Agricultural Automation--helping the 2% of the population feed the rest of us.

That's correct and an amazing statistic: a very small portion of the population (less than 2%) is working to provide for the remaining 98%. Taking that into consideration, the status and future of the American Farmer is important to us all.  As this country has changed from an agrarian to a more urban structure, how we provide for our citizens and imports to other countries has evolved.  In 1870, almost 50 percent of the U.S. population was employed in agriculture.  Currently, less than 2 percent of the population is directly employed in agriculture.

Life on the farm is not what it used to be. That's the understatement of the day. Automation in farm production has infiltrated all aspects of farm life from produce and grain production to livestock and a multitude of facets in dairy farming. I am a city girl; I don't profess to be in expert in agricultural matters, but I was prompted to write this article after a recent trip to my extended family's dairy farm in upstate New York.  This particular farm has been owned and operated by the same family for over 200 years, since 1809.  Also, since I live in the second largest dairy producing state in the country, I do have an interest in what supports our local economy.

My uncle, aunt and cousins that operate a dairy farm in New York recently made the decision to  transition to an Automated Milking System (or AMS as referred to in the industry). Yes, as amazing as it is to a layman like myself...there are robots designed to milk cows. The systems are also sometimes referred to VMS, or Voluntary Milking Systems because the cows choose when the want to be milked. They walk into the milking stall at their on accord when they are ready to be milked. Cows just know when they are ready. They don't need to be herded in. When using this kind of system, the milking takes place 24/7.


Now as amazing as this new automation may be, when a new technology is introduced there are usually skeptics and critics of the system.  I myself,  had a romanticized version of cows grazing on green pastures and being herded into the barn only twice a day and then let out free to roam as they please. These human perceptions of what cows "should" like are just that....human perceptions. The cows that are tended to on my Uncle's farm are VERY well taken care of and from a human perspective they seem very happy and very healthy.

The "Happiness Quotient" is NOT just a perception, but can actually be gauged, to some extent, on each cow. A transponder is placed on the cow's leg (kind of a "Fit Bit" for cows) to provide essential information detailing not only the milk production of the cow but also specific medical needs and concerns to assure a healthy and happy cow. When a cow enters the stall to be milked, her "Fit Bit" links with the computer and gives an amazing amount of information on the cow. This photo of the computer screen in each milking station shows the information collected and maintained on each cow and also on the herd as a whole.  Including in this information are items like: pounds of milk production, lactation cycles, genetic histories and vaccinations.

According to the National Dairy Farm Magazine: Hoard's Dairyman,:
"The primary disadvantage of robots is the large capital investment of $150,000 to $200,00 for every 50 to 70 milking cows. Older studies show robots are less profitable than conventional milking systems. Advances in robot technology, improved RMS management, and higher labor costs change these results."  ("Can Robots Compete?", Hoard's Dairyman, May 25, 2018)

In Wisconsin and Minnesota alone, recent statistics state there are over 200 farms utilizing a robotic system for milking. There are numerous reasons to convert to a robotic system but the primary reasons are: reduction of labor, increased milk production and improved lifestyles; both for the dairy farmers and the cows. So perhaps the trend in dairy production is moving in that direction. When I was able to see the process first hand, toured the barn and received a detailed explanation of how things work I was "blown away" by it all. I do not know how to tell if a cow is "happy" or not....but these ladies looked very content. As my cousin said, if anyone is curious, skeptical or critical of the process all they need to do is "put your boots on and come out to the barn".

I wanted to write this article to support and lift up the importance of the American farmer today. My exposure to farming has been predominately dairy farming. Dairy farming is a very hard life and it takes a truly deep commitment. Yet it is not without it's own rewards. Being in tune with nature and working with the Earth is such a blessing.  I remember my Uncle frequently declaring as he looked up at the star laden night sky up on the hill: "Would you just look at that sky."

So next time you enjoy your tall glass of milk with a grilled cheese sandwich, take a moment to remember the hard work that went into getting it to your table. Hug a farmer today.  JES

 

Just because it's FREE, Doesn't mean it's Lame.

We Americans frequently adhere to the adage: "You get what you pay for." Sometimes in certain circumstances this is true, no denying that. Yet I am here to lift up the virtues of seeking out and enjoying FREE STUFF! Of course there are the many free things in life like love, friendships, holding a soft puppy, enjoying the sounds of soft spring rain and....well you get the idea. These things are all well and good, but I'm talking about less esoteric things, like entrance to a free museum.

