Ramble Report November 17 2016

Today's Ramble was conducted by our guest leaders: Dr. Chelsea Cunard and Carly Phillips.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don.)

Today's post was written by Dale Hoyt.

A message from Linda to all the Ramblers:

"What a great year of rambling, poetry, fellowship, art, and learning it has been. I am awed by being a part of this group. Thanks to all of you! L."

Attendees:42, another new record!

Announcements:

Ramble Report November 10 2016

Today's Ramble was lead by Linda Chafin.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don.)

Today's post was written by Dale Hoyt and Don Hunter.

Attendees: 36 (a new record)

Announcements:

Visit this page to see the current Announcements.

Today's reading:Linda read a poem by Wendell Berry:

The Peace of Wild Things

Ramble Report November 3 2016

Magnificent Ginkgo leaves

Today's Ramble was lead by Dale Hoyt.

Here's the link to Don's Facebook album for today's Ramble. (All the photos in this post are compliments of Don.)

Today's post was written by Dale Hoyt.

Attendees:31

Why leaves change color in the fall

Leaves are green because they contain lots of chlorophyll, the molecule that is responsible for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is green because it reflects the green wavelengths of sunlight. It absorbs the blue and red portions of the visible spectrum and uses the energy of those light waves to manufacture carbohydrates. But chlorophyll is not the only pigmented substance in a leaf. There are also yellow and/or orange colored molecules in a leaf. The orange color

Why trees drop their leaves

I once lived in a small town in the upper midwest. How small was it? It was so small there was only a single Dairy Queen, a crumbling, 1950s cement block building with only window service. It had a couple of weathered picnic benches where teen agers gathered during the summer months. It closed for the winter early in November and didn't reopen until the weather warmed up in March.

It closed because the building wasn't insulated and the heating costs would have been enormous. Plus, when there is snow on the ground, no one stops at a restaurant that lacks heated indoor seating. The decision to close for the winter was economic – operating expenses would increase while revenues decrease. The owner would lose money by staying open all winter.

Leaves are living structures and, like all living things, there is a constant turnover of the material they are made of. Being exposed to bright sunlight, while necessary for them to make