Review of Peacock TV And Figure Skating

It's here! The start of the Figure Skating season and watching could not be easier with its' broadcast on Peacock TV. If you are a fan of watching/streaming figure skating Peacock TV streaming service is the place to be to watch every event of the major competitions. 

Cost of Peacock

A subscription to Peacock TV with ads is currently $7.99 a month. The premium and premium plus are upgrades available for an upgraded cost of course. NBC is the supplier for Peacock TV so if a show is a product of NBC, the shows will be streamed or on demand replay.

Which Competitions Will Be Broadcast On Peacock?

All the major figure skating competitions will be televised and streamed. Over 300 hours of figure skating on NBC and Peacock will be broadcast.

The Grand Prix series which has competitions throughout the world, the European Championships, Four Continents, Worlds and Olympics will all be televised with on demand replay opportunities.

U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Mark January 6- 11th 2026 on your viewing calendar for the United States Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. The top United States figure skaters will be competing and look for the announcement January 11th of the U.S. team for the quickly approaching Olympics.

2026 Olympics 

Yes! Peacock TV is the place to watch the Olympics being held in Milan, February 6 - 26, 2026.

World Championships

The Olympics do not conclude the figure skating season! The World Championships will be held March 25-29 in Prague and will be streamed on Peacock.

Recommendation

I highly recommend Peacock TV as a cost efficient manner to disengage from the monthly internet package in general, but if you are a niche figure skating fan then peacock is the place to be in an Olympic year.  Fans of NBC programming will enjoy all their favorites. Commercials are included on the basic package, but I did not find the breaks overly disruptive particularly when comparing the cost benefit of keeping the least expensive plan to higher level plans.

The app is mediocre and could be greatly improved, but functional on a basic level. Programming is sorted by tabs and is generally easy to find with a few clicks.

More Streaming Ideas

Kanopy with a library card

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What I’d Tell My 30-Year-Old Self (and What Would You Tell Yours?)

I often wonder what my mom would have told her 60-year-old self when she was 80. 

Mom passed at 82, and although we had many conversations, I don't remember us having this one - but I'd venture that we did, and I've simply forgotten.

Now that I'm in my mid-60s, I often think about that. What would I tell my 40 or 30-year-old self?

Because even at this age, I certainly haven't learned nearly all there is to know. I imagine my mom at 80 had realizations and wisdom that didn't resonate when she was my current age. 

It makes me think that no matter how old we are — 20, 40, 60, or 80 — we're always able to look back and see what we didn't know then versus what we know now.

So, this piece is about being in my mid-60s and reflecting on how every decade carries its own lessons. I'm sure if I'm blessed enough to reach my mid-80s, I'll see life through an even more seasoned lens — maybe not entirely different, but definitely deeper. That's how I tend to live: tracking the markers, assessing the growth, and asking myself what stuck, what didn't, and what I still need to learn.

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What I'd Tell My 30-Year-Old Self - I'd Have to Laugh Mid-Conversation!

If I could go back and whisper something to my 30-year-old self, I think the first thing I'd do is laugh — because she would've never believed we'd make it through half of what was coming!

There was a time when I used to say, "If I could go back, I'd change schools, or take a different major, or move to a different city." And while that sounds practical, it's also impossible — because those kinds of changes would have altered everything. I wouldn't have the kids I have, the family I have, or even the same path that shaped me.

So I've grown past that kind of thinking. That was the younger me talking. The version that thought life was supposed to go according to plan. 

Today, I understand that my life unfolded the way it was meant to — not easily, but meaningfully. I accept that I chose this life for a reason. My spirit wanted growth, and, well, it got it!

Sometimes I joke that before we’re born — if that’s how it works — maybe we’re up there somewhere making our life plans like a bunch of overachievers. And there I was, hand in the air, saying, “Give me all the lessons. I can handle it. I’ll do a thousand lifetimes in one. Let’s go!” Honestly, that's my character, so I can legitimately believe I would do this!

And then somewhere around my 50s, I did yell back, "Okay, that's enough now — who approved this plan?!" Because honestly, I think I signed up for a little too much growth. 

