I Like Thanksgiving's Focus of Optimism

To me, focusing on the positives of Thanksgiving is more rewarding than focusing on getting rid of bad habits that New-Year's-Resolutions imply.   Some say that what we focus on grows, and I buy that as  I am an optimist.

Here are my six things am I thankful for during post-Thanksgiving season and want to continue in the coming year:

• Living our lives in ways that cultivate good health through good food, exercise and stress-free activities

• Living below our means.  Finding interesting and rewarding low-cost or no-cost experiences whenever possible.  And, saving money when necessary to do those things that cost money and I know we will enjoy without depleting our cash-on-hand 

• Talking with or talking positively about people we enjoy and who enjoy us

• Enjoying art whether it is at a local exhibit, out the window after a snowstorm or on the distant horizon.  The artist can be nature, local school children or the most polished professional

• Anticipating spring when the yard will be alive with new growth and hope for the growing season

• Looking forward to the longer days and warmth of summer

What are you thankful for?

When is a Tree NOT a Tree?

When it is a cell-phone tower.  It is great when technology blends in with the environment.

When is a Coyote NOT a Coyote?

When it is a FAKE.

Below are two pictures of the kids' soccer field, and it looks like there are three coyotes lounging around.  They were there last year, too.

one coyote

two coyotes

Here's one a little closer.  

note the stake and tail

And closer.

doesn't look much like a coyote this close

first we were tricked - we thought these were goose scat

Here's the deal.  Parks, athletic fields and cemeteries near Denver have a difficult time with geese leaving a mess.  So someone taking a page out of the fake-owl book decided to try fake coyotes to keep the geese from landing at the soccer field. 

We drive by this field often, and the population of geese eating the grass and making a mess is down considerably.  This year, they added a strip of black cloth on the southside of the northbound fake coyote.  This waves in the wind to further focus the geese's attention.

The last picture fooled me as I walked over to get a shot of the fake coyote.  At first it looked like the geese had been there by the hundreds.  But as some first impressions are wrong, it was the grounds crew running the aerator.  On second thought, goose scat is smaller, slimier and greener.

Indian Brave and Indian Princess at Children's Museum Halloween Party

The brave spotted me taking his picture.  The princess had no idea.

Friday is Veterans' Day

Thank a veteran today for your freedom.

This POW-MIA flag flies below the American Flag at Mt. Olivet Cemetery west of Denver.  I waited until the right breeze stretched each to their full glory.

While you are thanking a veteran for his/her service, remember those who were injured and killed while serving our country.

And don't forget their spouses, children, parents and other family members, either.  Our veterans' tour of duty wasn't easy for their family either.

Keeping Coyotes out of the Neighborhood

Food is the biggest incentive for coyotes to come to neighborhoods and around houses.   Coyotes are hunting all night, but they are especially active at sunrise and sunset. 

Here are steps you and your family can take:

• don't feed dogs, cats or birds outdoors in a manner that coyotes can eat leftovers.  If you must feed your animals outside, take the food away when they stop eating.  For birds, coyotes aren't usually interested in seed hushs, but will eat whole seeds if they are not suspended off the ground  
• discourage adults and children from give coyotes "treats" on the trail to get them to come closer.  Coyotes are wild dogs and can appear approachable
• Make sure your compost piles are protected from coyotes, and don't put any meat scraps, juice or gravy there.  When a vegetable might be tasty for coyotes, I sprinkle it with a heavy dose of coffee grounds
• discourage adults and children from leaving leftover lunches and snacks on the trail
• make sure small animals and chickens are in coyote-proof fencing (with top fencing) if they must be outside 
• barn cats need escape routes to rooftops and protective zones like sheds and garages with special openings whenever possible.  Most of our barn cats are great tree climbers

Thanks to the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife

Pink Cowgirl Boots on Sleepy Child at Craft Fair

Darling boots.  Notice the top of right boot where her puppy chewed it.  Only in the West.