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Everyone seems to be staring at a screen these days, whether their computer, their smartphone or another digital device. The stress it puts on your eyes can cause a condition called "digital eye strain" (DES) or "computer vision syndrome" (CVS). Symptoms include eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, red eyes, and eye twitching. How To Protect Your Eyes While You Work Below are a few things you can do to lower your risk or mitigate any discomfort associated with DES. 1. See your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent or treat symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome. During your eye doctor’s appointment, make sure to speak with Dr. Chris Hiura about your working habits, including the frequency and length of time you use a computer and other devices at work and at home. If you get a chance before you come, measure the distance between your eyes and your computer screen and bring that information to the optometrist, so that you can get your eyes tested for that specific working distance. Computer vision syndrome may be exacerbated by an underlying dry eye disease, which can be diagnosed and treated at our eye clinic in San Francisco. Sometimes people who have good visual acuity assume they don’t need any glasses. However, even very mild prescriptions can improve eyestrain and curb fatigue when working at a computer. 2. Good lighting is key Excessively bright light, whether due to outdoor sunshine coming in through the window or harsh interior lighting, is a common cause of eyestrain. When using your computer, your ambient lighting should be about 50% dimmer than what is typically found in most offices. You can reduce exterior light by closing drapes, blinds or shades and diminish interior illumination by using fewer or lower intensity bulbs. Computer users often find that turning off overhead fluorescent lights and replacing them with floor lamps is easier on their eyes. 3. Minimize glare Eyestrain can be aggravated by glare from light reflecting off surfaces including your computer screen. Position your computer so that windows are neither directly in front of nor behind the monitor, but rather to the side of it. Consider installing an anti-glare screen on your display. If you wear glasses, get anti-reflective (AR) coating on your lenses to reduce glare by limiting the amount of light that reflects off the front and back surfaces of your lenses (more on that below.) 4. Upgrade your display If you have a CRT (cathode) screen on your monitor, consider replacing it with a flat-panel LED (light-emitting diode) screen that includes an anti-reflective surface. Old-school CRT screens can be a major cause of computer eye strain due to the flickering images. For your new flat panel desktop display, choose one with a diagonal screen size of at least 19 inches, and the higher the resolution, the better. 5. Adjust display settings for added comfort Adjusting your computer display settings can help decrease eye strain and fatigue too. - Brightness: Adjust your device’s brightness to match the luminance around you. If the white background of this page looks like a light source, then it should be dimmed. However, if it appears dull and gray, it may not provide enough contrast, which can make it hard to read. - Text size: Adjust the text size for maximum eye comfort, particularly when reading, editing or writing long documents. Increase the size if you find yourself squinting, but bigger isn’t always better, since overly large text display may force your eyes to track back and forth too quickly for comfort. - Color temperature: This refers to the spectrum of visible light emitted by a color display. Blue light is short-wavelength visible light, whereas orange and red are longer wavelength hues. Exposure to blue light helps keep you alert but tends to cause eye fatigue after a while; yellow to red tints are more relaxing and may be better for long-term viewing, especially at night. Many devices allow the user to adjust the color temperature. 6. Get computer glasses Nearly 70% of North Americans experience digital eye strain related to prolonged use of electronic devices. To combat these effects, Drs. Hiura & Hiura recommends digital protection coatings, which act as a shield to cut the glare and filter the blue light emanating from digital screens and artificial light. For the greatest eye comfort, ask Dr. Chris Hiura for customized computer glasses, which feature mildly tinted lenses that filter out blue light. These can be made with or without prescription vision correction, for the benefit of those with 20/20 vision or contact lens wearers, though many people with contacts actually prefer to have alternative eyewear to use when their lenses become dry and uncomfortable from extended screen time. Drs. Hiura & Hiura can help you choose from a vast array of effective optical lenses and lens coatings to relieve the effects of digital eye strain. 7. Don't forget to blink When staring at a digital device people tend to blink up to 66% less often, and often the blinks performed during computer work are only partial which aren’t as effective at keeping the eyes moist and fresh feeling. Making a conscious effort to blink more while working or watching can prevent dryness and irritation. 8. Exercise your eyes Another cause of computer eye strain is focusing fatigue. Look away from your computer every 20 minutes and gaze at an object located 20 feet away, for a minimum of 20 seconds. This "20-20-20 rule" is a classic exercise to relax the eyes’ focusing muscles and reduce computer vision syndrome. The steps above don’t require a tremendous amount of time or money to be effective. Contact Drs. Hiura & Hiura in San Francisco to make an appointment with Dr. Chris Hiura and learn how the right eye drops, eye exercises, computer glasses, or AR coatings can improve eye comfort, reduce computer vision syndrome and potentially lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

We’re finally back on the Gold Coast and there are a few stories and sets of photographs I’d like to share with you from Singapore, but they’ll have to come later. Right now, let’s talk about these blondies. I made them this afternoon during my downtime at home (if you’ve been following my tweets, you’ll know I’m still recovering from a terrible cold – not to worry, the worst is over!). Adapted from Megan’s ooey-gooey version, these blondies are quite a treat, especially if you’re stuck trying to cut carbs and eat healthy. Natural crunchy peanut butter, manuka honey and organic cacao nibs figure prominently in this simple recipe. Megan used a much runnier peanut butter when making hers, which is probably why my batch came out less gooey than hers did. It was probably also why my batch seemed to cook a lot quicker, starting to burn a little at the edges just before 20 minutes. Despite not coming out as moist as I’d have liked, it was still a good result: a slightly flaky tray bake that, once sliced, resembled firm cake squares more than fudgy blondie bars. I do enjoy the way the peanuts and cacao nibs give them an awesome crunch. Megan used chocolate chips in her recipe, but I thought I’d give cacao nibs a go instead, for a healthier + crunchier alternative. Not too sweet and not too salty, these blondies are still amazingly decadent in all its peanut butter glory. And best of all, they are completely flourless (making them fairly low in their carbohydrate count) and are entirely free of gluten, dairy and processed sugars! In other words, they make for a pretty healthy snack. Just make sure you don’t eat them all in one sitting! Flourless Peanut Butter & Cacao Nib Blondies gluten, grain & dairy free; adapted from the detoxinista’s flourless peanut butter chocolate chip blondies. 1 cup natural crunchy peanut butter (no added sugar/salt) 1/3 cup honey* 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon baking soda a generous pinch of sea salt 1/4 cup cacao nibs** * I used Medihoney’s Active 10+ Manuka Honey. ** I used TRU RA’s Cacao Nibs. They’re organic, cold-processed and vegan! - Preheat oven to 175°C and line a square 8″ baking pan with non-stick baking paper. - In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, egg, baking soda and salt. Mix thoroughly. - Stir in the cacao nibs. - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spoon to even out the top. - Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. - Remove from oven and let cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.

Conical evergreen conifer with red-brown bark. The leaves are blunt, scale-like, small, triangular, medium green to yellow-green, and held in a distinct vertical plane. Female cones are small, to 3/4 inch long, flask-shaped, grayish-brown, with 3 to 4 pairs of opposite scales. Good for wind break or as a hedge.Important Info : Also known as Thuja orientalis. This cultivar is also known by the name 'Juniperoides'. Google Plant Images: click here! Size: Height: 2 ft. to 10 ft. Width: 2 ft. to 10 ft. Plant Category: landscape, shrubs, trees, Plant Characteristics: dwarf, low maintenance, round, Foliage Characteristics: small leaves, evergreen, Tolerances: deer, rabbits, Bloomtime Range: not applicable USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9 AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant Light Range: Sun to Full Sun pH Range: 4.5 to 7 Soil Range: Mostly Sand to Clay Loam Water Range: Normal to Moist FertilizingHow-to : Fertilization for Young Plants Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus, P, in it(the second number on the bag.) Apply recommended amount for plant per label directions in the soil at time of planting or at least during the first growing season. How-to : Fertilization for Established Plants Established plants can benefit from fertilization. Take a visual inventory of your landscape. Trees need to be fertilized every few years. Shrubs and other plants in the landscape can be fertilized yearly. A soil test can determine existing nutrient levels in the soil. If one or more nutrients is low, a specific instead of an all-purpose fertilizer may be required. Fertilizers that are high in N, nitrogen, will promote green leafy growth. Excess nitrogen in the soil can cause excessive vegetative growth on plants at the expense of flower bud development. It is best to avoid fertilizing late in the growing season. Applications made at that time can force lush, vegetative growth that will not have a chance to harden off before the onset of cold weather. LightConditions : Sun Sun is defined as the continuous, direct, exposure to 6 hours (or more) of sunlight per day. Conditions : Light Conditions Unless a site is completely exposed, light conditions will change during the day and even during the year. The northern and eastern sides of a house receive the least amount of light, with the northern exposure being the shadiest. The western and southern sides of a house receive the most light and are considered the hottest exposures due to intense afternoon sun. You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day. The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property. If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home, take time to map sun and shade throughout the day. You will get a more accurate feel for your site's true light conditions. Conditions : Full to Partial Sun Full sunlight is needed for many plants to assume their full potential. Many of these plants will do fine with a little less sunlight, although they may not flower as heavily or their foliage as vibrant. Areas on the southern and western sides of buildings usually are the sunniest. The only exception is when houses or buildings are so close together, shadows are cast from neighboring properties. Full sun usually means 6 or more hours of direct unobstructed sunlight on a sunny day. Partial sun receives less than 6 hours of sun, but more than 3 hours. Plants able to take full sun in some climates may only be able to tolerate part sun in other climates. Know the culture of the plant before you buy and plant it! Conditions : Types of Pruning Types of pruning include: pinching, thinning, shearing and rejuvenating. Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young plant to promote branching. Doing this avoids the need for more severe pruning later on. Thinning involves removing whole branches back to the trunk. This may be done to open up the interior of a plant to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease. The best way to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood. Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using hand or electric shears. This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedge or topiary. Rejuvenating is removal of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to restore its original form and size. It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time. Remember to remove branches from the inside of the plant as well as the outside. When rejuvenating plants with canes, such as nandina, cut back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more natural look. Conditions : Light and Plant Selection For best plant performance, it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions. Right plant, right place! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color, have fewer leaves and a "leggy" stretched-out appearance. Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable. It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps. Plants can also receive too much light. If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun, it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged. Conditions : Full Sun Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day. WateringConditions : Normal Normal is defined as regular watering to a depth of 18 inches, but periodically dries out in the top 7 inches between waterings. Conditions : Moist Moist is defined as soil that receives regular watering to a depth of 18 inch deep, does not dry out, but does not have a drainage problem either. Conditions : Regular Moisture for Outdoor Plants Water when normal rainfall does not provide the preferred 1 inch of moisture most plants prefer. Average water is needed during the growing season, but take care not to overwater. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes. Conditions : Moist and Well Drained Moist and well drained means exactly what it sounds like. Soil is moist without being soggy because the texture of the soil allows excess moisture to drain away. Most plants like about 1 inch of water per week. Amending your soil with compost will help improve texture and water holding or draining capacity. A 3 inch layer of mulch will help to maintain soil moisture and studies have shown that mulched plants grow faster than non-mulched plants. Conditions : Outdoor Watering Plants are almost completely made up of water so it is important to supply them with adequate water to maintain good plant health. Not enough water and roots will wither and the plant will wilt and die. Too much water applied too frequently deprives roots of oxygen leading to plant diseases such as root and stem rots. The type of plant, plant age, light level, soil type and container size all will impact when a plant needs to be watered. Follow these tips to ensure successful watering: * The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently. When watering, water well, i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball. With in-ground plants, this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches (1' being better). With container grown plants, apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes. * Try to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress. Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall. This is paramount if you have had fungus problems. * Don't wait to water until plants wilt. Although some plants will recover from this, all plants will die if they wilt too much (when they reach the permanent wilting point). * Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation, mulching, and xeriscaping. Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center. Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture. * Consider adding water-saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant. These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions. Be certain to follow label directions for their use. Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor Plants Normal watering means that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly, as conditions require. Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season, but take care not to over water. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important for establishment. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes. PlantingHow-to : Pruning Trees After Planting It is critical to prune trees correctly from the beginning to assure proper growth and development. Young trees can be transplanted in a number of forms: bare root, balled & burlap and in containers. The more stress the plant undergoes in the transplant process, the more pruning that is required to compensate. Deciduous trees like maples (those that loose their leaves in the fall) can be dug up and sold with their bare roots exposed. Because most of the root system is lost in digging, sufficient top growth should be removed to compensate for this loss. This may be done at the nursery before you buy the plant or you may have to prune at the time of planting. Select and head back the best scaffold branches, i.e. those branches which will form the main lateral structure of the future mature tree. Remove all other extraneous side branches. If the tree seedling does not have branches, allow it to grow to the desired height of branching then pinch it back to stimulate the lower buds to form branches. Ball and burlap trees are dug up with their root systems somewhat intact. This was mostly done for conifers and broadleaf evergreens, but has become common for deciduous trees as well. Since some root mass is lost in the digging stage, a light pruning is generally called for. Head back the plant to compensate for this loss and to promote branching. Trees that are grown in containers generally do not loose roots in the transplanting phase. Therefore you do not generally have to prune them unless there is some root injury or limb damage in the planting process. Once you have your trees planted, be patient. Do not remove shoots from the trunk early on as these allow the tree to grow more rapidly and also shade the tender young trunk from sun-scald. Wait a few years to begin training the tree to its ultimate form. How-to : Planting Shrubs Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and deep enough to plant at the same level the shrub was in the container. If soil is poor, dig hole even wider and fill with a mixture half original soil and half compost or soil amendment. Carefully remove shrub from container and gently separate roots. Position in center of hole, best side facing forward. Fill in with original soil or an amended mixture if needed as described above. For larger shrubs, build a water well. Finish by mulching and watering well. If the plant is balled-and-burlapped, remove fasteners and fold back the top of natural burlap, tucking it down into hole, after you've positioned shrub. Make sure that all burlap is buried so that it won't wick water away from rootball during hot, dry periods. If synthetic burlap, remove if possible. If not possible, cut away or make slits to allow for roots to develop into the new soil. For larger shrubs, build a water well. Finish by mulching and watering well. If shrub is bare-root, look for a discoloration somewhere near the base; this mark is likely where the soil line was. If soil is too sandy or too clayey, add organic matter. This will help with both drainage and water holding capacity. Fill soil, firming just enough to support shrub. Finish by mulching and watering well. How-to : Staking Trees Staking is done differently depending on the size and flexibility of the tree, and the windiness of the planting site. Generally only trees that are planted in windy, exposed locations need to be staked. For most trees, a low stake is preferred, to let the tree move naturally. For windy areas or flexible trees, use a high stake. For trees more than 12 feet tall, use two low stakes on opposite sides of the tree or several guy ropes. The ties used need to accommodate growth and not cause bark damage with friction. Buckle-and-spacer ties can be found at garden centers, they are expandable and have a protective spacer. Ties without spacers should be formed into a figure eight to create padding. Latest studies have shown that when staking a tree, provide enough leeway so that the tree can move back and forth in the wind. Stronger roots will develop this way. If the tree can not move back and forth, these important roots will not develop and the tree might fall over during a storm, once stakes are removed. When planting a tree, stake at the time of planting if staking is a necessity. How-to : Planting a Tree Dig out an area for the tree that is about 3 or 4 times the diameter of the container or rootball and the same depth as the container or rootball. Use a pitchfork or shovel to scarify the sides of the hole. If container-grown, lay the tree on its side and remove the container. Loosen the roots around the edges without breaking up the root ball too much. Position tree in center of hole so that the best side faces forward. You are ready to begin filling in with soil. If planting a balled and burlaped tree, position it in hole so that the best side faces forward. Untie or remove nails from burlap at top of ball and pull burlap back, so it does not stick out of hole when soil is replaced. Synthetic burlap should be removed as it will not decompose like natural burlap. Larger trees often come in wire baskets. Plant as you would a b&b plant, but cut as much of the wire away as possible without actually removing the basket. Chances are, you would do more damage to the rootball by removing the basket. Simply cut away wires to leave several large openings for roots. Fill both holes with soil the same way. Never amend with less than half original soil. Recent studies show that if your soil is loose enough, you are better off adding little or no soil amendments. Create a water ring around the outer edge of the hole. Not only will this conseve water, but will direct moisture to perimeter roots, encouraging outer growth. Once tree is established, water ring may be leveled. Studies show that mulched trees grow faster than those unmulched, so add a 3"" layer of pinestraw, compost, or pulverized bark over backfilled area. Remove any damaged limbs. How-to : Making a Hedge Hedges can be trained to be informal with only occasional shaping or to have a more formal shape with judicious pruning. Shear off the tops 2 to 6 inches several times during the first two seasons. Shearing of the tops and sides will promote branching. A common mistake people make is to cut the sides at a 90 degree angle. In this case the top growth shades the bottom resulting in a leggy open canopy. It is best to cut the sides at an angle so that they flare out at the bottom. This will ensure healthy and compact growth all the way down to the bottom of the shrub. ProblemsPest : Spider Mites Spider mites are small, 8 legged, spider-like creatures which thrive in hot, dry conditions (like heated houses). Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts, which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled. Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations. Spider mites can multiply quickly, as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days. They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers. Prevention and Control: Keep weeds down and remove infested plants. Dry air seems to worsen the problem, so make sure plants are regularly watered, especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals, citrus, or tomatoes. Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery. Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae. If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office, read and follow all label directions. Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live. Pest : Aphids Aphids are small, soft-bodied, slow-moving insects that suck fluids from plants. Aphids come in many colors, ranging from green to brown to black, and they may have wings. They attack a wide range of plant species causing stunting, deformed leaves and buds. They can transmit harmful plant viruses with their piercing/sucking mouthparts. Aphids, generally, are merely a nuisance, since it takes many of them to cause serious plant damage. However aphids do produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface growth called sooty mold. Aphids can increase quickly in numbers and each female can produce up to 250 live nymphs in the course of a month without mating. Aphids often appear when the environment changes - spring & fall. They're often massed at the tips of branches feeding on succulent tissue. Aphids are attracted to the color yellow and will often hitchhike on yellow clothing. Prevention and Control: Keep weeds to an absolute minimum, especially around desirable plants. On edibles, wash off infected area of plant. Lady bugs and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden. There are various products - organic and inorganic - that can be used to control aphids. Seek the recommendation of a professional and follow all label procedures to a tee. Pest : Caterpillars Caterpillars are the immature form of moths and butterflies. They are voracious feeders attacking a wide variety of plants. They can be highly destructive and are characterized as leaf feeders, stem borers, leaf rollers, cutworms and tent-formers. Prevention and Control: keep weeds down, scout individual plants and remove caterpillars, apply labeled insecticides such as soaps and oils, take advantage of natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden and use Bacillus thuringiensis (biological warfare) for some caterpillar species. Diseases : Pythium and Phytophtora Root Rot Rot Rot, Pythium or Phytophthora occurs when soil moisture levels are excessively high and fungal spores present in the soil, come in contact with the susceptible plant. The base of stems discolor and shrink, and leaves further up the stalk wilt and die. Leaves near base are affected first. The roots will turn black and rot or break. This fungi can be introduced by using unsterilized soil mix or contaminated water. Prevention and Control Remove affected plants and their roots, and discard surrounding soil. Replace with plants that are not susceptible, and only use fresh, sterilized soil mix. Hold back on fertilizing too. Try not to over water plants and make sure that soil is well drained prior to planting. This fungus is not treatable by chemicals. Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot symptoms look similar to Pythium Root Rot, but the Rhizoctonia fungus seems to thrive in well drained soils. Pest : Scale Insects Scales are insects, related to mealy bugs, that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor. Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding site. The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer. They appear as bumps, often on the lower sides of leaves. They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue. Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop. They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold. Prevention and Control: Once established they are hard to control. Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested. Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control. Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden. MiscellaneousConditions : Deer Tolerant There are no plants that are 100% deer resistant, but many that are deer tolerant. There are plants that deer prefer over others. You will find that what deer will or will not eat varies in different parts of the country. A lot of it has to do with how hungry they are. Most deer will sample everything at least once, decide if they like it or not and return if favorable. A fence is the good deer barrier. You may go for a really tall one (7 to 8 feet), or try 2 parallel fences, (4 to 5 feet apart). Use a wire mesh fence rather than board, since deer are capable of wiggling through a 12 inch space. Conditions : Rabbit Tolerant As cute as they are, rabbits can really damage a vegetable garden. Young, tender lettuce plants seem to be their favorite. If a free-roaming dog is not a possibility for you, consider installing raised vegetable beds and covering tender shoots with netting. If you have ample room, you can opt to plant enough for you and the bunnies. Scents don't always repel animals, as they get used to them and are often washed off in the rain. Conditions : Slope Tolerant Slope tolerant plants are those that have a fibrous root system and are often plants that prefer good soil drainage. These plants assist in erosion control by stabilizing/holding the soil on slopes intact. Conditions : Wind Tolerant Plants that are wind tolerant usually have flexible, strong branches that are not brittle. Wind tolerant plants often have thick or waxy leaves that control moisture loss from whipping winds. Native plants are often the best adapted to not only wind, but also soil and other climatic conditions. Conditions : Erosion Control Plants that help to control erosion have fibrous root systems that help to keep soil intact. Leaves and the overall form of a plant can prevent erosion by breaking up water droplets before they hit the ground, lessening splashing and runoff. Glossary : Low Maintenance Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. It does mean that once a plant is established, very little needs to be done in the way of water, fertilizing, pruning, or treatment in order for the plant to remain healthy and attractive. A well-designed garden, which takes your lifestyle into consideration, can greatly reduce maintenance. Glossary : Specimen A specimen can be a tree, shrub, ground cover, annual, or perennial that is unique in comparison to the surrounding plants. Uniqueness may be in color, form, texture, or size. By using only one specimen plant in a visual area, it can be showcased. Specimen plants are accents in the landscape, just as statues, water features, or arbors. Glossary : Some Sand Some Sand refers to a soil that drains fast, but has lower water holding capacity due to the presence of a little organic matter. A good workable soil that needs added fertilizer due to lower fertility levels and adequate water. Usually gray in color. Forms a loose, crumbly ball that easily falls apart when squeezed in the hand. Glossary : Sandy Loam Sandy Loam refers to a soil that drains well, with excellent air space, and evenly crumbled texture when squeezed in the hand. A good workable garden soil that benefits from added fertilizer and proper watering. Dark gray to gray-brown in color. Glossary : Loam Loam is the ideal soil, having the perfect balance between particle size, air space, organic matter and water holding capacity. It forms a nice ball when squeezed in the palm of the hand, but crumbles easily when lightly tapped with a finger. Rich color ranges between gray brown to almost black. Glossary : Clayey Loam Clayey loam refers to a soil that retains moisture well, without having a drainage problem. Fertility is high and texture good. Easily forms a ball when squeezed in the hand, and then crumbles easily with a quick tap of the finger. Considered an ideal soil. Usually a rich brown color. Glossary : Some Clay Some Clay refers to a soil that is loam-like, but heavier. Drainage is not bad, prolonged periods of rain cause bog-like conditions. Rich in nutrients, but needs the addition of organic matter to improve texture. Easily forms a ball when squeezed and requires a firm tap with finger to crumble. Light brown to slightly orange color. Glossary : Evergreen Evergreen refers to plants that hold onto their leaves or needles for more than one growing season, shedding them over time. Some plants such as live oaks are evergreen, but commonly shed the majority of their older leaves around the end of January. Glossary : Shrub Shrub: is a deciduous or evergreen woody perennial that has multiple branches that form near its base. Glossary : Tree Tree: a woody perennial with a crown of branches that begin atop a single stem or trunk. The exception to this rule is multi-trunk trees, which some may argue are really very large shrubs. Conditions : Site Conditions When setting criteria for site conditions, check boxes that apply to your planting area. This will narrow the search for appropriate plants. Naturally, you'll need to select a USDA Hardiness Zone. Selecting a specific soil type and pH are just as important as light and water conditions because they enable a search that will find plants best suited to your site. Glossary : pH pH, means the potential of Hydrogen, is the measure of alkalinity or acidity. In horticulture, pH refers to the pH of soil. The scale measures from 0, most acid, to 14, most alkaline. Seven is neutral. Most plants prefer a range between 5.5 and about 6.7, an acid range, but there are plenty of other plants that like soil more alkaline, or above 7. A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easily absorb the most nutrients in the soil. Some plants prefer more or less of certain nutrients, and therefore do better at a certain pH. Glossary : Plant Characteristics Plant characteristics define the plant, enabling a search that finds specific types of plants such as bulbs, trees, shrubs, grass, perennials, etc. Glossary : Medium Shrub A medium shrub is generally between 3 and 6 feet tall. Glossary : Large Shrub A shrub is considered large when it is over 6 feet tall. Glossary : Small Tree A small tree is less than 30 feet tall. Glossary : Foliage Characteristics By searching foliage characteristics, you will have the opportunity to look for foliage with distinguishable features such as variegated leaves, aromatic foliage, or unusual texture, color or shape. This field will be most helpful to you if you are looking for accent plants. If you have no preference, leave this field blank to return a larger selection of plants. Glossary : Landscape Uses By searching Landscape Uses, you will be able to pinpoint plants that are best suited for particular uses such as trellises, border plantings, or foundations. Glossary : Soil Types A soil type is defined by granule size, drainage, and amount of organic material in the soil. The three main soil types are sand, loam and clay. Sand has the largest particle size, no organic matter, little to no fertility, and drains rapidly. Clay, at the opposite end of the spectrum, has the smallest particle size, can be rich in organic matter, fertility and moisture, but is often unworkable because particles are held together too tightly, resulting in poor drainage when wet, or is brick-like when dry. The optimum soil type is loam, which is the happy median between sand and clay: It is high in organic matter, nutrient-rich, and has the perfect water holding capacity. You will often hear loam referred to as a sandy loam (having more sand, yet still plenty of organic matter) or a clay loam (heavier on the clay, yet workable with good drainage.) The addition of organic matter to either sand or clay will result in a loamy soil. Still not sure if your soil is a sand, clay, or loam? Try this simple test. Squeeze a handfull of slightly moist, not wet, soil in your hand. If it forms a tight ball and does not fall apart when gently tapped with a finger, your soil is more than likely clay. If soil does not form a ball or crumbles before it is tapped, it is sand to very sandy loam. If soil forms a ball, then crumbles readily when lightly tapped, it's a loam. Several quick, light taps could mean a clay loam. Glossary : Wind Break A wind break is any group of plants used to break up or deflect the wind. Large scale windbreaks are usually planted as a single or double row and may be used not only to protect buildings, but crops as well. The exact placement of the windbreak depends on its height and the velocity of the wind. Wind break plants are usually planted close together. Combination plantings seem to work well too: taller plants should be in the middle, shorter on the outsides. Glossary : Tolerant Tolerant refers to a plant's ability to tolerate exposure to an external condition(s). It does not mean that the plant thrives or prefers this situation, but is able to adapt and continue its life cycle. Glossary : Pruning Now is the preferred time to prune this plant.

TREATMENT OF KELOIDS Surgical Dermatology - Treatment of Keloids / Scar Revision Scars form as a part of the body’s natural healing process. Often, scars shrink and fade over time, but sometimes they remain large, raised, depressed, discolored, itchy, or painful. Occasionally they grow to exceed the boundaries of the original wound, a type of scar called a keloid. For those who feel embarrassed or disfigured by excessive scar tissue, our practice offers several keloid treatment options that can reduce the appearance of the scar. What Is a Keloid Scar? Keloids are raised overgrowths of scar tissue that result from an overly aggressive healing process, possibly related to a defect in collagen production. The scar forms after some kind of trauma to the skin, such as surgery, blisters, vaccinations, acne, or body piercing. Extending beyond the original injury area, keloid scars are elevated, smooth, and shiny, and may appear pink, purple, or brown. They can feel soft and doughy, or firm and rubbery. Symptoms may include itching, burning, pain, and tenderness at the site of the scar. Keloids are more common in African-Americans and those with darker skin tones, and generally occur between the ages of 10 and 30. Although keloids can appear anywhere on the body, they are typically seen on the shoulders, upper back, and chest. What Are the Common Treatment Options? Although keloids are not harmful, a keloid that is constantly itchy or irritated or in an obvious location can make some people seek treatment. Older and larger keloids are more difficult to treat, and often two or more methods are combined for the best results. Treatment options include: - Steroid injections: Corticosteroids can safely reduce the size and irritation of keloid scars, but it requires multiple injections over several months. - Laser therapy: Our IPL device can be used to make them appear less red. Several treatments may be needed, but it is safe and not very painful. - Silicone gel applications: Moist dressings made of silicone gel have been shown to reduce the size of keloids over time. This treatment is safe and painless. - Radiation therapy: If used soon after the scar develops – for example, while a surgical wound is healing – radiation treatments can reduce scar formation. - Conventional surgery: If the above options are not helping, we can surgically excise the keloid with combination of steroid injections or pressure dressings for better results. At Castle Dermatology, Dr. Peyman Ghasri and Dr. Pedram Ghasri have the training and expertise to discuss all of these options with you and tailor a personal treatment plan to meet your goals.

Is it really possible to stop slugs naturally? You bet it is! Unfortunately, the past few weeks here at the farm have been exceptionally wet. And because of that, the slugs have certainly enjoyed a resurgence. But we have been ready with an answer! Slugs prefer cool and damp conditions. And although it has been a bit warmer here than usual, the extreme moisture and dampness have allowed them to thrive. Slugs can wreak havoc and cause serious damage to all kinds of plants in the landscape. From tender young vegetable plants, to annual flowers, perennial plants and more – they show little mercy with their veracious appetites. They quickly chew their signature holes into the leaves of plants, leaving them weak and damaged. The slimy, slithering creatures can destroy plants overnight. In fact, one of the reasons slugs are so hard to control is that they do almost all of their damage while you sleep. Slugs are night-time creatures, coming out in the damp, moist and cooler overnight temperatures. As you are waking up, they slither to hide under leaves or in the soil. Waiting, of course, for the skies to darken again to come out, dine and multiply! 5 Great Ways To Stop Slugs Naturally The good news is that you can limit both their population and damage with a few simple natural remedies. And yes, speaking from experience here on the farm, the 5 solutions below really do work! But with that said, remember that the biggest key of all to stopping slugs is persistence. Daily checks of your flowerbeds and plants only takes a few minutes, but it can keep you ahead of the game in dealing with the damage they can cause. When allowed a few days or a week to multiply and dine, the damage to plants can be severe. Especially for young, tender vegetable plants and annual flowers. With that in mind, here are 5 natural methods for stopping slugs: #1 Hand Picking Believe it or not, this simple method for control is one of the best of all. In fact, more times than not, with most pests, hand picking really does work. Unfortunately, all too often, instead of picking a few pests off of plants, folks instead reach for harsh sprays. But those sprays often kill all insects, including beneficial ones that help keep populations of other pests in check. And once that happens, infestations can really become a problem! When it comes to hand picking slugs, you need to check plants in the evening or early morning. The best times are right after the sun goes down, or right before it rises. Check Out Our Latest Garden Podcast: Head out to your flowerbeds and garden area with a flashlight and a jar of soapy water. Shine the light on the underside and tops of leaves. The slugs will light up, and you can simply pick them off and put them into the soap and water to kill them. Although it sounds so simple – it really works wonders in controlling most slug populations and damage. The key however is to keep checking every day until you see no sign of the slimy creatures. #2 Copper Tape / Copper Strips Although the reason it works is not fully understood, copper is actually a great deterrent against slugs. It is thought that perhaps the slimy make-up of the slugs outer skin reacts negatively with the copper. But for whatever reason, it really works in repelling slugs from plants. Especially when placed around young vegetable plants to keep slugs from climbing aboard. You can protect plants by placing small strips of copper like a collar around the base of plants. This copper fence keeps slugs from getting to the base of plants, and hitching a ride up for an evening buffet. Copper can be expensive, but copper tape rolls can be purchased for around $10 – $12 and are an effective and more affordable option. Rolls are usually 30′ or longer, and can protect hundreds of plants if needed. #3 Coffee Grounds & Egg Shells Coffee grounds really are a gardeners best friend! The rough edges of coffee grounds are deadly to the slimy skin of slugs. When they attempt to crawl over the grounds, the sharp edges act like razor wire. Not only will it stop slugs cold in their tracks, the coffee grounds have a wonderful side effect for plants. They also act as a natural fertilizer, releasing small amounts of nitrogen and other trace nutrients to plants. Like coffee grounds, crushed egg shells stop slugs with their sharp edges too. Crush a few shells up in your hand and sprinkle around the base of plants. Just like the coffee grounds, the eggs shells will add nutrients to the soil as they decompose. Egg shells and coffee grounds can actually be used all over the garden with great results. Check out our article Using Coffee Grounds & Egg Shells In Your Garden & Flowerbeds for more information. #4 Melon Rind & Beer Traps Slugs love the rinds of melons. And they love beer too -and both can be used to make a great trap! To make a melon trap, simply take leftover rinds, and lay them along the edges of the garden in the evening. Be sure to turn them upside down and place lightly into the soil. When you return in the morning, you will have a virtual slug party on the rind. This method does not kill the slugs, but allows you to trap and dispose of large populations quickly. Beer traps are one of the most well-known of natural ways to stop slugs. Slugs for one reason or another love beer, and are highly attracted to it. Beer traps definitely work, but there are a few things that will increase the likelihood of success. Use smaller flat style containers filled to the halfway point with beer. Small plastic food containers or tuna cans work well for this. The slugs are attracted to the beer, then easily crawl into the bowl and drown. Keep traps near the edge of gardens to draw slugs outward, not into the garden. In addition, keep fresh beer in the traps each evening. #5 Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous earth is a fine, chalky-like substance that is all natural. It is created from the fossilized remains of microscopic creatures from long ago. The dusty substance has microscopic razor-like edges that cut into the body of slugs. As it cuts into their skin, it dries out the slugs outer skin, stopping them in their tracks. It can be sprinkled on and around plants, or even dusted onto the foliage to prevent slug damage. Diatomaceous earth works best in dry conditions, so only use when the threat of rain is minimal. In addition, this should be used with caution as it can kill other beneficial insects as well. But if you have a severe infestation, it can be the answer to get it under control. Here is to stopping slugs in your garden and flowerbeds this year. Happy Gardening! – Jim and Mary. As always, feel free to email us at email@example.com with comments, questions, or to simply say hello! You can sign up for our free email list in the subscribe now box in the middle of this article. Follow us on Facebook here : OWG Facebook. This article may contain affiliate links.

This super moist coconut rum cake is soaked in a coconut rum syrup and has all-purpose, gluten-free, whole grain and dairy-free options. Thanks to Nordic Ware for making today’s post possible! Like I mentioned in my Apple Bundt Cake recipe, I used to have some serious issues with Bundt cakes sticking to the pan. It got to the point that I was afraid to even make them. Then I bought this Nordic Ware 60th Anniversary Bundt pan and all my Bundt woes went out the door! Since then, I’ve bought some other Nordic Ware pans and I love them all. Nobody makes Bundt pans as well as they do! I’m so happy to have Bundt cakes back in my life because I don’t do layer cakes. For this non-decorator, they’re such a hassle and never come out looking like I hope. Bundt cakes, though, are ridiculously easy and always turn out beautifully! Nordic Ware recently sent me their stunning Crown Bundt, which is a new and exclusive Bundt design produced for their 70th Anniversary. It expresses the essence of their proud Scandinavian roots and pure elegant design by combining old world patina with bold and beautiful panache. It’s one of three new pans in their 70th Anniversary Collection, all of which feature a never seen before gold-metallic finish. It’s such a show stopper! I actually gasped when I took it out of the box. And I haven’t put it up yet. It’s just too pretty to be hidden away! Nordic Ware has been making high-quality kitchenware in the US for 70 years. With their huge variety of collections and hundreds of products, Nordic Ware has also become known internationally, with millions of fans around the world. We even have them here in Germany! Does anyone else have a hard time passing by their Bundt pans in kitchen stores without buying one?! I know I do. And even after all this time, they’re still a family owned and operated company. Along with the new collection, they’re launching contests and other events throughout the year to celebrate! Be sure to follow Nordic Ware on Facebook to be kept up to date. When I first saw the Crown Bundt, I knew that I had to make something without any kind of frosting or glaze that would just detract from the gorgeous shape. I originally wanted to make a Scandinavian-inspired cake and decided on lemon cardamom. It was good but not mind-blowingly delicious. So I kept at it and came up with this Coconut Rum Bundt Cake! I first made this recipe as cupcakes and they were great. I was almost tempted to skip the coconut rum syrup. But I had gone to the trouble of getting the coconut rum so I tried it and yup – it was a definite improvement! For the gluten-free version, I used this 1-to-1 baking flour. Hot from the oven, you can notice a textural difference but nobody could tell a difference between the two versions once the gluten-free version had cooled! I have to admit that I was pretty scared when it came time to turn this cake out onto a plate. After years of cakes falling into pieces, I suppose it’ll take time to get over that. But this Coconut Bundt cake came out just as easily as with my other Nordic Ware pans! I’ve made rum cake before, but this coconut rum cake recipe is totally different. Except for the syrup, which I adapted to use less sugar and coconut rum in place of regular rum. In contrast to the rum cake, you can’t taste the alcohol all that much. It’s much more subtle here! If you want more of a boozy taste, perhaps you could try a mix of coconut rum and regular rum. If you only use rum, you won’t be able to taste much coconut at all (I know because I’ve tried!). The syrup recipe yields a lot. As I was pouring it over the cake, I hesitated, thinking that perhaps I should only use half of it. But I finally decided to just use it all and there was practically a pond of syrup on top of the cake. I was so nervous about it being too much that I sat down and watched the cake suck it all up. It only took about 5 minutes, for the record. :D The coconut rum syrup uses butter, but for the dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free / vegan butter or coconut oil. I have to admit that I preferred the butter version over the coconut oil version. There’s already so much coconut flavor so the butter was a nice addition! If you want you could skip the syrup all together. While the cupcakes were nice and moist without the syrup, I haven’t tried the Bundt cake without it but I’m assuming and hoping it’d also be nice and moist. I’ve mentioned this before, but I was an exchange student twice in Sweden and I’ve gone back there and Iceland, Norway and Denmark about 15 times. I guess you can say I love Scandinavia? ;) The Crown Bundt just screams Scandinavian design and I seriously adore it. Even the cut pieces are pretty!Thanks again to Nordic Ware for sponsoring today’s post! As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Coconut Rum Cake (gluten-free, dairy-free, whole grain options) - Prep Time: - Cook Time: - Ready in: - Yield: 12-15 slices - 2 1/4 cups (281 grams) white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour or 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour - 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 3/4 cups (350 grams) granulated sugar or raw sugar - 9 tablespoons (126 grams) coconut oil, melted - 4 large eggs, room temperature - 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) canned coconut milk - 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) coconut rum - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons coconut extract - 2 cups (170 grams) coconut flakes (I used sweetened but unsweetened should be fine) - 1/2 cup (112 grams) unsalted butter (for dairy-free, use vegan / dairy-free butter or coconut oil) - 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water - 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar or raw sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) coconut rum For the cake: For the coconut rum syrup: - Preheat your oven to 350 °F (176°C). Brush the pan with solid vegetable shortening and dust with flour or use baking spray with flour in it to grease the pan. - In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Set this aside. - In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, melted coconut oil, eggs, coconut milk, coconut rum, vanilla and coconut extracts until well combined. Fold in the flour mixture, just until no more streaks of flour remain. Fold in the coconut flakes. - Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The cake will crack around the top - stick the toothpick into this area to test. - Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then invert onto a wire rack. While the cake is cooling, prepare the coconut rum syrup. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the butter, water, sugar and salt until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the coconut rum (it'll bubble). - Wash and dry the Bundt pan and place the cake back into the pan. Poke holes into the cake (I used a meat thermometer to do this), about every 3/4" or so. If using the Crown Bundt, make sure to poke your holes at an angle instead of poking straight down. Pour the syrup slowly over the cake. It will look like WAY too much syrup but don't stop pouring! It will get absorbed. Let soak for 2 hours and then invert the cake back onto a serving platter. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. General tip: if you have issues with the syrup-drenched cake not coming out of its pan, place the Bundt pan in a large bowl or pot. Very carefully fill with very hot water, but make sure that no water gets in the pan. Or you can fill a pot with hot water and submerge 2/3 of the pan in the water and hold it there for 30 seconds. The heat and steam will help loosen the cake from the pan. If it doesn't plop right out, give the top of the pan a good whack. - Let the cake cool completely. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, see my disclosure.

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect olive oil cake for some time now. I was hoping for one that would use olive oil alone for fat, and resist the temptation of butter, you know, better than I ever have. I was hoping for it to bake in a loaf pan, as rustic everyday cakes should, have a slight crunch at the edges, like a beloved one at a nearby coffee shop does. And above all else, I wanted it to be plain, simple, maybe a little zest for flavor but more less, about the olive oil which needs little in the way of a supporting cast. Well, I found most of those things, but I was tempted as most of us are in wintry areas by the startling red-rust-maroons of blood oranges and they landed up in the mix, too. Melissa Clark is convincing like that. Who is she? Well, take a walk over to your cookbooks shelf, if you will. Recognize any of these? Then you already know her. This woman has worked on more cookbooks than I can count on all of my fingers and toes (kindly, Jacob lets me borrow his from time to time, or he did until we did this to him) and has been writing the Good Appetite column for the New York Times for several years. So, when I learned that she was writing her own book, with her own recipes, under her name only, I was delighted. Her stories are brief but warm and her book seems like a natural fit for anyone who enjoys reading food blogs. But I know, you’re just here for the cake. And you should be, as it meets all of the aforementioned olive oil requirements, but gets a little pretty-pretty boost from blood oranges. Oranges and olive oil are wonderful together; they both have bitter undertones and fruity finishes and in this cake, you taste both things with each bite. The cake has a wonderful rainy afternoon quality; the crumb of a great pound cake but multiple times more moist. It keeps like a charm; I confess to only remembering to photograph it three days later and I hardly could tell that a day had passed. A day after that, I swore, it was even better. And a day after that, well, it went the way of all great cakes. One year ago: Ginger Fried Rice Two years ago: Whole Lemon Tart which I have been meaning to tell you, is perfect again. And you should make it, you really should. Three years ago: Matzo Ball Soup Four years ago: Miniature Soft Pretzels and Sour Cream Bran Muffins Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake Adapted from A Good Appetite Butter for greasing pan 3 blood oranges 1 cup (200 grams or 7 ounces) sugar Scant 1/2 cup (118 ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt 3 large eggs 2/3 cup (156 ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 3/4 cups (219 grams or 7 3/4 ounces) all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons (8 grams) baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Honey-blood orange compote, for serving (optional, below) Whipped cream, for serving (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Grate zest from 2 oranges and place in a bowl with sugar. Using your fingers, rub ingredients together until orange zest is evenly distributed in sugar. Supreme an orange: Cut off bottom and top so fruit is exposed and orange can stand upright on a cutting board. Cut away peel and pith, following curve of fruit with your knife. Cut orange segments out of their connective membranes and let them fall into a bowl. Repeat with another orange. Break up segments with your fingers to about 1/4-inch pieces. Halve remaining orange and squeeze juice into a measuring cup; you’ll will have about 1/4 cup. Add buttermilk or yogurt to juice until you have 2/3 cup liquid altogether. Pour mixture into bowl with sugar and whisk well. Whisk in eggs and olive oil. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gently stir dry ingredients into wet ones. Fold in pieces of orange segments. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake cake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until it is golden and a knife inserted into center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 5 minutes, then unmold and cool to room temperature right-side up. Serve with whipped cream and honey-blood orange compote (below), if desired. Honey-Blood Orange Compote: Supreme 3 more blood oranges according to directions above. Drizzle in 1 to 2 teaspoons honey. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir gently.

Michael F. Gross, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology Department of Biology Georgian Court College 900 Lakewood Avenue Lakewood, NJ 08701-2697 USA v: (908) 364-2200 Ext: 373 f: (908) 905-8571 Innovative or improved ways of doing things Supporting Documentation (contact author for more information): Documentation (Copies Of Scientific papers that could not have been written without the Internet.) I have found the Internet indispensable to my research. For several years, I have been working with some colleagues in Delaware (Dr. Vic Klemas, Mr. Oliver Weatherbee) and Pennsylvania (Dr. Michael Hardisky, Dr. Paul Wolf) on federally funded ecological/remote sensing research projects. The goals of these projects are to use satellite data to study biogeochemical cycling in wetlands, wetlands vegetation biomass, and temporal changes in wetlands. The benefits of these projects will be an improved understanding of how wetlands affect global ecology, and an ability to understand and monitor man’s impacts on wetlands. The projects have been administered through the University of Delaware, and most of the field work has been done in Delaware. Since my colleagues and I teach in colleges and universities, most of our data collection occurs during the summer. We do not have time to analyze the data in the summer. We have been storing our data on a mainframe computer at the University of Delaware. We need a mainframe computer because of the size of the data sets and our need for a powerful statistics package. During the academic year, I have been analyzing the data remotely by using the Internet to access the data files, while physically remaining at my home institution (currently Georgian Court College in New Jersey). By keeping the data in Delaware, all persons in our research group have access to the same data files. The data themselves remain safe within the computer: they cannot become “lost in the mail,” which could happen if we exchanged hard copies of data files. Also, we have used e-mail on the Internet to communicate about our data. Within the last three years, I have been able to publish the following five peer-reviewed research articles that would have probably not been published without the Internet: Gross, M.F., M.A. Hardisky, P.L. Wolf and V. Klemas. 1993. Relationships among Typha biomass, pore water methane, and reflectance in a Delaware (USA) brackish marsh. Journal of Coastal Research (in press). Gross, M.F., M.A. Hardisky, P.L. Wolf, and V. Klemas. 1991. Relationship between aboveground and below ground biomass of Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass). Estuaries 14:180-191. Gross, M.F., M.A. Hardisky, and V. Klemas. 1990. Inter-annual spatial variability in the response of Spartina alterniflora biomass to amount of precipitation. Journal of Coastal Research 6:949-960. Gross, M.F., M.A. Hardisky, J.A. Doolittle, and V. Klemas. 1990. Relationships among depth to frozen soil, soil wetness, and vegetation type and biomass in tundra near Bethel, Alaska, U.S.A. Artic and Alpine Research 22: 275-282. Doolittle, J.A., M.A. Hardisky, M.F. Gross, and V. Klemas. 1990. A ground-penetrating radar study of active layer thicknesses in areas of moist sedge and wet sedge tundra near Bethel, Alaska, U.S.A. Arctic and Alpine Research 22: 175-182. I cannot understate the value of a nationwide computer network. It has greatly enhanced my own research productivity.

Keto Comfort food, Juicy bacon ranch chicken thighs with cheesy broccoli cheddar and carmelized onion gratin. Great comfort food. Flavors are classic and done well. Quality ingredients, flavorful, chicken was moist on re-heat Absolutely love this. So much food had to share it with my husband. Definitely recommend warming food in the oven. Love this one! Thank you for reducing the amount of onions. When the first bite is delicious, chances are the whole meal is a winner! And I was right! Delightful! Comforting, rich and the perfect way to end a busy work week! This is absolutely amazing! I didn't necessarily taste the onions but just YUM. I could eat this every day! 2% Or Less Of Natural Flavors, Artificial Flavors, Bacon, Black Pepper, Broccoli, Brown Sugar, Butter, Buttermilk, Calcium Lactate, Carrots, Chicken, Chicken Base, Chicken Fat, Chicken Thigh Boneless, Corn Oil, Dextrose, Disodium Guanylate, Disodium Inosinate, Garlic, Guar Gum, Heavy Cream, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrin, Mild Cheddar, Modified Food Starch, Mozzarella Cheese, Natural Extractives Of Turmeric And Annatto, Onions, Potato Starch, Ranch Dressing Powder, Salt, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite, Spices, Sugar Recommended for special occations. 1. Preheat to 350F 2. Remove sleeve and peel back film 3. Pour sauce on top 4. Heat up for 12 mins or until heated through Don't you worry is time is an isue we got you covered! 1. Remove sleeve and peel back film to vent 2. Pour sauce on top 3. Microwave for 2 mins We're chefs connected by our passion for food and our desire to bring people together. Innovating past the limits of restaurants, we create menus with hundreds of options so you can savor global experiences at your table every week. Personalize your profile and get ready to browse the hottest menu every week.View How it works Let us know what you love to eat, then choose your meal plan –– from 4 to 16 meals per week. Our chefs are in constant creation mode. Every weekly menu boasts new craveable meals for you to order. Every meal comes with Chef heating instructions. Set the table, plate your meal, and savor the experience. Choose something new every week or stick with your staples. We'll be in the kitchen cooking up your next mouth-watering meal.

How Do You Cook Kansas City Sirloin Steak Method for Baking a Prime Sirloin Steak in the Oven Did My Order Go Through You’ll receive a confirmation page with your order number immediately after your order is placed online as well as an order confirmation email with a summary of your order details. Please contact our customer service department at 800-524-1844 for assistance if you do not receive either of these within a few minutes. Once your order is processing for shipment, you’ll receive an email with your tracking information. Then on the day of delivery you’ll receive an email when your order is out for delivery as well as a separate email once it has been delivered. Please double check your order information and ensure that all required fields are completed. Below are some of the most common issues customers may experience. - Enter the entire credit card number with no spaces or dashes. - Check the expiration date and verify that your card hasnt expired. - Check the security code. This should be the 3-digit code on the back of any Visa, MasterCard or Discover card or the 4-digit code on the front of any American Express. - Verify that the billing address for your order matches the billing address that is on your credit/debit card statement. Can I Make Changes To My Order After Its Placed You can cancel or make any necessary changes to your order any time before your order starts processing for shipment. Please email or call customer service at 800-524-1844 Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30pm Central and we’ll try our best to accommodate your request. Because our items are perishable, orders that are already processing for shipment cannot be canceled or rerouted. Also Check: What Is The Best Steak Delivery Company Kansas City Steak Company Meat Grading Thankfully, Kansas City Steak Company shares their USDA grading more than Omaha Steaks does. The beef they sell is primarily USDA choice and USDA prime. If youre unfamiliar, heres a brief look at the main USDA grades of beef: - Prime beef is from young, well-fed cattle. It generally has a lot of fat or marbling. - Choice beef is high quality but has less fat than prime beef. - Select beef is the leanest beef. - Standard and Commercial grades of beef are usually sold as ungraded or as store brand meat. These grades are important to see since they allow you to know the type and quality of the meat. In my experience, they allow you to cut through all the marketing lingo that a lot of meat delivery companies use. The New York Butcher Shoppe Comments And Reviews Heres what people are saying about The New York Butcher Shoppe. Company reviews can provide helpful insights into the company culture, working conditions, benefits, compensation, and training opportunities in The New York Butcher Shoppe. They may also reveal information or provide tips on interviewing skill requirements, and other factors that could help when applying for a position at that company. Reviews may also highlight any negative aspects of a company that will help in evaluating it as a prospective employer. Horrible hostile massgenistic racist working environment. High rate of turn over, no appreciation or respect for employees. No health insurance offered. Only upside is the pay is slightly above industry standards. Fit in? Great! If not they will pinch you out. Management is all tell with no show. Communication is very unclear. My first week there I had a manager asking employees if they had marijuana connections. Very unprofessional to the greatest degree. No team work and a whole lot of verbal abuse. The pay isnt bad but with everything in the balance it was not worth it. After managment forcing employees out, I decided it was probably best if I left on good terms than none. complete lack of communication you never no what is going on inconsistent salary reviews favoritisms poor management inconsistent policy no consistent discipline You May Like: How To Cook Wagyu Steak Read Also: Wüsthof Classic 4 Piece Steak Knife Set Kansas City Steaks Menu Items You’ll find that Kansas City Steak company has one of the more diverse high-grade meat offerings you can try on the menu. They boast of providing USDA Prime beef cuts along with less expensive steaks as choices. Some of their best selections include USDA Prime steak burgers, USDA Prime rib roast, beef wellington, USDA Prime beef tenderloin, and American style Kobe steak burgers. They also offer turkey and whole chicken as well as boneless and bone-in chicken breasts or chicken wellington, if you like a pork replacement. Here are some of the most popular menu options: - USDA Prime steak burgers - Pacific Halibut Anonymous Complaint: Complaint Type: Billing/collection Issues Customer is correct that they were still due a refund from a duplicate charge. That refund was done on August 20th – plus an additional $50 refund for all the troubles. The customer was e-mailed copies of the refund, so I believe we are square. We did not hear back from the customer after the August 20th e-mail. Copy of the correspondence is attached. Please let us know if you need any further information. Read Also: Best Steak Knives For The Money Does Somebody Need To Be Home On The Day Of Delivery No need to unnecessarily sit around and wait on your delivery. The delivery driver will leave the order at the door if nobody is available at the time of delivery. However, the driver may use their discretion before leaving a package at a business or apartment if nobody is available. Most items from Kansas City Steak Company arrive in our attractive gift-grade box, packed in a sturdy reusable insulated cooler with enough gel ice or dry ice to ensure they remain frozen or chilled during shipment. To learn more about our unboxing experience and what to do when your package arrives visit kansascitysteaks.com/unboxing. If any dry ice remains in the cooler when your package arrives, please do not touch the remaining dry ice with bare hands. Instead, leave it in the cooler in an area with good ventilation and allow it to evaporate. Gel ice can be reused or disposed of. To learn more about the unboxing experience and what to do when your package arrives visit kansascitysteaks.com/unboxing. How Do You Age Beef It’s difficult to know how long the steak you buy in a supermarket is aged but knowing how to age steak is an important component in creating a full flavored, tender steak. We vacuum seal our steaks and allow them to age in a climate-controlled environment for up to 28 days. This wet aging process delivers the rich flavor and tenderness you expect from a quality steak cut. Read Also: How To Make Barbecue Steak What Is A Kansas City Steak - In the same way that the New York strip steak is cut from the short loin of the cow, a Kansas City strip steak is cut from the short loin of the cow behind the ribs. - Despite this, the Kansas City strips are completely flat, with only a little part of the bone visible above the surface. - The strip in Kansas City is narrower and shorter than the rest of the country. - In general, Kansas City strips are favoured for usage in the restaurant by the staff. How Do You Cook A Kansas City Strip Steak In A Cast Iron Skillet Preheat a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat for approximately 5 minutes, or until it is quite hot. The finest sear is achieved on a hot skillet. 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil should be added to the pan . Place your steaks in the heated skillet and sear them for 1 minute on each side, starting immediately after putting them in. Don’t Miss: Knife Set With Non Serrated Steak Knives Welcome To Kansas City Steak Set This item is sold by The Kansas City Steak Company, a local business to your delivery zip code. - 4 butter-tender Super Trimmed Filet Mignon, 8 oz each - 4 hearty, rich Kansas City Strip Steaks, 10 oz each - Aged up to 28 days to enhance flavor & tenderness - Includes Original Steak Seasoning packet - The perfect gift for Grill Lovers What Is The Difference Between Omaha Steaks And Kansas City Steaks When it comes to steaks, Kansas City Steaks uses only grass-fed beef, whereas Omaha Steaks feeds their cattle grain for years before slaughtering them. Additionally, Kansas City Steaks seems to feature USDA Prime beef, although its rival identifies its meat cut offers as having been inspected by the USDA. Read Also: Is Omaha Steaks A Good Deal Our Family Of Restaurants Quintessential Steak House, timeless yet contemporary. Unique in-house meat program, serving only aged USDA prime cuts, wet and dry-aged products and select Japanese and domestic Wagyu beef. Complimented by a daily fresh sheet, in-house pastry desserts, small-batch bourbons and scotches, and our award winning wine list. We are known for exceeding expectations at the highest level, our professional and personable staff, and our expertise in private dining. Elegant, energetic, fun, and delicious. Rich in vibe and artistic ambiance, extensive culinary reach, offering fresh finned fish and crustaceans from the waters of the world. Recommended Reading: How Many Calories In A Ribeye Steak The Kansas City Steak Company Has anyone purchased the individual Beef Wellington and if so how was your experience? You know I’ll be honest with you here. I’ve purchased for myself, from several of these so-called “steak” companies where you get a good deal . You get several steaks you get sausages you get patties everything is supposedly flash frozen etc etc 5140 Kansas Ave Kansas City, KS 66106 Don’t Miss: Grass Fed New York Strip Steak About Kansas City Steak Company They first started out in 1932 as a family-owned butcher shop called S& S Meat Company. They ended up growing in popularity and becoming a meat supplier for big retail businesses such as Outback Steaks and Carrabbas. In 1984 they shifted focus and decided to venture into the mail order steak business, something that Omaha Steaks pioneered years prior. What eventually launched their mail order business was a deal with QVC to promote their products. Since then, they have partnered with National Beef, who is the meat supplier for their Kansas City Steak Company online business. This means if you purchase from their online store, while the brand name is Kansas City Steak Company, the meat youre getting is actually from National Beef. Kansas City Steak Review Read Before You Buy Every company claims to have the best service, but that’s seldom the case. The reality of meat delivery is that quality varies, depending on several factors. To help you figure out the truth, we’ve tested dozens of online beef and steak providers. Today, in this Kansas City Steaks review, we’ll see how the place compares to other popular meat delivery options when it comes to taste, quality, and customer service. Read Also: Can You Buy Omaha Steaks With Food Stamps Kansas City Steaks Review Theres nothing like a satisfying, juicy steak. Hearty and filling, the brand offers a variety of cuts of steak, but well be going through its bestselling ones here, along with a few other special types of meats, sides, and bundles. Lets start with the king of cuts, the Prime Rib Roast. When a prime rib is on the menu, theres cause for celebration. Its one of the best cuts of beef, is next-level tender, and packed with flavor. The Kansas City Steaks Prime Rib Roast comes in three sizes: With gorgeous marbling of fat, this tasty, juicy roast is trimmed to optimize cost and texture. If youre not a fan of bones, dont worry, this roast is boneless. Its been aged for 28 days to pump up the flavor, but if youd like a little extra seasoning sprinkle with the Original Steak Seasoning packet included with your order. Available for purchase in quantities of one or two, the luxury Kansas City Steaks Prime Rib Roastis $80-$240. Sirloin is one of the most flavorful cuts of beef when prepared correctly. Your order comes with a free Kansas City Steak Book to help make sure you get the most out of your meal. Available in a variety of sizes and quantities, enjoy this hearty steak for: - 6 oz: 4 ct $70 8 ct $100 - 8 oz: 4 ct $85 8 ct $120 With your order, youll receive a free book with delicious recipes and Kansas City Steaks cooking instructions inside. What Is Kansas City Steaks Shipping Policy KC Steaks ships to all 50 states. Your order will arrive in a styrofoam box with dry ice that will keep the items fresh for hours after delivery. The brand offers the following shipping options and prices: - Saturday or 2-Day $25 - Alaska & Hawaii $40 Your order will be left at your doorstep, so you wont need to be home to receive it. Every company claims to have the best service, but thats seldom the case. The reality of meat delivery is that quality varies, depending on several factors. To help you figure out the truth, weve tested dozens of online beef and steak providers. Today, in this Kansas City Steaks review, well see how the place compares to other popular meat delivery options when it comes to taste, quality, and customer service. Recommended Reading: Williams Sonoma Laguiole Steak Knives Also Check: How To Grill New York Steak Final Thoughts: Is Kansas City Steaks Worth It For the amount we paid, I really was hoping Kansas City Steaks would be a better experience. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed. If youre looking for the best value, I dont believe its Kansas City Steak Company. From my personal experience, Ive found that there are other high quality meat delivery companies out there that offer better options at lower prices. Porter Road, Rastellis, and Crowd Cow are three great alternatives to consider. That being said, Kansas City Steak Company does have a lot of variety and they offer many different bundles, which are good options for those who want to cater events, holidays, etc. If we were ever to order from them again, I would probably skip their website and just order directly off of . Have a question about Kansas City Steak Company we didnt answer in this review? Have you tried Kansas City Steak Company? Let us know in the comments below! What Is The Kansas City Steak Company The Kansas City Steak Company is a top nationwide distributor of various meats, USDA steaks, and other food products. Established in 1932, they used to be called the S& S Meat Company. Kansas City Steak succeeded in part due to the booming livestock exchange and family stock yards in the area during those years. The company also has additional meal boxes for any season or many different occasions that you can send through a gift card. We’ve ordered some products from the company for two different times and never had any problems with USDA Prime steaks or something else out of stock. You can find greater steaks variety and flavor with the KC Steak company than what you would buy at your local grocery store. From prime rib roast to special filet mignon to numerous steak cuts such as rib eyes and beef Wellington, they offer many different options. Perfect for Christmas dinner and a good all-year-round feasting. Don’t Miss: Should Steak Knives Be Serrated What Is The Difference Between Prime And Choice Beef To earn the USDA Prime designation, beef must earn a specific quality grade at the time of slaughter. This grade is based on a combination of marbling and age of the animal. Less than 5-6 percent of all beef produced in the United States earns this designation. Marbling adds flavor, and younger beef cattle produce the most tender meat, which is why the Prime grade is given to the younger cattle with the most abundant marbling. The Choice grade is given to meat that comes from younger cattle with moderate marbling. It is still very flavorful, tender, and juicy. What is marbling? Marbling refers to the intermingling or dispersion of fat in the muscle of the meat. Flavor and juiciness are directly connected to marbling, which keeps meat moist. Because this fat doesn’t evaporate while cooking, the result is a flavorful, juicy steak. What Happens If The Nutmeg Spice Company Kansas City Steak Rub Is Out Of Stock And I Need To Give Specific Instructions - Find Best Match: By default, your shopper will use their best judgement to pick a replacement for your item. - Pick Specific Replacement: You can pick a specific alternative for the shopper to purchase if your first choice is out-of-stock. - Dont Replace: For items youd rather not replace, choose Dont replace to get a refund if the item is out of stock. Read Also: Mako Shark Steaks For Sale Which Is Better Kc Strip Or Sirloin So, which is superior, the sirloin or the New York strip steak? In response to your question, a New York strip is soft and tasty, but it is also incredibly pricey. A sirloin will be far less expensive, and it will still be tasty if it is cooked properly. In any case, if youre searching for something exceptional, the strip is a good place to start.

