Backyard And Beyond

Information on birds, insects, plants, weather, stalking, and tracking in woods and fields.

Nature has provided us with an array of birds, insects and animals, all laying claim to our big backyard environment. Everytime I see a butterfly flutter by, or a cardinal sitting so boldly in the old oak, I look for my camera to see how I could capture the excitement of the moment. At times these moments were popping up everywhere, and my camera and I were working so hard not to miss one opportunity. The idea was to create a book, as a Christmas gift, for my grandsons. As the idea was nearing completion, a number of family and friends showed some interest in the outcome, hus the addition of phase two of this venture. It was suggested that I go one step further and publish the book, to share with all the children. I never thought of myself as an author, but as the seed was planted, and began to grow, I was more than happy to keep it nurtured. In the end we were able to see a book, that was both entertaining and educational. I find that the reality of photography, is perhaps the next best thing to nature itself. For many children, and some adults, some of these photos may be the closest encounter they may ever have with some of these birds and animals.The opportunity is now here in "My Big Backyard Journal...and beyond". As you look through these pages, it is my hope that it brings you as much enjoyment, as I have had putting this together.

Ellsworth provides inspirational and practical help for adults who desire to get beyond a self-focused life by reaching out and serving others in tangible ways.

From the bestselling author of The Small House Book, comes a collection of designs for tiny homes with “instant curb appeal.” (The New York Times) From internationally recognized small living expert Jay Shafer, who has been featured on CNN, Oprah, Fine Homebuilding, and This Old House, a revised edition of his bestselling book, Tumbleweed DIY Book of Backyard Sheds and Tiny Houses. Ranging in size from 100 to 120 square feet, these tiny backyard buildings can be used as guest cottages, art or writing studios, home offices, craft workshops, vacation retreats, or full-time residences. This book is filled with photos, elevation drawings, and door/window schedules for constructing six of the handsome little buildings, plus an extensive how-to set of instructions that can be applied to any backyard building project. This revised edition contains many new photos of buildings designed by Jay Shafer. Praise for Jay Shafer and Tumbleweed Tiny Houses: "... guru of the small house movement." —John Blackstone, CBS "Move-in ready gems." —Better Homes and Gardens “Astounding." —Oprah Winfrey "A visionary designer ..." —Domino Magazine "100 square feet of bliss." —Thelma Guiterrez, CNN

Train your dog to deal with distractions

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

“A bountiful smorgasbord of classic and lesser known stories by accomplished Kentucky writers who provide a feast for readers of modern short fiction.” —Ann Charters, author of The Story and Its Writer With an introduction by Wade Hall Morris Grubbs has sifted through vintage classics, little-known gems, and stunning debuts to assemble this collection of forty stories by popular and critically acclaimed writers. In subtle and profound ways, they challenge and overturn accepted stereotypes about the land their authors call home, whether by birth or by choice. Kentucky writers have produced some of the finest short stories published in the last fifty years, much of which focuses on the tension between the comforts of community and the siren-like lure of the outside world. Arranged chronologically, from Robert Penn Warren’s “Blackberry Winter” to Crystal E. Wilkinson’s “Humming Back Yesterday,” these stories are linked by their juxtaposition of departures and returns, the familiar and the unknown, home and beyond. “The story of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is told and retold by a mixed but balanced chorus of voices that sings like the wind down the ridges and along the creekbeds.” —Appalachian Journal “Readers needn’t be from Kentucky to appreciate these stories . . . Prepare to be wowed by these superior examples of the form.” —The Bloomsbury Review “From Robert Penn Warren to Bobbie Ann Mason, Kentucky hatches writers like other states create tourist traps.” —The Nashville Tennessean “If you love Kentucky authors, this anthology of short stories is a must for your Kentucky collection.” —Bourbon Times

"A collection of short stories by the author of DOGWALKER"--

"When we think of environmental action, we draw upon images from the disaster of Love Canal or from A Civil Action - stories of lone activists fighting the government or some corporation against all odds. In their provocative essay, Sabel, Fung, and Karkkainen demonstrate that an effective alternative is emerging. Before environmental disasters occur, citizen groups are collaborating with experts, business leaders, and local and federal governments to figure out what is best for their own neighborhoods. These examples point to more than successful environmental action: they represent a model of grassroots democracy that can be applied to the needs of any community"--Back cover.