On Our Property · 2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring

National Weed Appreciation Day 2023

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National Weed Appreciation Day on March 28th each year reminds us that some weeds are beneficial to us and our ecosystem. Humans have used weeds for food and herbs for much of recorded history. Some are edible and nutritious, while other weeds have medicinal value.

Happy National Weed Appreciation Day!

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2023

Glamorous Joshua

Joshua, our oldest male cat, loves pinks and purples, feather boas, and glitter toys, and is sassy. He likes to hang around other male cats and hisses when he comes around a female feline. Every Easter season, we need to get a cute basket for Josh, where he can take his naps. Several years ago, I captured this photo. Oh, he’s such a cute lil’ diva.

2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring · In Our Garden · Texas

Beautiful Colors of Spring (4)

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Gardening in Texas ~ Spring 2008

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2023 · On Our Property

Our Indoor Garden In Late March 2023

πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…

A few weeks ago, I began to sow herbs and vegetables for this Spring/Summer garden season. So far, we have dill, snap peas, snow peas, and tomatoes. The peppers seem to take a little bit longer. Yesterday, I have sown more vegetables: beef steak tomatoes, borage, fennel, spinach, etc. When it becomes warmer, and the plants are stable enough, I can plant them in the greenhouse.

πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…πŸ…πŸ₯’πŸŒΆπŸ§…

2023 · On Our Property

The Pileated Woodpeckers

This morning when I let Our pups outside, Zoey focused on something in our oak tree near our property border. When I looked up, I saw a Pileated Woodpecker in the tree. I ran inside, picked up my camera, and captured photos of the bird. Then a second Pileated Woodpecker joined the first one. They both pecked on the same branch. That branch is hanging on its last splinters, there must be a lot of goodies for the woodpeckers in there. They might stay around and peck a hole to build a nest and raise their offspring. That would be so much fun.

2023 · Days of The Week · Flower Friday · Oregon · Texas · Wyoming

Thrift Sea Pink (Armeria maritima)

Sea pink, also known as sea thrift plant, thrift plant, and common thrift (Armeria maritima), is a low-growing perennial evergreen that is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. Growing sea pinks and how to take care of thrift plants is easy.

Β https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/thrift/growing-thrift-plants.htm

2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring · On Our Property

Our Yard In Late March 2023

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1) American Robin; 2) Daffodils; 3) Ozzy; 4) Glory-of-the-Snow

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2023 · Days of The Week · In Our Garden · Wildlife Wednesday

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

Downy Woodpeckers give a checkered black-and-white impression. The black upper parts are checked with white on the wings, the head is boldly striped, and the back has a broad white stripe down the center. Males have a small red patch on the back of the head. The outer tail feathers are typically white with a few black spots. Downy Woodpeckers hitch around tree limbs and trunks or drop into tall weeds to feed on galls, moving more acrobatically than larger woodpeckers. Their rising-and-falling flight style is distinctive of many woodpeckers. They make lots of noise in spring and summer, with their shrill whinnying call and drumming on trees. The woodpecker in open woodlands, particularly among deciduous trees, and brushy or weedy edges. They’re also at home in orchards, city parks, backyards, and vacant lots.

2023 · California · USA · Washington

International Day of Forests 2023

πŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒ

President Franklin D. Roosevelt called them β€œthe lungs of the Earth,” Robert Frost and millions of poets were inspired by them, and Sting is fighting to save them. We’re talking about forests. And celebrities aren’t the only ones who feel a strong connection with them. We all do. Just a simple walk in the woods can calm and invigorate our senses. In fact, the forests are so crucial to the future of our planet that the UN declared March 21 to be the International Day of Forests. For many years now, this amazing global celebration has been creating awareness all over the world about the importance of forests. They are one of our greatest natural treasures that we must preserve and protect.

πŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒπŸŒ²πŸŒ³πŸŒ΄πŸƒ

2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring · Ostara · Wheel of The Year

Spring Equinox/Ostara 2023

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Happy 1st Day of Spring! 🌸🌷🌺 Blessed Ostara!

