tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89618318630462357412024-03-12T20:33:28.076-05:00Nature Center MagazineBringing Nature Closer To YouRick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.comBlogger747125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-62189409534260106602024-02-20T10:56:00.002-06:002024-02-20T10:56:46.817-06:00Wildlife Of The Southwest American Desert<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPrVrf7WMNenrAMRAirV7qstcwBeLK3CckCp2i-CBIPfYEBGAPS4I6OCxURaaPtVq1uwo_PBN78uUQNRTAWUlah_1rfB3tnNJX4CsVQN1xvdii3GKJYKMD4EcRSBABquCMkhAWy3kPYcPSustv_lrKWtZVP7kjv7OT-P2u6E4stqEyxS_RVNBBX11A1CJ/s1024/A_true-to-life_depiction_of_the_Southwest_American.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPrVrf7WMNenrAMRAirV7qstcwBeLK3CckCp2i-CBIPfYEBGAPS4I6OCxURaaPtVq1uwo_PBN78uUQNRTAWUlah_1rfB3tnNJX4CsVQN1xvdii3GKJYKMD4EcRSBABquCMkhAWy3kPYcPSustv_lrKWtZVP7kjv7OT-P2u6E4stqEyxS_RVNBBX11A1CJ/s16000/A_true-to-life_depiction_of_the_Southwest_American.jpg" /></a></div> In the heart of the American Southwest, where the sun casts its relentless gaze upon the vast expanses of sand and rock, a surprisingly diverse array of life thrives. This region, often perceived as a barren wasteland, is in fact a vibrant ecosystem teeming with species uniquely adapted to its harsh conditions. From the iconic saguaro cacti to the elusive desert tortoise, the Southwest American desert is a testament to nature's resilience and adaptability.<p></p><p></p><div></div><p></p><h4>The Masters of Camouflage and Survival</h4><p>One of the desert's most remarkable inhabitants is the Gila monster. This venomous lizard, which can be found lounging in the shade during the heat of the day, is a true survivor. Its bright colors serve as a warning to predators, while its slow metabolism allows it to go months between meals. Equally fascinating is the desert tortoise, whose life span can exceed 50 years. These creatures spend the majority of their lives in underground burrows to escape the desert heat, emerging primarily to feed and mate.</p><h4>The Night Shift</h4><p>As the sun sets, the desert undergoes a dramatic transformation. Nocturnal creatures emerge from their daytime refuges to hunt, mate, and explore. The coyote, one of the most adaptable animals in North America, roams the night in search of food. Their howls, a quintessential sound of the desert night, underscore the stark beauty of this environment. Joining them under the cover of darkness are the owls, whose silent flight and acute vision make them formidable nocturnal predators.</p><h4>A Symphony of Birds</h4><p>The Southwest desert is also a haven for bird enthusiasts. The cactus wren, Arizona's state bird, makes its home in the protective arms of cacti, while the majestic Harris's hawk, known for its remarkable social behavior, can be spotted soaring in the sky in search of prey. During migration seasons, the desert skies are adorned with the vibrant colors of countless bird species making their way along their migratory paths.</p><h4>The Floral Bloom</h4><p>Perhaps the most astonishing display of life in the Southwest desert comes with the spring bloom. Following the rare rains, the desert floor bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors. Wildflowers, cacti blossoms, and other plant species erupt in bloom, transforming the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of life. This brief period attracts a plethora of pollinators, from bees to hummingbirds, each playing a crucial role in the desert's ecological balance.</p><h4>Conclusion</h4><p>The wildlife of the Southwest American desert is a profound example of nature's ability to adapt and flourish in the face of adversity. Each species, whether it prowls the night or blooms in the fleeting wet season, contributes to the complex and resilient ecosystem that defines this unique landscape. For those willing to look beyond the surface, the desert offers endless lessons in survival, coexistence, and the sheer beauty of life's persistence.</p>Rick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-6487337996166005782023-11-29T20:07:00.000-06:002023-11-29T20:07:10.373-06:00Hyenas: The Misunderstood Scavengers of Africa and Beyond<div style="text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, Segoe UI, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Microsoft YaHei, Meiryo UI, Meiryo, Arial Unicode MS, sans-serif" style="color: #111111;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><p style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body2-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body2-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnADx4HGYzn4fDU3jQFNXg1JlfeRvZO_nx0HRUbJh4Sn8mFle_xpyJXmqYLmFoFVmS4ip0UKU8ym2rvylYctzTEsr11U2LElSqPPWLv213TSn_3SIZ2SF6mmKMGAGDlnwksvuD9eYk_gxCcdlI1HckU31qEiAVvqlviR2eNqyWuAzqWXlLMKEBnrBqV9g/s1024/_5ee5aff6-bd44-423c-bc90-798b314e3e35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnADx4HGYzn4fDU3jQFNXg1JlfeRvZO_nx0HRUbJh4Sn8mFle_xpyJXmqYLmFoFVmS4ip0UKU8ym2rvylYctzTEsr11U2LElSqPPWLv213TSn_3SIZ2SF6mmKMGAGDlnwksvuD9eYk_gxCcdlI1HckU31qEiAVvqlviR2eNqyWuAzqWXlLMKEBnrBqV9g/w640-h640/_5ee5aff6-bd44-423c-bc90-798b314e3e35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Hyenas are feliform carnivores that belong to the family Hyaenidae. They are found in Africa, Asia, and India, where they play a vital role as scavengers and hunters. Hyenas help to clean their environment by eating the remains of animals that other predators leave behind, preventing infections and diseases. They also hunt smaller animals, such as rodents, birds, snakes, and insects, when they cannot find carrion. Hyenas are often portrayed as cowardly, greedy, and evil animals in popular culture, but this is far from the truth. Hyenas are intelligent, social, and adaptable creatures that have complex behaviors and communication systems. They are not related to dogs, as many people think, but are closer to cats in their anatomy and habits. Hyenas are also not always laughing, as their vocalizations have different meanings and functions. In this article, we will explore the four different types of hyenas and their characteristics and learn more about these fascinating animals.<p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><p style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body2-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body2-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">There are four species of hyenas in the world, each with its own unique features and adaptations. They are the spotted hyena, the brown hyena, the striped hyena, and the aardwolf. Here is a table that summarizes some of the basic information about each species:</p></blockquote><cib-table-block style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-large); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-primary); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 12px; position: relative;"><button appearance="subtle" aria-label="Edit in Excel" class="download-button" description-position="top" description="Edit in Excel" is="cib-button" style="align-items: center; border-radius: var(--cib-comp-feedback-button-border-radius); border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-primary); cursor: pointer; display: flex; fill: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-family: var(--cib-font-text); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); 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border-radius: var(--cib-border-radius-medium); border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid var(--cib-color-stroke-neutral-primary); margin: 12px 0px 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 12px; table-layout: fixed; width: 736px;"><thead><tr style="padding: 0px 4px;"><th style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 8px 4px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Species</th><th style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Scientific Name</th><th style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Distribution</th><th style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Size</th><th style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Diet</th><th style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-stronger-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Social Structure</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr style="padding: 0px 4px;"><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Spotted hyena</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Crocuta crocuta</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Sub-Saharan Africa</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">110-190 lbs</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Carnivorous</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Live in large clans of up to 80 individuals</td></tr><tr style="padding: 0px 4px;"><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Brown hyena</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Parahyaena brunnea</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Southern Africa</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">75-160 lbs</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Scavenging</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Live in small groups of 2-15 individuals</td></tr><tr style="padding: 0px 4px;"><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Striped hyena</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Hyaena hyaena</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Africa, Asia, India</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">55-120 lbs</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Omnivorous</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Live in pairs or solitary</td></tr><tr style="padding: 0px 4px;"><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Aardwolf</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Proteles cristata</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Eastern and Southern Africa</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">15-30 lbs</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Insectivorous</td><td style="color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-primary); font-size: var(--cib-type-body1-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body1-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 8px 4px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: initial;">Live in monogamous pairs</td></tr></tbody></table></slot></cib-table-block><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><p style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body2-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body2-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">Let’s take a closer look at each species and their characteristics:</p></blockquote><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li><strong>Spotted hyena</strong>: This is the largest and most common hyena species, and the one that most people are familiar with. Spotted hyenas have a coat of yellowish-brown fur with black spots, a mane of long hair on their neck and back, and a bushy tail. They have powerful jaws and teeth that can crush bones, and a digestive system that can process almost any animal material. Spotted hyenas are highly social and live in clans that are led by a dominant female. They communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, such as whoops, grunts, groans, and giggles. The giggles are not a sign of amusement, but rather a signal of nervousness or submission. Spotted hyenas are also very intelligent and can cooperate and solve problems. They hunt in groups and can take down large prey, such as wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo. They also scavenge from other predators, such as lions, and sometimes steal their kills. Spotted hyenas have a complex reproductive system, where females have a pseudo-penis that is used for urination, mating, and giving birth. Females are larger and more aggressive than males and have higher levels of testosterone. <a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="5b267475-dc1f-e590-93f1-548accefa3fc-62-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://myanimals.com/animals/wild-animals-animals/mammals/the-habitat-behavior-and-characteristics-of-hyenas/" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Spotted hyenas are not endangered, but they face threats from habitat loss, human persecution, and diseases</a>.</li></ul></blockquote><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li><strong>Brown hyena</strong>: This is the rarest and most elusive hyena species, and the second largest. Brown hyenas have a coat of shaggy brown fur with dark stripes on their legs and a dark patch on their throat. They have a mane of long hair on their neck and back, and a bushy tail. They have strong jaws and teeth, but not as powerful as the spotted hyena. Brown hyenas are mostly scavengers, and feed on the carcasses of animals that other predators leave behind. They also eat eggs, fruits, insects, and small animals. Brown hyenas are not very social and live in small groups of 2-15 individuals, called clans. They are mostly nocturnal and communicate with each other using scent marks, body postures, and vocalizations, such as growls, whines, and cackles. Brown hyenas are shy and timid and avoid confrontation with other animals. They are also very loyal and caring and will share food and groom each other. Brown hyenas have a similar reproductive system to the spotted hyena, where females have a pseudo-penis and are larger and more dominant than males. Brown hyenas are endangered, and their population is estimated to be less than 10,000 individuals. <a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="5b267475-dc1f-e590-93f1-548accefa3fc-70-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://animalsarea.com/types-of-hyenas-in-the-world/" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">They face threats from habitat loss, human persecution, and competition with other predators</a>.</li></ul></blockquote><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li><strong>Striped hyena</strong>: This is the smallest of the bone-crushing hyenas, and the most widespread. Striped hyenas have a coat of gray or brown fur with black stripes on their body and legs, a mane of long hair on their neck and back, and a bushy tail. They have moderately strong jaws and teeth, and a digestive system that can process bones, hooves, and horns. Striped hyenas are omnivorous, and feed on a variety of foods, such as carrion, fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals. They are also known to raid human garbage and crops. Striped hyenas are not very social and live in pairs or solitary. They are mostly nocturnal and communicate with each other using scent marks, body postures, and vocalizations, such as howls, yelps, and snarls. Striped hyenas are timid and cautious and will flee from danger or feign death. They are also very curious and playful and will investigate new objects and situations. Striped hyenas have a normal reproductive system, where females have a vagina and are smaller and less aggressive than males. Striped hyenas are vulnerable, and their population is estimated to be less than 20,000 individuals. <a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="5b267475-dc1f-e590-93f1-548accefa3fc-78-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyena" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">They face threats from habitat loss, human persecution, and competition with other predators</a>.</li></ul></blockquote><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li><strong>Aardwolf</strong>: This is the smallest and most specialized hyena species, and the only one that does not belong to the genus Hyaena. Aardwolves have a coat of yellowish-brown fur with black stripes on their body and legs, a mane of long hair on their neck and back, and a bushy tail. They have weak jaws and teeth, and a digestive system that can process only insects. Aardwolves are insectivorous, and feed mainly on termites, which they lick up with their long sticky tongues. They can eat up to 300,000 termites in one night. Aardwolves are social and live in monogamous pairs, with their offspring staying with them until they are mature. They are mostly nocturnal and communicate with each other using scent marks, body postures, and vocalizations, such as barks, growls, and whimpers. Aardwolves are timid and defensive, and will erect their mane and tail, and emit a foul-smelling spray from their anal glands, to deter predators. They are also very territorial and will mark their boundaries with urine and feces. Aardwolves have a normal reproductive system, where females have a vagina and are smaller and less dominant than males. <a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="5b267475-dc1f-e590-93f1-548accefa3fc-86-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyena" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Aardwolves are not threatened, but they face some risks from habitat loss, human persecution, and diseases</a>. </li></ul></blockquote><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><p style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body2-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body2-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">Hyenas are amazing animals that have adapted to different environments and lifestyles. They are not the evil and cowardly creatures that many people think they are, but rather intelligent, social, and adaptable animals that have complex behaviors and communication systems. Hyenas are also very diverse, and each species has its own unique features and adaptations. Here are some interesting or surprising facts about hyenas that you may not know:</p></blockquote><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><ul style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding-inline-start: 24px;"><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="5b267475-dc1f-e590-93f1-548accefa3fc-95-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyena" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Hyenas have a bite force of 1,100 psi, which is stronger than lions and tigers</a></li><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="5b267475-dc1f-e590-93f1-548accefa3fc-98-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyena" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Hyenas can run up to 37 mph, which is faster than humans and most dogs</a></li><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="5b267475-dc1f-e590-93f1-548accefa3fc-101-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyena" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Hyenas have excellent night vision, hearing, and smell, which help them locate prey and avoid predators</a></li><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="5b267475-dc1f-e590-93f1-548accefa3fc-104-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyena" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Hyenas are one of the few animals that can digest bones, hooves, and horns, which provide them with calcium and phosphorus</a></li><li><a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="5b267475-dc1f-e590-93f1-548accefa3fc-107-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyena" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Hyenas can live up to 25 years in the wild, which is longer than most carnivores</a></li></ul></blockquote><blockquote style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><p style="font-size: var(--cib-type-body2-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-body2-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">Hyenas are truly remarkable animals that deserve our respect and admiration. They are not only the scavengers of Africa and beyond, but also the hunters, the cleaners, and the survivors. </p></blockquote>Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-42579475850761688332023-11-23T15:48:00.001-06:002023-11-23T15:48:32.459-06:00Neighborhood Nature: Unveiling the Wonders Around You<div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full gap-3 gizmo:gap-0"><div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="6fec0b94-93ab-4fc7-98ac-869f19274f9c"><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzwtbw0jH0G7hjReHUU4sTNMpvsUhsTUxZREvMQxLBr5_KB_TPG8VVmym8MRNtCefcEPNJeP8q99VtuZcODBO8cHjMw2Zdc1PfvghO66YWFfU1nN5lsithDYSa9L-S3nyyou7LbUdJ05RkevHeAWpfEDV7-9_1WSii21ANM2jKY5z0szIPg3aiW3CbsW_/s1024/Neighborhood%20Nature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzwtbw0jH0G7hjReHUU4sTNMpvsUhsTUxZREvMQxLBr5_KB_TPG8VVmym8MRNtCefcEPNJeP8q99VtuZcODBO8cHjMw2Zdc1PfvghO66YWFfU1nN5lsithDYSa9L-S3nyyou7LbUdJ05RkevHeAWpfEDV7-9_1WSii21ANM2jKY5z0szIPg3aiW3CbsW_/w640-h640/Neighborhood%20Nature.