A compact variety that produces small, oval shaped, creamy white fruits. Ideal for pots and containers. Spine free under normal growing conditions. Start indoors 8-12 weeks before last frost. Surface-sow and keep moist until sprouts appear, which can take up to three weeks or so. Like warm conditions. Transplant into the garden when weather has settled and soil is warm. Provide rich slightly acidic soil with ample moisture. Common name:White egg plant Packet Content:5 (Approx)

The Best Aromatic House Plants There is no doubt that aromatic plants are an excellent way to decorate while giving our home a pleasant smell and being great for those who like to cook with fresh produce. When picking them, you should know which are best to keep indoors because of their delicacy, and which are happiest outside because they are more resilient. Would you rather have them inside the house? At OneHowTo.com we explain what the best aromatic house plants are. Why should these aromatic plants go inside? Some aromatic house plants are great for our home but are also extremely delicate, requiring a significant amount of water, daily care and a lot of light but not direct sunlight which could otherwise make them wither. This is why the aromatic houseplants mentioned below should be kept indoors in an illuminated area but one that is protected from the cold and excessive sun. When you cook with their leaves, be sure to cut them with scissors and not tear them off which could harm them. Mint is one of the most aromatic plants to keep at home, perfect if you like adding Asian touches to food or making refreshing drinks, plus they have many benefits, especially for the gastric system. They tend to grow a lot and you should always keep them in a separate pot as they are considered a bit of an invasive plant. This is a plant that requires regular watering and prefers moist soils, this is especially important in the warmer months. You can learn how to plant mint. This beloved plant which is the star of Italian cuisine gives your home an incredible aroma, as well as being the perfect companion if you enjoy cooking pesto dishes, sauces and pastas of all kinds. This aromatic houseplant requires basic care such as: frequent watering, light but not direct sun exposure and regular pruning to prevent flowering, which makes for a not-so-pleasant aniseed flavour. If you enjoy cooking, there is no doubt that you will find parsley very useful. This food is full of beneficial properties for our health, making it an ideal indoor plant because it does not enjoy direct sunlight. It additionally requires frequent watering to prevent it from drying out. For detailed care instructions, we invite you to read our article how to plant parsley at home. Mint's cousin, peppermint, will give a fresh flavour to your dishes and drinks while helping benefit our gastric health. This plant requires frequent watering but not too much, and a decent amount of sunlight, as it is resistant to warm weather. In our article how to care for peppermint, we explain their needs in detail. Coriander gives flavour to our dishes in addition to having a simply fabulous aroma. This aromatic houseplant appreciates and needs sunlight, and requires damp earth, so you should ensure that it grows in perfect conditions. Lavender can be kept both inside and outside, but if you choose to have it in your house, it will give off an excellent aroma and requires very little care. It is an aromatic plant that needs light and sun but should not be watered too much as it tolerates droughts well. If you have decided to get one for your home in this article we explain how to care for it to keep it healthy all year. If you want to read similar articles to The Best Aromatic House Plants, we recommend you visit our Gardening & plants category.

join our journey Research shows that Canadian consumers are paying more attention to the sustainability practices of the companies they choose to do business with—and we know it matters to you and your colleagues as well. This presents an opportunity for you to differentiate your practice by implementing sustainable practices and choosing to prescribe products from companies that do the same. Plastic plays a critical role in the hygienic delivery and sterile protection of our products4, “ and how that plastic is managed is important to us. We’re dedicated to more than developing quality products that help people see better each day. clariti® 1 day is manufactured in Alajuela, Costa Rica and MyDay® is manufactured in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, at a manufacturing site built with sustainability in mind, demonstrating that we have a strong track record of doing so with environmental responsibility. At CooperVision®, we’re continuously working to make a positive impact on the environment and operate more sustainably because it’s the right thing to do—for our employees, our customers, our business, and our planet. From production improvements designed to conserve water to efforts that recycle nearly 100% of the plastics used in production*, we’re prioritizing environmentally responsible practices across four key areas: water, energy, recycling, and people. Sustainability in manufacturing is only the beginning of our story. The next phase of our journey will continue to focus on making a mindful impact and improve our ability to operate more sustainably. Our approach is evolutionary, as we continually evaluate, innovate, and improve to make an impact today and in the future. *As of Q1 FY 2018. Data subject to change. 1. CVI data on file 2021. Decision Analyst online survey with 1-day soft CL wearers in Canada, n=300. Top 2 on 5 point scale. Pre Concept Review. 2. CVI data on file 2021. Decision Analyst online survey with 1-day soft CL wearers in Canada, n=300. Top 2 on 5 point scale. Pre Concept Review. 3. CVI data on file 2021. Decision Analyst online survey with 1-day soft CL wearers in Canada, n=300. Top 2 on 5 point scale. Pre Concept Review. 4. Plastics Industry Association. Why is medical plastic packaging so essential? Accessed January 5, 2021. https://thisisplastics.com/safety/why-are-medical-plastic-packages-so-essential/ 5. Amount is defined as weight. Net plastic neutrality is established by purchasing credits from Plastic Bank. A credit represents the collection and conversion of one kilogram of plastic that may reach or be destined for waterways globally. CooperVision purchases credits equal to the weight of plastic in clariti® 1 day orders in a specified time period. clariti® 1 day plastic is determined by the weight of plastic in the blister, the lens, and the secondary package, including laminates, adhesives, and auxiliary inputs (e.g. ink). CVI data on file 2020. Sustainability report, clariti® 1 day in US. 6. About Plastic Bank. Accessed December 21,2020. https://plasticbank.com 7. Luensmann D et al. Toric lens fitting success supported by an online fitting App. Poster to be presented at NCC/BCLA 2020. Woods J et al. Validation of a multifocal contact lens online fitting app. BCLA poster presentation 2019. Retrospective analysis refraction data with OptiExpert (n=96 eyes) with Rx range +5.00 to -6.00DS, ≤ -1.00DC; ADDs +1.50 to +2.50D. 8. CVI data on file 2021; Rx coverage database n=203,946 eyes; 14 to 41 years for clariti® 1 day sphere and clariti® 1 day toric; 42 to 70 years for clariti® 1 day multifocal. Combined 82.2% coverage. 9. CVI data on file 2020. prospective, double masked, bilateral, randomized cross-over dispensing 1-week study, with clariti® 1 day and 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST in FRP SiHy wearers. N=55; p<0.01. 10. Observational satisfaction survey involving 1718 patients (new lens wearers n=1091, refitted lens wearers n=627) who were fitted with clariti® 1 day. 11. White K, Habib R, Hardisty DJ. How to SHIFT consumer behaviors to be more sustainable: a literature review and guiding framework. J Marketing. 2019;83(3):22-49. doi:10.1177/0022242919825649. 12. Veldwijk J. The role of sustainability in customer loyalty. CustomerThink. October 12, 2020. Accessed January 4, 2021. 13. CGS survey reveals sustainability us driving demand and customer loyalty. News release. CGS; January 10, 2019. Accessed January 3, 2021. 14. [clariti® 1 day / MyDay® daily disposable] is defined as orders and includes [clariti® 1 day sphere, clariti® 1 day toric, and clariti® 1 day multifocal/ MyDay® daily disposable, MyDay® daily disposable toric, MyDay® daily disposable multifocal] product sold and distributed by CooperVision in the Canada.

My eleven-year-old came home the other day telling me that her English teacher is starting a really boring unit. For the next few weeks they are going to be studying poetry. She said the word poetry in the same tone she says the words clean the bathroom. And this is my child? I, the lover of all types of poetry? I, collector of great books of poems? I, the woman who hosted wild, ruckus Poetry Nights with my friends for years when my daughters were wee babes? This is my child? I wanted to explain to her that poetry is how people put love and hate and fear and hope into words we can feel. I wanted her to understand that good poetry, really good poetry is like a secret code that you have to decipher, and the best poems have a last line that hits you straight in the heart. I wanted her to know that reading good poetry outloud is like having your mouth filled with chocolate. Poetry is about passion, child! Passion! But all I could muster up at the moment was a flabbergasted, “But poetry is so cool!” My daughter shrugged. “If you say so.” Okay, so it will take some time for me to convert her. In the meantime, April is National Poetry Month so let’s get the party started! Here are some of my favorite poems: 1. I Stop Writing the Poem by Tess Gallagher I once told a very wise woman that I had a dream to write books but that I planned to dutifully wait until all my children were in school. She laughed at me and said that if I did that I would loose all my inspiration. She was right. Since then I have tried to weave my writing in with my mothering and wifer-ing and it has worked out better than I had hoped. There are plenty of times I have to stop writing to fold shirts. Or do laundry. Or listen. It is all part of what women do. But without those children tugging at our sleeves and asking questions, what would there be to write about? I Stop Writing the Poem to fold the clothes. No matter who lives or who dies, I’m still a woman. I’ll always have plenty to do. I bring the arms of his shirt together. Nothing can stop our tenderness. I’ll get back to the poem. I’ll get back to being a woman. But for now there’s a shirt, a giant shirt in my hands, and somewhere a small girl standing next to her mother watching to see how it’s done. 2. Master Speed by Robert Frost I think about this poem when I think about the power of marriage. No speed of wind or water rushing by But you have speed far greater. You can climb Back up a stream of radiance to the sky, And back through history up the stream of time. And you were given this swiftness, not for haste Nor chiefly that you may go where you will, But in the rush of everything to waste, That you may have the power of standing still- Off any still or moving thing you say. Two such as you with such a master speed Cannot be parted nor be swept away From one another once you are agreed That life is only life forevermore Together wing to wing and oar to oar. 3. When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer by Walt Whitman I read this poem when Facebook gets too much for me to handle. When I heard the learn’d astronomer; When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me; When I was shown the charts and the diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them; When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with much applause in the lecture room, How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick; Till rising and gliding out, I wander’d off by myself, In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars. 4. Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou Every poem by this woman is phenomenal. This one is my favorite. Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I’m a woman Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them, They say they still can’t see. It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a woman Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care. ’Cause I’m a woman 5. Ode on Imitations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood by William Wordsworth This is just a bite of a much longer poem (but it is the best bite). I taped this (and other poems) to the kitchen cupboard while my daughter Naomi had colic and memorized them while I held her and walked back and forth, back and forth. Can’t remember them now, though, so that is why I have to keep reading them… Ode on Imitations of Immortality Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting; The soul that rises with us, our life’s Star, Hath had elsewhere its setting And cometh from afar; Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home. Thanks for reading. I feel much better now.

Last Thursday Adelaide Food Central took a trip up the hill to the homey town of Littlehampton. Here we spent the afternoon sampling the menu at Honey Bang Bang, a small eatery that provides simple Asian food but done well. After many years of part ownership at Singapore House and with the arrival of their baby, Montie and Hailey decided it was time for them to venture out on their own. Living just down the road from the restaurant it was an obvious move, now providing the Adelaide hills and surrounds with authentic Asian food. We sampled many stunning dishes from their menu including little bangs, big bangs and bang bang sides. Cheesy Baked Mushrooms with Chilli Sauce I had my eye on this dish before I had even walked into Honey Bang Bang. I love mushrooms, and it was a something I haven’t seen done at an Asian restaurant before. As soon as I cut into the mushroom it spurted everywhere, showing me how juicy it really was. The cheese had been crisped up and complimented the moist mushroom, whilst the sweet chilli sauce tied all the flavours together. Bang Bang Chicco Roll with Spiced Beef Mince, Potato and Curry Leaf The first thing that I noticed about this spring roll/Chicco roll hybrid was the crunch. On first bite it was obvious that it had been fried to perfection. As for the rest of the flavours it reminded me of a samosa, think Indian spring roll. I had never eaten anything like this before and I liked the idea. Crab and Prawn Dumplings with Chilli Oil and Chinese Cabbage Dumplings are usually my go to at an Asian restaurant. They were filled with plump amounts of seafood, and this would be one for the fish lovers. The little parcels kept a lot of chilli heat and were salted well, which meant I wanted to keep eating more. I am a sucker for chilli oil so I loved the fact that the dumplings were nestled in some. Pork Bun with Mixed Herbs, Chilli and Pate Pork bun’s seem to be the new ‘in’ thing at the moment, you see them on every menu. The pork was cooked very well with a crispy top and moist bottom. The mixed herbs were fresh and went well with the chilli and pate. This dish is great to have as a starter, or a light lunch. Salt and Pepper Squid with Yuzo Mayo, Spring Onion and Chilli We love a good salt and pepper squid and when done well we are a happy duo. The first thing that we look for on this dish is the batter and its crispiness. Big tick for us, they aced this. We then look for the saltiness, not too over bearing but enough to enhance the batter flavour. Once again, big tick from us. The addition of the fresh chilli helped to keep an authentic element. Crying Tiger with Chargrilled Beef, and Red Nahm Jim Dipping Sauce This was probably my favourite dish of the day, and something that wouldn’t usually be my first pick at an Asian restaurant. The beef was cooked so well, almost rare but was not chewy at all. The flavours were very light which helped to complement the meat. The sauce was not too salty and worked well with the soft vegetables and gamey meat. Barramundi Curry ‘the sauce is all you need’ with Turmeric Marinated Fish Fillets This curry is the definition of what Honey Bang Bang stands for ‘simple Asian food, done well’. The sauce was very light, which helped to not over bear the subtle flavours of the fish. After eating this curry I didn’t feel too heavy which is always a plus when eating food of this style. Beef Rendang ‘dry beef curry’ with Lemongrass, Toasted Coconut Reminiscing about this beef curry is making me very hungry. It was visually quite simple but when tucking into the sauce it was a flavour explosion. The lemongrass radiated through the curry and it was a perfect sauce for the beef. I couldn’t stop eating it and found mixing it with rice or roti was the best option. Thank you so much to Hailey and Montie for having us along to Honey Bang Bang. We love not only the food but the vibes and the family business mentality behind it. Words by Tomika Salerno WHERE: 82 Princes Highway, Littlehampton

This delicious cake is all that you need to make your day better. Made with layers of moist sponge cake and covered with a delicious vanilla whipped cream frosting, the cherry on top is the tasty chocolate sauce. Made with real chocolate, the choco sauce is drizzled elegantly on top of the cake, adding to the taste and aesthetics. Finished with chocolate shards, this cake is sure to bring a huge smile to the recipient’s face. Order this tasty party cake online and enjoy doorstep delivery anywhere in Gurgaon. SKU: GBFLCM00 Categories: All Birthday Cakes, All Cakes, Birthday Cakes, Cakes by Flavour, Choco marble Cakes, Chocolate Cakes, Vanilla Cakes Tags: Choco marble cake in Gurgaon, Vanilla Cake in Gurgaon

Digging deeperPlant Library Nonstop Appleblossom Begonia Begonia 'Nonstop Appleblossom' Nonstop Appleblossom Begonia flowers (Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder) Height: 12 inches Spacing: 15 inches Hardiness Zone: (annual) Other Names: Non-Stop Group/Class: Tuberous Begonia Brand: Proven Winners Nonstop Appleblossom Begonia features dainty creamy white frilly flowers with shell pink overtones at the ends of the stems from mid spring to mid fall, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds. Its succulent heart-shaped leaves remain green in color throughout the season. Nonstop Appleblossom Begonia is an herbaceous annual with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Nonstop Appleblossom Begonia is recommended for the following landscape applications; - Mass Planting - Border Edging - General Garden Use - Container Planting - Hanging Baskets Planting & Growing Nonstop Appleblossom Begonia will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 15 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. The flower stalks can be weak and so it may require staking in exposed sites or excessively rich soils. Although it's not a true annual, this plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat. This plant should be grown in a location with partial shade or which is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation. Nonstop Appleblossom Begonia is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. This Plant Library is for informational purposes only. We may or may not carry the items listed. During many times of the year, we may carry many more plants in our store than are listed in the Plant Library. Please contact us directly at 303-690-4722 or visit our store for current availability and for assistance.

Hi Judith! Noua reteta Raffaello este un amestec armonios de ingrediente atent selectionate: nuca de cocos din insulele Pacificului si migdale albe din California. Either works though. Our vehicles undergo a series of checks and inspections. sk; en . 346-393-1248 Partha … There is a metric converter below the list of ingredients . Everything went perfectly from the delicious curd to the fantastic SMBC to the cake so divine you can just eat it plain. 518-319-0169 Cilka Largo. You could try using some canned coconut milk to flavour the buttercream, but be careful not to add too much (add it 1 Tbsp at a time and whip well). Hi Pavithra! Existují ale i zdravější alternativy, jako jsou třeba datlovo-pistáciové kuličky nebo kokosové kuličky notoricky známé jako raffaello. Lindt Lindt Swiss Thins Dark 200g. Lecker Schmecker Rezepte Rezept Kekse Süße Rezepte Karotten Kuchen Erdbeeren Tiramisu Rezept Ohne Ei Kuchen Mit Frischkäse Rhabarber Streuselkuchen Bananen … 10 mai 2017 - Découvrez le tableau "Inspiration Cuisine" de Michelle Senterre sur Pinterest. Since the cakes were crumbly (but moist, without simple syrup) they did not stack perfectly. Riesen Cookie aus der Pfanne / … Raffaello Tanaka. OMG! Hi Ginesa! Continue reading » Lajkute nas i čitajte. Thanks. 623-250-6758 Jananie Ehlen. I lightly adapted my Almond Amaretto Cake to swap out the liqueur and use almond extract instead. Droste Droste Giftroll Milk 300g. In most cases, you need less than 1/4 tsp. I changed the serving size to 16 and used (3) 8” pans. What were you thinking? Alternatively, you could use coconut emulsion or extract, but I find those to taste artificial. Also my mixing bowl would not be able to sit in the water as it has a central piece where whisk attaches which has a hole (would let in water). Thanks! That is a really delicious cake. I even made a small batch of simple syrup and going forward will always use it on my cakes. While whisking vigorously, slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture. Hier kommt das Rezept, lass es dir schmecken. Weitere Ideen zu Snacks für party, Wasserkugeln, Cars kuchen. 518-319-9700 Starleen Howson. 346-393-8342 Quaid Donaghue. This cake is deliciously moist, tender, and has the perfect level of sweetness. I made it with 2, 8″ layers. It wasn’t there. 518-319-7366 Gavryell Vasques. Tag: raffaello kugle. What would you suggest on adjusting the ingredients. 518-319-6618 Kamali Danvers. Travel Edition. What a difference! 200 g (€4.45 / 100 g) from €8.90. I don’t think it would turn out as well. Since 1968, Raffaello Salon has been serving the ever-changing needs of tens of thousands of the fashion conscious women and men in Toronto. But I found them! You can, but it won’t have the same flavour impact. Be sure not to overmix the cake batter once the flour gets added as this can cause cakes to be on the dense side too. Han var kendt som Raffaello Sanzio, Raffaello Santi, Raffaello da Urbino og Rafael Sanzio da Urbino. Voir plus d'idées sur le thème cuisine, nourriture, recette. When I change the servings from 12 to 16 on the recipe the ingredients list doesn’t change to 1.5X. Hi Elaine! The cake by itself even before the frosting was divine. You may be familiar with its cousin, the Ferrero Rocher. I had to make the meringue three times, and it still wasn’t perfect. You can just sub in more AP flour. Sorry if this seems a daft question but the ingredients listed for the cake, is that the total for all 3 pans or is that per pan? I didn’t realize that there are different kinds of ‘cups’! Raffaello este placere pura, piacere puro. I would then be able to make the custard and buttercream on the day. This cake is the best! I am so thrilled you loved it! , "Karmarama captures £2m Raffaello ad account", "Ferrero prepares for major multi-million expansion in Russian markets", "Ferrero Canada plans three new products at Brantford site", "Ferrero to invest EUR21m in Belgium plant", "Candy Maker Ferrero Expects Russia to Become No. I figured why waste the rest of the coconut milk and thought that using it in the cake would also give it more coconut flavor. The canned milk is much more flavourful. I think you might be right, I usually have it at a simmer but it was definitely more than that (I distinctly remember thinking I should turn it down). 272 g (€32.72 / 1000 g) from €8.90. Trying this one today. It’s finer and should dissolve better. It consists of a whole blanched almond surrounded by coconut cream in a crisp wafer shell, all covered in shredded coconut. Raffaello, more than a thousand words. Thanks so much for the great feedback, I’m so glad you liked it , Hiya, The crunch is nice between the layers. Basically all you do is place the bowl over a pot with 1-2″ of simmering water. Tips, techniques, and troubleshooting to help ensure your cakes come out perfect every single time! Although they seemed to rise well and did not sink, they were only 1 1/4″ high. I sprinkled unsweetened coconut flakes and sliced almonds on the top. If u used unsweetened and i have sweetened would that change the recipe alot? It might not have as intense a flavour but should come through. The recipe as-is will also work in two 8″ pans. , In 2008, Belgian company Soremartec (part of the Ferrero Group) began legal action against Landrin, a Ukrainian company which began producing a sweet in 2007 similar to Raffaello, called Waferatto. (Coconut Swiss Meringue Buttercream), Hi Valeriya! I think that will work fine! Return mixture to saucepan and cook over high heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Fingers crossed! The custard will be fine in the fridge for a few days. In your previous post you talked about some difficulty with SMBC using syrup, and you used maple sugar instead. So leicht und locker mit einem Hauch von Kokos und dabei genauso köstlich wie ihre berühmten Namensgeber. If I toasted the coconut though it wouldn’t look the same as the Raffaellos! You may need to adjust the baking time slightly. The third time, I switched to using a larger pot, thinking that would help. To make cupcakes, all you need to do is reduce the baking time — start checking at 15mins or so. Hi! 4,880 Followers, 43 Following, 412 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Filme | Games | Collectibles (@collectors_junkies) Layers of moist and tender almond cake, coconut custard, and coconut Swiss meringue buttercream! The only difference between this recipe and the ones I’ve been using recently is scale. FYI I always put my sugar in the food processor for a few blasts, not enough to make powdered sugar but just to give you a delicate sugar for baking etc ..hope this helps. Raffaello-Torte selber machen - weil eine Kugel nicht reicht. Desserts Zum Backen Rezept Kekse Schoko Amerikanisches Essen Sallys Rezepte Süße Teilchen Cookies Rezept Essen Ideen Lecker Schmecker. This Raffaello Cake is a coconut lover's dream! Thanks for the tips! That’s it! It should be above the water and only get heated by the steam from the simmering water below it. However it does contain lactose, making Raffaello incompatible for consumers with lactose intolerance. Because it’s easier to make, I used your American Buttercream frosting recipe, using coconut milk instead or milk because my daughter is allergic to milk. Earlene Kugel. Varias veces lo he intentado pero parece que no muevo como debe ser la punta y no me quedan tan bonitos como los tuyos. I’m so happy to hear you guys liked this recipe . But it tasted good and we all enjoyed. The nutritional information and metric conversions are calculated automatically. Slane rafaelo kuglice recept. Instead of 2 tsp of vanilla extract in frosting, I added 1 tsp Vanilla extract, 1/8 tsp of coconut extract and 1/4 tsp of almond extract. Being able to weigh ingredients makes all the difference. In a medium bowl, whisk remaining 1/4 cup coconut milk, egg yolk, sugar, and cornstarch. sotel.de - - Rated 3.9 based on 44 Reviews "perfect transaction with this shop ! I would add about 1-2 Tbsp of coconut rum to the mixture pouring the hot milk into the egg mixture and before you bring it back to a boil. You could make all of the components in advance though, refrigerate, and then bring everything to room temp for assembly. I wonder if this recipe could be made using only Almond Flour (no all-purpose flour)? Something about the water content was the issue when making SMBC. Can’t hurt to experiment though , This post may contain affiliate links. This cake looks lovely, but scary what happened to you, As a puertorican that loves to cook and bake I’m never without coconut milk and coconut cream; I usually use cream of coconut instead of powder cm for my frosting. Nice clean coconut flavour and a pale yellow colour without the greyish tinge. Many thanks in advance. You can store it in the fridge for a couple days, but do not attempt to freeze it or slices of the cake. Now I nudge the cakes slightly firs to see if there is any jiggle, then gently press on the tops to see if they spring back. I want to make the cupcake version of this. To help ensure your cake layers bake up nice and flat, check out my. 380-207-5752 Jasmeet Bhagat. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour (3 additions of flour and 2 of milk). The Raffaello contains no chocolate. Raffael (pärisnimega Raffaello Sanzio ehk Raffaello Santi; 6. aprill 1483 Urbino – 6. aprill 1520 Rooma) oli Itaalia kõrgrenessansi maalikunstnik ja arhitekt.. Raffaeli loomingut austati selge vormi ja lihtsa kompositsiooni tõttu. Hi Olivia! Fill center with half of the custard (about 1/2 cup) and spread evenly. Is your baking powder fresh? Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Hi Martha! Lo único que es difícil de encontrar aquí son los Rafaellos. If I use all my American measuring tools, will the cake turn out the same? Olivia gracias por este pastel. Rafael, Raphael eller Raffaello (født 6. april 1483 i Urbino, Italien, død 6. april 1520) var en maler og arkitekt i den florentinske skole under den italienske renæssance, berømt for sin perfektion og den milde glød i sine billeder. I ended pairing these with a maple buttercream, which was by request. Hi Rebecca! I can find where I live I have to make this cake tomorrow, so I can wait for the shipping. I tried to make it with a higher quantity of AF to APF and the cakes had less structure and sank a bit. Often times a crumbly cake is one that has been overmixed. The custard should be a rich ivory-like color with a yellow tint more than anything. Doesnt look like it? Slowly add cubed butter and mix until smooth. Good to know the maple syrup worked well with SMBC! They are pure heaven!! 380-207-7120 Emmily Berhow. This cake is definitely happening this week! . I hope you love it as much as I do! Thanks! Drizzle or brush with. The skewer test is only after it passes the first two! 346-393-3950 Jerimiah Lightman. They are easier to work with if a bit cold. Ohh great tip. 346-393-6403 Hermosa Botsch. I use American cups (250ml). Impressum / Anbieterkennzeichnung Betreiber des Kanals ist Der Neue Wiesentbote c/o faktor i medienservice www.faktori.de Verantwortlich für diesen Kanal: Alexander Dittrich Egloffsteiner Str. Einfache Raffaello-Kugeln – Die Zutaten. You don’t need Raffaello’s for the cake — they are only for decoration For the piping on top. Hi Lech! The possibilities are endless! Vertu meðlimur á Facebook til að tengjast Raffaella Pugliese ásamt öðrum sem þú gætir þekkt. In a previous response someone asked about using (3) 8” pans. Place plastic wrap directly on top of custard to prevent a skin from forming. It is definitely a hit in our household. Top with final layer of cake. 604-935-5220 Makala Bleckley. Happy belated birthday! In a medium bowl, whisk flour, almond flour, baking powder,and salt until well combined. Raffaello, Piacere Puro: Pure pleasure for all the senses It looks so delicious and I’m willing to make it for my daughter’s 2nd birthday. Baking powder is almost impossible to get at the minute in the uk! This one was much thicker. Thanks for the amazing feedback . Galleri. Let me know what you end up trying! The fun, effervescent drink tablet made popular in the 50’s & 60’s has returned! and meringue buttercream (your tips were invaluable). https://livforcake.com/pastry-cream-creme-patissiere/, https://www.pccmarkets.com/taste/2013-03/egg_substitutes/, https://livforcake.com/simple-vanilla-buttercream/, https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/how-to-substitute-cornstarch-article, Earl Grey Cake With Vanilla Bean Buttercream, Almond cake layers – made with almond flour and almond extract, Coconut custard – a pastry cream made with coconut milk (canned) instead of regular milk, Coconut almond Swiss meringue buttercream – made with coconut milk powder and a touch of almond extract. Hi Melanie! I gave 1/2 the cake to my parents to enjoy and they said it was outstanding. Last mod I did was using ground up, toasted almond, coconut nut mix sweetened with Maple syrup. In ur recipe u didnt specify which ones. 518-319-2368 Rowland Rauser. 605 g (€15.70 / 1000 g) €9.50. reneszánsz kori olasz festő és építész. You can totally use fruit sugar (we call it caster sugar here). Zutaten und Zubereitung für einen Backrahmen von ca 28 x 17 cm Zuerst für die Creme 500 gr Mascarpone mit 1 … Hi, can i keep the cakes in an airtight container for a few days? Recipe has been adjusted accordingly. Hi Bea! Me enamoró. Delicious right? Travel Edition. I would definitely try it with a different brand. Lajkute nas i čitajte. 346-393-7960 Jabain Visger. Toblerone Toblerone Tiny White Bag 272g. It must be rewhipped before use so it gets fluffy again. It won’t give it the exact same texture though, as its not AP. 518-319-9823 Robbie Echeverry. Yay to successful batches of SMBC! EBAY AUKCIJE. Cake was made w/Bob’s 1-to-1 GF flour along w/the almond flour, hemp milk and no almond extract (it disappeared). Hi Jude! The only thing I can think is that there wasn’t enough egg whites to sugar to dissolve it properly, or something. That creates a double boiler. I bake a lot and love that you provide the metric option. What would be the cooking time for 2 8 inch pans? 518-319-8381 Cassaundra Bizier. And cover icing on counter? I want to make this gluten-free, so will it be ok if I use only Almond flour instead of the regular flour in the same ratio mentioned? Thank you so much for all your tips. I can’t wait to make this again. 13 avr. Toblerone Toblerone Tiny Dark Bag 272g. Join Facebook to connect with Raffaella Riello and others you may know. I think it would be a huge help since the sugar is more fine to begin with. Jun 10, 2020 - This Pin was discovered by Manoj Erlingur. Hi, it would just be buttercream with flavouring. https://livforcake.com/ermine-frosting/ Will try the GF flour with almond flour without extract for the cake. The baking time would be similar. How far are you transporting? 325 g (€38.46 / 1000 g) from €12.50. Thank you so much, I’m happy that you love it . 380-207-5756 Irina Zappone. I need to try that pairing. Raffaello is a spherical coconut–almond confection that Italian manufacturer Ferrero brought to the market in 1990. . It is surrounded by a coconut layer with a chocolate coating. Hi Sara! Ferrero factories which manufacture Raffaello include Vladimir, Russia; Brantford, Canada; and Arlon, Belgium. So leicht und locker mit einem Hauch von Kokos und dabei genauso köstlich wie ihre berühmten Namensgeber. A. My canned coconut milk was very liquid. You have to be a coconut fan to truly appreciate them though, as that is the dominant flavour. Zkuste třeba klasické kokosové kuličky raffaello. https://livforcake.com/simple-vanilla-buttercream/. I tested one of the cakes too early for doneness, and what was a level cake ended up with a bit of a dip in the centre. If you’re a coconut fan, you will LOVE this cake. 518-319-3366 Devona Redgate . Raffaello Valencic. Thanks, I’m a bit worried about the sugar not dissolving since you had trouble too, did you ever try the fruit sugar suggestion that Brian made and how did that go? Soremartec filed a claim on the grounds that Landrin had violated Soremartec's trademark protecting the appearance of the Raffaello sweets. Do a thin coat of buttercream on the layer and pipe a dam around the edge using a large round tip to hold in the custard. Let me know how she likes it! I hope that helps! So glad to hear you loved it. You just press it right into the buttercream . For some reason, my meringue kept turning out grainy and not completely stiff. fuerleibundseele.com is your first and best source for all of the information you’re looking for. I don’t know if it’s the canned coconut taste, or the weird greyish tone from the milk and egg yolks…texture was correct, but not a fresh coconut taste I would expect. 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From the Field-Agronomy Notes El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece. Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen. English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls. Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.Collapse ▲ March 2nd, 2016- The first week of March has delivered unseasonably warm and sunny weather, which is much needed relief for most of North Carolina. The State Climate Office estimates that rainfall totals over the past 60 days (January 1st to March 1st) are three to nine inches above normal, depending upon location. Over the past few days it’s certainly likely that some drying has occurred in fields throughout the state. Unfortunately, we need much, much more warm/sunny weather to improve overall soil conditions–fortunately, we still have a little time before field work needs to take place. Though I did see a social media post today where a farmer in the Coastal Plain was bedding/fumigating some fairly sandy land. This is the first evidence of field work that I’ve come across and I’m very happy to see that some are starting to make a move for the 2016 season. With that being said, the warmer conditions recently experienced are expected to give way to nighttime temperatures hovering at or very near 32 degrees. It is during this time that growers should be very much aware of the threat of cold injury (shock) that might impact young seedlings. It has been our experience that the vast majority of cold injury is a result of a rapid decline in ambient temperature as the sun begins to set. This scenario is one typically found when warm daytime temperatures are experienced, thus causing greenhouse curtains to lower. As ambient temperature falls, cold air rushes into the greenhouse resulting in a quick loss of radiant heat and subsequent temperature reduction by as much as 30 to 40 degrees. This is relatively extreme, but not uncommon. The rapid decrease in temperature can result in cold injury–really cold shock–to the young/tender seedlings. Fortunately, this is transient and should disappear within a few days, assuming warm conditions are kept within the house. In addition to cold shock, there can be cool spots within a greenhouse which can induce cold injury as well. Cool spots within a greenhouse are typically found adjacent to the sidewalls or curtains of the house, as there is very little insulation to prevent cold diffusion inward from the outside environment. Other cool spots might be found when air circulation within a house is less than ideal in the center of the house. This is yet another reason why fan placement, and even fan angle, are extremely critical to warm air movement. Regardless, consecutive days of warm temperatures or perhaps adjustment of fans should be sufficient to address this issue. All of this is important to consider, specifically since it is okay to allow greenhouse temperatures to fall as low as 55 degrees (gradually) after maximum germination is reached. It was also promised in the last post that we would address how to manage dry cells after floating trays. To understand why dry cells occur, which is relatively rare, one must have a little background as to the composition of the soilless media used for transplant production. Most tobacco greenhouse media is a composition of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite (as well as liming materials and trace amounts of fertilizer). Different tobacco media sources will have differing ratios of each material, all of which are acceptable for production; however, the focus of this post will be to peat moss composition. Peat moss is mined, or harvested, from ancient peat bogs located in temperate climates. Peat is naturally hydrophobic (water resistant); therefore, a wetting agent must be added to a mix to give the media the wicking properties needed for the tobacco float system. Over time this wetting agent can deteriorate, thus bringing back the natural water resistant properties of the peat moss. This is the number one reason why fresh or new media is recommended for use every season. Old media or leftover media should NOT be purchased or even mixed with fresh media in hopes of saving a few dollars. Time and time again this has been attempted, with all efforts ending in the same result–dry cells found in sections of a greenhouse. In new media, dry cells are commonly attributed to the media not completely filling all the way to the bottom of the tray cell, thus creating a gap between the water and the media. Agitating or screening media as seeding line hoppers are filled will allow for more uniform tray filling. The take home message is that these issues are caused by two separate factors the first being media chemistry (deterioration of the wetting agent in old media) and the second being physical properties (cloddy or excessively moist media). Of these two scenarios, the first requires a lot of extra management to overcome, while the second does not require any significant effort in most seeding lines. I’d also like to point out that the moisture content of bagged media is typically right where it needs to be (assuming it is relatively fresh and the bag is undamaged) so producers probably do not need to add moisture. By not adding water to the mix, the sticky, cloddy properties aren’t really a problem and media flows very well into the tray. It is important to remember that a dry cell does not contain the necessary moisture needed to dissolve or loosen the seed pellet for germination. However, as was previously mentioned, even with new media it is not entirely uncommon to find a few dry cells scattered at random throughout a greenhouse. I wouldn’t lose a lot of sleep if one or two are found in every handful of trays, but growers often ask questions about how to best address this issue or to hedge against it. Luckily, a simple overhead application of water will usually do the trick. It doesn’t take much water to accomplish this, but producers are cautioned not to use high pressure (seed and media can be displaced) or to completely flood cells, as too much water is just as bad as too little. The bottom line is this, overhead water application allows water infiltration into the cell and can induce wicking, once wicking occurs it will remain. It’s best to allow some pooling of water within a cell so that moisture is essentially forced downward or absorbed into the media. Slight pooling in wicked cells is likely to be observed, but should disappear over time because water will move downward into the cell. When addressing dry cells, make an application of sufficient water quantity to allow for slight pooling within the cell then come back about 24 hours later to see if another water application is justified. Again, dry cell is typically not a significant issue for most producers who are using new media, but it can be found. One example is where new Styrofoam trays have been utilized for seedling production. Dry cells are more common in new Styrofoam trays compared to older ones because they typically weigh less when filled with media. Old trays tend to shrink with age, and as shrinkage occurs individual cell size increases, thus allowing for a larger volume of media per tray. It is the increase in media volume per tray that makes these trays heavier, and a heavier tray will float slightly lower in the water profile. Another issue with new Styrofoam trays is that static can cause media to “cling” to the tray cell wall, preventing it from falling to the bottom of the cell. To break the effect of static, I have heard of growers dipping trays into clean water prior to seeding. This certainly adds one more step to a very tedious process but I cannot find fault with it because it works. To go even further, I’ll never recommend that producers not purchase new trays as needed since the benefits of new trays (reduction of disease carryover and possible NTRM issues) far outweigh the fairly uncommon issue of dry cells. Overall, I’m probably putting too much emphasis on something that tends to not be a major issue, but that’s part of our role with Cooperative Extension–we provide solutions and timely, unbiased information to the tobacco farmers of North Carolina. Until next time, keep that pride in tobacco!

Combining the flavors of buffalo wings with a larger than life juicy chicken sandwich, say hello to the ultimate burger, AKA the Double Buffalo Chicken Burger! Sometimes when I can’t decide what I want, I get a little creative. And typically my creation process begins with combining two of my favorites—and in this instance, two of my game time go-to meals. I can always go for some good buffalo wings and there are times when I just want a big juicy chicken sandwich. Did someone say Double Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burger? Yes, I did. Ground chicken is a great alternative to use when you want to go beyond the normal chicken breast sandwich. Beef burgers deliver on that juiciness we crave and ground chicken (blended with an egg to ensure moisture is maintained) delivers in the same way. The parsley flakes help brighten the flavor while the grated Parmesan cheese gives it a splash of grittiness. The buffalo sauce you choose to cover this bad boy with can make a huge difference so I suggest you go with a personal favorite; if you have one. If you are able to locate a Tiger Bread loaf you will not regret that choice, but if you aren’t able to locate it French Bread will work just fine. I think any bread lightly toasted with butter can win me over any day regardless. Am I right? When your appetite is ready for the challenge of a moist great tasting Double Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Burger give this one a try and let me know what you think! If you love buffalo recipes, you’ll also enjoy: - Buffalo Chicken Meatball Deep Dish Pizza - Buffalo Chicken Dip - Buffalo Chicken Calzone - Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

Tres Leches Cake This Tres Leches Cake is sweet and moist, featuring vanilla sponge cake soaked in three different types of milk, then topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s an authentic Mexican dessert recipe that’s simple yet irresistible! The Best Homemade Tres Leches Cake One of my family’s favorite dessert stops is Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue, where every single cake is truly a work of art. It often takes a few minutes for each of us to decide which (giant) piece of cake to order. And one of my longtime favorites is their Tres Leches Cake. I first enjoyed Cafe Latte’s pretty double-layer tres leches cake shortly after moving to the Twin Cities area more than 20 years ago. And then I set out to make my own version to enjoy at home, a simple 1-layer cake that’s made in a 9×13 pan. This tres leches cake is easy to make, featuring a super moist vanilla sponge cake that’s soaked in sweet deliciousness. Topped with a fluffy whipped cream layer that’s sprinkled with cinnamon, it’s hard to resist! I often make this authentic Mexican dessert for Cinco de Mayo, but it’s a favorite dessert any time of year. My whole family adores this cake, and one of my (previous) co-workers said this was the best cake he’s ever eaten. Yep. It’s that good! Another favorite Cafe Latte cake? Their turtle cake is amaaaaaaazing! What is Tres Leches Cake? Tres Leches Cake is popular in many parts of Latin America, including Mexico, and translates to “Three Milks Cake”. It’s simply a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk – evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and half-and-half or heavy cream. The cake is light and airy, with lots of air bubbles to soak up all the milk. And it does not turn soggy. It truly acts like a sponge, in the most delicious, wonderful way! And a slightly sweetened whipped cream layer is a delicate, perfect topper. I like to add a dusting of cinnamon (which is also in the cake itself) and poke a stemmed cherry into the top of each piece! What You’ll Need As the name implies, this “three milk cake” is made with 3 different types of milk, plus a few baking staples. - Cake flour – Cake flour creates a lighter crumb in this cake. - Baking powder - Cinnamon – Adds a bit of warm, spiced flavor to the dessert. - Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature. - Vanilla – Use only pure vanilla extract (not imitation vanilla) for the best flavor. - Milks – This recipe uses evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and half & half. - Heavy cream – For the whipped topping. - Powdered sugar – Sweetens the heavy cream for the topping. - Maraschino cherries – Optional garnish. How to Make Tres Leches Cake This Mexican dessert is simple to make. The most important thing is to allow time for the cake to cool and also for the glaze to soak in. - Make the batter. Whisk together the dry ingredients and set aside. Beat the butter until fluffy, then add the sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients. - Bake. Transfer the batter to a greased and floured pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cake is lightly golden. - Cool & Poke. Let cake cool for 30 minutes. Then poke holes all over the cake with a fork. - Prepare the glaze. Whisk together the three milks. Slowly pour over the cake, giving it time to soak in. - Add the topping & chill. Whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff and thick. Spread over the soaked tres leches cake, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Chill in the fridge. - Garnish & serve. If desired, top each piece with a stemmed cherry. Enjoy! Should I Make This in Advance? I always recommend making tres leches cake a day in advance, as it takes the glaze some time to soak in. While you can technically serve it in a few hours, overnight is the best bet for the desired texture and flavor. Tips for Success Here are a few tips to help you make this Mexican dessert. - Poke lots of holes. Be sure to poke holes over the entire cake – and lots of them. This helps the glaze soak in faster and moisten the entire cake. - Use all the glaze. It seems like a lot of glaze, but definitely use it all. It will not completely soak up until it has sat overnight, but pouring slowly will help it absorb while you pour. - Beat the cream well. For the whipped topping, you want to beat the heavy cream very well, until it’s stiff and thick. This will ensure the pretty, clean slices of cake that you see in the photos. Tres leches cake is best served cold the day after it’s made. Traditionally, it can be enjoyed with a Mexican coffee or some hot chocolate. The hot beverage with the cold, milky dessert is the perfect combination! As noted in the recipe, I like to top my cake with maraschino cherries, but fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries are other great options. How to Store Leftovers Once the whipped topping layer has been added, tres leches cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. After two days, it tends to become a bit soggy instead of just moist. Keep it covered or in an airtight container. While I do not recommend freezing the assembled tres leches cake, you can freeze the base before you add the glaze and whipped topping. Allow it to cool completely then tightly wrap in two layers of plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely on the counter before adding the glaze and whipped topping. More Mexican-Inspired Recipes: - Easy Skillet Chicken Chilaquiles - Mexican Shrimp Cocktail - Mole Pork Tacos - Warm Mexican Salsa - Mexican Coffee Like this recipe? Save it to Pinterest! FOR THE CAKE: - 1¾ cups cake flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ½ teaspoon kosher salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup sugar - 5 large eggs - 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract FOR THE GLAZE: - 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk - 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup half & half FOR THE TOPPING: - 2 cups heavy cream - ¼ cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - cinnamon, for sprinkling on top - maraschino cherries with stems, drained well, optional garnish - For the cake: Preheat oven to 350° F. - In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; set aside. - Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 1 minute. - Decrease mixer speed to low, and with the mixer still running, very slowly add the sugar. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl, if necessary. - Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix to thoroughly combine. Add the vanilla and mix again. - Add the flour mixture to the batter in three batches and mix until just combined. - Transfer batter to a 9" x 13" pan and spread evenly. It will seem like a small amount of batter for a cake. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. - Allow cake to cool for 30 minutes. Poke the top of the cake all over (a lot!!) with a fork. Then prepare the glaze. - For the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and half & half . If you have a bowl with a pour spout, that works great! Once combined, pour the glaze over the cake. It will seem like a lot of glaze, but use it all. Take your time and let it keep soaking in as you pour. The cake will not completely soak up the glaze until it has sat overnight. So, pop it into the fridge and finish it the following day. - For the topping: Place the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whisk together until stiff peaks are formed. It should be thick. Spread the topping onto the cake and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Allow cake to chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Top each piece with a stemmed cherry, if desired. The cake is best when baked a day prior to serving, to let the cake soak up the glaze overnight in the fridge. adapted from Alton Brown’s recipe Nutrition Information:Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 257Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 97mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 0gSugar: 14gProtein: 4g Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator. This post was originally published in 2011, then updated in 2022.

6 Seed-Starting Tips For Beginners Few things in gardening compare to the satisfaction of watching a seed you planted bloom into a full-grown plant. People in charge of the nursery, have germinated thousands of seeds for flowers, vegetables, and other plants. They have created and implemented the following methods over the years to help seeds germinate and grow into healthy plants. Read on to know them all. Tamp Soil Down To Make Contact With Seeds Spread soilless grain mix equally over the seeds to a depth of nearly twice the seed diameter, using a kitchen sieve.Seeds that are very little or need a lot of light to develop should be planted on the surface.Each seed, whether or not it is covered with planting material, must make direct, solid contact with the moist surface to germinate.Put the surface under light pressure with a pestle or the rim of a glass. Provide Ventilation And Drainage To Reduce The Risk Of Illness In most cases, humid conditions and inadequate ventilation lead to the fungal illness known as damping-off.A few cultural practices, however, can aid in warding off the fungi.Spread a thin coating of 50% milled sphagnum and 50% starting chicken grit (finely crushed stone) over the top after sowing the seeds with sowing mix and tamping gently down to prevent disease, the soil surrounding the growing branches dry. Cover Trays In Plastic Wrap Seeds are incredibly delicate and easily damaged by either over- or under-watering.Furthermore, if you water your plants too vigorously, you may damage your seedlings.A new seed container may be kept at a consistent moisture level by securing a plastic wrap over the surface.However, you still need to monitor the soil moisture and seed germination daily. Warm Temperatures Are Needed For Seed Germination To germinate, seeds need temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.Increase the temperature as needed by placing seed pots near a conventional heater or using a space heater.Warm their planting mix and promote germination with a heating pad intended for plant usage, which may be put immediately beneath the seed pots.Be vigilant about checking the moisture level of the seed containers if you plan on utilizing supplemental heat. Maintain Sturdy Plant Stems With Frequent Seedling Rotations Most seeds need between 12 and 16 hours of sunshine daily to germinate.If you’re starting seeds inside, put them in a bright south window and rotate the container by a quarter turn per day, so the seedlings don’t grow too tall and leggy.Also, you may promote robust stem development by brushing your hand’s palm over the heads of the seedlings. Get The Seedlings Used To The Sunshine Hardening off, or acclimating, seedlings to external conditions like full sunshine and temperature swings is necessary before they can be planted.This should be done over three days, starting with the morning of day one in direct sunshine. Each day, the time spent outside should be increased by a few hours until the plants are healthy enough to be brought inside.

Recently the Forest Administration and SHGs (Self Help Groups) have started an awareness Campaign to manage fires in Similipal Biosphere Reserve this year. GS III- Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the article: - About Similipal Biosphere Reserve - Other Major Protected Areas in Odisha About Similipal Biosphere Reserve - The Similipal Biosphere Reserve was formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956, and later on in 1994- it was declared as a biosphere reserve by the Government. - It has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve since 2009. - It is situated in the northern part of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. Geographically, it lies in the eastern end of the eastern ghat. - Vegetation of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve includes tropical semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous hill forests, high level sal forests and sprawling meadows. - Similipal is home to a wide range of wild animals including tigers and elephants, besides more than 300 species of birds, more than 100 species of flowering plants. - It is part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes 3 protected areas i.e., Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadagarh Wildlife sanctuary and Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary. - Two tribes, the Erenga Kharias and the Mankirdias, inhabit the reserve’s forests and practise traditional agricultural activities (the collection of seeds and timber). - Natural causes such as lighting or even soaring temperatures can sometimes result in forest fires here. - Instances of poaching and hunting wherein the poachers set a small patch of forest on fire to divert the wild animals, can lead to forest fires. Other Major Protected Areas in Odisha - Bhitarkanika National Park - Badrama WLS - Chilika (Nalaban island) WLS - Hadgarh WLS - Baisipalli WLS - Kotagarh WLS - Nandankanan WLS - Lakhari Valley WLS - Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS -Source: Indian Express

Recipes You Loved in January: Fried Chicken, Beef Ribs + More This year, it's all about making great food. January is always about resolutions: eating healthier, trying out new dishes, and making time to enjoy more home-cooked meals. Check out our popular recipes last month and see which ones you need to bookmark: Fried chicken is always a crowd favorite. Make a version that's extra garlicky! A spoonful transforms dishes into deliciously spicy plates. Love this restaurant-style fried chicken? Recreate it at home with our own take on the recipe. This sweet-savory and sticky plate is bound to be a hit! We cannot resist the rich buttercream in this Filipino treat! This beginner-friendly recipe makes homemade pizza-making easier! Coffee flavors add a delicious layer of flavor to this custard treat! Merienda is better with these mashed potato balls-they have a delightful cheesy center! Chocolate and coffee make for a moist cake that's hard to resist. Why go for bottled stuff when you can make your own at home?