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2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring · Texas

Beautiful Colors of Spring (3)

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Springtime in our Texas neighborhood ~ 2008

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2023 · In Our Forest · Ostara · Winter Wonderland

The Last Day of Winter 2023

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❄ Happy Last Day of Winter! Tomorrow is Spring! 🌷

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring · Connecticut · In Our Garden · Ostara

Spring’s Coming Soon To Your Neighborhood

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It was so nice today: warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. The Harbinger-of-Winter, Crocus, and Periwinkle are blooming. The snowdrops should be done blooming, soon. Birds chase each other and sing the songs of reproduction. That sounds better and more kid-appropriate than calling it the “Screams of Sex”. Soon, we will have birds building nests and tenting for their offspring. The bears come out of their Winter dens after a long Winter of hibernation. Nature begins to wake up. I’m still waiting for my little chipmunks to appear in our yard. I haven’t seen them, yet. They might snooze for another couple of weeks.

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2023

πŸ€ St. Patrick’s Day 2023 πŸ€

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Irish Blessing

For each petal on the shamrock,
this brings a wish your way:
Good health, good luck,
and happiness for today and every day.

πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€πŸ€

2023

National Panda Day 2023 πŸΌ

Giant Panda

Native to China, giant pandas are members of the Bear (Ursidae) family. Their rapidly shrinking habitat is a major cause for concern. As an endangered species, successful panda breeding programs are rare. In the wild, there are approximately only 1,864 (according to the World Wide Fund for Nature) and 100 living in zoos around the world. With their white face and black eyes and body, panda bears are easily identifiable. However, their black-and-white coloring was designed for their natural habitat. They disappear into the snowy mountains and temperate forests of southwest China. And despite their sweet disposition, they tend to isolate themselves in the wild. They eat mostly plants and do not hibernate in the winter like many other bears.

2023 · Days of The Week · On Our Property · Texas · The Greenhouse · Throwback Thursday

The Greenhouse In Texas ~ 2013 (2)

🌢πŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»

Finally, the two pieces I had to reorder were arriving. And I could finish building the greenhouse. Once the frame was up, I slid the panels on the bottom, and installed the window, before I could slide the roof panels in place. The ground was already straightened, when I put the base together. Kevin had to help me to lift the greenhouse across the fence. The kit was light, so it was easy for us to get it from the porch to the garden, where I could fasten it to the base. The following morning, I built the door and installed it, before a Spring storm came through. The greenhouse made it successful through the storm.

🌢πŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»

2023 · Connecticut · Days of The Week · Texas · Wildlife Wednesday

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers live in both hardwood and conifer forests up to about 6,500 feet in elevation. They often nest in groves of small trees such as aspens and spend winters in open woodlands. Occasionally, sapsuckers visit bird feeders for suet. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers perch upright on trees, leaning on their tails like other woodpeckers. They feed at sap wells β€”neat rows of shallow holes they drill in tree bark. They lap up the sugary sap along with any insects that may get caught there. Sapsuckers drum on trees and metal objects in a distinctive stuttering pattern. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are mostly black and white with boldly patterned faces. Both sexes have red foreheads, and males also have red throats. Look for a long white stripe along the folded wing. Bold black-and-white stripes curve from the face toward a black chest shield and white or yellowish underparts.

2023 · Winter Wonderland

First Nor’easter of The Season 2022/2023

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While we got some slushy snow in southern Litchfield County, It looked different several miles up north closer to the Connecticut/Massachusetts border. By the Appalachian Trail was a lot more snow.

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

2023 · Days of The Week · Festivals · My Travel Journal · Texas · Travel Tuesday · USA

State Fair of Texas: Fair Park, Dallas: Kroger Birds of The World Show ~ 2013 πŸŽ‘

Kevin, the girls, and I wanted to take a little break from walking around the fair. The Fair had the “Kroger Birds of The World Show” in the Band Shell. Katelynn and Sara enjoyed watching the big birds from different parts of the planet. One of the birds made a “guest” fall into the nearby pool. Well, it was a warm October day. I can imagine, it was very refreshing.

