concordriverlady.com

The Surprising Truth About Rats in My Garden

Posted on June 15, 2025 by tinthia

There are rats on my property.

Yup, rats.

Along with squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks.

Varmints. That’s what they are. Eating my tall phlox, chewing my zinnias … but I digress. Back to the rats.

At first I thought the rats were cute. There were only a couple and they were small. Yes, I know, small rats become big rats, and rats, like rabbits, breed like, well, rabbits.

A rat peeking out from beneath green foliage, surrounded by grass and plants.

In truth, I’ve owned rats. They make better pets than hamsters or gerbils. Believe it. Male rats are docile and trainable. Just check out the videos online of the many rat pets.

Rats are cool.

Except when they try to take over.

Then they are RATS!

Now, I’m not stating I have an infestation of rats. The number of chipmunks far out-number all the other critters on my property, the groundhog included.

However, a new turn of events has occurred. Yesterday, I watched a rat kill a chipmunk. When the screaming stopped (me and the chipmunk), the rat dragged away the still warm body. The chipmunk, not me.

Seriously. The rat held the chipmunk down and bit into its neck like some weird zombie rat.

A close-up image of a rat with sharp teeth, looking threatening while crawling on a rocky surface. — ROUS from The Princess Bride

According to Google, rats will kill and eat all sorts of animals.

Natural predators: Rats are natural predators of mice and will actively hunt them.
Attacks on other pets: Rats have been known to attack pets like hamsters and birds.
Livestock: Rats can injure or kill baby pigs, lambs, and calves.
Birds: Rats will attack and kill birds, including domestic fowl and wild birds.

Gotta love the circle of life.

It would help to remember that the circle of life includes other animals too. Hawks and owls. And rats and chipmunks are part of this larger circle. WBUR https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/03/31/rat-poison-birds-massachusetts-pest-control posted a great article about this very topic and the use of poisons to control rodent populations.

If you have varmints on your property, please consider humane trapping before you put out poison.

But you have to admit, they are so damn cute.

Close-up of a black rat with prominent whiskers and ears, showcasing its expressive facial features.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi profondamente, mio amato immortale.

Posted in Life on the Concord River | Tagged blog about living on a river, do rats kill other animals, do rats make good pets, living with varmints, rats in my garden, single woman living on a river, stories about living on the Concord River, what do rats eat, wild rats | Leave a comment

My Immortal Beloved: A Sister’s Memory

Posted on June 2, 2025 by tinthia

My sister’s birthday is today. On June 2, 1951 and the world and the sun shone brighter and the birds sang louder.

She was an amazing woman, but I’ve written that many time before.

Don’t get me wrong; man could she burn hot with a temper at times. Ouch!

But I loved her deeply; still do.

Here’s to you, my immortal beloved.

The past comes up to me and offers its hand
Sway with me, it purrs
Let us lose ourselves in the music of once upon a time
Swoon and remember her smile

The past doesn't care that I'm not in the mood to dance
It doesn't care if I would rather sit this one out
The past softly whispers that this is our time
Time to embrace the glow of the moon and the beat of our hearts

She may be gone in body 
But she is with me just the same
My sister
My immortal beloved

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi profondamente, mio amato immortale.

Posted in Life on the Concord River | Tagged concord river, death of a sister, losing a sister to cancer, loss of a sister, My Immortal Beloved, my sister, ovarian cancer, poem about loss, River Lady, siblings, single woman living on a river, sisters | Leave a comment

Netvue Birdfy Camera Updated Review: Beware the Black Screen of Death

Posted on May 22, 2025 by tinthia

I was given a Netvue Birdfy Birdfeeder Camera system as a Christmas gift. You can read the post here: https://concordriverlady.com/2025/02/21/my-new-toy/

Well, I’d like to update my original thoughts about the Netvue Birdfy Camera system — it’s junk!!!

I have had to replace the camera two times! Which is two times too many for a $300 product. (Now, marked down to slightly over $200. Hmmm, maybe the company knows their product is junk.)

A selection of four different Birdfy bird feeders with pricing and promotional information displayed, featuring images of birds, including a cardinal and a blue jay. — My system is the second from the left.

I’ve replaced the camera twice, as already mentioned (please pay attention). Sure the company was nice to send replacement cameras. They had me dispose of the original defective camera and sent a new camera, sans the feeder. When that camera malfunctioned, they instructed me to send back the camera, shipping label included the email stated (NOT!) and they would send another replacement. That was in March. To date I have not received the shipping label but they did send a whole system, feeder included. I’m still waiting for the return label so that I can return the defective camera.