Still, I can laugh about it now, and that's a kind of wisdom all on its own. Laugh, cry, feel it all.

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What 65-Year-Old Me Would Tell Me 30-Year-Old Me:

If I could actually sit across from my 30-year-old self, I'd say this:

“It feels insurmountable right now, but you’ve chosen this path for a reason. Keep moving forward. Speak up more often. You’re going to discover strength beyond your wildest imagination. You think you know what strength is now — just wait. You’re about to master it, my Queen. Hold onto love, and you'll survive it all.”

---

I wrote the song lyrics in the above video in my late 30s, possibly early 40s. I was struggling then, deeply. And that struggle, as hard as it was, gave me this creative voice that I've used before and ever since. 

I've written countless things since then — including a book of poetry that spans fifty years of my life. 

Most of those poems mirror the ups and downs, the lessons, and the love I've found along the way. I originally published that book for my children, so when my time here is done, they'll still have a piece of me to hold onto, if they need it.

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What Would You Tell Your 30-Year-Old Self?

Now, what about you? Have you ever asked yourself that question?

Would you tell your 30-year-old self to make this turn instead of that turn? To choose a different path, or avoid certain detours? Or would you simply congratulate yourself for surviving it all — for learning what you needed to learn, even if it came the hard way?

We all have our own version of that conversation. Maybe that's what life really is — a series of quiet talks between who we were and who we're becoming.

Closing Thought

So, here's to every version of us: the 30-year-old who was trying to figure it out, the 60-year-old who's still learning, and the future self who will someday look back and smile, realizing that somehow, through it all, we did okay.

---

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Reviewing Gramping Trips - Building Lifetime Memories

Definition of Gramping:  A special trip where grandparents and grandchildren vacation or travel together without the ‘Mid-Gen’ (parents) as a way to enhance and strengthen intergenerational bonds. While doing so, they share quality time and create lasting memories. 

Gramping - A Fun Adventure

Having had my own gramping trips with my beloved maternal grandparents as a child, and also having now experienced the other end of the spectrum ~ as a grandparent interacting with a grandchild one-on-one, I can fully attest to the fact that ‘Gramping’ is a fantastic experience. 

Skip-Generation Travel

This new travel trend has recently become popular, even though it is something that has been around for generations, long before someone gave a ‘name’ to it. :) 

Gramping trips can be as simple as a day trip to a local museum,  or as extensive as a journey to another country. There is no limit to the length and type of trips ‘gramps/grams’ and ‘grands’ can take together. The nicest part of ‘gramping’ is the focus it puts on grandparent-grandchild relationships. 

Sharing My ‘Gramping’ Memories As Examples of What Gramping Can Be

My Childhood Gramping Experience

When I was 14 (quite a few decades ago) and my brother was 13, my grandparents took us on a trip to New York City. My grandfather had a business meeting, but the rest of the time was exploring an amazing city we had never seen. To this day I remember every single moment of that trip, from the train ride from our home in western New York State to the unbelievable immensity of Grand Central Station, to the ride on the Staten Island Ferry, to seeing the Statue of Liberty, to viewing the city from the top of the Empire State Building. Memories, indeed, remain with you for a lifetime. 

My Children’s Childhood Gramping Experiences

When my own children were growing up, my parents decided that they wanted to spend individual time with each of my three youngsters. They picked age 12 as a time old enough to fly alone and flew my oldest son from our home (at that time) in South Carolina to their home in New York State. He spent a month with the grandparents and loved every minute of his trip.

In their time, his brother and sister had similar trips with the grandparents.

Me, as a Grandmother

Over the years I have had many day-trips with my grandchildren, but the first real and extended ‘gramping’ trip occurred quite accidentally. I was living in Georgia at the time (in my retirement years) and took a trip to Iowa to visit my oldest son and daughter-in-law. Grandson Ryan, 14 at the time, was bored that summer. He was too young to get a job, not old enough to drive, and both parents worked, so there was not a lot for him to do. 

