ANIMALS WE HAVE KNOWN (continued)

CHEE CHEE

Chee Chee came into our lives on a hot summer day as she foraged for food on our gravel driveway and ended up in Ron's hand. The baby red squirrel had lost her way and her mom. Fortunately, we keep a can of puppy milk formula  for just such occasions. Using an eye dropper, Ron gently fed her till sated, she fell  asleep in the palm of his hand. Covering her with the palm of his other hand to keep her warm, the two of them would sleep contentedly. We housed her in a sizeable transport cage for the first couple of weeks and then we moved everything into our large flight cage. As she matured and became 'squirrely', Ron would hold her while I fed her until she was able to feed herself with sunflower seeds. To take her out of the cage, Ron would simply put his hand in and Chee Chee would race madly up his arm making several quick, haphazard runs around his head, shoulders, arms. chattering gleefully. When we were all tired out, we'd return her to her cage. She shared our lives for approximately two and a half months until she was ready to be released. Our squirrel population had been decimated that summer, probably by a fox or a weasel. We took her to a place where she would meet other red squirrels and also have plenty of seeds for the winter. She leapt joyfully into the trees and we never saw her again. We left a huge supply of sunflower seeds under the tree and spent a tearful journey home. She was a lively, happy presence in our lives and we miss her still.   PRICELESS!!!

PUMPKIN

For four years we observed this beautiful, long-haired orange cat moving around our property. My first sighting of him was around 5 am one summer morning. I was awakened by the huffing and stamping of one of our does who was grazing with her fawns. Pumpkin was nonchalantly walking by and mamma deer was protecting her babies.  We developed an incredible respect for him as he survived four harsh winters living outdoors. Folks who tire of the responsibility of a pet, often drive to the country and drop them off in the middle of nowhere. Pumpkin was obviously one of these. For 4 years we thought he was feral. Whenever we appeared he would quickly disappear, darting into the closest bush. He was and still is an exceptional hunter and he would catch his dinners close to the house but he was terrified of us.

We noticed that he was looking rather rough during that fourth winter so I started putting food out for him, calling to him as I carried it out. It was always eaten but we never saw him. After several months I'd hear him responding to my dinner call  from quite a distance....but we never saw him. A few months later he poked his head out between our parked cars until he saw me looking at him and he was gone but at some point he ate the food. Eventually he  allowed us to watch him eat from a safe distance as long as we didn't move at all.

Then one fall day he had settled on our bottom deck and watched Ron working on the gazebo all day. When I returned later with groceries, he ran up to me meowing loudly as I got out of the car. I realized that he must be exceptionally hungry and quickly brought his bowl of food out. He was eating out of it before I set the bowl down. I was certain that the movement of removing my hand from the bowl would provoke a scratching and biting attack. When he kept on eating without a reaction, I began petting him. The biggest purr I've ever heard from a cat came out of him. He left his eating and was all over me to be petted, rubbing his body against me, a beautiful animal who was starved for affection. With tears in his eyes, Ron joined us and was treated  to the same love.

Needless to say, Pumpkin moved in with our three other cats and eventually won them over as well. Since then he has slept with us every night putting us to sleep with his resonant purr. He is truly an amazing animal, Ron's constant companion outside, in good weather, of course. He is intelligent, affectionate and surprisingly, non-aggressive. How could someone part with such a beautiful animal, dooming their pet to what is usually a short, terrifying life in an unfamiliar environment? With all the predators, most cats who are 'dropped off' do not survive more than a day or two. We are so grateful to have Pumpkin in our lives but he did not deserve the life he was forced to live for four years.

This experience with Pumpkin has been PRICELESS!!!

BABY BEAR

One hot summer evening after working on grant proposals and insurance evaluations for several hours, we decided to take a drive to clear our heads. We had driven just a short distance when we discovered a young cub walking dazedly down the highway. We quickly developed a strategy to assist the little guy who was in obvious distress. I drove the car slowly along the shoulder as Ron walked along side the cub, speaking gently to her and occasionally stroking her head. The strategy was to give Ron a safe, quick retreat in the event that momma bear was close by. We did this for an hour or so.  Passersby stopped to take pictures but eventually three young people who genuinely wanted to help, assisted us. Ron picked up and wrapped a blanket around a howling baby. Momma didn't appear, but just in case the young people stayed with Ron and baby while I drove the short distance home to get a baby bottle and some puppy formula. Baby was still howling when I got back but as soon as I placed the bottle in her mouth she looked up at Ron, tucked her head under his chin and proceeded to suck away.