The third camera is now malfunctioning and this is their response: ‘You have replaced the camera too many times’.

Really? WTF!

It’s not as if I get my jollies by replacing the camera every few weeks. Their product sucks but oh, well, my loss; ‘Have a happy day’. That’s how their email was signed.

And this is what I’m left with.

Screenshot of a malfunctioning camera display showing a black screen, indicating the issue with the Netvue Birdfy Birdfeeder Camera system. — I know there’s a bird in this photo. I just know it.

Sigh.

My advice, run from Netvue Birdfy products. Or you’ll suffer the black screen of death.

But have a happy day.

Blessed be :{

Mi manchi profondamente, mio amato immortale.

Posted in Life on the Concord River | Tagged Are Birdfy and Netvue the same company?, Birdfy black screen, Birdfy camera malfunctions, birdfy feeder pro, Birdfy video playback failure, Is the Birdfy feeder worth it?, Netvue review, Why is my camera black on the camera app?, Why is my camera showing a black screen? | Leave a comment

May Celebrations: Discover the Magic of Beltane

Posted on May 1, 2025 by tinthia

Welcome to May. The season of Beltane, when the position on the wheel of the year marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.

Beltane is a time of growth.

A time to stoke our creative fire held deep within our bellies.

A time to celebrate optimism and life.

A time to frolic like a randy squirrel.

tumblr_inline_o6bdkpkdpG1qitufs_400 (1).gif

Take time to notice what is happening in Mother Nature’s world. Listen for the sweet call of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak …

Male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

or for the call of a Pileated Woodpecker deep within a wooded area. Remember to wear tick spray and tuck in your socks.

Look up and watch for the flash of orange as the Baltimore Orioles establish their territories.

Look down and catch the growth going on at your feet.

A cluster of vibrant blue flowers blooming on a patch of soil, surrounded by small stones and green leaves.

Spend some time by a river and watch for the herons…

… or Northern Shovelers.]

No matter what you do, make sure you join in the dance Mother Nature offers as the wheel of the year spins.

Blessed Beltane.

Blessed be :]

Mi manchi profondamente, mio amato immortale.

Posted in Life on the Concord River | Tagged Beltane, blog about living on a river, living on the Concord River, spring | Leave a comment

Warmer Days Ahead: My Springtime Rant

Posted on April 19, 2025 by tinthia

It’s April 19 and 82 degrees outside!

I had plans before the hot weather arrived.

I was going to lose twenty pounds.

I still haven’t gotten the window screens in yet.

And I haven’t finished getting the gardens ready for spring and summer is already here?

Seriously, I’m hot!!

A woman in a purple dress lies on the sandy ground, with sunlight casting soft shadows on her figure. — Photo by Leon Ardho: https://www.pexels.com

Only in my dreams would I look this good on a hot day. Remember, I still have twenty damn pounds to shed. Damn you, Ben and Jerry. 🤬

What else can I complain about?

Oh yeah, the black flies are already buzzing their annoying selves at my face when I’m outside weeding.

It’s April for goodness sake; shouldn’t they be hibernating someplace?

A cartoon-style illustration of a black fly with oversized eyes and a playful expression. — freepik.com

Damn black flies.

Have I mentioned I’m hot?

No, not sexy hot. Again, twenty pounds — pay attention.

I’m sweating hot.

It’s only April 19!!

In truth, I accept part of the responsibility for the freaky weather. I lived through the big hair days of the 80’s.

A woman with voluminous, styled hair in a bright red outfit, smiling against a purple background.

Yup. My hair was so hard from hairspray I didn’t need a helmet to ride on a motorcycle.

So, in truth, Mother Nature’s bad behavior is partly my fault.

And Aquanet’s.

A woman with voluminous, teased hair smiling next to a can of Aqua Net hair spray, set against a colorful 80s-inspired background with playful geometric shapes and retro typography.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.

Posted in Life on the Concord River | Tagged Aquanet hairspray, big hair from the 1980's, blog about living on a river, global warming, hot weather in April, living on the Concord River, single woman living on a river, stories about being old, stories about living on a river, stories about living on the Concord River | Leave a comment

From Ashes to Wings: My Health Transformation

Posted on April 9, 2025 by tinthia

Many people think of a phoenix that’s rising from the ashes as a grown bird ablaze in all its glory.