One afternoon my DIL Kathie and I were chatting and Ryan came into the room to listen in. He kept interrupting with little funny lines as only young teenagers can do. Finally, his mom said (in mock frustration), “why don’t you just take Ryan back home with you”. I looked over at my grandson; he looked at me, and I thought ‘why not?’. So I said ‘OK’. It was all sort of ‘off the cuff’, but the more we all thought about it, it really did sound like a good idea. After a few discussions to work out details, at the end of my visit, Ryan came back to Georgia with me for over three weeks. 

As it turned out, he was a really fun travel companion and good company. We first drove from Iowa to my daughter’s place in St. Louis, staying overnight so Ryan could see the famous St. Louis Arch and get to visit with his Aunt & Uncle. Then back home in coastal Georgia, we had many days of beach time on Tybee Island, daily swims in my apartment pool, day trips to Savannah to see the sights, visit museums, eat out, and more. Evenings we played games and visited and planned what we would do the next day. He was an absolute joy to have around. I know Ryan enjoyed his trip as much as I enjoyed his company because nearly 10 years later he is still talking about it. 

At the end of the visit, I was on my way to Ohio to visit another son and met Ryan’s parents half-way to return him. A very happy and satisfying ‘gramping’ trip on both sides. 

Summary

If you ever get the opportunity to spend individual ‘gramping’ time (short or long) with your grandparent/grandchild, do not pass it up. You will never regret it.  

PS:  Gramping can also refer to a type of family holiday where grandparents, parents, and children (three generations) go camping or on a similar holiday together. But the most special moments, for both grandparent and grandchild, is when just these two generations spend time together.  

*Gramping Trips review written by Wednesday Elf

+Intro and Second Image are created with AI. Third image is a personal photo by Wednesday Elf

'Gramping' - Grandchildren/Grandparent Adventures

Traveling with Grandkids: A Complete and Fun-Filled Guide

Forever Connected: Adventures and Activities with Grandchildren

Matias' Adventures with Grandpa and Grandma in Miami: A heartwarming story about the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren, the joy of exploring, and the magic of shared moments.

Treasured Travels: A Grandparent - Grandchild Travel and Memory Journal

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How to Decorate Snowman Cupcakes Reviewed

I always enjoy making special treats during the holidays. These little Snowman cupcakes are perfect for Christmas, or really any winter celebration. 

The snowman cupcakes are pretty easy, and definitely a whole lot of fun, to decorate. You could even let the kids decorate them! 

Lots of family fun with these little guys!

I originally saw a picture of some snowman cupcakes in the Holiday Cupcakes book featured below. I thought they were adorable and when challenged, I couldn't resist making them. However, let me warn you now, I never do anything strictly by the instructions. I have made several changes to the original decorating directions in the book.

My family loves Coconut cake, but if you have a guest who can not eat coconut, I have included an alternative for them too.   

Snowman Cupcakes Couple

How to Begin Your Snowman Cupcakes 

Since this article is about decorating the cupcakes, we are going to start with the cupcakes already baked, cooled and ready for decorating.

One note about cooking your cupcakes, remember the miniature cupcakes for the face only require about 8 min. to bake. Use a toothpick to determine exact length of baking time. When a toothpick poked in the center of the cupcake comes out clean, the cupcake is ready. 

 

Tip for Baking White Cupcakes

When I am baking white cupcakes, I only use the egg whites and discard the yokes. This keeps the cupcake a purer white color. If your recipe calls for 3 whole eggs, use 4 egg whites instead. 

 

Ingredients Needed for Snowman Cupcakes

• Large Cupcakes ~ White
• White Miniature Cupcakes
• White Frosting
• Coconut ~ I used Angel Flake packaged Coconut
• Coconut Milk from a Coconut (See Directions Below)
• Candy for Decoration
• *Chocolate Wafer Cookies for the Hat
• *Melting Chocolate for Top Hat Assembly (I use Make 'n Mold Candy Wafers)
• Ribbon for Scarf
• Toothpicks
• * See Candy and Cookie suggestions under Step by Step Decorating Photos

 

Draining the Coconut ~ Step 1 

Draining the milk from a coconut is easy with the right tools.

