Cleavage

This is a post about cleavage. Get that image out of your head (yes, I know what you were thinking) and replace it with this one - a smooth river rock, plucked from Warner Creek. No big whoop, right?

But when precise metamorphic pressure and unique molecular structure combine with the ticking hands of time...

Voila! One becomes three!

This is what geologists refer to as "perfect cleavage." I refer to it as nature exercising her awe-inspiring capacity again and again and again. And that's hot.

Condo Bird Approved

Situated on one of the crossbeams underneath our deck is a beautifully constructed nest. I was delighted to find it!

My pleasure was doubled when I glanced a bit to the left and found another.

But wait...there's more! Three neat little nests all in a row.

I was curious to find out if this avian apartment complex is a family friendly operation. Indeed it is!

Not wanting to barge in on our bird friends uninvited, I took this shot in the least intrusive manner possible by placing the lens of my iPhone's camera directly on the space between the floorboards above the nests. It's such a tiny space that reveals nothing but darkness to the naked eye. And because of the glare on the display I didn't see what I had shot until I went indoors and scrolled through the photos. You can imagine my excitement. We're going to have babies! Well, not me eggzactly, but you get my drift. Nature...thou art awesome.

Heads up!

In my obsessive quest to document every oddity in the Catskills, I have been accused of a blithe indifference to personal boundaries and a general disregard for my own safety. And although my heart is in the right place - entertaining and enlightening you, dear readers - it has come to my attention that one's heedlessness could very well result in one's headlessness.

Poor chaps - couldn't they read the sign? And why is the gentleman to the right unduly amused by his situation? I don't trust him.

Ned? Ned Stark! Is that you?

Sorry, I couldn't resist referencing another of my obsessions. Please forgive...but do remember, kids - No trespassing means EN-OH Trespassing!
(Except for me, of course.)

Fun House

One of the best reasons for taking a road less travelled is the possible and sudden explosion of art when one least expects it. Tucked away in the landscape, a bit of whimsy catches the eye at 40 miles an hour....Quick, hit the brakes!!

Let's stop and investigate! What's this? A flaming beach ball sent to earth...

and a rocket in a pocket of dirt.

An iron garden...

reaches for the sun.

And further afield...

a capital "F" for FUN!

Shall we go upstairs?

There's a cozy sitting area to take in the view.

Well, hello there...who are you?

This reminds me of a film set in another state...isolated area, big guy with a chainsaw... perhaps we should explore the lower floor. C'mon! Right down the stairs...

It's a different world down there!  A crystal chandelier...

a charcoal nude...

and an assortment of gourds to set the mood.

But alas, not a soul in sight to shed any light. Just another lonesome oddity to puzzle and delight.

Keep Calm

      and
  Carry On...as I gather more oddities.

And remember, if you see something, say something! I gladly welcome your photos, info, suggestions and/or donuts (preferably chocolate glazed).  I should have new oddities magically appearing on your computerized intertube screen contraptions later this Spring.