Skunk

Heading out to pick up my son from Scouts last night I saw a long haired black cat that seemed to be struggling to cross the road in the snow. Then as I approached it was clear that it was a skunk, trying to get away from the lights and noise of the vehicle, trying to get around or through the wire fence around the playground. I was relieved that I didn't hit it, and I pray it will not choose to live under my deck. I am reminded once again that even in urban areas we are surrounded by wildlife. I know Stettler is barely urban, but I stand by my assertion. We and our pets are not the only living things on the planet. I have over my short stay in this town, seen snowshoe hares, merlins, pheasants, quail, muskrats not to mention the house sparrows, warblers, ruby-throated hummingbirds, chickadees, magpies, bohemian waxwings, downy and hairy woodpeckers, nuthatches, trumpeter swans, canada geese, mallards all within the town limits. I know that there was at least one badger in town.
I suppose I shall get my winter supply of sunflower seeds out soon. The early snow still covers the ground. I still haven't got my carrots out of the garden. I did get the onions out. The ground isn't frozen, but digging in the wet, cold snow for a few small carrots seems to be misplaced energy. A friend says that they will make good compost in the spring.

Late Hot Summer, Early Winter.

What happened to our fall?

Late September we had temperatures in the 30s in the day. (That's Centigrade -- about 90 Fahrenheit. )

Then a week ago we were plunged into mostly below freezing and snow. I have carrots, beets and onions in the garden yet. I have hoses filled with ice. Deck furniture and a trampoline covered with snow. Pipes froze at the cabin. Well at least I'm not alone. And I can stay warm and dry inside. And I have friends, family, food, clothing and a wonderful community.

I am, I find, thankful despite personal loss, and a life turned upside down. . . .

as we say in the funeral service. . . "even at the grave we make our song, "Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!" Sometimes it seems "a cold and broken, Alleluia." Having a family to support (me them, and they me) helps. And they are part of the blessings for which I, in my better moments, remember with gratitude.

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving weekend.

Shalom,
Mark