A stylized illustration of a phoenix rising from flames, showcasing vibrant orange and yellow feathers against a dramatic black background. — jrvchamber.com

Nope! That’s not how it works.

It is true the phoenix is a powerful metaphor for overcoming challenges and emerging stronger on the other side. However, one must remember what form the phoenix takes upon its rebirth. The adult is not rising from the flames; it’s burning until it becomes a pile of ashes, from which it will emerge fresh and new…….and vulnerable.

A baby phoenix emerging from ashes, featuring bright red and orange feathers and a curious expression. — deviantart.com

You have to admit that tattoos of baby birds wouldn’t be as powerful.

A vibrant tattoo of a phoenix in fiery colors on a person's back, symbolizing rebirth and strength. — https://inkppl.com/

Why the chitchat about the mythical phoenix you might ask?

Well, five years ago I burst into flames and was reduced to a pile of ashes– a wobbly, incontinent, stuttering, constantly falling, cognitively-impaired pile of ashes that was one unsteady step away from a wheelchair.

Enter Doctor Mark Johnson of UMass Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. He didn’t dismiss me as a neurotic old woman who needed to see a psychiatrist. (Yes, I’m talking about you Doctor Eugenia Blank and the eleven other doctors I saw who should have been able to diagnosis hydrocephalus since they were so-called ‘experts’. Sheesh.) Dr. Johnson diagnosed Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and ordered surgery.

On April 10, 2024, Dr. Johnson installed an atrioventricular shunt in my head and, as they say, the rest is history. No more stuttering, no more wobbling or unsteady gait, no more cognitive impairment, no more peeing my pants (except when I sneeze but that’s a topic for another day).

Close-up of a scalp showing stitches in a curved pattern on the back of a head, post-surgery. — April 10, 2024. The day I got my wings.

I won’t say I emerged from the ashes ready to take flight. It took some time to develop my wings but today, one year later, I’m soaring like the chimney swift I hope to be.

A swift bird flying against a clear blue sky. — Chimney Swift (I’m coming back as one, you wait and see.)

So that’s my tale. One of determination in that I refused to believe ‘it’s all in your mind’; one of protection in that my son, sister, and friends were with me during those years of fighting the medical establishment’s perception of older women and their health; and one of bliss, as I fly to great heights.

Merci, Dr. Johnson.

A smiling man in a suit sitting at a desk with bookshelves in the background. — Dr. Mark Johnson, my hero.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.

Posted in Life on the Concord River | Tagged ashes to wings, Can a person live a normal life with hydrocephalus?, concord river, Doctor Mark Johnson, getting older, health transformation, How do you treat hydrocephalus?, How serious is hydrocephalus in adults?, hydrocephalus, neurologists, NPH, People who have "doctors didn't believe me" stories., phoenix, phoenix rising, riverlady, single woman living on a river, What is it called when a doctor doesn't believe you?, What to do if your doctor dismisses you?, woman's journey to health | Leave a comment

Get Ready!

Posted on April 3, 2025 by tinthia

They’re coming!

Can you hear them?

They’re on their way!

Get ready!

https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/hummingbird-migration-spring-2025-map.htm

The Ruby-throated hummingbirds are on their way back to their breeding ground here in the North. Get your nectar feeders ready and plant those zinnia seeds to welcome these jewels of the Avian world back into your yard.

Why zinnia seeds? Well, just look at the photo. Hummingbirds love zinnias.

But sugar water works too — sans the food coloring. No, no, no red coloring. Keep the nectar clear and pure. Just four parts boiled water (boiling the water helps to sterilize the water, helping to keep the nectar fresh longer) and one cup granulated sugar. Dissolve, cool, and fill.

No need to buy bottled nectar either. Save your money for an ant moat.

Don’t fill the feeder all the way unless you have hordes of hummers. The nectar is only good for one to two weeks, depending how hot the outside temperature is. I recommend having extra feeders on hand so you can take down one and while it’s being cleaned you have another feeder to put out. Easy, cheesy.

Cardinal flowers are hummer magnets too!

Okay, get ready.

And remember, get an ant moat.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.

