Winter From My Window

"I pray this winter be gentle and kind - a season of rest from the wheel of the mind."

John Geddes

The picture and the quote above says it all. With the exception of a particularly nasty storm in the days right before Christmas, winter in my neck of the woods has been pretty quiet. Only a little over 3 hours from here, in Buffalo, New York,  they've had enough snow on numerous occasions to fill a football stadium. Did I mention how grateful I am right now?

My window on the world in winter is quite a departure from the other seasons of the year. Yet, I am blessed to be living here, where the distant hills are still green with evergreens and pine trees, and the ones near my building are just as green. I am never bereft of color even in the depth of winter.

My main concerns this year have been for the critters, especially my little squirrel neighbors next door. When the big, bad storm of Christmas 2022 hit, the worst of it was the wind and the extreme cold. Gusts of over 50 mph were recorded and the wind chill went down to -21 degrees. I had packed a bag and moved in with my daughter's family so we could all be together in case the power went out and she couldn't get to me or I to her. All the time I was safe and sound, my thoughts kept going to my little neighbors and all the other birds, chipmunks, and animals who had to tough it out as best they could. When I returned on the afternoon of Christmas Day, it was a whole 3 days later before I caught sight of Mama Squirrel and her offspring. I didn't see Dad but the chances were good that if Mom and son made it in their little home under the roof across the way, Dad probably did, too. I was so happy you'd have thought that they were actual relatives which, in a manner of speaking, and according to what I learned from my Native American teachers, they are. The native phrase "all my relations," refers to just that ... all living things are my relatives. I celebrated by throwing them a belated Christmas feast complete with peanuts, seeds, chopped apples and fresh greens. I began leaving nuts and seeds out as soon as it turned colder in December so they could store up for the winter and had been counting on that to see them through the storm. That they survived was reason enough to celebrate and help them re-stock their larder.

The days of January have swung back and forth from cold to warm, from winter to fall, and even a day or two of early spring thrown in. All around us the weather has been terrible but in our little valley we have been lucky. It's not that I don't love to see the snowflakes falling down, making everything look pretty, which I have written about before, but that seemed more appropriate for Christmas. Now, in depth of winter, my concerns for "all my relations" as well as the well-being of my human family is my focus. In my own case, I'm hoping that our annual February whopper of a storm holds off until after the 16th as I am scheduled for knee surgery and wish to be back home before it hits. Then I can sit and look out of my window on the world and let Mother Nature do her thing. It is, after all, winter. 

Stay safe, stay warm, stay well, and don't forget about all "your" relations.

And so it is ... until next time. 

Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Finally! After two years of mild Decembers and a white Christmas only existing in our memories and holiday songs, it looks like we're actually going to have a white Christmas this year! It's been snowing since yesterday and is not supposed to stop until late today. The temperatures for the next week will be staying in the 30's, so it looks like it will be staying around for a while, if only on the lawns and rooftops. That's okay with me. I've been dreaming of a white Christmas.

What is it about a white Christmas that speaks to our souls? Is it just the stories we grew up with about Santa Claus living up at the North Pole with all that snow? Is it the holiday music? Or maybe it's just childhood memories when a white Christmas was the norm, rather than the exception (and they say there's no climate change)? I can only speak for myself. Seeing snow on the ground reflecting the Christmas lights and decorations brings a warm glow inside my heart. Cars are driving by with Christmas trees strapped to the roof, snow clinging to the branches. People don't seem to mind the snow. They are singing along with the holiday music on the car radio and laughing. A month from now when it snows, they won't be singing, won't be happy, won't be enjoying the cold and the wet. Maybe we should just appreciate what the magic of holiday snow can do while we have it ... and maybe pray for a little more?

And so it is. 

