Mr Vuyst goes to Washington

By on Oct 17, 2019 in America |

In Frank Capra’s classic comedy-drama Mr Smith goes to Washington, the character of Jefferson Smith played by James Stewart engages in a climactic filibuster with patriotic zeal. No filibusters for me this past weekend, but a climatic (for me) run filled with patriotic zeal. The Army Ten-miler is held in Washington DC in October and is the world’s biggest 10 miler (35,000 runners). It was something I wanted to do before turning 60 later this year. The invocation, National Anthem with helicopters buzzing the 35,000 runners waiting at the start line was both thrilling and inspirational. Most inspiring was running with the young men and women of our Armed Forces who defend our freedoms worldwide. I can assure you unequivocally from talking with many of them this past weekend we are truly blessed. From the Wounded Warriors who participated in the 10 miler to the Honor Flight...

To be or not to be is really not a question

By on Oct 15, 2019 in Fall, General |

As October presses on, the leaves of the trees make their descent to the earth and the cycle of life continues. As you stand in the yard with leaf rake in hand it’s enough to make anyone wax philosophical. I think on the words of the famous writer William “Rake”-speare: To be, or not to be: that is the question. Whether tis nobler in the yard to suffer The foliage piles of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of leaves, And by opposing them. Well to be or not to be is really not a question. You’re going to have to do something about those leaves. Or are you? You could wait for favorable winds to make the leaves your neighbor’s problem. You can’t burn them anymore. I remember those days as a kid when all the neighbors would rake their leaves to the curb and light them on fire. When it came to being groundbreaking hip my Dad would compost...

You Auto Be Outside This Fall

By on Oct 10, 2019 in Fall |

Be a bright spot in a dark place

By on Oct 1, 2019 in Fall |

Be a bright spot in a dark place. Well rooted advice. Fun-Guys add some luminescence in Autumn. The Fall season with some rain means the “fun-guys” come out to play. Many fungi have bio-luminescent tendencies and stand out in the dark of the woods.  They add drama, color and light to the woodland floor. Not only “fun-guys” they have radiant personalities. Not “mushroom” for improvement there! The analogy for me when I walk through a hollow and see their luminescence is how “fun-guys” can light up a dark place just by their presence. Nature always teaches us a lesson. If a hollow is a depressed or low area, then we need more “fun-guys” that deliver the bio-luminescence. Besides, a walk in the woods is very healthy for you as I explain in my book I Just Wet My Plants. Morels get all the publicity in spring but fungi put on a show in fall to compliment the fall foliage. Do NOT eat any...

Mum Ma Mia! Watch and be inspired. (It’s Mum-believable)

By on Sep 26, 2019 in Fall |

Mum Ma Mia! Watch this video and crank up the sound. (My job is a kick in the plants)  

My Personal Musical Fountain

By on Sep 15, 2019 in Lake Michigan, Nature |

I could sit on the dune and watch this all day. It’s one of my favorite spots to sit and watch Lake Michigan. Listen to the music in my head as you watch the video. Crank it up and enjoy!

Butterfly tagging

By on Sep 12, 2019 in Nature |

On Tuesday September 10 we tagged more Monarch butterflies for fall release. A wonderful family and young lady named Neve came along as we were about to release the butterflies. With Mom’s permission, Neve was very interested in participating and did a great job! You can tell already at this young age she has a keen interest in nature, insects and flowers.       You can watch the video of Neve releasing the butterfly after tagging here:  

It’s Fall planting time. Let’s go nuts and throw “cashew” to the wind

By on Sep 9, 2019 in Fall |

Learn a lesson from the squirrels. They’re smarter than you think. Watch, learn, enjoy.