Jupiter appears in the final image, center lower left.
In the neighborhood:
Late afternoon 1/2:
1/3: Mom and twins make the rounds of the Diners. Curiously, one of the girls seems to be exhibiting that universal teenage behavior: independence. She was over at Johnny's by herself:
She was looking back towards the berm. This shot was taken via the garage-side door so I pivoted to look out the picture windows. Sho'nuff:
They moseyed over to John's Diner across the street. I don't know where Ms. Independent went to.
I spotted the other twin is noshing on Johnny's cedar which has red berries. DHS was keeping an eye on her. I did not see her join her family.
Fun vid: Atomic Chicken. C. Montgomery Burns tried to have this banned.
FUBARland: Venezula. Well, they wanted a war. They wanted the oil. Nevermind how 28 million Venezuelans feel about it. Hegseth must be walking around with a permanent chubby these days. One commentator noted: this action gives a permission structure for China to invade Taiwan; for Russia to continue its war and atrocities in Ukraine; for Israel to continue its atrocities in Gaza. As well as any other thug regime to abuse its citizenry and neighbors.
One wonders if Venezuela will become the regime's dumping ground for deportees. I can hear them now: Hell, over 8 million people have fled since 2014-there's plenty of room! Plus, it makes things more efficient rather than scatter-shooting all over the globe! Direct one-way flights! And Double-bonus: they speak Spanish down there!
I would imagine Denmark is readying what scant forces they have to deploy in Greenland.
In the neighborhood: Michigan weather has outdone itself: wild swings between Alberta clipper bringing high winds and blizzard conditions, heavy rain that began as ice, balmy warmth and bitter cold.
Solstice:
Christmas eve:
12/28: got up to 55°!
12/29: the day began with rain changing to ice then back to heavy rains. We received 2" of rain-the airport saw 1.16". This unusual December rain bumped the month total 1.67" above average. For the year, we were a dismal 7.86" below average. I hope for a better 2026.
At least 2 raccoons have taken up residence in the Apartments:
New Year's Eve-snow and wind:
The Diner has been quiet. Few if any avians and just one BigTail enjoying the seed I put out when I filled the feeder:
New Year's feast:
Steak Diane with a new plant-based fillets, mashed spuds and roasted asparagus. While the fillets had the proper mouth-feel, for me, it lacked the meaty flavor which I suspected would be the case and why I made the Diane sauce. But, that's how plant-based products go, falling under the saying with vegan foods-nuthin' tastes like butter except butter.
Dark evening:
New Year's Day: +9° with a bit of sun. The Diner was busy with some early birds:
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Iceland has a tradition that began in WW2 called Jólabókaflóð, when paper was one of the few things not rationed. Families gather on Christmas Eve, unwrap book gifts and spend the evening reading and enjoying chocolates or hot chocolate.
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Out and about: I was chatting with one of the produce mgrs at Horrocks who is from Serbia. His baby is learning to crawl with the help of his best buddy pitbull. The pitty is very tolerant despite the youngster's penchant for want to chew on his ears.
Fun pics:
Sunclock in St. Ignace, MI:
One stands on the current month:
Goats standing in trees in Morocco:
Goats are drawn to the sweet, nutty pulp of the argan tree fruit. Wisconsin baby albino squirrel asleep:
Two bees sleeping together head to toe in a flower:
Joe Neely
Very rare blue lobster:
An estimated one in 2 million lobsters are blue. Gary Lewis
Another rare lobster: the rainbow lobster found in the deep waters of the Indo-Pacific. Its dazzling hues aren’t just for show, they help it blend into vibrant coral reefs.
The Fire Temple of Yazd, Iran
A sacred temple in
Zoroastrian religion. It enshrines the Atash Behram, meaning "Victorious
Fire", reportedly burning continuously since 470 AD.
A new mural, thought to be by Banksy,
by the Centrepoint building in central London, showing the same
children. The building has been called an “affront to the homeless.”Credit...Leon Neal
Whimsical street art only visible when it rains:
Toronto Ripley's Aquarium rooftop:
Fun vids:
The Snowman and the Snowdog-sequel to the Snowman:
Street art from around the world:
National foods we got wrong:
From 1954, White Christmas by The Drifters:
AI vids from Kelly Boesch:
House of Light:
Where Endings Begin:
FUBARland
Noticed a change of terminology by the Meidas Touch pod casts in describing Trump and his regime: evil.
