A Touch of Nature - 12/1/06
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To keep this from being dumped into Junk Mail due to its length, please add the mailing list address to your Address Book: newsletters@thefrugallife.com
Here At Bluebird Cove
It's been a gorgeous week here in Central Virginia. I'm glad we didn't take the hammock down. I've made use of it to get some sky time and to swing. There's something about swinging that brings back the carefree days of childhood. I love to swing and when Randal and I come upon a playground while we are traveling, we take time to swing and climb around. He pushes me higher and higher on the swing --- just like my Daddy used to do.
We had an overnight getaway during the Thanksgiving holiday and spent some time at Pocahontas State Park. It was a beautiful day and we found a wonderful bridge at the lake that led to a nature trail discovery walk.
This photo was taken by sitting the camera on the rail of the bridge. It's a rare thing to get me in a picture since I'm usually holding the camera. We found a playground at this park, but just as we were checking out the bat houses nearby, a car load of children arrived to enjoy it. Since there was a wetland area nearby we figured the bat houses were to keep the mosquitoes at bay for the children in the playground.
We've had a bat house up since we moved in here and have never seen evidence (guano on the ground) of any bats inhabiting it. In this area the Small Brown Bat is the most common and they like to roost in trees, which we've got plenty of.
We stopped at the Good Earth Peanut Company in Skippers, VA, to pick up 25# boxes of critter food. The building was originally a Post Office (hence the bars on the windows) and General Store.
They have 25# boxes of overcooked or expired mixed nuts and dried fruits for $8. Cheap entertainment for sure. The squirrels have been eating the dried bananas and look so cute holding them while they eat.
Don't let December get you into a hussle. I wrote a couple of articles years back that might encourage you to keep Christmas more simple: A Different Kind of Christmas and Finding Stillness During the Holidays. May I encourage you to take a pause on the consumer-driven way of doing Christmas and create a few new ideas for your family this year.
I've already exchanged gifts with my friend, Robin. She sponsored an Asian Elephant for me at The Elephant Sanctuary in TN and I sponsored a Red-tailed Hawk named Scarlette for her at The Wildlife Center in VA. We do this every year and it's a most exciting event of surprise and intrigue with hints along the way.
Until next time ... here's the rest of the newsletter :-)
Donna
Wildlife Mothers
We humans tend to think a mother's care is virtually essential to an infant's survival. Consequently, it may surprise us to learn that, among wild animals, most mothers shun their young. It is true: 99 percent of the world's million or so animal species that have been identified simply lay their eggs or bear their babies and then move on.
However, for the 1 percent that do tend their young, parenting is no picnic. For example, an opossum may have more than a dozen hungry mouths to feed. A hen mallard and her brood live in constant danger from roving predators. And among certain spiders, the mother may wind up being eaten by her own offspring. Still, despite popular ideas about maternal love, the actions of even the most self-sacrificing wildlife mother are suspect: the elephant that guards her dead calf, the red-winged blackbird that feigns injury to distract a predator. Such scenarios are really the result of instincts generally programmed to preserve the species.
Read this entire article by Bill Vogt at the National Wildlife Federation's website:
www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm?issueID=106&articleId=1337
Jane Goodall and Chimpanzees
Jane Goodall is a legend as far as making a difference for animals, people and the environment. She is the world's foremost authority on chimpanzees.
Animal Plant has dedicated this section of their site to provide information about her. There's a lot to discover there in the realm of wildlife and the environment: animal.discovery.com/fansites/janegoodall/janegoodall.html
Did You Know Some Insects Hear?
All insects that hear, except one, have two ears. Some insects have ears on their legs, thorax, or abdomen. However, they all follow the same principle. Their ears are separated so that they can locate the source of the sound - except in one insect.
Scientists always thought the preying mantis was deaf. The 1,700 species of mantises (as in praying mantis like the photo of one in our garden) have no structure that looks like an ear. Only after a long process of detailed study and testing did scientists finally discover that the mantis can hear. Further investigation finally led to the discovery of one of the most bizarre methods of hearing anywhere in the animal kingdom.
The mantis's hearing organ is difficult to call an ear. Unlike any other insect, the mantis has only one hearing organ, located in a groove underneath its thorax. The teardrop-shaped groove has a thinner cuticle than other parts of the body. Beneath the cuticle there is a relatively large air sac on each side of the groove. These sacs are connected to the insect's respiratory system. Near the top of the sac are the nerves that carry the sensation of sound to the nervous system.
