a possum in a crabapple tree by normanack
Look at that cute possum visiting his local crabapple tree for a winter snack. I doubt he’s a Kansas prairie opossum, but he could be, bear with me.
Preparing for Winter
Let’s say you want a quick lesson in preparing for winter. What lessons can you learn from a Kansas possum?
Eat Local – location, location
When you can’t visit the grocery store, location is everything. You won’t find a Kansas opossum roaming the wide open prairie, but you might find him in a garden. He likes berries, insects, and small animals to eat. He needs food close-by because he can’t drive – all of his food is local.
Make like a Kansas opossum and seek out local food sources. Walking to the grocery store is environmentally friendly, handy when the roads are bad, and fun in the snow. Get your boots ready. If you’re in the market for a new home consider city walkscore.
Keep Those Ears Warm – insulate
Possums don’t like to be out in the cold. Like us their ears have no fur and are at risk of frostbite. Possums can’t knit tail warmers and ear muffs so they stay inside at night when it’s freezing.
Make like a Kansas possum and go outside on warm days in winter. Take time to explore and be part of nature. And while you’re inside, enjoy your cozy nest – blankets, sweaters and home insulation save energy. Use the 2009 30% tax credit on insulation installation.
Recycle, don’t waste, take care
Possums aren’t fussy eaters. They’ll eat carrion, get in your trash given the chance, and often get run over while eating dead animals. Ewww…
Make like a possum and don’t waste food. Make sure the food you eat is safe though! Leftovers make good meal starters – try serving leftover stir-fry as a stuffing for wraps. And when you’re out walking cross the road safely unlike opossums; teach your kids safe rules of the road.
What are you doing to prepare for winter? Does it get really cold where you live? Have you ever seen a possum?
Related posts:
I’m afraid I’m more like a bear than a possum. I tend to put on some fat and hibernate. Well, at least the fat comes from local food as much as possible; I always read the label and given the choice, I’ll take the produce grown nearest, even if it’s more expensive. Oh, and yes, it gets VERY cold here in New Brunswick.