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A TOUCH OF NATURE
November 28, 2001
Premier Issue

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DONNA'S COMMENTS
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I'm very excited about the start of this new newsletter. Thank you to everybody who spread the word to their online friends and family. I announced it less than three weeks ago and there are already 255 of you subscribed. Welcome to all and all submissions welcome! As you find interesting facts about Nature around you or while you're online, please share it with me so I can pass it along in one of the issues. Keep in mind the topics that are included in this newsletter as you submit information. We spent Thanksgiving in Oklahoma and visited the Martin Nature Center where we got to see a Prairie Dog Town behind a blind (wooden wall with holes so you can see "them" but they can't see you). It was delightful to get a glimpse of what life on many prairies at one time. This cute little animal is featured in our Character Qualities in Nature segment this issue.

Stand still, look and listen .....the wonder of life is all around you!
Donna

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CRITTER FACTS
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BALD EAGLE

Wildlife experts believe there may have been as many as 75,000 nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states when the bird was adopted as our national symbol in 1782. Due to habitat destruction and other human factors, by the 1960s there were fewer than 450 bald eagle nesting pairs in the same area. Its listing as an endangered species began a remarkable recovery.

In July 1995, the Fish and Wildlife Service announced that bald eagles in the lower 48 states had recovered to the point that those populations that were previously considered endangered were now considered only threatened. While habitat loss still remains a threat to the bald eagle's full recovery, most experts agree that its progress is encouraging. Soon our national symbol soaring the skies may become a common sight for Americans.

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CHARACTER QUALITIES IN NATURE
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CAUTIOUSNESS: Prairie Dog

The prairie dog is a burrowing rodent, an inhabitant of secret places. It is totally defenseless when confronted by one of its natural enemies. Its survival depends completely on its ability to reach the safety of its burrow. Preparation is serious business for the prairie dog. Without its intricate system of mounds and tunnels, it is defenseless against both predators and extremes of climate. Much of its time is spent digging, building, repairing or expanding its underground defense. Because an attack or storm could come without warning, they must be in a constant state of readiness, being cautious and prepared each day. As the prairie dog scurries to the safety of his den, he is an illustration of our need to be cautious about the details of our lives and to enter into the "safety tunnels" provided by God that assure us we are being well cared for as we dwell in the secret places of the Most High God.

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"GREEN" INFO- Making It a Way of Life!
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A GREEN HOUSE IS A HEALTHIER HOUSE

Replace toxic cleaners in your home with some of these simple cleaning remedies. It saves dollars and your health, and avoids the dangers of household cleaners.

One of my simple solutions for laundry and cleaning has been switching to Sunshine Concentrate and using Essential Oils for disinfectant and a pleasant smell that helps me clean with a great attitude.

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REDUCE, REUSE, THEN RECYCLE
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BRUSH PILES

Don't throw your yard trimmings away to be buried in a landfill. If you've got an "unnoticed" corner of your yard, you can provide shelter and cover with a brush pile. Even if you can only leave it for the winter when it is most needed. A few branches, debris from the summer garden, and the discarded Christmas tree will be welcome shelter for winter feeder guests. The arrangement can determine how large an animal you want to shelter. If you have rabbits you might want to build a little "cave" with the brush. Regardless, you will provide room for birds and lizards.

http://www.mybackyard.com/current/10r1p1.htm on uses of and building a brush pile.

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CREATION IN THE BIBLE
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Psalms 96:11-14 - KJV
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that [is] therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth

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MUSINGS: POETRY & PROSE
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THE MAGIC OF NATURE
by Cass Adams

There is no place nature and magic cannot be found. Wherever we go we find wilderness - even within the walls of our homes, where we are confronted with the unexplainable mystery and beauty of our own living. Wilderness has no walls. Seeing the smallness of our human lives against the unrestrained expanse of nature into which we have been born, we are deeply and gratefully humbled. Through this seeing, our attention may be turned away from the confines of our humanness and toward the depths of our nature; and in this act we grow immeasurably. We no longer perceive nature as something out there that we periodically visit, but as something that we carry inside of us wherever we are.

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GOOD NEWS
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A BALD EAGLE'S STORY

Bald eagles are admitted to rehab center for a variety of reasons- some have been poisoned, others shot, and many arrive with unexplained injuries. Because of their threatened status, rehab staff consider injured eagles as medical emergencies. Earlier this year a bald eagle was flown to The Wildlife Center of Virginia after being discovered in Virginia Beach suffering from a fractured wing. He had been attacked by other birds and was found lying in a field.

The eagle underwent orthopedic surgery to correct the broken bone. The operation went well, but the bald eagle faced a difficult recovery. Veterinarians questioned the bird's future when signs of a bone infection appeared, but twenty-four weeks later, after rounds of antibiotics, physical therapy, and flight conditioning, he was ready for release. Although left for dead and suffering from a weakened spirit, this American bald eagle overcame a serious injury through enduring fortitude and compassionate care.

The eagle, an American icon, will symbolize to others, victory over adversity. This eagle gives hope that through human cooperation and support, we can achieve freedom.

Get more information on The Wildlife Center.

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The content, suggestions, and web links in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not necessarily endorsed by "The Herbs Place.com" This is a personal publication by Donna Watkins. The ideas and information expressed in it have not been approved or authorized by anyone either explicitly or impliedly. In no event shall Donna Watkins or "The
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