From My Window

Issue Date: September 30, 2020

The Most Beautiful Time of the Year

By Jane Thibodeau Martin,

One of my markers for the shift in seasons is the rise and fall of the numbers of blooming wildflower species I can see on my dog walks. In spring, it may be two or three per walk. Mid-summer brings the highs of as many as 18 - and I'm currently down to eight, a sure sign of true fall.

A few days ago Mike and I watched, amused, as a confused hummingbird hovered outside the window above the kitchen sink. The object of interest was apparently a bright orange plastic pumpkin I had just placed there. Alas, no food available from this fake pumpkin, and the beautiful tiny visitor eventually left. I am hoping it was a migrant traveling south from further north, and not a local still lingering as the cold weather sets in. Safe travels little one, hope to see you in spring. Imagine the luck and fortitude it takes these little birds to travel the distances they do - no suitcase of possessions or packed food supplies, only their wings and the smarts in their tiny brains to guide them.

Last fall we were delighted to host two young otters in "Hank Lake" for most of the fall. They finally departed for better wintering grounds in November. This fall our new resident(s) are at least one muskrat. A "hogan" has been constructed of vegetation out in the pond, and I can see their swimming trails through the water vegetation, and as a pronounced "bow wake" as they power by me underwater. They are omnivorous, but preferred food includes cattails and pond lily. We have a good supply of both, so I expect they will stay. They are welcome here.

The lake is a safe stopover for migratory birds, and we've hosted large flocks of geese, along with many ducks the last few days. They watch me, but do not take flight. There is always one goose who rises up, flapping its wings and honking loudly when I am spotted. That's the sentinel who then ostentatiously refolds its wings several times before settling back down.

One recent evening while I was down harassing the fish with a pole, I suddenly heard a commotion in the bank brush next to me. I held as still as possible, and slightly turned my head to see what was coming. The rustling and bending grass waved its way toward the water and at the meeting of the water and the vegetation, a fist-sized head emerged and turned to look at me. The big snapper knew I was there all along, I hadn't fooled it. After sizing me up, it slipped into the water and submerged with grace and silence, totally unlike its tank-like slow, loud passage through the brush.

Squirrels and chipmunks are busy stashing food for the winter. They are a constant presence under the bird feeder mounted on the patio railing, and a source of rage for the dogs. The dogs resent any unauthorized intrusion near the house and Wolfgang will lie inside the fence for hours monitoring the CEZ (Chipmunk Exclusion Zone) for violators. It is this protective responsibility the dogs have taken upon themselves which led to an unfortunate recent occurrence where they demanded to go out in the fence before dawn, an unseen commotion ensued and the stench in the night air revealed who this particular trespasser was. I was at the animal shelter on early morning dog potty walks, fortunately, and missed the immediate unhappy dog bath. I when I got home unaware of the drama I'd missed, I came in the house commenting how much it smelled like skunk outside, until I took a deep breath and realized -pretty bad in the house, too. As always I marvel " with hundreds of acres of land available, why do skunks seem to gravitate to the tiny patches of space the dogs have access to?

Now at 5 a.m. when Wolfgang pokes his nose into my face when I am trying to sleep, it smells like a skunk is getting me up. This is not the dog's first encounter with a skunk by any means and some might say "they are too stupid to learn." I think they remember, but are just duty-bound to guard their home. They are like canine U.S. Marines.

The vast majority of the insects are gone. The horse is enjoying her fly-free days, but I miss the dragonflies and darners who made visits to the lake so enjoyable. The aptly named "Autumn Meadowhawks" are still with us, and are easy to identify, being "all field mark" as birders say. A bright orange body, such an appropriate color for this time of year, makes them easy for even a beginner dragonfly fan to identify. Their bright orange precedes the garb of the deer hunters who are already feeling anticipation.

My massive zinnia patch has been hit by frost. I am sad, as it attracted almost no butterflies this year, unlike last year. Something is happening to the butterflies and I pray they return in numbers next year. In the meantime, the frost-damaged flower patch still swarms with all sorts of bees and wasps, doing final collection stops before their food sources are done for this year.

Now I stop counting wildflowers and lift my eyes to the beautiful trees. More varied, and in my mind, more beautiful and fleeting than the wildflowers. Get outdoors, enjoy the fall. Even if you love winter, this season is too amazing to miss.

