Chewing Squirrels, Stewing Pumpkin

Hello,

Today when out at the compost bin, I could hear a scratching sound. I knew that a squirrel had to be somewhere in one of the trees working on a nut as I have heard that sound before. I found the squirrel tucked up against the walnut tree trunk with its tail sheltering its back. Soon I knew from the symphony of sound that there had to be more up there. It was not long before I spotted two more in much the same posture. I am not sure why I like this find so much, but it fills me with good feelings. I marvel at the power of those teeth that can work their way through the tough, hard shell that requires much strength to crack when using a hammer. Also there is such persistence in being fed with a relatively small amount of nut for the quantity of work.

We have had a pumpkin in the house for decoration. Today I cut it up with much power and almost sawing to get through the unyielding skin. It was a victory to get the last sections apart so they could be put in the pan to steam. As Leroy was working at church, therefore he was no help to me. I also scrapped off the seeds, but did not clean them as I do not especially like them. Leroy likes them so if he wants them he will have to do the cleaning, drying, and roasting. I am not going to be too generous.

The pumpkin pulp is cooked and in the refrigerator, resting until I decide what to do with it. I am tempted to just serve it like squash; after all it is in the same family. But another day will do for that decision process.

Paula

More Cold Trash

Hello,

Today is my day off so I had time to go out and pick up more trash. I bundled for the cold with long underwear and the works in scarves. Was it not so cold, no wind, more clothes, or that I have become a bit more accustomed to the cold that I felt quite fine and made the rest of the block without any cold penetration. Even thought it was only half of the amount of space, compared to days when I do the entire block, I managed to pick up enough trash to fill two plastic grocery sacks. Both of these bags were ones that I had picked up on the previous trip. I snagged another one that will be used another time. I know my life has much plastic in it and some of it I find quite helpful, but plastic is the bane of outdoor litter. I would like to see it curtailed. Wrappings of many types are out there floating around. I suspect it is not good in the landfills either as deterioration is so slow. Just what are we doing to ourselves and our future inhabitants?

One guy came out when I was by his house. From how he first started to talk I was concerned that he might have been offended. Instead he said, “We saw you out front and said, “Look at that sweet lady picking up the trash.””

He even offered me money for doing it. I politely declined. At least I tried to be polite but firm. Hopefully it will be cleaner where I have gathered. It is my understanding that once things are picked up it is more difficult for people to litter. When lots of litter is out there somehow people feel it is ok to add to the amount.

I wear my step tracker when I do this walking, but it does not record many steps. I wonder if part of that is because I carry the bags on that arm so it does not get much movement.

My mantra as I was walking is that the earth is one of my most precious gifts and I must be care for it.

Paula

Cold Trash

Hello,

Because I had not picked up trash in the neighborhood for some time, it seemed that this morning with no snow would be a good time to go out. I bundled for the 23 degree F. weather, but thought that just going around the block would not take so long. I am not sure it if was the wind or just people “dropping” things as they walked, but there was a lot of stuff out there. The gloves from the city are woven and holey. They are a bit large so I put on some slim gloves under them, hoping to keep my hands warm. It worked somewhat. Cold seeped in as time went on. It was also difficult to almost impossible to pick up the cigarette butts. It was also difficult not to pick up leaves or other natural phenomena. Mostly the leaves fell back to the earth with a brisk shake of the hand. Eventually the cigarette butts were passed over to be picked up a warmer day.

Perhaps because I had not picked up for a long time or perhaps because of the strong winds that we have been experiencing, one grocery bag was full before I even did the short end of the block. After the long end the second bag was full. The city provides trash pickup bags that can be put out “free” with the regular garbage. With the addition of those two bags my bag is almost full. By the time I had done just the two sides of the block, cold was penetrating in around my face, legs, and hands. Maybe I should have worn a face mask. I do have such, but it did not seem like it should be so cold, yet.

Tomorrow morning I will try to get back out to finish the walk around the block. Surely it will be warmer tomorrow?

Now an emergency “warmer things” bag is ready to put in car. Sometimes when the weather is bad and I am coming home at 8:00 pm, I am almost alone on the road. I hope these things could help me if I needed to be out in the cold for a longer period of time. At least I feel prepared.

Paula

No Snow

Hello,

We were ready for snow; at least the snow shovel was handy. Leroy and I wore boots for our walk to church thinking there might be some as we made our way home. The pavement was dry both directions. The wind had intensified while we were at church, but the temperature was not so bad. We were quite comfortable.

