A Touch of Nature - 3/15/07
Here At Bluebird Cove
We've got daffodils blooming. Seems like I've been picturing this forever. And the first hyacinth came up today. I can just lay on the ground beside it and drift away to magical places in the aroma. Spring time is such a fascinating time of the year. My body is just screaming to move and play and rejoice in each day.
Randal heard a hawk outside the office window one day and when I went out with the camera I could see there was a pair flying around above the house and then across the road. It was a long shot, but I got a couple clear enough to enjoy. View Red-shouldered Hawk Couple and click on double right arrows to see a couple more.
I've taken a few photos this winter with all the birds visiting around our home. We even had a squirrel with a ponytail. View our Winter Critter Album. Please add your titles! We get such a giggle out of all your creative and funny thoughts on the wildlife poses.
The Nature of Design
One of the subscribers on this newsletter has a beautiful site with artwork of her own. Pen and ink all related to nature. What a passion to share with others what nature provides. Suzanne is in Cape Cod and doesn't know that I am mentioning her site. She emailed me and I saw her website address in her email and checked it out. How pleasant it is to visit sites that share the wonders of nature. You can visit her website, The Nature of Design, at this web address: www.natureofdesign.com
Frogwatch USA
I'm going to be attending an evening program next week on frogs. I plan to be part of this Frogwatch program since we have a small garden pond and a large pond across the street that I could "watch" at. I'm excited since I so enjoy seeing the American Toads mate and deposit eggs in our pond last year. Click double arrows to the right to see the entire process along with the eggs.
Get ready for spring breeding at your nearby pond or wetland area. This frog and toad monitoring program gives you the opportunity to help scientists conserve amphibians. With as little as 20 minutes a week you can collect essential information to protect frogs and toads.
This long-term amphibian study, managed by the National Wildlife Federation in partnership with the United States Geological Survey, will increase awareness of amphibian decline and will give you the opportunity to be directly involved in gathering information that can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to help stop the decline of these important species. Get all the details here:
www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/index.cfm
Kites Reduce Ships Fuel Needs
An oversize paraglider-shaped kite could help cut fuel usage for ocean-going vessels while reducing their emissions. German company, SkySails, is now offering a wind propulsion system based on large towing kites that can reduce a ship‘s fuel costs by 10-35% annually. Read the whole story here:
news.com.com/2300-11395_3-6140455.html?tag=ne.gall.rbcs
Praying Mantis
While we were trimming back the mums I discovered a praying mantis egg case. We had one on a holly right in front of the breakfast area, but it's obvious that a bird got inside looking for food. I took the one from the mum clippings and have placed it between the screen and window of our dining room. It's protected from predators and in the natural temperatures so it will only "hatch" when it's time. I'll be keeping you posted with more photos that I hope to get when the little ones are crawling out. I'm excited to provide natural bug protection in our garden and to be able to see the process of it. Can you distinguish the praying mantis in this photo from the leaves around it?
Natural Herbs, Supplements and Essential Oils
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.
It's been our full-time business since 1982. We'd appreciate you shopping with us.
Herbs and Supplements by Health Topic
Nature's Sunshine 100% Pure Essential Oils
Do Lemons, Vinegar and Baking Soda Really Clean?
A british reporter rolls up her sleeves and, with some expert help, puts the theory to the test. A hilarious look at what happens when a green auditor comes to your home with eco-friendly alternatives for all your nasty chemical products.
We are frequently warned about the potential dangers of some of the chemicals used in everday cleaning products. And then there are the worries about the damage they may do to the environment.
All in all, wouldn't it be great to get by without them? And yet a lot of so-called green cleaning products, at least anecdotally, tend not to work that well. Is there a way to clean, and be green, and still get your house gleaming?
Find out here: www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1993935,00.html
If you don't like having to mix the pastes, squeeze the lemons, etc., you can always go with ready-made products safe for people and pets.
Seeking Participants for "My Yard Counts!"
Yards can be important areas for wild birds. What features around your residence are most helpful to them?
Help researchers learn more about how birds use rural, suburban, and urban landscapes by participating in a new citizen-science project, "My Yard Counts!"
It's easy - just record all the birds you see around your residence for 20 minutes every week from April to august and fill out a one-tiem questionnaire about the environment around your home. Find more details here: www.birds.cornell.edu/MyYardCounts
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.
Ethanol Gas
In the January 15th issue, I mentioned the values of ethanol gas and one of you sent me a link to be able to see where you can get ethanol gas in your area:
www.e85refueling.com/
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 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
© 2000-2007 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.