A recent New Yorker cover, which I thought was spot on:
Word of the year: pleonexia- an ancient Greek term describing the insatiable desire to take more than your fair share, even when it harms others. While the presenter is speaking about the UK, I believe that it is more than applicable to America as well.
I was sitting on the couch with a nice fire going and some Bossa Nova playing on the tube. Earlier, we had a lovely supper, watched a couple of old Uncle Herriot episodes before C turned in for the evening. Buddy had gone out on patrol so I was writing while I waited up for him to return. While it was chilly outside, our recent warm-up had melted all the snow we had received in the past few weeks.
I heard the portal flap open and heard Buddy’s paws hit the 2 wooden boxes we have for him to jump down on. As his typical habit, he mewed as he came into the library past the lit tree to announce his arrival. But tonight was different—for immediately after mewing he spoke:
B-Howdy Dad! Merry Christmas! J-Howdy yourself and Merry Christmas to you, too! You’re speaking and it isn’t midnight yet! B-Yeah, why wait I thought. I knew it would please you. J-Indeed and thank you. Would you like a snack? (Getting off the couch) B-Is the pope Catholic? (chuckling) J-Ha! Bin used to say that! B-I know!
He tailed me with intent as I pulled his wet food out of the frig and stood at the counter by the sink to spoon it into his dish. I managed to pivot around him and stepped over to his feeding area to place the dish down. As he leaned over to eat, I gave him a scritch and felt his chilly fur. I went back to the frig for a refill and walked out to the couch while he ate. It was still snowing. Soon, he jumped up next to me and began to do some post-patrol/feeding cleaning.
J-How was patrol? B-Not much going on. Cold and thankfully no snow. Man, that fire feels good. Thanks! J-You are welcome. Anybody out there? B-Nah. Everyone’s hunkered down. J-Pruners? B-No. B-So, I’m thinking of speaking more often. J-Cool. Will you include Mum or is this our thing? I think she would be delighted. B-Hmm, I really hadn’t thought about that. J-No hurry. Whatever you are comfortable with, ok? B-Sure. (he nosed over towards my glass) Mother’s Milk? J-Yep!
Buddy’s ears suddenly perked up.
J-You hearing the Big Guy? B-Yep or I am hearing bells jingling for no reason.
We heard a dull thud on the roof. Buddy immediately looked up as his eyes widened. Then, his head snapped towards the library and a large shape emerged into the tree light.
S-Merry Christmas, my good friends!
He strode over to the loveseat and sat down.
J/B-Merry Christmas to you, Santa! J-Howya been, man? Would you care for a dram?(I had a glass and napkin ready for him) S-Oh, busy. Sorry about the green Christmas. And yes, a dram would be lovely. (he took a nice swig and wiped his mouth). Thank you. That hits the spot. How are you, fellows? J-Not too shabby. Been one helluva year. B-I’m pretty good, thanks. S-Yes, Jeff-you and your beautiful wife have had a trying year on a number of levels. I am sorry about that. J-Well, thanks. But, we have gotten through it and we’re ok. J-And how’s your beautiful wife, btw? S-Just fine, thanks for asking. Hopefully has her feet up enjoying a cupper. S-This year has been hard for many. So much wickedness causing so much suffering across the planet. It's like some sort of virus. We had to obtain many more lumps of coal than usual and in fact, I dedicated separate sleighs with specially trained elves to deliver them. Why Washington DC took 3 coal sleighs by itself! Very bad boys and girls there, my goodness! J-Yeah. They deserve it and much much more. S-Well that part, your kind will have to attend to. I’m not in the justice business. But for what it is worth, these things unfortunately come and go. I’ve seen it over the years. (his brow wrinkled and his eyes saddened) Your kind Jeff, are very slow learners and keep making the same mistakes over and over. J-I know. Religion has been around for centuries yet it doesn’t seem to have made things better. Often worse depending on the circumstances. Well geez, I’ve bummed St. Nick out. Let’s have another dram. S-Great idea. Sorry, I usually am not like this. I’m in the joy biz. Like this big guy (giving Buddy, who had jumped up next to him, a belly rub) J-Yes he is. How are our old crew? S-All are well and send their warmest greetings and hope you and C are well. B-Have you seen my Mum? S-Your feline Mum? Yes. She recycled a while back and is living in Iowa with a lovely and loving family. I told her where you were and she was very happy for you. All of your siblings have recycled and are scattered around the world and doing well. They send their greetings. J-Awww, that’s great news, Buddy-roo!
He had his head on Nick’s lap as Nick stroked his ears. He murmured a few short kittenish mews.
