The Wood's Secret Garden

We truly thought that what we experienced was a once in a lifetime thing. To see a river otter in the creek that runs through our Secret Garden, was unbelievable in and of itself; but, for Michael to have actually got a few pictures was even more incredible (See previous post). The evening that followed that eventful first sighting was somewhat low key. As we sat on the balcony, I tried not to look down at the creek with any expectations. However, I secretly was hoping that the little river otter would visit us again. I even hoped that perhaps he lived in our secret garden. In an attempt to keep myself from constantly staring over at the creek, I said to Michael, "In all my 49 years, I have never seen a river otter in the wild and I don't personally know of anyone who has. I should be content with the fact that we got to see him at all and that you even got a few pictures. I have to move on and stop spending my time starring at the creek or I am not going to get anything e...

There are so many stories to be told since moving to our little apartment that I have found it difficult knowing where to start. Because, the events of this past Wednesday are still so unbelievable to me, I have decided to start with the most recent and then work my way back. But, before I begin, it is important to share a bit from the beginning. When we first moved in, our Secret Garden was visited daily by dozens of wild turkeys and their almost countless chicks. Each mother turkey had between 6 and 12 little ones following her down the path that winds between our balcony and the creek. As the weeks passed, we noticed fewer and fewer families coming through; and the ones that did, had fewer and fewer little ones with them. In recent weeks, there have only been two females; one that may be part albino and one that is a typical female wild turkey in color. They each have only one little one remaining. Every morning and every afternoon they appear in the Secret Garden. They usually ...

As you can see, the name has changed and so will the content. Michael and I have discovered a Secret Garden right in our backyard. Although it is nestled between a major thoroughfare and a busy freeway; by God's providence, our little apartment is at the very back of a large apartment complex and our balcony overlooks a county owned parcel of untouched wilderness. There are squirrels, birds of all sorts, wild turkeys, butterflies, bright red dragon flies, and, unfortunately even an occasional skunk. There is also a small creek that runs through it which is lined with old oak trees; huge eucalyptus trees; and, all different types of wild fruit trees and berry bushes. We have had the most wonderful two months; more wonderful than I can ever remember having. I will be sharing some of our explorations and adventures in this blog, as well as, writing personal notes around shared experiences. This is a huge change for me; but, one that I look forward to. My little brain is burstin...