This time of the year I enjoy venturing into the woods, just as the sun enters into the horizon. I have been out on the trail for a mere half hour when I turn and look to the horizon. Colors of red and grey fill the morning sky and greet the landscape for another day.
I snowshoe through the soft snow and each step leaves a depression that marks the trail. Luna, my dog and best friend, dashes past me and attempts to catch the red squirrel that scrambles up the maple tree. The squirrel looks down at her and begins to chirp in a loud trill, which I can only ponder is their version of cursing.
I make my way about half way across the trail and find a fallen hemlock tree. I inch closer and take in its beautiful sweet smell. Luna jumps over the tree and stands guard a few feet ahead of me. Her ears are perked up with each new sound and I can only wish I had her exceptional hearing.
I take off my backpack, unzip the first pouch and begin to fill the pack with hemlock branches. There must be at least 101 uses for hemlock needles. Their sweet smell is contagious and I must think about what i should do with all these needles on my way home.
Over an hour has past, and Luna and I are finally home. Luna bolts into the door like a cannon and finds her place beneath the table. I shake off the pile of snow from my boots, and place my snowshoes in porch as I enter the cabin. I place the hemlock needles on the table and begin to ponder what I should make. Perhaps I will stuff the needles in fabric to make ornaments, or I will hang the boughs across the window. There are so many decisions and I am still left undecided.
Perhaps all of you can help me in deciding what I should make with hemlock branches. So what do you think I should I make?