… to be continued …

2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring · Texas

Beautiful Colors of Spring (2)

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Springtime in Bill Allen Memorial Park, The Colony, Texas ~ 2008

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2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring

Our Indoor Garden In Mid-March 2023

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Since I’m used to Spring starting in late February/early March in Texas, it seems to be forever until the warmer weather arrives in New England. And we still expect more snow to come in the next few days. I began to get some Spring flowers for indoors. I did the same last year. This seems to help tremendously to overcome the Winter depression. Kevin and I discussed the insolation of the sunroom. That way, we could have a green room year around. And Sara has a party room. But this won’t be happening very soon. It needs some planning and time to get it done. In the meantime, I keep my flowers near the living room window during Winter.

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2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring

Begin of Daylight Saving Time 2023 (Spring Forward)

Luis wants to remind y’all, that tonight begins Daylight Saving Time in the US. He’s excited because we all can enjoy longer daylight in the evenings. β€œOh boy, oh boy! Am I excited about tomorrow?! Mommy and Daddy are talking about Daylight Saving. I have no clue, what that means. But Mom told Daddy not to forget to change his clocks one hour forward tonight!”

2023 · Days of The Week · In Our Garden · Throwback Thursday

Texas Gardening In March 2013 (1)

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I started my garden in the early Spring of 2013 by sowing beans, bell peppers, corn, pumpkins, sunflowers, tomatoes, and other goodies. I also worked on some herbs. At least, I had something ready to grow in the greenhouse, once the parts arrived and I could finish building it. Joshua made sure, that I watered the seedlings every day. And Sara enjoyed the milder days on the back porch.

🌽🌢🌻🌱🌽🌢🌻🌱🌽🌢🌻🌱🌽🌢🌻🌱🌽🌢🌻🌱🌽🌢🌻🌱🌽🌢🌻🌱🌽🌢🌻🌱🌽🌢🌻🌱

2023 · Days of The Week · On Our Property · Wildlife Wednesday

American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

American Grow on our Texas house chimney

American Crows are familiar over much of the continent: large, intelligent, all-black birds with hoarse, cawing voices. They are common sights in treetops, fields, and roadsides, and in habitats ranging from open woods and empty beaches to town centers. They usually feed on the ground and eat almost anythingβ€”typically earthworms, insects, and other small animals, seeds, and fruit; also garbage, carrion, and chicks they rob from nests. Their flight style is unique, patient, and methodical flapping that is rarely broken up with glides.

2023

Cooking With Quinea

About a decade ago, I discovered something very essential for my diet. Something I still haven’t figured out is how to pronounce it: Quinoa (maybe it is pronounced β€˜kinwa’???).

Quinoa is a grain that grows in the South American Andes, where it was domesticated about 4,000 years, ago. The seeds contain important amino acids like lysine, and good quantities of iron, calcium, and phosphorus. It is the so-called β€˜Superfood’ since it is high in protein and a great substitute for a vegetarian diet.

Since I wanted to cut back on eating meats, I gave Quinoa a shot. After looking for some recipes on the internet, I started cooking my first breakfast meal, β€œBlueberry Breakfast Quinoa”. It was very hearty and nutty. And it gave me lots of energy throughout the day. Yes, this was exactly what I needed. On that day, I had quite a bit of leftovers. I made some β€œQuinoa Enchilada Casserole” for lunch. I was in heaven.

http://damndelicious.net/2013/09/13/blueberry-breakfast-quinoa/

http://damndelicious.net/2014/07/07/quinoa-enchilada-casserole/

2023 · Beautiful Colors of Spring

Beautiful Colors of Spring (1)

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Mammatus Clouds In The North Texas Sky ~2008

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2023 · Texas

National Marching Music Day 2023

🎷πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊ

Happy National Marching Music Day!