So many people have the impression that things can't be very good, or worth taking the time to look into, unless you have to pay an admission fee. I am here to strongly denounce that misconception. I have seen so many interesting museums and "freebies", yet have also seen ones that were indeed lame. It's always a gamble, but look at it this way, you haven't paid money up front so you are not out anything. Yet, if it turns out to be an interesting and worthwhile place, you can almost always donate money on your way out the door. Museums and centers need donations to keep places running and also appreciate positive feedback....tell your friends, they might enjoy the place too!

Polk County Museum

 In my area, there is a county museum that has an amazing collection of stories, artifacts and documentation on the settlement and growth of several communities within our county. The Polk County Museum in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin is housed in a majestic, red brick courthouse. The building itself is quite a sight to behold. Originally built in 1899, it was used as a courthouse until 1975 when it was converted to a museum and is operated by volunteers. It has been included in the National Register of Historic Places.   Inside the museum, there are three floors of galleries with some of the exhibits dating back to the Revolutionary War.  There is an impressive exhibit about the logging industry and it's impact on the area. Logging and lumbering were the primary attractions that brought early settlers to the area in as early as 1837. I never knew that the logs were "branded" (just like cattle) before being sent down the river...neat.

The building also has unique and beautiful stained glass and interesting architectural details on every floor. Here is a stained glass window that is beautiful, but also informative: it shows a map designating the townships within Polk County. I thought this was so beautiful and I bet it looks very different depending on the time of day.

Polk County in Stained glass depiction

Not only do they have an impressive permanent collection, the museum also hosts traveling exhibits. One coming up that I will NOT miss is an exhibit about John Muir, the conservationist and one of the men instrumental in founding the National Park Service. John Muir spent much of his youth in Wisconsin. The exhibit is on loan from the Wisconsin Historical Society and runs from Aug. 10-Sept. 2, 2018. The Museum has limited hours in the summer time, and frequently hosts private and school tours the rest of the year. The museum is at 120 Main Street Balsam Lake. For more information you can contact them at: (715) 485-9269

Another free and very interesting museum that I had the pleasure of visiting is the Bayfield Maritime Museum. Located in Bayfield, Wisconsin near the Apostle Islands, it is a treasure trove of cool stuff all related to the maritime industry, the history of the area and the wonders of Lake Superior.  Many topics are covered including boat making and the development of the maritime industry, shipwrecks on Lake Superior, lighthouses, and an impressive collection of historical photographs and artifacts related to the area. It is staffed by very helpful and knowledgeable volunteers, who are happy to answer any questions.

They also have a small amount of books and souvenirs about the area and the Apostle Islands. I purchased a nautical print of  Bayfield and the Apostle Islands and another print showing all the Lighthouses of the Apostles.  Both prints were very suitable for framing and it made me feel good knowing that my purchases went towards helping to operate the museum. This museum is only open during the summertime and is staffed by volunteers. For more information, check out their website at: www.bayfieldmaritimemuseum.org

My Son Dan by a favorite spot in the SPAM Museum~ Austin,MN.

Some FREE museums, like the SPAM museum in Austin Minnesota, have an ulterior motive like promoting and extra marketing of their product. But so what?!....if it provides an entertainment value and a diversion for weary highway travelers, more power to them.  Many people react with the comment: "There's a SPAM Museum, seriously?" Yes, seriously. If you are passing through southern Minnesota, don't forget to go. However...I'm kind of embarrassed to say I have been to the SPAM museum three times, with various family members so they do can enjoy that fun place. I'm not even a big fan of SPAM (except with mac&cheese), but it really is a fun place and a lovely gift shop too! (One can never have too many SPAM refrigerator magnets.) For more details about the SPAM museum, there website is: www.spam.com/museum

So next time you are out and about, or even in need of a local excursion, don't forget the local small museum. You may be surprised of what new wonders await within.  JES

Ta-Dah...The GNP is complete!

