About Cheshire's Cheshire Village

Now THAT is a Squirrel of a Different Color!

For some reason, Cheshire Connecticut is home to a number of black squirrels. No, they are not as common as our standard grey squirrels, but I know about four certain spots around town that I can watch to see the black ones pretty regularly. However, I had never seen one up close and personal until a few days ago in my own yard! I was working away at the computer when I happened to look up and see a squirrel much darker than normal--of course I grabbed the camera and took way too many shots as I tried to "capture" this handsome fellow . . .

Birds of a Different Feather Flock Together

This morning was a busy time at the bird feeders in my yard--maybe (just maybe) because I had just restocked all of the feeders. Thought you might enjoy a few that I spotted. Remember to get out there and fill those feeders. With all the migration going on right now, there are hungry birds just waiting to be enjoyed by you!

Christmas Lights at Hubbard Park to be Lit on November 24, 2011

I know that it is hard to believe, but it is almost time for the annual lighting of the Christmas Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden! If you have never experienced the amazing display of Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden, you are missing something absolutely amazing!

This year the lights will be turned on to the over 300 lighted displays on November 24, and they will be on until the first week of January.

If you have ever been driving along I-691 after dark during the holiday season, you have undoubtedly noticed the snowflakes on the south side of the highway--these a just a tiny piece of the fantastic display of lights throughout the park.

Also along I-691, but on the north side, you really can't miss the lights outlining Castle Craig. This is not a light display that you can drive to (as the road to the Castle closed at night), but it is a wonderful view for the busy highway drivers!

So be sure to check out the Hubbard Park Christmas Lights. Even if you go every year, it is a treat again. Take along a new neighbor to show them a treat that is hard to beat! Hubbard Park is located along Route 322 (West Main Street) in Meriden, Connecticut. Here are just a few of the photos that we have taken over the years . . .

People who Live in Glass Houses Should Try to Protect the Birds

One of the best things about the temporary rental that my family and I recently moved into after selling our home is the sun room which is mostly windows (seven pairs of sliding glass doors and windows up high). It is so nice that my wife has her office out there so she can enjoy watching the birds and the occasional deer that passes by. However, we did discover a disadvantage shortly after moving in--the birds kept flying into the windows.

Sometimes they are able to fly away immediately, sometimes the wait for a few minutes to get their bearings, but once we had a titmouse that did not make it. For bird lovers, this is not acceptable. We headed right out to the Fat Robin, our favorite bird supply store. They had just the ticket--WindowAlert. These window decals are attractive (we purchased the maple leaf decals) and are applied using static cling, so you can move them around if needed without leaving any sticky residue. Humans cannot see them as well as the birds can.

So far, they have been very effective until yesterday which was rainy, gloomy, and cloudy--maybe they don't work as well when you have lots of lights on inside when it is pouring rain outside. During Hurricane Irene we didn't find that out as we had no electricity!

Here is a little Black and White Warbler that was momentarily stunned yesterday.

Will they Call off the FIRST Day of School?

There are many children looking forward to the first day of school, and for Cheshire, CT, that day is supposed to be Monday, August 29, 2011. However, with Irene on her way, that plan may change!

I went to check the website for Cheshire Public Schools to see if they made any mention of the hurricane only to find that it was not working. I called the high school to see if they had changed their web address. The best answer that I could get was that it was being updated.

So for those of you who are wondering if the first day of school will be held as planned in Cheshire, CT, here is the Connecticut Weather website which usually keeps us updated on school closings. As I am writing this blog, there are already six communities posting cancellations.

If there is no electricity on Monday morning, you may not be able to access the website; but I would imagine that it would be pretty certain that there is no school if there is no electricity.

Just remember, these days will have to be made up in June, and we still have a long winter ahead of us!