A devastating byproduct of human growth has been the loss of natural habitats around the world. Wild animals and plants can no longer rely on woodlands, marshes, and ponds — these places have been slowly disappearing to make way for roads, homes, factories, etc. As a result, wildlife that was once thriving is now facing multiple threats, and their populations are dwindling.
That’s when, over time, studies began to be conducted to find a solution to this concerning issue. Since private residential property took almost one-third of the urban landscape in many developed nations, one way to revive wildlife was to plan urban gardens that would be completely wildlife-friendly.
A key organization leading the development of these ‘wildlife gardens’ was the National Wildlife Federation, which began operations in 1973 and has been pushing for a wildlife-supportive gardening method ever since. They’d even conducted 24 studies on the impact of wildlife gardening, which clearly showed that such places do boost biodiversity, help wildlife ecosystems thrive, and supplement natural resources when local plants and trees are planted. These places are also almost always home to twice as many species of birds as areas without such gardens.
People who’ve had their homes and backyards turned into wildlife gardens witness this phenomenon first-hand. They’ve recounted tales of seeing local species of animals along with many migratory birds and butterflies, many of whom return to this safe haven year after year.
To trace the origins of the Rhinoceros, we’d have to go back some millennia — almost 56 million years ago, to be precise. That’s when the first ancestors of the modern Rhinos roamed the planet. They were more horse-like in structure and had no horns. Old rhino bones found from this period in North America show a gradual evolution from this old horse-like structure into one more aligned with today’s rhino. Over the years, there were three distinct species that scientists think might be the ancestors of today’s rhinos. One of these was called the ‘running rhino,’ which was adapted for speed.
Another was more aquatic and resembled today’s hippopotamus. The last, most direct ancestors to the modern rhinoceros appeared approximately 25 million years ago and had multiple subspecies in their families. Of these, the wooly rhinoceros was one of the largest subspecies, weighing almost four times the size of the average African elephant, and boasting one-meter-long horns. This species inhabited a large area, from Siberia to the British Isles. These plant-eaters lived alongside the wooly mammoths, and have been found fossilized in ice and in cave paintings made during that period.
These rhinos only lived in Asia initially but began traveling to other places around 25 million years ago. Over time, these rhino ancestors roamed the continents, primarily living in Eurasia (Europe and Asia combined) and North America. However, the American rhinos went extinct sometime between 5.4 and 2.4 million years ago.
Rhinos have also featured in many Asian and African legends — they are the fire-stamping heroes in many stories from Burma, India, and Malaysia. According to these stories, rhinos appeared every time a fire was lit in the forest and would stamp out the flames. So popular is this tale that it even featured in a popular 1980 South African movie named “The Gods Must Be Crazy.”
Unfortunately, these once-abundant creatures have lost out to human activity. Hunting, and now, poaching and habitat loss, have drastically reduced the number of rhinos across the world. Rhino horns are also integral to traditional medicine in many parts of Asia, with people believing it has mystical powers. Since 2007, there has been a sharp increase in poaching activity and illegal trade of rhino horns, to the extent that many subspecies of rhinos have been declared extinct and the entire rhino population is listed as ‘endangered’.
“Hello! Welcome to Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park! I hope you have had a great trip so far?!”
Common ravens have coexisted with humans for thousands of years and have been so numerous in some areas that people have regarded them as pests. Part of their success as a species is due to their omnivorous diet: they are extremely versatile and opportunistic in finding sources of nutrition, feeding on carrion, insects, cereal grains, berries, fruit, small animals, nesting birds, and food waste. Some notable feats of problem-solving provide evidence that the common raven is unusually intelligent. Over the centuries, it has been the subject of mythology, folklore, art, and literature. In many cultures, including the indigenous cultures of Scandinavia, ancient Ireland, Wales, Bhutan, the northwest coast of North America, and Siberia and northeast Asia, the common raven has been revered as a spiritual figure or godlike creature.
Blessed be the Maiden innocent and fresh, Blessed be the Mother fertile and loving Blessed be the Crone powerful and wise – Blessed be the Lord gentle and kind, Blessed be the Father protective and warm, Blessed be the King forever reborn.
Sunshine and blue skies and springtime bouquets, Light hearts and laughter and bright, happy days… Dogwoods are blooming young hatchlings appear May is such a lovely time of the year.
National Tabby Day was first celebrated on April 30, 2016, by the Mayor’s Alliance for N.Y.C.’s Animals, Bideawee, and Triumph Books. It’s to celebrate the tabby cats themselves and inform people that tabbies are not a breed of cat but a coat pattern. The first event featured a cat adoption and book signing to benefit Bideawee and a shelter for cats and dogs. The book was “Making the Most of All Nine Lives: The Extraordinary Life of Buffy the Cat” by author and pet lifestyle expert Sandy Robins and oral surgeon and photojournalist Paul Smulson.
A tabby cat is not a cat breed. It is a coat pattern in almost all domestic cats. The tabby pattern is related to the tabbies’ close relatives, such as the African wildcat, Asiatic wildcat, and European wildcat. The distinct appearance of the tabby cats is the M-shaped marking on their forehead. The tabbies have four coat patterns, and those have a variant: the orange tabby. The orange tabby cats have a stereotype of being lazier than other cats. In fact, most orange tabbies are male, and they tend to have an adventurous personality.
The four tabby coat patterns are classic tabby with swirling patterns; mackerel tabby with narrow tiger-striped patterns; spotted tabby with large or small spots; and ticked tabby with tabby markings on the face and agouti hairs on the body, with few to no stripes. It is said that tabby cats tend to be friendly and nonaggressive. And, among all the types of tabbies, the orange tabbies tend to be the most affectionate. This conclusion is based on three different things, such as everyday handling, interactions with humans, and veterinary visits.
National Bugs Bunny Day is celebrated every year on April 30. It commemorates the date this happy-go-lucky bunny made his first appearance in 1938. We are getting ready to enjoy the day in the most fun way possible — by binge-watching “Looney Tunes” throughout the day, eating carrots like Bugs Bunny, and spreading the fun all over social media!
Bugs Bunny, who is also called the ‘Wascally Wabbit,’ appeared for the first time on April 30, 1938, in a short theater cartoon called “Porky’s Hare Hunt.” Many people don’t actually credit that as his first appearance and the reason for this is he was then still called Happy Rabbit. However, he looked like Bugs Bunny, spoke like Bugs Bunny, and moved like Bugs Bunny.
Even though “Porky’s Hare Hunt” was the first cartoon to feature a Bugs Bunny-like rabbit, it was on July 27, 1940, that “A Wild Hare” officially introduced the character called Bugs Bunny to the world. The preliminary version of Bugs Bunny was created by Ben Hardaway, whereas the official version was created by Tex Avery. The preliminary version of Bugs Bunny’s character was designed by Cal Dalton and Charles Thorson (1939–1940). However, the official version was designed by Bob Givens (1940–1943) and then by Robert McKimson (1943 – to date).
The popularity of Bugs Bunny rose in leaps and bounds during World War II. His free and easy attitude became a symbol of hope for people and, soon enough, Bugs Bunny became quite the star. Post World War II, “Knighty Knight Bugs” (1958) won an Academy Award for the Best Cartoon Short Subject. It was the first Oscar for Bugs Bunny.
After Kevin and I had most of our stuff settled in Texas, it was time to pick up Katelynn in North Carolina. On that trip, we picked Interstate 20 and Interstate 55 to see the deep southern states. Instead of driving through Arkansas and Tennessee, we drove through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
By Vicksburg, Mississippi we crossed the mighty Mississippi River and made a short stop for some photos. The February sunset was reflecting on the river. It was beautiful. That night, we stopped for a rest in Jackson, Mississippi.
The following morning, we still had so much driving ahead of us. I didn’t have a driver’s license at the time, Kevin had to drive the whole way. The last 200 miles were painful. But we made it by the evening. And we both could hold Katelynn in our arms again.
Two days later Kevin, Katelynn, and I took the original route back to Texas. It was a tough 18-hour trip through North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas. Katelynn made her first trip across the Mississippi in Memphis, Tennessee, crossing into West Memphis, Arkansas. From there, we still had about seven more hours. At 2 am, we finally made it home.
Kevin and I went to see Journey and Toto, tonight. It was a great event. Kevin wanted to see Toto. And I finally got to see Journey with Arnel Pineda. Arnel is a bundle of energy. Being in his mid-50s, while his bandmates are 15 to 20 years older, he has a lot of fuel in his tank.
We left a little earlier to avoid the main traffic getting out of Bridgeport. We were home short before 11 pm. Kevin has to work tomorrow. This was perfect timing.
Smoky Sun from the Possum Kingdom Lake Wildfires in 2011
The Possum Kingdom Complex is a grouping of four wildfires that have consumed about 148,000 acres (600 km2) in Stephens, Young, and Palo Pinto counties. The complex consists of the Possum Kingdom West Fire (90,000 acres), Possum Kingdom East Fire 11,000 acres (45 km2), Hohertz Fire 40,000 acres (160 km2), and Jackson Ranch Fire 7,000 acres (28 km2). The fire destroyed 166 homes and two churches. 600 more homes were threatened. Possum Kingdom State Park was closed on April 15. Ninety percent of the park was involved in the fire. 450 firefighters, three helitankers, and three helicopters fought the fire along a 270-mile (430 km) fire line.
On August 30, 2011, another outbreak of wildfires ravaged the Possum Kingdom Lake area, continuing well into September and destroying 39 homes by the time of containment.
For a day that’s all about celebrating superheroes, it’s no surprise that National Superhero Day was founded by Marvel Comics in 1995. Now, every year since its birth on April 28, 1995, people come together annually on this day to celebrate all their favorite heroes. No matter if your chosen heroes are fictional or real, this is the day to be thankful for them.
If you don’t know about Marvel Comics, think about all those superheroes you loved growing up (and probably still love). We’re talking about Spiderman, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, Captain Marvel, and many other fan favorites. Those heroes are all from Marvel comics, the creators of “The Fantastic Four,” “The Avengers,” and “X-Men.” However, Marvel superheroes aren’t the only ones out there. If you’re a fan of Batman, Wonder Woman, or Superman, those superheroes were created by DC Comics, and they are equally celebrated on this day!
Did you know the first superhero ever was created in 1936? He was named Phantom and he started with his own comic strip in a U.S. newspaper. This was the first known beginnings of a published superhero and, today, there are hundreds of well-known heroes that everyone loves.
As for real-life superheroes, National Superhero Day also recognizes those who we look up to every day. No matter if they wear masks, capes, scrubs, or uniforms, everyone has someone they think of as a superhero. This national day began and grew so that everyone’s role models could get a well-deserved shout-out for whatever hard work they do.
The blueberry pie, which usually consists of a classic pie dough filled with a berry mixture as well as sugars, flour, and lemon juice, is sort of a victory dessert. Before the U.S. became an independent country, Native Americans lived off the land and used blueberries, which they called star berries, as a source of survival.
In modern times, we look to blueberries as a cutesy addition to ice cream or a nutritional addition to our morning smoothies. Back in the colonial days, Native Americans crushed and dehydrated the small purplish spheres and used the resulting powder as a supplementary boost in their foods all year long. Now recognized as a superfood, blueberries are packed with antioxidants, phytoflavinoids, potassium, and vitamin C. Some historians speculate that without the blueberry, the earliest settlers in North America may not have survived their first winter in the new country.
As civilization continued to expand and farmers began growing produce at a much higher rate, American settlers were no longer so hard-pressed for nutrients and could begin to use friendly fruits for their flavor rather than their sustainable nutrition. It was in these times, the late 18th and early 19th centuries, that the blueberry became the sweet dessert feature that we celebrate today.
The original blueberry pie was baked with wild Maine blueberries from (you guessed it!) Maine, where the fruit grows liberally without much assistance from farmers. To this day, the blueberry pie is Maine’s national dessert. Though apple pie seems to have cemented itself as the most stereotypically American dessert, we believe that blueberry pie is as vital to our nation’s (dessert) history as the blue rectangle on our flag.
We spent the early evening hours at the State Fair as well. The fair actually looks much prettier, when it is dark outside. All the lights come on, and the light parade passes through the park. Big Tex and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel come to full glory, and the statues are in their great spotlights.
Save the Frogs Day was founded in 2009 by Dr. Kerry Kriger of the SAVE THE FROGS! organization. This holiday was created to promote education and conservation efforts for the little amphibians. Frogs have been a part of the Earth’s ecosystem since the Triassic period and are found all over the world. Not only do they play an important role in keeping the global ecosystem in check, but they are an unmistakable part of the atmosphere, as their croaks add to the ambiance of nature and in some areas, signal the beginning of springtime.
The little amphibians, of which there are over 5,000 species, are fans of insects such as mosquitos, as they gobble them up voraciously to help keep their numbers at bay, which also helps ensure the health and comfort of human life. However, like many animal species on this Earth, frogs are also endangered. According to Dr. Kriger, the main threats frogs face today are habitat destruction, disease, pollution, pesticides, and climate change, all of which threaten to accelerate their extinction worldwide. Up to 914 frog species are currently endangered, while up to 200 species have already been declared extinct since the 1970s.
Also, few regulations exist that prevent the transport of infected frogs, which can cause problems for unfamiliar environments and for those who use them as pets or food. During the holiday, the folks at SAVE THE FROGS!, as well as scientists in 58 countries, hold presentations and seminars at local schools, groups, and community centers to raise awareness of frog conservation, highlighting the threats they face and presenting ways on how to contribute to their conservations. Thus, Save the Frogs Day works to raise awareness about the dangers that frogs face in their own homes and highlight the consequences of a world without them.
The first undisputed sculpture pieces came from the Aurignacian culture in Europe and southwest Asia, which was active at the start of the Upper Paleolithic period. This culture developed well-crafted stone tools, pendants, ivory beads, and other form of art. They are also attributed to being the first to create cave art and three-dimensional figures.
The Löwenmensch, found in Germany’s Hohenstein-Stadel area, is an anthropomorphic figure carved from mammoth ivory. It is one of the oldest known uncontested examples of figurative art, standing at 0.9 inches tall. Most prehistoric art that has survived is movable sculptures found throughout central Europe.
The Swimming Reindeer from around 13,000 years ago is one of the greatest Upper Paleolithic Magdalenian bone carvings, however, it is outnumbered by engraved pieces, which are sometimes considered sculptures. The Tuc d’Audoubert caves in France, where a talented sculptor used a spatula-like stone tool and his fingers to build a pair of large bison against a limestone rock tens of thousands of years ago, are home to two of the world’s largest prehistoric sculptures.
Much of the figurative sculpture in Europe at the beginning of the Mesolithic era has been greatly reduced. These sculptures have remained less of a common element in art other than relief decoration of practical objects until the Roman period, despite works such as the Gundestrup cauldron from the European Iron Age and the Bronze Age Trundholm sun chariot.
The Mesopotamian conquest, as well as much of its surrounding territory by the Assyrians, created a larger and wealthier state than was previously usual in the region, with particularly grandiose art in palaces and public places, clearly, an attempt to match the glory of the Egyptian empire art. The Assyrians created their sculptures in great numbers using easily carved stones from Northern Iraq.
In 1926 a classic was born, A. A Milne published his collection of short stories, depicting an anthropomorphic teddy bear, Winnie the Pooh, his human friend, Christopher Robin, and a mixed collection of other animals, most notably on this special day, Eeyore. The animal that inspired such a great charity initiative in Austin, takes his queues and overall character from the unfortunate disposition of the stuffed donkey that he was modeled after, a long, heavy head and neck, leaving the stuffed donkey looking quite sad and depressed as the weight of both head and neck constantly had the donkey faced down at the ground.
The celebration of Eeyore’s “birthday” in Austin, Texas is unique to the area. Originally, the event was set up to distract students from “Dead Week,” however, over time the birthday party has grown into a massive charity event. The first time Austin celebrated Eeyore’s birthday, there was little more than a trash can filled with lemonade and beer, however, when the party moved from Eastwood Park to Pease District Park, Friends of the Forest Foundation, a non-profit that supports local charities took over the production and management of the event.
One cooler March evening, I lit my DIY candle jar on the shelf and had a hot cup of tea in the greenhouse. It was niche sitting and relaxing with a blanket around my legs. No TV. no loud suburban noises, just a quiet evening with my candle and the moonlight.
Trees are more than signals of the changing season. They provide vital protection for the Earth’s topsoil from erosion, oxygen, and homes for wildlife. Trees also are a renewable resource that provides a variety of materials for building, fuel, and office supplies. When we plant trees in our yard, we improve our enjoyment of our outdoor living spaces and overall quality of life.
On April 10, 1872, journalist and newspaper editor J. Sterling Morton established Arbor Day in the state of Nebraska with hopes that it would spread across the country. This first celebration challenged the people of Nebraska to plant as many trees as they possibly could. Since the pioneers missed the trees and forests of the east, they answered the challenge by planting more than 1 million trees that very first year.
South Dakota became the 40th state to enter the union on November 2, 1889. It’s one of the least populated states in America. South Dakota is part of the Great Plains and takes its name from the Lakota and Dakota tribes of North America. South Dakota is one of the largest states in America, but it’s also the 5th least populated, making it a great place to live in or visit. Its capital city is Pierre, though the largest city is Sioux Falls. Most visitors in South Dakota will make sure to tour Sioux Falls’ historical sights. It’s the biggest city in South Dakota and has some of its most breathtaking views.
South Dakota is rich in Native American history. It has been inhabited by many Native American tribes over the centuries. In the 14th century, Native American tribes fought a brutal battle that killed many women and children, known as the Crow Creek massacre. It’s unclear what initiated the battle, but it’s hypothesized that they fought over farmland because of overpopulation and unstable climate.
The Vérendrye brothers were the first Europeans to journey to the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains from 1742 to 1743. The region was claimed by France and later became part of Spanish Louisiana from 1762 to 1801. The land was initially inhabited by the Arikara tribe, but they were later replaced by the Sioux tribe. Finally, in 1803, Louisiana was purchased by the United States. National South Dakota Day is now celebrated to remind people of the state’s rich history. There are many historical sites to visit and beautiful landscapes to explore. This holiday aims to attract more people to this state so that they too can enjoy its beauty.
This particular celebration of penguins was created at McMurdo Station, an American research center on Ross Island where researchers discovered that Adélie penguins start their migration around this day each year. So began World Penguin Day as a way to commemorate the event and raise awareness about these creatures. This day encourages people to learn more about penguins, the dangers they encounter, their environment, and their contribution to the environment.
Penguins differ considerably in size, from the large emperor penguin, reaching heights of over three feet and seven inches, to the little blue penguin which is about 13 inches tall. Historically, giant species of penguins existed that grew almost six feet high and weighed over 176 pounds. Penguins are highly adaptive to aquatic life, with their wings that have evolved into flippers and their excellent swimming abilities where species like the emperor penguin can reach deep depths of 1,800 feet. Penguins are disguised to protect themselves against predators from above and below. Their glossy feathers hold air in them that helps to both keep them warm and help them stay afloat. These extraordinary creatures are spread all over the Southern Hemisphere, from Antarctica to the Galápagos Islands, penguins are famous for their dedicated chick-hatching endeavors, cute waddles, and amazing survival instincts such as huddling to stay warm during icy winters.
Our appreciation for penguins has inspired the creation of movies and books such as “Penguins of Madagascar” and ”Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” Yet, they face extinction where a concerted effort is needed to help reduce our carbon footprint and prevent pollution to preserve their habitat.
The correct answer to a trivia question like “Who invented the telephone?” is the name on the patent. In this case, the whole world knows the answer is Alexander Graham Bell. Had his attorney been delayed by foul weather or poor planning, the answer may have been a different name.
On February 14, 1876, Marcellus Bailey, one of Bell’s attorneys, rushed into the U.S. Patent Office in Boston to file the patent for what would be the telephone. Later the same day, Elisha Gray filed a patent caveat for a similar device. A caveat is an intent to file for a patent. There was also a third contender. Antonio Meucci filed a caveat in November of 1871 for a talking telegraph but failed to renew the caveat due to hardships.
Because Bell submitted his record first, the patent office awarded Bell the patent on March 7, 1876. Gray contested this decision in court but without success.
On April 25, 1953, molecular biologist James Dewey Watson’s academic paper presenting DNA’s double-helix structure (which he co-authored with British molecular biologists Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins) was published in the scientific journal, Nature. Nine years later, the three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for unearthing the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its importance for genetic information transfer in living beings.
On April 14, 2003, the Human Genome Project, an international scientific research project to determine the base pairs that make up human DNA and identifying all genes of the human genome, was declared complete. The project lasted for 13 years, finishing two years ahead of schedule, and was publicly funded by the U.S. government. It was originally set to map the nucleotides contained within a human haploid genome, but scientists quickly realized that the genome of any given individual is completely unique, so mapping the human genome involved mapping the DNA of a small number of individuals and then piecing them all together to create a complete sequence for each individual chromosome. Meaning the complete human genome is more a mosaic rather than representative of any one individual.
Following the completion of the Human Genome Project, both the Senate and the House of Representatives proclaimed April 25, 2003, DNA Day and April as Human Genome Month. The day marked 50 years since Watson, Crick, and Wilkins’ academic paper was published and the month itself was considered significant in genome discovery. However, they only declared it a one-time celebration rather than an annual holiday. Since then, National DNA Day events and celebrations have been hosted by the National Human Genome Research Institute to encourage further research as well as celebrate and continue to acknowledge all of the hard work that has been dedicated to the study of DNA.
We had a steady Spring drizzle, today. It is also cooler than yesterday. However, this didn’t prevent me from shooting some photos in the afternoon. My neighbor came over and let me know, we got a visit from a moose last night. Maybe it will come back. I need a photo of it.
At up to 3.1 inches (80 millimeters) from snout to vent, the plateau fence lizard is a grayish, brownish, or greenish lizard. The upper side of its body has keeled scales and there is a series of narrow dark brown cross-bands on both sides of the midline. An elongated metallic blue patch can be found on each side of the belly and each side of the throat. Males are typically smaller than females with males and females in Montezuma County measuring 2.5 inches (63 millimeters) and 2.6 inches (67 millimeters), respectively.
The plateau fence lizard is found in central Arizona, southwestern Utah, western Colorado, and the San Luis Valley. It can also be found in parts of New Mexico and Wyoming. It generally dwells in rocky and wooded areas, making use of canyon walls, boulder-strewn hillsides, fallen tree trunks, and other debris and vantage points.
In warmer regions, signs of Spring are abundant; the grasses are tall lush green, wildflowers spread across the hillsides, and rain or shine the birds begin their mating songs. In cooler regions, buds appear on branches and the air stirs and warms.
The April Full Moon is about fertility and exuberance. It is about faith in the future, and the anticipation of abundance. This is a time to set things into motion or make new commitments. It is a time to find the courage and the trust to take those first steps onto a new path.
Reading is a stellar form of entertainment and it requires that you use your imagination rather than simply watching visuals on a screen. There is also something so therapeutic about the actual feel of a book, with its scent of printed pages and glossy covers. Books are a valuable aspect of society but this wasn’t always the case.
When vocabulary and writing were developed thousands of years ago, clay tablets were used. This evolved into parchment and papyrus. The first form of a book was achieved by the Chinese in the 3rd century, although their books consisted of thick pages, made out of bamboo, that were stitched together. By the mid-15th century, the printing press revolutionized books to become what they are today and made them readily accessible to everyone. Thanks to this ingenious invention we can enjoy the prose and poetry of countless authors and poets — from Shakespeare and Tolstoy to George R.R. Martin.
World Book Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on April 23, 1995. This date is chosen because it is the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare and prominent Spanish chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
There are a variety of ways to take part in a picnic. This meal hearkens back to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining when all you needed was a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some cheese, and fruit and you could have a party under the sky.
From barbecues to simple cold plates, picnics are light informal affairs intended to be relaxing and fun for everyone to enjoy the day. Some favorite picnic foods include sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit and vegetables, light salads, and homemade bars. However, picnics can be expanded to include grilled items, too. Burgers and corn on the cob cook up nicely on a portable grill. During large picnics, guests often bring a dish to share creating a potluck atmosphere.
The fresh air tends to rev up our appetite, and physical activity while enjoying a picnic is nice, too. Games of horseshoe, Frisbee, catch, or flying a kite add to the fun of the day.
Though cherry cheesecake has been around for thousands of years, even today there’s a huge variation for what qualifies as the iconic dessert. The crust can be anything from graham cracker to pastry crust and even sponge cake, and the cheese inside isn’t always cream cheese! Some recipes swap cream cheese for cottage cheese and are baked with no crust at all. The hallmark of cherry cheesecake is, of course, the cherries, which traditionally rest on top and are packed with vitamins and other nutrients. Besides being delicious, cherries are anti-inflammatory and pack a punch of antioxidants!
The ancient Greeks didn’t add cherries to their cheesecake, but served a primitive form of the dessert for thousands of years — even to their athletes in the first Olympics! So if you ever wonder whether or not you can have cheesecake and still have an athletic figure, it is possible. The first written recipes for cheesecake appeared a few thousand years after it was first reportedly made.
In 1,000 A.D., cheesecake reached Europe. Roman armies stormed into Western Europe and the U.K., bringing with them the recipe! Though the dessert was a huge hit and spread rapidly, the next cookbook mention of cheesecake in these countries was in the mid-1500s. Cheesecake was then a widespread and well-known dessert — and the rest is history.
A new iteration of cheesecake arrived in the late 1870s, with the development of cheesecake and its promotion to the primary ingredient in the smooth dessert. Less than a decade after its invention, Philadelphia Kraft was making cream cheese en masse, and cheesecake was more accessible than ever. This gave way to the invention of the New York-style cheesecake that we all love so well today, which is defined by its ingredients — cheese, cream, egg, and sugar. Many people say this is when cheesecake really became cheesecake!
Kevin, Katelynn, and I spent two weeks at my in-laws house. We had to wait for some paperwork before we packed the pickup truck and moved to Dallas, Texas. Katelynn stayed with her grandparents for the next ten days in North Carolina. This was tough, being without her and half across the country. Kevin and I drove from Valdese, North Carolina to Benton, Arkansas on the first day. We made it through Little Rock and stayed near Interstate 30. From there, it was only another 4-hour trip to get to Dallas.
I brought the snow from Germany and North Carolina to Texas. When we woke up and were ready to leave it began to snow. And it didn’t stop until late afternoon. Dallas was covered in a thick wet snow blanket. The next morning it was all gone, again. For the weekend, we stayed at our sister-in-law’s place. But on Monday, Kevin and I were apartment hunting. And it didn’t take long to find one. Since I was here on a Visa, the apartment complex did a background check on me, and 24 hours later, we could move in. Kevin was also job hunting. And we both went to job fairs. One was in Wichita Falls, which was another two-hour drive away. But everything counted. In these first eight days, we got a lot of things established. After three weeks, it was nice to have our own place, again. Finally, we could bring Katelynn home.
April Showers Day, unlike many other American holidays, was created by the online greeting card company 123greetings.com. However, the exact year that April Showers Day was established is unknown. The term “April Showers” is well-known in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It essentially describes the heavy and rapid rain showers that are typical of April weather in the northern hemisphere, particularly in the British Isles and are caused by the jet stream’s northward movement.
Winter in the Northern Hemisphere lasts from the December solstice, which occurs on December 21 UTC, through the March equinox, which occurs on March 20 UTC. As temperatures rise in Western New York, the last bit of snow melts and turns to rain, igniting the beginnings of flowers and plants blooming in the area. The smallest possibility of rain in the U.K. this year falls between April 21 and April 27. The average sliding 31-day rainfall in April is also quite low, ranging from 1.3 to 1.8 inches (between 3.3 to 4.6 centimeters).
The saying “March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers” was first documented in English-speaking countries in 1886. The shorter, trochaic variant “April showers bring May flowers,” originally “Sweet April showers/Do spring May flowers,” was part of a poem published in 1610. The phrase is mentioned in the General Prologue of “The Canterbury Tales.” So this April Showers Day, get out your umbrella and rain shoes, and let’s stand outside to witness an amazing downpour — don’t forget your raincoat!
“We did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
~ Native American Proverb ~
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The idea for Earth Day was originally born in 1969, when a US Senator named Gaylord Nelson, witnessed the effects of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA. He called to action all Americans to take a stand for the environment in 1970, and thousands of colleges and universities across the United States organized protests for a healthy, sustainable Earth. This included air pollution from factories and freeways, as well as the loss of habitats for animals and animal extinction. Because of these national rallies, the first Earth Day helped create the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act into law.
Today, we have similar concerns, and unfortunately, they are even messier than that original oil spill. Increasing natural disasters, extreme weather, and rising global temperatures may seem impossible for one human, let alone millions or even billions of humans, to slow down, or stop. It has been reported that coral reefs are dying, we see pictures of animals on land and in the ocean with trash in their bellies or around their body, and corporate factories and large companies around the world continue to pollute our air and our living spaces. But a small action, like picking up litter on the sidewalk that may have otherwise ended up around the neck of an animal or in the ocean, still makes an impact — a step in the right direction, and an important change.
National Tea Day is more than simply a holiday. It’s a movement providing opportunities for future generations of tea drinkers to understand and appreciate the world of tea. Founded in 2016, the date of April 21 was chosen because it is also Queen Elizabeth’s birthday! Could the day be any more British?
It’s relatively common knowledge that we have the Chinese to thank for tea, but it was actually a Portuguese woman named Catherine of Braganza who popularized the beverage in England. In 1662, Catherine married King Charles II. Her dowry included several crates of loose-leaf tea, which she continued drinking every day in the U.K. The royal court quickly adopted the tea-drinking process, including aristocrats.
While the goal of National Tea Day is to inspire the world to drink more tea and to drink it throughout the year, we can’t help but immediately think of the famous British afternoon tea. “Tea” can be both a drink and a meal. The Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russell, introduced afternoon tea during the late 1840s out of her hunger pains between the two daily meals at the time, which she shared with friends.
Many forms of tea exist around the world. Green tea is popular in countries such as China and Japan, whereas South Asian countries often prepare ‘chai’ with spices, boiled in both milk and water. There is even a pink tea, commonly known as ‘Kashmiri tea,’ served in many parts of the Himalayan regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan during the winter months at weddings. In the UK, the perfect British cuppa is usually served as a variety of black tea with boiling water and a little milk.
The earliest use of hemp can be traced back to between nine and 50 thousand years ago, even before the introduction of agriculture. According to experts, hemp was grown during the Neolithic Age all across the northern latitudes, from Europe to East Asia, and it may have been one of the earliest plants to have been cultivated. In Neolithic China, hemp was used to make clothes, ropes, shoes, and early forms of paper. In the fifth century B.C., the classical Greek historian Herodotus described how Scythians used hemp seeds for euphoria and ritual purposes during burials. According to Herodotus, the Scythians would gather in a tent, throw hemp seeds onto hot stones, and inhale the vapors of the hemp seed smoke.
During the Renaissance, the cultivation of hemp in Europe was mainly for its fibers. They were used for ropes on ships, including those of Christopher Columbus. Europeans also used hemp to produce clothes, but that was concentrated in the countryside. In the 16th century, the Spaniards introduced hemp to the Americas in countries like Chile, Peru, Columbia, and Mexico. However, the crop only found success in Chile.