J-Are you sad, Bud? B-This is the first I have heard of them since the colony was broken up. I’ve missed them. S-Well, my bad for not bringing you up to date. I’ve visited twice since you arrived. I do apologize. Here, I have a goodie for you.
In a barely perceptible motion of his free hand, he produced a small, loosely wrapped bundle and placed it on the coffee table. As he unwrapped it, Buddy’s mood changed and he jumped down and began eating the tasty treat.
J-Fishy? S-(chuckling) of course. I know what this big guy likes. And there’s something for you, too.
There on the table were wrapped Mozart chocs, a fav from long ago.
J-Oh yum (I bit into one and followed with a sip of Drambuie) That brings back memories. I haven't seen these in years! Thanks, man. S-(smiling) Well, that is something else I do.
We hear jingling of bells outside.
S-Welp, duty calls.
We stand and hug.
J-Well, thanks for stopping by. Safe journey! B-Bon Voyage, Nick. And thanks for the news about my kin. S-You’re welcome. Have a good new year, you two. And C as well. J-Thanks.
He turned and gave a bit of a salute to say “cya,” then vanished into the darkened corner in the library. Soon we heard bells as the sleigh lifted off with the sound quickly disappearing. Outside was still, the Back 40 covered with a blanket of brown oak leaves. As I went over to the fireplace to give it a stir, I noticed 3 shadowy forms at the Diner. It was the Mama Doe and her 2 fawns. We had put out some corn and seed for them and they clearly were enjoying this unusual item on the buffet. I inwardly hoped that next season we would not have the severe drought we all experienced this year. I turned and found that Bud was curled up on the couch, already asleep. I gave him a soft, single stroke on his fur and he quietly purred.
J-Sweet dreams my friend. And Merry Christmas. Cya in the morning.
I turned off the LED candles, picked up the glasses and wrappings, turned off the tree lights and walked into the kitchen. I was cleaning up when C came in for a drink of water.
C-Did Santa stop in? J-Yep, sure did-you just missed him. Come, the deer are at the Diner.
We quietly moved into the darkened Great Room. The deer were still there.
C-Aww, they’re enjoying the corn. Merry Christmas to them. Look-there’s a couple of juncos on the ground next to them. J-How unusual, usually they are nesting at this hour.
I put my arm around her and gave her a smooch on her warm cheek. As our eyes grew accustomed to the light, we noticed more folks at the Diner: LG the squirrel, Mama Nutkin, Bernie the young skunk, Blossom the possum, Big Bun, and a portly raccoon. M/M Cardinal had flown up and were on the feeder. All were quietly feeding without rancor or aggression. C returned the smooch and held me tight as we stood and watched. Buddy was lightly snoring.
C-It’s the peaceable kingdom.
A light snow began to silently fall, melting on the warm bodies who were attending this Winter’s feast. Perhaps this was a hopeful sign for the coming year. That would be a blessing.
“Snow” is a poem by famous Canadian poet
Archibald Lampman, who has been referred to as “the Canadian Keats,” who
lived in Ontario in the late 1800s and passed away at the young age of
37 in 1899.
White are the far-off plains, And white the fading forests grow; The wind dies out along the height And denser still the snow, A gathering weight on roof and tree Falls down scarce audibly.
The meadows and far-sheeted streams Lie still without a sound; Like some soft minister of dreams The snowfall hoods me around; In wood and water, earth and air, A silence is everywhere.
Save when at lonely spells Some farmer's sleigh is urged on, With rustling runner and sharp bells, Swings by me and is gone; Or from the empty waste I hear A sound remote and clear;
The barking of a dog, To cattle, is sharply pealed, Borne, echoing from some wayside stall Or barnyard far afield; Then all is silent and the snow Falls settling soft and slow
The evening deepens and the grey Folds closer Earth to sky The world seems shrouded, so far away. Its noises sleep, and I As secret as yon buried stream Plod dumbly on and dream.
Once upon a time, there was a vile creature who lived in the high mountains, a place where he could look down upon all others. He was enormously wealthy but it was never enough-he always coveted what someone else had-and felt that because of who he was, he deserved to have it.
He lived alone except for a ever-suffering yet slavish mutt named Tiny, who loved wearing thick-framed red glasses like talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael. He was cruel to Tiny yet being a dog, Tiny took the abuse and convinced himself it was his duty to serve and endure whatever his master meted out.
It is said he was a heartless creature but he indeed had a heart-black was its color and it took high magnification to actually see it.