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Discovering and appreciating nature in your own neighborhood can be a deeply rewarding experience. Often, we overlook the natural beauty and diversity that exists just steps away from our homes. This article will guide you through the simple steps to find and enjoy nature in your neighborhood, transforming ordinary walks into extraordinary adventures.<p></p><h3>1. <strong>Start with a Mindful Approach</strong></h3><p>Begin your exploration with a mindful attitude. Slow down, unplug from your devices, and prepare to observe. Mindfulness is key to noticing the subtle details of nature that you might otherwise miss.</p><h3>2. <strong>Seasonal Observations</strong></h3><p>Each season offers something unique. In spring, watch for budding flowers and listen for the return of birds. Summer brings lush greenery and active wildlife. Autumn is a showcase of colorful leaves, while winter reveals the stark beauty of bare trees and tracks in the snow. Pay attention to these seasonal changes; they’re a constant source of wonder.</p><h3>3. <strong>Bird Watching</strong></h3><p>Birds are everywhere, even in urban areas. You can start by identifying common species and observing their behaviors. Bird watching is a relaxing and educational activity that deepens your connection with nature.</p><h3>4. <strong>Look for Local Flora</strong></h3><p>Identifying local plants, trees, and flowers can be incredibly satisfying. You might discover native species or learn about the plants that thrive in your area. This knowledge not only enhances your walks but can also inspire your own gardening.</p><h3>5. <strong>Insect Exploration</strong></h3><p>Insects are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Observing the variety of insects, from butterflies to beetles, can be fascinating. It’s a chance to appreciate the smaller creatures that are vital to our environment.</p><h3>6. <strong>Nature Journaling</strong></h3><p>Keep a nature journal to document your observations. Sketching what you see, jotting down notes, or even writing poems can deepen your experience and create lasting memories of your discoveries.</p><h3>7. <strong>Photography as a Tool</strong></h3><p>Photography can be a wonderful way to engage with nature. Capturing images of the landscapes, plants, and animals in your neighborhood allows you to see the world from new perspectives.</p><h3>8. <strong>Join Community Nature Groups</strong></h3><p>Connect with local nature groups or online communities. Sharing experiences and knowledge with others can enrich your understanding and appreciation of your local environment.</p><h3>9. <strong>Create a Wildlife-Friendly Space</strong></h3><p>If you have a garden or balcony, consider making it wildlife-friendly. Planting native species, setting up a bird feeder, or creating a small pond can attract various forms of wildlife for you to observe.</p><h3>10. <strong>Nighttime Nature Walks</strong></h3><p>Exploring your neighborhood after dark offers a different perspective. The sounds of nocturnal animals, the sight of the stars, and the experience of the night air can be uniquely calming and intriguing.</p><h3>11. <strong>Respect and Preserve</strong></h3><p>Always remember to respect wildlife and their habitats. Maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Preserve the beauty of your neighborhood by practicing leave-no-trace principles.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Nature is all around us, waiting to be noticed and appreciated. By taking the time to explore your neighborhood with fresh eyes, you can uncover a world of natural beauty and wonder. This newfound connection to your local environment can bring peace, joy, and a deeper appreciation for the world we live in.</p></div></div></div>Rick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-75438584524432468162023-11-19T08:00:00.001-06:002023-11-19T08:00:00.145-06:00The Marvelous Musings of Marina the Mermaid: Exploring the Ocean's Wonders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK-1kTbm5ZEcbdz1XU7ANIQbMrHZ9Kv04s2TZzzLjAMp90xj9r1dWW_np9U6eN1PLZSKWGw2rjajWbTqklk3U6muOkJmsLoDvDqV_1cTV-Y4prCYeWovVGNofUm95doC3KoGYc1oFcSoX5dmTzXBqo5LE7jXgD-AD6R9RpU7y1kbT5aC6RSnE1vNqHVah/s1024/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-11-13%2014.43.04%20-%20A%20whimsical%20mermaid%20with%20long%20flowing%20hair,%20swimming%20gracefully%20under%20the%20ocean.%20She%20is%20surrounded%20by%20colorful%20coral%20reefs%20and%20a%20diverse%20array%20of%20sea%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK-1kTbm5ZEcbdz1XU7ANIQbMrHZ9Kv04s2TZzzLjAMp90xj9r1dWW_np9U6eN1PLZSKWGw2rjajWbTqklk3U6muOkJmsLoDvDqV_1cTV-Y4prCYeWovVGNofUm95doC3KoGYc1oFcSoX5dmTzXBqo5LE7jXgD-AD6R9RpU7y1kbT5aC6RSnE1vNqHVah/w640-h640/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-11-13%2014.43.04%20-%20A%20whimsical%20mermaid%20with%20long%20flowing%20hair,%20swimming%20gracefully%20under%20the%20ocean.%20She%20is%20surrounded%20by%20colorful%20coral%20reefs%20and%20a%20diverse%20array%20of%20sea%20.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Hello, land-dwellers! I'm Marina, your friendly neighborhood mermaid, here to share the splendors of my underwater world. Imagine a place where every twist and turn brings a new adventure, where the dance of light and water creates a spectacle unlike any other. That's my home, the ocean!<h3>A World Beyond Imagination</h3><p>Living in the ocean is like being part of a never-ending carnival. The colors here are more vivid than the most elaborate land-based rainbow. Picture the brightest corals, the shiniest fish scales, and the deepest blues you can imagine. It's a kaleidoscope that never stops spinning!</p><h3>Friends of All Shapes and Sizes</h3><p>One of the best parts of ocean life is the incredible variety of friends I have. From the tiny, curious seahorses to the majestic, wise whales, each creature adds its unique melody to the ocean's song. We communicate in a language beyond words, a symphony of clicks, whistles, and even silence.</p><h3>A Treasure Trove of Mysteries</h3><p>Beneath the waves lies a world filled with mysteries. Sunken ships whisper tales of ancient voyages, while hidden caves are treasure troves of old and new stories. Every nook and cranny in this underwater maze holds secrets waiting to be discovered.</p><h3>The Dance of Light and Shadow</h3><p>As the sun's rays pierce the surface, they create a magical dance of light and shadow. This ever-changing light show is something no land-based spectacle can match. It's a daily performance that illuminates the depths and highlights the textures of our underwater paradise.</p><h3>The Unseen Challenges</h3><p>But it's not all about beauty and mystery. The ocean faces challenges, many of them unseen by those on land. Our coral homes are threatened, and our waters sometimes grow unnaturally warm. I hope that by sharing the wonders of my world, I can inspire you to help protect it.</p><h3>An Invitation to Explore</h3><p>I extend an invitation to all of you: imagine, learn, and care about the ocean. While you may not be able to visit my underwater home, your actions on land have a ripple effect that reaches us. Together, we can preserve the beauty and magic of this incredible world beneath the waves.</p>Rick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-73633422690183078222023-11-16T14:09:00.001-06:002023-11-16T14:09:00.140-06:00American Bison: The Iconic Symbol of the Great Plains<p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZTmiS6fvw1QNTpUZvtj44AgWiVr9Glpt41gnjwEsV-1P9ldfaG7Yc78q8qiyO-LRTw_W9a6IaiKhnHEz9ixXyJ1xJ5-NjK0zWyVtiyQhxa-3OacZWYXDFVdtCe-nueapeFX62Hphl4p3_1sht0Rq1eZW5Aj3qoBdxabbn4RAzQr38Zc0fuGUycNa2L04/s1024/_9eaae1d7-7995-418b-99fd-824d0cea2a7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZTmiS6fvw1QNTpUZvtj44AgWiVr9Glpt41gnjwEsV-1P9ldfaG7Yc78q8qiyO-LRTw_W9a6IaiKhnHEz9ixXyJ1xJ5-NjK0zWyVtiyQhxa-3OacZWYXDFVdtCe-nueapeFX62Hphl4p3_1sht0Rq1eZW5Aj3qoBdxabbn4RAzQr38Zc0fuGUycNa2L04/w640-h640/_9eaae1d7-7995-418b-99fd-824d0cea2a7a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The American bison, also known as the American buffalo, is a majestic animal that has roamed the Great Plains of North America for thousands of years. Let's take a look at this impressive creature.<p></p><h2 style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: var(--cib-type-title3-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-title3-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-title3-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">Size</h2><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">The American bison is the largest mammal in North America. Adult males can weigh up to <span style="font-size: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-line-height);">2,000 pounds</span> and stand up to <span style="font-size: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-line-height);">6 feet tall at the shoulder</span>. <a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-13-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Females are slightly smaller, weighing up to <span style="font-size: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-line-height); pointer-events: none;">1,000 pounds</span> and standing up to <span style="font-size: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-font-weight); line-height: var(--cib-type-subtitle2-stronger-line-height); pointer-events: none;">5 feet tall at the shoulder</span> </a><a aria-label="1: 5 feet tall at the shoulder" class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-13" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><span style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-primary); border-radius: var(--cib-comp-message-citation-border-radius); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: -1px; vertical-align: top;">1</span></a>.</p><h2 style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: var(--cib-type-title3-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-title3-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-title3-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">Habitat</h2><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">American bison live in river valleys, on prairies and plains, and in lightly wooded areas. <a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-17-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">They prefer open or semiopen grasslands, as well as sagebrush, semiarid lands, and scrublands </a><a aria-label="1: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-17" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><span style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-primary); border-radius: var(--cib-comp-message-citation-border-radius); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: -1px; vertical-align: top;">1</span></a>.</p><h2 style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: var(--cib-type-title3-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-title3-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-title3-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">Temperament</h2><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">Bison are known for their unpredictable temperament. They can be docile and calm one moment, and then suddenly become aggressive and dangerous the next. <a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-21-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">It’s important to keep a safe distance from bison and never approach them too closely </a><a aria-label="1: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-21" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><span style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-primary); border-radius: var(--cib-comp-message-citation-border-radius); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: -1px; vertical-align: top;">1</span></a>.</p><h2 style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: var(--cib-type-title3-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-title3-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-title3-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">History</h2><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">The American bison has played a significant role in the history of North America. For thousands of years, Native American tribes relied on bison for food, clothing, and shelter. In the 19th century, commercial hunting and slaughter nearly drove the species to extinction. By 1889, the population had dwindled to just 541 animals. <a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-27-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">Today, thanks to conservation efforts, the population has rebounded to roughly 31,000 wild bison </a><a aria-label="1: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-25" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><span style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-primary); border-radius: var(--cib-comp-message-citation-border-radius); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: -1px; vertical-align: top;">1</span></a><a aria-label="2: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-27" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/American-Bison" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><span style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-primary); border-radius: var(--cib-comp-message-citation-border-radius); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: -1px; vertical-align: top;">2</span></a>.</p><h2 style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: var(--cib-type-title3-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-title3-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-title3-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">Importance to American People</h2><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">The American bison is an important symbol of American culture and heritage. It is the national mammal of the United States and appears on the official seal of the Department of the Interior. Bison are also a popular subject in art, literature, and music. <a class="tooltip-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-31-group" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; position: relative; text-decoration-color: var(--cib-color-foreground-neutral-tertiary); text-decoration-style: dotted; text-underline-offset: 3px;" target="_blank">They represent the spirit of the American West and the resilience of the human spirit </a><a aria-label="1: " class="ac-anchor sup-target" data-citationid="4d57c7b9-e044-4808-1bf6-2fa639eb9d23-31" h="ID=SERP,5026.1" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison" style="position: relative;" target="_blank"><span style="align-items: center; background: var(--cib-color-fill-accent-alt-primary); border-radius: var(--cib-comp-message-citation-border-radius); color: var(--cib-color-foreground-accent-primary); display: inline-flex; font-size: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-variation-settings); font-weight: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-font-weight); height: 14px; justify-content: center; line-height: var(--cib-type-caption2-strong-line-height); margin: 0px 2px; min-width: 14px; outline: transparent solid 1px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: transparent; top: -1px; vertical-align: top;">1</span></a>.</p><h2 style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: var(--cib-type-title3-font-size); font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-title3-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-title3-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">Conclusion</h2><p style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Microsoft YaHei", "Meiryo UI", Meiryo, "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body2-font-variation-settings); line-height: var(--cib-type-body2-line-height); margin: 12px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word;">The American bison is a fascinating animal that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. From its impressive size to its unpredictable temperament, the bison is a true icon of the Great Plains. We hope you enjoyed learning more about this amazing animal!</p>Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-48129122448877323162023-11-13T02:03:00.001-06:002023-11-13T09:21:32.078-06:00Iowa's Hidden Gems: A Journey Through the Heartland's Natural Wonders<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y7p28QRJ1HezYgcQZKgheeh6e2eXIWiCGQ6BWPZkRYD_9p_Ja0uobyZYEsNG1cc9AieLlVir4b-tmmCU-ziyBW8cW_VczqbaeTr4lrXyO1O-3cf5LNQdH0DOmtd_bahFSbLeMNFCv-zbJqe58pOYEhuZ2r-FG1QsCDcm01uqicIMh5rB4xDD98VP2WV4/s1024/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-11-13%2002.01.51%20-%20A%20beautiful%20landscape%20in%20Iowa,%20showcasing%20the%20diversity%20of%20its%20natural%20beauty.%20The%20foreground%20features%20vibrant%20wildflowers%20and%20tall%20prairie%20grasses%20of.