By the 17th century, hemp varieties were already grown in the United States. In 1937, the U.S. government passed the Marihuana Tax of 1937, drastically limiting the production and use of hemp, cannabis, or marijuana. During WWII, the United States Department of Agriculture lifted the tax on hemp cultivation, allowing it to be extensively used for uniforms, canvas, and rope. In 1994, Executive Order 12919 identified hemp as a strategic national product that should be stockpiled in the United States. In the 21st century, cannabis, which includes hemp and marijuana, was made legal for medical and recreational uses in some countries and a few states and territories in the U.S., including Canada, South Africa, Uruguay, and Mexico.
Today I did a thing. Kevin and I originally went to Home Depot for more soil. Our last garden-raised bed needed more soil and my greenhouse-raised beds need some replenishment, too. After purchasing the soil, which was only $2/per 0.75 cubic feet bag instead of $4.89, we went to the fenced-off area in the parking lot across the garden center. And there we found vegetables for $2 per pot and four packs. Well, I started to pick up some broccoli, peppers, spinach, swiss chard, and tomatoes. I also picked up two blueberry bushes. I see the deer having a blast with it in the future.
At home, I planted all the veggies in the raised beds. Yep, the tomatoes and peppers found a home too. I just have to keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Back in Texas, I did the PPP gardening. It means Plant, Prepare, Protect. The next couple of nights temperatures will drop into the 30s close to the freezing point. For those nights, I need to cover up the plants until it is warm and sunny in the afternoon. When the nights are milder, I can keep the plants uncovered. And if that doesn’t work well, then $14 went down the drain. But, I also learn an important lesson to stay away from PPP in Connecticut. Right now, my hopes are very high that it will work out.
My slithering little friends kept the garden and greenhouse bug-free. They enjoyed living in our yard. Minding their own business, while being good garden helpers. I wish, more people could see the benefits of having a non-venomous snake on their properties.
Our neighbor’s Saucer Magnolia and Common Quince trees are in full bloom. This afternoon, I walked over there and captured a few photos of his trees. This time of the year, they are so beautiful. And in Summer, their leaves bring a lot of shade.
Television was a revolutionary invention back when it was first introduced in 1927. It introduced us to the wonder of motion pictures. Then in 1948, the first cartoon on television, “Crusader Rabbits” was released specifically for the television audience. The cartoons soon became a kids’ favorite and the cartoon characters gradually conquered the television.
In 1945, Friz Freleng officially introduced Sylvester to the world. His predecessor already appeared in “Naughty but Mice” in 1939. Sylvester spends most of his time chasing Tweety and always failing. His catchphrase, “Sufferin’ succotash,” is also an unforgettable voice for most fans. The phrase is used as an exclamation of dismay and it has been said that what Sylvester is really trying to say is — “Suffering Savior,” but his heavy tongue gets in the way. Sylvester almost always is portrayed as an antagonist. But there are episodes where he is showcased as the good guy. In others, he is paired with his son.
For most cartoon watchers, Sylvester is an unavoidable part of their life. The laughter that we shared with our friends in those young days is still a treasured memory for most people. The thing about Sylvester is that he reminds us all of a time when we were chasing something similar to Tweety. We never caught Tweety, but we all reached somewhere just like Sylvester reached the loving embrace of Granny. Let’s enjoy this day with the best of his shows.
This stinking rose is a member of the lily family. This family also includes the flavorful onions, leeks, and shallots we use in some of our favorite dishes. Garlic originated in Asia over 7,000 years ago, so it’s no surprise that cuisines worldwide incorporate it into favored recipes. Garlic is quite versatile as illustrated by its many medicinal purposes. The mighty bulb is considered an herbal remedy for colds and may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Modern science has also proven garlic’s antibiotic properties.
An unforgettable, sophisticated fusion of the finest ingredients, amaretto provides the perfect spice for a lazy day. Enjoyed neat or used to spice up desserts, like ice cream, added to cake, cookies, pancake, fruits, or as sauce toppings, it, however, earns repute as a major ingredient for cocktails, namely the classic Amaretto Sour.
While Amaretto didn’t hit the United States until the 1960s (becoming hugely popular by the 1970s to even grab a seat as the second-most popular liquor in the 1980s in the United States), legend has its history interestingly carved out in the 16th century.
Although the certainty of amaretto’s true origin is somewhat shrouded in mystery, with two families laying claim to the popular liqueur. According to the more widely accepted legend, Amaretto traces its origin to Saronno, Italy. In 1525, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie contracted Bernardino Luini, a student of the famed painter, sculptor, architect, and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, to paint a fresco — the Adoration of the Magi, including the Madonna of the Miracles. A beautiful widowed innkeeper served as his muse and the pair along the line had a thing she decided to show her love by gifting Luini a special drink, a delicious treat made from apricot kernels soaked in brandy that would go down memory lane as the first-ever amaretto drink, handed down from generations. From Amaretto di Saronno Originale, shortened to Amaretto Disaronno, and Disaronno Originale in 2001 — although the company name has changed over the years, its distinct taste continues to win hearts over.
North Dakota has been known by many names over the years, such as the ‘Flickertail State’ because of the prevalence of Squirrels there to ‘Rough Rider State’ in honor of the brigade that fought in the Spanish-American war alongside the 26th President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt, to the ‘Peace Garden state,’ to celebrate the International Peace Garden, which was established in 1932 to honor the lasting peace between the United States and Canada. The International Peace Garden overlaps both nations.
Native Americans were the original settlers in North Dakota a thousand years ago and then came the first Europeans, who explored the area in the 18th century and established some trade with the natives. The major tribes then were the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Sioux, and Chippewa. In the 19th century, the area of what is now known as North Dakota was part of the Minnesota Territory and then the Dakota Territory which then led to North Dakota gaining statehood in 1889. After gaining statehood, in a bid to attract immigrants, the state officials broadcast widely pamphlets and newspaper accounts celebrating the “Myth of North Dakota” which promised the American dream and some other attractive incentives. It worked well as settlers came by 1910, with the largest numbers comprising German Americans, Scandinavian Americans, and Americans from the East Coast.
North Dakota’s economy since its early days has been heavily based on the production of agricultural products, ranging from Livestock farming such as Cattle rearing to Crop farming, such as Wheat and Flaxseed. This is very much helped by the railroads in the state.
Bat Conservation International (BCI) was founded in 1982 by a group of concerned scientists who recognized the importance of protecting bats. Bats contribute towards controlling pests, creating rich fertilizer for landowners, and pollinating fruit and flowers. BCI aims to conserve bats and their habitats through a combination of education, conservation, and research.
Human activities such as deforestation, mining, and irresponsible tourism have caused a substantial decrease in the bats’ population. Bats have often been understudied and misunderstood animals. They are often perceived as disease spreaders when in reality they help keep the numbers of many pests down.
Between 2014 and 2018 the BCI identified 35 critically endangered species of bat that it became a priority to protect. These species are spread throughout the world including the U.S., South America, and The Philippines.
Although crawfish have a long history spanning many periods and civilizations, some of the oldest accounts of their existence and consumption date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. According to the crawfish’s history in America, reeds coated with deer meat served as the first fishing lure used by Native Americans to catch crawfish. The Houma Tribe of Native Americans is said to have employed a red crawfish as their emblem as early as the 17th century, representing the aggressive crawfish that lifts its claw in defense rather than retreating.
The Acadians, or Cajuns, as they are now known, arrived from Canada in the 1700s and settled along the bayous in what is now the Southern United States. Consuming crawfish at the time was primarily driven by necessity because it was so affordable and accessible. By the 1800s, the Acadians had started adapting traditional Canadian lobster recipes to the much smaller cousin of crustaceans, the crawfish. According to documents from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, “Creole restaurateurs in New Orleans caught on, and once it took off in the Big Easy, the secret was out: crawfish became synonymous with Louisiana food.”
The Louisiana spring custom of crawfish boils emerged in the 1900s, along with other aspects of the great cultural change. The crawfish was designated as Louisiana’s official crustacean by the state government in the year 1980. Red swamp and white river crawfish are the two principal species taken in Louisiana’s annual 100 million pound crawfish production.
Bananas are popular globally, irrespective of the variety, and they get an impressively huge consumption all around the world. Bananas are edible berry fruits that grow in fingerlike clusters, hanging down from a banana tree. Undoubtedly, the banana fruit is a favorite of many folks. We love bananas too! Their softness and unmatched sweetness make them special, coupled with the numerous health benefits they possess. Bananas are good sources of vitamins, carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats.
Bananas can be eaten as a meal when peeled, and can also be included in other forms of food, such as banana bread, pies, chips, cakes, muffins, or smoothies. Annually, more than one hundred billion bananas are produced and circulated across the world.
The exact history of National Banana Day cannot be traced to a particular year. Bananas were first brought westward from India and other Asian countries by Arab traders around 327 B.C. The fruit spread through Africa and was eventually carried to the New World by explorers and missionaries. The large-scale bananas began in 1834 when they gained popularity and demand. However, 1865 is remarkably noted to be the year bananas gained popularity on the American shores. The first company that dealt with banana importation into America was the Boston Fruit Company founded by Lorenzo Dow Baker.
Herbalism is the study of plants and herbs, usually for their medicinal purposes. Throughout history, herbalists were mainly focused on studying plants and selling solutions and plants to be used for their healing properties. As much as this field of study developed during the last few decades, herbalists are now able to prepare medicinal plants in a variety of ways and sell them in pharmacies or online herbal stores.
Although the practice dates back to the lives of early humans, the profession of an herbalist became a specialty during the medieval period. This profession saw particular growth during the 12th century. As of the 17th and 18th centuries, several universities across Europe had specialized courses and degrees for herbalists and several institutions dedicated to this profession.
Herbalists are still recognized in many countries, though there are far fewer specialized university courses on the subject. The study of herbs became more specialized in the late 20th century, becoming a part of pharmacy and medicine. Even though herbalism is now part of several scientific disciplines, there are still courses devoted to it.
Today, the practice of herbalists is still very common, as we constantly rely on herbs for several purposes. The difference, however, is that the profession is significantly different from what it was several centuries ago. In recent years, several initiatives and cooperative programs have been organized in several countries to renew herbalism.
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) at LLELA, Lewisville, Texas
Painted Lady butterflies inhabit every continent except Australia and Antarctica You can find painted ladies everywhere from meadows to vacant lots. Although they live only in warmer climates, painted ladies often migrate to colder regions in spring and fall, making them the butterflies with the widest distribution of any species.
The painted lady is an irruptive migrant, meaning that it migrates independently of any seasonal or geographic patterns. Some evidence suggests that painted lady migrations may be linked to the El Niño climate pattern. In Mexico and some other regions, it appears that migration is sometimes related to overpopulation. The migrating populations that move from North Africa to Europe may include millions of butterflies. In spring, painted ladies fly low when migrating, usually only 6 to 12 feet above the ground. This makes them highly visible to butterfly watchers but also makes them susceptible to colliding with cars. At other times, painted ladies migrate at such high altitudes that they are not observed at all, appearing unexpectedly in a new region.
Thistle, which can be an invasive weed, is one of the painted lady caterpillar’s favorite food plants. The painted lady probably owes its global abundance to the fact that its larvae feed on such common plants. The painted lady also goes by the name thistle butterfly, and its scientific name— Vanessa cardui —means “butterfly of thistle.”
Elephants are the largest existing land animals and are spread across Africa and Asia. Recent studies estimate that there are now just over 400,000 elephants across the African continent and although the situation differs from country to country, it can not be denied that the giant mammals are in decline on a continent-wide scale. Human activities such as poaching for ivory remain a significant reason for the decline.
Save the Elephant Day seeks to change this upsetting trend by educating people about elephants and the predicament they face, encouraging everyone to do their bit in helping to save elephants from extinction.
Organizations across the world have worked together to tackle some of the major threats elephant populations face. In 1989, the international commercial trade of ivory was banned. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) secured an agreement among its member states to ban the international ivory trade.
In 2016, China, which is the world’s largest ivory market, called for the ban of all ivory sales within the country. On December 20, 2018, the U.K. Ivory Act 2018 received royal assent after being passed by the British Parliament. The act may be extended to include hippos, walruses, and narwhals in the future.
Orchids – belonging to the family Orchidaceae – are a widespread family of flowering plants, with colorful and fragrant blooms. National Orchid Day was created in 2015 by a South Carolina couple, Mike and Faith Young, in remembrance of their daughter who passed away the previous year.
The couple fell in love with orchids while both volunteering at an orchid reserve in Mexico, so much so that they decided that if they were ever to have a daughter, they would name her ‘Orchid’. They did have a daughter, but, unfortunately, lost her during labor.
After this loss, the couple wanted to do something to honor the day and celebrate the memory of their late daughter with their favorite flower. So, they went ahead to create a Kickstarter campaign to get the money required to register for the day. They offered pre-orders of their backyard honey — The Humble Bumbles Honey — and within hours of commencing, raised the required $1,500 and got National Orchid Day registered.
Since then, the day has gained widespread recognition from orchid growers, enthusiasts, and botanical gardens. With so many varieties to choose from, anyone can enjoy the beauty of orchids from home or by visiting botanical gardens around the world.
For the rest of their lives, Mike and Faith say they will be caring for and spreading awareness about Orchids. They believe in having a National Orchid Day dedicated to the beautiful lives lost, people everywhere will appreciate orchids some more, and their little girl will feel the warmth of those who think of Orchids that day.
Since they first appeared in early European communities, it is generally assumed that people have been gathering mushrooms since the beginning of time, possibly even in prehistoric times. Truffles and other types of mushrooms were prized in classical Greece and Rome. American author Cynthia Bertelsen claims in her book “Mushroom: A Global History” that both well-known historical authors, Pliny the Elder and Aristotle, wrote about fungus. She also claims that the Roman philosopher Galen wrote several paragraphs on the collection of wild mushrooms. Cynthia Bertelsen goes on to add that it is likely that China and Japan were the first places to cultivate mushrooms as early as 600 A.D.
However, it took time for Americans to accept and become accustomed to mushrooms. In the cookbook “The Virginia Housewife,” mushrooms are mentioned for the first time in America (1824). Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, a classic American staple for casserole recipes, was created in the 1930s. Bertelsen adds that there may be archaeological proof of the spiritual usage of mushrooms as early as 10000 B.C. There is proof that various cultures, including the Ancient Greeks, the Mayans, the Chinese, and the Vikings, among many others, used hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Humans now consume edible mushrooms regularly, which has greatly boosted the agricultural and agro-economic development of the areas where they are grown. Around half of all farmed edible mushrooms are produced in China, which also accounts for six pounds of yearly mushroom consumption per person among the world’s 1.4 billion inhabitants. With an estimated 194,000 tonnes of yearly edible mushroom exports, Poland was the leading exporter of mushrooms in 2014.
The Star Spangled Banner at Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas
January 31, 2004, was the big day. Everything was packed and on the way to the US. I had my Visa ready. In the morning, I handed my Mom all the cell phones; I couldn’t use them outside Europe. And off we went to the Frankfurt International Airport. Mom, my sister, and my step-father drove to Frankfurt with us. Halfway there, we had breakfast at a rest stop. In Frankfurt, Kevin handed over the rental car keys before we checked in. And from there it went quick. We did not have much time to say our Goodbyes. Mom cried so bad because she had to let go of Katelynn, her granddaughter, who was less than four months old. I told her, that America is not that far away. There is always an airplane with a seat and our names on it.
After an eight-hour flight to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, I had to go to the immigration stand, show them my paperwork, and get my stamped passport after a few questions from an officer. He was stationed at a nearby post. And he lived only a few blocks from where I grew up, in the early 1970s.
When we arrived at the new Terminal, I fed Katelynn, while Kevin called his parents to let them know, when we would land in Greensboro, North Carolina. Meanwhile, I looked out of the big Terminal window and saw the skyline of Chicago. That’s when it hit me. I had only $.22 in my pockets left. A small baby in my arms, with no work lined up. What the heck was I thinking, when I agreed to that? (Later, it proved with hard work and a college degree we figured it out. It shows America is only for the risk-takers.)
In the evening, we arrived at the GSO Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina. My in-laws picked us up. They were so excited to see their granddaughter for the first time. The ride to Valdese took about an hour and a half. We all were exhausted and ready to go to bed.
The weather was beautiful, today. We had a lot of sunshine with temperatures of 72℉/22℃. It is supposed to be nice and warm until Wednesday. On Thursday we get more rain and the temperatures will be in the 50s, again. I hope it will stay above freezing since Spring blooms are in the yard.
Centuries before European colonization, pecans were cultivated, processed, and consumed in America by Native people. ‘Pecan’ is derived from the word ‘pacane,’ used by the Algonquin tribe to describe a nut that needs a stone to crack open. The tribes valued pecan for its nutrition density, availability, ease of consumption, and fulfilling taste.
In the late 17th century, the native nut caught the eye of Spanish colonists, who began cultivating large pecan orchards in the vicinity. But it wasn’t until the 18th century that the commercialization of pecans picked up the pace in the United States. By 1802, formal selling routes were established, and pecan export had commenced.
In 1882, a hybrid fruit via the budding of pecan and an adjacent wild plant was created by Abner Landrum, a cultivator from South Carolina. This resultant nut was considered to be an upgraded version of pecan. Although the hybrid seeds of Abner got lost in time, in 1876, the process of grafting was recreated by Antoine, a slave from Louisiana. Antoine presented his discovery at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1976 and thus began farming a new and improved variety of pecans throughout the country.
Today, America is responsible for three-quarters of pecan production in the world. From the summer lanes of Texas to the sunny pavements of California, pecan cultivation is a year-long endeavor for thousands of American farmworkers. In 1996, the National Pecan Shellers Association members came together to establish April 14 as National Pecan Day. The objective of the day is to celebrate the earthly wonders of this nut and to uplift the hardworking members of the industry who make the sustainable farming of pecans possible.
National Gardening Day was founded by Cool Springs Press in 2018 to celebrate the hobby of gardening and to encourage gardeners to share their expert knowledge.
Forest gardening, a forest-based food production system, is known to be the world’s oldest form of gardening. Forest gardens could be found in prehistoric times along jungle banks. Ancient Egyptian paintings from around 1500 BC provide some of the earliest evidence of people gardening for pleasure and to achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
After a decline during the Middle Ages, cottage gardens became popular during Elizabethan times. These usually contained food and herbs, with flowers added for decorative purposes. Gardens gradually became more open-plan and less rigid in their structure and by the mid-19th century in Europe, we were starting to see the types of gardens that we are all familiar with today.
The initial gardeners in the U.S. were essentially harvesters. In the 17th and 18th centuries, those lucky enough to own land and consequently a garden would try and use it to make money by harvesting whatever crops were suitable. Home gardening started to become a leisure activity in the 1800s as villages grew bigger and mass production was beginning. Ornamental gardens took the place of edible gardens and research on plant diseases and pests began.
The last 150 years have seen gardens become an increasingly social space, with methods of caring for them evolving to provide gardeners with a much-increased body of knowledge and equipment from which to garden.
About 50 million years ago, certain four-legged land creatures started spending more and more time in the water, and they gradually started evolving. Their bodies became different and they eventually lost the ability to be mobile on land. These creatures are now known as dorudons and, like dolphins, they were aquatic mammals.
About 30 million years ago, squalodons lived in our waters. These toothed whales were not direct ancestors of dolphins as we know them today, but they did use echolocation. Echolocation is the tactic used by dolphins to navigate deep waters using sound waves. The use of echolocation is a key characteristic of both squalodons and dolphins.
About 20 million years ago, during the Miocene era, echolocation developed to be the way we know it today. Aquatic creatures which are now known to be connected to extinct dolphin-like creatures called Kentriodontids had active echolocators and even moved around in schools like dolphins do. Thus, over the years, these creatures have evolved to become the dolphins that we know and love today.
Dolphin numbers are at risk of endangerment due to poaching and hunting. Global warming and climate change are also causing many dolphins to die. In 2009, the American documentary film “Cove” directed by National Geographic Photographer Louie Psihoyos brought to light the many atrocities associated with dolphin hunting practices in Japan. The film won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010, and helped spread awareness of dolphin hunting and how this affects their numbers.
We can only understand the significance of Thomas Jefferson Day once we understand how significant he was in the building of the United States. As a political philosopher, Jefferson associated himself with many intellectual leaders in Britain and France. Jefferson advocated for the separation of church and state and wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
Jefferson was renowned as, among other things, a horticulturist, statesman, architect, archaeologist, author, inventor, and founder of the University of Virginia! In the early stages of his career, Jefferson practiced law and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1794, Jefferson wrote A Summary View of the Rights of British America. This was intended as instructions for the Virginia delegates to a national congress. The pamphlet was a powerful argument for American independence. The summary also stated why Britain should relinquish its powers. The summary helped speed up the path of independence and marked Jefferson as one of the Founding Fathers of the new nation. Since Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and a significant contributor to American political and civil culture, it was decided that Jefferson would write the first draft of the Declaration. Later on, the draft underwent some alteration but remained largely Jefferson’s work.
After Jefferson retired from public office, he founded the University of Virginia. Jefferson passed away on Independence Day, July 4, 1826. This day was also the 50th adoption anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
While we don’t know the history of this day just yet, we are all caught up in how plants became an integral part of our lives — and our homes. Ever since the emergence of ancient civilizations, people have been enamored with plants. Multiple archaeological sites show evidence of plants grown in pots, and Egyptian tomb paintings from the 16th century contain some of the earliest evidence of ornamental horticulture and landscape design.
With the 17th century came colonization, and thus increased exposure to different species of plants. Explorers would carry exotic plants back to their land for cultivation, and the idea of growing plants inside buildings became popular. Britain’s introduction of various tropical plants from nations like North America, Asia, Australia, and Africa enhanced the popularity of indoor plants and perhaps influenced the invention of various gardening contraptions. The invention that had the earliest — and, at that time, highest — the greatest impact was the ‘Wardian case,’ a sealed glass case perfect for growing and transporting plants, which was created by London doctor Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward in the 1930s. Ward’s invention allowed the Britains to import plants easily and forever changed how they were cultivated throughout the world.
Whereas plants were formerly only used to cover surfaces in upper-class homes, by the 19th and 20th centuries, everyone was on board. Gardening and planting became ubiquitous, and people around the world grew both exotic and native plants in their homes and gardens. The humble plant has likewise risen in the world. Where once it adorned the corners of homes, parks, and gardens, it now holds a position of honor wherever it is cultivated. The broad love of the environment and green living means that more and more people are embracing plants, which can only be healthy for the earth.
After the greenhouse was built, the next stage was to start a garden-raised bed. I still had plenty of weeds to pull on the greenhouse ground. when most of the weeds were gone, I loosened the clay and mixed it with the raised bed soil. Kevin and I put up an 8′ x 25″ x 1.5″ wood plank as a barrier before we filled in the rest of the soil. Finley inspected and watched my garden work before he took a nap behind the greenhouse. I guess, watching people work can make a cat very tired. It was a sunny Spring afternoon. I can’t blame him.
Throughout the night we had strong wind gusts and rain. At one point, it was thundering. When the wind blows that strong, I have a hard time sleeping and spend time listening to music and documentaries on YouTube. That keeps me occupied. Rolling from one side to the other makes me fuzzy, gives me a headache, and I feel groggy all day.
Later in the morning, I went outside to see if we had any damage. Some branches and twigs projected into the ground. They were about two inches deep in the soil. I always avoid the front yard and the forest when we get high winds. You never know when a big branch breaks off and hits you right on the noggin. Last year, we got the trees trimmed. But there are always a couple of branches that can’t sustain a good wind storm.
In the last couple of days, some trees and shrubs began to bloom in our yard. I noticed, my neighbor’s saucer magnolia is in bloom, too. So, I snuck into his yard to capture photos of his beautiful tree. He doesn’t mind, when I walk over there. I mind my own business and only leave footprints in his yard.
Hamsters are a part of the history of this world and they are recorded to have existed for nearly 11.2 million to 16.4 million years during the Middle Miocene Epoch in Europe and North Africa. Their presence in Asia extends from six million to 11 million years. Unfortunately, over time, at least four of the different hamster species have become extinct, one of which had lived in North Africa during the Middle Miocene period.
A breed of Syrian hamsters was considered to be extinct until a mother hamster with her babies was discovered in 1930. The discovery was made by biologist Israel Aharoni, who had launched an expedition near the ancient city of Aleppo to find Syrian hamsters. He had heard the stories of a ‘golden hamster’ and had made it his aim to research the creature.
Though Aharoni was not fond of travel, he believed the hamster species needed to be found. After searching for days with a local hunter, Aharoni discovered a litter of Syrian hamsters. As the pets were detained, the team noticed that the wild mother hamster began to eat her litter. The reason? It is a horrifying aspect of the innocent pet’s nature. The baby hamsters that survived the mother were bred into the colony, and the rest is history! All domestic golden hamsters in the U.K. and the U.S. now descend from that one captured in 1930 by Israel Aharoni.
With plentiful wildlife and natural resources, the state makes a ready home. A city once thrived along the cliffs of Mesa Verde, populated by Ancient Pueblo. Spanish first explored Colorado seeking streets paved with gold. After Colorado became a U.S. territory, Lieutenant Zebulon Pike explored the range of the newly acquired land. A summit he predicted would never be scaled bears his name today. Gold would be discovered setting off a fever in the mountains. A silver boom would soon follow. Known as the Centennial State, Colorado entered the union on August 1, 1876.
National Submarine Day celebrates the United States government’s purchase of the Holland VI, but it actually wasn’t the first submarine the US had. The USS Alligator was the first known submarine owned by the United States. On August 10, 1832, Brutus Villeroi completed work on his submarine, possibly called the Nautilus, and showcased his invention off the coast of France.
At that time, the submarine was known as a “fish boat” that measured 10 feet 6 inches in length and 3 feet 7 inches at the widest diameter. The fish boat submerged, reaching depths of 20 feet and it was an impressive display. In 1861, Villeroi designed the USS Alligator that the United States sank in the ocean on April 2, 1863, after losing a battle with a brutal storm.
On April 11, 1900, the US government purchased the Holland VI for $150,000 designed by Irish-American inventor John Phillip Holland and commissioned on October 12, 1900. It was commanded by Lieutenant H.H. Caldwell and deemed the first modern submarine with a host of impressive components all in one vessel.
It had dual propulsion systems, a fixed longitudinal center of gravity, separate main and auxiliary ballast systems, a hydrodynamically advanced shape, and a modern weapon system. It’s reported that the Holland VI was decommissioned on November 21, 1910, and marked an important breakthrough for the US Navy.
Senator Thomas J. Dodd introduced a bill to the US Senate in 1969 that would make April 11 National Submarine Day. President Richard Nixon was in office at that time and there were no records of his proclamation. It might have passed the Senate and introduced it to the House in 1970, but the exact date is unclear. All the same, the US Navy and other organizations celebrated the day that commemorated the Holland VI and the contributions to modern warfare it made.
National Pet Day is April 11, although if you’re a pet owner, you know there’s not a day that goes by that you don’t celebrate your animal companion! So hug your hedgehog, bond with your bunny, and cut your kitty some catnip! That critter makes you happy — and that’s not all. Over the past 10 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been a research partner to determine the physical and mental benefits of having a pet. It turns out that not only can pets steal our hearts, but they also contribute to overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.
Mt. Tom is one of the oldest parks in the state park system; it is named for the mountain within its boundaries. In 1915 it was established as a state park. There is a stone tower on top of the mountain that is a favored destination among hikers. The summit of Mt. Tom is 1325 feet above sea level, 125 feet higher than its Massachusetts counterpart. The tower trail is less than one mile long and rises some 500 feet.
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Kevin, Katelynn, and I rode to Washington Depot to take a hike in Mount Tom State Park. The hiking trail was pretty steep in some areas. But as a reward, we could go up Mount Tom Tower and have a nice scenic view over Mount Tom Pond and the surrounding area. It was very windy at the summit. So, we decided not to stay up there for too long. On our way back, we saw some cool plants. One was a tree, which grew its roots around some big rocks, while at another spot of the trail, a Striped Wintergreen plant poked its head out of the brown foliage. Since we were at the park, we visited Mount Tom Pond Beach. The wind made little ripples in the water. But the water is still ice cold.
The true and unconditional love of a dog: “When you feel sad or hurt, you just give me a hug! I’ll always be there for you, Sara! Pinky-Paw Promise!”
Hugging your dog releases a hormone in both pup and person called “oxytocin,” informally referred to as “the cuddle hormone.” Not only does a good tight squeeze strengthen your bond, but it also shows your pet that you care. Today celebrate your dog for all they do.
A variety of animals have been domesticated and raised on farms for food. They provide eggs, milk, cheese, meat, wool, leather, and other products. Most farmers raise their livestock responsibly. Providing a quality environment for them to grow benefits the animal and the farmer, too. Farmers invest in their livestock from the time they’re born, providing nutritious food, and ensuring robust and healthy development. They also provide ideal conditions for their breed. Farmers are continually educating themselves about the livestock they raise so they can provide them with the best care possible.
The Juniper Hairstreak in the southwestern United States is bright green below with a single white line on the forewing, hindwing, and tails. The butterfly is dark above but usually overscaled with rusty red. Bright green fades to gray-brown over time. Juniper Hairstreaks live throughout much of temperate North America.
In the past few days, the weather was gorgeous. Kevin and I finished the raised beds, filled the beds with soil, and planted a row of broccoli. Tomorrow, I will plant a row of cauliflowers, and sow some early Spring vegetable seeds. I’m thinking about carrots, onions, radishes, etc. They like the warm days and the cooler nights. After Mother’s Day, I can plant and sow the Summer vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Meanwhile, they are still in the house under grow lights.
The greenhouse also needs to be replenished with more soil. I will plant some tomatoes in there, again. I can’t trust the deer around here. One day, I have beautiful tomatoes. And the next day, all the fruits will have a bite out of them. So far, they never walked into the greenhouse, even with the wide open doors. We all just need to find a way to prepare and co-exist.
The unicorn is known as a creature of legend, one with a single large, spiraled, and pointy horn that projects from its forehead. They were spotted in early Mesopotamian artwork and were often noted in myths and stories deriving from China, Greece, and India. In Greek mythology, writers strongly believed that unicorns were running wild in a faraway distant realm. That distant realm was India and Greek physician Ctesias quoted in his book ‘‘On the Nature of Animals’’ that he believed India produced a one-horned horse. Some argued that he wasn’t seeing a unicorn, but instead was citing the Indian Rhinoceros. In Iran, unicorns were said to be found in Persepolis and the Hebrew Bible describes an animal called the ‘‘re’em’’ which some believe to be the unicorn.
The unicorn has always been depicted as a symbol of grace and purity, with its horn said to hold the power to cleanse poisonous water and to heal sickness. In medieval times, they would sell the tusks of the Narwhal whale and advertise it as a Unicorn horn. The Celts, Romans, and Persians also described a white magical horse with a single horn. The creature was said to represent strength, grace, and freedom. The unicorn has been a symbol on the Scottish coat of arms since the 12th century.
It was a beautiful day in early January 2004. Kevin and I laid Katelynn in her stroller for a nice walk to downtown Würzburg. We also had some errands to run, before we walked to the Court Garden of the Residence. While Katelynn napped all bundled up in the January sun, I snapped some photos before we returned to our apartment. That was the last time, I had a relaxing walk in my hometown before we all moved to the United States.
A little fun fact: The Residence, the Court Garden, the Alte Mainbruecke, and the Fortress Marienberg in Würzburg were the places where the “The Three Musketeers” movie was shot with Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, and Milla Jovovich back in 2010. Bamberg and Munich were the other two cities. Versailles in France was either too expensive or the film director wasn’t allowed to shoot scenes for the movie. So, they used the Würzburg Residence as a substitute and just used Photoshop/AI to make it look more like Versailles. When people were lucky enough, Orlando came out of the Residence to sign some autographs. You just had to be there on the right day and time, when he did that. The lines were long. I envied them all. I’m a big fan of “Pirates of the Caribbean”. “The Three Musketeers” was released in 2011.
