OK.
One more Halloween costume post.....
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Happy Halloween
As I mentioned a couple of posts-ago one of the Halloween traditions is the donning of costumes for the festivities.
This has to be one of the more creative ones I've seen on the web.
Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
A Halloween Tradition
As I mentioned in yesterday's post one of the Halloween traditions is the donning of costumes for the festivities.
This is one of the funnier ones I've seen on the web.
Greyhound bus....
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
The Origins of Halloween
One of the promises I made as I entered into retirement
was to be more observant of what is going-on in my natural world. Another promise was learning something new on
a regular basis.
Recently Jill and I attended a lecture on Irish history and culture and this exposed us both to the rich story of the Celts who dominated much of what is now Europe and the British Isles. Tribal and warlike the Celts had no written language and as a consequence there is no complete record of their way of life. What we do know is that the Romans displaced them and following that the barbarians displaced the Romans. The Celts survived all of this on what is now the island of Ireland. Enter St. Patrick. With the arrival of Christianity the written word arrived and Irish monks kept detailed and illuminated records of what had previously been a pagan life.
Alas, with the arrival of another warlike culture from the north, Ireland finally succumbed to Viking rule. Brian Boru - the high king of Ireland - eventually drove the Norsemen from his homeland and returned Ireland to the Irish. Whew! All of this is a meaningful explanation for my own DNA results. But I digress.
I’ve also learned that the origins of Halloween date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (sow-in) of more than 2000 years ago when the Celts had achieved the apex of their dominance over Europe. This holiday marked the end of summer, beginning of the harvest and the start of winter. This was a time that the Celts marked their New Year and its association with human death.
On the night of October 31 the Celts celebrated Samhain when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. True to these Celtic roots Halloween has historically been recognized as a time when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world. People thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized some individuals would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits.
Things have become rather tame since those good-old-days with Halloween becoming an American tradition that accounts for about $6 billion dollars in annual spending – second only to Christmas.
Raising a toast to candy corn and all things spooky.
Recently Jill and I attended a lecture on Irish history and culture and this exposed us both to the rich story of the Celts who dominated much of what is now Europe and the British Isles. Tribal and warlike the Celts had no written language and as a consequence there is no complete record of their way of life. What we do know is that the Romans displaced them and following that the barbarians displaced the Romans. The Celts survived all of this on what is now the island of Ireland. Enter St. Patrick. With the arrival of Christianity the written word arrived and Irish monks kept detailed and illuminated records of what had previously been a pagan life.
Alas, with the arrival of another warlike culture from the north, Ireland finally succumbed to Viking rule. Brian Boru - the high king of Ireland - eventually drove the Norsemen from his homeland and returned Ireland to the Irish. Whew! All of this is a meaningful explanation for my own DNA results. But I digress.
I’ve also learned that the origins of Halloween date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (sow-in) of more than 2000 years ago when the Celts had achieved the apex of their dominance over Europe. This holiday marked the end of summer, beginning of the harvest and the start of winter. This was a time that the Celts marked their New Year and its association with human death.
On the night of October 31 the Celts celebrated Samhain when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. True to these Celtic roots Halloween has historically been recognized as a time when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world. People thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized some individuals would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits.
Things have become rather tame since those good-old-days with Halloween becoming an American tradition that accounts for about $6 billion dollars in annual spending – second only to Christmas.
Raising a toast to candy corn and all things spooky.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Requiem for the Tomato
The serving and consumption of the first ripe garden tomato 
is always feted and praised. Consider it a high holiday for us members of the gardening class.
The last garden tomato is accorded similar deference and reverence.
Here it is - the end of October - and the last two garden tomatoes were given the most solemn of requiems.
The BLT!
Snow is in the forecast.
The last garden tomato is accorded similar deference and reverence.
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| click on images for a closer look |
The BLT!
Snow is in the forecast.
Ghost Deer
Speaking of deer there is this very recent trail camera photo in infrared (IR) mode. No visible flash. Black and white result. It's all in keeping with the spirit of Halloween.