Scientists say that this hearing organ senses ultrasonic frequencies. When researchers played a bat-like sound to a mantis in flight, it immediately took an evasive flight path to escape the bat it thought it heard.
Source: Creation Moments
Urban Birds
Is it possible that observing a pigeon with curious and open eyes could change our world or a child's future?
As kids we begin life with a natural affinity for science and nature, but as we grow older we stop watching busy ants on sidewalks and forget to notice the House Sparrows at our feet in parking lots.
While in Helsinki, Finland, the urban pigeons enjoyed resting in many unusual spots that were in easy view of passersby. I was initially attracted to the sculpture before noticing the pigeons on it.
Urban Bird Studies, a program of Cornell, provides accessible opportunities for bird watching and local environmental awareness. Participants observe birds in city streets adn on window ledges, as well as in green parks and community gardens.
You can become part of this project and rediscover natural life in the city. Regain some of that childlike wonder about life. Find out more here: www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/urbanbirds/
Parents and Teachers! There's a lot of resources available from Cornell to stimulate ideas on how to make this happen for your kids or students. Visit this area of their site to find them: www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/urbanbirds/Help/ubs_UBPEducatorResourcesEN.html
Would you like to know how to celebrate birds in your neighborhood? There's an Urban Birds Workshop available and it's free at Cornell Lab of Ornithology on December 14, 2006. Find out more here: www.urbanbirds.org/celebration/free-planning-and-training-workshop
How to Make Christmas Wreaths for the Birds
Wreaths are used traditionally to decorate your home during the holiday season, but how rewarding it is to provide for wildlife that visit your home looking for food. One of our holiday traditions was to string popcorn, peanuts and raisins to decorate outdoor evergreens for the wildlife. It was a fun evening doing it and a delight to watch it being enjoyed.
Here's a site that gives you instructions to make a special wreath that, when hung outside, will attract and delight hungry birds: www.ehow.com/how_9851_make-christmas-wreaths.html
Last year our son sent us a wreath for our door as a gift and we discovered that wrens were roosting in it overnight, so after the holidays we moved it to a better location on the porch and left it there till Spring at which time the wrens left and the finches took it over and built a nest in the center. What a delight!
Did You Know?
Giraffes can lick their own eyes.
A duck can't walk without bobbing its head.
A rainbow can only be seen in the morning or late afternoon.
Frogs can't swallow with their eyes open.
Musing
In every winter's heart there is a quivering spring, and behind the veil of each night there is a smiling dawn. --- Kahlil Gibran
Plastic Water Bottles & Unsafe Water
According to the Container Recycling Institute, an estimated 8 in 10, or 22 billion single-serving plastic water bottles won't make it into the recycling bin this year, but instead will end up in a landfill.
What's more, bottled water isn't necessarily safer than tap water. Bottled-water companies aren't required to disinfect or test for parasites such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia, a requirement for city tap water.
Read Consumer Reports complete bottled water report here:
www.consumerreports.org/cro/food/drinkingwater-safety-103/whats-in-bottled-water/index.htm
For more information on the state of plastics recycling, and how you can help, here's a website: greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=plastic&pcat=homegarden
Recycling: Free Videos and DVD's
Discounted videos and dvd's offer a good deal when buyng and coupons are great to get discounted rentals, but what about totally free? How many times do you watch a movie more than once anyway? Why buy it? Borrow it.
Have you checked into your local library's collection? Some areas are so well stocked you will never run out of options. We live in a rural county and the library is very small but they have one entire wall dedicated to videos and DVD's. If you don't know where your library is located, check out this site and found out: www.publiclibraries.com
Holiday Cleansing and Weight Loss
It's the time of the year for both. With all the junk food and holiday treats consumed, many people begin thinking about a cleanse and how they're going to lose those extra pounds.
The Dieter's Cleanse (not sold in CA) is a great combination of cleansing and weight loss formulas. Cleansing is the best first step to any weight management program. Our most popular cleanses are Clean Start and Chinese Tiao He Cleanse.
Natural herbs and supplements bring the powerful world of nature into your body for health and healing. We've been using herbal remedies since the late 70's and have been so blessed by them.
