It’s hard to tell as you read this, what the weather is outside today. Since this is winter and in southern Michigan, it could be anywhere between 0 and 60 degrees, with sunny skies or in the middle of a snow squall. Whatever it is, it could always be worse. Remember, it is one day closer to spring today than it was yesterday. Got to have something to look forward to.
For those of you that weren’t able to attend the BLA dinner/dance in December, you missed great food, fellowship, and live music. Many thanks to Karen Balch and Mike Crofoot for organizing and planning the evening. Of course, it is tradition that we have significant snow fall the day or evening of the dinner/dance. December 6, 2008 didn’t disappoint us, as usual.
One of the benefits (possibly the only) of having bare trees is that spotting a bald eagle is much easier. I haven’t been lucky enough to see one but have been told by numerous neighbors of the sightings. One neighbor took some good pictures and boy is that a big bird! One bald eagle in a tree beats ten sea gulls on a boat lift cover anytime. Also, a lot less of a mess.
Even though it isn’t the season yet, please consider donating to our mosquito fund this year if you haven’t before. I’m sure you enjoy the same benefits as the less than 25% of the lake community who contribute $ 25.00 a year. I heard about a continuing education course for the mosquito so they can identify who has paid or not, thus who gets bit or not. Of course, it is a night class and they are swarming to get in.
Rather than telling you how great my grandkids are to make this letter long enough to fill the page, I’ll just quit now and start thinking of topics for the next newsletter.
Have a cup of hot chocolate for me.
Greg Buss - BLA President
Following Autumn
Season Greetings Members.
This year seemed to go by faster on the lake. I heard this is true as we get older.
We did have more time to enjoy being “out there”, and we were. We always let the weather dictate when we remove our pontoon, not the calendar. There wasn’t as much fall color this year, but we did enjoy 70 degree days the first of November. As you all know, we also have had snow on the ground since the middle of November. It’s the 12th of December, as of this writing, and we have 3/4 of an inch of ice.
Every year we see nature take its turn towards winter. Some of these changes are not always welcomed around our houses. I try to observe the beavers on our lake as much as possible. Even though they have become nocturnal, I did see one yesterday, on top of its lodge, at the north end of the lake. This guy was huge, compared to the many I’ve seen in Canada. I know from speaking with the neighbors on the North end that they are not happy with the loss of small trees in their yards. They have taken to wrapping wire mesh around the trees they don’t want bothered. I’ve been doing the same around my White Paper Birch tree, their favorite food.
I’ve mentioned the large private acreage behind us in the woods before and the wild life associated with it. This year since spring we have had a small herd of deer visiting between the cottages. They have occasionally moved in on Janice’s flower beds, but since winter they are in the front yard, every other night, digging up grass and feeding on shrubs.
During the winter we have always fed the birds. I put out suet blocks mostly to attract the woodpeckers away from boring holes in my cedar sided house and garage. I know other neighbors that also have this type of woodpecker problem. With the birds concentrating in the feeding areas I also get to observe some predatory ones that go after them.
Last week I got a good visual of a large hawk in top of my neighbor’s tree, for about ten minutes. I believe it was either a Coopers hawk or Peregrine Falcon. The bird book shows these two raptors in this area, with like color markings and size.
I have also spoken with some neighbors on the Hilltop side of the lake that have seen a Bald Eagle several times. One individual even observed the eagle taking a duck out of the water.
I haven’t seen this great bird yet, but if it’s after migratory birds, it can start on the Canadian Geese population anytime.
In keeping with the season I was really glad to see everyone attend the BLA Christmas Party this year. Everyone I talked to enjoyed the food and live band that was at the club. It was such a joy to see everyone having a good time and hope we can continue this tradition.
Mike Crofoot
Judy's Jottings
Submitted by Judy Kankel
UNLUCKY 13?
Take a close look at the BACK of a one dollar bill. You will see 2 circles which compromise the Great Seal of the United States. It took Benjamin Franklin and the Continental Congress 4 yrs. to come up with this and 2 years to get it approved. In the left hand circle is a pyramid. The face is lighted and the western side is dark. We had not explored the West yet. The pyramid is uncapped, signifying we were not near finished. The eye in the capstone is the ancient sign for divinity. Franklin believed no man could do it alone but with the help of God, could do anything. The Latin word above the pyramid ANNUIT COEPTIS means God has favored our undertaking. The words below the pyramid NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM means a new order has begun. At the base of the pyramid is the roman numeral for 1776. Look at the right hand circle. It is on every National Cemetery and is always present when the President speaks. The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol of victory because he is strong enough to soar above storms and he wears no material crown. The shield is unsupported. We can stand on our own. The white bar at the top of the shield represents Congress, a unifying factor. In the beak E PLURIBUS UNIM, meaning one nation from many people. Above the eagle are 13 stars representing the 13 original colonies. The eagle holds in its talons an olive branch and arrows. The country wants peace but will not be afraid to fight for it.
