When R and I were living in a third-floor apartment that faced the Tualatin River (the treehouse) we used to spend winter Sunday mornings in bed reading science articles and watching science youtube videos.
It is a ritual we tried to continue, but life impeded it – until the coronavirus slipped in an altered our lives.
The last several Sundays, we have again slept in and started the day with coffee, tea, and science. Some of it is silly – watching videos of peacock jumping spiders, and some informative – like just about everything on Smarter Every Day (which dates back to one of the government shutdowns – amazing what bored/smart people will get up to).
All of it was world broadening. Every Sunday we explored a whole universe of information that delighted the mind and challenged our preconceptions.
Our Science Sundays are different now, more focused.
There are so many things about New Mexico that we don’t know and want to learn about. From trees, ecosystems, wildflowers, mineralogy, the cactus of the upper Chihuahuan Desert, geology, birds of the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge, insects, spiders, and… well the list feels endless.
So, I thought I’d share.
Even with the coronavirus, we are still getting out – but trust me, we are not exploring the populated areas and on may of our wanders we never see another human. We also are always cautious when shopping or getting gas – gloves, masks, and sanitizers. It just happens that we are lucky enough to live in an area that is not populated, and where everyone is being respectful of the virus and the guidelines and restrictions our Governor has enacted.
That said, I hope those of you who can’t get out will enjoy a virtual treat as we cautiously explore New Mexico.
Spring is here – the birds are nesting, tulips are blooming, and every week the desert looks different.
And the Raven and the Hummingbirds’ first Science Sunday is almost here…
~ Tess
The Raven and the Hummingbird 