On June 12, 2011, the Dallas Mavericks won the Finals 4:2 against the Miami Heat in the Kaseya Center in Miami. Three days later, on June 16, 2011, Kevin and I went to Dallas and saw the Dallas Mavericks Parade. Unfortunately, we had too many people in front of us to capture decent photos of the players and the parade. The Dallas Mavericks team waited 31 years for this victory to become the World Champions in Basketball.
Later that month, Dirk went to our hometown where he got his own parade and waved from the balcony of our Würzburg Residence. From 1984 -1987, I went to the same school as Dirk. Here, Dirk was six, when he started 1st grade. Who would have ever thought that this kid would win an NBA championship many years later?
Katelynn is in New England for Christmas and New Year. We all haven’t seen the Northern New England states, yet. So, we have planned a couple of trips with her. Originally, we wanted to go to Portland, Maine a day after Christmas first. But unfortunately, Kevin’s Jeep got rear-ended in Marlborough, a suburb of Boston. And that trip ended right there. Thank goodness, we are all okay.
On this trip, I planned to drive up to Brattleboro, Vermont. But then I saw, that Guilford has a nice Vermont Welcome Center at Interstate 91. We planned to visit the Kringle Candle Company in Bernandston, Massachusetts. Since Bernandston almost lies at the Massachusetts/Vermont border, we decided to hop over that border to say we have been in Vermont.
The Guilford Welcome Center is a beam barn, which pays tribute to Vermont’s agricultural roots. The building was opened in late November 1999. When we arrived at the Welcome Plaza, we looked at some beautiful ceramic pottery. Once we were inside the Welcome Center, there was a lot more art in display cases, history of Vermont, maps, and guides. The center has also a terrace from where visitors can see the old agricultural machinery in the meadow. From Spring to Autumn I imagine, it is a nice place to take a little rest and have a picnic in the garden or the apple orchard. When we visited, it was raining and there was still a leftover pile of snow on the ground next to the parking lot.
But now, I have some reading material I can look through to plan a longer trip deeper into the Green Mountain State. There is definitely a lot to explore in the future. For now, Katelynn, Sara and, I can say we have visited our 40th State. Vermont is State #41 for Kevin.
I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
So, now I have a bit more detail about my Portal Vein Thrombosis and Hypertension. The GI Team discussed my case for almost a week, before a surgeon came into my room, explaining, what was going on and how they try to insert that shunt into my vein.
Here is what I’ve learned: The portal vein is connected to a completely different vein system than the regular veins that transport blood back to the heart. Imagine, you drive on a highway (in this case blood through the portal vein). The highway has a narrowing, due to construction (blood clot). Lots of cars try to drive on that highway and it becomes congested. Now, people get the idea to get off Exit 1, Exit 2, … etc. In the beginning, this is no problem. Unfortunately, there are not only a few cars; there are hundreds of cars trying to get off these exits. Now, the traffic at these exits gets congested as well. Everyone tries to get around the traffic, and it becomes jammed as well. The exits in my case are the veins to the esophagus and stomach. They got congested, bulged out, and began to bleed. Therefore I had blood in my vomit and stool, last week. Tomorrow, it’s the doctors’ job to build a bridge over that construction zone to release the traffic to other highways and streets in the form of a TIPS procedure. They work on the construction by removing the blood clots. The surgeons had to discuss this project for a while to make sure the outcome would be long-lasting with minimal risks involved.
And yes, the team works with medication on my pancreatitis, stomach ulcer, and anemia. Today is day #10, me being in the hospital. I haven’t bled for almost a week now. So, they must have been doing it right.
Kevin, Pluto & Sam at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Samuel comes from the ‘Old Testament’ in the “Bible.” The name originates from a Hebrew phrase that means “name of God” or “God has heard.” A fascinating aspect of Samuel is how he’s a respected figure across all Abrahamic religions — Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Despite differing faiths, Samuel’s narrative is fairly consistent: a wise leader, seer, and judge in ancient Israel, a remarkable story that began before he was born.
His mother, Hannah, had been childless for years. Samuel was born to her and Elkanah after much heartache and prayers. In gratitude, Hannah dedicated her son to the service of Eli, the priest. Soon it became clear that Samuel was no ordinary boy and was destined for greatness. He received divine oracles as a child. As an adult, Samuel was instrumental in the victory of Israel over the Philistines. It is said that Yahweh spoke directly to Samuel, after which he anointed Saul as king.
The first ‘Book Of Kings’ contains detailed information on the man. Though the “Bible” has two books dedicated to Samuel, he was neither the author nor protagonist of the books. Why, then, were the books named after him? It could signify how respected and revered Samuel was. Was Samuel a prophet, politician, or a seer ahead of his time? Perhaps he was all these things if we go by history and religious scripture.
Fox squirrels are large tree squirrels. Due to their ability to adapt to a wide range of forest habitats, they are Texas’ most common squirrel. Their greatest numbers occur in open upland forests with a mixture of oak and nut trees. Fox squirrels are an important game animal but their fondness for corn and pecans often cause them to be considered pests by farmers.
Squirrels are usually active early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Fox squirrels nest in holes in trees or build leaf and twig nests. They eat acorns and other nuts, buds, fruit, fungi, insects, amphibians, and the inner bark of trees. Squirrels bury nuts for winter food and relocate the nuts by smell. Squirrels find only a portion of the nuts they bury and are important in planting many species of nut trees. A single squirrel can bury several thousand pecans over 3 months.
Squirrels’ long bushy tails are used for a variety of purposes. They can be wrapped around a squirrel’s face to keep them warm, used as an aid in balancing when they run along tree limbs, or spread and used as a parachute if the squirrel should fall. With a little practice, watching a squirrel’s tail movements gives you a clue to their mood. Quick jerks of the tail signal that they are nervous or upset.
Fox squirrels usually have 2 breeding seasons and litters a year. Breeding season peaks in January and February and again in May and June. The young, usually 3 – 4 to a litter, are born naked, blind and helpless. Just three months later, however, they can survive on their own. Squirrels can live up to 15 years.
National Candy Cane Day is on December 26, and while that doesn’t mean it’ll keep us from munching on the sugary sticks as early as Thanksgiving, it does give us a chance to indulge as much as we can before New Year’s. With beginnings in 17th-century Germany, these sweet treats were curved to represent the shepherds’ crooks. They later made their way to the States in the mid-19th century. Now we see them everywhere, even on trees.
Later that day, I took the subway to the Nymphenburg Castle (Schloss Nyphenburg). I had a nice walk from the Palace Channel to the Palace itself. On my first visit, I just wanted to walk around the Palace’s garden and enjoy the nice weather and outdoors. While I was there, I got into a conversation with a local man, who pointed out the window of the room where King Ludwig II* was born in August 1845. He said Ludwig’s 155th birthday was three days ago. I laughed and answered, that my birthday was three days after Ludwig’s. But I’m not that old. I turned 27 that day of my trip to Munich. It was an educational conversation about Bavaria. As a Franconian, it is nice to learn about our state’s culture and history.
*King Ludwig II of Bavaria is also referred to as the Swan King or the Fairy Tale King. During his reign, he built the Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, and the famous Neuschwanstein Castles. Walt Disney got his idea for the Cinderella Castle from Neuschwanstein, which can be seen in every Disney Park around the world, today.
National Joshua Day is on December 25 each year. Joshua is many things at once. Some of you may know him as the lovable Josh — familiar, traditional, and always sunny. In Abrahamic religions, the name carries significant weight and importance. He was Moses’ right hand, after all, leading the people of Israel into the promised land. The legacy of excellence seems to have lived on. The Joshuas of today aren’t just leaders wherever they go — they’re also at the top of our list of favorite people.
Our Joshua teaches the younger cats, how to catch a rodent at his old & wise age.
Soulmates aren’t the ones who make you happiest, no. They’re instead the ones who make you feel the most. Burning edges and scars and stars. Old pangs, captivation and beauty. Strain and shadows and worry and yearning. Sweetness and madness and dreamlike surrender. They hurl you into the abyss. They taste like hope. Victoria Erickson
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head and turned around, Down the chimney, St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle, But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
Kevin and I met in a club, 23 years ago. He was with a couple of friends, who were friends with my friends. After a couple of drinks, we got into a conversation. When I was ready to go home, he gave me a ride to my apartment. Since he knew where I worked, he had shown up the next day. Usually, I don’t give people my phone number unless they ask or I ask for theirs. But when Kevin was standing in front of me, I said: “Dude, I forgot to give you my number last night. If you want to hang out, give me a call. Maybe we can do something for Christmas together.” Kevin agreed, folded the note, and left. The same night, he called me. And we were talking over a beer in a bar.
The next day was Christmas Eve. I was on vacation leave for the remaining days of the year. Months ago, a friend of mine and I planned a small Christmas dinner for the night before Christmas. I asked her if it was okay if I brought a friend over. She said: “Well, it’s Christmas. Nobody should celebrate this special holiday, alone.” Kevin picked me up from home. When I sat in the car and we talked a little bit, he opened the glove box and handed me a little present. I shook it, to hear what might be in there. Kevin screamed: “NOOOOOOOOOOO!” Later on, I found out, why he did that. Well, the little elephant lost part of its trunk, when I shook the little box. Even when the elephant doesn’t look perfect anymore. But it is a story worth talking about. It was very sweet of him since we had known each other for a couple of days. And it was the first gift, I got from Kevin. I still treasure these three wooden elephants to this very day.
Pfeffernüsse, known as ‘pepernoten’ or peppernuts, originated from Central Europe. A confectioner from Offenbach am Main, named Johann Fleischmann, is believed to have created the recipe in 1753. Since then, the cookie has become very popular, attracting the interest of many people, including renowned individuals like Felix Mendelssohn.
Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands are the countries most popularly known for this delicacy. In North America, the ethnic Mennonites are also very fond of pfeffernüsse. Today, the recipe is widely available and the cookie is widely consumed worldwide. However, pfeffernusse is traditionally reserved for the holiday period, around December. This is in keeping with the tradition of its origins, as the cookie has been associated with the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas.
The traditional recipe consists of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, mace, anise, sugar, butter, eggs, and flour. Popular nuts such as walnuts and almonds are also used to give the cookie some flavor. Leavening agents are applied to the mixture, kneaded, and then baked. They usually come out hard from the oven but would soften after a few days. Also, they are tiny and are sometimes shaped like nuts, which is probably why they are called peppernuts. Nowadays, bakers make alterations to this recipe to include some other ingredients or remove some existing ones. While they generally have a spicy taste, you can easily adjust the spice you want. On National Pfeffernüsse Day, homemade peppernuts are made available for the family and guests.
Our ancestors depended on the passage of times and seasons. And the best way to measure the seasons was by observing the Sun and the Earth’s orbit around it. The winter solstice is the time of the year when the Sun is reborn, announcing a new season.
On December 21, the day is shorter as the Sun seems to stand still at a lower elevation, making the night longer. But, it is a transition period that ushers in a new season of more sunlight. Yule celebrations used to be tied with different pagan traditions, bordering on mythology and culture. Popular notions include the myth of the goddess giving birth to the Sun god. There is also the celebration of the surrender of power from the Holly King unto the Oak King. Plus, the ancient festival of the Germanic people about the Wild Hunt and the god Odin is also around the same time.
All the above form the crust of the Yule celebration. But, as stated earlier, it is even more symbolic in that it helped our ancestors to determine times and seasons. Understanding times and seasons was usually the difference between life and death, food availability and famine, victory and defeat, and many other things. With the introduction of Christianity, the Yule celebration has been linked with Christmas traditions too. It’s thought that December 25 was chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ because it is the renewal period. Yule and Christmas both share certain similarities, and they often overlap as well.
Before Maine was colonized by French and English settlers, it was populated by Wabanaki tribes. Until two centuries ago, Maine was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, before it voted to leave Massachusetts. As part of the Missouri Compromise, it became a separate state. It was then admitted to the Union as the 23rd state.
Nobody can say for sure why it is called Maine. Some say it was named by French colonizers after the province of Maine in France. Others say it was named by English colonizers as a reference to the mainland. Either way, it is Maine today, and it is the only state named with a single syllable, and also the only state to border only one other state.
Maine’s rocky coastline, rough mountains, green expanses, and wiggly waterways have inspired numerous artists. From writers and poets to painters, they have all flourished here for centuries. Maine’s mountains and shores offer enough hidden treasures for tourists and locals alike.
In 2010, Kevin, Katelynn, Sara, and I went to our local Christmas Parade again. This time, the girls got a glimpse of Santa. Katelynn was in first grade. Her class had the school play “Santa’s Suit”, where she was the “Lego” Elf. On Christmas Eve, Katelynn lost her first tooth. So, the Toothfairy and Santa visited our home on the same night. Unfortunately, Sara had a bad cold on Christmas Day. She wasn’t too happy. But we made the best out of the situation.
🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅
2011
Santa left apples, oranges, nuts, and candy under the tree. Of course, Sara found the candy first and wanted some. Kevin and I said she could have some after breakfast. Instead of listening, she was very sneaky, put one in her mouth, and acted like she didn’t know what we were talking about. Lexi was happy, she had a new toy duck, which was shredded by her and Ranger the same day.
Kevin came for a visit, today. After I took a long-needed shower, we went to the Healing Garden on the 7th floor of the Yale-New Haven Hospital. It’s not very big. However, the garden can be a nice little oasis. At this time of the year, it’s mostly grayish/brown or snowed-in white. I was amazed to find a blooming Rhododendron bush in this cold weather. There is a water feature. But it is not running, due to the Winter. On the mulch, between some plants can painted stones with motivating quotes be found. Some of the trees have cute painted birdhouses hanging from their branches. The birds seemed to like them. They might over-winter in these birdhouses. It was great to get some fresh air outdoors. For a week, I spent most of my time in my hospital room. It was a welcomed change.
Fallow Deer at the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky
The European fallow deer also known as the common fallow deer or simply just fallow deer (Dama dama) is a species of ruminant mammal belonging to the family Cervidae. It is native to Turkey and possibly the Italian Peninsula, Balkan Peninsula, and the island of Rhodes in Europe but has also been introduced to other parts of Europe and the rest of the world.
Outside of Europe, this species has been introduced to Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Cape Verde, Cyprus, Fernando Pó, Israel, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Morocco, New Zealand, Peru, Réunion, São Tomé, South Africa, Comoros, the Falk Islands, Seychelles, Tunisia, and the United States.
Aurum & Evergreen — Festively blended with pink grapefruit and apple infused with pomegranate and cinnamon leaf, Aurum & Evergreen is a noble scent with ribbons of vanilla snow and Siberian Fir throughout.
Top: Sparkling Pink Grapefruit, Green Apple Peel, Valencia Orange Mid: Pomegranate Juice, Cinnamon Leaf, Strawberry Jam Base: Sugar Crystals, Vanilla Snow, Siberian Fir
In August of 2000, for my 27th birthday, I took a trip to Munich alone. Since we had the Bavarian Ticket, which could be purchased for less than 20 Deutsche Marks (about $11) from Monday to Friday (on the weekends, we just had to pay about $5 more to have the weekend ticket where we could travel with certain trains through all of Germany on Saturdays and Sundays) I began to make this a tradition to go to Munich more often.
On my first trip, I just enjoyed walking from the train station to the center square (Marienplatz). In that area, there are a lot of historical buildings to see. There is the Old Townhall and the much bigger New Townhall. If you come to the visit at 11 am and 12 pm (local time), you can watch the Rathaus-Glockenspiel. From March to October it also can be witnessed at 5 pm. The clock reenacts the scenes of Munich’s history twice daily. The first scene tells the story of the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine in 1568. And the second scene is the Cooper’s Dance (Schäfflertanz).
Frauenkirche (Munich’s Cathedral can be reached from Kaufinger Strasse to get to Frauenplatz, which sits northwest of the center square. At Frauenplatz is also a fountain with stairs where you can rest your feet in the hot Summers. You just have to share your space with the locals, the rock pigeons. And yes, it can get warm in Germany.
The German Hunting & Fishing Museum was very interesting as well. I was allowed to capture a photo of the taxidermied Eurasian Lynx. It was prohibited to capture photos in the museum. I believe they have changed the house rules since the use of smartphones. The museum is located in the former Augustiner Church on Neuhauser Strasse.
