Date: May 21st, 2022 | Comments : none | Categories: amphibians, Aquatic creatures, conservation, Environmental issues, issues, Oregon, Water.

Bullfrog, invasive species in Oregon

 

Date: April 14th, 2017 | Comments : none | Categories: blue, Flowers, Garden, issues, Oregon, Seasonal, Spring.

Forget-me-nots, planted in honor of my Grandma, my Mom and my Mother in law who all had Alzheimer's.

 

Date: December 29th, 2016 | Comments : none | Categories: Animals, issues, Oregon, Smile, Travel USA, Unusual Interest.

Wall of peoples' cat drawings, Purringtons Cat Lounge, Portland OR

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Purringtons Cat Lounge, Portland OR is a “cat cafe” and adoption center for cats.

Reservations are recommended due to consideration for the cats.

A limited amount of customers are allowed in the room at one time.

$5 purrrr half an hour visit. Tea and snacks are available. Above: portion of a wall of peoples’ cat drawings.

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Purringtons Cat Lounge, Portland OR Purringtons Cat Lounge, Portland OR Purringtons Cat Lounge, Portland OR

 

Date: September 18th, 2015 | Comments : none | Categories: issues.

My parents' hands. Mom has Alzheimer's.My parent’s hands. Mom has entered the late stages of Alzheimer’s and is finally in a long-term care facility, where she is safe and cared for by professionals. Dad visits every day.

Link for Alzheimer’s Society Canada. For information in USA, Alzheimer’s Association.

 

Date: August 23rd, 2015 | Comments : none | Categories: Elements, Environmental issues, issues, Landscape, Oregon, Seasonal, Silhouettes, Sky, Summer, Travel USA, Trees, USA, Washington State.

Forest fires affecting air quality, Hwy 47 near Amity, Oregon

 

Forest fires in Washington and Oregon affecting air quality, Hwy 47 near Amity, Oregon

 

 

Date: July 7th, 2015 | Comments : none | Categories: conservation, Design, Environmental issues, Green, issues, Landscape, Oregon, Summer, Travel, Travel USA, Trees, USA.

Shepherd's Flat Wind Farm near Arlington, ORStorm near Echo, OR on the Oregon TrailShepherd’s Flat Wind Farm near Arlington, OR and storm over flat terrain near Echo, OR on the Oregon Trail, just before crossing the Wallowa Mountains.

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Greenwood Tree Farm, Columbia Basin, Hwy 84, OregonDriving past the perfectly aligned poplar trees on the Greenwood Tree Farm, Columbia Basin, Hwy 84, eastern Oregon. Large sections of trees at various ages can be seen from the highway. The company specializes in the hybridization of fast-growing, high yield poplar trees, and managing sustainable tree farms with the aim to help reduce reliance on natural forests and non-renewable energy sources.

 

Date: January 24th, 2013 | Comments : none | Categories: Arizona, City Streets, Cultures, issues, Landscape, red, Travel, Travel USA, Unusual Interest, USA.

Phoenix, AZ, USA

 

Date: March 20th, 2011 | Comments : none | Categories: Cultures, Environmental issues, issues, Reptiles, Seasonal, Series, Spring, Texas, Travel, Travel USA, Unusual Interest, USA.

Children watch on as snake-wranglers demonstrate - fangs have broken balloons, laying on the ground hereLeft: Children watch on as snake-wranglers demonstrate various tricks goading the rattlesnakes. Fangs have broken the balloons, foreground, during demonstrations at the annual Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. The Texan cultural tradition, both horrifying and curiously fascinating, takes place during Springtime every March, when thousands of rattlesnakes are competitively captured each year and placed in pits inside the local arena, with wrangling demonstrations, milking, skinning, tables of bizarre crafts, the sale of deep-fried rattlesnake, and even a meat-eating contest involving Miss Roundup’s participation. Next photo: Individuality – each snake has its own unique markings and colors.

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Individuality - each snake has unique skin color and patternsNow that we are moving from Texas and may never live there again, I’m so glad we went. View more photos posted on March 15th 2009, the initial post of Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater TX.

 

Date: August 12th, 2010 | Comments : none | Categories: Birds, Canada, City Streets, Design, Historic significance, issues, Ontario, travel Canada, Urban and Provincial Parks.

Wawa, ON - Canada Goose sculpture Wawa, ON - Canada Goose sculpture

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Canada Goose monument in Wawa, Ontario commemorating the opening of the last link of the Lake Superior section of the the Trans-Canada Highway on Sept. 16th, 1060.

