Thursday, November 8, 2012

Observations of Nature in November

Our weather patterns are not normal. We've all observed the extreme weather patterns going on around us. Some of us have experienced much more drastic consequences of the cycles of weather. Today I am thankful to have escaped hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, and fires that have ravaged other parts of the worlds. Here in the Midwest we have been in a perpetual drought but have not experienced anything life threatening. But no matter where we reside we are aware that in the past several years we have experienced more dramatic weather in a smaller time frame than ever in history. This is alarming. I understand that our earth functions in cycles, but seriously, this is major. Climate is drastically changing and we are all going to have to deal with the consequences.

Being a gardener I understand that this affects our food production. The drought is undoubtedly causing a rise in food costs. It is changing the growing seasons. It's November and the past several weeks I've barely worn a jacket. I'm thankful for the nice 70 degree weather that allows me to be outside comfortably, but I know that this is not normal.

A few observations that make me ponder:
Today while planting garlic with a friend on this 70 degree day we noticed cilantro and lettuce growing beautifully in the raised beds. There are still so many trees in this city that are displaying gorgeous colors of leaves. While it's great that there is beauty to observe, these leaves should be long gone by now. However, with no rain and warm days they are staying on the trees.

What does this mean for us? It means there are going to be a lot of changes for us in the near future. Food prices are rising for one. I really believe that we are going to have to figure out drastically different methods of food production, because what we are relying on now simply won't work without water and with increased temperatures.

What do you think about these crazy weather patterns? Could they be an indicator of the end of our time on earth as we know it?

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