🎷πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊπŸŽ·πŸ₯πŸŽΊ

2023 · Maryland · USA

National Anthem Day 2023

The Star-Spangled Banner at Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas

National Anthem Day commemorates the day the United States adopted β€œThe Star-Spangled Banner” as its National Anthem. Written by Francis Scott Key, the β€œStar-Spangled Banner” became the National Anthem in 1931.

The story behind β€œThe Star-Spangled Banner” is as moving as the anthem itself. While an attorney, Key was serving in the Georgetown Light Field Artillery during the War of 1812. In 1814, his negotiation skills as a lawyer were called upon to release Dr. William Beane, a prisoner on the British naval ship, Tonnant. Early in September, Key traveled to Baltimore in the company of Colonel John Skinner to begin negotiations. While Key and Skinner secured Beane’s release, the British navy had begun attacking Baltimore. The trio waited at sea to return to Georgetown. Fort McHenry is built on a peninsula of the Patapsco River. Just across the Northwest Branch is the city of Baltimore. In 1814, the population of Baltimore was roughly 50,000 people, hardly the metropolis it is today. The country itself was still young, and often families of soldiers lived nearby, providing support to their soldiers.

The British navy abandoned Baltimore and turned their full attention to Fort McHenry on September 13th. As the 190-pound shells began to shake the fort, mother nature brought a storm of her own. Thunder and rain pelted the shore along with the bombs and shells. Throughout the night, parents, wives, and children in their homes could hear and feel the bomb blasts across the way. There were reports of the explosions being felt as far away as Philadelphia. It was a long night of fear, worry, and providing comfort for one another. At sea, Key had a similar night. Being a religious man, one who believed the war could have been avoided, he watched the bombs bursting in the air over the water and steadily pummeling Fort McHenry. It was undoubtedly a sight to behold. For 25 hours, the star-shaped fort manned by approximately 1,000 American soldiers endured over 1,500 cannon shots. The Fort answered with almost no effect.

In the early morning of September 14th, after Major George Armistead’s troops stopped the British landing party in a blaze of gunfire, the major ordered the oversized American flag raised in all its glory over Fort McHenry. Sewn a few months before by Mary Pickersgill and her daughter, the enormous banner replaced the storm flag, which had flown during battle. As Key waited at sea for dawn to break and smoke to clear, imagine the inspiring sight in the silence of the morning to see his country’s flag fully unfurled against the breaking of the day and the fort standing firm. Key was so moved by the experience he immediately began penning the lyrics to a song which were later published by his brother-in-law as a poem titled β€œDefence of Fort M’Henry.”

β—Šβ—Šβ—Šβ—Šβ—Š

The Star Spangled Banner
O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation.
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Written by Francis Scott Key

2023 · Winter Wonderland

Fog In The Naugatuck River Valley (5)

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

Fog rolls into the valley

This morning’s weather was very interesting. First, we had some sleet, then the fog rolled in and out. And another patch of fog rolled in and out. It repeated three times before Kevin even left for work. Around noon time, the Sun finally poked its head through the clouds. And the snow began to melt along the hills. Now, we have a muddy mess in the yard.

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

2023 · Days of The Week · In Our Garden · Texas · Throwback Thursday

Texas Spring In March 2013 (1)

🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺

🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺🌸🌷🌺

2023 · Days of The Week · On Our Property · Wildlife Wednesday

Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)

TheΒ great-tailed grackleΒ orΒ Mexican grackleΒ (Quiscalus mexicanus) is a medium-sized,Β highly socialΒ passerineΒ bird native toΒ NorthΒ andΒ South America. A member of theΒ familyΒ Icteridae, it is one of 10Β extantΒ speciesΒ ofΒ grackleΒ and is closely related to theΒ boat-tailed grackleΒ and the extinctΒ slender-billed grackle.Β In the southern United States, it is sometimes simply referred to as “blackbird” or (erroneously) “crow”]Β due to its glossy black plumage, and similarly, it is often calledΒ CuervoΒ (“raven”) in some parts ofΒ Mexico, although it is not a member of the crow genusΒ Corvus, nor even of the familyΒ Corvidae.