If you need some one-on-one help, we now have Nancy Jacobs, R.N. providing consultations with a free 30-minute telephone consultation if you take advantage of free Nature's Sunshine member through her.
Herbs and Supplements by Health Topic
Nature's Sunshine 100% Pure Essential Oils
Good News: Connecticut to Use Only Safe Cleaning Products
All state agencies in Connecticut will now use only environmentally safe cleaning products in their facilities. Green products maintain sanitary conditions while minimizing harmful side effects and improving indoor air quality. More here:
www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=312894&A=2425
Detoxify Your Soaps and Cleaning Supplies With Sunshine Concentrate!
This environmentally-friendly cleaning and washing concentrate is nothing less than wonderful. We've used it for 15 years for laundry, hand soap, pet baths, soaking produce, dishwasher, cleaning, and a multitude of other uses. This product has saved us money and health. No more "itch" of chemical soaps. Read more about Sunshine Concentrate.
Pets Are Part of Our Nature at Home and We Love Animals
Free Samples of Pet Food, Supplements and Treats - These formulas are developed by Dr. Jane Bicks, a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian and author.
Pet Success Stories Using Nature's Remedies - Read how pet owners have used herbs.
Nature's Heartworm Program - Yes, there are successful herbal programs.
Healthy Pet News - Complimentary professional email newsletter with great articles.
Healthy Pet Corner - Resource site for cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits and reptiles.
The Frugal Life - Living Well With What You Already Have
Living more simply is a great way to effect change in your own personal environment and it helps the planet. The Frugal Life website has lots of ideas on getting back to basics. They also provide a free newsletter twice-monthly and a forum where you can ask questions or search for information. Visit The Frugal Life site.
Forward This Newsletter to a Friend
If you enjoy this newsletter, please let others know about it.
Copyright and Reprint Information
© 2006 Donna L. Watkins
All photographs are the property of the editor, Donna L. Watkins. This newsletter may be forwarded in its entirety by email but may not be placed on any website without written permission.
Legal Disclaimer
The content, suggestions, and web links in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not necessarily endorsed by our sponsor "The Herbs Place.com." This is a personal publication by Donna L. 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 L. Watkins or "The Herbs Place.com" be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication.
To keep this from being dumped into Junk Mail due to its length, please add the mailing list address to your Address Book: newsletters@thefrugallife.com
Here At Bluebird Cove
It's been a gorgeous week here in Central Virginia. I'm glad we didn't take the hammock down. I've made use of it to get some sky time and to swing. There's something about swinging that brings back the carefree days of childhood. I love to swing and when Randal and I come upon a playground while we are traveling, we take time to swing and climb around. He pushes me higher and higher on the swing --- just like my Daddy used to do.We had an overnight getaway during the Thanksgiving holiday and spent some time at Pocahontas State Park. It was a beautiful day and we found a wonderful bridge at the lake that led to a nature trail discovery walk.
This photo was taken by sitting the camera on the rail of the bridge. It's a rare thing to get me in a picture since I'm usually holding the camera. We found a playground at this park, but just as we were checking out the bat houses nearby, a car load of children arrived to enjoy it. Since there was a wetland area nearby we figured the bat houses were to keep the mosquitoes at bay for the children in the playground.
We've had a bat house up since we moved in here and have never seen evidence (guano on the ground) of any bats inhabiting it. In this area the Small Brown Bat is the most common and they like to roost in trees, which we've got plenty of.
We stopped at the Good Earth Peanut Company in Skippers, VA, to pick up 25# boxes of critter food. The building was originally a Post Office (hence the bars on the windows) and General Store.They have 25# boxes of overcooked or expired mixed nuts and dried fruits for $8. Cheap entertainment for sure. The squirrels have been eating the dried bananas and look so cute holding them while they eat.
Don't let December get you into a hussle. I wrote a couple of articles years back that might encourage you to keep Christmas more simple: A Different Kind of Christmas and Finding Stillness During the Holidays. May I encourage you to take a pause on the consumer-driven way of doing Christmas and create a few new ideas for your family this year.
I've already exchanged gifts with my friend, Robin. She sponsored an Asian Elephant for me at The Elephant Sanctuary in TN and I sponsored a Red-tailed Hawk named Scarlette for her at The Wildlife Center in VA. We do this every year and it's a most exciting event of surprise and intrigue with hints along the way.
