Coffee Shop

A stop at Sharla’s, in a corner of the old Carnegie library on the defunct campus of Milton College, for coffee and scones. A good way to make routine errands more palatable.

Artificial Intelligence

Having come across a free and easy way to access ChatGPT, I gave the robot a try.

A few days ago

Me:
Write me a haiku poem about the first snowfall of the year.

Robot:
Snowflakes gently fall,
Blanket of white on the earth,
Winter's soft embrace.

Not bad. 5,7,5 for a total of 17 syllables, as required. And you can tell that the robot is really feeling the seasonal emotion.

All of us wannabe poets should probably move on to something like pickle ball.

First Snow

And visit to Antler Circle

Ice On The Ponds

Chilly, gray day. Got in a bike ride, but it felt a lot like ice boating.

Adapting…

…to the cooler weather. Hood up on walk, even frost in the soil, making the remaining turns of the garden more difficult.

Turkey soup on the menu tonight. Here is a new kind of carcass smasher.

And, the house is now on the map, and up to code.

Very Quiet T’Giving

Just two for dinner. (But plenty of good stuff). Walk to and through the campus, without seeing a single soul.

Several flocks of Sandhills riding a chilly north wind this morning. But now…on to the Brussels sprouts (and turkey, stuffing, and mincemeat pie). Did I mention Thanksgiving rolls? And gravy?

Projects…

… including a firewood rack, on a cool but bright day, leaving just enough time for a bike ride before dark.

Sun Just At Sunset

Moderate all night rain, chilly all day clouds. Afternoon a race to get things done before dark.

Fifteen bean soup for supper, and hoping the it won’t make iTunes.

Back Home

Maybe a little over 4 hours on the road, though with a stop at KwikTrip. Traffic light except around Madison.

Rain in the forecast here.

Ice on Squirrel

Hemlocks

Morning Ice…

…on this still branch of Squirrel Lake.

A few chores and a bit of exploration.

In Minocqua

Helping swap out air hockey for ping pong. Hockey out, pong in. Also, assistance with a few other bits of rearranging.

First Sandhills

Heard the distinctive cry, but did not make a sighting. Phenologically, I don’t know if this is on time, late, or early. Need to check past records. The main migration has not yet started, quite sure of that.

The turnover continues, very slowly.

Pretty much a day that got away—on account of an afternoon trip to Janesville—for yogurt, birdseed, and fabric, none of which was needed immediately.

Winter Sky…

…or autumn sky?

Considering the strong south wind and unseasonably warm temperature, I’d say Autumn. Good for a bit more turning of the garden soil, and a bike ride (going across the wind mostly).

Above, a little industrialized space observed on the bike ride. There are countless places like this everywhere—home to weeds, a cricket or two, and maybe a few pill bugs. Nature strives.

Sails To The City…

…leaves to the dump. (Actually, to the compost site, but when it comes to headlines meter is important. )

Sail loft on S Michigan Ave. —huge loft area in an ancient and dilapidating building—and where the Heliotrope sails were built maybe 20 or more years ago. Time for some refurbishment. But too much time spent in the car.

Hard To Complain…

…about the unseasonable weather, especially when it’s so nice.

Below, both sides of a game trail crossing a bike path.

Who goes here?

Random Things

Determined to do some drawing, here’s a first attempt using DaVinci Eye app.

Here are the flowers now blooming on the witch hazel.

Here’s the trailer, full up and ready to haul to the compost site.

And here I am inspecting the downed Territorial Oak.

Recap

Beautiful day here. World famous waffles for breakfast, but produced by chefs other than me. We had a young but skilled barista contributing to the experience as well. A few flubs along the way, but the end product was beyond good.
Also, Abby’s family podcast—Sibling Stories, is now online, with Lou as emcee, and its great—a family heirloom.

Great Party

More to come tomorrow.

Ping Pong

Warm up for tomorrow’s big party.

Bird’s Eye View…

…or, view from the feeder.

Visited the remains of the famous Territorial Oak as they now lie at the City garage, ultimately to become part of an Arb playground. One big slice will also become the backing of the Arb “Recognition Tree.”

Tons of carbon sequestered in this little sprout.