When Less Is More
Hey Friends, The trail camera had captured a bobcat and prey in our backyard. In South Carolina, bobcats typically inhabit areas of dense, thick brush such as bottomland forests in the coastal plain. They are found in many different habitats including swamps, mountainous regions, and forests. Enjoy!
Nothing says The Holidays better than having some warm and flavorful herb roasted potatoes as a side dish. This side dish pairs well with any main dish or served alone.
I enjoy making these herb roasted baby potatoes in huge quantities and freezing any extras. Also, I love eating them in the morning with eggs whenever I need a power pack breakfast for a very long hike in the mountains.
I have a confession to make. I’m a pluviophile, a lover of rain.
It’s my favorite time to spend in the woods because everything slows down.
Yes, it can become even super slower here. The wildlife takes cover and all you can hear are the sounds of the leaves on the trees as if a lady is dragging a very heavy and long ballgown across the floor, as she begins to dance to the rhythmic sounds of the rain.
I sit on the red swing and drink a cup of tea or coffee. The cats are staring out the window eager to catch a squirrel taking cover. After the rain has slowed down or completely stopped, I am eager to see the magic of the woods appear before my eyes.
“Rain is grace; rain is the sky descending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life.
—John Updike
Rhythmic Rainfall
The musical beats of the rain send calming waves throughout the day. The rain songs are on a lovely loop soundtrack. I guess that’s why many want to dance or sing in the rain…I do!
I even own a rainstick so I can enjoy the sweet and lovely sounds whenever I feel stressed.
Mystical Fog
A mystical dense fog starts flowing over the four mountains around me, (Coldbranch Mountain, Battered Rock Mountain, Reedy Mountain, and Table Rock Mountain).
According to folklore, Table Rock Mountain received its name from a Cherokee legend in which the flat-topped mountain served as a table from which the Great Spirit ate his meals.
When I look out into the sky and see the mountains surrounded by fog…I can definitely understand!
Magic of Stillness
There is a magic of solitude when it’s raining (even though I have neighbors nearby) and an organic reflection of turning inwards. Sitting in the stillness helps me understand myself more. It’s a reflection of time and a reminder of the beauty that resides in all of us.
In May 2021, I had a black bear visiting me at the cabin and showing off her baby cubs. She was done hibernating for the winter and was looking for something yummy to eat (no, not me…lol). The bear remembered me from last year when I set up some bird feeders. Let me rewind this story and explain.
Last year, I heard a loud thunk on the back of my deck. I quickly turned around and saw the black bear standing acrobatically on all fours on top of the deck. The black bear climbed all the way up and was staring enchantingly at the bird feeder swinging merrily on the deck. Then she stood upright and yanked the bird feeder and started shaking it as if it were a gumball dispenser and had won a prize. She ate half of the seeds and grabbed the bird feeder, then smiled (as if she was saying, thanks, Lady!) and placed it into her powerful jaws, and went right down the pole of the deck to finish the rest of her loot.
After a few more visits from the black bear, I began to feel like the guy from, ‘Grizzly Adams.’ I learned that the bears live far towards the back of the woods from my cabin. Bears only become aggressive if they feel threatened. Overall, bears are usually very peaceful and gentle.
Humphrey the Bear: In The Bag
I love making this dish as a quick and savory meal for dinner. Rice pilaf makes a great vegetarian meal. Also, both curry and turmeric have many health benefits.
Jump to RecipeI serve this rice dish with my favorite chutney, Patak’s Major Grey Chutney-Sweet Mango with Ginger.
You can find my favorite chutney here.
This recipe is a flavorful mixture of tangy and sweet. As a child growing up in New York City, one of my favorite dishes was tomato-based salted cod fish, bacalhau. Once a week, I would always look forward to this dish with a side of french fries…yum!
I recreated this dish inspired by my Mediterranean and Hispanic heritage. It’s a fusion of flavors that makes this dish extra delicious! Plus, this dish pairs well with any side of rice, salad, or potatoes.
Hey Friends, The trail camera had captured a deer and fawn grazing in the backyard. The White-Tailed Deer are very tender and timid. Enjoy!
More Information Below:
South Carolina State Animal: White Tailed-Deer
https://www.sciway.net/facts/sc-state-animal-white-tailed-deer.html
Walking the Swamp Rabbit Trail for Health and Fitness
Lovely day today…60 F degrees outside. I took a short walk at the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile multi-use (walking and bicycling) greenway that traverses along the Reedy River, an old railroad corridor and City parks to connect Travelers Rest with the City of Greenville, South Carolina.
If you plan on visiting South Carolina be sure to check out the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Swamp Rabbit Trail Information:
https://www.greenvillesc.gov/316/Swamp-Rabbit-Trail-Interactive-Map
In early 2020, I packed my stuff onto a moving truck and was headed to the woods. My husband was offered a new job opportunity and we decided to move to a cabin in the woods since we are both nature lovers and enjoy hiking. Two years later, I can guarantee that cabin living is worth it!
We have a breathtaking view of Table Rock Mountain here in South Carolina. The wildlife is extremely fascinating! Plus, I have experienced serene sunsets and magical twilights. I’m very excited to share all these adventures with you!
With Gratitude,
Debra Roinestad
Faster doesn’t always mean better. A slower lifestyle helped me find more mindful moments. I don’t have to be fast anymore! The slow and steady rhythm of nature has helped me heal.
Living in the woods has a way of awakening your senses. Fresh clean air, a crisp cool breeze, and the warm pulsating sun on your face have a way of making you feel alive again. There is a sense of realignment and a restoration of peace. There are many opportunities for meditation and enjoying all the sounds and stillness around you. In the woods, I found the best version of myself. I soon began to discover that nature and the self are one.
“Going inward will awaken. True change starts within. —Unknown
Studies have shown that living in the woods has many health benefits. There is a healing power of the forest. The frequency in nature vibrates at a higher level and washes away our fears. We begin to develop unity with nature. Also, we foster respect for the elements within nature and truly, ourselves.