After 6 months of reading, typing, collecting information and old photographs for my Grandma Newton Project (or GNP as my husband nicknamed it), the book is complete! So excited to have finished the project, but it is bittersweet; in some ways I am sad that it's over.  It has been for me such a journey filled with so much laughter and probably more tears than I care to count. Tears were from the sadness of those people in the diaries that I miss. And some were tears of laughter.  Yet, admittedly there were tears of frustration on formatting my book and getting my computer to do what I wanted it to. What, it can't read my mind?!?
 The book is based on 17 years of diaries that my Grandmother kept. When she passed, she wanted me to have the diaries and since I was the writer in the family she wanted me to write something based on them. The book I have created is semi-biographical, but is more about memories shared with our family members. I hope people can read this and fondly remember Orah Preston Newton.

 It also has brought revelations and new insights about not just my Grandmother, but the way the different generations treat each other. My Grandma was fortunate to have so many people in her life looking after her and taking care of her in the so-called "Golden Years". Some older people are not so fortunate. I hope that anyone who reads this can learn that we can always learn something from those that come before us. We also need to remember that if we survive long enough, we too will grow older. Betty Friedan was a wise woman who said that: "Age is not 'lost youth', but a new stage for opportunity and strength."

I wrote this book as a memorial and remembrance for the family of my Grandmother. I plan on getting several copies to my cousins and family, but if you want a sneak peak it is on Amazon (create space) under the title: "A Remembrance...Grandma Newton's Diaries"  Both my mother and myself are listed as authors. 

This book has been a wonderful learning experience, but I plan on taking the summer off before embarking on my next book.  I do intend to keep on blogging.  Now working on the Apostle Islands article...what a beautiful part of the country!
Hope my family enjoys this book, I will be delivering it to them soon! I think you would have liked this one Grandma, filled with some wonderful memories.                                                           

Looney for Loons

Photo by Julie E. Smith

The expression "Crazy as a Loon" probably is based on the Loon's eerie call that can sound like a "crazy person's" cackle.  Loons have different distinct calls, depending on what they are communicating, but nevertheless they all sound unique as the sound of a loon. When you hear that sound at dusk you know it's a loon.

My first introduction to the beauty of loons came several years ago while visiting my husband's uncle in Maine. They have a cabin on a woodland lake there and the loons are seen on a daily basis.  We saw them several times while visiting there, but we were much more likely to hear there calls in the evening, then actually see them. When I moved to the north woods of Wisconsin, on a lake, ....my fascination with these amazing waterbirds grew. The more I find out about them I realize they really are amazing creatures.

Photo by Julie E. Smith

I found out that loons can live up to 30 years. Wow. When they migrate, they frequently come back to the very same lake year after year. That's cool, because we have at least 3 or 4 that live on our lake. I have the joy of seeing them almost every day, and hearing them calling out the approach of twilight. Loons generally are territorial and only 3 to 4 loons occupy an area of about 2 square miles. Minnesota is the state with the largest loon population in the continental U.S.-with about 12,000 individuals. Perhaps that is why it is their state bird. Maine is next, with approximately 5,000 loons. In my home state of Wisconsin, there is an estimated population of a little over 4,000 loons. The DNR reports a growth rate of 25% of the loon population in the last 15 years. A real threat to the loon population is loss of habitat; they obviously have to have clean lakes to fish and undisturbed wooded/marshy areas for nesting.


Obviously they are water birds and excellent at diving and fishing. Their bodies are built for diving and they can remain submerged for up to 3 minutes. Yet, it's interesting that loons are not like other aquatic birds in that they can not walk on land. They are very awkward on land; very top heavy because their feet are positioned at the back of their body. Perfect for swimming and diving, not so much for walking. Last summer, my neighbor and I discovered a loon that had apparently overshot the lake and landed on the side of the road. He didn't seem injured, just "stuck" and could only weakly waddle. We didn't know what to do, so we called the DNR and they sent someone out. When the loon realized we were trying to capture him to assist, he became frightened and waddled much more quickly to the water, dove in and was fine. In hindsight, I found out that if a Loon gets too far from water, he just needs to get put back in. The safest and most effective way is just to cover with a blanket and gently put in the water. Better yet, call the DNR for assistance if you are not sure. In any case, I am glad that story had a happy ending.

