The trek to deliver Valentine treats for the Park sweeties for my Valentine’s Day blog post actually happened three weeks ago, on Saturday, January 23rd. It’s Wintertime in Michigan and you never know what the weather will be, so I had to plan ahead.
While that was a fun and flavorful visit, I am convinced that my trip yesterday to dispense peanuts and sunflower seeds was most welcome and the treats savored even more because I had been MIA for eight days, the longest I’ve ever missed walking at Council Point Park since I discovered this venue in 2013.
My HEART was in my mouth yesterday as I walked down the driveway to begin this journey.
After a week of angst over ever-deteriorating sidewalk and road conditions, brutally cold temps and snow nearly every day, the missed steps from my walking regimen took a back seat to my inability to provide sustenance for my furry and feathered Park pals. Yes, I know I am a bleeding HEART. I hoped they stayed tucked in their nests and didn’t go to ground level to see if I’d been by.
Yesterday, notwithstanding the weather forecast of snowing and 15F (-9C) with a real feel of 10F (-12C) and NE winds gusting to 12 mph (19 km), I headed out the door at 8:30 a.m., determined to make it to the Park. I knew I’d return home in a HEARTbeat if it was too slick, but I reasoned there was already a light dusting of snow that might provide a cushion for the still slick street that remained unplowed and unsalted. I tested the pavement with my boot and deemed it safe to head out. It felt tropical after the last week of brutal wind chills every time I stepped outside.
My walk was peaceful as the neighborhood was silent and the snow fell softly. I walked in the street, only needing to dodge three vehicles and then I stepped onto the grass to let them pass by. I meandered slowly down Pagel Avenue, the winding street which encompasses most of my one-mile journey from home to Council Point Park. I was happy to reach the Park so I could walk on the snow-covered grass without worries of wiping out.
I didn’t stop to count snow-covered noses – there were squirrels everywhere!
Just as I embarked on the perimeter path, squirrels came scurrying over to greet me, their snouts covered in snow, where presumably they had been trying to find overlooked peanuts at the Safe Haven Tree, or unearthing other long-buried treats. I didn’t take a camera as it was snowing when I left, but I would have had some cute shots of my pals as they waited impatiently at the base of the tree as I doled out nuts and seeds. Soon they munched contently to their HEART’s desire, at both the Safe Haven Tree and a few minutes later at the Stump/Log Hideaway. Arnie came along and I told him how worried I’d been and he waved off my worries saying “I was here a couple of times since I last saw you and I suspect they stayed in their nests as they weren’t on the path.” Whew – what a relief to hear that – those furry friends have my HEART as you might guess.
So, I’ve digressed … how about my light-HEARTed Valentine’s Day post now?
The morning of January 23rd was brutally cold, but sunny. It would be a two-park day for me. After my little Valentine treats shoot, I headed to Heritage Park in search of Mallards-huddled-together-on-the-ice-under-the-covered-bridge shots. That trek will be fodder for another post.
I’m just nutz about you!
The night before, I made up the cookies. I really sweetened the pot by using “Nutter Butter Double Nutty Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies” which are supposed to have twice as much peanut butter as the regular Nutter Butters. Of course I tasted them to ensure they were fit to give the squirrels. I had to taste cookies from each side of the package… I wouldn’t want my furry friends to get sick would I?
Way back in the Fall I bought the red icing, a small bag of pistachios and some pecans to make the cookies festive looking for Valentine’s Day. Here’s how I put them together:
I left them uncovered overnight so the icing would harden and I could pack them up. I also had the rest of the bag of whole walnuts left over from Christmas.
At the Park, I spread out the cookies, the walnuts and some peanuts in the shell under the Safe Haven Tree.
A few squirrels were immediately interested in the smorgasbord, did the sniff test, but opted for the walnuts from the get-go, then later noshed on a few peanuts, finally trying out the cookies.
It was a similar scenario at the Stump/Log Alcove. Here were the goodies and I had just strewn them on the stump when a Fox squirrel ran over and grabbed the top of one of the cookies … I guess the pistachios appealed to him, the rest of the cookie not so much, however, the rest of the cookies disappeared more quickly here for some reason.
These were my favorite two photos at this spot.