His neighbors to the South were the Whos, cheerful beings that loved to party especially during the Winter holidays. He hated the Whos, with their community and empathy. And they were noisy-oh dear God, he hated their noise, noise, noise. And their singing-singing their stupid songs and playing with their stupid machines which of course were noisy as well.
One Winter, he had had enough and despite the fact they were a sovereign nation, he felt he had the right to do whatever he wished to them. It was getting near Christmas Eve as he sat in his cave with Tiny and brooded and plotted: I'll fix their wagon once and for all and then I can have some peace and quiet. He knew from the past that the Who would party, feast and drink themselves into a stupor. At this point, he and Tiny would take their sleigh down and steal everything! He loved to ruin things especially those that others valued. His favorite pastime was to whip out his tiny penis (like his heart, you had to use high magnification to find it) and pee on things. He loved writing his name in white snow, his rich golden urine staining its purity.
So it was on the early hours of Christmas Day, the creature and his dog drove down into Whoville, stole and defiled everything they could and headed back to the cave.
Once safely home, he got a hold of his loyal buddy Pete who had a Air Force and asked him to bomb Whoville. Pete hated ferriners as well, especially those weak, woke Whos. Pete lead the mission himself and soon, Whoville was turned into a smokey ruin.
Some Who survived and were seen struggling to flee into the surrounding mountains. Pete led another attack and killed them all, flying off in a victory roll.
And here my friends, the story ends. No joy, no redemption. Just the rich and powerful getting away with their crimes as they always have. However, throughout history people have revolted against them and I think it's time for it to happen again, to repair what has been ruined and to begin work on a better country, for all.
12/7-12/8 Overnight on the 8th it was -1° at the airport, +3 at our house.
Chickadee and finch at breakfast:
Our woodland gnomes are buried:
The sun came out-looks like January:
Cold evening:
The deer have become frequent visitors to the Diner-we are part of their foraging route that takes them to the other Diners in the neighborhood-Benny's to the East and John and Michelle's across the street. One early morning, newcomers Mom and her triplets stopped by:
While at the same time, our usual Mom and her twins were browsing by the pool and East Garden:
The two tribes saw each other without issue-the Mom and triplets went East along the berm while our trio went over across the street.
That evening, they returned. Here's Mom:
At least the sun has come out now and again but it's still nippy.
Lil' Woody:
LG:
The Diner had a couple of holiday specials at the buffet-one time only, while supplies last: C had some bread that had gone stale so she soaked it in some almond milk and nuked it. That got snarfled by someone. I had some gingerbread dough left over about the size of a golf ball and put it out. LG enjoyed it:
I returned 5 minutes later and he had dragged it off somewhere!
One of the young Nutkins likes to come up on the planters next to the deck:
12/16-this afternoon we got home after picking C up from the U. We both were settling into our offices when she gave me a holler: 3 deer were under her window! By the time I grabbed my camera, only one remained-one of the twins:
They were foraging around the leaves surrounding the planters. Winter rations I suppose. It reminded me of the "starvation bread" from Sweden called barkbrod, made in part with ground birch tree bark.
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Buddy hanging out with the tree-this is his third xmas with us and like our other cats, enjoys this annual appearance. Thank goodness, he isn't a climber-none of our cats were climbers either. We think they like the piney scent-a bit of the great outdoors, inside.
Buddy is approaching a milestone where he has spent more than half of his young life with us. We hope for many more years together Buddy-roo!
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More milestones:
12/13-Dick Van Dyke turned 100 years old!
12/16-250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austin
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Animated short Vibrantea from 2023:
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How the moon is viewed from different parts on the planet:
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Charles Dickens had a pet raven named Grip and featured him in the novel Barnaby Rudge. Edgar Allan Poe read the book and wrote Dickens the bird outta talk. Within a year, it does in the famous Poe piece The Raven. Grip died in 1841 and Dickens had his remains taxidermied. C has seen Grip at the Rare Book Department of theParkway Central Library in Philadelphia.
Landmine killer:
FUBARland:
The regime's Anti-DEI/Anti-Biden challenges reach new absurd/petty/stupid heights:
Following a NYT article about his failing health, the Roach raged about it and suggested it’s ‘treasonous’ to report he’s in bad physical shape. Considering the amount of air travel he does, perhaps he should take up his Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy's suggestion that there should be exercise stations at airports.
We watched some All in the Family after Reiner's murder. That era came rushing back: the racism, the hatred of hippies and the controlling and disrespectful nature of men towards women (including their "beloved" wives). And one could not help but think that here on the screen was a precursor to MAGA and their white male working class grievances. Gawd.