Hand-tinted view of the Shepperd’s Dell bridge and the Columbia River circa 1920s Serendipity was at work after I posted this recent article on the venerable old Douglas fir that grows at the east end of the historic Shepperd’s Dell Bridge. First, I’ll share some great comments on the article from readers that shed more light on the story of the big fir. Reader Rosemary Shepperd Guttridge writes: “I use that tree as an indication of age of photo. My photo by Weister has the top in the tree. A slightly newer photo by Kinsey with a date of 1925, the top is out.” Rosemary is George Shepperd’s great, great-granddaughter and keeper of the Shepperd family history. You can read my 2014 interview with her and see some of Rosemary’s rare photos of Shepperd family history in this article: Reader Jerry King shared this fascinating bit of history: “Labor Day weekend in 2017 wasn’t this tree’s only threat. In the summer of 2016, my wife and I were westbound approaching the fir when smoke came up out of the canyon! We parked after crossing the bridge and saw flames crawling up the east bank (north of the bridge). I quickly called 911 and then began the 26-minute wait for the first Corbett Fire truck to arrive. Flames came within 20’ of the grand old fir!” Jerry’s account raises the question of whether this earlier fire might have actually saved the big fir by burning some of the accumulated fuel and brush on the slope beneath the tree before the big fire swept through in 2017? On the same day that Rosemary and Jerry posted their comments on the article, a couple of historic postcards I had bid on arrived in the mail. Both were of Shepperd’s Dell, and both are new images to my ever-growing collection of old photos and postcards. The first is the hand-tinted image at the top of this article. You can view a large version here: What sets this image apart from the many Shepperd’s Dell postcards I’ve collected is the wide view that includes the Columbia River, Sand Island and the pasture land in the floodplain that has now reverted to forests, meadows – and a freeway, of course. The second image (below) is even more unusual, so I will dissect this one a bit for some of the stories it tells. This is the full image, shot (somewhat impossibly) from the steep cliff at the west end of the Shepperd’s Dell bridge. It features a parade of touring automobiles coming across the bridge, and visitors parked at the east end pullout, as well. Like the first image, it also shows the Columbia River and Sand Island in the distance. Traffic jam on Shepperd’s Dell bridge in the early days of the historic highway Photographers back in the day hauled around large format cameras and even larger tripods to capture these photos – a testament to the photographer who staked out this image. There’s good reason why this view is rare! A closer look at the three vehicles on the bridge (below) suggests that, while this was a well-planned image, it probably wasn’t staged. Only the woman in the middle of the backseat in the first vehicle is looking up at the photographer, and cars still stack up like this on the bridge today as tourists take in the amazing views of Shepperd’s Dell, no prompting required. Given the popularity of auto touring in the early 1900s, it’s likely the historic highway looked like this on any given sunny, summer afternoon (and I’m basing that on the tops down on the cars and shadows showing the sun moving toward the west horizon). Well, at least SOMEBODY spotted the photographer on the cliff above the bridge! (…the woman looking up from the backseat of the first car) This photo was taken between 1914 and 1917, and there are surely some auto buffs out there who can identify the makes and years of the vehicles in this image to me, too. While I’m definitely not an auto buff, I did notice that two of the three (!) vehicles on the bridge have their steering wheels on the right side of the car – not unusual at the time, as left-side steering only because predominant with the introduction of the Ford Model T in 1908. A closer look (below) at the pullout at the east end of the bridge reveals a scene with all manner of activity. Several cars are parked or stopped, with visitors walking onto the bridge for views of the river and Shepperd’s Dell waterfalls – just as we do today. Two children are playing under the big fir – perhaps picking up its fallen cones? The big tree is already impressive in this view, too – at least 3 feet in diameter more than a century ago. Lots going on at the east end of the bridge (and below the big fir) in this scene! The scene beyond the pullout, directly under Bishops Cap, really caught my eye. There are several people walking about in the middle of the road and what looks to be a car stopped in the middle of the road. That would be hair raising on this blind corner today, and it probably was back then, too! It is this part of the scene, along with the overall level of activity, that makes me think this photo was captured when the historic Columbia River Highway was dedicated in June 1916. How did I narrow the image on this card to between 1914 and 1917? The message on the back is key (below), as the postmark confirms the date, and that it was sent from Portland. The Shepperd’s Dell bridge was completed in 1914, and thus this image was captured sometime during that period. The postmark means this card was sent almost exactly one year after the highway was formally dedicated. 1917 Message on the reverse of the Shepperd’s Dell Bridge postcard. As postmarked postcards go, this one is a real gem. The sender (“Margaret”) not only dated her message, she also describes her “grand trip” along the road pictured on the front of the card – surprisingly few postcards contain messages that speak to the image on the front We can only guess who young Eliott might be in relation to the sender, only that he “is a mighty good boy and wishes to be remember to Aunt Elizabeth.” Yes, it still is a “grand trip”, Margaret! Out of curiosity, I looked up Miss Elizabeth’s address and it turns out to be an impressive, turreted townhome (below, with red doors), now part of the Moreland Street Historic District in south Boston. Margaret and Elizabeth would be shocked at the changes both Portland and Boston have seen over the past century, for sure. Meanwhile, the scene at Shepperd’s Dell remains largely the same as it appears in this old postcard. Even the big fir survives. We should be proud of that, as it didn’t happen by accident – beginning with George Shepperd donating his dell to the public in 1915, and later, federal protection of the Gorge as a national scenic area and restoration of the historic Columbia River Highway. The lovely townhome in Boston where Aunt Elizabeth lived in 1917 still stands! Reading century-old postcard messages like this always makes me wonder just what bits of ephemera from our time might even survive to be looked upon a century from now as a glimpse into how we lived. I think about this when I write these articles and post the images into a digital ether, to be stored on servers 1,000 miles away, then temporarily viewed on computer screens and electronic gadgets. Paradoxically, the same digital era technology that reduces our words and memories to electrons also allowed me to find an old postcard sent to Massachusetts a century ago and bring it back home to Oregon. I’m not sure there are any lessons here… just a reminder to go write a few postcards! 1920s postcard view of the Shepperd’s Dell Bridge and its iconic Douglas fir (colorized for this article) A reader reached out a few weeks ago with a question about “that big fir tree at Shepperd’s Dell, and as it turned out, I had been working on an article on that very subject! The tree in question is unmistakable: it stands near the east end of the iconic Shepperd’s Dell Bridge, perhaps the most recognizable of the many graceful bridges along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The big tree is a Douglas fir, Oregon’s official state tree, and it has been growing here since well before this section of the historic highway was constructed in 1914. The tree grows in a protected hollow, surrounded on three sides by basalt cliffs. George Shepperd, the local farmer who donated what is today’s Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area to become a park, walked under the tree with his family on their regular visits to visit the waterfalls at Shepperd’s Dell from their farm, located just to the east. Today, countless visitors admire it from the shady wayside at the east end of the bridge. 1910s view of the west approach to Shepperd’s Dell with the big fir rising in front of Bishops Cap Early photos of the new Shepperd’s Dell Bridge taken in the late 1910s (above) show the tree prominently framing the rock outcrop known as Bishops Cap, more than a century ago. At the time, the tree was large enough to easily be 60-70 years old, though it still had the symetrical shape of a relatively youthful tree. The image below shows the 1910s scene in reverse, from atop Bishops Cap, with the big Douglas fir standing out in the foreground and a few early motorists parked along the opposite side of the highway. 1910s view looking west from the top of Bishops Cap toward Shepperd’s Dell Bridge, with early motorists and the big fir front and center at the east end of the bridge This hand-colored postcard (below) from the 1930s features Bishops Cap, and the big Douglas fir is especially prominent in this view. The construction of Historic Columbia River Highway was famously designed to blend with nature and follow the contours of the land, but that still required road engineer Samuel Lancaster to do some fairly heavy blasting and grading to complete the scenic route. At Shepperd’s Dell, he graded the slope above the big fir, but clearly took care to protect the tree from fill debris, likely extending its life for another century. 1930s hand-tinted postcard view of Bishops Cap with the big fir prominently featured to the left Here’s another hand-tinted 1930s postcard view (below) from the west end of the Shepperd’s Dell Bridge showing Bishops Cap and the big fir. When I first came across this image, I assumed that a fair amount of artist’s license was used to create the scene, since it appears to be from a point in space, where a vertical cliff drops directly below the historic highway. 1930s hand-tinted postcard view of the Shepperd’s Dell Bridge and the big fir in the upper left However, I eventually came across the 1920s era photo (below) that the previous, hand-tinted image was created from. It turns out the photographer was part mountain goat and managed to capture the scene from a vertical slope below the old highway! As in the hand-tinted view, the big Douglas fir rises beyond the bridge, on the left. This is the 1920s photograph that the previous hand-tinted scene was based upon, with the big fir in the upper left This 1910s view (below) is perhaps the most popular of the early images of the Shepperd’s Dell Bridge. It appeared in both its black and white original form and in colorized versions on countless postcards and in souvenir folios that were popular with early motorists visiting the Gorge. At the time this photo was taken, many sections of the new highway were still unpaved, including the section at Shepperd’s Dell. This is perhaps the most popular 1920s postcard view of Shepperd’s Dell Bridge, with the big fir on the left Over the century since Samuel Lancaster built his iconic highway through the area, the big fir at Shepperd’s Dell has thrived, as shown in this pair of images (below). The arrows provide reference points on Bishops Cap that helps underscore just how much the old fir has grown in just over century when viewed from the same spot at the west end of Shepperd’s Dell Bridge. A century passed between these views, but the big fir remains and has grown noticeably larger — the 2021 view is somewhat wider than the 1920s view to fully capture the big fir! In the 1920s view, the top of the big fir was visually just a big higher than the top of Bishops Cap. By 2021, the tree had not only added some 50 feet to its height, it had also spread out and formed a more rounded crown that is typical for mature Douglas fir. The upper arrow in the 2021 image points to what was the approximate top of the tree in the 1920s. The spread of the tree is noticeable in the 2021 image, as well, as it now obscures part of Bishops Cap from this perspective. The big fir at Shepperd’s Dell after the fire..? The charred base of the big fir at Shepperd’s Dell in 2018, one year after the fire Today, the Shepperd’s Dell fir remains a familiar feature to those stopping at the wayside, a true survivor that stands out from the surrounding forest. Its stout trunk is much larger than other trees in the area, and there has always been a bit of a mystery about a plank attached to the tree and metal cable that disappears into the canopy (I won’t attempt to solve that in this article!). So, when Eagle Creek Fire swept through the Gorge and reached Shepperd’s Dell over Labor Day weekend in 2017, the fate of this old tree was on my mind. In the immediate aftermath of the fire, it was clear that the big tree hadn’t crowned (meaning the fire hadn’t engulfed the entire tree), but a significant part of the crown had been scorched and the bark at the base of the tree was badly blackened. The understory around the tree was completely burned away, so it was clear the fire had burned hot when it swept through. Because the fire occurred toward the end of the growing season, when conifers are becoming dormant with the approach of winter, it was impossible to know if the living cambium layers under the big fir’s thick bark had been destroyed by the heat of the burn. That would have to wait until the next spring, when the stress of producing new growth would test the its ability to survive. By the fall of 2018 — one year after the fire – the situation was discouraging. The old tree had put out very little new growth on its remaining green limbs in its first growing season after the fire. And while it retained many of its surviving limbs over the course of that year’s summer drought, many had dropped their needles and died back (below), leaving the tree with less than half its canopy intact. Still, it had managed to survive the first year following the fire. Looking up at the badly scorched canopy of the big fir in 2018, one year after the fire The group of younger Douglas fir around the big tree didn’t fare as well. Some had been immediately killed by the fire, while others that survived the initial blaze seemed to have lost too much living canopy to recover from the fire (below). During that first summer, the combined loss of green canopy and stress from the annual drought season was too much for many of these trees to survive their first year after the fire. The scorched big fir and its smaller companions in 2018, one year after the fire As the big fir at Shepperd’s Dell entered its second winter season after the fire in 2018-19, it wasn’t looking good at all. It has put on almost no new growth that year, and the annual needle drop that fall left even more blackened, bare limbs exposed. Worse, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) was cutting down what it deemed to be hazard trees along the historic highway in the wake of the fire. This included scores of trees around Shepperd’s Dell, some of them living trees that were impacted by the fire, but still surviving. Its haggard appearance at the time (below) put the big fir at great risk of being defined a “hazard” by highway crews, but thankfully, it was spared from the chainsaws. The Shepperd’s Dell fir in 2019… with less than half its canopy intact, the old tree was still hanging on… Then, in the spring of 2019, the big fir pushed out a modest flush of new growth on its surviving limbs in its second season of growth following the fire. It wasn’t much, but it did signal that the tree was finally starting to rebound from the fire. It was no longer losing ground in its recovery. As the spring of 2020 unfolded, our world seemed to stop as the COVID pandemic swept the globe, but for the big fir at Shepperd’s Dell, things were clearly looking up. The tree put on another flush of new growth in its third year following the fire, then another flush of new growth followed in the spring of 2021. While we hunkered down in the pandemic, the big fir was making its comeback (below). The big fir makes a comeback: three growing seasons between these images show significant recovery of the crown and middle canopy Looking up into the canopy in 2021, the change in just three years of gradual recovery is dramatic (below). The big fir has been rebuilding its living canopy and thereby restoring its ability to actively grow, once again. Surprisingly, some of the new growth was also emerging from limbs that seemed to have been lost in that first year after the fire, but apparently had just enough living cambium layer left to allow new growth to emerge through the blackened bark. Looking up into the recovering canopy of the big fir in late 2021 Today, the future of the big fir at Shepperd’s Dell seems much brighter. Its recovery is remarkable, considering how many of its neighbors were lost to the fire (below). But that’s no accident. Our largest conifers — Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine and Western Larch — typically drop their lower limbs as they grow. This adaption focuses growth at the top of their canopies, where they can absorb the most sunlight, but it also helps protect their living crowns when fires sweep through by denying a “ladder” of lower limbs that allow fire to climb up the tree to the main canopy. Low intensity fires reinforce this adaptation, with the lowest limbs of moderately burned trees often succumbing to the fire, even as the tree survives, placing its crown still further above the reach of future moderate intensity burns. These “cool” fires are beneficial, helping thin the forest, remove accumulated fuel, invigorate the leafy understory and allow the largest trees to live on to continue anchoring the forest. Combined with thick, fire-resistant bark, these big conifer species define the “fire forests” along the east slopes of the Cascades, where fire is an essential part of the ecosystem, though Douglas Fir grows throughout the Cascades. The big fir survives! But some of its companions did not… While some of the area burned in the 2017 Eagle Creek fire fit the definition of “beneficial”, vast areas burned far too hot for any trees to survive, requiring whole ecosystems to restart from bare soil, and in turn, exposing bare soil to serious erosion. Today, modern forest management is increasingly embracing prescribed burns with moderately hot fires to mimic the frequent beneficial burns that were common before modern fire suppression began in the early 1900s. While still controversial for the risk that prescribed burns can potentially bring to rural property, their overwhelming benefit to the forest and role in preventing catastrophic fires is unquestionable. Look closely at the burn patterns following the Eagle Creek Fire, and you will also see big conifers growing in moist canyons or shaded north-facing slopes were more likely to survive the fire. This has to do with the timing of the blaze. When the fire swept through over Labor Day weekend in 2017, Oregon’s forests were at their most stressed point in the growing season, with several months of drought and hot weather drying trees out and making their extremely vulnerable to fire. Yet, trees with better access to moisture during the annual drought cycle are able to stay fully hydrated, and are much less vulnerable to the intense heat of a forest fire. This is also why some of our largest trees are found where summer moisture is available. Look at the bark on many of these trees, and you are likely to see ancient burn marks, often from multiple fires that these trees have survived over their long lives. As our forests cope with a changing, warming climate, these conditions favorable to survival will become increasingly important if we hope to continue to have big trees in our forests. Aerial view of Shepperd’s Dell from 2019 showing the historic highway curving gracefully around the shaded hollow holding the big fir (ODOT image) What does the future hold for the big fir at Shepperd’s Dell? In the near future, this old tree suddenly has less competition for water and nutrients from nearby trees that succumbed to the fire. For the longer term, it enjoys an excellent location for survival, growing in a shaded, moist bowl surrounded by protective cliffs that buffer it from the seemingly perpetual Columbia Gorge winds. Douglas fir can live for centuries, and there’s no reason this old tree can’t outlive every human being walking on the planet today – and their children and grandchildren, too! Its most lethal threat is probably us. So, hopefully we will continue to give it the respect and space to grow that Sam Lancaster provided with his curving highway design more than a century ago, allowing many future generations to marvel at this old survivor, just as we do. Previous WyEast Blog articles on the remarkable George Shepperd: If you have followed this blog for a while, then you know I gather up my best WyEast images each year and publish them in the Mount Hood National Park Campaign Scenic Calendar. They are available online, and all proceeds from the calendars go the Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), a non-profit trail advocacy and stewardship organization that I’ve volunteered with since TKO formed, way back in 2007. I’ll post more on how to order the 2022 calendar at the end of this article. But first, here’s a preview of the images, along with a few stories behind the photos. The January image (below) and cover shot (top) in the new calendar were taken on the same magical evening at Lolo Pass, just a few weeks ago. The clouds framing the mountain were condensing right above me on this clear, cold evening, as they often do here, when moist Pacific air is compressed as it pushes over Lolo Pass on Mount Hood’s northwest shoulder. In winter, this geographic phenomenon can create a localized freezing-fog event at Lolo Pass, though it might be sunny and dry for miles in every direction! January features Mount Hood alpengow from Lolo Pass I’ve spent many evenings at Lolo Pass photographing alpenglow on the mountain under these conditions, and the fun (or frustration!) comes with the mountain peeking through the clouds, then quickly disappearing, once again. Because the prime evening light lasts for only a few minutes, those moments when the clouds suddenly part to reveal alpenglow on the mountain are a real thrill for photographers. On this evening, I was joined by another photographer, and we both cheered when the clouds opening up to reveal not just the mountain, but also the moonrise appearing over his shoulder! The moment was over after just a few seconds, but it is captured in the cover photo for this year’s calendar. It was the also the last time WyEast revealed himself on that memorable evening. For February, I chose an image of Cedar Island, a botanical anomaly located in the heart of the Deschutes River canyon. This article from earlier this year tells the story of this odd group of Incense Cedar trees mysteriously growing far outside their normal range and habitat and somehow thriving in the middle of desert country, thanks to a confluence of unique conditions. February features mysterious Cedar Island in the Deschutes River Canyon These trees are truly oddities, but as described in the article, they’re also doing quite well. They have now established a satellite colony on the shoreline opposite the island, where a combination of shade and underground springs has allowed them to thrive. You can visit this grove by following the Deschutes River access road north from Sherars Falls for a few miles, just beyond Beavertail Campground. As the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire begins to fade into our collective memory, and the post-fire recovery of the Columbia River Gorge continues to unfold, there are plenty of surprises. Perhaps most startling are the twin cliff collapses at Metlako Falls and nearby Punch Bowl Falls, along Eagle Creek. The Metlako overlook collapse occurred about nine months before the fire, but the Punch Bowl Falls event followed the burn. Some speculate the latter event was triggered by changes in runoff and the water table resulting from the burned forest. It’s an intriguing theory, though we may never really know for sure. What is certain is that both events are part of the ongoing evolution of the Gorge landscape, though we tend to think of it as static. A similar collapse on a much larger scale occurred at nearby Tanner Creek in 1973, temporarily damming the creek and forming a lake that persisted for several years. The March calendar image features Wahclella Falls (below), framed by house-sized boulders that mark the many cliff collapses that have occurred here over the millennia. March features Wahclella Falls on Tanner Creek The Eagle Creek Fire burned lightly in the lower section of the Tanner Creek canyon, sparing many of the big, old trees here. However, the story in the upper Tanner Creek canyon is starkly different, with much of the overstory completely killed. Though just four years have passed since the fire, hundreds of logs from trees burned upstream have already collected in the side channel just below Wahclella Falls (below), forming a huge log jam that spilled onto the trail! Volunteers from TKO had to saw a path through the debris to reopen the trail in the winter of 2020-21. What will the post-fire future bring to Tanner Creek and Eagle Creek? A LOT more logs, that much is certain. Some logs will make it downstream to the lowest stretches of the Tanner Creek, where biologists once placed logs and boulders in an attempt to improve salmon habitat. Now, the Eagle Creek fire is about to provide a major assist in that work by delivering a lot more logs in coming years. Panoramic view of the new log jam below Wahclella Falls The logs in Tanner Creek (and other major streams in the Gorge affected by the fire) may be new to us, but they are really just a return to what used to be, before fire suppression, when the Gorge was much less forested and the streams were filled with a lot more logs. That’s good news for the health of the forest and the endangered salmon and steelhead that rely on log-filled streams to spawn, as well as wildlife that depend on a forest with a mosaic of old growth forests, recovering forests and open patches created by fire. For April, I chose a somewhat deceptive image from a spot called Fairbanks Gap (below), in the eastern Columbia River Gorge. One deception comes from the fact that Interstate-84 is not only out of sight, but also out of hearing range from this spot, despite being directly below the cliffs that frame the gap. Another is that this scene is on private land, and thus a reminder that without the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area protections, a lot more places like this would have vacation homes (or worse) constructed on them. Instead, this remains a working cattle ranch – though I hope someday it will make its way into public ownership for permanent protection. April features Fairbanks Gap and the east Columbia River Gorge You can follow a nice backroad loop past the Fairbanks Gap by taking Fifteenmile Road out of The Dalles, and turning sharply uphill onto gravel (and signed) Old Moody Road at the rural crossroad community of Fairbanks (which features a lovely one-room schoolhouse). From here, Old Moody Road climbs to the gap, then traverses high bluffs above the Columbia River, with many spectacular views, before descending to Deschutes State Park, along I-84. My favorite time to visit this area is in late spring, when wildflowers line the old roads, and the eastern Gorge is verdant green. The May image also features the eastern Gorge, this time at Rowena Plateau during the annual wildflower show. Yellow-flowered Arrowleaf balsamroot and blue-blossomed Lupine are the showy stars here, but the plateau is home to dozens of wildflower species, some found only in this part of the Gorge. May features Rowena Plateau (and the town of Lyle, across the river) In recent years, Rowena Plateau and the trail to McCall Point have been “discovered”, and the place is often crowded with adoring visitors. To address some of the impacts of all those feet on the trails, TKO has been working on some realignments and repairs to the McCall Point trail, with an eye toward improving the grades and drainage in a way that makes the trails more resilient to both weather and boots. The Nature Conservancy owns much of Rowena Plateau, and continues to allow visitors to their preserve. This is a real gift for the public to enjoy, and while the vast majority come to enjoy (and revere) the scenery, big crowds inevitably mean a few thoughtless people. So, while I was frustrated to see tagging on a boulder along the lower part of the McCall Point trail on this trip, I also wasn’t surprised. Tagging on a boulder on Rowena Plateau – a growing scourge in the Gorge Tagging has become a problem throughout WyEast country, and especially in the Gorge. It’s especially frustrating at Rowena, where a private non-profit has shown the generosity of allowing us to visit their preserve. We probably can’t stop tagging, but you can support the Nature Conservancy of Oregon with a donation for the excellent work they are doing in the Gorge. Our early and unusually warm spring this year came on the heels of an excellent snowpack, and that translated into heavy runoff and an impressive scene at White River Falls State Park, in the desert country east of Mount Hood. The June calendar image features a raging White River Falls (below), framed with bright green Cottonwood trees. The park encompasses the two-tiered main falls and a lesser-known lower falls, along with the fascinating ruins of a turn-of-the-20th Century hydroelectric project that once powered The Dalles. June features White River Falls during spring runoff season Only photographers would notice this aesthetic improvement to the main falls overlook – but sometime over the past years, a pair of long-dead Cottonwoods that partly blocked the view finally collapsed… or were perhaps were removed by park officials? The latter explanation is quite plausible, as the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has stepped up their efforts to maintain this somewhat remote park, including buttoning up the historic powerhouse, where vandals had covered some of the walls with tagging and damaged some of the old machinery. Snaggy former view of White River Falls… these dead trees are gone! In the years I’ve spent visiting this little park, it has gone from very obscure to quite popular, and even the boot path to the once little-known lower falls is now well-worn. In a coming article, I’ll post some trail concepts for improving some of these boot paths and adding new trails to better manage some of the human impacts as visitation continues to grow. Lower White River Falls and Gorge For July, I chose an image from a favorite spot along the Cooper Spur Trail, overlooking the mighty Eliot Glacier, largest of Mount Hood’s glaciers. Our long spring and record-setting summer heat were hard on Mount Hood’s glaciers, and by late summer the Eliot Glacier was looking especially beleaguered. This image (below) was captured in late September, after an early snow had given the glacier a new coat of white, and the annual summer melting had finally slowed for the year. July features the still-magnificent Eliot Glacier As I was shooting this image of the mountain and the Eliot Glacier, I spotted a mountain rescue team training at the base of the lower icefall. There was a time not too long ago when the seracs (or ice pinnacles) in the lower icefall with turquoise-blue and a prime ice climbing area. Climbers training in mountain rescue below the lower Eliot Glacier icefall But the continued retreat of the Eliot Glacier has now moved the firn line above the lower icefall in recent years, and the seracs are now dark with glacial till and rock. The firn line is where a glacier is losing more ice than it is gaining, so as the glacier recedes the firn line gradually moves higher. This is pair of images (below) that I’ve taken over the past decade from this spot, and I post them not to make readers feel sad or discouraged, but rather, to underscore the sense of urgency we all must feel in our collective response to global warming. The Eliot Glacier has receded markedly over just the past decade The accelerated Eliot Glacier retreat over the past two decades has had all sort of impacts, but near the top of the list of concerns is the impact on downstream fisheries that depend on cold, dependable runoff from the glacier. A more visible impact has been the deep erosion and periodic floods and debris flows that have reshaped the Eliot Branch canyon, below the glacier. Though I know both the science and politics are challenging, I’m hopeful that we’ll find a path toward a worldwide shift away from carbon pollution in my lifetime. Future generations may not see the Eliot Glacier as I once knew it, but hopefully there will be a smaller Eliot Glacier they can stand in awe of, still tumbling down the slopes of Mount Hood. At the opposite end of the glacial spectrum, the August calendar image features the icy stream that flows from Mount Hood’s tiniest living glacier, the tenacious Glisan Glacier, located high on the northwest shoulder of the mountain. For some reason, this glacial outflow was never given a proper name by early mountain explorers, despite many smaller streams on the mountain being named. The oversight is a bit of a mystery, as there were several well-documented trips to this side of the mountain in the early 1920s and 1930s by the Mazamas for the very purpose of mapping and naming the features here. August features “Glisan Creek”, the glacial outflow from the tiny Glisan Glacier As a default, many call this “Glisan Creek”. That’s not a bad option, since there’s a good chance the glacier, itself, will fall victim to global warming in coming decades, and only the creek will remain. The Glisan Glacier was named for prominent Portlander Rodney Glisan in 1938. Some of the history of all of Mount Hood’s smallest glaciers is included in this earlier article on Mount Hood’s Pint-Size Glaciers. After an especially long and dry spring and summer in WyEast Country, fall brought early snow and some of the best fall colors in memory to the mountain. The scene below, at the McNeil Tarns, was captured after the first dusting of snow in late September, and it’s also the calendar image for that month in the new calendar. September features the McNeil Tarns on Mount Hood This is a well-known spot along the Timberline Trail, as it is located along the approach to popular McNeil Point on the northwest shoulder of the mountain and visited by thousands of hikers each year. While most hikers know of the pair of McNeil tarns located immediately adjacent to the Timberline Trail, few know of the third, lesser-known tarn in this trio. It’s located just off the Mazama Trail (below). Thanks to a dense veil of trailside Huckleberries, Mountain Ash and young Mountain Hemlock, this beautiful tarn is known to surprisingly few, but it is no less lovely than its more popular siblings. The Mazama Tarn near McNeil Point on Mount Hood Over the past five years, I’ve posted several articles about Punchbowl Falls Nature Park, the newest public lands in WyEast Country. The new park is the product of determined volunteers at Thrive! Hood River and Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), and features a surprising abundance of forest types, river scenes and waterfalls. Dead Point Falls (the October calendar image, below) is among the park highlights, especially in fall when Bigleaf Maple, Vine Maple, Western Dogwood and Oregon White Oak light up the surrounding forest in shades of orange, yellow and red. October features Dead Point Falls and the West Fork Hood River Meanwhile, higher up on the mountain, beautiful Heather Canyon on Mount Hood’s southeast flank is especially lovely in fall, when Huckleberry and Mountain Ash turn the canyon into a brilliant watercolor of orange and yellow. Lower Heather Creek Falls (below) is the featured image for November in the new calendar. November features Heather Creek on the southeast slopes of Mount Hood There are a couple ways to hike into Heather Canyon, but I always opt for the Newton Creek Trail approach, mostly to avoid walking through the Mount Hood Meadows ski resort. In the coming year, I hope to post a long-planned article with a somewhat radical proposal for rethinking Mount Hood Meadows – something we should all be considering as climate change threatens to put ski resorts as we know them out of business in coming years. Anyone visiting Lookout Mountain on Mount Hood’s east side has probably noticed this beautifully framed view from Lookout Mountain Road (below), and I chose it for the December image in the new calendar. If the conditions are right, early snow on the mountain appears just as the Western Larch trees are turning to yellow and gold, and such was the case this year! December features Mount Hood framed by Western Larch I’ve photographed this spot too many times to count over the years and I’ve always thought of it as a scene only hikers knew about. However, a couple of days after capturing the calendar image, I was walking through my neighborhood grocery store and did a double take when I saw the scene on the cover of a nationally marketed calendar! This looks vaguely familiar… The photographer (and I’m not sure who it is) captured a less snowy version of Mount Hood, though it remains a beautiful image, and it’s great to see this lesser-known view of the mountain in wide publication. Finally, the back cover of the new calendar features wildflower highlights from around WyEast country, ranging from the elegant Mount Hood Lily and Pacific Rhododendron to our state flower, the Oregon Grape (below). The back cover of the calendar features a selection of wildflowers There you have it! If you’d like to purchase a calendar, it’s easy to order direct from Zazzle: Each page in the calendar measures 11×14 inches (or 22×14” unfolded on the wall) and I’ve designed this as a functioning calendar, with date squares that you can actually write in! Zazzle prints these with exceptional quality and ships them carefully packaged with a backer board and moisture seal. For another week or so, the calendars will sell for $29.75, but after December 20 that price will bump up to $34.95, with the additional five dollars of markup also going to directly to TKO, bringing the total to about $10 from each calendar to TKO for the great work they do. Zazzle typically ships these within a few days of ordering, and I usually receive orders within about 10 days. Thanks for reading this far, and as always, thanks for visiting the blog – I hope to see you here and on the trail in the coming year! Forests of Noble fir forests spread out to the horizon along the crest of Waucoma Ridge, just north of Mount Hood (Mount Adams in the distance) We’re coming into another holiday season when millions of Americans will set up a Christmas tree cut in Oregon. There’s a good chance it will be a Noble fir, long prized as the most beautiful and durable of Christmas trees, representing about a third of the cut tree industry here. There was a time when Noble fir grown as holiday trees were left in their natural state, which features elegant tiers of symmetrical branches and soft, deep green, upwardly curving needles. In recent years, Nobles grown for mass-market consumption have increasingly been sheared to produce a densely branched, unnatural thicket (acknowledging my bias, here!) in the same way that Douglas fir have long been cultivated in the Christmas tree trade. Still, the un-sheared Nobles remain the gold standard, and they sell for gold-standard prices at tree lots, too. New grown emerging on Noble fir boughs Noble fir cones In Oregon, families also have the option of cutting their own Christmas trees at U-cut tree farms, a popular benefit of living in a region that produces millions of holiday trees for the nation. It’s also possible to cut your own tree on National Forest land, a tradition that dates back a century or more. Though more regulated today by the U.S. Forest Service, families looking for a more adventurous option than local tree lot can head up to designated areas on the mountain (typically powerline corridors or recovering clear cuts) and bring home their own cut tree. The author at age 11 (second from left) with family and friends on a 1973 trip to Lolo Pass to cut Christmas trees. Noble fir were always the goal, but in those days of heavier mountain snows, simply reaching the Noble fir zone in December was an adventure! Christmas trees are pretty much the extent of public knowledge of the noblest of our true firs. As the common name might suggest, noble fir is the largest of all true firs. Their name was given in the fall of 1825 by botanist David Douglas when he ventured into the high country above the Columbia River River Gorge, in the vicinity of today’s Cascade Locks. Though he wasn’t specific about the peak he climbed on the north side of the river, it is believed to be today’s Table Mountain. A few days later, he climbed to a high point on the Oregon side, most likely today’s Benson Plateau. On this pair of climbs, he came upon magnificent, old-growth stands of Noble fir, and gave them their well-deserved name. While they are undeniably beautiful as young trees, old-growth Noble fir are a sight to behold. Like many of our Pacific Northwest conifers, these trees grow to be giants, with the largest on record reaching nearly 300 feet in height and nearly 10 feet in diameter. Old-growth Noble fir forests near Mount Hood’s Bennett Pass An ancient Noble fir giant towers above the surrounding forest canopy near Bennett Pass Noble fir are also unique to the Pacific Northwest, with a range that extends from just above of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington south to the Siskiyou Mountains in Southern Oregon and the Trinity Alps region along the northern edge of California. In their southern extent, they are known to hybridize with California’s Shasta fir, a variety of the Red fir that grows in the Sierras and extends into the southern fringe of the Noble fir range. Despite their willingness to grow in planted rows as farmed Christmas tree seedlings in the hot, dry summers of the Willamette Valley floor, Noble fir are a subalpine species. They typically grow at elevations of 3,500 feet to 5,500 feet, where they are long-lived and acclimated to the harsh winters of our mountains. Not surprisingly, they grow more slowly under these conditions, but they are tremendously adaptable, and often grow on very steep mountain slopes and exposed, rocky ridgetops. Centuries-old Noble fir giant near Bennett Pass Noble fir is a sun-loving pioneer species in our forests, quickly colonizing in burn areas to form pure, long-lived stands. Hike through one of the towering old-growth stands found in the high country of the Columbia Gorge or on the peaks surrounding Mount Hood, and you’re likely walking through an old burn, with the age of the trees as a good indicator of when fire last roared through, long ago. That’s because they are not only post-fire colonizers, but also highly susceptible to fire as mature trees, as they lack the protective bark of fire-adapted conifers like Ponderosa pine and Western larch. This cycle of burn-and-rebirth in our Noble fir forests is on full display today on the north slopes of Mount Hood, where the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire burned through sprawling stands of subalpine Noble fir. These forests were almost entirely killed where the fires swept through, yet today, the forest recovery is already well underway, with young Noble fir seedlings leading the way among other post-fire pioneer species. Ghost forest of Noble fir skeletons where the Dollar Lake Fire swept through a decade ago Ancient Noble fir killed by the Dollar Lake Fire will provide wildlife habitat for many decades to come as a new forest grows here Noble fir seedling emerging from the charred ashes of the Dollar Lake Fire Meanwhile, across the Clear Branch canyon on the north of the mountain, the forests along the crest of Blue Ridge and at Owl Point (along today’s Old Vista Ridge Trail) are made up almost entirely of Noble fir that had colonized an earlier burn there, one that occurred sometime in the early 1900s. This pair of photos (below) from Owl Point shows how the foreground was burned and just beginning to recover in 1952, while 70 years later the scene is reversed: the forests along Blue Ridge and Owl Point have largely recovered, while the north slope of the mountain is just beginning its recovery from the 2011 Dollar lake Fire. When our Noble fir forests are spared of fire and logging, individual trees can easily live up to 400 years. The oldest known Noble fir have reached 600 to 700 years, though trees of this age are exceedingly rare after more than a century of commercial logging in the Pacific Northwest. In the early days of extensive logging, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, true firs were considered a lesser wood, so the timber industry marketed the massive, old-growth Noble firs as “Larch”. This explains two Larch Mountains in the Columbia River Gorge, one on each side of the river, and each the site of extensive turn-of-the-century logging in the early 1900s. The better-known Larch Mountain is on the Oregon side, and its broad, high elevation slopes provided a perfect habitat for Noble fir. Loggers felling a massive Noble fir on Larch Mountain in 1905 By the early 1900s, the Bridal Veil Mill on the Columbia River had established an upstream sister mill in the heart of these Noble fir forests, where the trees were hundreds of years old, having been spared by fire for many centuries. The upstream mill was known as the Palmer Mill (and later, New Palmer Mill, after the first mill burned), and a road on Larch Mountain still carries its name. Loggers carried giant Noble fir cut on the slopes of Larch Mountain to the New Palmer Mill on logging railroads. This scene is from 1905 Old-growth Noble fir logs were milled at the original Palmer Mill site on the north slope of Larch Mountain. This scene is from 1896, when logging of the virgin Noble fir forests there was in its heyday Palmer Mill was attached to the main mill by a long flume that followed Bridal Veil Creek, and it was the hub for a massive logging enterprise on Larch Mountain that felled most of the virgin Noble fir forests. Huge logs were first sent to Palmer Mill on a branched system of logging railroad spurs, then milled into rough lumber that was floated down the flume system to the Bridal Veil Mill for finishing into construction grade lumber. Today, all but a few traces of the Palmer Mill are gone, and many of the Noble fir forests on Larch Mountain are approaching 100 years in age. The area somehow dodged the 2017 Gorge Fire that swept through vast areas of the Gorge, burning through thousands of acres of Noble fir forests in the Gorge high country. Noble fir in the age of Climate Change Today, Noble fir country in the western Oregon Cascades is a checkerboard of clear cuts that mark the advent of National Forest logging that began on a commercial scale in the late 1940s. When these trees were cut, the catch phrase used to justify logging ancient forests was “sustained yield”, though sustained yield forestry never envisioned restoring ancient forests to their natural state. Instead, the management philosophy was to provide a continual supply of 60-100 year-old trees from plantations that could be repeatedly logged via a vast network of logging roads built in our forests from the late 1940s through the early 1990s. When 7.5 minute USGS maps were created in the 1950s and early 60s, there were already thousands of clear cuts on Forest Service lands that showed up on the new maps as a checkboard in heavily logged areas like Mount Hood’s Blue Ridge (shown here). Many more clear cuts followed, and sixty years later, these clear cuts are often overcrowded plantations of conifers that the Forest Service is now thinning through new timber sales Despite the early bias against true firs, the wood produced by Noble fir eventually came to be valued for being light and strong, and was used during World War II in aircraft, as well as more common construction uses in windows, doors and paper production. This led to aggressive logging in the later years of the commercial timber boom of the 1950s-90s, when lower elevation forests had already been logged over, and high-elevation Noble fir forests were increasingly targeted. The Pacific Crest Trail follows the crest of this ridge near Lolo Pass, where heavily logged, high-elevation Noble fir forests have been slow to recover. These clear cuts are now 40-50 years old, and yet the stunted, crowded young plantation trees are still dwarfed by the groves of big, old-growth trees that were spared the chainsaw Clearcutting on the steep, mountainous terrain where Noble fir grow was never sustainable, at least as measured in human lifetimes. The big, high elevation Noble fir forests sold off by the Forest Service were often hundreds of years old, with even the smaller-diameter trees well over a century old. There was never a chance to produce a rotating “crop” of trees at these elevations large enough to justify logging for generations to come, but that didn’t slow the rush to log these forests. Instead, the logging boom finally peaked with the listing of the Spotted Owl and subsequent “timber wars” in the early 1990s, and it has never fully recovered, though some logging on our national forests continues today. This Noble fir fell across the Timberline Trail recently, and was sawed out by trail crews. While it is only about 15” in diameter, a count of the annual growth rings revealed this tree to be over 160 years old, demonstrating how elevation and mountain conditions slow the growth of these trees It’s easily to lose perspective on just how old the trees in our mountain forests really are. The above is a timeline of human events that unfolded since this tree took root as a Noble fir seedling on Mount Hood until a windstorm knocked it down in 2020. This tree is approximately 14 inches in diameter and 160 years old. These stumps near Bennet Pass mark some of the oldest and largest Noble fir ever logged near Mount Hood, with some of these trees approaching 300 years old when they were cut. These stumps look like they might be a couple years old, with bark still intact. In fact, these trees were logged about 30 years ago, yet the Noble fir seedlings growing in this recovering clear cut are barely six feet tall This is the same stump that appears in the foreground in the previous photo, with approximate dates according to tree rings. When it was cut, it has lived through more than a quarter of the first millennium. The Bennett Pass clear cut (shown above) might look recent, given the intact condition of the stumps and the young Noble fir trees just getting established. Yet, this forest was cut nearly 30 years ago, as shown in the aerial photo pair (below). Thanks to its high elevation at over 4,000 feet, and resulting slow forest recovery, this logged area is still just beginning to reforest. After nearly 30 years, this clear cut in an old-growth Noble fir forest near Bennett Pass is only beginning to recover These examples are typical of logged Noble fir forests throughout the Mount Hood National Forest. They simply haven’t recovered at the pace the Forest Service assumed when logging was still king. Noble fir seedlings in these cut-over areas have often grown very slowly, reaching just 6 or 8 feet in height after 30 or 40 years of post-logging recovery. The slow recovery has also compounded the fragmentation effect on wildlife that depend on uninterrupted old-growth forest habitat. Today, the Forest Service is grappling with the perfect storm of an aging, overbuilt system of spur roads from the heyday of commercial logging coupled with increasingly catastrophic forest fires resulting from climate change and a century of fire suppression. This is especially true in high-elevation Noble fir country, where clear cut plantations are especially vulnerable to summer drought and fire, and logging roads are impacted by severe winter conditions. To meet these challenges, along with Congressional quotas for timber production that have always been unsustainable, the Forest Service has pivoted to forest thinning the thickets of young plantation trees in previously logged areas. It’s arguable that this strategy will help restore forests to a healthy state, but sadly, the Forest Service mission isn’t to restore a mature, healthy forest. Their goal is to bring more marketable logs to maturity, the primary management objective for much of Mount Hood National Forest. Forest thinning operation on Butcher Knife Ridge, north of Mount Hood, where roughly one third of the trees have been removed from a clear cut plantation to encourage a more diverse forest structure Forest thinning typically produces massive piles of woody debris, as seen here on Blue Ridge, just outside the Mount Hood Wilderness. Logging debris was historically burned as “slash”, though new uses are under development to make better use of this material as we enter the age of widespread forest thinning The jury is out as to whether forest thinning improves the health of crowded plantations better than simply doing nothing, given the impact of heavy equipment on tree root systems and the forest understory. The science does suggest that thinning can help as a preventative means for reducing forest fire severity, since it removes potential fuel from the forest. The benefit of thinning Noble fir plantations is less clear, however, since the species is already more vulnerable to fire than other conifers, and seldom survives fire. Noble fir also tolerate crowded conditions better than other conifers, presumably because these trees are so effective at colonizing burns and often form nearly pure stands in the process. Young Noble fir forests often have little understory beyond a carpet of beargrass because the trees are so closely spaced. But these pure stands have also evolved to self-thin over time, maturing to a more open canopy that allows huckleberry, rhododendron and other mountain understory species to thrive among more widely spaced, mature trees. In these forests, young Noble fir are also part of the understory, as the forest canopy continues to regenerate. The following images show self-thinning in a young (about 80 years old) Noble fir forest on Bald Mountain, along the Timberline Trail. A recent windstorm selectively toppled the weakest among these trees, a timeless process that Noble fir don’t need our help with. Recent downfall in a young stand of Noble fir on Bald Mountain are part of an ongoing, self-thinning process these trees have evolved for Recent self-thinning event in a pure Noble fir stand on Bald Mountain. If it doesn’t burn, this protected forest inside the Mount Hood Wilderness will continue to self-thin, becoming an old-growth Noble fir forest in time With logged high-elevation forests recovering very slowly, and high-elevation spur roads failing especially badly, and the mounting negative impacts of clear cutting, continued logging of our Noble fir forests simply isn’t a sustainable practice. A new management philosophy that centers on forest restoration and climate adaptation over timber extraction is long overdue. Instead of waiting a century or more to produce marketable Noble fir saw logs, these recovering forests could be sold for credits on the carbon market, using their gradual recovery as carbon offsets for polluting industries. Over the long term, Noble fir have immense capacity for carbon capture and storage. Scientists studying the ancient Noble fir forests at the Goat March Research Natural Area, near Mount St. Helens, have determined this forest to have a biomass second only to the coastal Redwood forests of Northern California. A mature, thriving Noble fir forest at the 4,000 elevation on Mount Hood, with a diverse mix of mature and younger trees, and a few wildlife snags Such a shift in Forest Service philosophy would not only help the global response to climate change, it would also yield a host of other benefits that high elevation forests in our region provide – a list that include critical wildlife habitat, cooler and more stable stream runoff for endangered salmon and steelhead and crucial water supplies for nearby communities that depend on mountain snowpack that forests help retain. Mature Noble fir forest on Mount Hood, with towering old-growth trees mixed with younger trees and a dense understory Such a shift in focus would also allow for the Forest Service to retire many of its deteriorating logging spur roads, and revenue from the sale of carbon credits could provide needed funding to do the work. Beyond the escalating cost to maintain them, these roads are notorious for triggering landslides and dumping sediments into streams when cut-and-fill roadbeds fail from plugged culverts or landslides. They also represent an increasing hazard in the form of human-caused forest fires and illegal dumping, as some of the worst lawless activity occurs on these remote roads where law enforcement simply cannot have a meaningful presence. This road decommissioning work has already begun in the Mount Hood National Forest, though only in fits and starts, as it has thus far been driven by declining agency budgets more than an eye toward forest recovery and restoration. A focus on the broader outcomes of climate, water quality and fish habitat could speed up this important work with a new sense of urgency. Where to see Noble fir Want to see some of these trees close-up? One of the best and most accessible places is the short trail to Sherrard Point, which is the rocky summit pinnacle of Larch Mountain. The road to the summit picnic area and Sherrard Point trail is gated in the winter, but usually opens by early June. An easy, paved trail and series of stairsteps leads to the viewpoint. Noble fir giants at sunset in WyEast country If you’d like a longer hike, the short, steep climb to the summit of Bald Mountain, near Lolo Pass, leads through some of the best old growth Noble fir in the Mount Hood area: Perhaps the best Noble fir forests in the Cascades are at Goat Marsh, near Mt. St. Helens. A short trail takes you into this fascinating research area and some of the largest known Noble fir trees in the world: When it comes to bucolic alpine scenes on Mount Hood, it’s hard to beat Elk Cove. From the spectacular wildflower gardens that line ice-cold Cove Creek to the sweeping views of Mount Hood and the mighty Coe Glacier, the cove serves up one postcard scene after another. But behind the mountain scenery are some very wild winters. The same steep walls that give Elk Cove its alpine beauty are also a setup for powerful avalanches. These mostly originate on the lower slopes of Barrett Spur and sweep across the cove with surprising regularity. Mount Hood in 1931 from the same spot as the previous photo, when trees were more sparse at Elk Cove Early photos of Elk Cove suggest that avalanches were once even more devastating than what we experience today, and probably more frequent, judging by the advancing stands of Mountain Hemlock that have since spread across the cove. The change is most likely a reflection of our warming climate and declining snowpack in recent decades, but winter continues to take its toll. Major avalanches still roar into the cove with regularity, leveling trees and leaving piles of debris in their wake. The shell of the old CCC stone shelter at Elk Cove as it appeared in the early 1960s, after being hit by numerous avalanches over the prior 30 years When the Timberline Trail was built through Elk Cove in the early 1930s, Franklin Roosevelt’s legendary Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed one of their many iconic stone shelters here, one of six that were built along the trail. They couldn’t have known the site they picked was perhaps the most exposed to avalanches of any spot within the cove, and by the early 1960s, the shelter had already been badly damaged. Today, only a few rocks mark the shelter’s former location. The 2021 Elk Cove Avalanche Sometime last winter, yet another avalanche swept off the lower slopes of Barrett Spur, once again landing very near where the old stone CCC shelter had once stood. The debris field left behind by the avalanche was easily spotted by hikers ascending Barrett Spur over the summer, and it is also visible from the Timberline Trail where it enters the Elk Cove. The following schematic shows Elk Cove and the path of the 2021 avalanche in relation to Mount Hood: This schematic gives a more detailed view of Elk Cove and the approximate path of the 2021 avalanche, including the steep wall along Barrett Spur that is so prone to avalanches (the Timberline Trail is shown in dashed yellow): [click here for a larger version of this schematic] From the ground, the debris field left where the avalanche came to rest is striking. This series of views looking down from 99 Ridge (which forms the west wall of Elk Cove) show where the avalanche stopped, and the debris it left behind: Mount Hood and the 2021 Elk Cove avalanche site Closer view of Elk Cove and the avalanche debris field More detailed view of the avalanche debris field This detailed view from above gives a sense of scale to the hundreds of trees that were caught up in the avalanche and swept into Elk Cove The debris comes into view where the Timberline Trail curves into the west meadow of Elk Cove, along beautiful Cove Creek. Most hikers were likely too busy looking at the wildflowers along the trail this summer to notice the pile of logs just around the bend, but for regular visitors, the avalanche debris was startling! Elk Cove avalanche and Cove Creek from the Timberline Trail The origin of the avalanche can be read from the orientation of the many trees caught up in the wave of snow and ice, as they generally point in the direction of the flow. The schematic below shows the path the avalanche took into Elk Cove before the snow and debris finally came to a stop last winter: [click here for a larger version of this schematic] Up close, the awesome power of the avalanche becomes apparent. Whole trees were snapped off and stacked like cordwood in a debris pile as much as 20-foot deep. The avalanche swept down from the slopes of Barrett Spur (to the right in this view), as indicated by the felled trees pointing to the left, in the direction of the flow In a typical winter, Elk Cove might have 15-20 feet of snow on the ground, and this snowpack is why small trees on steep mountain slopes are often spared from avalanches, since they are buried under heavy snow in winter. In the view below, the winter snowpack also protected the lush wildflower gardens that line the upper reaches of Cove Creek (seen in the distance), with the avalanche sweeping across these gentle slopes before finally settling on the floor of the cove. The beautiful wildflower meadows in the upper reaches of Cove Creek were spared from the debris thanks to being on gently sloped terrain and under a blanket of winter snow when the avalanche swept through Large trees aren’t so fortunate. If they’ve managed to escape avalanches along the base of Barrett Spur long enough to grow taller than the winter snowpack, it’s only luck. In time, most of the taller trees in Elk Cove will be swept away by future avalanches. This panoramic view of the 2021 avalanche gives a sense of the scale of the event, with the sprawling pile of debris covering roughly 2-3 acres: By early August, when these photos were taken, it would be easy to think the avalanche was just a pile of trees roaring down the mountain, but in fact, this debris is what’s left now that most of the snow and ice has melted away. Look closely, and you can see that a layer of snow and ice has yet to melt away from under the pile when this photo was taken: 6-10 feet of snow still remains under the debris pile as of early August The 2021 avalanche dumped part of its debris on top of Cove Creek, but the stream made quick work of the pile over the winter. By summer, it had already melted an extensive tunnel under the mountain of snow, ice and debris (below). Cove Creek carved this snow cave under the debris pile following the avalanche The huge pile of snow left in Elk Cove by the avalanche brought another surprise: some of the earliest blooming wildflowers were still just emerging in early August, thanks to the extra snow depth left behind by the avalanche. Among these was Western Pasque Flower, a species of Anemone that blooms within a couple weeks of snowmelt, and therefore rarely see by hikers. In fact, most know this beautiful wildflower by its whimsical seed heads, and by the name “Old Man of the Mountain”. The opening image in this article shows a field of Western Pasque Flower gone to seed. Normally an early bloomer, this Western Pasque Flower was in bloom in early August, thanks to the late-melting margins of the avalanche debris field How often to avalanches like this occur at Elk Cove? Probably every winter, though events large enough to topple trees seem to occur every 10 years or so, depending on snowpack and weather conditions. Avalanches are most common in mid-winter, when weak snow layers and heavy snowfalls can cause snow to begin to slide on steep mountain slopes. Once they begin, avalanches can travel nearly 60 miles per hour, giving them the destructive force to level forests and buildings in their path. Ghosts Hiding in Plain Sight While the 2021 avalanche at Elk Cove is impressive, it is by no means unusual. A look at aerial photos between 2010 and 2021 shows that another avalanche swept through the same area in about 2015. Based on the orientation of downed trees from his earlier event, it originated on some of the same slopes on Barrett Spur that produced the last winter’s avalanche. In the air photo comparison, below, the location of the new, 2021 avalanche debris pile is marked in yellow. When the 2010 air photo was taken, the forests at the center of the image were intact, but by the summer of 2016, an avalanche had clearly swept through the area. Based on the lack of reddish/orange debris in the 2016 image – the color of recently killed trees – suggests that this avalanche occurred at least a year earlier. So, for the purpose of this article, I’ve described it as the “2015 Avalanche”, and marked its extend in green. Air photos show the signs of a roughly 2015 avalanche that swept through the same part of Elk Cove as the 2021 event In both the 2016 and 2018 views, the path of this earlier avalanche is clearly marked by downed trees that point in the direction (right to left) of the moving snow and ice. Though it impacted a larger area in the cove than the 2021 avalanche, the 2015 event brought less woody debris into the cove, suggesting that it originated on a less forested part of the west wall of Elk Cove. In fact, some of the trees in its path on the floor of the cove survived the avalanche, suggesting that the lack of woody debris in the 2015 event made it somewhat less destructive where it finally came to a stop. While both of these avalanches are awesome reminders of the power of the elements in alpine country, Elk Cove has a few ghosts from the past that suggest much more fearsome events. Tucked into one of the mature, forested “tree islands” at Elk Cove is a ghost tree that give mute testimony to just how powerful an avalanche on Mount Hood can be. The stump of this ghost tree (below) is nearly four feet in diameter and was toppled many decades ago. This giant ghost tree at Elk Cove was toppled long ago by a very large avalanche This old ghost was once a very large Mountain Hemlock before it was toppled. Today, its broken remains could easily be 100 years old, marking an avalanche that might have preceded the arrival of the Timberline Trail and those 1930s CCC crews on Mount Hood. How do we know this old tree was destroyed by an avalanche? The telltale sign is where the tree was snapped off, marking the level of the winter snowpack when the avalanche swept through, and its top is pointed downslope, in the direction the avalanche was moving. Thanks to long, cold winters and dry summers, the shattered remains of this old tree (and several others like it in the cove) have survived to tell the story. Since that big avalanche, several good-sized trees have grown up around the old ghost tree, helping put an approximate date of 70-100 years since any avalanche of this scale has swept through the heart of Elk Cove. And though it has been many decades since that event, the days of these younger trees are surely numbered, too, as another epic avalanche in Elk Cove is inevitable. How to Visit If you’re an able-bodied hiker, you can visit Elk Cove most easily from the Vista Ridge trailhead. It’s a 9-mile hike round trip, but with well-graded trails and no glacial streams to navigate. If you visit the avalanche debris field, please tread lightly, as the rustic path that once led to the upper reaches of Cove Creek was partly buried with debris, and the surrounding area is covered with a fragile meadow of Western Pasque Flower. You can find a trail description here in the Oregon Hikers Field Guide. Why, you might even know the author of this field guide entry..! Mount Hood and the White River as it appeared early in the summer of 2020 Mount Hood’s glaciers may be retreating, but if anything, the melting ice and more extreme weather that climate change is bringing to the mountain have only made the streams that emerge from its glaciers that much more volatile. Glacial streams are inherently intimidating: ice cold and rising dramatically within hours when glacial melting accelerates on hot summer days to become churning river of mud and silt. They can make for terrifying fords for Timberline Trail hikers and wreak havoc on downstream roads and streambanks. But the worst events typically come in fall or late spring, when sudden warming and heavy rain can trigger rapid snowmelt on the mountain, turning these streams into unruly torrents. Highway 35 was buried under a sea of boulders in the November 2006 White River debris flow (ODOT) Such was the setting in November 2006, when a warm front with heavy rains pounded the mountain, rapidly melting the first snows of autumn that added to the explosive runoff. The worst damage to infrastructure came from the raging White River and Newton Creek, two glacial streams that emerge from the southeast side of the mountain. The streams also happen to flank the Meadows ski resort, so when both streams effortlessly swept away whole sections of the Mount Hood Loop highway (OR 35), the resort suddenly found itself cut off from the rest of Oregon. The 2006 floods washed away the bridge approaches and stacked boulders eight feet deep on top of the former White River Bridge (ODOT) Highway worker posing with a boulder dropped by the White River on the centerline of Highway 35 during the 2006 floods (ODOT) Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews quickly restored temporary access to the resort, but the damage to the highway was profound. Newton Creek had simply swept away the roadbed along an entire section of the highway, while the White River had swept away the bridge approaches on both sides of the concrete span over the stream – then proceeded to pile a collection of boulders on top of the stranded bridge, just for emphasis! This overflow culvert at the east end of the old bridge approach was overwhelmed in the 2006 flood, as the White River spilled over the top of the highway, instead (ODOT) Undaunted, the highway engineers at ODOT and the Federal Highway Administration turned to a recently completed 2003 study of design solutions for several flood-prone spot along the Highway 35. From these, a pair of projects totaling $20 million were proposed to finally tame the two streams – a “permanent” fix, as the study described it. East of the White River, the 2006 floods also sent a torrent of water and debris down Newton and Clark Creeks, erasing sections of Highway 35 near Hood River Meadows (ODOT) Once again, the plan was to go bigger. For Newton Creek, the now rebuilt highway includes a massive, 30-foot wide, rock-lined flood channel running parallel to the highway, with box culverts periodically spaced to allow floodwaters to cross under the road. For the White River, a series of option were considered, including a tunnel (!) and completely relocating the highway. But in the end, the option of simply replacing the older span with a much larger bridge was selected. The new bridge was completed in 2012. Options considered in the 2003 study of possible Highway 35 crossings of the White River The preferred option for the White River also included a second span over Green Apple Creek, a small stream located just east of main crossing, and a feature that would serve as an overflow for the White River. Between the bridges, the new highway crossing is constructed on a high berm of fill, twenty feet above the expanse of sand and boulders that make up the White River floodplain, and berms also support the approaches to both bridges on either side of the floodplain. When they were completed in 2012, six years after the floods that had swept away sections of the highway, these structures seemed gargantuan compared to the previous incarnation of the highway. Yet, looking down upon the new White River Bridge from higher up on the mountain, it is really nothing more than a speed bump for the raging monster the White River is capable of. The White River has been moving east for several years. This view is from early summer 2020, when the upstream section of the river had already moved almost to the east canyon wall For the past decade, the new structures seemed to be working as planned by the highway engineers. The White River continued to meander about in its wide flood channel, as it has for millennia, but it still found its way to the newer, bigger bridge opening. Until last winter, that is. Sometime during the winter of 2020-21, the river abruptly formed another new channel along the east side of its floodplain, beginning about one mile above the new highway bridge. In recent years, the river had been gradually moving in this direction, including a smaller flood event in the fall of 2020 that spilled debris into the White River West SnoPark. Today’s radically new channel is a continuation of this eastward movement, almost to the east wall of the canyon. This view from the fall of 2020 followed a debris flow that sent rock and gravel into the White River West SnoPark and set the stage for the big shift in the river’s course that would follow over the coming winter. The river was actively meandering across the latest flow in this view, settling on a new course The berm in the center of this view was built after the 2006 floods to project the White River West SnoPark parking area (on the right) from future flooding (the White River floodplain is on the left). The fall 2020 debris flow managed to breach the berm, spreading rock and gravel across the southern corner of the parking area (the third car and most distant car in this photo is parked on the debris). The new (and now dry) White River Bridge is in the distance By the spring of 2021, the White River had completely abandoned the main floodplain and now flows beyond the row of tress in the far distance Looking downstream from the new White River Bridge in 2021, the former riverbed is now completely dry, with the river now flowing beyond the band of trees on the left The White River Bridge is only a few years old, but now spans only a dry streambed This decision to include a second bridge in the new design turned out to be fortuitous over the last winter, at least in the near term. This “overflow” bridge is now the main crossing of the recently relocated White River. Had ODOT opted to simply replace the culverts that once existed here, the river would have easily taken out a section of the berm that supports the highway between the two new bridges, closing the highway, once again. However, the second span is much smaller than the main span, so it is unclear whether the river will continue to cooperate with the highway engineers and stick to this unplanned route. This view shows the new channel carved by the White River sometime during the winter of 2020-21 The White River carved a 20-foot-deep riverbed through loose floodplain material to form the new channel The new bridge design included this secondary opening as a backup to the main bridge, though it is now the primary crossing of the relocated White River. The highway slopes downward as it moves east of here, dropping below the elevation of the White River floodplain, and thereby creating the potential for the river to migrate further east, threatening the fill section of the highway in the distance in this view The channel shifts on the White River might seem to be sudden, but in reality, they are perpetual. The White River (along with the rest of Mount Hood’s glacial streams) bring tremendous loads of rock and silt with them. This has always been the case, with melting glaciers releasing debris caught up in the river of ice, some of it building piles of rock called moraines, and some carried off by the rivers that flow from the glaciers. In the past few decades, the cycle of glacial erosion has been compounded by the retreat of the glaciers, themselves. All of Mount Hood’s glaciers are rapidly losing ice in the face of a warming climate, and the retreat of larger glaciers like the White River, Eliot, Sandy and Coe leaves behind bare ground once covered in ice. When this happens, and erosion shifts from slow-moving ice to fast-running water, the amount of debris and water moving down the glacial streams grows dramatically. The following diagram (see below) explains this relationship in the context of the rapidly retreating Eliot Glacier, Mount Hood’s largest body of ice, located on the mountain’s northeast side. [click here for a larger version of this schematic] Glaciers plow wide, U-shaped valley as they grind away at the mountain, whereas streams cut deep, V-shaped canyons. When glaciers like the Eliot retreat, they expose their u-shaped valleys to stream erosion, and their outflow streams (in this case the Eliot Branch) immediately go to work cutting V-shaped canyons into the soft, newly exposed valley floor, resulting in much more material moving downstream in more volatile events. In the schematic, the lower part of the Eliot Glacier is somewhat hidden to the casual eye, as it’s covered with rock and glacial till. This is true of most glaciers – the white upper extent marks where they are actively building up more ice with each winter, and the lower, typically debris-covered lower extent is where the ice is actively melting with each season, leaving behind a layer of collected debris that has been carried down in the flowing ice. The terminus of the glacier in the schematic marks the point where the Eliot Branch flows from the glacier. As the terminus continues to retreat uphill with continued shrinking of the Eliot Glacier, more of the U-shaped glacial valley floor is exposed. At the bottom of the schematic, the floor of the valley has been exposed for long enough to allow the Eliot Branch to already have eroded a sizeable V-shaped canyon in the formerly flat valley. This rapid erosion has fed several debris flows down the Eliot Branch canyon in recent years, including one as recently as this month, abruptly closing the road to Laurance Lake. The Eliot Branch continues to spread debris flows across its floodplain, burying trees in as much as 20 feet of rock and gravel. This section of the Eliot Branch flooded again earlier this month, closing the only road to Laurance Lake We’ve seen plenty of examples of this activity around the mountain over the past couple of decades, too. In 2006 the mountain was especially active, with flooding and debris from the Sandy, Eliot, Newton Clark and White River glaciers doing extensive downstream damage to roads – this was the event that removed the highway at the White River and Newton Creek. Smaller events occurred in 1998, as well. In the 2006 event, the Lolo Pass Road was completely removed near Zigzag and the Middle Fork Hood River (which carries the outflow from the Eliot and Coe glaciers) destroyed bridges and roads in several spots. Even in quieter times, the White River has moved its channel around steadily. That’s because the heavy debris load in the river eventually settles out when it reaches the floodplain, filling the active river channel. This eventually elevates the river to a point where it spills into older channels or even into other lower terrain. Because of the broad width of the White River floodplain at the base of the mountain, this phenomenon has occurred hundreds of times over the millennia, and the river will continue to make these moves indefinitely. To underscore this point, the 2003 highway study of potential solutions for Highway 35 includes this eye-opening chart that shows just how many times the White River has flooded the highway or overtaken the bridges – nearly 20 events since the highway was first completed in 1925! [click here for a larger version of this timeline] Therein lies the folly of trying to force the river into a single 100-foot opening (or even a second overflow opening) on a half-mile wide floodplain. The fact that much of the floodplain is devoid of trees is a visual reminder that the river is in control here, and very active. It has a long history of spreading out and moving around that long precedes our era of roads and automobiles. But the White River has an added twist in its volatility compared to most of the other glacial streams that flow from Mount Hood. The vast maze of sandy canyons that make up the headwaters of the White River are quite new, geologically speaking – at least as they appear today. This is because of a series of volcanic events in the 1780s known as the Old Maid eruptions covered Mount Hood’s south side with a deep blanket of new volcanic debris. The same gentle south slopes that Timberline Lodge and Government Camp sit on today didn’t exist before those eruptions, just 240 years ago. The White River Glacier (center) flows from near the crater of Mount Hood, and rests upon soft slopes of rock and ash debris that were created by the Old Maid eruptions of the 1780s. The large rock monolith poking up from the crater (left of center) is Crater Rock, an 800-foot lava dome that formed during the Old Maid eruptions The Old Maid eruptions created other new features on the mountain – notably, 800-foot Crater Rock, a prominent monolith that was pushed up from the south edge of the crater. Meanwhile, the eruptions also generated lahars, the name given to sudden, massive mudflows that can range from ice cold to boiling, depending on the origin of the event. These flows rushed down the White River, Zigzag and Sandy River valleys, burying whole forests under debris ranging from mud and silt to boulders the size of delivery trucks. The Old Maid eruptions take their name from Old Maid Flat, located along the Sandy River, where a new forest is still struggling to take hold on top of the volcanic debris, more than two centuries later. At the White River, trees buried by the lahars can be seen in the upper canyon, where the river has cut through the Old Maid eruption debris to reveal the former canyon floor, and trees still lying where they were knocked over (more about those buried forests toward the end of this article). From high on the rim of the White River canyon, the endless supply of rock and ash from the Old Maid deposits is apparent – along with the impossibly tiny (by comparison) “bigger bridge” over the White River This telephoto view of the new White River bridge from the same vantage point in the upper White River canyon reveals the structure to be a mere speed bump compared to the scale and power of the White River For this reason, the White River has an especially unstable headwaters area compared to other glaciers on the mountain, with both glacial retreat and the unstable debris from recent lahars triggering repeated flash floods and debris flows here. That’s why the question of whether the new, bigger and bolder highway bridge over the White River will be washed out is more a question of when. It will be, and in our era of rapid climate change, the answer is probably sooner than later. Is there a better solution? Perhaps simply acknowledging that the river is perpetually on the move, and designing the road with regular reconstruction in mind, as opposed to somehow finding a grand, permanent solution. That’s at odds with the culture of highway building in this country, as it could mean simply accepting more frequent closures and more modest bridge structures – perhaps structures that could even be moved and reused when the river changes course? The 2003 Federal Highways study actually acknowledges this reality, even if the brawny, costly designs that were ultimately constructed in 2012 do not: “It is imperative to remember that geological, meteorological, and hydrological processes that result in debris flows, floods, and rock fall have occurred for millions of years, and will occur for millions of years to come. They are naturally occurring phenomena that with current technology cannot be completely stopped or controlled. Thus, the best that can be hoped for is to minimize the destructive, highway– closing impacts of events at the study sites.” (FHWA Highway 35 Feasibility Study, 2003) The White River seems to be enjoying its new channel and change of scenery… In the meantime, the newly relocated White River an awesome sight. We’re so accustomed to bending nature to our will in this modern world that it’s refreshing to see a place where nature has no intention of being fenced in (or channeled, in this case). Do rivers have a sense of humor or experience joy? As I looked down upon the White River sparkling and splashing down its new channel this summer, it seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the pure freedom of flowing wherever it wants to. It’s yet another reminder that “nature bats last”, and in WyEast country, the mountain – and its rivers — will always have the final word. For us, it’s that strangely comforting reminder that we’re quite insignificant in the grand scheme of things, despite our attempts to pretend otherwise. How to visit the White River If you’re interested in experiencing the living geology of the White River, an easy introduction is to park at the White River West SnoPark area and trailhead, then head up the trail toward the mountain for a quarter mile or so. From here, the river has moved to the far side of the floodplain, but for the adventurous, it’s cross-country walk across sand and boulders to reach the stream. There, you can soak your feet in ice cold, usually milky water and watch the river moving the mountain in real time, pebble-by-pebble. The main trail is almost always within sight, so it would be tough to get lost in the open terrain here. Look closely – those tan stripes near the bottom of the White River canyon mark the pre-Old Maid eruption slopes of Mount Hood, now buried under ash and debris from the lahars. Several preserved trees that were knocked down by the eruption can be seen along these margins. This viewpoint is along the Timberline Trail, just east of Timberline Lodge. To see the relocated White River, park at the White River East SnoPark and walk to the east bridge – now the main crossing of the White River. The view upstream includes the top of Mount Hood, but watch out for speeding traffic when crossing the highway! To see the buried White River forest, you can park at Timberline Lodge and follow the Timberline Trail (which is also the Pacific Crest Trail here) east for about a mile, where the trail drops to the rim of the upper White River canyon. The views here are spectacular, but if you look directly below for a waterfall on the nearest branch of the White River, you’ll also see the reddish-yellow mark of the former valley floor and the bleached remains of several ghost trees buried in the eruptions 240 years ago. Watch your step, here, and stay on the trail – the canyon rim is unstable and actively eroding! St. Peters Dome rising above the January 13 Bucher Creek debris flow that swept across I-84, killing one person (ODOT) It seems a world away as we enter yet another summer drought, with record-breaking heat waves and an early wildfire season in WyEast country. Yet, just a few months ago, on January 13th, the tragic story of a Warrendale Resident being swept away in her car by a winter debris flow in the Columbia Gorge filled our local news. The event closed a 10-mile section of I-84 from Ainsworth State Park to Tanner Creek and the area was evacuated after the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning. Some of the local media coverage also connected the dots, reporting on the long history of dangerous debris flows in this part of the Gorge. This was not a freak tragedy, but rather, a completely predictable event. The well-known hazard zone stretches from Ainsworth State Park on the west to Yeon State Park, five miles to the east, encompassing the hamlets of Dodson and Warrendale in its path. While the steep walls throughout the Gorge are infamous for producing rockfall and landslides, this stretch is notoriously active. Why? Geoscientists don’t have a particular name for this geologically active area, but the unifying feature is a near-vertical wall that I will call the Nesmith Escarpment for the purpose of this article. The name that comes from Nesmith Point, which has the distinction of being the tallest feature on the Gorge rim, rising nearly 4,000 feet from the banks of Columbia River. The Nesmith Escarpment was largely created by the ancient, catastrophic Missoula Floods that shaped much of what we know as the Columbia River Gorge during the last ice, more than 13,000 years ago. These floods repeatedly scoured the Gorge with torrents hundreds of feet deep, often enough to overtop today’s Crown Point and Rowena Plateau. Tumalt Creek is the largest of the volatile streams that flow from the towering, over-steepened Gorge walls of the Nesmith Escarpment(ODOT) As the massive Missoula Floods cut into the slopes below Nesmith Point, the over-steepened terrain began to collapse into the river. It’s a process that continues to this day, gradually expanding the escarpment and leaving behind sheer basalt towers of resistant bedrock along the lower slopes. Of these, St. Peters Dome is the most prominent, along with Rock of Ages and Katanai Rock (the informal name for the impressive monolith that rises just east of St. Peters Dome). The headwaters of Tumalt Creek flow from the highest walls of the Nesmith Escarpment, where the red, volcanic layers of the Nesmith Volcano that rests on the Gorge rim have been exposed by erosion (ODOT) Adding to the geologic uniqueness of the Nesmith Escarpment is Nesmith Point, itself. Located at the top of the escarpment, the familiar layer-cake stack of basalt flows that make up so much of the Gorge geology gives way at Nesmith Point to bright red and yellow layers of clay and cinders that reveal the uppermost part of the escarpment to be the remains of a volcano. The northern half of the volcano has been torn away over the millennia by the growing escarpment, leaving a visible cross-section of the volcanic dome. The surviving, southern half of the Nesmith volcano is gently sloping, like other dome volcanoes that line the Oregon side of the Gorge (the familiar peaks of Larch Mountain and Mount Defiance among them). The result of all this erosion is a 3-mile-long amphitheater of collapsing layers of volcanic debris and basalt walls resting uncomfortably and over-steepened upon ancient sediments at the base of the cliffs that make for a slippery, unstable foundation. Rain, winter freezes and gravity will therefore continue to chip away at the escarpment for millennia. Over the many centuries since the Missoula Floods, this relentless erosion has built a huge apron of what geoscientists call an “alluvial fan” at the base of the Nesmith Escarpment. This name describes the flood debris that accumulates where canyon streams prone to flash-flooding suddenly reach a valley floor, slowing and depositing debris over time. The resulting layers typically form a broad, gently sloped wedge shaped like a fan. For the purpose of this article, the fan at the base of the Nesmith Escarpment will be referred to as the Nesmith Fan. (Source: State of Wyoming) (Source: City of Scottsdale) One of the defining features of an alluvial fan is the erratic, constantly shifting course of the streams that create them. Because of their shallow slope and the accumulation of debris, these streams continually change course as they spread their loads of rock and gravel on the fan. If the Nesmith Escarpment and debris fan were located in a desert environment, these defining features would be exposed and easy to see. But in the forested western Gorge, the dense rainforest vegetation quickly covers debris flows with new growth, often within five or ten years, making it hard to recognize how active the geology really is. It’s therefore easy to understand why settlements like Dodson and Warrendale were built upon on the Nesmith Fan, where the fertile ground and gentle terrain were friendly to farming and home sites. The spectacular cliffs of the Nesmith Escarpment simply provided a beautiful backdrop for these communities. Yet, it’s also an increasingly hazardous place for anyone to live. The image below shows the Nesmith Escarpment and debris fan in a way that wasn’t possible until LIDAR technology was developed. LIDAR allows highly detailed images of topography even in areas like the Gorge, where dense forests cover the terrain. The LIDAR view shows the steep walls of the escarpment in stark relief, including the hundreds of steep ravines that have formed along the escarpment. Lidar view of the Nesmith Escarpment and debris fan The LIDAR view also reveals the alluvial deposits that make up the Nesmith Fan to be a series of hundreds (or even thousands) of overlapping debris flows from the roughly dozen streams that flow from the Nesmith Escarpment, each helping to gradually build the enormous alluvial fan. The wrinkled surface of the fan reveals the hundreds of flood channels that have developed over the millennia as countless debris flows have swept down from the cliffs above. This view (looking east toward Dodson from Ainsworth State Park) shows the vulnerability of I-84 and the Union Pacific Railroad where they cross the 3-mile-wide expanse of the Nesmith Fan. The 2021 debris flows and flooding damage to the Ainsworth interchange can be seen at the center of the photo, where the interstate was temporary closed by the event (ODOT) During the very wet winter of 1996, a series of major debris flow roared down from the Nesmith Escarpment, sweeping cars off I-84 and closing the freeway for several days. A train on the Union Pacific line was knocked off its tracks and many home were damaged. During the event, debris from Leavens Creek, near St. Peters Dome, swept toward the Dodson area, eventually engulfing the Royse house, which was located near the Ainsworth interchange. The scene was shocking, burying the home in debris that rose to the second floor and destroying outbuildings on the Royse farm. You can read Carol Royse’s riveting account of the event on Portland State researcher Kenneth Cruikshank’s excellent web page describing the 1996 debris flows here. The Royse House in Dodson (with St. Peters Dome beyond) after a series of debris flows on Leavens Creek engulfed the structure in 1996 (The Oregonian) The Royse home stood half-buried and visible from the freeway for many years, becoming a prominent reminder of the power of the Gorge. By the mid-2000s, a new forest of Red alder and Cottonwood had already enveloped the debris path and the Royse home, eventually obscuring it from view until the Eagle Creek Fire destroyed both the structure and newly established forest in 2017. The more recent debris flows in January of this year struck some of the same spots that were impacted in the 1996 and 2001 events. The Tumalt Creek drainage was once again very active, sending debris onto I-84 and closing the freeway. To the west, the Leavens and Bucher creek drainages also sent debris onto the highway and the site of the former Royse home. As jarring as these changes are to us, this cycle of destruction, rebirth and more destruction has unfolded hundreds of times on the Nesmith Fan. It’s simply part of the ongoing evolution of the landscape. How do they start? Debris flows are a mud and rock version of an snow avalanche. They typically begin with oversaturated soils on steep terrain that suddenly liquifies from its own weight. Once it begins to move, the flow can incorporate still more oversaturated soil as it gathers speed, just as a snow avalanche triggers downslope snow to move. The steepness of the terrain is a key factor in how fast a debris flow can move, and on very steep slopes they can reach as much as 100 miles per hour, though they typically slow as the debris reaches the base of the slope and spreads out to form alluvial fans. These towering twin cascades where Bucher Creek originates along the Nesmith Escarpment rival Multnomah Falls in height. The impossibly steep terrain here is the source of both the debris and sudden flash floods that have helped build the Nesmith Fan, far below (ODOT) A heavy rain event can also trigger a debris flow by creating stream flooding that erodes and undermines stream banks, causing debris to slide from canyon walls. This form of debris flow is common in the larger canyons in the Columbia Gorge, but less so on the Nesmith Escarpment, where most of the streams are small and only flow seasonally. Here, it’s the steepness of the slopes and the unstable geology that makes the area so prone to debris flows. Debris flows are different from landslides. A debris flow is typically quite liquid and fast moving, like cake batter being poured into pan. Landslides are typically slow, with a large mass sliding as a whole, like an omelet sliding from a skillet onto a plate. In the Gorge, landslides are common and mostly occur where the underlying geology is oversaturated and allows the overlying terrain to move. The upper walls of the Nesmith Escarpment are scared by hundreds of landslides, and in the right conditions, these slide can trigger debris flows that spread far beyond the landslide. What about fires and logging? A third trigger for debris flows is the sudden removal of the forest overstory. The big trees in our Pacific Northwest forests capture and hold a tremendous amount of rain on their surfaces that never reaches the ground, with some of the moisture directly absorbed by the trees and much of it simply evaporating. Clear cut logging removes this buffer, allowing much more precipitation to suddenly reach the soil, triggering erosion, landslides and debris flows. Logging roads are especially impactful by cutting into the soil profile on steep slopes and allowing runoff to infiltrate under the soil layer and destabilized soils. This is well-documented as a source of major landslides in heavily logged areas. Thankfully, most of the forested western end of the Gorge is protected from logging, including the Nesmith Escarpment (though early white settlers logged these areas of the Gorge extensively) The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire has not only destabilized steep slopes throughout the burn by killing the protective forest cover, it also revealed the tortured landscape of braided flood channels on the Nesmith Fan once hidden under dense vegetation. This image from just after the fire shows a volunteer trail crew scouting Trail 400 where it crosses the fan. The route curves in and out of the dozens of channels and debris piles formed by past flood events Fire can have a similar effect on runoff when the forest canopy is completely killed. This is why new research shows that attempting to log recently burned areas can have serious effects by disturbing newly exposed soils and worsening the increased erosion that would already result from fires. In the Gorge, the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned most of the Nesmith Escarpment, raising serious concerns about the debris flow activity accelerating here in the coming decades. The debris flows earlier this year may have been the first major events to have been triggered as much by deforestation from the fire as by oversaturated soils. The following photo pair shows the extent of the burn on the Nesmith Escarpment, with the first photo taken just a few weeks before the fire in 2017 and the second photo taken in 2018, when the fire’s impact was clearly visible. The January 2021 debris flow The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been making regular flights over the Eagle Creek Fire burn since late 2017 to monitor for potential flooding and landslides. While the main purpose of these surveys is to anticipate impacts on the highway, ODOT is also amassing an invaluable library of historic photos that document the fire and resulting geologic events in a way that has never been done before. Their most recent flight includes photos from the January 2021 debris flows that tell the story in a way that words cannot match: This view looking west toward the Ainsworth Interchange shows how Bucher Creek had completely covered the south half of the interchange and sent mud and debris flowing east on the freeway, itself. The 1996 and 2001 debris flows impacted much of the same area (ODOT) A closer look at the 2021 debris flows where the Ainsworth interchange was overwhelmed with debris. A green highway sign marks what used to be a freeway on-ramp (ODOT) Bucher creek briefly pushed the lobe of mud and debris in the lower right of this view directly toward the home in the first photo, before changing direction to the path the creek is following in this photo. This is a good example of how accumulated debris regularly forces the streams that carry the debris into new channels. (ODOT) This view looking back at the Bucher Creek debris flow lobe shows just how close it came to the home and outbuildings shown in the previous photo (ODOT) The view down Bucher Creek debris flow toward St. Peters Dome and the Columbia River from near the crest of the Nesmith Escarpment (ODOT) Landslide in burned timber near the crest of the Nesmith Escarpment. This landslide fed debris directly into the Bucher Creek debris flow, and onto the freeway more than 3,500 feet below (ODOT) What to do? It’s tempting to wish away future geologic hazards by taking comfort from what we perceive to be more predictable past. After all, the modern Gorge we know has been evolving for more than 13,000 years, and long periods of slope stabilization have marked recent centuries. But can we count on periods of stability in a future that will be shaped by global climate change? Almost surely not. All indications are for more volatility in both weather and flood events like those that have built the Nesmith Fan. Recent evidence increasingly supports the reality that our landscapes are changing along with the climate. In a 2016 report on landslide risks by Multnomah County, the number of events escalated over the past 25 years, including at the Nesmith Escarpment (see table, below). The best path for adapting to this reality and becoming more resilient in response to future events is to accept the ongoing risk from the Nesmith Escarpment. In the near-term, this means regularly repairing I-84 and the parallel Union Pacific railroad after flood events that will become increasingly common and disruptive. It also means installing early warning systems along these routes for the traveling public and commers, as well as the residents of the area who live in harm’s way. The 2021 debris flow along Tumalt Creek during this year’s series of flood events on the Nesmith Fan was a textbook example of why adapting in the near-term to protect existing infrastructure is a tall order. The following images show just how unpredictable and unmanageable this steam has become for ODOT. Once Tumalt Creek reaches the foot of the Nesmith Escarpment and begins to flow across the fan, its course continually shifts and changes, making it very difficult to predict where each debris flow event might be headed (ODOT) A single culvert (above) carries Tumalt Creek under the freeway and frontage road, but the Nesmith Fan is a maze of shifting streambeds by definition, making it nearly impossible to force streams to obey culvert locations (ODOT) The channel carrying the debris flow on Tumalt Creek that overwhelmed the frontage road and I-84 in February later dried up, with the creek shifting to another channel after the flood (ODOT) This screen was installed at another culvert that Tumalt Creek has swept through in past debris flow eventsl. While this device might keep small debris flows from overwhelming the culvert, it has no chance against the increasingly large debris flows that we can expect on the Nesmith Fan (ODOT) This is the view from the frontage road looking upstream at the large, main culvert intended for Tumalt Creek – though it had shifted out of the channel when this photo was taken a few months after the February event. The flatness of the terrain on the Nesmith Fan is evident here, with no obvious stream chanel except for the grading and contouring by highway crews (ODOT) Adapting to a new reality In the long term, coping with debris flows also means facing some tough questions for those who live on the Nesmith Fan. For some, it’s a place where families have settled for generations. For others, it’s a dream home they’ve put their life savings into on the Columbia River in the heart of the Gorge. But for anyone who lives here, the risks are real and growing – as the death of a local resident in this year’s debris flows reminds us. Across the country, climate change and rising sea levels are impacting millions of homes and businesses built in floodplains formerly classified as “100-year”, but now seeing regular flooding. In the past, the U.S. Government has provided public flood insurance for those living or operating a business in a flood zone, but the increasing frequency of catastrophic events in flood and hurricane-prone regions like the Mississippi Valley, Texas, Florida and Carolina coasts is pushing federal flood insurance premiums sharply up. This does not bode well for those living and working in hazard zones in the Pacific Northwest, including the rural communities scattered across the Nesmith Fan. Notices like this will become a way of life for Nesmith Fan residents in coming years In some places along the Mississippi Valley, the federal government has begun simply relocating homes, and even whole towns, rather than rebuilding them in harm’s way. Could this be a model for the Nesmith Fan? Possibly, though most of the private homes in the path of debris flows are not in the flood plain, and may not be eligible for any form of subsidized federal insurance or assistance, short of a disaster. A more direct approach that could be taken at the state level is a simple buy-out, over time. Where flood-prone areas in other parts of the country might simply have value as farm or grazing land, the Gorge is a world class scenic area, and both public land agencies and non-profits are actively acquiring land for conservation and public use. As Gorge locations go, it’s hard to find a spot as spectacular as the Nesmith Fan and the escarpment that rises above it. Already, the Forest Service and Oregon State Parks have acquired land on the Nesmith Fan for recreation and to provide habitat under the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area provisions, including at least two parcels with coveted river access. Permanent funding of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund last year should also help jump-start public acquisitions in the Gorge that have stalled in recent years, and could help spur land owners considering their options. Katanai Rock (left) and St. Peters Dome (right) rise above orchards at Dodson in this 1940s view from the old Columbia River Highway Recent events are surely changing the dynamic for landowners in the Gorge, as well. Would some residents living on the Nesmith Fan be more open to a buy-out after witnessing the devastation of last year’s debris flows, knowing that more are likely to come in the wake of the Eagle Creek Fire? Probably. Others – especially the string of luxury homes along the Columbia River – might be more motivated by legacy, and for these folks, non-profit conservation trusts and easements could be a tool for transitioning private land into public ownership over time. In the meantime, expect more flooding, debris flows and periodic closures of I-84 during the rainy months. And probably more fires in summer, too. This is the new normal in the Realm of St. Peter, after all, and it’s a cycle that will continue for all our lifetimes, and beyond. Tribal fishing platforms line the Columbia River as Mount Hood floats on the horizon at the proposed Columbia Hills pumped energy project site A few folks had questions about the Goldendale Energy Project (what I called the “Columbia Hills Energy Project” in my last post), so I thought I’d post some resources for anyone looking to learn more about the project and how to help the coalition of opponents. Do you take scenes like this in the eastern Columbia River Gorge for granted? Read on… As we slowly emerge from a year of pandemic, three milestones in Columbia River Gorge news are noteworthy for those who love WyEast Country. What do they have in comment? In each case, the multi-layered governance (or lack thereof) in the Gorge continues to be a hurdle, even when the news is very good… or even great! The Great: Mitchell Point Tunnel Project For many years the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been quietly moving toward actually replacing the legendary Mitchell Point “tunnel of many windows” with a new windowed tunnel. The new tunnel is along the bike and pedestrian trail that ODOT has been building to reconnect the original Historic Columbia River Highway, and construction began this spring. It’s a bold and visionary project, and another dramatic nod toward historic restoration along the old route. The former Oregon Highway Division destroyed the original tunnel in the 1966, when it was deemed a hazard to traffic on the modern freeway being constructed directly below, and it has been a dream for many to see it restored ever since. The new 655-foot tunnel will have five arched windows, roughly patterned after the original Mitchell Point Tunnel. When completed, the tunnel will become the crown jewel of the larger Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, a concept 35 years in the making, with just five miles of trail remaining to be constructed. When the last five miles are complete, the trail is destined to become a world-class cycling destination that will allow visitors to ride from Troutdale to The Dalles without traveling along the modern freeway. The iconic Mitchell Point Tunnel was completed in 1915, but it was destroyed by freeway construction just 51 years later in 1966. It lives on in our collective memory as the greatest engineering marvel of the original Columbia River Highway This 1920s view of the original Mitchell Point Tunnel from the Washington side of the Columbia River shows both west viaduct that led to the tunnel and the famous series of windows (on the left). Freeway construction at the base of the cliffs in the 1960s destroyed both the tunnel and viaduct The new Mitchell Point Tunnel will enter the basalt walls of Mitchell Spur, the smaller, northern offshoot of Mitchell Point, proper, and connect the existing Mitchell Point Wayside on the west side of the spur to a future trail and historic highway alignment east of Mitchell Point. Between the two new tunnel portals, five windows will frame Gorge views and light the way for visitors, providing an experience similar to what early motorists enjoyed from their Model-Ts in the early 1920s. ODOT has posted a video on YouTube with drone footage and more background on the new tunnel: While the new tunnel is certain to draw visitors who simply want to walk its length and enjoy the views, it also offers a terrific opportunity to create loop hikes that build upon the existing Mitchell Point Trail. This steep and difficult to maintain route is more like a goat path, but has become an increasingly popular viewpoint trail as placed like Angels Rest become overwhelmingly crowded. The Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation (OPRD) has already adopted a new loop trail concept for the west side of Mitchell Point that also would provide a better graded approach to the summit, and a loop for those willing to return along the existing, very steep route. This ODOT rendering shows the planned approach to the west portal of the new Mitchell Point Tunnel from the perspective of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, which currently stubs out at these cliffs (ODOT) This rendering also shows the new west portal that ODOT is constructing for the new Mitchell Point Tunnel. A bump-out viewpoint (on the left) is also included in the design (ODOT) This concept shows the design for five windows that will be incorporated into the new tunnel at Mitchell Point. ODOT describes the tunnel interior as “modern concrete”, so the exposed rock surface in this rendering and visible in the previous portal rendering may not be part of the final plan (ODOT) This view shows the existing overlook at the Mitchell Point Wayside, where the paved trail stubs out at berm at the base of Mitchell Spur’s cliffs. The west portal to the new tunnel will enter the cliff visible just beyond the berm, at the right in this photo. The berm will be removed to extend the trail to the new tunnel portal. The west portal design for the new tunnel preserves this relatively new (2013) overlook at Mitchell Point, already a popular stop for Gorge visitors The new tunnel also offers a loop trail opportunity from the east side of Mitchell Point, with the tunnel providing a return to the main trailhead. Loop trails are popular with hikers because you get to see more scenery for your effort. But they can also be managed as one-way trails where crowds are a problem, greatly lessening the impact of passing hikers on heavily traveled trails. The OPRD plan for the Gorge also includes a loop trail concept for Angels Rest with this exact purpose in mind. From a hiker’s perspective, one-way loops also mean encountering far fewer people along your hike, so it can greatly improve the outdoor experience. Will Mitchell Point become as crowded as Angels Rest? Maybe someday, though not anytime soon, simply because it’s much farther from Portland. But it will certainly become more popular than it is today, as foot traffic here has steadily grown over the past decade or so. With this in mind, one of the disappointments of the Mitchell Point project is the failure to plan for future crowds, and especially to differentiate between visitor types in the planned parking improvements. In the past, most visitors to Mitchell Point were there to walk to the existing overlook at the wayside, spending just a few minutes there while on their driving tour of the Gorge. Hikers, meanwhile, can spend several hours laboring up the steep path to the summit. Currently, both kinds of visitors compete for the same limited number of parking spots at Mitchell Point. As with unmanaged waysides elsewhere in the Gorge (Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Starvation Creek are just a few examples), hikers are now filling all of the spots at Mitchell Point on weekends, leaving touring families with no place to park. The new ODOT plan will create 18 parking spaces (including one disabled spot) compared to 16 today (including two disabled spaces). The net increase of two parking spaces is a drop in the bucket for this increasingly popular trailhead. The existing parking area at Mitchell Point is relatively new – completed in early 2013, when this photo was taken. It provides a total of 16 parking spots, including two disabled spots. The construction of the Mitchell Point tunnel includes a complete reconstruction of the existing parking area There are a couple of solutions that ODOT and OPRD could easily incorporate into the current construction phase without rivisitng the basic parking plan. First, mark a few parking spots for short-term, 30-minute parking for touring motorists to visit the wayside viewpoint and walk the new tunnel. Yes, it would have to be enforced to be effective, but even sporadic enforcement with a healthy fine would send a shockwave through hiking social media sites. This is an ODOT rendering of the new parking area at Mitchell Point. While it’s surprising to see the fairly new parking lot being reconstructed so soon, the new design does manage to have a smaller paved area while expanding parking spaces (to a total of 18 compared to 16 today) and has a more efficient circulation design. The areas shown with picnic tables were once part of a very large parking area here as recently as 2012, so it’s disappointing that this design doesn’t better accommodate demand by included more spaces in that area (ODOT) Second, ODOT and OPRD could take formally advantage of the long access drive to the Mitchell Point Wayside to allow for overflow parking. At a meeting of the Historic Columbia River Highway Steering Committee last summer, I asked if overflow shoulder parking would be allowed along the access road, and the ODOT response was a disappointing “no”. That’s not only short-sighted, it’s also a state of denial. Already, the nearby Starvation Creek wayside routinely has cars parked along both the access and exits roads, all the way to the freeway, for lack of a trailhead space and an effective parking management plan. As a result, weekend touring motorists hoping to visit the falls or use the restrooms at Starvation Creek have no prayer of finding a spot, as the entire lot is packed with hikers, most of them on hours-long hikes to the summit of Mount Defiance. That gives ODOT and OPRD a black eye, and a similar situation will surely unfold at the new Mitchell Point trailhead if parking isn’t more actively managed. The Sad: Oneonta Tunnel Restoration The Oneonta Tunnel in about 1915,, soon after it opened and before this section of the Historic Columbia River Highway was paved In other tunnel news, ODOT recently (re)completed the restoration of the Oneonta Tunnel, near Multnomah Falls. The agency once again rebuilt the timbered interior of the tunnel, restoring work that was originally done back in the mid-2000 and completely burned in the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. It’s a beautiful restoration effort, and you should go see it soon, before it is once again destroyed by vandals carving up the restored woodwork. Because that sad fate is all but inevitable. I wrote about this project recently in A Second Chance and New Vision for Oneonta? While there may be no appetite at ODOT or OPRD to pursue something more whimsical (like the museum proposed in the previous article!), it is frustrating to see the new restoration completed with zero consideration given to protecting the public’s investment from vandals. At the same meeting of the Historic Columbia River Highway Steering Committee last summer, I asked ODOT officials if there was a plan to secure the tunnel with gates of some kind, and the response was “no, because under national scenic area regulations, we can only restore it to its exact condition before the fire.” Mobs of young people descended on Oneonta Gorge each summer before the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire closed the area. Many made a point of vandalizing the wood interior of the Oneonta Tunnel while they were there Still more frustrating is the fact that top officials from the U.S. Forest Service and ODOT who oversee funding for Gorge projects and scenic area regulation were part of this virtual meeting, and sat in silence when I asked whether this was a good use of public resources. Another committee member commented that vandalism in the form of tagging and graffiti has always been a problem in the Gorge. Perhaps, but is the point is that we shouldn’t care? Well, I’m still not buying it. If there is one thing that’s certain for large, well-funded agencies like the Forest Service and ODOT, it’s that where there is a will, there is a way. The cost to install gates would have been negligible compared to what ODOT budgets for the Gorge in a given year, and surely would be less costly than another redo in the coming years. In this case, there was simply no agency interest from the Forest Service or ODOT in protecting the newly restored tunnel, and that’s really discouraging. ODOT completed the second restoration of the Oneonta Tunnel this spring, replacing the wood lining that was burned away in the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Despite its recent history of vandalism, the tunnel is now open and completely unprotected, night and day So, as lovely as the (second) restoration of the Oneonta Tunnel is, it falls under the column of “sad” for its poor stewardship of both the historic resource and the public funds spent to restore it. But who knows, maybe once the tagging starts up and triggers some unwelcome local media coverage, we’ll see some protection installed? A late response would be better than not at all, and I’d sure like to be proven wrong on the fate of the old tunnel. The Ugly: Columbia Hills Energy Project These beautiful, mosaic talus slopes along the Columbia Hills are ground zero for a proposed energy project that threatens to change the area forever. A jarring sea of giant wind turbines were installed along the crest of what is a sacred ridge for area tribes over the past 15 years, and now the turbines are the basis for still more energy development in this unprotected part of the Gorge I will reluctantly end this article with one of the toughest development proposals to emerge in the Gorge in recent years. As ugly as the project is, however, the picture is not entirely bleak. The proposal is formally known as the “Goldendale Energy Project”, taking its name from what used to be the Goldendale Aluminum Plant, located adjacent to the John Day Dam in the eastern Gorge. But the site is miles away from Goldendale, Washington, and more importantly, it’s within the Columbia River Gorge and centered on Columbia Hills, a place sacred to area tribes. So, I’ve called it the Columbia Hills Energy Project for this article. The aluminum plant at the John Day Dam went out of business decades ago, leaving badly polluted soils and groundwater behind where smelters once stood. It has since been undergoing a gradual cleanup operation, work that is ongoing. The Columbia Hills “stored energy” project proposes to build a large water storage basin in this polluted brownfield, connected by pipes to a second basin at the crest of the Columbia Hills, 2,000 vertical feet directly above the John Day Dam and the old aluminum plant site. When wind turbines are generating excess energy, water from the lower basin would be pumped to the upper basin, and could then be released back down to the lower basin to power hydro turbines during periods of peak demand (or low wind). The system on the right is proposed for the Columbia Hills (Rye Development) To the Ka-milt-pah band of the Yakima Nation (known in English as the Rock Creek Band), the Columbia Hills here are sacred. Their significance goes to the very creation of the Columbia Gorge, itself. Scientists believe the ice age Bretz (or Missoula) floods continued to repeatedly overwhelm the Gorge with hundreds of feet of water for nearly 2,000 years, finally ending some 13,000 years ago. Virtually every aspect of the Gorge as we know it was shaped by the floods, including the steep, exposed cliffs and rock monoliths that give the Gorge its iconic beauty. Their oral tradition tells us that the ancestral Ka-milt-pah people climbed to these ridge tops to escape this series of massive ice-age floods, watching the cataclysm from these high vantage points. Today, the Ka-milt-pah continue to gather first foods from these same hills, though now with the permission of farmers who own deeds to the ceded tribal lands here. In yet another insult to traditions and the defacement of their sacred places, tribal members now must gather foods under the shadow and hum of giant wind turbines that send “green” electricity to Portlanders. Unseen to urbanites are the miles of gravel access roads that were cut into pristine desert soils along these ridges to build and maintain the turbines, destroying still more of the ecosystem that the Ka-milt-pah people relied upon for millennia. And in yet another cruel irony, the windmills are now are central to the Columbia Hills Energy Project, as well. The defunct, polluted aluminum plant at John Day dam (seen far below in this view) is proposed to hold the lower reservoir for the closed-loop energy system. This view is from the crest of the Columbia Hills, on sacred tribal land 2,000 feet above the river, where the upper reservoir would be constructed (Portland Business Journal) The towering wind turbine that now line the Columbia Hills above John Day Dam are aggressively marketed as benign sources of clean energy, and yet each turbine requires a new road to be built, leaving a permanent scar on the land and introducing invasive plants to the largely pristine desert landscape. This snaking section of road in this view is on sacred tribal land near the proposed Columbia Hills Energy Project (Google Earth) The service roads built for these windmills on the crest of the Columbia Hills resemble suburban cul-de-sacs, each cut into desert ground that had never even been plowed, and has provided tribal first foods for millennia (Google Earth) Did you know that the stunning stretch of the Columbia River Gorge east of the Deschutes River does not enjoy the protections provided by the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (CRGNSA) to areas west of the Deschutes? The most jarring evidence of this second-class status are the hundreds of massive, white wind turbines that now dot the Columbia Hills along this unprotected stretch of the Gorge, from Maryhill Museum east to the John Day river and beyond. The visual impact of these turbines therefore wasn’t even a factor when they were constructed over the past 15 years. It is truly a miracle and testament to the tenacity of Gorge advocates in the 1980s that we even have a CRGNSA to protect the Gorge, yet it’s also true that leaving the eastern portion of the Gorge out of the bill left the area tragically vulnerable to energy and development schemes that continue forever scar the Gorge we shall leave to future generations. The Columbia Hills Energy Project may be the latest scheme, but it certainly won’t be the last (lesser-known fact: the Maryhill Museum was among the opponents of the CRGNSA in the 1980s, which explains the forest of windmills that now mar the Gorge rim directly above the museum and continue for miles to the east). The ancient and sustainable trumped by the new and industrial: the 1971 John Day Dam dwarfs traditional tribal fishing platforms, located just downstream from the dam For the Danish corporate investors behind this project, the windmills along the Columbia Hills provide a world-class opportunity for pumped storage development. The hills rise anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 feet above the Columbia River, a ready source of water to fill storage tanks. That’s probably as much as they know. The fact that it’s also remote from Portland urbanites who might otherwise be shocked to see a development of this scale proposed in “their Gorge” is just good fortune for the investors. And so, it has fallen to the Confederated Yakima, Umatilla and Nez Perce nations to defend their homelands from yet another assault by Europeans seeking to, once again, commodify their native lands. Countless generations of tribal fisherman have harvested salmon on these pebble beaches in the east Gorge for millennia. The lower reservoir for the proposed “energy loop” would be a stone’s throw from this iconic scene. Is it even possible to measure economic impacts of energy project against threats to the very culture of indigenous people? The pace of change in the eastern stretch of the Gorge has been breathtaking in the past few decades. In 1957 – just 64 years ago — the gates on The Dalles Dam closed, drowning Celilo Falls and surrounding tribal settlements under 40 feet of water. This ended a way of life for indigenous peoples who had thrived here for thousands of years. Nine years later, in 1966, ODOT blasted and filled a 4-lane swath through the Gorge to construct today’s Interstate-84, destroying miles of wetlands and beaches along the way, and cutting off access to traditional tribal fishing sites in the process. In 1971, the gates were closed on John Day Dam, at the head of slackwater created by The Dalles Dam. Another stretch of rapids along the once-wild river disappeared, along with more beaches and wetlands. The vast, colorful pebble beaches in the east Gorge were left here by ice age floods that brought rock from the northern Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River Gorge. This river-worn piece of petrified wood is typical of these deposits Both dams brought hundreds of steel transmission towers and thousands of miles of electrical cable that now drapes across the once-pristine Gorge landscape. And in the 2000s, big utilities rushed after state and federal renewable energy tax credits to line the Columbia Hills with hundreds of windmills, many built on sacred tribal sites. It’s true, these are all renewable energy sources that our region depends upon to power our homes and industry. Yet, it’s also true that our cheap energy has come at a catastrophic cost to tribal culture and economies, and wreaked havoc on one of the most spectacular natural landscapes on the planet. Isn’t it time to question just how “green” the energy harnessed in the Gorge really is? Fortunately, a broad coalition of conservation advocates have joined the tribes in challenging the Columbia Hills Energy Project. They include both the Oregon and Washington chapters of the Sierra Club, the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, Columbia Riverkeeper, Food and Water Watch, Portland Audubon and several other organizations. This is encouraging, as corporate energy projects are famously costly and drawn-out battles with deep-pocketed (and often foreign) investors who are willing to ride out the opposition and ingratiate themselves to local elected officials. Witness that Washington Governor Jay Inslee recently signed a fast-track provision for energy storage projects just like this one (though we don’t know his position on this specific proposal). This lovely desert gulch along the Columbia River is immediately adjacent to the proposed Columbia Hills Energy Project. How will it be impacted? We don’t know yet… Thankfully, the Washington Department of Ecology has determined the project to have “significant environmental impact”, ensuring that some rigor will be applied in the state permitting review. Whether that review can truly measure the impact of this proposal on tribal rights and traditions remains and open question that courts will likely have to decide. Yes, stored energy projects are a good idea. They’re a creative, sustainable solution in a world facing a global climate crisis. We should welcome them! Killed coyote strung up on a fence along Center Ridge Road in Wasco County this winter Author’s note: I’ve gone back and forth on whether to include some difficult images in this article. I hope readers will understand why it’s important to see them once you’ve read the piece. As we reach the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic that has turned our world upside down, I’ve been reflecting on how I spent much of my outdoor time over the past year in the desert country east of Mount Hood, where I could spend an entire day without seeing another soul. Along the way, I reconnected with some of my favorite spots, and found many more that were new to me. I was reminded why I fell in love with dry side of the mountains when I lived and worked there for seven magical summers during my youth. Over the past year of exploring the backroads east of the mountain, I also didn’t see a single killed coyote. Not one! This surprised me. It was once commonplace in sagebrush country to find their carcasses strung on barbed wire fences. Coyotes were vermin to old-school ranchers. Then, just last month, I ran across the familiar, grim scene captured at the top of this article. It was up on Center Ridge, in the rolling wheat country above the Columbia River. And yet, scenes like this that were once routine in ranch country have become rare these days. Why? The rolling wheat fields on Center Ridge are prime habitat for coyotes (Dalles Mountain, Mount Adams and Mount Rainier are in the distance) Perhaps because most ranchers today have advanced degrees in agriculture, their knowledge includes a formal science education that gives them an understanding of the benefits of living with predators, not exterminating them. They understand that top predators may be a nuisance to livestock, but they are also the ecological keystone that keeps the rest of the natural system in balance, which, in turn, is of even greater benefit to ranchers and farmers. So, these days when I run across a shot, snared or poisoned coyote slung over a fence, there’s a pretty good chance that it’s the mark of an old timer — or simply someone who just doesn’t know any better. Old ways die hard. This used to be a standard practice based on the myth that the carcass would somehow cause other coyotes to shy away. That’s a tired idea borne of ignorance and unfounded hatred for the animals, nothing more. Today’s ranchers in Oregon are far more likely to appreciate the benefits coyotes bring to their bottom line, especially in the wheat country along the eastern Columbia River Gorge. Along with raptors, coyotes keep the rodent population (mostly rabbits, gophers, mice and voles) in check, keep grazing deer on the move and generally mind their own business as they cruise their very large territories. They also feed on snakes and sometimes carrion, as well as fruit and grass in season. Packs of coyotes may even take down young or infirm deer or antelope, though this is uncommon. This remnant grassland view of Tygh Ridge is what much of the east side looked like before the arrival of settlement farming in the 1800s and it remains prime coyote habitat today Coyotes often roam in organized packs, led by an alpha male and female pair that often mate for life, and that are the only breeding pair in the pack. The beta coyotes in the pack are non-breeding, and simply help hunt and feed the offspring of the alpha pair. Thus, killing an alpha male or female (or both) simply splits up the pack, opening the surviving animals to pair with lone males to create still more coyote families. For this reason, modern ranchers also understand that killing coyotes to remove them from the landscape can have exactly opposite the intended effect. Despite over a century of systematic killing, coyotes are flourishing and expanding their territory, and now live in 49 states. This is partly because of the proliferation of new breeding packs from the extermination of alpha pairs, but mostly it’s because they’re very smart. Like the domesticated dogs that we spend billions on each year to pamper and celebrate as companions, coyotes are quick to observe every detail of human behavior and learn our ways. For wild coyotes, that means avoiding people – and our various means of exterminating them. That’s why seeing a coyote in the wild is a treat, and is typically fleeting. Their ability to adapt has also allowed coyotes to move into urban areas, including Portland, where they have assumed top predator status. We spot them right here in my neighborhood in North Portland, where they roam the large natural areas and prey upon rats, opossum, raccoons and – especially – feral cats. While that last part might be hard for some to accept, the fact is, feral cats are a major problem in urban areas as predators of native birds. The arrival of coyotes is helping mitigate the impact of these non-native carnivore in our cities. It’s also true that coyotes can prey upon small pets in the city, a reminder to humans to keep our pets in enclosed areas and indoors at night. This young coyote was killed and strung up by a rancher on Dalles Mountain Road a few years ago. This used to be a common sight in the ranch country of the eastern Columbia River Gorge Coyotes have also responded to our simultaneous war on cougars and wolves that began in the 1700s, and continues to this day. Where wolves and cougars were once the apex species in many parts of the country, and preyed upon or hazed the smaller coyote, it is the coyote that has adapted and stepped into the void left by the disappearance of these larger predators. As cougars and wolves begin to rebound in a few areas in the country, they are reclaiming their top predator role, once again keeping coyotes in check. When wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the 1990s, the coyote population dropped by 40 percent! Because of their size and potential threat to humans, wolves and cougars will likely always be less tolerated in our world. Though we’re just beginning to appreciate it, the role of coyotes as the substitute apex species in areas once roamed by wolves and cougars has helped keep natural systems in balance for all species – plant and animal. Coyotes have an enormous range, with packs maintaining highly organized territories of anywhere from five to fifteen square miles – enough to cover multiple ranches, even in the sprawling wheat and sagebrush country east of Mount Hood. Like our domestic dogs, they have well-traveled routes, typically along ridgetops or along the edge of clearings where they can see the terrain and hunt for rodents. Mostly, they seek to avoid people in their rambles, which is understandable, given our history of hostility toward the species. Coyote pups (Wikipedia) In the wild, coyotes live short lives of just 5-10 years, though in captivity they can live up to 20 years. Adults in the wild typically weigh from 20 to 35 pounds, about the size of a Siberian Husky, though urban coyotes can reach as much as 45 pounds. Coyote alpha pairs can produce a litter of 2-12 pups annually, with pups reaching maturity in about 6 months. Coyote pups have a very high mortality rate of up to 90 percent, however, and only a few survive to adulthood. Some that survive will stay with their pack, others will roam and join other packs and a few males become lone coyotes, wandering on their own. If you have the opportunity to see a coyote in the wild, you can’t help but be taken by how closely they resemble our domestic dogs, both in their appearance and behavior. They’re truly beautiful animals, and to watch them sprint upwards of 40 mph, it’s easy to see why native cultures celebrated both their intelligence and athleticism. If you have the good fortune to hear a pack howling at night, it’s an especially memorable experience. No, they don’t represent a real threat to us, but it’s still quite humbling to hear them in the dark, knowing they are completely adapted to that environment and completely aware of us – even if we can’t see them. At night, we are in their realm. Adult coyote hunting (Wikipedia) The main threats to coyotes in the wild include some of the same canine diseases that threaten our domestic dogs, as well as lack of food and winter cold. In many parts of the country, humans continue to be a major threat with competitive “kill contests” still held to exterminate coyotes. In 2017, more than 11,000 coyotes were killed in Utah, alone, for $500,000 in bounties put up by state officials. Over 100,000 coyotes are still killed every year in the United States. Though these mass killings are gradually losing favor as science wins out over folklore, it’s still common for state wildlife agencies to promote methods for exterminating coyotes. The good news is that ranchers and farmers are increasingly coming around to the benefits of co-existing with coyotes for all the good they bring to the land. This means changing their farming practices, especially during calving and lambing season in ranch country. In Oregon, coyotes are classified as a non-game predator. What does that mean? It means that anyone can kill a coyote, with no limit or permit required. Thankfully, science is winning here, too. Wildlife agencies and agriculture science are evolving, promoting science-based best practices for farmers and ranchers to co-exist with coyotes. Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife has replaced old-school instructions for coyote extermination on its website with new-school guidelines on how to co-exist. That’s real progress, though regulating coyote hunting will be a tougher political hurdle to clear. Urban coyote in Lincoln Park, Chicago (Wikimedia) The more worrisome trend is urbanites moving into farm and ranch country and bringing domestic cats and toy-breed dogs with them. These small pets make for easy prey for coyotes, especially when left to roam. Worse, people moving into ranch country often encourage coyotes to lose their fear of humans by leaving pet food outside and by not treating them as wild animals. Just as urbanities living in the country are a growing nuisance to farmers with their complaints about dust, noise and pesticides that come with farming, these folks may also emerge to be a new threat to coyotes, too, simply by encouraging them to lose their fear of us. Despite these threats, and our long war against them, coyotes continue to adapt and thrive. Scientists now recognize 19 subspecies of coyote, including urban species that are now common in city parks and preserves across the country. Coyotes have observed us and figured us out, and they are here to stay. Their ability to adapt bodes well for the species, and for the ecosystems that increasingly depend on them as top predators, too. Epilogue… and Prologue? Over the winter, I was coming down a gravel road from Center Ridge into a narrow Easton Canyon, just south of The Dalles. I stopped to take a photo of Mount Hood when I spotted a group of Mule deer perfectly silhouetted against the last glow of sunset. I watched this lovely scene unfold for quite a while, until the deer had moved on and stars suddenly began to fill the night sky. Mule deer silhouetted against Mount Hood in the Center Ridge area of Wasco County As I was quietly packing up my camera gear in the dark, I was startled by a sudden series of loud, quick yips right behind me! A coyote was in the sagebrush directly above the road, somewhere along the canyon wall. Soon, more yips began to echo from across the canyon, first below me, then from across the canyon, then further up the canyon. The chorus grew until some of the yips turned to howls, then went silent, as quickly as they had started. It was an eerie experience that made my hair stand on end. I’d heard coyotes many times before, but I had never been in the middle of a pack. Though I knew I wasn’t in danger, the moment still triggered a primal reaction – these were wild predators, after all. I hoofed it back to the car, quickly loaded up my gear and gave thanks for a truly memorable encounter. So, when I came across that coyote carcass a few weeks ago, senselessly killed and strung up on a barbed wire fence, I couldn’t help but appreciate what was left of this once-beautiful, brilliant animal. Much of its handsome coat was still intact and moving in the breeze, its ears still pointed and perfect. Were it not mangled, ribs protruding, I might have thought it somehow alive. A sad, senseless practice fading with time, a grim reminder of our ignorance and folly in attempting to control the natural world around us The sight of this animal brought back that nighttime chorus under the stars from just a few weeks before, just a couple of miles from this spot. Had this unlucky coyote been among those that I heard that night? Quite possibly. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for the resiliency and balance of nature all around us, despite our relentless efforts to upset it. The coyotes are adapting and winning. Thankfully. As a broader society, we’re slowly changing our thinking about predators, too. We’re getting better at observing and understanding them and beginning to accept their presence – especially coyotes. We seem to be on a path of learning to simply avoid coyotes just as they avoid us, ensuring that they remain truly wild. We’re learning to co-exist. The lost forest on Cedar Island in the Deschutes River canyon Head north from the tiny town of Maupin into the arid desert canyon of the Deschutes River and you will eventually reach a wide gooseneck in the river, where a low ridge that forms the bend is known as the “Beavertail”. As the gravel access road crests the Beavertail, a river island dotted with trees suddenly comes into view. The scene is startling in an environment where even Western juniper struggle to survive, and the few trees that exist are mostly thickets of Red alder hugging the river’s edge. At first glance, these seem to be Ponderosa pine, a reasonable guess, given that Ponderosa are the most drought tolerant of the big confers in Oregon. But as you approach a few of these trees that have jumped the island and flank the access road, it becomes clear that these aren’t pines at all. In fact, this is a lost stand of about sixty Incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) trees forming a completely isolated colony in the middle of the desert. They have found a way to thrive more than 20 miles east of the nearest stand, in the Cascade Mountain, where these trees grow along the forested southeast slopes of Mount Hood. Here, they survive with just 10-15” of rain per year, compared to the 40-50” their mountain cousins receive. Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) foliage – a close cousin to our familiar Western red cedar The thick, distinctively reddish bark on Incense Cedar gives the tree some insulation from range fires A closer look at the bright green foliage of these trees shows Incense cedar to be a cousin to Oregon’s Western red cedar, Alaska cedar and Port Orford cedar. None of these are true cedars, but all are related members in the cypress family, and all but the Port Orford cedar grow on the slopes of Mount Hood. Of these, the Incense cedar is the most drought-tolerant and thrives on the dry side of the Cascades, among other big conifers like Douglas fir and Ponderosa Pine. Incense Cedar tend to grow interspersed among these other trees, and seldom form pure stands. That’s part of what makes the lost grove on Cedar Island unique, though that’s also a reflection of the extreme environment they have pioneered here – one that other big conifers are not able to survive. Young Incense cedar have a beautiful conical form that makes them popular trees in urban landscapes Young Incense cedar are prized as cultivated trees for their brilliant foliage and symmetrical, conical shape (above). As they age, Incense cedar begin to look more like a distant cousin to Giant sequoia, with deeply furrowed red bark and tortured, often multiple-trunked forms. Incense cedar can live for centuries and reach as much as 150 feet in height at maturity. The champion in Oregon grows in the Siskiyou Mountains, and is 150 feet tall with a circumference of nearly 40 feet. Another dual-trunked Incense cedar in Southern Oregon is known as the Tanner Lake Giant (below), measured at 137 feet tall and more than 40 feet in circumference. The mighty, two-trunked Tanner Lake Giant in Southern Oregon is more 40 feet in diameter (Wikipedia) Mount Hood’s Incense cedar stands mark the very northern extreme of the range of these trees, which extends as far south as a few isolated stands in Baja. In California, they grow throughout the Sierras, with big Incense Cedar sprinkled among the Giant sequoia in Yosemite Valley. The trees also grow in isolated groves throughout California’s coastal mountains. In Oregon, scattered stands grow in the Ochoco Mountains and along some of the western ridges of the Great Basin. Incense Cedar grow from Mount Hood south to the Baja Peninsula, following the east flank of the Cascades to the Siskiyous and along the Sierras Most of the isolated stands of Incense cedar in dry places like the California coast ranges or Oregon Ochoco Mountains mark places where mountains rise up enough to produce an island of rainfall in an otherwise dry region. The trees of Cedar Island are just the opposite. Their habitat is at the bottom of a rocky desert canyon makes their ability to thrive here all the more remarkable. The Cedar Island lost forest of Incense cedar is truly remote. The following perspective view (below) shows just how far Cedar Island is from the green forests of the Cascades, nearly 20 miles to the west. Why did this grove of just 60 trees make its home here? Part of the answer is the island, itself. While Incense cedar are most often found on dry sites in their typical mountain habitat, the Cedar Island grove lives on a gravel bar in the middle of the Deschutes River, where trees can touch the water table year-round with their roots. While the winters are plenty cold along the Deschutes – similar to the mountain habitat these trees prefer – the summers are intensely hot and arid. The basalt walls of the Deschutes Canyon also act to contain summer heat, creating a true oven during summer heat waves. The ability of the Cedar Island grove to maintain constant access to groundwater undoubtedly helps counter the lack of rainfall and summer heat they endure. The Incense Cedars of Cedar Island rise above thickets of Red alder beneath the protective west wall of the Deschutes River canyon Still, there are plenty of other gravel bars along the Deschutes, and only Cedar Island supports a grove of big conifers. What makes this gravel bar different? Part of the puzzle is shape of the canyon walls that surround Cedar Island. At the Beavertail Bend, the Deschutes River swings sharply west, then reverses to head directly east, in each case carving near-vertical, 2,000 foot walls of basalt over the millennia. The aspect of these walls helps shade Cedar island by shortening exposure to hot summer sun by several hours per day compared to less protected parts of the canyon. Cedar Island is protected from mid-day summer sun by towering, 2,000-foot canyon walls to the south and east The west (upstream) end of Cedar Island seems to confirm the role of the canyon walls in allowing the Incense Cedar groves to survive. This part of the island (below) extends beyond the protective shade of the steep south wall of the canyon, and into the wide section of canyon where it is more exposed to the intense morning and midday sun during the hot summer months. The west end of Cedar Island seems to be too exposed to summer sun for the Incense Cedars to survive there Another piece of the puzzle is the gravel that makes up island, itself. While it allows the Cedar Island colony to reach the shallow water table with their root systems, it’s also very well-drained above the water table – something that Incense cedars prefer. At 10-12 feet above the average river level, the gravel bar is also tall enough to avoid being inundated or eroded by all but the worst flood events. When did the Cedar Island colony become established? That’s unknown, but an image (below) taken from the east canyon rim in 1905 shows the island to be virtually cleared. There are a couple of explanations. First, the photo shows both rail lines that were under construction at the time, a race between two railroad barons that became known as “The Deschutes Railroad War”. It’s quite possible that Incense Cedar on the island were cut by the railroad crews for construction material or simply firewood. It’s also possible that the trees were actually introduced here at the time when the canyon was being intensely developed by the railroads. But the fact that the island was named for its cedars suggests the colony was here when railroad surveyors arrived. 1905 view of Cedar Island from the east canyon rim shows few trees compared to today… why? Another explanation for the relatively bare island in 1905 could be flooding. Though the Deschutes is not prone to catastrophic floods like rivers west of the Cascades, the upstream dams didn’t exist when the first Incense Cedars pioneered the island. therefore, it’s likely that periodic floods swept across this flat sandbar – which was, itself, created by floods. The colony must have found a way to rebound from these events, assuming the Incense cedar grove has been here for centuries. The following images (below) from 1911 were taken from the west side of the canyon and confirm that the Incense cedar grove on the island was much smaller at the turn of the century. These later images marked the end of construction of the railroad on the east side of the river. Today, a smaller colony of Incense cedar grows along the old railroad grade (now the access road) in the shade of the eastern canyon wall. 1911 view of Beavertail Bend from the west canyon rim, looking toward Cedar Island Closer look at Cedar Island in the 1911 view showing just a few Incense cedars growing along the south margin of the island Yet another explanation for the smaller grove in the early 1900s might be range fires. The sagebrush country of Oregon’s east side burns periodically, and fire is a natural, essential part of the ecosystem. For their part, Incense cedar have fire resistant bark that allows the trees to survive low-intensity fires (similar to Ponderosa pine and Sequoia), but when their crowns burn in more intensive fires, they have evolved to reseed and re-establish themselves quickly on burned ground. It could even be the case that railroad construction triggered a fire that cleared Cedar Island sometime before this photo was taken. In 2018 a trio of range fires (below) swept through Wasco County, burning much of the lower Deschutes River canyon. The fires destroyed dozens of farm dwellings and outbuildings, too, a painful reminder that fires will always be part of the desert ecosystem here, even with much of the landscape converted to wheatfields. The Longhollow Fire was the middle of the three fires, and burned to the northwest bank of the Deschutes, but apparently did not jump the river to Cedar Island. Had the fire reached the island, it could easily have crowned some of the Incense cedar trees. The open, park-like forest here has allowed the trees to keep their limbs almost to the ground, where trees in mixed forests typically lose their lower limbs. A high crown helps protect a mature tree from low-to moderate intensity fires at its base climbing lower limbs like a ladder and potentially engulfing its crown. But unlike the forest fires that occur in the typical Incense Cedar range, range fires in open sagebrush country are generally low-intensity, fast-moving burns due to the lack of available fuels compared to forest fires, so even trees with low limbs can often survive range fires. A closer look at the island suggests the fire did not cross the river in 2018, nor have fires burned the island in some time. First, none of the trees on Cedar Island shows burn marks on their lower trunks, a telltale sign of range fires that lasts for decades on trees that survive. Second, the presence of downed wood and a few Incense Cedar seedlings (below) confirms that no recent fires have swept the island, as young trees would almost certainly have been killed and dead forest debris completely burned. The trunks of the Cedar Island grove don’t show burn marks, suggesting that range fires haven’t swept the island in decades The downed alder logs in this view would almost certainly have burned in 2018, had the Longhollow Fire jumped the river. The small Incense cedar seedling toward the top of this photo would almost certainly have been killed by fire, as well. Whatever the cause of Cedar Island being cleared at the turn of the 1900s, the grove of Incense cedars is well-established today, with large trees that could have started life soon after these early photos were taken. Yet, the lack of young trees on the island today is also noticeable, with just a few younger trees sprinkled among the mature stand. This could be due to competition, with the spacing of the trees defined by their root systems, and little moisture left for young trees to get established. Most of the Incense Cedars on the island are mature, with few small seedlings present Some of the younger trees that do exist are crowded along the river’s edge, suggesting that other young trees farther from the edge of the island simply couldn’t compete with the larger trees for available groundwater with their smaller, shallow root systems. In their normal habitat, it would be rare for Incense cedars to hug a stream, but on Cedar Island it may be the only way young trees can become established One of the secrets of the survival of the Cedar Island grove could be the small group of younger trees growing at the shaded foot of the southeast canyon wall. These are the only Incense cedars from the colony that extend beyond the island, and a number of very young trees are getting established here now. It could be that this part of the grove has helped reseed the island after flood events over the centuries. It’s hard to see if this group of trees existed in the 1905 and 1911 photos, and it’s likely that railroad construction would have erased any trees in this area, anyway. But without any better evidence, it’s also possible that this branch of the colony is relatively new, seeded here by mature trees on the island after the railroad construction ended. If so, why did the colony move there, to steep rocky slopes far above the river and readily available water table? This view shows a branch of the Cedar Island colony growing along the base of the eastern canyon wall. These trees are younger and seem to be expanding their presence, despite growing on rocky slopes far above the water table created by the river The best explanation for this branch colony is probably the sun protection provided by the canyon walls, as these trees are growing in an “elbow” where the north and west facing walls meet, creating a relatively cool setting for much of the day during the hot summer season. But another part of the story is likely groundwater seeping through a steep ravine that cuts through the layers of basalt where the branch colony is centered. The branch colony of the Cedar Island lost forest is thriving on the south wall of the Deschutes River canyon, with many young trees becoming established in this unexpected habitat Whatever their origin, the younger grove along the canyon wall is a helpful insurance policy for the survival of the Cedar Island colony over the long haul. These are young trees, yet clearly well-established, so in the event the island trees are destroyed by fire or flood, these trees could be a source for re-seeding the island. Likewise, the island might well survive range fires that could destroy the canyon wall grove and help reseed that part of the colony. This young Incense cedar in the branch colony may someday play a part in reseeding Cedar Island and helping the lost forest here continue to survive The mystery of the lost forest on Cedar Island brings more questions than answers, and it deserves more study to better understand the phenomenon and help preserve the colony. I’m hoping this article might inspire a local researcher or graduate student (with a passion for rafting or kayaking!) to step up to the challenge. The island is on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and seems reasonably protected from development, though it doesn’t seem to have any sort of special protection for its unique ecological value. The lost Incense cedar forest on Cedar Island in the Deschutes River canyon In the meantime, the island makes for an interesting stop on a tour of the lower Deschutes River canyon, whether by car, bicycle or on the river. The island is located immediately downstream from the Beavertail campground. There are pullouts along the access road with good views of the island, and if you’re up for a walk, you can simply park at a pullout and walk the exceptionally scenic road for a stretch. Along the way, you’ll pass another coniferous anomaly — the “Big Pine” located just north of the twin railroad bridges at Horseshoe Bend. This old Ponderosa pine grows on a gravel fan at the base of seep that gives it enough year-round water to become quite established here. The BLM has placed a picnic table under the tree and there is a toilet nearby, too. The “Big Pine” just north of the twin railroad bridges along the Deschutes River access road From the beginning of the well-marked access road near Sherars Bridge, it’s 17 miles to the end of the well-graded gravel road, so this makes a good adventure if you’re looking for something off the beaten path. Map 6 on the following BLM webpage covers the route from Sherars bridge to Cedar Island and Map 7 covers the remainder of the access road to Macks Canyon: For a deeper dive into the Deschutes Railroad War, you can find out-of-print copies of Leon Speroff’s excellent book on the subject, with dozens of historic photos presented in large, coffee-table format. Leon Speroff’s excellent book covers the surprising railroad history of the Deschutes in detail — plus some of the natural history of the canyon The Deschutes River access road can be reached by following the Sherars Bridge Highway (OR 216) from where it joins Highway 197 in Tygh Valley. Follow signs to Grass Valley, then turn onto the well-marked access road about a mile after crossing Sherars Bridge. You’ll pass White River Falls State Park along the way, another worthy stop if you’re in the area. One of the best times to visit the lower Deschutes is in winter and early spring, when campers and rafters are scarce and you will have the place pretty much to yourself. As with all trips to the dry east side of the mountains, ticks, poison oak and even the occasional rattlesnake are residents here, so watch your step and do a tick check when you get home. The Riverside Fire shortly after it exploded into a major conflagration in September 2021 (USFS) In the aftermath of the 49,000-acre Eagle Creek Fire in 2017, we learned the following essential facts: The fire was human-caused by a careless teenager throwing fireworks over a cliff along the Eagle Creek Trail on a crowded Labor Day weekend with extreme fire conditions. 176 hikers had to be rescued after the fire exploded. The teenager was later sentenced to extensive community service working with forest crews No human life and minimal loss of structures occurred, despite the close proximity to the town of Cascade Locks and hundreds of homes built in the forest fringes adjacent to the national forest Though human-caused, the scale and timing of the fire was completely in line with historic large fires in the Gorge, occurring roughly every century. The last major fire on the Oregon side was also centered on the Eagle Creek and Tanner Creek areas, in the late 1800s. The massive Yacolt Burn on the Washington side occurred in 1902 The forest recovery following the fire was immediate, reassuring, and continues without human intervention (in the form of replanting) The extreme weather conditions and risk for fire was forecast in advance by the National Weather Service, yet this information was not enough to persuade the U.S. Forest Service or the Oregon Parks and Recreation Division to reconsider public access to the Gorge that fateful Labor Day weekend. Powerful easterly winds drove the massive Riverside Fire west, toward the Willamette Valley (USFS) Flash forward to 2020, and we have a repeat of the Eagle Creek Fire in the form of the 138,000-acre Riverside Fire, which burned much of the Clackamas and Molalla River watersheds after it started the day after Labor Day: Like the Eagle Creek Fire, the Riverside Fire was human-caused, as was the 36 Pit Fire that had previously burned 5,500 acres in the lower Clackamas River canyon in September 2014 Like the Eagle Creek Fire in the Gorge, the extreme weather conditions that made the Riverside Fire so explosive were well-predicted and nearly certain to unfold as forecast. We were warned that high winds would blow hot desert air over the Cascade passes in Oregon and Washington, turning mountain canyons into wind tunnels of hot, exceptionally dry air all the way to the Willamette Valley Like the Eagle Creek Fire, the Riverside burned an area that was probably overdue for fire, as measured by the approximately 100-200 year intervals between large fires on the west slopes of the Cascades. Unlike the Gorge, the Clackamas and Molalla basins had been heavily logged by the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the private timber corporations for 70 years, so much of the burn consisted of crowded clear-cut plantations that turned out to be especially vulnerable to fire Unlike the Eagle Creek Fire, thousands of acres of private, previously logged-over plantations burned, and the timber corporations have been aggressively “salvaging” burned trees in the months since the fire occurred – a practice that has been shown to be especially damaging to forest recovery Like the Eagle Creek Fire, towns like Estacada and Molalla were spared, though the fire burned frighteningly close to Estacada. But unlike the Eagle Creek Fire, the Riverside fire destroyed 139 homes and outbuildings and injured four people in its path along the west slope of the Cascades. Like the Eagle Creek Fire, the Riverside turned skies in the Portland metropolitan area orange for days, raining ash on some of the suburbs, and awakening the urban population to the health and economic impacts that large fires have always had on rural communities. Memaloose Road after the Riverside Fire (USFS) When it was over, the Riverside fire had burned nearly three times the area of Eagle Creek Fire. The scale of the fire is still sinking in, since the burn area is largely closed to the public, indefinitely. But the few photos the Forest Service has provided show scenes similar to the Eagle Creek Fire, from severely burned areas where the forest canopy was completely killed to areas of “mosaic” burns, a beneficial fire pattern where intensely burned areas are intermixed with less burned forest, where the tree canopy is likely to survive the fire. Early analysis of the first suggests that it was generally more severe than the Eagle Creek fire, with large areas of the Clackamas River watershed severely burned. The lower Clackamas River canyon has now burned three times in the past 20 years, first with the Bowl Fire in 2002 that burned 339 acres, then the 36 Pit Fire in 2014, and now the massive Riverside Fire. In this recent article [https://wyeastblog.org/tag/clackamas-river/] I described a forest recovery that was already underway when the Riverside Fire swept the through the lower Clackamas River canyon last fall, and we don’t yet know how much of this recovering forest was burned. Adjusting to our new reality… While the Eagle Creek and Riverside fires have much in common, and the fires aren’t necessarily outliers compared to historic fires in the area, there are some important takeaways from both fires that are concerning. They underscore the reality that climate change and increased human presence in our forests are accelerating the pace of major forest fires in the Pacific Northwest. Fire-scorched Fish Creek Campground (USFS) First, the recent sequence of fires in the lower Clackamas River Canyon is troubling, as we are now seeing fires burn through the same forests in rapid succession. This means that surviving forest patches from the 2002 Bowl Fire also had to contend with the 2014 16 PIt Fire, and later, the 2020 Riverside Fire to continue the benefits of a “mosaic” burn to the lower canyon. While we don’t yet know, we almost certainly lost some (or perhaps all) of these surviving forests from earlier fires. These are the beneficial mosaic survivors that ensure a rapid forest recovery. Without them, we can expect a much slower forest recovery, and more erosion and earth movement will result. Second, the Forest Service has shown an inability (or unwillingness) to simply close down recreation areas when extreme fire conditions are forecast. Their position is understandable: closing down the Gorge after the Eagle Creek Fire caused much controversy, so we can only imagine the outrage had that been done before that Labor Day in 2017, though we would almost certainly have prevented the catastrophic fire that resulted. Conversely, prevention is rarely credited in our society, so the likely public relations firestorm of closing the forest on Labor Day weekend to avoid a real firestorm in the forest would have been a truly thankless decision for the Forest Service. Fish Creek drainage after the fire showing a mosaic burn pattern (USFS) The same holds for the 2020 Riverside Fire. Closing down the Clackamas River recreation corridor to campers, boaters and hikers on Labor Day weekend would surely have set off a major controversy for the Forest Service, and only in hindsight can we know that it would have prevented a catastrophic fire needlessly caused by humans. I visited the corridor on a busy weekend just before Labor Day, and I was saddened to see “dispersed” campsites all along the Clackamas with campfires burning, despite a ban on fires at the time. These unofficial campsites have a long history and tradition in our national forests, and they have been mushrooming in new places all around WyEast Country in recent years as campers seek to avoid the fees (and rules) of developed campgrounds. As a result, they are increasingly becoming havens for lawless activity, including tree cutting, dumping and illegal fires. Mobbed “dispersed” campsite in the Clackamas corridor with multiple campfires burning a few days before the Riverside Fire The Forest Service simply doesn’t have the capacity to meaningfully enforce fire restrictions in the growing number of dispersed sites, and it’s time we view them as the hazard to our forests that they have become. The agency has begun to close some of these sites, but if we learn that the Riverside Fire was ignited by an illegal campfire in a dispersed campsite, then we’ll have a strong case for completely banning them – everywhere. Would that cause an outcry? Absolutely. But many tough decisions lie ahead if we hope to save our forests from our own bad behavior during a time of unprecedented environmental change. Forest Service fire patrol attempting to monitor dispersed campers Parking overload at a dispersed campsite in the Clackamas Corridor a few days before the Riverside Fire Private utilities saw the fire situation differently last September. Portland General Electric (PGE) opted to shut down its powerlines in the heavily populated Mount Hood corridor and its three powerhouses and adjoining powerlines in the Clackamas River canyon in anticipation of the wind event, for fear of their power system igniting the forest. Looking back, there’s no way to know if that would have happened, but the recent fires caused by powerlines in California (and resulting lawsuits against the utilities) surely weighed on PGE’s decision. In that light, the frustration of several thousand customers seemed a fair tradeoff to PGE, especially when you consider that the nearby Beachie Creek Fire and other fires that burned throughout Oregon during that weather event were caused by downed powerlines from the extreme wind. Crowded clear-cut plantations like this fared poorly in the Riverside Fire (USFS) Another important take-way is that our forests are becoming increasingly stressed by climate change. Our summers are hotter and longer, our snowpack is retreating to higher elevations and is less abundant. This makes our forests much more vulnerable to fire, especially at the end of our summer drought season in late August and into September. Little is known about how global climate change will ultimately affect our forests, but it’s becoming clear that the fire risk is only increasing and scale and frequency, and our forests on the west slope of the Cascades didn’t evolve for that. As we move forward into this unsettling future, the real question isn’t whether we can make sound judgments about fire danger based on science and observation. We know we can, and the science is getting better and more reliable all the time. Instead, the question is whether we are willing to follow science to make the tough calls? For this, we need only look to the global COVID-19 pandemic that we are riding out right now. The science behind basic, simple steps to prevent the transmission of the virus is solid and tested. In many societies, science alone has been persuasive enough to encourage mass compliance with prevention efforts. Not so in our country, of course, where putting on a simple face mask devolved into a debate about individual liberties, even as hundreds of thousands of Americans have died from the coronavirus. This appears to be “safety” logging by ODOT, not post-fire salvage logging — an increasingly discredited practice (USFS) However, elected leaders in our corner of the country have been willing to follow the science (and face the angry wrath of a vocal few), and the public has overwhelmingly followed orders to keep our distance, shut down places where people gather and hunker down in our homes during this crisis. As loud as the dissenters are, the vast majority of Oregonians (and Washingtonians) have accepted that there are no good options in this crisis, only “least worst” options. Have we now reached a point with human-caused forest fires in our region that the public is similarly ready (or at least resigned) to accept restrictions based on our collective memory of recent, catastrophic fires? This brings me back to the notorious month of September in WyEast, the time of year when some of our worst human-caused fires have occurred. It’s pretty clear now that the Forest Service isn’t able (or willing) to pre-emptively shut down forest access during the kind of extreme weather conditions to prevent human-caused fires that allowed the Eagle Creek and Riverside fires to explode. We saw yet another reminder of that fact a few weeks ago, when the Forest Service abruptly and unceremoniously re-opened the Eagle Creek Trail and other areas closed by the Eagle Creek Fire in the middle of the holiday vacation, and social media quickly responded, sending a crush of hikers to the trail. Whale Creek near Indian Henry Campground after the fire (USFS) Whale Creek before the fire With this move, the Forest Service squandered a “reset” on access and crowd management the agency had long promised about since the closure began. Worse, the reopening of the Eagle Creek and other Gorge trails was completely at odds with warnings of COVID-19 spreading rampantly over the holidays. The risk of spreading the virus was exponentially higher in December than it had been in March 2020, when the Forest Service DID shut down trails in the Gorge. After a month of hikers crowding the reopened trail — where it is impossible to observe basic COVID precautions — Mother Nature unleashed a “Pineapple Express” deluge of rain in late January that washed out several sections of trail, closing it once again, though only “temporarily”, according to the Forest Service. Somebody call the Governor..? Given what we’ve learned about the inability of the Forest Service bureaucracy to act on solid science from these recent events, and especially given that climate change and our own behavior is only ramping up the fire risk, what if our state and local elected leaders were to step in? Could they make these decisions for the Forest Service in the name of public health and safety? Should they? Mosaic burn along a section of the Clackamas showing some big trees that survived the fire while the clear-cut plantation in the distance was decimated (USFS) The answer to the first question is yes, they probably could – especially the Governor. Last spring, the Forest Service closed most of the national forests in the Pacific Northwest in response to the broader COVID-19 shutdowns, and in their official words, did so “in consultation with state and local governments and tribes”. This probably means the national forest shutdown in Oregon and Washington occurred because the two governors had ordered a broader shutdown, as opposed to a president who was denying the pandemic at the time. So, while the governors may not have direct authority over federal lands, they appear to have functional authority (and if there are legal experts out there reading this who can answer this question more definitively, I welcome your thoughts!) But should our elected leaders step up and make this call? The answer to this question is easy. Yes, of course they should. The pandemic has redefined the boundaries for elected leadership, at least for now. And besides, for most of us, it would be an inconvenience to stay home on Labor Day weekend out of an abundance of caution. For those who lost their homes (or the lives of loved ones) in the Oregon fires last September, it’s an especially easy call. If the pandemic has taught Americans anything, we’ve learned that much of what we do in our daily lives can be adjusted to meet needs greater than our own. As Americans, we reserve the right to complain, of course! Aerial view of the Oak Grove area of the Clackamas basin showing a mosaic burn pattern and the untouched Roaring River Wilderness and Mount Hood, beyond (USFS) Finally, how urgent is the need to assert some authority over the Forest Service in making the call for public closures during extreme fire conditions? It’s tempting to think the Gorge is immune from big fires for another century, now that much of the Oregon side was burned in the 2017 fire. But three fires in less than 20 years in the lower Clackamas River corridor tells us otherwise. We’re in a new fire reality, now, and the renewal of our forest depends on our ability to prevent further escalation of the fire cycle due to our own behavior. Next time… Mount Hood? And then there’s Mount Hood. The north and east sides burned in a series of three fires from 2005 to 2011, but much of the forest on these flanks of the mountain remains unburned, and is ripe for human caused fire by the throngs of hikers and backpackers who visit the mountain in the summer months. 1933 view of Mount Hood and burned-over Zigzag Mountain from burned-over Devils Peak. Everything in this view except for Mount Hood is now reforested. While large fires are not new to the western Cascades, they are becoming more frequent More ominously, the south and west sides of the mountain haven’t seen major fires in more than a century. The extensive Kinzel and Sherar fires completely burned off several square miles of the forest, from near Timothy Lake all the way north to Lolo Pass, and from the community of Zigzag east to Bennett Pass. Few people lived near the mountain when these fires burned. Today’s Mount Hood corridor travels through the middle of this largely recovered burn, and the highway is now lined with thousands of homes and hundreds of businesses and resorts. While PGE’s decision to shut down their powerlines in the Mount Hood corridor last September may well have prevented a fire being ignited from electrical lines, but it’s sheer luck that a human-caused fire didn’t occur. The escalation of west-side fires calls to question the wisdom of continuing to build homes on the forest fringes, too. While most of these are on private land, they drive public policy, with developers and the real estate industry pushing the idea that forest fires can somehow be prevented in perpetuity. Elected officials have been wary to disagree, despite the science being on their side. Early 1900s view of Government Camp when the south slopes of Mount Hood were still recovering from the last major fire to sweep through the area In this emerging era of extreme weather and forests stressed by climate change, catastrophic, human-caused fires are quickly becoming an annual concern, even along the temperate west slope of the Cascades. When extreme fire conditions emerge again next summer, and with the Gorge and Riverside fires in our recent memory, are we finally ready and willing to say “no” to ourselves? Before the COVID pandemic descended upon us last year, I would have been tempted to say “no” to that question, simply because American culture has struggled in recent years with the idea of the collective interest outweighing the individual. But the pandemic has renewed my optimism that we’re turning a page toward an era more like the 1930s and 40s, when a collective consensus emerged toward facing the dual challenges of economic despair and world war. Despite our divisive domestic politics of the past few years, a working majority in this country has nevertheless emerged on the side of finally addressing climate change. That’s encouraging! After all, climate change is singularly a global threat that demands our collective effort. With restoring forests as one of the most important tools in combatting climate change, this could be the key to rethinking how we can prevent human-caused fires. …and to end this article on an even more optimistic note, watch this blog for big news on the future of WyEast Country in the coming days! That’s a teaser, by the way… As I write this annual year-end post after a calamitous 2020, the world seems just a bit more hopeful. The presidential election will shift public lands policy 180 degrees back toward conservation and restoration, and with the release of two COVID-19 vaccines, the end of the world pandemic is finally on the horizon. And so, I share some of the stories behind this year’s Mount Hood National Park Campaign scenic calendar with a cautious spring in my step (or my fingers as they type this sentence, at least). You can pick up a copy of the calendar here for $29.95: As always, all proceeds will go to Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) to support their ongoing effort to care for trails as gateways to our public lands. Zazzle prints these calendars with exceptionally high quality, and they also have large enough boxes to be quite functional for tracking important dates and your trail plans. They make nice gifts, too, of course! Over the years, I’ve described the Mount Hood National Park Campaign as “an idea campaign” with the simple goal of keeping alive the promise of better protections and restoring the grandeur Mount Hood and the Gorge. I started the project in 2004 as a way to continually remind Oregonians and Washingtonians living in WyEast Country that national park protection was proposed at least three times in Congress, in the 1890s, 1920s and the 1930s. Each time, logging and other extraction industries (and later, the emerging ski industry) were the chief opponents — along with the Forest Service, itself. Thomas Cole painted this idyllic scene of Native American life in WyEast Country in the 1870s. The mountain continues to be beacon of inspiration and awe for people living in its shadow to this day If you’ve watched Ken Burns’ magnificent National Parks series, you know that every park was a battle, typically between short-term exploitation interests and progressives looking toward posterity for future generations. There were no easy wins. And, so it will be for Mount Hood and the Gorge until enough locals (or our children and grandchildren) recognize national park protection as both urgent and deserving for these world-class places. We haven’t treated them too well over the past 150 years, but real change is suddenly afoot in 2020. What? Yes, you read that correctly… and I will share more about that exciting news in future blog posts! This beautiful cove at the foot of Crown Point was called “Echo Bay” when it was still connected to the Columbia River in this 1870s photo. This was among the spots that inspired the first Congressional effort to create a national park here But until then, this article is a tour of some of the places that make WyEast country special, and are featured in the 2021 MHNP Campaign scenic calendar. As always, every image in the new calendar was captured over the past year and, as in past years, there are some lesser-known places mixed in with some of the more familiar. The 2021 Calendar Images Salmon River in late Autumn The cover image for the 2021 calendar comes from a very familiar spot along the Old Salmon River Trail, near the community of Zigzag. This quiet trail was bypassed — and spared — when the Salmon River Road was built in the post-World War II logging boom. Today it offers one of the most accessible trails into ancient rainforest anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. This photo was taken just a few weeks ago, too. Because of its low elevation, it’s a trail you can hike year-round. Here’s the Oregon Hikers Field Guide description of the trail. For January, I chose an image captured from above the West Fork Hood River Valley, on Butcher Knife Ridge. In this scene, Mount Hood is emerging from the clouds after the first big winter storm of fall. I’ll be posting more articles in 2021 about the West Fork valley, as there is some very exciting news to share about this area. Mount Hood’s rugged northwest face in early winter as viewed from Butcher Knife Ridge The February image is a familiar view of Wahclella Falls on Tanner Creek, one of the premier trails in the Columbia River Gorge. Before the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, I visited this trail several times each year, as it’s not only a personal favorite, but also a trail that makes for a great introduction to the Gorge for new hikers or visiting family. Wahclella Falls on Tanner Creek The image in the new calendar is from a visit last winter, and it was my first since the fire. Though the fire did burn through the lower Tanner Creek canyon, many trees survived, especially around Wahclella Falls. Notably, a pair of big trees familiar to hikers also survived — the twin Douglas firs flanking the lower trail (below). As of this year, their upper canopies are still green more than two years after the fire, and that bodes well for them to survive for many years to come. The familiar twin Douglas firs along the Wahclella Falls Trail have survived the 2017 Gorge fire… so far What I couldn’t have guessed is that the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions kicked in just a couple weeks after my visit, and Wahclella Falls was once again closed to the public. As hard as these Gorge trail closures have been for hikers, there are a couple of silver linings. First, they have allowed trail volunteers from TKO, the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and other volunteer trail organization to continue the hard work of restoring trails damaged by fire without having to accommodate hiker traffic. Perhaps more importantly, the closures have also allowed forest recovery to begin within the pressures that heavy visitation on popular Gorge trails brings. Lower White River Falls in spring The March image (above) features Lower White River Falls, a lesser-known cascade downstream from the main falls at White River Falls State Park. Where the main falls is a raucous spectacle, the lower falls is quiet waterfall in a secluded canyon, where it is framed by desert wildflowers in late spring. Poison likes to grow in the shade of boulders along the White River — watch where you sit! The user path to the lower falls has become increasingly prominent in recent years as more visitors discover this pretty spot (and its excellent swimming hole), but be forewarned, the path is lined with Poison Ivy. This relative of Poison Oak bears a close resemblance, but grows as a ground low ground cover in the sandy floodplain along the river, often in the shelter of boulders and old logs. Lower White River Falls For April, I selected another scene from Mount Hood’s rain shadow, a wildflower meadow on the edge of the tree line where forests give way to the desert country east of the Cascades. This bucolic scene looks across the rolling wheat country of Wasco County, toward the Columbia Hills and the Columbia River, on the horizon (below). Wildflower meadows on the east slope of the Cascades near Friend Though you wouldn’t know from this photo, the South Valley Fire swept through this area in 2018, one of three major range fires that combined that year to burn nearly 200,000 acres. Two years later, and only the scattered snags of Ponderosa pine, Western juniper and burned fence posts hint at the fire, as the sage and grass savannah has recovered in a remarkably short time. But the fires had a human toll, too. Homes and barns were burned, as well as several historic farmsteads that can never be replaced. Only a few charred remains tell the story of the 2018 range fires east of Mount Hood Switching back to the west side of the Cascades, I chose a scene from a visit to Silver Falls State Park for the May image. With many of the Gorge waterfall trails still closed by the aftermath of the Eagle Creek Fire, Silver Falls visitation has exploded over the past couple years, as hikers look for new places to get their waterfall fix. Visiting Silver Falls State Park is pretty close to a national park experience, as the park is loaded with 1930s Civilian Conservation Corp construction and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department do an excellent job maintaining and curating the park’s network of scenic trails. Lower South Falls (below, and the May image in the new calendar) and nearby Middle North Falls are favorites among photographers in the park, and they have some similarities. Both begin as a wide curtain of falling water before crashing onto the rocky basalt aprons that make up their base, and both have a trail behind them. Lower South Falls on Silver Creek A few years ago, a local Republican legislator introduced a bill proposing National Monument status for Silver Creek. The bill didn’t go anywhere, but it was a nice opportunity to showcase the area and a reminder that seeking national park status can be a bipartisan effort, even in these days of deep political division. Pandemic-compliant blogger at Silver Creek State Park Visiting Silver Falls State Park (and most other state parks) in 2020 also meant controlling the COVID-19 virus while huffing and puffing on a buy trail. While I was discouraged by the disregard for masks on my trips to Silver Falls last spring (maybe 1 in 5 had one), there has been a noticeable uptick in mask use in our state parks national forests since. That’s good, because in a year of pandemic shutdowns and closures, the benefits of being outdoors and connecting with nature have never been greater. Crowds of pandemic-defying hikers at Silver Falls State Park on Memorial Day 2020 For June, I chose a scene from just off the Timberline Trail, along the rim of the White River Canyon (below). This expansive Lupine meadow is only a few steps from the trail, but just out of view and thus known to surprisingly few. Summer Lupine meadows along the rim of White River canyon If only this blog had a virtual scratch-and-sniff, as there is nothing quite as heady as the sweetly-scented mountain air in a Lupine meadow, and this one was no exception. For those who haven’t had the experience, Lupine are in the pea family, and have the same sweet aroma as garden sweet peas — but with a mountain backdrop! For July, I chose another wildflower scene, though this one fits more of a rock garden motif, featuring yellow Buckwheat and purple Penstemmon among the chunks of andesite scattered here. This is the historic Cooper Spur shelter, just off the Timberline Trail on the mountain’s north side. Cooper Spur, proper, rises to the left and the Eliot Glacier tumbles down Mount Hood’s north face to the right of the shelter. This is one of several stone shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s and today is one of just three that still survive (the other survivors are at McNeil Point and Cairn Basin). Cooper Spur Shelter in summer Follow the climbers trail to the right of the shelter to the nearby moraine viewpoint (marked by large cairn) and you’ll have a front-row view of the Eliot Glacier. While I was there, a house-sized ice blocks suddenly collapsed (below), filling the canyon with a roar! It’s always a thrill to see and hear our glaciers in action. Icefall collapse on the Eliot Glacier! Another mountain scene fills out the summer as the August image in the new calendar. This multi-image composite assembles the impossibly massive scene at the western base of the mountain, where the Timberline Trail fords the twin branches of the Muddy Fork (below). From here, the mountain rises more than 7,000 vertical feet above the scene, and dramatic waterfalls tumble down the 800-foot cliffs that frame the canyon. The wide-open scenery of the Muddy Fork canyon The Muddy Fork valley is a volatile, continually changing landscape. In the early 2000s, a massive debris flow swept through, felling an entire forest and leaving a 25-foot layer of rock and sand on the valley floor. The Muddy Fork has since carved through the debris, all the way down to the former valley floor, revealing the stumps of trees that were snapped off by the event. Some are visible along the stream at the center the above photo. Meanwhile, the rest of the Muddy Fork debris flow is already dense with Red Alder, Cottonwood and Douglas Fir pioneers that are quickly re-establishing the forest, continuing the eternal cycle of forest renewal. Several photos in this year’s calendar are from the dry country east of Mount Hood, in the rain shadow of the Cascade Range. I made several trips there while researching the strange desert mounds unique to the area (see “Mystery of the Desert Mounds“) and I fell back in love with the landscape, having spent time living there in the early 1980s. The September image in the new calendar is of a lesser-known gem in this area, the historic Nansene Community Hall (below) located on the northern slopes of Tygh Ridge. Remains of the historic Nansene Community Hall on Tygh Ridge The community hall dates back to the early 1900s, when sheep ranching was still the dominant industry in the area. Sprawling wheat fields and cattle have long since replaced the sheep herds, but thanks to the arid climate, abandoned wood structures from the early white settlement era can survive intact for a century or more. But they can’t survive fire, and while many historic homestead structures were destroyed by the 2018 range fires that swept through the area, Nansene Hall was among those spared. Thankfully, the iconic grain elevator at Boyd survived the fire, too, and this photo (below) was a candidate for the calendar, save for the fact that Mount Hood isn’t peeking over the horizon! Grain elevator on Fifteenmile Creek at Boyd Several historic schoolhouses in the area also survived the fire, including the picturesque Center Ridge Schoolhouse (below), located a couple miles northeast of the Nansene Commumity Hall. This amazingly intact old building was designed with more aesthetics in mind than you might guess. The big windows along the west side of the structure define its single classroom, but the building was sited at an angle to ensure that Mount Hood filled the horizon through those windows, while Mount Adams looms to the north of its playground! Center Ridge Schoolhouse and Mount Adams While exploring the Tygh Ridge area this year, I happened upon a toxic creature that was unknown to me: the Green Blister Beetle (below), part of the legendary family of bugs that Spanish Fly is derived from. This iridescent native of the western states is highly toxic to the touch, though I only learned that later, when I was trying to identify this bug from photos I had taken while surrounded by a swarm of them in the field! Don’t touch the Green Blister Beetle! (though the smaller beetles in this photo don’t seem to be bothered by their toxic neighbor) Fortunately, I did not handle them, as that can lead to a potentially dangerous reaction. So, while we don’t have many toxic plants and creatures to navigate in the Pacific Northwest, here’s a new one for the list of those to avoid. The Blister Beetle confab was unfolding in the historic Kingsley Catholic Cemetery, one of the more photogenic spots in the Tygh Ridge area. While walking among the pioneer graves that day last June, I also spotted this wonderful note hanging from a tree, a most welcome bit of hope and optimism in an otherwise grim pandemic year: Sometimes a simple note can make a tough year a little better… I later shared the note with a friend in the Dufur area, who in turn shared it in local circles there, hopefully drawing some interest. Little discoveries like this are poignant reminders that the future is always bright through young eyes, and it’s our job as elders to embrace their optimism and sense of promise. For October, I selected a scene familiar to many (below). This is the view from just below the Vista Ridge trailhead, where the mountain suddenly unfolds for arriving hikers. It’s a popular roadside spot for evening photography, especially in fall when Vine Maple light up the scene. The popular photographers’ tableau at Vista Ridge However… when I stopped there this fall, I was quite annoyed to see that Forest Service contractors hired to brush out the road had dumped their slash right in the middle of this lovely talus slope! Sacrilege! So, I took a deep breath, put on a pair of gloves and spent a couple hours dragging the slash down the road to another debris pile that was out of view in a nearby wooded area. Why get my dander up over this? Because talus slopes are special. They’re scenic and offer welcome views in our heavily forested region, of course. But they’re also home to species that depend on these unique places to survive. The best known are the tiny Pika who live exclusively in talus fields, but they are just part of the unique web of plants and animals found in these rocky islands. They deserve to be revered as unique places in the same way that our understanding of deserts has evolved in recent years to see them as places full of life, despite their lack of trees. For November, I went back to yet another image from the slopes of Tygh Ridge (below). This is a view looking north across the broad, gentle apron of the ridge toward Mount Adams, shining on the far horizon. Less obvious in this autumn view are the many fallow fields where wheat was once planted, but now are carpeted with wildflowers and native grasses. What gives? Tygh Ridge Locust trees frame Mount Adams This photo (below) from a nearby spot was taken in June, and shows the expansive meadows that now cover formerly plowed land on Tygh Ridge. It turns out that these areas have been allowed to recover with native grassland species to benefit wildlife as part of the federal Conservation Reserve Program. It’s an opt-in program that compensates farmers for making long-term commitments (typically 10 or 15 years) to leave fields fallow for wildlife recovery. Hundreds of acres on Tygh Ridge are now part of this program. Lupine meadows on Tygh Ridge are part of the Conservation Reserve Program that compensates famers for allowing fields to revert to natural cover to benefit wildlife Heading back to the west side for December, I chose another image from beautiful Silver Falls State Park, though not of one of the iconic waterfalls. Instead, this scene (below) captures a classic winter rainforest scene, with the bare, contorted limbs of moss-draped Bigleaf maple revealed, now that their summer jacket of leaves has been discarded for the winter. North Fork Silver Creek in winter With all of the tragedy and trauma that 2020 brought to the world, this simple scene seemed most appropriate for closing out the calendar for the coming year: calming, cool and reflective, and with a needed sense of order and eternity that a misty day in the rainforest can bring us. Riverside Fire exploding into a conflagration in September Assembling this year’s calendar was yet another reminder of the horrendous year we are leaving behind. While spending time in the outdoors is always a needed escape, in 2020 we suddenly found many of our favorite forest sanctuaries closed by COVID-19. Later, the massive Riverside and Beachie fires roared through the Clackamas and Mount Jefferson areas, perhaps closing them for years to come, and with little known about the full impact of these fires at this time. As I sorted through about 130 images that I’d set aside over the year, everything fell into two categories: burned in the fires or not. We still don’t know just how extensively the Riverside Fire burned the Molalla River watershed, for example, though we do know that it reached all the way to the Willamette Valley, causing evacuations in several communities on the valley floor — an unthinkable development in our recent history with fire. The Molalla River corridor remains closed, and it could be years before the Bureau of Land Management reopens the area to the public. The Molalla Eye… before the fire Some spots were spared, if just barely. Just south of the Molalla corridor, the Riverside and Beachie fires converged and bolted Silver Falls State Park. The park was spared, but not nearby Shellburg Falls, which was intensely burned, with no surviving forest. The Little North Fork valley was equally charred, including historic structures at Opal Creek. Upper Butte Creek Falls… spared by the fire Meanwhile, the fires followed ridgetops above Abiqua and Butte Creeks, but left the waterfalls and big trees there intact. Butte Creek was on my mind, as I had just made a trip there last June, when I ran into a family learning to fly fish at Upper Butte Creek Falls. While this spot didn’t burn, it will still likely be affected by the fires. As we’ve learned following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire in the Gorge, stream corridors spared by the actual fire will soon fill with logs downed by the burn, and this will likely be the case in places like Butte Creek in coming years. Fishing at Butte Creek I’ve posted many articles about fire, and our need to come to terms with both its inevitability and benefits. And while it was frustrating to learn that the Riverside Fire was — once again — human-caused, it’s also the case that the forest will recover. With that recovery comes opportunities to rethink how we manage the Clackamas River watershed, and I’ll be posting more on that topic in the coming year. If catastrophic fires are a reset for the forest, then they can also be a reset for how we manage them. While the wildfires took center stage in Oregon in September, the COVID-19 crisis is the tragedy that will forever mark 2020. Like many, social distancing took me outdoors, but I quickly found that my usual haunts were packed with people, and too many were without masks or observing basic precautions for preventing transmission of the virus. So, I ventured a bit farther afield in WyEast country, visiting several places for the very first time, but also taking great pains not to interact with others and risk accidentally being a spreader, myself. Once such place was Cliffs Park, a remarkable spot along the Columbia River that offers a stunning view of the Columbia River. On a quiet Sunday, I had the place to myself, but the empty fishing platforms were a reminder that indigenous peoples have been fishing these beaches for millennia — and that in our pandemic, Native Americans have been among the hardest hit by the virus. Tribal fishing platforms at Cliffs Park Looking downstream at Cliffs Park, WyEast rises above the basalt walls of the Gorge, and the scene seems timeless. Turn around and look upstream, and the John Day Dam fills the horizon, another reminder of the cultural devastation that white settlement brought to the indigenous societies that had flourished along the river for millennia — and the trauma they still carry from the loss of Celilo Falls, just downstream from Cliffs Park, and inundated by The Dalles Dam in 1957. This recent piece in Portland Monthly on the subject is well worth reading: It’s fairly easy to be socially distant (and completely alone) in the wide-open desert country east of Mount Hood, but what about some pandemic solitude on the mountain? It turns out to be in plain sight, if you’re willing to do some boulder-hopping. Over the summer, I made several cross-country forays into the White River flood zone, and to my surprise, the river channel abruptly changed sometime in late summer, before my final visit in late September. The White River strikes back… again! My guess is that a cloudburst or just some steady rain had kicked off a debris slide far up the canyon, but the volume was such that the entire floodplain was affected, with a couple feet of new sand and cobbles left behind by the flood. On my visit, the river was still trying to find its new course, and made a wonderful clattering noise it rocks and pebbles rolled down the stream in the muddy water. The White River finding its new path It’s not the first time the White River has changed course, that’s for sure, and it certainly won’t be the last. Seeing the raw forces of nature steadily at work was also quite reassuring. Yes, humanity has been struggling with a pandemic this year, but the mountain didn’t even notice. Nature has a way of putting our human frailty in helpful perspective, and reminding us that we’re temporary features here. And, on a personal note… Everyone has their list of reasons to hate 2020, and I certainly have mine. I’ll start with an odd one that connects some dots, and it’s about my photography. After decades of making some of the most innovative, compact cameras that seemed to be designed with hikers and active photographers in mind, Olympus announced last June that it would be selling off its camera division. What..?? It turns out that like all traditional camera makers, Olympus had seen sales sag with the explosion of smartphone and their amazingly good photo capability. No surprise, there, and I’m no exception. I marvel at what my iPhone can do. But I’ve also been a loyal Olympus user since I was 18 years old. End of an era for this photographer? Not a chance! My newest Olympus (complete with collapsing 14-45mm zoom lens) sitting in the palm of my hand… The good news is that the buyer of the Olympus line is planning to continue offering a full lineup under the old brand name, so we’ll see how that goes. But in the meantime, I used this troubling news as rationale to double down and pick up a few lenses and another camera body that will help me keep this blog full of photos for years to come! Here’s where I will connect some dots, as the Olympus news had deeper significance with me, as I got the photography bug from my oldest brother Pete, who died in 2017. Pete is on my mind whenever I’m out in the forest or up in the mountains shooting with my beloved Olympus cameras. He helped me pick out my first Olympus camera when I was a teenager. Me (left) as a 20-year old with my late brother Pete and my first Olympus way back in 1982. Pete was my photography inspiration and my mentor Pete and I had a special connection that went beyond photography, and I’m thankful for the time I had with him, but I’m especially thankful for the time I still have to be out exploring the world. I’d wish he could still join me, and after losing him, I’ll surely never take my time on this earth for granted again. This regrettable year also marked the passing of my dad on September 1. He was 91 years old, and like my brother Pete, had a huge impact on my life. Dad moved our family out here from Iowa in 1962, just few weeks before I was added as the last of five kids (and the only one born in Oregon). Dad was drawn to the Pacific Northwest by the active outdoor life, and passed that appreciation on to his kids — and to my mom, who passed away in September 2018. Together, they climbed mountains, backpacked, camped, fished and when it came time to retire, lived out their years on a forested hilltop. My folks enjoying a pitcher and pizza just three years ago, in September 2017. These transplanted Iowans gave me my love of the Pacific Northwest outdoors Needless to say, my life moving forward has changed forever with the loss of both parents and my oldest brother. But if every kid wants to make their family proud, I felt good when it came time to sort through the things my folks left behind. Their home was full of photographs, sketches and sculptures that I’d made for them over the years, and they had even saved every Mount Hood calendar I’d printed since starting these in 2004! So, I know they were pleased that they had successfully planted that outdoor life and conservation ethic in me, and whatever I can do as a conservationist and advocate in my remaining life, it will be an extension of their influence — and Pete’s, too. I’ll always miss them, but whenever I’m in the outdoors, I’m really still with them! Their passing is also a reminder to me (and all of us) that an essential part of being a conservationist and steward for our public lands is to pass along that ethic and passion to those who will follow us, a role that is now even more prominent in my own mind. Looking forward to 2021! What’s coming in 2021 for this blog? As always, I have lots of articles underway, and as I mentioned at the top, the potential for some very big news for the mountain. I will post on that topic as soon as I learn more. I also hope to see some of the Riverside Fire aftermath first-hand and report on what the Clackamas watershed looks like today, along with ongoing visits to some lesser-known spots in WyEast country. The author at Lower White River Falls in June (with mask in stored position!) Most of all, a return to life beyond the pandemic is on all of our minds, perhaps as soon as next summer. Until then, thanks for reading the blog and for indulging me in these annual reflections. Best to you in 2021, and I hope to see you on the trail, sometime! Author’s note: I started this article two year ago, and set it aside because of the conflicting emotions I had from the experience described here. I’ve thought a lot about how I reacted since then. Over the past few weeks, as I watched the Riverside Fire sweep through the Molalla River canyon, memories of the event in 2018 flowed back, once again. Hopefully, a couple of years of reflection will make this a more thoughtful retelling of the story. We live in a cruel time. Politics of fear, rage and blind ideology are stoked by countless streams of media in the endless 24-hour cycles of “news” that has little to do with our everyday lives. All of this is relentlessly boiled up daily and served as a toxic brew that feeds directly into our country’s social unrest. But the constant drumbeat is designed to make us think otherwise, of course, and to entice us tune in for another day of advertising wrapped in more fear and loathing. It’s exhausting, overwhelming and discouraging, no matter your political outlook. So, what’s the connection to this blog? It’s in the cure. In the Pacific Northwest, we are gifted with an escape hatch from this media overload with the greatest concentration and diversity of public lands in the world. These public spaces provide us with a blissful retreat from the daily onslaught coming from cable news, talk radio and social media. Like most, my time in the woods is almost always spent decompressing from these social stressors, and the everyday pressures of life. That’s why I spent several weekends in the spring of 2018 in the Molalla River corridor, an area that I hadn’t really explored before. It’s a strip of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land that was assembled through land swaps with private timber companies in the 1990s, and is now fully dedicated to recreation and forest restoration. Most who visit the corridor are there to fish, explore the many mountain bike trails, swim in the crystal-clear Molalla River or simply enjoy the scenic drive. I went there in the off-season to take to beautiful rainforest scenery as spring foliage was just beginning to emerge. Much of the forest in the Molalla River corridor is recovering from century-old logging. The rebound is breathtaking and inspiring, despite the heavy logging that continues in the upper slopes of the watershed on land still owned by the timber companies. We don’t yet know how the Riverside Fire changed the landscape in the Molalla River canyon when it swept through last month, but there’s a good chance that this riparian corridor experienced a mosaic burn, where patches of surviving forest remain among more severely burned forests. I’ll report back on that once we the smoke has cleared and we can better understand the full impact of the fire on the forest. A change in plans… And so, I was heading back into the Molalla River corridor on that lonely, rainy Sunday morning in 2018 to photograph the forest scenery in a couple of favorite spots I had found on previous visits. Oddly, I had passed a BLM ranger parked at one of the closed picnic sites, which surprised me on an early spring weekend. Otherwise, I had the place to myself. Then I came upon a man lying in the middle of the road. At first, I thought he might be a cyclist who had been struck by a car. The corridor has miles of developed mountain bike trails, but there was no bicycle in sight, nor any vehicle. Had the man in the road been hit and left there? Was he even alive? My heart was pounding as I pulled up. Then, to my relief, the man began waving for help. Thankfully, he was alive! But a wave of fear swept over me as to what his injuries might be. I jumped from my car and yelled to him, “Are you okay?” “Yes, but I broke my leg”, he answered, lifting himself awkwardly onto one elbow. The man looked to be in his mid-30s. His leg was badly broken, and worse, his head was bleeding steadily from just above his left eye. He was lying on wet pavement in blue jeans and a denim jacket, both completely soaked by the steady rain. I was now very concerned about the seriousness of his injuries and whether this man was going into shock. I ran back to the car to get a fleece blanket to cover him and asked him his name. With a heavy accent, he said “Daniel. Daniel Hernández” offering me his wallet and identification, as if I’d asked to see it. Now, this was not the man’s real name. I’ve simply chosen a common Hispanic surname to reflect his ethnicity, as this is central to the story. “I fell off the cliff and broke my leg” he said, pointing at the 70-foot escarpment directly above the road. Then, quietly repeating to himself, “Damn, that was stupid… I can’t be missing work for this…”. Kneeling there in the rain beside him, I was struck that he felt I needed to see his identification as he lay there, badly injured. As if he had to justify his presence to me, a bystander and complete stranger. I wrapped Daniel in the blanket, and told him I had no cell service in the canyon, but that I had seen a BLM ranger a couple miles back, and wanted to drive back to try to catch him. Daniel nodded and asked if I had water for him to drink. I found a plastic cup in the car and left him on the road shivering and sipping water. It felt terrible to leave him behind, but I didn’t dare move him, and the BLM ranger might still be there and have a field radio. I could only hope that Daniel wouldn’t go into shock while I went for help, or even be hit by a car. As I started to pull away to find help, a blue minivan suddenly appeared from the opposite direction, driving very slowly — warily — down the canyon toward us. The lone, older man inside kept his window up as he approached us, and clearly did not intend to stop. This shocked and angered me, and I jumped back out and waved him down anyway, actually stepping in front of his vehicle. He rolled his window down a few inches, and I asked him to simply stay there to keep an eye on Daniel so that I could go for help. The man in the blue minivan reluctantly nodded, never saying a word to me or even looking me directly in the eye. He rolled his window back up and full ahead, finally stopping his vehicle a fair distance down the road. This left Daniel lying unprotected on the pavement, 30 feet behind him. The old man was clearly fearful and didn’t want to get involved, which made me both angry and sad. I didn’t blame him for being afraid, and yet his cold indifference was infuriating. Yes, it was a scary situation, but also a very human one. Couldn’t he see that? I jumped back in my car and raced back down the corridor to the spot where the BLM ranger had been parked, just over a mile from where Daniel lay. I felt a wave of relief to round the final corner and see the ranger loading up his truck. I pulled right up to him, startling him, I think, and told him what was unfolding just up the road. He was a young man in his 20s, but clearly knew what to do. He immediately jumped in his truck and followed me back up the road to the spot where I had left Daniel. As we approached the spot, the old man in the blue minivan quickly pulled away before we had even reached Daniel, without a word or gesture, even when I waved to him. He didn’t roll down his window or even make eye contact as he drove away. This mostly made me sad. I felt sorry for the old man, now. The incident now took another scary turn as the BLM ranger struggled to get a 911 call out on his radio. This is apparently an ongoing problem for law enforcement and rescue within the walls of the Molalla River Canyon. He spent an agonizing 20 minutes before he finally got through, and the rain continued to fall. While the BLM ranger worked his radio, I knelt down by Daniel to ask how he was doing. “Okay” he replied. “So, what were you doing up there?” I asked, immediately realizing that I sounded more suspicious than curious. “I just needed to get out here for some peace and quiet, man. I was exploring that trail and tried to get a look at the river, and the ground just gave way”, he said, pointing to a spot at the top of the cliff where you could see the path of his fall through broken brush and ferns. “Where’s your car?” I asked. “Down the road, it’s a white van where the trail starts”, he said. At this point, the BLM ranger had made radio contact, and called out that an ambulance from nearby Molalla was on the way. He then walked over to us, and stood several feet from where Daniel lay, asking him a similar series of questions, though through the lens of law enforcement. That’s one of the roles a ranger plays on our public lands, and he had clearly seen more than his share of unlawful activity in the corridor. But it was also true that Daniel was presumed suspect, even as he lay badly injured on the road. In that moment, another wave of unexpected fear passed through me. Had I been naïve in trying to help Daniel? Had I put myself in real danger by stopping to help him? Daniel offered the ranger his wallet, just as he had offered it to me. The ranger took it, looked at Daniel’s identification, then handed it back. Daniel had been laying there for at least an hour at that point, and was shaking. He asked if one of us had a cigarette. The ranger frowned and said “sorry”. I told Daniel I didn’t have a cigarette, either. I kneeled there, talking with Daniel for the next 20 minutes as we waited for the ambulance. He was staying with friends near Molalla, and visited the corridor frequently to “get away”. That’s why I was there, too, after all. Yet, the ranger’s suspicion had me wondering about Daniel’s story, now. Daniel continued to quietly lament and blame himself for his fall, wondering how he would manage paying medical bills and the work missed from his injuries. He was genuinely distraught, and as he spoke, the fear and distrust about who he was that had crept into my own mind began to melt away, once again. He was just like me, right? As we sat there in the rain, me next to Daniel and the ranger back in his truck monitoring the radio, it hit to me that Daniel wasn’t just like me at all. He had none of the security that I so take for granted in life — financial, social and even basic equipment for being in the outdoor. His life was completely different than mine, though we had both come to the forest that day to fulfill the same basic need to recharge and find some peace. Despite our very different worlds, we both needed to step away from life’s troubles and reconnect with nature. It was yet another reminder of the cruel times and divided society we live in, creeping into the sacred public refuge of the Molalla River rainforest. Finally, we heard both an ambulance and fire engine racing up the road, and I reached out to shake Daniel’s muddy hand to wish him well. Blood was streaked down the side of his soaked face from the wound on his forehead. He squeezed my hand hard, and I felt good about making a human connection with him — even as I secretly felt ashamed of the moments of fear and suspicion that had flashed through my mind since I first found Daniel lying on the road. When the ambulance pulled up, another wave of relief swept over me. My worst fear had been for Daniel to go into shock, and though I have a fair amount of first aid training, the idea of actually having to treat someone with serious injuries and going in shock really scared me. The rescue workers took over, checking Daniel’s condition and preparing to load him into their ambulance. Once again, Daniel offered up his now soaked wallet and identification, without being asked, and I finally realized this was a familiar, regular ritual for him. While the rescue team worked with Daniel, I stepped back to chat with the BLM ranger. He could have been me 30 years ago — blond, outdoorsy, just out of college and looking for a career in public lands. He talked about how lawlessness was an ongoing struggle in the corridor for his agency. Despite the popularity of the area, there is still a fair amount of illegal activity, and the BLM is woefully understaffed and unable to provide a consistent presence there. It was hard to hear such a young, enthusiastic person sound so jaded about those realities, but such is the nature of the work. And yet, it was the fact that Daniel fit a certain profile to the ranger that was most sad to me. Had I been laying on the road, I’m quite sure the reaction would have been different. Because the ranger was just like me… and Daniel was not. When Daniel had been loaded onto a gurney and moved into the ambulance, I waved at the departing contingent of emergency vehicles and the BLM ranger. Daniel was safe, now, though his troubles in his life brought on by the fall had surely only begun. I’ll never know. We just two strangers brought together for a couple unexpected hours. After everyone had left, I started back up the Molalla River canyon for an afternoon of soaking up the rainforest beauty. But the incident had rattled me beyond the initial shock of finding a badly injured man in the middle of a road. I spent most of that day reflecting — and regretting — my own feelings and suspicions that had emerged that morning. On the way out that evening, I was startled to see Daniel’s white van, parked exactly where he said it would be. It was a beat-up 1980s panel van with a temporary license taped inside the rear window. Once again, my suspicions and fears surged at the sight of the old van. It looked sketchy. But why should it have mattered? Nonetheless, it did, because that judgement was in my subconscious, too. Then I remembered Daniel’s words: “Damn, that was stupid… I can’t be missing work for this…”. I thought about him, probably in a hospital ER at that moment, running up a tab and facing weeks without work. I thought him squeezing my hand. Did he have a family or friends to help him out? Who would come get his van? We all like to think we’re above our fears and biases, but this was one of those moments when they reared up for me, unexpected and unwelcome. How little we know about ourselves until we are pushed outside our comfort zones, and how very jarring those hidden feelings can be when they emerge. And so, I resumed stewing about these many conflicting emotions for the long, rainy drive home in the dark that night… and for the next couple years. * * * * * * * I shared this story with friends and family through social media the next day, and received all manner of unexpected praise that I certainly wasn’t looking for. This only made me feel more uncomfortable and ashamed of the mixed emotions I had felt. Yes, I had helped this man, but in the moment, I had also moved toward fear and suspicion at the slightest suggestion. These are details I had not shared in my retelling at the time, and wished I had. It felt hollow and disingenuous, and I wished I had kept the entire story to myself. So, I tucked away my notes and thoughts about the incident, periodically picking it up over the past two years and trying to figure out why it had impacted me so. Then the video of the brutal killing of George Floyd by a white Minneapolis police officer swept across our already fraught social landscape last May. For so many Americans, it crystalized an urgency to finally confront the racial divides that continue to plague our society. It forced the question, “what can we do as individuals to finally end this?” For me, the George Floyd murder took me back to Daniel Hernández. Yes, the situation was very different, but the same underlying current was there: an injured Hispanic man feeling obliged to hand over his documentation — his right to be there — to a white bystander, to a white law enforcement officer and to white emergency responders. Daniel knows he belongs to an underclass in our society, and he knew his fate that day depended on navigating the assumptions that white strangers make about him every day. That includes me, the BLM ranger, and rescue unit… and the suspicious old man in the blue minivan. What can I do? Small steps… Since that incident in 2018, I had been actively examining my own unconscious biases and looking for ways to be a better social advocate and ally for change, as I clearly have some unconscious biases that need to be worked through. This blog is about our public lands in WyEast Country, so I would like to share how I am putting those ideas to work when I’m out in the forest. They are very small steps, but the old trail analogy applies: a few small steps are how we begin any important journey in our lives. For me, one overdue step was to simply get to know Hispanic culture, since this represents the largest and fastest growing minority population in Oregon (and across the country). I’m an Oregon native, and yet I knew embarrassingly little about this rapidly growing part of the Oregon family, much less the longer Hispanic history of the West that preceded white migration and settlement. So, I decided to learn Spanish. This continues to be a choppy work in progress that has been both humbling and hopeful, but one that I remain committed to. This first step was suggested to me by a Hispanic co-worker who had immigrated to Oregon in the 1990s, and described how welcoming and inclusive it felt when an English speaker would greet her in Spanish, and even attempt a conversation, depending on their Spanish skills. I was nervous about this idea at first, as it seemed presumptuous and perhaps even racist. Who am I to presume someone is Hispanic based on appearance or even overhearing them speak? But she was exactly right. I gave it a try, and the reaction has almost always the same: friendly and appreciative. Now, when I run into Spanish speakers on the trail, I greet them as I do everyone, but instead of “Hi”, it’s “¡Hola!” I don’t know for sure, but I suspect part of the surprise is hearing a greeting in Spanish from me, a decidedly old white guy who might not seem like a friendly face in today’s racially divisive culture. But this makes it even more rewarding for me! Earlier this year, on a very busy Memorial Day at Silver Falls State Park, I passed dozens of hikers, including many Hispanic families. Sometimes there was a moment of surprise when I would greet them in Spanish — whois this old white dude greeting me in Spanish? But then faces would typically light up, especially from parents with young kids, and I would get an enthusiastic “¡Hola!” and “¿Cómo estás?” (“How are you?”). And I would reply “Muy bien” (“Very good”) … and then I’d have to switch to English and point out that my Spanish is pretty terrible, but I’m working on it! Even that admission usually brings broad smiles, which is doubly rewarding. I wish I had figured this out a long time ago, but I’m thankful my Hispanic friend encouraged me take this small step. She as right, and it turns out to be much more important step than I’d imagined. In our mind’s eye, we imagine that everyone else sees us as the enlightened human beings we aspire to be, exactly equal to everyone else. But I’m learning that being white brings along heavy baggage when it comes to meeting black and brown people on our public lands. We know this because of extensive research on the subject than runs across the spectrum of people of color. But if you are a white person wants to believe that you are welcoming and without bias, it can be hard to accept this truth. So, if I want to be part of changing that legacy, it means owning the reality that my being white is a highly privileged status in our society, and rethinking how I interact with people of color when I’m out on the trail is how I can be part of changing that injustice. Public lands are for everyone? Not quite… By the year 2040, our country is expected to be “majority minority”, thanks to the large and diverse Millennial generation coming of age, and an even more diverse Zoomer generation, right behind them. Whites will still make up the largest racial category for decades to come, but we will become just another minority in the larger, increasingly diverse population. So, that means the racial tensions that stem from a white majority will resolve themselves over time… right? Possibly. But here’s the concerning news for the present: public lands continue to the be the overwhelming realm of white people, with a much less diverse cross-section of visitors compared to the overall population. The chart below from Resources for the Future shows the wide discrepancy: Why is this? Partly culture and tradition, but research shows that most people of color fear hostility and open racism when visiting our public lands — including those who actively hike, camp and fish there, despite their apprehensions. Think about that: people of color seeking the same release from societal pressures that white people seek with time spent in nature are denied that because of the color of their skin. This unjust reality is well documented in research and should be an urgent wake-up call. Research shows people of color reporting reactions of surprise and stares from white people they encounter on the trail, which carries an unmistakable (however unintended) message of “what are YOU doing out here? Many have outright racism, as well. This is real and it’s unacceptable. I’d like to think that very few white people behave this way intentionally, but the good news is that remedy is very simple: be welcoming. A smile and a friendly “Hello!” is an easy enough start. If you’re hopelessly introverted, just a warm smile or wave will also do. Still friendlier options are “Beautiful day!” or “Isn’t it beautiful out here?”. These are easy greetings to offer, and I always leave every hiker I pass with “Have a great hike!”. This welcoming ethic should apply to every other activity on our public lands, of course. Sometimes, you’ll get no response, but that happens when I greet other white people, too. Given the current reality for people of color on our public lands, I believe white people like me have an obligation to be part of the solution. It’s a pretty small step that anyone can take — and should. I may not be able to stop racist taunts from happening (something far too many people of color report from their experiences on our public lands, sadly), but at least I can show that as white individual, I’m committed to a different, more egalitarian future. That’s also the connection to the broader movement happening in our country, too. We can all make a difference by learning and rethinking about our own actions in everyday life. Being welcoming is a small but important step we can all take, whether on a trail, or anywhere. 1. relating to or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. “a fairer, more egalitarian society” 1. a person who advocates or supports egalitarian principles. There’s also a serious conservation concern that stems from the lack of diversity on our public lands, too. If our country will soon be majority minority, and people of color have not been welcomed on our public lands, then we’re headed for a time when only a few privileged white Americans will be truly invested in conserving our natural landscapes. I’ve been a lifelong advocate for trails public lands because they’re an egalitarian gateway to nature. While we might argue about exactly how to manage our public lands, spending time out there ensures that we all value them as special, essential spaces in our lives. Resolving to become more welcoming to people of color on our public lands has special importance in this respect. Extending a greeting is not just a welcome, it’s also a validation that acknowledges another person’s right to be there, that we ALL own these lands and we are all responsible for passing them along to the next generation. When you think about it, that’s a profoundly unifying responsibility and common purpose that could go a long way in healing a fractured society. * * * * * * * And this takes me back to Daniel Hernández. I finally figured out that what bothered me most about that incident in the Molalla River corridor back in 2018. Where I felt a perfect right to be out in the forest that day, Daniel knew that he didn’t share that right. On paper, perhaps, but every white person he encountered that day also carried the implicit right — privilege — to judge his motives for being there, and therefore his basic right. And while I did want to help him, I was also part of that judging, even if for a few moments of doubt and fear. As a white person, justifying my right to be somewhere is a burden I will never have to carry. But it’s also privilege I don’t have to exercise. That’s why I’m committed to changing my own interactions with brown and black people in whatever years I have left on this planet. For me, that starts with learning, listening and questioning my own behavior, and then accepting and welcoming all who are out there soaking of the forest, just like me. Our public lands are a priceless gift from generations before us, and for so many, they are an essential refuge from life’s burdens. Now, the task is to ensure the survival of our public lands by ensuring that all Americans can experience the same joy, freedom and sense of peace they offer. It’s the egalitarian promise of our public lands. I believe we all have a responsibility to realize that promise, and the time is right now. * * * * * * * I know this article is long and a bit of a departure from what I usually write about on this blog, but if you’ve read this far, I appreciate you taking the time. It’s a tough subject to confront, and you may not even agree with my conclusions. But I’m always thankful for the opportunity to share my own experience with reflections with folks who share my love for WyEast Country! Here are some resources on the topic that I found helpful, but there is much more out there on the subject that’s both informative and transformative: “The Barlow Cutoff” by William Henry Jackson (1930) One of the loneliest landmarks in WyEast Country is approaching the century mark, and while the years have not been kind, it’s a spot that deserves to be preserved. The place is the Pioneer Woman’s Grave, located along a long-bypassed section of the original Mount Hood Loop Highway. Roadbuilders discovered the grave in 1924 while building the original loop road. The grave was marked by an old wagon tongue and the remains of a woman were buried in a makeshift box built from wagon sideboards. Based on oral histories from Barlow Road tollgate operators, some historians believe this woman was survived by her husband and two young children, who continued on to the Willamette Valley after burying her here in the mid-1840s. The Pioneer Woman’s Grave is just off OR 35 where a surviving section of the original Mount Hood Loop Highway heads off into the forest The grave is located just east of the busy US 26/OR 35 interchange, where a small, brown sign along modern OR 35 points to the historic site along a scenic and surprisingly well-preserved section of the original highway route. Today, the site is underwhelming, to say the least. The grave is marked by a haphazard pile of stones on the shoulder of the old road, and “graced” with all manner of ephemera left by visitors. Pioneer Woman’s Grave in 2020 Several years ago, the Forest Service installed a new interpretive sign broadly describing the origins of the grave, but without much cultural context or detail. The sign is mounted in a heavy timber frame that gives a nod to a much larger, carved version built here in the 1930s. Relatively new Forest Service interpretive sign at the Pioneer Woman’s Grave A brass plaque near the grave was placed here by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a non-profit organization that maintains historic markers around Oregon (and the country). The original plaque was installed on the grave, itself. The current plaque was moved to a boulder a few feet from the grave in 1982. D.A.R. plaque at the Pioneer Woman’s Grave D.A.R. plaque at the Pioneer Woman’s Grave Beyond the signs and plaques, the Pioneer Woman’s Grave historic site can only be described as rundown and shabby. The set of timber steps that climb a low berm that fronts the site is rotting away. Foot traffic has largely bypassed the crude steps and trampled whatever vegetation was once growing along the berm. Crumbling wood steps at the grave memorial The wood cross on the Pioneer Woman’s Grave is long gone, and the remaining pile of rocks doesn’t exactly inspire reverence and respect. The few who might notice the nearby dedication plaque and interpretive sign learn that this is a grave site, but the overall scene is haphazard and kind of sad. Remembrances… or Disrespect? In recent years, “offerings” left by visitors have escalated at the Pioneer Woman’s Grave. They range from flowers and sentimental toys to a few religious tokens left in earnest. But mostly, the memorial has become cacophony of random tchotchkes that have little to do with the site or respect for the human remains that lie beneath the stones. To give a sense of the scene, here’s recent sampling of these offerings from a few weeks ago: Flowers, fir cones and a plastic robot… …superhero metal CDs… …bubble gum and taco sauce… …Minions, ammunition and COVID masks… …and a severed jumper cable clamp. If the original intent of this roadside monument was to honor nameless migrants who perished along Oregon Trail, then today’s version has lost its way. The Pioneer Woman’s Grave deserves better, and even some modest improvements would bring needed dignity to the site. More about that in a moment, but first, there is inspiration to be gained from other historic burial sites along the Oregon Trail. Remembering the dead along the Oregon Trail The Oregon Trail was a dangerous, often deadly trip for white migrants crossing into the West, with an estimated 1 in 10 dying along the way. Most were buried where they died, and their surviving families simply continued their push westward. Many of these graves are now preserved and celebrated as part of our traditional view of white settlement of the West. In the early 1970s, one of these graves along a branch of the Oregon Trail, just east of Casper, Wyoming, was uncovered while a rancher was building a new road. Anthropology students from Casper College exhumed the remains and discovered this to be the burial place of 1852 pioneer Quintina Snodderly. For many years, the Quintina Snodderly story was a mystery until owners of the ranch tracked down a descendent living in Scio, Oregon. We know from her skeletal remains that she was likely crushed under a wagon wheel, perhaps stumbling or falling while walking aside a wagon. Most who arrived on the Oregon Trail walked much of the way to reduce the burden for ox teams pulling heavy wagons. Quintina’s surviving husband Jacob and their eight children made it to Scio, in the mid-Willamette Valley of the Oregon Territory, by the fall of 1852. Jacob died in 1889 at the age of 78, thirty years after Oregon became a state in 1859, and is buried in Scio. Newly restored Quintina Snodderly grave as it appeared in 1987 (findagrave.com) The Oregon-California Trail Association took the lead in reburying Quintina Snodderly’s remains in 1987, covering the grave with cobbles that replicated typical burials along the trail in the mid-1800s and surrounding the grave site with a wooden corral fence (above) to help preserve it. An interpretive marker (below) describes Quintina Snodderly’s journey and story. Quintina Snodderly plaque placed by the Oregon-California Trails Association (findagrave.com) Not far from the Snodderly grave in the North Platte valley of Wyoming are the twin graves of Martin Ringo and J.P. Parker, who also died along the Oregon Trail. Parker was from Iowa and died in 1860, though nothing else is known about him. Martin Ringo died tragically from a self-inflicted shotgun injury that was graphically described in newspaper accounts of the day: “Just after daylight on the morning of July 30, 1864 Mr. Ringo stepped out… of the wagon, as I suppose, for the purpose of looking around to see if Indians were in sight and his shotgun went off accidentally in his own hands, the load entering at his right eye and coming out at the top of his head. At the report of his gun I saw his hat blown up 20 feet in the air and his brains were scattered in all directions. I never saw a more heartrending sight, and to see the distress and agony of his wife and children was painful in the extreme. Mr. Ringo’s death cast a gloom over the whole company… He was buried near the place he was shot in as decent a manner as was possible with the facilities on the plains” (Liberty Missouri Tribune, 1864) Martin Ringo’s legacy played out after his death when his grieving widow Mary pushed forward, eventually raising their children in California’s Central Valley. Their oldest son John, who was 14 years old when his father was killed, brought infamy to the respected family name. He emerged as an outlaw and gunfighter in Arizona, the man known as Johnny Ringo who was killed near Tombstone, Arizona. His murder is unsolved, but speculation has included a revenge killing by either Doc Holliday or Wyatt Earp, notoriety that Martin Ringo couldn’t have imagined for his son! The J.P. Parker and Martin Ringo graves near Casper, Wyoming (WyomingHistory.org) Like the Snodderly grave, the Ringo-Parker graves are located on private ranch land, but have been preserved with a simple metal rail fence and marked with an interpretive marker placed by the Oregon-California Trails Association. The Pioneer Woman’s grave was discovered during construction of the original Mount Hood Loop Highway in 1924, and were later placed under a cobble grave by road workers, much as Oregon Trail migrants buried their dead along the trail. A small cross was added to the grave (below). This soon became a popular stop for motorists along the new loop highway. First restoration of the Pioneer Woman’s Grave along the (then unpaved) Mount Hood Loop Highway in the early 1930s According to the Forest Service, the restored Pioneer Woman’s Grave was formally dedicated in 1931 by Forest Supervisor Thomas Sherrard and members of the Portland Progressive Club. Based on the photo of the ceremony (below), the site wasn’t improved for visitors at the time, simply marked as a gravesite. Dedication of the restored Pioneer Woman’s Grave in 1931 (USFS) In 1936, the DAR added a plaque to the grave, and shortly thereafter, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) craftsmen working with the Forest Service placed a large interpretive sign there that would stand for many years. 1930s view of the Pioneer Woman’s Grave with the large, carved Forest Service sign added to the site. Note the original DAR plaque installed on the grave, itself. 1930s postcard with the sign text replaced and reversed for easier reading! The DAR has marked another “unknown” Oregon pioneer grave to the west, the Pioneer Child Grave in Multnomah County. This historic grave also survived highway builders, albeit on an epic scale compared to the Pioneer Woman’s Grave. In 1849 a family traveling the Columbia Gorge route of the Oregon Trail camped at a spring near today’s Wilkes School on their final push to Oregon City. That night, their 11-year-old daughter died, apparently after a long illness. She was buried there in the next day in a makeshift coffin and her parents moved on to Oregon City, never returning. The current location of the Pioneer Child’s grave memorial is at the corner of NE 169th and Wilkes Avenue in Gresham. The story of the Pioneer Child later caught the imagination of students at the original Wilkes School, located near the grave, and they took it upon themselves to build a picket fence around the site and tend to the grave. In 1949, the construction of the original Banfield Freeway threatened the grave, and a former student of Wilkes School began a campaign to mark the grave with a memorial to protect it from future freeway widening. Finally, in 1955 a large boulder brought in by the Union Pacific Railroad was placed at the grave and a bronze plaque describing the site history was installed and dedicated. In 1989 a freeway widening project once again threatened the grave and memorial. The DAR worked with highway engineers to relocated the Pioneer Child memorial to the south side of the widened Banfield Freeway, at what is now the corner of 149th and Wilkes Road. The original grave site is also marked by a plaque set in concrete along the Union Pacific Railroad, on the opposite side of the freeway from the memorial and inaccessible to the public. The Daughters of the American Revolution placed this plaque on the Pioneer Child grave when the first Banfield Freeway was constructed in the early 1950s Over the years volunteers have periodically tended to the grave, though the location in front of the freeway maintenance gate and adjacent, massive freeway sound wall still seems precarious. The monument is directly across from the modern Wilkes School, and perhaps someday the school grounds might make for a more respectful and protected location. Telling the whole story Romanticized scenes showing Indians and white migrants in peaceful interaction continue the myth that white settlement of Indian lands was a “manifest destiny”. In recent years, our traditional view of the Oregon Trail has continued to evolve as white Americans have begun to acknowledge the role of white settlement in the West as a major contributor to the broader genocide of Native Americans who had lived here for millennia. For their part, Indians living along the migration route were largely friendly and helpful to white settlers. This, despite the threat the steady stream of migrants posed to their way of life and how white mythology portrayed “hostile Indians” in our history and arts. In fact, more Indians than whites were killed in trail conflicts between the migrants and the native peoples whose lands the Oregon Trail invaded. This larger story deserves more attention as we continue to curate the history of the Oregon Trail along its route, not just the story of the white migrants who traveled it. Some newer interpretive signs have begun to acknowledge that white American myths celebrating the western migration completely ignore the devastating toll and continued trauma that genocide has wrought upon Native Americans. We still have a long way to go in our society reckoning. A simple start would be to include an Indian perspective at every site where more than a simple grave marker exists. What could the future hold for the Pioneer Woman? 1940s visitor and the massive Pioneer Woman’s Grave sign that was installed in the 1930s Despite the somewhat new interpretive sign, the Pioneer Woman’s Grave on Mount Hood has become a sad and disrespectful eyesore. So, what could be done to improve it and pay more appropriate respect to the history of the site? The other Oregon Trail graves described in this article provide some working examples of how the site might be restored. But the Pioneer Woman’s Grave is different, since it lies along the final stretch of the migration route to Oregon. That these pioneers came close to their dream of reaching the Willamette Valley, only to fall short by a few days is especially poignant. Does a pile of rocks convey that cruel fate? Not really. But what about a more formal marker? Pioneer cemeteries on both side of the Cascades include many white migrants who traveled the trail, and drawing from the period style of these cemeteries could be an appropriate way to bring more dignity to the Pioneer Woman’s Grave that a heap of stones. Fine examples exist in a pair of cemeteries located in the lonely Kingsley district, just off the original Barlow Road route, on the east side of Mount Hood (and featured in this recent article on Desert Mounds). These historic cemeteries are filled with pioneer graves, most in the Victorian-style of the mid-1800s. Many include wrought-iron fences to mark family plots, as seen in this example from the upper cemetery in Kingsley (below). The Upper Kingsley Cemetery in the desert country east of Mount Hood lies along the Barlow Road and has many graves dating to the mid-to-late 1800s. This cemetery provides inspiration for period-specific grave fencing and monuments that could be appropriate for the Pioneer Woman’s grave. Creating a fenced, mini-cemetery could be a historically accurate way to protect the Pioneer Woman’s Grave from foot traffic and bring a sense of dignity to the site. For example, the decapitated obelisk monument (perhaps it once had a cross on top?) shown below is also in the upper Kingsley Cemetery, and dates to the late 1800s. A monument like this could also provide a non-religious model for more formally marking the Pioneer Woman’s Grave in a period-specific manner. This century-old monument in the Upper Kingsley Cemetery lost its top, but could still be a model for a new marker at a rededicated Pioneer Woman’s Grave. While these treatments would depart from the crude graves that were built along the Oregon Trail, they do represent what pioneers would have placed upon these graves if they’d had the means — and how they marked graves of the era in the pioneer settlements they created along the trail and in the Willamette Valley. Other details at the Pioneer Woman’s Grave need attention, too. The crude timber steps placed in the road embankment don’t do justice to the site, nor do they help visitors. Most simply walk up the dirt slope. A low stone retaining wall with more substantial steps and a ramp would be a welcome addition in a site makeover. A real missed opportunity at the current site is the proximity to one of the best-preserved sections of the original Barlow Road, located just a few yards from the Pioneer Woman’s Grave, where the trail fords a fork of the Salmon River. This could make for an excellent interpretive trail, perhaps built to be accessible so that visitors with limited mobility or using mobility devices could experience traveling in the path of pioneer wagons. Deep ruts left by pioneer wagons are plainly visible just a few yards from the Pioneer Woman’s Grave and could be incorporated into the interpretive experience (Photo by John Sparks and OregonHikers.org) Perhaps most importantly, the site needs context about the native people whose trails the Barlow Road borrowed as it was blazed over the shoulder of Mount Hood by Sam Barlow. Today’s tribes continue to fish and gather berries and other foods and plant materials from the forest, as they have for millennia. This is just one story from an Indian perspective that could be told as part of providing cultural context and acknowledging the ultimate cost of white migration to native peoples at the Pioneer Woman’s Grave. How to Visit? Though our forests are currently closed by fires, you can walk a section of the original wagon route from Barlow Road to the Pioneer Woman’s Grave describe in this Oregon Hikers Field Guide entry. And you can always simply stop by the grave by following the old highway segment west from the Barlow Pass trailhead or following signs on OR 35 just past the US 26 junction.