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y7p28QRJ1HezYgcQZKgheeh6e2eXIWiCGQ6BWPZkRYD_9p_Ja0uobyZYEsNG1cc9AieLlVir4b-tmmCU-ziyBW8cW_VczqbaeTr4lrXyO1O-3cf5LNQdH0DOmtd_bahFSbLeMNFCv-zbJqe58pOYEhuZ2r-FG1QsCDcm01uqicIMh5rB4xDD98VP2WV4/w640-h640/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-11-13%2002.01.51%20-%20A%20beautiful%20landscape%20in%20Iowa,%20showcasing%20the%20diversity%20of%20its%20natural%20beauty.%20The%20foreground%20features%20vibrant%20wildflowers%20and%20tall%20prairie%20grasses%20of.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />In the heart of America, Iowa unfolds as a tapestry of natural wonders, often overshadowed by its reputation for rolling farmlands and cornfields. This Midwestern gem, however, harbors a world of natural beauty that beckons the intrepid explorer to look closer and marvel.<p></p><p><b>The Magic of Iowa's Landscapes</b></p><p>Iowa's beauty lies in its understated elegance and diversity. The Loess Hills, a geological wonder, stretch along the western edge of the state. These hills, formed thousands of years ago by wind-blown silt, create a landscape so unique that it's found in only a few places worldwide. Hiking through these hills, one is enveloped in a sea of prairie grasses and wildflowers, swaying rhythmically as if whispering the ancient secrets of the land.</p><p>To the east, the Mississippi River carves its path, shaping Iowa's border. This mighty river, a backbone of American history and commerce, is fringed by lush greenery and towering bluffs. Watching the sunrise from a riverside perch, as eagles soar above and the waters gently lap against the shore, is a reminder of the serene power of nature.</p><p><b>A Symphony of Seasons</b></p><p>Iowa's seasons are a spectacle in their own right. The spring brings a burst of life, with wildflowers dotting the landscape and wildlife emerging from their winter slumber. Summer in Iowa is a green, vibrant affair, with clear blue skies and warm breezes. It's a time for kayaking down meandering rivers, biking along scenic trails, and camping under a starlit sky.</p><p>Fall, however, is when Iowa truly dazzles. The foliage transforms into a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, painting the landscape in warm hues. Orchards brim with apples, and pumpkin patches become family playgrounds. As winter cloaks the state in snow, Iowa takes on a tranquil, pristine beauty. The crisp air and peaceful silence of snow-covered fields and forests offer a reflective, serene escape.</p><p><b>A Wildlife Wonderland</b></p><p>Beyond its landscapes, Iowa is a haven for wildlife. The state's parks and refuges are home to a myriad of birds, including majestic bald eagles, vibrant cardinals, and chattering blue jays. Deer roam the woodlands, while butterflies flit among the wildflowers. In the rivers and streams, life teems beneath the surface, with catfish, bass, and trout providing ample opportunities for anglers.</p><p><b>Embracing the Natural Iowa</b></p><p>Iowa, with its quiet beauty and diverse landscapes, is a testament to the serene and subtle wonders of the natural world. It invites us to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with the earth beneath our feet. In Iowa, nature isn't just a backdrop; it's an intimate, ever-present companion that enriches the soul.</p>Rick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-11979680847536329452023-01-25T20:02:00.001-06:002023-11-13T01:40:19.905-06:00How to Read a Compass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UMyZrjOSvDDFYGPX6BCZWPTRRXUAtQDY4AJKkI8EQY6952LZt_py-lmT_300GZLzbFXWius6ikQWDOTncqu65tt2twt882xHC1bVT7G3m1YHwyQ05-y-PmbGswmuo_4mVo0_WafeUdglAu1X8L04Yel919bEx01Sbw6dcze8Xp1TKvifxDYWM6ca0jcz/s1024/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-11-13%2001.37.58%20-%20A%20man,%20depicted%20as%20a%20hiker,%20is%20standing%20on%20a%20dark%20forest%20trail.%20He%20holds%20a%20compass%20in%20his%20hand,%20with%20the%20compass%20being%20the%20same%20size%20as%20his%20hand.%20He%20i.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UMyZrjOSvDDFYGPX6BCZWPTRRXUAtQDY4AJKkI8EQY6952LZt_py-lmT_300GZLzbFXWius6ikQWDOTncqu65tt2twt882xHC1bVT7G3m1YHwyQ05-y-PmbGswmuo_4mVo0_WafeUdglAu1X8L04Yel919bEx01Sbw6dcze8Xp1TKvifxDYWM6ca0jcz/w640-h640/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-11-13%2001.37.58%20-%20A%20man,%20depicted%20as%20a%20hiker,%20is%20standing%20on%20a%20dark%20forest%20trail.%20He%20holds%20a%20compass%20in%20his%20hand,%20with%20the%20compass%20being%20the%20same%20size%20as%20his%20hand.%20He%20i.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />A compass is a tool that helps you find direction. It has a needle that always points towards the North. This is helpful when you are lost in the woods, hiking, or traveling. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to read a compass:<p></p><div class="flex flex-grow flex-col gap-3"><div class="min-h-[20px] flex flex-col items-start gap-4 whitespace-pre-wrap"><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"><ul><li><p>First, hold the compass flat in your hand. Make sure it is level and not tilted.</p></li><li><p>Look for the red needle. This is the needle that always points towards the North.</p></li><li><p>Notice the numbers around the edge of the compass. These are called degrees. North is at 0 degrees, East is at 90 degrees, South is at 180 degrees, and West is at 270 degrees.</p></li><li><p>To find a direction, point the compass in the direction you want to go. For example, if you want to go East, point the compass towards the 90 degree mark.</p></li><li><p>Follow the direction you want to go. Keep the compass level and steady in your hand.</p></li><li><p>If you get lost and want to go back to where you started, you can use the compass to find your way back. Just find the North direction and head towards it.</p></li></ul><p>Tips for using a compass:</p><ul><li>Always keep the compass level and steady in your hand.</li><li>Stay away from metal objects, such as a car, a zipper, or a watch, when using a compass. They can affect the needle's accuracy.</li><li>Keep the compass away from electronic devices, such as cell phones, as they also can affect the needle's accuracy</li><li>Remember that a compass points towards the magnetic north, which is different from the true north or geographic north.</li></ul><p>Using a compass is a very helpful skill. It can help you find your way when you are lost and can be fun to use when you are exploring the great outdoors. Try it out with a friend or family member and have fun!</p></div></div></div>Rick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-88128737083549035072023-01-25T19:43:00.002-06:002023-01-25T19:43:52.597-06:00All About The Nature Trail<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hrywumWQyltegMVCUNxnpIT0qWh0EFYeA8ISZCieaG6hbENEW7YjaCBflJplRhxVjAxsPGKqV_hdYr9HhSN94-bb5SoXjnoPu18_-gehw56PIm8GjLGsOF3wRxNdOVRrmk-ZtKdA4iFeIt1aqSg1FXPEjpgXo8FRqKqA5QfA1G0ekudlVGBwlANeMg/s1000/Nature%20Trail%201000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hrywumWQyltegMVCUNxnpIT0qWh0EFYeA8ISZCieaG6hbENEW7YjaCBflJplRhxVjAxsPGKqV_hdYr9HhSN94-bb5SoXjnoPu18_-gehw56PIm8GjLGsOF3wRxNdOVRrmk-ZtKdA4iFeIt1aqSg1FXPEjpgXo8FRqKqA5QfA1G0ekudlVGBwlANeMg/w640-h426/Nature%20Trail%201000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> Nature trails are an essential part of many outdoor recreational experiences, providing a way for people to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. However, the creation and maintenance of these trails is a complex and often labor-intensive process that requires the skills and expertise of a variety of different professionals.<br /><br />The first step in creating a nature trail is to identify a suitable location. This typically involves conducting a thorough assessment of the area, including its topography, vegetation, and wildlife. Once a location has been selected, trail builders must then begin the process of designing and building the trail.<br /><br />Trail builders are the professionals responsible for creating the actual trail. They use a variety of tools and techniques to clear and level the ground, create switchbacks and steps, and construct bridges and other structures as needed. They also work closely with other professionals, such as engineers and surveyors, to ensure that the trail is safe and accessible for all users.<br /><br />Another important aspect of nature trail creation is the incorporation of sustainable practices. This includes the use of materials that have minimal impact on the environment, such as crushed gravel or wood chips, as well as the use of natural drainage systems to prevent erosion.<br /><br />Once a nature trail is built, it must be maintained in order to ensure that it remains safe and accessible for users. This includes regular cleaning and debris removal, as well as repairs to any structures or erosion control measures. Trail maintenance is typically the responsibility of park rangers or other government employees.<br /><br />Without the hard work and dedication of trail builders and maintenance professionals, nature trails would not be possible. They play an essential role in providing access to the natural world and helping people to connect with nature.<br /><br />It would be a shame if nature trail building and maintenance were not to continue as it is an important recreational activity for many people, it helps to promote conservation and it also helps to preserve natural habitats.<br /><br />Moreover, nature trails have many benefits for our mental and physical health such as reducing stress, increasing physical activity and promoting a sense of well-being. The opportunity to explore nature and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the natural world can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of modern life.<br /><br />It’s also important to note that nature trails can also have economic benefits. They can attract tourists and boost local economies, as well as providing jobs for trail builders and maintenance professionals.<br /><br />In conclusion, nature trails are an essential part of many outdoor recreational experiences and a vital tool for promoting conservation and preserving natural habitats. The creation and maintenance of nature trails is a complex and labor-intensive process that requires the skills and expertise of trail builders and maintenance professionals. Without their hard work and dedication, nature trails would not be possible. It would be a shame if this activity were to disappear and all the benefits it brings to our health, economy and conservation. It’s important that we continue to support and value the work of trail builders and maintenance professionals and ensure that nature trails remain a part of our outdoor recreational experiences for many years to come.</p>Rick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-47765901411512781912023-01-19T14:37:00.002-06:002023-01-19T14:37:37.323-06:0010 Amazing Facts About Hummingbirds<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbcrhstv_WR9oycYJddLIOJ6HgZFYqFStXEZts3S7TRCkhzgC4ZDWsi93Lhlp01rlL9R8uiCayp0z7e6njtDy82iU-CeKRj_jbMsU09xy7vb5fpFZ9CK0FGv1yj8-EBscaqVaO2k9tJuD4721c83limINkUP1XZXdyLOcIjoju4Pt4ONVbsk5jG-AYg/s1000/Purple-throated_carib_hummingbird_feeding%201000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbcrhstv_WR9oycYJddLIOJ6HgZFYqFStXEZts3S7TRCkhzgC4ZDWsi93Lhlp01rlL9R8uiCayp0z7e6njtDy82iU-CeKRj_jbMsU09xy7vb5fpFZ9CK0FGv1yj8-EBscaqVaO2k9tJuD4721c83limINkUP1XZXdyLOcIjoju4Pt4ONVbsk5jG-AYg/w640-h400/Purple-throated_carib_hummingbird_feeding%201000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating and unique birds in the
world. These tiny creatures are known for their dazzling colors,
mesmerizing flight patterns, and ability to hover in mid-air. They are
found primarily in the Americas, and can be seen flitting around gardens
and wildflowers during the warmer months. In this blog post, we will be
discussing 10 interesting facts about these amazing birds that will
help you appreciate their beauty and complexity. From their unique wing
structure to their impressive migration patterns, hummingbirds are truly
a wonder of nature.</p><div class="flex flex-grow flex-col gap-3"><div class="min-h-[20px] flex flex-col items-start gap-4 whitespace-pre-wrap"><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"><ol><li>Hummingbirds are small birds that are native to the Americas.</li><li>They are known for their bright colors, small size, and ability to hover in mid-air while they feed on nectar from flowers.</li><li>Hummingbirds have the ability to fly in all directions, including backwards, and can even hover in place like a helicopter.</li><li>They are the only bird species that can fly in this way, which is made possible by their unique wing structure and powerful flight muscles.</li><li>Hummingbirds are also able to flap their wings up to 80 times per second, which helps them stay aloft.</li><li>They are able to travel long distances during migration, and can fly at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.</li><li>Hummingbirds feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, and also eat insects and spiders to supplement their diet.</li><li>They are able to consume large amounts of nectar each day, and have a high metabolism that allows them to burn energy quickly.</li><li>Hummingbirds have a long lifespan for their small size, with some species living up to 10 years in the wild.</li><li>They are important pollinators for many plant species, and their presence in an ecosystem can indicate a healthy balance of plant life.</li></ol><p>In conclusion, hummingbirds are truly one of nature's marvels. Their
bright colors, small size, and unique flying abilities make them stand
out among other birds. From their powerful flight muscles to their
impressive migration patterns, hummingbirds are a reminder of the
incredible diversity and beauty found in the natural world. As
pollinators, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of plant
life, and their presence in an ecosystem can be an indicator of a
healthy environment. We hope that this blog post has given you a deeper
appreciation for these amazing birds and encourages you to take a closer
look at the hummingbirds in your own backyard. <br /></p></div></div></div><p> </p>Rick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-21711352682852624392023-01-17T21:05:00.000-06:002023-01-17T21:05:12.855-06:00My Love Of Nature<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk8Z0fjGtuwBRhlDj5UF1EXbYWZWPB4TCKVtQE3aTrHlE_7FCYg3aVVuncfEOfffQ5xlKxsY7qhM3q2fVeIMkJ54syReU--c03dVTYwOCaZa-0qaKVDutVzWo0PmWoOSn6wbo0A62vrEsBb3yCCm5NylWI-l3wnnaZseLfYe5c5Dz6sBSkg5Z1ik0Rg/s1000/Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk8Z0fjGtuwBRhlDj5UF1EXbYWZWPB4TCKVtQE3aTrHlE_7FCYg3aVVuncfEOfffQ5xlKxsY7qhM3q2fVeIMkJ54syReU--c03dVTYwOCaZa-0qaKVDutVzWo0PmWoOSn6wbo0A62vrEsBb3yCCm5NylWI-l3wnnaZseLfYe5c5Dz6sBSkg5Z1ik0Rg/w640-h480/Creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="flex flex-grow flex-col gap-3"><div class="min-h-[20px] flex flex-col items-start gap-4 whitespace-pre-wrap"><div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"><p>Nature has always been a source of inspiration and wonder for me. From the majestic mountains to the vast oceans, the natural world never ceases to amaze me.</p><p>As a child, I spent countless hours exploring the woods behind my house. I would spend hours searching for different types of plants and animals, and I was always in awe of the beauty that surrounded me. I remember being particularly fascinated by the insects and bugs, and I would spend hours studying their behavior and habitats.</p><p>As I grew older, my love of nature only continued to flourish. I began to take trips to different parts of the country, exploring national parks, forests, and deserts. I was particularly struck by the diversity of life in each of these environments, and I was constantly amazed by the different plants and animals that I encountered.</p><p>One of my most profound experiences with nature was when I was on a hike in the Grand Canyon. Standing at the edge of the canyon, looking out over the vast expanse of rock, I felt a sense of awe and wonder that I had never experienced before. The vastness of the landscape and the beauty of the colors and textures of the rocks was truly breathtaking.</p><p>Nature has also been a source of solace for me. Whenever I need to escape from the stresses and pressures of everyday life, I find myself drawn to the natural world. There is something about the tranquility and serenity of nature that helps me to find inner peace and clarity.</p><p>I believe that nature is essential to our well-being and happiness. It is a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the world around us and a source of inspiration and wonder. I will continue to explore and appreciate nature throughout my life, and I encourage others to do the same.</p></div></div></div><p></p>Rick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-30998826990556434722021-05-06T13:47:00.001-05:002021-05-06T13:47:29.800-05:00Spring Cleaning<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VSBWccBs1GyE959i2niShSH8KCQj6X7VBnsV_JQUVbWSnkP2Fw6DfQZbjeC5cT6Viu79DIs_LHyzQvmI_2QhtcmIu6obWtZl16U9mIZtmcWW0vIuc9wD5Lek_R9LeMUuDPyJQ-CeFayt/s960/Gauteng_spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="960" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VSBWccBs1GyE959i2niShSH8KCQj6X7VBnsV_JQUVbWSnkP2Fw6DfQZbjeC5cT6Viu79DIs_LHyzQvmI_2QhtcmIu6obWtZl16U9mIZtmcWW0vIuc9wD5Lek_R9LeMUuDPyJQ-CeFayt/w640-h424/Gauteng_spring.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /> </p><p> Spring is here. Finally.</p><p>The editor at Nature Center Magazine has spruced us up a bit with a brand new look. All of us hope you like the new look.</p><p>Welcome back. We hope to have some new articles for you soon.<br /></p>Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-40993563864730278472017-12-25T10:40:00.001-06:002017-12-25T10:40:50.213-06:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aIbaqny-UAxghB-ihMQGGoSMN0aGcL21QwYvrlNccQhWenk3C-P5tYYZeaRZyS2pCjsh6xTuI6LVxtCq8i9BcCC0sWJzdwxkN_RdfAMAtrB5UAUqoGa6XhUY8Pbofvus6y8BvZFMDD47/s1600/vintage_santa_in_nature_poster-rcebe18e4864b46c795f55fee985e7672_wzk_8byvr_324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="324" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aIbaqny-UAxghB-ihMQGGoSMN0aGcL21QwYvrlNccQhWenk3C-P5tYYZeaRZyS2pCjsh6xTuI6LVxtCq8i9BcCC0sWJzdwxkN_RdfAMAtrB5UAUqoGa6XhUY8Pbofvus6y8BvZFMDD47/s640/vintage_santa_in_nature_poster-rcebe18e4864b46c795f55fee985e7672_wzk_8byvr_324.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-63025786411223900232017-03-16T09:42:00.003-05:002017-03-16T09:42:52.179-05:00Top O' The Morning!<br />
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La
Fheile Padraig, or as we say in the United States... Saint Patrick's
Day, celebrates the life of St. Patrick in Ireland. Now we at Nature
Center Magazine do not promote any religion or lack of religion.
