New Catalog

The new community ed catalog arrived last night.  I thumbed through it.  I am already signed up for the bird class.  They have other classes I have done like yoga, mosaic art, home improvement, knitting, jewelry making . . . HOLD THE PHONE!  WHAT IS THIS?  A class called Thriller Line Dance?  Description reads:  Always been thrilled by the moves in "Thriller?"  (yes)  This fun line dance is a great, easy version of the classic moves that inspired a generation of dance.  By the end of the class you'll be dancing the night away.  No partner needed.  Wear closed toed shoes, no flip-flops please.  Class fee $25  I signed up.  I can't think of a better way to spend an evening than rocking out, in unison, with other Michael fans.  I already talked one person into joining me.  Everybody should go.  Then we would be all set to be a part of a flash mob.  This is training, people.  Do it!

Not A Drop

Not a single drop of sap has come out of the maple trees since I tapped them two days ago.  I knew the sap would run best when the weather is in the 40's during the day and below freezing at night.  I did not know sap would not run at all in this warm weather.  Well, this is Minnesota.  Wait a couple minutes and the weather will change.  To tell the truth, I like these warm days more than I like maple syrup.  I'm itching to get out on the motorcycle.  My driveway has dried up enough to be passable now.  It's too dark in the morning for me to use it to commute to work.  And I really should wait until the sand is swept off the streets.  Seeing other bikers makes it so tempting!

Project Feederwatch Update

For the first time a gaggle of goldfinches
are outnumbering my collection of chickadees.

Goldfinch-9, Cardinal-2, Downy Woodpecker-2, Hairy Woodpecker-1, Brown Creeper-1, Junco-3, Whte breasted Nuthatch-1, Black Capped Chickadee-5, Pileated Woodpecker-1, Crow-1, Red shouldered Hawk-1

I tapped my maple trees today.  I am not expecting a bumper crop of sap because the weather is too warm.  Did we go right from winter into summer without spring?  I thought I would give syruping another try.  I found several bright red bugs crawling around the base of the maple trees.  It was so nice out I decided to do some other outdoor chores.  I cleaned the chicken coop.  I cut down three trees that were shading the garden.  The second tree was stubborn so I kicked it and yelled, "Chuck Norris!"  The tree fell right down.  I found a hole in my driveway that has me baffled.  The hole is at least 14 inches deep and it has an even 2 inch diameter.  What on earth dug a hole through 2 inches of class five gravel?  Did something dig it's way out or did something dig it's way down?  And where did they put the sand and gravel because it's not laying on the side of the hole?   I think it's a little early for snapping turtles.  Did a squirrel or chipmunk do this?

It's B a a a a ck!

My red-shouldered hawk is back today proclaiming loudly and proudly.  As it flew directly over my house, the finches and cardinals at the feeder did not hide, hesitate, or look the least bit worried.  Maybe they know this gabby vehement flyer is not a threat since they eat frogs and snakes at the river's edge.  Today I noticed the ice went out on the Rum River.  Maybe there is a connection between the red shouldered hawk return and the ice going out.  In any case, welcome back red shouldered.  I think I shall name you Newt.

My Dream

I used to be a Girl Scout and a leader.  I miss some things about the organization and I don't miss other things.  Today I talked with a current Girl Scout leader.  Her troop is going to the Mall of America this weekend for the great Girl Scout get together.  And they get to be part of a flash mob (a group of people who assembly suddenly in a public place to briefly engage in a pointless activity and then disperse).  They're doing three songs.  One of the songs is by China somebody from the Disney channel.  (In a whiny voice) I want to be part of a flash mob!   I should organize one.  We could all gather downtown near the Mississippi River and all look up and point upriver at the same time and do the chicken dance.  Or no, we could do it at the state fair.  We could gather in concentric circles around the gopher statue and bend down to tie our shoes all at the same time and do the Caddy Shack gopher dance.  Are you with me? Who is in?  And who will record it for You Tube?  I need volunteers!!

Awkward Moment #2: In 1978 or 9 I had a job interview on the east side of St. Paul. The interview was on a Monday in the late morning. My interview was in an office so small and cramped it appeared more like a closet than anything else. I sat across the desk from this woman and answered her questions as best I could. She got a phone call and had to leave for a few minutes and she left me alone in her office to wait. While waiting, I scanned the papers taped to the walls and the 3 ring binders on the desk. My eyes wandered around the tiny office and I felt something move on my neck. Nerves, I thought. As in any interview, I was a little nervous trying to make a good impression. I felt movement on my neck again so I reached for the spot. I found a wood tick between my fingers. I had spent the weekend up north and came back with a wood tick. What should I do with a wood tick during a job interview? My first plan was to just hold it and dispose of it outside when the interview was over. After two minutes of waiting with a wiggly wood tick in my fingers, I scratched that plan. Could I take it outside and get back before she notices I am gone? I was in a huge building and I didn’t think I could find my way back to the same room again so that plan was out.  Leaving the interview room would not look good for me.  The woman had an ashtray on her desk. Indoor smoking was typical back in these days. The ashtray had ashes and a couple cigarette butts in it already. What to do? What to do? I put the wood tick in the ashtray and watched it climb around in the ashes. I could calmly and wittily explain what happened when she returned.  Before I could think of a casual and witty way to handle the wood tick in the ashtray situation the woman returned and resumed asking questions before she sat down and before I could get a word in. I tried to maintain good eye contact and not glance in the ashtray. I found it difficult to concentrate on my answers because of that wood tick but as time went on, I became more relaxed. Near the end of the interview I had nearly forgotten about the wood tick. Wouldn’t you know it, the woman says, “There is a wood tick in my ashtray.” I raise my eyebrows.  All brain function temporarily ceased.  I said, “What? Really?” We both wonder how in the world a wood tick got in her ashtray. We have no idea how that could happen. I got the job.  I thought after I worked there a couple of months I would go back to that woman and explain the wood tick.  She gave her notice soon after hiring me and I never got the chance to explain.  I hope she didn't quit because she thought her office was infested with woodland arachnids.  I am pretty sure I would handle the situation in a more mature manner now.  I sure hope so.