Having a new home built to your own speicifications can be a wonderful way to ensure that your new dwelling meets the needs of you and your family, but it also means making decisions on the building materials you use. This extends to the plumbing you have installed, and choosing the right piping for your new home's hot water system is especially important. Since hot water pipes have to deal with highly heated and pressurised water on a daily basis, they tend to endure more wear and tear than the other plumbing pipes in your home, and choosing a piping material that can withstand the strain is vital for preventing future problems. To that end, many owners of newly-built homes choose copper piping, and this venerable piping material has a lot of advantages that make it ideally suited to hot water applications. However, while choosing copper piping can have many benefits, there are also drawbacks to choosing it over other material options, such as heat-resistant plastics. Consequently, you should bear the pros and cons of copper hot water piping in mind before deciding on installing it in your new home. What are the advantages of copper hot water piping? Copper is naturally rustproof, and is much less brittle and more resistant to physical damage than most plastic pipes suitable for hot water systems. This makes it a very reliable choice that will help to prevent leaks forming over time, and also makes the possibility of damaging your pipes during renovations and modifications less likely. High pressure rating Copper piping has an excellent pressure resistance rating, even if you choose cheaper options with relatively thin pipe walls, and copper pipes will not burst under high pressure. Copper pipes are therefore particularly suited to the hot water systems of larger homes, and are ideal for pipes that lead to higher storeys which must deal with more highly-pressurised water than ground level pipes. Copper has natural antimicrobial properties, which prevent harmful bacteria and fungi from breeding within the warm, moist confines of infrequently-used sections of piping. This makes copper an ideal choice for hot water pipes leading to guest bathrooms and other infrequently-used sections of plumbing. Unlike plastic pipes, copper pipes contain no synthetic materials, and they can be readily recycled if the become supernumerary to requirements. What about the disadvantages of copper hot water piping? Copper piping can be considerably more expensive than pipes made of other materials, and may be prohibitively expensive for homes built to a strict budget. Their long-term durability, however, can make them a good investment in the long run, and their low failure rates can help you avoid bills for emergency plumbing services. Time-consuming to fit Unlike plastic pipes, which can be slotted together rather simply, copper piping takes time and skill to assemble. You may therefore wish to opt for plastic piping if you are on a tight moving schedule and need hot water services up and running in your new home as soon as possible. Talk to a plumber about the benefits of copper piping to help make your decision.