However, after that disclaimer, I think the fellowship of St Patrick's
Day is fun. On this one day of the year everybody can be Irish. <br />
<br />
St Patrick was not Irish. He was born into a<br />
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<br />
wealthy family in Briton. At the age of 16 he was captured by Irish
raiders and made a slave. As a slave he tended sheep in Ireland. That is
where his appreciation of nature began. Being alone with nothing but
sheep and the predators he had to save them from, he had a lot of time
to learn about the world around him.<br />
<br />
After 6 years, he managed to escape his captors and went back to
England. He became a priest and eventually managed to convince his
church to send him back to Ireland. There he used the things he found in
nature to teach the people about his religion.<br />
<br />
It has been said that St Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. For
those who take this statement literally, that is a falsehood. There is
no evidence that there have ever been snakes on this island. But the
pagans of the area were represented as snakes and that is what St
Patrick tried to drive away.<br />
<br />
St Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leafed clover which had previously
been sacred to the Druids, to explain the aspects of his god. It was a
visual aid that made sense to the people. When St Patrick died on March
17, the Irish people chose that day to celebrate his life. And in the
Irish way, that means a party.<br />
<br />
Now I have a few fun "facts" about St Patrick for you.<br />
<br />
In Ireland, the potato crop was traditionally planted after St Patrick;s Day.<br />
<br />
St Patrick's color was St Patrick blue but is now considered green in sympathy with Irish independence.<br />
<br />
According to legend, St Patrick asked that on judgement day, he be allowed to judge whether the Irish are worthy of heaven.<br />
<br />
Every year between 40 and 100 pounds of green dye are dumped into the Chicago River for St Patrick's Day.<br />
<br />
In the custom known as "drowning the shamrock", the shamrock that has
been worn on a lapel or hat is put in the last drink of the evening.
If it stays floating while you drink your beer, you will have a
prosperous year.<br />
<br />
Many cities paint the middle line of their streets green to mark the St Patrick;s Day parade route.<br />
<br />
Cities all over the world have parades to celebrate the day. One of the
shortest St Patrick's Day parades is in Hot Springs, Arkansas.<br />
<br />
An Irish toast: “St. Patrick was a gentleman, who thru strategy and stealth<br />
Drove all the snakes from Ireland, Here's a toasting his health<br />
But not too many lest you lose yourself and then<br />
You forget the good St. Patrick and see those snakes again.”<br />
<br />
On St Patrick's Day, people drink green beer and wear green clothes. Anyone not wearing green might get a pinch.<br />
<br />
Now everybody grab a leprechaun, have a green beer, and dance an Irish jig. And always remember...<br />
<br />
May those who love us love us.<br />
And those that don't love us,<br />
May God turn their hearts.<br />
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,<br />
May he turn their ankles,<br />
So we'll know them by their limping.<br />
<br />
Slainte!Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-24044238433670694702017-03-10T11:07:00.001-06:002017-03-10T11:08:27.879-06:00Daylight Saving Time<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHTvbw7aN8bZICrgvuvoxAGoIS4lqHJTD8wkMBLlXi-1vU8B1LDwobBcD9FOsvV9peHWM2XG4tSxP1bSFj0lxF2RR6ZTII1JMveFTg6k6GWjtxVxhTHsjawzt9UDjgMg2qiBDQ-Li_8du/s1600/800px-Santiago_Catedral.Reloxo_da_Berenguela_613.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHTvbw7aN8bZICrgvuvoxAGoIS4lqHJTD8wkMBLlXi-1vU8B1LDwobBcD9FOsvV9peHWM2XG4tSxP1bSFj0lxF2RR6ZTII1JMveFTg6k6GWjtxVxhTHsjawzt9UDjgMg2qiBDQ-Li_8du/s400/800px-Santiago_Catedral.Reloxo_da_Berenguela_613.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This year Daylight Saving Time begins on March 12. While I remind you to
change your clocks appropriately I thought it would be interesting to
learn a bit about DST.<br />
<br />
<b>01. Where did the idea for Daylight Saving Time come from?</b><br />
<br />
Benjamin Franklin is credited with the idea. It may have been in jest.
He noticed that daylight always came at the same time as the sun rose.
He noted in his journal that the French (he was living at the time in
France) could make better use of daylight hours and not stay up so late
during the darkness.<br />
<br />
<b>02. Is Daylight Saving Time used everywhere?</b><br />
<br />
No. Few countries near the equator feel the need to utilize more
daylight. Many countries do not change their clocks to accommodate more
daylight. Even in the United States, Hawaii and Arizona do not observe
DST although the Navajo Nation which extends over three states does.
Their part of Arizona does observe DST.<br />
<br />
<b>03. When is Daylight Saving Time?</b><br />
<br />
In the United States it begins at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March
and ends at 2:00 AM on the first Sunday in November. Europe countries
have different times. Winter is the opposite of ours in countries south
of the equator so their DST is also opposite ours. Russia decided to
institute a permanent DST. Many of the people there do not like it in
the winter so there is some talk of adopting some other method.<br />
<br />
<b>04. How is Daylight Saving Time useful?</b><br />
<br />
It is believed that the extra hour in the summer months gives farmers
extra time in the fields. Some research shows that some crimes lessen
during DST because of the extra daylight. Auto accidents seem to be
fewer because fewer people are driving to and from work in the dark. It
can also conserve energy because a smaller amount of electricity is used
for lighting. "They" seem to think there is more time for exercise if
people use the longer daylight hours. <br />
<br />
<b>05. Are there drawbacks to Daylight Saving Time?</b><br />
<br />
During the first couple of weeks of DST more heart attacks are reported.
Conversely when DST is over there are fewer heart attacks than normal.
Perhaps the adjustment to a person's system is adverse. International
travelers can become confused by the time changes and DST sometimes
makes it worse.<br />
<br />
<b>06. Do strange things happen during Daylight Saving Time?</b><br />
<br />
Twins were born in North Carolina. The first, a boy, was born at 1:32
AM. His younger sister was born 34 minutes later but because of DST the
clocks had been changed at 2:00 AM. Her time of birth was recorded at
1:06 AM making it appear that she was born first.<br />
<br />
In September, 1999, Israel had just switched back to Standard Time. The
West Bank was still on DST. West Bank terrorists made time bombs and
smuggled them into Israel so the terrorists there could plant them on
two buses. Because of the time change the terrorists planted them one
hour off from the time they were intended. Three terrorists were killed
in the resulting explosion meant for the people who would have been on
the buses if the times were the same.<br />
<br />
A bomb threat was called in to a school in Pennsylvania. An honor
student was arrested because the automated line recorded a call from him
at the time of the threat. Actually he had called the school to get
some information about his classes. The time changed. An hour later in
real time someone else called in the bomb threat. <br />
<br />
<b>07. What other problems are associated with Daylight Saving Time?</b><br />
<br />
Trains cannot leave the station before their scheduled times. During
times when the clock changes the trains sit idle for one hour to
accommodate the schedule. That can upset commuter times and family
schedules.<br />
<br />
<b>08. What is the correct name for it?</b><br />
<br />
It is called Daylight Saving Time with no "s" at the end of saving. <br />
<br />
<b>09. How will I know what time to turn the clock to?</b><br />
<br />
The saying is "Spring, forward; Fall, behind". In the spring you turn your clock one hour ahead. At 2:00
AM you will change the time to 3:00 AM. In the fall you turn the clock
back an hour. At 2:00 AM you will change the time to 1:00 AM.<br />
<br />
<b>10. Is there anything else I should know?</b><br />
<br />
The changing of the clocks is a good time to check the batteries in your
smoke detector. They need to be changed twice a year and DST will
remind you to do it.
Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-33775775947799780472017-01-27T04:30:00.000-06:002017-01-27T04:30:11.590-06:00Blarney Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGqOpoDdIR7SoSRD_xmFV1jbvR40GMSvygliloqmu9i2xSQvRSEl_wic-a9FL65K97X1pTC4osOCwFHYmsfCc7eHiHyJrC1Aj1M9fF8r3jMxfY860PfM_eZ8HTPV6JkslEGRkVcDrg-KV/s1600/Blarney_Castle_House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGqOpoDdIR7SoSRD_xmFV1jbvR40GMSvygliloqmu9i2xSQvRSEl_wic-a9FL65K97X1pTC4osOCwFHYmsfCc7eHiHyJrC1Aj1M9fF8r3jMxfY860PfM_eZ8HTPV6JkslEGRkVcDrg-KV/s640/Blarney_Castle_House.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Blarney is not the oldest castle in Ireland nor is it the biggest but
it is probably the most well-known. Hundreds of thousands of people go
there every year. They tour the grounds and the castle. And of course
they want to kiss the Blarney Stone.<br />
<br />
The castle sits on
about 15,000 acres. Probably the most popular garden to visit is the
Poison Garden. More than 70 plant species are seen growing there. But a
sign warns not to smell, touch, or taste any of them. They are all
poisonous.<br />
<br />
The most dangerous plants are enclosed in
black iron cages to keep them and us safe. Some of the flora there are
henbane, cannabis, wormwood, hemlock, mandrake, opium, ricin, and
wolfsbane. Many are labeled and some tell of the medicinal uses they
once enjoyed.<br />
<br />
The Herbaceous Border is about 100 yards
long. It runs along a stone wall. There is a rose pergola for most of
the length. It is the ideal spot for a nice stroll.<br />
<br />
The
Irish Garden is a recent addition. It is next to the Poison Garden. It
is meant to show off some of the native plants of Ireland. It is also
there to preserve those native plants.<br />
<br />
The Fern Garden
is home (among about 80 fern varieties) ti a 204 in tall Dicksonia
antartica.The Dicksonia antartica is the highest growing kind of fern in
Ireland.<br />
<br />
Buried beneath briars and ivy the Icehouse
was discovered recently. It is circular in shape with thick high walls
all made of stone. It would have been used like we use a refrigerator
today.<br />
<br />
The Druids formerly used the Rock Close. Here
you will find rocks, huge boulders, magnolia trees, Weeping willows,
Japanese bamboo trees, and Siberian dogwood. There is a stream that has a
small bridge so you can walk across.<br />
<br />
Some of the rock
formations have names like Witch's Kitchen and Wishing Steps. There is a
sacrificial altar and a dolmen (a megalithic tomb with a stone laid
across upright stones).<br />
<br />
Found in the lower Rock Close is
the Bog Garden. You can pass through the Gunnera manicata ot Giant
Rhubarb on a raised boardwalk.. You'll feel like you are in prehistoric
times. <br />
<br />
You will see many plants from the bog. The
oldest tress on the grounds are here. There is a group of three Yews on
an island which may be as old a 600 years. And at the end of the
boardwalk is a willow tunnel.<br />
<br />
Around the 21 acres
Blarney Lake is a walk you can take. You will meander through woodlands
and can catch sight of some of the wildlife there. You might see jays,
otters, red squirrels, or swans.<br />
<br />
The castle is also
impressive. One of the places they recommend you see is the murder room.