That day, I just strolled around and had some good ice cream, before I took the subway to the Nymphenburg Palace, the birthplace of King Ludwig II.
Flake Appreciation Day is a special holiday that is celebrated on December 18 every year in the United States. The holiday is used to show appreciation for snowflakes which are loved by many. Snowflakes are beautiful, unique, and naturally occurring. They come in complex shapes and sizes and are divided into 35 categories. As with human fingerprints, no two snowflakes are exactly alike. Snowflakes are created when water vapor in clouds freezes around dust particles due to humidity. Typically hexagonal, snowflakes can sometimes take the form of flat, needle-shaped particles.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial Entrance in Kill Devils Hill
The US Code directs that Wright Brothers Day commemorates the first successful flights in a heavier-than-air, mechanically propelled airplane. Orville and Wilbur Wright made that first successful flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. While other inventors created planes that flew, Orville and Wilbur invented the first mechanically propelled airplane. Those inventors who came before them also inspired the Wright brothers in many ways. From a young age, Orville Wright and his brother, Wilbur, developed a fascination with flight. Inspired by a rubber band-propelled helicopter created by the inventor, Alphonse Penaud, the brothers dedicated their lives to the invention. They first found success manufacturing bicycles, including the Van Cleve and St. Clair.
The Bill of Rights Day is observed on December 15 in the United States. It’s an important day to celebrate America’s Constitution and the framework of society that ascribes rights and freedoms to society. Bill of Rights Day commemorates the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, with the National Archives documenting its many celebrations of the day. The Bill was introduced by James Madison, who later became the fourth President of the United States. Now, The Bill of Rights is displayed in The Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., as a reminder to all Americans of their constitutional freedoms.
In Memory of the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012:
Rachel D’Avino, 29 Dawn Hochsprung, 47 Anne Marie Murphy, 52 Lauren Rousseau, 30 Mary Sherlach, 56, Victoria Leigh Soto, 27
Charlotte Bacon, 6 Daniel Barden, 7 Olivia Engel, 6 Josephine Gay, 7 Dylan Hockley, 6 Madeleine Hsu, 6 Catherine Hubbard, 6 Chase Kowalski, 7 Jesse Lewis, 6 Ana Márquez-Greene, 6 James Mattioli, 6 Grace McDonnell, 7 Emilie Parker, 6 Jack Pinto, 6 Noah Pozner, 6 Caroline Previdi, 6 Jessica Rekos, 6 Avielle Richman, 6 Benjamin Wheeler, 6 Allison Wyatt, 6
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Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial
Here in Newtown, I come to offer the love and prayers of a nation. I am very mindful that mere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts. I can only hope it helps for you to know that you’re not alone in your grief; that our world, too, has been torn apart; that all across this land of ours, we have wept with you.
~ President Barack Obama, Newtown, Connecticut 12/16/2012
It’s a difficult task to pinpoint the exact moment that monkeys first emerged as a unique species within the animal kingdom, but it is believed that their appearance took place approximately 60 million years ago. This vast amount of time would pass, month by year by millenia, both creeping and speeding along, without the existence of a National Monkey Day! At long last, though, thanks to two pioneering college students, this would change in the year 2000.
Casey Sorrow and Erik Millikin, both studying art at Michigan State University, are responsible for the creation of this simian-centric celebratory day. Sorrow (fittingly) would admit to the Detroit Metro Times that he experienced a form of malaise around the holiday season and felt compelled to find a way to combat these December blues. After jokingly jotting down “Monkey Day” in a friend’s calendar, Sorrow took the idea and ran with it: when December 14th rolled around, he and his art school friends dressed up as monkeys and ran amok, putting on their best monkey impressions.
They would go on to incorporate ideas related to their newly formed holiday into their artwork and homemade comics. Publishing these pieces online allowed for the notion of a Monkey Day to spread, and now, decades on, the day is observed throughout the world in countries including Germany, India, and Thailand.
What started out as a bit of fun has evolved into a full-blown operation. Monkey Day serves as an important anniversary each year for raising awareness of modern threats to monkeys, with entities such as National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, and Greenpeace promoting the day. Sorrow and Millikin have also been instrumental in utilizing monkey-themed art as vehicles to serve this end, as well. Their work has brought an entirely new understanding of the term “monkey business!”
That cat … THAT CAT gets on our last nerves! He’s ornery; he does what he wants; he scatches every door frame to get into a room, even when we just “kicked” him out; he doesn’t let Kevin sleep; he complains, when we push him in the middle of the bed, so Kevin and I can stretch out; he gets himself stuck under the car wheel (we are still surprised, he didn’t kill himself yet). … Yeah, that boy ain’t that cute. We are still amazed, that Josh’ made it to 14/17. Who knows, how old this a**hole is. LOL … Well, we signed up for that eleven years ago. And now, we gonna deal with it, until he decides to cross the Rainbow Bridge. That might take another five to ten years. But after all, we love him. So, we want to wish Joshua a very happy, crouchy Birthday!
We know Alabama as the heart of America’s Deep South. Yet, this fascinating region comes with a long and rich history — before and after it would become part of the United States. Before European settlers arrived in the 16th century, Alabama was home to numerous indigenous peoples. The Spaniards were the first Europeans to explore the region, paving the way for other European countries to arrive.
The 250 years followed saw numerous battles for control of the area among the French, British, and Spanish. These events would culminate in the American War of Independence. What’s more, the foundations of the cotton economy began around this time — an institution that would go on to shape Alabama’s society, culture, and history. Before joining the Union, Alabama was part of the Mississippi Territory. Up until then, Alabama was claimed by the colony of Georgia. As pressure to create two states mounted, Congress carved out a new Alabama territory from the east of the Mississippi Territory. William Wyatt Bibb was the region’s territorial governor.
Within two years, the Alabama territory grew in population and economy. Petitions for statehood soon became louder. Alabama’s shift to statehood began at a constitutional convention that took place in Huntsville. Six months later, Congress passed a resolution on December 14 granting statehood to Alabama — the only state added to the Union that year. Alabama joined the Union a few months before Maine and a year after Illinois. The town of Cahawba in Dallas County was the first capital, and William Wyatt Bibb became the state’s first governor. Much later, the unassuming town of Montgomery in Alabama would set the stage for the Civil Rights Movement that swept the rest of the country and the world.
Since Kevin’s homemade Christmas tree got positive feedback, he installed it in 2008, again. The same year, I decorated a Christmas wreath for our girls.
I’m still at the hospital. But I am now in much better shape when I came into the Waterbury Hospital ER, last Sunday. Now, I’m sitting in a chair in front of my laptop, writing this blog in my Yale-New Haven Hospital room. What a journey it has been so far, and I still have a long way to go. Let me tell you, what happened, and what I know so far.
Saturday night, we’ve got the Christmas tree decorated in the front room. I stepped with my camera outside to capture photos of the tree in the front room window, when I began to feel nauseous. I took some deep breaths to no avail feeling better. I went back into the house to put my camera down, telling Kevin how I felt and that I go to the bedroom upstairs. After resting in bed for about five minutes, I had to go to the bathroom. I had really bad diarrhea and blamed it on the hotdog, I ate earlier in the afternoon. But when I looked at my bowel, I noticed something concerning: it was dark brown, almost black. After I laid back down, I could sleep for two hours. I felt fine until I turned on my side. I was sick all night. And in the morning, I had the same color in my vomit. I let Kevin look at it to confirm if it was blood. He wasn’t sure but looked concerned as well. That’s when I said: “I’m not messing around with this. I want to go to the ER! A doctor needs to see this. Especially knowing, I’m chronically anemic.” Kevin agreed with me. Later that day I found out, that this was a lifesaving decision.
In the ER I got a bed fairly quick, granted how busy the place was that day, after I stated: “Nausea, vomit, diarrhea with the possibility of blood in vomit and stool”. After a CT scan, ultrasound, urine & stool samples, and a couple of other bloody puking episodes, I’ve got an answer: “Pancreatitis with the possibility of an ulcer in my stomach; not even to mention my portal vein”. At that point, Kevin and I knew I would stay in the hospital overnight.
In the following days, more tests were done. And I kept finding out more as we went. Meanwhile, the doctors put me on an intravenous liquid diet to keep me hydrated. No water, no food for three days, due to tests and healing. On Monday, I’ve got an esophagogastroduodenoscopy done. Later, I found out I had some bleeding in the esophagus and a stomach ulcer. The doctor also discussed my history of portal vein thrombosis, the possible cause of a hemorrhage and narrowing in the portal vein, and that I might need Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Insertion (TIPS). A team of doctors began to communicate with a team of gastroenterologists at the Yale-New Haven Hospital about my health situation. On Wednesday, I found out I’ll get a transport to Yale. While waiting for my bed in New Haven, I finally was put on a Clear Liquid Diet. Thursday night, a room and a bed were ready for me. And I arrived at Yale at about 1 am on Friday. At 4 am, a doctor discussed with me my health situation, more tests, the TIPS procedure, a possible timeline, etc. and I pressed for some iron infusions as well. WTH, I lost a lot of blood already. And my hemoglobin level is in the basement. I do not want another panic attack episode, due to anemia ever again. It sucks!
Since I arrived in New Haven, I’ve got another CT scan done, can eat on a regular hospital diet, and found out a bit more about my portal vein problems. Unfortunately, I have another blood clot in my veins. But the GI doctors will discuss more, how they will put that shunt in my vein to keep it from bulging out, bleeding, and narrowing due to a former nasty blood clot, I had back in the Summer of 2018. I will stay very positive because I feel I’m in good hands with a great GI team here at Yale. Doctors keep me updated as they go. Due to today’s medicine and technology, there is a great possibility, that doctors can remove the clot, while they do the TIPS procedure. The nurses are wonderful in both hospitals. Now, I’ve got the weekend off with tests and can relax a little bit. There is not much that I can do other than follow the doctors’ advice to have a positive outlook, eat and drink on a hospital diet, take my medication, and keep my mind busy by reading a book, watch TV, write my blogs, communicate with family and friends online. One doctor said: “We will have you fixed by Christmas. This will be your Christmas present.” Well, it definitely will be a very nice Christmas present. I can’t think of a more precious gift, than a healthy life.
In 2004, Congress designated December 13 as National Horse Day and, since then, Americans have been taking the day to celebrate and appreciate the role of the horse in not only helping our country become what it is today but also its current role in the modern era. Horses, in general, contribute roughly $9.2 billion to the US economy. Whether they’re helping plow fields; move food and supplies into rural areas; move livestock in ranches; or just provide sweet, thoughtful equine therapy; horses have woven themselves into the fabric of life in America.
After the primitive Native American horses died out between 13,000 and 11,000 years ago, today’s wild-horse species were reintroduced to America by European colonists in the late 1400s. They’ve since flourished in the great plains and mountainous west, where wild herds’ thunderous hooves are still heard to this day. Rodeos are still a vibrant and celebrated part of the culture of the American West, and, in many rugged and rural areas, horses are still necessary for getting work done. While the history of Horse Day may be new to the millennium, horses themselves have always been intrinsic to the lives of many Americans.
The American Herring Gull or Smithsonian gull (Larus smithsonianus or Larus argentatus smithsonianus) is a large gull that breeds in North America, where it is treated by the American Ornithological Society as a subspecies of herring gull (Larus argentatus). Adults are white with gray back and wings, black wingtips with white spots, and pink legs. Immature birds are gray-brown and are darker and more uniform than European herring gulls, with a darker tail. As is common with other gulls, they are colloquially referred to simply as seagulls. It occurs in a variety of habitats including coasts, lakes, rivers, parking lots, and garbage dumps. Its broad diet includes invertebrates, fish, and many other items. It usually nests near water, laying around three eggs in a scrape on the ground.
That pop of floral color in everyone’s home means the holidays are right around the corner. National Poinsettia Day on December 12 also forms a cultural bridge between the U.S. and Mexico. Poinsettias, known as Euphorbia Pulcherrima, come in hundreds of beautiful colors. Even if you have a limited holiday decorating budget, strategically placed poinsettias can enhance your home in a variety of ways. Bottom line: What’s a holiday party without a gorgeous poinsettia plant on the mantle?
Nothing brings in the holidays like the smell of freshly baked gingerbread. But before the decorative cookie led the popularity contest on the holiday dessert table, baking gingerbread was acknowledged as a specific profession. In the 17th century, only professional gingerbread bakers were allowed to make gingerbread, except at Christmas and Easter, when anyone was allowed to bake it.
In Europe, gingerbread was sold in special shops and at seasonal markets that sold sweets and gingerbread shaped as hearts, stars, soldiers, babies, trumpets, swords, pistols, and animals. Gingerbread was especially sold outside churches on Sundays. Religious gingerbread reliefs were purchased for particular religious events such as Christmas and Lent. Decorated gingerbread was given as presents to adults and children or as a love token bought specifically for weddings.
Gingerbread was also considered a form of popular art in Europe. Molds often displayed actual happenings by portraying new rulers, their children, spouses, and parties. Substantial mold collections are held at the Ethnographic Museum in Toruń, Poland, and the Bread Museum in Ulm, Germany. According to some food historians, the tradition of making gingerbread houses started in Germany in the early 1800s. The first gingerbread houses were the result of the well-known Grimm’s fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel.” After this story was published, German bakers began baking ornamented fairy-tale houses made from gingerbread. They were brought over to America by German immigrants and became popular during the Christmas season.
In 1995, I visited Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Neuschwanstein with my then six-month-old son and a few friends. We had rooms in the Alpina (now Hyperion) Hotel. The first day, it was rainy. So, we just walked around in Garmisch. The next day was gorgeous. It was sunny and a perfect day to go see the Neuschwanstein Castle. At that time, there was some refurbishing done. So, we had a guided tour on a much smaller scale than the usual tour.
I discovered that King Ludwig II was very fond of the composer Wilhelm Richard Wagner’s operas. Ludwig invited Richard to his Hohenschwangau castle, which sits on a lower level across from Neuschwanstein. Every Summer, there is a concert in honor of Wagner under the roof of the Neuschwanstein Castle. Unfortunately, Wilhelm Richard Wagner never had the opportunity to visit the castle himself. He passed away before it was “finished”.In reality, the Neuschwanstein Castle was never completed. King Ludwig had his own tragic ending. His death was ruled by drowning in Lake Starnberg. It’s been said, it was suicide. But his death is controversial. Still today, many believe he was murdered. He passed away at the age of 40 on June 13, 1886.
Every year on December 11th, International Mountain Day aims to increase awareness about the importance of mountains. The conservation of mountains is a key factor in sustainable development. Mountains cover 27% of the earth’s landmass. According to the United Nations, 15% of the world’s population lives in the mountains. The mountains are also home to one-quarter of the world’s land animals and plants. Additionally, across the globe mountains provide freshwater to half of the world’s population. Another role mountains play is providing food resources. Six of the world’s most important food crops grow in the mountains.
As you can see, mountains are extremely important. Sadly, however, climate change and over-exploitation threaten our majestic mountains. As a result, the livelihood of those who live in the mountains is also under threat. Mountain people are among the poorest in the world. These threats to their home make it even more challenging to survive.
It was quite foggy until the rain arrived around noon. The weather(wo)man talked about severe storms. But we didn’t see much of it here in Connecticut. The storm line was further west from us, in Pennsylvania and New York State. Either way, we stay home and snuggle with our pets until the rain is over.
Though they were likely originally dwellers of both North and South America, llamas are believed to have gone extinct in North America during the last ice age, leaving them only in South America.
A cousin to alpacas, llamas were domesticated by humans around 4,000 or even 5,000 years ago, starting in Peru and the Andes mountains. Able to navigate tricky trails, llamas were often used as pack animals in these mountainous areas to carry loads of goods, while their fur was used to make textiles and fabrics.
In modern times, llamas are also often kept domestically on farms, sometimes as guard animals for other flocks such as sheep or even alpacas. Since they can live to be an average of 20 years, or even up to 30 years, owning a llama is a long-term commitment. And they love to live in herds, so it’s best to never have only one llama but at least two, or even several.
Bodhi Day is observed to mark the moment that took place 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha or ‘awakened one’. The story goes that, rejecting the luxurious lifestyle of a prince, Siddharta left the comforts of the palace at the age of 29 and went on a journey of deep introspection to seek meaning in life.
