Maple Spanworm Moth

 A cooler, overcast day.  One of those days you can spend inside guilt free.  I cut up an old shirt for rags - including cutting off the buttons.  Hadn't done much w/ the button collection so took a little while to put some matching buttons together in little baggies.  Blitz watched and tried to 'help' whenever a button got close enough to paw away from the others.    The buttons aren't a real 'collection' per se - more a  resource.  Will make them into cards or a picture sometime.  

The TV was on most of the day.  I was surprised by the number of 'necro-advertisements'.   Jimmy Dean, who has been dead 15 years, is still talking about his sausages.  I would have thought by now the company could have found a different spokesperson. Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's and dead since 2002, occasionally still smiles back at me showing how juicy his hamburgers are.   My head shot up when I heard Stephen Hawking's voice on an ad for something or other.   Jarring to see Reverend Billy Graham on the screen explaining the way to eternal life before a vampire movie came on.  I suppose this is just the tip of the iceberg.  Between CGI and AI expect even more ads featuring  'deadeberties'.  

Maple at Sunrise

It's Indigenous People's Day!  Yeah, yeah, I know a recent executive order reclaimed the holiday as only Columbus Day.  I personally prefer celebrating the First People more than celebrating the second European to land in the New World.    Since we are on the subject, to me the tallest mountain in the U.S. is Denali and the Rio Grande empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

Anyway, I didn't have any ideas this year on how to celebrate except by not picking up my mail.  On the constitutional tonight though I stood picking out stars and constellations.  The Milky Way made a carpet for Cassiopeia.  The teapot in Sagittarius is pouring out the last of the summer's warmth.   Too much low haze to see Orion kicking his leg up over the horizon but I knew he was there trying.   I was confused that the Summer Triangle was a rhombus until I realized one star was just Saturn wandering through the general vicinity.  Changing pictograms in a starry sky is exactly what  Native Americans would have also looked for.  Of course, while Columbus used dead reckoning, he did try to use celestial navigation methods too.   Guess star gazing works as a way to celebrate both versions of the holiday.

Asters and Goldenrod

Despite the fact that Dominion Voting Systems did nothing wrong, the company has been sold.  Ever since  the 2020 election, conspiracy theories have claimed it's voting machines must have been rigged.  Dominion won all of it's suits for millions of dollars but the continuing and relentless conspiracy theories proved to be too much.  Hopefully the new company will be as responsive and ethical as Dominion was.

A new bill is working it's way through my state's legislature started by two conspiracy theorists.   Currently anyone who votes must be a citizen - just as in every state.  On a New Voter Registration Form, they need to check a box stating they are a citizen on threat of a felony w/ fines and jail time.   All new registrations are later checked at a state-wide level for accuracy.   The proposed law's method of telling if a person is a citizen is to check the Department of Transportation (DOT) records for the state before they can register.  Tricky.  First, my state doesn't synch DOT lists w/ voter registration lists so that would require time, programming, and cost of set up.   Second, because my state allows same-day registration, all voting areas would need to have access to those DOT records on election day.   Smaller town halls, like mine, don't necessarily have high speed Internet  (nor any Internet access or even phone lines).   Other states handle this by cutting off voter registration weeks ahead of an election.  In the past I've been happy I could help the 18 year old that didn't realize she needed to register until she came in to vote for the first time; the life long resident whose name had been purged from the polls because he hadn't voted in four years but wanted to vote now; the older lady who sold her home and moved in next door w/ her kids so she had a new address and needed to reregister.  There have been exactly  3 cases of non-citizens registering to vote since 2019 in my state.  Balance that against the thousands of legitimate voters who will be disenfranchised each election if we get rid of same-day registrations.

The nasty old man to this day still insists the 2020 presidential election was rigged against him which kicked off a rash of these voting conspiracies.  Why do people still believe him?

