Did I gain any more smarts than I had on the last day of the old year, which was already one week ago today? The jury is still out on that question as of the 7th day of this newly minted year.
“Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on ME.”
There is an old adage that goes like this: “fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” A few Summers ago when I was whining about the weatherman making still another wrong prediction, my friend and neighbor, Marge Aubin, said “I don’t understand you Linda – can’t you just look out the window and see for yourself whether you should stay home or walk?”
Well, of course that logical statement made perfect sense. But, as an avid walker, who was up daily at the crack of dawn to get out and walk, especially during Michigan’s hot and steamiest months, if bad weather was forecast, and a walk was definitely not going to happen, I’d set the alarm later and enjoy the extra slumber time. I follow several well-respected meteorologists, and if they all say bad weather, I figure it will be bad weather. However, after I missed several walks after taking the weather folks’ predictions as gospel, I decided to take Marge’s advice. The next time an early morning thunderstorm was predicted, I just sloughed off that dismal forecast, got up as usual, had breakfast, and, once it was light, I set out very confidently, with no umbrella and no raincoat. As I walked down to Council Point Park, I chastised myself saying “Marge was right … just look at all the walks you’ve wasted listening to these weather folks – I hope you are smarter now.” However, halfway through my walk, the sunny sky opened up and a big downpour and rumbles of thunder ensued. I got drenched, so instead of telling Marge when I arrived home, dried off and was sitting in front of the computer “thanks for your advice”, instead I sent a snarky “I told you so” e-mail to her. (It’s a wonder we stayed friends sometimes because we both spoke our mind to one another.) Marge’s response was quick and equally snarky: “these things happen sometimes Linda, I am not God, and neither is the weatherman and you are not made of sugar!” It seems to me Mom used that expression as well. Sigh.
So, I was reminded of that little episode this morning. I got up very late … for me. I am a weather worrier and when ALL forecasts pointed to a sleet/freezing rain-filled morning, I set my alarm clock three hours later than usual. I knew that late start would be a treat, and even justified, since I was still busy blogging and catching up on comments and posts at nearly 1:00 a.m. I am really not a night owl, believe me, though my late hours here on WordPress might seem to the contrary. So, I got up, had some coffee, meandered a little online, then remembered – OMG, I forgot to feed Grady, the little gray squirrel. Soon he (or the Fox squirrel who scams Grady’s peanuts) will be knocking on the door asking why I am tardy with their breakfast! So, off I raced to the front door where I saw through the peephole that it was already light. I prepared to snake my arm into the frozen precip to drop some peanuts onto the porch. Instead … just picture this … I opened the door, it was clear as a bell, albeit windy! So, I lost a walking day and I will lament loudly over my blind faith to the weather folks still again. This was the absolute last time, and mark my words, that if I come up four miles short at year end, I will blame myself for deciding to rest on my laurels and languish in bed this morning.
It’s a normal work week.
I hope I have it together on whatever day it is today. My brain is still trying to process what day of the week it is. My boss left for a holiday in Mexico on December 20th. He was gone for eight days, then it was the weekend before New Year’s. We’ve been so busy the last few years, that often when he was gone, even for a short trip, there was always work for me to do – this time, I only needed to check voicemail and e-mail remotely, and I was online all the time anyway, so that was easy to do. I really needed that break. Then last week was short due to the New Year’s holiday. With all the time off, I certainly should could have been a little more productive here at the house, but I chose to take advantage of the nice December weather to walk extra miles and write more blog posts … hey, if that is what makes you happy, I say go for it. Dust – well pfft … dust is like weeds … put on some blinders and get out and enjoy your day. So, now we have an entire work week to get through and maybe I’ll be able to remember what day it is, because the calendar, as well as the weather thus far in 2019 have me stymied for sure.
Who is this feathered fellow gracing today’s blog post you ask?
