ME II: 3 days left

· Maine Event

My oh my the time is going by quickly. Today was a day of packing and packing and rearranging and cleaning and such. It was another wonderfully crisp, gloriously blue day that was both cold in the shadows and warm in the sun. The low was 34° and the high was 61° We went on several walks around the neighborhood appreciating the beautiful houses and trees, looking for birds and chatting. Dinner was soup that we had in the freezer and the last of the vegetables. I always have trouble getting down to nothing but I think we will be close this time. I'm super excited about California farmers' markets and my local fish store and well everything. I'm so looking forward to seeing you all in person!

In terms of local things of interest I read this article about how the volatile oil markets have a pronounced effect on Maine which 6 out of 10 homes still use heating oil. There are significant rebates and other incentives to get people to change their heating systems to heat pumps. The 2019 Climate Action Plan by the state of Maine set the goal of to have 100,000 new heat pumps installed by 2025. In 2021 they had 28,000 installed, I didn't find data for 2022. Let's hope Governer Mills stays in power.

Today I'm bringing you the 5th episode of Maine by the Mile. Also, I have never seen a moose. I imagine them to be the size of an elk only with a different head.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/xVjtaGtSgEk

On a different note, there are a lot of pigeons everywhere so we've been talking about why don't people eat them. Well, it turns out that they do in Britain and Ireland. Squab is a young pigeon that has yet to fly and has a more delicate flavor and is more tender. It sure is funny what we eat and don't eat as a species.

Flowers at the Clark St. Park
Clark Street Community Garden
Harbor View Park - another day with a glossy smooth Casco Bay
Nice vines in contrast against the brick
Smooth Fore River
Cats of Maine: What is amazing about this picture is that the man is using very loud power tools. It's clear the cat is comfortable on that shoulder.
Black Cherry tree (not one we eat but I think might be used medicinally) that birds like to hang out in
Cats of Maine: Pedestal cat out for a walk
Faint crescent moon
Milkweed fluff
Cats of Maine: This is a super friendly cat who mentioned that they can't move because it is much to cold.

Have a glorious evening!

Sending love, Tawnia

And the birds:

  1. Black-capped Chickadee
  2. Herring Gull
  3. White-breasted Nuthatch
  4. Blue Jay
  5. House Sparrow
  6. Rock Pigeon
  7. European Starling
  8. House Finch
  9. American Crow
  10. Eastern Phoebe
  11. Northern Cardinal
  12. Dark-eyed Junco
  13. Downy Woodpecker
  14. White-throated Sparrow