He meditated in Bodh Gaya, a town in northeastern India, under a Peepal tree (a species of Banyan fig), now famously known as the Bodhi Tree, and resolved to continue meditating until he achieved ‘bodhi’ (‘enlightenment’). He attained bodhi at the age of 35, after 49 days of continuous meditation. He was now able to see how everyone and everything was connected and therefore reached a state of enlightenment that would lead him to create the Four Noble Truths: Dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), Samudaya (arising), Nirodha (cessation), and Magga (path) in which the Eightfold Path is set out.
Buddhists commemorate this day by meditating, studying the ‘dharma’ (‘universal truth or law’), chanting sutras (Buddhist texts), and performing kind acts towards other beings. Some people mark the day in a more traditional sense by cooking a meal of tea and cakes. Bodhi tree plantings are held throughout the month and are usually accompanied by tea ceremonies, while incense and multi-colored lights are displayed during the following month in the capital city of Tokyo and in towns and villages across the country.
The trees were introduced to the U.S. by the United States Department of Agriculture facility at Glenn Dale, Maryland, as ornamental landscape trees in the mid-1960s. They became popular with landscapers because they were inexpensive, transported well, and grew quickly. Lady Bird Johnson promoted the tree in 1966 by planting one in downtown Washington, D.C. The New York Times also promoted the tree saying, “Few trees possess every desired attribute, but the Bradford ornamental pear comes unusually close to the ideal.”
In much of North America these cultivars, particularly ‘Bradford’, are widely planted as ornamental trees. The trees are tolerant of a variety of soil types, drainage levels, and soil acidity. Their crown shape varies from ovate to elliptical but may become asymmetric from limb loss due to excessive and unstable growth rates. The initial symmetry of several cultivars leads to their attempted use in settings such as industrial parks, streets, shopping centers, and office parks. Their dense clusters of white blossoms are conspicuous in early spring, with an odor often compared to rotting fish or semen. According to extension specialist Kelly Oten of North Carolina State University, the smell attracts flies which are the primary pollinators rather than bees. At the latitude of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the trees often remain green until mid-November, and in warm autumns, the colors are often bright, although, in a cold year, they may get frozen off before coloring. In the South, Callery pears tend to be among the more reliable coloring trees.
The state of Illinois is situated in the Midwestern part of the United States. The state has the sixth-largest population, the 25th-largest land area, and the fifth-largest gross domestic product (GDP). Nicknamed ‘the Prairie State’, the state’s motto is “State Sovereignty, National Union”. It is famous for agricultural productivity, dairy products, manufacturing, and soybean production. It is also a pioneer in food and meat processing. It is notable for cattle production and is a well-established state in social, cultural, and political views.
The state is a major transportation hub with road networks and routes connecting to international ports via its proximity to Lake Michigan. Some of its boundaries are formed by the Mississippi, Ohio, and Wabash rivers.
When farmers started settling on the Illinois prairie, they discovered that the thick soil was not easy to sow. Then, a Vermont blacksmith named John Deere made the work easier with the invention of the steel plow that cut soil more efficiently than previous tools. Afterward, railroads and shipping lines grew with farms in the rich prairies as settlers spread across the state.
Many past U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Barack Obama are known to consider Illinois as home.
Traveling around the state, one can glimpse nature’s wonders through Floyd Lloyd Wright’s designs. One can also take a tour to enjoy his architecture in Oak Park, Starved Rock State Park, and Horseshoe Mound. With so much to explore and see, Illinois is truly a place for urban and outdoor enjoyment.
In the Christmas Season of 2006, Kevin, Katelynn, and I visited California. Since we celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Kevin’s grandparents in Anaheim, we stayed an extra day to go to Disneyland.
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2007
In December 2007, Kevin installed his first outdoor Christmas tree made of Christmas light chains. Everything was held up by a PVC pipe.
Some of my followers probably have noticed, I haven’t been posting for several days. Last Sunday, I ended up in the ER, and have been at the hospital since. I’m doing okay for what is going on. But I will write a detailed blog, once I’m back home and have recovered a little bit. In the meantime, I’ll keep it easy and wait for my procedure to be done in New Haven, CT.
St. Nicholas derived from Nicholas of Myra and was a bishop in 4th-century Greece. He was known for selling off his own items and then giving the money to the poor. He would commonly leave coins in people’s shoes and dedicate his entire life to serving people who were sick and suffering. This is how he gained his saint status, and is what inspired St. Nicholas Day (also commonly known as Feast Day or the Feast of St. Nicholas).
One well-known story of St. Nicholas involves a dowry for a father’s three daughters. In the third century, it was common for fathers to offer money to prospective husbands. However, one poor father with three daughters did not have money to do this. St. Nicholas paid for all three daughters’ dowries by leaving gold in their shoes.
As time passed St. Nicholas Day began in different ways. In Italy, this day was celebrated with feasts, gift-giving, and festivals. In other European countries like Germany and the Netherlands, children would leave their shoes or special St. Nicholas boots in front of the fireplace or front door at night and find presents in them in the morning. The history of St. Nicholas and his good deeds was part of the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus and Father Christmas, which is why there are some current traditions of leaving gifts in people’s boots or shoes (or stockings).
If someone at a park feeds bread to ducks, there are Mallards in the fray. Perhaps the most familiar of all ducks, Mallards occur throughout North America and Eurasia in ponds, parks, wilder wetlands, and estuaries. The male’s gleaming green head, gray flanks, and black tail curl arguably make it the most easily identified duck. Mallards have long been hunted for the table, and almost all domestic ducks come from this species.
Image of Knecht Ruprecht by Adrian Ludwig Richter (1803 – 1884)
In the folklore of Germany, Knecht Ruprecht, which translates as Farmhand Rupert or Servant Rupert, is a companion of Saint Nicholas, and possibly the most familiar. Tradition holds that he was a man with a long beard, wearing fur or covered in pea straw. Knecht Ruprecht sometimes carried a long staff and a bag of ashes and wore little bells on his clothes.
According to tradition, Knecht Ruprecht asks children whether they know their prayers. If they do, they receive apples, nuts, and gingerbread. If they do not, he beats the children with his bag of ashes. In other (presumably more modern) versions of the story, Knecht Ruprecht gives naughty children gifts such as lumps of coal, sticks, and stones, while well-behaved children receive sweets from Saint Nicholas. He also can be known to give naughty children a switch (stick) in their shoes instead of candy, fruit, and nuts, in the German tradition.
Ruprecht was a common name for the devil in Germany and Grimm states that “Robin fellow is the same home-sprite whom we in Germany call Knecht Ruprecht and exhibit to children at Christmas …” Knecht Ruprecht first appears in written sources in the 17th century, as a figure in a Nuremberg Christmas procession.
According to Alexander Tille, Knecht Ruprecht represented an archetypal manservant, “and has exactly as much individuality of social rank and as little personal individuality as the Junker Hanns and the Bauer Michel, the characters representative of country nobility and peasantry respectively.” Tille also states that Knecht Ruprecht originally had no connection with Christmastime.
Ruprecht sometimes walks with a limp, because of a childhood injury. Often, his black clothes and dirty face are attributed to the soot he collects as he goes down chimneys. In some of the Ruprecht traditions, the children would be summoned to the door to perform tricks, such as a dance or singing a song to impress upon Santa and Ruprecht that they were indeed good children. Those who performed badly would be beaten soundly by Servant Ruprecht, and those who performed well were given a gift or some treats. Those who performed badly enough or had committed other misdeeds throughout the year were put into Ruprecht’s sack and taken away, variously to Ruprecht’s home in the Black Forest to be consumed later or to be tossed into a river. In other versions, the children must be asleep, and would awake to find their shoes filled with either sweets, coal, or in some cases a stick.
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Krampus is a terrifying figure found in parts of Austria, Bavaria, South Tyrol, Slovenia, and Croatia, most probably originating in the Pre-Christian Alpine traditions. In Tyrol, he is also called “Tuifl”.
The Feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated in parts of Europe on December 6. On the preceding evening, Krampusnacht, the wicked hairy devil appears on the streets. He sometimes accompanies St. Nicholas. However, Krampus will at times be on his own, visiting homes and businesses. Saint Nicholas dispenses gifts, while Krampus supplies coal and bundles of birch branches.
Europeans have been exchanging Krampuskarten, greeting cards featuring Krampus, since the 1800s. A Krampuslauf is a run of celebrants dressed as the beast and is still quite popular, many of the participants are fortified with schnapps. Over 1200 “Krampus” gather in Schladming, Styria from all over Austria wearing goat-hair costumes and carved masks, carrying bundles of sticks used as switches and swinging cowbells to warn of their approach. In the past few decades village Krampus associations parade without St. Nicholas at Krampus events throughout late November and early December.
Inspired by fresh-cut Christmas trees and the hot mulled cider served during Nantucket’s Christmas Stroll, the company president’s father, Mike Kittredge II, helped design this bright holiday scent.
Top: Balsam Fir, Pine Mid: Green, Moss, Sweet Base: Spice, Winter Air
The famous Walt Disney (Walter Elias Disney) was born in Chicago on December 5, 1901. However, the talented Disney we know did not emerge until 1919, when he began his career as an illustrator. In 1928, Disney created Mickey Mouse, a character he sketched on a bus. Can you imagine one of the most famous characters in the world being created like that? Today, the cartoon character is the centerpiece of the entire Disney brand.
However, things weren’t always so easy for Disney. In 1923, his first business venture Laugh-O-Gram Studios went bankrupt. At the time, he had only $20 to start over, so Disney decided to head to Hollywood, where he created a few cartoon characters with his brother. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to attain legal copyright for them. Then Mickey Mouse and other memorable characters such as Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck arrived. From thereon, there was no turning back.
After a few years, Disney began developing feature-length cartoons such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, and Mary Poppins. Disney made these animated creations during the 1940s to 1960s. Due to the success of these cartoons, it was not a surprise when Disney won 22 Oscars for his role as an American animator, film producer, and voice actor. But as we know, Disney didn’t stop there. He also opened theme parks in 1955. The Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, was under construction when Disney passed away. In 2018, the theme parks had already hosted over 157,3 million guests worldwide.
One afternoon in May 1993, I went up to our Fortress in Würzburg. Once, I walked up the hill, I captured some photos of the Fortress Marienberg. There is also a big wall, where visitors can overlook the city of Würzburg, which is my hometown where I was born, raised, and lived for 30 years before I moved to the United States.
Würzburg was also the filming location for the “The Three Musketeers” in 2010. Other places included Bamberg, Burghausen, the Herrenchiemsee Palace, Munich, and Potsdam in Germany. The movie was released in 2011.
In America, a cookie is described as a thin, sweet, small cake. By definition, a cookie can be a variety of hand-held, flour-based sweet cakes, either crisp or soft. Each country has its own word for “cookie.” In England and Australia, they’re referred to as biscuits, in Spain they’re galleries. Germans call them keks and in Italy, they have several names to identify the various forms of cookie. In America, the Dutch word “koekje” was Anglicized to “cookie.” The sweet treat came to America through the Dutch in New Amsterdam in the late 1620s. The earliest reference to cookies in America is in 1703 when the Dutch in New York provided 800 cookies for a funeral.
Hard cookie-like wafers have existed for as long (and maybe even longer) as baking has been documented. However, they were not sweet enough to be considered cookies by modern standards. They appear to have some origins in 7th century CE Persia, shortly after the use of sugar became relatively common in the region. They spread to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain. By the 14 century, they were common in all levels of society throughout Europe, from royal cuisine to street vendors.
With global travel becoming widespread at that time, cookies made a natural travel snack, a modernized equivalent of the travel cakes consumed throughout history. One of the most popular early cookies, which traveled especially well and became known on every continent by similar names, was the jumble: a relatively hard cookie made largely from nuts, sweetener, and water.
The story of how International Cheetah Day was born is worthy of a movie adaptation. It all started in 1977 when American Zoologist, Dr. Laurie Marker took Khayam, a cheetah she raised from a cub at Wildlife Safari in Oregon, to Namibia. It was part of an experiment to determine whether captive cheetahs could be taught to hunt and live in the wild on their own again.
The experiment was a success, and she and Khayam returned home to the U.S. But during her stay in Namibia, Dr. Marker noted that livestock owners threatened the cheetah population in the wild. They were eliminating cheetahs vigorously because they were becoming a threat to their livestock.
Determined to help resolve the rift between Namibian farmers and cheetahs, Dr. Marker vowed to preserve the wild cheetahs and founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 1991. She negotiated with the locals and educated them about wildlife preservation. In honor of his memory, Dr. Marker chose Khayam’s birthday to promote cheetah conservation. Since 2010, the world has been celebrating International Cheetah Day on December 4 to raise awareness about the extinction threat they face.
Sadly, due to the excessive hunting of wild cheetahs for their fur, and the loss of their habitat due to increased human settlements, as of 2020, there are only around 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild. This is a shocking 50% decline in the last four decades. So, let us recognize this as the day to respect and conserve cheetahs.
Let’s throw this day to the dogs! Not just any dog, though. Today, we toast to the mixed breeds of the world, so raise your water bowls high … because this one’s for the mutts! There’s no ifs, ands, or mutts about it — December 2 is National Mutt Day, and we’re here to celebrate. In fact, we love this day so much, that we celebrate it twice a year. The next National Mutt Day is July 31!
Time to deck the halls, folks, because December 1 is National Christmas Lights Day! Before the invention of electric lights, families would balance candles on the branches of their Christmas trees—a risky practice that naturally led to several house fires. Electric Christmas lights were first invented in 1880 by Thomas Edison, who promptly strung them all over the outside of his Menlo Park laboratory. Because people were initially distrustful of electricity, however, it took another several decades for the invention to catch on. It wasn’t until 1903 when General Electric began selling pre-assembled kits of Christmas lights, that electric lights became popular with people of all classes. Today, electric lights are an integral part of the winter holiday season, and certainly aren’t exclusive to Christmas. As we get ready for the end of the year, let’s string up our lights and celebrate. ‘Tis the season, after all.
Eastern Poison Ivy or poison ivy, is an allergenic flowering plant that grows in Asia and eastern North America. The species is well known for causing urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash, in most people who touch it. The rash is caused by urushiol, a clear liquid compound in the plant’s sap. The species is variable in its appearance and habit, and despite its common name, it is not a true ivy (Hedera), but rather a member of the cashew and pistachio family (Anacardiaceae). Eastern Poison Ivy is commonly eaten by many animals and the seeds are consumed by birds, but poison ivy is most often thought of as an unwelcome weed. It is a different species from Western Poison Ivy, which has similar effects.
Wintry mornings wrapped in white, Evening, calm and still, Snowflakes dancing all around, Sled rides down a hill, Gatherings with loved ones — Such a pleasure to remember — all memories and special gifts That comes with each December.
The first National Mississippi Day took place on November 30, 2017. It is a special holiday that is used to bring awareness to the state, its history, and current affairs. It is an opportunity to bring to light all the things that make the state of Mississippi so unique. It is also an opportunity to promote environmental conservation of the state land and river Mississippi. During the early 20th century, the state made huge contributions to Southern literature. It produced a series of novels on the mythical county of Yoknapatawpha and its generations. It was created by William Faulkner who went on to receive the Nobel Prize in 1949.
Mississippi Delta can take credit for the genesis of Delta blues, country music, rock and roll, jazz, and gospel music. The people living in the state have had a great impact on the evolution of American music. Music is popular among people from all walks of life. It was often the common thing that brought people together and fostered unity. Around the early 21st century, the state of Mississippi was already experiencing considerable progress in its economic, social, and political development. It can be considered to be one of America’s most progressive states.
National Mississippi Day is a holiday that helps to keep the history of the state alive. The spirit of the holiday helps to inspire the citizens. They feel a special love and appreciation for the state and feel motivated to accomplish more for themselves and their homeland.
Christmas 2003 was bittersweet. It was Katelynn’s first Christmas, but at the same time, it was our last Christmas in Germany.
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2004
In December 2004, we had a Dallas Holiday Wish Celebration. The Beach Boys had a concert, and even Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto came for a visit to sing and dance in front of the Dallas City Hall. I have it all on videotape footage and didn’t capture too many event photos.
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2005
In 2005 we bought our house in Texas. The same year, we celebrated Christmas/Yuletide in our new home.