Until next time ... here's the rest of the newsletter :-)
Donna
Wildlife Mothers
We humans tend to think a mother's care is virtually essential to an infant's survival. Consequently, it may surprise us to learn that, among wild animals, most mothers shun their young. It is true: 99 percent of the world's million or so animal species that have been identified simply lay their eggs or bear their babies and then move on.
However, for the 1 percent that do tend their young, parenting is no picnic. For example, an opossum may have more than a dozen hungry mouths to feed. A hen mallard and her brood live in constant danger from roving predators. And among certain spiders, the mother may wind up being eaten by her own offspring. Still, despite popular ideas about maternal love, the actions of even the most self-sacrificing wildlife mother are suspect: the elephant that guards her dead calf, the red-winged blackbird that feigns injury to distract a predator. Such scenarios are really the result of instincts generally programmed to preserve the species.
Read this entire article by Bill Vogt at the National Wildlife Federation's website:
www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm?issueID=106&articleId=1337
Jane Goodall and Chimpanzees
Jane Goodall is a legend as far as making a difference for animals, people and the environment. She is the world's foremost authority on chimpanzees.
Animal Plant has dedicated this section of their site to provide information about her. There's a lot to discover there in the realm of wildlife and the environment: animal.discovery.com/fansites/janegoodall/janegoodall.html
Did You Know Some Insects Hear?
All insects that hear, except one, have two ears. Some insects have ears on their legs, thorax, or abdomen. However, they all follow the same principle. Their ears are separated so that they can locate the source of the sound - except in one insect.
Scientists always thought the preying mantis was deaf. The 1,700 species of mantises (as in praying mantis like the photo of one in our garden) have no structure that looks like an ear. Only after a long process of detailed study and testing did scientists finally discover that the mantis can hear. Further investigation finally led to the discovery of one of the most bizarre methods of hearing anywhere in the animal kingdom.The mantis's hearing organ is difficult to call an ear. Unlike any other insect, the mantis has only one hearing organ, located in a groove underneath its thorax. The teardrop-shaped groove has a thinner cuticle than other parts of the body. Beneath the cuticle there is a relatively large air sac on each side of the groove. These sacs are connected to the insect's respiratory system. Near the top of the sac are the nerves that carry the sensation of sound to the nervous system.
Scientists say that this hearing organ senses ultrasonic frequencies. When researchers played a bat-like sound to a mantis in flight, it immediately took an evasive flight path to escape the bat it thought it heard.
Source: Creation Moments
Urban Birds
Is it possible that observing a pigeon with curious and open eyes could change our world or a child's future?As kids we begin life with a natural affinity for science and nature, but as we grow older we stop watching busy ants on sidewalks and forget to notice the House Sparrows at our feet in parking lots.
While in Helsinki, Finland, the urban pigeons enjoyed resting in many unusual spots that were in easy view of passersby. I was initially attracted to the sculpture before noticing the pigeons on it.
Urban Bird Studies, a program of Cornell, provides accessible opportunities for bird watching and local environmental awareness. Participants observe birds in city streets adn on window ledges, as well as in green parks and community gardens.
You can become part of this project and rediscover natural life in the city. Regain some of that childlike wonder about life. Find out more here: www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/urbanbirds/
Parents and Teachers! There's a lot of resources available from Cornell to stimulate ideas on how to make this happen for your kids or students. Visit this area of their site to find them: www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/urbanbirds/Help/ubs_UBPEducatorResourcesEN.html
Would you like to know how to celebrate birds in your neighborhood? There's an Urban Birds Workshop available and it's free at Cornell Lab of Ornithology on December 14, 2006. Find out more here: www.urbanbirds.org/celebration/free-planning-and-training-workshop
How to Make Christmas Wreaths for the Birds
Wreaths are used traditionally to decorate your home during the holiday season, but how rewarding it is to provide for wildlife that visit your home looking for food. One of our holiday traditions was to string popcorn, peanuts and raisins to decorate outdoor evergreens for the wildlife. It was a fun evening doing it and a delight to watch it being enjoyed.
Here's a site that gives you instructions to make a special wreath that, when hung outside, will attract and delight hungry birds: www.ehow.com/how_9851_make-christmas-wreaths.html
Last year our son sent us a wreath for our door as a gift and we discovered that wrens were roosting in it overnight, so after the holidays we moved it to a better location on the porch and left it there till Spring at which time the wrens left and the finches took it over and built a nest in the center. What a delight!