I refer to these a 'ghost deer' because of the ethereal qualities imparted-upon the imagery as a consequence of the trail camera medium.
They're also stealthy animals and frequently sneak-up on the unwary and unwitting bow hunter just like a ghost.
Boo!
I refer to these a 'ghost deer' because of the ethereal qualities imparted-upon the imagery as a consequence of the trail camera medium.
They're also stealthy animals and frequently sneak-up on the unwary and unwitting bow hunter just like a ghost.
Boo!
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Muscle Shoals Has Got The Swampers
A package arrived in the mail a couple of days ago. The return address indicated the sender was
my pal The First Mate. Handling the
envelope suggested an article of clothing inside – my guess was a shirt.
That was an easy deduction as I already knew were the mate had been from a recent email. He had made - and completed - his pilgrimage before me. Inside the package was a T-shirt - and a note which read as follows:
Tom,
The enclosed shirt is not just your run of the mill souvenir T-shirt. It is one of two designs that were actually done by members of the Swampers (I have the other). Yours was created by David Hood, the bassist, and the one I have was created by Jimmy Johnson, the guitarist (may he rest in peace).
Wear it with pride Brother Swill,
Pat
If you are unaware of the history - The
Swampers happen to be a group of session musicians from the northern Alabama
town of Muscle Shoals. Originally known
as the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section - this collection of musicians affectionately called The Swampers have left an
indelible mark on the American music scene from the 1960s thru the 1980s. They have been associated with more than 500
recordings - including 75 gold and platinum hits.
The Swampers' mastery of R+B, soul and country music often led to disbelief that these studio musicians were white guys frequently providing back-up for recording black artists.
In 1969 the Swampers parted-company with Rick Hall and FAME Studios and founded their own competing business, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. They also copyrighted the name The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.
If you have an opportunity watch the documentary - the short trailer serves to provide additional historic reference....
That was an easy deduction as I already knew were the mate had been from a recent email. He had made - and completed - his pilgrimage before me. Inside the package was a T-shirt - and a note which read as follows:
Tom,
The enclosed shirt is not just your run of the mill souvenir T-shirt. It is one of two designs that were actually done by members of the Swampers (I have the other). Yours was created by David Hood, the bassist, and the one I have was created by Jimmy Johnson, the guitarist (may he rest in peace).
Wear it with pride Brother Swill,
Pat
 |
| click on the shirt for a closer look |
The Swampers' mastery of R+B, soul and country music often led to disbelief that these studio musicians were white guys frequently providing back-up for recording black artists.
In 1969 the Swampers parted-company with Rick Hall and FAME Studios and founded their own competing business, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. They also copyrighted the name The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.
If you have an opportunity watch the documentary - the short trailer serves to provide additional historic reference....
Muscle Shoals has got The Swampers.
- Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama, 1974.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Sunset
Walking back from my deer stand tonight there was this.
One of the crazy 'Sky Is On Fire' sunsets.
Wow!
Wow!
Fall Colors
The Fall colors are late to arrive this year. Maybe it's got something to do with all the rain and flooding - maybe not.
In any event the trees in the yard are absolutely brilliant in their fall splendor.
White oak...
Soft maple...
The tamaracks are beginning to turn their golden glow of gold before shedding their needles.
In any event the trees in the yard are absolutely brilliant in their fall splendor.
White oak...
Soft maple...
The tamaracks are beginning to turn their golden glow of gold before shedding their needles.
click on an image for a closer look
Friday, October 25, 2019
Noteable Quotable
You don’t even have to be convicted of a crime to lose your job in this constitutional republic if this body determines that your conduct as a public official is clearly out of bounds in your role. Impeachment is not about punishment. Impeachment is about cleansing the office. Impeachment is about restoring honor and integrity to the office.
-Rep. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Impeachment Trial Manager
January 16, 1999
Friday Music
The first time I published a live cover of this song was in November of 2016 – with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. In January of 2017 I published the composer himself performing it live. You cannot get too much of this tune so it’s about time I did it again.