Chewbacca’s outlook over his territory is our porch. He loves to rest on the railing, and either watch the wildlife or take a nap. When he rests there, I say: “Chewie’s probably meditating, again.” He’s my fur Zen Buddha; very peaceful and knows the art of cat martial arts.
This year, our Christmas tree looks lopsided. No matter, how I turn the Fraser Fir, it doesn’t come together. But it is okay. It is a real tree. And real trees have their own “minds”. This season, I decorated the tree with our Nordic straw ornaments and some baubles. There will be still some ornaments added to the tree throughout the season. For right now, it looks good enough. The Christmas season can begin in our home.
American Coot at Josey Ranch Lake in Carrollton, Texas
The American coot (Fulica americana), also known as a mud hen, is a bird of the family Rallidae. Though commonly mistaken for ducks, American coots are only distantly related to ducks, belonging to a separate order. Unlike the webbed feet of ducks, coots have broad, lobed scales on their lower legs and toes that fold back with each step which facilitates walking on dry land. Coots live near water, typically inhabiting wetlands and open water bodies in North America. Groups of coots are calledcovers or rafts. The oldest known coot lived to be 22 years old.
Novembrrr brings a colorful leafy medley and on those cool mornings evokes the senses with comforting earthy aromatic notes, frozen and frosty blue lavender, and white amber dusted with cool mint and chilled, sparkling citrus.
Top: Chilled Citrus Mid: Blue Lavender, Spearmint, Peppermint Base: White Amber, White Birch
Red Planet Day, November 28, recognizes the planet that has captivated human observers for countless years, Mars. Right now, we know that Mars is red thanks to photographs beamed back to Earth from American rovers. For centuries, the naked human eye has been able to detect the reddish tinge of the solar system’s fourth planet, glimmering in the night sky. Little did scientists know, the red on Mars’ surface came from a preponderance of iron oxide, common rust. On Red Planet Day we celebrate our fascination with Mars, along with all the scientific advancements in understanding the dusty planet.
In the Summer of 1990, I went to Spieka-Neufeld with my Dad. Spieka-Neufeld is nestled between Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven in Lower Saxony. We rented a whole house as a vacation home for three weeks Some days, we just walked on the dam and watched the Fischkutter (fishing boats) coming in with their fresh catch in tow. It is a small, quiet place where we can see the tides change, and walk around the waddensea when the tides are low. Yeah, it can be a bit boring for a 16-year-old teenager.
However, we also spent time in Cuxhaven to eat fresh fish dinners. We also went to the pool there. And one time, we went on a boat ride to see seals on the sand bank along the coast of the North Sea. These seals were so adorable. I fell in love with their pups. Dad went to the store and got me a plush seal. I don’t know if tourist boat companies have the seal attraction. But it is so worth it.
In Bremerhaven is the Deutsches Schifffahrtsmuseum (German Maritime Museum) where the German submarine U-2540 “Wilhelm Bauer” is moored in the Old Port. The submarine was originally designed for the Kriegsmarine (Nazi German Navy) and was completed shortly before the end of WWII. Since the submarine was never on patrol, it was scuttled at the end of the war. In 1957 it was raised from the seabed near the Flensburg Fjord and recommisioned for the West-German Bundesmarine in 1960. On August 28, 1968 “Wilhelm Bauer” was decommissioned. In April 1984 it became a museum ship for tourists to go and take a look inside the submarine. It can get a little bit claustrophobic in the ship, especially, when a lot of people are in there and it is warm.
We had a lot of fun by the North Sea. But as every vacation did, it had to come to an end.
The trees stand dormant and naked. The Summer birds have flown south. The frost settles in or snow begins to fall. The beavers are Busy making last-minute preparations for the Winter ahead. The November Full Moon is all about the final Winter preparations. It’s a time to bundle up and relax. A time to surround ourselves with things that will comfort and sustain us during the dark and cold that has recently arrived at our doorstep.
This evening, I went on my porch to see if I could get shots of the Full Beaver Moon. This was a dud. No visibility due to the overcast. And I could have sworn, that some snowflakes came down with it While I was still outside, I heard leaves crunching and footsteps from an animal coming out of our forest. And suddenly he was standing on all four right down at the treeline and staring at me. I yelled: “Holy sh*t!. Bruno is here.” After that, I ran into the house and screamed for Kevin to look at that large bear. When Kevin came down to see, what was all the commotion about, Bruno strolled slowly along the forest line and was minding his own business. When we went back into the house, Kevin said: “That is so cool. We finally got to meet Bruno.” Of course, it is dark. And I couldn’t get a photo of the huge black bear.
Bruno is either A: looking for some food, or B: a den he can make his home for the Winter. He won’t be roaming around very soon anymore. Winter is coming. And this boy needs to go into hibernation. Either way, I finally had my first black bear encounter on our property. I was waiting for two-and-a-half years to meet Bruno. Bruno, what the heck took you so long?
Named after the iconic Charlie Brown catchphrase, Good Grief Day celebrates the life and work of the immovable Charles M. Schulz. Schulz was born on November 26, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His interest in the arts was evident during his upbringing, as he would spend his days taking in the works of Pablo Picasso, Edward Hopper, and Andrew Wyeth, while also developing a penchant for cartoons. As a child, he would draw dozens upon dozens of cartoons, inspired by either the cartoons he admired or the world around him.
Growing up, he aspired to be a cartoonist, and at the age of 15, he sent one of his drawings to the “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” weekly column, which became his first published cartoon — he knew from then on that this was his life.
After returning from military service in Europe in 1945, he would further develop his career as a cartoonist, scoring his weekly series in 1947. That cartoon was “Li’l Folks,” which would be the predecessor of his magnum opus. “Li’l Folks” would later draw the attention of mega publishers United Features Syndicate in 1950, who asked him to develop a new weekly comic strip. Thus, on October 2, 1950, “Peanuts” was born. The iconic series would later become the longest-running comic strip in history — running until Schulz died in 2000.
“Peanuts” is considered to be one of the greatest cartoon series in history, lauded for its simple yet complex humor, and its philosophical and psychological social commentary. Multiple “Peanuts” television and film iterations were made, the most notable being the 1965 T.V. special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which continues to be run in syndication today.
From the eccentric beagle, Snoopy, and his worrywart owner Charlie Brown to the colorful range of supporting characters such as the logical Woodstock, the antagonistic Lucy van Pelt, and the spunky Peppermint Patty, Schulz’s creations have brought laughter and joy to millions around the world.
The City of Watertown held its annual Holiday Light Parade with the tree lighting at the Town Green Gazebo. Kevin, Sara, and I went to the parade for the first time since we resided here in Connecticut. It’s a short parade, which includes the Recreation Center, Police Department, Fire Department, and Waste & Recycling Company, to mention some city departments. Cub Scouts & Girl Scouts were also present. And we can’t forget the big guy, Santa Claus. His sleigh was on a trailer and got pulled by a tractor. I guess, the reindeer were out shopping on Black Friday. Overall it took the parade less than thirty minutes to get from point A to point B.
The McIntosh (Malus domestica) is an apple cultivar, the national apple of Canada. The fruit has red and green skin, a tart flavor, and tender white flesh, which ripens in late September. In the 20th century, it was the most popular cultivar in Eastern Canada and New England and is considered an all-purpose apple, suitable both for cooking and eating raw.
John McIntosh discovered the original McIntosh sapling on his Dundela farm in Upper Canada 1811. He and his wife cultivated it, and the family started grafting the tree and selling the fruit in 1835. In 1870 it entered commercial production and became common in northeastern North America after 1900. While still important in production, the fruit’s popularity fell in the early 21st century due to competition from varieties such as the Gala. According to the US Apple Association website, it is one of the fifteen most popular apple cultivars in the United States.
May your stuffing be tasty, May your Turkey be plump. May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious, and your pies take the prize, and may your Thanksgiving dinner stay of your thighs.
Katelynn, Sara, and I went to the DFW Founder’s Plaza in Grapevine. The girls are out of school for this week. And the day is too beautiful to sit in the house all day. We watched several airplanes launch and land at the DFW International Airport. When Sara got “ants in her pants”, we had to walk around for a little bit before we drove back home for lunch.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, and confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~ Melody Beattle
The big, black-necked Canada Goose with its signature white chinstrap mark is a familiar and widespread bird of fields and parks. Thousands of “honkers” migrate north and south each year, filling the sky with long V-formations. But as lawns have proliferated, more and more of these grassland-adapted birds are staying put in urban and suburban areas year-round, where some people regard them as pests.
Aloe Vera, Jade, Lety’s Sedeveria, Portylacaria Afra, and Wax Agave
I remember when I was little, my paternal grandmother used to love cacti. And she also had them for years. Every year, she re-potted some of them. And therefore, she had her fingers bricked by a gazillion of the stingers. But she didn’t care, because she loved these plants so much. I like them too, but not that much. I love the beauty and sight of cacti. And I love that these plants can live without water for months. Their blossoms look so beautiful.
So, to make this story short: I went to the local nursery to get a small Juniper and a Pine tree for the Christmas season. While I made my choices on these trees, I stumbled across a shelf with succulents. The ones with the ceramic pile of books caught my interest. And I decided to take one home. It contains an Aloe Vera, a Jade, a Lety’s Sedeveria, a Portylacaria Afra, and a Wax Agave. The girls are fascinated, and keep asking: “Are these real plants?” After I explained a few facts about succulents to the girls, they just kept looking at these small plants. Let’s see, how we will do in a few months. 😉
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
In November 2015, Kevin, Katelynn, Sara, and I visited my in-laws in North Carolina before we traveled to Washington, D.C. While in Valdese, we visited McGalliard Falls.
The first princess to come to our TV screens was Snow White in 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, this movie was also the first full-length traditional animation film as well as the earliest Disney animated feature film. When Xena: Warrior Princess came out in 1995 and Mulan was released in 1998, they showed everyone that a princess can do more than wear a pretty dress. These two iconic women let children everywhere know that a princess can also be a strong and adventurous warrior. New wave princesses like Moana and Frozen’s Elsa show us that you can still be a princess while maintaining your independence.
We all grew up with animated, and live-action, princesses guiding us through life. When thinking of our favorite princesses, our minds instantly go to Disney. However, when it comes to National Princess Day, Disney had very little involvement in its inception. Nest Family Entertainment, a Texas-based entertainment company, teamed up with Rich Animation in 1994 to create the animated film The Swan Princess, a musical adaptation of Swan Lake. The studio wanted people of every age to have a day to celebrate like royalty, embodying the kindness and grace that we all associated with princesses at the time — and thus, National Princess Day was created.
The definition of a princess is constantly changing. From the 1930s until the 1990s, princesses were meant to be saved by a prince and live happily ever after. Nowadays, princesses create their own happily ever after, save the prince, and then put the prince squarely in the friend zone. So basically, embodying a princess on National Princess Day is to embody, what the kids call, the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time).
Mickey Mouse is more than just a character, he’s an iconic figure for the Disney brand. But he almost didn’t exist. Mickey Mouse was only created to replace Walt Disney’s original successful creation, Oswald the Rabbit. Oswald was made by the Disney studio for Charles Mintz, a film producer and distributor through Universal Studios. With so much success from Oswald, Disney asked Mintz to increase the studio’s budget, but instead, Mintz demanded Walt take a 20 percent cut. He then reminded Disney that Universal owned Oswald and that he had already signed most of Disney’s current employees to his new contract. Disney refused to sign the new contract, finished the final Oswald comic of his contract, and ended his work with Universal.
With just himself and two loyal animators, Ub Iwerks and Les Clark, Disney had to start from scratch. From this experience, he learned to ensure he owned all the rights to characters produced by his company. His inspiration for Mickey came from a tame mouse at his desk at Laugh-O-Gram Studio in Kansas City, Missouri. The original name for the character was Mortimer Mouse until his wife, Lillian, convinced him to change it, ultimately creating Mickey Mouse.
On May 14, 1928, Mickey appeared in a test screening of the cartoon short “Plane Crazy”, but failed to impress audiences and attract distributors. Walt then produced a second Mickey short called “The Gallopin’ Gaucho”, which also suffered from a lack of distributor interest. “Steamboat Willy”, first released on November 18, 1928, in New York, was co-directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. Intended as a parody of Buster Keaton’s “Steamboat Bill, Jr.”, it was the third Mickey film produced and the first to find a distributor, serving as Mickey’s debut.
Yeast bread calls for us to slow down. We need to spend time with each other as we work the dough and let it rest and rise before baking. Quick breads allow a special treat to share and enjoy with coffee or tea. Other homemade breads, such as donuts, pretzels, muffins, and biscuits, add variety to our everyday meals. Making them with friends and family brings joy and an opportunity to exchange recipes.
Those, who make homemade bread commit to using good ingredients and investing in the time. They make it not only because they love the flavor, but also because they know the people they love to do. Homemade bread enriches the flavors of our meals and the flavors of our conversations, too.
Bread is full of symbolism around the world, across cultures and religions. In our lives, bread is valuable. We consider our livelihood to be our daily bread. We are making it, breaking it, consuming it as part of our faith. Bread can be exciting if it’s sliced or boring if it’s white. There’s a bonus bread, too. However, it seems a bit messy if it’s buttered on both sides. Then again, when we roll in the dough, it’s messy, too. Bake it, and it becomes heavy bread, but it means the same thing.
Hiking wasn’t always the fashionable pastime it is today. Before the Subarus and the Jeeps and the Patagonias built an industry around the activity, walking – of any kind – was considered an activity for the impoverished or the vagrant. The Romantic era of the Victorian years inspired the likes of Walden and Thoreau to reconnect with nature and that, in turn, inspired the landscape architects to design parks with excellent walking trails (looking at you Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame). Walking then became something of the educated, the unhurried, the luxurious.
Until John Muir came along and walked his way through the Sierra Nevadas in California and demanded that not only hiking, walking, meandering, sojourning, whatever you want to call it to be accessible to every American citizen, but that the country should actively preserve natural areas of pristine ecology and beauty. So in 1890 he petitioned to create the National Park System and we were endowed with “America’s best idea” – Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. But even before Muir, on the east coast, a small group of people had banded together in 1876 to form the Appalachian Mountain Club, which aimed to protect and preserve all hiking trails along the historic mountain range and develop new ones.
Viola tricolor is a common European wild flower, growing as an annual or short-lived perennial. The species is also known as wild pansy, Johnny Jump up (though this name is also applied to similar species such as the yellow pansy), heartsease, heart’s ease, heart’s delight, tickle-my-fancy, Jack-jump-up-and-kiss-me, come-and-cuddle-me, three faces in a hood, love-in-idleness, and pink of my john.
It has been introduced into North America, where it has spread. It is the progenitor of the cultivated pansy, and is therefore sometimes called wild pansy; before the cultivated pansies were developed, “pansy” was an alternative name for the wild form. It can produce up to 50 seeds at a time. The flowers can be purple, blue, yellow or white.
National Clarinet Day is celebrated on November 16 every year, and if you’re an aficionado of music, this day is for you. Do you know that it has been 3,000 years since the first hornpipes were created in Ancient Greece? A clarinet is similar to a single-reed instrument and is a blowing-type musical instrument with a cylindrical body and a flared bell at the bottom. It is a musical instrument widely used in bands and orchestras, especially in the military. It comes from the family of woodwind instruments. Clarinet Day was created to give credit to this amazing instrument that is a favorite among most musicians around the world.
It is said that the first people to settle in Indiana were the Paleo-Indians who moved to Indiana in 8000 B.C. at the end stages of the Ice Age when the glaciers started to melt. Many tools and weapons discovered during the Archaic Age in 5000 B.C. are said to have been made by the ancient civilization of Indiana. By the Medieval period, when the Europeans arrived in the 1500s, large settlements were established. The French explorers arrived in the 1600s, and by the 1700s, trading ports were established. In the 1760s the French-Indian war broke out. The native tribes of Indiana sided with the French Canadians. The British won the war in 1763. After the American Revolution in 1783, the United States defined the Northwest Territory, which later became known as Indiana.
During the Civil War, Indiana played a major role with over 7,000 men enlisted in the Union Army. After the war, many new industries developed in Indiana. Industries like heavy machinery, farming, and mining rose to prominence. After World War II, steel and pharmaceutical companies spread throughout Indiana.