Loon w/chick, photo from Mother Nature Network, Brian Lasenby

There are plenty of fish out there for both humans and loons, but since Loons fish in the same lakes as humans, certain threats to the loons have surfaced. The use of lead sinkers is the leading cause of adult mortality in loons. To aid digestion, loons ingest small stones from the bottom of the lake. A small lead sinker is easily confused with small stones. A single split shot sinker can kill a loon. The Wisconsin DNR has a link to assist and inform anglers about easy and economical alternatives to lead. Not only does it help loons but other aquatic life including ducks, turtles and bald eagles. You can find this information at: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/documents/fishhealth/gettheleadout.pdf 
The use of lead buck shot by hunters, subsequently consumed inadvertently by carnivores such as bald eagles, is being phased out gradually and other types of ammunition are being developed. Perhaps that needs to be pursued with lead sinkers.

So many Native American stories surround the Loon. Yet my favorite is how the loon got it's distinct feather colorization "necklace." Ancient stories told of loons that would restore the sight of blind persons. Loons would carry the afflicted to the bottom of the lake several times to let the water wash over their eyes and restore their sight.

Just look at that beautiful necklace! Photo from Wildernessclassroom.com

Legend has it that a grateful person's eyesight was restored and they made the loon a beautiful necklace made of shells to hang around the loon's neck for all to see. To this day, the loon's plumage resembles a necklace of shells given in gratitude. Isn't that a beautiful story? I am so sentimental...I tear up just relaying the story. Sigh.

Last year for my birthday, my sister purchased for me a Loon call whistle. Kind of a slide whistle of sorts. Actually it's pretty cool and I am trying to perfect my call. I have yet to hear a loon answer me. They are probably swimming in a circle, laughing and saying to themselves...dumb human, who is she trying to fool? Yet, I will keep on trying to say "Hey, what's Up?" in Loon-Speak.

Sources: Fascinating Loons, by Stan Tekiela  2006
              Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources @  dnr.wi.gov

Grandma's Diaries: A Remembrance

My latest writing project, a biography based on my Grandmother's diaries, has proven to be quite a monumental project. Yet it is also a project that has provided wonderful rewards with countless tales filled with both laughter and tears. I don't regret a minute of time spent pouring through the diaries, or typing up the entries. Yet in reading her notes from so long ago, sometimes the stories from the past bring me so much sorrow....so I have to take a "break" and write in a different venue--hence my blog posts or even Facebook for a change of pace. I take a break, and come back refreshed and ready to start anew.

My Grandmother Newton (on my Mother's side) passed away about 4 months after I had given birth to my first child, Daniel. Danny was her first great-grandchild and she saw photographs of him send to her in the mail, but was never able to hold that precious baby boy. To this day, that breaks my heart.

On a lighter note, since this project is based on Grandma Newton's Diaries....my Husband came up with a great acronym: The GNP....The Grandma Newton Project. My husband always has a way of making me smile (or sometimes groan and hit him in the arm.)

Next month I travel to visit my Mother and collaborate with her on this venture. She provides so many insights on events and things about her mother that I never knew. She is also invaluable for identifying people my Grandmother referred to that I have no clue who they are or where they fit in with the scheme of things. Also, she has several old photographs that I am anxious to sift through and choose some for the book.

The diaries span from 1969 to 1985. If she kept diaries as a younger woman, the family is not aware of that....these are from the time period when she was a Grandmother.  They don't show her early life on the farm, but they still are quite interesting and shine a light on a perspective of a person from an  older generation. Some of the entries portrayed a certain sadness of how people treat "old people".  It is my hope that people reading this book will come to the realization, or pleasantly reminded, that we can always learn from the wisdom of those who have gone before us.

So, I guess I have diverted my attention enough from the project for today....I should get back to it.....1973 awaits my attention.

A Time for Renewal

The anticipation of Spring brings with it a hope for renewal. Waiting for the snow to melt, the grass underneath to green and the trees to bud. Sometimes I reflect on this time of year as a more perfect time to make resolutions to renew and grow as individuals, as opposed to the traditional time on the calendar of January 1.  As a Christian, this time for renewal lends itself to the Easter season when we reflect on the resurrection of Christ and the miracles surrounding this joyful time in this season of rebirth.

I am encouraged at this time of year to look forward with hope at the upcoming beauty of spring.  So many of my contemporaries don't understand why I still choose to live in a place with what some consider "harsh" winters. I love the beauty of snowfalls and the crunch of snow beneath my feet. Nothing beats a hot cup of tea, a cozy fire and a cat on your lap. I love the crispness of Fall and the colors that it brings. Besides if you have a long winter, it helps you appreciate the coming of Spring that much more. And appreciate it I do; by this time of year I can hardly wait for the daffodils.