Simply use a sterilized Phillips-head screwdriver and a hammer or mallet. Place the screwdriver on the eye of the coconut and hammer through the shell and the fruit to the milk. You will feel the point where you have broken through to the milk. The screwdriver will move easily at that point. 

How to Drain the Milk from a Coconut

Usually, I sit flat on the concrete walk or floor with the coconut between my knees and hammer the holes. However, this morning my dad came over and preformed this task so I could take pictures for you.

You will need to puncture at least two of the three eyes of the coconut.

Turn the coconut upside down over a coffee cup and let it drain. There will be some coconut shell residue that settles in the bottom of the coffee cup. Simply spoon it or strain it out leaving the milk free of debris.

Father of Sylvestermouse Demonstrates How to Puncture the Holes in a Coconut

 

Step by Step Instructions ~ Preparing the Baked Cupcake for Decoration

Step 1: Drain milk from real coconut

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, pour coconut milk on Angel Flake coconut and stir together.* (I actually use my hands to mix together)

Step 3: Frost baked white cupcakes with white frosting.

Step 4: Cover each iced cupcake with prepared coconut and gently press the coconut into the frosting with the palm of your hand. You will want the coconut to be pressed firmly into place when you decorate.

Step 5: At this point, I like to refrigerate the cupcakes for at least 1 hr. before I decorate them. This is not necessary, but it gives me a needed break in the process and allows everything to set before I start playing with it.

 

*If you ask me why I add coconut milk to my Angel Flake coconut, my only answer would be because my mother and my grandmother before her, did it that way and their coconut cakes are exceptional!

 Baker's, Angel Flake Coconut Sweetened, 7 OuncesCheck Price

 

Step by Step Instructions ~ Assembling and Decorating Snowman Cupcakes 

Decorate the Snowman's Face and Body While He is Laying on His Back

Step 1: Join 1 large cupcake to one small cupcake with a toothpick by gently inserting the toothpick into each cupcake.*

Step 2: Tie ribbon around the neck of the snowman

Step 3: Add Eyes, Nose and Mouth. You will need to press the candy pieces into the actual frosting. I cleared the area of coconut to be able to set the mouth in place.

Step 4: Add Buttons down the Body

Step 5: Make Hat, if desired. I made the top hat by adhering the bite size piece of licorice on the York mint with melting chocolate.

Step 6: Set Snowman up and set his hat on his head. You will need to use melting chocolate or half of a toothpick to attach the hat to his head.

*Toothpicks are not always easy to stick through the cupcake liners. I used an embroidery needle to stick through the paper and start the hole for the toothpick.

Displaying Snowman Cupcakes 

When you display Snowman Cupcakes, you will want to use extra coconut around their base, as pictured, to give them stability. 

Eyes: Candy Buttons ~ Nose: Candy Corn ~ Mouth: Sour Cherries Candy ~ Buttons: Mini Choc. Chips ~ Hat: Nonpareil

Eyes and Nose: Mini M&M's ~ Mouth: Sour Cherries Candy ~ Buttons: Mini M&M's ~ Top Hat: York Peppermint Pattie & Licorice

Eyes: Mini M&M's ~ Nose: Orange Slice ~ Mouth: Sour Cherries Candy ~ Buttons: Mini M&M ~ Top Hat: Oreo Cookie & Licorice

 

Candy Selection Suggestions for Face and Buttons

M&M's Candy ~ Regular Size or Mini Size

Mini Chocolate Chips

Candy Corn

Candy Buttons (I found these at Cracker Barrel Restaurant)

Orange Slices Candy

Sour Cherries Candy

Fruit Gems Candy

 Jelly Belly Sunkist® Fruit GemsCheck Price Candy Buttons Strips, Rainbow Buttons on PaperCheck Price M&M'S Minis Milk Chocolate Candy, Sharing Size 9.4 oz BagCheck Price

 

Suggestions for the Snowman's Hat 

Oreo Cookies (Halves ~ You will only want the cookie wafer part) 