Written by country music artist Townes Van Zandt this is often considered his most enduring song - an oldie and a goodie. First recorded in 1972 for the album – The Late Great Townes Van Zandt - this is a tale of a Mexican bandit called Pancho possibly betrayed by his left-hand man 'Lefty' to the Mexican Federales. Was it Pancho Villa? Van Zandt never ruled-out the notion.
This cover is by one of my favorite music artists - Emmylou Harris……
Written by country music artist Townes Van Zandt this is often considered his most enduring song - an oldie and a goodie. First recorded in 1972 for the album – The Late Great Townes Van Zandt - this is a tale of a Mexican bandit called Pancho possibly betrayed by his left-hand man 'Lefty' to the Mexican Federales. Was it Pancho Villa? Van Zandt never ruled-out the notion.
This cover is by one of my favorite music artists - Emmylou Harris……
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Death to the Invader
There are three species of cattail found in
Wisconsin—one good guy that is native and desirable and a couple of bad guys
that are aggressive and invasive.
Broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia) is a friend of the wetland and narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) is undesirable. The other bad guy is a cross-bred – or hybrid – of the two. Both narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail are aggressive and can take over wetlands crowding-out more desirable plant species.
Another bad guy is common reed grass or phragmites. This invasive species is also capable of forming dense stands that crowd out native plants and make a mess of valuable wildlife habitat. We have engaged both in battle.
Because we happen to share home range with the Blanding's turtle all of the invasives work performed in the wetland habitat is conducted by professionals. One of the rites of fall is putting to death the phragmites and cattails that strive to gain a foothold in the big pond north of the house.
I spoke with the crew this morning and the report was good. After several years of diligent treatment the nasties are a shadow of their former selves. Over the winter a burn plan will be prepared and filed and a burn conducted early next year to set-back the woody invasives and reduce fuel build-up in the wetland and surrounding grassland.
The other observation was that the grassland was full of deer beds.
Broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia) is a friend of the wetland and narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) is undesirable. The other bad guy is a cross-bred – or hybrid – of the two. Both narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail are aggressive and can take over wetlands crowding-out more desirable plant species.
Another bad guy is common reed grass or phragmites. This invasive species is also capable of forming dense stands that crowd out native plants and make a mess of valuable wildlife habitat. We have engaged both in battle.
Because we happen to share home range with the Blanding's turtle all of the invasives work performed in the wetland habitat is conducted by professionals. One of the rites of fall is putting to death the phragmites and cattails that strive to gain a foothold in the big pond north of the house.
I spoke with the crew this morning and the report was good. After several years of diligent treatment the nasties are a shadow of their former selves. Over the winter a burn plan will be prepared and filed and a burn conducted early next year to set-back the woody invasives and reduce fuel build-up in the wetland and surrounding grassland.
The other observation was that the grassland was full of deer beds.
Paleofeces
 |
This is a coprolite.
A feces fossil. Petrified poop. And the third and final scatological entry to be published for a spell.
These trace fossils - coprolites - can
provide archaeologists valuable information and clues about the diet of the
living creature that produced it.
The
paleofeces sample pictured above is a fossilized human turd known as the Lloyds Bank Coprolite. It is likely the largest and most valuable on record. It dates back to approximately the 9th century
and the person responsible is believed to be a Viking. It currently rests at the Jórvík Viking Centre
in the city of York, England.
Analysis
has revealed that the individual to whom this belongs consumed large amounts of
meat. The stool sample also contained
eggs from parasitic roundworms including: Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) and Ascaris lumbricoides (maw worm). Yeech!
You can
learn more about this coprolite - including how it earned its name - and additional background on the study of fossilized poop here.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Living With Labs
If you visit this blog from time-to-time you already know that our patience has been tested with all of the rain we've had this fall.
Silver Creek has repeatedly over-topped its banks. The ponds are full to the brim. Standing water in the trails. Mosquitoes. Records have been broken. Water everywhere. For gosh-sakes it is mud season and it isn't even spring.
One of the consequences of this is that the Girls get a rinse and under-body flush after each and every walk. They're just too muddy to let back into the house otherwise. In keeping with the scatological subject matter introduced yesterday there is this.
