Not Much

Opossum

I don’t have much of a report for the Acreage Update because I was not home for a part of last month, and nothing much happened anyway according to my wife. She spotted another opossum on our acreage, which is good if it sticks around because they eat mice. Another willow tree fell here, adding to the several already down, so there will be no shortage of both firewood and work come spring. A majority of the state is experiencing a “moderate drought” and most of us know better than to wish for precipitation during December through February, but it always comes anyway. We are keeping our eyes on the forecast and staying prepared.

Image of the Month

Dylan Rolling Tire By Jim Marshall

Nigel Russell (Director of Photographs at Heritage Auctions) on the significance of Jim Marshall’s 1963 photograph of Bob Dylan:

“Jim Marshall’s photograph of Bob Dylan kicking a tire down a New York City sidewalk in 1963 is an iconic image that captures the youthful energy and rebellious spirit of the burgeoning folk musician. Taken at a time when Dylan was emerging as a powerful voice in the American folk revival, the photograph portrays him in a moment of playful spontaneity, kicking a discarded tire with a sense of carefree abandon. The black-and-white composition adds to the timelessness of the image, emphasizing the gritty urban backdrop of New York, a city that was integral to Dylan’s early career. Marshall’s ability to capture such an unguarded and candid moment speaks to his skill as a photographer and his deep connection with his subjects. The image encapsulates the essence of Dylan’s persona at the time—unpolished, unconventional, and full of potential—making it a significant piece in the visual history of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.”

P.S. A new Dylan movie comes out December 25.

Biden pardons turkeys for final time as US President


Biden pardons turkeys for final time as US President

While I did not vote for Biden in 2020, and I was glad Trump lost, I figured he could not do too much damage during one term and he would be too old to serve a second term. I also thought (I was wrong about this one) that the Republicans would finally be done with Trump and move on to much more worthy candidates.

“Biden acknowledged this was his last time being a part of the light-hearted event, saying he will allow the turkeys to keep calm and “gobble on”.

The 40 pound (18kg) birds he pardoned will now go back to the state of Minnesota to become “agricultural ambassadors”.

And Biden is off to New York to hold a “Friendsgiving” with Coast Guard members.

There were some 2,500 people gathered at the White House to see President Joe Biden pardon two turkeys: Blossom and Peach.

Biden joked the crowd were looking for a pardon themselves.

He offered some information on both turkeys, telling the crowd that Peach weighs 42 pounds and likes to cross country ski.

Meanwhile, Blossom weighs 40 pounds, loves cheese curds and watching boxing.

Biden also tells the crowd the turkeys were named after the Delaware state flower the Peach Blossom.”

Two turkeys, one of which has been pardoned and one who will be hoping for a pardon soon enough!

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cn4v51702z8t

First Frost, Lady Bugs and Predictions

The killing frost this autumn came in Mid-October, so that is the end of our garden this year. The garden did not produce as well as other years, the green peppers did hardly anything, the tomatoes were skimpy, while the the zucchini did okay. The last bugs to arrive were Lady Bugs, which are actually Asian beetles.

Late-October was warm enough we were able to keep the windows open for several days.

Iowa Winter Forecast 2024: It has been an abnormal year in 2024 when it comes to the Iowa weather here. We started off with back-to-back blizzards in January, had the coldest Caucus ever and we recently went through the sixth driest September on record! Iowa is in the 50/50 zone of seeing above or below normal winter precipitation this winter season. However, it says northeastern Iowa can expect above normal precipitation this season. Usually, the state of Iowa sees around 20 to 35 inches of snow during the winter months, with around 4 inches of other precipitation. On top of the temperature and precipitation predictions, the NOAA and NIDIS (National Integrated Drought Information System) also released a seasonal drought outlook.

Unfortunately, the drought is expected to persist for about 75% of Iowa through the winter season. On the other hand, it showed that a majority of southern Iowa may be out of the drought by the end of the year. So, as usual, it is about 50/50 guessing and predictions. Stay safe.

Harvest, Migrations and a Lone Coyote

Flyways of North America

The fall harvest continues, with the dusty coming and going of combines, trucks and trailers and tractors along our gravel road. All of the soybeans around us are in, while the corn to the south of us remains for now.

Various birds began migrating over our area just a few weeks ago. I was reading a news article recently that said most fly south beginning shortly after dusk and continue during the evening hours. It said birds flying across Iowa include thrushes, warblers, flycatchers, sparrows, eastern wood-peewee, American redstart, magnolia warbler and more. I have only seen and heard geese flying over our area so far this fall.

One night recently I was sitting at the dinning room table when I heard some insistent, constant barking outside the open kitchen window. I walked to the backdoor and stepped out on the porch. The barking was coming from not too far off in the darkness of the freshly harvested soybean field to our east. The barking paused for a moment, followed by a long howl, then more barking. A coyote. This continued unabated for a good five minutes as I stood there listening. There were no replies to what seemed to be an urgent plea for attention from the animal. I could not see it the darkness, but I could tell it was not moving. Finally, I went back into the house to continue what I had been doing, but I could still hear the coyote barking and howling through the kitchen window for another half an hour. The next day it was gone, with no sign it had ever been there.