New Art

I watched a show on PBS, Nature. This episode was about the wolverine. These large weasels are one of the least known mammals in the northern hemisphere. They have the reputation of being solitary and ferocious, but actually are loving and tolerant of their mates and kits. One male will breed with several females, and then help raise all the kits of each family. They will even make the rounds to each group, gather up the growing kits and take the whole bunch on an adventure, teaching them how to be wolverines. Gives me new faith in the power of fatherhood!

This little painting is currently being listed on eBay.

The Rut is on in Gwinnett County

I went out in the backyard along the woods and overnight a buck had made three scrapes. He is going to have a hard time finding a girlfriend. The only one I know of in this area is a huge old doe. She comes and eats out of the bird feeder. There was a younger doe and her yearling daughter but both were killed in the same accident, struck by a car.

I have seen several dead does on the side of the road. Part of deer courtship is for the doe to run away from the bucks, testing them to see how long and how fast they can follow. Eventually they will stop and stand for the most worthy buck. Unfortunately in this patchwork of woods, fields and suburbs they run out into the road and that is the end of them. And the end of many cars and some people too.

I am glad we don't have moose!

Christmas in a Bad Economy

This year I hope to slow down, sit back and enjoy Christmas more. We don't have much money to spend on gifts so that should simplify things. I am trying to think carefully about what I am buying. Would this person really enjoy this gift? Would it be a passing fad that they would discard. I want to give people gifts that they get some miles out of.

If I can organize my time I hope to make some gifts. I have home made soap that I just have to remelt, add essential oils and pour into pretty soap molds. I have some paintings that I could give as gifts. I have some of my artwork printed onto tote bags.

Thinking ahead to next year, too and the garden and the bees. I would love to increase to 25 hives. That would produce a good bit of honey. And we have such good soil, I need to spend the winter adding compost to it and planning what to grow for market next year. No more fancy stuff like Korean melons, just tried and true sellers like good old watermelons!