Night of the Raccoons

27 August 2010 - Windsor, CO

Night of the grizzlies was a horrifying tale of marauding bears creeping in under the cover of darkness and killing campers in Yellowstone National Park. Last night in my backyard, it was night of the raccoons.

Under the cover of darkness and guided by the light of a full moon, they came. It was no huge surprise that these beasts would find my treasure of corn. The ecosystem created by our sump pump had drawn all sorts of wildlife to it. The cornfield was just a stones throw away from where the water flowed out of the pipe.

During the summer, we had heard eerie screeching and squawking noises in the middle of the night. A neighbor had told us she thought it was the sounds of a raccoon in heat. Confirmed.

So there they lay, corn stalks torn down by the savages. There were corn cobs stripped clean of all their bounty tossed around like rag dolls. Nature had come full circle.

I planted the field late because we had snow on May 15th this year. It grew slowly and we did enjoy 8 nice ears before the carnage. Now, all we have left is the old corn stalks standing like tombstones reminding us of a season gone by.

We will let the stalks dry out and blow in the wind until around Halloween. Then, they will be used as decoration. Finally, we will burn them and return the ashes into the soil with the promise of another crop next season.

As for the raccoons, we have never seen them. These ghosts will continue to remind us that like the bunnies and the butterflies, these creatures need to eat too. I know they enjoyed it.

From Passion to Profession

The economy. It is a word that is perceived by many as the reason their life is not exactly going the way they had in mind. The economy is bad. People are out of work. Stress is everywhere and there seems to be no time or place for having fun.

The service sector of the economy consists of activities where people offer their knowledge and time to improve productivity, performance, potential, and sustainability. I aim to help the service sector of this economy by launching an outdoor guide service to improve the peace of mind in all of us. The ultimate goal, to have fun.

Fun is who I am, it is what I do, it defines me. Why not share my knowledge of it with others? Case in point, this summer's new activity, kayaking.

Kayaking on lakes and reservoirs is a blast. Imagine yourself: exploring hidden shallow coves, seeing wildlife, making anywhere on the shoreline your own private beach, packing a floating picnic of your favorite foods and beverages, and getting a beneficial core workout while paddling on your adventures. The stress of the day will fade away and you will end up feeling refreshed and renewed, ready to take on the challenges of everyday living.

If being on the water is just not your thing, hiking adventures on land in the mountains await your restless steps. Imagine walking through fragrant spruce forests, seeing cascading waterfalls, discovering beautiful wildflowers, feeling the breeze off a high mountain lake, and becoming the explorer you once were and still can be.

Pictures of your adventures will be taken by a professional photographer and put on a CD for you. A massage therapist will be available after your adventure for an additional fee as an option. Food, clothing, and gear requirements and recommendations will be available on the website as well as links to other adventure information sites and sponsors.

We hope to see you soon either on the water or on the trail when you are in the Northern Colorado area. For more information, e-mail T.A. Nielsen at scorenielsen@gmail.com.