We managed to get her home and made her comfortable in the flight cage in the garage. She was obviously starved and dangerously dehydrated. The veternarians we called would not see her but recommended that we take her to a woman in Nakina who was a registered wildlife rehabilitator. Baby needed to be rehydrated intravenously as soon as possible. Nakina, a five hour drive would have to wait until tomorrow.

That night Ron drove the van up beside Baby Bear's cage and slept there monitoring and reassuring her when she woke. Ron wore the same clothes all night that he'd been wearing when he first picked Baby up  so she would recognize her urine smell on him....as everyone else did. Those same clothes travelled all the way to Nakina and back.

We stopped a couple of times to feed Baby but she was taking very little milk or water now. Once in Nakina she settled into a large cage with her blanket and seemed quite comfortable until we were leaving. She began bawling frantically. It was hard to leave her but there was nothing more we could do for her. Unfortunately, Baby Bear only lived for an hour after we left her.

When we first moved here, our intention was to establish a wildlife rehabilitation centre on our property. We had visited Audrey Tournay and her centre outside of Parry Sound and spent an afternoon with Ron Laurence and his wife at their home near Algonquin Park. We picked their brains  regarding structures, habitats and observed and questioned these dedicated animal rehabilitators. We have the perfect setting for this work. However, the area where we planned to set up our centre was illegally stripped of  20 acres of trees within a month of  our purchasing the property. Fifteen years later, there is substantial new tree growth in this area. We pass this possibility on to the new owners of the property.

We never sought accreditation but assisted whenever it was necessary for the survival of an animal. In fact our relationship with the animals who have visited filled our lives with delight, vitality and gratitude. They have taught us so much.   PRICELESS!!!

BIRDS

We have several bird feeders on our deck where we watch the various species come and go with the seasons. In winter we have pine  grosbeaks, blue jays, woodpeckers (downy and hairy), chickadees, crows, ravens, redpolls, grey jays (whiskey jacks). In spring and summer we have evening and rose breasted grosbeaks, red winged blackbirds and their cowbird chicks, indigo buntings, least flycatchers, pine siskins, gold and purple finches, yellow-rumped warblers, flickers, Lincoln and house sparrows and robins. The hummingbirds arrive on or around May 8th and their feeder is always ready for them.

We've had unusual birds arrive occasionally. One morning in 2001 we discovered a blue heron walking cautiously on a large blue tarp that we'd laid down to discourage weeds in what was to be our garden. It spent 2 or 3 hours investigating the yard around the house, picking up bugs, before flying off to more appropriate feeding grounds. A sandhill crane spent a full day feeding on bugs and worms on October 5, 2007. On November 6 & 7, 2008, a Cattle Egret was a long way from home foraging for dew worms.

Year after year we have had the privilege of observing males doing their vigorous mating dances to woo a partner, of parents feeding and teaching their young to fly, and insistent regulars tapping on the window when the feeders are empty.

Visitors to our home often get no further than our dining table as they heave that huge sigh of relief, seat themselves comfortably and observe the comings and goings of the various birds, squirrels and chipmunks on our deck. Our daughter-in-law calls it 'dinner theatre'.   PRICELESS!!!  

This Home Can be viewed by calling to arrange a private showing. Check the online listing at www.thunderbayhouses.com. http://www.thunderbayhouses.com/houses/1150highway590/index.asp

MORE OF OUR "EXTENDED" FAMILY

ANIMALS WE HAVE KNOWN

DAISIE BEAR
As a first year abandoned cub, Daisy was very shy racing to the top of the closest tree, as she had been taught, whenever a vehicle or person came into view. Knowing that in order to survive the winter cubs must weigh at least 40 lbs, we made a decision to feed her. We chose a spot at the top of a ravine at the edge of our garden, between 30 and 35 m from the house. We would fill a bucket with kitchen and veggie scraps and were able to observe her from the house in safety. She would emerge cautiously from the ravine and gently turn over the bucket and stretch out savouring every mouthful. Bucket empty, she would head down into the ravine and disappear again. We didn't fill the bucket every day and if she happened to arrive to an empty bucket, she would walk across the front of the house along the edge of the forest about 25 m away. If there was no response from the house she would cautiously approach until we stepped out onto the deck and said," No Daisy. Not a good idea." At that point she would groan, slowly turn around and go back to her route, eventually disappearing into the bush. Ron would then take food to the bucket with the tractor  and return to the house. Within a few minutes Daisie would be enjoying her meal.