Great-tailed grackles originated from the tropical lowlands of Central and South America, but historical evidence fromΒ Bernardino de SahagΓΊnΒ shows that theΒ Aztecs, during the time of the emperorΒ Ahuitzotl, introduced the great-tailed grackle from their homeland in theΒ Mexican Gulf CoastΒ to the Aztec capital ofΒ TenochtitlanΒ in the highlandΒ Valley of Mexico, most likely to use theirΒ iridescentΒ feathers forΒ decoration.Β In more recent times, great-tailed grackles expanded their breeding range by over 5,500% by moving north into North America between 1880 and 2000, following urban and agricultural corridors. Their current range stretches from northwesternΒ VenezuelaΒ and westernΒ ColombiaΒ andΒ EcuadorΒ in the south toΒ MinnesotaΒ in the north, toΒ Oregon,Β Idaho, andΒ CaliforniaΒ in the west, to Florida in the east, with vagrants occurring as far north as southernΒ Canada. Their habitat for foraging is on the ground in clear areas such as pastures,Β wetlands, and mangroves, and chaparral. The grackles’ range has expanded with agricultural and urban settings.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great-tailed_grackle

2023 · In Our Garden

Goodbye February, Hello March 2023

American Robin

Two months into the new year: Today ends the meteorological Winter. Tomorrow begins the meteorological Spring. Some of the bigger bushes and small trees begin to bud in our front yard. But Spring needs another four to six weeks to make its way to Connecticut. We still expect snow in March. And the nights are bitterly cold. Spring is so close and still so far away.

2023 · Connecticut · On Our Property · USA · Winter Wonderland

Winter Storm “Anthony” ~ 2023

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

It began to snow at around 8 o’clock last night. When I looked out of the window at midnight, I could see the accumulation of snow for the last four hours. And it kept coming down heavily. This morning, Kevin used the snow blower for the first time this Winter season. He was so excited.

When I came out of the house, the snow fell off the trees and shrubs this afternoon. It was mild enough for the snow to melt from our house roof and off the greenhouse roof as well. The dogs and Joshua were the only pets going outside. Chewbacca and Ozzy wanted nothing to do with it. When Joshua’s paws were wet enough, he came the dogs back into the house. It’s no fun having snowy paws being a cat.

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

2023 · Days of The Week · Festivals · Texas · Travel Tuesday · USA

State Fair of Texas: Fair Park, Dallas: The New Big Tex ~ 2013 (1) πŸŽ‘

On the morning of October 19, 2012, (the final weekend of the 2012 State Fair of Texas, and on Big Tex’s 60th birthday) a fire started inside the framework of Big Tex. The figure’s clothing, face, and hat were completely destroyed in minutes as onlookers watched. An official investigation determined that the fire started in an electrical panel (fixed wiring) under the attraction’s right boot. This panel was believed to have powered the air compressor that kept the clothing of the statue ‘inflated’. News of the fire received national attention, and fair officials committed to rebuilding Big Tex “bigger and better” in time for the 2013 fair.

Working under secrecy, a new Big Tex was created in 2013 by SRO Associates and Texas Scenic Co. at a cost of $500,000. The recreated statue weighs 19,000 pounds (8,618.3 kg) more than the previous version, bringing him to 25,000 pounds (11,339.8 kg). This allows Big Tex to withstand 100 miles per hour (160.9 km/h) winds without needing support wires as in previous versions. The height was increased by 1 yard (91.4 cm) to 55 feet (16.8 m) tall. Big Tex Circle, the location during the State Fair of Texas, was also enlarged and reinforced for the larger statue.

The recreated structure for Big Tex that appeared in 2013 required new clothing and larger sizes. The new Dickie shirt features a 14-foot collar, and 23-foot sleeves and weighs 130 pounds (59 kg). The shirt is made from 150 yards (140 m) of awning material. The new Dickie jeans feature a 27-foot waist, and 22-foot inseam and weigh 100 pounds (45 kg). The jeans are made from 100 yards (91 m) of denim material.

