Nativity Story

The Bible story of the virgin birth is at the center of much of the holiday cheer this time of year. The book of Luke tells us that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus decreed a census should be taken. Mary gave birth after arriving in Bethlehem and placed baby Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.       

Some people think Mary and Joseph were mistreated by a greedy innkeeper, who only cared about profits and decided the couple was not worth his normal accommodations. This version of the story (narrative) has been repeated many times in plays, skits, and sermons. It fits an anti-capitalist mentality that paints business owners as greedy, or even evil.         

It persists even though the Bible records no complaints and there was apparently no charge for the stable. It may be the stable was the only place available. Bethlehem was over-crowded with people forced to return to their ancestral home for a census – ordered by the Romans – for the purpose of levying taxes. If there was a problem, it was due to unintended consequences of government policy. In this narrative, the government caused the problem.          

The innkeeper was generous to a fault – a hero even. He was over-booked, but he charitably offered his stable, a facility he built with unknowing foresight. The innkeeper was willing and able to offer this facility even as government officials, who ordered and administered the census, slept in their own beds with little care for the well-being of those who had to travel regardless of their difficult life circumstances.         

 If you must find "evil" in either of these narratives, remember that evil is ultimately perpetrated by individuals, not the institutions in which they operate. And this is why it's important to favor economic and political systems that limit the use and abuse of power over others. In the story of baby Jesus, a government law that requires innkeepers to always have extra rooms, or to take in anyone who asks, would "fix" the problem.    

But these laws would also have unintended consequences. Fewer investors would back hotels because the cost of the regulations would reduce returns on investment. A hotel big enough to handle the rare census would be way too big in normal times. Even a bed and breakfast would face the potential of being sued. There would be fewer hotel rooms, prices would rise, and innkeepers would once again be called greedy. And if history is our guide, government would chastise them for price-gouging and then try to regulate prices.

This does not mean free markets are perfect or create utopia; they aren't and they don't. But businesses can't force you to buy a service or product. You have a choice – even if it's not exactly what you want. And good business people try to make you happy in creative and industrious ways.         

Government doesn't always care. In fact, if you happen to live in North Korea or Cuba, and are not happy about the way things are going, you can't leave. And just in case you try, armed guards will help you think things through.         

This is why the Framers of the US Constitution made sure there were "checks and balances" in our system of government. These checks and balances don't always lead to good outcomes; we can think of many times when some wanted to ignore these safeguards. But, over time, the checks and balances help prevent the kinds of despotism we've seen develop elsewhere.         

Neither free market capitalism, nor the checks and balances of the Constitution are the equivalent of having a true Savior. But they should give us all hope that the future will be brighter than many seem to think.

Credit - First Trust Advisors

 

 

Ever See A Ghost?

Yesterday I was out running errands and stopped at the Havegärd Bird Feed Outlet Store to replenish my dwindling stock of wild bird seed.  If you've never been be sure to check them out.  Likely the best selection and pricing for large quantities of bird feed and supplies on the planet.  East side of highway 42/57 just south of the Sturgeon Bay.  I digress.  

 

Upon entering the store the guy at the register asked if I had something to take a photo.  To which I replied:  You bet.  Got my phone with me.  Gesturing, he said to go outside and checkout what was perched on the utility pole at the side of the road.

click on image for a closer look

Meet Bubo scandiacus.  A snowy owl.  Yowza cool!  It is not unusual to learn of reports of them appearing along the Lake Michigan coastline in the winter months; yet observing one in person is an event worthy of celebration.

This is a big bird tipping the scales at 3.5 to 6.5 pounds.  Standing up to 28 inches in height and with a wingspan of up to 4.8 feet this is the largest owl in North America.  It sports bright white plumage, large yellow eyes and larger feathered talons.  Home territory to this bird is the treeless tundra above the Arctic Circle.  From time-to-time small numbers may migrate to southern Canada and the northern reaches of the contiguous United States.  Larger numbers infrequently show-up in an event called an owl ‘irruption’.  

What is the cause of an irruption?  Possibly fluctuations in food supply.  It is hypothesized that a temporary abundance of lemmings allows the owls to successfully raise large families and then these young owls disperse southward by the hundreds to avoid competition with older birds for winter territories.  Similarly, shortages of prey prompt these birds to move from their normal wintering grounds.

These owls hunt during daylight hours and will roost on almost anything. They like flat open land (it’s what they know), sometimes sitting on the ground, but more often on hay bales, fence posts, telephone posts, rock piles, muskrat houses, tree snags, silos, and other structures.  Snowy Owls will dine upon almost any live thing that moves - voles, mice, lemmings, waterfowl, rabbits, muskrats, weasels, and pigeons. Other bird species are taken as well. They swallow small prey whole.