I remember when a host on a Dallas radio station talked about this year’s Total Solar Eclipse event, in 2004. Back then, I hoped I would still be in Dallas, Texas. Unfortunately, since we moved to Connecticut that didn’t happen. However, Katelynn had the chance to see it from her office building in Dallas.
So, Plan B was to travel to Niagara Falls ~ New York, Burlington ~ Vermont, or up to Maine. The latter had ironically the clearest sky for the April weather. We made plans for Niagara Falls. But when we heard, how crowded the place would be and saw the weather report with 100 percent overcast, we decided last minute to stay home and watch the Solar Eclipse from our back porch.
That was a smart choice. Yes, we had “only” 93 percent eclipse coverage. And we had to fight some hazy clouds. However, it cleared up at the maximum coverage. I didn’t get special equipment for my cameras. But Kevin, Sara, and I looked at the eclipse with our protective glasses and enjoyed the event as a family.
Nature was still busy. The birds were still chirping. And the squirrels went to town in the forest. But most animals stayed lower to the ground than usual. The Moon dimmed the daylight drastically, but it wasn’t like nighttime for a moment. In the path of totality, the experience would have been completely different.
Beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic drink, and it’s easy to see why. It comes in hundreds of types, flavors, and proofs. People have been drinking it for thousands of years; scientists have found evidence of beer production dating to 7,000 BC. Ancient Mesopotamians wrote poems about it and considered it proof of divine existence. The Ancient Egyptians used it in several religious ceremonies. In Medieval Europe, monks made beer in their monasteries, elevating the craft of brewing to an art form. Today, only water and tea are more widely consumed than beer, and over 35 billion gallons of beer are produced worldwide per year.
National Beer Day celebrates the day in 1933 when the Cullen-Harrison Act was signed into law, reversing the prohibition on selling beer in the United States. In 2009, a Virginian man named Justin Smith decided to commemorate this historic day and created his own unofficial National Beer Day. Since then, it has been recognized by the state of Virginia, and unofficially by millions of brew aficionados nationwide.
One of the best things about beer is the sheer number of varieties that exist. IPAs, Pilsners, Stouts, Sours… the list goes on and on. In terms of alcohol content, beer usually ranges between 4-7% ABV, meaning you can sip a cold one on a hot summer day without much worry of intoxication. Last, but not least, it’s sold in six packs, so you can share it with your friends!
The history of the metric system goes all the way back to 1586 when Flemish mathematician Simon Stevin published a leaflet titled ‘De Thiende’ (‘The Tenth’). In the pamphlet, Stevin emphasized the importance of measuring in decimals and predicted that one day, the world would use decimals in standard measurement. Well, Stevin’s prophecies didn’t come true until over two centuries later when Napoleon became the emperor of France and in 1799 inaugurated the metric system. As Napoleon’s European conquest advanced, he also introduced the metric system to his new territories. However, as soon as he was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, France and most of Napoleon’s former colonies returned to using their old systems of measurement. In 1837, France returned to the use of the metric system, and in 1840 — some 50 years after its inauguration — the system became compulsory throughout France.
Other countries such as the newly-formed Kingdom of the Netherlands formed in 1815 also adopted the use of the metric system in 1820 as a unified system of measurement. Similarly, the German Empire formed from the old German Confederation in 1871 continued to use the metric system. In the same year, the newly amalgamated Italy also opted for the metric system in preference to the former systems of measurement. Between 1875 and 1914, other countries like Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Columbia, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Paraguay, the Philippines, and Vietnam also adopted the metric system. In 1866, the U.S. passed a law allowing Americans to use either the metric system or U.S. customary units for commercial purposes. Many years later — precisely in 1897, the United Kingdom also passed a similar law allowing its citizens to choose between the metric system or Imperial units for trade.
International Beaver Day was created in 2009 by Beavers Wetlands & Wildlife (B.W.W.). April 7 was chosen as the date for the holiday because it marks the birthday of Dorothy Richards — popularly known as the ‘Beaver Woman’ — who was born in 1894. Richards engaged in the study of beavers for 50 years of her life.
The word ‘beaver’ derived its origin from the Old English word ‘beofor,’ meaning ‘brown’ or ‘bright.’ Beavers are semiaquatic rodents found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere in countries like Canada, Poland, Germany, France, central Russia, and southern Scandinavia, among others. They are the second-largest semi-aquatic rodents on earth, second only to capybaras. They typically live in freshwater environments, such as rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds. Beavers have large heads, stout bodies, and brown or gray fur, with hand-like front feet and back feet that are webbed.
Beavers are a keystone species, meaning that they have a disproportionately large effect on the environment in comparison to their number. Beavers make good use of the trees they eat by building dams and lodges with the leftover parts of it, also transporting other materials such as mud, rocks, and debris. Because they were often hunted for their fur and meat, beavers nearly became extinct in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Though there were reported to be about 60 million beavers in North America at one time, their population has dropped to around 10 to 15 million.
The tomato is said to have descended or evolved from the “Solanum pimpinellifolium,” which is also known as the currant tomato or wild tomato, native to western South America. These wild tomatoes were smaller than the tomatoes we have in today’s times and they were usually about the size of peas. The domestication, so to speak, of tomatoes, traces back to the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican peoples, who used the fruit fresh and employed its use for cooking. Tomatoes came into Europe through the Spanish, and they became a very regular feature of Spanish food. In other European countries such as France, Italy, and others to the North of Europe, the tomato was initially grown as an ornamental plant, like flowers.
The tomato was met with skepticism as a type of food based on the fact that it was thought to be nightshade by botanists. This skepticism and suspicion were compounded by the acidity of the tomato juice. The tomato was even nicknamed the “poison apple,” because it was believed that it caused aristocrats to get sick and die after eating them. The possible reason for these reactions was that wealthy Europeans of that time used pewter plates, which were rich in lead, and because tomatoes are so high in acidity, the fruit would leach lead from the plate upon coming in contact with it, eventually leading to led poisoning and eventually death.
Limited knowledge made it impossible for anyone at the time to connect the dots between plate and poison at the time and so the easier alternative was to blame the tomato. The leaves of the tomato and its immature fruit contain tomatine, which could be toxic in large amounts. However, the ripe tomato fruit does not contain tomatine.
National California Poppy Day is celebrated on April 6. The California poppy, also known as the golden poppy, California sunlight, or cup of gold, is a flower species native to the United States and Mexico. The California poppy is grown as an ornamental plant and blossoms during the summer, with cup-shaped flowers displaying a brilliant color range of red, orange, and yellow. The California poppy is also edible and is mostly served as garnish. The flower became the official state flower of California in 1903. The California poppy is an annual plant. It is best cultivated in full sun and, well-drained, loamy soil. It usually cannot survive cold climates.
The seedlings finally moved to the greenhouse. The nights weren’t too cold for the Spring/Summer sowings anymore. One night, I wasn’t sure if the seedlings would survive the cooler night. So, I covered them up with some sandwich backs. I wanted to be on the safe side. The next morning, the greenhouse was covered in dew. But no frost. I was lucky. 🍀
Understanding and valuing nature and all that it has to offer is a character quality we cherish at National Today, especially during National Wildlife Week which takes place from April 5–9 this year. From providing us with multiple food sources to medicinal properties and a flourishing planet to live on, Mother Nature has continued to bless us with the best of the best. However, factors like rapid globalization and industrialization have put an unnecessary strain on the planet resulting in many dangers like climate change, new diseases, extinctions, etc. National Wildlife Week aims to raise awareness about said issues through discussions, campaigns, donations, and such. Just some years shy of celebrating 100 years of National Wildlife Week, the first National Wildlife Week was celebrated back in 1938.
Dandelion is a tap-rooted, perennial, herbaceous plant, native to the temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Once dandelion flowers dry off, dropping petals and stamens, it opens into a spherical shape. Once the seeds are mature, they fly off with the help of fluffy parachute-like structures attached to their tips. The wind disperses the seeds — they are capable of traveling very large distances.
We believe the dandelion evolved around 30 million years ago in the Eurasian region. Our prehistoric ancestors were well aware that the plant was edible and brimmed with medicinal properties. The properties of the plant were known to Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, and Romans. It was popular in America for its edible uses and in China for its medicinal benefits.
Raw dandelion greens are rich in calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and various vitamins. The flower can also be used to produce a yellow dye. The plant is considered an invasive species in various parts of the world. It can affect the growth of other crops, spread far, and grow fast. But it can also help plants when planted properly. Its roots can dig deep and bring forth the nutrients for shallow-rooted plants. It can also attract pollinating insects.
The name ‘Nebraska’ is derived from the old ‘Otoe’ words ‘Ni Brasge’ or the Omaha words ‘Ni Bthaska.’ Meaning ‘flat water,’ it makes reference to the Platte River that flows through the state. Previously known as the Nebraska Territory, Nebraska became admitted to the Union as the 37th state on March 1, 1867. Before the era of European colonization, the area now known as Nebraska was inhabited by several indigenous people, such as the ‘Omaha,’ ‘Missouria,’ ‘Ponca,’ ‘Pawnee,’ ‘Otoe,’ and various parts of the Sioux.
Between the 17th and 18th centuries, both France and Spain fought for controlling interests in the region. While Spain first established trade connections in the 1690s, France developed similar relationships with the native people along the Missouri River in 1703. In 1794, the first European settlement was established in Nebraska by the Spanish government, under the command of James Mackay.
Nebraska officially became a territory under the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which was signed into law on May 30, 1854, by the U.S. Congress. At the time, the Nebraska Territory included the following states — North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. The territorial capital was Omaha. During the 1860s, most of the Native American tribes were forced to leave their homes and settle on reservations to make way for American and European settlers, who were awarded ‘free land’ by the U.S. government. This was done in pursuance of the Homestead Act of 1862. With the influx of more people into the territory, the population became large enough to apply for statehood.
The last few days, we had a lot of rain and high wind gusts, and it became colder each day. We were supposed to get some sleet this morning. But when I looked out of the window, I saw snow. The ground was too warm. Therefore the snow turned into slush. I was not a happy camper when I saw this mess. On a good note, we didn’t have to deal with fallen trees, power outages, and floods as many people did in other regions in the Northeastern United States. Sadly, some people lost their lives in this storm. And here, I’m annoyed because I can’t work in my garden. 😥 In the afternoon, the snow/slush was gone on our property.
Rats are one of the oldest mammals that we can still see around. They were here when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. They witnessed the extinction of the Jurassic era, and they were there to begin the era of mammals. They witnessed the birth of many new species, some of which prey on them, and they witnessed the birth of human civilization. They were there to see all our triumphs and all our great blunders. They punished us through plagues, and they will probably be here even after we are gone.
Rats belong to the long-tailed rodents of medium size from the species Rodentia and genus Rattus. Their long tail is a prominent feature, and rats can use the tail for thermal control. Rats are pests in most of the world, but they are not originally found in every part of the world. For most, they were introduced by ships in the medieval era. Black rats, in particular, are notoriously successful as invasive species. However, different cultures view rats in a different light. Rats are bad news in European cultures, whereas they are better represented in Asian cultures. Rats are present in the Chinese zodiac, and they are also mentioned as the vehicle of God Ganesh according to Hindu mythologies.
Rats are intelligent and cunning animals. The popularity of domestic rats is increasing day by day. Rats became friendly over the generations in captivity. They are curious animals with the potential to be great companions for their human friends. Pet rats pose no threat to us and do not carry diseases any more than a usual dog or cat. They are low maintenance due to their small size and their flexibility in eating habits.
We know vitamin C has several health benefits, but it was only recently that National Vitamin C Day came into existence. In 2019, a skincare line, SkinCeuticals, created Vitamin C Day. The aim was to generate awareness around vitamin C. The day also celebrated a research breakthrough. SkinCeuticals established parameters to allow the effective delivery of antioxidants in vitamin C to the skin. The findings proved beyond a doubt the benefits of topical application of vitamin C to the skin.
Much before its official discovery in 1932, health experts determined that citrus fruits could effectively prevent scurvy — a debilitating disease that claimed the lives of millions of sailors from 1500 to 1800. Loading up on vitamin C isn’t a new concept. In the 1970s, double Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling championed daily super doses of oranges to prevent the common cold. He wasn’t wrong about its efficacy but was off the mark in his daily recommended dosage — 12 to 24 oranges a day!
Vitamin C, also called ‘ascorbic acid’, dissolves in water. It remains in our tissues but doesn’t store well in the body. To avoid overdosing on vitamin C, scientists recommend a daily intake of 90 mg for men above 19 years and 75 mg for women. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It can heal wounds and control infection. Among others, it’s also responsible for the production of collagen — a crucial structural protein found throughout the connective tissues in our body.
Collagen is a protein that holds our body together, giving it structure and added strength. Our pantries and kitchen shelves already contain some of the best natural sources of vitamin C. Make sure to stock up on citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, and grapefruit that have a ton of vitamin C. Other excellent sources are tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, white potatoes, and bell peppers.
Jeeps have been around for many decades. The brand was originally owned by American Motors Corporation, but Stellantis/Chrysler acquired it in 1987. During World War II, Jeeps were the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the United States Armed Forces and the Allies, and in the postwar period. Nowadays, the Jeep range consists of sport utility vehicles, crossovers, fully off-road-worthy models, and SUVs. It also includes a pick-up truck and some of its models also fall into the luxury SUV market, such as the Grand Cherokee. The Jeep Wagoneer evolved into the Super Wagoneer model. This opened up the luxury 4×4 market.
In 2016, Jeep sold 1.4 million S.U.V.s globally. This was a huge rise from the 500,000 they sold in 2008. Two-thirds of these were sold in North America. In the U.S. alone, there are over 2,400 dealerships that hold franchise rights to sell Jeep-branded vehicles. It is so popular that many other car brands around the world have imitated the Jeep. These include Delahaye, Hotchkiss et Cie, Mitsubishi Motors Toyota, and Land Rover which was inspired by the Jeep. Even the Museum of Modern Art has referred to the Jeep as a masterpiece of functional design and has often exhibited the Jeep as part of its collection.
The first annual celebration of this vibrant root occurred in the year 2003 with the pure intention of celebrating the staple salad ingredient. As of now, celebrations have been reported to occur in France, Italy, Sweden, Russia, Australia, Japan, and the U.K. It seems that carrots are a rather hearty plant that can grow in many diverse conditions, though they typically come into harvest in the summer and fall seasons of their growth sites.
California is responsible for 85% of the carrots that U.S. citizens purchase in grocery stores across the country. While the taproot is traditionally the star of the culinary show, carrot greens — the part that grows out of the soil and toward the sun — are equally edible. Many countries use this portion of the plant to mix in with their salad greens.
Carrots are among the few vegetables that are harvested primarily for their roots, rather than their sprouts. Joining them are potatoes, turnips, radishes, and beets. The traditional carrot’s hue is a deep orange with yellow undertones, but there are many different variations in color harvested worldwide, including purple, red, and pale yellow iterations.
Due to the carrot’s longevity when stored in the refrigerator, it is often used in dishes for all seasons, from spring to autumn to winter. Carrots are also among the vegetables that can be eaten raw and fresh, with only a little scrub under cool water as preparation. When raw, the crunch of a carrot can be heard from many feet away. Carrots can be served as a sweet treat in carrot cake, or as a savory accompaniment to meats such as salmon and chicken.
Built in 1894, this classic structure is nothing short of a historic treasure. Throughout the first half of its life, in particular, it was the very center of Watertown life for many generations. Hundreds of town meetings held here resulted in decisions that affected everyday life in our community. Court hearings were held here, marriage licenses were issued, and this is where everyone gathered to celebrate the end of WWI. In the Summer of 2020, the town moved on to a new Town Hall. The fate of this landmark is unclear. Its history remains our common legacy.
Rainbows are caused by the reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water, resulting in a visual spectrum of light appearing in the sky, taking the form of a multicolored arc. They always appear on the side of the sky directly opposite to the sun.
Don’t go chasing rainbows, because they’re not necessarily located at a specific distance from where you observe them. They’re an optical illusion viewed from a certain angle to a relative light source, meaning the closer you try to get, the further away it goes. Even if you see someone who appears to be standing right beneath the rainbow, they’ll see a different rainbow further off into the distance. In the words of Kermit the Frog, “Rainbows are visions, they’re only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide.”
In 1979, Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher wrote the iconic “Rainbow Connection” performed by Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) in The Muppet Movie, creating many young children’s and adults’ new favorite songs. Henson told them that the opening scene should feature Kermit sitting by himself, playing a banjo and singing. Williams and Ascher wrote the majority of the song fairly quick but got stuck on the chorus. While explaining to Williams’ then-wife, Kate, over dinner their predicament, they said they needed a phrase that would “provide a rainbow connection.” However, while explaining it, they realized that “rainbow connection” was the exact phrase they needed. Basically, rainbows are more than science — they’re pretty magical too. That’s the rainbow connection.
The eastern cottontail can be found in meadows and shrubby areas in the eastern and south-central United States, southern Canada, eastern Mexico, Central America, and northernmost South America. It is also found on the Caribbean island of Margarita. It is abundant in Midwest North America. Its range expanded north as forests were cleared by settlers. Originally, it was not found in New England, but it has been introduced and now competes for habitat there with the native New England cottontail. It has also been introduced into Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. In the 1950s and 1960s, the eastern cottontail was introduced to France and northern Italy, where it displayed a rapid territorial expansion and increase in population density.
Optimal eastern cottontail habitat includes open grassy areas, clearings, and old fields supporting abundant green grasses and herbs, with shrubs in the area or edges for cover. The essential components of eastern cottontail habitat are an abundance of well-distributed escape cover (dense shrubs) interspersed with more open foraging areas such as grasslands and pastures. Habitat parameters important for eastern cottontails in ponderosa pine, mixed species, and pinyon (Pinus spp.)-juniper (Juniperus spp.) woodlands include woody debris, herbaceous and shrubby understories, and patchiness. Typically eastern cottontails occupy habitats in and around farms including fields, pastures, open woods, thickets associated with fencerows, wooded thickets, forest edges, and suburban areas with adequate food and cover. They are also found in swamps and marshes and usually avoid dense woods.
Eastern cottontails forage in open areas and use brush piles, stone walls with shrubs around them, herbaceous and shrubby plants, and burrows or dens for escape cover, shelter, and resting cover. Wood cover is important for the survival and abundance of eastern cottontails. Eastern cottontails do not dig their own dens (other than nest holes) but use burrows dug by other species such as woodchucks. In winter when deciduous plants are bare eastern cottontails forage in less secure cover and travel greater distances. Eastern cottontails probably use woody cover more during the winter, particularly in areas where cover is provided by herbaceous vegetation in summer. In Florida slash pine flat woods, eastern cottontails use low saw-palmetto (Serenoa repens) patches for cover within grassy areas.
The eastern cottontail is a very territorial animal. When chased, it runs in a zigzag pattern running up to 18 mph (29 km/h). The cottontail prefers an area where it can be out in the open but hide quickly. Forests, swamps, thickets, bushes, or open areas where shelter is close by are optimal habitation sites for this species. Cottontails do not dig burrows, but rather rest in a form, a shallow, scratched-out depression in a clump of grass or underbrush. It may use the dens of groundhogs as a temporary home or during heavy snow. Eastern cottontails are crepuscular to nocturnal feeders; although they usually spend most of the daylight hours resting in shallow depressions under vegetative cover or other shelter, they can be seen at any time of day. Eastern cottontails are most active when visibility is limited, such as rainy or foggy nights. Eastern cottontails usually move only short a distance and remain to sit very still for up to a few hours at a time. Eastern cottontails are active year-round.
The eastern cottontail can reach sexual maturity as early as 2-3 months. The onset of breeding varies between populations and within populations from year to year. The eastern cottontail breeding season begins later with higher latitudes and elevations. Temperature rather than diet has been suggested as a primary factor controlling onset of breeding; many studies correlate severe weather with delays in the onset of breeding. In New England breeding occurs from March to September. In New York the breeding season occurs from February to September, in Connecticut from mid-March to mid-September. In Alabama the breeding season begins in January. In Georgia the breeding season lasts nine months and in Texas breeding occurs year-round. Populations in western Oregon breed from late January to early September. Mating is promiscuous.
A ferret is a furry creature with razor-sharp teeth belonging to the weasel or Mustelidae family. Known to live up to 10 years, ferrets can have different hair colors — brown, black, white, or mixed hues. The word ‘ferret’ is borrowed from a Latin phrase for ‘little thief,’ which aptly describes the animal’s penchant for extracting or ‘ferreting’ things out. Humans began domesticating these animals over 2,500 years ago as a substitute for the European polecats. Landowners utilized its capabilities to kill vermin, pests, and rodents, which would run riot in their fields. The cunning and wily ferret sniffs out pests and brings them out from their hiding places.
Because of their mischievous nature and attention-seeking habits, people have misgivings about ferrets. They produce a musky odor, which some people may find repulsive. Due to these attributes, some districts in the United States, including California and Hawaii, have banned keeping them as pets. The American Ferret Association recognized April 2 as National Ferret Day to dispel some myths surrounding domesticated ferrets. Although the day has been officially celebrated since 2014, it was instituted well before it by Carol Roche, a New York citizen fascinated by her pet ferret.
D.I.Y. is a self-made culture that applies to the large things like flipping a house, and the smaller things like cutting your hair. People have been doing it themselves for longer than you might imagine. In the times when you couldn’t look up a name and phone number through a yellow book, or search online for your local artisans, people relied on personal skills and helpful advice to get the job done.
In the 6th century B.C., there was a temple-like building in Basilicata, and just like our modern instruction manuals, it held instructions on how to mass-produce its components, as well as how these components fit together to create the building. These ruins were discovered by Italian archeologists, and are now known as ‘an ancient IKEA building’.
Early in the twentieth century, magazines like “Popular Mechanics” and “Mechanix Illustrated” were published to give users practical skills and techniques needed to develop certain tools, and by the middle of the same century, D.I.Y. had become a common term and practice for people undertaking home improvement projects, and smaller creative tasks.
By the late 1900s, D.I.Y. had taken over several television shows and channels dedicated to the act. The development of the internet and the World Wide Web, also led to a breakthrough for DIY projects, as it became easier to access videos and blogs dedicated to self-made creative lifestyle improvements.
The last day of our vacation day came, and we had to pack up in Daytona Beach. I still had a few pictures to take. Kevin was so silly, I captured photos of his dance move. He made me laugh out loud. After everything was packed and cleaned, we made our way to Macon, Georgia to rest for the evening. On that day, I had my first fresh Georgia Peaches. Wow, they were so tasty and full of juice. No wonder, Pecahes are Georgias State Fruit.
The following morning, we drove to Alanta to catch our flight to Pittsburgh, Pennsylavania. I told my in-laws, that it will be less than two years, before I come back to the US. Kevin and I said our goodbye’s for now, and checked in. In Pittsburgh, we had a three hour layover. Kevin and I took a night flight back to Frankfurt, Germany. We left the USA on Sunday and arrived in Europe on Monday.
We left Atlanta with a few clouds and 93℉/34℃. And we arrived in Frankfurt with rain and 48℉/9℃. I missed the US, and wanted to take the very next flight back. It made me so upset. Thank goodness, I went back to work on Wednesday. There I could tell my co-workers about all the adventures we had in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida.
The new raised bed garden in front of our Greenhouse
Last month, I drew a plan for my raised bed garden. I carefully planned everything out with how much material I needed and how much it would cost me to build the garden. Last week I finally ordered the materials, and they were delivered two days later. For the Easter weekend, I didn’t do much. But today was the day.
I started by calculating how many lanes of weed barrier fabric I had to lay down, cut them to size, and used rocks from our property to keep the sheets in place. Once, I was done with that I waited for Kevin to come home from work and help me to lay down the cinder blocks in approximately 4′ x 4′ squares. We only got 3 out of the 4 beds done. Our backs were killing us. So, the last bed has to wait.
In the next few days, we will have a cold front coming through with some snow and freezing temperatures in the forecast. Therefore, this project will be on hold for at least a week. When it warms up again, I can plant my broccoli and sow some root vegetable seeds in one of the beds, once they are filled up. Our wildlife will have a blast with those beds.
Community Garden Week is a special week that allows us to celebrate schools and community gardens up and down the country. Community gardens are great for the environment and are also a great way to promote healing and happiness as they can have a positive effect on our sense of well-being.
Today, as around half of the world’s population currently lives in cities, keeping our environment sustainable, liveable, and, most importantly, carbon-neutral is one of the major challenges in urban policy and planning. This issue has existed for a couple of decades, and there might be a solution to it too in the form of community gardens. Back in the 1960s, communities across the U.K. started transforming unused plots of land into green spaces that allowed residents and volunteers to grow everything from flowers to fruits and vegetables.
Moreover, the benefits of contributing to a community garden are endless. Some of those benefits include spending time outdoors and getting back in touch with nature, community gardening is also an activity for the whole family, especially for kids — it is an enjoyable way to educate them and teach them all about flora and nature. It also encourages kids to eat healthily and to help others. Contributing to community gardens is a learning experience for everyone as you can learn all about gardening and growing different types of plants, and you can also meet and connect with different types of people who have the same interests as you.
Our family remembers when we adopted Ozzy (or he adopted us). He was a three-month-old kitten. Now, he’s three years old. Ozzy is still a kitten at heart. His favorite part of the day is to play-fight with Benny, our Norwegian Forest Cat, or play tag with Zoey, our Labrador/Pitbull mix. When he wants to play alone, he regularly steals Sara’s hairbands and has a blast with them pushing and kicking them around, until they end up under the refrigerator or under the recliner. When Ozzy wants to watch birds, he usually finds a way on top of our miniature greenhouses to look out the sunroom’s windows. He can be quite a bit mischievous. But we love him so much.
April Songbirds’ joyful music, and the early springtime flowers, Colorful umbrellas opened wide for April showers. Days are brighter, hearts are lighter, promise fills the air – The gifts of April bring us special happiness to share.
Every time, we visit the State Fair of Texas we can’t miss out on the Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park. The girls love to see the flowers outdoors and the Butterfly House. This year, they had a special treat for Katelynn at their expo: Snakes, spiders, and bugs. Katelynn loves all these creepy crawlies. There were some venomous snakes and hairy-legged spiders. Not to forget to mention the cockroaches. Thank goodness, they have been locked in their terrariums. I like them much better when there is a protective glass between those critters and me.
As the cold and grey winter days Give way, to the bright and beautiful spring … You know it’s time for you to hear, The Easter bells ring! The birds are chirping, The bunnies are out, There are Easter Eggs all around! There is happiness in the air, And a warmth in your heart to stay with you, All through the year!
Finally, the two pieces I had to reorder were arriving. And I could finish building the greenhouse. Once the frame was up, I slid the panels on the bottom, and installed the window, before I could slide the roof panels in place. The ground was already straightened when I put the base together. Kevin had to help me to lift the greenhouse across the fence. The kit was light, so it was easy for us to get it from the porch to the garden, where I could fasten it to the base. The following morning, I built the door and installed it, before a Spring storm came through. The greenhouse made it successful through the storm.
Niagara Falls formed over 12,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age when the downpour of water from melting ice wore away rick layers to form the structure that exists today. The first people to witness the falls were most likely the Native Americans living in the regions surrounding the horseshoe falls. The area was later annexed by the French when Father Louis Hennepin reached the Niagara River in December 1678.
Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day celebrates March 29, 1848, the day when a bitterly harsh winter gave way to ice on Lake Erie, which gradually broke away. Strong winds drove the ice to the mouth of the falls, thus suspending the flow of water for over 30 hours. Some of the first to notice the unusual event were nearby mill owners who realized that their water wheels had stopped rotating. Soon, hoards of people inched their way to the falls to witness the odd event. They were able to witness, for the first time since the forming of Niagara Falls, absolute silence in place of a roaring waterfall. Several people ventured across the riverbed, finding old ammunition used in the Battle of Chippawa in 1814. At night, hundreds of people reportedly made the trek across the riverbed with lit torches in their hands.
Niagara Falls remained dry until the afternoon of March 30, when the winds reversed their direction and everything returned to the way it was.
On October 31, 1864, Nevada joined West Virginia as the only other state to be granted statehood during the Civil War. The mostly desert landscape is nearly devoid of trees. With vast open spaces, dramatic gorges, majestic mountains, and windswept rock formations, the state transforms quickly.
Nevada may have once been the loneliest state and is home to the loneliest highway. After the Comstock Lode discovery of silver in 1859, the population grew dramatically. By 1864 when the state was admitted to the union, Nevada lacked the 60,000 to be granted statehood and didn’t gain the needed residents until 1880. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it would even lose population and not achieve the qualifying numbers again until 1910.
Lonely or not, Nevada was the first state to vote for the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. Nevada wasn’t lonely for long. The population exploded when two railroads connected in 1905 and established a town called Las Vegas first platted in 1910. It would be 30 years before the first resort would open. Casinos and glamour would soon follow. As the casinos began to sprout, construction of Hoover Dam began. Formerly named Boulder Dam, the dam on the Colorado River provides hydropower to Nevada, Arizona, and California.
This morning, I looked out my bedroom window and saw a flock of turkeys in the neighbor’s yard. Less than five minutes later, they decided to come to our property. I counted 11 turkeys. One short of a dozen. They had a little parade. One was leading, and the rest either followed one by one or in a pair. Well, it’s Spring. And the turkeys are back.
Why do we need World Piano Day? “For many reasons. But mostly, because it doesn’t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers, and most importantly, the listener,” replied Nils Frahm, the German pianist, and composer who initiated World Piano Day in 2015. The idea behind it was to celebrate the piano across the world by holding events, performances, masterclasses, lectures, etc. Since its launch, World Piano Day has gained immense popularity, with participation from pianists, promotors, organizers, distributors, technicians, piano enthusiasts, and basically anyone associated with the instrument.
Hammered dulcimers were the first string instrument used since the Middle Ages in Europe. After several attempts at creating stringed keyboard instruments, the mechanisms of the clavichord and the harpsichord were developed during the 17th century.
As the Mozart-era piano underwent changes from 1790 to 1860, the modern structure of the instrument came into existence. These alterations were a result of the preferences of composers and pianists who wanted more powerful and sustained sounds. Over time, the tonal range of the piano was also increased from the five to the seven octaves that can be found in the modern-day piano.
World Piano Day is a celebration of the piano and everything connected with it. This day celebrates the music of the past and promotes its evolution. So, on this 88th day of the year, we come together to celebrate one of the greatest instruments of all time and all those who make this day possible.
After a few warmer days, Winter comes back to Connecticut. It is wet and heavy snow, which makes the landscape look like a Winter Wonderland. Tonight, we have a warm fire.
Northern Cricket Frog at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, Texas
The Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans) is a small hylid frog native to the United States and northeastern Mexico. These frogs are majorly in grey, green, and brown color with blotching patterns. Many have a brown or orange stripe down the center of their back and a triangular marking on the top of their head. Despite being members of the tree frog family, they are not arboreal. These frogs prefer habitats near the edges of slow-moving bodies of water and near shelter items, like rocks. It has two recognized subspecies, A. c. crepitans and A. c. paludicola.