York Peppermint Patties 

Chocolate Nonpareils 

Black Licorice (Bite size or cut into bite size) 

 YORK THiNS Dark Chocolate Peppermint PattiesCheck Price Nonpareils Dark Chocolate Candy nonpariels 1 poundCheck Price

 

For Individuals Who Can Not Eat Coconut

Simply Leave the Coconut Off and Decorate the Snowman Cupcake

 

Foil Cupcake Baking Cups 

When I am decorating cupcakes, I prefer to use Foil Cupcake Baking Cups. They come with the white liner cup that you normally see sold separately. I bake the cupcakes in both cups. You do not want to separate the two cups until you have finished decorating the cupcake.

The foil cups gives me stability while I decorate. When I am ready to display or serve the cupcakes, I simply remove the outer foil cup.

 Reynolds Foil Cupcake Liners, 32 Count (Pack of 24) (768 Total)Check Price

 

From Boo Boo to Woo-hoo!

This was my first snowman cupcake of the day. I tried to decorate him while he was standing up. He fell over and the small cupcake broke in half.

I felt so sorry for this brave little snowman, that I scraped off his frosting, set the small cupcake on top of the large cupcake. I frosted him again and re-decorated him. I then placed him in the refrigerator.

When my son came home and saw him, he laughed and declared that he looked like a melting snowman. Then he said, "well, actually, he is my favorite!"

So, I share my "boo boo" turned "woo-hoo" with you.

So, what do you think.  Is the little repaired snowman, oh so cute or still a flop?

 

My Inspiration - Even though I didn't follow the directions in the book

 Holiday CupcakesCheck Price

 

ALL PHOTOS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF SYLVESTERMOUSE 

This recipe article was originally published by me in 2010 on a different site that no longer exists. 

© 2010 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

 

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Inspirational Mugs to Start Your Day

I have some various quotes around the house that I can read whenever. Just the other day, I thought it would be nice to have one on a mug. I had already designed some, and was in the market for a new mug, so an inspirational one is what I chose.

Inspiration can mean different things to different people. An athlete could be more inspired by something sporty.

The affirmation, Go Team, can be just the inspiration they need to go and be part of the team.

Go Team Custom Football Outline mugs
by CherylsArt

An affirmation that I used quite regularly some years back is, Feeling good. Feeling great! What can I appreciate? I would intentionally say this to myself and also out loud, whenever I wasn't feeling as good as I wanted to feel. The pause didn't always seem to immediately help, but I do think it helped to take a pause from how I was feeling, and for a moment to give my mind a new focus. Then I could think of something that I appreciated. And then I could go back to sleep or whatever I may have been doing at the time.

Feeling good, feeling great, affirmation mugs
by CherylsArt

The inspirational quote that I decided to go with for my new mug purchase is, I am connected to God; I gain good understanding, wisdom, and insight. It is one of the affirmations that I wrote, as a verse, when I wrote the book, Proverbs as Affirmations. When I first started using that verse, I didn't know what it actually meant. But over time, I did begin to notice that someone might answer a question that I had been thinking, or that I would get an image of something in answer to what I had been wondering about. I found out that our words can have meaning and substance, even when we don't know what that might mean.

So this verse, affirmation, is truly inspirational to me. It reminds me, one, that affirmations do work, even when I didn't have any expectation or know how of how it would or could work.

I am connected to God; I gain good... mugs
by CherylsArt

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote or saying that you would like to see on a mug? There are a variety of backgrounds to choose from in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle, that can be customized with your own favorite quote or saying: https://wwww.zazzle.com/store/CherylsArt/template+mugs. There are lots more mugs in my store, these are the ones that show up as having a template already in place. However, you are welcome to customize other mug designs that are in my store.

May you have a great day and a great way to start of your day.

Cheryl Paton

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Kidde Smoke Detectors - Reviewed

 When it comes to protecting your home and family, few things are as essential as a dependable smoke detector. Kidde has been a trusted name in fire safety for decades, and continues to lead the way with smoke detectors that combine reliability, smart technology, and ease of use.