We are excited to be setting up our 3rd annual Straw Bale Garden. We have been very excited with how it works for the past two years and are doing it again. This video is a quick demonstration of setting up the garden. This is based off of Joel Karsten's book on Straw Bale Gardens. I am also a certified Straw Bale Garden Instructor, you can visit my profile on the Straw Bale Garden website HERE. In Part 1 I will be setting up the cardboard as an underlayment that serves as a weed block and ten the bales. Part 2 will show setting up the rest of the cardboard, spreading out the straw and getting the bales all ready for the growing season. Enjoy! In our last blog titled, Worm Hotel Vermicomposting... Composting with Worms I gave several reasons why a gardener would want to have a vermicomposter. The bucket style, or as I call, the 'Worm Hotel' is perfect for the typical backyard gardener that is wanting to create worm castings and make compost tea for their garden. In this video we take it a whole other level by converting a 55 gallon barrel into a worm trough. I decided this was a better route for a few reasons, 1) this year we plan to really develop our farm. We live on an acre and are only using a small portion of it so far. We could really use a lot more worm compost tea and casting. 2) as we scale up and build out our farm we will begin doing a lot more tours, demonstrations, and classes. With those events happening we will be able to sell worm castings, Worm Hotels, and compost tea kits. To learn more about the power of vermicomposting read this blog. We recently had part of an aquaponics system donated to the farm and we wanted to show you its current state. We will do update videos as time goes on and as the system evolves into an abundant food system! We also are highlighting some baby chicks that Mrs. Black hatched out and some new bunnies that are a cross between a Rex doe and a Californian buck. Enjoy! Mayfield Family Farm North Dallas Area - Denton, TX I know it is two weeks into summer and this is a Spring update, sometimes things get overlooked, like uploading videos and blog posts. Well here is an update of some of the plants that are growing and some newer plants that we are adding. Watch the video to see the updates and read below for some great information on the plant selections. We have three types of plants that we have planted. Comfrey, Salsa Jasmine, and Malabar Spinach. There are also a couple varieties of native vines that have popped up along the garden bed that we are allowing to grow on the dome as well. I highly encourage you to consider growing Malabar Spinach and Comfrey in your garden, homestead, farm, or general landscaping! Below is a little more information on each. Malabar Spinach - We have about a dozen Red-stemmed Malabar Spinach plants growing. We grew these all from seeds. I used 1-2 seeds per jiffy pod and had a 100% sprout and growth rate. Malabar Spinach is not a true spinach variety. This is from Wikipedia, 'Basella alba is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine, reaching 10 metres (33 ft) in length. Its thick, semi-succulent, heart-shaped leaves have a mild flavour and mucilaginous texture. The stem of the cultivar Basella alba 'Rubra' is reddish-purple. Typical of leaf vegetables, Malabar spinach is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It is low in calories by volume, but high in protein per calorie. The succulent mucilage is a particularly rich source of soluble fiber. Among many other possibilities, Malabar spinach may be used to thicken soups or stir-fries with garlic and chili peppers.' Comfrey - We have 5 Comfrey plants growing. One is a 3-4 year old plant, two are 1-2 year old plants, and two are root cuttings. Our goal is to use root cuttings over the next few years to propagate a hundred or two hundred of these plants throughout our farm. As you read the brief description below you will see why we can not have enough of these plants on our farm. The information below was taken directly from Coe's Comfrey website. We are excited to be setting up our Straw Bale Garden this year. Unfortunately it is about a month or two later then we were hoping to have it ready. I had some big health issues for the first couple of months this year with a huge bout of pneumonia as well as a few other things including dealing with vertigo for about 6-8 weeks. This put all the house and farm projects back a couple of months. We have been playing catch up ever since. You can see in the gallery below all of the steps that took place starting from where we left off in a previous post about creating a lot of mulch from last year's Straw Bale Garden, you can read about that and watch the video HERE. Also, you can hover over the pictures for captions. The steps are simple: I also wanted to let you know in case you missed it on one of our previous videos, I am a certified Straw Bale Garden Instructor, you can visit my listing page on the Straw Bale Garden website HERE. If you have any questions on how to create a Straw Bale Garden, the conditioning process, or better yet, invite me out to consult with you on how and where to put it then contact me here are through the official SBG website. Stay posted for updates on the garden and the rest of the farm. Not only have we proven Straw Bale Gardening is an absolutely awesome gardening system that you should incorporate into your garden, farm or homestead, it also creates an additional output besides growing your groceries. After the season is over the cardboard under the bales and the straw them selves decomposes into some amazingly rich and biodiverse mulch that you can amend into your soils, put into your compost, or apply as a mulch in your garden beds. We created about 40 gallons worth of mulch after using about 12 bales at the beginning of the growing season the previous year. We did wait all the way to this spring to collect the mulch. Had we collected it in the fall we would have almost double the amount. We are not only very happy with the SBG but also the mulch it produces. Coe's Comfrey: http://coescomfrey.com/comfrey.html Visit our Facebook page or website to see more about our philosophy, principles and stories. Mayfield Family Farm North Dallas Area - Denton, TX Part of the original design for our RabbiDome was to create a garden area around the outside of the dome. We built it 30' long to be about 40-45 sq ft. This video demonstrates how we built this garden bed by excavating down about 10", layering several layers of cardboard, then backfilling it with rich garden soil and finally topping it with straw to reduce weeds and keep soil moist. We decided to go with Malabar Spinach as an edible so we can eat it & provide a lot of vegetation for the rabbits and more importantly it is a fast growing vine that will provide a lot of shade. We will also be adding other shrubs and flowers to the garden area in time as we decide on a balance between elegant and edible plants which is an Agriscaping philosophy. Visit our Facebook page to see more about our philosophy, principles and stories. Part of our commitment to self-reliance is we look for multiple outputs for each single input on our farm as a rule to decide if an input is worth our time and commitment. Rabbits not only serve us and our community on the dinner table but their dropping serve as incredible cold manure for excellent fertilizer. Here is our straw bale garden after only 5 weeks of growth. So far we are very happy with the results and look forward to incorporating this method in all our future gardening.

Specific Common Diseases Alternaria Leaf and Pod Spot (Alternaria spp.) Symptoms: Symptoms are generally confined to older leaves. Lesions tend to become circular, dark-brown and zonate with advanced age and size. Centers of older spots may appear gray and often fall out, leaving a dark-brown lesion border and a shot-hole appearance on the leaf. Petioles and stalks may also become infected, developing dark-brown elongated spots. The pathogen causes lesions on the pods that appear as small, raised black pimples. Moderate to severe pod damage often throws produce out of grade, thus reducing growers’ profits. Alternaria infections of bean plants occur throughout the season in the winter vegetable areas of southern Florida. This disease is often found on plants that have been injured by spider mites or weakened by nutrient stress, especially nitrogen and/or potassium. Cultural Controls: Avoid nutrient stress that can weaken bean plants. Control insect problems. Chemical Controls: See fungicides listed for anthracnose control in PPP-6. Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) Symptoms: Anthracnose affects all above-ground portions of the bean plant. The most noticeable symptoms are on the pods, especially on lima or butter beans, where the fungus causes yellowish-brown or purple-colored, irregular, sunken spots with dark reddish-brown borders. These spots vary in size and often coalesce. Infections may occur on the underside of the leaf veins, showing a dark, brick-red to purplish color which later turns to dark brown. Elongated dark-red or blackened lesions also may be found on the stems. Under moist conditions, masses of flesh-colored spores are produced on the surface of the lesions. These small spores are easily spread to other plants by splashing rain or mechanical means. Fields of anthracnose-affected beans should not be cultivated or worked while plants are wet. The spores of the anthracnose fungus bear a sticky substance, causing them to adhere to hands and clothing of farm workers and to the bodies of insects and other animals. Anthracnose disease development is favored by cool, wet weather. Cultural Controls: Purchase anthracnose-free seed or seed grown in arid regions as the causal fungus can be seedborne. Plant resistant varieties when available. Plow under bean debris immediately after harvesting infected fields. Rotate fields out of beans for at least three years where disease has been a problem. The pathogen can survive in soil for two years. Chemical Controls: See PPP-6. Ashy Stem Blight (Macrophomina phaseolina) Symptoms: Seedling infection may occur before or after emergence and appears as small, dark sunken lesions at the base of the cotyledon. The disease progresses quickly into the petioles of primary leaves and then into the shoot tip. Strong winds or cultivation result in the breakage of many infected plants at the soil line. Older plants develop a root and stem rot with sunken lesions and may become stunted. Plants exhibit a one-sided wilt and leaf yellowing prior to plant death. A diagnostic sign is the presence of small, black sclerotia in or on stem and root tissue. This disease is most severe under very hot growing conditions or when adverse soil moisture or fertility shortens the normal maturity of the crop. The fungus survives as sclerotia and/or mycelium on debris and in the soil. It is important to avoid depositing soil on stems during cultivation. Cultural Controls: Plant only certified, disease-free bean seed. Maintain effective nematode control programs so plants are not prematurely stressed. Balanced soil fertility and avoiding moisture stress will lessen disease incidence. Rotation is not a satisfactory control measure due to the wide host range of this fungus. Do not deposit soil on stems during cultivation. Bacterial Blights (Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli, Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola) Symptoms: There are two bacterial blights occurring in Florida, halo blight caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola and common blight caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli. The symptoms and controls for each are similar. These diseases may attack the seed, seedlings, leaves and pods. Many seedlings from infected seed may die before or soon after they emerge, but some may continue to live. In either case, they serve as a source of inoculum for nearby plants. During wet weather, lesions on these infected plants produce slimy masses of bacteria that are spread by wind-blown rain or mechanical means. On older plants, the first evidence of infection of the leaves appears in the form of water-soaked angular lesions that enlarge and coalesce over time. In the case of halo blight, these are often surrounded by a yellow halo. Later, the spotted leaf tissue turns brown and dies. The spots on the pods start as water-soaked (greasy) areas and later become surrounded by a brick-red border. Cultural Controls: The most effective control is to plant certified blight-free bean seed. If the disease appears, pickers and cultivators should be kept out of the field while the plants are wet to reduce spread of the disease in the field. To minimize field-to-field disease spread, sanitize equipment by spraying with a disinfectant after working in an infected field. Common blight has been found to survive in the soil from one growing season until the next. Beans should not be planted in infested fields for at least three years. Chemical Controls: See PPP-6. Cercospora Leaf Blights (Cercospora canescens, C. cruenta) Symptoms: These diseases occur on Phaseolus, Dolichus, and Vigna species of beans, with the fungus surviving in crop debris and on or in seed. The disease is fairly uncommon in beans in Florida, but they often occur on southern peas. Cercospora canescens produces a circular to slightly angular leaf spot with a gray center and a reddish border. Lesions are smaller on lima beans than other bean species with more intense red borders. Cercospora cruenta infects stems, leaves, and pods of mature and senescent plants. Brown to rust-colored lesions (irregular in size and shape) develop on the leaves. These lesions are patch-like in appearance, angular, and form a checkerboard pattern. The undersurface of the leaves characteristically exhibits the dark, fuzzy growth of the causal fungus. The lesion centers often drop from the dried, necrotic tissue giving a shot-hole appearance. Cultural Controls: Plant only disease-free, certified seed. Plow up and bury all infested crop debris to reduce the survival of the causal fungi in the field. Chemical Controls: See PPP-6. Cladosporium Pod Spot (Cladosporium vigna) Symptoms: Pod lesions start as small, narrow, brown-black spots with a slightly yellow halo. Spots enlarge irregularly, turning purplish-black in color. Young pod infection results in pod distortion and in some cases pod drop. Older pod lesions develop a dark border and a light brown center of dead tissue. Leaf infection is less common and is characterized by a brownish-purple mold growth on the undersides of leaves. This is primarily a disease of southern pea. Cultural Controls: Plant only disease-free seed since this disease is commonly seedborne. Black-eye varieties of southern peas are more susceptible than purple-hull varieties. Damping-Off and Root Rots (Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani) Symptoms: Several soilborne pathogens will rot bean seed and seedlings from planting time through emergence. infection at late stages by these fungi often cause root rots. Infected seeds become soft and discolored. Diseased roots are characterized by colorless to dark brown water-soaked lesions. Infected tissue is soft and watery and easily separated from the central cylinder of the stem by pulling the root. Sometimes, the stem is girdled. Further, when beans are grown under irrigation or exposed to heavy rainfall, pods touching the soil are infected. They become water-soaked and covered with a fluffy white fungal growth. Symptoms of Pythium root rot and Rhizoctonia root rot may resemble one another, so laboratory examination of the causal organisms may be necessary to differentiate between the two diseases. This condition is aggravated by deep planting, excess moisture and by the presence of newly incorporated green plant material such as weeds or cover crops. Cultural Controls: Control of root rots and damping-off can be aided by preventing saturation of the soil and by chopping all cover crops and allowing them to dry thoroughly before disking or plowing under. Green cover crops should be turned under 6 to 8 weeks before planting time, and the land should be kept disked in order to prevent a new grass/weed cover from developing. Chemical Controls: Seeds should be treated with a fungicide. See PPP-6. Fusarium Root Rot (Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli) Symptoms: Symptoms of infection appear as a reddish discoloration on the taproot as early as 1–2 weeks after plant emergence. Root lesions enlarge and turn dark brown in color. Clusters of roots develop above the lesion and below the soil line as the main taproot becomes riddled with longitudinal cracks, then hollows and dries. In dry seasons, plants will be stunted with poor pod and seed set. Disease symptoms in wet years may be limited to some leaf yellowing due to compensatory surface root development. This common soil fungus, Fusarium solani, produces a dry root rot in green beans, lima beans, southern peas, and English peas. This disease is most prevalent in hot weather, in acidic and low nutrient soils. Cultural Controls: Practice crop rotation and maintain adequate nematode control. Insure the complete decomposition of crop debris or the cover crop by land preparation at least 4-6 weeks prior to planting. Mosaic (Bean Common Mosaic Virus, Bean Golden Mosaic Virus) Symptoms: These diseases are caused by viruses. The leaves of diseased plants become mottled with light and dark green areas, the greener portion of the pattern often becomes distinctly puckered. Bean golden mosaic with a striking yellow mottling of leaves is now the most common and destructive virus of the snap bean in south Florida. Plants are severely stunted and little yield is obtained. The virus may cause a downward curling of the leaf margins, and in some varieties extreme malformation of the leaves occurs. The whole plant may become stunted and have a pale-yellow appearance. Flowers may shed freely, resulting in late and irregular setting of the pods. Usually, the earlier the plants become infected, the greater the reduction in yield will be. Bean common mosaic is spread via seed and aphids, whereas bean golden mosaic virus is spread by whiteflies. Cultural Controls: Plant virus-free seed. The best seed is produced in the dry areas of the United States (Idaho, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, etc.). The use of resistant varieties offers the only other practical means of control. Seed treatment or eradication of the aphid or whitefly populations has not been successful on a commercial scale. However, control of the virus-bearing weeds in and around the fields and the vectors that spread the virus will help in reducing infection. Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) Symptoms: The first evidence of the disease is the presence of small, dark-green areas in a mottled pattern over the leaf. These areas develop into white talcum-like spots that increase in size and run together to form a whitish, powdery growth, primarily over the upper surface of the leaves. If infection is severe, the diseased leaves curl downward and become distorted and pale yellow. The pods become mottled or blotched with purple in color and have little direct evidence of mildew growth. This disease is usually most severe during cool, humid weather or following application of irrigation water during cool weather. In Florida, these conditions normally occur during late fall and early spring. Cultural Controls: Growing resistant varieties of beans wherever available and following good cultural practices such as crop rotation and plowing infected debris under after harvesting can adequately control powdery mildew in most cases. Chemical Controls: See PPP-6. Red Node (Tobacco streak virus) Symptoms: Red node is caused by a strain of the tobacco streak virus (TSV), spread by thrips. It is a sporadic problem but has occurred in several seasons in south Florida. The initial symptom is usually a characteristic reddening of the node of bean stems. Veins of leaves may also be reddish and turn necrotic. Sunken, reddish lesions may form on pods. Cultural Controls: Plant virus-free seed. Control leguminous weeds that may be source of TSV. Rhizoctonia Root, Stem, and Pod Rot (Rhizoctonia solani) Symptoms: Rhizoctonia is a soilborne fungus that can rot bean seeds prior to emergence from the soil. Young seedlings develop brick-red to brown, sunken lesions on the tap root and basal stem. When the disease is severe, the tips of branch and tap roots may rot off leaving reddish-brown stubs. Such plants are weakened and may not survive. Above-ground symptoms appear as chlorosis of lower leaves with leaf marginal and tip burn and stunting. Older plants are affected similarly to seedlings. In addition, leaves and pods can be affected. Leaves become irregularly blighted with reddish-brown spots. During moist, warm weather, the tan strands of the causal fungus can be seen matting leaves together or spanning the distance from the soil to the lowest leaves. Pods develop typical sunken, brick-red lesions both in the field and during shipment, especially near tips close to the ground. This disease is so common on beans in Florida that 100% field infections are not rare in spring or fall. Stand losses up to 75% have been reported, which makes it one of the most economically important root diseases of beans. Rhizoctonia solani has a broad host range that includes most annual and many perennial plants. Cultural Controls: Turn under summer vegetation 3–4 weeks before planting, use disease-free seed, plant in warm soil not deeper than 1–1.5 inches, and maintain good drainage. At harvest, cull out all pods showing the disease to prevent its spread in transit. Chemical Controls: Use Chloroneb or Vitavax for seed treatment. Rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) Symptoms: Rust occurs on the leaves and rarely on the pods in Florida. The first evidence of the disease is the presence of small, pale-yellow spots on the upper side of the affected leaves. Usually, 2–3 days later, cinnamon-brown pustules about 1/16 inches in diameter appear in the yellow spots and break open, exposing the spores. Under severe conditions, the rust pustules may be so numerous that the whole leaf becomes yellow, withers, and dies. This loss of foliage can greatly reduce the yield. Conditions most favorable for severe rust infections in south Florida usually occur during the late winter-spring months, beginning in February or March. Crop losses are greater when rust pustules are numerous before blossoming, rather than when the disease appears after the blossoms have formed. Traditionally, this disease has been most severe on pole beans in south Florida. Cultural Controls: For bush and pole beans, plant resistant or tolerant varieties when available. Avoid late spring plantings. Chemical Controls: See PPP-6. White Mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) Symptoms: Most infections begin on flower petals that have fallen onto plants. Young plants diseased by this fungus have a watery soft rot of the stem beginning near the soil line and extending up to the primary leaves. In older plants, infection can occur on any growing part, including the pods. A day or two after infection, a white fungal growth appears over the diseased parts. Later, black sclerotia (irregularly shaped, hard bodies) ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length are produced by the fungus. The presence of sclerotia is an identifying characteristic that is unmistakable. Most of the infections occur when the plants are at or near blossoming time. In addition to being called white mold, this disease is known as watery soft rot, sclerotinose, and sclerotinia rot of beans. During periods of cool weather accompanied by frequent rains, fogs or heavy dews, epidemics of white mold can be expected. The disease will develop after 20 or more days, with a mean temperature of 70°F or below, in an area in which the soil is infested with the sclerotia of the fungus. The lower temperatures stimulate the production of small mushroom-like, spore-bearing, fruiting bodies. The spores (ascospores) from these fruiting bodies are discharged into the air and are disseminated by wind and splashing rain. Virtually all inoculum in Florida is ascosporic. Cultural Controls: Turn soil at least 6 inches deep where possible. Flooding fields for 5–6 weeks during summer months will effectively reduce the number of sclerotia in the soil. Before using flooding as a control measure, find out from local authorities if drainage into a given body of water after flooding agricultural fields is permissible. Plant seed farther apart (2–3 in) within bean rows to allow for adequate air circulation when plants mature. Chemical Controls: See PPP-6. Southern Blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) Symptoms: Infection by the southern blight fungus usually produces a sudden wilting as the first symptom, followed by the appearance of a collar of fan-like, white fungal growth. This band of white fungus threads is attached to the stem at the soil line and may spread over and into the soil for a radius of one or more inches. Death of the plant follows soon thereafter. If an infected plant is pulled, soil can be seen adhering to the mycelium around the stem. In the white mycelium, numerous sclerotia are produced both on the plant and on the mycelial threads on the soil. The sclerotia first appear as white nodules, but later turn tan and are about the size of cabbage seed. Under favorable conditions, the sclerotia germinate by producing mycelial threads, which can live for long periods on organic material in the soil. It occurs throughout Florida and is especially prevalent in soils that have been cultivated for many years. Southern blight is a warm weather disease and occurs on beans in early fall and late spring plantings. The fungus is preserved over periods of unfavorable environmental conditions in the form of sclerotia and is disseminated in water, in soil, and on farm machinery. Cultural Controls: Long crop rotations with grass crops are best choices. Turn under cover crops and weeds at least 6 inches deep as far ahead of planting as possible to allow decomposition of the plant material before bean seeds are planted. A minimum of a week or 10 days for lower Florida east coast, to several weeks further north should elapse between turning under weeds (or cover crops) and planting. The ground should be maintained clean of subsequent grass/weed growth until planting. Chemical Controls: See PPP-6. Wet Rot (Choanephora cucurbitarum) Symptoms: This disease has been reported throughout Florida on beans and southern peas. It is found on bean foliage, blossoms, and pods. On the leaves, symptoms begin as water-soaked areas without external white mycelium; these lesions then enlarge, darken and dry with age. Signs of the fungus become evident on both surfaces of the leaf as well as on blossoms and pods. These consist of whitish fungal growth tipped with numerous black spore-bearing structures, giving the appearance of "whiskers". It can be expected during periods of excessive rainfall and high temperatures. Cultural Controls: Avoid excessively high plant populations that may favor disease incidence. Data exist indicating that disease severity is correlated with high populations of cowpea curculio on southern pea plants. Chemical Controls: The fungicides such as Botran when used to control other diseases will provide control of this disease.

