The weather has turned colder and snow has started to fall. a light dusting but something to watch out for. The paved road #222 has worn down into grooves, not quite ruts, where any melt water collects to produce a thin layer of black ice that runs along the grooves. Nastily slick when covered by a snow dusting, especially on the curves. Saw one car that had slid off the road into the ditch and rolled. The city had reported a 20 car pileup on one of its bridges. Seems every year we have to re-learn how to drive in bad weather.
I had to take the car into Winnipeg for a lube job and oil change. Trips into the city now have to be connected to some must-do reason. Discovered a new aspect of country living that I had not noticed before: some rodent had decided recently to take up residence in the car near the cabin air filter. The thought that we were breathing in rodent bits as we drove was a bit revolting, especially with concerns about hanta virus. Seems like a frequent visual inspection is in order. On the way home, in the dark, we missed hitting a deer, on the highway, by a hair’s breadth. It passed between me and an oncoming car. I had averted my eyes to avoid the glare of the oncoming car. The deer came from that car’s side. My sudden braking action showed the value of seatbelts. A double dose of critter contact that day.
Deer caress fender,
Rodents set up home snack bar.
Battered, munchy car.
While checking around the neighbourhood I noticed a bald eagle nest on top of a hydro pole. Empty of course but it did get me thinking as to how the parents and fledglings avoided the wires. Big birds but obviously graceful in close quarters. I’ll have to keep an eye on it next year to see if the nest is re-used. Judging from the size of it I assume it will be re-furbished. I thought the little dogs in the area would have to watch out for coyotes but eagles are a new item.
All the basic chores to prepare for winter have been done except for winterizing the lawn mower, an easy chore.