Situated above the main entrance it was used to get rid of unwanted
"guests". When someone came in that was not welcome they would have
rocks or hot oil dropped on them through a hole in the floor.<br />
<br />
Now
we come to the big attraction... the Blarney Stone. To kiss the Blarney
Stone will give you the gift of gab. It is the ability to talk your way
out of a "sticky situation". Testing shows that the stone is a piece of
330 million year old limestone from southern Ireland.<br />
<br />
There
are many tales concerning how the owner of the castle came to own the
stone. My favorite is that Cormac MacCarthy who was King of Munster was
returning from war. He came to a river and saw someone struggling in the
water. He saved the woman who turned out to be a witch. Her gratitude
was so great that she showed him the stone and told him of it's special
powers.<br />
<br />
He had the stone taken to where his castle was
being built. The stone was to be placed in a place where it was
accessible but not easy to steal. It was set in the wall just below the
battlements at the top of the castle.<br />
<br />
In order to kiss
the Blarney Stone they used to hold the ankles of the person wanting to
kiss it and lower them so they were in position. Now they have
installed iron bars for you to hold on to. There is still someone to
hold you in place but it is around your middle as you lie sort of flat
on your back. You then bend over backward as far as necessary and kiss
the stone. You too can have the gift of gab.Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-35056017330158227322017-01-10T04:30:00.000-06:002017-01-10T04:30:03.903-06:00The Natural Way To Have Healthier Skin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZLLOhCmhzlmBn9U3b_3cPVOL4e4LiOu2qSCirRcEYlJ5ziTJNkiYtVfw2VTSW4RvF6jAjbx88XuDUW72OKD3lJTeicUySbIy4YQhcQWe8wr_qFkrPZ58O8GE5SiH6cYPJMPIkJBhrYdA/s1600/Des_fraises.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZLLOhCmhzlmBn9U3b_3cPVOL4e4LiOu2qSCirRcEYlJ5ziTJNkiYtVfw2VTSW4RvF6jAjbx88XuDUW72OKD3lJTeicUySbIy4YQhcQWe8wr_qFkrPZ58O8GE5SiH6cYPJMPIkJBhrYdA/s400/Des_fraises.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It is on the outside of
your body and that means it is one of the first things people notice
about you. We all want to project a good first impression. To achieve
that one of the things we need is healthy skin.<br />
<br />
We all know what healthy skin looks like. It is free of blemishes and
wrinkles, it looks clean, and there is a glow to it that makes one think
"healthy". How many of us know how to keep our skin naturally healthy?<br />
<br />
Genetics play a large part. If your parents have young healthy skin you are already ahead.<br />
<br />
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to drink a
lot of water. Water provides the hydration for your internal organs. It
also flushes impurities from your system. Those poisons probably cause
more damage to your skin than anything else.<br />
<br />
Keeping your skin clean is another important factor. Wash with plain
soap and water. It will clean any dirt away. Then you can moisturize in
your favorite way.<br />
<br />
When you cook meat it turns brown. That is an unnatural state for meat.
Tanning is basically cooking your skin. I know that a light tan can give
a nice color to your skin and I think within limits is not overly
harmful. However excessive tanning not only increases your chances of
skin cancer but it causes your skin to dry out. Dry skin leads to
wrinkles.<br />
<br />
The foods we eat also make a difference in our outward appearance. As I
always feel I must, I remind you to check with your doctor to make sure
that the foods I mention here will not cause an allergic reaction or
affect any medicines you have been prescribed. Always be smart about
what you put into or onto your skin.<br />
<br />
Omega 3 is a fatty acid that hydrates dry skin patches. Salmon is full
of omega 3's.Omega 3 may help stimulate the production of collagen and
elastin. Both are necessary for soft skin with no flaky spots. It is
also high in vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12. Salmon
is a good source for iron and calcium.<br />
<br />
Strawberries have more vitamin C than citrus fruits. Studies have shown
that vitamin C helps fight aging of the skin. If you eat strawberries
you will have fewer wrinkles and less aged-related dry skin.<br />
<br />
Make a smoothie of 1 cup of strawberries, 1 cup of vanilla or plain
yogurt, and 1 and a half tablespoons of honey. Blend them together with a
mixer or in your blender. Save a bit out to coat your face then drink
the rest. Smooth the rest over your face. It is a little bit sloppy so
apply it over the sink but a thin coating is all you need. Used a couple
of times each week it will help reduce those fine lines on your face.<br />
<br />
Vitamin B3 is known as niacin. Niacin along with fatty oils and other
B-complex vitamins are found in avocados. B3 is an anti-inflammatory and
it helps sooth skin discoloration. Guacamole is easy to prepare and can
be used as a dip, a sandwich spread, or as a topping for Mexican
dishes.<br />
<br />
Make a tea using 5 cups of boiling water, add half a teaspoon of whole
cumin seeds, half a teaspoon of whole coriander seeds, and half a
teaspoon of whole fennel seeds. Cover and boil for another five minutes.
Strain out the seeds and pour into a thermos. Drink small amounts
during the day. This will help eliminate the accumulation of undigested
food in your stomach. The release of the toxins caused by undigested
food will keep impurities from damaging skin cell DNA.<br />
<br />
Whole wheat bread contains niacin. It reduces inflammation of acne and
rosacea. That will allow your skin to heal a little faster.<br />
<br />
Seeds and nuts are so good for your skin. They contain natural oils,
fatty acids, and antioxidants. Antioxidants are needed to help your skin
stay clear. They are also full of vitamins such as vitamin E and
minerals. Zinc and selenium are plentiful. Zinc helps hair follicles
divide properly and protects against damage caused by free redicals. If
you do not get enough selenium your hair might fall out. It assists your
body in the proper use of proteins. The essential fatty acids help make
cells healthy. Healthy cells protect you skin from harmful waste
products and help transport nutrients to skin.<br />
<br />
Omega 3 is a fatty acid that helps cells maintain moisture. Moist skin
looks full and smooth. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, flax seed
are just a few of the seeds and nuts you can eat. They are good to
snack on and relatively low in calories. They sprinkle nicely on top of
meats, cooked vegetables, and salads.<br />
<br />
If you work outdoors or just enjoy the feeling of being outside,
remember that the sun burns off vitamin E which is a necessary
antioxidant. Make sure to keep vitamin E replaced. You can find vitamins
C and E in cosmetics but they do not absorb as well into the skin as
nutrients from within your body. Plus they are unstable and at the mercy
of oxygen and light. <br />
<br />
I would never recommend partying to excess but if it happens your skin
will look as bad as you feel in the morning. Almonds can help refresh
your skin with the nutrients listed above.<br />
<br />
Remember too much sun damages your skin and causes aging of the skin.
Selenium makes skin cells more resistant to sunburn cells that produce
faulty DNA and can lead to skin cancer. A good source of selenium is
Brazil nuts.<br />
<br />
Apricots can actually reverse wrinkles. Vitamin A is converted in our
bodies to retinol which helps produce new cells. The new cells will be
smoother looking. You could look years younger.<br />
<br />
Green leafy vegetables are rich in iron as well as vitamins and minerals
that feed skin cells. Spinach and seaweed are at the top of the list.
Besides eating them soak them in cold water for a while. Then dry them
most of the way. Lay them on you skin (they are safe for your face and
eyes) to cool and refresh.<br />
<br />
Olive oil is used for cooking, salad dressings, and skin softeners. It
contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. You can simply rub it
into your skin to keep it moist and supple. It will nourish from the
outside. It works well as a lip gloss and skin soother. Another benefit
of olive oil is that it inhibits the growth of facial hair. Nursing
mothers can use olive oil on their nipples to prevent dry cracked skin
and it will not harm baby. And remember to eat olive oil too. Beautiful
skin begins from the inside.<br />
<br />
Other oils can be used. The best ones for healthy skin will be labeled
cold-pressed, expeller processed, or extra virgin. They do not have
added solvents that lose nutrients.<br />
<br />
Soy products are shown to significantly reduce wrinkles especially if
you have a lot of wrinkles. In the study the women taking part took
supplements containing soy. A more fun way to get the benefits of soy is
to eat edamame another name for the seeds in the soy pod. They are a
good snack to eat while reading a good book in the evening. They are
used in cooking when making stir fry, soups, and casseroles. They are
also good in salad.<br />
<br />
If you wish to diminish scars, scratches, and dark spots eat hummus.
Chickpeas are the main ingredient in hummus. They contain amino acids
that are necessary for tissue growth and repair. Chickpeas do not have
much flavor by themselves but they have an interesting texture if you
would like to snack on them.<br />
<br />
Eat eggs. They contain vitamins and selenium. They are good for your
body and your skin as well as nourishing damaged hair. Much has been
made of the cholesterol in eggs but not only are they revising opinions
about the amount of eggs a person can safely eat but they are realizing
that eggs are very good for you.<br />
<br />
Green tea is one of those things we keep hearing about for benefits to
overall health. Most of it is true. It has anti-inflammatories and
protects cell membranes to keep the cells from breaking down. A recent
study indicates that green tea may help prevent or reduce skin cancer.
It can reduce the damage due to ultraviolet light (like sunburn). You
can drink green tea either hot or iced. Add a bit of lemon or lime to
your tea and it will remain in your body a bit longer so you can absorb
more of the good things in it. It makes a cooling mask for the skin.
Green tea bags or sterile cloth wet with cold green tea is a refreshing
pack to place on your eyes. The tannins will help reduce puffiness.<br />
<br />
The carotenoids that make pumpkins orange are plant pigments that fight
wrinkles. Vitamins C, E, and A are in there with powerful enzymes that
help cleanse skin. Now pumpkin seeds are a good snack full of fiber but
the pulp is where the real benefits are.<br />
<br />
Make a smoothie using 2 cups canned pumpkin, 4 tablespoons vanilla
yogurt, 4 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice. Remember to
save a bit for a facial. The facial will hydrate and soften your skin.<br />
<br />
If you prefer pudding add to the above ingredients 2 tablespoons cream cheese and half a teaspoon vanilla extract. <br />
<br />
The zinc in crabs and oysters will keep your skin free from pimples.
Zinc helps reduce the inflammation so that pimples do not form. Remember
to keep your skin free of the oils that clog the pores in the first
place. <br />
<br />
Most citrus fruits and fruits like mango, nectarines, and peaches
contain the natural form of vitamin A called beta-carotene. It
strengthens collagen which is skin's supportive structure. It lifts the
sunken areas that create unhealthy looking shadows and gives a healthy
glow to your skin.<br />
<br />
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are starchy carbohydrates. We have been told
they are bad for us. The thing is we need a certain amount of carbs to
keep us at our top condition. These foods contain vitamins A and C. They
are full of antioxidants, starches, oils, and acids that are necessary
to good health. If you have ever seen a person who has completely cut
all carbohydrates from their diets you noticed that their skin looked
gray and their hair lost its luster. Some even lose their hair. Eating a
proper amount of potatoes and sweet potatoes will improve those
conditions within a week's time.<br />
<br />
One of the fruits richest in antioxidants is the pomegranate, more than
red wine or green tea. You can eat fresh pomegranate or make a scrub to
fight aging. Cut off the crown of the pomegranate and score the rind
into sections without cutting all the way through. Place in a bowl of
water for 10 minutes. Break the rind away from the seeds. The seeds will
sink and you can strain them out. In a blender put 2 tablespoons of
seeds and 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal. Transfer it to a bowl, add 2
tablespoons of honey which is an antiseptic, and 2 tablespoons of
buttermilk. Apply to your face and rinse it off after 10 minutes. <br />
<br />
Mushrooms are full of zinc and selenium. They help keep your skin smooth and reduce discolorations of the skin.<br />
<br />
You can eat your way to beautiful skin in no time at all. The benefits
are that you will feel better on the inside too. After all that is where
beauty begins.Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-36914090257211626982016-12-06T04:30:00.000-06:002016-12-06T04:30:00.138-06:00Use That Snow For Cooking<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk8-n6QUchODMZDvEvFoMpLIQbXXk7VCngzJenAQW8GyJ7akuV4AMQ7BwWqshyboZuWIBT9q6SRdAl6veH3K5wdoUUfDVcTMY7aBD3q5X6D5BDstisY-2F1csH4baBKB9iGsjFh21WLIx/s1600/800px-Field-with-snow-champ-enneige.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk8-n6QUchODMZDvEvFoMpLIQbXXk7VCngzJenAQW8GyJ7akuV4AMQ7BwWqshyboZuWIBT9q6SRdAl6veH3K5wdoUUfDVcTMY7aBD3q5X6D5BDstisY-2F1csH4baBKB9iGsjFh21WLIx/s400/800px-Field-with-snow-champ-enneige.jpg" width="400" /></a>It is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Many places have had a lot
of snow. Some of those places are not used to having all that white
stuff. I have a few ways to use snow that are tasty and will make a dent
in the amount of snow in your yard.<br />
<br />
The most obvious
use of snow is to make it into a liquid. If nice clean snow is heated it
can make tea, coffee, and hot cocoa. All of these go well with toast or
cookies. The best part is that it takes no more work than using water.<br />
<br />
Snow
is great for the liquid in soup. And you can use whatever ingredients
you like to go into the luscious liquid. I always say there is no way
you can hurt a soup.<br />
<br />
My father used to take his boy
scouts camping. Each boy brought one 15 ounce can of food from home. The
labels were removed by Mom or Dad before the boys left home. My father
and the other men who were involved would pitch in and supply the meat.<br />
<br />
On
the day of the soup a huge pot was brought forth and put on the
campfire. The meat was browned and then each can was opened and dumped
into the pot. For additional liquid snow was used. The soup was always
good even when spinach and pork and beans were some of the ingredients.<br />
<br />
Now
you know I like to keep the children busy and active. Give them each a
large plastic container or bucket. Make sure to tell them to get only
clean snow then turn them loose in the yard. This will give you time to
get your materials together.<br />
<br />
Snow cones are fun. You
can make a syrup from Kool-Aid and sweetener or buy flavored syrups. A
variety of flavors is a good idea because if there are more than two
children, someone will not like one that the others like. Mixing flavors
is fun too. A small plastic cup or glass will be needed for each child.
When they bring their snow use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to
fill the container with snugly packed snow. Have the children pour
enough syrup over the snow to give a robust color but not melt the snow.