So I view the coming of spring as a chance for new beginnings. I have created several new "resolutions" for myself including the traditional resolutions of exercising more and eating right. I also have a tendency to look back at past mistakes and hope that I can learn from them. Looking at my past frequently brings to mind a poem that was sent to me during a very difficult time of my life, a divorce, and it inspired me and lifted me up. It still inspires me to this day:

Comes the Dawn

After awhile you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t always mean security. And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead, with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans, and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much—so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure, that you really are strong, and you really do have worth.

And you learn and you learn.

With every goodbye you learn.

                                                            Veronica A. Shoffstall

Keep Moving.

Albert Einstein said it well: "Life is like riding a bicycle. To Keep your balance, you must keep moving."  That's very good advice and helps us all to remember not to get stuck in a rut. Oh, it is so very easy to get bogged down when life's disappointments come our way. It's incredibly hard sometimes to want to just wallow in self pity, but instead getting right back on the horse...and or bicycle.  It may be just the ticket towards healing.

I have had several (what I perceive) as set backs in establishing myself as a writer in my new community.  I have several small victories as well, but sometimes I get so caught up in the disappointments that I lose perspective sometimes on the things that I have accomplished.

People have been so kind and I really like my new community but I can't help but get the distinct feeling that there is still a certain degree of apprehension towards the "new folks" in town.  Call me paranoid, maybe...but I still get this feelings from several different outlets for my writing that maybe I am just pushing a little too hard.  Perhaps I need to live her longer to have a true "pulse" on the community.  Then the old insecurities surface again... Gosh maybe I am a terrible writer and why do I even try? Then it ricochets back again and I look at the fact that I already have been published here several times. Just have to tell myself to breath and perhaps give things time.  Sometimes when disappointments like this happen it opens your eyes to other opportunities.  As the saying goes: When God closes a door, he opens a Window. True. I have just embarked on another writing project I am very excited about: A book of Remembrance based on my Grandma's diaries.

It's a project that is a long time coming.  When my Grandmother passed, she wanted me to have the diaries since I am the "writer" in the family.  As I have started this project I have shared joy, laughter, tears and remembrances in the readings and also the discussions with family members.  I want so very much for the book to be a wonderful keepsake and a remembrance to those who shared their life with her and loved her.

So I have to keep plugging forward and put current missteps behind me. Half the battle is just keeping writing and hence here I am at the keyboard. Thanks for listening.

A Writer's Agony: "I'm NOT going to be Ignored!"

In the 1987 film Fatal Attraction, Michael Douglas has a happy life with a successful career and a lovely wife until things get complicated when he has a steamy affair with Glenn Close.  Douglas wants the fling to be just a fling and tries to sever the relationship, but Close will hear nothing of that. She wants him all to herself and begins stalking him and his family with the intention of getting what she wants. It's an unsettling movie that really reflects the darker side of obsessive behaviors and the creepier side of "love gone wrong".  

 There's an image in that movie keeps coming back to me when I obsess a little too much about hearing back from an editor: a trauma that any writer can relate to. In the movie, Glenn Close is getting deeper and deeper into her obsession and doing nastier things then just calling and hanging up.

The scene that comes to mind is Close approaching Douglas with a knife in hand. Her argument with him comes to a boiling point and she declares: "I'm  NOT going to be ignored!", while at the same time psychotically digging the knife repeatedly into her own leg while walking towards him. Yikes, I know....pretty gruesome, but it does get your attention and it got his attention.

Now I would not take a knife to my leg in frustration from being ignored, but sometimes my frustration from not hearing back from an editor makes me go a little bit crazy. Not that crazy, but frustrated and depressed.  All my insecurities surface and my mind keeps going back to the article that is "waiting" for approval.  In some twisted way this vision of Glenn Close digging a knife into her leg has helped me to overcome (or at least diminish) my obsession with waiting to hear from an editor. Checking my email about 20 times a day will not magically make that editor contact me. Metaphorically digging the knife into my leg is very counterproductive.

 I have learned to laugh at myself and my obsession and try...so very hard to move forward.  I tell myself to start writing the next best thing instead of waiting and waiting for the disposition of that article. Sometimes when I am waiting to hear back about any writing assignment, it is kind of like being on a hold with a company listening to elevator music.....Ugh. Patience is a virtue but sometimes hard to come by.