My sister-in-law recently moved to our area from South Carolina. After moving into her new home here in Western New York and getting settled, she asked me to install her smoke detectors. She had already purchased these Kidde smoke detectors. These are the same smoke detectors we have in our home.

Kidde has several options to choose from. The traditional battery-operated or hardwired model with battery backup, either option is easy to install.

She purchased the 10-year sealed battery smoke detectors. These have a long-lasting lithium battery that eliminates the need to change batteries every year.

Make sure you read the instructions; the installation is easy, but they also explain the best placement for smoke detectors in your home.

Smoke detectors are required by law in most places. Many local building codes and safety regulations require working smoke detectors in residential buildings.

We also installed one that was a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Read my article here to find out why you need a carbon monoxide detector.

Kidde Hardwired Smoke Detector, 10-Year Battery Backup, Interconnectable, LED Warning Light Indicators, 20SA10Check the PriceKidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector, 10-Year Battery Powered, LED Warning Light Indicators, 30CUD10Check the Price

 

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Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Love to Play Puppy Reviewed

Follow along on our review of Fisher-Price’s Laugh and Learn Love to Play Puppy, a wonderful and affordable gift idea for the little one in your life. Puppy is a soft, cuddly toy who responds when your child touches with various silly sayings and sing-along songs including familiar ones like the Itsy-Bitsy Spider.

Puppy is designed to be played with while also helping your young child learn the alphabet, numbers, colors and parts of the body. You chose one of two modes: learning or musical. As a fun bonus, his dog collar lights up or twinkles to the beat of the music.

A version of this dog, with slight changes and a even a new name, has been released pretty much consistently by Fisher-Price since 2003 and buyers continue to praise the quality and educational aspects of this toy.

The Puppy I have featured at the top of this page has a purple shirt and paws that are red with a musical note, green with the word hand, yellow with the word foot and orange with the on and off button and controls for the learning or musical mode. He was made in 2008.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

• Recommended for children aged 6 months to 36 years of age.
• The Puppy shown here is model number C6325 and had the UPC code 027084131413.
• Requires 3 AA batteries.

FIND YOUR LAUGH & LEARN PUPPY

If you are not looking for an older version of Puppy, you can find a new version of the Laugh and Learn Puppy by clicking here to Amazon. He has a slightly different name, which is Fisher-Price Baby Toy Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy, but he still represents good value for a well-made, educational toy.

If, however, you are looking for an older version that you remember from the past, you will want to try eBay.  You will find all of the versions of the Laugh & Learn Puppy available on eBay by clicking here where you will also find many different versions of this toy including pianos, walkers, rattles and more. 

See you

at the toy store!

MORE FISHER-PRICE TOYS:

Fisher-Price's Cottage Reviewed.

Fisher-Price's Little People Nativity Set.

Discover the Fisher-Price Corn Popper.

Meet Fisher-Price's Batman.

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Great Gift Idea for Bird-Watchers - Motion-Detected Security is a Bonus

I recently received a very thoughtful gift. I was given a Bird Snap video/audio bird feeder.  My children set it up within minutes, including the app on my phone, and installed the feeder on my deck near my existing cluster of bird feeders. Such a fun and modern way to watch the birds at my feeder, whether I'm home or not.

I was gifted the Bird Snap bird feeder with camera and solar panel offered on Amazon. There are many, many versions of video feeders offered with a variety of prices and options.

Fellow Review This Reviews contributor Mary Beth Granger reviews and recommends the Smart Bird Feeder Camera that she was given last year. You can see her review here. I had thought about buying myself a Bird Feeder Camera on her recommendation then but it was one of those wish list items that I didn't end up buying for myself.

Bird Snap Camera Bird Feeder

There are many brands and versions of bird feeders with varying degrees of video and audio capability. I am hoping that with my review of my set-up, you'll be able to consider which options are important in the feeder camera you choose.

