Could the Woodchuck?

Could the woodchuck . . . scare me? Startle me? Stare me down and win?

Yes to all of the above . . .

I seriously started chanting in my head, a woodchuck would chuck as much wood as a woodchuck could chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood, as I stood at our neighbor's front door and this curious (or nearly blind) little animal slithered out from under their car and came up to the porch.

I froze, he froze, then I moved, and then he scuttled back under the car.

I don't really know who was more startled . . . him or me. But I was certainly glad he did the scuttling because it would not have been a pretty sight if I had done the same.

Okay, so clearly, even after living in the pseudo-country, I can be rattled by nature. But I believe there's been some progress by the mere fact I didn't take off running, screaming back to my own house.

And now most of you are probably shaking your collective heads, wondering what the big deal was. Well, for me it was rather momentous because the closest I've ever been to a woodchuck is a dead woodchuck, squished on the road. Alive, they do have a cute face, and those little feet, but oh, the damage those claws can do. This go 'round, it took off across the street, into the tall, brown weeds, to parts unknown.

So now, my challenge to you . . . do you have any stories or experiences you would like to share regarding close encounters of the nature-side of life. Post a comment or contact me by clicking on my profile. I would love to hear from you.

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Take the side streets and you may come across old buildings, appearing to be abandoned . . . but what about this one?Behind the carwash across from Hungry Howie's stands in the overgrown weeds and grass. Anyone know what it is used for, or used to be?

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Early morning fog puts a special light on naked trees and empty fields, especially this time of year. It won't be long and this field with be covered in soybeans, or filled with rows of corn -- whatever is planted will keep a local farmer working hard.

Snack-urday 106

I'm sure you have heard of, and probably even had, a grilled cheese sandwich.

But . . .

Have you ever had a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich? See the sandwich to your right? It is plain, yet yummy, but still maybe a bit boring.

But . . .

~~Spread a little butter on each side.

~~Grill the same you would a cheese sandwich.

And . . . oh my. You've got a sandwich that is pure decadence. But don't take my word for it. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Oh, and don't forget . . . spring forward one hour tonight when you go to bed. We are now moving into daylight savings time.

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Trees are waiting for a home and they stand at your beck and call. Won't it be great once they are all leafed out.Head to Mayhew's army of trees for a quick look at what your yard could use.

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More brickwork - Fowlerville is so full of sturdy buildings that have weathered years and nature. This is the top of the third floor of the Harmon building -- the third floor once being the grandest of dining rooms you could ever imagine.There are even remnants of a dumb waiter and small kitchen.

Working Together

The Fowlerville Business Association had its monthly general meeting this last Tuesday evening at the Woodshire Banquet Hall. And it was very interesting. In addition to being greeted with a wonderful smile and welcome by Becky Wilson, the administrator of FBA, the members had a chance to network and catch up with other business owners.

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But as a quick side note - thank you to the Woodshire for an awesome meal of thin-sliced pork with berry sauce, redskin mashed potatoes, corn, and tossed salad - always makes it worth showing up for the meeting!

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Anyhow, back to the meeting. After digging in for great food and stimulating conversation, the group was treated to two informational speeches; one given by John Morris (see picture of John and our FBA member Steve McDermaid) regarding the Fowlerville Family Fair, and the other given by Sandra Warner from the Fowlerville Farmers' Market.

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Both the Fair and the Market are changing and growing. The Fair changed its focus toward the family after fair season 2006, and those changes have now made this non-profit organization everything wonderful (and not in the red). You can head to www.fowlervillefamilyfair.com for additional information and scheduled events.

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The Farmers' Market is still growing and always trying new things. This year the Market will be held in the new parking lot to the west of the hardware store. It will begin in just a couple months, but even now plans are formulating for activities and attendees. For more information, check out http://www.fowlerville.org/FarmersMarket/tabid/6700/Default.aspx for hours of operation and schedule of events.

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And, no matter how you look at it, these two things are a sure sign of wonderful things to come for Fowlerville.