I walked around the loop two complete times, then finally headed to the car, glad to crank up the heat and warm my fingers up once I stepped in.
Cold-hands, warm HEART, on that day and yesterday, all the while sending joy in the journey.
Happy Valentine’s Day and please enjoy this animated card.
Linda Schaub
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY 
Oh wow they look fantastic… you certainly have the most spoiled squirrels!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They sure are cute aren’t they? And coming up in the next week … spoiled birds! Be sure to click on “Share Recipe” at the end Michael … you, the baker in the household, can make the chocolate cake for Mrs. Afterward, the boys and Theo. 🙂
LikeLike
Ooh looking forward to that!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The squirrel photos are excellent. They are so cute. Thanks for sharing your HEART-y walk with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked them Anne … they are cutie pies for sure. Oh, I missed using HEART-y walk. That’s a good one. Now that I think of it, I could have said their treats were not HEART-smart as February is heart month. Blame it on brain freeze from three hours in the cold yesterday. P.S. – Perhaps Nathaniel would like that recipe at the end of the card for that awesome-looking chocolate cake.
LikeLike
I haven’t seen the card yet. Something to look forward to!
LikeLike
Yes, check it out at the end of this post … watch the card to the end and you’ll see the recipe … a challenge for Nathaniel on his next visit.
LikeLike
Great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are too kind to your squirrel friends. What great photos. Glad you got to go for a walk outside during these amazingly cold days.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Ally – I was happy to make it there yesterday and today will plan to walk/visit as well. We had more snow last night and it is 10F right now. There is more snow coming overnight and they say the Polar Vortex will descend over our area tonight, followed by 3-6 inches of snow tomorrow. Ugh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a kind person. I’m moving. I feed the birds, squirrels and whatever where I am and I’m already worried that they will have to find food elsewhere in the middle of winter without me. I know they are resourceful and there is food around. It’s just not as convenient as having 3 birdfeeders and a suet feeder to choose from. Great pictures as always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kate for saying that and glad you liked the photos. Like you, I realize that feeding the critters is a responsibility that once you undertake it, you can’t stop mid-stream, especially in the Winter when they need it most. I got back to the Park again this morning and left enough for today and tomorrow – I think they’ll hunker down in their nests after that once the brutally cold (-10 real feel) weather descends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did something so lovely for those squirrels – and those pictures are the cutest! I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Coffeeandcream. I was really feeling badly about not getting back to the Park those eight days. I don’t like to drive in the Winter and our streets were an icy mess anyway. I went back today because this Polar Vortex is going to make it colder than last week and we’re having a hefty snowfall Monday as well – ugh. It likely will be the end of the week or next weekend before I get back there. They are very cute and appreciative as well. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day back at you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have such a Huge HEART, Linda. You may also be a little NUTZ. Kudos to you for braving the cold to care for you little pals. Your squirrel pictures are so much fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ruth – I care a lot for those little critters and have adopted them in lieu of having pets. I am also NUTZ – you are right! I went back today, toting goodies and told them the weather was about to be nastier than last week and they would not see the whites of my eyes until at least Friday, more likely Saturday as we’re having more snow on Thursday! You too I suspect. Glad you like my squirrel pictures – they enjoyed their treats.
LikeLiked by 2 people
warm heart indeed!
and i bet they loved those pecans too!
mmmmm
and what an tasty treat for them Linda
also – loved the way you used “heart” throughout the post and PERFECT for valentine’s day
❤️🥜🥜🥜🥜
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Yvette – glad you liked the post. I was aiming for something different and light-hearted as well. I saved the remaining pecans and pistachios from the cookies and gave them to the birds the next day. They were pretty happy as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh well that is a treat for even the birds then – how nice
– and we just got a nice bag of pecans this week and have been enjoying them as a snack
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The birds did enjoy their treat, especially the Chickadees (there are a couple of them at the Park these days) and they can’t eat the peanuts in the shell. I like pecans and I put various items in my oatmeal to make it more filling, especially good when I’m going on a long walk on the weekend (or shoveling all this snow lately – grrrr!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
grrrrrrr is right! and we have a big storm coming here Thursday morning ❄️💨❄️💨
and remember the ice storm i mentioned we had?