… to be continued …

2023

International Polar Bear Day 2023

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

Photo by Niklas

International Polar Bear Day on February 27 raises awareness on the issues facing polar bears and the ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint. Climate change is a huge threat to polar bears’ existence and it’s up to us to take action and protect their future. Polar bears are classified as marine mammals, carrying with them a thick layer of body fat and a water-repellent coat to keep them insulated against the icy cold air and water they encounter on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean. With their territory melting away beneath them, International Polar Bear Day is an important opportunity for us to remind ourselves what is at stake here, preserving the future of these magnificent mammals.

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

2023 · In Our Garden · On Our Property · Texas · Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland (13)

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

When two seasons collide … (Part III)

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

2023 · Connecticut · In Our Forest · Winter Wonderland

It’s Still Winter …

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

Since this Winter was very mild, we didn’t get much snow this season. Kevin was giving up on snow for this Winter. But, I warned him: “It might all come down in March and April until Easter. And we have snow. Well, it’s still February and Winter after all. However, soon this will get old. We need warm weather for gardening.

β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„β˜ƒβ„

2023 · The Night Sky

The Celestial Ball Dance In February 2023

πŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺ

Luna, the Gas Giant, and Aphrodite dance in the February evening skies.

February 2023 is a fantastic time to easily view two unique planets in our solar system. The gas giant Jupiter and our scorching sister planet, Venus, are brilliant in the night sky this month. These planetary diamonds shine bright even in regions with terrible light pollution, like New York City.

Venus is a rocky planet that’s about the same size as Earth. It’s also the closest planet to us. But on the ground, its environs are hotter than a pizza oven, at some 900 degrees Fahrenheit(Opens in a new tab). The planet’s thick layers of greenhouse gases, like the potent carbon dioxide, trap copious amounts of heat. Its upper atmosphere, however, hosts more moderate, reasonable climes.

Jupiter is a giant gas planet, containing over twice the mass of all other planets in our solar system combined. Thick clouds and storms (mainly of hydrogen and helium) swirl around the surface, including the Great Red Spot, which NASA notes has “raged for over a century.” (Opens in a new tab) Jupiter contains 92 known moons(Opens in a new tab), including the fascinating world Europa, which harbors an icy ocean beneath its cracked shell.

https://mashable.com/article/venus-jupiter-planets-how-to-see

πŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺπŸŒ’πŸͺ

2023 · Days of The Week · On Our Property · Texas · The Greenhouse · Throwback Thursday

The Greenhouse In Texas ~ 2013 (1)

🌢πŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»

My greenhouse arrived toward the end of February 2013. It was a Thursday. And on the following weekend, I began to build the greenhouse kit. To my dismay, I noticed two frame pieces were broken. I had to call the company the following Monday and wait for the pieces to arrive. UGH! That sucked.

In the meantime, Kevin fixed the chainlink fence and gate poles for the garden space. It’s an area to prevent the dogs from pooping in our garden. Katelynn and I cut a bush down and pulled its roots out as well as we could. Once she found a worm, she was too busy playing with it. So much about helping me with digging roots out of the ground, LOL.

🌢πŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»πŸŒΆπŸ₯•πŸ§…πŸ₯¦πŸ§„πŸŒ»

2023 · Days of The Week · Wildlife Wednesday

Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis vesiculosa)

Female Eastern Pondhawk

Erythemis simplicicollis, the eastern pondhawk, also known as the common pondhawk, is a dragonfly of the family Libellulidae, native to the eastern two-thirds of the United States and southern Ontario and Quebec, Canada. It is a dragonfly of ponds and still waters. The species is distinguished in that the female is bright green with a banded abdomen and the mature male has a blue abdomen with a green face and green and blue thorax.

The eastern pondhawk is an athletic, swift-flying predator, able to catch damselflies and other insect prey on the wing. In between hunts, it rests on vegetation, ready to take to the air if prey comes within sight. When newly emerged, the dragonflies at first hunt away from water. After about two weeks they return to the ponds and males set up territories, chasing away rivals. The males guard the floating algal mats that make suitable egg-laying sites. Satellite males remain nearby, awaiting an opportunity to intercept females or seize territories.