 

It is notoriously challenging to estimate population numbers for this iconic species.  Nevertheless, recent data suggests that the snowy owl population is much smaller than previously thought and declining.  This bird is now listed as vulnerable to global extinction.

 

Because these birds are not accustomed to seeing humans they likely will appear fearless in your presence.  Approach them with caution and observe them at a distance.  Do not flush them.  The rare sighting of this beautiful bird can be a once in a lifetime experience.  Sorta like seeing a ghost.

 

Learn more about snowy owl sightings near you here.

Check Your Shadow Today

The hiemal solstice or hibernal solstice, sometimes called midwinter or astronomical winter.  More commonly known as the winter solstice this event occurs when the Sun reaches its most southerly declination of -23.4 degrees. It is that point in time when the sun is exactly over the Tropic of Capricorn.  In other words - when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun.  Since I am persnickety, at my latitude I will enjoy only 8 hours and 48 minutes of daylight today.

On this date for anyone residing in Antarctica (the South Pole)  - the opposite is true.  Today you would observe the Midnight Sun and enjoy 24 hours of sunlight.  For us living in the northern hemisphere tonight will be the longest night of the year.  This is to say that after this evening the daylight hours will begin to grow longer in the days and weeks to follow.  

If today is nice and sunny be sure to go outside at noon to observe your shadow.  On the solstice your shadow is the longest it will be all year. 

Before bedtime you may want to go outside to observe the heavens and raise a toast to the winter solstice.  And maybe howl at the moon.

Fingers-crossed for cold, clear, winter night skies. 

Cheers!

You Are What You Eat

 

From our backyard there was pan-seared venison - rare to medium rare.  

Along with sautéed mushrooms, side salad and some home baked bread with Irish butter. 

Consensus under our roof is this beats prime rib any day of the week.

Pretty good chow if you can get it.

Friday Christmas Confusion

Twelve Days of Christmas Confusion

Performed by Angel City Chorale 

Artistic Director, Sue Fink Video edited by, Alex Chaloff, Annika Benitz 

Angel City Chorale Website

Only In Wisconsin

You've heard of Elf On A Shelf.....

 

What To See In The December Night Sky - in New Jersey

Law enforcement officials say hundreds of mysterious drone sightings have been reported in New Jersey since mid-November sparking speculation and concern over who or what is behind them.  Some high-level officials, including Rob D'Amico, former chief of the FBI Counter Drone Unit, believe the number of drones flying in New Jersey airspace is likely over reported.

Congressman Van Drew (R-NJ) has stated he has if on reliable authority that the drone sightings have originated from an Iranian Mothership off the coast.  Kook.

Silent Hunter

Meet Megascops asio - the Eastern Screech-Owl.  

A non-migrator this is a small owl with feather tufts that resemble ears.  With all of the dead and dying ash on the landscape, woodlots around here have no shortage of trees with cavities for nesting and roosting.

This owl is active from sunset to sunrise and during the winter months will dine on small mammals.  This bird flaps and flies silently and has both excellent hearing and eyesight. This owl only rarely calls with a screech - more frequently communicating with a tremulous, descending trill like the sound effects in a horror film.  

This bird - or others - that look just like it have been showing on the trail cameras in the general location more frequently than usual.  Which makes sense as it has both a winter and summer territory.

They form long term pair-bonds with mates and may roost together.  Breeding season is from later February  into the month of March.  Breeding pairs begin looking for a nest site after next month. 

December Night Sky

Last week I published a photo of Venus in the night sky.  Depending-upon your location look for Venus in the southwestern sky immediately after sunset.  It will be the brightest object above the horizon.  You can't miss it.

The winter night skies are a terrific opportunity to spot cool stuff in the heavens.  The cold translates to less humidity making for clearer skies.  And there are no mosquitoes!

Image Credit - Stellarium

The planet Mars is now the sixth brightest object in the night sky.  The only heavenly bodies that are brighter include the moon, Venus, Jupiter, Sirius and the International Space Station.

If you have clear skies wait a couple of hours after sunset and look to the east.  With your unaided eyes, locate the waning gibbous moon and immediately below you should spot the bright red planet Mars.

If you have a pair of binoculars give them a try too.

3 BR, 2 BA, 2500 SF

 

A toy-lover's paradise nestled on 25 idyllic acres at the North Pole – perfect for spirited reindeer games. The home, constructed in the 1800s of gorgeous old-growth timber logged on site, is steeped in Old World charm but offers modern-day amenities thanks to a recent renovation.

