nature in the dark. • Simple things like yard work, building forts, or playing sardines in the woods are good for our family. • Cooking over a fire is tasty and bonding.
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<<< Exploring the shore in Hilo
• Seasonal foods are delicious—morels and black raspberries! Spending time with family while on the hunt is priceless. Hiking at Goshen Dam Pond
Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.insideoutsidemichiana.com and podcasts as Loose Parts Nature Play. She is often seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area.
• Canoeing may be my new birthday tradition. Love floating down the river!
Did you connect to nature more this year as well? What trends did you notice? How might you include nature as part of your gratitude in the month of November and beyond?