Straws and spoons complete what you must have to let the children
enjoy.<br />
<br />
Sugar on snow is another fun treat. It is
traditionally made when the maple sap is harvested. Heat the syrup to
soft boil (about 234 degrees Fahrenheit). I use a candy thermometer
because it takes out the guess work. The children can tightly pack the
snow into small bowls. Pour the hot syrup over the packed snow without
stirring. The syrup will harden into a taffy-like candy as soon as it
hits the cold snow. The children can twirl it around forks or popsicle
sticks and eat. This treat is often served with sour pickles to cut the
sweetness of the candy.<br />
<br />
Who likes ice cream? It is
super easy to make with snow. You will need a large bowl and a large
spoon. Put 8 cups of snow into the bowl. Add one can of sweetened
condensed milk and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well. Serve in
cones or dishes immediately.<br />
<br />
Baobing is a dessert made
in many Asian countries. From simple beginnings it has evolved into
something a little more elaborate. Use a soup bowl and create a large
mound of firmly packed snow. Pour fruit with its own syrup over the top.
You can cheat and use canned pie filling. Then pour sweetened condensed
milk over that or top it with whipped cream.<br />
<br />
Perhaps
we should make something that will stick to the ribs. Snow pancakes have
been made in Great Britain for centuries. They gained popularity during
World War II when sugar and baking soda were in short supply. Mix 1 cup
of firmly packed snow, 1 cup of flour, 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups of milk, and
a pinch of salt together to make the batter. Heat butter or oil in a
skillet and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet. When the top
bubbles, flip and cook until golden. Serve with whatever topping you
enjoy. I have read that adding even 1 tablespoon of snow to your regular
pancake batter with make the pancakes fluffier.<br />
<br />
So let it snow. We will follow the adage that says, "When life gives you snow, use it for cooking!"<br />
<br />Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-7668071451314441852016-10-28T04:00:00.000-05:002016-10-28T04:00:03.752-05:00Bizarre Bird Superstitions<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbcZlzQjQ2U_3uZ6AUXo8VkkMbPABAMRSyNilSFDHAaB5dDYnRMrLW5VFlc7L8ekbQOzpHGRu3pjIhM0HJSXQ7oHJNROhR8VaKBwJNhlmZQlWQV8IXptQYp-zQOckWo0gfca2WNGOga7M/s1600/800px-Corvus_jamaicensis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbcZlzQjQ2U_3uZ6AUXo8VkkMbPABAMRSyNilSFDHAaB5dDYnRMrLW5VFlc7L8ekbQOzpHGRu3pjIhM0HJSXQ7oHJNROhR8VaKBwJNhlmZQlWQV8IXptQYp-zQOckWo0gfca2WNGOga7M/s400/800px-Corvus_jamaicensis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As I was crawling out of bed a couple of mornings ago I was surprised
that a bird flew right up and landed on the windowsill outside. It
looked to be the very largest, fattest blue jay I have ever seen. It
looked in at me and tapped three times on the window with its beak. It
sat looking puzzled for a few more seconds and flew away.<br />
<br />
I
was awestruck. What a beautiful sight it was. I was able to see that
lovely bird up close for those few seconds. I sat on the edge of my bed
absorbing the wonder of it all.<br />
<br />
Then I began to wonder.
All my life I had been hearing superstitions about birds. And I have
had more than my share of experiences with birds.<br />
<br />
When I
was in high school some friends and I were skipping school. As we came
out of a building downtown I looked up to see what the weather was like.
I was bird-bombed right between the eyes!<br />
<br />
While out
driving the other day I saw the biggest flock of birds I have ever seen.
There were hundreds, maybe more than a thousand of them.<br />
<br />
One
time my son was waiting for me to come out from my job to give me a
ride home. The birds bombed his truck so bad I was not sure I was going
to be able to get in without being covered in excrement. These are just
examples.<br />
<br />
But back to superstitions. The first one I
thought of was that if a bird comes into the house there will be a death
soon. Lucille Ball firmly believed this to the point that she refused
to stay in a hotel that had pictures of birds or wallpaper with birds.<br />
<br />
Some
people believe that this only applies to black colored birds. Some
people believe it is good luck if a wren enters the house or nests in
the eaves.<br />
<br />
Some say that a bird flying in the house
means that there is a change coming. It could be death, a change of
homes, or some other change. <br />
<br />
Birds flying into windows
(house or car) are also supposed to bring news of death. Birds looking
in the windows or tapping at windows can mean a death is coming. It can
also mean that the bird is simply seeing its reflection in the window
and interacting with the bird it sees.<br />
<br />
I am happy to
report that there have been no deaths so I believe perhaps that bird was
flirting with his reflection. And I have a new great-granddaughter so
there was a change in the family.<br />
<br />
There are more
superstitions about birds. Because there are so many and sometimes
different birds mean different things, I am simply going to make a list.<br />
<br />
Seeing an owl during the day means someone will die.<br />
<br />
If a bird deposits droppings on you, it brings good luck.<br />
<br />
A bird calling from the north means a tragedy is on the way, from the
west brings good luck, from the south means the harvest will be
plentiful, and from the east that you will find true love <br />
<br />
If the ravens leave the Tower Of London, the kingdom will fall. Today the ravens' wings are clipped so they cannot fly away. <br />
<br />
Pelicans are associated with those who fast in order to purify themselves for religious reasons.<br />
<br />
Legend
says that robins tried to remove thorns from the Crown of Thorns placed
on the head of Jesus. The blood from the wounds stained their breasts
red.<br />
<br />
If you break a robin's egg something of yours will soon be broken.<br />
<br />
Make a wish on the first robin of spring for luck.<br />
<br />
A robin singing in the open means good weather is coming. A robin singing in the branches means a storm is on the way.<br />
<br />
If the first bird you see on Valentine's Day is a robin, you will marry a sailor.<br />
<br />
Peacock feathers carry the evil eye. The birds and feathers are considered to be bad luck.<br />
<br />
The dove is the one bird that the devil cannot change into. Doves are immune to the devil's curses.<br />
<br />
Doves
carry the spirits of lovers. They mate for life. Often a pair of doves
will be released at weddings to symbolize a long and faithful marriage.<br />
<br />
Miners who see a dove near the mineshaft believe something bad will happen on the descent into the mine.<br />
<br />
An albatross flying around a sailing ship means bad weather and high winds are on the way.<br />
<br />
The
albatross is believed to contain the soul of a sailor. Therefore it is
unlucky to kill one. However the feet of dead albatrosses are used as
tobacco pouches.<br />
<br />
Magpies are supposed to be the devil
in disguise. If a magpie is hanging around your house the devil is
trying to cause trouble for you. If you carry an onion it will keep him
away. You can also tip your hat and cross your fingers or spit three
times over your shoulder and say "devil, devil, I defy thee."<br />
<br />
In Scotland they believe the magpie hides a drop of Satan's blood under its tongue.<br />
<br />
Legend
says that magpies were the only birds that refused to give Jesus solace
on the cross by singing for him. Then they refused to wear full
mourning for them because of their black and white feathers.<br />
<br />
In Korea magpies bring good luck and can foretell the future.<br />
<br />
The hooting of an owl occurred befored the deaths of Agrippa, Julius Caesar, and Augustus Caesar.<br />
<br />
Pliny stated that screech owls bring bad news.<br />
<br />
In
Wales an owl hoot at night meant either that it would snow or that one
of the young girls in the village would take a lover and lose her
virginity.<br />
<br />
An owl skin nailed to the barn wards off evil.<br />
<br />
Owl
broth helps ease symptoms of whooping cough while eating owl eggs
improves eyesight, helps prevent epileptic seizures, and sobers a drunk.<br />
<br />
A sailor who kills an albatross will be lost at sea.<br />
<br />
It is good luck to have a blackbird nest on your house.<br />
<br />
See 5 crows, sickness will follow; 6 crows means death.<br />
<br />
Whatever you do to a robin will happen to you.<br />
<br />
Three seagulls flying overhead together is a sign of death.<br />
<br />
Do not kill sparrows because they carry the souls of the daed.<br />
<br />
When a swan lays its head and neck over its back a storm is coming.<br />
<br />
A wren in the area will prevent you from drowning.<br />
<br />
Good luck will come if a bird or birds fly diectly toward you.<br />
<br />
For
a girl to see her true love she places an egg in front of the fire on a
stormy night. The man she will marry will come through the door and
pick up the egg.<br />
<br />
After eating a boiled egg either crush
the shell or poke a hole in the bottom. Otherwise witches or evil
spirits will collect the shells and use them to cast spells against
sailors.<br />
<br />
Bringing eggs into the house after dark brings bad luck.<br />
<br />
Dirt found under mockingbird eggs will soothe sore throats.<br />
<br />
In Appalachia eggs too small for cooking are thrown onto the roof to appease witches.<br />
<br />
If a woman tosses an egg onto the fire on Beltane and sees a spot of blood she will die soon.<br />
<br />
A hen with tail feathers like a rooster is bad luck.<br />
<br />
When a chicken enters the house it means a visitur is coming.<br />
<br />
When a rooster crows at dawn it is the signal for all evil spirits to return to the underworld.<br />
<br />
Shakespeare
wrote in Hamlet that the cock crows through Christmas Eve until
Christmas morning so no evil spirits will spoil the holy day.<br />
<br />
The
cuckoo's first call in the spring has several meanings. For a young
person it will tell you when you will be married. It signifies the
arrival of a baby for a married couple. It will let an older person know
how much longer they have to live. <br />
<br />
Remove pillows from the room of a dying person. The pigeon feathers in the pillow will prolong the agony of death.<br />
<br />
When ducks and geese quack and hiss more than usual rain is on the way.<br />
<br />
If a duck or goose lays dun colored eggs the bird and eggs need to be destroyed immediately to prevent bad luck.<br />
<br />
Jays go to see the devil on Fridays to give report. Any jay seen on a Friday is watching to report next Friday.<br />
<br />
Carry kingfisher feathers to protect you from negative energy.<br />
<br />
Akingfisher sitting on eggs means there are no storms at sea.<br />
<br />
A dead kingfisher hung on the ship indicates wind direction.<br />
<br />
A call from a kingfisher coming from the right means success in business; from the left business will be unsuccessful.<br />
<br />
<br />
A martin brings good luck when it nests in the eaves and rears its young there.<br />
<br />
If you look into an owls nest you will become depressed.<br />
<br />
A man who eats owl meat will be obedient and a slave to his wife.<br />
<br />
King Arthur visits the world in the form of a raven.<br />
<br />
The sparrow symbolizes the gods of house and family.<br />
<br />
If a stork builds a nest on the house it means love never-ending.<br />
<br />
A swallow means summer is coming.<br />
<br />
If a swallow builds a nest on your house it protects against fire, lightning, and storms.<br />
<br />
A woman who steps on swallow eggs will be barren.<br />
<br />
Parents who feed their children too many eggs will cause them to become sexually confused.<br />
<br />
If you see a blue bird early in the morning you will have a happy day.<br />
<br />
Seeing a yellow bird in flight means you will be free.<br />
<br />
If you see a red bird in the winter you will have a prosperous spring.<br />
<br />
If you are in trouble and a red bird shows up help is on the way.<br />
<br />
In
Ireland sweet singing blackbirds hold the souls of people in purgatory.
