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The Snowiest Places. We’re into the long winter now, and the recent snowfall has me thinking about snow climatology here in the North Woods.

VA Health – Emergency Care Grab your scissors or take a screenshot, you might want to save this information. The VA may cover emergency medical care at a non-VA facility for Veterans.

Read about how you can participate in the Isabella Christmas Bird Count on January 1st, and some of Steve Wilson’s innovative ideas in gadgetry to make it memorable. (See .

Dogs are “speaking” to us all the time with their bodies. Unfortunately, humans aren’t always so good at “hearing” what’s said. Let’s take a wagging tail for instance. A wagging tail always means a happy dog, right? Nope, not at all. A loosely wagging suggests a happy dog if the whole body is also loose and relaxed. On the contrary, if the tail is wagging slowly and the body is stiff it’s an indication the dog is undecided about something and you should probably leave him alone. A dog holding his tail high over his back, either still or stiffly wagging, is not a friendly gesture and you should slowly move away. A dog holding her tail low and rapidly wagging is feeling stressed and unsure of a situation. Ears also play a big role in canine communication. How the ears are held can communicate a wide range of emotions and intentions. Ears held high on the head communicate an intensified interest in something in the environment. Ears held pinned back against the head can indicate a dog that is about to bite, especially if the rest of the body is stiff. Ears held out sideways are typically seen in very scared and worried dogs. Ears in a relaxed position are a sign of a happy dog. For a great resource on body language, check out the book Doggie Language by Lili Chin.

We are full steam ahead into the holiday season. The holidays are a time of excess, and in many ways I appreciate that, but not so much when it means excess shoveling. “True winter” begins, and soon the days will begin to grow lighter, but in the meantime a little extra kindness can go a long way. If you see a neighbor struggling to keep up with the snow, please give them a hand if you are able. Consider that some have added pressures during this time with busier schedules, financial expenditures and family expectations. Getting outside to take in some fresh air walking, ice fishing or taking the kids sledding can help relieve some of the stress from increased demands during this time of year. Experiences in nature, even if brief, can increase our mood, and help us all enjoy more of the holidays.

Jax is the proud member of the Gulban family in New Jersey where he keeps a watchful eye on the well-being of his people who are hard at work with CherryRoad Media business. As you can see from his picture, his soulful eyes will melt your heart when he knows you need a snuggle.

Advent: A Time Expectation A Time of Joy Christmas is a time of joy- When in their hearts each girl and boy Thinks about such earthy things As all the toys that morning brings. Christmas joy cannot be real If all it is- is what we feel When we look about and see Mounds of presents beneath the tree.