Posted in Life on the Concord River | Tagged birds, hummingbird migration map, making nectar for hummingbirds, nectar recipe, River Lady, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, ruby-throated hummingbird migration 2025, single woman living on a river, stories about living on the Concord River, What is the correct ratio of sugar to water for hummingbirds?, wildlife | Leave a comment

I Feel The Ice is Slowly Melting

Posted on March 1, 2025 by tinthia

With a nod to George Harrison, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter. The tender shoots will be sprouting soon, but with the thick coating of snow still on the ground I fear they might have a difficult time of it. But, here comes the sun. I feel its warmth when I raise my face to the sky, it feels like years since it’s been here.

March: A Month of Renewal and Nature’s Awakening

Today is the first day of March. In the early Roman calendar, I’m talking way, way back; 700 BCE time — March (or Martius) marked the first month of the calendar year. The vernal equinox occurred in March so it seemed like a good idea since spring marked the start of new beginnings. I myself would much rather have March mark the beginning of the new year instead of January.

Gardners know all about March. We’ve shaken off winter and are ready to line our windowsills with marigold seedlings and our coffee tables are strewn with catalogues; order forms having been submitted and necessary items on our lists; soil additives, plant food, stakes and ties, and perhaps a new bird feeder, or two.

Did you know that March is National Umbrella Month? It’s a stormy month, but with an umbrella in your hands, you’ll stay nice and dry.

Here are some other Mad-as-a-March Hatter facts:

March 3: Opposable Thumbs Day for Cats and Dogs
March 11: International Fanny Pack Day
March 13: National Ear Muff Day
March 16: National Panda Day
March 18: Send an email to Trump telling him to take a long walk off a short pier Day
March 23: World Meteorological Day
March 31: World Backup Day

Slipped one in without you even knowing it. Ha!

The Worm Moon is March’s full moon and this month there’ll be a total lunar eclipse, giving the moon its red coloring, making it a blood moon. The celestial event occurs on March 13. It’s been three years since we’ve had a total lunar eclipse, so get outside and make a wish.

A total lunar eclipse, the first since 2022, occurs this month. (Photo by STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images

According to Henry David Thoreau, Bluebirds were a sign that winter was waning.

Their soft warble “melts in the ear, as the snow is melting in the valley around.” Henry David Thoreau, Journals–March 2, 1859

Male Eastern Bluebird

March is the perfect month to make sure your nest boxes are clean and ready for springtime occupants.

Speaking of nest boxes — I bought myself a Birdfy Nest Box. (Yes, I should be saving my money but my anxiety level is quite high thanks to He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named and his sidekick.)

Any-hoooo, I spent a chunk of money and now I’m the proud owner of a nest-box-cam, or cam-nest-box.

I wonder if I can deduct the cost on my taxes as a medical expense? Trump Anxiety Disorder is real. Honest.

Okay, enough politics. Let’s get back to the sun. Hit it, George.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.

Posted in Life on the Concord River | Tagged blog about birds, blog about living on a river, blood moon, bluebirds, here comes the sun, living on the Concord River, lunar eclipse, March, nature, Season, seedlings, single woman living on a river, spring is coming, stories about living on a river, stories about living on the Concord River | 1 Comment

I’d be a poorer woman if I never saw an eagle…

Posted on February 22, 2025 by tinthia

In 1972 John Denver wrote Rocky Mountain High, in collaboration with Mike Taylor. One of the lines goes:

“I know he’d be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly”

I know just how John felt.

I’d be a poorer woman if I never saw an eagle in my tree.

Truly, it’s amazing that I get to see an eagle from my back deck. A magnificent animal, a magnificent bird, a wonderful life. Thank you, goddess.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.

Posted in Life on the Concord River | Tagged American bald eagle, Bald Eagle, eagle, life on the concord river, living on the Concord River, mother nature, nature, River Lady, stories about living on a river, stories about living on the Concord River, wildlife | Leave a comment

My New Toy

Posted on February 21, 2025 by tinthia

I received a wonderful gift– a Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder.

I’m having a grand time with my new toy. Getting lots of cool pics while feeding my feathered friends.

Before I go any further, allow me to point out this post is not a paid endorsement. However, I have included a link if you want to check out the feeder. https://www.birdfy.com/

Okay, back to my cool pics captured with the dual lenses – wide-angle and smart-portrait.

Birdfy products are made in China (Can you say tariffs?) but that’s okay with me. They’ve done a great job putting together a neat package, although it’s not cheap. Almost $300! Thank you, Bob.