Sneaky Snacky Squirrel

Are you familiar with this game:  Sneaky Snacky Squirrel?

All of my grandchildren really enjoy playing this game.  There's not much strategy involved, and just when you think you're about to win, one spin of the dial, and you find yourself with no acorns, victim of the Sneaky Snacky Squirrel.

Well.....guess what?   We seem to have our own live Sneaky Snacky Squirrel.  

That became all too obvious when I noticed that the feeders were emptying way too fast, and birdseed would be scattered in heaps on the deck railing.

It was quite a mess!  

And, let me just say that the local birds don't eat cheap seed.  At least not in our backyard.

So, in an attempt to save myself from having to refill bird feeders every other day, I decided to look online for some practical advice on how to keep squirrels from the bird feeders.

I realize that this is no easy feat.  This isn't the first run-in I've had with squirrels. Somehow those clever creatures (or should I say sneaky?) managed to win the game.  

I read through the list of suggestions, eliminating one after another, until I came across two interesting possibilities.  Both were inexpensive and would cause no harm to the squirrel or the environment.  

After a quick trip to the store, I set about filling the feeders while attempting to make them squirrel proof.  

Ok...... I never professed to an attractive solution.  That's actually a plastic slinky you see stretched over the pole.  I read that when the squirrel attempts to climb up the pole, the slinky keeps him from making traction. Sounds reasonable, don't you think?

I had hoped to find metal slinkies, but such was not the case.  

If this clever trick works, then I may consider looking a bit harder for metal replacements.  Purely aesthetic. 

The second interesting possibility involved peppermint candy canes.  The site suggested that popping candy canes onto the feeders acted as a repellant for squirrels.  

So, I picked up a package of small candy-canes on the after Christmas sale rack, unwrapped a few, and hung them here and there on the feeders.

And, realizing that squirrels need to eat something, I purchased a special product, that squirrels are supposed to find tasty, and mounted it on the corner of the deck, far from the feeders. 

And then, I waited to see what would happen.

I half expected to look outside and find the squirrel playing with the slinky and licking candy canes.  

When I came home today,  I spotted the grey creature on the railing, looking longingly at the feeders.

He took a quick look at the suet, then ran along the rail to the squirrel food on the corner.

He stopped only briefly to check it out before scurrying down the railing and out of sight.

So, do you suppose the candy canes did the trick?  Only time will tell.  

But, in the meantime, we have a new friend:

Now, that's a welcome sight!

A visit to the Farm Show: Fun or Frustrating?

Marty and I decided that today would be a great day to visit the PA Farm Show.  We've gone in the past and really enjoyed ourselves. Today, however, was definitely a bit crazy.

Let me begin by saying that I had no idea that so many Steelers fans live in the Harrisburg area.  I can't tell you how many Steeler t-shirts, hats and jackets that I spied while maneuvering through the crush of visitors.  I can't help but wonder if they would have been in attendance today if the Steeler's were playing.

But, then again......we wouldn't have been there to know!

The line of cars waiting to enter the nearly full parking lot, should have been a strong indication of the crowds that we would soon find ourselves amongst.  We made our way past the tractors, through the packed food court, along a seemingly endless walkway, in search of the animals.  We passed some cows walking in the opposite direction, which is really kind of funny, because we probably looked like a cattle herd to them!   Come to think of it, one did look at us and let out a LONG MOOOO!

Finally, we were in the North Hall where we found ourselves amongst the bovines.

These two were apparently hot, since there was a fan blowing on them, and they were just loving it!

Through the hall and around the corner we spied these Alpacas.

Aren't they entertaining?

We followed the sign for Sheep and Swine and ended up in an arena brimming with both.

Here are a few photos that I snapped.

A large pink pig enjoying dreamland.

Another pink pig in what appears to be a meditative pose,

And the famous 2014 Grand Champion Hog.

How exciting was that?

And then, there were the sheep, sporting some very fashionable coats.

This was an interesting mix, although I did feel sorry for the shivering, naked sheep against the wall.

Hot pink was certainly bright.

And here you see a bright blue poncho, which made me wonder if he was ready for a trip to Scotland.

And, honestly, I cannot imagine why anyone would think that it would a good idea to dress a sheep in an animal print!  

