Jasper says winter weather is not boring — it's just different

Hello boys and girls, HOW are you all this week and I hope you're all enjoying the mixed weather. One day you're out in your T-shirt and the next you're wrapped up like an Eskimo or Inuit as they are called now. Mind you, Aunt Molly says as far as T-shirts and me go, it is not a pretty sight. I'm better off in cold weather when people can think my tummy is a big pullover. I'm not that bad boys and girls but I have given up a few things for November. I'm getting myself ready for the Christmas season. I hope to lose a few stone so I can put them back on again over the holidays. That way I can say I was very good over Christmas because I didn't put on any weight at all â€â€ can't I? I like the weather at this time of the year. Yes the days are short but when the sun shines everything looks different and magical. Sometimes you look out over the fields and you think it's like a scene from Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Some people complain about our weather but you know it's really not that bad. Yes, I know there is rain and sometimes you can't play outside. But there again we get to see the seasons changing. As we approach Christmas we move towards the shortest day of the year, December 23rd. Then, they say each day is a hen's step longer as we head off again towards the longest day, June 23rd. But what if it's a lame hen I wonder? Or a short one? Or a lazy one? Will summer be late or not arrive at all? The things I worry about! In between we may have snow, great for making snowmen and snowball fights and lots of games. Then we can begin to feel spring in the air and see the buds on the trees getting ready to come out again. Then it's summer and that is followed by autumn. There is always something interesting to see at each time of the year. Some parts of the world see very little difference between the seasons. I would find that very boring. We may get a little bored with the rain sometime but we always know it will change. Can you imagine if it never changed at all? And as for the rain, that's what makes everything so green and lovely. Don't Forget the Birds I was walking in the countryside the other day and the biggest fox I ever saw in my life just hopped out of the ditch and stared at me for a minute before moving off. These can be lean times for wild creatures and the fox has to range far afield to find food. Speaking of wild creatures, I hope you are all feeding the birds this weather. When it is cold they find it even harder to find food as the ground is hard and cold and there are fewer insects about. We have a bird table but some birds are more shy than others so it's important to scatter some feed on the ground as well. You can also hang up a feeder. These are great because you can see your little feathered friends hanging on and having their dinner. Sometime I take a photo of them and then look them up in my bird book. It's nice to put names on them all. Next time I take a photo of them I'll put it in the paper for you to see. If you take any nice photos of animals or a nice scene send it in and I might just put it in as well. Happy snapping. Bye for now, Uncle Jasper. CROSSWORD Lots and lots of correct entries this week. Postman Mick said it's like Christmas already with all the post but he's always complaining. The first correct entry out of the hat this week is from Karen Ward from Coolourty, Tuam. Well done Karen. The postman will bring your prize. Now for this week's crossword. Across 1. He rides a horse in the old West 2. Don't Fâ€â€-g your coat on the floor. 3. A wink and a Nâ€â€. 4. A huge country above the USA Down 1. Would you like tea or Câ€â€Ã¢€â€-. 2. Your belt goes around your Wâ€â€Ã¢€â€. 3. The Oâ€â€Ã¢€â€ is played in the church. 4. Where the Taj Mahal is, Iâ€â€Ã¢€â€.