Mitchella repens, commonly known as partridge berry, or squaw vine, is the best known plant in the genus Mitchella. It is a creeping herbaceous woody shrub occurring in North America belonging to the madder family (Rubiaceae). Partridge berry is an evergreen plant growing as a non-climbing vine, no taller than 6 cm tall with creeping stems 15 to 30 cm long. The species is dispersed throughout eastern North America, from south Eastern Canada south to Florida and Texas, and to Guatemala. It is found growing in dry or moist woods, along stream banks and on sandy slopes. Mitchella repens is cultivated for its ornamental red berries and shiny, bright green foliage. It is grown as a creeping ground cover in shady locations. The plants have been widely collected for Christmas decorations, and over collecting has impacted some local populations negatively. Product is supplied in Resealable Foil Bags.

Organic Tincture made by a process of hydro-ethanolic percolation, with a ratio of 1 part Organic Dandelion Root to 3 parts liquid. Liquid comprises of 75% water and 25% Organic sugar beet derived ethanol. Taraxacum officinale, the common dandelion (often simply called “dandelion”), is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant of the family Asteraceae (Compositae). It can be found growing in temperate regions of the world, in lawns, on roadsides, on disturbed banks and shores of water ways, and other areas with moist soils. T. officinale is considered a weed, especially in lawns and along roadsides, but it is often used as a medical herb and in food preparation. Common dandelion is well known for its yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of silver tufted fruits that disperse in the wind. Taraxacum officinale is native to Europe and Asia, and was originally imported to America as a food crop. T. officinale has a fossil record that goes back to glacial and interglacial times in Europe. Product is supplied in amber PET bottles with tamper evident screw tops. This keeps the contents fresh and protected from light. Look out for the QR code on the label - you can scan this with your smartphone to download the Certificate of Analysis document for this product. What is a Tincture? A herbal tincture is a concentrated extract of one or more herbs. The liquid in a tincture is a combination of alcohol and water. A tincture must contain at least 20% alcohol for preservation purposes. Alcohol concentrations tend to vary between 20% and 60%, but can be as high as 90% in some circumstances. At Herbal Apothecary we generally produce tinctures with alcohol concentrations of 25% - 45%. We use ethanol derived from sugar beat. How Is A Tincture Made? To produce the Taraxacum officinale Rad / Dandelion Root Organic Tincture we combine a quantity of herb with a proportional amount of liquid. Depending on the herb and the strength of tincture required this ratio can be 1:2, 1:3 or 1:4. The herb, alcohol and water is placed in a production vessel suitable for the size of the batch. Traditionally, tinctures have been made by a process of maceration. This is where the herb sits in the liquid and over a period of time the plant cells break down. This allows the plant matter to be released into the liquid. Occasionally the producer might agitate the mixture to help the process along. At Herbal Apothecary we have spent decades improving our tincture production processes. We use a system called Hydro-Ethanolic Percolation. Percolation is where liquid slowly passes through the herb, from top to bottom. In our case, the liquid is not simply passed through the herb once and then collected. Instead, it is continually cycled through the herb. Hydro-Ethanolic Percolation is a combination of maceration and traditional percolation. The circulation of liquid through a spray head agitates the herb, helping the key chemical compounds to be released into the liquid. Our production vessels are primarily stainless steel. We use low voltage (24v) pumps to circulate the liquid. We have also developed a system of float switches and relays. These ensure the pumps only activate when an adequate level of liquid is present in the sump at the bottom of the vessel. It can take some time for the liquid to filter through the herb. We produce most of our tinctures using dried herbs, although we sometimes use fresh. It's important that the size of the pieces of herb in the production vessel are small enough for the alcohol to thoroughly penetrate. No prior processing is required for flowers and leaves which are smaller and more delicate. However, for roots, bark and berries which tend to be tougher and larger we use herbs which are diced up into small pieces. This ensures that the maximum amount of plant material can be extracted into the liquid. The manufacturing process takes 7 days to complete. Once the process is finished, the herb is pressed to extract every last drop of precious liquid. The Taraxacum officinale Rad / Dandelion Root Organic Tincture is filtered and then stored in bulk containers, before being bottled in smaller 250ml, 500ml and 1000ml quantities. Click here if you'd like to know more about our herbal tincture manufacturing technology. At Herbal Apothecary we are committed to research - we want to provide a robust evidence base for the products we produce. As a result we review our manufacturing systems and processes in order to ensure we're making best use of the raw ingredients.

Phlox divaricata 'Blue Moon' - Calculated at Checkout - Lavender-blue flowers throughout spring - Early bloomer Phlox divaricata 'Blue Moon' boasts fragrant lavender-blue flowers from early to late spring. This beautiful groundcover will bring hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. Uses: Beds, Borders, Containers, Edging, Mass Planting Nature Attraction: Butterflies, Hummingbirds Notable Features: Fragrant Growth Habit: Upright Homeowner Growing Tips: Phlox are best grown in consistently moist soil that drains well, in full sun. Mulch after planting. Provide regular fertilization and good airflow around the plant. Avoid overhead watering. Deadheading will prolong the bloom time and prevent self-seeding of non-sterile varieties. Cut to the ground in autumn or late winter & remove dead material from the garden to prevent the spread of mildew.

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Hurricane Matthew, a potentially devastating Category 4 storm, swirled across the Caribbean Sunday toward Haiti and Jamaica, where residents frantically stocked up on emergency supplies and authorities urged people to evacuate threatened areas. Matthew is one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in recent history and briefly reached the top classification, Category 5, becoming the strongest hurricane here since Felix in 2007. The latest projections show Matthew's center likely to strike the southwestern tip of Haiti on Monday. A hurricane warning has been issued for the impoverished country which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Deforestation has greatly increased the potential for devastating floods and landslides on Haiti and the country's ramshackle homes and buildings are vulnerable to storms. After passing Jamaica and Haiti, Matthew is expected to reach Cuba late Monday, potentially making a direct hit on the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, where authorities said they were evacuating non-essential personnel, including about 700 family members of those serving there. Everyone remaining behind was being told to take shelter, said Julie Ann Ripley, a spokeswoman. There are about 5,500 people living on the base, including 61 men held at the detention center. The forecast track would also carry Matthew into the Bahamas, with an outside chance of a brush with Florida, though that would be several days away. "It's too early to rule out what impacts, if any, would occur in the United States and Florida," said Dennis Feltgen, a spokesman at the Hurricane Center. In Haiti, civil protection officials broadcast warnings of a coming storm surge and big waves, saying the country would be "highly threatened" from the approaching system, and they urged people to prepare emergency food and water kits. Emergency management authorities banned boating, particularly along the southern coastline. In Jamaica, flooding temporarily closed the road linking the capital to its airport. Carl Ferguson, head of the marine police, said people were starting to heed calls to relocate from small islands and areas near rural waterways. In the coastal town of Port Royal, officials urged residents to seek refuge in government shelters and people in the capital, Kingston, crowded supermarkets to buy bottled water, canned food, flashlights and batteries. "It has been chaos from the morning," said Melain Azan, owner of the Azan Super Centre. Shopper Nardia Powell said she was stocking up because she learned a hard lesson when she was unprepared for Hurricane Ivan in 2004, as were many others. "So, I just want to be on the safe side, right?" she said. As of 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT), the storm was centered about 340 miles (545 kilometers) south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It was traveling north-northwest at 5 mph (7 kph). Earlier, two deaths were blamed on the storm as it pushed through the eastern Caribbean and skimmed past the northern tip of South America. Damage appeared minimal despite flooding in towns along Colombia's La Guajira peninsula. Some officials were even grateful for the rain after a multi-year drought. "Families that evacuated are returning to their homes," said La Guajira Gov. Jorge Velez. "The dikes and wells filled up, the earth is moist, and this benefits agriculture in an area where it hasn't rained for five years, benefiting the community."

Sweet gum is a large tree with a long, cylindrical trunk, pyramidal crown, and corky wings on branches and twigs. Leaves are alternate, simple, star-shaped, with 5 (sometimes 7) lobes, 3–6 inches wide, deeply lobed; margin toothed, tips long-pointed; leaves slightly aromatic when bruised. Bark is brown to gray, very rough with deep grooves and narrow, slightly scaly ridges. Twigs are reddish- or yellowish-brown becoming gray, aromatic, often with corky wings on second-year’s growth; pores raised, dark. Flowers April–May, with male and female flowers on the same twig; male flowers greenish-yellow, on an upright stalk in several tight, rounded clusters; female flowers in a single, drooping, round cluster about ½ inch in diameter. Fruit matures in September–October, persists through winter; light brown, globe-shaped, formed by the union of multiple individual fruits, hard, spiny due to numerous woody, hornlike projections, 1–1½ inches in diameter. Similar species: One cultivated variety of sweet gum, L. styraciflua 'Rotundiloba', does not bear the spiny fruits that many people object to in a public landscape. Its leaves have rounded lobes. Although it produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers in the spring, it does not (usually) set fruit. Height: to 130 feet; spread: to 60 feet. Naturally occurring populations are limited to southeastern Missouri, but sweet gum is widely planted statewide. Habitat and Conservation In nature, sweet gum occurs in rich, moist bottomland soils in valleys and along streams. Cultivated in landscapes, it is rapid-growing, long-lived, and relatively free from insect pests and disease. A popular urban tree. The star-shaped leaves of sweet gum become even more striking in the autumn, when they turn various shades of gold, red, pink, and purple, often on the same tree. Sweet gum is popular for landscaping, prized for its beautiful fall color. The city of St. James is called the “sweet gum capital of Missouri” for its many streets lined with the tree. The many spiny fruits, however, can be a messy problem for high-traffic areas, and on sloping sidewalks they can even create hazardous footing. A mulch bed under the tree helps. Indeed, many people passionately dislike the fruits, which can clog drains, interfere with lawn mowing, and are painful if stepped on with bare feet. (Do not try to give these people a holiday wreath made out of glitter-covered sweet gum balls.) The lumber has been used for cabinetry, furniture, flooring, and interior finish. The inner bark produces a fragrant resin, called American styrax or storax, which is used in cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, and tobacco, and as a fixative in lacquers and adhesives. Historically, the hardened sap was chewed like gum for pleasure as well as for medicinal purposes. Native Americans used an infusion of the bark medicinally for diarrhea and dysentery and also in poultices for cuts, sores, and bruises. A close relative of this species that occurs in Turkey and Greece, Oriental sweet gum, provides a sap and oil that has been highly valued as an incense, fragrance, and medicine since ancient times. Sweet gum seeds are eaten by many species of birds, including goldfinch, purple finch, sparrows, mourning doves, wild turkey, northern bobwhite, and wood duck, as well as by squirrels and chipmunks. Sweet gum is a larval host plant for the beautiful luna moth. The sticky or gummy sap of sweet gums serves a purpose for the tree. As with the resins of pine and the milky latexes of dandelions and ficus plants, sweet gum's sticky sap rapidly seals over bark wounds, drying and forming a protective "scab," and the flow of the sticky, aromatic stuff can deter burrowing insects and herbivores. Have you ever noticed that sweet gum leaves gradually change shape over the summer? The earliest leaves in spring have very shallow lobes and tend to be rather small, while leaves that develop in midsummer have deeper lobes and are much larger, while late-season leaves are small again but have the deepest lobes of all. These differently shaped leaves occur as part of the tree's adaptive growth pattern. The earliest leaves, the small ones with shallow lobes, were pre-formed in buds at the end of the previous year's growing season, and they overwintered in the buds. Sweet gum's indeterminate growth pattern means that even after the spring buds open, the tree grows continuously all season long, lengthening branches and adding progressively deeper-lobed leaves until cool weather slows, shrinks, and stops leaf production. Many kinds of trees share this growth pattern, and they are typically fast-growing trees that often "invade" open areas (elms and willows, for example). Meanwhile, many other kinds of trees exhibit determinate (or fixed) growth: they only produce a set number of leaves per growing season. Ashes, hickories, oaks, and walnuts, for example, have all of the entire next season's leaves and shoots pre-formed the year before. So after their early, dramatic leafing-out in spring, that's it; after that, only buds to overwinter for next year are produced. Both development strategies optimize growth, survival, and reproduction with the tree's food reserves and environmental challenges.

Mint is a very popular herb and an essential in most households. If you like to garden or want to start gardening, you should grow mint. You will feel satisfied when you grow it and it will also be organic at the same time. Not just that, you will always have some fragrant and minty freshness at your disposal! Mint is one of the easiest plants to grow and here’s all you need to know about mint to grow them in your home! What Is Mint? Mint is an aromatic herb that falls under the genus Mentha and the family Lamiaceae. It is a hardy perennial plant that was found originally around the Mediterranean and Asian regions. This plant has about 35,000 different varieties with different characteristics that are distributed all across the world. Different species grow in different environments. Mint is very easy to grow as it is a very quick grower. Many varieties of mint are such aggressive growers that they become invasive. Due to its tendency to grow vigorously, mint does not need a lot of fertilization. You can not only use mint to make different cuisines—from sweet to savory, or use it as a garnish in your lamb dishes, you can also make refreshing beverages with it. It can be quite a rage in the kitchen. There are several varieties of mint, but there are some that most prefer to grow. To name a few: - Chocolate Peppermint - Pineapple Mint - Orange Bergamot Mint - Lemon Bergamot Mint - Licorice Mint - Apple Mint When to Plant Mint? To grow mint in your house from scratch, you need to first know when to start mint seeds indoors. Two seasons are preferred to start mint. - Spring: For a late spring or a summer crop, you need to first find out the last predicted frost of the season in your area. You need to start your seeds eight to ten weeks before the last expected frost. This gives your mint the advantage of a warm growing season and a quicker crop. - Fall: For a fall crop, you need to find out the first frost that is expected in your area. Two months before that, you should start your seeds indoors. If you want to plant your seeds directly outdoors, you can sow them directly into the soil after the last frost of the season. This works better in warmer regions. You can also start the seed indoors any time of the year if you are planning to grow the plant indoors and not transplant it into an outdoor garden. How to Plant Mint? It is very easy to grow mint from seed. All you need are some containers to sow your mint seeds in, some soil, and the mint seeds. - You should get flats to sow your mint seeds into. Make sure there are holes for proper drainage in them. - Fill it with a premium potting mix. The soil should be well-draining and slightly acidic. - Make sure to place the tray on a surface so that any water that drains off would not end up ruining your furniture. - Water the soil well and let it drain for 30 minutes. This step is to ensure that the soil is not too soggy or wet when you plant your seeds. Overwatered seeds might rot and not germinate. This step is also necessary before sowing your seeds because, if you water your soil for the first time after you sow your seeds, there always is a chance of the seed getting washed away. - After your soil is ready, sow the seeds about ¼ inches deep and cover lightly with the soil. - Cover the tray with a plastic cover and cut some slits in it. This ensures proper air circulation. - Now place the tray at a spot near your window that receives adequate sunlight. - Make sure that the soil stays moist. You can use a spray bottle to water your soil to prevent it from getting overwatered. - Try and maintain the temperature of the soil to create an optimal environment for germination. Ideally, the temperature of the soil should be 70 degrees Fahrenheit. - You should see your seeds starting to germinate within a week or two. - Once the seedlings grow some true leaves (leaves that grow after the first two leaves of a plant), you can transplant them outdoors. Remember that you should harden off your seedlings before you transplant them outdoors. If this step is skipped, your plant might get sunburned and withered from the sudden change in the weather compared to indoors. Where to Plant Mint? Once your seedlings are hardened, they should be ready to be transplanted. It is not very difficult to transplant because they are tenacious growers. Note that mint multiplies through their roots that spread out horizontally. Hence, if you are trying to grow them in a pot, it should have a significant surface area rather than depth. If you are growing mint in the ground or in raised beds with other plants, you should get a barrier around the plant. Without a barrier, mint will spread its roots wide across and hinder the growth of the other plants. If you are planting them outdoors, it is better to grow them in pots as you can bring the pots indoors during the colder months. This way the plants will keep growing and not go dormant. - Make sure the soil you plant your seedlings in is well-draining and rich in organic material. The soil should be slightly acidic—within the range of 6.5 and 7.0 on a pH scale. - Space your seedlings by 18 inches or plant them in separate pots. - Water your soil. Do not overwater. - You can add a slow-release organic fertilizer once a year. You can start by applying it once at the initial planting. If your soil is already nutrient-rich, you can add fertilizer once the plant wakes up from dormancy. In hot climates, dormancy occurs in the hot summer months, and in colder areas, dormancy occurs during late fall and winter. Keep in mind that mint needs to be pruned often to keep it from creating a minty jungle. When the plant grows too big, the plant becomes woody and the leaves lose their flavor. Pruning is a necessity to continue growing tender and flavorful leaves. How to Deal with Pests and Diseases? In case of insect or pest attacks, you can hose them off with water or handpick them. Mint is prone to rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. To prevent most of these, make sure to water only during the day. This ensures the soil is not wet anymore by night and reduces the risk of plants getting diseased. You can handpick the diseased leaves and continue growing your mint. Pruning should also take care of many pests and diseases.

Fall is in the air, and tea time shows it. From the choice of teas served to the flavors of the foods with a harvest theme, tea time is a great way to celebrate the change of seasons. Fall Tea Time Teas While warmer temps lead people to lighter flavored teas, as the weather cools the tastebuds say “Gimme that stronger tasting tea!” So, how do you answer this clarion call from your gustatory perceptorial devices? Try a few of these on for size: - Cinnamon naturally flavored black tea loose leaf —A black tea mildly spiced with a refreshing cinnamon flavor. The tea is a high grown Ceylon tea from estates at more than 5500 feet above sea level. - Apple Spice naturally flavored black tea loose leaf — This tea has the lively fruity flavor of fresh orchard apples with delicious cinnamon notes. The tea is a high grown Ceylon tea from estates at more than 5500 feet above sea level. - Loose Leaf Tea – Yorkshire Harrogate — A blended black tea with a full body and a deep, rich flavor that takes milk well and delivers a lightly astringent infusion. A perfect tea to sip while you’re curling up with a good book on a cool Fall day. - Golden Heaven Yunnan China Black Tea – Loose Leaf — A delicious tea that’s outstanding with milk or sugar, as it helps to capture the malty character. Composed of tippy, neat, wiry, and well-made leaves, this tea is characterized by its shape, color, aroma, and malty taste. A bright reddish cup with a brisk, fragrant aroma. - Cinnamon Sibu Loose Leaf Green Tea — A sweet and spicy blend of green tea, cinnamon pieces, rose petals and natural flavors. A delicious tea with dessert or alone. - Flavored Black Tea – Loose Leaf – Holiday Spice — A refreshing, medium black tea with natural flavors of cinnamon, orange, and clove. Available year-round but especially good for a Fall tea time. Try it with a little sugar and milk for a wonderful taste experience! - Scottish Caramel Toffee Pu-erh Tea – Loose Leaf — A truly unique blend of flavors from Scotland and China, with the musty, earthy character of pu-erh combined with the sweetness of caramel and toffee, delivering a sweet, burnt, sugary flavor that’s a perfect blend. - Pumpkin Spice Flavored Black Tea – Loose Leaf — A blend of black teas and South African rooibos, using natural pumpkin flavoring and spicy notes of cinnamon. Absolutely perfect when served hot with milk and sugar. Of course, you need the right foods to go with them to give your tea time that true Fall atmosphere. Fall Tea Time Foods The first thing that comes to the mind of many folks here is pumpkin. Another is squash. Then, there are apples, corn, and other crops typically harvested at this time of year. - Corn dishes — corn chowder, cornbread, corn pudding. - Pumpkin and cinnamon — Just about anything flavored with pumpkin and cinnamon, including pies, cupcakes, chai lattés, and scones. - Apple dishes — fritters and pies, plus jellies and cider. - Sweet potato dishes — pie, casserole, fritters, etc. - Squash dishes — Baked squash, squash soup - Fig Preserves — Not sure why, but figs just seem right for a Fall tea time. And fig preserves are great on some nice hot-from-the-oven biscuits. Sweet, fruity, and very much Fall! - British-style puddings like Auntys Sticky Toffee Pudding 110g (a traditional steamed sponge with dates smothered in a delicious toffee sauce) and my favorite Aunty’s Chocolate Fudge Steamed Pudding – 110g (a traditionally steamed moist chocolate sponge smothered in a delicious fudge sauce). - Chocolate! (as if there was any time of year when this would not be a great item to have) Some pairing tips. Put several together for your own gift basket. Then, give it to yourself (or to a friend or neighbor and then invite yourself over) and have a great Fall tea time! Fall Is Just Around the Corner Tea Moments — Hubby Bakes Some Pies The Possibilities of Young Pu-erh Tea Yes, It’s Fall Teatime Again Spicing Up Your Autumn Teatime “Leaf Peeping” Tea Party Harvest Time Hurrahs! Winding Down Summer with Tea Tea Moment — That Fall-time Frame of Mind Apple-Flavored Teas and Tisanes Tea Time and Sticky Toffee Pudding Pumpkins and Tea Tea and Candy Corn Making a Pumpkin Pie for Tea Time © Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The Swine Flu of Spring, 2009: Is it a problem for your family? This month, an unusual outbreak of influenza virus infection is occurring in severalnations, with Mexico having the largest to date. There are several features of thisoutbreak that are generating large media attention. But the real question for you and yourfamily is whether any harm threatens. At this time, this infection looks no more harmful than the usual winter flu we see every year. There has been only one death in the US from this infection (as of 4/29/09). But, because this could change, we will keep this web page updated as new information becomes available. Meanwhile, here are a few things to keep in mind. 1. There is a difference between the illness we call flu, and the germ we call the influenza virus. THE ILLNESS, FLU, is a slang term for a viral illness that makes you feel very lousy. It can be a stomach flu or a respiratory flu. It is very seldom fatal in generally healthy people of all ages. THE INFLUENZA VIRUS is a particular species of virus that typically causes infection of the airways. This includes eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, throat, voice box, and lungs. It can cause troubles with which we are all familiar: pink eye, ear infections, earache, runny nose, blocked sinuses, croup, hoarse voice, sore throat, coughs, bronchitis, and pneumonias. The influenza virus causes about one third ofall respiratory flus and not many stomach flus. It can cause fatalities, mostly in aged or generally unhealthy people. 2. Being infected with a particular virus, such as the influenza virus, does not determine how sick you are or will be. Any virus, including the influenza virus, can cause a wide range of illness, anything from a mild 12 hour illness to a two week illness of severe misery, or worse. So is this swine flu epidemic more or less likely to cause bad illness? To answer that, let's look at some of its unusual features: 1. Influenza virus usually hits our communities in the winter, starting in December and peaking in January and February. This swine flu virus began hitting the world in April, very unusual. 2. All influenza viruses infect barnyard animals in the summer and humans in the winter, but the virus does not typically cycle through pigs. Influenza virus that cycles through pigs may occasionally cause a few cases, but not an epidemic. A famous case occurred in 1975, prompting President Ford to rush to national immunization against the possibility it might spread. It never spread, the immunization campaign was beset by faulty vaccine, and many think this helped Ford lose to Carter in 1976. 3. The virus has led to some deaths in apparently healthy adults in Mexico, and as noted in the New York Times this week, this is not how influenza usually works. These features, singly and combined, raise worry that this is a bad, potentially hazardous,germ. But the fact is that we do not know that yet. Not a single US citizen has died fromthis virus, despite many cases. While some 200 people may have died from it worldwide,we do not know if that is out of 2 thousand or 2 million infected people. Every year, influenza virus kills 30-40,000 Americans. That is out of millions of cases. So, when our children get this infection (or we do), we are not overly worried. The SwineFlu epidemic may prove to be a very mild wave of flu from influenza virus in the spring. That would be wonderful. Or it may reveal itself to be more dangerous. That would bevery upsetting. But as yet, neither has happened and we do not yet know the outcome. Influenza viruses spread by sneezing and coughing. Influenza is not spread through skin-to-skin contact, per se. To become infected, the recipient must have the virus come incontact with their eyes, nose, or mouth. This can occur through breathing or touching aliving virus on a surface and transferring it to a moist, mucus part of the body. As a point of information, every breath a person inhales contains billions of viruses. Sneezing and coughing merely make them move quickly, rapidly, and in larger numbers. Covering ones mouth during sneezing and coughing is always a good idea to minimize the spread of viruses. Masks are not particularly effective in prevention in the long run. At some point andoften, humans touch their eyes, nose, and mouth with their hands, thus bypassing themask. Taking off a mask after its use, results in touching it and the potential transfer ofthe virus it was intended to prevent! While washing your hands frequently is always a good idea, given the number of virusesand other germs in our world, it will not prevent their spread, merely delay it for sometime. Keeping people home when they are sick, likewise, will not ultimately prevent the spreadof an illness, merely delay it. Epidemics are epidemics because they spread widely andwildly. Not much can prevent them entirely. Reasonable, hygienic behavior is a goodidea, but it never has prevented or stopped an epidemic. The Swine Flu is not covered by the 2008 influenza vaccine. However, early indicatorssuggest that it is easily killed by two anti-viral antibiotics. The two drugs are Tamiflu andRelenza. Tamiflu comes in liquid and pill form and is available to be used for childrenolder than one. Relenza is an inhaled medication that is available to prevent the flu only ifa child is older than 5 years of age and to treat the flu only if a child is older than 7 yearsof age. Both Tamiflu and Relenza have very limited benefits in the usual setting. They have noreal impact a child has been infected for more than 48 hours. (Most people with the fluare sick for at least that amount of time before they get sick enough to seek medicalattention.) Both drugs are associated with serious side effects. We do not recommendstockpiling these drugs, and in most instances these drugs will not help the colds and fluswe will see this spring. The main setting in which these drugs are used is when someonegets very seriously ill within the first 48 hours of illness, and tested positive for beinginfected with an influenza virus. 1. The swine flu epidemic of 2009 in the US appears to be causing mild disease, very much like a mild flu or cold. 2. There appears to be no current danger of a hazardous epidemic. 3. We will post updates to this web page as information develops. 4. There is no reason for panic, or undue concern. If the situation fails to worsen, all serious worry now will quickly appear needless. Dr. Arthur Lavin is a pediatrician at Advanced Pediatrics in Beachwood OH. He isboard certified in Neonatal Care. He is the author of “Who’s The Boss? MovingFamilies from Conflict to Collaboration,” “Baby & Toddler Sleep Solutions forDummies,” and “Finding a Medical Home for Your Child.” www.advancedped.com RE: Reporting Occurrences of Infectious Diseases If you have contracted or suspect that you have contracted influenza (the flu) or any other infectious disease, immediately report this to your Department’s Academic Affairs Manager. The information from these reports will be collected by the Student Health Center, which will implement measures to prevent further spreading of the infection Boston Preparatory Charter Public School 1286 Hyde Park Avenue, Hyde Park MA 02136 Dear Boston Prep Parent/ Guardian, Time to start planning for the 2013-2014 school year! The following information is VERY IMPORTANT: Please COMPLETE ALL OF THE FORMS provided in this packet. DUE DATE: AUGUST 27, 2013 Remember that the nurse cannot administer ANY medications (such as tyl

For its numerous forms and distinctive foliage, Boxwood (Buxus L. spp., Buxaceae) is a staple in residential and commercial landscape projects. Among its many uses, these versatile and attractive woody shrubs define borders, anchor foundation plantings, provide privacy and screen utilities. They’re in demand, too. At a market value of $126 million, more than 11 million boxwoods are sold annually in the United States, according to the Horticulture Research Institute (HRI), published in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture (2020). Pests, climate and weather are obvious risk elements that affect plant health and vitality, for boxwood, they also present a conundrum. Protecting crops is a concentrated effort. Among the more serious impacts on cultivated and native Buxus species are boxwood blight and boxwood leafminer. With boxwood blight, the culprit is the contagious Calonectria henricotiae and C. pseudonaviculata fungus, which thrives in humid, warm conditions. Symptoms are rapid leaf drop, blackened stems and browning foliage. Boxwood leafminer is a destructive flying insect. Its larvae feed on tissue between the outer surfaces of the foliage, making leaves appear blistered. Boxwood blight was first discovered in the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s and spread throughout the country in just six years before finding its way into continental Europe. It was found in Connecticut and North Carolina in 2011 and is confirmed in roughly 20 states and three Canadian provinces. Last year, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service prohibited exports and re-exports of boxwood from entering the United States from Canada. To help prevent and control the spread of pests and disease, the HRI established a fund dedicated to boxwood blight research and created a working group with the National Plant Board. Among the outcomes is a Boxwood Blight Best Management Practices document designed for plant nurseries. The HRI also researched taxa to determine which cultivars are consistently most disease resistant across environments. At Loma Vista Nursery, we are committed to growing healthy plants for independent garden centers, landscape contractors and wholesale distributors. Here are a few of the pest and disease resistant boxwood cultivars we grow. NewGen® Freedom Boxwood (Buxus NewGen Freedom® ‘SB 300’ PP32421) NewGen® Freedom Boxwood This quick grower is a good substitute for Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. Insularis ‘Wintergreen’). It has good resistance to boxwood blight and boxwood leafminer. Deer resistant, NewGen® Freedom Boxwood grows between 3 and 6 inches annually and requires pruning in late winter or early spring. Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch to help keep soil moist, reduce weeds and provide weather protection. NewGen® Freedom Boxwood matures to 3.5 feet tall and wide after 15 years and has a unique natural shape. This cultivar likes sun, part sun and shade. Plant in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. NewGen Independence® (Buxus NewGen Independence®) NewGen Independence® Boxwood With all the features of a classic boxwood, NewGen Independence® performs well in leafminer trials and has good resistance to boxwood blight. Plus, it is deer resistant. Showy leaves are slightly elongated on a strong branching structure. Rich green foliage stays true to its color through fall and winter. NewGen Independence Boxwood has a mounded habit that is nearly as tall as it is wide. It has a medium growth rate of 2 to 4 inches per year. Mature height and width at 15 years is 3 feet. It likes sun, part sun and shade. Plant in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. Buxus ‘Little Missy’ (Buxus microphylla ‘Little Missy’ PP 24,703) Buxus ‘Little Missy’ This is one tough boxwood! Buxus ‘Little Missy’ consistently ranked high in resistance to boxwood blight during a 2020 USDA analysis. This stylish shrub gets its name from its round, dense habit. Compact, Buxus ‘Little Missy’ is about 2 feet high and wide at maturity. Buxus ‘Little Missy’ has glossy, dark-green foliage. It can stand alone in a small landscape or provide structure in plant groupings. It requires full sun and regular watering until established. Plant in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. Learn More About Landscape Plants from Loma Vista Nursery Loma Vista Nursery’s staff members are experts in the field. We love helping people learn and understand more about healthy plants that perform well in Midwest landscapes. For more information, visit our plant catalog. Feel free to email us at firstname.lastname@example.org or call us at (785) 229-7200 to get answers to your plant-related questions. Connect With Us Stay up to date on our plant recommendations, growing tips and more by following us on social media.

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Super Foods To Treat Body Odor The antiperspirant industry is worried that people may boycott their products because of the toxic metals they contain, and they should be worried. But how can we continue to smell sweet and fresh unless we use them? Must we cover up our natural odor with highly scented oils or perfumes? Is bad body odor a sign of bad health? To answer these questions, it’s important to realize that body odor is caused almost entirely by the presence of bacteria on the skin and in the body hair. Areas that are moist and kept inside clothing are, therefore, going to be the worst offenders: the armpits, groin area, and feet. What Causes Body Odor? Unless a person js very toxic from alcohol, drugs, heavy metals, or other substances, body odor is not caused by sweat, as it generally does not have much odor by itself. However, sweat and other moisture on the body does increase bacteria growth on the skin and, especially, in the hair. The bacteria actually cause the odor. The sweat located in the underarms, groin, breasts, and anal area is different than the sweat on the rest of your body, such as your forehead or palms. The underarm sweat contains more fats and is, therefore, thicker and more “sticky.” It also tends to be a yellowish color. This sweat, when left in the hair follicles under the arm, can quickly produce body odor, though the particulars of that odor are influenced by weather, personal biology, and diet. Some people’s body odor is not offensive, while others’ can be. What causes a particular body odor to smell bad? Generally diet, use of medications, smoking, and alcohol consumption cause the bad smells. It is said that animals can smell “meateating” on other animals and humans. No doubt the consumption of meat and animal fat influences your body odor. Likewise, the excessive consumption of fish, garlic, or other spices can show up in a person’s body odor. If you don’t drink enough water, it’s possible that your internal organs and skin are not properly “rinsed,” and may produce more toxicsmelling odors when you sweat. Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant Pretty much all antiperspirants contain deodorizing agents, but deodorants are not the same as antiperspirants. Deodorants simply mask or cover up the odors associated with underarm sweat. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, contain coating agents that reduce the amount of sweat released by the skin in the area where it is applied. The most common coating agent is ACH (aluminum chlorohydrate). Some sticks and gels may use AZAG (aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY). Sweating is a natural function of the body; it is the body’s way of cooling itself off. So even if antiperspirant products weren’t loaded with toxic heavy metals, the idea of stopping your body from performing a natural and necessary function is rather misguided. Use natural deodorants and oils to keep yourself smelling fresh, but let your sweat glands do their job by avoiding antiperspirants.

A monthly Bulletin devoted to matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers, 5 Hamilton Street, Sydney. |Business Manager||J.W. Mullins| |Publication Staff||Misses Clare Kinsella, Kathleen McKay, Dot English, Mary Stoddart, Massrs. Brian Harvey and Stan Lumsden.| |Bushwalking and Bushwalker-eating in Penang||Marie B. Bylos||2| |At Our Own Kecting||4| |Twenty-five Bush Walkers Make History||Yvonne Douglas||5| |Fire-building Under Adverse Conditions||Warren N. Watson (P.A.C.)||6| |Word from Wiff||7| |How Far Ahead Should We Look?||J.W. Mullins||10| |Three “Tigers” on Training Trip||Jack Debert||13| This month we are cutting out the Editorial as we want the space for the much more interesting and important items we have to offer our readers. We are told that a contributor to “The Sydney Mail” saw a Notice-board in a New York Park which read:- “Let no one say, and sit it to your shame, That all was beauty here, until you came.” In N.S.W. we are used to blaming motorists, picnickers, and hikers for all the rubbish and newspapers that disfigure the landscape, but recently there have been complaints of litter in The Blue Gum Forest!! That is your park, saved by the walkers for the walkers, and used by the walkers, so just read the New York Notice-board again, please, and add to yourself the words:- “This means you”. By Marie B. Byles. Frazer has done his best to keep up the Club's reputation in the second and I in the first, but neither has been altogether easy in the langourous tropical heat of the lovely isle of Penang. We had three days there and were lucky in hearing of a small hotel on a hill looking over the quiet, opal-tinted sea and beyond to where blue mount iris lay peacefully on its calm waters. The primeval jungle climbed the hillside behind, and below were sandy coves fringed with coconut palms. It seemed the dream of a coral island come true. “Humph! Hope you like their food,” sid the tourist agent sneeringly when he heard where we were going. So that was the catch apparently. There must be a catch when the tariff was only l0/9d a day as against 42/- at the recognised hotel. We arrived at 6 p.m. Tea was waiting on the table - fruit, bread, butter, jam, home-made cakes. We made a good square meal and pretty well cleaned up everything, except one small cake which I thought it wise to take away in case I should be hungry before bed. Evidently this was what the tourist agent was referring to - food plain but good - it suited us, anyway. Shortly after tea the pussy-footed, silent “boys” started to re-lay the table. “For breakfast”, we said, and took no notice. But about 8 p.m. a pile of bread appeared. Funny to put bread on the table now - dreadfully dry by breakfast - perhaps the tourist agent was right. But there seemed a mighty array of knives and forks also. Our suspicions were aroused. “We are surely not expected to eat anything more to-night”, I asked our host when we met in the crystal waters of his swimming bath - I felt no embarrassment - his figure was worse than mine - in the opposite way! “You can't go to bed without dinner”, was his reply. “Dinner”, I gasped, “but I could not possibly eat anything more.” “Sorry, but I'm afraid you'll have to.” “Just a little ice-cream, maybe.” “There'll be some concrete - special brand of our own - one in four, you know.” When I reported the dinner to the others, they all agreed that to eat more was an impossibility. However, about 9.30 p.m. we sat down, just to be polite. Three silent waiters glided in with five plates of soup. “Very nice”, said everyone and ate to the bottom of the plate. Fish followed, “Very little”, said one anxiously. The waiter handed him a plate containing five whole, large-sized fish. Chicken was the next item. “Wonder if its going to be a whole chicken each, also”, Frazer remarked. Doubtless he would have done his duty if it had been, but, fortunately, it wasn't. Then came the “concrete”, delicately flavoured, as well as coloured, with rose blossoms. We finished the dinner at last. I retired to bed. My poor, little cake lay pathetically waiting on the dressing table. Perhaps the tourist agent had been right - in the opposite way! Bushwalking required even more courage than bushwalking-eating. There is only about half an hour of twilight and once the sun has risen there is something more than a kick about its heat. However, I used the evening twilights and an hour or so beforehand to scramble up the hillside behind the hotel. One little track took me to a native hut made of palm leaves. The daughter of the home rushed out to rescue me from two ferocious dogs. We carried on a very successful conversation, considering neither understood a word of the other's language. She introduced me to her parents and children and showed me over the house. I photographed the house, but when I wanted to add the occupants to the picture there was nothing doing. They think the camera has an evil eye, though they were most interested in its workings as long as I did not point it at them. The daughter of the house saw me a long way up the hillside out of reach of the dogs, and then I scrambled up alone over slopes slippery with tiny granite pebbles, through their terraced banana plantation, and finally to the jungle. From what I saw of the jungle here and elsewhere it seemed to me less dense than the N.Z. bush, except when there were ferns and bamboos, and I am inclined to think that, on occasion, we scramble through bush in N.S.W. quite as dense, but it is hard to judge such matters judicially when clad in a voile frock! I came by a charming bush track through rubber trees, with glimpses through coco-nut fronds of blue seas and blue mountains beyond. It had been an hour and a half's scramble in tropical heat with mosquitoes too amorous to permit of resting. I was glad to reach the beach and lie on the pale sands, watching the waters lapping round the huge granite boulders and gradually creeping towards the coco-nut palms, whose feet they would wash at high tide. This had been a climb of 500 feet. The only real mountaineering has been 2,000 feet up by the funicular railway! One might bushwalk up there, perhaps! Here are some dates that should be noted in your engagement book without delay! A rare chance to join a Working Bee! Charles Rolfe wants helpers for a road-gang to improve the Heathcote Creek Track, and to obliterate the turn-off to “Morella-karong”. Bring your own mattock and trenching-tool! Annual General Meeting of The N.S.W. Federation of Bushwalking Clubs in the Royal LifeSaving Society's rooms, 3rd floor, 5 Hamilton Street Sydney. Open to all club members. You know the way! Come along, and bring your pals – meet the folks from the other clubs – hear what different people think should be done for the benefit of the walking movement – and express your own opinion! This chance comes only once a year! And there is no charge for the evening's entertainment! Another annual event – “A Night With the Bushwalkers”. This year the concert will be held at the Castlecrag Open-air Theatre – special buses will leave Carrington Street, Wynyard Square, City, at 7.30 p.m, and will pick up passengers at North Sydney Station – the fun begins as soon as you leave Wynyard Square – tickets 2/6d each cover transportation to and from Castlecrag as well as the evening's entertainment. Something new! Something different! Seating accommodation strictly limited! Make a note of the date at once. On September 7th last, by the death of Mr. Tom McMahon at his home, “Strathmore”, Coxs River, Burragorang Valley, all bushwalkers lost a good friend. There cannot be many members of the S.B.W. who have not, at some time or other, camped at “McMahons”, and enjoyed meeting Mr. and Mrs. McMahon, and finding in them the same love of the bush that we all share, and the true comradeship that goes with it. We extend to Mrs. McMahon and the children our very sincere sympathy in their great loss. We also extend to our fellow member Norris McDonald, our sincere sympathy in the loss of his father. Those members who assisted in the search, which lasted for almost a month, will be glad to hear the uncertainty has now ended. Mr. McDonald's body was found at West Pennant Hills in very thick scrub at the bottom of a 30 ft cliff from which he appears to have fallen. On September 9th there was quite a large attendance at the Half-yearly Meeting because word had gone round that there were prospects of a fight - and everyone knows how S.B.W. members love a fight. However, the President opened the meeting on a very happy note by officially welcoming Mrs. John Truscott, much better known to everyone as “Griff”. Included in the Correspondence were the acceptance with regret of Frank Mort's resignation from the club; a circular from the Federation asking members to attend its Annual Meeting on October 17th and to produce ideas for the benefit of walking movement, also asking for volunteers prepared to give lectures to outside organisations to let Mr. Loder of the Trampers' Club of N.S.W. have their names; and from the Search & Rescue Section of the Federation a letter of thanks to those who took part in the recent “practice” week-end. The President called for a volunteer to act as Room Steward for the ensuing month, but, as none was forthcoming, Mrs. Iris Barrett (Roxy) was elected on the nomination of Mr. Arnold Barrett. The Motion, of which Notice has been duly given, then came up for consideration. It was proposed by Mr.Chardon, and read:- “That this Club move for proportionate representation on the Council of the Federation and that the proportion be 1 delegate for every 50 members.” After a great deal of discussion, during which one proposed amendment was lost, and another amendment (moved by Mr. Debert) was carried, the meeting carried the altered motion as follows:- “That this Club move for proportionate representation on the Council of the Federation and that the proportion be 1/75 members 2 delegates, 76/150 members 3 delegates, 151/300 members 4 delegates, above 300 members 5 delegates, with a limit of five delegates.” After a small amount of general business had been attended to, on the motion of Mr. J.V. Turner, the meeting went into committee to discuss the activities of the Federation. As a result of this discussion, S.B.W. members should take to the Federation's Annual Meeting a number of definite ideas for the benefit of the walking movement as a whole. Club members who knew old-time member, Norman Saul, will be delighted to hear that he has been appointed electrical engineer at the Commonwealth Bank, Head Office, in Sydney. He always wanted to return to his home town, Sydney, and it is pleasing to know that he now has a bank behind him as well as a wife. Country member, Jimmie Muir, was in town during September, with his fiancee, Miss Margot Aurousseau. One week-end he spent on the Upper Cox with an S.B.W. party, who all enjoyed seeing Jimmie again. We all join with them in wishing Jimmie and his future wife “all the best”. Of course, you all know about Dave Stead's pet snake; and you have heard of Jack Debert and the wombat; but have you heard of Tim Coffey's pet bandicoot? Even “Tigers” have their tender moments! by Yvonne Douglas. Saturday, August 6th, was a lovely day, bright and sunny, and Blaxland was gay with wattle. The Sunday being Johnnie Wood's birthday, twenty-nine of us set off for St. Helena to celebrate. After our leaders (those few who had been before from Blaxland) had decided which road to take, and had held various consultations on the route, the rest of us had a meeting. However we all got under way eventually, and soon found ourselves tumbling down a very steep incline to Glenbrook Creek. This spot on the creek is very pretty; ferns and creepers abound, making a contrast with the other hill, which is very rocky and barren. The least said about this lump of rocks and boulders the better. It is a “helluva” climb, but, undaunted by such obstacles, we reached the top. From here the going was good, and very shortly we arrived at St. Helena very proud of ourselves. We had been told that to get lost was the thing to do when going to St. Helena, and here we were, all safe and sound, the whole twenty-nine of us! But, alas! Pride indeed goeth before a fall (as we were to find out). St. Helena is certainly a lovely spot for a party, and, to make it specially beautiful for the occasion, the moon (which was nearly full) lent her aid to these our solemnities!!! After tea we all gathered round the fire and sang songs and rounds in approved Bushwalker style, interspersed with some “Bean-eries”. When food and drink for the multitude were prepared, Richard produced a cake complete with the correct number of candles. John - as per usual - was fast asleep end had to be Woken up to cut the cake! Sunday was misty and dull, and we all made that a good reason for sleeping in. However, by 10.30 a.m. we were all up and either finished or half way through breakfast. Some energetic ones even went for a walk, while the rest of us talked, and did our chores. About 11 o'clock it started to rain, and we took shelter in a hut and our tents. After an early lunch we packed up ready to leave, our objective being to catch the 5.10 p.m. train. Alas and alack what hopes We had. Some of the party left about 1.30 or 2 o'clock, and by 2.50 p.m. the last eight of us were on the way. Climbing out of St.Helena, we struck a good track and were walking briskly along when, low and behold, before us we saw hordes of bushwalkers attacking us on all sides. After a while we managed to grasp the fact that we were all lost, and were making for the wrong ridge. Ray, Ada, and Hec were missing, also Dunc and Roxy. We proceeded for a while, keeping well to the left, which we were soon to discover was not right. We were on a good track for quite a while, when, suddenly, it stopped dead on the edge of the ridge. Down below we could see a track which we thought must be the Sassafras Gully track, while, strung out like a string of sausages, we could see all the mountain stations from Glenbrook to Katoomba. Some wanted to go down to the creek and walk to Springwood, but we decided that the best thing to do was to follow Mouldy's suggestion and go back to a flat, rocky spot that we all remembered passing on Saturday. Jock was heading for Burragorang, or some place, and the Beans and Hec were still missing. It was still dull and misty, but we were just beginning to enjoy ourselves. Richard collected Jock and we all set off back to the aforementioned rocky spot. Reaching this, we decided to keep well down to the right, and, to our satisfaction, we soon began to notice familiar things around us, or so we thought. We were just sailing along nicely, thinking we were on the right track at last, when, right in the middle of our path, we saw Dunc and Roxy, also lost. They had been way out on the ridge and down a bit, but thought the best plan was to come back and get their bearings again. By this time we missed Ralph, and, as things were beginning to look serious, we decided to take the next ridge and go down.. A shout from Wilbur informed us that he was on a track of sorts, so we all made a bee line for him, and stuck like glue. Walking briskly, we soon started the descent to the creek. By this time we were thoroughly dirty around the legs and feet, but nevertheless we were all happy. Arriving at Blaxland, imagine our surprise and humiliation to find that Ray Bean of all people had caught the 5.10 p.m. train. Ralph was waiting for us on the station, and told us the details. Ray, Ada, Hec and Ralph had arrived at Blaxland about 4.30 p.m.! We'll never be able to live this down! by Warren N. Watson. (Editor's Note: The following extract is taken from an article in one of the “Bulletins” of the Potomac Appalachism Trail Club, Washington D.C. Owing to the very different conditions, and timbers, there, much of the article was not applicable to New South Wales. After the first paragraph, the snowy bits have been cut.) Sooner or later the outdoor person will be confronted with the necessity of building a fire after a three-day rain or with stiffening fingers at low temperature and with a deep blanket of snow in the woods. Fire means not only comfort and warm food but, as the grim records of the North reveal, life itself. Almost anyone can build a fire in dry, mild weather; not so when all is wet or the temperature is below zero, for fire building is an art. It requires practice and skill. A greenhorn, after endless delay, usually gets a heap of smoking chunks or a blistering bonfire, and when under adverse conditions he needs the fire most, he fails. Select a waterproof match box that floats and can be opened when your fingers are cold. I was caught on a winter trip with a match box that I could not open with stiff fingers. A smooth rubber or metal cap offers no grip. To meet that problem I developed a waterproof match box with a hexagonal head that can be opened even with mittens on. Use only the “strike anywhere” matches and not the safety matches, since the latter require a special surface for striking. Paper matches are useless in cold hands. As an extra protection, dip your matches in melted paraffin or varnish. For cold-weather trips, carry a few triplets – three matches stuck together with varnish or paraffin. A triplet can be lighted by holding between the palms of the hands when the fingers are numb. Always carry a filled match box in your pocket and another in your pack. This is your reserve supply. The “persuader” is a rubber tubing, two feet in length and three sixteenths of an inch in diameter, preferably ending in a 3“ metal tube having a flattened tip. If you cannot get a metal tube, carry the rubber tubing, for it is an indispensable aid in blowing up a fire, like the bellows on a forge, and a god-send in wet weather. It is good woodsmanship to get a fire going with promptness. If you have been dumped out of a canoe, or fallen through the ice, speed counts. A candle will save your matches. Fire squares are made by dipping two-inch pieces of Celotex wall board in melted paraffin. One will burn ten minutes. “Meta” tablets are insoluble in water and burn with a smokeless flame. Carry a medium sized sheath knife. A jack-knife will do in the summers but cannot be opened with stiff fingers. Fire Making: In dry weather, dead, sound twigs from trees make good kindling material when they are stacked up in tepee or tripod fashion with larger twigs and split limbs added after lighting for building up the fire. After a rainstorm, however, this small stuff is too wet to burn. The outside of the big dead limbs is wet, but the inside dry. Split a three-inch limb and cut from the dry heart-wood a straight-grained piece 12 to 14 inches long and about three-fourths of an inch in diameter. Point one end and hold in left hand with the other end against something solid (not your leg). Whittle a fuzz stick, by cutting long shavings with one end attached to the stick until you have a big cluster of shavings, all connected to the stick. Put end of fuzz stick in the ground or between two flat sticks and light the lower end of the shavings, adding fine splints around the fuzz stick, tepee fashion. Have your supply of kindling ready before you light your fire. Under adverse condtions use a fire starter such as a candle, build the tepee around the starter. (In N.S.W. if there is a stringy-bark tree handy, instead of cutting a fuzz stick, strip off a good supply of dry bark and use it to kindle your fire. Ed.). The kinds of wood used depend upon the section of the country and the location. Use soft wood for kindling and for quick, hot fires, and hard wood for long lasting fires, and for coals for cooking. Select sound, dead limbs on the tree, avoiding punky or wet ground wood, which burns like graveyard mold. Five minutes spent in collecting real wood will repay a thousandfold. You don't save time by picking up down wood, which is usually damp to the core or rotten. Split wood burns faster than round branches. In conclusion, you cannot be too careful of your fire. Never build on peaty soil, as it will spread by burrowing beneath the surface. Clear away a large surface before starting a fire; build on sand, gravel, or a rock when possible. Know the fire laws of the State, section, or park you are in, and obey them. A woodsman is known by his fires, and when he is done, he puts them out. We had a very smooth trip up, but I got an awful cold and it knocked all the good out of me. It took two weeks' sunbaking to kill it at Greene Island. We stayed four weeks at the Island and both learned to climb coconut palms for nuts. A, trick I learned at Tahiti made it easy for us to get them. We had glorious weather, but very windy. I managed to catch a feed a day in fish, and roamed all over the reefs. The wife's sister and hubby came up and spent a week at the Island with us, which was company for us. We came over and stayed in Cairns three days; on one day we went to the Barron River and the Intake for the water supply for Cairns. The dam that catches the water is no more than 10 x 12 feet and about 3ft. deep, but an endless supply coming down the river. The scenery was very pretty going through canefields and plantations, with a bit of excitement when our car got bogged and had to be pulled out by a caterpillar tractor. Then on another day we took the train to Deeral and then a launch down the Mulgrave River to the mouth to put a couple off, and back a bit and up the Russell River to see the crocks sunbaking on side of river. It was a beautiful river, with tropical vegetation right to water's edge. Of course I did not have a swim. We had our dinner on launch and went up a long way after and seen a crock on bank. The launch was taken within 20ft. of him. We clapped our hands and shouted, and he never moved a fraction of an inch. In fact he looked stuffed and put there. He could not have been long out of the water as his skin looked clean and like tortoise shell. Another was seen, but he was too quick for me. They get under water, and the river banks and bottom is mud so you would not see them. Then we caught the “Morinda” to land us here, but the sea was too rough, and the flattie was full of people and cargo. They could not take us four, and we were taken on to Cooktown, where we spent two days before we returned. We got a car and had a trip in the bush and got stuck in the sand and spent an hour getting the car out. The country is very poor and dry. We went over to the Endeavour River, passed a Lutheran Mission Station and some other settlers; you would pity them living in such a place: called at Airdrome, and back to pub., an ancient place nearly falling down. I don't know if what I said last time I was here about this place did it, but they have pulled down all the unsightly places that spoiled the town. It looks much better. We left Cooktown at six in the morning, and struck a tremendous sea. The waves came right over the boat and everywhere was wet. She seemed to stand right on end, and we had to hand on the seats. I was sick nearly all the way but the wife never got sick, but she was not too comfortable. There were only two other men passengers. The wife's sister and hubby went back to Cairns by plane. This place, Tribulation, was reached at one o'clock, and we had a job getting into the flat-bottom rowing boat, and I was not sorry when I stepped out on to shore. A Mr. Col. Mason made me welcome and we were invited up to his place for dinner. He came here five years ago. The depression knocked him bad and he lost everything except his wife, 6 children, and £28. This place is a veritable jungle and we must have had a stout heart and a good pal. He has planted bananas, paw-paws, tomatoes, cane, rice. This place grows everything he wants, and he told me he is on his feet again, and won't leave the place. He has 300 acres, his son 200; his brother has a sawmill to cut their wants, and I believe there is three other settlers here. We camped right on the sand as the bush is too thick, and can only go along the tracks to his place and his neighbours! A party just spoke to us, they have been on a 5-day walk to Bloomfield and back. One of the locals took them, a Mr. Jaskie and wife - I believe they write books. There will be plenty of places for us to go here, and I intend to try a bit of gold washing if I see a place. Fish are not too easily caught. We went around the headland yesterday and lost a lot of line and hooks on the coral, but got a feed of coral cod and grunters, small. We had to scale a high hill as the going was too dangerous to go around, and it took some doing. A slip would have sent us down about 100 ft, into the sea. Then, when on top, we found we had to go straight down the side about two to three hundred feet to the beach; made me think of the Mountains near Cox and Breakfast Creek. Just at the back of our camp we have mountains two to three thousand feet high. I don't think it could be scaled as the undergrowth is too thick, and full of stinging tree. You will have to excuse pencil and paper shortage. We ordered a pad and ink with our groceries and they were not put in. We are about 60 to 70 miles north of Cairns, and about 30 to 40 miles south of Cooktown. No crocks here but, I am informed, plenty of snakes. I have not seen any yet. Oysters and crabs are plentyful, and a blacks' camp is about quarter of a mile along the beach. I am told they will get me a turkey or wild hen for a couple of bob, but I intend to keep away from them. They might get a nuisance around our camp. Only been here four days and the mail will be going, so next letter will tell you more. I called on Walley Roots and family and went to his place at night and had a talk in Brisbane. They are all well including Mr. Douglas, I forget his first name. I read Marie Byles' report in “Herald Supplement”, and it is a good job she is away when you get this as I got it about lead pencil the last time. I hope she has a good trip, and all the club members are well and not suffering from the cold while I am up here writing this letter sitting on the sand with only my shorts on and thanking Old Sol for being so warm a friend to me. “Starters” and “Expediters” were the first step in one of the most radical changes that over occurred in the technique of light weight camping. Food has naturally been one of the most important concerns of Bushwalkers for many years and it used to be a common sight in the club rooms of the S.B.W. to see little groups anxiously discussing the all important question of food. The very minimum taken was 2 lbs per head per day. Many with robust appetites declared that they would die if they tried to live on so small a quantity of food and in any case they would die rather than try. The consequence was that most parties took 2.5 to 3 lbs per head per day. This meant 30 to 40 lbs per person for a fortnight and as in those days a persons camping gear weighed nearly 20 lbs, it can easily be imagined that none but robust persons ever attempted trips of such long duration without replenishing supplies. The new system of growing food on the trip by means of “starters” and “expediters” altered all this. It had long been realised that more than 95% of vegetable foods was either water or substances obtained from the air namely carbon and oxygen and in certain cases nitrogen. Chemists then discovered that earth was quite unnecessary for plant-growing. Instead they placed seeds in an absorbent medium such as cotton-wool or sphagnum moss kept moist by water in which were dissolved minute quantities of chemicals (termed “starters”) necessary for plant growth. The seeds germinated and the plants grew in an amazing fashion and soon it was possible to grow enormous crops of almost any quick growing vegetable food wherever water and the necessary chemicals were obtainable. It is history now what terrific repercussion this discovery had on the farming communities throughout the world. From the bushwalkers point of view the important thing was that enormous tracts of poor farming land were reconverted to forests for the provision of timber which cannot yet be economically produced in the laboratory. But walkers were very much more interested when it was discovered that certain chemical substances (which used to be classed somewhat vaguely and mysteriously as vitamins) would speed up the growth to such an extent that the plants would mature in one to three hours. These chemicals are known as “expediters”. A camper's food list nowadays consists of a few packets of seeds, a few ounces of “starters” and “expediters” and the light weight growing frame. These with an ultra-viray torch for night growing or use in cloudy weather supply sufficient food for a month. Of course these things can't be done yet, but when they can Paddy will supply them. Till then Paddy will gladly cooperate with all who wish to reduce the load. 327 George Street, Sydney. by J.W. Mullins. (Editor's Note: Some readers may think the suggestions contained in this Article are taking too much for granted. We know there is, at present, no certainty that the recommendation which led to the Article will be adopted by the Federation, but we publish the Article as expressing the opinion of one Club member, and so that other members will have their thoughts turned to the consideration of what is in itself a very important matter.) The Half-yearly General Meeting brought up a most important discussion concerning Federation matters. The Sydney Bush Walkers Club has instructed its delegates to make certain proposals to the Federation. These proposals directly concern future club representation on the Federation, and it is, therefore, expedient that we, as a club, should direct our energies to that end which will best justify any additional representation on the Council. Consequently, in the opinion of the writer, the time has come when the club executives should draw up a brief in which is set out those broad principles of the Federation, and the particular proposals which it is striving to have recognised and enacted. If this brief is drawn up and circulated, all new members who are not cognisant of the work that the Federation is doing and undertaking will become aware, at least, of its existence, and be thereby impelled by a common interest to an enthusiastic outlook arising from a common knowledge. We value new club members as fellowmen having a similar outlook on our Aims and Objects (as set out in our Constitution) who, by their acquiecence to them, weld the club together in a common weal. Thus it is up to the club to undertake a work of propaganda, shall we say, amongst its members, both new and old, but particularly, the new members. The reasons for this education, or enlightenment, arise directly from the proposals adopted for: (a) The club members, in carrying the vote, have acknowledged that the adopted system of representation is just, reasonable, and equitable; (b) Similarly, they have also agreed that certain particular increases in membership give the right to additional representation, it having been also agreed that the basis is just, reasonable, and equitable. Now, although as a club we will, on the acquisition of a certain number of members, assume the right to additional representation, we must in conscience justify that right, or advantage. Justification can be brought about by equipping new members with every available piece of knowledge about the Federation's big responsibilities, so that those new members coming into the club will be able to engage directly in the work on hand, and, eventually, out of their numbers, give to the club capable delegates and representatives for the Federation. Much time has been given to the consideration of the commencement date of this class, and it has been decided that Wednesday evenings, commencing in the first week after Easter next, would be most desirable. It is hoped that a start will be made about this date. Members intending to take the First Aid Course should let L. G. Harrison (Mouldy) have their names so that they can be notified when the classes are about to commence. A Wail from “Barney”. In Warragamba's freezing clime I'm banished from you for a time And oft in space my thoughts will race To scenes now past and far away, And then I curse and rue the day I saw this flaming place. An exile, I, indurance vile, Recall old friends and oft awhile In reverie I dimly see Vague shadows in a swirling cloud; The phantoms of a “Walking” crowd That camped and walked with me. What is that glowing redly near? Ah! now I see: 'tis auburn hair, And Scotty's grin - a thing of sin And lowly mirth - appears to shock A maiden of this hybrid flock Whose eyes flash fire within. Rene Brownie is simple and so pure, She's known to all, of that I'm sure. When on a walk oh! how she'll talk And always trundle with the last, But nothing, though she's never fast, Will ever make her baulk. A hearty bellow sounds quite near Reverberating 'pan my ear, A thund'rous sound that echoes round As Whiddon drowns all other things With roars, full throated as he sings, And “King of Song” he's crowned. Now Ernie Austen's voice in song Is lifted vibrant, clear, and strong, In “Mandalay”, while far away The strains of fav'rite “Toreador” Bring Peter Page to mind once more In camp and concert play. I see a figure saturnine And lean, who gives no word or sign, And in his hands as there he stands Reposes the official “hone” Conferring dignity and tone As silence he commands. Some heavy fog and rain I see And little Eva cooks the tea. The rain drops flood the ground with mud But Duncombe's worried not at all For she lights fires in any squall With never one a dud. A deep sea launch sails past us now, And heels well over on her bow. There sounds a wail midst spume and gale, Thel. Hellyer turns a haggard green And wishes she could not be seen, While strong men turn and quail. Now Hilda Blunt, a lady fine Invites us one and all to dine; Her appetite is small, oh quite! But I have seen her put away Three melons at the “Monterey” Where oft we'd dine at night. Two yards and more of little Dick Glare down- he's wounded to the quick For 'tis a crime even in a rhyme To call him thus. Its not the same As “Richard” is for that's his name: I'll not forget next time! Oh! what an awful, frightful row Breaks in upon us all here now. It's Jock Debert who would revert To savagery; he roars and growls And yodels, yells and rants and howels And never is inert. And near him too a man of size Holds in his hands a torch and tries To signal Morse,but then of course It is well known to everyone That “Chardon” Morse is overdone And unknown in its source. A swinging bough above us all, Supports a female from a fall. We look and see Dot in her tree; She laughs aloud and thumbs her nose While hanging by her feet and toes - Quite mad we all agree. The mists of time are closing in And blotting out the strife and din; They disappear upon the air Those glimpses past of walking folk. They blend with fog and fire and smoke And leave no substance there. But yet with eyes shut tightly fast I hear a murmur to the last That wafts on high and passes by - “Oh come to the bush” it calls to me, But that's the end - no more I see And then I turn and sigh. The vision's gone and I am sad For after all you weren't too bad. I'd like to walk and scrounge and talk With you once more but since I am A prisoner at this blasted dam It does no good to squark. And lastly now a warning word To end this reverie absurd: Although in verse I'm truly terse Just treat me well when next we meet Or I'll be even less discreet And write a great deal worse. Judging from the length of the report received from the Club's Delegates, and the number of matters dealt with, the Federation did some solid work at its August Council Meeting. Remembering that the S.B.W. members were indulging in a Night of Frivolities in the main room while the Federation was meeting in the Committee Room, we take off our hat to the delegates of the various affiliated clubs. We strongly recommend members to read the report itself, but in case some folk cannot do so, here is just an inkling of the scope of the work done at that meeting… A letter from the Railway Department refusing to do anything at all at Lilyvale Station for either the comfort or safety of its customers was dealt with, and certain further action was decided upon. The questions of litter left in The Blue Gum Forest and of water and sanitation at Burning Palms next received consideration. It was decided to form a panel of lecturers from the various clubs who would be available to give lectures to outside bodies when required, thus gaining support for the Federation and its objects. Several changes in the personnel of the Information Bureau and the Conservation Bureau were attended to, also enquiries from two clubs regarding affiliation. The Ball Committee's Report was received, and we learn that 236 tickets were sold, and the nett proceeds amounted to £23.16.1d. The Council decided to make a presentation to Mr. Theo Atkinson in recognition of the many years of service he gave to the Federation as its Honorary Secretary. Lastly, it was decided to hold the Annual General Meeting on October 17th. All club members are invited to attend and to express their views of ways in which the Federation can be improved, or can extend its work and its influence. By Jack Debert. Staying in the club-room just long enough to attend a selection committee meeting and to see a long overdue alteration to the Federation's Constitution approved of by the S.B.W. members before 10 p.m. Bill Hall and I rushed to Central Station for the 10.15 p.m. At Strathfield, Gordon Smith joined us and that completed the personnel. We camped right in Katoomba for our rest and the rest of the hours of darkness, and got away to a flying start at 6.25 a.m. Over an hour was spent at Camp Creek for a large breakfast. For a change of scenery we took the longer track to Euroka and, like last eight-hour-day weekend, we saw some newly born lambs carefully sheltered in a field of green oats. Black Jerry's was taken at a steady pace, to halt at Galong Creek at 10.35 for chocolate rations. Just before our arrival at Galong Creek we came upon a wedge-tailed eagle lying dead on a large granite boulder. It had evidently been caught in a rabbit trap which was lying alongside of the bird. It seemed very pitiful to see such a noble specimen sprawled out in such an undignified manner. At the junction of Coxs and Harrys Rivers we overtook a lone walker who, having read of the glories of the last-named river in the Bush Walker Magazine, was out to see them for himself. Such is the value of publicity. We joined forces to find the water in Harrys River deeper than usual and very cold. It seems strange that both writer and reader of the article should be doing that particular trip simultaneously. The Jenolan River was as delightful as ever. Although it was too early for the rock-lillies to be in bloom, they showed promise of giving a very fine display within three or four weeks. We were about to prepare lunch some distance below Mumbedah Creek when we spied a baby wombat. It seemingly was not in the healthiest of conditions for it appeared very sluggish, and moved slowly over to its wombat hole, at the entrance of which it stayed for some little time, thereby giving us further opportunity for observation. The air was permeated with clematis perfume yet there were very few flowers in bloom. Owing to the lack of knowledge of the country from Bees Nest Creek onto Black Range, and due to Myles Dunphy's remark that it was a stiff 2000ft. climb and one of the steepest in New South Wales, we only spent one hour over lunch and 2.25 saw us once again at that delightful green clearing at Bees Nest Creek. Twenty minutes spell for map consultation, chocolate nibbling and leave-taking from our newly found friend, who intended braving the joys and horrors of Hell's Gate Canyon and the river wading on his own, then we tackled Myles' steep climb. Once again I would dearly have loved to camp at that glorious camp spot but there was still much country to cover before nightfall. To me that 2000ft. climb was a fair cow, but the boys said it was “just a bit steep for a start but a very easy ridge afterwards.” Maybe Jack, through lack of sleep, felt it more than he would have done otherwise. Anyway it took l.5 hours to climb up onto Black Range and then came one hours fast walking to reach the hut at Little River before dark. An excellent three-course meal was prepared and then, as everyone in the party was out for as much sleep as possible, we all turned in at 8.20. Gordon had wakened us up on Saturday morning and so I was determined not to be beaten on the Sunday. Waking up in the darkness of night I yelled in the approved manner: “Get up” without looking at my watch. Gordon growled, Bill mumbled, turned on his torch, laughed and said many uncomplimentary remarks, to which he added “It's only ten minutes to two.” So we had more sleep and finally started out at 7.15 to follow Little River downstream to the Cox. It was entirely new country for both Bill and me, but it was wonderful that it goes on the next programme as an official trip, to be led by the dual leaders, Messrs. Smith end Hall. Little River is another of those out-of-the-way smaller rivers that have not been given over much attention by Bush Walkers. It is a delightful spot, a perfect combination of typical mountain streams, green grassy banks, ideal for camping, ferny glades, granite gorges, crystal clear water bubbling over rocks, and teeming with wild and bird life. It was very pleasing to see the vivid green, velvety, new fern fronds showing up in contrast to the burnt-up brown appearance of the frost killed bracken. The winter had evidently been very severe, for even in the most sheltered and secluded spots the ferns had succumbed to the wintery elements. After very leisurely strolling through perfectly wonderful surroundings we were once again on the Cox River at 10 a.m. Sun-baking and strolling casually, we finally left the junction of Galong Creek at 10.45, and, taking the steepest spur, climbed up onto the top of Tin Pot mountain on our way over to Carlons for lunch. We arrived 15 minutes after midday, only a quarter of an hour later than the telegramed order meal was arranged for. Of course, at Carlons we met other Bush Walkers, and I was interested in seeing Daphne Ball and her friend from the Coast and Mountain Walkers, looking most businesslike in heavy boots. After meeting everybody we were introduced to Carlons new baby wallaby- a mere mite of a thing - no foot nothing in height, but like all very young things still possessing the bloom of youth, a thing of beauty to look at. A swim and sun-bake, followed by a hearty meal end a long loaf round, and then leaving at 3.5 p.m. we had a steady stroll into Katoomba, arriving there at 5.55. Ex Olympic Games champion swimmer, Owen Griffiths, joined us at Carlons. He “had heard lots about the Tigers and always felt he would like to walk with them one day. Could I join you?” Sayeth Spokesman Smith: “The Tigers are overboomed. Certainly you may join in” and Owen didn't find it any effort at all to stay with the party. To use his own words: “You kept going steadily.” If you would ask me the total distance I would say 53 miles, but Gordon would make it only 50 or 51. But that's a mere detail. It's an excellent trip and one well worth doing. Still, when it becomes an official walk don't try climbing up those 2000 odd feet if you've been to two dances and had other late nights during the week - even though Gordon and Bill say it was a mere nothing. The Committee has decided to compile a directory to assist members in arranging transport facilities from railway stations, wharves etc., and asks members who know of reliable service-car or launch proprietors, to hand the information on to the Walks Secretary or Assistant Walks Secretary.