Is 13 unlucky?
There were 13 original colonies, 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 letters in the Latin above, 13 letters in E PLURIBUS UNUM, 13 stars above the eagle, 13 plumes of feathers on each Eagle’s wing, 13 bars on the shield, 13 leaves on the olive branch, 13 fruits, and if you look closely, 13 arrows. And for minorities, the 13th amendment.
FROM MY KITCHEN: One of our favorite appetizers:
BACON-WRAPPED WATER CHESTNUTS
1 cup ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 lb. bacon
2 -8 oz. cans whole water chestnuts, drained
Cut bacon slices in thirds. Cut larger chestnuts in half. Wrap chestnuts in bacon and secure with toothpicks. Brown in frying pan until bacon is crisp. Remove from pan.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan combine ketchup, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce just to boiling. Place chestnuts in 9 x 13 pan and pour sauce over them. Bake in oven until bubbly, 20-30 minutes. Yummy!!!
Who May Operate a Boat?
A. Those less than 12 years of age:
1. May operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower legally without restrictions.
2. May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 horsepower but no more than 35 horsepower legally ONLY IF they are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age.
3. May not operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 35 horsepower legally under any conditions.
B. Those 12 to 15 years of age:
1. May operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower legally without restrictions.
2. May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 horsepower legally ONLY IF they:
a. Have passed a boating safety course approved by the DNR and have on board their boating safety certificate, OR
b. Are accompanied on board by a person at least 16 years of age.
C. Those 16 years of age or older:
1. May operate any boat on the waters of Michigan. Note: This DOES NOT include Personal Water Craft (PWC).
Suspicious Activities to Watch For
1. A person or vehicle that stays in the same location for an unusual length of time
2. A vehicle that appears to be cruising the area for no apparent reason
3. A car driving without lights, at night
4. A person looking into parked cars and moving from car to car
5. Persons carrying items into or out of a residence, that does not appear to be a normal activity
6. A person who is selling items from a vehicle
7. Activity at a residence such as frequent visits from persons/vehicles that only stay a short time
Many times activities that appear to be suspicious, will not be of a criminal nature. But gathering information on these activities will do no harm. Better to have the information and find out there was no crime, than to not have information and find out that a crime has taken place.
Burglary Prevention Check List for Homes
Survey your home with this check list. Every “NO” check mark shows a weak point that may help a burglar. As you eliminate the “NO” checks, you improve your protection.
DOORS
1. Are the locks on your most used outside doors of the cylinder type?
2. Are they of either the “deadbolt” or “jimmy-proof” type?
3. Can any or your door locks be opened by breaking out a panel of glass or light wood?
4. Do you use chain locks or other auxiliary locks on your most used doors?
5. Do the doors without cylinder locks have a heavy bolt or similar secure device that can be operated only from the inside?
6. Can all of your doors (basement, porch, French, patio, balcony) be securely locked?
7. Do your basement doors have locks that allow you to isolate that part of your house?
8. Do you know everyone that has a key (or code) to your doors? (consider changing locks/codes)
WINDOWS
1. Are your window locks properly and securely mounted?
2. Do you keep your windows locked when they are shut?
3. Do you use locks that allow you to lock a window that is partly open?
4. Have you made it more difficult for a burglar by locking up your ladder?
GARAGE
1. Do you lock your garage at night and when you are away from home?
2. Do you lock your car and take the keys out even when it is parked in the garage?
MISCELLANEOUS DEVICES
1. Are your burglar alarms approved by Underwriters Laboratories?
2. If you have a gun, do you know the laws regarding its use?
3. If you have a gun, is it kept where it can be found only by persons who can legally and safely use it?
WHEN YOU GO ON A TRIP
1. Do you stop all deliveries or arrange for neighbors to pick up paper, mail, packages?
2. Do you notify a neighbor?
3. Do you leave some drapes open, and use timers on lights so that the house doesn’t look deserted?
4. Do you arrange to keep your lawn mown, or driveway plowed?
SAFE PRACTICES
1. Do you plan so that you don't have to “hide” a key under a mat?
2. Do you keep a list and description of all valuable property?
3. Do you keep a list of all serial numbers of your valuables? (tvs, stereo, computer, cameras, etc.)
4. Have you told your family what to do if they discover a burglar breaking in or already in your house?
5. Have you told your family to leave the house undisturbed and call police if they discover a burglary has taken place?
6. Do you know, or have posted by the phone, the phone number of the law enforcement agency that takes care of your home?
President’s Corner
Judy's Jottings