well i wondered how the baby birds out back did – right before the ice storm i heard a lot of activity in a nest out back (we are zone 7 and sometimes have birds this early)
anyhow / i was worried they got zapped by the cold but yesterday heard a lot of cacophony and chirp from that nest!
i think they made it!
ok – hope the rest of the week is njce 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am happy for those baby birds Yvette – this weather is so brutal even though it is a tad warmer where you are, but an ice storm – wow! We have a situation here down on the Detroit River where I go. It is called Dingell Park and is at a busy intersection. So, a coyote of all things chased a small dog onto the ice two days ago when it was so brutal out. People saw the coyote go after the dog, alerted the police and asked for someone to rescue the dog. They refused. Then bystanders called all the local TV stations who showed up, but no go as to rescuing the dog. People took air boats, pushed kayaks onto the ice but the police saw them and forbid them to go onto the ice. The dog was sighted today. No one has claimed the dog yet. We have a thaw coming next Tuesday – if it is still out there, it may be able to dog paddle back to shore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh I am so sad about the dog and fingers crossed it can be rescued (please god)
and the ice storm has waned and now it is more snow
the good news is that they treated the roads the night before – they did not do it last time (not that i know of at least) but this time we saw the trucks – and then n the morning – the roads were wet and not slick and so I agreed to walk – ha – but not if it was slick and dangerous – and that was when I grabbed some pics –
okay – hope you have a great saturday
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw your pictures briefly as I scrolled through Reader – ice storms are never good and they take out trees and power lines. This Winter weather, which seemed fairly moderate, has been out of control the last few weeks. I will go back and read it later as I am behind in Reader, although I was caught up to two days, but saw your photos in the Reader preview. Ice worries me too Yvette and I didn’t walk this morning … we had fairly clear roads yesterday, then got another 1 1/2-inch snowfall and I couldn’t see the ice on the road. Last weekend was different as there were clear patches and we had snow both days, so I walked in the snow but in the street -but this morning was not good. Ice up and down my driveway while shoveling it. Tomorrow I’ll go as we have more bad weather coming in Sunday night but will likely wait a little later to go. The dog was rescued after four days and it was alive amazingly. But it had some hyperthermia, its paws were frozen and they put it into a hyperbaric chamber. I’ve popped onto the Facebook site for Dingell Park to see any updates and they had a story on the news because they reached out to several beat street reporters to see if they could help. The dog also has pancreatitis and the injuries and treatments are racking up bills, so they set up a fund to help with vet bills.
https://www.wxyz.com/news/miracle-puppy-rescued-from-detroit-river-after-4-days-in-blistering-cold
As for the
LikeLike
thanks for the dog update – whew
and we cut our walk short this morning – not because of ice – but suite cold this time! only 24
degrees with a slight wind! yuck
-ttys
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, a big sigh of relief with that dog on the ice Yvette. The vet has set up a fund for his car due to this issues. I did get out this morning – it was a gorgeous day, albeit cold, but not icy in the street, so I had a clear path to get to the Park. It is almost a mile on the one street, so I was just as glad I did not have to pick my way down to the Park worrying about where I’d step each time. We’re getting 1-3 inches of snow tonight but going to 42 on Tuesday which seems pretty silly to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yeah – that is a silly change in weather and fits the “Fickled ❄️☀️ February” kind of month
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that “Fickle February” – just what we have today. Oh for the normal weather I grew up with that has seemingly vanished.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❄️🌸☀️🍁
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a feast for all the critters, as always my husband said he would eat those cookies also.😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, they were happy campers when I showed up Sandra. Tell your husband they are the same recipe as last time, just different colored icing so he would enjoy these just like the Easter cookies. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for the card, and a belated Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too, Linda! I think the last two pictures are my favorites, too. ❤️ That was quite a party tray you prepared for those lucky little squirrels. All those snow-covered noses must have been great to see, even if you left your camera safely at home on the snow day. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad to give you a smile Barbara from the photos and the card as well. Thank you for the Valentine’s Day greetings. Those squirrels are cute when they’re digging in the snow. Yesterday I took the camera with me and I did get a photo of a snow-covered Parker which was kind of dark, but I’ll use it as his face has snow all over it. No walk for me for a while … we have a 3-10 inch storm, and for my area leaning toward the 10 inches, which has already begun and a similar size storm on Thursday into Friday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe they ate the cookies! they were hungry, Linda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They were Pam and they liked the top part best and often chew the nut toppings off, then go for the cookies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
👏🥰😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You take such good care of your little furry friends! Your cookies, as delicious as they look, made me wonder… is sugar okay for the squirrels to eat? I know it’s not good for dogs and cats. I imagine you’ve done your research but, since it’s not a natural part of their diet, I thought I’d ask. Stay safe in all that ice and snow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I give them cookies but usually only for holidays, especially since I could buy the Nutter Butters ahead of time. I stopped giving them apples and pumpkins as I had nowhere to put them safely so they could eat them without the hawk coming after them. They usually take these up to the tree to eat. The Nutter Butters aren’t very sweet as they have peanut butter and I give them seeds and nuts so it is just an occasional treat. I used to feed the ducks bread until I learned not to do that – I never knew that until a fellow blogger told me it causes “angel wing”. We are getting a whopper snowstorm right now Janis and another one later this week, plus even colder temps. I am envious of your weather Janis.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! What a feast for the squirrels! I love the last couple of pictures where they’re eating the walnuts. Be safe on your walks in this cold weather Linda and happy belated Valentine’s Day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I made a smorgasbord for them – you’d think they’d want the cookies first, but they are a last resort after they feast on walnuts and peanuts first. I liked seeing them eat the walnuts and have to open their mouth wide to do so. Thank you Sabine – I’m pretty sure there will be no walk for at least a week unfortunately due to all the snowstorms that are here today and Thursday – hurry Spring! You stay safe too in your wacky weather as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Animals are smarter than us humans! I watch the squirrels at the park and see the forage for fruit, berries and nuts. Sugar is probably just as bad for them as for us. Looks like they were balancing out their sweet treat from you with other things like those tasty looking walnuts! As an occasional treat it remains special I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you Sabine. I actually made just 16 cookies altogether and had 8 at each of the two spots. I balance the cookies out with nuts though. As to me, I put nuts in my oatmeal and sometimes I use shelled unsalted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds along with raisins. I took bags of each of those seeds on Sunday to give them some more protein as I knew I would not be back all week and they’ll likely stay up in the nest. I know they say that the squirrels remember where they busy nuts, etc., they can’t get through the snow, let alone the frozen ground. Our weather is pretty awful right now – we are going to -6 tonight, maybe -7 and if it goes to -7 it will tie a record. We ended up with 8 inches of snow, official total they gave today. The drifts were well over a foot. There are 32 days until Spring. That’s no guarantee that we won’t still have snow. A week from today will be 40 though … the weather swings are crazy. Those poor people in Texas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like you’re eating a healthy breakfast, Linda! The squirrels would surely approve of the nuts and seeds. Our snow/ice is melting nicely! I can’t believe the chaos and misery in Texas! 😬 I watched some news this morning where they said that there now is a boil-your-water order in one part of the state. I wonder how one would do that without electricity. And the former governor of that state said that Texans are happy to die for their state in order to remain on an independent power grid! Wow! Just shocking to see the pro-life party disregard life! Stay healthy and warm Linda! 🙋♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do eat a large, healthy breakfast before I set out each day Sabine and have been having oatmeal for decades now. It helps keep me fueled for a long walk all year long and sometimes, especially in Winter, I still come home starving. Yes, I shared extra protein with my furry and feathered friends, especially when I knew we had bad weather on the horizon and I would not make it back for a while as I have no reason to drive in bad weather, so the car stays in the garage.
