The Farm in the Middle of Nowhere

[furtech]

I spent about a week at a friend's home somewhere in the wilds of the midwest. No real net access; three channels of television (2 PBS stations and NBC). Cellphone often worked if you stood in the driveway, near the flagpole. One of the most relaxing weeks I've ever had. Discovered that dandilion preserves are *wonderful*. I can see why the locals have so little interest in geopolitical politics: out here, there really is only your family, the corn and the weather. Stephen King country. Starry sky like you wouldn't believe.



Besides the cornfield, there are a number of creeks and a large patch of woods at the back of the property. At this time of the year everything is a verdunt green.



I finally got to see what poison ivy looks like (slightly different than poison oak, but not terribly so).



One evening, I was very excited to spot an owl on top of a vent on the barn. Despite misgivings by the others, I insisted it was an owl...either a burrowing owl or some small screech owl. Took many pictures. The next day, I realized my mistake...and had to endure, "Hey, your owls are back on the barn!" comments all day.