The "Jersey Devil's" legend continues since the story of its existence remains part of the Pine Barrens heritage. Some might say it is simply folklore, while others believe the creature continues to roam the sandy roads of the pinelands. There have been reliable individuals including police, and others who have reported witnessing an animal like being reportedly having wings, a horse's head, horns, and cloven hooves. All documented reports seem to differ, but he never has been depicted as a natural human being. The Jersey Devil was born to a woman known as Mother Leeds. It supposedly was her 13th child, and since she grew tired of children she wished it to be a devil. And so the legend begins!
She cursed the day she and Leeds were wed.
Heavy with life she held her head
and cried to the midwife, silent and grim,
"Twelve children I have given him!
Still young, I am old, and sick with wear.
Twelve hungry mouths, twelve burdens to bear!
I was fair and strong when the banns were read,
with velvet cheek and flaxen head,
sparkling eye and silken of limb,
but I had to go and marry him!
What would I give to escape this life ---
to have no pain, be no man's wife,
no children to tend, no chores to be done,
to be young once again, to have some fun!
Oh what I would give to end this birth,
This horrible night weight, this obscene girth!
I'd like to bear the Devil's child --
all claw and fang, all fierce and wild --
Such sweet revenge to Leed's face
when he finds a beast in the baby's place."
The wood fire leaped and began to crackle,
the room was filled with a demon crackle.
The woman screamed, and the quiet returned.
In the dim, still room her pale eyes burned.
She shivered and shook with fear and dread.
"I didn't mean it, those things I said."
"Hush my dear," the midwife said,
"Your labor's begun, best go back to bed."
The woman writhed on her dank, soiled cot.
The fire blazed and the room grew hot.
It bathed the walls in a hellish red.
The midwife swabbed her damp forehead
and drew the child from its mother's womb.
A hideous shriek ripped through the room.
A claw shot out and scratched the cheek
of the midwife now to numb to speak.
It slashed and tore, and left her dead,
Then turned, and lifting its horse-like head,
gave a sanguine smile to its mother there,
a giggling idiot, twisting her hair,
her youth regained, but to no avail.
It stroked her face with its serpentine tail,
gave a practice shrug of each leathery wing,
then flew up the chimney in one spring.
Now it prowls the pines in the damp of night,
when a gibbous moon spends its sickly light,
A child of darkness who leaves in the sand,
A cloven hoofprint, the mark of a hand,
a broken branch, or a claw...who knows?
But the wise pinewoods man never goes
alone in the Barrens late at night.
He fears the heron's azure flight;
avoids the red orchid, passes it by;
leaves it to suckle the carrion fly;
starts at the sudden crack of a twig.
Something is moving there----something big!
There are charms to be carried. Don't tempt the fates.
The Jersey Devil watches and waits!
And so the legend continues...
Living in the northeast certainly has rewards. One being, we are able to enjoy the four seasons. In winter a snowfall can display a winter wonderland, children experiencing the childhood joys of throwing snowballs, making snow angels, finding the perfect incline to let gravity take you down hill with the cold wind blowing, turning your cheeks a rosy red. I had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii several times during the Christmas holiday, and although it was absolutely beautiful something seemed out of place. A huge blow-up Santa on a shopping mall roof, decorated yards, and Christmas trees, needed something special--a touch of winter. Some individuals favorite season is spring when green leaves, and gardens show signs of new beginnings. There are those who enjoy warm sometimes hot summer days. Vacations, barbecues, beaches, all are typical of the best of summer. My favorite season is autumn. I enjoy the colors, Halloween, festivals, cooler days, and huge pumpkins growing in a field.
The leaves are falling,
They're falling fast,
How much longer
Can autumn last?
The reds, yellows, and golds,
Are sadly losing their magical hold.
Soon the trees will be bare,
The brilliance gone but do not dispair.
Nature has a miraculous surprise,
She has a plan that will open our eyes,
Months from now through rain, wind and snow,
Spring will come offering a lush green show.
Seasons will come,
And seasons will go.
But only nature,
Can put on this spectacular show.
Whatever the season, whatever the fruit or vegetable crop, the farmer always must move forward to assure his precious land will produce the best of nature's bounty. Some local farms have been in a family for generations, handed down always hoping the heirs will continue the love of the land, and the pride of utilizing their farms to produce life saving food. It's cranberry harvest time in New Jersey, and the crop looks relatively good after excessive rain, heat, and dryness and whatever weather conditions can make your day. Most of the farms are Ocean Spray grower-owned, and Ocean Spray only uses quality fruit to produce their increasing line of tasty products.
SPRING
Spring can be a difficult time, since the temperature fluctuates and a natural frost can be devastating to the buds or blooms.
The vines are protected with a coating of ice. The sprinklers are activated when the temperature is close to 32 degrees. When the sun warms the vines and the ice melts the sprinklers are turned off.
Spraying the bogs with fertilizers and chemicals can be made easier with the use of hired crop planes. These pilots do a great job since many bogs are surrounded by tall trees.
