Wrapping Up The Year

My thoughts on a few topics:

Zoning - the gift that keeps on giving. Trying to thread the needle of protecting individual rights while avoiding deterioration of the neighborhood. With the wonderful citizens who took the time (repeatedly) to go sit through boring meetings, monitor proposed changes, actually READ the zoning law and promote good ideas - hurray for you. The zoning law seem to be finally getting near birth (rebirth?) and I actually am OK with most of it. Kudos to my significant other and friends for sitting through repeated rants as I sorted out the proposed law and it's ramifications.

Deer - really smarter than we hunters. Have spoken with numerous veteran hunters who were skunked this year. Now (of course), the deer are eating the foundation plantings, standing along the roads, and being very visible. Only one small deer in our freezer but I wanted three.

Death - it's been a hard year for friends and family. Step children's Mother died after a long illness, sister-in-law's Mother died unexpectedly but due to long standing health issues, and good friend's Father died after a slow fade for several years followed by a quick downward spiral.

Money - always short but at least the mortgage is paid off.

Wildlife - been a good year for seeing Eagles, Swans, Deer (except during hunting season), birds, and other small mammals.

Sweatshirts - bought three at Blair in Warren PA and couldn't be happier. Just couldn't find what I wanted in the chain stores.

Food - can't beat the prices at Erie County Farms. It will be open January 5th. Super assortment of greens and veggies, good prices on meat. What I really liked was going there about noon, then getting home early enough to cook up some of what I bought and freeze it as complete meals (pork/kale/sweet potato). Stuff to buy at Sam's Club include gluten free crackers and cocoa coated almonds. Real food and actually good for you. Don't forget the packs of Orbit or Trident Gum with Xylitol. Helps prevent cavities by preventing bacteria from adhering to your teeth. One kind of Trident will actually help build up the enamel too.

Dog - he's only ten years old but I'm already starting to mourn in advance of him dying. He's become more and more a family member. Don't know how he could be doing that but he is. He's funny, slightly OCD, and thinks that he has a vote in family decisions. Did I mention that he is funny?

Great Bird Watching in Findley Lake

It's been a great ornithological month in Findley Lake. March 2nd had a very close view of a Pileated Woodpecker working the Beech trees on Shadyside (where it parallels Shadyside Extension). That was on a Sunday. The next day, we actually had one in the Crabapple tree out back (see photo with Robin). Then on March 8th, the Tundra Swans were on the frozen lake. They sat hunkered down in the middle of the lake. I think they usually head north during February and we don't see them much. As usual, when they show up, a bad storm isn't far behind. Sure enough, Sunday saw nasty weather arrive. However, it didn't dampen my feeling that Spring was just around the corner. After all, the Swans had arrived !!