A rain barrel. This month, in honor of Earth Day (April 22), I spent some time explaining to my son Abel, who is almost five, why it’s important to take […]
Welcoming Spring with the Family
Approaching the summit of Turkey Hill in Hingham. On the first warm Saturday in March, my husband, son and I arranged to meet several other families at the town playground. […]
Where Does Maple Syrup Come From?
“Mom, where does maple syrup come from?” my son, who is four, asks me. “Maple trees,” I answer. “Nuh-uhhh . . . “ “Really, it does.” We have these discussions […]
In Praise of Sledding
Sledding at North Hill circa 1978. Although my natural inclination in winter is to hibernate, I’m also determined that my son, who is four, gets some fresh air every day. […]
The Christmas Tree Debate: Real vs. Fake
Choosing this year’s Christmas tree. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree O how I hate cleaning up after you . . . Every year in mid-December I have a little […]
Green Reading for the Holidays and Beyond
The cold weather has set in. The shortest day approaches. As winter arrives, many of us look forward to spending more time indoors – perhaps in a cozy chair with […]
Riding Scituate’s Bike Trails
For years, my bicycle has stood in a dark corner of our barn, languishing. Every so often I see it and wish it were easier just to hop on and […]
Nature Stories for Children
My son and I spend a lot of time outdoors. I enjoying sharing with him the special places I’ve found in the fields and forests, at the ocean, and along […]
Fall Festivals on the South Shore
The author and her son enjoying the hayride at Mass Audubon’s Farm Day at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield. It was a warm, sunny summer, but autumn is just […]
Hayride!
A Mass Audubon guide points out the features of a red maple swamp to hayride participants. If you’ve ever been to Mass Audubon’s Farm Day, held every fall at the […]