• Motion detection
• Live video
• Live audio and Two-Way audio
• 160 degree wide viewing angle
• Real-time notifications 
• TF card included
• Solar panel and cord 
• IP65 Weather proof
• 1.8L bird seed capacity
• detachable liquid nectar holders (hummingbirds); fruit holders (orioles, etc)
• Free app for viewing and downloading videos and/or activating the live camera.
• Optional AI bird identification subscription

The phone app allows for a variety of choices (with no subscription fees): live video, review of videos on the cloud or TF card, downloads to your phone gallery, an alarm, real-time audio (listening) and real-time audio (speaking from my phone to the outdoors), sleep option, and ability to snap photos.

There is an AI Bird Identification subscription that can be purchased to identify the species of birds that visit your feeder. I have not subscribed and cannot comment on this feature.

My Thoughts - Dual Purpose (Bird Watching AND Security)

After my Bird Snap was set up, I noted the very wide angle. And initially, I thought I would move the camera in order to exclude my "working homestead" area from view; chicken coop, lawn mower, water catchment, and other "clutter". After all, in general, we are often encouraged to share images that are pretty and "Instagrammable". Fortunately, I am often slow to do things on my to-do list. Before I re-positioned the bird feeder camera, I realized that motion near the chicken coop and in my driveway (both at the house and near the road) was being recorded. If I  do decide to move the feeder, I will likely move it to have a better view of my driveway and the front of my house; clutter be darned. Similar to a security camera at a person's door bell, I would be able to see, record, and speak to anyone coming and going. 

So far, aside from showing my cluttered work area to the world, I've only had two initial hesitations about this product. 1) even though it was placed next to my existing cluster of bird feeders, it seemed to take awhile for the birds to trust and visit this new feeder.  I believe they could hear, feel, or see the motion from the camera activating causing them to fly away before the video started. 2) During a very windy day, I received notifications on my phone all day. But that was user error, as I had forgotten that I could set "sleep" on the feeder remotely, and eliminate all of those leaf-blown notifications.

The birds now seem to be braving the new feeder without hesitation. And I know that on windy days to "sleep" the feeder to stop the excessive notifications. 

Preferred Bird Seed

I love bird-watching and have done it for years.  I am not expert at bird identification but I can easily recognize the regulars around here.  I am excited to try to lure the Orioles and other fruit eating birds next year! Meanwhile, I offer a variety of bird seed here to try to attract a variety of birds. I have noticed the trend that the Nut and Fruit blends are preferred.

Video clips from my Bird Snap; showing both birds at the feeder as well as things happening near the chicken coop. 

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The Moments We Don’t Post About - A Quiet Review

We all have those stretches when we're not posting, not sharing, not updating—and I've realized that the silence can say as much as the noise. 

Sometimes it means someone is going through something they can't quite name yet. Other times, it simply means they're living quietly, peacefully, in their own space.

For me, that quietness feels right most of the time. I primarily use social media to share the things I create—songs, poems, articles, riddles, and the work of other writers I admire. 

Occasionally, I'll post family pictures or something lighthearted, but I keep my personal life private. I don't need to put everything out there. I know many of you share those feelings as well.

There's a lot of emotion attached to what we see online—the perfect families, the perfect homes, the picture-perfect moments that can make life look effortless. 

I don't judge posting, because I post too; in fact, many people find joy and pride in sharing what they love. It's also nice to stay up-to-date.

However, I sometimes worry that I might make someone feel left out, or, on the other hand, that they might be tired of me. So, I keep things simple. Because everyone has a battle, and not knowing what their struggle may be, I err on the side of caution.

Part of it is the world my older generation grew up in. 

Our generation went from dial phones to having the world in our pockets. 

I still remember when a 25-foot phone cord was considered high-tech—it gave you enough freedom to walk into another room and talk privately! What a handy item that was. Lol.

That was our "social media." Now, everyone's connected all the time. But I do admire how naturally younger people navigate that.

 It's their world. But for me, the quieter lane feels more comfortable.

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When Silence Speaks

I've learned that sometimes what we don't post reveals just as much as what we do. 

The silence might mean someone is overwhelmed, reflecting, busy, resting, or simply choosing peace over noise. 