I have been hearing the news about Texas too and even how the turbines have frozen in place so also not a good energy source at all, so yes, independence has cost them dearly. We had the storm Monday night and luckily our state had minimal power outages so were able to send a contingent of linemen to Texas to help deal with the power outage issues from downed wires. They left this morning. You stay safe, healthy and warm too Sabine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you with the oatmeal! I’ve never cared for it at all but love a bowl of hot soup! The publicity about the windmills freezing was incorrect, Linda. They only freeze if they aren’t winterized! There are functioning windmills in much colder places working just fine because they take care of them. I do feel terrible for the regular people of Texas though. The electrical grid there doesn’t sound smart and people will get heart-attack kinds of bills once the power bills arrive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see – I didn’t realize that Sabine. They have had some interesting stories coming out of Texas like the way they are getting their energy bills based on how they choose to gamble with how they receive the bills. They interviewed a woman who has received a $3,000.00 charge for this week. That seems odd they generated a bill so quickly if they have no power to run a billing system?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, some states are all about profits for the companies! Never mind the regular people. It’s really disappointing, especially during a pandemic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems that every time you turn on the news or read a news story, that something falls through the cracks, especially as it relates to this pandemic. I don’t like what is going on with the vaccines … first of all, it was fine to have two Pfizer vaccines stored at ultra-cold storage. Now, it is maybe acceptable to just have one Pfizer vaccine and be well protected and use just regular cold storage. One day you need just one Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the next day two is a must or you’re not covered. We have instances that that they give you the first shot, but when it’s time for the second, there are none – the bad weather is not helping, although we have a huge Pfizer plant here and it was the very first to roll out vaccines last year – the President visited the Pfizer plant in Michigan yesterday. It’s too bad they disbanded the pandemic program that was in place … perhaps we would not on the cusp of Year #2.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would have helped if we had had an administration that cared about its citizens throughout last year. I have read that Oregon is 3rd last of all states in vaccinating seniors. I figure that by the time my age group qualifies they might have figured things out. Either way I will get a vaccine because I don’t want to stay home indefinitely. I know we still have to take precautions, but it sure beats the alternatives! Be safe Linda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will get the vaccine too Sabine and will likely still mask up for a long time after that. I will turn 65 in April, so I may get my vaccine(s) earlier by that fact rather than the rollout here in Michigan. That is terrible that you’re 3rd last. You be safe too Sabine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve improved Linda! For much of the year we were 2nd last in testing! I too will remain careful and masked just like you. 🙋♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that’s positive news at least Sabine. My friend Ann Marie is 78, her husband 84 and with pre-existing respiratory and heart issues and they have not even had their first dose. The mask does not bother me to wear it, so I’ll continue as well, but I am having trouble with my glasses fogging up, despite the spray initially working well. I got to the Park today, but left early enough to avoid a crowd and left the mask pulled down – I don’t like that, but the fogging is so bad I can’t see otherwise and it was still icy on the path.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just read an article on masks this morning. It stated that fogging of glasses is mostly related to the lack of an airtight fit of the mask. Most of the time mine don’t cause issues, but when they do I pick it a little closer along the nose. But if I’m at the park and no one’s there I wear the mask on my chin until someone gets within 20 feet of me. Hopefully your friends can get an appointment soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I may have to switch to something else that is tighter then Sabine. I really don’t like going bare, but I do the same thing and park my mask on my chin but it keeps inching up and I never touch my face while I’m out (even before COVID, like during flu season). I only see the occasional person wearing a mask at the Park and mostly those without glasses. I don’t mind wearing it any other time. I will try a better fitting mask and see if that helps. I think it’s terrible my friends can’t get an appointment yet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can also try putting a small piece of paper towel or Kleenex between your nose and the mask. That has worked for my husband. Good luck Linda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will try that as well Sabine … do you use a special brand of mask with the nose clips? I switched to the lighter surgical masks in the Summer but tripled up on them and tied the ear loops closer, but had to abandon them with the fogged-up glasses. I do have a couple of neoprene masks I wore to the store, but I’ve not interacted with people at the store or anywhere else since November 23rd.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Linda, I’ll send you an email tomorrow with a link to the cloth masks I have been really happy with. I also ordered a box of N95 masks from Costco. Those I wear to the store now. The cloth ones for anything outdoors. The fogging can be managed pretty well with all of those masks. Be safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again Sabine for the info on the masks. I appreciate it. I was wearing triple paper masks in the Summer and Fall. They were light as a feather and triple protection. I generally try to stay from people, speaking only to Arnie or a woman walker and that’s it … neither of them mask up. I used the double Neoprene masks with a paper mask underneath for going to the store when loading pantry items for the Winter. I think the N95 are readily available now so there is no stigma attached to wearing them when healthcare workers are recycling theirs, like at the beginning of the pandemic. I did experience fogging as late as mid-April last year, but it was more of an annoyance than a worry … fogging when you must be very mindful of the ice or slick patches where you are walking is a big problem then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your walk to the park sounds like bliss! I love walking when the snow is falling (as long as it is not too slippery). You are just too kind to your park pals. Those treats look scrumptious! The squirrels must have been lying in wait for you to show up. They all scurried over to greet you right away!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was so quiet and peaceful and I was happy for that as I was enjoying the ambiance, but also paying close attention to the street conditions where I was walking – it was a lot better on Sunday morning. My Park pals need to have an occasional treat to get them through the harsh Winter and I’m happy to help the out. They went for the walnuts and peanuts first though and I don’t even unpack my bag and they are dancing around or waiting under the tree and at the stump where I lay out the food. I feel badly when I can’t get there … this week is a right off for sure.
