The Big Valley

The Big Valley at the head of Alma Pond.  I was happy to get
a picture of the storm moving up the valley.  Alma Pond is about
where the snow is starting.

Like the night before, yesterday morning was no exception.  I woke up looking out the window,  the clouds had parted and the stars were shining bright.  The Big Dipper was to the right towards the East giving me a perfect view.  I am always looking for shooting stars, ready and waiting with a special wish.  In the last month I have seen 4, amazing what gives me such pleasure, a little shooting star.  Well, none yesterday morning and the clouds pulled over quickly.  A lazy look at the clock suddenly changed to an "oh no" moment.  I had set the alarm for 6 am but apparently the volume was turned down and it was now 6:20 am.  I had to be at the eye doctor in Wellsville at 8 am.  By this time we were both in 5th gear.  Just like a well oiled machine Dick made the coffee and warmed the car while I showered, hair and make-up was done.  We did it and was out the door by 7:55.  Now you may wonder why so early to leave when it is a 35 minute drive.  The roads.....not knowing if the plowing and cindering had been done plus School buses and people heading to work would make for a more cautious trip. 

It was 4 degrees, the fields on the Eleven Mile looked cold and lonesome with the wind blowing and some heavy snow coming down.  It made me think, where are the wild animals?  Are they cuddled in a nice warm spot away from the frigid elements?  I would be.  I know animals have special protection against the harsh weather but it still saddens me to think of them out there.  The few cars we passed caused a few seconds of white outs.  That is no fun only seeing white out the windshield.

By 9:15 we were headed home.  Dr. Cook and his staff are efficient and prompt!  The temps had warmed up to 8 degrees and life was starting to appear.  At upper Eleven Mile I spotted a very large bird soaring and at times flapping its wings.  I knew immediately it was an American Bald Eagle from the wing span.  They are huge.  It followed along side us for quite a ways and then veered off to the right heading back towards Alma Pond way.  Bald Eagles are making a great come back in our area and for that I am happy.  We have spotted them often in our travels and 3 times in Clara Valley.  It doesn't matter how many times I see one or two I get just as excited for the next one.  Bald Eagles like to hang around open water to catch fish and also keep an eye on open fields for little mice or what ever is a good meal.  Yes, even my chickens could end up as a meal for the large birds of prey.  We have a pair of Red Tailed Hawks that "hawk" the barn yard now and again.  A shot from the gun scares them away for a few days.  We would never shoot them, after all they were here first.  We saw deer gathered around a few deer feeders that a people have put out.  Life in the "dead of winter", survival of the fittest.

Still in NYS we pass the turn to the right that takes me to my favorite place.  Alma Pond is so peaceful, quiet and beautiful no matter what time of the year we go.  On a hot summer day setting by the water under the shade of the trees is a great way to cool off.  The fall with the changing colors of leaves and watching them fall into the water and drift away, peace.  Then the "dead of winter" can also be just as nice.  The pond is frozen over with drifts of snow, it is total quiet beauty.  Spring brings all the ducks and geese back to build nests and raise their young.  No matter the season there is always a simple pleasure at Alma Pond.  Deer, turkey, ducks, geese, Osprey and the pair of Bald Eagles that raise their young every year there, fishermen (even ice fishermen), people enjoying kayaks, there is a lot to enjoy there.  I had the opportunity to kayak on Alma Pond.  I loved it, once I was over the fear of tipping it over.  My daughter took me and was patient in teaching me how to get in and out, not to tip it, how to turn right and left and how to stop.  Not too bad for my first try and it was relaxing so I would call it a successful first voyage. 

Supper tonight was tossed salad, a tomato and fresh mozzarella salad and beef/mushroom pie.  Remember the roast beef, gravy and fried mushrooms we had the other night?  Tonight it went in a pie crust with a can of sweet peas on top and then the top pie crust.  Sprinkle a little paprika on top and it looks pretty good for left overs.  One thing I don't like is wasting food, like I tell my husband....if there are leftovers I guarantee you will see them again.  Remember I call leftovers "the free meal".  It smells like it will be worth the time and effort.  The pie crust was made with my precious lard.  With leftover crust tomorrow I will make Dick some jelly tarts, one of his favorite treats.

Meeting last night so no time to let the pie cool
 a bit before cutting,  still very good!