Possums as Astronomy Buddies

Perhaps it's been a mistake, but I've been leaving snacks out for the two possums.

Whenever I feed Beau leftovers, he manages to barf them up, so the possums are getting them now, along with any cat food Oreo and Iris leave.

Why this may be a mistake is they are rather noisy on the back deck. They knock the bowls about and I have seen the big guy nipping the little one to protect his bowl. They make a noise like a little bark. All that causes Beau to bark quite loudly and spring into action, which startles me and the cats. The other night, I was stretched out on the couch in front of the wood stove, reading a book. Iris was on my lap. She bolted, getting purchase with her claws on my leg.

Last night, I was stargazing on the deck.  I went out early, all bundled up, to find some open clusters in the constellation Auriga seen in my star atlas. Auriga is quite far north and so is rather high as the night progresses. The little possum stayed in the corner, despite me moving the chair and tripod and gasping in delight at the myriad stars in Auriga. To the naked eye, or one wearing glasses, those stars are invisible.

I only wish I could have held the possum up to the eyepiece so it could have a look.

Today is the Winter Solstice

Only another gardener would understand why the Winter Solstice is important. No, we aren't doing any pagan rituals. It's the turning point toward Life and Living. That means a lot to a gardener.

After the Summer Solstice, we gardeners lose interest in gardening. Things don't want to grow well and  the soil is usually too dry. A Fall garden is usually a big waste of time and energy, with days still hot for the recommended cool crops. Plants sense the shift toward Death and Dying. It's Nature's way.

Now, the seed catalogs have started arriving. As usual, I don't look at them until Christmas Day. They are in a secure location, hidden from the Grinch. More should be arriving shortly.

Seed catalogs are some of my favorite presents.  I dream of them while cutting firewood. Incidentally, I cut, hauled and split 14 carts full, but a sudden really cold snap of minus 15 degrees both used up the wood and kept me from getting more. The ground is still covered with ice and snow, making my hills more than imposing.

Fortunately, a young cattle farmer nearby has come to my rescue. He's bringing a big truck load of wood tomorrow. For my money (literally) burning wood is cozier than burning propane.

Not looking at the catalogs or getting the seeds stash out does not preclude me from thinking about my veggie garden and flowers I might start indoors. These ideas are germinating in the warmth of the wood stove.

Happy Winter Solstice to all gardeners everywhere! May our numbers increase.