The Animals' Thanksgiving Feast

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I did. Not only was there a table filled with good food, even for this plant-based girl, but we got to celebrate my youngest granddaughter's Sweet 16 birthday that day as well. It was a blessed and abundant day all for everyone

When I say "for everyone," I mean for my animal neighbors as well. In addition to the family of squirrels that live in the house across the way, the trees and grounds that surround the complex where I live are filled with other squirrels, birds of all kinds, and even tiny chipmunks who have mastered the art of avoiding the many cars and trucks that pull in and out of our parking lot. They are some of the fastest and bravest little creatures I've ever seen! Anyway, I decided that they were as deserving of a Thanksgiving feast as anyone else, and this year I would not let them have to participate in their daily game of dumpster diving to get it. So I saved up all of my scraps from cooking, like apple peels and cores, spinach, kale, and carrot tops, and added one bag of peanuts and another of pumpkin seeds. I spread the fest on the divider wall that runs behind the dumpsters where I was sure they would find it. To say that the poor things must have been quite hungry was an understatement. When I returned home from my daughter's house where we celebrated our own feast, there wasn't anything left except the shells from the seeds they tore open. They even ate the kale! I was so happy knowing that not only did they have a fine meal, but, knowing the behavior of my little neighbors, there was a hefty stash of food hidden nearby for the cold days of winter ahead. I have continued putting out scraps as well as nuts and seeds every few days and intend to keep it going through the winter.

Giving the animals a Thanksgiving feast of their own was my way to show my gratitude for the endless hours of entertainment they have given me, and the lessons I've learned about home, family, and survival from them as well. I am always reminded that their ancestors were here first ... we are the invaders. The trees that provided them with nuts and seeds were cut down to build houses and pave parking lots. No one, not even animals, should have to "dumpster dive" to survive. We took away their livelihoods, so it's time we gave back to them for all they sacrificed for us. 

So the next time you have fruit and veggie scraps for cooking, or have some nuts and seeds laying around, why not share them with your animal neighbors as a way to say thank you? It will not only make their day, it will make yours as well.

And so it is. 

What The Squirrels Know

I know I talk a lot about the squirrels that live next door, but they have provided me with some of the most interesting and enlightening experiences I've had while sitting at my desk and looking out of the windows. I've learned about parenting, defending one's home and stash, and how to have some good old-fashioned fun. Recently, however, I've also learned that squirrels can also be good predictors of the winter to come.

For example, the effort to collect and store food becomes more intense. The flurry of activity speeds up more some years than others. The building where I live is surrounded by chestnut and black walnut trees, and as soon as they started to ripen and fall to the ground, the squirrels were all over them. That was back in September and early October. Now the poor things are rooting through the two giant dumpsters out behind the two buildings every day for whatever they can find. I've taken to putting out peanuts, seeds, and vegetable cuttings just to supplement their diet of dumpster food. I swear it seems as if they are on a mission to stock up as much food as they can ... like they know something about how severe this winter will be?

I did a little online research (God bless Google) and found out that a tough winter is ahead if the squirrels' tails are very bushy. I've been watching the family next door and it does seem to me as if their tails are, indeed, much bushier than normal. This morning they looked positively double in size! Speaking of size, the whole family seem to be packing on the weight, looking a bit on the pudgy side of late. According to what I read, that is also an indicator of a harsh winter ahead. The third item I read is that if squirrels build their nests higher in the trees, that, too, is an indicator of a harsh winter to come. Since my squirrel family lives inside the rooftop of the building next door, I can't use that as an indicator. Besides, who wants to go through the winter in a cold, drafty tree when you can spend it protected with a roof over your head? That sounds like a pretty smart move to me!

As far as I'm concerned, I've learned so much about life and nature from watching animals over the years that I'm more likely to follow their example than trust the human weather predictions, so I'm starting to stock the pantry with staples like beans, rice, soups, and such ... maybe I'll add a few nuts to the mix, just to keep up with the neighbors!

And so it is. 

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! Can you believe how fast October flew by (like a witch on a broomstick?)? It seemed like only yesterday that we were buying school supplies and sending the kids off to the first day of school. Now the leaves are full of color, the morning air is crisp and even chilly, and pumpkins adorn everyone's porches and front steps. I'm pretty sure I've seen a lot of ghosts, goblins, and zombies in my travels as well.