Perhaps some of this need for quick response time has been generated, in part anyway, by the instantaneous communication of todays world. Texts, tweets, Facebook, instagram and email...pick your poison. Have many times have you heard, or said it yourself: "Didn't you get my text?" (or email) People's expectations regarding inter communications have definitely changed in a myriad of ways, including how quickly we respond.

People close to me (Husband and sons) keep telling me that perhaps I should not have such stringent time frames about people responding to me. "Don't worry....she will get back with you, she's busy...." Yeah, maybe...but it still drives me crazy.  I have to just keep plugging away and remember to....Drop the Knife. Metaphorically, that is.

And So the Migration Begins....

I never really thought of myself as an avid "birder", bird watcher that is...until I moved to a home on a lake that happens to be situated on a migration flyway. (Central U.S./Mississippi Flyway) Not only have I seen so many different types of birds here, I now am seeing birds I have never, ever seen. As the chill in the air brings an omen of wintry days to come, many birds are on their way through to warmer climates with a brief stop at our lake for a rest and a bite to eat.  I couldn't be happier to let them stop by and I have developed the habit of having my camera ready to capture their image, if I'm stealth enough.

Common Merganser

My most recent "capture" is a water bird I identified (with my trusty Peterson Field Guide) as a Common Merganser. These Ladies (all identified as female) hung out on our dock all afternoon. Kind of pretty coloring and if you were to just glance you might think they were "just a group of Mallards", the males do have green heads. Sometimes it is better to take a second look to realize what you are seeing.

So I have enjoyed for months the beauty of the Loons that are on our lake.  I know they migrate, so they soon will be leaving us. Try as I might, the Loon is a creature that is hard to photograph, rather elusive.I rise to the challenge and keep trying for that perfect Loon picture.  I will soon have to postpone that challenge till March.

In the mean time, the flurry of birds "just passing through" are interesting to try to identify. I had pretty good success with the Merganser, but there are an amazing number of water birds that are really hard to identify. Grebes, Coots, Loons and Gallinules come in a variety of types.  If not familiar with these, it seems like I am hurling insults at you...You old Coot. Doesn't "Grebe" sound like an insult?

American Coot? (Can anybody confirm that?)

Unique names for some commonly found birds, but very unique to watch. Here is a photo of some birds that I believe to be American Coots. Any guesses out there on this photo? That is as close as I could get.

Many of these birds that I have captured in a photo, will probably winter here and I will continue to provide suet and seed for them.  It is a small price to pay for me to enjoy watching them and brightening up my yard. Additionally, my cats, love to sit and watch their activity as well. Not to fear, bird lovers....they are exclusively indoor cats and would not be allowed outside to hunt.

American Goldfinch

I have seen the usual finches, wrens and nuthatches at the feeder. In addition to those I have seen a Baltimore Oriole, Goldfinch and I have a few resident Bluejays that I see almost every day.  If I don't see them, I hear them.  Bluejays are one of the few birds that I definitely know their call, or shall I say screech. Even though considered the "bullies" of the bird world, I think Bluejays are so pretty.

Pileated Woodpecker

The latest visitor to my suet feeder was quite a surprise and really startled me to have such a huge bird right in front of my window: a Pileated Woodpecker.  These are the fellows that get quite large, and the one I saw was probably a young one. He has his full colorization, but as far as Pileated woodpeckers go, he was on the smaller side.  They grow to be almost 20" high and have a huge wingspan. Their adult size is compared to a large crow. This fellow pictured here has come to my feeder several times for the suet. Perhaps it will help with a growth spurt for him, he still is quite an impressive size already...good start!  Next time he comes I hope to get a better photograph, but here is what I happen to capture on my cell phone.

 So with my trusty bird book I continue to correctly identify most of the birds I happen to see.. It's kind of fun to look them up when you spot them.  I also found an additional web-site that is fun to browse thru and they even have audio to help you identify a bird call. I personally have fun listening to the Loons...what a unique and haunting sound. The link can be found at: www.allaboutbirds.org The site is managed by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Ithaca, New York) and contains a wealth of tips and photos.  They also have an amazing amount of information to assist with bird identification and the interesting hobby of "birding". One can always learn something new with this hobby because as this site states there are over 800 species of birds in the US and Canada.

Common Loon

I am determined to get some better Loon pictures before they migrate...but I may have to wait till spring. Time will tell, but here's a few that I captured early summer. So grab your binoculars and a camera and enjoy the flight of of our feathered friends.