Today Indiana is considered a cultural hub. Books such as “The Hoosier Schoolmaster” and “The Gentleman from Indiana” reflect the socio-cultural factors of the State of Indiana. Indiana is also known for sports such as basketball, NASCAR, and football. The State has a well-built network of roadways, rail tracks, and seaports. Indiana is home to many well-known politicians, singers, and poets, and is famous for its “Hoosier hospitality.” National Indiana Day was created to give recognition to Indiana and its people.
This morning, we experienced our first frost in Connecticut. But this didn’t stop Kevin and me from driving to the Kent Falls State Park and doing a little mid-morning hike along the falls. We made sure, we had an extra layer of clothes on. And up the trail, we went. The part of the Kent Falls, seen at the bottom of the trail, is only a small portion. The falls have a drop of 250 feet in total. Since they wind around the corner, they can’t be seen simultaneously. Kevin and I had to hike up a steep trail to get an idea, of how big and how long the falls were running through the hill. Unfortunately, we still didn’t make it to the top. However, the part of the trail we’ve hiked was so worth it.
The exotic Mute Swan is the elegant bird of Russian ballets and European fairy tales. This swan swims with its long neck curved into an S and often holds its wings raised slightly above its back. Although they’re numerous and familiar in city parks and in bays and lakes in the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Northeast, and Midatlantic, Mute Swans are not native to North America. Their aggressive behavior and voracious appetites often disturb local ecosystems, displace native species, and even pose a hazard to humans.
Mute Swans were first brought to North America to decorate ponds and lakes in towns and cities, and that’s still the best place to find these familiar waterfowl. You may also find them on shallow wetlands, lakes, rivers, and estuaries within the scattered range where they’ve become established in the wild.
Cheers to all teddy bear lovers and owners! Let’s celebrate one of the best toys we’ve ever owned on National American Teddy Bear Day, on November 14. Teddy bears have been our comfort bed pals since our childhood. We give them names, hug them while we sleep, and take them everywhere with us. These soft furry friends are a reminder of childhood. Teddy bears come in different sizes, colors, and materials and have been a popular toy choice since their creation in the early 20th century.
In the Summer of 1986, my Dad, his then-girlfriend, and I went on a vacation at the Baltic Sea (Ostsee). We spent two weeks in a vacation home in Niendorf. From there, we went to Timmendorf Beach and did a boat ride on the Trave River by Travemünde. One day, we drove to Lübeck. I wanted to see the famous Holsten Gate, but we didn’t make it there. When we spent some time in Travemünde, we saw the TT-Line of Peter Pan. In 1986, the TT-LIne Pty. Lfd. had only Peter Pan. The Nils Holgersson was renamed to Abel Tasman at that time. The line expanded with more ships. When we set outside the restaurant, we noticed how big the Peter Pan ferry was, when it anchored right next to us. If we had our passports with us, we could have taken a day trip to Sweden and Finland while traveling in the Gulf of Bothnia. Oh well! We went to Puttgarden on Fehmarn and watched Ferries on their journey to Denmark instead.
Today I cleaned out our greenhouse. It was time to get rid of the wilted tomato plants. The basil and peas were ready to get pulled up as well. When the cool wind blows outside, I’m still protected from it inside the greenhouse. It’s not too warm or too cold. Therefore, it is fun to work in there. The sun was ready to set when I was done for the day. I captured several photos before I went back into our warm house.
Tongue twisters, the popular nonsensical sayings that are ridiculously hard to say (or deceptively easy, whichever way you want to look at it) might seem to be simply alliterative strings of words meant to trip up, well, your tongue but, as it turns out, tongue twisters are not random, which is why the popular ones — like Peter Piper and the woodchuck — have been around for a hot minute.
Tongue twisters have technically been around since as early as the 19th century when John Harris published “Peter Piper’s Practical Principles of Plain and Perfect Pronunciation,” which included a twisty tongue tango for every letter of the alphabet. While the book was meant to help children learn the fundamentals of speech mechanics, its titular twister garnered quite the attention and inspired a lot of lore about its namesake.
Speculation aside, Peter Piper was based on French horticulturalist Pierre Poivre, whose last name actually means ‘pepper’ in French. Pierre was said to be exploring the viability of growing American spices in the French Mediterranean.
American Heroes is a FREE weekend celebration honoring America’s heroes with live music, remembrance ceremonies, carnival, fair food, car/truck/bike show, and the best patriotic fireworks display in North Texas!
We salute you and thank you for your service to our country!
The photos are from the festival in 2015. In Connecticut, I miss having a Veteran’s Festival close by. Watertown still celebrates our Veterans in the Veteran’s Memorial Park. Oakville has a ceremony at the Oakville Town Green. However, we don’t have 5K Runs, carnival, live music from famous artists, and fireworks.
I decided to make a Woodland sign since I still had another unused pumpkin wood sign. Recently, I ordered some rub-on transfers from Amazon. And they are perfect for making signs and ornaments with them, after coloring the pumpkin wood sign completely in white chalk paint. Once, the paint was dried I rubbed on the transfer sticker. As a finish, I used antique wax to stain the sign. Now, the wax is dry. And the sign hangs on our living room wall.
The seed of the idea that would become Sesame Street was first planted in talks between the television producer Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, the vice president of the Carnegie Foundation. During these conversations, Cooney spoke about her desire to leverage the ability of television shows to capture and keep children’s attention with the promotion of positive social values.
Following a period of extensive creative and scientific development, the show we all now know and love would begin to take shape. It was decided that Sesame Street would rely greatly on research processes to better inform various aspects of the program, spanning across the introduction of new characters, plotlines, and production design. This strategy would prove to be not only innovative but wildly successful as well; Sesame Street would premiere on November 10th, 1969 as an immediate sensation.
The show would dominate the cultural terrain of children’s television in the ensuing decades. As its audience grew, so did its capacity and willingness to address increasingly complicated social, emotional, and ethical issues. Though not without some instances of controversy, Sesame Street has remained a pillar of constructive, educational programming with a unique ability to appeal to children and adults alike. However, as the general media landscape has experienced exponential growth in the 21st century, the show has in turn found itself faced with stiffer competition from other children’s television productions.
As a result, Sesame Street no longer commands the same authority as in past decades, and it has even faced its fair share of financial troubles. Still, it is hard to imagine a world where children (and grown-ups) everywhere don’t carry fond memories of days spent learning and laughing with the whole gang on Sesame Street.
Forget-me-not at the White Memorial Conservation Center
Forget-me-nots are the tiny blue meadow flowers that are incredibly symbolic. From the loss of loved ones to simply missing a childhood friend, the flowers have become synonymous with feelings of missing and longing. In New Zealand, Forget Me Not Day is dedicated to those afflicted with, or who have lost loved ones due to cognitive degenerative Alzheimer’s disease. And while there are some versions of Forget Me Not Day that celebrate this sort of loss or reconnecting with long-lost loved ones, this Forget Me Not Day, we focus on something different, but also important.
Forget Me Not Day as we know it was established following World War I, when Judge Robert S. Marx, himself a WWI veteran, declared the holiday in honor of veterans who had suffered physical losses in the line of battle — those who had lost limbs, blood, and other integral body parts. Along with the holiday, Marx inaugurated the tradition of selling the popular forget-me-not flowers, repurposing them to raise money for wounded veterans.
Pieces of the Berlin Wall, I got from a former co-worker in Germany years ago.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9th, 1989, during the Peaceful Revolution, was a pivotal event in world history that marked the destruction of the Berlin Wall and the figurative Iron Curtain. It was one of the series of events that started the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe, preceded by the Solidarity Movement in Poland. The fall of the inner German border took place shortly afterward. An end to the Cold War was declared at the Malta Summit three weeks later and the German reunification took place in October the following year.
“… Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” – President Ronald Reagan
National Louisiana Day is an occasion to celebrate this historical state and its culture, which is one of a kind. Louisiana is a state in the southern half of the United States, bordered by Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Large parts of the state are made up of swamp and marshland which has a rich and vibrant diversity of plants, animals, and other fauna.
But the primary contribution of Louisiana is its culture. The state of Louisiana is known primarily for its Louisiana Creole culture, which is a mix of Haitian, French, Spanish, Native American, and African cultures. It is also unique because of the influence of Cajun culture on the state, which is primarily limited to Louisiana. This is a result of the immigration of French-speaking settlers to the state.
New Orleans is the largest and one of the most important cities in Louisiana. The city is known as the birthplace of jazz, but that isn’t the only kind of music that has developed in the city. The city is known for the sheer amount of music that has come out of there, including musicians who sang the blues, Zydeco, country, gospel, and much of the early rock and roll.
The state is also known for its food, and its variety of influences including Cajun cuisine, Creole cuisine, and African cuisine. Louisiana is also known for its many festivals, of which the best-known festival is Mardi Gras. However, the state hosts many music and food festivals, fairs, and cook-offs.
Kevin told me two deer were in the forest when I returned home from picking up Sara at school. So, we went down to the upper tree line to check if they were still there. And sure enough, the two young ladies hung out on our property. Deer #1 kept her distance at the other end of the tree line while Deer #2 hid behind a tree. It took us a moment to see her. She was well camouflaged in the forest. Smart girl! After we watched them for a while, we guessed Deer# 2 got spooked and made a leap onto the neighbor’s property, where she was waiting for her sister to come along with her. Soon, they were gone in the underbrushes of the forest. Kevin mentioned getting a deer blind. We can watch all kinds of wildlife visiting our property. We still haven’t seen Bruno the Bear yet.
The white-tailed deer, also known commonly as the whitetail and the Virginia deer, is a medium-sized species of deer native to North America, Central America, and South America as far south as Peru and Bolivia, where it predominately inhabits high mountain terrains of the Andes. It has also been introduced to New Zealand, all the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico), and some countries in Europe, such as the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Romania, and Serbia. In the Americas, it is the most widely distributed wild ungulate.
In North America, the species is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains as well as in southwestern Arizona and most of Mexico, except Lower California. It is mostly displaced by the black-tailed or mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from that point west except for mixed deciduous riparian corridors, river valley bottomlands, and lower foothills of the northern Rocky Mountain region from Wyoming west to eastern Washington and eastern Oregon and north to northeastern British Columbia and southern Yukon, including in the Montana valley and foothill grasslands. The westernmost population of the species, known as the Columbian white-tailed deer, was once widespread in the mixed forests along the Willamette and Cowlitz River valleys of western Oregon and southwestern Washington, but current numbers are considerably reduced, and it is classified as near-threatened. This population is separated from other white-tailed deer populations.
Texas is home to the most white-tailed deer of any U.S. state or Canadian province, with an estimated population of 5.3 million. High populations of white-tailed deer exist in the Edwards Plateau of central Texas. Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, and Indiana also boast high deer densities. The conversion of land adjacent to the Canadian Rockies to agriculture use and partial clear-cutting of coniferous trees, resulting in widespread deciduous vegetation, has been favorable to the white-tailed deer and has pushed its distribution to as far north as the Yukon. Populations of deer around the Great Lakes have expanded their range northwards, also due to conversion of land to agricultural use, with local caribou, elk, and moose populations declining. White-tailed deer are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the dawn and dusk hours.
This afternoon, I watched Momma Squirrel having an adventure with her two pups. The weather was sunny and warm enough to hop around in the trees. Since most of the leaves dropped to the ground, Momma Squirrel had a better eye on her offspring. She made sure, they were all safe on their playground.
Later on, I went over to my neighbors’ for a little chat, while my dinner was simmering on the stove. Now, that it gets colder, he provides the birds and critters some sunflower seeds. I haven’t put mine out, yet. It is still too warm. And Bruno, the Bear, might roam around in our neighborhood. Probably in another week or two, I’ll be more comfortable to add a bird feeder to my yard. For right now, I do some birdwatching in my neighbor’s yard.
The Nuremberg Castle is a group of medieval fortified buildings on a sandstone ridge dominating the historical center of Nuremberg in Bavaria, Germany. The castle, together with the city walls, is considered to be one of Europe’s most formidable medieval fortifications. It represented the power and importance of the Holy Roman Empire and the outstanding role of the Imperial City of Nuremberg.
Nuremberg Zoo is a zoo located in the Imperial Forest, southeast of Nuremberg. With an area of 67 hectares (170 acres), approximately 300 animal species are kept by the zoo.
Joshua is not happy that Daylight Saving ends tonight.
Joshua was not happy when I told the pack that they had breakfast and dinner one hour later, from now on until March: “WHAAAT? Do we have to wait until dawn? What is this sorcery? I don’t understand it. But if you say so, I guess it is what it is. Only humans get this crazy idea, of changing their clocks back and forth. And they are supposed to be the most intelligent species on this planet. … ” … As we can tell, Joshua is on a rant about the end of daylight saving. In the USA, Canada, Greenland, Mexico, and some Caribbean Islands, we will change our clocks one hour BACK.
The official National Mammal of the United States, the iconic North American Bison, has played a cultural, economic, and environmental role in the history of the country. Central to the livelihood of Native Americans, they are also a healthy food source and vital to religious ceremonies. The bison is the largest land mammal in North America, with males weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing up to 6 feet tall. While cows may be smaller at 1,000 pounds and up to 5 feet tall, they’re still mighty powerful. However, Bison only live up to 20 years. The dark brown to black, thick shaggy coat of the full-grown bison keeps them warm during long, cold winters on the plains. When they’re born, the calves sport a reddish coat. While giant herds once covered the plains, hunters nearly decimated them by the 1800s. Now, bison populate all 50 states living in national parks, refuges, and on tribal and private lands.
Arbor Day celebrates planting and nurturing trees, and all the ways trees enrich our lives and stabilize the environment. Historians trace Arbor Day’s origins back to the fifth century when Swiss villagers gathered to plant groves of oak trees. Adults turned the event into a festival and children were given treats as a reward for their help planting trees.
Arbor Day first appeared in the United States in 1872. J. Sterling Morton is credited with guiding this country’s first Arbor Day resolution through the Nebraska Legislature that year. Residents of the Great Plains recognized how much trees could do for them, and they enthusiastically embraced Morton’s vision.
President Theodore Roosevelt was a strong supporter of Arbor Day. Early in the 20th century, it was becoming clear that the nation’s forests were being exhausted by cut-out-and-get-out timber harvesting. The science of forest management was emerging, and the government was moving to suppress wildfires and plant trees. Roosevelt sent a letter to the children of the United States in which he wrote, “A people without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as hopeless.”
In Texas, Arbor Day first appeared in Temple on Feb. 22, 1889. W. Goodrich Jones led the citizens of Temple in a mass meeting to call for a tree-planting campaign along the streets of the city. One year later, the first statewide observance of Arbor Day was held in Austin. Through the efforts of Sen. George Tyler of Belton, Feb. 22 was set aside by law as Arbor Day to encourage planting trees in the state.
After the original Texas Arbor Day law expired, the state continued to observe Arbor Day by proclamation of the governor, usually on George Washington’s birthday. In 1949, the Texas Legislature adopted a resolution designating the third Friday in January as Texas Arbor Day.
In 1989 the Legislature passed a resolution moving Texas Arbor Day to the last Friday in April to align with the traditionally observed national Arbor Day. Today, the official Texas Arbor Day is held on the first Friday in November. Still, thanks to the diversity of this state, Arbor Day can be celebrated in Texas communities anytime throughout the fall and winter planting season.
International Jellyfish Day is on November 3. It is a day to celebrate that beautiful and mysterious invertebrate the world calls a ‘jellyfish.’ Along with enjoying all this lovely not-really-a-fish sea creature has to offer, the day also encourages people to learn more about this marine animal and then share it with the world.
Designated as the State Flower by the General Assembly in 1907, the Mountain Laurel is perhaps the most beautiful of native American shrubs. Its fragrance and the massed richness of its white and pink blossoms so vividly contrast with the darker colors of the forests and the fields that they have continually attracted the attention of travelers since the earliest days of our colonization. First mentioned in John Smith’s “General History,” in 1624 specimens were sent to Linnaeus, the famous botanist, by the Swedish explorer Peter Kalm in 1750. Linnaeus gave it the name of Kalmia latifolia, honoring the name of his correspondent and at the same time describing the “wide-leafed” characteristic of the plant. In addition to being called the “Mountain Laurel,” the plant has also been spoken of as “Calico Bush” and “Spoonwood.”
Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 2. On this day, it is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit their living family members. Many people celebrate this day by visiting the graves of deceased loved ones and setting up altars with their favorite foods, drinks, and photos.
World Ballet Day is a floating holiday and its date is set by several ballet companies annually. This year, it takes place on November 2. Ballet, which can be traced back to the 15th century, is an intricate and artistic dance form that involves precise, light, and graceful movements and gestures, performed to music. World Ballet Day is a special occasion for people around to celebrate this well-loved art.
National Ohio Day is marked on November 2 every year to celebrate the anniversary of Ohio joining the United States Union. It was on this day in 1803 that President Thomas Jefferson signed a decree approving the boundaries and constitution of Ohio. However, it wasn’t until 1953 that the official admission was administered when the Buckeye state was adopted retroactively. Ohioans celebrate the day by uncovering the hidden treasures of the state and recognizing its incredible history.
This afternoon, I took another peek at the leaves in Echo Lake Park. And with sadness I have to say, the “Leaf Peeping Peak Season” is over. Here and there are trees still dressed in Autumn leaves. A lot of them are bare, now. I can tell, that November has arrived in New England. Well, I will enjoy what is left for the rest of the season, before I experience my first real Winter in almost two decades.
The European mantis is a large insect in the family of the Mantidae (‘mantids’), which is the largest family of the order Mantodea (mantises). Their common name praying mantis is derived from the distinctive posture of the first pair of legs that can be observed in animals in repose. It resembles a praying attitude. Both males and females have elongated bodies with two pairs of wings. The most striking features that all Mantodea share are a very mobile, triangular head with large compound eyes and their first pair of legs (the ‘raptorial legs’), which are highly modified for the efficient capture and restraint of fast-moving or flying prey. In Germany, the European Mantis is listed as Gefährdet [endangered] on the German Red List based on an assessment from 1998. It is not supposed to be caught or held as a pet. At a global level, it is assessed by the IUCN as least concern.
For the last five Sundays, I posted photos of the pumpkins I have been carving for Halloween nights. People were admiring my Jack-o-Lanterns and asked, how I carve them. In this blog, I will explain it.
Before I even think about this carving process, I have to look for the right pumpkin in the store or pumpkin patch. The key points, I’m looking for are:
Does the pumpkin have any nicks or bruises?
Does the stem look healthy and is not cut too short?
Is the pumpkin big enough for what I would like to do with it?
Does the pumpkin have a smooth surface?
Do I really like the pumpkin or should I keep looking for a better one?
A pumpkin should look healthy. Because it will rot if it has nicks, bruises, or the stem is cut too short. It also should be the right size for the pattern, I have in mind. The pumpkin should be smooth and without warts. Having a bumpy surface makes it harder to apply the stencil and carve the pumpkin. Sometimes, I look at a pumpkin and think: This is not the right one, I just keep looking. Since I started looking for pumpkins at the beginning of October, there is plenty of time to find the perfect one for my project.
Usually on October 30th, I begin to carve pumpkins. This gives me an extra day, in case I’m getting too busy on Halloween. I’ll let you know, how I keep the pumpkins nice and fresh for a day or two before they have their big day on our front porch.
First I gather all my tools, bowls, stencils, and of course, pumpkins together, before I begin with the carving. A couple of days ago, the girls and I decided on what pattern they like to get carved into their pumpkins.
After I opened the pumpkin with a kitchen knife, I got those gooey pumpkin guts out. (Usually, I cut it at an angle. The warmth of the candles shrinks it a little bit. That way it stays on the pumpkin and won’t fall inside of it.) When Katelynn was little, she always helped me and said: “We have to get the pumpkin-yikes out of it, before we can carve the pumpkin!” So cute! She still calls it “pumpkin-yikes”.
I always use the scraper to clean the pumpkin from the rest of the stuff, which keeps the seeds in place. With this tool, I can thin out the walls a little bit more. If the walls are too thick, the pumpkin is harder to carve. But if they are too thin, they can break easier, while I’m carving. Over the last few years, I’ve got a better feeling about it, how thick the walls are supposed to be. 😉
The pumpkin is clean inside and wiped down on the outside. Now I can apply the stencil with some Scotch tape before I use the poker around the lines. Personally, I do not recommend getting the stencil wet for a better fitting on the pumpkin surface. It takes forever until the paper is try. I never have the patience to wait for that. And poking the holes into wet paper makes a mess because it will rip faster.
As soon as the pattern is poked into the pumpkin, I remove the stencil. I always keep the stencil sitting next to the pumpkin as a reference. Sometimes a hole is not poked perfectly or the holes are too close together. Some people use a crayon or another marker to connect the lines. Once the stencil is removed, the carving can begin. A few years ago, I spent a little extra cash to get better carving tools. The tools, they provide with the stencil booklets are good for some carving. But I’ve noticed, I had to re-buy them, because they bent and/or become dull. I love this saw, as you can see in the picture. It has a bigger handle as well.
My little secret to keep the pumpkins in shape for a couple of days: I soak them with a splash of bleach in ice water. Some people wipe them with vinegar and use some vaseline, to prevent them from molding and drying out. But I’m not a fan of the vinegar smell; and the vaseline just looks messy, if it is not applied correctly.
When the “Jack-o-Lanterns” were still damp from soaking them in water, I lit them with a few tea candles to see, how they look in the dark. Katelynn and Sara can’t wait for Halloween night to get the pumpkins on the porch and show them to the kids from the neighborhood.
Are you ready for the results? Here are the “Jack-o-Lanterns” of 2017:
𝑾𝒐𝒍𝒇’𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒆 While folklore suggests this unassuming yellow woodland flower might repel werewolves, we’re sure its delightful floral fragrance will have you happily howling at the moon!
Top: Floral Mid: Amber Base: Powder
𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑵𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 Fiendishly delightful citrus notes swirl intriguingly with rare wood accords to create a fragrance that will drive you batty with pleasure!
Rieneck Castle (German: Burg Rieneck) is a hill castle in the town of Rieneck, in Bavaria, southern Germany. It was built by Ludwig I, Count of Loon and Rieneck, around 1150. It is today used by the German Christian Guide and Scout Association. Rieneck Castle sits on a hill in the town of Rieneck, overlooking the Sinn river. It is located in the Spessart hills, in the Main-Spessart district of Bavaria, about 80 km east of Frankfurt.
In 1150 Ludwig I, Count of Loon and Rieneck, ordered the building of the castrum Rinecke on the northeastern boundary of his territory, with the aim of safeguarding the lands of this aristocratic family against the neighboring lordships of Mainz, Würzburg, and Fulda. The little hill in the Sinn valley offered excellent conditions. There was only one direction where the castle required additional protection by a defensive ditch and offered as narrow a front as possible to attack. The latter can be clearly seen in the ground plan of the keep, the 19-metre high “Thick Tower”, which is outwardly an irregular, seven-sided polygon, whose tip points towards the nearby hill. The castle complex initially consisted simply of a courtyard surrounded by defensive walls, and the keep, with its 4 to 8-metre thick walls. Inside the walls, half-timbered buildings were constructed as living quarters, store rooms, and stables. Of these only what we now know as the “arched cellar” survives.
Now in the darkening of the year the veil between the world wears thin and those gone on ahead draw near. In the hours of quiet remembrance that the waning season brings, we may feel their whispered presence like the brush of a gentle wind.
Blessed Samhain!
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Samhain ~ The Summer’s End
Samhain marks one of the two great doorways of the Celtic year, for the Celts divided the year into two seasons: the light and the dark, at Beltane on May 1st and Samhain on October 31st. Some believe that Samhain was the more important festival, marking the beginning of a whole new cycle, just as the Celtic day began at night. The most magically potent time of this festival is the night of October 31st, known today of course, as Halloween. The date marked both an ending and a beginning in an eternal cycle. In the country year, Samhain marked the first day of winter, when the herders led the cattle and sheep down from their summer hillside pastures to the shelter of stable and byre. The hay that would feed them during the winter must be stored in sturdy thatched ricks, tied down securely against storms. Those destined for the table were slaughtered, after being ritually devoted to the gods. All the harvest must be gathered in, barley, oats, wheat, turnips, and apples for come November, the faeries would blast every growing plant with their breath, blighting any nuts and berries remaining on the hedgerows. Peat and wood for winter fires were stacked high by the hearth. It was a joyous time of family reunion, when all members of the household worked together baking, salting meat, and making preserves for the winter feasts to come. The Celts believed that at the time of Samhain, more so than any other time of the year, the dead were able to mingle with the living, because at Samhain the souls of those who had died during the year traveled into the otherworld. As a feast of the dead, it was believed the dead could, if they wished, return to the land of the living for this one night, to celebrate with their family, tribe, or clan.
Kevin installed a motor and attached the brew stick in the cauldron. The motor was on a timer, so it seemed like the witch was literally stirring her brew. The funny part about it was, the motor started speeding up and the whole witch tried to keep the brew in control. When that happened, Kevin had to secure the cauldron and make sure, the witch wasn’t flying off. 😄😄😂
National Cat Day is celebrated on October 29. It was created by Colleen Paige to bring awareness to the number of cats that need to be rescued each year. With 40-70 recognized Cat breeds, there is a cat for all cat lovers. Cats remind us that just when you think they’ve lost interest in you, they’ll turn around and melt your heart. When it appears they’re too busy staring out at passing cars, chasing nylon mice, and sending tiny multi-colored balls to their under-the-refrigerator graves, they’ll somehow let you know that their very world revolves around you. Just wait. It’ll happen when you least expect it. Cats have their own timetable.
We have arrived at the last part of this year’s “My Jack-o-Lanterns” season. I can’t believe October went by so fast. Here are the pictures of the pumpkins from 2014, 2015, and 2016.
With more than 48 acres of natural landscaping consisting of two playground areas, two basketball courts, a pavilion, an amphitheater, a pond, and a newly expanded disc golf course, Bill Allen Memorial Park is perfect for the whole family.
World Lemur Day is celebrated on the last Friday of October and this year, the holiday is scheduled to fall on October 27. The objective of this holiday is to raise awareness about the need to preserve this endangered species and to celebrate its unique attributes. The holiday was first observed in 2014, founded by Jonah Ratsimmbazafy in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Since then zoos and animal rights organizations across the globe have been celebrating this particular event. World Lemur Day is celebrated in tandem with the World Lemur Festival.
It’s National Black Cat Day on October 27th! Black cats need a little positive PR as their reputation as an omen of bad luck is well-known (and unearned, frankly). In the lead-up to Halloween, National Black Cat Day provides the chance for feline fans to show off their love for the oft-maligned, but always iconic animal.
The black cat carries a unique status among the wide batch of different breads. In some locales, notably Scotland, Britain, and Japan, the presence or appearance of a black cat is indicative of imminent good fortune and prosperity. Beyond these regions, though, public favor of the black cat runs sharply southward. In much of the Western world, black cats are considered to be harbingers of misfortune and wickedness. This unfortunate association stems from an image that will be familiar to many readers, which is that of the black cat serving as a companion to potion-brewing, spell-casting witches everywhere.
This relationship would prove to have severe consequences for owners of black cats in America in the early 17th century. As the Pilgrims established their occupancy on the east coast of the country, they maintained a strict suspicion of anything remotely tied to the perils of witchcraft. The black cat served as a symbol of the supposed evils and Satanic sympathies of witches, and as a result, those found harboring black cats would receive harsh punishments; some would even be sentenced to death.
While, in general, the fears surrounding the demonic potential of witches have subsided significantly, the black cat will be left wondering why it still must suffer the consequences of a damaged collective reputation. According to several animal advocacy groups and adoption agencies, black cats experience lower rates of adoption and higher rates of euthanization relative to other cat breeds. Because of this, National Black Cat Day stands as a fantastic opportunity to subvert these trends and demonstrate appreciation for an animal that could use a little luck.
The White Oak (Quercus alba) is one of the preeminent hardwoods of eastern and central North America. It is a long-lived oak, native to eastern and central North America and found from Minnesota, Ontario, Quebec, and southern Maine south as far as northern Florida and eastern Texas. Specimens have been documented to be over 450 years old. Although called a white oak, it is very unusual to find an individual specimen with white bark; the usual color is light grey. The name comes from the color of the finished wood. In the forest, it can reach a magnificent height and in the open, it develops into a massive broad-topped tree with large branches striking out at wide angles.
Quercus alba is fairly tolerant of a variety of habitats and may be found on ridges, in valleys, and in between, in dry and moist habitats, and in moderately acid and alkaline soils. It is mainly a lowland tree but reaches altitudes of 1,600 m (5,249 ft) in the Appalachian Mountains. It is often a component of the forest canopy in an oak-heath forest. Frequent fires in the Central Plains region of the United States prevented oak forests, includingWhite Oak, from expanding into the Midwest. However, a decrease in the frequency of these natural fires after European settlement caused rapid expansion of oak forests into the Great Plains, negatively affecting the natural prairie vegetation.
National Pumpkin Day falls on October 26. Pumpkins are so much more than just a fun holiday accessory. Not only are they one of the best-known sources of beta-carotene (an antioxidant converted to vitamin A in the body), but pumpkins are loaded with fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Try some on National Pumpkin Day (and of course have a little fun carving them).
Tennessee has a turbulent history. It is believed that the first settlers were of Asian descent, and they crossed the Bering Strait land bridge about 20,000 years ago. Spanish explorers came in 1540 in search of gold, and the English moved in in the 17th century. The major indigenous groups during this time were the Chickasaws and the Cherokee. The name ‘Tennessee’ came from the Cherokee village ‘Tanasi.’
Tennessee played a prominent role as volunteers during the Creek War, under the leadership of Andrew Jackson from 1813 to 1814 at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama. The volunteers responded to the attack of Creek warriors on Fort Mims, Alabama, leading to the destruction of many Muskogee towns. The Cherokees of East Tennessee, despite their efforts to assimilate into the dominant culture, were driven out of the land by the U.S. government from 1838 to 1839. With other native populations of America, they were routed via the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma.
However, during the American Civil War in 1861, Tennessee was initially faithful to the Union, but later, voted for secession and joined the new Confederate States of America. The Union army won most of their encounters in Tennessee and had occupied most of the land by 1864. Tennessee became a major site of racial segregation protests after the Nashville 1959 to 1961 sit-ins for the civil rights movement and the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike. Martin Luther King, Jr. was in Memphis to support the sanitation workers when he was assassinated on April 4.
Katelynn loves going to the pumpkin patch because she can jump in the bounce house, go on hay rides, and pick a pumpkin. Sara just enjoyed crawling around between the pumpkins. Every pumpkin had to be tested by giving it a good slap on top. We also went to the Pirate Days. Unfortunately “Boo at the Zoo” got rained out the day, we went to the Fort Worth Zoo. But it wasn’t the end of the world, either. The girls got out and had fun, anyway.
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2011
Awww! 2011 was one of my favorite Halloween Seasons of all time so far. Katelynn had a crush on “Marvin, the Martian” and wanted to marry him. That’s right. She loved this Looney Toon character so much, that we had to get her a plush Marvin. She said she wanted to become an Astronaut and be the First Woman on Mars. Well, over the years her idea of flying to Mars has changed. But she still wants to be a Paleontogist, now.
Sara was the cutest little garden gnome, I’ve ever seen. It was her first Halloween, she could walk to the houses. But she still had a hard time catching up with her older sister. Her little feet were not fast enough. So, she called Katelynn to wait for her: “Kaitin, Kaitin! I want to go T’ick-o’-T’eat with you!” Sara wasn’t scared of any monsters either. Since we always made a big fest out of Halloween, she must have thought it was normal.
Before I drove Sara to school, I warmed up the car and captured some photos with my Nikon. The sun just rose above the horizon, when I could see the fog past the trees in the valley. While we had no fog up on the hill in Watertown, Oakville was covered in a blanket. Sara’s school is about 300 ft lower in altitude than our home. The Autumn fog looked so pretty this morning.
The quintessential early bird, American Robins are common sights on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery songs, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they are familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness.