Belt of Venus

I don't care if the Chinese Zodiac says it's the Year of the Snake. It's been the year of the rabbit here.  I've seen groups of them everywhere.  So when Whip suddenly went crashing through the brambles near the dam on Gorgeous Gorge, I assumed she was after a rabbit.  Then she splashed into the pond itself before turning back onto the bank.  (For a retriever, she's not fond of water.)   Had she scared something into the water?  There, safely in the deep portion of the pond, was a streamlined creature on it's back, thick muscular tail sticking up out of the water..  It was checking the bank to see where Whip went.  A mink?  No. An otter!   It dived. I got my camera ready and tried to follow where it went by ripples or bubbles on the surface.   It didn't resurface - though I did see something slip soundlessly from the water on the far side of the pond and into the tall grass.   I had stocked the pond in the spring w/ a few fish hoping they would attract different kinds of visitors.  My guess the otter has cleaned out the fish along w/ a few resident frogs.   I'm calling this a successful beta test.  Will restock the pond again next year.

The driveway in question

 

I attended the Town Board Meeting tonight mainly to see how the board would handle the driveway permit the Planning Commission had recommended vetoing.  The access had already been created before the permit had been reviewed.  I thought anyone adding a driveway that intersected w/ a town road needed prior approval: would it impede brushing, snowplowing, grading.  Was it too close to other driveways?  Did it have a large enough culvert so it wouldn't cause the road to wash out or would it be too steep so water would run down it onto the road?   The permit described it as a temporary logging access but all of those concerns still apply.  The Planning Commission chairman told the Board we recommended a veto or at least a fine.  The forester who had made the driveway request explained that 'yes' there had been a similar infraction on a different town road last year but he hadn't created that access, someone else did, he just used it.  For this driveway, he hadn't realized it would take so long to get an OK (it takes 2-4 weeks depending on when it's submitted) but in the future he would make sure all permits were in well in advance of any work.  The board decided not to impede his work and OK'd the permit.  I am disappointed.  A little groveling, some mea culpas, and all is forgiven.  I'll have to consider this - but after a good night's sleep.

Bur Oak

Friend Nancy was bemoaning the fact that the clinic by her still didn't have the Flu/Covid shot  available.  My clinic is in the same network but much smaller.  She asked if I'd been able to get mine yet.  I hadn't even tried.  Had been following the drama at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) since Secretary Kennedy took over.  Wasn't sure if CDC recommendations would affect insurance paying for the shots.  Ever since first grade I've been up for getting any shots available.  I'd  go over the list of shots the school sent home w/ students every Fall like it was a Sears catalog to see if there was anything I was eligible to get.  Yesterday I finally decided I shouldn't wait any longer and called my clinic.  Yes, they had the vaccines and yes, I could get an appointment for the next day.   Actually it's still two shots - one in each arm.  My appointment was for 8 a.m. and I was back home around 8:30.    I remembered that the only negative effect these shots have on me is cold chills around the time I go to bed.  After the constitutional tonight, I took a shower and plan on hitting the hay early.  The electric blanket and thick winter quilt are already on the bed.  I should be fine.

Harvest Moon

 

We had a frost warning last month and I moved all of the potted plants off the deck then.  It didn't happen but tonight the forecast was for not just a frost but a hard freeze.  Walked around the place to see if there were things that needed to be taken in. 

• The rain barrel.  I'd disconnected it from the gutter earlier.  Had been using it to water flowers so there was only a couple of inches left to dump.  Carried it into Sleipnir.  Will refill it there and use it through the winter.  
• The rain gauge.  Still had about a half inch of water in it from earlier this week.  Emptied that and stashed it away in Sleipnir.
• The gnome.  Have a hand-painted gnome that sits hidden in by the flowers on the deck.  He's looked a bit forlorn since the flowers went.  From my early experiments w/ plaster figurines left out in the elements, I know he could easily stay out one winter but tucked him in Sleipnir along w/ his plants.
• I still had 3 planters and one pot by the front door.  Added those to the ones in Sleipnir.
• The cacti in front of Mjolnir can handle a frost but maybe not a hard freeze.  Moved them inside  Mjolnir (warm but not as humid as Sleipnir.)

