Let’s Go Walking! Join me for a virtual walking support group

Oh I am so sorry to hear you are having major falling and balancing issues. I am sure you probably do exercises to help with balance. I went through a long period of falling and went head first down on a marble floor. I really looked like a freak with most of my face covered in bruises; however, I realize I was fortunate in this fall and others that I did not break anything. Please be careful!

We have mostly grey squirrels, but recently saw a red one. And then, twice we have spotted a white squirrel. We had these a long time ago, but I am afraid they make easy prey for the hawks or owls. We are hoping this one stays around for a long time. My husband puts out dried corn cobs for the squirrels in hopes that they will leave the bird seed and suet for the birds. We did not hear the Canada geese leave this fall. Not sure why, for one can hear their honking and we love to watch them leaving for warmer climates. We have a house basically in the woods with eight acres. There are lots of critters that pass through, some welcome, some not. We were thrilled to see a turkey with eight chicks this fall. They appear from time to time. Of course, we have deer and they seem to feast on everything my husband tries to grow. They ate every one of the mums' blooms (about 24). We won't plant those anymore! Raccoons, groundhogs, opossums, and coyotes appear. One morning, I let our dog out and through my bleary eyes saw a coyote about a foot behind our 22-pound rescue dog. I did not take the time to pick up the bat we keep by the porch door, but instead ran screaming toward the coyote and it ran up the hill. Our beloved dog chased it into the woods! Yikes! He thinks he is bigger than he is and I was extremely worried until Simon came down the hill.

I am amazed at many of the determined folks who walk in cold temperatures. We had snain (snow and rain) today, and now the tree branches are glistening with frozen drops. I think the temperatures are going to be better in a few days. I need to pick up some prescriptions, but will wait for the thaw. I could ask the pharmacy to deliver, but they would never find us.

Take care and stay well! @joybringer1

@wisco50 We have Canadian geese that overwinter at the timber mill ponds. Since that is just over the creek from us, they often take off and fly a circle over us and settle back down. In the Spring they have a nesting area nearby, and the whole flock goes walking down past our house, middle of the road, proudly showing off their babies.

This morning it is a bit chilly, in the 20s with a cold brittle sun. The spider web on the deck is frosted over. Intrepid birds are out picking through the sparse lawn. Our cat is documenting their movements for us with play-by-play little cries, from the warmth and safety of her windowsill perch. Yesterday my walking was loading a cord of wood in to our utility trailer with my husband. A rickety old wheelbarrow helped get the hardwood from a stack, but the soft wood we loaded at the end, was a hand-off. Since it was just at sunset, we left it for today to start off-loading and stacking at home. It seemed fitting that moonrise helped light the way, as the mill barn had no lighting.
Ginger

@sueinmn
I’ve never seen a squirrels nest that I recognized as such anyway. I think we have mostly grey ground squirrels I enjoy watching the squirrels and chipmunks scurrying about. When I used to visit my grandparents, Fluffy the squirrel would come for his walnuts which my grandmother insisted be cracked. I had a picture of him/her sitting at the table eating with us. He was one of the family. Sadly Fluffy got electrocuted on a power line. I’ll walk along the creek today and look for a tree dwelling squirrel, provided I’m not arrested as being drunk or at least appearing that way. I have been having extremely major falling and balance issues recently.
I can’t go out walking yet because it’s freezing cold here in sunny California. Like living in Antarctica. l’ll go later when the hypothermia risk diminishes. I don’t know how you people survive back there.
Take care & stay warm,
Jake

Ah, I would imagine those geese were greeting you with hope for 2021!! You painted a serene picture for us who didn’t have that experience.
Thank you.

My walks continue, I find that I have to first relax my shoulders as I hit the colder temps. Once I do that I am just joyful that I can still endure these temps at my age, and definitely feel more alive once I get inside my cozy, warm home. Today will bring snow, oh well, it is Minnesota!

Coyotes scare me as two of my dogs are small, as well. One day I was standing by my mailbox across the road, looked up and saw a loose dog I didn’t recognize walking up the road in my direction. Suddenly realized it was a coyote! I yelled and it disappeared into the woods next door. I hear them howling over there some nights.

@sueinmn
I’ve never seen a squirrels nest that I recognized as such anyway. I think we have mostly grey ground squirrels I enjoy watching the squirrels and chipmunks scurrying about. When I used to visit my grandparents, Fluffy the squirrel would come for his walnuts which my grandmother insisted be cracked. I had a picture of him/her sitting at the table eating with us. He was one of the family. Sadly Fluffy got electrocuted on a power line. I’ll walk along the creek today and look for a tree dwelling squirrel, provided I’m not arrested as being drunk or at least appearing that way. I have been having extremely major falling and balance issues recently.
I can’t go out walking yet because it’s freezing cold here in sunny California. Like living in Antarctica. l’ll go later when the hypothermia risk diminishes. I don’t know how you people survive back there.
Take care & stay warm,
Jake

We (back there) stock up on very warm clothes, some of which I've worn for decades.

Indeed we do layer up! On Christmas Eve we even got out the (no kidding) 1/2 century old Air Force Arctic parkas to wear to our outdoor church service. Our Sorel boots date back to the 1990's - the only thing that wears out is the felt liners, and we just replace them...

Since we are in MN for a lot longer this winter than in the past 12 years, and no longer have as many warm layers as we once did, I just added 2 new winter weight T's from Duluth Trading to each of our wardrobes - one of their flagship stores is just 3 miles from us. My husband got a great new battery-powered fleece vest from our daughter and son-in-law for Christmas - they gave it to him as soon as it arrived, and he has worn it almost daily for over a month. It has made a huge difference in his comfort. The only thing that bothers me is cold feet or fingers, so I went to REI as soon as it snowed the first time and got new mittens (my first in over 20 years) - my how technology has improved - and 7 pairs of new wool socks. Now we're all set!

Just waiting for the snow to begin so I can go walk in it this afternoon.
Sue
PS - Jake - I'll fortify myself with a few Christmas cookies first!
Sue

We (back there) stock up on very warm clothes, some of which I've worn for decades.

@ellens, I still have and on occasion wear out to the mailbox or dumpster one of the 1st X-mas gifts my hubby gave me in 1965. It is a loden green nylon, insulated ski parka that saw much wear in NV and MN and still is donned in TX for those really quick icy treks to and from house! While other parkas and warm gear was purchased over the decades, this "vintage" relic is one that never fails to bring a smile and dry warmth 55 yrs later! lol

P.S. I also still frequently use a wedding gift Oster blender too...not clothing but just saying that just because something has been well broken in, if it still serves the purpose, why not???? vbg