You can reach me for commentary, alternative viewpoints or ideas at this e-mail address: JanieTMartin@gmail.com.

Recent stories, opinions and photos

Issue Date	Department	Headline
02-24-2021	Front Page	Woman's Club To Donate "Story Time" Sculpture
02-24-2021	Front Page	County Board Applauds Selection Of Glenn Sartorelli To Head DHHS
02-24-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo Council To Meet March 2
02-24-2021	Front Page	Water Treatment Program Discussed At Town Meeting
02-24-2021	Front Page	Pound Village Board To Air Well Issues Feb. 26
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman Board May Restore 5-Day In-Person Classes For Upper Grades
02-24-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee To Hold Zoning Change Hearing March 10
02-24-2021	Community - Crivitz	By 4 to 3 Vote Crivitz Board Keeps Masks For This Year
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Country Line Dancing Resumes at Equity
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Lena School Staff Spaghetti Supper
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-24-2021	Community - Crivitz	January Students of the Month at Crivitz Elem., Middle Schools
02-24-2021	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Church Has Food and Fellowship to Go
02-24-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Lions Flower Sale, Bowling Tournament
02-24-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Silver Cliff Celebrates Centennial Aug. 12-14
02-24-2021	Sports	Coleman Tops Crivitz for Third Time to Take Regional Title
02-24-2021	Sports	Suring Falls to Athens in Sectional Semifinal
02-24-2021	Sports	State Runner-up Cougars Fall in Final 33-32
02-24-2021	Sports	Ice Shanty Removal Dates Approaching
02-24-2021	Sports	Peshtigo Girls Softball In Need of Players
02-24-2021	Perspectives	From our readers
02-24-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-24-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Marie R. Apple
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Tony F. Camp
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Jason S. Chaltry
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Dr. Richard R. Chaltry
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Judie Gowaski
02-24-2021	Obituaries	William H. Howell
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Pauline R. Ireland
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Kenneth J. Kalafut
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Mitchell A. Keyport
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Carol J. Kobus
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Robert E. Kons
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Darlene M. Kostuch
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Mark R. Krzewina
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Ann L. Lemke
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Grace L. Meyers
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Sandra J. Michaud
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Evelyn Nelson
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Norma Parker
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Alfred G. Polzin
02-24-2021	Obituaries	William Sweeting
02-17-2021	Front Page	Marinette Marine Breaks Ground For Largest Building Ever On Site
02-17-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo School Board Hears PSI, Administration Reports
02-17-2021	Front Page	Tyco/JCI Provides New Updates on PFAS Issue
02-17-2021	Front Page	Marinette School Classes Going In-Person March 1
02-17-2021	Front Page	Report To Chamber On The Fire Sesquicentennial, Kayak Dock
02-17-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-17-2021	Community - Coleman	Suring School Distant Learner Numbers Drop From 58 To 31
02-17-2021	Community - Coleman	County Line Dancing Resumes at Equity
02-17-2021	Community - Crivitz	School Board To Consider Facilities, Masks, Prom
02-17-2021	Community - Crivitz	Middle Inlet Board OKs Purchase Of Fire Truck
02-17-2021	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz American Legion Gun Show March 13th
02-17-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Town of Wausaukee Sets Road Weight Limit Rules, Exceptions
02-17-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Parking On Boat Launch Road Remains Problem For Wagner
02-17-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Silver Cliff To Celebrate Centennial Aug. 12-14
02-17-2021	Sports	Area Teams Advance to Regional Second Round
02-17-2021	Sports	Regional Heart Breakers Leave Suring as Sole Survivor
02-17-2021	Sports	Boys & Girls Hockey Teams to Play for State Titles
02-17-2021	Sports	Whiting Wins Third Title; Casper Claims Silver
02-17-2021	Sports	Task Force Conducts Modified Marinette Realignment Review
02-17-2021	Sports	Marinette Youth Baseball Online Registration Starts March 1st
02-17-2021	Sports	PHS Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing July 16th
02-17-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-17-2021	Perspectives	From Our Readers...
02-17-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Delores M. Cline
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Robert J. Collard
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Ruth A. Davey
02-17-2021	Obituaries	James R. Derusha