The northern cricket frog is one of the three smallest vertebrates in North America, ranging from 19–38 mm (0.75–1.50 in) long. Its dorsal coloration varies widely and includes greys, greens, and browns, often in irregular blotching patterns. The dorsal stripes vary in brightness and hue and are not present until metamorphosis occurs. One New York biologist has identified six distinct color morphs and four pattern morphs, and several intergrades between these. Typically there is dark banding on the legs and a white bar from the eye to the base of the foreleg. The skin has a bumpy texture. It is similar to the southern cricket frog, Acris gryllus, found in the US Southeastern Coastal Plain, but with some overlap along the Fall Line. The southern cricket frog has longer legs, with less webbing on the hind feet, and a more pointed snout, though northern cricket frogs have been observed with snouts indistinguishable from those of the southern species, and the markings on the back of the thigh are typically more sharply defined than that of the northern cricket frog, though biologists have recorded northern cricket frogs in the northern fringes of their range with extremely sharp posterior leg stripes. Northern cricket frogs do not have toe pads. This frog is active most of the year, decreasing during December and resuming around mid-March.
On the fourth and last day, Kevin and I spent time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. First, we went to Discovery Island’s “Tree of Life” to see all the carved animals on its trunk. Beneath the tree is a show named “It’s Tough to be a Bug”, which is based on “A Bug’s Life”. In Africa, we went on Kilimanjaro Safaris. In Asia, Kevin and I went to the Kali River Rapids. When we came out of the rapids, I was drenched. But, in the Florida sun in June, I didn’t mind at all. My clothes dried quick. The ride DINOSAUR in DinoLand had some raptors in there, which made me scoot closer to Kevin. I know, they are animatronics. But, they scared me. After that, we had a smooth ride to Pafiki’s Planet Watch. Later, we saw “Mickey’s Jungle Jammi’ Parade”.
While in the Park, Kevin and I encountered quite a few Disney Characters. We ran into Rafiki twice that day. After having all that fun in the park, we were tired. And it was time to drive back to our motel room in Daytona Beach. My in-laws spent their day, relaxing at the beach and in the condo. When we came back from Walt Disney World, Kevin and his dad went grocery shopping for the days ahead. We spent one more day in Daytona Beach before it was time to travel to Atlanta, Georgia.
We walked on the fairgrounds to look at some sculptures and walked to the Texas Discovery Gardens. Big Tex celebrated his 60th Anniversary at the State Fair of Texas. Unfortunately, 13 days later he burned down to his frame. He had an electrical short in his wiring, which moved his jaw. It was a sad day in Dallas’ History. The following year, he was rebuilt.
Founder, Colleen Paige’s mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year. It’s also an excellent opportunity to show off your dog’s supermodel side and give them some extra cuddles for all the joy they bring. So sit back and indulge in the endless stream of adorable puppy photos, but keep in mind that today might be the best excuse to bring home your own fluffy canine as your next best friend!
Colleen Paige first brought adoption awareness to a national level with National Dog Day in 2004, which was later adopted by the New York State Legislature in 2013. This day is celebrated on August 26 and is the day Colleen adopted her first dog, “Sheltie” when she was 10 years old. Since then, Colleen has inspired millions with her compassion and has brought worldwide attention to animals in need. She has shone a light on dogs putting their lives on the line every day for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom, and for our safety.
National Puppy Day and National Dog Day are great opportunities to adopt a dog because shelters typically have the highest intake of dogs around summertime. With 30 to 40 animals entering the shelter daily, we need public support to help save lives, and these national holidays do just that — by encouraging and reminding people to adopt, donate, and love their animals more every year.
I started my garden in the early Spring of 2013 by sowing beans, bell peppers, corn, pumpkins, sunflowers, tomatoes, and other goodies. I also worked on some herbs. At least, I had something ready to grow in the greenhouse, once the parts arrived and I could finish building it. Joshua made sure, that I watered the seedlings every day. And Sara enjoyed the milder days on the back porch.
Before the arrival of European settlers, West Virginia used to be a favorite hunting ground for numerous Native Americans. It has old earthen mounds constructed by different mound builder cultures. Once the Europeans arrived and settled here, the locals were pushed to the outskirts.
The earliest civilization in the region was in 10,500 B.C. when the Paleo-Indian culture appeared along the major river valleys and water sources. Subsequently, the Adena culture was the dominant influence in West Virginia in the year 500 B.C. The Adena Indians would use ceremonial pipes almost like works of art. They were also called the Woodland Indians. They lived in round wicker-sided and bark sheet roofed houses — wigwams and grew sunflowers, gourds, and squash. Their community had farmers and cultivators. They also reared dogs as pets.
The formation of West Virginia as a state in the U.S. was a tumultuous one due to the sectional differences that existed within it. In fact, around 2,000 residents had even petitioned for the creation of a 14th colony that would be named ‘Westsylvania.’ This colony would have included Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania if the petition had been approved by the Continental Congress.
In 1829, the Virginia Constitutional Convention met in Richmond to discuss reforms to Virginia’s outdated constitution. Philip Doddridge wanted western Virginians to get a more democratic system of government but these desires were rejected by leaders from east of the Alleghenies.
The state of Virginia voted to break away from the United States during the time of the Civil War in 1861. This was unsuccessful, leading to the formation of the state called West Virginia which would be in support of the Union. When the American Civil War occurred, Virginia almost left the United States and was all set to join the Confederate States. However, on April 20, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made a decision that changed history as we know it — he declared that West Virginia would be a part of the U.S. as a separate state. Virginia became a member of the Union in 1863. By 1864, the informal celebration of West Virginia Day was common and it formally became a state holiday in 1927.
After the formation of the state, there was also some discourse regarding making the city of Wheeling the capital. In 1870, Charleston became the capital instead, but the decision was again reversed to make Wheeling the capital in 1875. To solve the matter once and for all, a statewide vote took place in 1877, and Charleston was finally elected as the capital. Every year on West Virginia Day, ample festivities take place across the state, as well as in the Charleston capitol complex. Seeing the complicated history of West Virginia, it is not a surprise that people go all out in celebrating its creation.
The earliest connection between flowers and their importance to humans dates back to the Paleolithic Age with the discovery of flower fossils. Similarly, gifting flowers has always been central to life and culture. Across civilizations, flowers would feature prominently in ancient myths and stories. The Ancient Greeks revered flowers and associated them with several Gods.
Flowers have bloomed on Earth and in our hearts throughout history as we know it. They bring an extra spring to our steps. Add color to mundane days. Flowers can convey love, joy, and strength through every season or reason. Their fragrance and beauty bring cheer to anyone’s day.
National Flower Day in March reminds us to pause and appreciate nature’s art. The holiday is perfect for planting more flowers. You could gift flowers to someone or even yourself. It’s a great day for a long stroll in the park or a short hike. To stop and smell the roses, tulips, or camellias. As you soak in pops of color in gardens everywhere, it’s hard not to radiate the same joy.
If you’ve been dreaming of spring blooms throughout the Winter, today’s perfect to prep for spring gardening. This special day helps us get ready for warm weather. The perfect pick-me-up after a long, dreary winter. Today’s excellent for getting our gardens ready for spring. National Flower Day is also an excuse to celebrate big moments and small ones. Gift flowers to someone you love or to yourself as a personal pat on the back.
Franklin D. Roosevelt called them “the lungs of the Earth,” Robert Frost and millions of poets were inspired by them, and Sting is fighting to save them. We’re talking about forests. And celebrities aren’t the only ones who feel a strong connection with them. We all do. Just a simple walk in the woods can calm and invigorate our senses. In fact, the forests are so crucial to the future of our planet that the UN declared March 21 to be the International Day of Forests. For many years now, this amazing global celebration has been creating awareness all over the world about the importance of forests. They are one of our greatest natural treasures that we must preserve and protect.
World Sparrow Day is an initiative started by the Nature Forever Society of India (founded by Mohammed Dilawar) along with the Eco-Sys Action Foundation of France and many other organizations around the world. Though the holiday carries the name, Sparrow, it was mainly created for awareness of Sparrows but also includes the beauty and biodiversity of other common birds that may share the same space as us.
Mohammed Dilawar, a dedicated conservationist, started the campaign to provide special care for house Sparrows in Nashik. The idea to make the campaign official was born during an informal discussion at the office of the Nature Forever Society. Thereafter, the first World Sparrow Day was observed in 2010 all around the world.
It created a platform for bird conservationists to network and exchange ideas to improve conservation. It aims to provide a point of contact for people around the world to come together and create awareness of the necessity for the protection of common biodiversity or species of lower conservation.
Sparrows or house sparrows have been known to live in green patches and backyards chirping away in urban areas though, during the harsh summers, they require cool shades and water. They’ve always been quite common in residential areas but are currently on the verge of extinction due to noise pollution, lack of nesting sites in modern buildings, pesticide usage, and non-availability of food as reported by ornithologists.
World Frog Day has been celebrated since 2014. There is no precise mention of the person or organization that started this awareness day; it was created to save the different frog species from extinction. Frogs are tailless amphibians with origins dating back nearly 256 million years. They were valued as food by the people and also had many cultural roles including literature, symbolism, and religion. Approximately 6,000 known frog species have been found, of which 4,800 recorded frog species have been found around the world except for Antarctica. But around 170 species of frogs have become extinct in the past decade. The reason for their population decline is different, as they are disappearing due to both human activity and fungal infections.
Frog populations have declined significantly since the 1950s and around a third of the world’s species are critically endangered, while more than 120 species are believed to have been extinct since the 1980s. The extinction of certain frogs has been traced back to emerging fungal diseases, habitat destruction and alteration, pollution, climate change, pesticide use, and more. All of this led to an increase in malformations in frogs in particular.
Many conservation biologists around the world are actively working to find and understand the causes of these problems and ways to solve them. Frogs are tailless amphibians of the order. Anura. They are widespread from the tropics to the subarctic regions, but the highest concentration of biodiversity is found in tropical rainforests. The oldest fossil of the “Protofrog” appeared in the early Triassic of Madagascar. However, the dating of the molecular clock suggests that the origin of the frog could stretch further back into the Permian, approximately 265 million years ago.
In its broadest sense, astrology is the search for meaning in the sky. Markings on bones and cave walls suggest that lunar cycles were documented as early as 25,000 years ago, indicating that humans made conscious attempts to measure, record, and forecast seasonal changes by reference to astronomical cycles. Astrology became more popular in the 20th century because of the release of the newspaper horoscope which was a common mass media product.
The first World Astrology Day was observed in 1993 by the members of the Association for Astrological Networking (AFAN). Astrology was used to predict the changes in season, it was also used to monitor the celestial bodies, Sun, Moon, stars, and other planets. Traditional studies made use of this astrology learning and it was commonly accepted by cultural and political cycles. There is a belief that astrology started as soon as man started attempting to record, measure, and predict seasonal changes.
Astrologers are known to read horoscopes and even though it has no scientific backing, a lot of people believe in them. Over 70 million Americans go to astrologers to read their horoscopes and predict their futures. Different people are going to astrologers to help them interpret the stars for advice. Understanding the locations of the stars is the foundation of astrology, which appears to be a scientific enough subject in itself.
Adults are clean gray above, with a white head, body, and tail; their black wingtips are spotted with white. They have yellow legs and a yellow bill with a black band around it. Nonbreeding adults have brown-streaked heads. During their first two years, Ring-billed Gulls are motley brown and gray with a pink bill and legs.
These sociable gulls fly overhead by the hundreds or feed together at a golf course, beach, or field. Strong, nimble flyers and opportunistic feeders, Ring-billed Gulls circle and hover acrobatically looking for food; they also forage afloat and on foot.
Ring-billed Gulls often congregate around humans, at garbage dumps, parking lots, and freshly plowed fields. While the species is common on coastal beaches, particularly during winter, many Ring-billed Gulls lead inland lives, never setting eyes on the sea.
For many years, American backyards were purely functional. They were mainly used for gardening since there were few corner stores and market produce. However, after World War II, people had more disposable income and migrated to the suburbs. This brought about a significant transformation in the treatment of backyards. People focused more on the aesthetic appeal of these spaces and introduced ornamental plants and garden features. Also, there was a surplus of materials such as aluminum and concrete, meaning that it was affordable to build patios, pools, and lawn furniture. The backyard grew into a place for leisure and entertaining guests and became an extension of the living space.
The establishment of Earth Day in 1970 renewed people’s interest in growing produce at home. Landscapers started mingling vegetables and fruits with ornamentals in formal garden designs, and “edible landscaping” became increasingly popular. Urban community gardens became more widespread and people picked up an interest in organic gardening once more. Similar to the dooryard gardens of early America, today’s home gardens contain edible plants and herbs. People also include flowers and native plants to add interest to these utility spaces in distinctly American ways.
Springtime; heady scents, vibrant splash of breathtaking colors, so-refreshing rustling of leaves, spring blesses us with colorful brighter days, making us feel more alive than ever. One of four seasons including summer, fall, and winter, each accompanied by a change in weather, spring is characterized by warmer, brighter temperatures, an increase in rainfall, the bloom of flowers, and the grand return of certain animals (bears, bats hedgehogs, wood frogs, among many others); sometimes spring also is characteristic of storms and tornadoes.
Marked by the astronomical definition, spring which occurs between the spring equinox and the summer solstice is dependent on equinoxes (‘equinox’ — Latin for ‘equal night.’) One of the two times of the year when daytime and nighttime are almost the same lengths) and solstices, — ‘solstice’ — derived from the Latin word ‘sol’ meaning Sun, and ‘sistere,’ translated to make stand. Solstice is one of two moments yearly when the Sun is farthest from Earth’s equator. During spring, the earth’s axis is not tilted toward or away from the Sun.
In the Northern Hemisphere, spring kick-starts when the vernal equinox blesses us with her presence and the sun crosses the equator line, heading north. (‘vernal’ from the mid-16th century Latin ‘vernalis’ derived from the Latin word ‘ver’ — ‘spring’ and ‘equinox’ from the Latin words ‘aequi’ — ‘equal,’ and ‘nox’ — night.’) In contrast, at that very moment, the Southern hemisphere begins tilting away from the sun, officially signaling the ushering in of cooler temperatures autumn (fall). In the Southern Hemisphere, spring, associated with September, October, and November, occurs on September 22. During the first day of spring, the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Spring, dubbed the season of new beginnings, rebirth, rejuvenation, and transformation is eagerly embraced with lots of excitement, melting our hearts with endless possibilities that lie ahead.
On Day #3, Kevin and I went to Disney’s MGM Studios, now known as “Disney’s Hollywood Studios”. And yes, I rode the Tower of Terror. After that, I needed to recover for at least 15 minutes. In future visits, I never went on that ride again. I always said: “I did it once. Done, did it! Don’t need to do it again.” Muppet Vision 3D was funny. And other rides were cool, too.
My favorite part was meeting some of the Disney characters. We walked into Goofy, who was goofy. And being goofy can be contagious. There were other characters like Mushu, the Dragon from Mulan, Dopey from The Seven Dwarfs, and Friar Tuck from Robin Hood.
In 2008, Kevin started a garden. We got an idea from a neighbor, how to layer a raised bed, and started gardening in our backyard. Here are some tomatoes and sunflowers. They make great companions. The sunflowers attract the bees to pollinate the tomatoes. And they keep unwanted bugs away from each other.
Our neighbor saved this little bunny while mowing the lawn. Thank goodness, he saw the Eastern Cottontail baby before it would have become lawnmower stew. He asked me to hold on to it until he was done taking care of the yard. Later on, we put it back in the area, where he found it. In Spring, these little critters are everywhere.
It was the first weekend of October when we visited the State Fair of Texas in 2012. And it was chilly. Most of the time, we avoided the wind and walked into buildings. Since the Automobile Building protected us from the chill, I captured photos of the Mural on the walls along the Esplanade Fountain in Fair Park, Dallas, Texas.
Kevin and I walked at Echo Lake, today. Since Spring came earlier this year, I wanted to see if the Skunk Cabbage is in bloom already. Yep, the Skunk Cabbage is sprawled out in the sun. While walking near the water, we could hear a splash here and there. My guess was frogs and turtles. Kevin saw a turtle on a branch over the water enjoying the warm sun. The Canada Geese were honking on the shore across from us. Another park visitor fed them. And they couldn’t get enough of it. On our way back to the car, we saw a squirrel digging out acorns under the leaves. Food is still sparse at this time of the year. Every little bit helps the critters to make it through the season before flowers are in full bloom, and berries are ripe again.
Native to China, giant pandas are members of the Bear (Ursidae) family. Their rapidly shrinking habitat is a major cause for concern. As an endangered species, successful panda breeding programs are rare. In the wild, there are approximately only 1,864 (according to the World Wide Fund for Nature) and 100 living in zoos around the world. With their white face black eyes and body, panda bears are easily identifiable. However, their black-and-white coloring was designed for their natural habitat. They disappear into the snowy mountains and temperate forests of southwest China. And despite their sweet disposition, they tend to isolate themselves in the wild. They eat mostly plants and do not hibernate in the winter like many other bears.
My greenhouse arrived toward the end of February 2013. It was a Thursday. And on the following weekend, I began to build the greenhouse kit. To my dismay, I noticed two frame pieces were broken. I had to call the company the following Monday and wait for the pieces to arrive. UGH! That sucked.
In the meantime, Kevin fixed the chainlink fence and gate poles for the garden space. It’s an area to prevent the dogs from pooping in our garden. Katelynn and I cut a bush down and pulled its roots out as well as we could. Once she found a worm, she was too busy playing with it. So, much about helping me with digging roots out of the ground.
Generations of travelers came to Kansas as the country expanded. From the Corps of Discovery in 1804 to the Pony Express, all the roads in Kansas seemed to point westward. Railroads brought rapid settlement to the territory and with it the divisive decision for citizens regarding statehood. Would Kansas be free or slave? The debates turned so vicious, that the territory earned the name “Bleeding Kansas” before entering the union on January 29, 1861, as the 34th state and free. With the railroads, ranching, livestock, and agriculture grew. The verdant, fertile soil of the Kansas farmland made the state the Breadbasket of the World.
Frank L. Baum even depicted farm life for one young girl named Dorothy in his books about a place called Oz. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz took the world by storm, especially when Hollywood put Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan, Margaret Hamilton, and Billie Burke in the cast. There was indeed no place like home, no place like Kansas.
One of the most critical decisions in Civil Rights history took place in Topeka, Kansas. The appeal of Brown vs. the Board of Education was brought before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1954. What had started with groups of parents and teachers in all-black schools in communities across the country had finally culminated in a final decision. Separate but equal violated the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Ah, Spring! The last few days you knocked on our doors and showed yourself from your prettiest side, again. Especially today was a beautiful day, here in Connecticut. In Litchfield County, we had temperatures in the 70s. The early Spring flowers are the harbingers of Spring. Ground bees, ladybugs, and moths could be seen on our hill. The birds chirp louder to find mates. The squirrels are all nutty. And the chipmunks are done hibernating.
But it wouldn’t be a real March in New England if the temperatures were warm from here on out. Next week, we expect days in the low 40s and nights below freezing. We just getting teased with Spring, before Winter comes back again.
Before it began to rain, I walked down the hill on our property to look for some plants. Since the last couple of days were warm, I was hoping for something to be sprouting out of the leaf-covered soil. And sure enough, I found snowdrops right below our shed. How exciting it was to see Spring arriving in our yard. I haven’t seen snowdrops since I left Germany, almost a couple of decades ago. The sight lifted my spirit, although we might get some snow on Wednesday, again.
The mournful cooing of the Mourning Dove is one of our most familiar bird sounds. From southern Canada to central Mexico, this is one of our most common birds, often abundant in open country and along roadsides. European settlement of the continent, with its opening of the forest, probably helped this species to increase. It also helps itself, by breeding prolifically: in warm climates, Mourning Doves may raise up to six broods per year, more than any other native bird.
This Aztec Calendar can be found on display inside the lobby of the Mexico Pavilion.
Falling on March 12 each year, the Aztec New Year celebrates the start of the year according to the Aztec Calendar. It’s a date with plenty of symbolism, traditions, and celebrations. The holiday is special to Nahua communities in Mexico — groups of indigenous people who live in Mexico and parts of El Salvador. In the original Nahuatl, the holiday is called ‘Yancuic Xihuitl.’ Nahuatl is a fascinating language with numerous dialects and has Uto-Aztecan roots. The Nahua communities today speak a mix of both Nahuatl and Spanish.
From 1300 to 1521, the Aztecs rose to power and influence as the center of Mesoamerican culture. They followed the Mexica or Aztec calendar — a 365-day calendar cycle comprising two parts that ran simultaneously. The first was the year count or xiuhpohualli. The second was tonalpohualli, or ‘counting of the days’ — a 260-day ritual cycle.
Yancuic Xihuitl celebrations today usually take place the night before, on March 11. Expectedly, the celebrations are spectacular. Cities like Nuapan, Huauchinango, Xicotepec, Zongolica, and Mexico City organize numerous events on this day.
Celebrations commence with ceremonial dances and songs set to the beat of traditional drums. Dancers come dressed in colorful traditional finery and quetzal feather headgear. Anyone fortunate to attend can attest to how mesmerizing these performances are. People present seeds as offerings and light ‘ocote’ or pitch-pine candles that produce aromatic and extremely flammable resin. Towards the end of the ceremony, people burn a flag representing the year gone by and perfume a replacement flag. Finally, they welcome the New Year by blowing into conch shells — the same way their ancestors used to centuries ago.
Born in London at the dawn of the 20th century, Alfred Hitchcock grew up in an austere Catholic family, with a childhood he later described as lonely and sheltered. Throughout his later life, elements of his childhood, such as being forced by his mother to stand at the foot of her bed as punishment, made their way into his films.
Hitchcock first got into the British film industry as a title card designer for silent films, later becoming an assistant director. He directed his first feature in 1925, and never looked back. By 1939, he relocated to Hollywood and worked on one of his best-loved movies, “Rebecca.” He continued to churn out hits like “The Birds” and “Psycho”, scandalizing and tantalizing audiences worldwide.
Over his 60-plus-year career, Hitchcock directed more than 50 films, some of which no longer exist. From “Rebecca” onward, the director also made brief cameos in all 39 of his remaining films. Between 1955 and 1965, he hosted and produced “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”, a mystery anthology series. The show’s credits open with an illustration of his famously rotund silhouette, drawn by the director himself, and presents a new thriller or mystery story each episode.
Hitchcock remained active throughout his life. In 1960, he was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with two stars, for TV and film. He’s widely recognized as the most influential director of all time. He was knighted in 1979, shortly before his death in his sleep in his Los Angeles home.
Epcot is divided into four main themed areas, known as “neighborhoods”: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase.
On Day 2, Kevin and I went to EPCOT. We did quite a walk in the park. The World Showcase includes the countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States of America, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Because there was so much to see, we made it only from Mexico to Japan that day. However, I had the chance to meet Snow White and see my Hometown sign in Germany. I was born and raised in Würzburg, Germany. The city is at the northern end of the Romantic Street.
After a late lunch, we rode the Monorail to Magic Kingdom to spend the afternoon there.
Coach: “Sara, you need to lean in a little bit closer to your skating partner!” Sara: “AHH! I’m losing my balance!”
In July, Kevin, Sara, and I went to “A Night Out On Main Street”. When we arrived at the “Watertown Skating Club” booth, I had to talk Sara into doing some kind of sport again. She hasn’t been in ballet for a couple of years. I wanted her to stay active. She could try it out for a season. And if she absolutely doesn’t like it, we could look for something else. Kevin signed her up the same night. Her first session began on September 17th.
Fast forward to yesterday, Sara had her rehearsal. Today, she could practice for another hour before the Ice Skating Recital. Kids and adults of all ages were showing us spectators what they had learned in the past six months. Sara and her team skated to the song “It’s Raining Men” from the Weather Girls.
The Ice Skating Recital @ Taft School 2024 is in the books. Done & out!
In November 2011 I met with a friend and her son from Germany in downtown Dallas. This allowed us to do some sightseeing in town. We looked at several buildings like the Fountain Building, the Bank of America Building (the tallest building in Dallas), the Old Red Dallas County Courthouse, the Comerica Bank Building, … etc.
I always wanted to go to the Sixth Floor Museum by Dealey Plaza. In the museum, we were not allowed to photograph. But it was interesting to look at pictures, read history, and watch videos of Kennedy’s Presidency until the assassination at Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas on November 22, 1963, and the aftermath. No matter, how often I watch those videos I always become a bit sentimental.
Luis wants to remind y’all, that tonight begins Daylight Saving Time in the US. He’s excited because we all can enjoy longer daylight in the evenings. “Oh boy, oh boy! Am I excited about tomorrow?! Mommy and Daddy are talking about Daylight Saving. I have no clue, what that means. But Mom told Daddy not to forget to change his clocks one hour forward tonight!”
In February 2013, I purchased an 8 x 6 ft. greenhouse kit. While I waited for the kit to arrive at our house, I started some seeds with Katelynn and Sara. We also prepared some avocado pits and let a pineapple grow roots in a water-filled jar. The girls had a miniature greenhouse with colorful salad tomatoes.
Oregon’s climate enjoys the warm Pacific air west of the Cascade Mountains and the lush Willamette Valley. More extreme temperature ranges are experienced in Oregon’s high desert. Populations of Nez Perce, Chinook, Molalla, and others settled along the Columbia River Gorge, Klamath Basin, and points east. Many of the first European explorers to arrive sought the elusive Northwest Passage. The Corps of Discovery Expedition followed the Colombia River Gorge, reaching the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. They would winter at Ft. Clatsop. Soon, pioneers would follow along what would become the Oregon Trail.
The gorge was created from volcanic lava flows and glacial floods. Windsurfers flock to the Columbia due to the powerful, steady winds of the Cascade Mountains. Kayaking, biking, hiking, skiing, and many other outdoor adventures can be found up and down the Gorge, but its icy crown is Mt. Hood. The Stratovolcano’s last eruption occurred in 1865 and was named after Lord Samuel Hood. South along the Cascade Range, a sleeping volcano forms the mysterious Crater Lake. A well-planned hike along the trails to the remote brilliant, blue waters of the deepest lake in the U.S. is worth the effort. The pristine volcano is a wonder to see. Eastern Oregon takes on the color of a sunset in the undulating Painted Hills near Mitchell.
As a nickname, Ben is usually formed by the abbreviation of a couple of full names. In particular, Benjamin is of ancient Hebrew descent and means ‘son of the right hand.’ Benedict — formed from the Latin ‘Benedictus,’ which means ‘blessed’ — is another prime candidate for the abbreviation to Ben.
Looking at U.S. statistics we can see that Ben is a name of declining popularity. In the 1880s, it was ranked as one of the 10 most popular names, but as of 2020, it holds 770th place. However, given that it holds a shining seventh place in Germany and a respectable 32nd place in Ireland not all looks bleak for Ben. As expected, Ben is also quite a popular name in Israel.
The term “Benjamin of the family” is often used in many cultures to signify the youngest in the family. This, of course, is derived from the biblical son of Jacob. Perhaps one of the most famous Bens is the founding father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin.
Since it was so beautiful, Kevin and I were hiking at the Little Pond Boardwalk Trail in the White Memorial Conservation Center, this afternoon. The boardwalk is perfect for hiking with my current health condition: easy to walk, 1.2 miles trail, lots of fresh air. Once it is warmer, the migrating waterfowl will arrive in the area and enjoy the warmer season in Connecticut. Today, we have seen some Canada Geese, a couple of Mute Swans, and a beaver. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a good photo of the rodent. But it was fun to watch the beaver plucking some marsh vegetation to make its den nice and cozy for the offspring. It didn’t even make a noise when it slipped back into the water. Believe it or not, this was my first beaver encounter in the wild. Kevin and I enjoyed our boardwalk hike. We have to come back when nature begins to wake up in New England.
The Alamo (initially called the Mission San Antonio de Valero) was constructed in present-day San Antonio by Spanish immigrants in 1718. Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna led an assault on the Alamo Mission on February 23, 1836, after it had been seized by insurgent Texan troops in December. Around 1,000 Mexican troops stormed the improvised fort and began mounting artillery.
The two forces exchanged gunfire over the following two weeks, although there were minimal losses. Even though they were significantly outnumbered, co-commanders William Travis and James Bowie insisted on staying put. Doctors and farmers were among the volunteers guarding the Alamo, including Davy Crockett who was a member of the Tennessee militia. On March 6, just before daybreak, the last onslaught occurred. The north wall was broken, and Mexican forces surged into the enclosure, rousing many of the Texans within. The fight spanned 90 minutes, with considerable hand-to-hand action involved.
Bowie, Travis, and Crockett were all killed, however, accounts dispute as to how and when they were killed. Some Texans are said to have surrendered, but Santa Anna ordered the execution of all detainees. Only a few people, primarily women, and children made it out alive. Some hundred Mexicans are said to have died, according to historians.
From March through May, Mexican soldiers controlled the fort, however, on April 21, Sam Houston and his men overcame Santa Anna’s army at San Jacinto. They screamed “Remember the Alamo” as they stormed, and Houston’s triumph ensured Texas independence. Texas was annexed by the United States almost a decade after in 1845.
The U.S. Army stationed troops and supplies in the fort for many years after that. The state of Texas purchased the Alamo in 1883 and eventually acquired the property rights to the surrounding lands, which totaled about four acres. The Alamo attracts roughly 2.5 million visitors each year and remains a national symbol of perseverance and resistance.
Speaking of the Alamo: A funny anecdote happened to me when we visited the Alamo in December 2014. Kevin, Katelynn, Sara, and I were waiting in line. When it was our turn, I opened the door for the girls to go in first. There was a breeze, and the German flag was just at the right height to smack me across the face. It was as the flag wanted to say: “Girl, you are German! Embrace it!” I almost had to fight my way into the Alamo, because I was trapped in the flag. Some visitors caught my attention and began to laugh. When I mentioned I was German, the laughter became even louder. In the end, I figured out how to get out of the situation. And we all had a good laugh. 🇩🇪
The White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) – also known as Singing or Mesquite Doves – are large, semi-tropical, and pigeon-like doves that occur naturally in the Americas. They are sometimes considered conspecific (one and the same species) with the West Peruvian Dove (Zenaida meloda); however, differences in vocalizations and morphology are credible arguments against this theory. In fact, they may best be placed into the bird genus Columba (typical pigeons) than the dove genus Zenaida (American doves).
White-winged Doves occur naturally in the United States from the Southwest east to Texas and Louisiana, south to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, into parts of western South America. Introduced populations have established themselves in Florida, USA. They have been increasing their range northward. In fact, they have been reported as far north as Alaska to Ontario, Maine, Newfoundland, and most places in between. Most of them are seasonally migratory. They breed in the United States and northern Mexico and travel south to Mexico, Central and South America, and some Caribbean islands for the winter. However, those populations occurring in areas where food is available year-round – in the southern parts of their range – tend to be year-round residents. They inhabit scrub, woodlands, desert, citrus orchards, agricultural fields, and residential areas throughout their range. Many farmers in Mexico refer to them as “la plaga” (the plague) as large flocks – sometimes thousands of them – may descend upon a single field of grain, and decimate it (particularly after the breeding season).
Let the Honeymoon officially begin! We finally made it to Walt Disney World.
Kevin, my in-laws, and I had a place to stay in Daytona Beach, Florida. The first day, we had arrived we hung out at the beach. I was building my first sand castle on the west side of the Atlantic and picked up some shells as keepsakes.
The following day, we all drove to Buena Vista to visit Walt Disney World. It was Day 1 of 4 when we made it to Disney’s Magic Kingdom. I remember when I entered the park and saw the big Cinderella Castle for the first time, I had tears in my eyes. This was a bucket list item since childhood. I always wanted to see Mickey.
