Earth Day

April 22, 2025
by Angie 5 Comments

Earth Day Wonder

What a beautiful world we inhabit! Creation is amazingly intricate. I am thankful for the wonder and adventure of experiencing God’s world.

Today I am reminded of my dad, who has a birthday on April 22. He would’ve been 84. I’ve only recently realized his birthday and Earth Day are the same day. He loved getting out in nature and often hauled us with him, whether we were exploring the Arizona desert, finding dirt roads leading up into the Cascades, or looking for dead snags to cut for firewood. Of course, that last one meant we the kids had to carry the logs back to the truck, and if dad had anything to do with it, he would cut something down a hill, meaning we would have to haul uphill. Every. Time.

Let’s celebrate and give thanks for our wondrous world. And while we’re at it, pick up a few extra pieces of trash, recycle what we can, and care for what is around us.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. -Colossians 1:16-17 NIV

Happy Earth Day.

April 22, 2024
by Angie Leave a comment

Happy Earth Day!

It’s Earth Day 4 22 24! Earth Day with a palindrome!

Here are some pictures of a day trip we took yesterday to see Palouse Falls. These gorgeous falls are located in southwestern Washington state. Plenty of people had the same idea, but it did not feel crowded. The remote roads were not busy, the parking lot had room, and it was easy to wander off by yourself.

It was slightly windy, but that kept it from feeling too hot. Because the sun was on full blaze. The 2-mile dirt road drive from the paved road was dusty and had sections of solid washboard, but other than that, perfect conditions.

I recommend a spring trip. We loved seeing the green hillsides (soon to be brown, dry, and filled with wildfire potential) and wildflowers as we drove.

How many marmots can you see? There is quite a colony! See below for the answer. They are quite unafraid of people, and apparently used to being given treats. If you go, watch the bottom of the fence (to keep you from falling off) to see little entrances they’ve dug to access the grass of the picnic areas and the people. We did not feed them, but a few approached to see if we reached out their way. When we didn’t, they toddled back under the fence to their edge of the cliffs.

We also enjoyed watching the swifts who flew all about the waterfall, grabbing bugs and chattering to each other.

Looking south from Palouse Falls, where the Palouse River (a tributary of the Snake River) heads off into the distance.

Sadly, we were unable to take the trail down to the bottom of the waterfalls. Due to multiple tragic accidents, those trails are blocked off. That fall is a long way down!

What a beautiful way to celebrate the amazing earth our God made! I am in awe.

If you go, know that this is remote desert rattlesnake country. Several warnings are on display reminding people to be careful (and advising them that the nearest hospital is quite far). Be prepared for dry desert conditions and follow the rules to stay safe! This is a day use state park. Not too far to the east is Lyons Ferry State Park where you can access the river. There is also camping nearby.

Happy Earth Day!

Note: There are 4 marmots in the photo.

April 20, 2023
by Angie 6 Comments

Book Review: The Planet We Call Home, written by Aimee Isaac, illustrated by Jaime Kim

The Planet We Call Home

Written by Aimee Isaac

Illustrated by Jaime Kim

Philomel, 2023

Wow! Thanks to Aimee Isaac and Susanna Hill, I was gifted a copy of The Planet We Call Home. Just in time for the birthday of my youngest grand who will turn 7 very soon. She will love opening her very own autographed copy! Thank you, Aimee and Susanna!

The Planet We Call Home is beautiful! Written in a cumulative style, each phrase is added to the next, so by the end of the story, lines have been repeated and the story internalized. I love this format! The lyrical text is hope-filled and based on nature and conversation of our precious planet Earth. Lovely illustrations complement and extend the story. Back matter provides resources for further reading and ways to help our planet. Well done, Aimee and Jaime!

With Earth Day coming up soon, The Planet We Call Home is just right! It’s also the birthday party day, so I know one 7-year-old who will be reading it on Earth Day.

April 22, 2019
by Angie Leave a comment

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Happy Earth Day, neighbors!

I love this old earth. It’s the only one I’ve got, so I suppose I should help take care of it. Earth Day reminds me to do something, not just talk about it or ignore the problems I see.

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For example:

~Yesterday and today, I planted thyme and basil, both edible yumminess for humans and flowering treats for bees.

~I’m trying to convince my pasture mowers to leave the dandelions as is for bee food.

~We avoid spray unless absolutely necessary and spend more time hand weeding.

~I keep planting baby trees from the Arbor Society to create habitat for birds and small animals.

~I always have water out for the cats, but wildlife benefits from the source of hydration.

~I’ve been noticing lots of trash along roads and paths, so it’s time to carry along a trash bag and pick up as I go on walks.

~We pay extra in our valley to allow us to recycle trash items like cans, cardboard, and certain plastics.

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I know there are many ways to help Planet Earth. These are only a few ideas to be good stewards of the beautiful environment God created for us to enjoy and care for. Spend some time outside today and pay special attention to how awesome our Earth is.

How about you? I’d love to hear what you do, especially if you have fresh ideas!