The bee hives are brought to the farm in May. The honey bee is vital to the pollination of the cranberries. The beekeeper will use the honey to make cranberry honey.
The bloom is small and delicate, in time each bloom will turn into a green then red berry.
SUMMER
The vines are now lush and green. Can you find the green berries?
There's always work to be done to keep the bog, dams, and farm in A-1 condition. This bog has been harvested and a reddish tint has already begun to show it's fall colors.
An end of summer comes to mind when a soon to be fall is approaching.
FALL
The water picking machines, operated by the young men go around and around, knocking the berries off the vines. The berries will float to the top where another group of workers will begin gathering them.
This young man is getting the machine ready that will suck the berries out of the bog to the waiting truck.
This is what the farmer hopes for, a bog of berries. It was a beautiful day, but the workers will work rain or shine.
Every year this gentleman makes an appearance. He lives in the area, but watching the harvest is something he enjoys each year.
The berries are being contained and the bog is just about completed.
The trucks are loaded and ready to roll to the receiving station.
After reaching the receiving station, the berries are dumped into a pool where they are thoroughly washed.
A conveyor now takes the fruit to the operation that helps clean the berries for shipment to the processing plant.
The process is almost complete. The berries will be taken to the the processing plant where they will be made into juice, sauce, craisins and many other healthy choices. Now we go back to the farm.
All appears to be quiet, another fall season has come and gone, and the harvest is now over.
The egrets are having a feast on crickets which are quite plentiful.
WINTER
The winter will come and the snow will blow, but the vines will be protected under water. Quite often the water will freeze and several inches of ice will cover the bog. There is one thing to do and that is wait for spring where the process begins again. Enjoy cranberries, muffins, cookies, and cranberry bread. Serve sauce more times than Thanksgiving. Happy Cranberry Holidays!
It has often puzzled me as to how some outdoor markets became known as "flea markets." Apparently a "flea market" is a name that was given in the old days to outdoor markets because fleas use to live in the markets and products. The name originated in France where markets were full of used furniture, clothing , etc. I visited a French flea market and the merchandise was casually spread on cloths placed on the ground. Surprisingly, the market had unique items for sale. I purchased several American silver dollars for $2.00 each. Since, the 1960's flea markets have become popular in the United States, where such a market was often referred to as a "swap- meet." My last trip to the market proved to be just as interesting as always.
THE FISHERMAN: Mr. Fisherman had the catch of the day. When I look at him I wonder if he found a new home that day.
PERFECT FIT: These certainly are not one size fits all.
BAKED GOODS: Samples of breads, salads, and delicious high calorie treats were being given out. I'm sure the above would not help anyone wanting to fit into the above jeans.
BAGELS: Everyone needs to try a French toast bagel. As you can see it is a very popular place. If you request cream cheese, oh my, oh my. Bagel varieties are plentiful.
THE GUYS: Chances are these two fellows will not have to carry much. Perhaps they came along for the ride, wonderful antiques and items of interest doesn't seem to be their thing.
BRACELETS: Bracelets are very fashionable this year. You will find many tables with jewelry items, priced from $1.00 to higher priced items.
SANTA: Santa was for sale. I wanted to give him my wish list, but he didn't respond.
YARN: I enjoy seeing colors and the yarn in this picture was only part of the display of yarn for sale.
FOSSILS and MINERALS: The gentleman who has this table is generally at the market every week. He is more than willing to discuss his wares.
CARVINGS: I am always impressed with various carved items. These two chairs had real character.
BONES: Pet supplies are also available. My little Skeeter would have the time of her life at this vendor's table.
FRUITS and VEGETABLES: The apples were beautiful. They are one of the special things about fall.
THE LITTLE PIG: This little piggy found a very good home. He now stands proudly in a special place to welcome guests. Oh well, another enjoyable day at the flea market. Lots and lots of things to see, BUT NO FLEAS!!!!
Sorry to say, I don't like to eat mushrooms, but I do respect anyone who does. For some unknown reason they seem to grow in my mouth while eating them. Therefore, my association with any mushrooms will be purely picture taking. This autumn has been perfect for observing mushrooms in the Pinelands. I did not have to travel far because all of the following photos were taken in my yard. Needless to say, these earthly growths can be fascinating and colorful. Perhaps not edible, but quite photographic.
Fungi spend most of their lives underground, out of sight, feeding on and helping break down organic matter. Without fungi ecosystems would unravel.
,
This year the very hot summer and some dry spells stressed the fungi in their underground home. Thus, they have pushed themselves up to create the next generation and insure their survival.
Mycologists study fungi and organisms that like fungus.
Many people are surprised to learn that fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants.
Fungi help the pines and oaks in the Pinelands thrive in the naturally drought and nutrient poor soils.
CAUTION: All the above nature's creations are colorful, interesting, and great to photograph, but beware, some can be hazardous to your health or life, if eaten.
5.jpg)