So, yesterday’s trek to the boonies in search of a snowy owl gave the car a good run and I capped that quest off by a long walk at Lake Erie Metropark. But, as you know, no snowy owl was to be found. This morning, a fellow blogger named Pril gave me some insight to other options to enjoy Pointe Mouillee and also informed me there are Great Horned Owls at Elizabeth Park, another favorite venue of mine. Whooooo knew?
Many posts in my blog are about the squirrels at the Park. But I also write about some of the people I encounter while on the trail. Back on October 30th I met Joe at Council Point Park. Joe had his camera with him and was taking photos of a gorgeous tree ablaze in color at the entranceway to the Park. I waited until he finished his shot and told him I had also taken the same shot earlier because “a big wind might come along, and the leaves would be scattered on the ground tomorrow.” We chitchatted about living in the neighborhood, our love of nature, and photos we’d taken at the Park through the years. I pointed to my feet and suggested he take a picture of Parker who was clamoring for peanuts while I was talking. I fed Parker a few more peanuts and Joe took some photos of him. Later that day, he subscribed to my blog and sent me photos of Parker, Harry the heron and the tree with its burnt-orange leaves taken earlier that day. This morning, sensing my disappointment in capturing an image of the elusive snowy owl, Joe e-mailed the above picture – he told me he found this little owl, just a mile from our neighborhood, at the local Department of Public Works site. This is not a woodsy or natural locale – it is on busy Southfield Road where City trucks zoom in and out of the service yard all day. Go figure! Joe said he spotted the owl and went home and got his camera and returned to find him still there. Obviously, here was an owl who was agreeable to a photo op.
So isn’t that a hoot?
Whooooo knew owls were lurking in Lincoln Park? Well, I am suddenly smarter than when I woke up today.
[Image provided by Joe Mosolits]
Linda Schaub
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY 
You and your weather…hahahaha Sounds like you and Marge are two peas in a pod!
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The weather is on the downside now Diane … potentially having measurable snow on Saturday – likely the same for you guys as well as it’s lake effect snow – ugh!
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I am thrilled we made it this far. It seems like every winter is getting warmer longer. Loving it!
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Me too – the less snow the better for me too.
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Hi Linda, This weather isn’t fun. Today is great out tho. 40+ temps. Hoping you get a chance to take advantage of it! I have to thank you again for all your inspiration!! When I see the snowy Owl.. I’ll be sure to message you with the info!!! BTW I thought of a metro park i’d like to suggest. Kensington Metropark Birds will eat out of your hand and land on you! mainly chickadee’s but the sand hill cranes out there are on trail most of the times. If you want some close up photos this is the place to go!!! longer drive tho about an hour or so.
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Wasn’t it gorgeous out this morning Pril? It was close to 50 degrees out there – I did get outside. I’ve never been to Kensington Metropark either … the idea of chickadees eating out of my hand would interest me … my friend lives in a rural part of NY and she will be filling the birdfeeder and chickadees will fly down and they don’t want to wait and will fly down on her hands so she cups them with seeds and they eat their seeds – that would be something I’d really enjoy. Thanks for any tips on the snowy owl. I would like to see the sand hill cranes as well. A fellow blogger lives in Nebraska and he makes a trek to see them when they come in by the thousands over a three-day period to a certain rural area near a river. He went for this event and documented it in his blog. Fascinating!
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Every day you’re wiser and smarter! Learn something new every day 🙂
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Hi Eliza – For some reason this wise comment showed up in SPAM … what is SPAMMY here I ask? I fished it out this morning, so all is good now … you are right, we must learn something new every day because otherwise we are left behind in the dust, no matter how old we are.