LikeLike
Miss Linda……………………………….Boy ……………………….I wish I was a squirrel who resided at council Park…………………………………Lucky them!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I confess I do spoil them Ann Marie but more so in Winter as I know I can’t get down every day. It’s looking like all this snow is going to affect our respective walking regimens for a bit.
LikeLike
I think these squirrels eat better than you do! 🤣😂🤣 I am sure they know how lucky they are to have someone as special as you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Diane for saying that – that warms my heart on this cold and snowy night. I feel badly if I don’t get there daily now as they can’t dig up what they buried and now they rely on the food I leave at the two locations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean Linda. We even had woodpeckers eating off of our feeder today. All this snow the birds can’t find any food either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel so badly for them Diane – I thought I’d get back to the Park Thursday morning, but more snow again and will need to shovel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Remember it’s just like they say about kids in an airplane if the oxygen mask drops down. You have to take care of your own mask first so you are able to take care of theirs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is very true and good reasoning Diane … I had to be practical as well that week I didn’t go as I did not want to fall on the ice and it was brutally cold – this is not the time to end up at a doctor’s office or hospital in a COVID era. This week has been worse than the week before. I am grateful for next week’s balmy weather to get things back to normal (hopefully).
LikeLike
all those extra calories will come in handy to ward of the cold for your furry friends Linda!
Of course a few could become diabetic?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I only give them cookies for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter – the rest of the year I give them apples and pumpkins in the Fall. I didn’t do that this year because I had not decided to try using the Safe Haven Tree. Also, I guess it is okay to put food there, but it is not my memorial tree, so I hesitate to leave too much in case they don’t eat it up right away. I have been giving them plenty of protein all Winter – in fact, I’ve been sharing some of my own walnuts, pecans, shelled sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds that I throw in my morning oatmeal with them when I know the weather will be bad, besides the regular black oilers.
LikeLike
you could make your own bird suet! This should give some entertainment for you as you really enjoyed making those Valentine treats!
https://whoneedsacape.com/2013/02/homemade-wild-bird-suet/
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a great idea and I’m all for it, as long as I don’t hang it up and someone takes it down (at the Park) like what happened the last time. I will tuck this away though. Perhaps there is another way to do it. Or perhaps they return the picnic tables to the pavilion area like they always were there and I can leave goodies on the picnic table and they are protected by the hawks and easy to get to.
LikeLike
Sweet treats for the furry pals! You are their Santa Claus and Valentine’s. I’m sure they missed you for the days you couldn’t come to the park. Darn cold weather!! You made it up with those delightful and decorated Nutter Butter treats.
Ellis looked at the photos with me and she’s convinced we need to do this right away. We have squirrels around us too, although we’re seeing more small birds these days.
Elliot has tree nut allergies, so he would have to stay far away. It would be his worst nightmare.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a high school friend who grandson had severe peanut allergies and now that he is older, maybe 12 year old now, his allergist is having him eat small amounts of peanuts or peanut butter to get used to it and he no longer had the severe reactions, but he was bad and they had to have an Epi pen at all times because of it. I can’t bake, but I like decorating the cookies for them. I will do it again for Easter as I have another package and other colors of icing and more nuts to decorate with. I know they are appreciative!
LikeLike
Your treats were too cute! Glad you took pics of your friends enjoying their cookies.