American Robins are industrious birds that bound across lawns or stand erect, beaks tilted upward, to survey their environs. When alighting they habitually flick their tails downward several times. In Autumn and Winter, they form large flocks and gather in trees to roost or eat berries. These birds are common across the continent in gardens, parks, yards, golf courses, fields, pastures, and tundra, as well as deciduous woodlands, pine forests, shrublands, and forests regenerating after fires or logging.
Bat Appreciation Week is celebrated annually in October and takes place from October 24 to 31 this year. The holiday is a week-long celebration that focuses on different bat causes, bat education, conservation, and other amazing bat facts. The bat is one of the oldest living mammals on this Earth with a lineage that stretches back more than 50 million years.
There are about 900 species of bats on Earth, all of which belong to the Chiroptera family. For ages, bats have been portrayed as negative characters. Although these creatures have been in existence for a long time, they haven’t gained many fans over the years. This holiday debunks myths and eradicates the lies that portray the bat as an influential component in our ecosystem.
They hop, kick, rear their pups in small pouches, and make us all go ‘awww’ every time — which is why National Kangaroo Awareness Day is observed every year on October 24. Today, awareness about this marsupial’s plight, which is hunted and murdered in disturbingly huge numbers across Australia, and its offspring are created. People are encouraged to honor this beautiful creature by protecting and saving as many kangaroos and their young as possible.
𝕮𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖞 𝕮𝖔𝖗𝖓 Here’s the Kringle Candle Company’s take on the classic creamy vanilla, honey, and light spice that bedevils every autumnal sweet tooth. So far this candle formula is my Halloween favorite.
The Kartoffelturm (Potato Tower) was built before WWII to warrant a great view over the Main river. The tower is located in the vineyards of Randersacker which produce some of the best wine in Lower Franconia. The whole area is worth a hike. You can start in Würzburg and then either go alongside the Main river or directly walk through the vineyards. Wherever you look, you will see a beautiful idyllic coexistence of nature and human life. Trees, shrubbery, and meadows are omnipresent between the river and the mountains. Once you go uphill you can enjoy the fantastic clean air of this region. And when you arrive at the Sonnenstuhlturm you will have a magnificent panoramic view. In 1972, the name was changed to Sonnenstuhlturm (Sun Lounger Tower, or Sun Deck Chair Tower). However, Kartoffelturm is still the more common name for the residents of Würzburg and Randersacker.
Randersacker is located in the south of Würzburg. This part of the Main is called Maindreieck. The term refers to the course of the river, it looks similar to a triangle. The city of Würzburg is about three miles away from the village center of Randersacker. There are two subdistricts: Lindelbach and the main part Randersacker.
Kevin worked on the cauldron in previous years. But it came out the best on Halloween 2009. He had to cut a hole in the bottom to fit a pipe for the fog maker. A purple light bulb was installed before he aligned the inner cauldron with some dark fabric. Kevin glued some eyeballs and bones on top of the fabric to make them look like the witch just tossed them for her brew in the cauldron. Of course, needed a stand and a “fire”. Kevin got some golfball-sized styrofoam balls, cut a small hole, and spray painted them, so they would look like charcoal. Then he pushed red string lights in the precut holes to make the “charcoal look like it was glowing in the fire. Once the stand and the “charcoal” were in place, he set the cauldron on top of it and let the fog machine do its job. Ta-da! The witch had some brew cooking.
Another Sunday has arrived to show off some of my Jack-o-Lanterns of the years 2013 and 2014. Some I carved for our local “Family Fright Night Campout”. And a couple of pumpkins I carved for Halloween night. The white skull pumpkin is from Courtney. She asked me if I could capture a photo of it. It looked so cool I had to add it to my Jack-o-Lantern photo collection.
In May 2007, Kevin graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Keller University. The ceremony was held at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. After the ceremony, I was able to capture a few photos of the Resort, which resembles the Alamo and the San Antonio Riverwalk.
As the fall chill fills the air, on the darkest of nights, mournful cries of the abandoned dead are heard on the tracks at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Listen to the tale of yesteryear, as you learn of a hastily moved cemetery whose bodies were left behind, their angry souls seeking their revenge. Come for a scare if you dare… the next trolley ride is an express to the Darkside!
During this haunted experience, ride vintage trolleys into the dark woods for a fear that you will never forget, visit the vortex tunnel if you dare, and end your experience in the Visitor Center if you can handle the unforeseen horror of death.
While the history of reptiles may go hundreds of millions of years back, National Reptile Awareness Day has an unfortunately short history in comparison. Additionally, it wasn’t really until 1966 when the first Endangered Species Act was passed that awareness of the needs and threats facing reptiles (or any animal, for that matter) started to make its way into our cultural mainstream.
With the passing of that act, a mid-century push toward conservation started taking the forefront. Updates were passed in 1967 and 1969. Additionally, in 1967, the Environmental Defense Fund created their historical efforts to ban DDT from usage in the United States. Much of this movement was sparked by Rachel Carson’s seminal book, Silent Spring, which documented the adverse effects pesticides and other chemicals have on the environment.
National Reptile Awareness Day wouldn’t exist without the efforts of that movement. In fact, many reptiles wouldn’t be around today without the help of the Endangered Species Act. While National Reptile Awareness Day may have a small history compared to its subjects, it’s still part of a historically important movement to help protect and conserve all species of animals.
Sara wanted to go to the mall on her birthday. She invited a friend to go with her. While the girls were shopping, Kevin and I stayed on the upper level and walked around for a little bit. I saw these nice brass murals in the mall and shot photos of them.
The Brass Mill Center opened its doors in September 1997. In the last 26 years, it has seen its better days. In April 2022, the mall was purchased by Kohan Retail Investment Group for 18.9 million Dollars. The Brass Mill Commons sold for another 26 Million Dollars. A couple investors plan to transform the space of the former Macy’s into a retail plaza.
Yesterday, I went to the Veteran’s Memorial Park in town after I was at Echo Lake Park. I had a nice Autumn photo walk around the place before I went back home.
It has been two weeks since I visited the Echo Lake Park. And there is a difference almost like day and night. More trees have changed into their Autumn dresses. And the ones, that had changed already show their bright colors of crimson and gold. The sun peeked from behind the clouds. And it was quite windy, today. But this didn’t stop me from shooting some photos.
National Kentucky Day is celebrated every year on October 19, and it recognizes the moment in history when Kentucky was approved for statehood. Rich in history and known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky had its own share of ups and downs. But that didn’t stop the state from progressing and making a mark! National Kentucky Day is special not only because of the struggles the region faced but also because it was the first to enter the union among states west of the Appalachian Mountains. So, on this day, America celebrates Kentucky and its history with great zeal and pride.
Katelynn wanted to help me with the pumpkin carving. So, I’ve got her a little pumpkin she could play with and get the pumpkin guts out. She always loved to say: “We need to get all the pumpkin yikes out!” And then she played with the gooey inside of the pumpkin.
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2009
Sara was only twelve days old when we celebrated Halloween in 2009. She was such a cute little Pumpkin. Katelynn wanted to help with the pumpkins again, while her little sister took a nap. Katelynn was very proud of being a big sister. She really enjoyed taking Sara out for her first Trick-or-Treat. All bundled up we walked through the neighborhood and collected candy on this cool October night. The fresh air was good for the little munchkin.
There still are a lot of emerald-colored trees in the forest. However, the golden colors become more and more present as the month of October goes on. I just hope we will get some crimson mixed in as well. Nothing in sight, yet. But, I don’t give up hope. It’s still too early to say, how the leaves will be at their peak in another week or so.
Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. Fillet of a fenny snake, In the caldron boil and bake; Eye of newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog, Adder’s fork and blind worm’s sting, Lizard’s leg and Howlet’s wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.
Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. Cool it with a baboon’s blood, Then the charm is firm and good.
The Texas Longhorn is an American breed of beef cattle, characterized by its long horns, which can span more than 8 ft (2.4 m) from tip to tip. It derives from cattle brought from the Iberian Peninsula to the Americas by Spanish conquistadores from the time of the Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus until about 1512. For hundreds of years, the cattle lived a semi-feral existence on the rangelands; they have a higher tolerance to heat and drought than most European breeds.[6] It can be of any color or mix of colors. In some 40% of the cattle, it is some shade of red, often a light red; the only shade of red not seen is the deep color typical of the Hereford. In the twenty-first century, it is considered part of the cultural heritage of Texas.
𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒂𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒏 Primary notes of clove and cedar dance mysteriously with hints of incense, citrus, and other exotics to create this utterly bewitching fragrance.
When I was 11 my schoolmates and I went to a school camp in Schaippach an der Sinn with our teacher. In the mornings, we had regular school. But school started at 9 AM and ended at noon. and in the afternoon, we hiked several miles to learn more about regional history and geography. There was still plenty of time to hang around the building or sit in the story area and write a letter or postcard for the family at home. We had also responsibilities like taking care of the dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Make our beds and go to bed on time. Sleeping was another story when being in a room with nine other girls. After five or six days, we rode the bus back home, where our parents, in my case grandparents, were waiting in front of the school to pick us up. At home, we had a lot of stories to tell about that week at camp.
On one hike we went from Schaippach to Gemünden. Our teacher was always talking about the merging of the rivers Sinn and Saale into the River Main (pronounced: mine). A river merging with another river into a larger river means “münden” in German. Therefore the town at the three rivers is named Gemünden. So, we students wanted to see it and hiked to the exact place, where the merging of the rivers can be viewed from that spot.
Gemünden is about 25 miles (40 km) NNE down the river from my hometown Würzburg and located in the region of Main-Spessart in Lower Franconia, Northern Bavaria Germany.
Chewbacca protects his “brother from another mother”, while they cuddle and snooze together.
Global Cat Day on October 16th raises awareness surrounding non-lethal feline programs across the country. More than any other shelter animal, cats and kittens face euthanization at a much higher rate. However, programs such as trap, neuter, and release (TNR) make it possible for cats to live long and healthy lives in our neighborhoods.
TNR programs aim to reduce shelters and overall colony populations across the country. TNR programs trap feral and stray cats. They are then neutered and vaccinated under the care of a veterinarian. Their ears are tipped to identify that they have been spayed or neutered. The cat is released back into the neighborhood where they were captured. Long-term studies across the country show that not only does the population decline, but the cats live out their lives healthily. Additionally, these programs save taxpayers money over time.
Kevin had a couple of motors, he wanted to use for something neat on Halloween. He decided to make moving cat eyes. A couple of tiki candle holders, styrofoam balls, and spray paint needed to be purchased. The strings, wooden picks, black foam sheets, and velvet fabric we had lying around the house. Kevin also installed some mini light bulbs inside the eyeballs. So, they were glowing, while they moved and stared at everyone.
Since I read a book about Native Americans when I lived in Germany, I wanted to visit the marker where the prehistoric site of Clovis-aged people fire hearths had been found in 1951 due to the excavation for the Lewisville Lake Dam, which contained Hackberry seeds, fish, birds, tortoises, rabbits, squirrels, mussels, and bigger animals like mammoth, bison. wolves. coyotes and several more. The first investigation took place between 1951 and 1957. The second investigation was between 1978 and 1980. Due to the severe drought in North Texas, the site was more investigated in the late 70s. In 2006, I found the marker. We had an extreme drought that year as well. But the site was still covered by water.
This is a day to honor and thank all of the hardworking farmers and ranchers who plow, sow, grow, and harvest to feed our nation. We especially rely on farmers to get fresh food on our tables during these uncertain times. Let’s pay tribute to the men, women, and families who put food in the grocery stores and on our tables every day.
The history of National Vermont Day goes back to 1791 when it officially became the 14th state to join the United States. It also became the first state to join the union after the original 13 states. This was a pinnacle in the history of the Green Mountain State after it was subjected to British and French rule for many years.
After its admission to the union, Vermont has continuously made strides. It became one of the first states to officially ban slavery. On November 25, 1858, the Act to Secure Freedom To All Persons Within The State was signed three years before the American Civil War. Vermonters provided food and shelter to escaped slaves along the Underground Railroad. Vermonters are also known for their resilience. Despite being a newly formed state, they sent soldiers to participate in the Civil War and continuously stood a firm ground against slavery.
National Vermont Day gives a chance to Vermonters to not only celebrate the memorable day of their independence but also pass down the historical value of their state to the younger generation. Honoring the brave men and women who contributed to making Vermont the state it is today is paramount. The 21st-century Vermont sits in the middle of a lush and scenic backdrop of mountains. While the state couldn’t be any more picturesque, the history behind this beauty is rich. National Vermont Day is the time of the year to honor that.
… This Halloween season was completely different from last year’s. Katelynn was excited to go to “Trick-or-Treat”. She knocked on the doors with a happy “T’ick-or-T’eeeeat”. Since she couldn’t pronounce the “r”, the neighbors thought she was adorable and gave her a lot of candy. After three houses we had to walk home to empty the bag before we could go out there and get more candy. Oh my, so much candy and no meltdowns anymore.
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The Munster Mansion in Waxahachie, Texas
In 2004 I heard about the Munster Mansion Replica when I watched VH1 while I was preparing dinner. I talked to Kevin about it. And one weekend, we drove from Dallas to Waxahachie. When we found it, we looked at it. The owner, Charles McKee waved at us, and we waved back.
A couple of years later, I read in the Dallas Morning News that the McKees have these weekend tours right before Halloween. Kevin and I got a babysitter for Katelynn, and down we went to Waxahachie again. They used the big parking lot in front of a local school. A school bus and a limousine were busy around the clock, picking guests up and dropping them off. It was a long wait. But once we were on the property, we had a lot of entertainment. One of the firebreathers asked me to pull a nail out of her nose. I replied, “… before this happens I will pass out.” Everybody in line was laughing. 😊
Once we made it inside the mansion, we were not allowed to capture photos or record any film. It made us pay more attention to the tour as well. If you like to see photos and documents, you can go to the official website and check it out for more information. Here is the link:
In 2007, Kevin had to go with Katelynn to Trick-or-Treat. I was still recovering from a knee injury and rather stay at home. It was fun. Katelynn was dressed in her “Snow White” costume and received plenty of candy, while the neighbors and I were busy giving out candy. But I have to admit, I missed the door-to-door walk that year.
Fossils aren’t just interesting and fun to look at — they’re also proof of the existence of once-living things (like dinosaurs, animals, plants, and even DNA remnants). Through these fossils, we’re able to learn a lot about life from billions of years ago. We can even take a look at animals and life forms that are no longer on the planet! These fossils (and the education around them) deserve to be preserved and explored. That’s why we celebrate National Fossil Day annually on the Wednesday of the second full week in October, with this year’s celebration being held on October 11.
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae) in the family Nymphalidae. Other common names, depending on region, include milkweed, common tiger, wanderer, and black-veined brown. It is amongst the most familiar of North American butterflies and an iconic pollinator, although it is not an especially effective pollinator of milkweed. Its wings feature an easily recognizable black, orange, and white pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 cm (3.5–4.0 in). A Müllerian mimic, the viceroy butterfly, is similar in color and pattern but is markedly smaller and has an extra black stripe across each hindwing.
The eastern North American monarch population is notable for its annual southward late-summer/autumn instinctive migration from the northern and central United States and southern Canada to Florida and Mexico. During the fall migration, monarchs cover thousands of miles, with a corresponding multigenerational return north in spring. The western North American population of monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains often migrates to sites in southern California, but individuals have been found in overwintering Mexican sites. In 2009, monarchs were reared on the International Space Station, successfully emerging from pupae located in the station’s Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus.
When I began 5th grade, I had a teacher who loved to hike. So, a lot of times we had school outdoors by hiking to places from Würzburg to Randersacker, to Frankenwarte, and many other outdoor places. Rain or shine, we hiked instead of sitting in a stuffy classroom all year.
One place, we went to was the Guttenberger Wald, which is an unincorporated forest near the Reichenberg/Höchberg area in the district of Würzburg, Germany. The Guttenberger Wald has an area of 18.05 km ² (4480 acres) and is 362 meters (1188 feet) above sea level. It is a nice and quiet place away from the city.
Kevin had the graveyard decoration up for over a week. But it still looked kinda empty between the gravestones. One of the light chains worked only partially around the half circle. So, I went into the shed and got more decorations out this evening. I laid more skeletons on the ground, wrapped another light chain around the fence, and decorated the big skeleton with more light and a spider on its head. EEK!
