Black Friday Observations
The hamlet of Morley, NY saw heavy traffic yesterday. At least one local resident overheard himself discribe the traffic as crappy. It appeared that a single Deere was responsible for the shitty road conditions found a little way down the road.
On one of the busiest travel days of the year the air was filled with the sound of honking. Thousands of travelers took to the air to head south.
Leaving the traffic behind I went looking for Green Gift ideas but by this time of year the selection is pretty slim. The first real green item I stumbled upon was fencing. Handmade of 100% eastern White Cedar this fencing will last for decades without any maintance but it takes special care to get the green look.
One item that dates back long before electric shavers was shelved in great supply but none seemed to be moving. Once used to strop razors these Birch Brackets are now left to produce a green apple smell while decomposing dead Birch trees.
Birch polypore, Piptoporus betulinus are leathery unlike the more common woody conks that grow on dead trees. Strips cut from them are used as a strop for razors. The annual fruiting bodies emerge in the spring and summer from wood that is extensivly decayed.
Looking up the tree trunk gives one a different perspective.
All but the geese image is linked to a larger size (1024 x 769) take a closer look or use them as desktop wallpaper / backgrounds. No other use is implied.
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November 29th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I like the way you shop.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Absolutely wonderful pictures. I love Birch trees. And have never see them dead and or the polypores. You have taught me something new to look for now that I am in the country I may explore the woods. With the traffic I normally avoid the shopping, When we lived in St. Louis you almost had to take the highway to avoid the mall traffic. I went back there last weekend to pick up a deep freeze. And see a few friends. So I put pictures of the 9-10 lane highway I don’t miss on my blog the other day. Are you in a small town or country?
Have a great week end. Glad to see you are back.
Grammy
November 29th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
That last picture, shot up the tree, is awesome! I love the perspective.
November 30th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I googled piptoporus betulinus out of curiosity since we have a plethora of them here, as well. It seems they also have antiseptic and styptic properties so I guess you could include them in your shaving kit! Wouldn’t that make an interesting Green Christmas Gift?
November 30th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Well, I just love your perspective on things. So refreshing!
December 1st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Yep, I saw the reference to the Iceman. I think he may have been an ancestor of mine since I come from that part of the world!
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:11 am
I stepped outside last week and the honking was so loud I thought they were in my yard. They were way up in the sky, hundreds of them. I’d never seen so many together. I didn’t have time to grab my camera. Your capture reminded me of my loss!
I also love the Birch photo. It almost looks like artwork, the way the one has fallen over and with all those piptoporus betulinus attached!