 

My Fellow Bird Watchers......

Compass Choices: Finding the Moral Compass

There is so much talk of late, including concerns of our current President's "Moral Compass", that one can't help but wonder what people mean when they banter about that phrase. Or if they say something to the effect: "Well he's lost his way...he has lost his moral compass."  People have also continued with the directional analogy and say that individuals have taken a "wrong path" in life. Which begs the question: which path is right and which is wrong?

Yet the thing that really makes me scratch my head in wonderment is who exactly determines the parameters of our moral compasses? Obviously what is well within the realm of respectability and a "moral code" for one person would be completely unheard of by another. In this crazy world we live in, just how does one define and live by their own moral code and follow their own compass while still living comfortably in society and not being considered an outcast if they "go too far"?
 Cue Aerosmith:
"You talk about things that nobody cares
You're wearing out things that nobody wears
You're calling my name but I gotta make clear
I can't say baby where I'll be in a year.....
When I pulled into town in a police car
Your daddy said I took it just a little too far. " (Aerosmith, Steven Tyler,1975)

So the topic of  morality can be woven throughout many of the lyrics of rock and roll.  Lord knows I heard lots of interesting notions throughout my teen years and beyond.  The power of music still packs a punch no matter what the genre. Music and morality...now there is a topic for another day. So back to the compass....steer me in the "right" direction.

Our very first set of ethics and morals, of course, are given to us by our parents and/or the people that raised us as children.  Parents and mentors do their best to instill what they believe is the "correct" moral compass. Throughout our lives, that compass can be subject to changing directions, but generally what our parents have instilled within us, usually stays with us.

Religion would be the next major thrust in the effort to provide a moral compass to follow. Throughout time the church has been a compass guiding the masses as to what is considered proper behavior for societal standards. But the all encompassing definition of "the church" has splintered.  Look at how it started with Martin Luther in 1517 with the "95 Theses" nailed to the church door, attacking some of the traditional practices of the Catholic Church.  It was only the beginning of the questioning of authority. Perhaps Martin Luther paved the way, but throughout time the freedom to question authority and possibly instigate change has evolved and regressed....depending on the subject matter of what you are trying to change.  With religious freedom, comes the freedom of choice, and many individuals choose not to follow a particular religious denomination...if any. So if religion does not set the standards, for some, than how are the morals and standards established to assure that civilization can carry on without complete and utter anarchy? That leads to the concept of legislation and begs the question: Can you legislate morality? I guess the answer to that would be YES and NO.

In tackling that question, one only needs to look at contemporary issues that have been addressed by law, where an issue of morality is involved.  Issues that have been perceived by the public as a "right" and "wrong" side to them.  The legality of abortion is a perfect example. Even though legalized with Roe v. Wade in 1973, the Pro Choice and the Pro Life campaigns still are divisive on the issue. Both schools have thought bring a "moral code" to bear in the discussion and depending on how extreme each feels about the issue, they have a really hard time seeing any relevant points on the other side.

Another issue that is fraught with controversy and a moral dilemma is end of life choices. With respect to euthanasia and "assisted suicide", several cases have been tried in the Supreme Court because legislation still varies from state to state. Decisions like these are always tough, but it is even more complicated to try to legislate the decisions. Try as they will, law makers can't take out the moral choices that must be made in such decisions.  It is easier to legislate that you must stop at a stop sign in your car. No one will argue with the benefit to society for such a decision.  

So many tough decisions in life as we guide our journey with the help of our "moral compass." I leave you with a another cultural reference to the hard choices we have to make....Choose wisely.

Raiders of the Lost Ark~ 1981

Friends for a Lifetime

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." Eleanor Roosevelt
I have been reflecting lately on friendships, both the ones I have had for years and new friends I am now making these last few months. In light of recent changes in my life, many of my relationships have changed.  Sometimes life changes open our eyes to ideas and new concepts...both the good things and some not so easy to adjust to.

