Feeder Report

Busy day at the feeder.

The feeder has been busy, in spite of the relatively mild winter so far. I could easily refill it twice a day, if I was generous, but that would go through an awful lot of seed. Instead, I’ve taken to filling once, in the late afternoon. That gives cardinals, doves and other late comers a chance. Our sparrows seem most active in the morning.

A large and convivial group of sparrows this is too. They seem to have come to the conclusion that this place is the perfect place. They shelter and roost in the yew at the front of the house and make the short hop over the roof to the feeder whenever feeling peckish. In late afternoon they gather back in the yew for conversation—with lots of things to discuss apparently. Although they jam the feeder and push and jostle each other, it seems that everyone gets enough to eat, and after lunch everyone gets to express an opinion or two.

Feeder was strangely quiet this morning—perhaps a hawk about the neighborhood.

What If a Much…

…of a which of a wind?

Walnut tree

We had a wind, of which there was much. Cold, too, with snow showers. But it felt good to be outside for a while while wandering aimlessly around the neighborhood.

Cake-a-palooza

Too bad Dundees are not classified as a health food.

Cloudy and cooling, with a chilly west wind. But, pleasant long walk around the deserted campus, nonetheless..

‘Tis The Season…

…for performance, Dundee cakes, and miserable weather. Tonight, Maddie and Becca at dance recital.

Rain, mist, and fog, but all above freezing, so roads not slippery.

Christmas Concert

This time James, Ben, Becca, and Maddie performing. Pictured below, just a third or so of the ensemble. Polished and entertaining show.

And, before heading to the concert, an experiment, the results of which are palatable, though definitely room for improvement.

High Pressure

No, not more Christmas shopping, because that’s all done, but…

The old Fort water tower

…a high reading on the barometer, actually 30.52 inches of mercury, which is a strange way to say that a lot of atmosphere is piled up above us. What it means in terms or weather is cloudless skies, no wind, and the chance for warmer temps—in other words perfect day for a bike ride. I’m guessing that today may be the last of the season; most likely it’s time to move the e-bike to the basement where the battery won’t be bothered by intense cold (assuming we have any anymore).

Mount Horeb

No, not the place where Moses got the tablets…

…but the attractive little town (heavily Norwegian) in the beautiful landscape of the eastern driftless area. We seem to make an annual pilgrimage to the Duluth trading store in town, although we never really buy much of anything. The Viking Bar and Grill a few doors down has a great burger, however.

We did find a few Xmas items in Madison, on the way home, luckily.

Beautiful, mid-October-like weather.

Narrow Focus

Ignoring the wide world and its unrelenting awfulness.
Wishing for snow, however, right here, and right now in the middle of December.
Seasonal projects continuing at a less than breakneck pace.
Also, taking bets on whether or not this location will have a white Christmas.

Festive…

…at least a little.

And, much of the day devoted to upcoming festivities.

Little Light

No snow, no ice, no sun. Just damp and dim with late mornings and early afternoons.

Home…

…through a wild, whipping, western wind, especially wicked when not with it.

Above, a marcescent swamp white oak, in the park.

Hither And Yon

Bouncing around, this time up north to help shuffle iron.

Perfect Day…

for a bike ride. Sunny, still, and almost 50.

Once rolling, it was hard to stop.

And for dinner…

Snow On The Island…

…but none here.

Photos from Bob. Looks like the water of the bay is still open.
And, in other news, the 2022 Underused Housing tax bill receipt has arrived just a few days after we posted the 2023 form. Lots of money being spent on postage.

Done And Dusted

Light overnight snow, gone by mid-morning. Still no chance to use the new snow blower.

Above, young hemlock, enjoying the weather. Below, garden soil being tilled by frost.

Unburgled

Garage door thoughtlessly left open when we departed Whitewater Saturday morning. Neighbor called Sunday evening to let us know that it was unclosed. She did not want to enter on her own, so police were called for a walk-through. No intruders, no damage, nothing missing. Only problem, after being open a day and a night and a day, an open 20 pound bag of birdseed tipped and spilled across the garage floor. So somebody saw an opportunity.

Festive in Minocqua, above, cloudy, damp, and chilly in this location.

Lots Of Little Projects…

…and then lasagna.

Camper Van

Help with delivery from Milwaukee to Minocqua.

With some personalized touches.

Sloppy Start…

…to the month.

I don’t envy the neighborhood squirrels. Soggy and cold it is out in the wild. So, turning thoughts to popcorn balls, Dundee cakes, and molasses cookies.

Popcorn Balls

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup syrup
1/2 cup water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp vinegar

Boil to hard ball stage.
Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 stick butter.
Pour in thin stream over popcorn, stirring until well and evenly coated.
Butter hands, and avoid burning them when shaping.

Lists…

…mostly of the Christmas kind.

Just random tree shots above—two photos not related.

One wish list included: Elemental Dragon vs the Empress Mech, Mandalorian Fang Fighter, Imperilin Dragon Hunter Hound… and, Tranquil Garden. Quite a range there, though all are Legos.