Mating takes place while the dragonflies are perched on vegetation close to the water. Within one minute of mating, the female starts to lay her eggs, the male hovering nearby to guard her. She flies low over the pond, dipping her abdomen into the water and depositing her eggs at intervals. Some females mate several times during a single day. In Florida, new batches of adults are emerging throughout the summer months; the reproductive adult has a lifespan of about ten days.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythemis_simplicicollis

2023

⚜️🎭 Mardi Gras ~ Fat Tuesday πŸŽ­βšœοΈ

⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭

Today is Fat Tuesday.  It refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.

Louisiana is the only state in the United States, where Mardi Gras is officially celebrated as a holiday.Β Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Usually, there is one major parade each day (weather permitting); many days have several large parades. The largest and most elaborate parades take place during the last five days of the Mardi Gras season. In the final week, many events occur throughout New Orleans and surrounding communities, including paradesΒ and ballsΒ (some of them masquerade balls).

In Germany, we celebrate it as Carnival/Fasching. It depends on the region. Around Cologne, it’s called Karneval. In places like Franconia (the northern region of the state Bavaria), they call it Fasching.Β The celebration on the same day in GermanyΒ knows many different terms, such as Schmutziger Donnerstag or Fetter Donnerstag (Fat Thursday), Unsinniger Donnerstag, Weiberfastnacht, Greesentag, and others, and are often only one part of the whole carnival events during one or even two weeks before Ash Wednesday. In German, schmutzig means “dirty”, but in the Alemannic dialects schmotzig means “lard” (Schmalz), or “fat”;Β “Greasy Thursday”, as remaining winter stores of lard and butter used to be consumed at that time, before the fasting began. Fastnacht means “Eve of the Fast”, but all three terms cover the whole carnival season. The traditional start of the carnival season is on November 11 at 11:11 am (11/11 11:11).

Here is the link to where the Carnival is celebrated all over the world. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardi_Gras

⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭🎷⚜🎭

2023 · Days of The Week · Festivals · Texas · Travel Tuesday · USA

State Park of Texas: Fair Park, Dallas: A Stroll Around The Park ~ 2013 (1) πŸŽ‘

In 2013, Kevin, Katelynn, Sara, and I visited the State Fair of Texas again. The weather was much nicer and warmer that day we went a year prior. After we made it through the entrance, the girls got hungry. We all had sandwiches and snacks, which I had in my backpack. The food at the fair can be very expensive. Since we can come in with food and water, we always bring something inside the fair park. When we were done eating, we strolled around the park and started walking toward the Music Hall.

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At the main entrance, I photographed the frieze of the 85 feet tall pylon which was added to the blockhouse in 1963. Near the bottom of the pylon is a piece of art that can easily be overlooked by those eager to enter the park. The bas-relief, a series of sculptures attached to the base to create a raised effect, covers all four sides of the monolith to form a horizontal decorative band called a frieze. Showing a scene of a wagon train and buffalo hunt, it was made by James Buchanan Winn, Jr.

Located between theΒ Vietnam memorialΒ andΒ Music Hall, the Sydney Smith Memorial Fountain was originally stationed at the Frank P. Holland Court in 1916. The fountain moved to the front ofΒ Music HallΒ when the building opened, then traveled to its current spot during the 1970s. More commonly known asΒ The Gulf Cloud, the fountain pays tribute to Captain Sydney Smith. Partly funded through marketing special Sydney Smith badges, the fountain was made to honor the captain and his contributions. It stands twelve feet high, weighs five tons, and has a diameter of thirty-five feet. The bronze centerpiece depicts a mother and three daughters, each figure symbolizing a different feature of Texas. The mother represents the plains, the girl on the right stands for the mountains, and the one on the left lying down refers to the Gulf. The winged figure symbolizes the gulf cloud, which will eventually provide rain for the land.

