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 A return visit to the Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum found the scene much as we had left it the year before.  Indeed, it proved itself similar to it had been 100 years ago.  Greeted at the door by carolers, the interior stood warm and inviting, though somewhat crowded, early in the evening.  A variety of activities absorbed the interested of short folks, including the opportunity to receive a free wooden toy, and have a chat with Santa, all while dribbling hot apple cider and scattering cookie crumbs throughout house.   Out at the campfire, others enjoyed the offering of roasted chestnuts, and the opportunity to lightly socialize on the topic.  All in all, this low-key Christmas experience warmed heart and soul for attendees of the evening events.

A mostly cloudy and chilly 8°C afternoon encouraged on outing to the  44th Annual Eagle Days  for a closer look at these impressive raptors.  Hosted at  Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge , a variety of new and familiar activities made for an interesting day in the rural landscape northwest of St Joseph. The event witnessed a repeat appearance from the ever watchful and somewhat talkative Harpy eagle, a native of the southern Americas, and very much conservation dependent species.  A Golden Eagle joined the conversation after that but appeared pre-occupied with escaping the crying baby in the front row.  The row ended with the continuously piercing gaze from the American Bald Eagle, who lingered afterward the interviews ended for small talk and photos. Numerous sites established around perimeter of the 16 km Wild Good Auto Tour loop offered young and old the opportunity to get a closer look at the Bald Eagles in their locally native habitat, as well as t