I believe we really will get at least a frosting tonight.  Whip and I didn't do our nightly constitutional until well after sunset.   The sky was clear all the way to the moon.  This 'super' Harvest Moon reflected brightly off the solar panels.   Moonlight seems bright to us because our eyes adapt to the dark but it's not strong enough to generate electricity from the solar panels.  Just in case, I checked the on-line graphs of their energy output tonight.  Nothing.

Sunrise and Fog

Excerpts from the Sheriff's Report:

1:01 a.m. - 911 hang up.  Officer called back and spoke to person who dialed 911.  She and a male were arguing over setting on air conditioner.  No physical altercation.

9:43 a.m. - Caller states she ordered some totes from Temu and the delivery picture showed the totes were delivered to a neighbor's porch.  Person in question said she never saw them.  After the person in question was told that law enforcement was coming, the totes showed up still in the delivery box and neighbor was walking away.

11:12 a.m. - Complainant reports she heard a loud boom and walked outside.  Half of her neighbor's house is missing.

11:43 a.m. - Caller asks for welfare check on employee that didn't show up for work.  They already went to the residence, no answer to their knock.  Deputy in contact with employee who has difficulty waking up to alarm.  Is OK.

12:44 p.m. - Complainant working on house roof doesn't believe there is enough room to park in his driveway.  Asked for permission to park on street for three or four nights.  Per city officer it's OK.

1:02 p.m. - Caller reports receiving death threats from someone they know through Facebook.  Caller had left insensitive comments on a social media post.  Individual in question did not take well to the comments, called the complainant and their place of work multiple times threatening to slander her business and cause harm.  Complainant told to get a restraining order and call law enforcement if the person were to come here from North Carolina.

2:11 p.m. - Caller states earlier in the month while checking in at motel, they had to leave for a medical emergency.  Motel worker refused to allow them back into the motel to get their property they had left during medical incident.  Caller wants to speak to deputy regarding their options for getting their property back - including credit cards and driver's license.  Complainant states girlfriend was transported from motel in ambulance.  He chose to drive to hospital, got lost, and was arrested for DWI.  When girlfriend returned, she was denied the room.  Owner of motel took all the personal property from the room and says she will only return it, in person, to the complainant who had rented room.  Complainant was informed there was no violation of the law.  He however requested a police report so his attorney can file a lawsuit.  DOT records show complainant was arrested in another county for OWI two days before he initially checked into this motel.

4:45 p.m. - Vehicle flashing headlights pulled up behind deputy.  Driver approached stating she was worried her estranged husband was tracking her.  She asked deputy if he would look for tracking devices on her vehicle.  She stated she's getting a divorce and is afraid her husband is going to show up and convince her to come back to him.  Deputy advised her to tell hotel front desk she doesn't want visitors and to call dispatch if anyone shows up.

6:36 p.m. - Traffic stop of a truck dragging a boat.  Driver was advised it is a road hazard to drag a boat on the highway,  Arranged w/ towing company to remove boat.

10:42 p.m. - Caller states his blue Volkswagon was stolen within the last week.  He stated it is cut in half, has no tires, and was locked in a shed.  Reporting party states the person who sold him the vehicle sold the title to another individual.  Due to inability to prove ownership, reporting party was told this is a civil matter.

