Footnotes to a Conversation, January 17, 2022
Animal Intelligence
There are 3 deer who spend a lot of time in my neighbourhood. They can often be found resting or nibbling on bushes in the grounds of my apartment building. But how do they get in when there is a brick wall and gates enclosing the property? Well, wonder no longer! I opened the driveway gate last week to go for a walk and was observed by the deer who were across the road. They proceeded to cross the road and enter the property. Fortunately, the gates are motion-sensitive so the deer could take their time, entering one after another. Later in the day, I spotted the female waiting beside the driveway for a car to arrive and let her out. Becoming impatient, she jumped over a low section of the fence. Don’t try and tell me that wild animals are less intelligent than their human relatives as I won’t believe you!
Set Aside Two Days
I was browsing the bookshelves at my local library last week and picked up a book that sounded good. I didn’t know the author, but Deborah Crombie recommended it and that was good enough for me! I started reading The Mountains Wild by Sarah Stewart Taylor on Friday evening and only reluctantly put it down for other activities all weekend long. Fortunately, there is a sequel!
Maggie D’Arcy is a police detective on Long Island. Her cousin went missing in Ireland and the book segues between an initial police search and a follow-up 23 years later. There are well-developed, interesting personalities; Irish history; and an intriguing plot. I definitely recommend reading this book, but be prepared to set aside all other activities for at least 2 days!
Causa Limeña
Mashed potatoes are a standard item in most family’s culinary repertoire. For something a bit different, why not make Peruvian causa limeña – mash your potatoes, mix in some citrus and spice, form the mixture into balls, and fill an indentation with a chickpea mix. Serve cold. [vegan recipe and history, Taste]
Immersive Art
I thoroughly enjoyed the Van Gogh immersive art experience and hope I’ll get an opportunity to view two others. I would love to be surrounded by Monet’s garden (Berlin) as well as the art and life of Frida Kahlo (Toronto and various American cities).
Footnotes to a Conversation is a weekly Monday feature covering an assortment of topics that I’ve come across in the preceding week – books, art, travel, food, and whatever else strikes my fancy. I also post occasional articles on other dates, including frequent book reviews and travel tales.
If you share my love of nature, I suggest you also read EcoFriendly Sask that I publish in collaboration with my brother, Andrew. Check out EcoFriendly Sask’s Nature Companion, a free nature app for Canada’s four western provinces.