Category Archives: nature

Canada Geese in the sky

October 9, 2020nature, wildlife, Wisconsinsusanmanzke

It’s always a good show each spring and fall when Canada geese fly through the sky. One day, when a few flocks merged and flew over Seymour, people came out of shops and homes to watch.

Everyone had their heads craned skyward as the geese honked past. I was amazed at how many people came outside. They were quite a sight, too.

Here’s my video of a column I wrote in 1981.

Things really don’t change.

Sometimes I’m stuck in the kitchen waiting for something to finish baking when there’s a sight to see outside. Foos can get burnt when this happens.

I’ve been taking photos of sunsets. The shortened time to this daily event can catch me off guard. I almost missed one this week because it came so soon, or at least seemed to come early. My seat by the kitchen window doesn’t always mean I’m attentive to what is happening outside.

May you experience the beauty of the changing seasons today.

Today’s walk

September 13, 2020animals, nature, Odds and endssusanmanzke

In the spring, when I walked down my blacktop road, I rescued worms. These wiggly guys had left the ditch and headed across the road probably to their death. Either they would have been run over or dried out from being out in the sun.

Now the season has changed and I rarely find worms during my walk. These days I find another critter trying to cross the road.

The caterpillar might not dry up while crossing the road like a worm, but it sure can get run over.

I relocated this one back in nearby greenery.

I may not be able to save a lot of worms or caterpillars, but I think the ones I do are grateful. At least I hope they are.

A revelation

August 30, 2020naturesusanmanzke

Yesterday, three grandchildren visited. Two grandchildren came for a visit today. All had parents in tow.

While Caleb and Aryana were playing in the yard today they came across something unexpected.

Everyone who came for my birthday this weekend ventured near to this hornet nest. No one noticed it until Rob’s stepson found it.

Caleb directed us to the nest, only then did we learn that he threw a stick at the hive! OMG!!! Caleb is only 11, so he knows little about hornets. Today he was lectured to leave the nests alone.

I will stay away from this nest for now. Eventually, when it gets cold, it will be removed.

Until its removal, everyone will keep their distance….far, far distance.

Perseid Meteor Shower

August 11, 2020Friends, Memories, naturesusanmanzke

Tis the season for the Perseid Meteor Shower.

The shower’s peak early tomorrow, August 12th, between 2 am and sunrise. Reports also say that many meteors may be seen in the next few mornings.

Perseid Meteor Shower photo from internet

Early this morning, around 2, I had to get up to go to the bathroom. I thought about going out to observe the meteor shower for a few minutes.

Things for me to consider: night critters, the cool night air, and being alone.

Did I go back to bed? No.

I put on Bob’s robe, still hanging in our bedroom, and stepped out on the upper deck of the house. There wouldn’t be any critters up there.

The waning moon was bright, but if I turned my face away from it the sky was darker and made it easier for me to watch for meteors.

The night was beautiful, calm and cool.

It wasn’t too long before I saw a flash in the sky. That meteor made me happy.

In past summers, when family camped here, we’d all stay up and look at the night sky.

I miss those days but I especially miss Bob’s company.

I also missed my friend Colleen Sutherland. Living in town meant Colleen couldn’t see the night sky well enough for the shower. One early morning, Colleen and a few others came to watch the Perseid Shower at our home.

We were bundled up for a very cool, damp morning. Hot cocoa was sipped as we settled down on our lawn chairs, chatting, and waiting.

A ground fog rolled in. I don’t remember if we saw any meteors before it arrived, but I still remember the time I spent with my friends.

This morning, I stayed up about 20 minutes and saw six meteors flash by, and then I went back to bed, happy I had made the trip out–I’ll probably go out again tonight as the weather will be about the same.

I hope you see a meteor and make a wish as it streaks across the sky.