Harvest in glass

First weekend for the Glass Orchard's seasonal sale.  Picked up friend Nancy and we drove to Collegeville to be there soon after they opened.  Neither of us had been there before but the place mixes art glass w/ apple picking - what's not to like?  As planned we were there right at opening time but we weren't the first.   We were directed to park at the very last spot in the parking lot in a field next to the buildings (then they switched over to parking on the other side of the buildings).  The long line of people we noticed as we drove in had evaporated by the time we walked back up to the buildings - the gates had opened and the crowd had dispersed throughout the front yard.  Multiple racks of glass pumpkins, squash, acorns, ghosts, and apples were set up (well over a thousand pieces.)  Each item was hand-blown on-site and each was unique.   I found a large clear orange pumpkin w/ green curled stem first and put it in my basket.  People were picking up different pieces carrying them for awhile before setting it down on another rack in order to pick up another piece that they liked a little better.  The apples came in clear/white, chartreuse/clear, and blue.  Rather liked them so I added two of the green apples into my basket.  Since I'd gotten more than planned anyway, I picked up a blue-green squash to add to my collection.  They will sparkle in the room divider when the sun shines on them.  Nancy, who insisted she came along just for the ride, bought an apple, a pumpkin, and a gourd.  The place also had glass blowing demonstrations and they do give classes but we both decided maybe next time (they hold a seasonal sale for Christmas decorations too!).  On the way back north we stopped at JumpRopeville for lunch and to take home a piece of pie.  Nancy picked up a piece of raspberry cream cheese for herself and a banana-cream for her husband.  (She explained if he decides he doesn't want pie she likes that kind also).  I was able to snag a piece of custard pie for myself too.  Can't figure out why I get funny looks when I say it's my fav.

Turkeys

 

This time of year both constitutionals are at twilight.  It's quiet so I can just think. Maybe that's why this morning I remembered that Northwest Industries had called to tell me the bench I'd ordered at the State Fair was ready for pick up.  How long ago was that?  When I got home I checked on my phone - Sep. 19th., a Friday.  Oh, and that weekend I'd had a major problem to figure out.  It had preempted any thoughts about the bench but now that the problem was resolved (kinda), the bench had floated back to the top of my mind.    What I had planned for the morning could wait.  After breakfast,  I jumped in the car and drove North.  Even though I order my outside furniture at the State Fair in the Big City, it's actually made only 60 miles north of me in Rodeoville.   Leaf Peeping last weekend wasn't peak color but as I travelled further north the trees were more advanced and putting on a show of reds and golds.   Temps are still warm enough that I put down the windows, opened up the moon roof, and loudly sang along w/ The Ink Spots, Carly Simon,  the Dillards, and Il Divo (even the songs in Italian).  Fortunately the vast majority of the time the road winds through thick woods.  Once at Northwest Industries they told me to drive around back where Zeke could load the bench for me.  Zeke wrapped one arm around the bench, lifted it w/ ease, carried it to the car, and hoisted it into the back.  I was impressed.  Made a vow to work on my upper body strength this winter.  The way back was equally pretty and just as musical.   Life is good.

Fire in the Field

 

I named the bridge that Brother Phil and Neighbor Blake put in 'Bifrost'.  It's named after the burning rainbow bridge from Norse Mythology.  Thought it funny.  The rainbow is often referred to as a bridge in many other culture's myths.  The Vikings must have thought a plain old rainbow was too wimpy for them 'cause they had to add that it was afire also.  Today I mowed the lawn and recalling that the weatherman had said there might be showers tonight, I decided to cross Bifrost with  the mower for the first time and mow the back 40 trails.  After a month the bridge had dried out and settled in - crossed it w/ no problems at all.  When I made it back home I noticed a florescent green truck parked on the road about where the lilacs are.  Odd place to park since someone coming over the hill might smack into the back of it.  I put Svaldilfari away, let Whip out, and got a drink of water.  When I came outside again, the truck was gone.  Didn't think about it until Neighbor Doug asked me if I had seen all the excitement.  He sent pictures of a fire in the field just to the east of me.  Lots of farmers are working on a second cut of hay and so is Neighbor Blake.  He had cut and raked that field but had someone else baling it this afternoon.  From what Doug said, a bearing stuck causing the machinery to overheat which set the hay inside of it on fire.  The fire department came out w/ water trucks (think that might have been the green one I noticed) and put the fire out.   Right next door and I missed it all- kinda Viking worthy though.

Pictures from Doug Dearhamer.