There's a kind of wisdom that comes with knowing not everything needs to be shared, explained, or responded to. Some moments are meant to be felt, not displayed.

Choosing not to post isn't the same as withdrawing—it's simply deciding that certain experiences belong to the heart more than the timeline. 

There's a quiet beauty in holding certain aspects of our lives close, letting them unfold without announcement or commentary.

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When Grief Has No Words

When my dad passed away, I couldn't bring myself to post about it—not for a while. It wasn't that I didn't want support; I just couldn't find the words. The shift inside me was too big, too raw. It felt like an internal earthquake—like a part of me had been quietly rearranged.

Eventually, I was able to talk about it, write about it, and even share it—but not at first. That silence wasn't avoidance; it was reverence. It was me trying to make sense of a life that suddenly felt different.

And that experience taught me something about others as well. We don't always know what's behind someone's stillness online or in life. 

Sometimes, the quiet is protecting something sacred. Sometimes, it's where healing lives.

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The Gift of Quiet

These days, I've come to appreciate quiet as a kind of luxury. Even when the TV's loud or music's playing, there's still a peaceful undercurrent I can feel—a sort of calm I didn't always recognize when I was younger. 

I see quiet as space. Space to breathe, think, and just be.

Silence doesn't mean absence. It's not a lack of connection or care. Its presence, in another form. It's reflection. It's peace.

So, when I scroll past the stream of updates and realize I haven't posted in a while, I don't feel behind. I feel grounded, and I enjoy catching up with family and friends who are sharing. 

The moments I don't post about are often the ones that shape me the most—quietly, deeply, and without an audience.

And maybe that's what makes them so meaningful. 

They remind me that not every beautiful thing has to be witnessed to be real. 

Some of life's most authentic moments happen in the spaces no one sees—where there are no captions, no commentary, and no need to explain.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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So Long Chester Wheeler - Book Review

A novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Catherine Ryan Hyde about a road trip with unlikely companions who end up forming an unexpected bond. 

Synopsis

So Long, Chester Wheeler: A Novel

As the story begins, Lewis Madigan, a software developer, is experiencing the worst day of his life!

His worst day began as he arrived at work. It was a day that he expected to be getting a promotion and a raise and instead ended up with a pink slip in his pay envelope. 

If the news of getting ‘laid off’  wasn’t enough, when Lewis got home that day, hoping for a bit of sympathy from his live-in boyfriend, he discovers the boyfriend is in the process of moving out and leaving for good. Afterwards, Lewis learns that the ex-boyfriend has also cleaned out their joint savings account! 

Faced with a horrendous job market, no money and few prospects, Lewis is uncertain what to do next. 

Chester Wheeler

Enter Chester Wheeler. Chester is Lewis’ hateful next-door neighbor; wheelchair-bound, cantankerous, and a constant source of irritation with his homophobic insults. 

Chester has worn through a number of caretakers—no one can stand to be around him. When the last caretaker walks out, Chester’s daughter is at her wits end. She needs to be with her daughter and newborn grandchild, not taking care of Chester. Knowing Lewis is out of work, she talks him into providing end-of-life care for her father.

Lewis doesn’t need the aggravation of caring for his insufferable homophobic neighbor, but he does need the money. Told that the only requirements are to run errands and be on call just until the daughter can work out other arrangements, Lewis agrees. 

Chester Wheelers Request

After several days of bickering, baiting, pushing buttons and exchanging barbs, Chester Wheeler decides to ask Lewis for a big favor. He wants Lewis to drive him, in his old Winnebago,  from his home in Buffalo, NY to Arizona. He wants to see his ex-wife for the first time in thirty-two years ~ for the last time. Lewis is unable to say no to a dying wish, and agrees. The journey spans one week and two thousand miles, and becomes an illuminating journey into the life and secrets of a vulnerable man.

Summary

So Long Chester Wheeler is a novel with characters who will fascinate you. The story is told with humor and a deep understanding that sometimes the last people in the world we would expect to connect with are those who need our help the most.  It will make you think about your own feelings and how they influence your life. 

*Book Review of “So Long Chester Wheeler” was written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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