Lash Growth Serum Have you noticed eyelash loss, growing gaps, or shrinking lash size? In regards to beauty, many women strive for long, full, and beautiful lashes. Many mascaras can help improve lashes’ overall appearance. However, the best method to realize your dream lashes is by stimulating the growth of your own natural lashes. The Miami Center for Dermatology provides various specialized products and services specially created for everything from sun protection in addition to anti-aging and moisturizing elements. Our team is happy to announce that we now wield a solution for numerous eyelash problems. Our line now includes a brand new eyelash product, the lash growth serum. You can obtain this effective serum through our online store. We additionally refer to the lash growth serum as the Alphaeon Beauty Eyelash Serum. This product is revolutionizing the beauty industry. This lash-boosting serum is praised by patients for producing remarkable results. 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We recommend the Eyelash Enhancing Serum for the following individuals: - People suffering from eyelash diseases or other conditions. - Women with aging eyelashes. - People with dry, brittle, and unhealthy eyelashes. - Individuals with gaps between lashes. - Those born with short, thin eyelashes. Several products exist that stimulate eyelash growth and thickness. These include the Lancer Lash Serum, which is a fine product. However, we stand firmly behind the eyelash enhancing serum. Thanks to this particular lash growth serum, people now experience fuller, as well as healthier lashes through a single daily application. This serum will stimulate hair growth by utilizing the component biotin. Biotin encourages growth in eyelashes and eyebrows while preventing dehydration. This serum additionally features pumpkin seed extract in its composition. 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Apricot Flavoured Black Tea comprises fine blended Indian Assam and Darjeeling black teas from northern India tea gardens, selected and then further blended and delicately scented with dried Apricot pieces and sunflower to enhance and complement the flavour of the tea. It makes a warming fruity tea at any time of the year. The tradition of flavouring tea is almost as old as tea itself although these more modern flavourings are a 20th Century innovation and are meant to provide just a hint of the flavour of the ingredients rather than a full flavoured experience like in Spiced Chai. India is one of the world’s largest producers of tea in the world, with three main speciality teas: Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri. The tea gardens of Assam lie in the fertile valley of the Brahmaputra River in Northern India, bordering Burma and Bangladesh, where tropical conditions and high levels of rainfall produce teas that are traditionally strong and pungent with a rich, malty flavour. Assam is a black tea named after the region of its production. Assam tea is manufactured specifically from the plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica, most of which is grown at or near sea level and is known for its body, briskness, malty flavour, plus its strong, bright colour. Assam teas, or blends containing Assam, are often sold as “breakfast” teas. as a robust, maltier and stronger breakfast tea and usually consist of small sized tea leaves. The area is noted for its fine black teas but it does produce very small quantities of fine green and white tea. Historically, Assam has been the second commercial tea production region after southern China. Southern China and Assam are the only two regions in the world with native tea plants. Darjeeling teas are grown in the foothills of the Himalayas where the cooler, moist climate produces subtle, delicately flavoured teas with a wonderful aroma. They are often referred to as the “Champagne” of teas. The Nilgiris, or Blue Mountains, lie in the south-west of India, and produce fine flavoured teas with rounded flavours and bright liquors.

Mission Organics’ in-house line of prerolls pack powerhouses at a great price, available through both their pharmacy and delivery service. A little-known way to save money at dispensaries in San Francisco is to ask your budtender if they have any private label flowers. Many pharmacies do that “grow their own” cannabis for prerolls of the eponymous brand, eighths or larger denominations, and these are usually available at a huge discount from other brands. One of the best bargain deals in town is perhaps? Mission Organics$9.99 private label pre-roll joint. Mission Organics is a mom-and-pop dispensary in the Outer Mission, which is also the city’s most remote pot store, but they also offer online delivery all over San Francisco and as far south as Palo Alto. That $9.99 price doesn’t include your unavoidable state and local taxes. But Mission Organics’ joints are packed with high-quality Humboldt and Sonoma County cannabis, meaning they’re still a deal even after those few extra dollars are added in. Each joint is not the standard full gram, but instead a slightly smaller 0.7 gram. But the flower in these doobys is extremely potent with nearly 30 percent THC, and even serious stoners will find themselves turning down that second or third hit. You can sometimes find other joints for under $10, but these are usually the half gram hooters, not 0.7 gram roach. Mission Organics’ prerolls come in three different strains: two potent indicas called Nitro Cookies and Sunshine Daydream that guarantee pleasant trips, euphoria and chill vibes. Both are loaded varieties with over 29 percent THC. A sativa variety called Banana Jack is the “weakest” of the bunch at 25.30 percent THC, but is still a couchlock killer that somehow feels like the most mind-blowing of these strains. However, these joints hit hard and their very high potency will be more to the taste of heavy smokers. A nicely constructed filter reduces coarseness and these are solidly built prerolls that can survive a few sessions. We remember a time last summer when new rules went into effect and you couldn’t find a pre-roll for less than $20 in this town. Now you can get one for less than $10. And Mission Organics’ pre-rolls of $9. 99 definitely contain good dope, making them one of the better blunt bargains. Potency: With a THC level of 25 to 29 percent, these are remarkably potent joints for a price of $10. Odor: Fairly odorless before lighting, but extremely sharp once it burns, with moist, oaky notes letting everyone within 20 meters know you’re smoking weed all over. Taste: The indica Nitro Cookies have a full, dark coffee taste, while the sativa Banana Jack tastes more grassy. Appearance: Standard, no-nonsense plastic tube with a joint in it, but the jay is very attractively rolled and has a capable filter. Medical Application: These are knock-down, drag-out joints that are great for festivals, parties or relaxation, but not so good for productivity. Effect: Solid old-school joint at an old-fashioned price, with cannabis and craftsmanship better than many of the more expensive pre-roll brands. Available in San Francisco at Bud.com. Visit missionorganiccenter.com for details.

Condair DC 50W to 200W is an attractively designed, wall-mounted dehumidifier range with capacities from 49 to 190 l/d (30°C/80%RH). Integrated electronic controls and optional feet. Dehumidifier for wall-mounting in a neighbouring room. Moist air is drawn into the unit and dry air supplied back to the room via ducting. Models in this range provide dehumification capacities of 49 to 190 l/d (30°C/80%RH). The Condair DC 50C to 200C ceiling mounted dehumidifier range is designed to be concealed above a suspended ceiling. Capacities range from 49-190 l/d (30°C/80%RH). Condair DC wall and ceiling mounted condensing dehumidifiers This range of condensing dehumidifiers offers powerful drying performance and the convenience of wall or ceiling mounting. All models in the range incorporate R410A refrigerant gas and are made from hot-galvanised thick sheet metal with polyurethane powder enamel. Each series comprises of five models with capacities ranging from 49 to 190 litres per day. The wall-mounted versions can be supplied with optional steel feet for extra stability. Remote control wall controllers can be located up to 50m away and replicate all control functions. Wall-mounted remote mechanical hygrostats are also available. Features and benefits Wide range of capacities, ideal for most applications Only high quality branded components used in refrigerant circuit and R410A Hot gas defrost and energy efficient EC fans as standard For mounting on a wall in-room, in a neighbouring room or in a suspended ceiling system

Popcorn, you say? She’s going to write a post on popcorn? She is indeed. You see, popcorn has been an integral part of my life as long as I can remember. We fed lunch to a crowd of visitors after church every other Sunday. There could be anywhere from twenty to thirty people seated around the table on those days. Yup. You can read more about those early Sundays here. Then, around 3:30 or 4:00 pm, we would bring out the popcorn kettle and make popcorn for the good folks before they started making movements toward departure. Very often the popcorn would be served with apples, and in maple syrup season, homemade taffy. Let it never be said that they would leave our home hungry! Later we learned that popcorn could be served for supper instead, which made more sense to me. Making good popcorn is an art. It needs to be perfectly popped, with six kernels or less being the maximum left unpopped, at least that was the criteria in our home. There needs to be the perfect balance of saltiness, crispiness, and butteryness. I am absolutely of the persuasion that there needs to be a little butter on the popcorn. I see no point in masticating endlessly on a flat, saltless, butterless piece of rubber. Why eat popcorn at all? AND, I don’t insist on it being a point of membership or anything, but I use a sturdy popcorn kettle, used only for popcorn. I use my grandma’s well-seasoned kettle that I bought when she auctioned off her estate. It was the one thing I was going to get at any price. Let my cousin have the ugly stiff rubber doll that we used to play with; I was going to get that kettle! Six years ago we went with my sister and her husband on a memorable trip to Portugal, Spain, Southern France, and Andorra. In the last week of our trip we were planning to stay at a very remote Portuguese village at the top of a mountain in a house owned by one of our employees. We knew it was rustic, and figured it was probably not well-stocked, so we stopped at the foot of the mountain and proceeded to shop for groceries. We were overjoyed when we found popcorn kernels on the shelves of the store. After all, we had not had popcorn for over two weeks! We bought some olive oil and butter, figuring there would be some kind of kettle there. Upon arrival, after exploring a bit, we noticed that there was no salt there. This would not do. Popcorn with no salt??? It was too far to go back down for just salt. A few of us were nearly in tears, our expectations dashed. Popcorn withdrawal will do that to you. After all, my sister and I had both been raised in the same popcorny environment. A dear little lady in need of a hip replacement seemed to have been put in charge of us and kept hobbling over between our house and hers, wanting to help us. The trouble was, she only spoke Portuguese and we spoke about two words in Portuguese, with neither of them being “salt”. We communicated with sign language and us trying to pronounce “salt” in different cadences for a while, when my eyes spied an empty spice jar on the counter. Aha! I grabbed it, and shook it as though I was salting something. Bingo! Her eyes lit up and we could tell that she had got it. She hastened uphill to her home with surprising alacrity considering her lopsided gait, and returned with TWO containers of salt. One was a shaker of table salt; the other one a jar of very moist, fishy-smelling sea salt. We took the little shaker of salt, profusely saying “Obrigado” over and over. We had learned the Portuguese “Thank You” by then. We made our popcorn in olive oil and butter, seasoned with salt we were very thankful for. Then we ate it with gusto on our front porch, waving at the neighbours trotting by, checking out the new kids in town. We surmised that they didn’t get a lot of visitors up there. That was our initiation into a world of new experiences in the next few days; many hilarious, some touching, but all enthralling. You may hear more of them as life goes on. I served the popcorn this time with Ambrosia apples. If you like a crunchy apple that STAYS crunchy in the dead of winter, this is the apple for you! If you like a pretty apple, this is also the apple for you. If you only like sour apples, this is NOT the apple for you. It is very sweet, as its name implies. It also happens to be my husband’s favourite. He’s sweet that way; liking the apple I’m featuring. There are a few apples that are especially good for eating with popcorn. Some of my personal older favourites would include the Cortland and Snow apples in season, and the Empire. One of the newer ones would be the Ambrosia, a sweet apple that is similar to the Gala, but is firmer and even sweeter. It gets picked in mid-October, about a month after the Gala, so as a result it stores much better and retains its firmness longer. This post is sponsored by Martin’s Family Fruit Farm. Memories and stories are my own. DirectionsGet out a very large bowl. Heat the oil in a heavy pot or popcorn maker on high heat until shimmering hot. I often toss in a few kernels first; if they start “swimming” and sizzling, the oil is ready. Add the rest of the kernels and the butter and swirl the pot well, holding it above the burner. Do this a few times until it begins to pop, returning it to the burner in between. Keep the lid slightly ajar to keep popcorn crisp. Once it starts popping, remove pot and shake the kettle mid-air several times to shake the unpopped kernels to the bottom before returning it to the stove. When the lid begins to rise, shake about a third of the popcorn into the bowl. Return the kettle to the burner, shaking it again; repeat these steps until the popping slows down significantly. Shake salt over the popcorn, taste, and adjust. Serve with apples for an old-fashioned economical snack.

Five hundred years ago, the Atlantic Forest of Brazil covered approximately 330 million acres (about twice the size of Texas), but today more than 85% of this forest has been cleared and what remains is highly fragmented. Despite its diminished state, the Atlantic Forest still ranks as a global conservation priority. Although it is just a small fraction of the size of the great Amazon rainforest, the Atlantic Forest still harbors a range of biological diversity similar to that of the Amazon. Brazil’s eastern seaboard has always been the main locus of its population and industry. Today it accounts for 70% of Brazil’s population, including mega-cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and about 80% of its gross domestic product. The Atlantic Forest has thus endured the brunt of Brazil’s population growth and development ever since Europeans first landed in Brazil in 1500. At present, less than 2% of the whole biome is under protected status. Location: The Atlantic Forest domain stretches from the northeastern to the southern regions of Brazil and northern Argentina and southeastern Paraguay. In the northeastern part of Brazil it occupies a thin coastal strip not exceeding 40 miles in width, while in the south it extends from the coast to as far as 200 miles inland. Major Habitat Type: Moist tropical forest Animals: The Atlantic Forest harbors around 2,200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians—5% of the vertebrates on Earth. This includes nearly 200 bird species found nowhere else, and 60% of all of Brazil’s threatened animal species call this forest home. Brazil as a whole is the world’s leader in primate diversity, with 77 species and subspecies identified to date. Of these, 26 are found in the Atlantic forest, of which 21 are found nowhere else in the world. Some of the Atlantic Forest’s most charismatic species include the golden lion tamarin, wooly spider monkey, red-tailed parrot, and maned three-toed sloth. Plants: The Atlantic Forest of Brazil is also home to around 20,000 species of plants, representing 8% of the Earth’s plants. In fact, in the 1990s researchers from the New York Botanical Garden counted 458 tree species in 2.5 acres—more than double the number of tree species in the entire U.S. eastern seaboard. New species of flora and fauna continue to be discovered. The forest structure of the Atlantic Forest contains multiple canopies that support an extremely rich vegetation mix. This includes an astonishing diversity of ferns, mosses and epiphytes (“air plants” or plants that attach to other plants), including lianas, orchids and bromeliads. Why the Conservancy Works Here The remaining 12% of the Atlantic Forest is still among the biologically richest and most diverse forests in the world and exhibits a high number of species that can be found nowhere else on Earth. The most acute risk to the survival of the Atlantic Forest’s biodiversity is the very fragmented state of forest remnants and their ecological isolation from one another. The primary continuing threats to these fragments include: - Illegal logging and extractive activities of valuable timber species - Land conversion to pasture, agriculture, and forest plantations - Expansion of urban areas and suburban development These stresses not only threaten the Atlantic Forest’s biological diversity, but they are also threats to the Atlantic Forest’s poorer traditional rural communities whose livelihoods are directly linked to the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. What the Conservancy Is Doing The Nature Conservancy, which has been working in the Atlantic Forest since 1991 with a wide range of partners, has an ambitious plan to protect and restore 30 million acres of this magnificent forest by 2015. Rebuilding the Atlantic Forest means stitching together a mosaic of land in various stages of development and in different uses. The concept that underlies this effort is the development of “forest corridors.” From a biodiversity perspective, these corridors, which are contiguous swaths of land covering thousands to millions of acres, are critical to conservation because they assure genetic exchange between populations. This allows for the survival of the greatest possible spectrum of species. In order to build forest corridors it is necessary to first identify key areas for biodiversity conservation, then re-establish connection among isolated forest patches through creating public and private protected areas and restoring deforested zones. Yet, to develop viable Atlantic Forest corridors, the needs of people living in the region cannot be ignored. Development of economic alternatives that are compatible with forest protection is imperative. In order to create these enormous forest corridors, the Conservancy’s Atlantic Forest Conservation Program is implementing strategies that fall into tightly integrated strategies: - The creation and effective conservation of public protected areas - The creation of private reserves - The restoration of degraded forests - The implementation and creation of water funds

Termites, covered by insurance? Regrettably, your representative is correct in saying that property owners insurance policy generally does not cover termite damages; termite invasions are thought to be avoidable with property owner persistence. When the damage is done, there’s not much a homeowner can do besides invest in precautionary measures for the future. Nevertheless, in specific situations, property owners insurance coverage might give coverage but these cases have a tendency to be both severe and certain. It’s on property owners to stay on par with routine upkeep. And also, especially for those living in warmer, much more moist climates, looking for and protecting against house termites need to be a leading concern on their upkeep checklist. Also if homeowners are surprised by the sudden damage arising from a termite problem, this situation isn’t taken into consideration as an “accident” as the termites were avoidable with diligence and also consequently falls under the obligation of the homeowner. To save time and money most people request the help of franklin termite control. What are termites? There are 3 various sorts of termites: dry wood, damp wood, and subterranean, but they all feed on cellulose products like timber as well as paper. Different conditions draw in different kinds of termites. Dampness attracts damp wood termites, so keep water far from your home with actions like ensuring rain gutters remain in working order. While the preliminary answer to, “Is termite damage covered by insurance coverage?” may be discouraging, a property owner may have some luck when filing a termite-related insurance claim. Whether a claim for fixing termites’ damage is accepted relies on the specifics of your policy. For instance, fire damage is frequently specifically mentioned as an event that the insurance firm will cover. All about “Wood” Termite Damage Covered By My Home Insurance An unintended event like a fire is different, however, from damage that is progressive. Say, for example, a timber veranda starts looking unusually used and also swollen from its original form. An insurance company will compete that the proprietors overlooked this proof of termites consuming away at the porch, which the owner needs to have addressed it. Property owners may also have a valid claim for termite damage to be authorized by their insurance company if they can confirm the source of their termite infestation was directly pertaining to a “covered danger” in their plan, like wind or fire. For instance, think about a burst pipe that develops an alluring wet atmosphere for termites. Or, if a tornado slits off some out-of-sight roof covering shingles, which is likewise a termite place, the same reasoning holds. Termite security strategy prices are rather affordable (specifically when contrasted with the expense of fixing damages), and annual evaluations balance between $50 to $280. Cabinets, ceiling beams, wallpaper, windowsills, and many various other areas where timber or cellulose materials exist must be included on a list. When an owner sells their residence, the purchaser’s home loan lender may require an evaluation to ensure that the residential property assuring the home loan isn’t at threat for termites. If a house seller overlooked upkeep and termites are located during the program of the sale, the buyer as well as their home loan loan provider might require a termite bond or warranty, which covers future therapies to guarantee these critters are gone. Why Homeowners Insurance Will Not Protect Your Home From Termites With any type of insurance coverage , consumers desire the premiums to be affordable, and also they might not initially stress way too much about just how total the protection is. When a covered event happens, the responsiveness of the insurance policy provider as well as the insurance coverage in the policy is a critical concern. Some plans are offered just with representatives, as well as some are sold online. Talking with a representative or representative and investigating policy offerings can assist in narrowing down plans that are affordable as well as meet your demands. Selecting the best plan from one of the ideal homeowners insurance policy companies involves looking for discounts in addition to adequately covering your particular house. Termites cause $5 billion in home damage each year. Termites can live in the house and also trigger damages for years prior to they’re found. To the untrained eye, termites are challenging to spot. Look for termite tunnels around your home’s foundation as well as areas where there’s revealed timber. If you need termite extermination services or other pest control services, Franklin pest control Hammond Indiana can help. Call them at (219) 600-4910 for an inspection or for extermination services. You can also keep reading to learn more about the termite signs in home.

April 24, 2019 Have you ever had a bad reaction to a medication? Or realized that it just wasn't helping at all? The way someone responds to a particular drug - how effective it is and whether they experience any side effects - can vary greatly between individuals, and it's becoming apparent that a personalized approach is needed when treating many conditions. This is especially true for several psychiatric conditions, where finding the right medication for someone has relied heavily on trial and error. In this episode, we talked to Dr. James Kennedy and Dr. Daniel Mueller, clinician scientists at CAMH and co-principal investigators of the IMPACT study, which aims to personalize the treatment of several psychiatric conditions. Catherine Virelli, a student in the Translational Research Program working with Dr. Kennedy, told us about the steps and challenges involved with bringing predictive tools produced by programs like IMPACT into clinical use. We also sat down with Dr. Christine Bear, senior scientist at Sick Kids and director of CFIT - the Program for Individualized Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Therapy. She told us about why an individualized approach is necessary for treating CF and how the CFIT program can be useful for discovering new personalized therapies for patients. Written by: Thamiya Vasanthakumar The IMPACT Study Dr. Daniel Mueller's Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic SickKids Foundation Cystic Fibrosis Page MJ (A CF patient) visits Dr. Christine Bear's lab Register for our Live Podcast Event! Max Strauss What's up listeners? Before we get started, we wanted to invite you to Raw Talk's upcoming event, Medicine Meets Machine. Grace Jacobs The emerging world of artificial intelligence and healthcare. Join us on May 7 for some awesome panel discussions followed by a networking event. Max Strauss We got refreshments, we got food, we got a bouncy castle. Grace Jacobs Max, Max! Don't give it all away. Max Strauss John Stamos. Grace Jacobs Check out the event page link in the show notes. So without further ado, welcome to Episode 59 of Raw Talk. Max Strauss Are you ready to get personal? Grace Jacobs Hi, listeners. I'm Grace. Max Strauss And I'm Max. Grace Jacobs Today's episode is a special one for us. Max and I met because of one of the studies that we're going to talk about today. Max Strauss Our first experience with research was when we both spent a summer in Dr. Jim Kennedy's neurogenetics lab, working on phenotyping for studies aimed at personalizing psychiatric treatment. Grace Jacobs We learned a lot that summer, including that we both wanted to do graduate school from Dr. Kennedy, Director of the Tennenbaum Center for Pharmacogenetics, as well as our second guest, Dr. Daniel Mueller, Head of the Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic also at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health. Max Strauss We also sat down with Dr. Christine Bear, a Senior Scientist in the Molecular Medicine Department at the SickKids Research Institute. She's also the Director of the Program for Individualized Cystic Fibrosis Therapy, or CFIT. Grace Jacobs This is a collaborative program aimed at developing the resources and tools necessary for achieving a precision medicine approach for treating cystic fibrosis. Max Strauss We're excited to explore the topic of personalized medicine since it's so well, personal. Grace Jacobs As our understanding of human genetics increases, we are discovering why we differ so much in everything from what symptoms we present with to how we respond to treatments. Max Strauss For example, many people react badly to certain antibiotics, while others don't seem to react at all. In fact, when prescribing drugs to patients, the differences in outcomes can be dramatic. Grace Jacobs The top selling antidepressant Cymbalta only improves symptoms of depression in one patient for every five prescribe the drug. The same goes for Crestor, the leading high cholesterol medication with only one in 20 patients showing improvement. Max Strauss So why do people differ so much and how they respond to the same treatment for the same condition? Well, it turns out that our genetic makeup plays a huge role in everything from how we metabolize drugs, to whether or not we even have the receptors capable of binding them Grace Jacobs as our understanding of how our genes influence our response to medication grows. It's transforming the drug industry. Max Strauss Not every treatment works for every patient. And this idea is revolutionizing the way we practice medicine. Grace Jacobs One area where personalized medicine is really taking off is in how we approach cancer treatments. Max Strauss And this method is something that we are starting to see spreading throughout the scientific and medical community with personalized medicine becoming a very hot topic. Grace Jacobs But it's also a very broad topic. And we want to hear from some experts about what exactly personalized medicine means in the scientific context. Max Strauss We sat down with our mentors, Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Mueller, and ask them what exactly is personalized medicine? Dr. James Kennedy Personalized medicine for me is your personal DNA signature. But it also includes non DNA factors like stress levels you have, whether you smoke or not, and your job satisfaction. I can add a layer of epigenetics, which includes DNA modifications, which is partly influenced by the environment. So to me personalized medicine is starting with the DNA and then measuring all the circles of increasing complexity of the human themselves and then of their relationship to their family, and then their community. And all the environmental factors interacting with that person. Dr. Daniel Mueller Well, the idea of personalized medicine, obviously, is to choose and to predict a treatment or an intervention that fits the patient or the individual in question to that extent that the personal needs are met. If you think a little bit about medication, sometimes they're rather prescribed as one-size-fits-all kind of approach, right? And then you wait and see. If you're lucky things things work well without side effects. But if they don't, you might have to switch medications over and over again. Right. I would think that the concept personalized medicine could be seen in two ways. In a broader sense, medicine and psychiatry has probably ever since been to some extent personalized. Just by clinical experience, you would certainly choose certain medications based on the symptom profile, you would maybe adjust the dose based on the age of the patient or the gender. You would probably also take into account pre-existing medication or co-existing medications. In a certain way, personal medicine just really means that you are treating a special individual with all kinds of facets that are attached to that person. But in in a more modern sense personalized medicine rather applies to typically what we would call biomarker driven medicine, which is, you would also consider biological measures such as genetics, for example, in order to make a more precise estimate of which medication might better serve the purpose. Grace Jacobs As Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Mueller mentioned, people experience many side effects from psychiatric medications. Max Strauss Because of this, drugs are often prescribed on a trial and error basis over periods of weeks to months to years. Grace Jacobs That's gonna have a huge impact on somebody's life. We want to know what some of these side effects were. Dr. Daniel Mueller Let's start with antidepressants. Most of the time, people will complain about some gastrointestinal symptoms in the beginning, in the first weeks, they will maybe feel somewhat nauseated. Some people feel over sedated. Some people feel restless. So these are typical side effects at the beginning of an antidepressant treatment. Now, the good news is that these effects often tend to go away. if people are willing to tolerate them. Tthe recommendation here is to go slow with the medication and to get the organism, time to adjust. Other common side effects was with most antidepressants, and people do not usually like to talk about them, neither the physicians, neither the patients, are sexual side effects, but they're quite common. And why because antidepressants can affect basically the three levels of sexuality, which is the one thing the libido, the physiological reaction, physiological predisposition. So, we're talking about erectile dysfunction in men, or lubrication problems in females. And third orgasmic dysfunction, which is often described as delayed orgasm, where people really struggle with having their sexuality in a fulfilling way. And I'm saying this, because, again, it's often then not verbalized, and patients then tend to not take the medications, when they notice that, but they don't inform the doctors, because they might be a bit too embarrassed. And again, some doctors also may don't want to talk about that all the time. So it's important to know and I would always argue to bring it up in any kind of conversation. Then there can be antidepressant and that's important for young people, that can be the paradox effect that some antidepressants cause restlessness in young people, and it might do so also in adults, but typically, for some reason, it's often more pronounced in younger people. We talk about people in adolescent age, and maybe early adults, and this restlessness, which is extremely unpleasant has sometimes probably provoked suicidal acts. So some people who have felt this restlessness, they were already, let's say, low in mood, they were already desperate and other feelings. This is kind of torturing restlessness and then sometimes impulsively, they might just act upon that by killing themselves. And that's why it's extremely important also to discuss that at the beginning of the treatment, and safe usually, if you feel restless, stop the medication immediately and come to see me again, rather than to not say anything and misjudging this as a kind of an inevitable situation, right? And then, unfortunately, we often see metabolic side effects, people will become more hungry, if you wish, they get more, they get more appetite, and they eat more. And by that, of course, they then can become obese and develop diabetes, for example. That is, you know, side effects in about 30% or so of people taking antipsychotic medication that should also be addressed right at the beginning, and discussed how to avoid it, because there are things that can be done to avoid weight gain, but they should be discussed again, early on. Max Strauss To dive further into what constitutes pharmacogenetics. Dr. Mueller told us about why some people experience these side effects and why some don't. Dr. Daniel Mueller Pharmacogenetics and process medicine is all about reducing the likelihood of developing these side effects, right? If we look 10 or 15 years ago, we had no genetic marker. Now we have genetic markers, and it does make a difference in many people. It has helped many people to avoid the side effects and with more research we hope that we get even further and further to identify other genetic markers and whatnot, that will even allow us to predict more side effects than we already can. People's DNA sequence vary substantially and that can affect also enzymes which metabolize medication. You know, we're talking about common variations, we're not talking about super rare or rare variants, which might also affect medication treatment. But we're talking about those common variants, which might have randomly or maybe through evolutionary pressure evolved, and also, sometimes more in certain ethnic groups and others, right? We know that metabolizer rates, for example, can vary dramatically between ethnic groups. And what I typically like to tell the students is to take the example, alcohol. And now everyone smiles typically at this moment, take the example of alcohol, where you know that certain people, mostly from Asian countries, East Asian countries, like 10, to 20%, do not tolerate alcohol very well. And that's because they have a phase one enzyme ALDH2, to where they have genetic variants, which makes them to become slow metabolizers, which reduces the enzymatic activity in these individuals. And as a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, acid aldehyde is being created. And this as a highlight is extremely toxic, and definitely also causes all those the symptoms that, you know, we can see these people. However, with a rapid metabolism acid aldehyde will not accumulate, and would not cause the symptoms. But if you now have an automatic lowered activity as an aldehyde, can accumulate and cause all these problems, right? And now, obviously, imagine now that alcohol would be at medication. Here we go, where we would see that some people will just not tolerate medication because they metabolize it differently. And talking about phase one enzymes like ALDH2, there are other ones. They're called CYP2D6, for example, or CYP2C19. They are also extremely variable in terms of the genetic variation in terms of the enzymatic activity. And these two enzymes are extremely important in the metabolism of many psychiatric drugs. Grace Jacobs Taking this knowledge of the genetics of poor versus rapid metabolizers, Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Mueller work together as co principal investigators of the IMPACT project, with one primary aim to modernize the way that psychiatric illnesses are treated with medication. Dr. James Kennedy IMPACT Study is an acronym stands for Individualized Medicine, Personalized Assessment, and Clinical Treatment. And that study started in 2012. Its central core is delivering panel of genetic test results to a physician who's ordered this panel as a guiding set of information to help them decide which medication to prescribe for a given individual patient sitting in their office. And this is for psychiatric medications, principally antidepressants, and antipsychotics. So this strategy I've been thinking about for a number of years, the data in the literature was becoming more and more supportive. And I could see the trend and trajectory of this area that DNA measurement was getting faster and cheaper. And there was already some very good sort of anchor genes to get good knowledge from and those are the genes in the liver that break down 80% of all medications, in one way or another. I saw that we could get traction with those liver genes, and then add on the more complex area of genetic variation in the receptors and the parts of the brain where the drug goes, where it has its action. So we created a test hidden lab with a few liver enzyme genes and a dopamine gene and serotonin gene. And that was our beginning rudimentary personalized medicine test. Based on that done in a few hundred patients, we were able to convince the Ontario government to fund this very promising area for an extended period of time. It was six and a half years in order that we could test patients and then follow them over time and see how the patient reacts to the test. How well did the doctor deliver the test? How well the doctor understand the results and did the patient get better, faster, did the patient have fewer side effects, because all of these are the predicted outcomes. And we want to get them on the right drug early on in their psychiatric care journey, and get them better faster. And that is a big help for the doctor patient relationship. And it avoids the terrible trial and error method, which psychologists have been practicing ever since the drugs were introduced in the 60s. Trial and error in this day and age of DNA assessment is just not acceptable to me. Having some decent information about your patient, based on their blueprint is a much better way to approach prescribing medicines. Max Strauss One of the exciting things about the impact study is that it cuts across all different disorders and is applicable for a wide range of people and their symptoms. Dr. James Kennedy It went across all mental health disorders was not a study of particular disorder, like depression, or schizophrenia, or bipolar or panic disorder. It was a study of the medications used in psychiatry. The medications were the starting point, not the diagnosis, but of course, we recorded the diagnosis. In 11,000, we have 700 bipolar patients 600 schizophrenia patients, 3500 depression patients 3000 patients with quite severe anxiety and then obsessive compulsive disorder and on and on even some Alzheimers patients, Parkinson's patients who tend to be put on these antipsychotic or antidepressant medications. You could say that's unfocused. But we're not doing a clinical trial, we're doing a feasibility study in a naturalistic study. This is the way doctors treat patients. To summarize the how, it's done with a simple saliva test. We extract the DNA in our lab, and we run this panel of genes. That number can iteratively be increased as the data supports it. Grace Jacobs Once the genetic test is completed, and easily interpreted report is sent back to the physician who referred the patient. On the front page drugs are divided into three different bins, green, yellow, and red, depending on how well they will work with that individual person. There are also recommended dosages for each drug. Dr. James Kennedy If they like they can look on the second page of the report and see the individual genotypes and the individual genes and they can Google those genes if they like and they can dig deeper into the interesting science of that particular patient. Grace Jacobs Integrating genetics and using a personalized approach for how a treatment is chosen for someone has implications not only for how effective that treatment will be, but also that person's experience with the healthcare system and stigma they may face. Dr. James Kennedy It shifts the focus onto the patient. It's their uniqueness, as opposed to the doctor, typically, and this certainly was in my training, a physician will be trying a number of different alternatives in all different patients. And over time, that physician will develop a kind of familiarity of sorts clinically, with a few medications. And so the doctor will choose the medication based on their comfort, their familiarity with a particular set of medications. But that leaves the patient out of the picture. So it's inherently a great idea for the medication selection to be based on the patient's biological makeup, as well as their, you know, their family situation stress levels, as I mentioned, it's there's genes and there's the environment, they both have to be considered. But this whole emphasis of the doctor deciding with some sophisticated algorithm, you start with this and then you double the dose and then if that doesn't work, you add on this or you switch to that. That's not based on biomarkers of what that person's body is doing inside. It's based on statistical results from large groups of patients that average everything. Anyway, the patient feels less stigmatized because there's a scientific test based on evidence that has chosen their medication. So that invest them in the treatment gives them more confidence in the prescription that the doctor has written. Because they know that it's not so much of guesswork on the part of the doctor or their own particular clinical algorithm for working through medication choices. So it's really beneficial for the patient and the doctor and most importantly, the relationship between the patient in the doctor. Grace Jacobs The IMPACT Study focuses on developing a personalized medicine approach for mental disorders. But it's becoming more and more apparent that taking a personalized medicine approach can be beneficial when it comes to treating just about any disease or condition. Max Strauss So let's switch gears a little bit and talk about another exciting personalized medicine project coming out of Toronto. Cystic fibrosis or CF is a fatal genetic disease. Grace Jacobs The gene causing CF was first discovered right here in Toronto back in 1989, at SickKids Hospital. Max Strauss Now 30 years later, SickKids is right at the center of a huge collaborative program CFIT the program for individualized cystic fibrosis therapy. Grace Jacobs Thamiya spoke with Dr. Christine Bear, the director of CFIT. Dr. Christine Bear I've been working in the CF field for almost 30 years, which is really mind blowing to me. And I arrived at SickKids just at the time that the CF gene was discovered. And they wanted someone with the skills that I had. Because they they learned that the CF gene coded for a protein that works as a pore and membranes to allow the movement of chloride. So sodium chloride, which is salt and water. Grace Jacobs CFTR is a gene which codes for a protein that works as a poor or a channel. It's found at the surface of cells, and it's responsible for the movement of chloride ions. Max Strauss Mutations in the CFTR gene can lead to a dysfunctional CFTR protein, which impairs the movement of fluid across the cell membrane and results in cystic fibrosis. Dr. Christine Bear So as you know, cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. The disease itself is a life shortening disease. It's basically progressive. So when the child's born, they're fine. Some of them do have obstruction in their intestine, but most of the time, they're fine. It's just progressive over time, there's a worsening of lung function, worsening of digestive functions as well, and reproductive function eventually. What happens in the lung is that because the CFTR chloride channel. The pore and the membrane isn't working properly. Fluid transport is impaired and you need fluid moving into the airways, surprisingly, because it keeps the mucus moist. And so cilia would beat to remove bacteria from the airways can move properly if everything is moist. But if you don't have the CFTR protein, that moisture is not there, it get sticky, bugs get stuck, so there's recurrent infection, inflammation, and eventually, that leads to serious damage to the lung and transplantation is often the only recourse. Grace Jacobs It's hard to imagine that this fatal disease with complications that end up affecting so many different organ systems is caused by a mutation in a single gene. What exactly is going wrong at the molecular level in patients with cystic fibrosis? Dr. Christine Bear So when I came, I started to understand what the CFTR protein normally does, and then what different mutations do. So there are a large number of mutations that lead to the cystic fibrosis disease phenotype. And we're still trying to understand why those mutations make the protein non functional or not get to the right place in the cell. But we know what the major mutation does. So the major mutation, we call that delta 508. That is found in most people with cystic fibrosis. So in Canada, there's approximately 4600 people who have cystic fibrosis and half of those people close to half of those people will have two copies of the delta 508 mutation. The normal version of the protein and there's quite a few parts to it, it packs together tightly and it's trafficked properly to the cell surface. But that's not true for delta 508. It doesn't pack properly, and only a limited amount of it will get to the search surface where it helps to move the fluid that I was talking about. So that's the big problem with this mutation. It's just not at the right place. And even a little bit of it does get to the right place, it doesn't work properly as a channel. So these are the kinds of of studies that happened over the past decades understanding what the mutation does. And now there's a lot of excitement really over the past 10 years in learning that small molecule therapies can actually rescue some of these problems. Max Strauss Since the discovery of the CFTR gene at SickKids, a lot of work has gone towards developing small molecule therapies or drugs that target the CFTR protein. Grace Jacobs The drugs that are currently available mainly target the most common mutation, delta 508. Max Strauss But there are hundreds of other rarer CF causing mutations, which are not as well characterized. And the discovery of drugs that target these mutations is limited. Grace Jacobs To make things even more complicated. Even a group of patients who have the same mutation, such as delta 508, can have huge variability in the types of symptoms, they experienced, the severity of the symptoms, and the response to a particular drug. Dr. Christine Bear So, for example, with the delta 508, where there's so much problem and how the protein packs we know inside the cell, there are many other proteins that help that process. So if you don't have a proper folding protein, auxilary protein, then that could worsen the outcome of the delta 508. So we're understanding that there are secondary genes, we call the modifier genes, which modify disease severity, and that's coming out of huge international consortium studying modifier genes. So there is one, Health Canada approved treatment known for delta 508 patients who have two copies, one from the mother, one from their father, it's called Orkambi and it's a combination drug. So there's one small molecule compound, which helps the delta 508 protein form properly to get to the cell surface where it needs to work, and then a second one, making it work properly. So it's a combination. And in theory, this should have a restorative effect on all of the delta 508 proteins, and it does in generic cell lines inside of the lab. But once you start looking at tissues from different patients, you can see that when you add these drugs onto tissues from different patients, those tissues respond differently. And you see this in the clinic. Max Strauss And this is exactly why a personalized medicine approach is necessary for treating cystic fibrosis. Even patients who have identical mutations in the CFTR gene can have different responses to the drug that Dr. Bear mentions, Orkambi. Dr. Christine Bear In 2016, it was approved by Health Canada. It was approved in 2015 in the States, so we're having a lot of clinical data now. Health Canada has decided not to reimburse the costs of this drug, because the average response is modest. That doesn't mean that they're not people that respond very well but there's also people that respond very poorly. So the average is modest and because that average is modest, Health Canada has said no we're not reimbursing. But that is a big, big problem for CF patients, because it's the only drug that targets that delta 508 mutation. There are other treatments that they're getting are basically treating the symptoms. But there was nothing until Orkambi, which would treat the basic defect. Some people respond really well. That's the stories that the patients and their parents are hearing. My kid or I could be responding really well but there's no way that I can afford this drug, which is $300,000 a year per patient. Not all insurance companies agree to fork over that amount of money either. If you don't happen to work for a company, your parent doesn't work for a company that has an insurance plan, you are out of luck. It's just a real sense of injustice that these patients have. That's why there's a need to have some kind of predictive tool, a doctor can agree that someone should go Orkambi on a case by case basis. After they decide yes or no. Then it's up to the insurance companies, whether it's going to be compensated or not. But if there was some way that we could say, well, this person would do really well, you should reimburse this patient because it's going to save their life. That's that's the goal of some of the work that we're doing now to develop those types of tests. Grace Jacobs Dr. Bear shared an example of such a predictive test that has been developed in the Netherlands. Dr. Christine Bear What they're doing in the Netherlands right now is they're taking biopsies from every CF patient and testing what little tissue avatars they make. They make tissue avatars from the biopsy. So they're called organoids. Grace Jacobs Organoids can be thought of as simplified miniature versions of an organ. They're made from a small sample cells that are taken from a patient. Max Strauss As Dr. Bear refers to them, they can be essentially thought of as avatars, a representation of a specific patient's tissue that has an identical genetic background to that patient. Dr. Christine Bear They test these avatars, these organoids, for the available drugs to see if the avatars respond. They've been doing this now for hundreds of patients. So they're not only looking at the delta 508, but they're also looking at other mutations which are rare for which there is no drug available and asking will or can be work on these, or will any of the other the other available drug like Kalydeco work on these. Because they've looked at so many patients now, they're starting to develop convincing correlations between what they can see on the avatars in the lab, and what's happening in terms of the patient outcomes. The correlations are looking good, and they're really turning heads all over over the world. Grace Jacobs Back here in Toronto, the CFIT program is paving the way to a personalized medicine approach for treating CF. The goal the program is to create a comprehensive resource with patient-derived stem cells, genetic data and detailed clinical information. Dr. Bear told us a little bit more about how it got started. Dr. Christine Bear The CFIT program is basically a partnership, a partnership between CF Canada. CF Canada is the major charity, which funds research and a lot of clinical work in Canada. So the SickKids Foundation, and CF Canada decided to fund this work. And what they're funding is the generation of stem cells from each one of the donors. We also call the 100 cell line project, because we're collecting from 100 individuals trying to cover the types of mutations and the frequency of those mutations that we see in Canada. And we're up to 80 of the 100. So we're getting there. And that started back in 2016. That's when we started our first collection, and then it goes to 2020. We're well on our way to getting our 100. To start, we're getting a swab of nasal tissue from each patient. So that's not as intrusive, and it's really continuous with the airway. That's the part of the the body which is most effective. Again, we're making these little avatars from the nasal tissue and testing drugs on on these tissues. So that's what we're doing in Toronto. At the same time that we're looking at avatar responses, we're using a stem cell approach to make all of the different tissues that are affected. Max Strauss Now, this is really cool. Cells that are obtained from a patient like from a nasal swab can be reprogrammed in the lab to become stem cells. These stem cells will then have an identical genetic background to the patient, including their specific CF causing mutation. Grace Jacobs Patient-derived stem cells can then be differentiated into just about any different cell type that can be found in the body, including those that are affected by cystic fibrosis, but are much less accessible. Dr. Christine Bear I mentioned that the lung is most severely affected but the intestine is affected, the pancreas - there's no way to really access the pancreas and test that - reproductive tract, the bile duct, all of these tissues we can make by differentiating stem cells into those those tissues. And Toronto is a real hub of stem cell biologists. Jenet Rossant and who is are CEOs of research at SickKids. She came up with a protocol and her postdoc at the time, Amy Wong who is now a scientist here, a protocol for turning stem cells, IPSCs into lung. And Gordon Keller, we're collaborating with him he makes bile duct cells. He's working on a way to make pancreatic cells. There are well established ways to make intestinal cells so we can make every affected tissue and basically not only look at each person's lung, but each person's different tissue to see if there's going to be tissues specific responses to these drugs. Grace Jacobs In addition to all the local stem cell experts who are collaborating on this project, a big benefit of having CFIT centralized in Toronto is that a lot of the patients come from SickKids Hospital, which has thorough clinical data for each of them. The clinical component of this work is being led by Dr. Felix Ratjen, who is featured way back on Episode 14 of Raw Talk. Dr. Christine Bear Two big components of this that I haven't talked about too much so far is a huge clinical component. So most of these people are individuals from SickKids, where there's a really comprehensive clinical data measurements of how they do on the drug. Most of them are from SickKids. But we're also recruiting from around Canada. So all of the provinces have sent people to SickKids to have cells taken and models made. And we're even starting to recruit from international places. And the states, they're coming. This resource that we're creating of methods, stem cells, and genomic information. So really in-depth, genomic information is also being generated for each one of these individuals. Lisa Strug, is in charge of that component I didn't mention before Felix Ratjen is in charge of clinical component. And she's using really state of the art sequencing methods to get a really deep read of the sequence for all of these individuals. We're hoping to have a avatar-based predictive tool, but we might end up having a gene chip. So these polymorphisms, and other genes will predict how well, a patient will respond. So we're going to have maybe a series of different tests that could be used as predictive tests. We're getting towards the end of our program, and all of the collection. And what we've collected is a resource for CF researchers and clinicians around the world. And they only have to pay for shipping to get stem cells from people with very comprehensive clinical description, and also deep sequencing done. So we're going to be in a place where we're going to have multiple patients tested, we'll be able to correlate their drug responses in the plate in the lab to what's happening in the clinics. We're not there yet but the correlations are good so far, we need more patients. But I hope we're at a point where we're going to be able to offer this as as a tool for the family doctor who needs to make a case to the insurance company that this person is worth the risk, and eventually turn it into a tool that regulatory agencies that Health Canada refers to, will also use this as a tool. Max Strauss This is one of the goals of the CFIT program to develop a predictive tool. Dr. Bear also told us about some exciting ways that the resources and tools coming out of CFIT could be used by other researchers in the future. Dr. Christine Bear Now with gene editing tools becoming more prominent in terms of thinking about how to cure genetic disease, people are developing ways to correct the mutation in patient-derived tissues. You could imagine a very effective way to do that is using some of the model systems that we have here. At the same time, we're learning the methods to correct that mutation. In decades from now, you could imagine a scenario where you might want to get rid of CF disease all together. Whereas that is light years away from where we are. But step by step, we're learning how to correct the mutation. I think one step that might be foreseeable is that you could correct the mutation in someone's stem cells and then do a cell replacement into that person. So example might be that you correct stem cells from somebody, and then generate pancreatic duct from that person using a differentiation method, and then introduce it back to that person and not have the risk of rejection because it's their own tissue that has been used to make an artificial duct. Grace Jacobs Now, that's about as personal as you can get using a person's own cells to make tissues for transplants. Another future application of see fit is as a tool for drug discovery. Max Strauss As we mentioned earlier, the drugs available for the rare CF causing mutations are basically non-existent. Having a bank of stem cells that can represent all of these different mutations means that any newly discovered perspective drugs can be tested on them. Grace Jacobs Dr. Bear told us about one such rare mutation. Dr. Christine Bear So we've got a number of stem cell lines from different individuals with this mutation. It's very, very rare, especially in the homozygous form. And we've learned now how to fill a 96 well plate with avatars with this particular mutation to do drug testing for that. We're starting to see some hits come out of that. So because stem cells are really a renewable source of tissue, you can keep going back to the same vial of cells, recreate the tissue that you're interested in and test new interventions that come down the line, Max Strauss Like CFIT, the IMPACT project is making a difference in personalized medicine. It has recently come to an end, having recruited over 11,000 patients over the last seven years, Dr. James Kennedy We've just published a big paper. 2000 family doctors who ordered the test and that paper shows beyond doubt that primary care and family physicians can use this test easily and effectively. And patients have fewer side effects and get to recovery, the remission rate, meaning they got all the way to better is much higher in the genetically tested group than in the treatment, as usual, the trial and error approach. So it's clinically how the impact study has been very successful. And the doctors were overwhelmingly positive about the test. More than 80% endorsed it as working very well with their patients. 86% agreed that it would become a gold standard in the future. So that's been a very positive outcome of the IMPACT study. Grace Jacobs Dr. Kennedy is currently working to fund the next steps of the study. Dr. James Kennedy We can do a lot of great science on the 11,000 patients we've already tested over the last seven years. We want to create some small clinical trials of different new additions to the tests for more brain genes in particular. The only way to validate those genes is to run a proper clinical trial comparing one group that gets the test to a group who doesn't and people are randomized to those two groups. The raters are blind and, you know, randomized controlled trial. A number of us here are working on the design of IMPACT 2.0. So 1.0 that I've just been describing to you evaluated whether the test is usable, whether is it user friendly? How did the patients react to it? How did the doctors react to it? How does it work with side effects prediction? How does it work with patients getting better faster? I mentioned the big finding was much better total recovery rate in the patients who get the test versus patients who don't. We've also launched and almost completed a study with major insurance company in Canada, where we're testing their patients who are on disability. They're off work due to depression or severe anxiety or mental health problems. We're in a project with them, we've collected 150 patients who are on disability. So that's leading to the whole economic argument that this testing saves money for the health care system. And in disability patients, they're very costly to the insurance company. It's costly to the employer because they're not at work. It's costly to the healthcare system because they're visiting their doctor and trying to adjust things and that leads to very unpleasant situation for the patient, and a costly situation for the insurance company for the health care provider, which in our cases, the Government of Ontario. We got the patients to report on scales, proper questionnaires with the depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and side effects, and psychotic symptoms if they had those at baseline when they got the test. Then at four weeks later and at eight weeks later after the doctor had chosen the medication based on the test. But a large group of doctors might for various clinical good reasons not want to change the medication, because it's very disruptive for the patient. They're kind of a control group because they're not following the guidance of the test, so we can compare those who they all got the test, but some follow the test and some didn't. So that's where we can show the efficacy of the test. We had enough funds to run these DNA chips that scan across all the chromosomes. We were able to do 3800 of these people. They're called genome scan chips. They look at every site on every chromosome across the whole human genome. You can then reach in and test whatever set of genes you're interested in. The dopamine genes are important for anti psychotic function. The serotonin genes are important for depression. Max Strauss The IMPACT study has provided compelling evidence that integrating this pharmacogenetic test into the treatment process for a range of psychiatric illnesses can have huge benefits for people by finding ideal medications and doses more quickly and with fewer side effects. Grace Jacobs But how does this project get translated from the bench to the bedside? It's been shown to have utility but how does this get through to the people to Canadians? Dr. James Kennedy I've been working on that issue for all the years of study. We've put in an application to the Ministry of Health to have this test reimbursed by OHIP through health insurance. There's data from our partner in this industry. They had worked out all the delivery issues of getting it to the doctors through a web-based portal. So our volume of delivering the test to patients greatly increased. We showed basically that it's very scalable and we could get it out to, for example, there's about 160,000 people in Ontario, who have medium to severe depression right now. Probably 70% of them could have some improvements to their medication. So we should be getting the test to over 100,000 people. That's a per year basis. So next year, there's going to be another hundred and 60,000, and another hundred 60,000. That's just for depression. We have anxiety and OCD and schizophrenia and bipolar and so on. So there's a lot of people who need this test, we're working with the Ontario health database, the OHIP billing database, which is ICES. That has all 13 million citizens of Ontario, registered through their OHIP numbers and with proper privacy and anonymization. So we can get the spending on those each of the 11,000 patients that we've tested.. We can get back from the database because we got our patients health care numbers. In any case, we got a pretty good estimation of the healthcare economics. We can compare the cost before they got the test and in the same person compare after and also the ICES database can create a control group, the age, sex, demographically-matched socio economic status match to our 11,000 patients. Another group of patients with similar or with the same working diagnosis, let's say you know a bunch with 3000 with depression, 3000 anxiety. We can compare the health care costs in those people who are the same illness, same severity, with our patients in IMPACT, who got the test. We hypothesize that they will cost the healthcare system less over the year and the next year, following the doctor using the guidance of the genetic test. In some studies done in the United States already with similar tests, a major depression patient will cost $8,000 under normal trial and error circumstances, and a similar patient but who does get the genetic test only cost $3,000. So that's in the 12 months, following them presenting themselves The doctor for help. So that's a $5,000 savings for a patient. When you start multiplying that by 100,000 patients, you get into very big numbers for saving money for our health care system. Grace Jacobs Catherine Virelli is a student in the translational research program (TRP) at the University of Toronto. She's working with Dr. Kennedy on next steps for the IMPACT study, she told us a bit more about her project, which focuses on what barriers there are between technology innovation, and translating it for use by the public. Catherine Virelli One barrier to getting this kind of technology accepted, certainly by the government, but also just in disseminating it throughout the population is that we don't currently really understand the end user or the patient need for this testing. So IMPACT just wrapped up, we had some informal evidence that patients really liked the test because they were calling after the test ended, saying, where's my test, I want the test. But there's no formal needs assessment. Without that, anyone who's versed in entrepreneurship can tell you that if you don't understand your end user need you risk spending all kinds of money to offer a service that no one wants. So we want to characterize the patient need and therefore have a better idea of what's important to them about pharmacogenetic testing being implemented. So that's what my project is. I'm doing first a focus group with impact patients to get their feedback because their abusers have pharmacogenetic tests, they have really valuable information there. At that focus group, I also want to understand what's most important to them to consider when it does come time for implementation. So things like how much would it be acceptable to charge for this kind of thing, if we had to distribute it through the private sector, who has to have access to the bins or the results, in order for it to be most effective to them? Dr. James Kennedy One of the things that Cathy and I are working on is patient empowerment. There's another great thing about personalized medicine is that as soon as the patient sees this information about their DNA and how these drugs are classified, they get an inherently better understanding of the pros and cons of figuring out which medication out of the 35 or so that are available. Tons of antidepressants, let's say which one is right for them. Some of them are kind of okay, so the patient is now driving some of the demand for this test because it's evidence-based. They have an inherent good sense that DNA is an information molecule. Of course it's complicated, and it's far from perfect, but we are pretty, we're quite good at accurately measuring the DNA. What we're not so good at is measuring all these other factors in the life of the patient, stress levels, and so on. But the patients are really getting behind this test because it's their own personal test of their DNA and they they own it basically. The patient of the near future will have their Apple Watch, they'll have a literally emergency screen. They could have a bracelet like a diabetic would have stamped into the bracelet the main genotypes they have. So many ways that the patient can empower themselves to give themselves a better journey through the healthcare system. Max Strauss Looking forward, how can we expect pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine in general to be integrated into our healthcare system? Dr. Daniel Mueller I would think in 30 years or so, we will have what we will call genomic medicine, where all our individual DNA is sequenced for every variant that we have. This sequence might either be available on servers that can be accessed by doctors, or maybe if for privacy reasons we prefer to keep it with us in a in a small USB stick or something, maybe we're gonna carry it around. But definitely when we go to see the doctor, or we go into a hospital or we are treated for emergency. Some health care provider will look at the sequence and now decide the treatment, the best treatment for us, depending on the DNA sequence. So the question though, is again, how to get there, right? How are we making it possible that in 30 years, the things will happen and occur? And the answer is, well, let's take a look at pharmacogenetics today where we can with relatively little investment with costs around. Let's say a couple of hundred dollars, identify all the gene variants that are important and relevant, and include that into our medical files information. It would already work today. It can already be done. There are hospitals who do that routinely and who also would transfer the information to the electronic health records. Now, we don't maybe have all the knowledge or the knowledge that we would like to have. For example, we still lack research in rare variants, which might cause also response and side effects in some people, copy number variants, we haven't really studied all of them, but with time we will study them. It's already doable is for for a relatively little amount of money to get the DNA sequence information, sequence probably in a few years, for $100 per individual, and storing it on someplace. That is definitely there. The interpretation, the recommendations, that will follow. But I'm confident that in 30 years, we will have it for everyone in our society available. Grace Jacobs Although we still have a ways to go with integrating genetics into some aspects of our healthcare system, commercially-available tests or directed consumer genetic tests, such as 23andme, or ancestry.com, are available to everyone. What can we learn from these tests? And how should they be interpreted? Dr. James Kennedy It's genetic information that is not legally usable, by physicians, for advising patients on healthcare decisions. Because the 23andme test is not based on clinical trials of illnesses. It's based on very large numbers of people who've had fairly quick self report questionnaires that they report on their symptoms. So the FDA has said in the fall of 2018, 23andme's test is, in terms of its technology, accurate, and meet standards of producing the DNA information. However, the FDA did not say that giving the test results directly back to the person without getting the help of your physician who knows a much wider amount about not only medications, but allyour medical problems, your family history. So it's it's very risky to have this information given to a person who doesn't have a coach or an interpreter as to how to use the information. Max Strauss Dr. Kennedy has been working with large amounts of personal data for a long time. Grace Jacobs DNA from 35,000 people in just four fridges in his lab to be precise. Max Strauss What are the possible consequences of the collection of this data and if a person's privacy is breached? Dr. James Kennedy It's a important thought experiment to try and predict how a nefarious diabolical agency let's say, could use your DNA to harm you. The ethics boards are very focused on the cost to the patient and society versus the benefits. There's possibilities for discrimination against people in terms of health insurance. Even in a stretch, in my IMPACT study, we identified some people who had several liver enzymes that didn't work very well, and put them at quite increased vulnerability to failing with a lot of medications. So a health insurance company that's aggressive in terms of reducing their costs and eliminating clients that would be costly, they might discriminate against patients who have, let's say uncooperative genes for the more inexpensive treatments that are out there. They would not want to offer health insurance. So that is against the law in the United States and in England, because they both passed genetic non-discrimination acts. In Canada, however, the legislation for our similar non-discrimination based on genetic information has not made it through to final approval. It's been languishing the federal government level for a couple of years now. I don't fully understand why. But the discrimination, not just healthcare, employers might discriminate against people for doing a particular job. In an imaginative example, that I sometimes give is, we have a interesting statistical finding that's been replicated many times that the dopamine D4 receptor gene predicts people's ability to focus their attention. Basically, it's predicts risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. So let's say you're running an air traffic control center. You want people with really, really good continuous focus for eight hours. There's a lot of lives flying around in the air that are depending on that good focus to prevent airline crashes and collisions. So would society want people to be screened for this gene, which has a statistical effect in predicting who would have a shorter attention span? And it's an interesting question for debate. Right now, the predictability of that gene is fairly low, it has some traction. So it's not a serious question yet. But it's a nice thought experiment. And the other side of that, because evolution and its selection, these genes are not there for you to annoy us and to get in our way of responding to medications or being air traffic controllers. These variants are there for good reason. So if you take that same person who thinks they want to be an air traffic controller, they might be a great day trader stock picker, they may be the greatest talent to do that kind of job where things are moving fast. So that's an interesting, pro and con and benefit in certain environments, liability and others. And that's why the more we understand that, the better we'll be able to avoid mistakes, and live our lives better. This is the way of the future. I think it's going to be a revolution in how treatments are decided upon. It's iteratively gonna get better and better. It's just a matter of time before it's very standard in medical care. Max Strauss The more we learn about our own biology, and about how our genes influence our health and our response to treatments, the more personalized our healthcare will continue to become. Grace Jacobs Even the way we approach biomedical research is becoming more focused on this. It's predicted that the market for personalized medicine will show steady growth over the coming decades. We already are seeing the impact of this new paradigm on everything from treatment approaches to how we approve new medications. Max Strauss Currently, a new drug under development without specific biomarker information only has an 8% chance of making it from phase one to approval. But those with biomarker information increases their probability of success to 26%. Grace Jacobs Often in science, we're all working on a small piece of the larger puzzle. But these large scale projects highlight the big picture and how a direct impact can be made on people's lives. Max Strauss We're really happy to share this research that inspired us personally and is near and dear to our hearts. Grace Jacobs You're unique and pretty soon your healthcare will be to want to thank our guests, and Amber and Thamiya for creating content for this episode with us. So until next time, keep it raw. Max Strauss Raw Talk Podcast is a student presentation of the Institute of Medical Science in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. The opinions expressed on the show are not necessarily those of the IMS, the Faculty of Medicine, or the University. To learn more about the show, visit our website at rawtalkpodcast.com and stay up to date by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @rawtalkpodcast. Support the show by using the affiliate link on our website when you shop on Amazon. Also, don't forget to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever else you listen to podcasts and rate us five stars. Until next time, keep it raw. Dr. James Kennedy My Twitter handle is @JimKennedyMD. I did retweet Justin Bieber who grew up very close to me. I retweeted him in his major transformation in talking about mental health. It's really remarkable. Justin is growing up. He's 25 years old and he's got a lot to say about mental health. So I retweeted him.