My in-laws did their own thing. Kevin and I did our thing. There were so many rides, characters, parades, shops, food. And all I could think of was, how to stay hydrated in the Florida sun in early June. But, we managed it perfectly. And we also got quite a tan.
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The highlight was on Day 3. I finally met the mouse, THE MOUSE: Mickey Mouse. I was so excited, and so must have been my pen. When Mickey tried to give me an autograph, my pen didn’t want to work. So, I had to borrow another guest’s pen to get Mickey to sign my autograph book. When Kevin and I walked out of the building, I said: “I can’t believe, that just happened.” After that, my pen just worked fine again. 🙄😄
Today is another nice Spring day. It is mostly cloudy. But, the temperatures are 59℉/15℃. It’s very comfortable to be outside wearing a hoodie or a light jacket. When I looked for our blooming snowdrops, I had a curious little chickadee following me around the garden. The closest distance between the bird and me was maybe three-and-a-half to four feet. I must have been in its territory. Maybe, it wanted to tell me: “Spring is coming!”
Aviation history goes as far back as over 2,000 years. In the early days of aviation, kites, hot air balloons, and heavier-than-air jets were popular. Kite flying is alleged to be one of the first examples of man-made flight. During the nineteenth century, aeronautics was the rave. People used hot air balloons, airships, and gliders before the airplanes we know today.
By 1903, advancements had been made in aviation, and by December 12, the first Airplane, ‘Kitty Hawk,’ took flight for about 12 seconds at 37 meters. The Airplane was commandeered by the Wright brothers Orville and Wilbur in North Carolina. This event impacted the world of aviation, as decades later, new aircraft were created to aid the transportation of people, goods, and services, and later on, space flight. Up until 1910, the Aviation Industry was considered a male-dominated industry. Gender discrimination was glaring, and women fought tooth and nail to prove their competence. Women have made significant contributions to the advancement of aviation, beginning with the first woman to fly a hot air balloon in 1754 and continuing with the first licensed female pilot in 1910.
The Women of Aviation Worldwide Week commemorates the licensing of the first female pilot as a first step in addressing gender discrimination in the industry. In 2010, a pilot and aviation instructor, Mireille Goyer, launched the ‘Fly it Forward’ initiative to encourage more pilots worldwide to introduce girls of all ages to aviation. Mireille used this initiative to address women’s lack of aviation activity exposure. With the Fly It Forward initiative, the goal is to see more women in all facets of aviation as hoped by pioneering female pilots. By 2011, this event evolved into Women’s Aviation Week.
The origin of National Marching Band Day can be traced to the founding of Drum Corps International (D.C.I.) by 13 founding member organizations that wanted to govern and standardize marching band competitions throughout North America.
It acts as a governing body for junior drum and bugle corps and is responsible for developing and enforcing rules of the competition and for providing standardized adjudication at sanctioned competitions throughout the United States and Canada. D.C.I. founded Marching Music Day to celebrate marching music as an “engaging and ever-expanding art form around the world.”
The ‘march’ music genre contains powerful rhythms in a regular pattern, which makes the genre suitable for marching. Military bands use this music as it expresses the motion of their march. As mentioned, the holiday is in celebration of the different art forms that bring us “music on the move.” Although the genre of music has strong military roots, its usage has evolved into an art form used to move us during somber memorials and thrill us in times of relief.
For centuries, the rhythm of the ‘march’ music genre has kept military units and other bands moving in unison as they are performed in auditoriums and grand arenas to spectators’ delight. From small parades to impressive spectacles, fifers, pipers, buglers, drum corps, marching bands, parade groups, drill teams, and color guards bring this genre of music to life and audiences to their feet, blaring an enthusiastic roar.
What do the orangutans of Borneo, the elephants of Sumatra, and the Black Rhino all have in common? Aside from all being totally cool animals that we watch on YouTube, the more sobering truth about these creatures is that they’re all critically endangered species. But on World Wildlife Day, the UN and its partners are planning to raise awareness of the gravity of this dire situation.
An animal is only placed on the critically endangered species list if the International Union for Conservation of Nature believes the animal faces a very high risk for extinction – extinction as in going the way of the dinosaurs and dodo. So what does critically endangered look like? Current estimates put the number of living Black Rhinos at around 2,500 in the entire world. Russia’s Amur Leopard, found in the far eastern recesses of the country, is on the verge of extinction, with only about 40 left in the world. Unfortunately, this list goes on and on.
The peach blossoms come from the peach tree, which is native to China. Historians and archaeologists think this plant has been around for more than 2,500 years. They’ve found literature and text that mentions peaches and even little fossilized peach stones as evidence of this fact. There is also evidence to show that the Chinese particularly revered the flowers of the peach tree, as peach blossoms were a part of most major celebrations. The Chinese believed (and still do) that peach blossoms can ward off evil spirits and increase vitality in a person. Soldiers walked before Emperors, carrying peach blossoms, and people all over the country would hang peach blossoms on their front doors to kick off the New Year.
Persia had a big role to play in the spread of this plant to other regions. In fact, the Latin name, ‘Prunus persica,’, which translates to ‘Present from Persia,’ refers to when Persians introduced this fruit to the Romans. When Alexander the Great conquered Persia in 334 B.C., he took the seeds of this plant to Europe, and soon, explorers were taking the peach all over the world.
By the 16th century, the peach came to the U.S. via Spanish explorers. From there, it traveled to England, becoming a rare and prized delicacy. Colonists began domesticating the peach tree in America, and by the 1800s, peaches were being commercially grown in the U.S. The first peaches grown for sale were by farmers in Maryland, Delaware, Georgia, and Virginia. Today, the peach blossom has found a place in popular culture, appearing in art, paintings, and even folk tales.
The Star Spangled Banner at Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas
The story behind “The Star-Spangled Banner” is as moving as the anthem itself. While an attorney, Key was serving in the Georgetown Light Field Artillery during the War of 1812. In 1814, his negotiation skills as a lawyer were called upon to release Dr. William Beane, a prisoner on the British naval ship, Tonnant. Early in September, Key traveled to Baltimore in the company of Colonel John Skinner to begin negotiations. While Key and Skinner secured Beane’s release, the British navy had begun attacking Baltimore. The trio waited at sea to return to Georgetown. Fort McHenry is built on a peninsula of the Patapsco River. Just across the Northwest Branch is the city of Baltimore. In 1814, the population of Baltimore was roughly 50,000 people, hardly the metropolis it is today. The country itself was still young, and often families of soldiers lived nearby, providing support to their soldiers.
The British navy abandoned Baltimore and turned their full attention to Fort McHenry on September 13th. As the 190-pound shells began to shake the fort, Mother Nature brought a storm of her own. Thunder and rain pelted the shore along with the bombs and shells. Throughout the night, parents, wives, and children in their homes could hear and feel the bomb blasts across the way. There were reports of the explosions being felt as far away as Philadelphia. It was a long night of fear, worry, and providing comfort for one another. At sea, Key had a similar night. Being a religious man, one who believed the war could have been avoided, he watched the bombs bursting in the air over the water and steadily pummeling Fort McHenry. It was undoubtedly a sight to behold. For 25 hours, the star-shaped fort manned by approximately 1,000 American soldiers endured over 1,500 cannon shots. The Fort answered with almost no effect.
In the early morning of September 14th, after Major George Armistead’s troops stopped the British landing party in a blaze of gunfire, the major ordered the oversized American flag raised in all its glory over Fort McHenry. Sewn a few months before by Mary Pickersgill and her daughter, the enormous banner replaced the storm flag, which had flown during battle. As Key waited at sea for dawn to break and smoke to clear, imagine the inspiring sight in the silence of the morning to see his country’s flag fully unfurled against the breaking of the day and the fort standing firm. Key was so moved by the experience he immediately began penning the lyrics to a song which were later published by his brother-in-law as a poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry.”
Resource: National Day Calendar
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The Star Spangled Banner
O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: ‘Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion, A home and a country, should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation. Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’ And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Last Saturday, I was sowing seeds for early vegetables. And now, some poke their little seedling heads out already. So far, we can see beans, broccoli, corn, cauliflower, and Roma tomatoes. The beefsteak tomatoes, cabbages, and lettuce seem to need more time to sprout. Soon, I have to put some of the seedlings in pots. Their roots need room to stretch out.
Once, April knocks on the door I have to build my garden-raised beds and fill them in with soil. The beans and tomatoes need steady trellises, and then also the sowing of root vegetables can begin. It is getting busy in and around the garden, now. I still have to find a way to keep the deer, chipmunks, and rabbits at bay.
Texas Independence Day is the celebration of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. With this document signed by 59 delegates, settlers in Mexican Texas officially declared independence from Mexico and created the Republic of Texas. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Independence_Day
Aaahh! The first day of March was a beautiful day. Cool, but with the right clothes being in the sun it was comfortable to sit in the garden for a while. When I let our dogs outside, I noticed a Red-tailed Hawk couple visiting the nest on the tree in our forest. They both were fixing some twigs and brought softer material to the nest. Soon, we will have a hawk nursery. How exciting?!
Later, I walked down to the rim of our forest. However, it didn’t take long until Chewbacca came following me and meowing as he wanted to tell me, that it is not that safe down here at the moment. Well, he’s right. Bruno and his bear cousins will be out of their den and roaming the woods for food soon, again. And they will be hungry. Therefore, my neighbor puts out only a small portion of seeds for the birds. By sundown, the seeds are usually all eaten up. And there is no big concern that Bruno visits the neighborhood. He usually stays in the woods.
The Snowdrops are in bloom, and some of the trees show some flower buds. It will take another four to six weeks until the edge of the Winter is gone in Litchfield County. But, once Spring has arrived, and won’t go anywhere else until Summer will knock on the door. Spring, you can’t come soon enough. I want to start my vegetable garden, soon.
Celery is a fibrous vegetable that grows into a leafy stalk. While many enjoy it fresh, celery also goes well into a cooked meal. Per serving, the crunchy vegetable has 16 calories. It’s a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Add it to snacks to benefit from its anti-inflammatory qualities. However, celery is not a superfood. They are the perfect complement to a healthy diet. While it is not glorified as a superfood, celery does class up the plate. Seasoned right, celery can stand out with a flavor all its own.
Meanwhile, back in your kitchen, your celery sticks scream for something else. Add some peanut butter or avocado. Mix chopped celery into a pasta dish or stir-fry. Stir chopped celery into onions and potatoes for a delicious soup. While all these items are cooking, chop up a few extra sticks store them in an airtight container, and place them in the refrigerator. They will keep crisp for at least two days. The celery will lose quality after that, but you can still enjoy them or use them in soups or other recipes.
It all started when a very energetic bird named Alice met the very caring Karla Bloem. Alice was a three-week-old great horned owl living in Raptor Rehabilitation Center in Antigo. She was blown out of her nest and broke her left wing at the joint which caused her to permanently damage her nerves. Meanwhile, Karla was in search of a good education bird and an injured bird to feature at the Houston Nature Center. She eventually met Marge Gibson who at the time was in charge of the Raptor; she gave Alice to Bloem. When the two ran into each other at the center it was almost like fate had ordained it.
Alice was a big hit at the center, she has a big personality and slowly became part of not only Karla’s life but everyone at the nature center. So when Alice turned six, Karla started the Festival of Owls to celebrate her hatch day in March. Over the years the festival grew and gained traction from many owl enthusiasts and other bird watchers. Now people from all over the world try to take part in this day by sharing stories and organizing fairs and contests for high schoolers to educate them on the powerful nocturnal bird.
Though this particular festival just recently started getting popular, the owls have been significant in historical folklore in different parts of the world for many years. In a lot of countries in Africa and the Middle East, the bird predicts bad tidings, gloom, and even death, whilst in other parts like old Siberia, China, and Greenland the bird has been said to be a symbol of good luck and fortune.
Fossil records show pigs roamed the Earth as early as 40 million years ago, and the animals’ descendants are believed to have first been domesticated around 9,000 years ago in current-day China and parts of western Asia. Later, about 3,500 years ago, Romans introduced breeding for pigs. Pork consumption was banned in parts of Asia and the Middle East, however, Europeans continued refining purpose-driven pig breeds up to the 1500s.
It was around this time when domesticated pigs first set “hoof” on North American soils. Christopher Columbus is believed to have eight pigs along his journey while traveling to Cuba in 1493 after his initial voyage to the “New World.” Columbus’ successor in exploring the Americas, Hernando de Soto, brought 13 of the animals with him when first landing in today’s Tampa Bay, Florida, making the first domesticated pigs in what would become the United States of America.
National Pig Day began in 1972 when two sisters, Ellen Stanley, and Mary Lynne Rave, decided it was time “to accord to the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man’s most intellectual and domesticated animals”. The first official celebration took place that year with the intent of the holiday to respectfully remember the pig as opposed to serving it as the main meal. Since then, cities across the country have planned fun events such as a “snort off” competition, pig parades, and pig-themed arts and crafts activities.
Minnesota was admitted into the Union as the 32nd state on May 11, 1858. The land has an impressive history and heritage, which is reflected in the state’s beautiful landmarks, and preserved by locals. The Mississippi River’s source is Lake Itasca, dividing a segment of the entire state. This boundary also separated the region when the western border of the United States was being determined after the Revolutionary War. It wasn’t until 1836 that Minnesota became whole, following its inclusion in the Wisconsin Territory.
St. Paul — Minnesota’s capital, was previously known as Pig’s Eye Landing and was created along the Mississippi River in 1838. The state’s neighboring city Minneapolis, is known as “Twin Cities” and is home to historical and contemporary landmarks such as the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the Walker Art Center. Downtown Minneapolis features the world’s most detailed network of indoor pedestrian paths, connecting shopping centers, restaurants, housing, and businesses for eight miles.
North of the state is the Arrowhead Region where the nights are clear and the air is cooler. The breathtaking views are quite a sight, and the Aurora Borealis curtains the sky at night. Poetic right? How about some more interesting facts about Minnesota? Minnesota is not just known for its immense scenic beauty but also for its diverse culture, 11 native American tribes are residents in the state, with cultural influences from the Scandinavian and German immigrants.
The state is home to some of the finest art collections. We can literally call Minnesota, a “State of the Art” pun intended. With museums and theaters all over the state, there is a huge attraction for lovers of arts and literature. The Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, and other popular museums/institutes are in Minnesota. From the literary corner, Robert Zimmerman a.k.a. Bob Dylan, the 2016 Nobel Prize laureate in literature, is also a Minnesotan.
March Racing clouds and whistling winds, Coats flapping in the breeze, Bright kites circling in the skies, The dance of swaying trees, The cheerful sight of crocuses, The first sweet breath of spring – Just part of all the many moods The month of March can bring.
The squirrel leaps from the corner of the doghouse right into the dish full of bird seeds.
While most people would typically say that every year has just 365 days in it, that isn’t exactly true. In fact, it takes exactly 365 and one-fourth days for the Earth to travel around the sun. This means, that for the years to be entirely accurate and precise, it is necessary to have a “correction day” every four years, where an extra day is added to account for the extra one-fourth of a day.
The history of calendars has been a bit complicated with the Roman calendar including only 355 days. Reform of the calendar during Caesar’s time led to adding a “leap day”, but it was still a bit confusing. By the late 1500s, the Gregorian calendar (initiated by Pope Gregory XIII) began its movement into the modern world, and its practice of having an extra day every four years was slowly adopted and became common practice in the West over the next two centuries.
Also known as Johnnycakes, griddle cakes, or hotcakes, this batter-made breakfast item dates back more than 30,000 years. In fact, it may be the oldest breakfast food in history, spanning as far back as the Stone Age and even found in the stomach of Otzi the Iceman, whose human remains are estimated to be 5,300 years old.
The Middle English word ‘pancake’ first appeared in English in the 15th century however, Ancient Greeks and Romans made what were called Alita Dolcia or “another sweet” with wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk. Greek Poets, Cratinus and Magnes wrote about them in their poetry and Shakespeare mentions them in his famous plays. During the English Renaissance, pancakes were flavored with spices, rosewater, sherry, and apples. This practice of pouring batter on a pan and frying it is common in nearly every culture around the world.
In the UK, they’ve celebrated Shrove Tuesday since 1100 A.D. It is the day before Ash Wednesday, also referred to in other places as Fat Tuesday. This very popular Feast Day is observed through participating in confession, finalizing a lenten sacrifice, as well as consuming pancakes and other sweets.
Bright red with a pointed head crest and black bib, male cardinals are always a welcome sight at bird feeders. Cardinals are year-round residents in the eastern two-thirds of Texas. They prefer thick underbrush for nesting. Cardinals have been expanding their range northward.
Both male and female cardinals sing almost year-round. Common calls include “cheer cheer cheer”, “whit-chew whit-chew whit-chew” and “purty purty purty”. Cardinals eat seeds, fruit, and insects, and are easily attracted to bird feeders, especially those containing sunflower seeds.
Male cardinals vigorously defend their territory. They have been known to attack their reflections in mirrors, windows, and chrome. Sometimes they will even attack small red objects they mistake for other males. Females usually sing after males establish territory but before nesting starts. A cardinal’s nest consists of a tightly woven cup of roots, stems, and twigs lined with fine grass and hair.
Cardinals are colorful, tolerant of people, have pleasant calls, and are easily attracted to bird feeders. That has made them a favorite of backyard birdwatchers all over the eastern half of the U.S. Cardinals may form winter flocks of 60-70 birds. Their bright plumage brings color to our yards during the winter when many other species have flown south.
Strawberries have grown in the wild for thousands of years, and it was the French who first brought this delicious red berry into their gardens for cultivation in the 14th century. Not long afterward, English Archbishop Thomas Wolsey created the winning combination of strawberries and cream for Henry VIII’s court that so many people still enjoy today.
However, the early species of strawberries were very different from those we feast on now. It wasn’t until 1712 that a French excursion to Chile resulted in the mixing of different types of strawberry plants and the garden strawberry we know today was born.
In the early 19th century, love for strawberries spread quickly when strawberries and cream were seen as a luxury, and the invention of the railroad meant that they could be transported quickly all around the country. New York produced bumper crops and farms also sprang up in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee. Now, 75% of U.S. strawberries are grown in California, but they are still grown in every state.
The berry’s name may be due to several reasons: some argue that it comes from the Old English “Strawbridge” because of its straw-like fronds. Others suggest that they’re so-called because of farmers mulching them with straw, and there are also accounts that the berries were sold on straw skewers at markets. The origins of National Strawberry Day are unclear, but it has been celebrated since at least 2013. Its heart shape and bright red color make it a symbol of love that is perfect for the romantic month of February.
It’s been difficult for scientists to track down the origins of the polar bear but a recent discovery in Norway may have provided the answer. A rare jawbone found on the Norwegian island of Svalbard in 2004 allowed scientists to estimate that the species first walked the planet around 150,000 years ago.
Indigenous cultures have lived in the Arctic and hunted polar bears for thousands of years, contributing towards a balanced Arctic ecosystem. That all changed in the 1700s when hunters from Europe, Russia, and North America began to rapidly cut into the polar bear population. Without any regulations, people were able to trap as many polar bears as they liked, and the species suffered because of it.
By the 1950s things were getting worse due to the increasing use of fossil fuels. The burning of coal, oil, and gas melted the sea ice, causing ocean levels to rise and changing the landscape of the polar bear’s environment. Environmental groups began to push back on the polar bear’s behalf but their protests often fell on deaf ears as governments ignored their pleas to do more to protect the Arctic and in turn polar bears.
In 1973, the U.S., Denmark, Norway, and the former USSR signed the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears and their Habitat. The agreement regulated commercial hunting and the U.S. government classified polar bears as endangered. The non-profit organization Polar Bears International (PBI) was formed in 1994 and they made it their mission to establish action programs to protect the endangered polar bear.
Since it didn’t work out as planned at Chimney Rock, Kevin decided to approach a different trail. We had his older brother and our sister-in-law in tow when we went up to Table Rock Mountain. Table Rock Mountain is not far from Morganton and has some nice trails up there, which can be easily accessed from the parking lot. It was a beautiful afternoon hike, where I could the Linville Gorge and a lot of vegetation. A lot of plants looked familiar to me. And I pointed that out to my brother-in-law. He replied, that a lot of these plants are brought over from Europe and are now invasive species, and/or Europeans figured out what grows best in what type of soil.
After reaching the parking lot and quenching our thirst with water, we drove back down toward Morganton and then to Valdese. It was time for dinner. And Kevin’s parents were waiting for us.
The National Wildlife Federation defines invasive species as any living organism that is not natural to the ecosystem. It causes damage, to plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and even seedlings. These species are recognized predators as they reproduce and grow rapidly, taking over an ecosystem/host plant. In 2015, the first National Invasive Species Week was held, bringing together various groups to promote awareness of invasive species and encourage people to limit their spread.
In late February, delegates from local, statewide, and regional organizations convene in Washington, D.C., to discuss invasive species prevention and management legislation, policies, and possible improvements. Partners organize events across the nation to enlighten the general public and political representatives about how they can help limit the presence of invasive species. The North American Invasive Species Management Association is in charge of the week.
Sometimes great things really do come in small packages. Known as the “happy nut” in China and the “smiling nut” in the Middle East, pistachios have a unique, small shape but pack a powerfully nutritious punch. Aside from having a great smile, these vibrant green nuts let you snack your way to good health by containing as much protein as an egg per serving and a myriad of other nutrients. They are part of a very nutty, yet irritating family of plants, the evergreen family, which includes mangoes, pistachios, cashews, and yup… poison ivy! Aside from their curious genealogy, pistachio’s incredible health benefits sure give other nuts a run for the money!
When the sun disappeared behind the trees, it was time for the air show. It was also a little bit cooler. And the girls became a bit more active outside the water fountains. Katelynn had the chance to hold a cockatoo on her shoulder. That bird looked almost bigger than her. Sara enjoyed hanging with her daddy and munched herself through the cooler. Everything, that could keep her cool, she went for it. Katelynn came back with a lightsaber before it was time for fireworks.
Also known as the Shang Yuan Festival or the Yuan Xiao Jie Festival, the Lantern Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls during the first month of the lunar calendar, on the fifteenth day. The festival is a celebration of the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and the start of the new year. It’s a time for families to come together and enjoy food, entertainment, and the lighting of lanterns.
One of the fundamental traditions of the Lantern Festival is the display and appreciation of colorful lanterns as well as other activities such as fireworks displays, parades, and traditional dance and music performances. Many people also participate in cultural activities such as solving riddles written on lanterns or eating sweet dumplings, called yuanxiao.
Winter is with us, yet there has been a small but palpable shift in nature. Deep in the Earth life stirs and begins its journey toward Spring. The days are a little longer. The birds sing just a little louder.
The February Full Moon is about to see small changes that will make a difference in the long term; the small seed planted now will grow and prosper as Spring arrives. Our energy increases as the Earth stirs. Use this energy to set something new in motion Spend more time outside.
Tiles are timeless elements of architectural endeavors and design. Seeing them on the walls, floors, and roofs provides aesthetic pleasure, and they have become inseparable from architecture and designs in all spheres, both domestic and public. More than that, tiles can be used for flooring all throughout the house. Kitchens, bathroom, toilet, sitting room; every room in the house can have tiles on the floor to provide strong, durable, and beautiful flooring. There are many types of tiles, from ceramic, porcelain, and glass to marble, granite, and other natural stone tiles, and many others.
The use of tiles in history began in ancient Egypt several millennia back, and they were used for decorative purposes. They were mostly found in murals, mosaics, and various other designs. The Egyptians had already begun using blue brick tiles to decorate their homes around the fourth millennium B.C., and glazed brick tiles were common in Mesopotamia also, as found on the famous Ishtar Gate in Babylon, which was tiled and decorated with lions, bulls, and dragons. The Islamic empires are given credit for the spread of ceramic tiles as wall coverings, and then the Chinese via their access to the silk trade routes.
Today, tiles exist all over the world, gracing the walls and floors of millions of structures. They have evolved into different designs, patterns, and arrangements that are beautiful and pleasing to the sight, and National Tile Day exists as a moment to celebrate this wonderful, awe-inspiring craftsmanship.
National Banana Bread Day celebrates a perfect pairing of fruit plus bread. A few things are quite as comforting as walking into the house and smelling a freshly baked loaf of banana bread. It’s certainly a dessert staple in many households, which is probably why so many of us have such a special place in our hearts for this delicious treat. The best things in life deserve an entire day devoted to celebrating their existence.
The earliest occurrence of the famed cocktail was in 1938 by the father of the drink Carlos “Danny” Herrera. He made it in his restaurant located in Baja California, for a famous customer named Marjorie King, a dancer on the hit American theatrical Broadway “Ziegfeld Follies” because she was allergic to spirits but not tequila — and just like that our beloved drink was born. The problem is, that Herrera isn’t the only person to claim to be the OG margarita maker. One of them was Francisco “Pancho” Morales who was a bartender in Mexico, who first mixed the cocktail in 1942 in Juárez, Mexico, and then left to become a US citizen and work as a milkman for 25 years. He has the backing of the official Mexican newspaper — Notimex.
The wildest story is this last one. Margarita Sames, a Dallas “higher class” citizen, believed she created the drink in her vacation home for her guests in Acapulco, Mexico in 1948. Tommy Hilton (yes… that Hilton) who was friends with Margarita attended the party, and then brought it back to his hotel chains and put it on the menu. But before he could even breathe, Jose Cuervo, of the famous tequila brand, claimed he was already running ad campaigns for the drink in 1945, with the catchphrase, “Margarita: It’s more than a girl’s name.” Regardless of where the drink was first made, one thing is for certain — everyone was having fun.
Thankfully, margaritas come in a ton of different varieties, so it’s not a surprise why 76% of Americans enjoy a nice margarita. From strawberry and peach to mango and berry, to slightly stronger drinks with beer, to even having healthier versions like skinny margaritas and sportier cocktails (just swap out the triple sec for a Gatorade). It doesn’t matter if you’re at a bar, at home on the sofa, or just finished an important meeting; grab the nearest fruit, tequila, triple sec, and mix that baby up to the rhythm of “one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor”. But do drink responsibly, too much tequila has been known T’kill’ya!
California is a beauty that adorns the western landmass of the beautiful U.S., with shimmering beaches washed by the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Nevada deserts in the east. Its north is graced by occasional prairies, marshes, and other wetlands bordering Oregon, and finally, the Mexican borders to the south. California is a land of geographical diversity, blessed with seashores, forests, deserts, valleys, coastal mountain ranges, and a thriving agricultural landmass. The state has a rich history divided into five major periods.
Native American culture has strong roots in California. The Native American period started about 10,000 years ago and ended with European explorations in the 1500s. Before the European age, California held about one-third of the total population of Native Americans. The Spanish explorers named California. Settlements grew over time, and the land of California welcomed them all. Between 1769 and 1821, the Spanish colonized California. However, the colonization efforts were faced with many difficulties. The lack of an organized agricultural tradition, the absence of organized tribes, and the difficulty of procuring food supplies and domestic animals made it difficult. The isolation of California did not help at all in the process. In 1821, Mexico obtained independence from Spain, and California became a part of the new nation.
In the following decades, California witnessed the war between Mexico and America. The end of the war also witnessed California becoming a state in America. Congress passed the California Statehood Act on September 9, 1850. The following years saw the Gold Rush and large-scale settlements in California filled with dreams of gold and riches. In the following years, California became an important state, and it still is today.
The sun fought its way through the dense fog in the Naugatuck River Valley. With the rays dancing in that haze, it was a beautiful sight in our backyard this morning.
The Mediterranean House Gecko is a relatively small, 4 – 5 in (10 – 13 cm), species that has become ubiquitous in certain areas of the United States. Unlike any native lizard, geckos have sticky toe pads, and vertical pupils, and their large eyes lack eyelids. These geckos are generally light gray or almost white in color but may have some darker mottling. This species is most easily distinguished from the similar Indo-Pacific gecko by its bumpy (warty) skin. The Mediterranean House Gecko can usually be found praying on insects near external house lights or other forms of lighting on warm nights.
Like most other invasive species, the Mediterranean House Gecko breeds rapidly. Females are capable of laying multiple clutches of two eggs each throughout the summer. These eggs are laid in cracks and crevices in trees or man-made structures including buildings. Like rodents, the Mediterranean House Gecko has been aided by human development. It is very common to see the geckos on the sides of buildings under lights catching insects on a summer night.
It is uncertain how the Mediterranean House Gecko first made its way to the United States. It was first reported in Key West, Florida 1915. It is thought that this gecko was probably a stowaway on a ship from the Mediterranean area. Mediterranean House Geckos are quite common in the pet trade, which has no doubt led to its spread across the United States. Currently, this species has high numbers in Florida and has established breeding populations all along Southern states.
Bakeries offer these single-serving quick breads in several sizes. From mini bite-sized muffins and jumbo ones to the favored muffin tops, they also offer a varied nutritional value. Depending on the ingredients, a muffin can be high in fat and calories. However, substituting whole grains, changing a few other ingredients, and limiting the serving size can increase the nutritional quality of a muffin. Baking with fresh fruits and berries brings brightness to muffins. It also keeps them from becoming dry as they bake. One of America’s favorite muffins is the blueberry muffin. Another way to add flavor and texture is by mixing in nuts and oats. Bakers often have bits of chocolate and bananas that need to be used.
Did you know that most households in the United States have at least one pet? While there are more cats than dogs in the United States, more households have dogs than cats, but not by much. Pets are not limited to the canine and feline categories. There are quite a few who prefer the companionship of birds, reptiles, fish, or rats. Whoever your pet companion is, we are sure you will enjoy spending a little extra time with them on National Love Your Pet Day and reap the benefits, as well such as stress relief and lower blood pressure. So on February 20th (and every day) show your appreciation to your pets!
Kevin and I traveled to Chimney Rock one morning. After we found out, how expensive it is to get up to the platform, we decided to go take a stroll in Chimney Rock Village and spend some time at the Broad River and Lake Lure. It turned out to be a nice trip without spending an arm and a leg. Kevin and I rather saved our money for our honeymoon at Walt Disney World.
If you’re not aware of what pancakes are, first off, you’re missing out on one of the most delicious breakfasts known to man, and second, here’s how we describe pancakes. Pancakes are round, flat cakes, prepared from a thick batter made of flour, milk, and eggs. The pancake batter can have other ingredients such as buttermilk, yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, apples, bananas, chocolate chips, sugar, cheese, and flavoring agents like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and anything that makes your taste buds dance!
They are usually consumed at breakfast and can be topped with maple syrup, butter, jam, honey, peanut butter, cane syrup, molasses, whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar, fruits, nuts, and everything nice. But wait, here’s the interesting part, they can either be eaten as sweet or savory, and unsweetened pancakes can be served with sides such as eggs, bacon, or sausage.
Although pancakes are often branded as a breakfast food, they can actually be eaten at any time of the day. Pancakes and their variation are found in almost every culture. In ancient Greece and Rome, they made a variation of pancakes with wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk, calling it ‘Alita Dolcia’ meaning ‘another sweet’. In certain countries, pancakes resemble the French crêpe, while in others what the U.S. calls pancakes are known as flapjacks or crumpets. So, this National Pancake Week, fill your belly with pancakes, share pancakes with others, and enjoy this delicious food!
After the death of George Washington in 1799, his birthday was unofficially celebrated as a day of remembrance called Washington Day. Throughout the 1800s, people used this day to honor the man who shaped America and the legacy he left. In 1832, a resolution permitted the removal and internment of George Washington’s body in the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. and the erection of the Washington Monument in 1848 caused more celebrations nationwide.