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Gerald Elsner
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Melva Hetcher
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Susan K Meicht
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Darlene L. Szymusiak
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Darlean J. Webb
02-10-2021	Front Page
02-10-2021
02-10-2021	Front Page	DNR Listening Session Provides PFAS Updates
02-10-2021	Front Page	Tyco Announces Updates Of Recent Water Testing
02-10-2021	Front Page	City of Peshtigo Partners With Historical Committee
02-10-2021	Front Page	Mayor Genisot Gives State of City Address
02-10-2021	Community - Coleman	Ash Wednesday Service at Pound
02-10-2021	Community - Coleman	Annual Equity Craft, Vendor Fair June 19
02-10-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-10-2021	Community - Crivitz	Community Ed Offers Farmhouse Spring Wreath
02-10-2021	Community - Crivitz	High Falls Fish-O-Rama, Radar Run, Winterfest
02-10-2021	Community - Crivitz	CBA Persons of Year Nominations Accepted
02-10-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Blood Drive is Feb. 15th
02-10-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Friends of Wausaukee Library Annual Fruit Sale
02-10-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Religious Ed Students Bowl for St. Jude Hospital
02-10-2021	Sports	Coleman Beats Crivitz, Stays Undefeated in M&O
02-10-2021	Sports	WIAA Tournament Play Begins; Gillett Advances Over Crivitz
02-10-2021	Sports	Coleman Wins Sectional; Advances to Team State
02-10-2021	Sports	Individuals Compete for State Wrestling Titles This Weekend
02-10-2021	Sports	DNR Publishes Sturgeon Spearing Season Forecast
02-10-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-10-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Marjorie A. Barley
02-10-2021	Obituaries	William J. Bohan
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Mary M. Coddington
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Sue Flanner
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Mary Ann Gardon
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Donald E. Hayes Jr.
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Sandy R. Hendrickson
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Charlotte A. Hoffman
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Sue M. Jones
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Karen A. Konop
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Joseph Krzewina Jr.
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Betty J. Lesperance
02-10-2021	Obituaries	James A. McVane
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Agnes R. Miller
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Shirley A. Miller
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Russell E. Nasgovitz
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Krista E. O'Connor
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Evelyn L. Olson
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Clara Paske
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Brian J. Schintgen
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Paul H. Sederquist
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Joseph J. Slavick
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Cynthia S. Stubenvoll
02-03-2021	Front Page	Town of Peshtigo Firefighters Respond to Trailer Home Fire
02-03-2021	Front Page	Face To Face K-12 On Peshtigo School Agenda
02-03-2021	Front Page	City Hires Environmental Law Firm For Water, Sewer Issues
02-03-2021	Front Page	Council OKs Tourist Booth Lease, Firefighter, Gets Building Report
02-03-2021	Front Page	Tempers Flare At Special Peshtigo Town Meeting
02-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman Okays Contract With The Village of Pound
02-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Blood Drive is Feb. 15th
02-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee MS/HS List 2nd Quarter Honor Roll
02-03-2021	Community - Crivitz	Northwoods Apostolic To Give Away Coats
02-03-2021	Community - Crivitz	Cupid's Shopping Day in Crivitz Feb. 13
02-03-2021	Community - Crivitz	Place Second As Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmers
02-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman Water/Sewer Utility To Meet Feb. 8
02-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Lena Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest Winners
02-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Tayla Vannelli on Shorter Dean's List
02-03-2021	Sports	Beyer Leads Lena Past STAA in Double OT
02-03-2021	Sports	Crivitz Holds Onto Lead Over Wausaukee in Close Contest
02-03-2021	Sports	Cougars and Panthers Claim Regional Titles
02-03-2021	Sports	PHS Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing July 16th
02-03-2021	Sports	Petitgoue and"�Rose Selected National Coaches of the Year
02-03-2021	Perspectives	From Our Readers
02-03-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-03-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-03-2021	Obituaries	Alicia S. Bruno
02-03-2021	Obituaries	Alicia S. Bruno
02-03-2021	Obituaries	James J. Carriveau
02-03-2021	Obituaries	Mary M. Coddington
02-03-2021	Obituaries	Merwin A. Dellisse
02-03-2021	Obituaries	Edward C. DeWilde II