We were always fascinated by her apparent sweet non-aggressive behavior and the dainty way she handled her food. Occasionally I'd be working in the garden, 6m away from her bucket and turn to find her quietly eating, comfortable with my proximity. For four seasons she would arrive in May and we'd see little of her from mid July until the following spring. We didn't see her the fifth year but last year we exchanged greetings as she passed through. Twice this summer Ron thought that the bears who came to the house were Daisy. One, with two tiny cubs displayed the same sweetness and non-aggressive characteristics of our Daisie. Another was alone and did the slow walk in front of the house, responding to our "Daisie" call as did Momma Bear. We enjoy sharing the property with our animal friends and although we have had the occasional persistent type, we've not had any frightening experiences. Their presence assures us that "all is well with the world".   PRICELESS!!


LYNX

On one of our first winter walks on the trails I noticed large paw prints on top of the fresh, deep snow. That was my first introduction to the lynx and its ability to 'float' on top of deep snow. Since then we have had several sightings and visits from these fellows. Sitting they look like any cuddly marmalade cat. When they stand the length, size and strength in those legs erases any thought of domesticity.
When we first arrived they were fairly prolific but then we didn't see one for a few years. Now they're back, thanks to the rise in the rabbit population. Last year we had one persistent chap sitting outside the entrance to our groundhog den for days. He was totally unconcerned about us as we went about our daily business chatting with him as we passed by. They do not appear to be a threat to humans from the several accounts to which we've been privy.

WOLVES

On a beautiful, cold, late November morning in 2014, we were blessed with a visit from a wolf family. I noticed what appeared to be a strange stump in the garden. Closer inspection revealed an alpha male sitting proudly with his face to the morning sun. Within a few moments the alpha female joined him. Shortly there were seven of them enjoying the sun and each other. Ron stepped out on the deck, photographing the family and chatting with them. They observed us in an unconcerned way and continued their family time for at least half an hour. We felt very much a part of the family. We know that they share the property with us, having seen the occasional individuals and pairs over the years. Being very curious, they would have been observing us and knew our scents, accepting us as space sharing partners........a symbiotic relationship.    PRICELESS!!

MOOSE MARION

When we first moved into our new home in 2000, moose were frequent visitors. Moose Marion was a regular who would come into estrus every two years in December, much later than her contemporaries. Every two years, towards the end of hunting season. she would head down to the highway to wait for Mr. Right and to tease the hunters. Hunters would park at the end of our driveway waiting to get a good shot, an illegal one. We and our neighbour would take turns shooing the hunters away and letting them know that we were watching them. Moose Marion had a good long run here producing a calf every two years and twins once. she was a good mom.

For several years there has not been a moose in this area until this year. We are happy to see their return but sorry that it will mean a decline in the number of deer who graze on our lawn with their beautiful spotted fawns. Mother Nature works to keep balance in the natural world.   PRICELESS!! 

CHEE CHEE

Chee Chee came into our lives on a hot summer day as she foraged on the gravel driveway for food and ended up in Ron's hand. She was a baby red squirrel who had lost her mom and her way. Fortunately, we keep cans of puppy milk formula for just such occasions. Using an eye dropper, Ron fed her till sated, she fell asleep in the palm of his hand.  He covered her gently with his other hand and the two of them slept for a while. We started her off in a sizeable transport cage and later moved her and the smaller cage into a large flight cage that we equipped with a small tree. As she grew, it took both of us to feed her until she could feed herself with sunflower seeds. To take her out of the cage, Ron would simply put his hand in and Chee Chee would race up his arm and do several quick haphazard runs around his head, shoulders, arms, chattering gleefully the whole time. She shared our lives for two months until she was ready to be released. Our red squirrel population had been decimated that summer, probably by a fox (not Freddie). So we took her to a place where she would meet other squirrels and have enough seeds for the winter. She leapt joyfully into the trees and we never saw her again. We left a huge pile of seeds for her under the tree and spent a tearful journey home. She was a lively,happy presence in our lives and we miss her yet.   PRICELESS!!

PRICELESS LIVING (coninued}

WATER

Our well water, originating at the confluence of four underground springs, flows through thousands of feet of gravel left by glaciers. It regularly tests at PH 7.2 alkaline. It contains no chlorine or fluoride and is the tastiest and purest water you will ever drink.  PRICELESS!

STORMS

Storm watching is at the top of our list of favourites. We unplug anything vulnerable to a nearby jolt of lightening and sit back and enjoy the fireworks. Most storm cells split and go to either side of the hill on which the house sits. During our 15 years here we have never experienced a direct hit. We follow the storm on its way across the great Lake Superior, coming or going. During the day we are usually blessed with a huge rainbow as well. Night or day, it is always spectacular.  PRICELESS!!

NIGHT SKY

The night sky lends itself to stargazing 101. We have three different telescopes for viewing all the mysteries of the night skies. During the full moon Ron enjoys taking small groups along the night trails, silently, listening for forest night life. Some folks find this experience 'life changing'. Friends have raced to our location, with other friends in tow, to view the northern lights. No one is ever disappointed. Ron has observed that after a particularly vigorous display of the aurora borealis, there has usually been a corresponding earthquake somewhere on the planet.  PRICELESS!!