 

Date: May 18th, 2010 | Comments : none | Categories: Architecture, City Streets, Design, Historic significance, issues, Landscape, Missouri, Silhouettes, Sky, Travel, Travel USA, Trees, Unusual Interest, Urban and State Parks, USA.

St. Louis, Missouri Gateway ArchThe Gateway Arch in  St. Louis, Missouri was built in 1965, commemorating Thomas Jefferson and the westward expansion of the United States. One of the most influential people in the history of  United States, Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826) was the the third U.S. president and author of the Declaration of Independence.

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Bunny sculptures downtown St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis Arch, Missouri Eads Bridge over the Missouri River, St. Louis

 

Date: September 29th, 2009 | Comments : none | Categories: Autumn, conservation, Environmental issues, Flowers, issues, Landscape, New Mexico, Seasonal, Sky, Storms, Summer, Travel, Travel USA, wildflowers, yellow.

Autumn storm near Taos, New Mexico. Wildflowers: Bird's Beak
I recently watched a very interesting documentary about the perilous state of our planet, and things we can do to affect the course of necessary change. Narrated by Leonardo Dicaprio I highly recommend seeing this film,  The 11th Hour

 

Date: March 15th, 2009 | Comments : none | Categories: Animals, conservation, Cultures, Historic significance, issues, Reptiles, Seasonal, Series, Spring, Texas, Travel, Travel USA, Unusual Interest, USA.

Thousands of rattlesnakes are caught for the Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas each year. Here,1 of 4 pits. Thousands of rattlesnakes are caught for the Rattlesnake Roundup each year. The arena is divided into sections for wrangling demos, milking, skinning, crafts etc.

Rattlesnake wrangling You can get your picture taken beside a live snake bearing fangs Children watch the snake wranglers

Individuality - each snake has its own unique skin color and pattern Barrel of snakes that have just had heads cut off, ready for skinning Bloody Snake-skinning hand-prints, proudly signed

Individuality Deep-fried rattlesnake - all bones and grease! Miss Roundup and the rattlesnake eating contest

Taxidermy for sale Fang-bearing snake heads in jars for $11 each Crafty key-rings

Rattlesnake Roundup, Sweetwater, Texas March 13 – 15, 2009

From a cultural standpoint, I was quite curious about the Texan Rattlesnake Roundup. Attending, the view was to try to be unbiased and open-minded without any preset opinions. Still, as an animal rights ally I was interested to know whether the four event-filled days were about rattlesnake-appreciation or rattlesnake-loathing. I remain mystified, because it seems to be a mishmash of both.
Driving the three and half hours it takes to get back to Dallas, I marveled how what is acceptable for some, is taboo and unconscionable for others. Since many customs the world over, and across time, are basically borne of societal needs to collectively overcome threats and various natural causes, did this event begin in a similar way?…only here the rituals include a number of large people walking around eating disgusting, deep-fried rattlesnake that was more bone and grease than meat, and corn on the cob? Were the original celebrations of rounding up rattlesnakes actually efforts toward creating a communal mindset of safety, and have they evolved to dominate, even abuse, a predator that was perhaps more of a concern to the earliest settlers than it is now?
For Sweetwater locals, the occasion is an important part of their heritage and present lifestyle that brings the community together, draws in tourists and boosts their economy annually. Scheduled each year are: a parade, carnival grounds, a Miss Rattlesnake Roundup pageant, a Gun, Knife and Coin Show (because coins are obviously in the same category as knives and guns!), a snake-hunting competition, rattlesnake meat-eating contest, and vendors who earn a living selling various rattlesnake parts, products, and bizarre crafts. Unfortunately for raccoons and turtles it was an opportunity to sell their parts as well.
The demise of the rattlesnakes is undeniably sad and seemingly senseless, but the truth of every matter has many dimensions. It is easy to get caught up in the intrigue, and fall under the spell of groups in a festive state, to the point where I did try the deep-fried snake…but after one nip, threw it in the garbage, on top of others’ waste who had done the exact same thing.
I absolutely love reptiles, but admit to have considered buying one of the open-mouthed, fang-baring, stuffed intact, coiled-up snake souvenirs (not the ones sporting tiny cowboy hats and raccoon tails though). Although, upon guilty reflection, is one by-product any less vulgar than the other? I actually thought the coiled up rattlers ready to strike were really pretty, and only wanted one because I’m not likely to see a living one so up close and personal, hopefully.
Whether we agree or disagree, people earn a living doing things we can’t imagine. Practices and beliefs are incorporated over periods of time and passed down through generations. What was once relevant may have lost all sense currently, or in the future. Our consciousness evolves regardless though, and I wonder if in a distorted sort of way, most people leave the fairgrounds of cotton candy and snake pits every year with a deeper appreciation for the uniqueness of all creatures? I certainly did.
Only a human could come up with something so preposterous as little cowboy hats glued to rattler heads. Only a human would buy them! Generally what every pro/anti-whatever-activist-religious-righteous group is seeking is respect. It’s really about respecting all creatures, including humans, who do strange and unpredictable things.

