Many beings large and small live on our farm Martha Maupin bought years ago. I couldn’t resist adding this to “Portraits of a Century Farm,” the new series combining Robin Loznak’s photos with my words. This busy family surprised Robin one day when he was out taking pictures on the hill road. He held very still when they ambled near. I wondered how he had the presence of mind to get such clear focus of his subject, but he said he just let the camera focus. The little fellows never expressed alarm. Only curiosity. One even left nose prints on the camera lens.
Making Scents
Photo by Robin Loznak
Dust lingers on the air like a memory of rich, loamy soil,
While crackling leaves recall lush spring days
And the sweet bouquet of their youth.
But what is this?
Something smells different.
“Something big, Mamma. And it’s looking at me. What is it?”
Whiffs of blackberry and wild mint ride past on a quiet breeze,
And grasses, thirst long unquenched, add a pinch of must.
I know those smells, but not this one.
Put my nose on it. Sniff it.
M-m-m. Smooth. Very smooth. And cool.
“What is it, Mamma? I can’t make any sense of it. But I won’t be afraid. Not today.”
Janet fisher 
Lovely
Thank you, Elsie. 🙂
This photo of a family of skunks reminds me of years ago when I was a young boy one day I ran upon a family of skunks on the river bottom land of the Weatherly Century Farm where I grew up in the lower Umpqua Valley. Since I grew up with cats, I was impressed how much the baby skunks reminded me of little kittens. Did you know that just like some cats skunks make excellent mouser’s too? I know that from more than one experience. You can hear the squealing of the mice under the house, and it can last for some time. Apparently the skunks like to make the mice suffer a while; The process usually ends with a pungent skunk aroma which can permeate the house.
Oh my! Well, I think I’d rather our skunks catch the mice outdoors somewhere. I’ve seen skunks a number of times when I’m out walking but have managed to keep my distance. Never saw a family like this, though. Love the face on the one looking into the camera.