Message from the Mountain

February 2026 / Issue # 20

The cold wind steals the warmth from my face. I shrug a bit to seal the gaps between my jacket and neck, so I don't freeze in place. I hear what sounds like glass breaking all around me. The ice falls to the ground, as the trees shake off the onslaught.

It is great to see nature adapting and evolving to the winter storm. I have so much to learn from nature and its forgiveness. When the ice falls from the branches, they spring back into the air with a resounding "BOING." At least, that is the language that I hear. I suppose nature has its own language, if we can hear it.

The birds shelter under snow-covered branches and peck at the ground beneath the trees. The shelter that is provided offers security and allows the birds to have a smorgasbord, like a little family reunion without all the drama. I see deer walking in a column formation, as if on patrol. The point deer looking back and forth, not noticing me. I hold my breath and wait to see where they go. When I exhale, a cloud of fog shows up like a beacon. The point deer stares into my soul. The column stops and waits, looking at me, little clouds of breath floating around them. I smile and walk away. Nature continues. I love Winter.

Working Wipers

By Jeffrey Pryor

The month of January is ending with a bang. A new job, wrecked vehicle, and possible movement on land. A lot of things happening in the world, and I am just along for the ride.

All I ask for are working windshield wipers.

February may bring some exciting news on the land search, (finally I could remove that darned popup from the website), and maybe more news on funding. I suppose I should explain the photo. My vehicle was not built to ice skate an embankment, and unfortunately, that relationship ended. The rental car I was using decided that the passenger side wiper was more useful than the driver's side. It was a long 2.5-hour drive, which I pulled off, postman style. On the brighter, snowier-side of things, things could have been worse. Now I look forward to the next evolution in transportation. Maybe a horse and cart would be a good idea. I hear they don't need wipers at all.