A frequently unnoticed winter delight

the sound of oak leaves in the wind. Most of the time, I am too busy to distinguish the sounds of particular plant parts. (Aren't we all?). But today, on a postprandial stroll through a favorite neighborhood (one of the few in our town with lawn strips), that distinctive winter sound greeted my ears. In these parts, oaks are the last deciduous trees to lose their leaves, so the dried vegetation forms part of the seasonal soundtrack.

Sunshine and tree music--not bad for a January afternoon.