On occasion the walk will result in more than a rinse and under-body flush.
There is the full shampoo and sometimes a rinse and repeat. That is because of the poo-rolling. I have no idea what the attraction is - nevertheless, the greasier the critter poop the more irresistible it is.
Blech.......
Silver Creek has repeatedly over-topped its banks. The ponds are full to the brim. Standing water in the trails. Mosquitoes. Records have been broken. Water everywhere. For gosh-sakes it is mud season and it isn't even spring.
One of the consequences of this is that the Girls get a rinse and under-body flush after each and every walk. They're just too muddy to let back into the house otherwise. In keeping with the scatological subject matter introduced yesterday there is this.
Blonde dog is illustrated for purposes of contrast
On occasion the walk will result in more than a rinse and under-body flush.
There is the full shampoo and sometimes a rinse and repeat. That is because of the poo-rolling. I have no idea what the attraction is - nevertheless, the greasier the critter poop the more irresistible it is.
Blech.......
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Pre Rut
Lower half (center) is a fresh scrape.
Licking branch just above.
For you guys hunting this weekend just past the dog is a deer stand - The Taj.
Pre-rut looks to be in full swing. And I have a photo of who I think may be tending that scrape...
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| click on images for a closer look |
POWTS
Which is the acronym for Private Onsite Waste Treatment System.
The Turd Hearse cometh.
This is how you handle your shit when you live in rural America and don't have a municipal sewer system. Everything flows downhill in the plumbing to a 1000 gallon tank where the solids settle. From there the filtered effluent spills into another tank before being pumped into a mound system. Once in the mound it slowly filters back into the ground water.
Our own miniature sewage treatment plant.
Got the three year clean bill of health after having the tanks pumped and inspected.
That would be right. Every three years.
The county sanitarian requires it due to the fractured dolomite limestone bedrock that makes-up the Door peninsula.
No leaking or failing septic systems allowed.
The fella pumping the effluent out of the tanks was chatty-enough. With all the rain business has been excellent. But the stink.
All I gotta say is……Whew!
The Turd Hearse cometh.
This is how you handle your shit when you live in rural America and don't have a municipal sewer system. Everything flows downhill in the plumbing to a 1000 gallon tank where the solids settle. From there the filtered effluent spills into another tank before being pumped into a mound system. Once in the mound it slowly filters back into the ground water.
Our own miniature sewage treatment plant.
Got the three year clean bill of health after having the tanks pumped and inspected.
That would be right. Every three years.
The county sanitarian requires it due to the fractured dolomite limestone bedrock that makes-up the Door peninsula.
No leaking or failing septic systems allowed.
The fella pumping the effluent out of the tanks was chatty-enough. With all the rain business has been excellent. But the stink.
All I gotta say is……Whew!
Monday, October 21, 2019
The Garden Chronicles
Things are winding-down to the finish here at The Platz.
These are the last two cantaloupe and acorn squash.
Ten additional sweet peppers and a big bunch of carrots (not pictured).
Taters and carrots are all that’s left.
Two more inches of freakin’ rain is in the forecast. Fingers-crossed to bring in the harvest and things dry out enough to get the garden tilled before the ground freezes.
There are deer out there that need to be converted....
Ten additional sweet peppers and a big bunch of carrots (not pictured).
Taters and carrots are all that’s left.
Two more inches of freakin’ rain is in the forecast. Fingers-crossed to bring in the harvest and things dry out enough to get the garden tilled before the ground freezes.
There are deer out there that need to be converted....
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Eat More Deer
20 years.
92,000 deer.
3.7 million pounds of venison.
I have often said that if people ate more deer we could solve hunger in this state - and bring the deer herd down to a manageable number.
Deer hunters in Wisconsin have been providing venison to community members in need for 20 years through the deer donation program. This year, over 50 processors have already signed up to accept deer donations! You can enjoy the sport of deer hunting and make a difference in your community.
In celebration of the program’s 20th anniversary, hunters donating deer this season will receive a free hat while supplies last.
Learn more about Wisconsin’s deer donation program here.
92,000 deer.