That's right.  

Getting Away From It All

Kennel call.

More photos from our delicate flower's recent stays and running with her pack pals

Red River K9.....

Recipe of the Day

It all started with this.

Last Thursday I fed my sourdough starters and had baking on my mind so I fed a third batch with a plan of baking a hearty sourdough boule.

Friday there was this.

 And on Saturday there was this.

Which naturally meant that on Sunday there would have to be this.... 

Shrimp Bisque

Serves 4

         Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil

• 6-7 scallions - chopped fine - white portion reserved separately from the green tops

• 2 ribs of celery diced fine

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 T all-purpose flour

• 32 oz carton of low-sodium chicken stock

• 2 T tomato paste

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream

• 1 T chili powder

• 1 t ground cumin

• 1 t ground coriander

• 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined – shells reserved 

  Directions

• In a covered sauce pan simmer the reserved shrimp shells in the stock for about 30 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to steep for an additional 30 minutes. Strain and reserve the stock.  In a saucepan, saute onion and celery in EVO until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour until blended. Stir in the stock, tomato paste, cream, all the spices and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; and simmer for 15 minutes. Soup should thicken to a creamy consistency. 

• Cut shrimp into bite-size pieces; add to soup. Simmer 5 minutes longer or until shrimp turn pink. Garnish with thinly-sliced green onion tops, chopped parsley or cilantro and homemade croutons from the last, surviving chunk of deer camp sourdough bread.  Serve with crusty bread so you can sop-up every last spoonful of this goodness.

• The first time I made this recipe I thought the amount of spices was scary-large.  Nope.  Do not hesitate to include as directed as there is very little 'heat' imparted to the flavor profile.  The chili powder, cumin and coriander combine to give the sweeter dairy component of this soup a rich and savory umami.    
  

Pro Tip - This is a VERY hearty soup.  Nevertheless, the recipe lends itself to expansion and improvisation. Inclusion of scallops, crab meat, fish or par-cooked potatoes and additional garden vegetables along with the shrimp would make a very hearty solstice seafood stew for a small crowd.   Pair with Oktoberfest beer and white wine.

steeping shells in the stock

Chef Jacques Pepin-style croutons from old bread - spritz with EVO and bake

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

Popular sentiment about the economy is both a curious and fickle phenomenon.  Over the last couple of years consumer confidence did not necessarily reflect the underlying strength of the US economy.  I've blogged about it from time to time as I've scratched my noggin over perceptions of what is real versus perceived.  As a recovering financial guy I periodically puzzled-over this disconnect.  Perhaps that is exactly the point - perceptions in and of themselves are naturally fickle.  Which is why they are nothing more than perceptions.  Don't over analyze it; what is perceived is frequently not founded in reality.

Now we learn that popular sentiment over the economy has flipped.  A majority of consumers (among Republicans anyway) now perceive that the good times are about to roll.

Last week, the New York Fed's monthly consumer survey revealed that an increasing number of us now share the expectation that our financial situation is likely to improve in the coming year.  Remarkably, this optimism has reached its highest level since the period of time immediately preceding the COVID shit show of 2020. 

This is further bolstered by the University of Michigan measure of US Consumer Sentiment indicating that it increased for the fifth consecutive month, the highest level since April.

Some may suggest this this is a consequence of the reelection of Donald Trump.  I am unconvinced as this has been percolating for the better part of 2024; but I'd not disregard the possibility of confirmation bias.  I am certain that the president-elect will take credit for the strong economy he will inherit. The only Trump Effect I can discern is found in reading the University of Michigan data.  Current conditions have been led by a surge in the purchasing of durable goods - a consequence of the perception that purchases of durables today would enable a buyer to avoid price increases in the future.  Which takes us to that nagging matter of inflation.

To be certain the economy remains healthy; the labor market is stable, consumer spending is robust and growth has been steady.  The core consumer price index (excludes volatile energy and food prices) has grown at an annual rate of 3.3% year-over-year; stubbornly remaining above the Fed's target rate of 2%.  

Domestic retailers are warning that proposed tariffs would result in higher prices to US consumers.  The president-elect himself has said that he can't guarantee anything when it comes to the impact of tariffs on Americans at the checkout.  This, along with immigration restrictions, may contribute to our ongoing inflation challenges.

So, stay-tuned.  None of this would be so consequential except that 70% of the US economy is consumer spending.  The remaining 30% is government spending, manufacturing and everything else.  So maybe sentiment counts for something after all.

December Night Sky

 

DNR.WI.Gov

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave a luster of midday to objects below.  When what to my wondering eyes did appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer.