Did You Know?Giraffes can lick their own eyes.
A duck can't walk without bobbing its head.
A rainbow can only be seen in the morning or late afternoon.
Frogs can't swallow with their eyes open.
Musing
In every winter's heart there is a quivering spring, and behind the veil of each night there is a smiling dawn. --- Kahlil Gibran
Plastic Water Bottles & Unsafe Water
According to the Container Recycling Institute, an estimated 8 in 10, or 22 billion single-serving plastic water bottles won't make it into the recycling bin this year, but instead will end up in a landfill.
What's more, bottled water isn't necessarily safer than tap water. Bottled-water companies aren't required to disinfect or test for parasites such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia, a requirement for city tap water.
Read Consumer Reports complete bottled water report here:
www.consumerreports.org/cro/food/drinkingwater-safety-103/whats-in-bottled-water/index.htm
For more information on the state of plastics recycling, and how you can help, here's a website: greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=plastic&pcat=homegarden
Recycling: Free Videos and DVD's
Discounted videos and dvd's offer a good deal when buyng and coupons are great to get discounted rentals, but what about totally free? How many times do you watch a movie more than once anyway? Why buy it? Borrow it.
Have you checked into your local library's collection? Some areas are so well stocked you will never run out of options. We live in a rural county and the library is very small but they have one entire wall dedicated to videos and DVD's. If you don't know where your library is located, check out this site and found out: www.publiclibraries.com
Holiday Cleansing and Weight LossIt's the time of the year for both. With all the junk food and holiday treats consumed, many people begin thinking about a cleanse and how they're going to lose those extra pounds.
The Dieter's Cleanse (not sold in CA) is a great combination of cleansing and weight loss formulas. Cleansing is the best first step to any weight management program. Our most popular cleanses are Clean Start and Chinese Tiao He Cleanse.
Natural herbs and supplements bring the powerful world of nature into your body for health and healing. We've been using herbal remedies since the late 70's and have been so blessed by them.
If you need some one-on-one help, we now have Nancy Jacobs, R.N. providing consultations with a free 30-minute telephone consultation if you take advantage of free Nature's Sunshine member through her.
Herbs and Supplements by Health Topic
Nature's Sunshine 100% Pure Essential Oils
Good News: Connecticut to Use Only Safe Cleaning Products
All state agencies in Connecticut will now use only environmentally safe cleaning products in their facilities. Green products maintain sanitary conditions while minimizing harmful side effects and improving indoor air quality. More here:
www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=312894&A=2425
Detoxify Your Soaps and Cleaning Supplies With Sunshine Concentrate!
This environmentally-friendly cleaning and washing concentrate is nothing less than wonderful. We've used it for 15 years for laundry, hand soap, pet baths, soaking produce, dishwasher, cleaning, and a multitude of other uses. This product has saved us money and health. No more "itch" of chemical soaps. Read more about Sunshine Concentrate.
Pets Are Part of Our Nature at Home and We Love Animals
Free Samples of Pet Food, Supplements and Treats - These formulas are developed by Dr. Jane Bicks, a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian and author. Pet Success Stories Using Nature's Remedies - Read how pet owners have used herbs.
Nature's Heartworm Program - Yes, there are successful herbal programs.
Healthy Pet News - Complimentary professional email newsletter with great articles.
Healthy Pet Corner - Resource site for cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits and reptiles.
The Frugal Life - Living Well With What You Already Have
Living more simply is a great way to effect change in your own personal environment and it helps the planet. The Frugal Life website has lots of ideas on getting back to basics. They also provide a free newsletter twice-monthly and a forum where you can ask questions or search for information. Visit The Frugal Life site.
Forward This Newsletter to a Friend
If you enjoy this newsletter, please let others know about it.
Copyright and Reprint Information
© 2006 Donna L. Watkins
All photographs are the property of the editor, Donna L. Watkins. This newsletter may be forwarded in its entirety by email but may not be placed on any website without written permission.
Legal Disclaimer
The content, suggestions, and web links in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not necessarily endorsed by our sponsor "The Herbs Place.com." This is a personal publication by Donna L. 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 L. Watkins or "The Herbs Place.com" be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication.
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