Grey Dogwood

 Town Planning Commission meeting tonight.   Lately, we've only been reviewing permits and anyone who was building during the summer had already put in their requests during the winter and spring.  The permits we had tonight were for a temporary logging road and for a house/garage.   I bopped over to Bennor Road where the house/garage would be built.   Looked like they were ready to begin.  I then drove to .6 miles west from the end of Singer Road.   A rough road already existed (made by a caterpillar from the tracks) and connected across the right-of-way to the town road.   At the meeting we OK'd the house/garage permit but I put up a fuss about the logging road.  Anyone should know that making any changes to a town road - like adding a driveway - needs an OK from the town ahead of time.   Would it impede the town's brusher, grader (it's a gravel road), or snow plow?  Would it cause flooding of the road (there was no culvert)?  Would it cause a car tire to get caught in a rut?   The other guys agreed.  Turns out this logger has done it before and the town had warned him that time.  We vetoed the logging road permit.  Of course, we are all appointed - not elected.  The commission sends permits on to the Town Board w/ our recommendation.  It's the Board that will have to decide to put a chain across the access, impose a fine, or, once again, send a 'strongly worded' notice to the logger.

Sunrise through a Jack Pine

 I can see the sunrise from my living room.  Noticed it this morning.  That means the arc of the sun has moved enough to the SE sufficiently to shine through the windows.  I'll be able to watch sunrise (and sunset) from the house until next year's vernal equinox.  It also means sunrise is occurring later.   When I was working I usually went into work before the sun came up and I swore when I retired I would make sure I watched every sunrise.  Tried to do that when I first came back here but it's rough setting the alarm clock to 5 a.m. to see the sunrise and then going back to bed.  This time of year I'm already dressed and ready to greet the dawn when it arrives at 7.  Anyway, the cooler weather sunrises are way more interesting than the warmer weather ones.  Cool weather causes sun pillars, Chinese Lantern stratification, Fata Morgana, halos, and sun dogs.   Always something to look forward to w/ the change of seasons here. 

Find My House?

Wednesday I looked out my bedroom window and saw a white spot in the hills.  The ski hill surely wouldn't be making snow in these temps.  My binoculars resolved the white spot into a ... tent?   Of course!  This is Leaf Peeping weekend in the county.  The ski hill was planning on serving food up top  - probably use a tent for that purpose.  Taking the ski lift up the hill to see the colors has become such a draw, the ski hill owners start their weekend festivities on Friday.  I was there early enough to be the second one up on the lift.  Fantastic views of the neighborhood, weather perfect, no crowds.   I knew I could see the tent from my place so stood near it and tried to locate my house.  Couldn't find it.  Good, no need to close my drapes when I go to bed.  On the way back home I passed a new B&B just around the corner from the ski hill.  Our town's zoning committee had given it a permit earlier in the year and now there was a "Open House" sign - for Saturday and Sunday.  Neighbor Anita agreed to go w/ me on Saturday morning.   We got there at 11 a.m.   The original open house sign had now been amended to state "Noon to 5".    "Let's go see if they will let us take a look anyway." urges Anita.  That was all the prompting I needed and we drove in.   The owners were outside and welcoming to strangers (their 5 month old Burmese Mountain Dog wasn't so sure).  The first floor is an open living room-dining area-kitchen.  A hallway leads to a bedroom and a bath (with a huge shower).  Upstairs is another bedroom and bath.  It's got unique touches here and there and open cabinetry.  The view behind the cabin is beautiful - a small pond and directly behind it the back side of the ski hill.  Quite striking.  There is the little issue of being just feet from a cemetery.   The cemetery is small and old and not as well kept as I remember as a kid.  It is possible renters might not realize there is a cemetery at first.   There are no windows on that side of the house.  In the short winter daylight hours snow might cover the grave markers.   In the spring and summer there is a wall of greenery between the properties.  In the autumn ... well ... being next to a graveyard might actually be considered a plus.  Location - Location - Location