 

Date: February 25th, 2009 | Comments : none | Categories: conservation, Environmental issues, Green, Historic significance, issues, petition, Seasonal, Series, South Carolina, Summer, Travel, Travel USA, Trees, Unusual Interest, Urban and State Parks, USA.

Update – originally posted September 11, 2008

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The 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaThe 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaThe 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaThe 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaThe 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaThe 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South Carolina
This set of photos honors the efforts of a petition to halt construction on John’s Island, South Carolina that would have encroached on an area of land boasting an Oak tree estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old.
Charleston, SC is proud of its heritage and respected for its commitment to preserving history in the area. Thanks to individuals rallying together and signing a petition, we are reassured that small efforts can and do make a difference on this planet. The land surrounding the Angel Oak is no longer in jeopardy. 17 acres were purchased by Lowcountry Land Trust, protecting the area adjacent to the tree.

Initially I wrote a longer article promoting the petition and website, which is no longer active. There were pages of exclamations by tourists who have visited the area specifically to see the Angel Oak, and interesting comments and pleas from residents who have fond memories of climbing the branches as children, and whose children now do the same. A nearby elementary school carries its’ name.

The 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaThe 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaThe 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaArbourists have propped and supported the weight of the branches of the Angel Oak with stakes and cables.Arbourists have propped and supported the weight of the branches of the Angel Oak with stakes and cables.Arbourists have propped and supported the weight of the branches of the Angel Oak with stakes and cables.
During the summer of 2008, my husband and I drove through South Carolina and took a short detour to John’s Island because I had heard of the tree and was very curious to see it. We drove through wicked rains at the edge of Tropical storm Faye, so when we arrived at Angel Oak park no one else was there. The tree trunk and lower branches are so immense, many have been propped up with stakes and heavy cables here and there, which is a little intrusive for photo-taking, but obviously necessary. Growth is spread outward more than upward, occupying an enormous space at least 150 feet wide.

Some branches measure at least two feet in diameter near the main trunk on the 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaSome branches measure at least two feet in diameter near the main trunk on the 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaSome branches measure at least two feet in diameter near the main trunk on the 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaBranches extend over thirty feet away from the trunk on the 1500 year old Angel Oak on John\'s Island, South CarolinaBranches extend over thirty feet away from the trunk on the 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaSome branches measure at least two feet in diameter near the main trunk on the 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South Carolina

Healthy ferns support other organisms on the branches of 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaHealthy leaves continue to thrive on the 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaHealthy leaves continue to thrive on the 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South Carolina

Healthy ferns support other organisms on the branches of 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaHealthy ferns support other organisms on the branches of 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South CarolinaHealthy ferns support other organisms on the branches of 1500 year old Angel Oak on Johns Island, South Carolina
According to after the Category 5 Hurricane Hugo hit the coast of in 1989, Governor Carroll Campbell is reported to say that the storm destroyed enough timber in South Carolina to frame a home for every family in the state of West Virginia. All those trees and forests obliterated, yet The Angel Oak survived. It has since healed injuries inflicted by Hurricane Hugo.

 

 

 

Date: November 5th, 2008 | Comments : none | Categories: Autumn, Flowers, Garden, issues, Seasonal, Texas.

White Portulaca, Lewisville, TXExcerpt from “Heaven’s Here On Earth” by Tracy Chapman from her CD, “New Beginnings”:
…Heaven’s here on earth    In our faith in humankind    In our respect for what is earthly    In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding     I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people leading ordinary lives    Filled with love compassion forgiveness and sacrifice     Heaven’s in our hearts…

 

Date: August 22nd, 2008 | Comments : none | Categories: City Streets, Elements, Historic significance, issues, Leaves, Seasonal, South Carolina, Storms, Summer, Travel, Travel USA, Trees, USA.

Charleston, South Carolina - impending Hurricane GustavPelican, Charleston, South Carolina during impending Hurricane Gustav

 


 

 
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