When Kevin came home, he installed the owl on the Norwegian Spruce branch, that hangs partially over our driveway, and lit it up with a couple of spotlights. I like the display much better now. Last year we had orange and green lights. This year, we went with orange, pink, and blue.
Diddlina is Diddl’s girlfriend. When I was younger, I collected everything about Diddl and his friends. I even made my own journals by drawing pictures of them. In October 2005, I created Katelynn’s Trick-or-Treat- bag myself. The bag I had from a previous occasion. I imaged the concept, traced, and clued the tracing to construction papers. The broom got some tinsel I found in an art supply store. I used a black pen for coloring the face, hands, feet, hat, and costume to give it character. And voilà, Katelynn had a Trick-or-Treat bag like no other.
The remnants of the post-tropical cyclone “Philippe” moves through New England and Canada’s southeast Atlantic coast, this weekend. And we have a cold front approaching from the west, which brings heavy rains and gusty winds. So, we are getting drenched in Connecticut. With all the rain we had this past Summer and in September, there seems to be no break from the rivers rising over their banks and therefore flooding the region.
Our pets seem to enjoy resting in the cooler sunroom, listening to the rain, and taking a snooze on their beds. Except Zoey: She wants to get out so bad. But she doesn’t like to be wet while doing her business. She looks outside and hopes for the rain to end soon.
Kevin suggested, when I’m working on DIY projects I could make one for Katelynn and send it with the other Birthday gift to Dallas. Since I still had the metal pumpkin from the “Happy Halloween” sign left over. I used a wooden stand-up pumpkin from Goodwill, which I got in a two-pack for $2. Target has the same sets for $5. With black and white chalk paint, pumpkin orange acrylic paint, Halloween scrapbook paper, Dollar TreeJenga blocks, a “messy” bow, and a rope around the stem I added some character to the pumpkin. On the backside, I worked on some Thanksgiving decorations. So, when Halloween is over, Katelynn can turn it around for the November holiday.
The fictional character, The Hatter (also known as The Mad Hatter) from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, typically acts silly, and that is how the creators of this day decided on their theme of silliness for National Mad Hatter Day. Sir John Tenniel illustrated The Mad Hatter and all of Lewis Carroll’s colorful characters beginning in 1864. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was first published in 1865.
Taking our inspiration from The Mad Hatter (or any of Carroll’s characters for that matter) we may pursue laughable, absurd, or even confusing adventures on National Mad Hatter Day. Breakout from the usual routine. Ask ridiculous riddles much like The Hatter’s own, “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” Play croquet with plastic pink flamingos or wear a funny hat to work. Celebrate the day with silliness!
October 6 is National German-American Day in the United States to celebrate the German heritage millions of Americans claim in our country.
This German-American heritage holiday commemorates the 13 German Mennonite families from Krefeld who landed in Philadelphia. On October 6, 1683, these families established the first German settlement in the original thirteen colonies. They named it Germantown.
National German-American Day was initially celebrated in the nineteenth century. However, it fell out of favor during World War I. Then in the 1980s, things began to change. As is tradition, President Ronald Reagan made his world tour in 1982, which included West Germany. Amid a cold war and a divided Germany, the newly elected U.S. President spoke to the people of Bonn. He opened his speech by relating the history of the 13 German families who founded a colony on American soil. He spoke of contributions, advancement, science, and art and the honor of celebrating the German heritage that more than 7 million Americans claim.
To honor the 300th anniversary of German-American immigration and culture into the United States, in 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 6th as German-American Day. It was on August 6, 1987, that Congress approved S.I. Resolution 108, designating October 6, 1987, as German-American Day, and it became Public Law 100-104 when President Reagan signed it on August 18. He issued Proclamation #5719 on October 2, 1987, and at this time, the President called on Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. It has been commemorated each year since with Presidential Proclamations.
The pecan, Carya illinoinensis, is a member of the Juglandaceae family. Juglandaceae are represented worldwide by seven and ten extant genera and more than 60 species. Most of these species are concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere of the New World, but some can be found on every continent except Antarctica. The first fossil examples of the family appear during the Cretaceous. Differentiation between the subfamilies of Engelhardioideae and Juglandioideae occurred during the early Paleogene, about 64 million years ago. Extant examples of Engelhardioideae are generally tropical and evergreen, while those of Juglandioideae are deciduous and found in more temperate zones.
The second major step in the development of pecan was a change from wind-dispersed fruits to animal dispersion. This dispersal strategy coincides with developing a husk around the fruit and a drastic change in the relative concentrations of fatty acids. The ratio of oleic to linoleic acids is inverted between wind- and animal-dispersed seeds. Further differentiation from other species of Juglandaceae occurred about 44 million years ago during the Eocene. The fruits of the pecan genus Carya differ from those of the walnut genus Juglans only in the formation of the husk of the fruit. The husks of walnuts develop from the bracts, bracteoles, and sepals, or sepals only. The husks of pecans develop from the bracts and the bracteoles only.
The fog was so dense this morning. Kevin told me, his co-worker ran almost a deer over because it was standing in the middle of the road. He saw it just shortly before he almost hit it. The deer must have been disoriented due to the density. Who knows, what happened to the deer this morning. Let’s hope, it made it safely to its destination. Up at our house, the fog rolled in, rolled out, and rolled in to roll back out. It came in waves until the sun had enough strength to make the fog disappear. The rest was a nice Autumn day.
Wrapping up the original 13 colonies, National Rhode Island Day on October 5th recognizes the last colony to join the Union. The Ocean State joined the union on May 4, 1776.
Persecuted for his beliefs in Massachusetts, Roger Williams established the Rhode Island colony in 1636 at Providence seeking religious and political freedom. While the colony was the first to renounce British rule, Rhode Island was the only state absent from the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Rhode Island delayed signing the Constitution, preferring the addition of a bill of rights. It wasn’t until the Constitution was ratified by nine previous states and the threat of taxation on her exports that Rhode Island finally ratified the document and became the 13th state.
Katelynn was at the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch for the first time. Oh, she had so much fun playing with the straw. Kevin and I had to fish it out of her clothes later, She was so busy throwing the straw in the air, it went everywhere. The next day, we dressed her up as a lamb. I made the costume myself. The head was a bit big for her. She enjoyed going to Trick-or-Treat with it.
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2005
It was the first year, we celebrated Halloween at our new house. I made a DIY-Diddlina candy bag for all the goodies, we would receive from going to Trick-or-Treat. On the other hand, Katelynn was still little and a bit unsure, if she really liked this whole “Trick-or-Treat” thing. When we walked from door to door, she wasn’t very happy. Once she had some candy, it wasn’t nearly as bad anymore. But she did not like the door-to-door walk at all. A year later, this would be a whole other story. …
Kevin and I hiked in the park for a little bit. Unfortunately, I had the wrong shoes on. We didn’t make it far on the trail before we turned around. But we enjoyed the slow change of leaves. When we walked past a fish pond, Kevin saw a chipmunk and wanted to see where it hid after he went up a small hill. He found an entrance to a den. When he walked down, something jumped against his leg. Kevin looked closer and saw it was a frog. The little Pickerel Frog was patient enough for me to take some photos before it leaped across the trail to get back to the pond. Beautiful critters, we see when we go outdoors.
Since the weather was sunny and warm, I drove down to Echo Lake Park. The Autumn leaves are coming along well. The gold and crimson are showing through. But there is still a lot of green at the lake. Maybe another week or two, when Autumn will be at its peak for this year.
This morning, I went to the Historical District of Watertown. We have a 200-year-old White Oak tree standing close to our old town hall. There is also a plague on the tree. Unfortunately, I could not read it, because I was on the wrong side of the fence. But after some research, I found out what it reads and therefore posted it below the photos. This tree also survived a tornado that ripped through Watertown in 1989.
The old oak tree near the Town Hall is said to be where the first American flag in Watertown flew after the War of 1812. The tree still stands today, making it well over 200 years old. There is a wooden plaque on it that was created by the Daughters of the American Revolution that reads:
“PLACED BY THE SARAH WHITMAN TRUMBULL CHAPTER D.A.R. TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST UNFURLING OF THE STARS AND STRIPES IN WATERTOWN AT THE CLOSE OF THE WAR 1812”
Mockingbirds are one of the most commonly noticed birds in the state of Texas. They are either applauded for their audaciousness or cursed for their persistence in nocturnal singing or in the defense of their territory. Insects, fruit, crustaceans, and small vertebrates make up the mockingbird’s diet. The fact that they enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables hasn’t exactly made them gardeners’ friends either, although they do eat lots of insects.
Mockingbirds are found in just about every habitat type in the state. The males’ territoriality and constant singing and displaying during the breeding season make them the most noticeable bird in Texas. Often this territoriality takes the form of early morning singing sessions or diving attacks on other animals or people!
Unmated male mockingbirds sing more than mated ones, and only unmated males sing at night. Both sexes sing in the fall to claim winter feeding territories. These areas are often different than their spring breeding territories. Mockingbirds mimic 50 other bird songs. They have also been known to imitate other sounds they hear such as rusty hinges, whistling, cackling hens, and dogs barking so expertly that even an electronic analysis could not tell the difference between the mockingbird and the original. Scientists have found that female mockingbirds are attracted to males that can make the most different sounds.
“Witch Sign”
Inspired by Brandy’s “Making It My Own DIYs” on You Tube
Do you remember me posting the Halloween Vintage Black Cat Sign, two days ago? There was still the “Happy Halloween” panel left over. Brandy from “Making It My Own DIYs” had a very cute idea. But I did my own spin on it.
I had a black frame I got from Goodwill. The frame had some scratches, so I sanded it and repainted it with black chalk paint and dapped PLAIDs “Pumpkin Orange” with a round sponge brush. Once the frame was completely dry I glued a couple of Jenga blocks on the “Happy Halloween” panel, before I secured it to the picture frame. Next, I did the little skeleton witch. Once she was done, I made a messy bow and added everything to the frame. Now, she looks more like a Halloween Skeleton Witch/Fairy. The project turned out great. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same, as what we see in videos. It’s always good to bring our own creativity to the plate.
I’m so excited, my Halloween Kringle Candles have arrived today. In mid-July the Kringle Candle Company had a special for their Halloween Kringle Tumblers. I believe they could be ordered only for several hours before the sale was over. Kringle Candle Co. had different Halloween candles later in the year, but I wanted to get my fingers on those tumbler candles. In July, I got an email from them saying when they have the sale ready for the Kringle tumblers. Me being crazy for Halloween and candles, had to go for that deal. The online store had plenty of selections to choose from. However, I went for four different scents and purchased six candles in total.
2 Witches Cauldron
2 Graveyard Night
1 Black Cat
1 Day of The Dead
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Who is this Kringle Candle Company?
The original founder of the Kringle Candle Co. was no other, than Michael Kittredge II himself. He was also the founder of the Yankee Candle Co., which has been in business since 1969. After selling candles nationally and internationally for the past 30 years, Michael Kittredge II sold the Yankee Candle Co. to Forstmann, Little & Co. in 1998. Michael Kittredge II retired from candle making.
In 2008, Michael Kittredge III, the son of the Yankee Candle Co. founder, made his own first candle. And it came naturally to him to make and sell candles himself. In 2009 the Kringle Candle Co. was born and has the flagship store with the candle factory/packing and shipping on an 18,000 sqft. property in Bernardson, Massachusetts. Over 10 years later, the company is still in business, growing its product line and sending the candles all over the United States. Many of the Kringle Candles can be also outside the USA.
Unfortunately, Michael Kittredge died due to cancer in Boston on July 24, 2019. He was 67 years old. May he rest in peace. And we are thankful for the millions of amazing-smelling candles over the past 50+ years.
The Easter weekend in 1984, my Mom and my stepfather got their RV ready to take a trip to the Neuschwanstein Castle in Füssen. But we changed our minds on the road and decided to go to Lake Constance instead. The first night we spent in Memmingen in a parking lot. After breakfast, we went to our destination. And in the afternoon, we arrived in Lindau. Mom purchased a 35mm film for my first camera, she handed down to me before our trip. It was a hand-me-down. Well, still being 10 years old I didn’t need the newest expensive model to learn how to capture photos. So, a snap-and-shoot did the job.
Once, we had everything we needed we went to the Lindau Harbor and looked at boats coming in from Meersburg, Friedrichshafen, Austria, and Switzerland. The harbor is a Landmark with its southernmost lighthouse in Germany. Lake Constance borders two German states (Bavaria and Baden-Würtemberg) and three countries Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). In the evening, we had dinner on the island, while the RV was parked at the mainland.
The following morning, we drove to Meersburg and took a boat to Island Mainau. Mainau is a Botanical Garden on the lake not far from Constance (german: Konstanz). I was fascinated with all these tropical fruits inside the greenhouse. The banana plants were so high and the fruits were hanging from it. That’s mainly, what I can remember from Mainau.
After spending the night in Meersburg, we made a stop in Kempten and spent the night there before we drove home on Easter Monday. In Germany, Easter is on two days: Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. We had plenty of time to get back home. Mom was on vacation and I was on Spring Break for the rest of the week. So, we could relax after this trip.
When I let the dogs out, I was looking up in the sky this morning. Since the Waning Gibbous Harvest Moon is also a perigee Moon (Supermoon), it was very bright. I’ve also noticed that Jupiter was right beneath it, and Orion was in the southern sky. Right before dawn, I could see Venus rising over the trees, welcoming the October morning.
In 2004, I saw a little lamb costume for Katelynn. She was so cute. Unfortunately, I made the hat piece a little bit too big. But that was okay. She had a lot of fun getting candy on Halloween night.
Since I love Halloween and am stuck on a budget, I looked at some DIYs on YouTube. I stumbled across Brandy’s “Making It My Own DIYs”. Her videos are so inspiring and make a Dollar store item look like It’s worth a lot more Dollars. And it is so much fun to be creative. I fell in love with her Halloween Vintage Black Cat Sign in one of her videos. So, I gathered all the materials I could find in Dollar Tree, Goodwill, and Temu. And here is my own creation. I made it my own DIYs. 😉
Colonization of the area today called Watertown began around 1657. At that time, the colony was called “Mattatock”, though it had several variations in spelling through the years. The land where Watertown is now located, having originally belonged to Mattatock, officially changed its name to Watterbury (now Waterbury) by record on March 20, 1695, by consensus of a council. The original Colony of Mattatuck, which became Watterbury, then Waterbury in name, comprised a much greater land area than Waterbury does today. Thomas Judd and other families were among the first investors to buy the land as a group. The Town of Watertown was officially incorporated in 1780.
Back in 2003, Kevin was on leave for Katelynn’s birth, from Iraq. Before he had to go back for another couple of months, we went to the Commissary. Kevin looked in a box filled with ‘Jack-o-Lantern’ and found the perfect pumpkin. That squash looked like it fell out of a painting or was in the story of Cinderella. Kevin knew he couldn’t be with us for Halloween. And I wanted to make something really cute for Katelynn. Kevin and I found a booklet, and we picked the perfect stencil. Kevin said: “I want you to make the pumpkin as beautiful as you can, capture a few pictures, and send them to me on Halloween! I will be stuck in Iraq, again. But I want to be a part of it! It is Katelynn’s very first Halloween.” Said, and done! Since our little family was ripped apart for this special day, the ‘Pumpkin 2003’ will always be my favorite. It was an emotional one. From that day on forward, I made a tradition out of pumpkin carving. Every year, Katelynn gets her stenciled ‘Jack’. And when Sara came along, she got her own ‘Jack’, as well.
I will introduce some pumpkins every Sunday throughout October. Enjoy, and maybe get your own ideas! If you like to show me pictures of your Jack-o-Lantern, feel free to drop a link in the comment section below. I would love to see your artwork.
October Autumn leaves of red and gold that crunch beneath your feet, Pumpkins on front porches, candy corn, and trick-or-treat, Tart and tangy cider, apples ripened on the trees, A hint of winter coming on the chilly autumn breeze.
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My favorite month has arrived! October has all the beautiful Autumn activities I like the most. We can go pumpkin picking at the farms; wear sweaters, while shopping for Autumn goodies; and eat and drink a lot of Pumpkin Spice everything. and watch the leaves finally turning in beautiful shades of gold, orange, and red. In the meantime, decorations will go up to make our house and yard look more spooky for the Halloween season.
Tanja's Little Corner of The World 