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?

Deer in the Yard

We've been seeing a doe and two fawns in the back yard. Friday I was able to snap this photo of the doe. Called her in with my own imitation fawn baaa. That was really very cool.

Findley Lake Poll

Because you, the reader, are interested in Findley Lake, I've added a few multiple choice questions to this blog. It's not a marketing or advertising gimmick, just a little survey to see how you, the reader, came to know about Findley Lake, what you do here, etc. You'll be able to see the stats as other readers take the survey. You'll find the survey to your right, under "Questions about Findley Lake". Click on "Cast Your Vote Now" to participate.

While lots of changes have happened in town over the last year, the primary concern lately has been TOO MUCH SNOW !! Fortunately right now we are having a four day thaw with temperatures above freezing. Ice is falling off of the roofs everywhere in town, snowbanks have changed from stark white to tabby brown, and the deer, birds, and other animals are out foraging to fill their bellies. Meanwhile, the natives are breathing a sign of relief for a few days. The sign by the Fire Hall says we have received 258" of snow already. The betting has been on this winter being a 400" snowfall monster. With the rest of February, March and into April still in front of us, that's quite possible. In Findley Lake, when the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2nd, we give a sigh of relief - ONLY six more weeks of winter. Punxy Phil saw his shadow this year so we're hoping to see the end of winter around St. Patrick's day (not likely).

Soon to come, a photo album you can click through for photos from Findley Lake.

Bitter Cold Day

For those ex-pats who miss Findley Lake, today it's 11 degrees, blowing wind (15-25mph forecasted), and over 15 inches accumulated over the last two days. My husband plowed our parking area yesterday and is headed out to plow again today. Even when the snow isn't falling fast, the wind is blowing it off of the fields across the street and into our yard.

Check out the new photo, taken today, at the south end of the lake. It was 6 degrees there when the photo was snapped. Weather not fit for man or beast.

As usual, had a congenial breakfast at the Blue Heron Inn. Wide ranging discussions with other diners covered Sicilian Meat Balls with mint in them, the state of the economy, Raynaud's Disease, farm animals including a seven year old pig (pet), three kittens, fallow deer, and a dog named Shep.

For the first time this winter, we have run the pellet stove all night. No point in paying for natural gas when we've already paid for bags of pellets. I must say that it is a pleasure to be warm in our family room while the wind blows and the temperature drops to 10 degrees outside.