I’ll have to check with his pediatrician. I have heard of what you shared and if it works, that’s awesome. It is a pain to always be aware of it and then sometimes it affects him with some scary symptoms. Eeeek. Few years ago, we learned Elliot had nut allergies after having a sample containing nuts at Costco. The reaction was immediate and I had no idea what was happening. A quick phone call to the pediatrician and taking some Benedrayl, he was fine. But we still had to go to the ER.
I was shocked because no one in our family has this issue. Stuff you learn! I used to have allergic reactions to peaches as a kid; few years later, I suddenly got over it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I should have given you the link to last year’s Valentine’s Day post for Ellis to see since she was looking at this one with you.
Parker and his heart-shaped sugar cookie. They took the picnic tables away in the Fall due to COVID – that’s why I use the two spots at the Park to leave treats.
https://lindaschaubblog.net/2020/02/14/its-valentines-day/
Yes, I think treating the nut allergies like this is pretty new, but it is working so far with this boy and he had serious peanut allergies. Is Elliot going to an allergist for the allergies to tree nuts? Very scary. I’ve got Spring allergies and have had immunotherapy for years and it does work. I have not been since November 23rd and told them that due to COVID. I will have to go two weeks in a row when I return. I always go in Winter, but they closed for two months at the onset of the pandemic last year and it was the height of my Spring allergies. Since I was wearing a mask and I take OTC allergy medicine (Alavert), my allergies were not bad at all. But I don’t intend to go back until April and never gone four months before. My grandmother had hayfever too and she got shots at a hospital clinic back in the day – they didn’t have allergists. She had a severe reaction from the shot. She had left the allergist’s office and was on the streetcar when she got the reaction and her tongue swelled up and she never went back again.
LikeLike
Allergies cause so much trouble!! I’ve only had stints of bad allergies with pollen and they were awful. But for people who suffer from food, weather related, or other allergy have it tough.
Pediatrician recommended we go to an allergist to find out specifically what he is allergic to. It was a very painful and scary experience; they poked his whole back area with different allergens. He was miserable.
Maybe it will improve over time; the human body is so well designed.
Oh my gosh, your grandmother’s story was frightful. I would never go back to the allergist too if my tongue swelled up. I’d try over the counter remedy if I didn’t need the shot. I’m allergic to penicillin and I knew it when the side effects hit.
Glad to hear your allergies were under control during this time. Hang in there and hope it gets safer to get your shots soon before spring pollen gets high.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’ve had the test with the needles on the back twice … in 1975 when I began the immunotherapy and again in 2004 when I returned. The first doc retired and said I didn’t have to come back. Allergies came back 9 years later. The allergies are under control and I go just once a month. I have not been there since 11/23 though, but I told them I would not be there due to COVID, but likely before Spring. I thought the vaccine rollout would go more quickly, so that’s why I told them that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eeeeek, you had 2 of those tests! It did not look like a pleasant experience.
I’m with you there on the vaccination roll out. My MIL got her first vaccination shot but the second one is postponed for a week due to low supplies. Even though the time frame is 3-4 weeks, its efficacy still works after a week or so. It’s a process getting as appointment and getting both shots smoothly. Hope you can get your soon!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually it looks worse than it is. You don’t feel the little pinprick and then it’s over.
Of course, I didn’t see what it looks like after the test and you saw the aftermath. As to getting the first vaccine and not the second one time – I was worried about that because it has happened multiple times here. Here in Michigan they just put out a notice that starting next Monday, March 8th, anyone from age 50-65 who has an underlying condition can get the vaccine for the next two weeks. Then anyone over age 50 who has not had it can get their shot beginning March 22nd. So I’m in that classification. I would have thought they would have gone to 60 and above – just saying.
LikeLike
The aftermath is not pleasant. Little red pricks. I’m glad you didn’t see it.
Oh, so you are up to get the vaccine in a few weeks. That’s good news to get some safety from this lingering virus. I’m hearing from friends and family that some people have reactions to the shot, like the flu, while others don’t experience any. The reaction could happen only once after the first shot or only after the second shot. It’s all over the place. Just letting you know so you are aware.