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I can identify with your regret when you miss out on something because of a faulty weather forecast. I have missed runs due to dire predictions that never came to pass. I get annoyed with myself then. Yesterday Bill and I set out for a long walk on a nearby rail trail. We were about 1 mile from our car when it began sleeting. Hard! I didn’t realize sleet was in the forecast, but we hoofed it back to the car as fast as we could go. Those ice pellets stung! 😀
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Yes, I did it so many times that one Summer. I got ready for a 5K in August this year. The walk/run began at 9:30 I think it was, and the weather folks said it MAY rain in the afternoon. I opened the garage to get out the car and it started with a few drops – within five minutes it was a full-fledged thunderstorm. I was glad I wasn’t out on the circuit, as it was in a neighborhood, a walk/run for the Arthritis Society. That sleet stings your face and I’ve come home with a red face from the icy pellets. We had 50 degrees this morning, but sinking into low temps overnight. In fact, they SAY it will possibly be slippery tomorrow morning as the temps drop. It may be a lost walk tomorrow. It is quite blustery out now. It is as if Mother Nature can’t decide exactly what she wants to do for Winter.
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I love the owl photo Linda. I don’t think I have ever seen a live owl. A few years ago my brother-in-law saw and got pictures of a baby snowy owl near their home in Memphis (MI). Do you ever check the weather map radar before heading out. If there is rain or snow in the forecast That is what I usually do. This is the one I use. http://www.intellicast.com/National/Radar/Current.aspx?animate=true
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I just looked at this radar link Ruth – I have never tried this one before, but I saved it. I usually follow Accuweather online and on the radio (WWJ), and Click on Detroit weather folks Paul Gross and Ben Bailey. Also WJR meteorologist from The Weather Channel. I know they can’t be accurate all of the time, I will check your link out when bad weather is predicted. There is a snow forecaster on Facebook too (SE Michigan Snowcast) … this is just for Winter months, the rest of the year his site is dormant. I like the owl photo too and to think it is was just a mile away at the DPW, not in a woodsy area. I still have your “Best of” blog post to return to. I had a flurry of activity as to posts and wanted to read any I had missed since following you. Thanks for the tip Ruth.
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Weather is so tough! Around here, everyone says wait twenty minutes and the weather will change. I finally caved and just got myself good gear for all types of weather so I go no matter what.
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That’s what they say here, only it’s “don’t like the weather here, stick around five minutes” – it’s not quite that dramatic but … this morning it was 50 degrees and it’s rained all afternoon, dropping 20 degrees and black ice tomorrow. It would be tough to deal with all the rain there … then it is a nice day and you are at school looking out the window wistfully.
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Exactly!!! Weeks are lovely and weekends are rainy:(
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I know … it is discouraging. Sometimes this past year, it would rain, and then clear up an hour after I would have left and be beautiful.
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Yup that seems to happen a lot when I run in the morning in rain and then in the afternoon it’s gorgeous!
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It’s another version of Murphy’s Law!
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Yes exactly!
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Joe’s owl is lovely. I saw one once on telephone wires at our house, but I’ve never had the opportunity to photograph one.
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I thought so too Anne – and just about a mile away from where we live. I would have gone over there to see and photograph it too. The Detroit Audubon Society conducts all kinds of walks for birders – one of the most-popular walks is at a big cemetery in Detroit. They regularly go there on walking tours.
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Thank you for the compliment on the owl photo. It was just one of those things of being in the right place at the right time. Joe
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And that is the least likely place you’d see an owl … even on a weekend, there are the inevitable emergency potholes or water main breaks where all the trucks have to go in/out of the DPW yard and Southfield Road is a very busy street.
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Yes. But many of us are in the right place at the right time without your camera skills. Great shot!
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Excellent words of wisdom, kicking the dust too, by the way. You’re quite the Wise Owl, aren’t ya?
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I like the way you talk about the weather. Here where I leave the weather is quite unpredictable. I do prefer to go for a walk in hot summer’s day.
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I feel as though the weather rules my day, especially since I’ve been a walker. If I wasn’t a walker, it would not affect me so much since I work from home. But I hate when I rely on those weather folks and they fail – people often joke that if regular people messed up as much as meteorologists do, we’d all have been fired long ago!
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About ten years ago I was sitting outside at my next door neighbors chatting about the beautiful forest behind us, when suddenly I felt something on my head. I reached up and a small bird flew up. It landed just a few steps away so I went to look at the creature. It was a small, juvenile owl which probably mistook my hair for a mouse! 😂 We do have several types around here and often hear the great horned owls during the night.