It wasn’t until the late 1870s that Steven Wallace Dorsey proposed that Washington’s birthday should become a national federal holiday. President Rutherford B. Hayes signed it into law in 1879 and joined the four existing bank holidays that were previously approved in 1870. Because of Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and the proximity of his birthday on February 12, it was proposed that Washington Day should become Presidents’ Day to celebrate both men, but that idea was rejected by Congress.
Washington’s Birthday didn’t officially become Presidents’ Day until the late 1960s. Senator Robert McClory of Illinois concocted a plan that moved key bank holidays to Mondays to increase the number of three-day weekends for workers in what’s known as the Uniform Monday Act. The hope was that it would increase productivity and decrease employee absenteeism. Unsurprisingly, the labor union agreed with this idea and so did the private sector.
In 1971, Richard M. Nixon made the executive order to pass the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which shifted Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans’ Day to Monday. With the date landing in the middle of Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays, it became known as Presidents’ Day, while having a simultaneous benefit for retail stores as they advertised their special sales events during this time. By the mid-1980s, Presidents’ Day became the common term and continues to be called such to this day.
Our big blue oceans are home to some of the most fascinating creatures, and for centuries they have been hunted for varying reasons. Now they face another challenge, which is the loss of habitat. To this effect, in the year 1980, World Whale Day began in Maui, Hawaii, to honor the humpback whales, which used to swim off the coast of the tropical island. This day was born out of an idea by Greg Kauffman, the founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation. He wanted to raise awareness about the threat of extinction faced by humpback whales.
Since then, whales have been the main highlight of the Maui Whale Festival. This free event sees crowds flocking there to enjoy a parade that includes floats and costumed characters. The festival even sees children’s events and music from Hawaiian and international stars. What started with raising awareness for humpback whales in Hawaii has gone beyond that now. It also seeks to promote awareness of the oceans that are not as healthy as they once used to be. There needs to be a serious call to action to make the homes of whales a safe place for them to live.
Whales are truly beautiful. The blue whale grows to 98 feet in length and is the largest whale on Earth. The smallest whale, the toothed dwarf sperm whale, grows between six feet, seven inches, and eight feet, 10 inches. Thus on this day, we must all take cognizance of this rising concern and take collection action to preserve their natural habitat.
Image of planet Pluto at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, WA, USA
Pluto Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the anniversary of the discovery of Pluto in 1930. Although Pluto was discovered in 1930, the story of its discovery started in 1840 after French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier sensed that there was a planet outside of Uranus due to irregularities in its orbit. His intuition led him to develop mathematical calculations to explain the discrepancies in Uranus’s orbit concerning the laws of planetary motion and gravity, which led to the eventual discovery of Neptune.
After Neptune was discovered, an event widely regarded as a validation of a subset of the astronomy practice called celestial mechanics. It was then realized that there was yet another planet disturbing Uranus’s orbit since the irregularity in its orbit continued. This led to the search for Pluto — initially called Planet X — being headed by Percival Lowell, whose death would later see the search for Pluto passed to Clyde Tombaugh, who eventually discovered it.
The planet, which was named after the Roman god of the Underworld, was considered one of the nine planets in the solar system up until 2006. The International Astronomical Union reduced its status and tagged it a ‘dwarf’ planet due to not meeting the criteria to be considered a full-sized planet and being two-thirds of the size of the Earth. It is believed that the first two letters in ‘Pluto’ were in honor of Percival Lowell whose belief that there were other planets beyond Neptune, helped fuel the drive that led to its discovery.
Pluto appeared for the first time in Disney’s “The Chain Gang” in the same year Pluto, the Planet was discovered.
Kevin, Courtney, and I went with the kids, and a stroller full of cooler, blankets, and towels from a parking garage to the Addison Circle, which leads to the entrance of Kaboom Town. Addison opens the gates around 4 or 5 pm. The earlier we show up, the better the chance we get a decent spot. It was a very hot Independence Day weekend. So, we adults decided to pick a shaded spot under a couple of trees close to the water fountains and the bathrooms. Once, our blankets were laid out, the girls wanted to play in the fountain and cool off. There was still plenty of time for the airshow and fireworks. By the time the sun is behind the horizon, the kids can rest and watch the shows. It didn’t take long until Sara was hungry and wanted to eat a sandwich. Thank goodness, we always bring our cooler with us. Katelynn rested with her Dad on the blanket for a little bit, before she decided she was hungry, too.
Early morning, it snowed in New England again. The snowfall lasted throughout the mid-morning hours. It was a steady slow fall of crystal-clear snowflakes. In the evening, we had a fiery sunset. Those winter days with morning snowfall and evening sunsets are my favorite this season. However, clear skies bring cold nights. I hope, the wildlife finds dens, where they can hide out from these cold temperatures.
Cabbage is more than just a side of coleslaw or an accompaniment to corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day. This delightful veggie deserves additional credit because it has much more to offer. Apart from being a very good source of fiber and vitamins, cabbage is a vegetable that offers value for money.
Although there isn’t much history on National Cabbage Day, apart from the day it was officiated, the history of the domestication of cabbage can be traced back to 4000 B.C. By the Middle Ages, it had become an integral part of European cuisine. During the 17th and 18th centuries, cabbage was a staple in many countries including Germany, England, Ireland, and Russia, where pickled cabbage was frequently consumed. The cabbage made its debut in North America in 1541 with French explorer Jacques Cartier. By the 18th century, it was commonly planted by both colonists and Native Americans.
Today, the world production of cabbage and other species of the same family is nearly 69 million tons, with China accounting for 48% of the total. Although cabbage is a vegetable that is taken for granted, its production numbers affirm its popularity across the world and its nutritional value makes it an essential part of every kitchen. Cabbage has been around for thousands of years coming in different varieties and flavors. Also, you can enjoy it in a range of ways. You can either eat it raw, steam it, boil it, bake it, braise it, or fry it. You can even ferment it to enjoy it in the future.
In 1989, after joining the Ocean Institute, Stephen Hillenburg created an unpublished comic book, “The Intertidal Zone,” which he used to teach visiting students about undersea life. Some of the characters in this comic book evolved into characters that will eventually appear in SpongeBob SquarePants. He tried several times to get the comic published, but no publishing company was interested in his ideas.
Hillenburg went on to work with Joe Murray, the creator of Rocko’s Modern Life, as producer and creative director. During this period, he developed all the characters in SpongeBob SquarePants and got the idea to turn it into an animated series. In 1997, Hillenburg pitched SpongeBob SquarePants to Nickelodeon executives. Nickelodeon loved it, and Hillenburg and his team were given funding and two weeks to write the first episode.
On May 1, 1999, Nickelodeon previewed the series and officially premiered it on July 17, 1999. The first season was released in that same year, and one of the episodes in that season was ‘Employee of the Month.’ Annoy Squidward Day first appeared in that episode as part of a joke.
In the episode, someone asks Squidward, “What day is it?” Being a character that is easily irritated, Squidward replied, “Annoy Squidward Day.” SpongeBob laughed at that response and said, “No, silly, that is on the 15th,” pointing to the calendar. In fact, on every 15th of that month, Mr. Krabs gives out the Employee of the Month Award. But that did not stop fans from turning it into an actual holiday, celebrated on February 15.
Toward the end of the Ice Age, Paleo-Indians came to Wisconsin. It was inhabited by large animals such as mammoths, mastodons, and giant beavers, which the Paleo-Indians hunted. Eventually, these animals neared extinction and the Paleo-Indians moved to smaller animals such as deer and bison. By the early Woodland Period, plants became important in diets and small-scale agriculture, and pottery emerged in Wisconsin.
Jean Violet, the first known European inhabitant, arrived in Wisconsin in the French period and paved the way for innumerable other Europeans to follow. The British eventually gained full control of Wisconsin in 1763. The U.S. acquired Wisconsin in the Treaty of Paris in 1783. However, it didn’t exercise proper control over the state until the War of 1812. Even following this control, several wars were fought in and for Wisconsin. It was made a part of different territories before it became its own Wisconsin Territory in 1836.
Finally, on May 29, 1848, Wisconsin was officially signed into the union of the U.S., becoming the 30th state to join. Since then, it has been ethnically heterogeneous, a valuable resource, and an important player in modernizing government. It has attained many names such as the Dairy Land, Water Park Capital, Badger State, Copper State, etc.., of the countless things that it has to offer. In 2019, Governor Tony Evers declared February 15 as National Wisconsin Day because he believed that Wisconsin, its residents, and anyone who worked hard historically to make the state what it is today deserved to be celebrated and recognized.
Today was the first of four days, we will get warmer temperatures in the mid to upper 40s (7°- 9℃). On Saturday, it is supposed to be 53 ℉ (12℃). We are having a “heat wave” on our way. Warming trends like these are called “False Spring” in February. Because in reality Winter still has a strong grip, before Spring arrives in New England. Since it is much warmer, Sara and I checked out Echo Lake. The lake is still covered in a giant ice sheet from shore to shore. However, most of the snow melted away. Therefore, we could walk all the way to the lake’s edge, knowing where the shoreline ended and the lake began in the park. When it was colder, people must have been ice fishing and taken a shortcut to the other side of Echo Lake. Now that the ice is much thinner and surface cracks can be seen, I wouldn’t recommend walking on it. It’s too dangerous out there. Next week, it might be a different story again.
Tonight, Luna & Jupiter are dancing in the night sky. Since the Moon is still waxing crescent, it will set before midnight. If you have a clear sky, take a look at the West.
I’ve noticed, that we have had a lot of crows sitting in our trees for the last few days. They usually come to us shortly before sunset. It’s a big murder of crows. And they are very loud. I mentioned to Kevin, that we have a “Crow Counsel Spring Meeting” in the trees. Our cats are not impressed by all these big black birds and always make a b-line back into the house. Luis and Zoey cut their toilet time shorter, too. What a big commotion over some conversations between some smart crows. Since some of our neighbors and I feed the Winter birds, we might have a chance to get some gifts/trinkets. It’s time to lay some unsalted peanuts out. And if the crows don’t want them, we still have plenty of squirrels and Blue Jays in the neighborhood. They would love some peanuts in their diet.
In 1932, Edward Max Nicholson, an environmentalist, organized a meeting at the National History Museum, London, which is how the Oxford Scheme came into existence. It was in 1933 that the name British Trust for Ornithology (B.T.O.) was born. Edward Max Nicholson was the treasurer of B.T.O. and the secretary was Bernard William Tucker.
The B.T.O. started tracking migratory birds by placing a ring on the feet of the birds. This was done to get insight into the routes and to understand their behavior and habits. There are two projects that the British Trust for Ornithology conducts for collecting information. The first one is the Constant Efforts Sites (C.E.T.) project which is used for providing information about the population and the survival chances of the birds living in difficult terrains and climates. The second one is the Retrapping Adults for Survival (R.A.S.) which is used to collect information on the birds that are classified as endangered species. The British Trust for Ornithology also has a bird reserve named Nunnery Lake Site which is in Thetford, Norfolk.
In 1997 The British Trust for Ornithology and well-known bird care company, Jacobi Jayne & Co. initiated Nest Box Week to motivate people to build and place nest boxes in their gardens to provide the birds with a welcoming home. This was done as a step toward protecting the bird population. Every year people celebrate this week by making or buying beautiful nest boxes for the birds and keeping them in their yard.
While February 14 is more famous for being Valentine’s Day, it also doubles as the annual observance of National Ferris Wheel Day. George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the inventor of the Ferris wheel, was born on February 14. Ferris, a civil engineer, born in 1859, in Galesburg, Illinois, introduced the world to the concept of the Ferris wheel and designed the original Chicago Ferris Wheel. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, in 1881.
Ferris constructed his prototype as a landmark for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, as the United States version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Originally called “the Chicago Wheel,” it took Ferris two years to plan and construct. Costing about $700,000 in 1893 and containing over 100,000 parts, Ferris’ massive wheel stood at an enormous 264 feet high, towering about 26 stories above Chicago. It had 36 gondolas (cars housed within glass and locked doors) and accommodated up to 60 (40 seated, 20 standing) passengers. Over 1.4 million people paid 50 cents for a 20-minute ride on the wheel through the next 19 weeks of the World’s Columbian Exposition.
After the exhibition, the Ferris wheel was moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904 for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and destroyed there on May 11, 1906, with dynamite for scrap metal. Some dismantled parts of Ferris’ original design were used to make the U.S.S. Illinois, a World War I battleship, and to construct a bridge over the Kankakee River, south of Chicago. Although Ferris lived a short life – dying at the age of 37 due to typhoid fever – his invention lives on, enjoyed by fun lovers around the world.
The believed origins are that it came from the feast for the patron saint Valentine, by the Catholic Church in 496 A.D. This was a way to overshadow and later replace the Pagan festival of Lupercalia. This festival was celebrated at the beginning of spring and paid homage to the Roman God of Agriculture, Faunus, on February 15. A goat would be sacrificed symbolizing fertility and purity, respectively. This would then involve the hide of the goat being torn into strips, dipped in the sacrificial blood, and painted across women and crops.
Despite there being many Valentines associated with the patron saints day, historians believe that the romanticized element of how Valentine’s Day is celebrated today came from a priest who was martyred by emperor Claudius II Gothicus in around 270 A.D. Varying stories talk about different St Valentines with some saying one was marrying couples in secret to prevent men going off to war, another healed the blind, and the next wrote a message to his daughter signed ‘your Valentine’. There is also a possibility that they could be the same person!
It was during the 1400s that the day was associated with romance. Messages, or ‘Valentines’ as they were called, began to appear. Hand-written letters and poems declaring affection or love became more and more popular. In the mid-1800s, Valentine’s cards began to be commercially produced, and traditional gifts were candy and flowers, especially red roses symbolizing love and beauty.
Today, Valentine’s Day has become inclusive of friends and family to show how much you care and love them. Companies have seized the opportunity to fit their products and services into the Valentine’s Day period to benefit from the sales boost, as it continues to grow each year.
The differential grasshopper is found throughout most of the United States, except for the northwest. Within its range, it is most often found in heavily weeded areas and grasslands, and even in vacant lots and other urban areas. This species is not migratory but can travel a few miles to search for food.
After a beautiful Spring-like weekend, we are back in February. It snowed 2 inches/hour for about 7-8 hours. Our yard had at least a foot (30 cm) of snow. A little bit north of Watertown is Thomaston. They reported up to 16 inches (40 cm) of snow. Around noon, the Nor’easter moved out of Western Connecticut. By late afternoon, we got rewarded with a nice sunset.
It’s Mardi Gras time, arguably one the best celebrations in the world. The origins of Mardi Gras link back to pagan celebrations of the arrival of spring and fertility, such as the Roman festivals of Saturnalia that celebrated the same and that of Lupercalia which was also characterized by banqueting and merrymaking. It stretches from Twelfth Night (the last night of Christmas) all the way until Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” to reflect the practice of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. It’s also a time to bring out those colorful beads and masks and party! This celebration goes on in many parts of the world in various forms
The first weekend we visited Kevin’s parents in North Carolina, we went on a day trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg is one of those places, I call “tourist traps”. It’s all fine, that Eastern Tennessee wants to make money. But, I can care less about all this hustle & bustle in that town. Originally, my father-in-law wanted to take us to a place close by to show us some Cherokee and Civil War history. Well, that didn’t work out that way. And it was partially also my fault. Because I said I’d rather see the attractions in Gatlinburg. Now, I wish I had said “yes” to the history. But I’m also 22 years older and hopefully smarter.
On the way back to North Carolina, we stopped at the Interstate 40 Welcome Center. It’s a nice center with some outdoor walking area in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. In the meantime, we stopped there several times, while driving from Texas to North Carolina.
National Latte Day commemorates how delicious and versatile the cafe latte is. Lattes are a type of milk coffee that originated in Italy. Lattes are made of a base of espresso topped with steamed milk. The drink is traditionally served at breakfast. Italians serve cafe lattes for breakfast with espresso brewed on a Moka pot on the stove. It is served with hot milk and no sugar.
While the cafe latte has been a part of European cuisine since the 17th century, it was only towards the 20th century that it started making appearances in coffee houses. The modern variation of the cafe latte, commonly called latte, is believed to have been invented in America. The drink was popularized in Seattle and spread widely as modern coffee shops became popular.
Today in Italy, the cafe latte is made in the same way as it has always been. Outside of Italy, in coffee shops, lattes are made with espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Lattes are similar to cappuccinos, which are served with a thicker layer of milk foam. Iced lattes are also popular. In an iced latte, the chilled milk is poured over espresso on ice. They can be served with blended ice and several flavoring syrups depending on the client’s preference.
The weather spoiled us the last couple of days. Unfortunately, everything must have an end. And so has this beautiful weather with 57℉/14℃ where I live in Connecticut. Down at the Long Island Sound, they even reported temperatures in the 60s. That’s almost swimming weather in New England. 😀 Well, Tuesday has another report for a Winter storm. And we will have freezing temperatures, again. I enjoyed this warm spell as long as I could by opening all my windows in the house and walking around on our property. The fresh air was so good. I didn’t close the windows until it began to rain at 7 pm.
Stuffed toys have been children’s best toys since ancient times. They are soft, squishy, and a good companion for all. In the Roman Empire, the children of the rich had wooden carved toys in the shape of animals and humans they played with, and it was such that only the children of the rich could afford and get them. So the children of the lower class and peasants developed ragdolls made from clothes and straws, and over the years, they evolved into stuffed toys as we know them in the world today.
Teddy bears are soft fluffy toys in the shape of bears that evoke feelings of love and warmth when we hold and hug them. They come in different sizes; small, medium, large, and even plus size. Like all other stuffed toys, Teddy bears have evolved from being toys for children to being toys for everyone, including men and women. So during the cold, lonely nights and when we’re feeling emotionally down or happy, teddy bears serve as a great cuddle companion.
Teddy bears got their name in 1902 after President Theodore Roosevelt in a series of events that happened when he went on a hunting trip. During hunting, they happened upon a bear, and President Roosevelt refused to shoot it. The story soon spread all over, and the first stuffed bears were developed by toymakers Morris Michtom in the U.S., and Richard Steiff in Germany, and they were named ‘Teddy bears,’ after President Roosevelt’s pet name.
Biergarten covered with colorful umbrellas at the State Fair
Not only does the umbrella help keep us dry from the rain, but it also protects us from the heat of the sun. You can also use an umbrella as a fashion accessory. While the umbrella is primarily practical, they also decorate cocktails. These brightly colored paper umbrellas make fun party favors, especially when visiting sunny locations.
Umbrellas have also found their way into the art world. Their color and shape make sharp silhouettes. They also serve as the canvas for art. In movies, umbrellas play a role, too. For example, they played vital parts in Singing in the Rain (1952) and Mary Poppins (1964).
The Chinese Lunar New Year’s Day is one of the most — if not the most — important holidays in China. The New Year begins when the new moon appears, which typically occurs between January 21 and February 20.
The holiday’s origins can be traced back to the period between 475 B.C. and 221 A.D., known as “the Warring States period.” Several myths and legends about the origins of this holiday exist. A popular myth narrates the story of a monster called ‘Nian,’ meaning ‘Year,’ who terrorized villagers at the beginning of each new year. According to the story, the monster also happened to be afraid of bright lights, loud sounds, and the color red. The villagers then used all these to frighten away the monster.
In the past, Chinese New Year was a special time to honor deities and ancestors. During present-day celebrations, there are several commonplace traditions practiced by people. For instance, homes are thoroughly cleaned out. This cleaning is symbolic of chasing out bad luck and ushering good fortune into the year. Families gather and enjoy special meals. Young ones are given money in red envelopes. On the final day, the ‘Lantern Festival’ takes place. During the festival, glowing lanterns are hung up in temples or carried around. The streets are taken over by parades and ceremonial dances.
The Year of The Wood Dragon
2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Dragon is the 5th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Rabbit and before the Snake. Recent years of the Dragon include 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952, with the next Dragon year in 2036 (Year of the Fire Dragon). It is associated with the earthly branch symbol Chen. The Dragon is powerful, endlessly energetic full of vitality, goal-oriented yet idealistic and romantic, and a visionary leader. They know exactly who they are and possess the keenest sense of self among the 12 zodiacs of Chinese astrology.
The history of chocolate consumption goes back around 2,500 years. The Aztecs had recently discovered liquid chocolate and believed that the god of wisdom, Quetzalcoatl, had blessed them with it. Cocoa seeds were considered so valuable that they were even used as a form of currency. Back in those days, flavorings in chocolate were scarce and it was consumed as a bitter drink. Chocolates would in fact be sugar-free until the 16th century when Europeans started adding sugar to them. This made chocolate more palatable and quickly caught on in the markets. It became one of many households’ favorite treats.
Many popular present-day chocolate companies started their operations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cadbury was founded in England in 1868 and today it is one of the leading chocolate brands. 25 years later Milton S Hershey started Hershey’s which is now one of the biggest and best-known chocolate brands in the world. Nestlé began its operations in the 1860s and has branched out to become one of the largest food conglomerates in the world. What started off as a drink took shape into a currency and has today become one of the biggest industries that not only generate incomes and employees hundreds of thousands of people across the world but also produce food items that are loved by so many of us! Chocolate Day also celebrates the incredible versatility of this food ingredient.
On Chocolate Day lovers give each other heart-shaped chocolates as a symbol of love. Gifting chocolates to loved ones removes all the tensions and sorrows and improves the sweetness of the relationship.
Though flatbreads with toppings were consumed by ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, the modern birthplace of the pizza is southwestern Italy’s Campania region, home to Naples. Founded around 600 BC as a Greek settlement, Naples in the 1700s and early 1800s was a thriving waterfront city. Technically an independent kingdom, it was notorious for its throngs of working poor, or lazzaroni. These Neapolitans required inexpensive food that could be consumed quickly. Pizza — flatbreads with toppings that can be eaten for every meal — fulfilled this need. These early pizzas featured tasty toppings such as tomatoes, cheese, oil, anchovies, and garlic. More well-off Italian authors judged Naples’ innovation, often calling their eating habits disgusting.
In 1861, Italy finally unified, and King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples in 1889. Legend says that the traveling pair became bored with their steady diet of French cuisine and asked for an assortment of pizzas from the city’s Pizzeria Brandi, founded in 1760. The variety the queen enjoyed the most was called pizza mozzarella, a pie topped with soft white cheese, red tomatoes, and green basil — much resembling the Italian flag. Since then, this particular choice of toppings has been dubbed the Margherita pizza.
However, even with the Queen’s love for the dish, pizza would remain little known in Italy beyond Naples’ borders until the 1940s. Across the sea, immigrants to the United States from Naples were replicating their flatbreads in New York and other American cities. They were coming for factory jobs but accidentally made a culinary statement. Relatively quickly, the flavors and aromas of pizza began to intrigue non-Neapolitans and non-Italians alike.
The first Europeans to reach Iowa were two French explorers in 1673. The first permanent settlement did not take place until the early 1830s. In the meantime, both pioneers and Native Americans moved through the area exploring and hunting. The combined French and Native American history can be seen in geographic names throughout the state such as Des Moines, Dubuque, Le Mars, Ottumwa, Keokuk, and Onawa.
The area that today constitutes the modern state of Iowa was included in the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803. After the purchase of Eastern Iowa from the Fox and Sauk in the 1830s, settlers rapidly moved into the land. The Territory of Iowa was established in 1838, with a population of 23,242. In 1846, it joined the U.S. Union. The population of Iowa rapidly grew during the 1850s, and the Spirit Lake Massacre in 1857 marked the final instance of Native American hostility in the state.
The immediate years before the American Civil War were marked with lawlessness, vigilantes, and lynchings accompanying the unsteady beginnings of a new society. Iowa was deeply involved on both sides of the issues that led to the Civil War. Iowa became well-known for assisting in the escape of slaves from the South to Canada via the Underground Railroad. The state also contributed more soldiers to the war than any other state. No battles were fought in Iowa, but a Confederate guerrilla raid from Missouri occurred in 1864. Today Iowa is recognized as a state with fertile lands and beautiful vistas.
After my TIPS surgery on December 9th, and the TIPS Revision on December 13th, I finally went back to Yale for my TIPS Interrogation, yesterday. My surgeon wanted to make sure that
– the stent and the coils are still in the same positions – no more blood clots are in the portal vein – blood moves through the veins to the liver as it is supposed to flow – I don’t bleed from any varices in the esophagus and stomach due to my portal hypertension
The hypertension I have is well under control, due to my “Less Sodium” diet. In December, when I came home, I changed my diet completely to low fat, low salt, low sugar, minimal caffeine, no alcohol, no sodas, etc. Yes, I still have fun eating and drinking. It’s just a different way of cooking, where I have to spend more time preparing my food. There are a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits involved. What I have noticed, I have a lot fewer headaches and migraines. Occasionally, I still enjoy a meal in a restaurant. My doctors said, that if I followed their instructions, I still can live a long and healthy life. It was a close call, but I’m still here to tell my stories.
It’s still early February. But the sun feels a little warmer already. It’s gaining strength, again. The breeze was still cool. But it wasn’t cold enough to bundle up. Ozzy and his brothers enjoyed a stroll on our property until the sunset. Then they all wanted to come back in.
In the next few days, we will have a warming trend in Connecticut and parts of New England. By Saturday, we are supposed to get temperatures up to 57℉/14℃. Since it is dried up and there’s no rain in the forecast until Sunday, Kevin and I might take a short hike this weekend. it won’t be so muddy and cold.
National Ballet Day is every year on February 7, and we can’t wait to celebrate this elegant and theatrical dance form. When the ethereal outfits, passionate dancers, and classical music come together, it uplifts the spirit like no other form of artistic expression. The grace in ballet is undeniable and we tend to forget the unbelievable athleticism and strength needed to achieve that. Female ballerinas can carry three times their body weight while dancing on the tip of their big toe. Male ballerinas are capable of lifting one and a half tons during a single performance. These are just one of several reasons why ballet leaves us starstruck so let’s tip our hats this Ballet Day.
National Ballet Day should not be confused with World Ballet Day, which is celebrated on November 1.
The American flamingo is a large bird with long pink legs and webbed feet. The plumage is a distinctive pink, with black on the flight feathers (the long feathers at the tips of the wings). The bill is pink and white with a black tip. The plumage coloring comes from the carotene that is found in the food that is eaten, such as brine shrimp.
They live in large shallow lakes, lagoons, and mud flats in the Caribbean Islands, northern South America, the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and the southern United States.
Chopsticks originated in China 5,000 years ago. According to historians, people typically cooked food in large pots that worked well to retain heat. However, it meant waiting a long while for the food to cool before one could dig in. Famished eaters discovered a way around the painful waiting period by breaking twigs off trees to retrieve bits of food. The twigs evolved into the chopsticks we know and love today.
The events that transpired in 400 B.C. also created a need for the use of chopsticks. Since food was scarce during this period, cooks would chop food into small pieces to cook quickly and save fuel. It made the use of knives at the dining table redundant where chopsticks could easily pick up bite-sized pieces of food and so, became staple utensils. They were so popular that by 500 A.D. people in Japan, Korea, and present-day Vietnam also began using them.
The first chopsticks were made out of bamboo and looked like tweezers because they were joined at the top. They were also known as tong chopsticks but by the 10th century, the design evolved into the two separate pieces we’ve come to know today. Children in most Asian countries — and adults in others — use the tong chopsticks as training chopsticks today. Soon, two distinct designs emerged. Chinese chopsticks were usually rectangular with blunt ends and around 10 inches long whereas chopsticks used in Japan were rounded, shorter, and came to a point.
People in the English-speaking world know these utensils as chopsticks, a name that came from the expression “chop-chop” meaning fast in Chinese Pidgin English. The original Chinese name for them however has way more character where they’re called ‘kuai-zi’ or ‘quick little fellows.’
Started in 2011, Ronald Reagan Day takes place annually on February 6 in the state of California and is a day to recognize the former Governor and President Ronald. Ronald Reagan Day has been declared a state holiday in Wisconsin. Governors in 21 states issued proclamations designating February 6 as Ronald Reagan Day on the 100th anniversary of Reagan’s birthday in 2011. Later in 2013, 40 governors issued proclamations declaring Ronald Reagan Day in their respective states.
Raised in a low-income family in Tampico, Illinois, Reagan graduated from Eureka College and worked as a radio sports commentator. After moving to California in 1937, he found work as an actor. He later served as the Republican governor of California from 1967 to 1975 before becoming the 40th president from 1981 to 1989. Being the first president since Dwight D. Eisenhower to serve two full terms, Reagan began implementing new political and economic initiatives. His supply-side economic policies supported tax reduction to spur economic growth, economic deregulation, and a decrease in government spending. Regan became a highly influential voice of modern conservatism and his tenure initiated a realignment toward conservative policies in the United States.
Reagan remains one of the most popular presidents in American history. An assessment of his presidency among historians and the general public places him among the upper tier of American presidents. As president, Reagan brought about a new political and economic era. Reagan, who survived an assassination attempt during his first term as president, died at age 93 after battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Kevin wanted to show me his Native American Heritage. So, we went to the Museum of the Cherokee Indians and the Cultural Village in Cherokee, North Carolina.
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As you enter the soft trails of the village, it’s no longer the 21st century: you’re immediately transported to the 1760s. The faint tang of wood smoke wafts by as you are led by a Cherokee cultural expert on an interactive journey through the Cherokee lifestyle and history. Your guide will show you the way through the winding paths, flanked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas, and sacred ritual sites. Delight in cultural dances amid the swaying oaks and sycamores. As you wander, interact with villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and masks, weave baskets, and fashion beadwork. Watch as a village prepares for war. Be amazed by a blowgun demonstration. Oconaluftee Indian Village is much more than just a place; it’s living history.
Nutella is a spread flavored with hazelnut and cocoa. First introduced in Italy in 1964, the product is popular throughout the world. World Nutella Day, first held in 2007, was the brainchild of Nutella enthusiast and blogger Sara Rosso. Fans love it. Each year Nutella maker Ferrero selects one Nutella lover to lead the celebration. On February 5, Nutella fans post pictures, recipes, and messages declaring their love and loyalty to the popular spread.
The Western monarch butterfly is a magnificent sight to behold — with their rich hues of red, orange, yellow, and gold, they gracefully fly across landscapes to perform their pollination duties. They migrate annually from all over Northern America and instinctively always know when it is time to move. Originating in the American Tropics, this species gradually spread as its primary food source — the milkweed — spread. As the monarchs moved, their migration patterns changed too, becoming the highly sophisticated version it is now. The Monarch butterfly from western parts of the U.S. and Canada moves south — to California — every time winter comes around because it’s better for their survival rates. There they have future Monarchs, who make the trip again the next year.
Scientists didn’t know this pattern earlier, although they had been studying Monarchs since the 1850s. It was only in 1930 that they were able to decipher that these winged wonders flew south for the winter and migrated north in the spring. Then, Canadian zoologist Frederick Urquhart led a team of 3000+ butterfly enthusiasts from North America, assigning them to tag all monarchs across the continent. Using everyone’s data on where and when monarchs appeared, Urquhart noticed they seemed to gradually move south, going from Texas to Northern Mexico. Answers as to where the monarchs went in the winter were still elusive, until 1973. That’s when a businessman named Kenneth Brugger told Urquhart about seeing a ‘shower’ of monarchs rain down from the western mountains in Mexico City during a hail storm. Urquhart recruited Brugger to the monarch butterfly cause, and Brugger and his wife conducted a two-year expedition to find these elusive butterflies that only ended when they stumbled upon the butterflies’ wintering site — a patch of land on the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.
