Bluebird arrival on new trail

There are 17 boxes up at the Sherwood Forest G.C. and the battle to remove invasive House Sparrows was arduous. But our efforts have paid off. A pair of beautiful Bluebirds just built a nest near an oak grove. Perfect. Early morning sun, mid afternoon shade, low grasses for easy feeding. The remaining boxes are nearly full with Tree Swallows leaving just 4 boxes available for bluebirds seeking a second nesting. Welcome Bluebirds. We await thee.

Village Board Mtg 5/24

$30,000 approved to rebuild pumphouse #5 on a vote of 5:1. I voted NO. It isn't logical to me that our village has spent nearly $4 million to connect to the Appleton water source; that we have a backup system for that new water supply in pumphouse #6 so we should completely rebuild a broken down #5 to the tune of $30,000 for a secondary backup to the backup system. Redundancy that goes beyond practical in my view. "It'll add assets to our balance sheet" yeah, so will cash in a savings account!

Political Opinion

I enjoy a good debate and welcome you to challenge my views with your own.

Like a growing number of Americans, I'm concerned about the state of our nation's economy. I've been concerned for several years already not just since the recent hype hit the news. History is our best teacher. And when I look at the basics it's not hard to summarize; post war baby production entered the workforce with alot of tax dollars entering the system. Debt could be high because income was high and investments from other countries very high. Today, we don't have the baby boom to demand hard goods, lower hard goods production is further challenged by China and India with unlimited low wage resources and our increased aging and unemployed citizens strain a failing 'welfare' system. The candle is burning at both ends and this cannot be sustained. Is this why we should legalize 15 million illegal aliens? Will that add the tax dollars we need? Perhaps in a strong economy but in a state where jobs are not available means alot more people on the wrong end of the system. France, England, Germany, Spain, Greece have all found that a system of universal health care and paid retirement programs cannot be sustained. Looked at the Euro lately. It is on the verge of collapsing from the strain with no way to improve short of increasing the retirement age and reducing health benefits. Hmmm. We already have those elements in place and our government thinks NOW we can add these generous programs? It is insanity. That's my perspective. What's yours.

Sherwood Forest GC Bluebird Trail

Diane and I had a super day today, though the weather was miserable, as we found several Tree Swallow nests, #9 and #10 with 2 and 6 pure white eggs respectively. Three other boxes have completed Swallow nests and we should have egg laying soon. On the maintenance front, We set 4 traps and successfully removed 2 male House Sparrows. It is very desireable to get the male as the female will generally move from that location. We also had 4 boxes that had House Sparrow eggs already totaling 11 which we disposed of. the disruption may encourage them to nest behind the sign at the hardware store and leave our boxes open for bluebirds.

Village Board Interest

The DOT will present plans for future traffic management on Hwy 114! This is a meeting you want to be involved in. Even though the agenda puts your opinions up first, before you even hear the plan, get your name on the list and request an opportunity to speak after the DOT presentation. You can then decline when offered. But at least you know you'll get a chance to voice your valued opinion and ask critical questions.

Of secondary note: If you wish to express your preference for natural versus paved trails in the village plans you need to attend Monday's meeting 5/10 at 6:30. See you there.

More Eggs Named

The clever kids in 3rd Grade at Sheridan Grade School have put together more names for our anticipated wood duck chicks. #7 "Duckie, #8 "Quackie", #9 Daffy, #10 "Madera" (wood in Spanish), #11 "Sheridan". Love it! Well done.

And if I may suggest, could we name one Mrs P?

Names for the ducklings

From Mrs. P's 3rd Grade Sheboygan WI class:

We worked on names today and came up with the following: #3 "Donald", #4 "Daisy", #5 "Cinco" (since we're learning Spanish), #6 "Mayo" (which is May in Spanish).

You kids are sure using your creative skills. Nicely done. I love the mix of English and Spanish. April assures me she'll be able to keep track of who's who.