3.7 million pounds of venison.
I have often said that if people ate more deer we could solve hunger in this state - and bring the deer herd down to a manageable number.
Deer hunters in Wisconsin have been providing venison to community members in need for 20 years through the deer donation program. This year, over 50 processors have already signed up to accept deer donations! You can enjoy the sport of deer hunting and make a difference in your community.
In celebration of the program’s 20th anniversary, hunters donating deer this season will receive a free hat while supplies last.
Learn more about Wisconsin’s deer donation program here.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Quote of the Day
I earned my spurs on the battlefield - Donald Trump
earned his spurs in a letter from a doctor.
-James Mattis, United States Marine Corps General and 26th
United States Secretary of Defense
Friday, October 18, 2019
Friday Music
Written by the group and released in 1967 this ode to San
Francisco was not only a protest song in opposition the war in Vietnam it
launched the band into broader recognition on the music scene.
Up to this time the group displayed a grittier, bluesy style of performance. Creative differences resulted in a loss of original members and the band was reconstituted in time to arrive on the psychedelic music scene.
If you are into trivia this song also leaves the listener with the impression that San Francisco is endowed with a warm and moderate climate. Nothing could be further from the truth. The visiting Brits coincidentally enjoyed a rare stretch of warm weather.
Eric Burden and the Animals.....
Up to this time the group displayed a grittier, bluesy style of performance. Creative differences resulted in a loss of original members and the band was reconstituted in time to arrive on the psychedelic music scene.
If you are into trivia this song also leaves the listener with the impression that San Francisco is endowed with a warm and moderate climate. Nothing could be further from the truth. The visiting Brits coincidentally enjoyed a rare stretch of warm weather.
Eric Burden and the Animals.....
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Sunrise
From this morning.
Left for MKE at 6 am and was watching the sun rise.
This opportunity lasted mere moments.
Pulled-off I-43 at Exit #137 County Rd Xx - Cleveland/Kiel - for two shots from the overpass ramp.
Moments later there was blue sky and sunlight.
Beauty is fleeting....
This opportunity lasted mere moments.
Pulled-off I-43 at Exit #137 County Rd Xx - Cleveland/Kiel - for two shots from the overpass ramp.
Moments later there was blue sky and sunlight.
Beauty is fleeting....
Fall Colors
It is no secret that we have suffered at the hands of too much rain. Record-setting rains that have caused the creeks and ponds to overflow their banks and the trails to become swamps. Some of the white pines are looking a bit yellow and sickly too. Hunting opportunities have been few and far between
On Monday the septic guy was finally able to schedule a visit to pump and inspect our tanks and POWTS for a three-year recertification. He freely shared that by the end of September his small business had done as much in sales as they had in any previous year. He described it as three more months of additional business between now and the end of 2019 that they hadn't counted-upon. Seems some households with older septic drain fields have been struggling with sewage backing-up into their homes as the rain deluge overwhelmed their systems. Ugh.
In any event the fall colors have been a bit delayed and in some cases missed with the driving rains stripping the leaves of their colorful foliage.
At long last when we finally caught a rare moment of clear sky and sunshine the white oak in the front yard began to show-off its fall colors.
Maples are close behind.....
On Monday the septic guy was finally able to schedule a visit to pump and inspect our tanks and POWTS for a three-year recertification. He freely shared that by the end of September his small business had done as much in sales as they had in any previous year. He described it as three more months of additional business between now and the end of 2019 that they hadn't counted-upon. Seems some households with older septic drain fields have been struggling with sewage backing-up into their homes as the rain deluge overwhelmed their systems. Ugh.
In any event the fall colors have been a bit delayed and in some cases missed with the driving rains stripping the leaves of their colorful foliage.
At long last when we finally caught a rare moment of clear sky and sunshine the white oak in the front yard began to show-off its fall colors.
Maples are close behind.....
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Fungus Amongst Us
Meet Omphalotus illudens – the
Jack-O-Lantern mushroom.
It is
reasonably common east of the Rocky Mountains and is often found in urban
habitat. West of the Rockies it is rare. It sprouts from dead tree limbs and stumps
and is characterized by the bright orange color and distinctive clusters.