Finally, the secret monarch butterfly’s migratory path was clear, and more people came to see their beauty in the wild. Given that the migration of the monarchs in such large numbers was a giant attraction (plus, they stay from October through March), the state of California declared February 5 as California Western Monarch Day in 2004. Their main goals were to increase tourism and educate people about this butterfly.
Unfortunately, the Western monarch butterfly has been gradually heading towards borderline extinction. The decline in the number of these species is due to deforestation and the degradation of land, the excessive use of pesticides, climate change, and other factors that may alter migratory patterns — many of these have yet to be explored. Considering their pollination habits and that migration is challenging for the Western monarch butterfly population, it is important to understand what a decline in their numbers really means. The dip in the monarch population is an astonishing 90%. Several conservation groups are researching and working towards protecting the creatures from extinction.
I found this lovely plant at a creek, years ago. Back then Cannabis was still illegal in the US. I didn’t touch it, but shot photos of the plant, and then mind my own business.
Fibers obtained from hemp were used to make fabric and other materials by some of the earliest civilizations. The earliest recorded use of hemp was sometime in 8000 B.C. — hemp fiber was found in pottery excavated from an ancient site of a village which is now modern-day Taiwan. Hemp was sought after in ancient China, so much so that the Chinese used to say, “China is the land of mulberry and hemp.” Hemp was also very popular in ancient India, ranking in the sacred text of the “Atharvaveda” as one of the five sacred plants of the region.
Hemp is believed to be one of the first crops cultivated in the world and is considered very significant to the progression of mankind. American Astronomer Carl Sagan stated in 1977 that cannabis Sativa — the hemp plant’s family, likely resulted in the formation of civilization itself. The founding fathers of America drafted documents on paper made from hemp, and during WWII, farmers were encouraged to cultivate hemp for military usage through the ‘Hemp for Victory’ campaign.
Hemp’s association with cannabis Sativa leads to apprehension and resistance among certain groups of people. The Farm Bill was passed in 2018, making hemp-based products much more readily available to the public for purchase. These products are as diverse as CBD oil, insulation, plastics, paint, and even biofuels. This is why cbdMD created National Hemp Day on February 4, 2019, to create positive awareness about hemp and its products, and how they can be incorporated into our daily lives. They founded the holiday to increase coverage of the entire hemp industry.
The story of Facebook began in 2004. But before that, Zuckerberg started Facemash in 2003 when he was studying at Harvard. It was an online service for students to judge the attractiveness of other students. But they shut down Facemash in two days because of violating university policy in acquiring resources. However, Zuckerberg learned from the experience and registered for Facebook in January 2004.
The app was initially used by Harvard students who wanted to create a social media presence with photos and posts. Its reliability and its widespread reach caused the app to soar. Soon after its initial success, other prestigious schools like Yale and Stanford were also allowed to join.
By June 2004, Facebook hosted around 25,0000 students from various schools. The success of Facebook prompted MasterCard, a credit card company, to pay Facebook for exposure. By 2004, Facebook reached one million users. Around this time, the app introduced some of the popular features we know and love today, like the Facebook wall, image tagging, and unlimited photo uploads.
By the end of 2006, Facebook had six million active monthly users. Facebook provides an experience that connects users. They ensure authentic information is used for each profile, thus making the site trustable. Advertisers flocked to Facebook to capture the online market before their competitors could take advantage of the situation.
On July 13, Facebook became open to anyone over 13 years old worldwide. It was the start of the age of social media advertisements. In February 2012, Facebook went public and raised $16 billion. Recently, Facebook announced the name change of its parent company to Meta.
In 2011, Sara was old enough to take her to her first Independence Day parade. It was very warm the whole weekend. But we were prepared. Plenty of water, sunscreen, and sitting in the shade helped tremendously. Katelynn and Sara both enjoyed the parade’s colors and candy. There were parrots, pirates, landmarks, Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, the Fire Department & Police Department, and so many flags. It was a wonderful event to see people from the community celebrating the 4th of July.
Altocumulus clouds are small mid-level layers or patches of clouds, called cloudlets, which most commonly exist in the shape of rounded clumps. There are many varieties of altocumulus, however, meaning they can appear in a range of shapes. Altocumulus are made up of a mix of ice and water, giving them a slightly more ethereal appearance than the big and fluffy lower-level cumulus.
Steele Brook and the Greenway are running parallel to Main St. and Rt. 73 in Watertown/Oakville. It’s hidden behind some business building, and therefore not so easy to see from the road. Today was a beautiful, sunny day. So, I decided to take a little walk with Kevin from the Steele Brook Commons towards the doggy park. Crossing the pedestrian bridge, which leads right over the brook’s waterfall is an unpaved trail. Kevin and I didn’t stay long, due to the cold wind. But I can imagine, it is a nice walk in Spring through Autumn.
Today, wedding rings are considered a must in almost all cultures across the globe. When a couple is about to tie the knot, rings are exchanged by both parties to signify their commitment to each other. Those rings are then worn at all times and often indicate who is single and who is committed. But wedding/engagement rings weren’t always a thing. There was a time when all that was needed to confirm a marriage was a verbal exchange of vows. It is widely believed, however, that in ancient Egypt lovers would wear rings made out of woven reed and leather to declare the love they felt for each other. Later on, the Greeks and Romans started sporting signet rings to show they were engaged to be married.
The history of the evolution of wedding rings not only includes how the tradition was formed; it also looks at the materials and forms of the rings exchanged over time. For instance, during the Middle Ages, the rings partners gave to each other had an image of Jesus Christ. Sometime in the 1100s, people exchanged Irish rings known as the ‘Claddagh.’ This type of ring had a special design that showed a heart in between two clasping hands. In the 15th century, people wore ‘Posy’ rings. These rings were special because they had a verse or a poem inscribed on them.
Yes, people didn’t always wear diamond rings, and the stone itself really had nothing to do with the concept of marriage and commitment. The craze of exchanging diamond rings started in 1947 because of a marketing gimmick by De Beers. This was a corporation known for mining diamonds. To increase their sales, they started marketing diamonds as something that was needed in a marriage. This was the time when the phrase “diamonds are forever” was launched.
Get ready to celebrate a furry friend, because National Golden Retriever Day is every February 3! The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the US, and for good reason. Their calm temperament, intelligence, and playfulness make them ideal best friends for any dog lover. Plus, they make great disability assistance animals, like seeing-eye dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf. They’ve ended up saving lives in these roles—no wonder they have a holiday named after them.
Feed the Birds Day first occurred in 1994 to encourage people to feed birds in winter. Celebrated in February as part of National Bird-Feeding Month, this day is celebrated during the coldest part of the year when the snow is thick and food scarce. February is also the last stretch of winter, which is when bird’s food reserves run low, and finding more becomes incredibly difficult. This is a dangerous time for birds because they need the extra calories that they get from food to keep themselves warm but don’t have the energy to go out looking for it. Most of the seeds they eat will be buried under the snow where they can’t get to it.
Feed the Birds Day is also a day celebrated to spread information about what birds eat so that they receive exactly the kind of food they need to survive. Rather than bread, which most people think is a good food source, birds need seed blends that are denser in calories and help them generate the energy they need to fly and stay warm. Nutrient-rich seeds include black-oil sunflower, nyjer (or thistle seed,) white proso millet, and sunflower chips. A seed to avoid is the red milo seed (sorghum,) which birds won’t even eat if blended with other seeds. Once birds learn that they can get a steady source of food, they will rely on it, so it’s important to stay consistent with the feeding. Besides food, people are also encouraged to set up heated bird watering stations so that birds have easy access to water in a safe space.
Elmo’s Birthday is celebrated on February 3 every year by the Sesame Workshop who produce content on the “Sesame Street” show. Elmo is a red puppet, referred to as a muppet whose character appears on the educational show, “Sesame Street,” which is one of the longest-running children’s programs in the country today. Although “Sesame Street” was created to appeal to a wide audience, its focus was to educate children using a set curriculum aimed at achieving educational goals. Researchers, educators, writers, and producers all worked together on the show that monitors the educational effects it has on its viewers and adjusts where necessary to better suit the show’s objectives.
Elmo first appeared in the 1980 “Sesame Street” song, ‘We Are Monsters.’ While various puppeteers manned the character, it was puppeteer Kevin Clash’s performance that really brought the character to life. Elmo has since become a popular character who appears regularly on “Sesame Street” and hosts the last 15 minutes of the show, which is aimed at toddlers. He is ideal for this role because children that age can relate to him since he is in their age group.
River is a gender-neutral English name that means “Stream of water that flows to the sea.” It is derived from the Latin word ‘ripa,’ which means ‘riverbank.’ A river is a “naturally flowing watercourse that flows towards an ocean, sea, lake, or another river, and is usually freshwater.” In some instances, a river may flow into the ground and become dry at the end of its course before reaching another source of water. Creeks, rivulets, brooks, streams, and rills are all terms used to describe small rivers.
‘Riparius’ originally referred to a ‘riverbank’, but when it was corrupted into Old French as ‘Riviere’, it began to refer to both the river and the edge. The Normans introduced the word to England, where it was shortened to ‘Rivere’ and then to the word ‘river’ that we know today. The Riviera and other coastal places like it allude to the original meaning of the word.
In the 1970s, River was a name given to a few babies. It was a counterculture name, along with Summer and Rain, Liberty, and Freedom. After all, the Phoenix named their son River. River Phoenix, born in 1970, rose to fame after starring in the 1986 film “Stand by Me.” He had already received an Oscar nomination and a slew of awards by the time he passed away in 1993, thanks to his roles in “Running On Empty” and “My Own Private Idaho.”
Founded in 2021, National Brown Dog Day comes around each year on February 2, and it’s an important reminder for us to celebrate every brown dog we know. One of the more common canine colors, brown dogs are found across breeds everywhere in the world — and the most popular of them is the lovely Labrador breed. So for everyone with a brown-toned doggo, give them some extra special love on this day.
Hedgehogs are one of the cutest and most recognizable animals, so it is not surprising that they have their own holiday, albeit an unofficial one. National Hedgehog Day is celebrated annually on February 2. Hedgehogs are small spiny animals that make up the subfamily Erinaceinae. The seventeen living species of the hedgehog are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are no hedgehog species native to Australia, and hedgehogs native to North America have gone extinct. Hedgehogs have been introduced to New Zealand, where they are considered pests.
The most characteristic feature that makes hedgehogs easily recognizable is their spines, which are essentially stiff hairs. Hedgehog spines aren’t barbed or poisonous, and they don’t normally easily detach from their bodies. Spines may shed when the hedgehog is extremely stressed or sick, or when a baby hedgehog’s soft spines are replaced with stiff adult spines (this process is called quilling). Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal animals, but some can be active during the day as well. They are omnivorous and can feed on a variety of foods, including berries, bird eggs, carrion, frogs and toads, grassroots, insects, melons and watermelons, mushrooms, snails, and snakes. All hedgehogs living in the wild can hibernate, although they don’t always do so if there is plenty of food and the weather is warm.
As with many small mammals, hedgehogs are used to living side by side with humans. Sadly, this means that these cute little creatures are often run over by cars. Some hedgehog species have been domesticated and may be kept as pets. They include the long-eared hedgehog, the Indian long-eared hedgehog, hybrids of the North African hedgehog, and the four-toed hedgehog or white-bellied hedgehog. As we’ve already mentioned above, hedgehogs are considered invasive species in areas where they have been introduced such as New Zealand. They prey on native animals (insects, lizards, small ground-nesting birds, and snails), as well as breed uncontrollably due to a lack of their natural predators (badgers, ferrets, foxes, mongooses, owls, and wolves).
The origins of National Hedgehog Day are unclear, and the holiday itself isn’t particularly well-known because it tends to be overshadowed by Groundhog Day which has the same date. This is why you absolutely should celebrate this amazing holiday and let others know about it so that they can celebrate it too!
The Pennsylvania Dutch were German-speaking immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania. They developed their own take on the legend of Candlemas in the 18th and 19th centuries bringing with them the custom of the native Groundhog as their annual weather announcer. Candlemas involved the clergy blessing and distributing candles needed for winter. The Pennsylvania Dutch transformed the idea by selecting an animal to predict their needs for winter.
The first-ever Groundhog Day was created by a local newspaper editor Clymer Freas around 1886, who convinced Groundhog hunter local businessman, and all members of his Punxsutawney Groundhog club of the idea of Groundhog Day. Together, they all made their way to Gobbler’s Knob where the Groundhog would make the final decision on the weather. Today, a group called the inner circle who wear top hats, conduct the official proceedings on February 2 in a Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, where tens of thousands of people attend the day’s events every year.
Studies have proven no strong correlation between a Groundhog spotting its own shadow and the arrival of spring subsequently. According to German lore, the badger known as Dachs is their forecasting animal. A separate version of traditions states that clear weather on the holy Christian day of Candlemas would often prohibit winter from being prolonged.
Groundhog lore suggests much about Punxsutawney Phil. It is said that he drinks a magic ‘‘elixir of life’’ every summer, giving him seven more years to live. He has been predicting since around 1886, and a badger’s life span is around six years roughly, so go figure. There is also supposedly only one Phil and any other groundhogs who attempt to do what he does, are imposters. He is said to speak to the club president on the day, in front of the crowds in Groundhogese which is understood and then translated.
Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early Spring of 2024,
National Serpent Day is observed every year to appreciate snakes. They have been known to humans for centuries and have evolved over an even greater period in history. Snakes are perceived as the symbol of medicine, good, evil, and fertility and have been seen as sacred since ancient times because of their venom. The venom is said to have healing properties that modern studies have proven can produce painkillers, drugs for hypertension, and even treatments for strokes, heart disease, and possibly even cancer. The precise origin and history of National Serpent Day are not clear; however, the day has been set aside for at least five years as a way to encourage everyone to widen their understanding of snakes and overcome their fear of serpents.
Historically, the origin of snakes being ‘evil’ as it is today is seen from the rhetoric of Adam and Eve and the role snakes played throughout biblical literature. It is as such for cunning Eve to consume from a tree forbidden by God. Eve’s act of obeying the snake instead of God’s instruction is assumed to be linked with the beginning of the bad things that happen presently according to Christianity. National Serpent Day is to rewrite the negative stories around snakes and inspire humans to reflect and come to grips with their fears it. Most snakes are known to animal scientists as shy and retreating. None will attack a person unmolested. Studies show snakes go as far as to coil up and rattle to warn approaching humans of their intention to be left alone and striking only as a last resort when they feel trapped or cornered.
Let Freedom Ring… especially on February 1. Confused? It’s National Freedom Day! This day was founded to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as U.S. citizens, freedoms that we should never take for granted. Specifically, the holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln signed what would later become the 13th Amendment. This amendment is so important because it effectively ended slavery in the United States. Freedom is one of the founding principles of the United States of America and this day was envisioned as a way for all citizens to take a moment to appreciate how lucky they are. We should all be thankful for the many freedoms we are afforded as citizens of this great country!
Texas Day was first celebrated in 2017 after it was created online. At first, this holiday was seen as unnecessary as the date was not related to any key moments in Texas. However, the holiday is still regarded as another day to celebrate the Lone Star State. ‘Texas’ is a name derived from ‘taysha,’ a word in the Caddoan language, meaning ‘friend’ or ‘ally.’
Texas has a funny history. It has been territorialized by six different countries: France, Spain, Mexico, the United States, the Confederate States, and the Republic of Texas, for over three centuries. For nine years (1836 — 1845), Texas was an independent country. It joined the United States as the 28th state on December 29, 1845, and its capital city is Austin.
The armadillo is the state’s official animal, and its official flower is the bluebonnet. Its official sport is Rodeo, and its official dish is ‘Texas Chili,’ a red stew dish made with dried meat without beans. Being one of the largest and most populated states in the United States, Texas has a population of over 28 million residents and a land area of 268,596 square miles. The current Texas governor is Greg Abbott. It is famous for Rodeos, special Texan B.B.Q.s, live music, hot weather, Dr Pepper, and its large size. The state brags about its Whataburger, state fair, beautiful sunsets, and sports teams.
The last couple of days, we had a warming trend in Connecticut. Day temperatures were 44℉ (7℃) in Watertown on both days. Yesterday was dry; today the rain and fog came in. Tonight, the temperatures will sink with freezing rain will arrive with some snow. Tomorrow could be really slippery. We won’t know if schools are open or closed, until tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, Texas is dealing with a freeze as well. But it is by far not as bad as it was in February of last year. Y’all stay warm, my friends!
Imbolc, also called Oimealg, by the Druits, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word “Oimelc”, which means “ewes milk”. Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of the Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid’s snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Groundhog Day), and in many places, the first crocus flowers began to Spring forth from the frozen earth.
The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on Sabbat. Straw Brideo’gas (corn dollies) are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo’gas door to door, and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterward the traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid’s Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is placed by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun.
February Winter walks and starlit nights, Good books and cozy hours, Time for friends, heartfelt sharing, Dreams of springtime flowers… Although it may be short on days, Each February brings The simple little gifts we count Among life’s precious things.
International Zebra Day was most likely founded by a consortium of conservation organizations such as the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the Conservation Biology Institute. International Zebra Day aims to help raise awareness about the living conditions of zebras and how their numbers can be protected from further decline.
Presently, three types of zebra can be found in the wild. They are the Grévy’s zebra, the plains zebra, and the mountain zebra. Although the Grévy’s zebra, found in the northern regions of Kenya are extremely rare, they are an endangered variety having suffered a loss of more than 54% of its total population. The loss has occurred rapidly in the last three decades because of zebras being poached for their hides and pelts.
Zebras are found in the African Savannah where their natural habitat has been well preserved and not all zebras are in danger of disappearing. The other two subspecies of zebra are less endangered than the Grevy’s zebra. Plains zebras are thriving and don’t face threats of endangerment. The mountain zebra lives in South Africa, Angola, and Namibia. Along with the dangers of poaching, these zebras are also in danger from locals who might hunt them for meat when the going gets tough. Zebras have been battling many concerns regarding preserving their population.
Few beverages are as deep-rooted in the culture of Americans’ collective childhood quite like hot chocolate. This drink reminds us of rainy days, skiing, sledding, or even a quiet day watching the snowfall. It’s thick, silky, toasty, and usually smothered in whipped cream—no other drink brings warmth to our lives and tastebuds quite like hot chocolate. Cozy up with your favorite mug because on January 31, we celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day, a day devoted to our favorite chocolate beverage.
Today it has been 20 years ago, I immigrated to the United States of America. I remember sitting with Katelynn (she was a little less than 4 months old) in my arms in O’Hare (Chicago International Airport), and I had only 22 US pennies in my pants pockets. I was very excited, but also a little bit scared. Because I did not know what the future would bring to us. While Kevin was calling his parents in NC, I looked out the window at the skyline of Chicago. I was thinking to myself: “Omg, what have I done, now? I’m over 4,000 miles away from home, with no money in my pockets, and no job lined up. I just hope everything will work out alright!” Kevin was working long days and went to school at night. In the meantime, I took care of the baby. Better work came with Kevin’s education. About 18 months after my immigration, we could afford a small house in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas.
Now 20 years later, having a house full of kids, dogs, cats, a two-acre backyard, and a car, in Connecticut, I still have “no money” in my pockets. After the bills are paid, there is usually not much left. I learned there are a lot of great people in both places, my home and my home of choice. I traveled all over the US to enjoy the different mentality and hospitality of these states. I also enjoyed the landscapes this country provides to all of us. Here, I look back to two decades of a great journey. Now I’m excited to see, what the next 20 years will have in store for me and my family.
People frequently like to ask me this question: “But you do get the chance to get home and visit family and friends quite often, don’t you?” I have to disappoint y’all. I came here and never went back. And I never regretted my decision, either.
Although the Greater Roadrunner occurs throughout Texas, is well known, is the topic of much folklore, and is a very popular cartoon character, the only field research studies that have been conducted are in desert scrub or brush-grassland habitats in South Texas. As a popular multicultural iconic bird, from prehistory to modern times, it is surprising that it was one of the last bird species to be given state protection because of the mistaken belief that roadrunners were a threat to declining quail populations.
While most of us know it as a French specialty, the croissant actually originated in Austria under the name “kipferls”. Marie Antoinette first introduced the Austrian pastry to France when she married into the royal family and requested a simple cake in the crescent shape of her homeland. The French bakers created fancier versions of “kipferls” and thus, the croissant was born. In France, the croissant has become more sophisticated, influenced by the cuisine style of its country. At its most basic level, it’s a frugal kind of breakfast pastry, made from pâte feuilletée (soft flour of flour, yeast, butter, milk, and salt). On January 30, we annually recognize National Croissant Day.
In 2002, Kevin and I married in Germany. Since he wanted to introduce me to his family, we got airplane tickets a month before our wedding. In May, we flew from Frankfurt to Charlotte, North Carolina. In Charlotte, we had to take another flight to Atlanta, Georgia. There Kevin’s brother and our sister-in-law picked us up from the airport just to drive back to North Carolina. Staying in Charlotte would have been too expensive. So, we had to make a little tour through the South. Shortly before midnight (local time), we finally arrived at Kevin’s parents’ house. It was a long day. And after a little chat, we all were ready to go to sleep.
Whether it’s a crossword, jigsaw, trivia, word searches, brain teasers, or Sudoku, puzzles put our minds to work. Studies have found that when we work on a jigsaw puzzle, we use both sides of the brain. And spending time daily working on puzzles improves memory, cognitive function, and problem-solving skills.
Word searches and crossword puzzles have the obvious benefit of increasing vocabulary and language skills. Sudoku, a puzzle sequencing a set of numbers on a grid, exercises the brain as well. By testing memory and logical thinking, this puzzle stimulates the brain and can improve number skills.
Puzzles also offer social benefits. When we work on these brain teasers with someone, we improve our social interactions. Whether we join a group or play with our children, those interactions keep us socially active and teach our children social skills, too. Even working them quietly together provides an opportunity to focus the mind in a meditative way that isn’t forced.
National Carnation Day, also known as Red Carnation Day, was established in memory of President William McKinley. He was born many years ago on January 29, and was well known for his love of carnations, as he often wore one on his lapel. McKinley’s famed carnations stayed on for a while, with the flower appearing multiple times throughout his political career. It all started in 1876 when he was running for Congress in Ohio on the Republican ticket. His competitor, Levi Lamborn, was a horticulturist who had cultivated a strain of bright scarlet carnations he named ‘Lamborn Red.’ So before debates between the candidates, Lamborn gave McKinley one of his carnations. And after McKinley won the election, he began viewing carnations as good luck charms — and maybe they were because they just kept working in his favor.
McKinley had carnations everywhere; his clothes and the vase in his office were filled with them. Even during his stay in the White House, he kept a whole basket of carnations centered in the Cabinet Room. One political joke remarked, “Whenever someone came to see the President and couldn’t get an office, he got a carnation.” President McKinley would pick up one of the flowers and place them in the visitor’s buttonhole. So whenever a man left the president’s presence wearing a flower, everyone figured he didn’t get what he went for.
According to legend, when President McKinley was sadly hit by an assassin’s bullet in September of 1901, he took off the carnation he was wearing and gave it to a young girl. People believe luck left him when he took off the carnation. After his death, National Carnation Day started in his honor. The official day began with the Carnation League of America, the group established by Lewis G. Reynolds of Dayton, Ohio, and was first held in 1903. It is a silent memorial day in which its observers wear a carnation in the spirit of patriotism and to “encourage the growth of good citizenship and advance the greatness of the country by the proper observance of national holidays.”
Just because daisies are a common flower, doesn’t mean they aren’t a special one. Daisies are native to Northern Europe but can be found in North America, Australia, Africa, South America, and even Iceland and Greenland. The word daisy comes from the Old English language, “day’s eye” because its petals blossom at dawn and shut at dusk. What is considered a nuisance member of the weed family can also be used to supplement gardens and yards. Celebrate the tenaciously beautiful daisy every year on January 28.
When the Winter days are still dark and grey, it is nice to have some greenery in the home. The other day, I purchased a couple of hyacinths. And now, one flower begins to bloom.
The origin of National Spouse Day is unknown, but it is assumed that a married person came up with the idea. Some say it originated from the establishment of Military Spouses Day which was created in 1984, but only started becoming popular around the millennium. The day is celebrated as a national holiday on January 26 officially in the USA and UK, but many other countries celebrate it too.
The foundation of this day derives from the idea of showing thanks to your partner. Some workplaces even encourage couples to go on leave to celebrate the day and spend some quality time with their spouses. Unlike Valentine’s Day, this is a day created for giving time rather than gifts and celebrating your spouse. Due to this, couples are encouraged to spend alone time and to reflect on their journey so far. Scientific research has shown that twenty minutes of holding hands with your partner or cuddling even can release hormones that leave you both happier and feeling good. In turn, this relieves stress and makes you feel closer to one another.
National Spouse Day has become well known for igniting many media sources to survey couples’ behaviors and relationships and has managed to find out many interesting facts. This includes the fact that two million people get married every year in the U.S. alone. Also, 17% of them have previously been married. Many couples have expressed feeling as though life can get too busy, and so a day like National Spouse Day is key to revitalizing relationships at the start of the new year. Others feel that your spouse should be celebrated every day, but that an official day to commemorate your husband or wife is also seen as an honor.
The official national day of Australia is celebrated annually on January 26 commemorating the arrival of British ships to establish the first European settlement in Australia in 1788. These eleven ships carried over 750 criminals who had been tried and convicted in Great Britain for mostly petty crimes and then transported to penal colonies established by the British throughout the world, including North America and the Pacific. An additional 300 citizens from military and medical backgrounds made the trip to Australia, establishing the new colony.
The first celebration of British sovereignty over the eastern coast of Australia occurred in 1818. Other names used throughout the years to refer to the date of this historic event have been “Anniversary Day”, “Foundation Day” and “Australian Natives’ Association” (ANA) Day. All Australian states and territories adopted “Australia Day” as the name of the day in 1935 and then in 1994, January 26 was officially marked as a public holiday. Serving as a day of national unity and the largest annual civic event in the country, Australia Day is filled with a variety of community and family traditions, the presentation of national awards, and the welcoming of new Australian citizens. However, not all Australians feel the same about the day.
Indigenous Australians have long referred to this date as “Invasion Day” or “National Day of Mourning” in protest of the arrival of the British people. Some still observe counter-celebrations and the holiday has sparked a controversial debate. In 1938, William Cooper, a member of the Aboriginal Progressive Association, declared it a “Day of Mourning,” alluding to the annual re-enactment of Phillip’s landing. On Australia Day, many Aboriginal people mourn their forebears who suffered and perished during colonization. Now, the day is also infused with deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Protests to change the date of Australia Day to respect the Indigenous Australians also take place. The Australian government has acknowledged the traditional owners of lands on which Australia Day takes place, in the hope that Australians from all backgrounds come together to celebrate Australia as a multicultural society.
The frost and snow of Winter tighten their grip on the sleeping landscape. The nights are long, and food sources are scarce. In times past, the wolves would hunt around the village’s edge to look for scraps.
The January Full Moon is about protection. This could be anything from checking the batteries in the smoke detector to working on setting better boundaries. It is also a time to look at our habits and limits and adjust those things that do not serve us anymore.
About 14,000 years ago, the first inhabitants to live in the peninsula that we now know to be part of the U.S. were the Native Americans. The archeological evidence and many artifacts the Native Americans left behind established this fact. In 1513, the Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de León, arrived in Florida and made textual records. He called the peninsula ‘La Pascua Florida’ from which the state’s name was derived. The name ‘Pascua Florida,’ which means “Festival of Flowers” in Spanish, was given because of the region’s vast and flourishing landscape.
The first region where the Europeans settled in the United States was Florida. During the 16th century, the area was populated with French and Spanish settlements as well. Florida was also under the colonial rule of Spain from the 16th to the 19th century. The 19th century also witnessed the coming together of various communities. Florida became a refuge for African slaves, fugitives, and the Native American people. The new Native American groups from the South banded with fugitive slaves and became a group known as the Black Seminoles. The Seminoles were Native American people who moved to or lived in the state.
Florida was also under the rule of Great Britain during the 18th century, and after its independence, it became a territory of the United States in 1821. Finally, in 1845, Florida was admitted to the Union as the 27th U.S. state. We celebrate this day every year to remember its history and honor the various struggles it endured.
After all this gray-in-gray weather, we’ve been rewarded with a beautiful fiery sunset this evening. The colors were mesmerizing. They went from orange-red to pink and purple. With the trees as silhouettes, it seemed like the sky was on fire. Winter sunsets are always the best. And they remind me a lot of the glowing sunsets back in Texas.
This little Prairie Dog is on the lookout at the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
The Black-tailed Prairie Dog is one of the most social ground squirrels, living communally in large underground networks called “towns.” Named for the bark-like warning given when predators are nearby, prairie dogs have an interesting social life, are ecologically important to the prairie ecosystem, and have seen drastic declines since 1900.
Weighing in at two-and-a-half to three pounds, these gregarious rodents are primarily light brown with a black-tipped tail. The tan coloration serves as a predator defense; blending in with the habitat allows prairie dogs to escape from hawks circling overhead and coyotes hunting from the ground. Like most rodents, prairie dogs are herbivores, feeding on grasses and annual forbs. This diet keeps the surrounding area clipped, encouraging desired forbs to grow while improving predator detection.
Found in dry, upland shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies, these rodents have well-developed forefeet used to dig and maintain their extensive burrows. Entrances to the burrows are typically volcano-shaped and provide ventilation to the system, serve as lookout posts, and even help keep water out of the town. Prairie dog towns are surprisingly complicated. Dropping 10-15 feet from the surface of the main entrance, the primary tunnel can extend 50 feet or more in length. Several chambers can be found at the end of secondary tunnels that are used separately for caching food, nesting, and even defecation.
Lake Constance is a lake bordering Switzerland, Germany, and Austria and occupying an old glacier basin at an elevation of 1,299 feet (396 m). It has an area of 209 square miles (541 square km) and is about 40 miles (65 km) long and up to 8 miles (13 km) wide, with an average depth of 295 feet (90 m) and a maximum depth of 827 feet (252 m). It has about 125 miles (200 km) of shoreline. In the west, near Konstanz (Constance), it is divided by the Bodan mountain ridge into two parts: the Unter Lake (south) and the Überlinger Lake (north). The lake’s main body southeast of Konstanz is called the Ober Lake. The lake forms part of the course of the Rhine River, which enters it in the southeast near Bregenz and leaves it at the west via the Unter Lake. The island of Mainau is north of Konstanz in the Überlinger Lake, and the island of Reichenau is west of the city in the Unter Lake. Konstanz itself is a “political island,” for it is the only part of Germany on the lake’s southwestern shore; it is entirely surrounded by Swiss territory, except on the northeast where it fronts on the lake.
On September 1, 2001, Marilyn Manson was live in concert at the “Rock am See” Festival in Konstanz. Since the concert was on Labor Day weekend, I took a few days off work, got the tickets, and planned the trip down to Lake Constance.
The concert was on Saturday, and we made our way on the train down to Lindau on Friday. It was a nice relaxing ride. Once we passed Munich, we rode through the Alps. After changing trains and a 9-hour train ride, Kevin and I ended at the Lindau train station. When we walked out of the building, we were standing in front of the Lindau Harbor. It has been 17 years since I visited Lindau for the first time. And I couldn’t recall how aqua-colored the water was of Lake Constance. That evening, we got a taxi and rode from Lindau, Germany to Bregenz, Austria. In Bregenz, we stayed at the youth hostel for the night.