-- 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Clement Clarke Moore          

 

If you have clear skies this evening you won’t want to miss it - the last full moon of this year is tonight.  According to the Old Farmer's Almanac this is also known as a Cold Full Moon.  

 

The full moon you will observe in the heavens this evening is characterized by the arc of its trajectory across the sky which allows it to appear above the horizon for a longer period of time. 

Because of its close association with the winter solstice - and the shortest of daylight hours - native people called this the Long Nights Moon.   My ancient European pagan ancestors called this the Moon Before Yule in recognition of the Yuletide festivities celebrating the return of the sun heralded by the winter solstice. 

 

Since this moon is opposite the sun on this day of the lunar month, it will be fully illuminated and rises at sunset and sets at sunrise.  Full moons such as these during the winter months reach as high in the sky at midnight as a noon summer sun.  Trust me on this one and go outside to see your shadow cast by the moonlight.

Friday Music

A traditional West Indies song about a sunken boat - The John B. Sails - it also happens to have been included in Carl Sandburg's 1927 collection of folk songs The American Songbag.   It is best known for its adaptation of the 1958 Kingston Trio version by the Beach Boys which was produced and arranged by Brian Wilson and Al Jardine.

I stumbled-across this iteration of the song at the suggestions of YouTube's algorithm by Bev Pegg and his Railroad Skiffle Group.  The track is from Bev's 2007 album All Aboard. 

There not much to know about the song other than  Musicians on this album: Bev Pegg – vocals/guitar/mandolin/banjo, Paul Degville – guitar, Harry Rowlands – bass guitar/backing vocals,  Ken Wright – drums/backing vocals, Pete Hartley - violin and Jim Merris - harmonica.

The group is an altogether different story.  The definitive history can be found here.  It is much richer than I would have imagined and is a fascinating read.  Robert Plant would periodically stop by to jam with the group.  Funny I hadn't heard of them before.

I Wanna Go Home - The John B Sails...

Unscheduled December Night Sky

 

 

Took the doggo out for a potty call.

Dang it is cold!

Look to the southwest.

Venus.

December Night Sky

One of the fun things about winter is the night sky.  Cold, clear, winter skies are characterized by a lack of humidity and if you live in the country there is very little urban light pollution creating some spectacular opportunities for star-gazing.    

December brings a couple of meteor showers to the night skies.  The more prolific of the two is the Geminids with as many as 120 to 160 shooting stars per hour. 

Shooting starts are most often associated with the Earth’s passage thru the debris field of a comet.  The Geminids are a bit of a mystery as they are related with an extinct comet which also happens to be a near-earth asteroid named 3200 Phaethon. 

EarthSky.org
 

While competition from the light cast by the Cold Moon could be a challenge this is a show you do not want to miss.  The best viewing should start the evening of Friday the 13^th and peak on Saturday evening the 14^th. 

December 17^th to the 26^th brings the Ursid meteor shower with 5  to 10 shooting stars per hour as the Earth passes thru the debris field of Comet 8P/Tuttle.   

EarthSky.org
 

Peak action coincides with the solstice the evening of the 21^st and 22^nd.  Again, there will be competition from persistent moonlight.  Your best opportunity will be before moonrise on Saturday, December  21^st .

Mark your calendar and if your catch a cold, clear, winter sky bundle-up and take some time to sit outside and observe the heavens. 

There’s no mosquitoes this time of year!

Big Blue Marble

image credit - NASA

Having launched on December 7, was this view of the earth as seen by Apollo 17 crew - astronauts Eugene Cernan, Ronald Evans and scientist-astronaut Harrison Schmitt - traveling toward the moon. 

This translunar coast photograph extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the Antarctica South polar ice cap.  This is the first time the Apollo trajectory made it possible to photograph the South polar ice cap.  

Take note of the heavy cloud cover in the Southern Hemisphere.  Almost the entire coastline of Africa is clearly visible.  The Arabian Peninsula can be seen at the Northeastern edge of Africa.  The large island off the coast of Africa is the Malagasy Republic.  The mainland of Asia is on the horizon toward the Northeast.

On this day in history, December 11, 1972, Apollo 17 became the last manned moon mission.  Two astronauts landed the lunar module Challenger, in a location called the Taurus-Littrow Valley spending three days collecting samples from the lunar surface.

image credit - NASA

Commander Eugene Cernan was the last person to set foot on the lunar surface as he followed lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, back onto their space craft to prepare to depart the lunar surface.

Meanwhile, command module pilot Ronald Evans had to hang out orbiting the moon as he awaited the return of his crew mates.

Apollo 17 successfully returned to earth; splashing-down on December 19.

