Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 27 October 2024

HAPPY NEW WEEK and HAPPY NEW MOON 

The moon turns new next Friday, 1 November, in UK and US.

I've just come in from giving the groundhog an apple. The pub/ bar on the highway is going to have a loud Halloween party tonight, and I want the groundhog to be able to get in his burrow.

I never feed wildlife, because it's generally a bad idea. It's often unhealthy, and it habituates animals to humans. But I break my rule for the groundhog. I used to have an apple tree near my bedroom window, and the groundhog dug his burrow under it, so he could feed on apples. But a big derecho storm knocked over the tree and it died. I feel sorry for the groundhog because he no longer has his tree and his fruit. Groundhogs need to double their weight in order to survive hibernation during our harsh winters. Their hearts only beat 4 times per minute in hibernation, and they breathe only once every six minutes.

The big one on my patch is a solitary ol' fella, and I'm his only human contact. He makes a tooth-grinding chuff, chuff, chuff happy sound when I pitch an apple to him. I NEVER get close to him.

I hope you all have an easy week. Love and hugs to all.

Groundhog info ( Wikipedia)

en.wikipedia.org/.../Groundhog

  • OG - Oh dear, having a sore throat is so tiring. Get better soon. Good idea to go out to lunch when your daughter visits.

    Heather, your poor daughter must be very fed up at the prospect of many weeks recovery.

    Scylla - Fingers crossed that the anti depressants help. Are you suffering hot flushes? No fun either. My sympathies as I had a bad time with that. Nice to hear from you. Thanks for the tip about oil sprays  I was thinking of getting a refillable one. Sorry your chips aren't too sucessful. 

    AQ - Poor Santa will be mopping his brow alright!  Good to know that you like your new GP. It makes such a difference.  Sounds like a good plan to watch a long pageant on TV in the cool(er) situation of home rather than stand outside in the heat....

  • Lindy - Shoes for all occasions, then!  Well done.  Hope you have room for some clothes as well ...

  • RUSTY  Sorry to hear your friend had a nasty fall.  I do not drive but go with my OH to help a 95 year old retired minister get to appointments.  He had a stroke before Christmas and had to give up his car and his nearest relative lives in Aberdeen (his other 2 daughters live in Montana and Bolivia).  He is unsteady on his feet but mentally still very sharp and just a few days ago had a pyschiatric assessment for the elderly which I am sure he will have sailed through. He has a team of helpers called Barts Buddies and it is a real pleasure to help him.

  • Lindybird:  Have a wonderful time.  On my trips to the UK I have taken no more than 3 pairs of shoes (depending on the season). One pair walking and one pair waterproof/walking and maybe sandals.  But they take up so much room!

    Scylla:  Hope the meds work - they can take time to kick in.  Just wondering if docs have tried hormone therapy (assuming you're still around 'that' age.

    Heather:  Hope the Dane visit won't be too taxing.   I do sympathise with your daughter - so frustrating not to be able to just get up and go! 

    OG: Hope your doing better.  Also that J manages to find some new friends to distract from current friend's departure.  

    dibnlib:  How families to get spread around the globe these days!  How nice you guys can help your retired friend.  

  • ANNETTE  You have probably guessed that with a name like Bart our friend is from The States though I cannot remember where.  He has live all over including Japan but he and his wife settled in Scotland a fair while ago.