TRAILS

Over the years Ron has cleared approximately 5 km of trails on the 158 acres. Following existing animal trails, he found the best routes for viewing and exercising and providing us with a choice of  gentle or challenging cross-country skiing or hiking. These trails are truly an artist's or photographer's paradise. Along the trails Ron has cleared approximately fifteen different areas where we had hoped to build cabins for a business. We wanted to share the rejuvenating experience that would assist others with environmental issues. Unfortunately that part of our plans did not materialize. We are artistic visionaries but there is only so much that two seniors can accomplish. We pass this along to our successors.  PRICELESS!!

FRUIT

We have a plum orchard that dates well back into the early 1900's. It displays a small plum that produces delicious jam, jelly and wine but you have to get to it before the bears and birds. There are several plum trees around the property thanks to those seed spreading bears and birds.
We also have several chokecherry and Saskatoon berry bushes as well as high bush cranberries. All provide delicious jams, jellies and wine. I've just finished making four batches of chokecherry jelly and there are still trees bursting with berries ripe for picking. It's wonderful to be able to share this bounty with family and friends.
There are also several hazelnut bushes that our little red squirrels manage to commandeer each year. One has to be alert and quick to share in these delicacies.  PRICELESS!!

CHAGA

We found a huge chunk of chaga on one of our birch trees and so will enjoy our chaga tea for years to come. Google 'chaga' to discover how valuable it is. It is far cheaper than chemo or radiation and the only side effect is improved health.  PRICELESS!!

LAUNDRY

There is nothing as intoxicating as the sweet smell of clothes fresh off the clothesline in the country. No rinses or dryer sheets can ever duplicate that smell. Many urban locations have prohibited folks from hanging their clothes outdoors. They must incur the cost of a dryer and the energy to run it. We know that the dryer sheets that attempt to give that 'outdoorsy' odor are toxic to the 'sniffer' as well as the wearer. I mention this seemingly minor activity because I've just carried in a load of laundry with my nose buried in the luxurious smell of fresh air and I feel so blessed for this gift.  PRICELESS!!

GARDEN

Every year I'm a little more confident with the garden, trying new veggies and flowers. This year, because of the preparations for selling and moving, I've stuck with standard plants. Everything is so lush and green. We had a bumper crop of beans and they are pretty well finished producing but we have several meal packages in the freezer. We usually have enough peas to enjoy as snacks throughout the day but this year I'll be freezing some of them, too. The cucumbers always produce an abundance and this year is no exception. they have just started producing and I'll have to start pickling soon. Fortunately there are friends to share this abundance with us. We will also have a great crop of tomatoes. I have a wonderful recipe for spaghetti sauce that I can every year, attempting to produce 52 two quart jars, one for each week of the year. I try to use only organic veggies so it is an extremely healthy concoction. I use it for so many different dishes besides spaghetti.
This spring I bought seeds from a local seed swap gathering and they have greatly contributed to the success of the garden produce. The seeds were locally harvested and thus hardy to our conditions. Most of the plants have come from these seeds and   I will make a point of getting to next year's seed swap as early as possible. I was expecting not to be harvesting the veggies from my garden this year but to be leaving the harvest to our successors. There's still time for that to happen with cucumbers, tomatoes and onions.  PRICELESS!!

Our friendly, neighbourhood ground hog, Gordie, devastated my spinach, kale, broccoli and chard before I caught him at it. The chard and kale came back but Gordie has disappeared.  The groundhogs go into hibernation in August and we do miss him. We had three families last year but Gordie was the lone one this year.

We have four 4' x 16' raised garden beds in front of the house that house the bulk of our veggies and 5 more in the south garden along with three 4' x 8' beds. We planted potatoes in  one of the larger beds but the others are fallow for this year. There is plenty of room for expansion for gardening. We'll even reveal our secret for keeping deer from helping themselves to your flowers and veggies. That's part of the sale of the property.

We have perennial flower beds along the sides of the house and a larger independent bed on the east side . We have hostas, roses (dark and light pink) peonies (pink, white and red), tiger lilies, burning bush, bleeding hearts, irises, and some unnamed beauties. I also planted some wildflowers in these beds and they are growing nicely, drawing butterflies and bumble bees.

We've planted several pine and spruce trees along the northern perimeter  to provide some wind protection. Every year MNR sponsors a sale of seedling trees in the spring and we've taken advantage of this opportunity. The trees have grown very well over the years. 

It is all so PRICELESS!!