DUALITY IN BALANCE

Originally uploaded by G r e n.

A pair of pears.

Makes me hungry.

Brings me balance.

Is all good.

Another German Road Machine

Here's the new Passat that calls out for some good driving.

Zen Surfing

your kung fu is strong
Originally uploaded by astrocruzan.

Becoming one with the wave .......

TEETH TO THE WIND

This October has been quite a month. Riding in snow storms is already the norm -- a cold norm at that. Now the winds seem to set daily records. I'm quite impressed.

Today I learned that Mount Washington received 40 inches of snow already this month. The only higher October on record was last October when New England's highest peak received 78.9 inches of the white stuff.

This past weekend saw winds peak at 144 mph up there. To put that in perspective, winds of 144 mph are the equivalent of a Category 4 Hurricane. Nasty for sure.

So Winter is moving in hard. Still, a Zen Rider's thoughts never stray from the next adventure.

There are snowy roads to ride in the VW 4-Motion. There are ski slopes to surf and tropical corals to snorkle. There are dreams to dream and great books to read. There are clients to help and friends to support. There are kids to nurture and loves to love.

Like the wind and snow I'll try to do great things this coming Season. I accept the challenge. We should all accept the challenge: "Bring It On."

Or as a friend once taught me about riding in difficult situations, just grin and say "Teeth to the Wind."

Clymena Butterfly

88 Diaethria Clymena Butterfly
Originally uploaded by chuchogm.

Speaking of nature's beauty...................

Wind Zen

Playing with The Wind in the Evening
Originally uploaded by fiou.

It's really windy today. But rather than curse it, I thought I'd think of all the fun things wind can bring us.

This fellow has it right: kite flying in the evening. Yes.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Originally uploaded by jimfrazier.

Just as people have a favorite hotel, restaurant or wine, Butterflies apparently have their own plant preferences. Very neat.

BUTTERFLIES, TREES, AND STONES

Nature is arranged by a brilliant yet simple strategy: everything must work together for the good of the whole. When we look at an Alder tree, for example, we see its beauty and form. But do we look and note that the Alder is often home to Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies?

Frankly, I never even knew until recently that Butterflies enjoyed different host trees. This evening I read a bit and learned some marvelous tidbits about the symbiotic relationship between trees, plants, stones and Butterflies. I'll share a few, as I know that Zen Riders love nature.

The White Admiral prefers Linden trees. Tiger Swallowtails enjoy not only Alders but Maples as well. The Silver Spotted Skipper (I've yet to be introduced to one of these lovelies) likes to live in the Mimosa tree. [And I always thought that a Mimosa was a Brunch beverage.]

The Mourning Cloak crows for Poplars; and the Spring Azure adores Dogwood.

Butterflies also choose their habitat in reference to plants. Monarchs moan for Milkweed; the American Copper coughs it up for Sheep Laurel. Most weirdly, the Red Admiral admires Nettles. [Ouch.]

Were one to plan a garden to entice Butterflies one need follow just a few simple horticultural rules. First, locate your garden in a sunny area. Second, use large splashes of color in the landscape design as groups of flowers are easier for Butterflies to locate when they are at cruising altitude. [They might miss a single nettle, but not an entire cluster.]

And finally, place large flat stones in the gardens as Butterflies like to perch on warm stones to bask. [Duh, who doesn't like to do that?]

My next home will be planned with these rules in mind. One big stone will be for my Butterfly friends. The other will be for us two-legged folk that enjoy lying back on warmed stones to share stories, dreams, and concerns.

It's Really Raining Hard

Whats the weather like.
Originally uploaded by Protection Island.

Today's incredible rain makes one glad to have plenty of indoor activities. I've had dry fun doing some work, reading the paper, talking on the phone with friends, and plotting upcoming travels on the GPS.

I ventured out earlier to go to the office and got soaked in a matter of seconds. Ahh, the fury of the elements is to be respected for sure.

Rainy Nights

rainy nights
Originally uploaded by -Ant-.

Rainy days and rainy nights make this a good time to put on a warm sweater and curl up with a book.

Soon the sun will return and outside we will go.

For today, though, Inside activities are just fine. I think I'll plan a new GPS route to someplace and then see what happens. Fun.