Black bear eating from my apple tree, August night, 2012

Monday, August 15, 2011

Monday: The Pleasant Valley Report

It was a glorious week here in Laporte. Temps were slightly cooler, although yesterday humidity was around 50%, high for our region, so it was a bit steamy, until the breezes started and a bit of rain fell.

In bird news, drove past the osprey nest near the Chapelle animal hospital and there were no birds evident (previously, two hardy looking chicks and the parents). However, at the nest at Willox and Shields, one chick seen on the nest and an adult nearby on a telephone pole. Hummingbirds are everywhere in our yard, eating at both feeders and flowers. And the most blue jays ever were polishing off my chicken's food yesterday--10 gobbling up all the leftover rice I put out. Also, we don't normally see turkey vultures out back, but one has been circling overhead, so I am wondering if there's not a carcass somewhere.

For those of you who live in Colorado, I don't have to remind you that it's Palisade Peach season. Colorado Peaches are the best, hands-down. If you're in the market for a large box of grade A peaches (picked the day before you head out to Gardens at Spring Creek to get them on the 27th), the Rotary Club is selling them to benefit Poudre School district. Proceeds go to buy dictionaries for 3rd graders. A wonderful cause. Sign up by August 20th by hitting their website:
http://www.rotarypeachsale.com/
(By the way, if you have space in your freezer, peaches freeze well and are delicious in the winter months, in ice cream, cobblers, and smoothies. Stock up now. Why not make a fresh peach pie while you're at it?)

On a sadder note, my neighbor's automobile was stolen from his driveway last week, while, I was told, he was actually home. They caught the perps as they had begun to repaint the car. A reminder that no matter how unusually safe our region appears to be, make sure you take precautions. Lock your doors, close up the garage, and pay attention to your neighborhood. Thinking of starting a neighborhood watch, and have a call into a county official to find out how. (This is good advice for anyone, no matter where you live. Unfortunately, times are tough and otherwise reasonable people may be resorting to crime to pay the bills.)

And here's a little personal tidbit. I went to see the newly released movie "The Help" this weekend. If you've read the book, you won't be disappointed, even though they changed a few things in the screenplay. Do not go see this film if a) you haven''t brought a few Kleenex, or b) you're embarrassed to cry in public. Very cathartic though, and the actress who plays Minnie steals the show.

Hope all is well for everyone. Want to blog more often, but the glitches are cramping my style here on blogspot. Maybe every other day? (sigh) Wishing y'all a great week.


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