Winter is certainly on its way out as we begin to see longer days and more warmth. The month of January created a surge in the cost of heating as nearly everyday was below freezing.

Buckeye Chuck saw his shadow along with Punxsutawney Phil. When I started the ground hog day festivities in Marion, Chuck was usually late or sometimes early in coming out of his den. Buckeye Chuck lived in different dens in the woods that used to border Channel 39 on the north side. His den was usually under piles of bricks lying in the woods. Apparently a brick factory existed there over a hundred years ago.

We have had a Carolina Wren nesting in one of our outbuildings for over a year. Just when I thought the wrens had migrated, they started singing again. Now I don’t know weather to remove the old nest and build a new wren house or possibly take some of the old nest and set it in a new house so the birds will recognize their old territory.

We have had a pair of Red-Breasted Nuthatches around our feeder this winter. They have a bright white stripe across their eyes and a reddish breast. The female has a duller coloration, but is easily recognized. Since House Finches have become so numerous it is hard to distinguish them from a Purple Finch. Expect to see more House Finches this season.

We occasionally get a bird in the house as a result of a long trip down our chimney. Much to our surprise we found a large rat snake in our basement recently. Better known around these parts as a milk snake, they resemble a deadly poisonous snake. Even though they are non-poisonous, they tend to want to snap at you with their mouth wide open.

I mentioned, I believe last month that there are housing developments coming to Claridon Township. As we look at the possibilities of several subdivision developments I can only wonder what will become of our present school capacities. Already we are looking at new levies and renewals, but what about ten years from now. I believe we will witness a general school crisis whether in Claridon Township or any other township in the county as well as the Marion City Schools.

What will the solution to new school capacity be? How will we ever finance what we need without a downright heavy tax burden on everyone? Only time will tell and money does not grow on trees, but comes from our combined pockets.

With the thawing of the pavements, the usual upheaval of asphalt results. The city of Marion will be hard put to smooth out our streets without a budget crisis. This happens every year, but somehow we manage. Have you noticed the manholes? Eghads! What’s happening?

A very large project could be the re-building of Vernon Heights Boulevard. If a section at a time was completely torn out down to the original base ( if there ever was one) and completely rebuilt, the problem could be solved. Just re-surfacing has never worked. The boulevard carries more than its weight in traffic that was never a thought when R. T. Lewis developed Vernon Heights. Somewhere under the current pavement are the walking paths of cows belonging to the Zachman Dairy Farm of many years ago.

R.T. Lewis married Warren G. Harding’s sister Abigail.

Well, it’s about time to get out my fishing poles and get ready for the first day of fishing. I also must get ready for bicycling that is my favorite thing to do in the great outdoors. My wife Jeanne and I have joined the Marion Senior Center. It’s only ten dollars per year and the benefits are stupendous. There are areas for playing pool, cards, exercising and other recreation. Lunch is served three times each week and you will never beat the price.

Have a good month and get ready for March winds and peep-frogs.