After our recent move out of state, my husband and I are loving our new life; making adjustments to our new life style.  Things are all quite well and good, but my only complaint is missing my female friends: my girlfriends. Now some will say that after a certain age women should stop referring to their friends as girlfriends, it just seems juvenile, some might say.  Well I am of the opinion that certain acquaintances are just acquaintances, but others are elevated to status of being a close friend...a girlfriend. When I am 90 years old I hope to have girlfriends.  The importance of girlfriends in women's lives should not be underestimated.  A favorite author of mine, Anna Quindlen, speaks to this topic:
            "Ask any woman how she makes it through the day, and she may mention her calendar, her to-do lists, her babysitter. But if you push on how she really makes it through her day, or, more important, her months and years, how she stays steady when things get rocky, who she calls when the doctor says "I'd like to run a few more tests" or when her son moves in with the girl she's never much liked or trusted, she won't mention any of those things. She will mention her girlfriends."
                (From Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake, Anna Quindlen)

Girlfriends! Never underestimate their value.

Just reading that paragraph gets me choked up because it makes me realize the support I have had from my girlfriends through the years and now we live, what feels anyway, so far apart.  I am making new friends with new activities, but we don't share the history and the same emotional depth that I had created with the women that I have known for 25 years.

I spoke with my Mom on this topic and as usual she has some sage advice on the topic. She brought me to the realization that I will never be able to replace the friendships of the women that I moved away from....they stand alone as unique relationships that I can always cherish, in their own right.  My relationships with them were created when we were all raising our children together, having those same commonalities. After the kids moved on...we still enjoyed many of the same things and shared wonderful histories always peppered with stories of: "Do you remember the time when..."
Now that I have accepted the fact that I will never "replace" my friends with new ones in my new area, I can move forward knowing that new relationships I develop with friends will be different. New girlfriends will be based on new adventures in my life that have yet to be determined. I will not be going back in time to when I was raising my boys, so the events that connect me to other possible girlfriends will be different. Yet in the same token, new friends would never take away from the memories and the joy of the relationships I have shared in the past. With each relationship we learn and grow....just adding another chapter to the book of our lives.

I will always hold in my heart, the wonderful relationships and memories of the women in my life.  We will see each other again, of course, but not as frequently, because of the miles between us. There are certain friends that even if you don't see them very often, the bond is always there. You just simply "take up where you left off".  The people that you know like that in life are such a valuable source of joy....treasure and nurture those relationships.

To treasure, always...wherever you may live. JES

Author's note: Just returned from a visit with my terrific girlfriends & so true...they will always have a place in my heart & in my life.

Planting the Seeds

Planting the Seeds

Today’s sermon was truly an inspiration. It gave me a lot of food for thought and I guess that’s what a good sermon is supposed to do. It made me realize that we may not see the immediate outcomes of our actions, but we can only make a difference in this world by planting the seeds. Granted, this we may already know, but we frequently need to be encouraged to act on what we already know  we are supposed to do. Pastor Barry stated:

“We may never see the Harvest of what we’ve planted. We may never see the fruits of our labors but if we don’t plant the seeds there won’t be a Harvest.  We’re simply called to sow and plant the seeds of faith, hope and encouragement.”

Sometimes the concepts of planting the seeds is never more evident than with both parents and teachers. Teachers may never realize the incredible impact they have on their students…the Harvest may never be realized or seen, but the impact is there. Yet, that does not mean teachers stop teaching, or parents set aside their concerns for their children just because they don’t see the “end result”. The impact of sowing the seeds of faith , hope and encouragement are there, whether the sower sees the fruits of their labor or not.

I think back to my years as a day care provider. I watched several children over the course of about a 10 year period. All the children had loving parents, including a little boy named Michael. I watched Michael for about 2 years at very important stages of his growth.  He was a little slow to walk but I encouraged him and he also shared the household with my other 3 rambunctious boys.  Michael was encouraged to walk just to keep up with the other guys! Michael was an only child and I think he really loved all the fun and attention he received at our house. He used to call out to me when building blocks or other projects that he wanted me to see: “Juuiee Watch! Juuiee!” He couldn’t quite pronounce his L’s yet, so I became Juuiee.  It was very endearing to me.   Last I heard, Michael was in high school and doing very well.  Time gets away from us and I have lost touch with the family, however I like to think I was a positive influence in Michael’s life.

We may never know the impact of our actions, either negative or positive, but sowing the seeds of encouragement improve the odds greatly for a bountiful Harvest.

Remember the might of the lowly mustard seed:

“God’s kingdom is like a mustard seed that a man plants in his field.  It is the smallest of all seeds. But when it grows, it is the largest of all garden plants. It becomes a tree big enough for the birds to come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31