January 2009

Ok, so we really don't plan on making this a bi-annual blog. For now though, it is what it is.

The summer and fall went by with a flash and it is a cold week in January in Northern Michigan. We've been keeping the bird feeders full and the cats in the house. Today however, I saw a red tailed hawk hunting at the bird feeder - not exactly the kind of bird feeding we had imagined!

I tried for a picture, but it flew off. What I'd really like is to hear owls outdoors. We've heard them in years past about this time and through spring. It is so wonderful going to sleep at night listening to the hooting of an owl.

This year we purchased a wood stove for the lower level of the house. It keeps the area toasty warm and the heat glides up the stairway warming the rest of the house as well. A steamer for the top of the stove was a holiday gift and adds gallons of moisture to the air eliminating static electricity. I add cinnamon and other spices to the steamer to fool Joe into thinking I have a pie in the oven. I think he's on to me.

Oh, did I mention the wild turkey are back with a vengeance. As long as they don't start roosting I think we'll be able to cope. They are really fun to watch. We've had a flock of hens and a smaller flock of toms coming around.