If they are shrill when they sing the souls are crying for rain.<br />
<br />
Australian
aborigines chase black and white birds from camp because they believe
the birds are eavesdropping on conversations and carrying information to
the enemy.<br />
<br />
Newlyweds who receive gifts with bird decorations on them will have an unhappy marriage.<br />
<br />
If you eat mockingbird eggs you will be unable to keep a secret.<br />
<br />
Birds making noise in the middle of the night tell that an earthquake is imminent.<br />
<br />
If you salt a sparrow's tail you may catch it.<br />
<br />
If you kill a turkey buzzard with a gun the gun will soon burst.<br />
<br />
A woodpecker pecking as tree by your house tells that a caller will be there soon.<br />
<br />
If you see a lone buzzard flying make a wish between flaps of its wings and your wish will come true.<br />
<br />
Whatever you are doing when you hear the call of the first whippoorwill of spring is what you will do all year long.<br />
<br />
If you see eagles sitting and not moving an enemy is coming.<br />
<br />
Two people eating an eagle's egg will be protected against witchcraft.<br />
<br />
If you would like to share some of the things you have heard about birds, we would like to hear them.<br />
<br />Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-11811095377161930772016-10-05T06:00:00.000-05:002016-10-05T06:00:01.251-05:00The Mystery Of The Blood Red Bugs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBeyVg2MR_PQ84GRZ1mahqFzcKKl5eZgXMwSfHf74VAZp6xn239juLnQjcbaFUDrZrdoa3EsK6Ifc6VUYfQbSiA5M2DlHyWx0IMoEAKXxepJ9jaEihMDQ44F_YpTzwGSKbULlIdfVEps/s1600/Milkweed_Bug_Nymphs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBeyVg2MR_PQ84GRZ1mahqFzcKKl5eZgXMwSfHf74VAZp6xn239juLnQjcbaFUDrZrdoa3EsK6Ifc6VUYfQbSiA5M2DlHyWx0IMoEAKXxepJ9jaEihMDQ44F_YpTzwGSKbULlIdfVEps/s400/Milkweed_Bug_Nymphs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I took pictures of some milkweed plants while I was out on another everyday adventure back some years ago. I saw milkweed plants before that, and have talked about them here in the past many times. I wanted a small update for myself because I've always liked milkweed.<br />
<br />
When I got back home and examined the pictures from the day, I got a little surprise. That seems to happen to me a lot. I was checking out the pictures of these milkweed plants, when I saw these little blood red bugs crawling all over some of them.<br />
<br />
I examined the pictures very closely. I zoomed in to see as much as I could. You can see the discoloration of the pod that they're on in the last picture. I'm assuming it's either dead or dying. In one place to the top of the group of bugs, one bug is seen boring right into the side of the seed pod. A little on the lower end there is a bug already embedded in the pod.<br />
<br />
What were these bugs? I was fascinated by them. I was, and still am, a little repulsed. They're feeding on, and even destroying my beloved milkweed plants! I had to find out what they were. I decided to search everywhere I could, with every resource I had. I think I found the answer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwy7zujvJdidMuz3xtj2ULIfzdC-ce50Rb2G3pC_R7RyJpoHXvxlt0-6aq__tonmoeV2vnUONtJa8St1KzL52l0m7Abxp6zJqCQ_a3EurWP4FechLOpyv9ES97k93vXnaFkHZSl2FJ6lo/s1600/Milkweed_Bugs_20110805_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwy7zujvJdidMuz3xtj2ULIfzdC-ce50Rb2G3pC_R7RyJpoHXvxlt0-6aq__tonmoeV2vnUONtJa8St1KzL52l0m7Abxp6zJqCQ_a3EurWP4FechLOpyv9ES97k93vXnaFkHZSl2FJ6lo/s400/Milkweed_Bugs_20110805_006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
These bugs are called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Small Milkweed Bugs (Lygaeus kalmii)</span>. I wasn't at all sure at first, because the pictures I saw didn't look quite the same. The pictures I found showed something that was more orange and black, instead of these blood red things.<br />
<br />
As I did further research, I found that these are the only insects that eat from the pods. They like the taste of the seeds apparently. I also found out that the nymphs (young ones) are red just like in my picture above. As they grow older, they grow more orange and develop black areas.<br />
<br />
These bugs can be found in large numbers on milkweed plants. They mate right on the plants. They also feed on the seeds late in the season, which would be right around October when I took these pictures that year. They also suck the nectar from the flowers of various herbaceous plants. In the spring they are also reported to be scavengers and predators, since milkweed seeds are scarce.<br />
<br />
The only thing that confused me was that these appear to be nymphs. I thought before that I would only see them earlier than now. But I found out more.The adults lay their eggs on the milkweed in the spring, and they have sometimes more than one generation in a year. That would likely solve my nymph mystery.<br />
<br />
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As to the noticeable red coloring of the small milkweed bugs. This coloration and the fact that they don't seem to move around very quickly, tells us something about them. After feeding on the poisonous milkweed seeds, these bugs have themselves now become poisonous. They are immune to any poisons from the plant, but any potential predator is not. The red coloration is a warning for predators not to eat them.<br />
<br />
Well there you go. That explains what these blood red bugs are. This article is now the best place on the internet to find information on Small Milkweed Bugs. I have gathered together more information on them than any other website I have found so far. It's my gift to you. If you can show me otherwise, I'll post new information and give you credit.<br />
<br />
Another mystery solved by <a href="http://everyday-adventurer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Everyday Adventurer</a>. I'm just like Scooby Doo, except with an eye patch. <span style="color: #073763;">(That last part was for my old friend Alice. I'll have to tell all of you newer readers about her sometime.)</span><br />
<br />
I'll talk to you later.Rick (Ratty)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04062449024949497557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-73180324532393502122016-09-16T03:30:00.000-05:002016-09-16T03:30:00.213-05:00The Old Man Of The Tree<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLHrZPnmzhaFgZTWCzrgvDC16yrSzRNhYBDISdLQg3nw6wBg-10h5LkKOKssUElekq3kE1iN9iKBrPhTKrS6X_Lxb2p6RrwHBzk2PGNSkGRjrykxqC84pQ4RVV9xMOoPBQDDZZTgrs3M/s1600/Island+Lake_20100510_545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLHrZPnmzhaFgZTWCzrgvDC16yrSzRNhYBDISdLQg3nw6wBg-10h5LkKOKssUElekq3kE1iN9iKBrPhTKrS6X_Lxb2p6RrwHBzk2PGNSkGRjrykxqC84pQ4RVV9xMOoPBQDDZZTgrs3M/s1600/Island+Lake_20100510_545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Have you ever seen the Old Man of the tree? If you are a lover of trees like I am you have probably seen a few.<br />
<br />
He looks as if his face is coming out of the tree like the picture above. That is an un-enhanced picture.<br />
<br />
I have noticed that there are not as many here as there were in Michigan. Perhaps they do not feel the need to be seen here. I do not know.<br />
<br />
I have noticed that whenever I see one he looks as if he is in pain. Does that mean his tree is in danger? Maybe he is simply lonely and crying out for someone to notice him.<br />
<br />
Now it may be that I see the Old Man more often than some do because I love trees so much. I have been known to stop along the road to glory in a particular tree.<br />
<br />
Each tree has a distinct character and some seem to call to me. Sometimes it is the fullness of the tree. Sometimes it is the way the branches spread. Sometimes it is just a feeling that the tree and I connect.<br />
<br />
Even dead trees are attractive to me. I can see what they once were. I appreciate the graceful lines that are still visible and envision what they might have looked like.<br />
<br />
I close with a well-known poem by Joyce Kilmer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: lime;"><i>I think that I shall never see <br />A poem lovely as a tree. <br /> <br />A tree whose hungry mouth is prest <br />Against the earth's sweet flowing breast; <br /> <br />A tree that looks at God all day, <br />And lifts her leafy arms to pray; <br /> <br />A tree that may in summer wear <br />A nest of robins in her hair; <br /> <br />Upon whose bosom snow has lain; <br />Who intimately lives with rain. <br /> <br />Poems are made by fools like me, <br />But only God can make a tree. <br />
</i></span></span><br />
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<br />Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-86260456370382535172016-09-09T03:30:00.000-05:002016-09-09T03:30:09.081-05:00Watermelon Day<br />
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During the summer Saturday nights were special nights. The
farmers came to town to purchase what they needed from the grocery
store and the feed store. It was a small town so there were not many
other stores there.<br />
<br />
What we did have was the free show.
The free show was a big movie screen with a bunch of benches set up for
us to watch. And it cost absolutely nothing.<br />
<br />
I got 25
cents each week for allowance. Five cents went into the collection plate
at Sunday school but the rest was mine all mine. Before the show
started I would stop at the store and buy a bottle of pop and a candy
bar. It took half of what was left but it was worth it. Besides I would
get back a penny when I returned the bottle for the deposit. That penny
was worth two pieces of bubble gum.<br />
<br />
I loved sitting outside watching those movies. It was just like being at the theater. Except we had the stars above us.<br />
<br />
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The
reason the free show was there was to keep the kids busy while their
parents shopped and socialized. The fire station was where the men would
gather to play cards and discuss manly things. The women stood off to
the side talking about children and whatever else they talked about.<br />
<br />
We
lived just a block and a half down the street from the free show so I
always went. Unless it rained. Then us kids would join the adults in the
firehouse.<br />
<br />
At the end of the summer came the best day of all. It was watermelon day.<br />
<br />
On
watermelon day all the farmers brought part of their harvest to town.
Someone donated a cow and someone else donated a pig. They were both
roasted in a huge pit dug in the ground. They started cooking a day or
two before.<br />
<br />
Then there were tables set up. They held
cooked potatoes, corn on the cob, fresh salads, vegetables, fruits,
homemade breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, homemade jams and jellies...
you name it, it was there. And watermelon.<br />
<br />
After eating
more than you could possibly eat, you had to go back for a huge chunk
of watermelon, then another one, and so forth. It was everyone enjoying
the bounties of the harvest.<br />
<br />
There were games like sack races and other fun group activities. When the sun went down there was the free show.<br />
<br />
The
very nicest hing about watermelon day was... IT COST NOTHING. It was
just people getting together and enjoying each other and the offerings
from the land. It is one of my favorite memories.Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-7714961125648763292016-08-30T03:30:00.000-05:002016-08-30T03:30:05.099-05:00Surprising Uses For Lemons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sUl8EPI4RYyEaWCXw2Sw5msFTyI7Y4i1i-Plok8zJ4gnbRjamxm30VVHRf1sRxLglKb7chw8VKKj30aaOwmiELIeuA1LsxQO_hK0D_UHw_A50vNHVf9CuEo-x76tXnBLxYtf4VC5jvJM/s1600/Lemon.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sUl8EPI4RYyEaWCXw2Sw5msFTyI7Y4i1i-Plok8zJ4gnbRjamxm30VVHRf1sRxLglKb7chw8VKKj30aaOwmiELIeuA1LsxQO_hK0D_UHw_A50vNHVf9CuEo-x76tXnBLxYtf4VC5jvJM/s400/Lemon.jpg" width="400" /></a>Lemons are believed to have originated in China or India. They were a
hybrid of limes and citrons. The lovely yellow color and unique taste
made them attractive to traders who took them all over the world.<br />
<br />
Today
you can buy fresh lemons in almost any grocery store. There are also
concentrated juices and frozen juices. Lemons flavor foods from
appetizers to desserts and many in between. However lemons are good for
much more.<br />
<br />
Before we begin I must remind you that I am
not a doctor. Any time you want to use anything for medicinal purposes
you should check with your physician beforehand. There may be
interactions with medicines or conditions that are already present. <br />
<br />
Lemons
are high in flavonoids and antioxidants. They help production of white
blood cells.They are one of the few foods that have negatively charged
ions (to balance all the foods with positive charges). Lemons are also
one of a small list of foods that take more calories to digest than they
contain.<br />
<br />
Nutrients found in lemons include Vitamin C,
ascorbic acid, Vitamin A, B vitamin complex, iron, copper, potassium,
and calcium. You will consume 29 calories per 100 grams of lemon.<br />
<br />
Ancient
Egyptians believed that lemons protected against poison. They were at
least partially right. Some insect stings can be successfully treated
with lemon juice.<br />
<br />
Lemon juice helps prevent and cure osteoarthritis. It is used to treat scoliosis and rheumatoid arthritis.<br />
<br />
Low
cholesterol is something almost everyone strives to reach. Lemons will
help with that. It means fewer heart problems, better circulation, and
less chance of stroke. It strengthens blood vessels too.<br />
<br />
Cancer
is that ugly disease that we all fear. Lemons can help. They seem to be
especially good for dealing with cancers of the mouth, skin, breast,
stomach, prostrate, and colon. Lemons have been shown to prevent the
division of cancer cells so that they do not spread.<br />
<br />
Many
of the nutrients in lemons act as antibiotics, antiviral agents, and
immune system boosters. They help prevent colds and flu. They fight
infection in the body. Lemon juice helps dislodge phlegm.<br />
<br />
Lemon
juice in your bath serves several purposes. Lemon is naturally cooling
so it soothes and relaxes. Rubbing your skin with lemon juice acts as an
exfoliant .It also helps clean and heal the skin. If you are drinking a
bit of lemon juice every day it will help give your skin a healthy
glow.<br />
<br />
Even though lemons are acidic they quickly become alkaline after they are consumed. This helps keep the pH balance in your body.<br />
<br />
Apply lemon juice to acne. It will dry eruptions and prevent new ones. It will also exfoliate the skin to get rid of dead cells.<br />
<br />
For minor burns lemon juice is applied to cool the area. It will further prevent scarring.<br />
<br />
Gargle with lemon juice to ease a sore throat.<br />
<br />
Bind a slice of lemon tightly to a corn. Leave it on overnight for relief of pain.<br />
<br />
Lemons are one of the few low glycemic fruits. They contain no saturated fats or cholesterol but are high in dietary fiber.<br />
<br />
Anyone
who has ever bitten into a lemon knows that the taste stimulates the
salivary glands. Just thinking about it makes a mouth water. Digestive
juices begin to secrete and bile production is stimulated. This aids in
digestion so that you will not have so many stomach problems. No
heartburn, no belching, no flatulence. They help prevent vomiting.
Lemons will also help with elimination issues. Constipation could be a
problem no more.<br />
<br />
Lemon juice is a natural food
preservative. Coating apples or bananas for instance will keep them from
turning brown. This method is safer than using chemicals.<br />
<br />
Vasco
da Gama lost about two thirds of his sailors to scurvy on their way to
India. Then it was discovered by James Lind that lemons cure scurvy.
Even today ships carry lemons on board to keep the sailors healthy.<br />
<br />
Other
diseases cured by lemons are cholera, malaria, typhoid, and diphtheria.
The reason is that lemons purify the blood and help cleanse the disease
from the blood.<br />
<br />
Dried lemon peel can be crushed and
massaged into your hair to ease headache before a bath. Lemon juice as a
rinse helps rid your head of dandruff. It makes hair shiny. As an
astringent it helps close pours and gives skin a healthy look. It
reduces wrinkles too.<br />
<br />
Lemons are really good for the
liver. They stimulate bile production as well as cleansing impurities.
Lemons are good for the urinary tract too. They are a diuretic. They
also keep crystals from forming in the kidneys that lead to kidney
stones. They dissolve gall stones and calcium deposits. They help
prevent gout.<br />
<br />
Stomach and intestinal parasites are killed by lemon juice.<br />
<br />
An ingredient in the peel of lemons has been successful in treating Parkinson's disease.<br />
<br />
Sir
Edmund Hillary said that lemons were the reason he was able to reach
the top of Mount Everest. They help when there is insufficient oxygen
and difficulty when breathing at high altitudes.<br />
<br />
Eye disorders including retinopathy caused by diabetes can be eased by eating lemons.<br />
<br />
Mouth
sores are healed by rubbing with the inside of a lemon peal. Make sure
to rinse thoroughly afterward. A little lemon added to toothpaste helps
whiten teeth.<br />
<br />
Lemon juice is used in a great many cleaning products. It helps things shine and leaves a clean freah smell.<br />
<br />
Urinary tract infections and even gonorrhea can be treated with lemons.<br />
<br />
Lemons help break a fever by causing increased perspiration.<br />
<br />
Put lemon juice into your foot bath to soothe tired aching feet.<br />
<br />
To lose weight drink a couple of glasses of lemon water every day.<br />
<br />
The juice of one lemon in a glass of water several times a day helps check excessive menstruation.<br />
<br />
The
smell of lemons can make you feel better. Lemon scented candles or even
strategically placed cotton balls with lemon can make everyone in the
house happier. The scent also stimulates concentration. You will feel
more alert as well.<br />
<br />
Lemons have a mild bleaching effect. In your hair it will add subtle highlights. On skin it can lighten and even skin tones.<br />
<br />
So
as the saying goes... if life give you lemons, take one and add its
juice to six ounces of water and drink it. You will feel better.<br />
<br />Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-16751279914109624002016-08-26T03:30:00.000-05:002016-08-26T03:30:11.191-05:00Campfire Treats<h1 class="title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h1>
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Summer is almost over. Here in the United States we celebrate Labor Day
at the beginning of September. Many of us go camping and many others
have that one last barbecue before we put away the barbecue and dig out
the tools for cleaning up the leaves that fall in autumn.<br />
<br />
I came across some fun foods to make over the campfire and they should
work as well on the barbecue. The kids will have a great time preparing
these and an even better time eating them. It is a good way to keep them
occupied.<br />
<br />
<b>I'll start with my youngest brother's absolute favorite</b>. It is
the exploding hot dog. Unfortunately not much is left to eat but it can
be a fairly inexpensive way to provide a little excitement and a science
lesson at the same time. Wrap one hot dog snugly in a piece of aluminum
foil twisting the ends tightly. Make sure the whole hot dog is wrapped
or it will not work. Then place it in the hot coals or on the barbecue.