To the untrained eye this fungus looks like a chanterelle. However, unlike the edible chanterelles this fungus contains the toxin illuden S and is poisonous to humans. While it may not kill you – you are sure to come down with a wicked-bad course of cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Ugh.
Notable to this mushroom is an attribute that just might lead you home in the dark woods at night. It glows in the dark. Yup, it has bioluminescent properties. The whole mushroom does not glow—just the gills. They contain the enzyme called luciferase, which acts upon a compound called luciferin, leading to an eerie green glow. The process is similar to the light produced by fireflies.
To the untrained eye this fungus looks like a chanterelle. However, unlike the edible chanterelles this fungus contains the toxin illuden S and is poisonous to humans. While it may not kill you – you are sure to come down with a wicked-bad course of cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Ugh.
Notable to this mushroom is an attribute that just might lead you home in the dark woods at night. It glows in the dark. Yup, it has bioluminescent properties. The whole mushroom does not glow—just the gills. They contain the enzyme called luciferase, which acts upon a compound called luciferin, leading to an eerie green glow. The process is similar to the light produced by fireflies.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Football Game
The Green Bay Packers picked LeRoy Butler in the second
round of the 1990 NFL draft. As a safety
Butler played his entire career with the Packers until retiring in 2001.
He has always been one of Jill’s favorite Packer stars and yesterday I happened to be wearing a jersey sporting his name and number to the game at Lambeau.
Wouldn’t you know it – Butler was signing autographs at the Igloo tent before kick-off and he happily signed the throw-back jersey and posed for photos. I even managed a couple of signed 8x10 glossy player photographs from his playing career.
It is strange to think that there some remote possibility that I was the only person to happen-upon him yesterday wearing that shirt.
Who knew?
He has always been one of Jill’s favorite Packer stars and yesterday I happened to be wearing a jersey sporting his name and number to the game at Lambeau.
Wouldn’t you know it – Butler was signing autographs at the Igloo tent before kick-off and he happily signed the throw-back jersey and posed for photos. I even managed a couple of signed 8x10 glossy player photographs from his playing career.
It is strange to think that there some remote possibility that I was the only person to happen-upon him yesterday wearing that shirt.
Who knew?
Monday, October 14, 2019
Hunter's Full Moon
From last evening just before bedtime.
This moon was visible all night - from sunset to sunrise.
A full Hunter's Blood Moon.
See yesterday's post for details....
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Blood Moon
There have been frost warnings the last few days. Appropriate since the full moon tonight is
called the Hunter's Moon or Blood Moon.
For the native
peoples that lived here before European settlement the cold snap signaled the
hunt and setting aside stores of food for the winter. This moon also goes by the names: Ice Moon, Dying Grass Moon and Freezing
Moon.
This is the only night of the month when the Moon is visible all night long – from sunset to sunrise. Because this moon appears several days after it’s orbit takes it furthest from earth (known as apogee) this is the smallest of full moons for this year.
You can learn more about this astronomical event here.
This is the only night of the month when the Moon is visible all night long – from sunset to sunrise. Because this moon appears several days after it’s orbit takes it furthest from earth (known as apogee) this is the smallest of full moons for this year.
You can learn more about this astronomical event here.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Friday Music
Known for music genre that includes outlaw country, Texas
country, country rock and swing and country western this is a gospel tune that
is among my favorites from one of my favorite artists. In keeping with my appreciation for modern
country music I hope you enjoy this gem.
Side note trivia - Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen are not only a couple of the best Texas song writers around they’re life-long friends going back to Texas A&M University.
Church.....
Side note trivia - Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen are not only a couple of the best Texas song writers around they’re life-long friends going back to Texas A&M University.
Church.....
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Keeping it Relevant
Since I left the day job I’ve indulged some new interests. One of these is a weekly discussion group.
Each week brings a different and timely relevant topic, required reading, online research followed by several hours of discussion and lively debate.
Yesterday was the impeachment inquiry. Our interchanges are moderated which helps to keep the discussion focused on-topic and everyone on their best behavior. Nevertheless, two participants stalked out of the room prematurely. That’s too bad. Their loss.