Part of me is happy that there was no snow and part of me is sorry. Sometimes it is exciting to be in a storm situation if one is safe in all regards. Leroy and I think we often have been in a situation that has a prediction of a major snow storm and it goes some other place. Perhaps we should hire out as storm deterrents? Just what would one charge for such a service?

Apparently there could still be some precipitation overnight, but not so likely. Leroy is even wondering if he can ride the bike to work tomorrow. Then he remembers that he has a dentist appointment in a not so bike friendly area. The car will be his transportation.

I will also work tomorrow and drive the car to get there. I have half a tank of gas. I had planned to fill it because of the winter storm possibility. I pulled into a gas station on the way home from shopping. The first pump that I tried did not dispense gas, but only wanted to give me a receipt. A guy at a pump next to me was also having trouble. I pulled to another pump with the same result. In the meantime the guy went in to pay there. That was the magic and his gas came. I just went home, thinking I will do it another day. I have had trouble at pumps before. Do I have a special touch?

Paula

Ready for more flowers

Hello,

Today I planted the amaryllis bulbs that had been outside in the ground for the summer. Earlier I had dug them so they would not get frosted. To keep them cool I put them on the attic steps. I felt them the other day only to notice that the outside was a little soft. Could they have frozen on the steps? I do not know. I would like to have them bloom after Christmas when I will not have so many other blooming things in the house. Leroy suggested that I just put them in pots and start watering at a later date. This means I can get them off the attic steps. Now they will be in the warm with us.

My holiday cactus is blooming and beautiful, as are the violets. Leroy posted pictures on Facebook. Here is the link so you can also see them. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10217263990888639&set=pcb.10217264015449253&type=3&theater

We are certainly enjoying the flowers.

When the snow comes tomorrow they will shine even brighter.

Leroy worked today, but said; “Only five people came to the library.” However he stayed the full time and found much to keep him busy.

He rode the bike and that apparently was a nice time with the warmer temps and no rain.

I hung out clothes which I also enjoyed as it gets me out. I took a very long walk this afternoon. I even included a bit of a hill so I worked a little harder. I often notice that our walk to church is on such flat terrain.

Paula

Car Troubles?

Hello,

Wednesday, Leroy tried to start “his” car, however all he got was just a sputter or some noise that I cannot write for you to get the full benefit. Luckily I was not going to work so he just took my car. I had thought about shopping, but did not really need to go so it was all good. Yesterday when needing a car again we just used mine.

Last night Leroy visited with some guys about what might be wrong. It did not seem to Leroy that it was the battery, but when one of them learned the battery was six years old, the consensus was that it is quite old.

Leroy tried to call a place that is close to us, but there was no answer. He just walked over to come back and report, “No one is there.”

After a bit he went out and tried to start the car with good results. He drove it to an auto parts store where they checked the battery. It was fine, but not good in the cold. Leroy got the new battery and they installed it. We felt quite lucky as it started again so he could take it someplace rather than have it towed. It is also nice they could change the battery there. Apparently on the newer cars they are not allowed or able to do that as it requires a professional. Sometimes it is nice to have an older car.

Leroy drove the car to work the afternoon. He will have one hospital call and then go on to the museum. Rain is predicted for this afternoon so he did not take the bike.

We are blessed indeed with many transportation options in our life.

Paula

Thanksgiving

Hello,

We are thankful for people who take in those of us who have no family close by. We went to one home for dinner where we more than ate our fill. This evening we will go to another to sample desserts.

Thankful for the internet where I can find out if I want the spelling desserts or deserts! The day will come when the future generation will not be aware of the quandary in a mind about the answer to many simple questions. I am grateful that I married a good speller even if he does believe in taking naps so I cannot get the answer to every quarry immediately.

I am grateful that we could walk to our first meal and that the weather was fine even if a bit cool. The sun was out, warming the air and our minds.

We are grateful for that gift of a futon that Leroy now frequently uses for his naps. It is so quick and easy for him just to plop down and use the decorative pillows for head and knees.

We are grateful that we were able to can another seven quarts of applesauce early so it is done and packed away for another day’s enjoyment. We had just enough jar lids to do the job.

We are both grateful for libraries that supply our reading wants and needs so handily. Reading keeps us happy.

And then there is electricity and all of the parts of our life that are dependent on it to live the way we do. Grateful indeed!

Paula