The following morning, Kevin and I got up early to have breakfast and make our way to the Bregenz Harbor. We had to make it back to Lindau, and change boats to travel to Konstanz. We had a three-and-a-half-hour boat ride with several stops including Friedrichshafen, Meersburg, and the island of Mainau in front of us. And Kevin wanted to explore Lindau for a little bit before it was time to go.
In Konstanz, we finally got off the boat. From the harbor, we had to walk less than a mile to get to our hotel. There we dropped off our luggage, called a cap, and went to the festival. By that time it poured rain and we got wet. But it didn’t stop us from staying to see Alien Ant Farm, Papa Roach, and the German rock band “Die Ärzte”. Die Ärzte sing German songs, and so I had to translate the lyrics to Kevin. He thought these songs were awesome.
When Manson came on stage, we had clear skies finally. He was on stage only for an hour, which totally pissed me off because we spend all this time and money to go see him. However, I’m still a big fan of Marilyn Manson and went to another two concerts in Germany. I know, he’s not everyone’s “cup of tea”. But that is what I like about him.
The following day, Kevin and I tried to cross the border to Switzerland. Since Konstanz lies on the German-Swiss border, it’s hard to tell when Germany ends and Switzerland begins as a tourist. (A year later, I finally crossed the border by the train station. I walked around a building and went back into Germany just so I could say, I’ve been on Swiss soil.) We went to the Konstanz train station and waited for the train to Stuttgart, where we switched trains and rode back to Würzburg.
On that weekend, we went through the whole state of Bavaria, traveled to Austria, made it back to Germany by boat, and traveled to Baden-Württemberg to go to a concert. And all these years, we are still not sure, if Kevin made it to Switzerland on that day. What a trip?!
This morning, I drove to Echo Lake Park. I wanted to see how much the lake is still frozen over. It still has a thick ice layer. But, I wouldn’t dare to walk on it. Especially being by myself. With the snow, it’s harder to see, where the shore ends and the lake begins. I believe the school bus driver made a stop to make sure to be there, if I had that crazy idea coming to my mind. After a few photos, I turned around and walked back to my car. It made the bus driver feel at ease, and he left. It’s always good when someone looks out for ya.
Polka dots — one of several round dots repeated to form a regular pattern on fabric — first caught the attention of the world when Miss America wore a polka dot swimsuit in 1926. Only two years later, on May 15, 1928, Disney introduced the cartoon darling, Minnie Mouse, in a cartoon short called “Plane Crazy.”
Minnie Mouse’s custom was designed with inspiration from the ‘flapper girls.’ These were a generation of young Western women who flouted social norms in the 1920s. Polka dots are so certainly Minnie’s that even her underwear had large polka patches. In the 1990s, Disney released a line of merchandise starring Minnie Mouse, called “Minnie ‘n Me.” The line included pictures of various female characters and friends of Minnie, with some of them joining Minnie in wearing polka dots in some form from time to time. The characters included Daisy Duck, Clarabelle Cow, T.J. Turtle, Heather Hippo, and Lilly Lamb, among many others.
Disney participates in the festivities by organizing events in Minnie’s honor. In 2016, they organized a “Rock The Dots” art and fashion show, which celebrated Minnie’s aesthetics and signature polka dots. In 2021, they organized a digital summit “Positively Minnie,” which used fun, powerful, and uplifting programming to inspire participants. Naturally, the events often include styling sessions.
Humans started using chili peppers and other such spices thousands of years ago, with many historians believing that chili peppers were one of the earliest plants harvested by humans. Back in this era, historians believe the recipe was a simple mixture of peppers and water mixed into a liquid or thick paste.
In South and Central America, there is evidence of chili peppers being used for cooking as early as 6,000 years ago, but they did not reach Europe until the 16th century when Portuguese and Spanish explorers began sending all sorts of unusual foods from the New World back home.
The first hot sauce to be available in a bottle appeared in shops in the state of Massachusetts in the year 1807, and then suddenly, hot sauce was everywhere and being added to everything. Tabasco sauce is one of the earliest brands to have come into existence that still exists today, being bottled and sold for the first time in 1868.
Today’s recipes contain a wide variety of peppers, and many food enthusiasts argue passionately about which pepper makes the best sauce. Some of the most commonly used peppers are jalapeños, reapers, Thai chilies, cayenne peppers, serranos, and ghost peppers. The hottest pepper in the world is often considered to be the Carolina Reaper, with a Scoville rating of 2,000,000 (the average jalapeno pepper ranking at only 3,500 Scoville Heat Units)!
On the third Sunday in January, World Snow Day promotes winter sports for young people. The two sports in particular that are highlighted include recreational skiing and snowboarding. It’s also a day for young people to learn about winter sports safety as well as the importance of caring for the environment.
Engaging in outdoor recreational sports is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. This is true no matter what season it is, including winter. Although it can be cold, it’s fun and invigorating to play in the snow. Skiing and snowboarding, ice-skating, and sledding are just a few examples that anyone, including children, can participate in. Besides being fun, snow sports offer some great health benefits.
Participating in outdoor winter sports also forces children off their screens! Besides all of that, children can gain an appreciation for the environment. Spending time in the snow can be awe-inspiring. A love of snow might even influence children to protect the environment so that snow will always be a reality.
Children can also learn how to stay safe while participating in winter sports. This includes knowing how to dress properly for cold temperatures, learning how to fall, wearing the appropriate protective gear, and warming up with light exercises and stretches to avoid injury.
In 2001, wildlife rehabilitation specialist, Christy Hargrove, founded Squirrel Appreciation Day in Asheville, North Carolina. Christy created this day to encourage kind attitudes towards our bushy-tailed neighbors by setting out food and water for squirrels and even allowing them to play with that bird feeder you normally don’t want them touching. We might generally look at squirrels as being an unnecessary nuisance, but their existence is actually beneficial to the environment, and in urban areas, assists in park beautification. Albeit by accident, squirrels plant seeds (initially meaning to store away nuts to come back to when they’re hungry) which eventually grow into trees, thus assisting with forest renewal. They’re nature’s gardeners!
Up until the mid-19th century, squirrels weren’t present in American cities. To have squirrels in the middle of urban areas, you’d need to transform the landscape by planting trees and building parks. You also needed to change the way people behaved by discouraging them from shooting squirrels and encouraging them to start feeding the animals instead.
The first documented introduction occurred in Philadelphia’s Franklin Square in 1847. Boston and New Haven followed suit and brought in squirrels a few years later in 1850. The squirrel experiment had ended by the 1860s when many squirrels had either passed or were killed amid concerns that they would disturb birds and lead to insect problems. But releases began again in the 1870s, this time on a larger scale as expansive parks were built in New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, and other major cities, providing a welcomed habitat for squirrels to live and thrive.
Kevin & Lexi at our first house in Texas in September 2005
National Hug Your Puppy Day is celebrated on January 21 to appreciate our pups by hugging them. These wonderful furry friends deserve all the love and affection we can give them, and it is in recognition of this that an entire day has been created especially for hugging them! It has been said that hugging puppies releases a hormone called ‘oxytocin’, more informally known as “the cuddle hormone” in both the pups and humans. Not only does a good tight hug help to strengthen the bond between man and pup, but it shows the pets that we care. It is a great idea to pick your pup up and give them a big hug today!
There is no evidence of how this holiday started, but we assume it was established as a way of reminding people to stay active. This is especially applicable in the modern world driven by technology as it is. We tend to spend a major part of our day sitting in front of a monitor. The idea of walking is a significant part of human evolution as we separate ourselves from other animals by walking without our hands.
The Romans came up with the concept of a mile by walking. In their estimation, a thousand military steps were equivalent to a mile. Through the ages, long-distance walking developed into a competitive sport as humans liked to exhibit their outstanding feats of achievement. In the latter half of the 19th century, this became a popular sport in America as well as Europe. Germany boasts of the oldest surviving walking club, Black Forest Wanderverein, which was set up in 1864. The first race walk in the U.S. took place in New York in 1911. Even before that, there is a record of race walks being an official sport in the London Olympics of 1908.
Today, we are familiar with various forms of walking such as race walking, speed walking, brisk walking, power walking, marathons, and so on. Walking has even become a mode of worship. For example, thousands of people marched to Camino de Santiago in 2015, inspired by the movie “The Way,” which portrays an American father walking along the same route in France in search of his estranged son’s body. Who knew walking could have such a glorious history? If you have a daily ritual, like getting your morning coffee, reading a book, listening to music, or sipping wine, club it with a bit of walking. This way, you don’t have to find an extra slot in your busy schedule for a walk. Think about it.
The sight of a small penguin waddling around in its icy homeland is truly endearing. Penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere and are classified as aquatic birds. Zooming in on the south of the equator, there are two types of natural habitats where penguins are found — subantarctic and temperate environments. Nearly 20 species of these fluffy creatures are known, of which the emperor penguins are the largest and the smallest are the penguins native to the coastal areas of New Zealand and Australia. The 2011 animated movie “Happy Feet” featured emperor penguins as the lead stars.
These flightless birds spend their days swimming and hunting for fish to eat. Leading peaceful lives, penguins are harmless but are hunted by predators such as whales, sharks, and seals. This is why penguins are seen in groups, to distract potential hunters. Penguins have always been the subject of great intrigue, with a long list of cartoon movies and documentaries attributed to them.
Unfortunately, penguins are decreasing in population and the exact reason is still to be known. Some researchers found that the plummeting number of krill was the cause; the Malacostraca species is only two inches in length but is significant in the world food chain. Other researchers claim that climate change and changing environments are the cause. Whatever the reason, our penguin friends need our help. By researching, collecting information, and spreading it through the right mediums, we can save the birds from extinction altogether.
Often considered a part of the practice of witchcraft, the creation of magical potions has been around for centuries. Since ancient times, certain people who often live on the edges of society have been paying keen attention to the plants, herbs, seeds, and other parts of nature which might be combined to create a substance for healing. Of course, potions haven’t always been used for healing. For those with more nefarious plans, stories of potions can bring about negative consequences such as illness, or even death.
To see potions at work in fiction, all a person has to do is reach into common fairy tales to consider magical spells and potions that have been used! For instance, a shrinking potion such as the one in Alice in Wonderland. Or producing a keen sense of youth and vitality, such as in the musical fairy tale mashup, Into the Woods. Or perhaps it’s the potion that was used to turn someone green, like in the Wizard of Oz backstory tale, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Whatever the motivation, whether for good or evil, mixing up potions comes with a history that has often been criticized and feared. The celebration of Brew a Potion Day looks at the lighter side of creating and brewing these interesting, unique, and sometimes even magical concoctions.
Winnie the Pooh has been a childhood favorite for generations. Originally created in 1926, his stories have sparked wholesome, honey-loving, childhood dreams for nearly a century. Although there are many other characters within the Winnie the Pooh universe (Kanga, Rabbit, Roo, and Tigger — just to name a few), there is no doubt that the bear wearing a red shirt — with his fist shoved into a jar of honey — is most certainly a fan favorite. Winnie the Pooh Day, on January 18, is your time to return to the Hundred Acre Wood!
There is no specific origin of coffee that can be pinpointed. Coffee’s past is shrouded in legend and theory, but one thing is certain — it has been around for centuries. It is believed that the ancestors of today’s Oromo people in Ethiopia’s Jimma region were the first to notice the coffee plant’s energizing power. However, there is no definitive evidence that coffee was initially grown before the 15th century, or even where it was first cultivated.
There is evidence of either coffee consumption or knowledge of the coffee tree in Yemeni Sufi monasteries dating back to the early 16th century, which swiftly spread to Mecca and Medina. By the 16th century, it had spread across the Middle East, South India (Karnataka), Persia, Turkey, and northern Africa. Coffee then expanded throughout the Balkans, Italy, Europe, and Southeast Asia. With its ability to provide instant energy, coffee has quickly conquered areas of the world and hearts since then. A simple cup of coffee evolved over time to suit various palates and purposes. From frappuccinos and cold brews to espresso shots and even espresso martinis, you can now find coffee anywhere and everywhere and however, you like.
This is how gourmet coffee came into being. Gourmet coffee is made using 100% Arabica beans. These require a cool subtropical climate at a higher altitude to thrive and provide smooth, powerful, and aromatic brews that normal beans simply cannot match. It is a must-try for coffee enthusiasts since it is more luxurious than typical coffee in terms of taste, production, and intensity.
Michigan is an upper Midwestern state in the United States, located in the Great Lakes region. The name is a French variant of the Ojibwe word ‘mishigami,’ which means ‘large water or lake.’ Michigan has a population of about 10.1 million and an area of roughly 97,000 square miles, making it the 10th largest state by population and 11th largest by area. Lansing is the state capital, and Detroit is its largest city. The Straits of Mackinac — a five-mile channel that joins Lake Huron to Lake Michigan — separates the Lower Peninsula (shaped like a mitten) from the Upper Peninsula (or ‘the U.P.’), and the Mackinac Bridge connects the two peninsulas.
Rich in iron and copper, Michigan was first explored by the French, and was soon a center of industrial activity, becoming an American territory in 1783. In the past, ferries would carry travelers back and forth to the Straits of Mackinac to move from one peninsula to the other. The Mackinac Bridge was built in 1957 to connect the two sides, making the journey safer and more convenient. At 26,372 feet long, it is the third-longest suspension bridge in the world! Industry dominated the early 20th century in Michigan, from logging and shipping to rail and automotive. This resulted in a population boom with the influx of workers during war and peacetime. Through skilled trades like engineering and manufacturing, employment grew exponentially, and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, assembly workers were in great demand across the country. Since Michigan was the epicenter of the automobile industry, it was inevitable that skilled workers found their way to the state. Of the many factory workers in Michigan, the most famous was a Willow Run worker who became the main Rosie the Riveter spokesperson, wearing the iconic bandana and flexing her muscles to sell war bonds. Rose Will Monroe’s efforts, as well as thousands of other women in Michigan and across the country, changed the status of women for generations to come.
Also known for its Motown sound and legendary music makers, Michigan launched some of the most memorable names in jazz and gospel music. Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, the Jackson 5, and Stevie Wonder were some of the most influential musicians in their genre, and they all came from Michigan.
Yay! Today, I had quite a few visitors coming to the bird feeders. There were a lot more birds than the ones in the pictures: Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, and Dark-eyed Juncos. However, I’ve got some decent shots of House Finches, Tufted Titmice, a male Red-bellied Woodpecker, a Downy Woodpecker, and a White-breasted Nuthatch.
Popeye is the seeming underdog with bulging forearms, a mean uppercut, and a love of canned spinach. He is a defender of the weak and protector of those he loves. As the embodiment of strength and fitness, Popeye inspires us all to work hard, care for others, be persistent, and stay strong to the finish. Of course, all with the help of a hefty amount of spinach. In 2024, we are celebrating 95 years of this iconic figure, and the timeless inspiration Popeye has brought to billions of people.
Popeye was created by Elzie Crisler (E.C) Segar and made his first appearance in the comic strip “Thimble Theatre” on January 17, 1929. Originally created as a minor character, Popeye quickly became a superstar. By 1938, the comic changed its name to “Popeye,” creating one of the most iconic cultural comic strips of all time.
Popeye has appeared in 1000s of comic strips, over 600 cartoon episodes, and over 100 books since his creation. Today, he has over 9.6 million followers on social media! Popeye is ingrained in pop culture and is one of the most recognizable and beloved cartoon characters in the world.
Koi fish at the Japanese Garden in Fort Worth, Texas
Koi fish are colorful, ornamental versions of the common carp. Though carp domestication is believed to have begun in China as far back as the 4th century, modern Japanese koi are believed to date back to early 19th-century Japan where wild, colorful carp were caught, kept, and bred by rice farmers. There are now dozens of different color varieties of koi. Wild koi are native to the fresh bodies of water around the Black, Caspian, and Aral Seas. Domesticated in the 19th century, carp have now been introduced throughout the world. Koi are omnivorous feeders who will eat food found at all depths of water. The Japanese koi at the Kids’ Farm are fed a floating pellet, though they will also eat aquatic insects, algae, and plants.
Spices have been consumed for over 6,000 years to add flavor to a dish and for their many health benefits. For instance, spices can combat inflammation and have healing properties. It’s due to these reasons that spices grew popular in ancient times.
Ancient Greeks imported Eastern spices such as pepper, cassia, cinnamon, and ginger to the Mediterranean since spices and herbs played a role in medical science. According to sources, Around 460 to 377 B.C. Hippocrates wrote of herbs and spices that included saffron, cinnamon, thyme, coriander, mint, and marjoram. The “Father of Botany,” as Theophrastus was known, in his two books, wrote about 600 spices and herbs in the period between 372 B.C. and 287 B.C. Romans created another use for spices — they often utilized them in spice-flavored wines and spice-scented balms and oils. Some spices also were used in poultices and healing plasters due to their healing properties. Curcumin too was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, headaches, and nausea. That is not all. Capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers, is known to destroy cancer cells. A 2015 U.S. and China study found that eating spicy food six or seven days a week lowered mortality rates by 14%.
National Quinoa Day is a day set aside to celebrate the fantastic superfood that is quinoa, and its growing popularity in the food industry. Quinoa has been cultivated for thousands of years by the Andean people. A magical seed that can be eaten as a grain, quinoa was cultivated on the high-altitude plains of the Andes — the Bolivian Altiplano.
The Incas and Aymara people (who preceded the Incas) were among the first to domesticate the quinoa plant along with other common crops like potatoes, papaliza, and so on. In an area where few crops could survive, quinoa grew easily. A particularly resilient plant, quinoa can survive drought, hail, high salinity, wind, and frost, which is a good thing in a place like the Andes with limited rainfall and high salinity levels. In fact, the majority of quinoa grown for export today is grown along the Southern Altiplano, near the salt flats.
While quinoa was ignored or looked down on for the longest time, once tractors were introduced to Bolivian agriculture, the gradual growth of quinoa cultivation began. This built up a quinoa boom once the Bolivian government started exporting it to the U.S. Gradually, the processing of quinoa improved, making it more profitable and widely accessible. As its health benefits were explored, it was discovered that quinoa was packed with a lot of necessary vitamins, protein, and fiber. As a result, it was touted as a superfood by nutritionists and health professionals, which increased its popularity all the more.
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge viewed from the Paul Revere Landing Park
National Boston Day takes place on January 16 every year to celebrate the unique name of Boston. It is believed to be a name of Middle English origin. Boston is also a place in the U.S. that is the capital of Massachusetts. It is the largest city in the state of Massachusetts and among the oldest established cities in the United States. The possible meaning of the name can be traced to the woods.
The Veitshöchheim Palace is sitting on the grounds of one of the most important Rococo gardens in Germany. Until 1802 it was the Summer residence of the Würzburg prince-bishops. The summer residence was built on the site of a hunting lodge under Prince-Bishop Peter Philipp von Dernbach from 1680 to 1682 and was enlarged from 1749 to 1753 by Balthasar Neumann, who also redesigned the roof. The ceiling stucco work by Antonio Bossi also dates from this time, and the staircase sculptures were completed by Johann Peter Wagner in 1780. The castle has been owned by the Bavarian Crown since 1814 and was also used as a summer palace by the royal family in the 19th century.
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After the 4th of July, Kevin and I had off a couple of days. Since the weather was so nice, we decided we do something outdoors. So, we went to the Main River to take a boat ride from Wurzburg to Veithoechheim approximately 5 miles (8 km) down the river.
When we arrived in Veithshöchheim I made sure I knew the boat schedule, before we walked over to the Court Garden. Kevin and I were strolling around in the gardens until we arrived at the Grotto with Belvedere, where the bottom part has animal sculptures, which are made of shells and snail houses. I was always fascinated with the grotto when I was a child visiting the Court Garden. The gardens have a lot of historical sculptures of astronomical figures, poets, and many more.
When it was time to leave, Kevin and I went to the ice cream parlor before we made our way down to the boat again. On the boat ride back to Würzburg, we had a nice view of the vineyards am Stein. This Franconian wine from these vineyards is famous all over Germany and Europe.
Brrr! It was cold this morning. But I still managed to shoot some photos on this sunny morning. The sky was deep blue and complimented the trees in the background. I have to make time for those sunny Winter days. It’s gray in gray. However, it has its own beauty.
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’ I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys I have a dream today.and white girls as sisters and brothers.
Martin Luther King, Jr. ~ Minister, Civil Rights Activist ~ Washington, D.C. 08-28-1963
Let it be known that Americans love Pizza. No matter what time of the day or night it is, if you need a pizza, you will get a pizza. This is how much Americans are crazy about pizza. So let’s delve into the history of early Egyptians and the Greeks, who perhaps made the first pizza. For them, pizza used to be a flatbread topped with olive oil and some herbs and spices. It was not until the formation of the Roman Empire that Roman armies entered Greece and Egypt adopted some of their cuisines and made them their own. In the very heart of the Roman Empire, in Rome, early Romans made their own pizza, which was a modification of the original pizza recipe. The consumption of pizza continued with little to no change in its recipe for years, up until we entered modern times when the world was bleeding from the Second World War.
During the occupation of Italy by the Allied Forces, American soldiers stationed in Italy ate lots of Italian food, but the one they really loved was their pizza. When the war ended they brought the recipe with them and so the American pizza was created. Before this, only the Italian immigrants in the U.S. used to eat pizza, along with a few others who worked with the Italians. The 1950s saw a boom in pizza consumption as the newly brought pizza recipes spread to the masses, so much so that every street in the country had a pizza stall. From there onwards to today, there are reports which say that 350 slices of pizza are eaten every second. This means 40 pizzas are consumed every second. Going into a full-day analysis would simply be mind-boggling, but yes, indeed, pizza is heavily consumed in the U.S.
Originally, kite flying was a pastime reserved for royalty and the wealthy, but in recent years, it has evolved into a festival open to all, with participants hailing from Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, Indonesia, Singapore, the United States, Malaysia, Australia, France, and Brazil. International Kite Day originated in India, where it is most popularly observed in the city of Ahmedabad in the northern state of Gujarat. In Hindi, the festival is known as Uttarayan, while in other regions of India, it is known as Makar Sankranti. It commemorates the transition from winter to summer, as well as the forthcoming winter crop harvest. People go from all over the world to participate in the festivities. The kites linked with the celebration represent the gods’ spirits waking from their winter slumber.
Simple kites made of lightweight colorful paper with bamboo frames are the most frequent. Aside from traditional kites, several feature Bollywood celebrities or social themes. Kite lines are frequently coated with a mixture of rice and crushed glass to aid in “kite fighting.” This is a game where kite fliers try to cut one another’s strings and knock down their kites during the festival. During the day, acrobats perform, while at night, illuminated kites known as ‘tukkals’ fill the skies. The night sky is also lit up by fireworks. Although this is an Indian festival, Hindu temples in the United States frequently celebrate it, and because it is an inclusive celebration; anybody can participate.
“Rubber ducky, you’re the one. You make bath time lots of fun. Rubber ducky I’m awfully fond of you!” sang Sesame Street’s Ernie during bath time. The friendly puppet isn’t the only fan of the bath accessory — the country celebrates the toy on National Rubber Ducky Day on January 13.
The popular toy has seen a lot of variations in its history. First designed in the 1800s when rubber manufacturing began, the duck was then made out of plastic and vinyl during both World Wars, as rubber was scarce. The ducky toy was first patented in 1928 by Landon Smart Lawrence, but the toy was a little heavier back then — he put a weight in it to make sure it would always stay upright.
If you’re ever out in the ocean, you might just run into a rubber ducky. 28,000 rubber ducks on their way via boat to Washington went overboard during a storm in 1992. It’s been said that the ducks floated north to the Arctic, got trapped in the ice, and were slowly thawed out into the Atlantic Ocean. There are thousands still out there, and often happen upon shores all over the world.
Tea has been consumed for almost 5,000 years. In 2737 B.C., during the Tang Dynasty, legend states that some tea leaves fell into a pot of water for Chinese emperor Shen Nung. He drank the brew and found it delicious and relaxing.
In 2016, the earliest known physical evidence of tea was discovered in the mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han in Xi’an, indicating that tea, from the genus Camellia, was drunk by Han dynasty emperors, as early as the 2nd century B.C. The Han dynasty work, “The Contract for a Youth,” written in 59 B.C., contains the first known reference to boiling tea. The first record of tea cultivation is also dated to this period, during which tea was cultivated on Meng Mountain.
Tea was first introduced to Western priests and merchants in China during the 16th century. The first recorded shipment of tea by a European nation was in 1607 when the Dutch East India Company moved a cargo of tea from Macao to Java. Tea was sold in a coffee house in London in 1657, Samuel Pepys tasted tea in 1660, and Catherine of Braganza took the tea-drinking habit to the English court when she married Charles II in 1662.
Tea smuggling during the 18th century made tea accessible to the public. The British government removed the tax on tea, thereby eliminating the smuggling trade, in 1785. The popularity of tea played a role in historical events — the Tea Act of 1773 provoked the Boston Tea Party which escalated into the American Revolution. By the late 19th century, tea had become an everyday beverage for every social society.
Not to be confused with World Milk Day on June 1, National Milk Day falls on January 11 to observe the very first-time milk was delivered to homes inside sterilized glass bottles. It took until 1878 before anybody thought to fill bottles with milk and seal them with waxed paper. Before that, conditions for storing milk (let alone delivering it) were unsanitary at best and downright hazardous at worst. But now that we have the technology to pasteurize and deliver fresh milk to homes, stores, and processing facilities across the country, this most basic type of dairy is more accessible than ever before. By today’s standards, milk with its nine essential nutrients is considered a staple food, technically able to support human life without the addition of any other food groups to balance it out. (Other life-supporting foods include sourdough bread, chicken eggs, red beans, and surprisingly, beer!) Of course, most of us aren’t on a milk-only diet, but milk is our very first food as babies and often remains a common source of nutrition throughout our adult lives.
Arkansas comes from the word ‘acansaw,’ and its territory was initially occupied by native tribes Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw. In 1541, the first European explorer to reach the territory was the Spaniard Hernando de Soto. The land was later explored by Frenchmen, of whom the first to settle down was Henri de Tonty in 1681. Henri created a European settlement in the Quapaw village: the Arkansas Post.
The Louisiana Purchase, a transaction where French Louisiana was sold to the United States, occurred in 1803, making Arkansas the 25th state to become a part of the Union. The capital of Arkansas is Little Rock, which is also its most populated city. The mockingbird is the Arkansas insignia, its flower is the apple blossom, and its tree is the pine tree.
Arkansas is known for its natural landmarks. It is a center of tourist attractions, with hot springs, rivers, rocks, and museums to mark its rich history. The state is also popular for quartz, diamonds, and a million-acre forest, truly earning its name as Natural State. The state is also an active agricultural producer of cotton, rice, and soybeans.
Arkansas ranks as the 34th most populous (more than 3 million residents) and the 29th largest state in the United States. Its current governor is Asa Hutchinson. So if you are looking for a quiet and beautiful place to live, make Arkansas an option to consider.
This morning still was warm until the wind blew across the valley. It started to become much cooler in the afternoon. I made sure, the birds, chipmunks, and squirrels will have plenty of food for the colder days and nights ahead. Meanwhile, we started our first fire of the new year. Now, one of my Kringle Winter candles is lit. And the room is warm and cozy.
Eagles are among the strongest and most magnificent birds of prey. Bald eagles are so special that they are celebrated as the symbol of strength, independence, and beauty in the U.S. The history of the National Save the Eagles Day is an inspiring story. It started in the village of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. It was mid-winter, the perfect nesting season for bald eagles, and a pair of eagles, fondly named Alice and Al, had nested along Overpeck Creek since 2011.
In 2014, Skymark Development Corporation of Paramus highlighted a study stating that a landfill near an eagle’s nest posed community health risks. As a part of the solution to mitigate the local health risks, they argued to remove the tree the eagles nested in. When this announcement was made public, the local community and the Bergen County Audubon Society organized Save The Eagles Day on January 10, 2015.
Soon, an agreement was reached between both sides to preserve the part of the land as Eagle Park. Alice and Al continued to nest in the same location and lived there for several years, and today there is a new pair that made their home in the same nest.
Today there are many laws such as the Endangered Species Act that protect the welfare of eagles. Due to the continued efforts of conservationists and the government, many species of eagles that were on the verge of extinction are now increasing in numbers. So let’s celebrate, save, and support the welfare of eagles on this inspiring day.
By mid-January, most of our various holiday decorations and Christmas trees have made their way out of our homes. Houseplant Appreciation Day is on January 10 every year, and it reminds us that we don’t have to lose the freshness and vibrancy that plants bring to our homes just because the holidays have drawn to a close. If you have the post-holiday blues, this is the perfect chance for you to brighten up your house with a lovely plant that you can enjoy all year long. But houseplants do more than just bring a splash of green into our homes, and National Houseplant Appreciation Day is all about raising awareness of the numerous benefits of tending an indoor plant. Houseplants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen for us to breathe, improving the air quality in your home. Plants also release moisture into the air, conditioning it with refreshing humidity that can actually make your house feel cooler! What’s more, many houseplants are easy to care for and have an array of household uses that help you save money. Whether your green thumb has driven you to amass an impressive indoor garden or you’re just kicking around the idea of a low-maintenance cactus for your desk, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and join us in bringing the outdoors inside on National Houseplant Appreciation Day.
Junonia coenia, known as the common buckeye or buckeye, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Its range covers much of North America and some of Central America, including most of the eastern half of the US, the lower to middle Midwest, the Southwest (including most of California), southern Canada, and Mexico. Its habitat is open areas with low vegetation and some bare ground. Its original ancestry has been traced to Africa, which then experiences divergence in Asia. The species Junonia grisea, the gray buckeye, is found west of the Rocky Mountains and was formerly a subspecies of Junonia coenia.
Caterpillars of these butterflies appear to prefer plants that produce iridoid glycosides, which are bitter compounds that release a hormone called gastrin that activates the digestive system (i.e. hunger); therefore, iridoid glycoside-producing plants stimulate and attract their appetites particularly when found in plants like Plantago lanceolata. In fact, these metabolites may trigger oviposition behaviors in female butterflies so that descendant larval bodies may better incorporate iridoid glycosides. Iridoid glycoside metabolites appear to have a growth-stimulating effect on caterpillars but a growth-reducing effect on predators. Predators like ants, wasps, birds, and small animals prefer to feed on iridoid glycoside-poor caterpillars rather than iridoid glycoside-rich larvae, potentially due to these effects. Therefore, the immunity of Junonia coenia larvae to predators like ants appears to be strongly related to the concentration of iridoid glycosides sequestered in their bodies. However, too many iridoid glycosides in the diet can negatively affect these larvae’s immune response and increase susceptibility to parasitism.
Adult butterflies feed on flowers with certain pollinator cues: yellow flowers that are ‘pre-change’, or flowers whose color has not been changed due to insect visitation or other factors. Common buckeye caterpillars feed in isolation rather than relying upon grouping behaviors. Vulnerability to the Junonia coenia densovirus is another concern for the survivorship of common buckeye larvae.
Two days after the Winter storm “Aspen”, it warmed up quite a bit. We went from 22℉ (-5℃) with snow to 48℉ (9℃) with heavy rain. And the temperatures are still rising. But due to the wind chills, it feels only like 30℉ (-1℃) right now. Either way, it is cold and it is wet!
Tanja's Little Corner of The World 