Moving on...we were able to see the butter sculpture, which is nearly life-size.

That's a LOT of butter!

And, then there were the food categories which included candy

Yummy!

There were gingerbread houses, where I spotted this Log Cabin.

The Baked goods categories included items such as cupcakes, apple pies, and even a category just for Thumbprint cookies!  There were plates of them, each with a different look and filling.

Actually, I wondered how one got on the team for taste testing!  I'd be up for that....wouldn't you?

Oh, and while looking at cookies, I spotted these cute shortbread cookies:  Pink Piggies.

We walked past apples and wine, honey and pretzels, pickles and chips, just to mention a few.

My one goal of today's visit was to finally get the opportunity to try one of the famous Farm Show milkshakes which are reputed to be awesome. 

 I was up for the challenge.  

Until we walked back through the food court and saw that the lines for the shakes were so long that we would obviously be standing for quite awhile just for the opportunity to order one. 

We opted to nix the idea and head out to the car, although I will admit that I did experience some milkshake envy as I passed person after person sipping shakes through a draw and obviously relishing the experience. 

Oh well...maybe next year?   Although I must admit that if I ever go again, I'd probably pick a different day of the week.

In the meantime, we were lucky to get to the show, as snow and ice are predicted for tomorrow.

Can't say that too many people will be smiling at that forecast!

  But the farm show and snow have always seemed to go hand in hand.

And, apparently, this year is no different!

If you make it to the show this year, I hope that you get to enjoy a milkshake.  But please don't tell me how awesome it was.....OK?  

Holiday Cheer in Staunton, Virginia

Let me begin by saying "Merry Christmas!"  I meant to write a blog earlier, but got side-tracked by an unexpected virus that sent my temperature soaring and my energy level tumbling.

But I am back on track, and after a brief delay in plans, Marty and I are on the road, eager to continue our holiday celebrating.

When the weather cooperates, this is a fabulous time of year to travel, with so many places decorated to celebrate the season.

Even the Virginia Welcome Center was in the spirit.

So far, the only snow we've seen is the fake stuff you see in that photo.  And, let's hope it stays that way, at least until we get home.

We've made this particular trip, many times over these past 3 years, but this time, we decided to try a different place to stay to break up the drive.  We are in Staunton, Virginia, the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, and thereby, the holder of his Presidential Museum. We've been to this quaint town before, many years ago, when we actually toured the museum.  It's well worth the visit if you are ever in this area.

But tonight, we're staying at the Olde Staunton Inn B&B, where we could park the car and easily walk into the town.

The living room is decorated with a metal ornament tree:

With a cute little piggy waiting for its new owner.

and a simple mantle piece on the opposite wall.

Simple, yet lovely.

Since the weather is quite balmy, we opted to take a stroll along the main street which looks like Home Town America From the Past, with the beautifully decorated Christmas Windows.

Let me share some photos:

There was an elephant on a drum

A HUGE tree in the Cigar Store

 Santa in a Canoe

A Very Cute Snowman

And a music store decorated on one side with beautiful wooden basses and a lovely old fashioned Christmas tree

And the other featuring an Aluminum Bass from the 1930's next to a shiny aluminum tree.

Quite a clever arrangement, don't you think?

 But the best part of this arrangement for Marty is the view from our very comfy King Size Bed.

Quite a comfortable way to enjoy the game.

What can I say?

GO STEELERS!!

Almost Five!

Can you believe it?  Do you remember the day this little guy entered the world?

It was nearly five years ago,  and soon I would be known as Gramma G

 and my hubby as Pap Pap G.

Of course it's obvious how this little guy couldn't help but bring so much joy into our lives.

And every visit would be filled with fun.

Year after year.

And with time flying by, of course we had to be a part of this special day today.

It  began with someone going bananas.

winning at Cha Cha Chicken

while little sister was a bit dismayed.

There was the mustache photo with Pap PapG

And some quality time with the Great Grandpaps

Who were very entertained by the birthday boy's silly knock-knock jokes.

Then it was time to celebrate 

And the singing Happy Birthday to You!

And finally, the blowing out of the candles.

Another fun and fabulous day!

Happy Birthday, little guy!   Don't grow up to fast....Please!