We've got daffodils blooming. Seems like I've been picturing this forever. And the first hyacinth came up today. I can just lay on the ground beside it and drift away to magical places in the aroma. Spring time is such a fascinating time of the year. My body is just screaming to move and play and rejoice in each day.
Randal heard a hawk outside the office window one day and when I went out with the camera I could see there was a pair flying around above the house and then across the road. It was a long shot, but I got a couple clear enough to enjoy. View Red-shouldered Hawk Couple and click on double right arrows to see a couple more.
I've taken a few photos this winter with all the birds visiting around our home. We even had a squirrel with a ponytail. View our Winter Critter Album. Please add your titles! We get such a giggle out of all your creative and funny thoughts on the wildlife poses.
The Nature of Design
One of the subscribers on this newsletter has a beautiful site with artwork of her own. Pen and ink all related to nature. What a passion to share with others what nature provides. Suzanne is in Cape Cod and doesn't know that I am mentioning her site. She emailed me and I saw her website address in her email and checked it out. How pleasant it is to visit sites that share the wonders of nature. You can visit her website, The Nature of Design, at this web address: www.natureofdesign.com
Frogwatch USA
I'm going to be attending an evening program next week on frogs. I plan to be part of this Frogwatch program since we have a small garden pond and a large pond across the street that I could "watch" at. I'm excited since I so enjoy seeing the American Toads mate and deposit eggs in our pond last year. Click double arrows to the right to see the entire process along with the eggs.
Get ready for spring breeding at your nearby pond or wetland area. This frog and toad monitoring program gives you the opportunity to help scientists conserve amphibians. With as little as 20 minutes a week you can collect essential information to protect frogs and toads.
This long-term amphibian study, managed by the National Wildlife Federation in partnership with the United States Geological Survey, will increase awareness of amphibian decline and will give you the opportunity to be directly involved in gathering information that can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to help stop the decline of these important species. Get all the details here:
www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/index.cfm
Kites Reduce Ships Fuel Needs
An oversize paraglider-shaped kite could help cut fuel usage for ocean-going vessels while reducing their emissions. German company, SkySails, is now offering a wind propulsion system based on large towing kites that can reduce a ship‘s fuel costs by 10-35% annually. Read the whole story here:
news.com.com/2300-11395_3-6140455.html?tag=ne.gall.rbcs
Praying Mantis
While we were trimming back the mums I discovered a praying mantis egg case. We had one on a holly right in front of the breakfast area, but it's obvious that a bird got inside looking for food. I took the one from the mum clippings and have placed it between the screen and window of our dining room. It's protected from predators and in the natural temperatures so it will only "hatch" when it's time. I'll be keeping you posted with more photos that I hope to get when the little ones are crawling out. I'm excited to provide natural bug protection in our garden and to be able to see the process of it. Can you distinguish the praying mantis in this photo from the leaves around it?
Natural Herbs, Supplements and Essential Oils 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.
It's been our full-time business since 1982. We'd appreciate you shopping with us.
Herbs and Supplements by Health Topic
Nature's Sunshine 100% Pure Essential Oils
Do Lemons, Vinegar and Baking Soda Really Clean?
A british reporter rolls up her sleeves and, with some expert help, puts the theory to the test. A hilarious look at what happens when a green auditor comes to your home with eco-friendly alternatives for all your nasty chemical products.
We are frequently warned about the potential dangers of some of the chemicals used in everday cleaning products. And then there are the worries about the damage they may do to the environment.
All in all, wouldn't it be great to get by without them? And yet a lot of so-called green cleaning products, at least anecdotally, tend not to work that well. Is there a way to clean, and be green, and still get your house gleaming?
Find out here: www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1993935,00.html
If you don't like having to mix the pastes, squeeze the lemons, etc., you can always go with ready-made products safe for people and pets.
Seeking Participants for "My Yard Counts!"
Yards can be important areas for wild birds. What features around your residence are most helpful to them?
Help researchers learn more about how birds use rural, suburban, and urban landscapes by participating in a new citizen-science project, "My Yard Counts!"
It's easy - just record all the birds you see around your residence for 20 minutes every week from April to august and fill out a one-tiem questionnaire about the environment around your home. Find more details here: www.birds.cornell.edu/MyYardCounts
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.
Ethanol Gas
In the January 15th issue, I mentioned the values of ethanol gas and one of you sent me a link to be able to see where you can get ethanol gas in your area:
www.e85refueling.com/
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 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
© 2000-2007 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.
posted by Donna at 2:46 PM
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