Discover the Groundhog: Wojak

Groundhog Day – Make a “Wojak” Discovery

January seemed to come and go in a blink and it's time for the traditional groundhog fanfare. It is sort of a quaint superstition and a good reason for a mid-winter celebration.
Groundhogs are mammals, often called woodchucks, because of their ability to climb trees. Actually, these mammals are members of the squirrel family. Groundhogs, for most of the year in many regions, are pretty much shot on sight. They can also be used to help in making some great discoveries.
In ancient cultures, they were known as “Wojak” by the Lenni Lenapi Nation which lived in the area of Punxsutawney. The Lenni Lenapi, or the original people, believed all humans originated from animals; and Wojak was one of the grandfathers of all humans. The groundhog also helps to remind humans about the early peoples, like the Lenni Lenapi.
The customs of Europe arrived with the settlers including the myths about the weather abilities of the hedgehog, an animal somewhat similar to Wojak, along with religious purification beliefs celebrated on February 2nd, called Candlemas Day.
Groundhog Day is a signpost that spring and better weather for much of the north hemisphere is on it's way. As the snows melt, the brown earth returns and the maple syrup flows and Wojak is one of the first to be seen in the bare fields and meadows. Okay, there is yard work and spring clean-up work but it is a time to look for sheds, or deer antlers which can be easily found before leaf-out, check for the first wild leeks and discover some arrowheads.
Wojak is a good digger and moves a lot of dirt for his burrows. Often, his digs reveal hidden artifacts like arrowheads or ancient tools, or even just magical rocks. Wojak's dirt piles can help make for some fun discoveries. Groundhog Day is a fun superstition day about weather lore, but real groundhogs are the “original grandfather of humans”and Wojak will tells us, if we look.

Scrap Prices – Discover Rising Prices


Prices for scrap metal usually rise during the winter months. In this region, the price for aluminum is in the mid fifty cents/pound price range. Many civic and religious organizations have fund drives collecting the scrap metal products and the proceeds help the local activities. Canadohta Lake Area Business Association in this region, for example, collects the cans all winter and the proceeds help fund the annual July 4th fireworks display.

Discover the Oak


The Oak Tree is the national tree of the United States. Learn why this tree was selected as a national emblem and why the oak tree was selected, here.
There are many different species of oaks which grow throughout North America. They are an important tree for our wildlife, including valuable insects. The trees are a symbol of strength, loyalty and family. They are beautiful trees and they are fairly easy to grow from an acorn (if Wojak, a member of the squirrel family didn't discover them all first). More information, here.
For many in eastern North America, there is some related good news. The population of the destructive gypsy moth appears to be very low this year. Discover how to identify some of the problem insects this year, most are invasive insects. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has some good information, as do many other states and Canada in the Northern Hemisphere.

Asparagus and Wojak

Asparagus is an easy, early spring vegetable to have in the backyard. It is a money saver because it will produce for decades. It is also one of the healthiest vegetables.
While the roots can be purchased in the early spring and planted, consider starting from seeds for home production. Seeds are cheaper and are easy to start. Asparagus roots are generally mostly male plants which do not have to spend time on reproductive activities.
Plants started from seeds are a good mix of female and male plants; meaning little asparagus plants in a few years. For commercial growers, the roots are a better option because of profit margins; for the homeowner, seeds are a good option and the harvest will be more than enough. Groundhog Day is a good time to plan out an asparagus bed for the future. Just be sure to pick out a spot that won't be disturbed for decades.
Discover asparagus this year, it is an easy backyard crop. Pictured is what is called purple asparagus, an heirloom variety. It is sweeter and has a nut-like flavor. It is very hardy and an attractive plant.

Blogs Worth the Time:

On Your Way to the Top

Simply Snickers

New York's Southern Tier

Urban Veggie

Vincent di Fondi

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HubPages

Free Opportunties Galore

Buckwheat - the Fruit


The buckwheat planted on August 16th began to bloom 24 days later on September 9th.
Buckwheat, which is related to rhubarb (also amazing), has it's long ago origins in China. Buckwheat is actually classified as a fruit.

The buckwheat was planted when I harvested garlic this summer in early August. Buckwheat is a great cover crop adding many nutrients back into the soil. Sometime in early October, it will be turned over and the garlic will be re-planted and then covered with the last of the year grass clippings to wait out winter.

I might even get a small amount of buckwheat which can be used for home use. Buckwheat pancakes are a favorite around here. This ancient fruit, buckwheat, is also a very healthy food.

There are other winter crops which can be planted now to improve soil fertility, protect the soil from harsh winter conditions, and improve the lives of millions of microbes and bacteria, hidden from view, which make for good garden soil for next year in the spring.

For many, the growing season was dismal and pathetic. But now is not the time to give up. A vegetable garden is health care, both physical and emotional, and does save money. Fall is an opportunity to feed the soil, to make it better. Cover crops, like buckwheat, oats, winter wheat or rye, are all good choice to get a head start on next year.

Buy a Book

Support your independent bookstore and local authors. Buy a book. Click the link for the nearest seller.



Nature Watch



Autumn brings a lot of opportunities. The all important wildflowers are exceptional this time of year and rival the soon to be leaves. The other day, the red squirrels were busy store pine cones they pick from the trees. The red squirrels store the cones on the ground, sometimes it gets to be a huge pile called a catche, so they have plenty to eat during the winter months.

The catche makes it pretty easy for anyone collecting the cones for decorations, fire starters or seed saving. Often there will be seeds inside the pine cone which can be planted in the spring. Protected from hungry birds and other critters, the small seeds will sprout into a tiny evergreen seedling in about three weeks.

Acorns are plentiful and a good choice to collect for starting your own tree. Collect the acorn, push into the soil and wait till spring. It's best to use a pot or container and leave it covered with a screen, outside. Acorns like and need the winter weather. The screen is important. Birds and other critters get mighty hungry during the dead of winter and their scent of smell is something phenomenal.

It's a great family project; collect the cones, plant the seeds, grow your own tree, help the environment. And some year, a once upon a time child, will see that tree and recall a once upon a time family walk in the autumn woods. It's a great gift.

H1N1 Info

Wash your hands frequently, eat veggies and fruits, get plenty of sleep and click the link below to keep updated. There is a lot of uncertainty about this bug, it may be just a common pain or could develop into something more serious.


Clean Water Festival



September 12 at the Woodcock Nature Center. If your local or are in the area traveling stop in at the Woodcock Nature Center. It's always a great time. More info at festival@crawfordconservation.com of call Brian Pilarcik at 814-763-5269.

Some Really Great Blogs and Additional Reading.

Vincent di Fondi- Vincent just published his first novel, Blessed Abduction, available through the Buy a Book link above. Or check his blog to learn more about the novel and his new home in Costa Rica.

On Your Way to the Top – Kathleen always has good insights

New York's Southern Tier – A travel destination in nearby New York by Richardson

Urban Veggie Blog – Dan is located in nearby Ontario and is a good gardener.

Simply Snickers- by Linda Nickerson, some great poetry and links

Other articles I have written for Helium can be found by clicking the title; others can be found below in the box at HubPages.

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