Tag: William Daniel Ross

In recent years December has given us our first real blast of winter. A premature blast usually because early December snows have usually melted by Christmas… December 2014 Raptors Early in December 2014 I walked Rosslyn’s woods and meadows to make sure our cross-country ski trails were clear of trees and brush. The good news was…

Aftermath: Winter Storm Damage

Dec 11, 2014

—

by

My enthusiasm for an early season blizzard was rewarded (punished?) severalfold. Be careful what you wish for! Remember the section about potential winter storm damage in my last post? Impacts Travel conditions will remain difficult to hazardous due to snow covered roads and visibilities occasionally dropping below one half mile. In addition the weight of the snow…

Essex Ferry to Vermont

Nov 17, 2014

—

by

in Wanderlust to Houselust

Great photograph! That “Essex Ferry to Vermont” sign is posted at the entrance to the Essex-Charlotte ferry dock located two houses and one library south of Rosslyn. That’s our boathouse in the center of the image. I came across this charming Essex image on the Essex Shipyard’s website, so it was most likely photographed by Linda or…

Demolition: Rosslyn Dedux

Nov 10, 2014

—

by

in Rehab Ad Infinitum

When it was built it was just right for the times. But it didn’t adapt… Rooms were shut off and fell out of use. Neglect left the paint chipped, with bare wood and brick showing through… rehabilitation fails with no sustainable plan for use. ~ Stef Noble (www.stef.net) I don’t recollect how I came across Demolition, a…

From Artichoke to Sea Anemone

Nov 3, 2014

—

by

When you don’t harvest your artichokes in time they bloom. And then they look like sea anemones! On the one hand, it’s a pity. One fewer chokes to steam and dab in mayonnaise or butter or… hollandaise sauce. Yum. On the other hand, these giant thistle blossoms are stunning! The size of softball, and violet…

October Wind, Canada Geese and Essex DNA

Oct 27, 2014

—

by

My day was made when part-time Essex resident Kelly Youngs-Schmitt shared these fun photographs on Facebook. Kelly’s a relatively new acquaintance (although her Essex connection is far deeper, longer and more historically significant than my own.) But the Facebook-powered social web and the curiously compelling Essex DNA have brought us together. She participates in the Essex on…

Early Autumn

Aug 19, 2014

—

by

Autumn appears to be coming early this year. For at least a week nights have been dropping into the chilly 50s. And this morning I see that temperatures slid even lower. Perhaps this is normal? Yet it doesn’t seem normal. The 40s in mid August? In Essex, New York? On the shores of Lake Champlain…

Herbs, July 29

Jul 29, 2014

—

by

Some days it’s enough to wake up and smell the young herbs with July’s morning sun on the back of my neck. I make a cup of tea and head outside with Griffin. I wander barefoot into the herb garden while he takes care of his morning constitutional. As the plants warm up they release…

Rainbow Ramble

Jul 1, 2014

—

by

At the end of the rainbow… A ferry! That seems like the perfect, cheesoise title for this photo I just snapped standing in the road between our home and the boathouse. Looking east at Vermont’s Green Mountains, though you’ll have to take my word for it since the rain and fog have veiled the view.…

Birdwatchers and Golden-Winged Warblers

Jun 19, 2014

—

by

in Houselust to Wonderlust

Found him! Birdwatchers from across the United States studied the elusive golden-winged warbler as part of the 12th Annual Adirondack Birding Celebration June 6 at an Essex thicket. The golden-winged warbler is a “species of special concern,” said trip leader Brian McAllister. Populations have declined precipitously during the past 45 years due to a loss…

Friday the 13th: Garden Update

Jun 13, 2014

—

by