Today, on Paulie’s 3rd birthday, I had an extraordinary hike with extraordinary friends and they all send him their love and birthday wishes. Against a wonderful stone wall, other hikers had left their “found” hiking sticks for others to use. It feels so good to be so connected to other hikers! I was drawn to the apothecia of a lichen that I’m too tired to recall its name just now, but isn’t it wonderful? If I get to live my life over, I just might become a lichenologist. Bunch Berry, or Cornus Canadensis, is always delightful. A member of the dogwood family – but only 4” high. Ah! The incredible and rare yellow lady slipper. It’s thrilling to come upon it. The pink lady slippers are incredible. Our lunch spot, high on a ledge and overlooking the village of Shelburne Falls, was somewhat fogged in, but all the more beautiful for it. Columbine!!! A big vernal pool with frogs, tadpoles and egg masses. The reflection of the trees into the pond just astounded us. Red shirted Tom is actually a reflection of red shirted Tom.I wish you could have seen it as it was really magical. Happy Birthday Paulie!! Now you are 3, and that is simply wonderful. Happy days everyone, Penny 
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