It has been 52 years since humans last explored the lunar surface..... 

Momma And The Twins

From the Bushnell camera we host on behalf of Snapshot Wisconsin there was this.

Twins are growing-up..... 

 

The Red Rocket

Semi-obligatory photos of the coming and going of my sidekick.

Ruby - The Red Rocket.....

 

Indoor Pizza

Most of you readers know that we use our wood-fired brick oven to cook outdoors during the more pleasant months of the year.  This time of year we'll fire it up if we score a day above freezing and especially during daylight hours.  Baking or roasting in the dark at 20F is not appealing at all.

Recently we hosted guests for the weekend and one of the requests was for homemade pizzas.

So I prepared a batch of sourdough crust balls to undergo a cold fermentation in the garage fridge and prepped everything else with the exception of the firing the forno.  Too dang cold and I was disinclined to be traipsing from oven to house and back in the dark while balancing a pizza peel. 

So I used the new GE Profile range that I've been becoming accustomed-to .  

The bottom oven has a pizza stone and I can preheat it to 550F which will bake a fresh pizza in about 10 minutes - give or take.

And I never had to leave the comfort of my own kitchen.

Pizza!  Pizza!

Wile E. Coyote

And how about a little local coyote action?

Storm The Bastille

On December 4, Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed outside the entrance to the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan, NYC.  He was in town to attend an annual investors meeting for UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare.

Authorities believe the attack was not a random act and are investigating it as an assassination.  The shooting occurred early in the morning and the suspect, described as a white man, fled the scene. As of the publication of this post the perp has not been apprehended.

No arrest.

No interrogation.   

No motive.

Plenty of speculation to go around.

It is unclear what motivated the incident or whether it was tied to Mr. Thompson's work in the insurance industry.  The police have yet to identify the shooter who is still on the loose.

Nevertheless, social media has exploded with an avalanche of vitriol, and glee over the murder of the insurance executive.  Sure, I get it.  People have had negative experiences with health insurance companies at some of the most difficult times of their lives.  But in the absence of the facts and circumstances of this killing has anyone considered taking a moment to take a breath and not get over their skis? 

I tried on a Face Book group to counsel restraint and got hammered.  I was slammed for not embracing the notion that a man responsible for millions of deaths of people for money got his comeuppance.  

UnitedHealthcare denied 32% more claims last year than any other insurer, it's not hard to figure out.

Posting a photo of Albert Bouria, CEO of Pfizer, from Prophetic Memetics someone else suggested that he just thought someone else might might be curious.  

Anybody else, beside me, consider that a passive aggressive threat instead of your garden variety internet troll?

It is interesting to me the instances of individuals who have flippantly shared that their grievances (large or small, real or perceived) are justifiably resolved at the point of a gun.

It is a chilling observation to note that killing someone for a slight, a political difference or an insurance dispute is justified. 

Regrettably, this is what can happen when there are no appropriate channels for people to make meaningful change to a malign system.  The Supreme Court has allowed unlimited money in our politics and politicians are voting with their corporate overlords, including health insurance companies.  

My sense is that government is broken and simply does not work very well for the average American.  As a consequence they despair.

If this shooter becomes a folk hero it will be appalling; but not surprising.  I have shared many times that capitalism is messy business.  Perhaps we've arrived at a Storm the Bastille moment where the murder of both oligarchs or a neighbor with an offending bumper sticker becomes normalized.

I sure hope not....

Friday Morning Empathy

A long time pal of mine shared this with me.

Communication is more than talking, it's about listening. When we listen with empathy, we help others feel seen, heard, and understood. 

Turknett Leadership Group President & CEO Tino Mantella uses a comedic scenario to demonstrate how to listen with empathy.

Active listening skills are remarkably important when resolving someone’s disgruntled emotional state. Sometimes in order for someone to return to homeostasis, it requires empathy and understanding, not to attempt to solve their problem. A fragile emotional state is not the time for that. The time for logic and reason is later, once homeostasis has been achieved. 

You can’t efficiently fix a problem when you’re in emotional distress. You need to be calmed first before being able to apply reason.

Survival Of The Fittest

The gun hunt this year delivered a nice selection of antlered deer.  Four good-sized boys and one really nice, fat doe.  Which is unusual inasmuch as we generally shoot more does than bucks.

What is also unusual are the number of bucks showing on the trail cameras this fall - day and night.

 

I wonder how many of them survived the hunt to live another day?

Stormy Eats

 

When the wind howls from the north, you light a fire in the wood stove, retreat to the kitchen and scratch your itch français.

Canard poêlé, pommes de terre sautées et épinards sautés.

Pretty good chow if you can get it.......