nectar of the Earth

mountain apples in north carolina.

The Historic Orchard at Altapass is a 102-year-old apple orchard turned Appalachian Cultural Center celebrating the people, music, art, and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina. Built by the Clinchfield Railroad in 1908, the Orchard sits right on the Parkway providing some of the most amazing scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

singing in Bee#

What a strange thing to have seen.  Right outside our front door there is a generic bush that kept plenty of buzzies active over the summer.  It still has small white blossoms on it, and although there are less in number, the buzzies are still stopping by.  Several days ago there were 8-10 large bees clinging to flowers.  These bumblebees were lethargic and appeared asleep. I touched their backs with my finger and got no response.  The next morning the dew was heavy and laden over the flying insects.  Is this a typical "end of season" response for bumblebees?  Do you know what it could have been?  Please share.  Thank you.

soylent green revisited

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