I have learned that it is entirely possible to have a respectful difference of opinion and adult discussion of the same. Face-to-face, live and in person.
Not surprisingly if you lift the veil of social media and the warming glow of your device most all of us are made of decent stock.
We’re all countrymen after-all.
Each week brings a different and timely relevant topic, required reading, online research followed by several hours of discussion and lively debate.
Yesterday was the impeachment inquiry. Our interchanges are moderated which helps to keep the discussion focused on-topic and everyone on their best behavior. Nevertheless, two participants stalked out of the room prematurely. That’s too bad. Their loss.
I have learned that it is entirely possible to have a respectful difference of opinion and adult discussion of the same. Face-to-face, live and in person.
Not surprisingly if you lift the veil of social media and the warming glow of your device most all of us are made of decent stock.
We’re all countrymen after-all.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Gastronaut
Aside from the nod to hearing sounds in the vacuum of outer space this is rather funny...
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Recipe Tip
Have you ever examined the label on a bottle of liquid smoke?
Colgin Liquid Smoke is an ingredient I periodically use in both indoor cooking and outdoor grilling to impart a smoky delicious flavor to meats and sauces.
Colgin is the all-natural liquid smoke with no additives or preservatives. Colgin is Vegan and contains to animal byproducts and is gluten free. Colgin is the instant answer for adding smoke flavor to almost any food that would benefit from real smoke flavor and aroma. Create a gourmet flavored dish with just a few shakes!
This is versatile stuff and worth keeping in your pantry if you haven't all day to smoke a slab of meat or just want to impart some smoky goodness to a marinade. Visit www.colgin.com/recipes/ for recipe tips.
By the way, if you read the Nutritional Facts they are all zero! Who knew?
Colgin Liquid Smoke is an ingredient I periodically use in both indoor cooking and outdoor grilling to impart a smoky delicious flavor to meats and sauces.
Colgin is the all-natural liquid smoke with no additives or preservatives. Colgin is Vegan and contains to animal byproducts and is gluten free. Colgin is the instant answer for adding smoke flavor to almost any food that would benefit from real smoke flavor and aroma. Create a gourmet flavored dish with just a few shakes!
This is versatile stuff and worth keeping in your pantry if you haven't all day to smoke a slab of meat or just want to impart some smoky goodness to a marinade. Visit www.colgin.com/recipes/ for recipe tips.
By the way, if you read the Nutritional Facts they are all zero! Who knew?
Monday, October 7, 2019
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Night Skies
Clear skies tonite for ISS viewing.
Time: Sun Oct 06 6:58 PM, Visible: 5 min, Max Height: 56°, Appears: 18° above NW, Disappears: 11° above ESE.
Mr.Bumble
Meet Bombus fervidus - the Golden Northern Bumble Bee. Or simply - bumble bee.
It's a robust bee. Only young, mated queens overwinter to emerge in early spring to establish a colony. The female sports a mostly yellow thorax and abdominal segments 1 thru 4. She is black on segments 5 thru 6. The male is yellow thru segment 5 and black on segments 6 thru 7. They're common around here feeding on flower nectar and honey manufactured in their colony.
They're all over the New England Aster - Aster novae-angliae. This native plant grows all-over around here in sun, shade and moist spots. A late bloomer it really shows-off when autumn rolls-around. The coloring can range from white to blue although ours generally are pink and variations of blue and violet. It's a terrific nectar plant and I've been busy photographing many of the pollinators paying it a visit.
Mr. Bumble likes it in particular. It's the last hurrah for the blooms around here. And I haven't seen a monarch since the last one I reported-on. Best to soak it in while I can.
They're all over the New England Aster - Aster novae-angliae. This native plant grows all-over around here in sun, shade and moist spots. A late bloomer it really shows-off when autumn rolls-around. The coloring can range from white to blue although ours generally are pink and variations of blue and violet. It's a terrific nectar plant and I've been busy photographing many of the pollinators paying it a visit.
click on images for a closer look
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