As the wieners heat up and the juices expand there will be no room for
expansion. The aluminum foil eventually cannot hold and the hot dog
blows up. I would recommend this treat be saved until other cooking is
done. Remind everyone to step away from the fire until all hot dogs have
exploded so no one is burned. The rest of these recipes will be safer.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>For this one you will need approximately 10 oranges.</b> Cut the tops
off of each one at about one quarter from the top. Scoop the pulp out
(it can be eaten by the children or used in a fruit salad). Mix a cake
mix of your favorite flavor. I like chocolate. Fill the orange about
three quarters of the way to the top with the mix. Wrap with aluminum
foil. Place onto the coals but not the fire. Cook for about 30 minutes
turning each one a couple of times. Unwrap, peel, and eat.<br />
<br />
<b>Strawberry shortcake is another easy recipe.</b> You will need two
pie tins. I use the disposable foil ones because the children can get a
bit carried away when serving themselves plus there is no washing
necessary. Grease them well. Make the shortcake batter from the recipe
on the package of biscuit mix. Spoon the mix into the pie pans and cover
tightly with foil. Place them on the coals. Turn them a couple of times
while they cook for about 25 minutes. Take them from the coals, remove
the aluminum covering, and top the shortcake with strawberries and
whipped cream. If you have bben out berry picking that day, any fruit
will be good.<br />
<br />
<b>Cherry cobbler takes a greased Dutch oven</b>. Pour two 21 ounce cans
of cherry pie filling into the Dutch oven. Pour biscuit mix shortcake
batter over the top and cover with the lid to the Dutch oven. Place the
pot onto the coals and turn every few minutes. In 30 minutes you can eat
nice warm cherry cobbler.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Want a hot banana split?</b> Cut a banana, peel and all lengthwise
leaving the bottom of the peel intact. Place it on a sheet of aluminum
foil. Gently open the banana and fill it with marshmallows, chocolate,
caramel, chocolate chips, or whatever fillings and combinations you
like. Squeeze the banana gently to partially close. Wrap tightly in
aluminum foil. Place on the coals well away from the fire for about 10
minutes. Unwrap and eat.<br />
<br />
<b>For a slightly different flavor</b> try filling the banana with brown
sugar and cinnamon. I like this with hot chocolate but there are those
who think it goes well with rum.<br />
<br />
As you can see, none of these are difficult to make and do not take a
lot of time. And they are all delicious. Try them before you put away
the barbecue and before the end of your last camping trip of the summer.
I would love to know how you like them. Better yet, I would really love
to know how your children like them.<br />
</div>
Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-6147131922713425562016-08-23T03:30:00.000-05:002016-08-23T03:30:17.200-05:00You Gotta Eat Your Spinach Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bluto has kidnapped Olive Oyl again. Popeye pulls out his trusty can of
spinach, squeezes it until it opens, and downs the spinach. His muscles
pop and swell. He grabs Bluto and beats him a bit, then with one
powerful blow Bluto flies into oblivion. Olive Oyl loves Popeye again
and all is right with the world.<br />
<br />
The Popeye cartoons have made spinach a popular vegetable. In fact,
Crystal City, Texas, erected a statue of Popeye in 1937. Spinach is
grown in Crystal City. They say that Popeye helped increase the
consumption of spinach by 33% during the Depression.<br />
<br />
In the 1930's people believed that the power of spinach was its iron
content. Spinach is a good source of iron in a vegetable. One cup of
cooked spinach has more than 36% of your recommended daily requirement,
but the content is not as high as originally thought. The scientist who
measured for iron placed the decimal point in the wrong place. He made
the iron content 10 times what it actually is.<br />
<br />
Spinach has more than 11 times the requirement of Vitamin K and almost 4
times the requirement of Vitamin A. Percentages of other nutrients are:
manganese, 84; folate, 65.7; magnesium, 39.1; iron, 35.7; Vitamin C,
2934; Vitamin B2, 24.7; calcium, 24.4; potassium, 23.9, Vitamin B6, 22;
tryptophan, 21.8; Vitamin E, 18.7; fiber, 17.2; copper, 15.5; Vitamin
B1, 11.3; protein, 10.7; phosphorus, 10; zinc, 9.1; choline, 8.3;
omega-3 fats, 7; Vitamin B3, 4.4; selenium, 3.8; and a mere 41 calories.
No wonder they call it a power food.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that spinach contains oxalates. These are organic acids
that inhibit your body from absorbing some of the nutrients in foods. As
always consult your doctor if you might have adverse affects from
spinach. Some of the concerns are kidney stones, gout, and gall stones.
Do not use spinach to treat a medical condition without checking with
your physician first.<br />
<br />
Pesticides cling to spinach leaves. It is very difficult to wash off so
make sure that you get them clean before using. Growing your own is best
because you will not have to use the pesticides.<br />
<br />
Persia (now Iran) was where spinach originally came from. Traders took it to India and it <br />
was then taken to China. Eventually it was popularized in Europe.
Catherine de'Medici was especially fond of spinach. Now it is found all
over the world.<br />
<br />
Glycoglycerolipids are molecules used in the process of photosynthesis
in plants. Lab research has shown that they can help protect the lining
of the digestive tract from damage, especially inflammation.<br />
<br />
Research shows that of the green leafy vegetables, only spinach showed
significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate
cancer. <br />
<br />
There are at least 13 different flavonoid compunds in spinach. These are
antioxidants and anti-cancer agents. Studies show that they slow down
cell division in stomach cancer cells. Reduction of skin cancer cells is
another benefit. Consumption of spinach coincides with fewer incidents
of breast cancer.<br />
<br />
Spinach is low in saturated fat and cholesterol.<br />
<br />
The fibers, proteins, and body building compounds in spinach are what gave Popeye his big, strong arms.<br />
<br />
Oxidative stress is a contributor to several blood vessel related
problems. The antioxidants and peptides in spinach help decrease the
risk of such problems as atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and high blood
pressure.<br />
<br />
Spinach is likely to aid in prevention of eye problems like age related macular degeneration and cataracts.<br />
<br />
Folates, also known as folic acid make spinach a good food for pregnant
women. It is good for preventing neurological defects in the baby.<br />
<br />
Spinach helps prevent the activation of osteoclasts. They are the cells
that break down bone. And bacteria in the intestines convert Vitamin K1
into Vitamin K2 which activates a major non-collagen protein in bone.
Spinach assists in the strength and density of bones. Added to the
calcium and magnesium in spinach to make it an excellent food for
healthy bones.<br />
<br />
Spinach helps regulate inflammation. Asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are inflammatory conditions.<br />
<br />
With it being so full of nutrients, spinach is great for dieters. It is
plentiful, inexpensive, and filling. One cup of cooked spinach contains
only 41 calories. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or mixed with other
foods.<br />
<br />
Spinach protects "entry points" into the body. Mucous membranes,
respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts are also more able to fight
infection because white blood cells are stronger.<br />
<br />
DNA damage and mutations in colon cells may be prevented. Spinach does
protect the colon from the harmful effects of free radicals.<br />
<br />
Consumption of green leafy vegetables like spinach may slow age related decline in brain function.<br />
<br />
Spinach promotes healthy skin. It helps allow for proper moisture
retention in the epidermis. It fights psoriasis, keratinization, acne,
and wrinkles.<br />
<br />
A protein is spinach directly prevents calcium from forming in tissue. This fights cardiovascular disease and stroke.<br />
<br />
The brain and nervous system benefit from spinach. It provides an
essential part for the synthesis of sphingolipids. Sphingolipids is a
crucial fat that makes up the Myelin sheath around our nerves.<br />
<br />
The magnesium in spinach helps prevent diabetes.<br />
<br />
Spinach can help ease insomnia.<br />
<br />
It can help your hair look smoother and shinier.<br />
<br />
Spinach is a mild diuretic and a mild laxative. Regular consumption of spinach can help regulate your elimination system.<br />
<br />
It can help eliminate intestinal parasites.<br />
<br />
Because it is nutritive, tonifying, mineralizing, calming for the nervous system
and also a good coagulant, spinach benefits growth.<br />
<br />
Medieval artists extracted the green pigment from spinach to color ink or paint.<br />
<br />
Spinach promotes blood coagulation.<br />
<br />
Fresh spinach can be eaten in the same ways as you might use lettuce.
Salad is a favorite for many people. A leaf or two on your sandwich is
good. Shred it and use it in tacos. In southern US people make wilted
spinach salad by pouring hot bacon grease on spinach. It is quite good.<br />
<br />
Cooked spinach actually enhances some of the benefits of spinach while
raw spinach fills other needs. Mix them up for maximum effect.<br />
<br />
To cook spinach use a non-aluminum based pan. Steam the leaves with no
more than the water left on them after washing. Do not wash spinach
until you are ready to use it in order to keep the nutrients from
breaking down as quickly. A little salt, butter, and pepper (if you
like) is all you need for seasoning. However you can squeeze a bit of
lemon juice on it for a variation of flavor.<br />
<br />
Spinach is good in soups and stews. Shred it to use in pasta dishes. It
adds extra flavor to lasagna. Spinach ravioli is a favorite of mine.<br />
<br />
You can even drink spinach. Shredded leaves in hot water make a good tea. Add spinach to vegetable juices and smoothies.<br />
<br />
Have you a favorite recipe or use for spinach? If so, please share it with us.It is in the interest of health after all.Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8961831863046235741.post-42301700828763635632016-08-19T03:30:00.000-05:002016-08-19T03:30:01.484-05:0010 Facts<br />
<br />
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One of the women that I admire most had a huge weeping willow tree at
the entrance of the drive to her farmhouse. Sadly she is no longer with
us but her magnificent tree still stands. Every time I drive by her
place I see that beautiful tree and think fondly of her.<br />
<br />
As a child I would often sit with friends beneath a different weeping
willow tree on hot summer days. We would each take three of the branches
that hung down and braid them into headpieces to make us beautiful. If
flowers were available we would weave them into the piece. The tree was
on the corner of my grandmother's lot in town. It was another gorgeous
tree.<br />
<br />
I thought it would be fun to ask ten questions about weeping willow
trees. The best part is that I will also supply the answers to those
questions. That way if you already know the answer you can feel a bit
superior and if you did not know the answer you will learn something.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>01. Why are they called weeping willows?</b><br />
<br />
The weeping willow once stood tall and erect. A pair of young lovers met
often and sat beneath the tree planning their lives together.
Tragically the two died suddenly before their wedding. The willow tree
was so despondent at the deaths that they drooped over and their
branches hung in sorrow. They would never again be able to lift thieir
branches after that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>02. Where will I see weeping willow trees?</b><br />
<br />
They are native to China. Because of the beauty of the trees they were
brought to North America and are found all over the United States and
Canada. You will see weeping willow trees all over the world. They are
popular in the UK, New Zealand, and Africa.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>03. How fast does a weeping willow tree grow?</b><br />
<br />
Once the tree is firmly established (after about three years) it can grow up to eight feet per year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>04. What type of soil is best to plant a weeping willow?</b><br />
<br />
Weeping willows are hardy trees. They like a water source close by but
they can grow in slightly drier places. You will often see them growing
on the banks of a river or stream.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>05. Is there any place you should not plant a weeping willow tree?</b><br />
<br />
These trees love water; the more the better. They have enormous roots
and root systems. These roots look for water. That means do not plant
them near sewer lines or septic tanks. Also do not plant them too close
to your house. The roots are big and strong and can cause damage to the
foundation of your building.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>06. Are weeping willows good for anything besides to look at?</b> <br />
<br />
Native Americans used the bark to treat headaches. The bark contains
salicylic acid which is the major ingredient of aspirin. The sap of the
tree is also full of salicylic acid. Because the acid from the tree
caused so much stomach upset scientists devloped the first synthetically
produced aspirin.<br />
The bark is used to make anti-inflammatory agents. It can be used to
treat articular bleeding, heartburn, and other stomach ailments.<br />
Weeping willow wood is used to make flutes, boxes, whistles, fish traps, broom handles, furniture, baskets, and cricket bats.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>07. Do you ever see weeping willow trees in art?</b><br />
<br />
Weeping willows are often seen as symbols for death. Therefore a painter
who wishes to portray sorrow or death often paints a weeping willow.
Claude Monet made a famous painting honoring the fallen soldiers of
World War I. William Shakespeare was fond of using weeping willow
symbolism in his writings. Even the Harry Potter series has a weeping
willow called the Whomping Willow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>08. What about weeping willow trees in mythology?</b><br />
<br />
It is thought that a witch's broom is made from weeping willow wood and
branches. Because the branches are serpentine many mystics believe it
has sexual and fertile properties. Placing weeping willow branches in
the bed of a married woman is believed to increase the chances that she
will conceive. Some places believe that the branches will cause her to
be impregnated by magical serpents. The child will have the gifts of the
gods.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>09. How can I grow a weeping willow tree?</b><br />
<br />
In the fall or very early winter use sharp pruning shears to cut a
straight piece from the tree. Cut from an area that newly sprouted
within the last year. It should be 8 to 12 inches long. Use a container
deep enough to hold at least half of the cutting in water. Keep it
inside where it will stay warm and keep it in partial sunlight. Fill the
container three quarters of the way with water and an amount of root
stimulator according to the directions of the root stimulator. Do not
disturb for 3 to 4 weeks. Roots will sprout. When the roots are about 3
to 4 inches long transplant to a container with soil. Do not plant
outside during the winter. Weeping willows are hardy but these little
shoots are just babies.<br />
When planting outside in the spring make sure to stay away from
buildings, septic tanks, and sewer pipes. Underground gas lines,
electrical lines, and telephone and television cables should also be
protected. Stay away from sidewalks and other slabs that could break
from a large root in the future. Dig a hole about 12 inches deep and 18
inches across in unfrozen ground. Put fertilizer and top soil in the
hole. Then put the cutting in with the roots just below ground level.
Hold the cutting firmly in place and finish filling the hole with
potting soil. Pack the soil firmly, stake the plant for support, and put
a small wire cage around it to protect it from animals.<br />
For the next few weeks keep the plant watered with a slow soaking. Remember these trees like water.<br />
After they have firmly taken root and are starting to grow you should have very little maintenance on a weeping willow tree.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>10. Is there a tree that is more beautiful than a weeping willow?</b><br />
<br />
No.<br />
<br />
Emma Springfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10543689047463574012noreply@blogger.com2