Your neighborhood sounds like such a friendly community!
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That is funny isn’t it? You wished you had a camera handy – it was probably as startled as you were Sabine. I still hope to see an owl and have now have some “leads” where to find them. Yes, down at the Park, people congregate for various reasons – Joe and I got to talking about the Park and the beauty of the nature found there as he stood there to take more pictures – it was one of the nice days we had this past Autumn. I later found out we had mutual friends when he sent me the pictures he took that morning and mentioned the couple to me. I think nature lovers have a great camaraderie don’t you?
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Yes Linda, it was rather funny and unusual. Not only do I wish I’d had a camera, but also a selfie stick! 😉 I’m positive that you will eventually see an owl! On your walks keep an eye out for “owl pellets” under tall trees. If you see some look up. That’s how we used to look for them on bird walks. It’s nice to have likeminded people close to where you live. Especially nature enthusiasts!
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I will take your advice Sabine … I just saw a little owl features on a friend’s Facebook site. The video showed an owl that they said was the size of a tall coffee cup and said that it was a perfect “mouser” … though of you right away. They said the owls have big talons and also can smell the scent of a mouse a long distance away. I tried a new park today near my house that was recommended by this fellow blogger. I think it will be nice to see in the Summer months, especially as they had a lot of milkweed, which will be a magnet for butterflies.
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Thanks for thinking of me Linda! 😉 I look forward to reading about the new adventure as I get caught up with all my reading. 😊
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I hope I never run out of words or pictures Sabine – I will still look for the elusive owls and photo ops.
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Linda – what fun this post is. Photographing an owl is on my bucket list. I moan about it all the time to my guy – oh how I wish I could capture one with my camera. Someday…
Thank you for the link for the rogue roosters – it does make me scratch my head though – roosters aren’t wild tigers that will eat you up! Although a few have gotten the better of me here on the farm! Keeping an eye on the sky for “predicted” snow – wondering where it is… xo kim
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Hi Kim – another blogger I follow for her nature pictures told me to look under tall trees for owl pellets, then look up. Isn’t it funny we both want our elusive owl pictures … when I saw the snowy owl pictures I decided right then and there … must go and find it! One day … just like you.
The roosters were all over the news that day and yes, they are not like a big cat escaped from the zoo or a wildlife preserve. They made it sound like the Keystone Cops trying to catch them. I think you wrote about a rooster one time since I’ve followed you.
I have heard this snowstorm is a doozy for some – Missouri got slammed. We are getting hit on the southern tier of counties – hopefully just a dusting. Hopefully you don’t get a snowstorm as severe as last time … I want the weather back that we grew up with! Take care and hope you weather this latest snow storm Kim.
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Lovely post, that is an amazing photo of an owl.
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Thank you – I like this owl too. I know one day I’ll find one of my own and get that shot too, but in the meantime, I was happy to have Joe send it to me.
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Yes Joe is a good photographer and he either managed to get up very close or he has an excellent zoom lens.
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I think he must have been up close … he does photography as a hobby but he is not a professional. He had a DSLR but no long lens at that time, I’m just thinking since he said it didn’t move, he was able to get really close. That heron I try to take pictures of, sometimes he sees me and bolts – he was across the Creek when I took his picture in yesterday’s post. He probably was daydreaming and didn’t see me. 🙂
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Ha ha, a very lucky photo then of both animals.
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Yes, sometimes they run so fast or fly away … I come home missing snouts, or tails, beaks … they are often faster than me!
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Oh dear, wow, that’s really not good.. not nice having a predator swooping down on you..
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No, and then I worried with the coyotes … they were a pair with a cub and were walking through the neighborhoods as well. This Park is right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I was walking along a street one day and it ran right past me. They say that coyotes don’t interact with humans unless the humans may be near a food source, but I didn’t take any chances and turned down a street right away.
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