I asked the doctor about vaccination for Ellis, but they don’t have enough clinical trial data for children. Kids who are 16 and up can get the vaccine. Recommended that we get it instead.
It’s almost been a year with the quarantine! Whew…wild ride with so much happening in our world.
LikeLike
It is a year this week for the first person to get COVID in our state – yes, what a wild ride. Well, I am eligible on the 22nd when it is 50 and above … for the next two weeks it is 50 years old and above with chronic diseases. I personally think they should have then gone to age 60 and above, but they went to anyone over 50. Nationally and in our state, they are advising not to cherry pick the vaccine or shop around for a place that will have them and just get whatever you can as all three vaccines will likely have booster shoots anyway.
LikeLike
Pfizer and Moderna are two doses at several weeks apart. I think Pfizer is 3 weeks. Johnson & Johnson is one dose vaccine. I read that people should try not to cherry pick the vaccine brand if it’s hard to get the one you want. I spent 2 hours last night trying to schedule my parents for a vaccine. It led to no available slots. Then, tonight I was able to get them scheduled; what was unavailable last might became available today. I guess they got a new shipment.
Oh dear, I reread your comment and I basically said the same thing as you. oops. It’s all fresh in my mind. hahaha
The websites are confusing to navigate. I hope you have an easier time getting an appointment!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will send you a couple of links they have been advertising for here. Is Rite Aid pharmacy in California? CVS is giving out shots but not in Michigan. After March 22nd, I am eligible but the following week it really opens up for all ages. I hope you can find your parents the shots or it has now happened by the time you read this. Separately I will send the links in case they end up in your SPAM filter.
LikeLike
Here’s two links to try for getting shots:
https://www.riteaid.com/
https://www.findashot.org/
LikeLike
Do you know select Costco locations also offer vaccinations? It’s Moderna in California but it could be different for other states.
I’ve tried making appointments for my parents at Costco, but all booked. They got their first shot last week. My mom was in bed for the next 2 days but my dad felt fine. Hope you have a smooth and simple process getting an appointment! Have you checked out CVS? Participating pharmacies? or health centers?
Thank you for sending me the links!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Esther – I registered at Meijer (my grocery store) in February) and got a call over the weekend for my Moderna shot #1. I was kind of hoping for the J&J one-and-done-shot, but our doctors/health experts are recommending to take the first one available and don’t be choosy, so Moderna it is … I’m hoping no side effects. I’ve never had any from other shots, but one pneumonia shot years ago I had a sore arm and couldn’t move it, but that’s the one/only time. I hope you are lucky getting a shot … my local CVS and Walgreens were not giving shots, so I am grateful for Meijer. I’ll respond to the rest of the comments tonight, but wanted to give you my good news. Hope your mom is doing better now … I’m not worried about a sore arm, but not looking forward to nausea or flu-like symptoms as I always feel well.
LikeLike
That was a HEART-warming read Linda! Your furry friends must have been so happy to see you, and the treats look so festive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Joni – glad you liked this post. I was happy to get back there; they were happy to see me after eight days of brutal weather and that was before this past week’s brutal weather and mounds of snow. A win-win for everyone. I can’t bake or cook, but thanks to Betty Crocker, I can make festive-looking cookies. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Linda, reading about your sweetness and kindness to the animals warms my heart. Great photos too – you sure know how to capture them in action enjoying the treats!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha – well Shelley, I just read your post, not in Reader, but it always shows up in my Notifications, and I’m a week behind in Reader right now. In my comment, I mentioned taste-testing those Nutter Butters which is a good excuse to indulge in something sweet. Glad that you liked this post and my treats for my furry friends (and feathered friends too) at the Park. It is good to indulge them when I can. I felt badly as I went MIA all this week too, due to the snow and ice … it snowed nearly every day here, plus the brutal cold and ice… not good for walking. They were happy for the treats and I was happy to click away while watching them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure the critters were very thankful you made it back to see them. Wow – you must have more snow than us this year. We might get a little bit more this week. So far we haven’t gotten much.
I hope you get warmer weather soon so you can go back and see your loyal critter fans.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I intended to go this morning but there were still some icy patches in the street and it was sprinkling a bit. Hopefully tomorrow and take advantage of a warmer morning than it’s been.
LikeLiked by 1 person