Behind theΒ Sydney Smith Memorial Fountain, Music Hall stands on the previous site ofΒ Cycle Park. Charles McAdams built the park in 1896 as a place where people could enjoy the leisure activity of biking. He soon added a steep, wooden racetrack for bicycle races and some bleachers. Calling it the Cycle Park Theater, Charles became the manager. The attraction later became a place to host outdoor festivals, plays, and concerts. A large fire burned it to the ground in 1903 and a new structure was built. Currently capable of seating 3,420 guests, the Music Hall is modeled to reflect the styles of Spanish colonialism with hints of Moorish design. There are six stair towers, each with a dome on top. In addition, there are several porches that have arches positioned over them. The first major change came with the aforementioned addition of air-conditioning in 1951. The building then experienced a large remodeling project in 1972. It increased the size of the backstage area, improved the auditorium acoustics, installed more comfortable seats, expanded the lobby, provided enough space for an indoor box office, and added the Crystal Terrace Restaurant. Music Hall remained the same for twenty-seven years until it underwent some changes in 1999. The job included better acoustics, new carpeting, new paint, and refurbished chairs, along with the addition of a guest relations center and gift shop.

The Old Mill Inn is a restaurant located across the street fromΒ Grand Place. However, its original purpose was to serve as the Flour Milling Industry Building for the centennial celebration. Workers made it an exact replica of the Burrus Flour Mill in the town ofΒ McKinney, a building that had been around since the early 1800s. The new clone of the building housed exhibits pertaining to the flour mill industry that included three kitchens, a tea room, and an experimental mill. To run the attraction, a group of flour mill companies managed to persuade a national cooking star named Ida Mae Chitwood to take charge. When Ida Chitwood arrived atΒ Fair Park, she taught cooking classes in addition to acting as the building’s supervisor. She also spent her time making fresh biscuits absolutely free to those visiting the attraction. Because of hard times, people would wait more than an hour in line to taste the famous cook’s food. After the exposition, the Old Mill Inn eventually became the home of Borden’s Dairy Exhibit at the fair. Children would get to have the chance to meet the family of the company’s mascot Elsie. Her husband was named Elmer and her daughter was called Beauregard. The two family members were available for petting along with the matriarch. The building currently serves as a restaurant specializing in southern cuisine. Open throughout the year, its interior is decorated with remnants of the past. A stairway leading to a private dining area has autographed photos of famous people who have paid a visit. In addition to the customary meals it provides, the restaurant allows guests to participate in a mystery party every Friday and Saturday through a local company called Keith & Margo’s Ultimate Mystery Dinner Adventure.

http://www.texasescapes.com/DallasTexas/Dallas-Texas-Fair-Park-History.htm

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… to be continued…

2023 · Connecticut · Hiking In Connecticut · USA

White Memorial Conservation Center ~ Herron Pond Loop In February 2023

Kevin and I did an almost 2-mile hike on the Herron Pond Loop at White Memorial Conservation Center. It was a good up & down hike this afternoon. Close to the Fawn Pond we missed our trail and walked the outer path. Since we made a “mistake”, we had the chance to see the engraved boulder, a rock in memory of the White siblings, Alain & May. Back on the track, we were at the overlook of Fawn Pond. The pond looks so pretty with the tree stomps and a water lily forest beneath the surface of the water.

Once, Kevin and I made it to Herron Pond, we took the outer track again. This time, we did it on purpose. The east side of the pond was too muddy, so we decided, we take the trail on the west side. There I found an interesting plant, I’d never seen before, the flat-branched tree clubmoss. At first, I thought, it was rooted due to the pine trees above. But it is a ground cover plant. We learn something new every day.

2023 · South Dakota · USA

Presidents Day 2023

Mount Rushmore in South Dakota

Presidents DayΒ is a United StatesΒ federal holidayΒ celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor ofΒ George Washington, the first President of the United States, who was born on February 22, 1732, andΒ AbrahamΒ Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who was born on February 12, 1809. It can occur from the 15th through the 21st of February inclusive.

2023 · In Our Garden · On Our Property · Texas · Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland (12)

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When two seasons collide … (Part II)

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