Finding my softer side: Late January 2023

Welcome to our blog! We’re excited to share our passion for wildlife, food, and man’s best friend with you. From the chirping of birds to the howling of mammals, our world is filled with a diverse array of creatures that never cease to amaze us. And let’s not forget about our furry friends, the dogs, who have been our loyal companions for thousands of years. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of these fascinating creatures and explore their unique diets, behaviors, and habits. We’ll also be sharing some delicious recipes and tips on how to keep our dogs healthy and happy. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us on this exciting journey through the world of wildlife, food, and dogs!

In cold January weather, temperatures can drop significantly, leading to a chilly and harsh environment. This type of weather often brings along with it precipitation such as freezing rain and snow. These weather conditions can cause a variety of problems, including the loss of power and internet. The freezing rain can cause icing on power lines and equipment, causing them to break and leading to power outages. The snow can also accumulate on power lines and equipment, adding weight and causing damage. The loss of power can also impact the internet, as many homes and businesses rely on electricity to power their internet equipment. All of these factors combined can make for a difficult and challenging situation during cold January weather.

“Wind” can knock over tall trees and break branches, making it dangerous for people to be near. “Snow” can also cause branches to break and make sidewalks slippery, making it hard to walk safely. “Deer eating shrubs” like Hosta, tulips and rhododendron can be a problem because deer love to eat these plants and can damage them if there are too many in one place. This can make a yard look messy and unattractive.

Mark’s Folly

Winterizing a koi pond involves preparing the pond for the colder winter months to ensure the survival of the koi fish. Here are the steps to winterize a koi pond:

  1. Clean the pond: Remove any debris, such as leaves and dead plants, from the surface of the water. This will prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria and parasites.
  2. Reduce feeding: As water temperature decreases, the metabolism of koi slows down, and they will eat less. Gradually reduce the amount of food you give them until they stop eating completely.
  3. Maintain proper water temperature: In the winter, koi need water that’s above freezing to survive. If the temperature dips below this, use a pond heater to maintain a minimum water temperature of 40°F.
  4. Add a de-icer: If you live in an area with extremely cold temperatures, you may need to add a de-icer to the pond to prevent it from completely freezing over. This will allow toxic gases to escape, keeping the water healthy for the koi.
  5. Cover the pond: If possible, cover the pond with a floating cover or heavy-duty pond netting to protect the koi from predators, such as birds and raccoons.

By following these steps, you can help ensure the health and survival of your koi fish during the winter months.

BOIDS

Birds with feathers bright, soaring high with might, Eagles, hawks and turkeys, so proud and strong,

Crows with voices sharp, that call out all day long, Bluejays with a flash of blue, so lively and gay.

Chickadees with tiny size, flitting through the skies, Cardinals with coats of red, so beautiful to see,

Each bird with its own grace, in the wild they’ll always be.

Eagles soar on strong wings, above the mountain peaks, Hawks with eyes that never sleep, seeking prey they’ll seek,

Turkeys strut with heads held high, a regal sight to see, Crows that caw, with voices rough, their message loud and free.

Bluejays bring a burst of blue, with chatter and with play, Chickadees, so full of life, so sweet their song each day,

Cardinals with coats of red, a symbol of true love, Each bird with its own story, a gift from heavens above.

So here’s to these feathered friends, with beauty to behold, Each with a unique voice, and story to unfold,

May they forever fly, free in skies so blue, These birds that bring us joy, with each flight anew.

Eagles soar on wings so grand, With grace and power at command.

Hawks hunt with keen and steady eyes, In skies above, they’re nimble flies.

Turkeys strut with heads held high, Their feathers a colorful dye.

Crows are black as night, it’s true, But with a wit that’s bright and shrewd.

Bluejays flit with brilliant hues, Their voices loud and clear imbues.

Chickadees with their tiny might, Sing sweet songs in morning light.

And Cardinals, a sight so rare, With plumage red, they show they care.

Birds of many shapes and hues, Each one with their own beauty to muse.

Fun with Food

Kume is a Japanese restaurant that serves a variety of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Some popular dishes that you may find at Kume include:

  1. Sushi: Raw fish or vegetables served on top of seasoned rice and rolled in seaweed.
  2. Ramen: Noodles in a savory broth, often served with ingredients such as sliced pork, vegetables, and boiled eggs.
  3. Tempura: Seafood and vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried until crispy.
  4. Teriyaki: Meat or vegetables that have been marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then grilled.
  5. Udon: Thick noodles made from wheat flour, often served in a soup with various ingredients such as vegetables and meat.

At Kume, you can expect to find a range of traditional and modern Japanese dishes, each with its own unique flavor and preparation style. Whether you’re a fan of sushi, noodle dishes, or grilled meats, Kume is sure to have something to satisfy your craving for delicious Japanese cuisine.

Baya and Benji with Guest Appearance by Chief

Chief

Feline grace flows,

Soft purr a gentle heartbeat,

Peace in furry form.

Snowflakes fall from the sky,

Benji jumps, tail wagging high,

Winter wonderland.

In conclusion, winter is a magical season full of snow, ice, and frost. With the right preparation and mindset, it can be a wonderful time of year to enjoy the great outdoors, embrace new experiences, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re cuddled up inside by a warm fire or venturing out into the crisp winter air, make the most of this special season and cherish every moment. Thank you for reading and stay warm this winter!

Mark, Wink, Meg and Chatgpt

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