Remember Halloween when we were kids? We didn't go in as much for the store-bought costumes. It was a fun challenge to put together something ourselves. It made us unique, plus it saved mom and dad lots of money! It let us use our imaginations instead of being swayed by big, colorful store displays. I think that's one of the things I loved the most about Halloween, the chance to stretch our imaginations and create a costume unlike anyone else's.

The other thing I loved about the holiday is when we went out for trick or treat. I wasn't all that interested in the candy (unless it was chocolate). I loved the feeling of the night, the crunch of the leaves under our feet as we moved through the chilled darkness, following the lights and decorations on our neighbors' houses. There were less zombies and vampires back then, and more witches, skeletons, and ghosts. I always secretly wished I could find out what it was like to ride a broomstick across the Halloween sky.

This year there will be lots of characters from video games, from scary movies or Disney princesses. It will be even more fun this year after the previous two years when it wasn't safe for them to go door-to-door. To all the caring, thoughtful people and organizations who provided them with a neighborhood Trunk or Treat, a heartfelt thank you. There would have been no Halloween at all for the kids without you. 

So from Flower Bear and everyone here in the garden, a happy, safe, and fun Halloween. BOO!

And so it is. 

When Is A Scarecrow Not A Scarecrow?

 

Every year I look forward like a child to our annual trip to the pumpkin farm. We haven't been able to go for the last two years and I am excited to be able to finally go this year with my family - just waiting for a nice, sunny day. Meanwhile, this weekend, I was able to placate the 5 year old in me by taking a drive with my sister to our area's yearly Scarecrow Contest where contestants create and showcase their creativity, and we get to vote for our favorites. This year, the idea of "scarecrow" took on a whole new meaning, and two exhibits in particular made a huge impression on me.

If you are a person of a certain age, you will recognize the image above from that all-time classic movie: "Little Shop Of Horrors." It's the giant Venus Flytrap plant that kept wailing "feed me." Can you even imagine how much work and craftsmanship went into that exhibit? I don't know if it would scare off any crows, but it would surely entertain them. I guess you'd have to have a pretty big garden to put him in. He was about 6 feet tall and just as wide!

Of all the submissions, the one below is the one that to touched my heart the most:

I have to believe that if you want the best for your garden, having Mother Earth right there watching over it has to be your best bet. Isn't she lovely? I can tell you from having been up close and personal with her that she emits a serene feeling of wisdom and love. 

The winner won't be announced until the end of the month, but I'm hoping Mother Earth takes the prize. I guess the idea of a scarecrow, like beauty, is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Try it yourself. See if you can come up with a new idea of what a scarecrow can be. Have some fun. 

And so it is. 

So What's The Big Deal About Autumn Anyway?

Welcome to October! One cannot scroll through social media these days or turn on the TV without seeing all sorts of photos and quotes about autumn finally arriving. The stores have been geared up for weeks ahead of time, their shelves filled with fall decorations and, of course, scary Halloween decorations as well. It's almost as if we are being hit over the head with it wherever we turn. So, what's the big deal about autumn anyway?

I can only speak from my own personal perspective. First of all, you can't beat the colors. Sure, spring is filled with promise and hope after a long, dark winter, but autumn celebrates all of that hope and promise fulfilled  in its bountiful harvests, blazing colors, and crisp scents in the cooler air. It's as if Mother Earth is making sure she goes out with a bang before all is asleep once again under that snowy blanket. 

The older I get, the more autumn takes on an almost spiritual meaning for me. I appreciate the beauty of the land so much more. The colors and variety of the harvest makes me want to take to my kitchen and cook up a storm, feeding my soul as well as my body. Most of all, autumn inspires me. While I try not to dwell on the idea of my passing some day, when I do go, I want to go out just like Mother Nature does every year. I want to go out in a blaze of glory, full of the life I've lived, the people I've loved, and the gifts I've been able to share. Until then, I want to live full out, full of color, glory, and the crisp wind in my hair that says "Here I am, world. Let's play in the leaves!"

And so it is.