We had a “wicked problem” on our hands when Hurricane Sandy struck the US eastern seaboard on October 29th, 2012. Sandy was dramatic, destroying 72,000 homes, causing tens of billions of dollars in infrastructural damage, displacing thousands of residents (many of whom are still displaced), and completely disrupting one of the largest regional economies in the world. However, the wicked problem Sandy posed for New York City (NYC) was not the magnitude of the storm damage or any particular local disaster. The wickedness of the problem lay in exposing the sensitivity and vulnerability of the complex social-ecological system of NYC, where a single storm event simultaneously decimated multiple components (and connections between components) of the city system. How best to get clean water, food and shelter to the thousands of affected residents of New York and New Jersey when roads were flooded or washed away, when food and fuel distribution centers were out of power and regional transportation was effectively cut-off, when people couldn’t even make a cell phone call to report they were in need? The fact is there was no perfect solution to the problem of what to do after Sandy struck, because that is the nature of wicked problems, you only really understand the nature of the problem after you’ve started working on the solution, which is to say, after you have gotten your hands dirty trying to fix it. This is not the way we typically think of problem solving, and it’s why Sandy was difficult to respond to. Responses to Sandy didn’t just call for, but required systems thinking. Ecologists have been thinking in systems since Arthur Tansley first used the term “ecosystem” in print in 1935. The Odum brothers (Eugene and Howard) pioneered systems approaches in ecology in the 1950s and 60s. More recently the emerging field of urban ecology, which explicitly includes humans as fundamental components of systems, has taken a social-ecological systems approach to the study of cities. Cities like New York are the classic example of a complex social-ecological system and systems thinking remains one of most useful tools to understand cities. In this post I illustrate a couple case studies of how systems thinking can provide useful tools for both understanding the structure of complex systems like cities, and dealing with wicked problems. It turns out that the nature of cities is one of fundamental system complexity, and this complexity can be wicked to understand, wicked to manage. Sandy was a wicked problem. Wicked problems are those that have multiple interacting systems — social, ecological, and economic — a number of social and institutional uncertainties, and imperfect knowledge, all of which apply to the state of the New York megacity immediately following Sandy. Wicked problems are not easy to solve because it is impossible to define and describe their full nature. Additionally, wicked problems are continually evolving. For example, when Sandy struck New York electrical power was knocked out regionally for millions of residents by high winds and flooding, yet those with generators for their homes or businesses were not initially too worried, that is, not until the gas lines became increasingly long and fuel availability to power generators eventually went to zero. At this point, only a couple days later, the problem initially posed by high winds and flooding had already evolved into a myriad of new problems, including how to provide liquid fuel to residents who needed it for heat as the weather began to turn cold. What required solutions on day 1 after Sandy was very different in many places from the problems arising on day 4 and 5. As a consequence, no single or definitive optimal policy solution to the wicked problem of Sandy could satisfy all the affected parties. There was no perfect governance decision for a mayor or governor to make. The man who coined the term ‘wicked problem’, urban planner and designer Horst Rittel, perceived the limitations of the linear ‘systems approach’ of design and planning over 30 years ago. Rittel and his colleagues’ provided a foundation for what Rittel termed a ‘second generation’ of systems analysis because he found traditional planning methods inadequate for the ill-structured problems he encountered in city planning. One of the fundamental problems with solving wicked problems is lack of information, or lack of transparency and availability of information since social and infrastructural complexity creates barriers to information sharing. During the aftermath of Sandy, one of the critical issues at the heart of helping survivors in the hardest hit areas was information about their actual needs. Scientists like to address these problems by creating new sources of information, but if the information is not able to flow easily to where it is needed for decision-making, what use is it? Social complexity can cause fragmentation in the system that makes problem solving difficult or worse, impossible. Fragmentation in information availability is a serious source of the wickedness in urban problems. One thing we are learning from Sandy in New York, but likely true in cities in general, is that because of social complexity, solving a wicked problem may fundamentally be a social process. Having a few brilliant people or the latest project management technology is no longer sufficient. As Russell Ackoff, operations theorist, puts it: “Managers are not confronted with problems that are independent of each other, but with dynamic situations that consist of complex systems of changing problems that interact with each other… Managers do not solve problems, they manage messes.” Systems thinking and the social-ecological systems of cities Systems thinking is a way of understanding the world, a worldview, a process of organizing information in order to understand its complexity. But it is not the only way of organizing information and is contrasted with linear and non-linear thinking, much more common modes of understanding. Ecologists and social scientists have taken advantage of systems thinking for decades to better understand complex systems from ecosystems to organizational systems to cities. This includes understanding how systems respond to external perturbations, whether it’s a hurricane or economic recession, and what fundamental structures and functions are critical for resilience and sustainability. Interconnectedness is a fundamental trait of systems and cities as examples cannot then be understood or effectively managed by focusing only on a subset of system components. All social-ecological systems are marked by interconnectedness. Importantly, connectivity is within and between the ecological and social components. Indeed, the hallmark of system thinking is that it focuses on the connections and relationships, more than the components themselves. Systems thinking is crucial to problem solving including for urban planning and policy, because no problem exists in isolation, all are part of a larger system of interacting networks; social networks, biogeophysical networks, political networks, and economic networks. Interestingly, it turns out that you can’t understand the behavior of system by studying its parts; you need to study the whole thing. Which poses perhaps a series of wicked problems for urban planners. Jay W. Forrester was an early architect of systems thinking. As he puts it: “Systems of information-feedback control are fundamental to all life and human endeavor, from the slow pace of biological evolution to the launching of the latest space satellite… Everything we do as individuals, as an industry, or as a society is done in the context of an information-feedback system.” Systems thinking must play an integral role in how we think about the nature of cities. The concept of ecosystems is a cornerstone of twenty-first century science and urban ecology theory can be traced back to systems thinkers who provided much of the intellectual foundation for organizational theory. Despite the applicability of system thinking to natural resource management, we are constrained in our ability to think in systems. For example, virtually all natural resource managers have some formal university education, which nearly always includes traditional philosophy based on ideas of reductionism developed by Descartes. We all “know” that the way to solve difficult problems is to break them into their component parts and solve each part in isolation. This approach is ingrained in education and scientific knowledge. However, the implications are largely unrecognized. Systems thinking starts by questioning the Cartesian assumption that a component part is the same when separated out as it is when part of the whole. In social-ecological systems, it is fair to say that we now know this assumption is wrong. The behavior of a component depends fundamentally on its relationship with other components in the system (and on their relationships with still other components). This is true of genes in genetic networks, it’s true of human behavior in social networks, and true of businesses in economic networks. Urban ecologists have applied this approach for over a decade, but the application of interdependence of system components has still not been well enough understood to change the way we problem solve in complex systems such as cities. Is the problem of hurricane-driven storm surge fundamentally a flooding problem? Is there anything a priori particularly wrong with flooding? Or rather, is flooding instead a problem because it is connected to issues of energy supply, economic productivity, food security, drinking water availability, transportation, and energy supply. To solve flooding problems in highly interconnected social-ecological systems requires not only thinking about hydrology, but also about the relation of flood prone areas of the city to transportation networks (subway tunnels in NYC are prone to flooding in many areas), population density (in flood risk zones), building height (elderly living on high floors were more at risk in power outages caused by Sandy), electric cable routes (are cables underground?), backup energy supply for cell phone towers (when power goes out, so does other infrastructural functioning), and food distribution (how does flooding affect equity of food provisioning?). Luckily for New Yorkers, planners, engineers, and scientists are continually expanding our understanding of connectivity and feedbacks between components of our urban system. Components or variables in systems undergo change, but the rate of change varies. Some variables may change quickly, others slowly. Understanding slow and fast variables is critical to understanding how changes in one part of the system may affect other areas. Slow changing variables can be problems when trying to alter the system, such as making it more resilient or more sustainable. For example, policy is slow to change, because it is part of a system that tends to reinforce itself. A systems thinker will not be surprised that changes to policy are slow, whether at the neighborhood, city, or state scale. Once you start thinking in systems, you realize the fundamental interconnectedness of all aspects, from residents’ political opinions and therefore what leaders they choose, to the number of acres of wetlands remaining in the NY-NJ harbor and their ability to absorb storm surges. Sandy’s impact underscored the importance of a systems oriented approach to planning our way toward climate change resilience in NYC. Just as Sandy was not an isolated incident, but part of a larger regional and global climate system that produces weather, including very rare hurricane events, the effects of Sandy on the city were also not isolated, but driven by the interwoven social, ecological, and economic infrastructure of the city. The variation in each system component across the city allowed some areas to be more resilient to the storm than others. Most of the hardest hit areas were low lying and directly affected by storm surges which produced major flooding, but the larger scale effects were not only driven by flooding, but a combination of infrastructure, timing, social networks or lack thereof, energy supply, and, as is the nature of complex city systems, many, many other components. Can systems thinking enable us to design, build, and renovate cities to be more resilient? Since we live in an era of rapid change, including urbanization, population growth, and climate change, we have the challenge of rapid and flexible response at all levels. Resilience theory is one of the major conceptual tools we have to deal with change at multiple levels of organization, from local to global. In social–ecological systems theory, resilience is the capacity of the system to continually change and adapt and yet remain within critical thresholds. Resilience is a systems concept, and the social–ecological system, as an integrated and interdependent unit, may itself be considered a complex adaptive system (Norberg and Cumming 2008). As such, the analysis of community or urban resilience will likely be sensitive to the various principles of complexity ins systems, such as feedbacks, nonlinearity, unpredictability, and scale. Resilience theory inherently deals with system dynamics and envisions ecosystems as continuously changing, sometimes abruptly and unpredictably. In its broader context, resilience is about ecosystems and people together as integrated social–ecological systems in which social systems and ecosystems are recognized as coupled, interdependent, and coevolving. As Fikret Berkes and Helen Ross suggest in their recent paper, applying systems thinking can help us move towards a better basis for sustainable development, one where adaptive governance is driven by a social-ecological systems approach towards resilience. Below I describe two urban case studies to illustrate the utility of system thinking for dealing with wicked problems and understanding the complex nature of cities. Two Urban Case Studies Environmental Studies students at The New School have been practicing systems thinking in my Urban Ecosystems course since 2009. They spend a full semester conducting extensive research on a city of their choice from a social-ecological systems perspective, focusing on a particular issue (e.g. stormwater, pollution, food security, drinking water, biodiversity). Students immerse themselves in systems theory and the latest urban ecology research, and then practice thinking in systems by creating a systems diagram that describes the relationships among major variables connected to the particular issue under study in their city. Below are two case studies from the fall 2012 course illustrating how systems thinking can provide insight into complicated social-ecological issues and point towards new opportunities for improving resilience and sustainability in the city. Environmental Health in Greenpoint, Brooklyn Let’s start with the issue of pollution in NYC. The waterways around the city have historically been very polluted, in the past receiving the lowest possible EPA water quality rating in much of the harbor and surrounding areas. Pollution levels have been overall largely reversed in recent years due to significant focus by the city to cleanup contaminated aquatic habitats, with fecal coliform bacteria now below levels determined safe for swimming in many areas, including in the Hudson river. Still, three water bodies in NYC have been declared federal Superfund sites, including 200 river miles of the Hudson River. There are seven more Superfund sites within the five boroughs alone, including the Gowanus Canal, Newtown Creek, three land sites in Queens, and two land sites on Staten Island. Newtown Creek in particular is one of the most polluted waterways in the US and is home to contaminants such as PCBs, VOCs, pesticides, and heavy metals, due to countless spills and leaks from industrial production along the creek, including from over 50 oil refineries, coal yards, petrochemical plants, and glue factories, some of which are still in operation today. Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a neighborhood with intense levels of pollution, was the focus of a study by New School student Alex Dolan. Greenpoint has the largest proportion of industrial land in NYC, is home to multiple sources of current and historic pollution including the Newtown Creek wastewater treatment plant, a radioactive storage facility, 30 extremely hazardous waste storage facilities, 17 petroleum storage facilities, and 96 above ground oil storage tanks. Added to this is the infamous Greenpoint oil spill consisting of 30 million gallons of oil spilled over 100 acres, equal to three times the volume of the Exxon Valdez spill, which leaked oil into soils and groundwater in the surrounding area. When considering the spill from a systems perspective, Dolan realized the combined effect is not simply polluted water, but the pollution of a complex, interdependent social-ecological system. There are several different flows of pollutants that degrade aquatic environments in NYC, reducing aquatic biodiversity and adversely affecting human health. In Dolan’s diagram pollutants flow from the economic system, where industry and businesses provide services and products to other industries and businesses, as well as the residential sector, which both directly creates waste and leads to other waste generation by the second tier of users. From the economy, pollutants spread into many parts of the biosphere, here specifically to New York Harbor. Pollutants are added to the harbor as they flow downstream from upstream sources, including via landfill leachate and through storm water runoff from city streets, which combines in sewer overflows when it rains. Pollutants also reach the water through atmospheric deposition, which deposits particulates including laden with metals, and through the continuous burial and resuspension of sediment, which can carry PCB’s and heavy metals. Once pollutants reach New York area waters, some degrade the aquatic environment so that only the most tolerant species remain. Ultimately, persistent pollutants taken up by aquatic organisms bioaccumulate in the food web. PCB’s work in this way and though their production was outlawed decades ago, they remain persistent in New York and many other waterways. Certain species are more likely to contain PCB’s and other bioaccumulating substances and are therefore more dangerous to consume than others due to their specific habitat location and diet. Even the safest category of fish (except Bluefish) caught in New York Harbor and surrounding waters are only deemed safe enough to eat 4 times per month, and then only by males over 15 and females over 50. Contaminated fished are caught and eaten as an important source of food in Greenpoint homes, and pollutants move from the ecological system to the social system of Greenpoint residents. Here, 35.7% of residents live below the poverty line with median household income only $16,409 ($10,000 below the Brooklyn mean), contributing to a high proportion of families relying on local fishing as a source of food security. In a recent study by the EPA, anglers were either Latino or African American and almost all were male between the ages of 16 and 60. All the anglers interviewed said they were providing food for at least one family member under the age of 19. Anglers in these neighborhoods were catching between 40 and 75 fish per week, and each family member (including children) was eating an average of 9.5 fish per week, sometimes two fish meals per day. Those interviewed expressed the need to feed their families in an environment that was hard to find work in, and that fishing also provided an important link to traditional life. The four species most frequently caught by Greenpoint residents were blue crab, American eel, bluefish, and striped bass, all of which are listed on New York State fish advisories. To better understand why Greenpoint residents consume contaminated fish even though advisories and posted signs around the city warn against consumption, Alex created a second systems diagram to map the relationships within the angler system. In interviews Greenpoint anglers mention that they often have trouble finding work and that fishing is the only way they can reliably provide food for their family. In the preliminary systems analysis, it became clear that social complexity in this system is highly connected to Greenpoint residents’ status as an at-risk population. In the systems diagram, Alex has identified a reciprocal relationship of influence on the environmental health of the community with strong influence by cultural norms and income, and with flows of pollutants, information, capital, and social connectedness all influencing patterns of fish consumption and their effects on community health. One can initially ask why government has not been particular effective in terms of influencing local residents to eat less contaminated fish, and the systems analysis helps shed light on this problem. In this case, systems thinking does not automatically point to solutions. Rather, it is a tool for better understanding the problem, perhaps even providing a more clear statement of what the problem is, or how it is evolving. It turns out that signage in fishing areas often warns of the dangers of fishing in English, whereas most of the anglers are non-English speaking. Possible points of intervention in this social-ecological system may need to better recognize cultural norms and the power income has over food availability, while still recognizing the ecosystem service fishing provides to food security. Clearly, social, cultural, political, economic, and ecological systems are all at play in influencing the health of New York Harbor and the New Yorkers who rely on it for their livelihood. New York City Watershed and Sandy Stephanie Valencia, another student in my fall 2012 Urban Ecosystems course, took up the issue of flooding in New York, with a focus on understanding how hurricanes like Sandy affect the hydrology of the system and result in damaging flooding effects on area residents and infrastructure. First she realized she needed to understand the water infrastructure, including the organization of the drinking water supply for NYC. To understand how hurricanes influence flooding in NYC, Valencia needed to also understand how water moves in a tropical storm system and comes ashore to cause storm surge. In the second diagram she maps the primary drivers influencing tropical storm development as warm ocean water, winds, and warm moist air create positive feedbacks with the humidity and evaporation until the cycle on the top of diagram is created leading to a tropical storm or hurricane. When the hurricane encounters the coast, the system changes to interact with land creating storm surges, also affected by tide and wind patterns. Valencia’s effort at applying a systems approach to understanding Hurricane Sandy led her to diagram how storm surge generated at point 2 above leads into the social-ecological system of the city in point 3 (diagram below). Here, storm surge causes infrastructural damage that in turn causes nearly all city-wide organizations in the social system to mobilize to respond to the problem of Sandy, here defined narrowly as the problem of flooding. The infrastructural damage leads to damage of residential homes including home flooding, sewage backup, plumbing, and roof leaks causing residents to be homeless. This is damage is viewed as an input to the residential home subsystem where pollution, organic nutrients, viruses, debris, and toxicity are effects. The effects on the residential home system drives organizations to allocate resources, funds and volunteers to create alternative methods to combat the complex interactions within the system driving gas shortages and impacts on public transportation. Alternatives like bus shuttles, biking, car sharing, and free generator power were created in order to bring relief to highly impacted areas. These alternatives served to improve social cohesion and collaboration toward mass recovery. A fourth diagram (below) illustrates how CSOs in NYC during wet weather flow (WWF) contribute to the flooding problem with affects on aquatic ecosystem and drinking water, which in turn has effects on the social system through drinking water contamination, fishing and recreation restrictions, and biodiversity loss. Clearly, there are many aspects of the system that are not included in Stephanie’s system diagrams, and that is the point. To really describe the state of a complex system like a city, we need to think from a systems perspective intuitively and recognize the vast complexity involving hundreds and thousands of interconnected, interacting variables. The second point is to illustrate as Stephanie has done, that we can temporarily break the system into subsystems to begin the description process that may ultimately lead to improved understanding of where the points of leverage are for intervening in the social-ecological system to increase resilience to the next disturbance. In Stephanie’s final diagram she focused on how one particular community organization, the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance (RWA), responded to Sandy as a small subset of the larger social system. The idea here is to understand how one can slowly begin building up an understanding of the larger social-ecological system of the city by understanding particular components, such as the social organization RWA, and how it shifted their service model in the wake of Sandy to organize, support, mediate, fund, and gather and organize resources, and volunteers. Systems Thinking and Wicked Problems Noted ecologist Kevin Gaston, in his edited book, Urban Ecology, notes that urban environmental management poses a classic wicked problem, one where there is no obvious solution and the complexity of the system makes it extremely difficult to find out in advance if a proposed solution will improve resilience and sustainability or ultimately make matters worse. For example, installing tidal barriers around New York City could alleviate the problem of storm surge, but they may also simultaneously affect the harbor economy and lead to environment impacts in the harbor in difficult to predict ways. System thinking helps us understand what is difficult to predict, which is important when urban planners and policymakers are analyzing the costs, benefits, and short and long-term effects of design interventions for improving resilience to Sandy-like events. Sandy is now long over, and many of the effects are no longer visible in the less impacted areas of the city. But rebuilding, designing, and planning a future NYC to be more resilient to future Sandy-like disturbances remains a challenge. Dealing with future urban disturbances means rebuilding the most affected areas to be resilient to hurricanes and also other significant disturbances, but which components of the system are most important to address to achieve resilience? For example, NYC is very focused on buildings and water. Clearly we need to find better ways to deal with storm surge, given the fact that NYC is low lying. If sea levels rise four feet by the 2080s as predicted then 34 percent of the city’s streets could lie in the flood-risk zone, compared with just 11 percent now. On the other hand, if infrastructural solutions are not well understood in the context of the complex social-ecological system, then resilience could just as easily decrease. Can wicked problems be solved? Donna Meadows, one of the early pioneers of systems thinking, notes that there are, of course, complex problems that may have no solution. Systems thinking is not in itself a solution to wicked problems, but a method for highlighting areas of intervention that can lead to potential solutions or ways to improve the resilience and sustainability of a complex system. However, in the era of Big Data the ability to understand the nature of cities as complex systems has gotten a boost with now massive amounts of data about fundamental components, which means we should, in theory, be better able to understand the relationship among components. Take for instance New York City as a system. We now have high-resolution spatially explicit data of all kinds. Real-time social networking data from New Yorkers can also be downloaded and analyzed from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Foursquare. Local census data provides social demographic data while land use, land cover, soil data, and other biophysical data are increasingly available at high resolution. The list goes on. In my last post I illustrated how combining big data with a social-ecological systems approach can open new opportunities for urban transformations. I examined vacant lots as a particularly fruitful area where, from neighborhood to city scale, ecosystem services can be improved. Whether it’s understanding how vacant lots can be improved to increase resilience in local neighborhoods, or how to decrease consumption of polluted food in Greenpoint, systems thinking is at the core of more clearly understanding urban environmental problems. Until we understand that we live in a highly connected, interactive, and evolving social-ecological system, we will continue to apply our creativity and ingenuity to improving components rather than the structure and functioning of the system itself. Finally, it is important we not make the mistake of overlooking the magnitude of social change we need. Social change is difficult, but precisely because our individual and community behavior is also tied to the behavior of other parts of the city system. This is not to say that we don’t need infrastructural development, but thinking in systems allows us to recognize the importance of the social system as well as the infrastructural system and thus how changing physical infrastructure alone will never create system-wide resilience. Resilience involves the ability to adapt to changing environments and an adaptive approach acknowledges that a long-term systems view is needed to deal with our very real, sometimes very wicked, problems. In New York City, we have the opportunity, perhaps the imperative, to capitalize on what Sandy has taught us to develop more complex models and systems approaches for understanding the short- and long-term feedbacks and relationships between components of our urban system so that when the next disturbance strikes, we are even more resilient. New York City

No one wants to be the bearer of bad gifts over the holidays. Here are our top picks for delicious keto-friendly gifts that your friends and family will thank you for. Beeswax Food Wraps You’ve taken the time to prepare a healthy meal – why ruin it with harmful plastics that will end up dumped in the ocean? These sustainable and reusable wraps are the best way to store, cover, and preserve your food. Made using certified organic cotton, beeswax and other all-natural ingredients, they eliminate the need for plastics that harm the environment and your body. Perfect if you love hiking, picnics or just need a better way to take food with you to work. There’s no better stocking stuffer than moist, chewy and delicious brownies. And without any of the sugar and carbs, you (or one very lucky person) won’t feel guilty about stuffing yourself full of these fudgy and fat-burning treats. Perfect for anyone looking to live their healthiest life – or who just wants a sweet and satisfying dessert. Cork Yoga Mat Whether you’re a yoga lover or plan to start the workout kick in the new year, these mastercrafted eco-friendly yoga mats are here to make every session one you’ll look forward to. With an ultra-grip and sweat resistant surface, it’s all-natural tree rubber surface isn’t just a delight to use – but to look at. Best of all, you’ll support a small, sustainable company dedicated to making a difference in the world. Egg White Crisps Stuffing your hand into a bag of potato chips usually comes with a side layer of guilt – until now. These bold, crunchy and flavor-packed crisps taste just like the real thing – but are made from egg whites! That means you can snack away without sacrificing your health, because with each handful you’ll fuel your body with plenty of protein, fiber and healthy fats. Fat Bomb Silicone Molds ‘Tis the season for gingerbread and chocolate – and these silicone candy molds are the best way to make healthy ‘fat bomb’ versions of these sugar-packed treats. If you love baking or just want to eat healthy without giving up sweets, then they’re a must-have. Perfect alongside recipes like our Gingerbread Fat Bombs that will delight your taste buds and impress friends and family alike. You don’t need to be a gym junkie to benefit from these delicious, nutritious and protein-packed shakes. Whether you want to fuel your workouts or nourish your body with vegetables, antioxidants and more, every sip of these creamy superfood shakes will delight your inner kid while satisfying your need for a clean and healthy drink. An investment in healthy eating and living starts with an air fryer – and when it comes to quality there are few better picks than this one. Quickly and easily cook and crisp your favorite foods without all the oil and unhealthy fats. Perfect for anyone committed to keto – or just committed to treating their body as well as possible. Avocados are an amazing food and integral to a healthy keto diet, but preserving them can be a huge pain. These avocado savers save you from having to throw out uneaten avocado halves by keeping them fresh and green longer. Plus, they’re great for on the go and eliminate the need for plastic wrap or aluminum foil! Keto MCT Oil Powder Nothing balances out a cold winter morning better than a steaming hot mug of coffee. And with this high-quality MCT Oil, you can skip the sugary add-ons and supercharge the keto benefits with brain and energy-boosting fats. Did we mention it comes in delicious flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate and Birthday Cake? Keto Bbq Sauces Most store-bought sauces come loaded with added sugars, preservatives and artifical ingredients. That’s why you’ll want to sweeten up your ribs, burgers, nuggets and more with this all-natural barbecue sauce instead. Made with only the purest of ingredients like Monk Fruit, Apple Cider Vinegar, Pink Himalayan Salt, and Butter, it’s dripping with flavor and lacking in guilt. No kitchen is complete with a meat thermometer to make sure your food is safe to eat – and this one is trusted by the worlds most acclaimed chefs and BBQ champions. With unmatched speed, pinpoint accuracy and loads of other helpful features, it’s one instrument that will serve your cooking needs for years to come. Cheese Fondue Set Whether you want to impress everyone at the next party or just indulge all holiday season, this electric fondue pot is perfect for the job. Quickly heat up any oil, broth, chocolate or cheese to perfection and create jaw-dropping recipes without the hassle or time-consuming cleanup. With so many possibilities it’s a gift that keeps on giving! Puffs, croutons and chocolate dippers are normally off-limits on a strict keto diet – until now. With flavors like Brick Oven Pizza, Baked Cheddar and Strawberries & Cream, you’ll never be bored with traditional “healthy” snacks again. Perfect for pre/post workout snacks, late-night TV Bingeing or just anytime you want something that tastes and feels indulgent.

African violet leaves can be cleaned with a damp cloth. How To Clean African Violet Leaves African violets (Saintpaulia) are a type of houseplant that is known for its beautiful purple flowers. These plants can be easy to care for, but they do require some regular maintenance, including leaf cleaning. To clean the leaves of an African violet, start by gently wiping them down with a damp cloth. Be sure to avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can cause them to rot. If there is any built-up dirt or grime on the To clean African violet leaves, you will need a bowl of water, a soft cloth, and dish soap. - Dry the leaves with a soft cloth - Wash the leaves using lukewarm water and a mild detergent - Remove any dead leaves or flowers from the plant How to Clean African Violet Leaves When cleaning African violet leaves, it is important not to damage them. The best way to clean them is by using a soft, moist cloth. Frequently Asked Questions Do You Water An African Violet From The Top Or The Bottom? Water an African violet from the top or the bottom? It depends on the plant’s pot. For plants in pots with drainage holes at the bottom, water from the top. For plants in pots with no drainage holes, water from the bottom. Can You Touch African Violet Leaves? No. The sap of African violet leaves is poisonous and can cause skin irritations. Does An African Violet Like To Be Misted? An African violet enjoys being misted every day. While there are many ways to clean African violet leaves, the most common and effective is to use a damp cloth. Make sure to avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can lead to rot.

Take only memories, leave only footprints. – Chief Si’ahl This 11-acre gem is definitely worthy of your attention from early to late season. Enjoy the reflections of the surrounding peaks as they take on the golden glow of sunrise. And if you’re lucky, witness a moose emerging from the lake fog in the crisp mountain air. It’s an easy, family-friendly walk from the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. From the Many Glacier Entrance Station, drive straight ahead for five miles to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot. Look for the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail, which begins near the northwest corner of the parking area. The path leading to Fishercap lake is one-quarter mile from the trailhead. After you cross the bridge over Wilbur Creek, it’s only another three to four minutes to the junction on your left. The footpath to the shoreline is about a tenth of a mile long. Total Distance: 0.6 miles Total Elevation Gain: 15 feet; Loss: 15 feet Difficulty: 0.6, easy (Calculated using Petzoldt’s Energy Rated Mile equation.) Total Walking Time Estimate: 15 minutes (Calculated using an average speed of 2.5 mph and Naismith’s correction for elevation gain.) Hiking and history notes for your walk up the spectacular Swiftcurrent Valley. Suppose you don’t feel like climbing to the pass. In that case, there are three wonderful subalpine lakes plus waterfalls to see along the route. They involve shorter distances and not much elevation gain. You’ll find more information in this post. If you want more than the pass, Swiftcurrent Lookout Trail heads north near the pass and climbs 1,248 feet over 1.4 miles. The views from up there are outstanding. Another option is to begin at Logan Pass and walk the Highline Trail past Granite Park Chalet until the path intersects the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail. Follow that back to Many Glacier. This route is a little over 15 miles with 2,844 feet total elevation gain and 4,553 feet loss. Transportation logistics are a must with this trip. Consider leaving your vehicle at the Logan Pass parking lot. At Many Glacier, catch a fee-based hiker’s shuttle to Saint Mary. From Saint Mary, use the free Glacier National Park Shuttles to return to Logan Pass. The rest of this post is devoted to the out and back hike from Many Glacier to Swiftcurrent Pass. Once on the Many Glacier Road, drive to the parking lot in front of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn (originally Swiftcurrent Auto Camp). This spot is five miles west of the Many Glacier entrance station. The well-marked Swiftcurrent Pass Trail begins just west of the inn. The main building and cabins mark the “turning of a page” in Glacier National Park history. In the park’s early days, the Great Northern Railway (GNR) lured wealthy folks away from their vacations in the Swiss Alps and to the “alps” of America in Glacier National Park. These tourists expected top-shelf service, and they got it for a price. Around the early 1930s, a different type of visitor emerged. The automobile made it possible for tourists to be mobile and independent of Great Northern. They demanded less extravagant lodging and service than that offered by the Many Glacier Hotel. Their voices were heard. In 1933, Swiftcurrent Auto Camp began with the building of cabins described as “spartan and inexpensive.” Construction continued in 1935 with a general store at the east end of the current main building. In the 1940s, builders added the lobby space and restaurant at the west end.12 If you get a chance, it’s worth a look inside these historical buildings. Long before the auto camp, horses and their riders rode down the Swiftcurrent Valley, making their way to the Many Glacier Hotel. This was the last leg of a multi-day backcountry camping trip known as the North Circle.3 As you walk along the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail, know that you are enjoying the same magnificent scenery that many have for over a century. Fishercap Lake (0.7 miles) A quarter-mile after leaving the trailhead, a path veers left toward the shore of the lake with the peculiar name. The Blackfeet gave their friend George B. Grinnell the moniker Fishercap, which was then attached to the lake.9 The soft glow of early morning light on the water, Swiftcurrent Mountain, Mount Wilbur, and Bullhead Point creates an excellent scene for photographs. Not only that, but the valley from Fishercap Lake to Bullhead Lake has superb moose habitat. And, although there are no guarantees, the best time to see these impressive animals is early morning and evening. Redrock Lake (1.3 miles) & Redrock Falls The Swiftcurrent Pass Trail continues from the Fishercap Lake Trail junction through mixed lodgepole pine and fir forest. Intermixed stands of quaking aspen show off glowing yellow leaves in October. One and a half miles from the trailhead, there is a short side path to a gravel beach on the north side of Redrock Lake. It’s worth a look. Continue toward the west end of the lake and find a spur trail at 1.8 miles leading to the lower part of Redrock Falls. The best show is early in the season. After you return to the primary route, climb a little, and then pass next to Swiftcurrent Creek and the upper section of the falls. The conspicuous red to maroon rock from which the lake and falls take their name is part of the 2,500-feet-thick Grinnell Formation. Over a billion years ago, a Siberia size landmass began separating from what would become North America. A shallow inland sea formed in the resulting basin. Here, streams and rivers dumped the silt and sand they carried from the surrounding lifeless land. Over time, heat, pressure, and oxygen content produced multi-colored layers of rock. Then, tectonic forces pushed those layers, which were miles deep, eastward 50 miles, and upward.1 When the park’s rocks were forming, life in the ancient sea consisted of single-celled cyanobacteria. Since 3.5 billion years ago, these primitive organisms have produced oxygen and contributed substantially to an atmosphere that supports life as we know it.11 Stromatolites, fossils of the structures these organisms made, exist not only in the Grinnell Formation but within many others throughout the park.4 During the Pleistocene Epoch, glaciers thousands of feet deep filled the valleys of what is now Glacier National Park. Peaks of the mountains would have appeared like islands in the seas of ice. When the glaciers receded around 12,000 years ago, they left amazing hanging and u-shaped valleys, aretes, horns, and cirques that characterize the park. Bullhead Lake (3.9 miles to the west end) You’ll cross a suspension bridge over a stream flowing from Windmaker Lake about three and a half miles from the trailhead. Watch for a path headed toward Bullhead Lake about 500 feet after the bridge. I think the views are better there than those at the west end of the lake. A couple hundred feet farther west from the junction mentioned above, some not so apparent trails lead down to the shore. I used one of those when I needed to replenish my water supply coming back from the pass. Be sure to use some sort of water purification system. After leaving the west end of Bullhead Lake, cross Swiftcurrent Creek and head south into the drainage nestled at the base of Mount Grinnell, the Garden Wall, and a flank of Swiftcurrent Mountain. The trail crosses a pretty braided stream channel, but there is a plank bridge. It’s put in place in June and taken out in September. Check Glacier National Park’s Trail Status Reports. In 1910, an official from the Department of the Interior visited the newly established Glacier National Park. He hired Josiah Rogers, an owner of stock and packer on the west side, to take him through the park, including a trip over Swiftcurrent Pass at the end of the journey. Rogers balked at this last request. He finally agreed when a contract guaranteed $100 for each horse lost while traveling over the dangerous route.9 The ride over a primitive trail scratched into cliffs must have made an impression on Roger’s guest. In those days, there wasn’t much money available for the park. But somehow, the government found funds to reconstruct the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail.9 One must climb over three miles using several switchbacks cut into the headwall to reach the pass. Otherwise known as “Galen’s Ladder,” workers constructed these hairpin-turns for the footpath during the 1913 trail reconstruction.9 Grand waterfalls plummeting down the eastern rock face of the Garden Wall add to the spectacular scenery as you gain elevation. Swiftcurrent Glacier clings to an east face of the Garden Wall not far below the ridge top. Several viewing points will present themselves as you make your way up the trail. This glacier has decreased about 71% since the mid-1800s.10 Modern glaciers, like Swiftcurrent, are not holdovers from the Pleistocene, which ended about 12,000 years ago. The 26 remaining glaciers in the park have only been around for 7,000 years.8 “A rolling wall of flame.”9 Park superintendent Scoyen said, “I have never seen as complete a burn-out as occurred in Swiftcurrent Valley. With the exception of a few swampy areas, every green living thing from rocks on one side of the valley to the other, has been destroyed.”5 Those words described the 8,364-acre, 1936 Heaven’s Peak Fire and its aftermath. It all began on August 18, with a lightning strike above the Glacier Wall west of the continental divide. On August 31, violent winds carried firebrands east over Swiftcurrent Pass. They ignited the forest as much as 1.5 miles ahead of the main fire. The Many Glacier Hotel was spared, but the wildfire consumed many other buildings.5 Looking down on the green Swiftcurrent Valley from several viewing points along the headwall, one would never suspect that such an inferno was part of Many Glacier’s history. Devil’s Elbow is the last major switchback on the trail. Envision sitting on a horse or leading the critters around that hairpin turn with a vertical drop of hundreds of feet within a few steps of the path. A small pile of rock rubble on the left side of the footpath marks the pass at 7,185 feet. It is all that remains of the base constructed in 1926 to support a locomotive bell. GNR installed bells at Swiftcurrent, Piegan, Siyeh Passes, and a fourth near Scenic Point. Great Northern borrowed the unique Swiss custom of placing bells on mountain tops and passes so that hikers could produce a loud clang upon arrival. It was in line with the railway’s advertising slogan “Alps of America” to promote Glacier National Park.9 Total Distance: 13.7 miles Total Elevation Gain: 2,611 feet; Loss: 370 feet Difficulty: 18.9, strenuous (Calculated using Petzoldt’s Energy Rated Mile equation.) Total Walking Time Estimate: 6 hours 47 minutes (Calculated using an average speed of 2.5 mph and Naismith’s correction for elevation gain.) New To Glacier National Park? I invite you to take a look at my book Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road: a traveler’s guide. I’m confident it will help with your planning and exploration of this engineering masterpiece and the surrounding wilderness. See it here on Apple Books. This adventure in the Belly River region begins in the northeastern corner of Glacier National Park, about three-quarters of a mile south of the international border with Canada. If exploring a remote area in the Glacier National Park wilderness appeals to you, read on. Because of the location, consider distances to the nearest help should an emergency arise. The nearest are the Belly River Ranger Station and the U.S. Customs Station. Depending where you are in the hike, one will be better than the other. Know that there is no cell phone coverage. Be honest with yourself about your physical condition. Water is fleeting on Lee Ridge. I wouldn’t plan on replenishing your supplies en route. “Bring plenty of water” is a commonly given piece of advice but a little vague for me. So, consider a general rule of thumb. Consume at least 0.5 liters per hour. For this trip then, the minimum estimated volume of water to carry is 3.2 liters. It was close to 80° Fahrenheit on my last trek up Lee Ridge, and I drank about 4 liters. If you’re unfamiliar with traveling through bear habitat, I recommend Glacier National Park’s Bear Safety web page. There’s a lot of valuable information, including a video presentation by a park bear biologist. If you’ve not done many longer hikes in the backcountry, consider REI’s Day Hiking Checklist. It’s a good one. From Saint Mary, drive north 13 miles on U.S. Highway 89 to the junction with Montana Highway 17 (Chief Mountain Highway). Continue 13.7 miles on Highway 17 and look for a parking turnout on the right side of the road. If you reach a large parking lot on the left within sight of the Chief Mountain Border Station, you’ve gone too far. Backtrack about one-half mile. From the south end of the parking turnout, walk southeast along the highway about 550 feet (0.1 miles) to find the trail marked with an orange tag nailed to a tree. The first 4.5 miles of this trip are through a lodgepole pine forest. An abundance of thimbleberry (in full bloom the first week of July) and other plants like bead lily, false Salomon’s-seal, and spotted coral-root point to a moist environment. The mosquitos are a confirmation of that. At 2.4 miles, the Lee Ridge Trail slope increases to about 10% for 3 miles. The last 0.6 miles steepens again before reaching the Gable Pass Trail junction. This intersection is also at the highest elevation of the hike at 7,447 feet. The footpath crosses the treeline at 4.6 miles from the trailhead and fades away into the alpine tundra. Rock cairns within eyesight of each other lead to the Gable Pass Trail. You’ll notice an extensive area where rock and plant life form alternating rows in a stair-step pattern. This unique ecosystem is an alpine fellfield—plants living here experience severe cold, wind, little moisture, and a short growing season. The mounds of the pink-flowered moss campion and the matt-forming white mountain avens are the most common plants thriving in this harsh environment. As you make your way toward the end of the Lee Ridge route, Gable Mountain towers directly ahead. Toward the west, the tallest peak in Glacier National Park, Mount Cleveland, dominates the spectacular panorama of mountain peaks. (See the photo at the top of this post.) At the junction, proceed eastward. Chief Mountain is to the left and only about two miles away. The Blackfeet people have long held a spiritual connection with this geologic feature. Ninaki Peak and Papoose are the two lesser prominences between Chief and the trail. One legend from the Piegan Tribe of the Blackfeet Nation explains how those mountains got their names. Approaching Gable Pass, the trail drops and climbs as it winds through enormous limestone boulders. We saw cat tracks (four toes, rounded shape, no claw marks) in the mud and assumed a bobcat made them since they were only about 1.5 inches across. A lynx or mountain lion could be 2-3 times wider. Of course, this is assuming an adult made the imprints. We also came across the blocky prints of a mountain goat. Before the final brief descent to Gable Pass, we took advantage of a location offering nice flat rocks and outstanding landscape views to have a snack. While one hand grasped the food, the other swatted at biting insects. The bites were not the gentle little pokes of mosquitos. These guys meant business. The Return Trip Backtrack and call it a day. Or, go back to the Gable Pass and Lee Ridge trail intersection. Instead of turning right, continue straight ahead. It will be a steep 3.8 miles down to the Belly River Ranger Station. From there, take the Belly River Trail northeast for six miles. Once at the trailhead, it will still be 0.5 miles walking along the highway back to your vehicle. Instead of 13 miles, completing the loop will be closer to a 17-mile day. Total Distance: 13.2 miles Total Elevation Gain: 2,367 feet; Loss: 637 feet Difficulty: 17.9, strenuous ( calculated using Petzoldt’s Energy Rated Mile) This is an easy stroll that opens up early in the season. There is a viewing platform reached by crossing a plank bridge over Dry Creek. Know that the park service may not install that bridge until mid-June. Don’t worry. The falls are still visible from the place where Dry Creek flows into Two Medicine Creek. Drive 1.1 miles past the Two Medicine Entrance Station. There’s an obvious parking lot on the right. The main Running Eagle Falls Trail begins near the middle of the parking area and continues for 0.2-mile to the falls. The Nature Trail starts at the south end of the parking lot. This route joins the main track before arriving at the falls. Both footpaths are accessible, wide and usually in great shape. Thimbleberry, cow parsnips, and baneberry grow in the moist areas along the path. All have white blossoms and bloom from June to July. In spring, on calm, misty days, the sweet scent of black cottonwood buds seems to be especially strong. Interpretive signs along the Nature Trail introduce the hiker to plants that were important to the Blackfeet people. You’ll learn their name for each plant, identification tips, and how they used it for food, medicine, or fuel. In no time at all, the route emerges onto gravel and the high watermark of Dry Fork. Follow the path to the footbridge over this creek and continue toward the wooden viewing platform. In exposed areas, look for the blue nodding blossoms of harebells during July and August. Running Eagle Falls If one visits this place during spring run-off, it appears as though there’s only one waterfall. As the water level subsides, the hidden torrent of water rushing out of the lower half of the cliff face becomes visible. A sink hole in Two Medicine Creek upstream from the cascades contributes to this phenomenon. When the water level is high, the underground channel cannot carry the entire water volume. The excess continues downstream and plummets over the precipice. During lower volume stream flows, all the water travels underground to exit at the rock face. Were it not for the incredibly resistant limestone of the Altyn Formation, there may never have been waterfalls here. The valley filling glaciers from the Pleistocene’s Great Ice Age pulverized softer rock. A testament to the durability of this stone is Chief Mountain, which is also Altyn limestone.1 Everything between it and the Rocky Mountain Front eroded. Something else here is odd. Usually, with sedimentary rock, the age of layers decreases, going from bottom to top. In other words, the top of Rising Wolf Mountain is younger than its base. Streams flowing into the ancient Belt Sea deposited sediments making up the uppermost rock long after that of lower layers. The Altyn rock over which the water plunges is around 1.5 billion years old.4 The predominant fossils found in this formation are stromatolites created by single-celled cyanobacteria living in shallow water environments. Stromatolites made by these oxygen-producing cells are the earliest evidence of life on Earth and date back even farther to 3.5 billion years. Contrast that age with that of the rock under the viewing platform. This geologic formation lying below the Altyn is from the late Cretaceous Period and only about 80 million years old.2 During this time, the shallow Western Interior Sea stretched from the arctic over most of Montana to the Gulf of Mexico. Inhabitants included more advanced forms of life, such as sharks, giant bony fish, and plesiosaurs. Starting about 150 million years ago, tectonic forces from the west working on the North American continent caused mountains to rise inland. These forces continued for 90 million years. Before the great push ended, the compression became significant enough to shove a piece of the continent several miles deep by a few hundred miles wide, 50 miles eastward over the top of the younger Cretaceous rock.4 It’s called the Lewis Overthrust, and the viewing platform sits at its base.2 Running Eagle Falls gets its name from a remarkable adolescent female Blackfeet warrior. Her name was Otaki until Chief Lone Walker gave her the male name Pi’tamaka or Running Eagle, as a sign of respect and honor for her bravery in battle. Pi’tamaka yearned to know her purpose in life. She went to the cave of rushing water for a vision quest. There the adolescent warrior prayed and fasted for most of a week, hoping her spirit helper would give direction. The upshot was that she decided never to marry but to live in service of her people.5 In the late 1870s, Running Eagle died in battle with the Flathead tribe.3 Total Distance: 0.6 miles Total Elevation Gain: 39 feet; Loss: 7 feet Walking Time Estimate: 15 minutes (average 2.5 miles-per-hour) Raup, Omer B., Robert L. Earhart, James W. Whipple, and Paul E. Carrara. Geology Along Going-to-the-Sun Road Glacier National Park, Montana. West Glacier, MT: Glacier Natural History Association, 1983. Schultz, James W. Running Eagle: the warrior girl. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1919. First, thanks to all who have been visiting my Experience Glacier National Park blog. You know that I have a passion for this special place. I’m excited to announce that I have just released a book centered around one of the most magnificent roads in the country: the Going-to-the-Sun Road. In this digital Multi-Touch book, I’ve taken a different approach than others. Swipe or click through numerous photo galleries, pan and zoom on maps, use scrolling sidebars for the rest of the story, click on internet links to access additional historical as well as current information explicitly tailored for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. In addition to the Table of Contents, thumbnails of the book pages can be placed near the bottom of the screen. Both of these tools help the reader find information, like the following, quickly: options for getting around inside the park important wildlife information points of interest with associated human history, geology and natural history; mileages from both the west and east entrances are provided the story behind the multicolored rocks and rugged topography lodging and restaurants If this sounds like something you would be interested in, you can check it out on Apple Books. Just click on the link below the cover picture. If you know others who would find this book useful, please share the information with them.

I’m a total sucker for bread pudding. And not just because it’s an excuse to use up leftover bread (which would normally be a good enough reason!). It’s because it’s got that rich comfort food quality that warms you up inside with each and every bite. Spoon after spoon, flavor after flavor, bread pudding is simply, delicious. Usually, I whip up a batch of chocolate cinnamon bread pudding with chocolate chips. It’s really good, I have to admit. But when I made a variation of this recipe in culinary school last week, I was just wowed by the melted chocolately goodness. Instead of just throwing in chocolate chips, the custard is heated and poured over the chocolate, creating a rich chocolate sauce. The sauce is then poured over the bread so that every morsel is soaked in chocolate batter. Every bite is pure chocolate bliss. Oh, and there’s rum too. Do I even need to elaborate? With Pesach a mere 2 weeks away, it’s time to pull all that leftover challah out from the back of your freezer and bake up this awesome treat. You’ll love it so much, you’ll be stashing challah just so that you can make again! Chocolate Bread Pudding adapted from Professional Baking by Wayne Gislin 1 lb. leftover challa 5 cups coconut milk 1/2 vanilla bean* 6 oz. sugar 12 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped 2 oz. dark rum Tear the challa into pieces and place into a greased casserole dish (or individual ramekins, if you wish). Set aside. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add to a pot along with the milk and sugar. Add the scraped bean as well. Heat until the sugar is dissolved and remove the vanilla bean. Pour the hot milk over the chopped chocolate and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and combined. Stir in the rum. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and temper them by slowly adding the hot chocolate mixture while you whisk. Pour the chocolate mixture over the challa in the casserole dish. Push down on the bread to make sure that it’s fully saturated with the liquid. To create a waterbath (this keeps the bread pudding moist), place the casserole dish into a larger pan (like a roasting pan) and place on the rack in the oven, with the rack pulled out. Add water to the roasting pan so that the casserole dish is surrounded by water, about 3/4 of the way up. Bake at 350 degrees until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 45 minutes. *If you do not have a vanilla bean, you may use 2 tsp of vanilla extract. NOTE: If you’d like to make this dairy,use 2 1/2 cups heavy cream + 2 1/2 cups of milk instead of the coconut milk.

Thanksgiving 2020 is upon us and it’s looking different than usual. Many aren’t able to celebrate with family and the traditional Thanksgiving feast seems excessive for small groups and gatherings. But it’s still Thanksgiving. And as hard as this year has been, just being here means there is what to be thankful for. Even if that means we don’t get to feast with family. Or we’re feasting over Zoom with a turkey sandwich. So we adapt. And if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how to do that. We do the best we can. One day at a time. We do with what we have. And who we have. This year Thanksgiving might mean putting out a snacking board and playing a game of Kahoot over Zoom. And that is more than ok. We can all celebrate something. Somehow. This board was inspired by Abeles & Heymann all new cabanossi that come in natural kosher casings in both regular and spicy flavors! The mini’s are super fun, just warm them up for a few minutes at 350 degrees to give that casing some extra snap! Wishing you and yours a very festive and Happy Thanksgiving! 1.5 lbs. green beans 2 tbsp olive oil Trader Joes everything but the leftovers seasoning, to taste kosher salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread green beans on a baking sheet and mix with olive oil and seasoning. Roast for 15 minutes. Variation: use herbs de provence or dried herbs in place of Trader Joes spice. Maple Cider Cranberry Sauce 1 12oz. bag fresh cranberries, rinsed 3 cinnamon sticks 3 strips orange zest 1 cup apple cider 1/2 cup maple syrup Add cinnamon sticks, orange zest, peppercorns and cloves to a spice bag, or create your own using a piece of cheesecloth (just tie the corners together). Place spice bag, cider and maple syrup in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove spice bag. Add cranberries and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and rest until completely cooled. Refrigerate until ready to serve. For one week of the summer, I welcome the opportunity to put on my dairy apron, which usually collects dust until Shavuous comes around. Lighter meals of grilled fish and salads are also appreciated on these hot summer days. But for some serious meat eaters, the nine days* can be a challenging time. I know, because my husband is one of them. If he comes home from a long day of work to a pot of mac and cheese, he takes a bite and then asks for the next course. To him, a meal without meat is not a meal at all. The good news is, meat-eaters can still enjoy some hearty dishes, albeit without the 6-hour wait tag. Vegetarian chili is a great option for the nine days because it is so versatile. You can serve it up in a burrito, over baked potatoes, or as a base for shepherds pie. You can also go the classic route and eat it alongside cornbread, or go Mexican with a tray of enchilada’s. Usually, chili needs to cook for several hours, but because I don’t like to sit over a hot stove in the summer, I’ve come up with a great recipe that doesn’t require endless hours on the stove. For more great Nine Days ideas, including other meat-lovers recipes, visit the new Nine Days category. You can also check out my new Nine Day Album on Facebook for great dairy and pareve recipes that are not on the blog. *The Nine Days is a mourning period over the destruction of the Holy Temple. During this time, observant Jews abstain from eating meat and drinking wine as well as other joyous activities. 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (seeds and veins removed) 2 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp cumin 1 tsp garlic powder 3 heaping tbsp tomato paste 3 soft plum tomatoes, chopped 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 can pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup veggie stock or water salt and pepper, to taste Heat the olive oil in a pan and add onions and garlic. Saute until translucent. Add the jalapeno (keep some of the vein and/or seeds for more heat) and saute for another minute. Add the chili, cumin and garlic and continue to saute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and saute for another 1-2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally so that the chili doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Add additional veggie stock, if needed. To me, chili without cornbread is like a hot dog without mustard. It’s just a must-have! It took a long time for me to come up with the perfect cornbread recipe that is moist, not too sweet, and, well…corny (you know I mean that in the taste of corn sense). The combination of coconut milk and creamed corn keep the cornbread moist and pareve. That means you get to whip them up with some REAL meat chili when the Nine Days are up! Moist Pareve Cornbread 1 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 cups cornmeal 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup coconut milk (I use Coconut Dream Original) 1/2 cup canola oil 1 14.75oz. can creamed corn Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, & salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, oil and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to incorporate. Add the creamed corn and mix to combine. Pour into a 9″ square pan, cast iron skillet, or 12 muffin cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes (less for the muffins, more for the pan) until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cornbread may be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days and will keep for an additional week if refrigerated. VARIATION: to make these dairy, substitute the coconut milk for whole milk and half of the oil for melted butter. I mentioned lots of fun ways to use chili earlier in the post, but I especially love this one-dish-meal option. You can choose to layer the chili into a square baking dish, or serve them up in individual mason jars for a fun twist. Since the cornbread is cooked on top of the chili (and will rise during baking), I only use half of my cornbread recipe for it. You can use the remaining batter for cupcakes or double up the chili recipe, and make 2 pies. Layered Chili Pie 1 recipe vegetarian chili 1 8oz. bag shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 recipe cornbread batter 1 scallion, chopped Pour the chili into a 8″ square pyrex dish. Top with shredded cheddar. Mix the scallions into the cornbread batter and pour on top of the cheese. Bake, at 350 degrees, for 25 minutes. or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. To prepare individual servings in mason jars, fill 1/3 of half pint jars with chili. Top with a tablespoon of cheddar cheese, and 1/3 cup cornbread batter mixed with scallions. Repeat with approximately 6-8 more jars. Bake at 350 (without the lid) for approximately 15-20 minutes, until toothpick inserted comes out clean. There’s nothing better on a Sunday morning than good old pancakes. OK maybe just one thing: corn cakes. If you like corn bread, like I do, you’ll love these. Blueberries add moisture, tartness and a burst of flavor. If you want to make the most of summer’s bounty, feel free to add fresh corn into the batter and use the blueberries to make fresh blueberry syrup (easy recipe included below). Blueberry Corn Pancakes 1/2 c cornmeal 1/2 c flour 1 tbsp baking powder 2 tbsp sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1 c milk 2 tbsp melted butter or oil 1 heaping cup fresh blueberries oil or butter, for frying maple syrup, for serving Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. In a separate bowl, mix milk, egg and butter. Stir wet mixture into dry, mixing until just incorporated. Add blueberries. Do not overmix, batter should be slightly lumpy. Grease griddle or skillet and heat up. Spoon heaping tablespoons of batter onto the griddle. When browned, flip and crisp on other side. Continue with the rest of the batter. Serve with syrup. Easy Blueberry Syrup 1 cup blueberries 1/2 c sugar 1/3 c water Combine blueberries, sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Crush blueberries with the back of a spoon and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes.

GenusBulbophyllum See All Search Site Origin of TaxonPhilippines Bulbophyllum maquilingense is a mini-miniature sized orchid which is endemic to the Philippines. It grows as an epiphyte, on trees, in warm tropical forests, at elevations of 800 to 1000 meters. The leaves are elliptical and attached to pseudobulbs. This species grows as a small clump, forming new pseudobulbs and leaves as it slowly creeps over the substrate. This form of the species has pretty blooms that are reddish-maroon, with speckled and maculate patterns. The flower size is approximately ½” There are other color forms of flowers within this species, including a yellow one. Bulbophyllum maquilingense is a relatively undemanding and easy to grow orchid, and it does well in terrariums and vivariums. If you cater to its basic needs, as noted below, it should reward you with a lovely clump of foliage, and occasionally, stunning flowers. Like many orchids, Bulbophyllum maquilingense does best with good drainage. It should be mounted epiphytically on a branch or vertical substrate, such as cork bark or EpiWeb, with a layer of sphagnum or live moss to keep the roots moist. You can browse the substrates list on my Amazon page to see some of the substrates that I use for my plants and terrariums. Occasionally hydrate the roots with pure water, keeping the substrate moist or just slightly moist. The plant does not mind heavy watering as long as it doesn’t stay too wet for long periods of time. It also may be allowed to almost dry out before watering. I generally alternate between frequent, moderate waterings, and spaced-out, heavy waterings, with a slightly drier period. I find that the occasional reduction in water makes the plant stronger and reduces the chance of root or rhizome rot. This species does best in relatively high humidity, which it would experience in its natural habitat. B. maquilingense should be grown in intermediate to warm temperatures. The plant will have the healthiest growth at low to medium light levels; this will keep the foliage a nice medium to dark green color. In bright light the plant tends to get pale. As an epiphytic orchid, B. maquilingense appreciates moderate airflow, which prevents rot, and staves off fungal and bacterial issues by allowing the foliage to dry off relatively quickly after watering. I use a ½ strength diluted liquid orchid fertilizer, or a very small amount of Osmocote Plus inserted into the moss around the roots. This species is best propagated by division. There should be at least three to five healthy pseudobulbs, and a decent amount of healthy roots, per division. Where to Buy - GBIF search for "Bulbophyllum maquilingense" - Kew Plants of the World search for "Bulbophyllum maquilingense" - WikiSpecies search for "Bulbophyllum maquilingense"

Leather is produced by a process called tanning , the following is a brief description of what is involved . Implement suppliers may be aware of this information , but judging by some advertising , many are not . WHAT IS TANNING Leather is made from animal skins or hides which have been chemically treated to preserve quality and natural beauty. The chemical procedure used to ready raw animal hides for use is called “tanning.” A piece of hide or skin which has been tanned produces a strong, flexible leather which is able to resist decay and spoilage. The majority of leather made today is produced from tanned cattle hides, though many types of hides can be used, including those from horses, pigs, goats, calves, labs, deer, kangaroos, reptiles, seals, and walrus. STAGES OF TANNING Raw animal skins go through several steps during the tanning process. Depending on the type of hide used and the desired end-product, the steps taken during tanning can vary greatly. Animal skins or hides are first “cured,” a process which involves salting and/or drying the hide once it’s been stripped from the animal. Because this step needs to be performed almost immediately upon removal from the animal, it often takes place inside the meat-packing industry or at a nearby factory. Hides can be cured in one of two ways: Wet-Salting is done by salting the hide and then piling many skins together until they form a moist bunch. They are then left to cure for one month, so that the salt can completely be absorbed into the skin. Brine-curing is more common than wet-salting, as it’s considered a faster, easier method. During brine curing, hides are positioned carefully in vats and smothered with a mixture of salt and disinfectant. After 10-16 hours, the skins are completely cured and ready to move on to the next stage. Once the hides have been cured, they are then soaked in water for several hours to several days. The water helps to rid the skin of salt, dirt, debris, blood and excess animal fats. After soaking, animal hides are moved through a machine which strips the flesh from the surface of the hide. The hides are then transported to a large vat, where they are immersed in a mixture of lime and water, which loosens the hair from the skin. After a 1-10 day soak, the hair is mechanically removed from the hide. Stray hairs and fat which were missed by machine, are removed from the hide with a plastic tool or dull knife in a process known as “scudding.” Scudding is done by hand. After the hair and debris has been cleaned from the skin, hides are delimed in a vat of acid. After the lime has been pulled from the skin, hides are treated with enzymes, which smooth the grain of the leather and help to make the resulting product soft and flexible. Hides and skins are often treated several times during the process of tanning. Which type of tanning procedure is used, depends largely on the hide itself and the resulting product intended. Hides which have been tanned with a vegetable tanning agent solution produce flexible, but stiff leathers, such as those used in luggage, furniture, leashes, belts, hats, and harnesses. Vegetable tanning consists of stringing hides on large frames, located inside large vats, and exposing them to tannin, a natural product found in the bark, wood, leaves and fruits of chestnut, oak and hemlock trees. Hides are transferred to many different bins during this step, each containing a stronger solution of tannin. Vegetable tanning prevents the skin from decay and shrinkage. Mineral or chrome tanning is performed on skins which will be used for softer, stretchier leathers, such as those found in purses, bags, briefcases, shoes, gloves, boots, jackets, pants, and sandals. Hides which are tanned with minerals are pickled first in an acid and salt mixture. From there, hides are soaked into a chromium-sulfate solution. This process is much faster than vegetable tanning, and is usually a 1-day project. Depending on the desired product, the hides then go through a dyeing process, which also involves adding moisture back into the skin. Hides which have been vegetable tanned are bleached and them soaked with oils, soaps, greases and waxes to make them more pliable. Rolling leather running the skins through a machine, which works to firm the leather to make it stronger. After the rolling process has finished, leathers are stretched, where they dry out in a heat controlled room. The final step in the tanning process involves finishing the skin. This is done by covering the grain surface with a chemical compound and then brushing it. Light leathers are buffed and sandpapered to cover imperfections. Leathers which are buffed for long periods of time become suede. Waxes, pigments, dyes, glazes, oils, waxes and other solutions are also added to make the leather more appealing to the buyer.

|Brown Sugar Quick Facts| |Colors||Distinct brown color| |Shapes||Size is variable but generally less than granulated white sugar approximately 0.35 mm.| |Major nutrients||Carbohydrate (109.41%) Vitamin B6 (4.54%) |Health benefits||Completely Free of Chemicals, Has Important Minerals For The Body, Eases Menstrual Cramps, Used for skin Care, Help in Preventing Obesity, Natural Energy Boost, Help in Improving Digestion, Fast first aid, Beneficial for Pregnant Women, Help in the Treatment of Uterine Contractions, Provides Relief from Cold, Provide Protection to the Skin, Natural Gas Remedy for Infants, Can Prevent Asthma| Apart from brown sugar it is also known as cane sugar, raw sugar, whole cane sugar. Its production does not involve refining process. Unlike white or refined sugar, brown sugar is produced directly from sugar cane juice, which is factually boiled and left to cool and crystallize over time. Crystallization of brown sugar takes a lot of time, at times up to months. The major features of brown sugar are its brown color and strong taste, which is actually due to the presence of molasses. Refined sugar can also be turned into brown sugar by simply adding molasses in balanced amounts. Basically, brown sugar consists of between 3% to 7% molasses as is naturally moist. Brown sugar particles are in most cases less granulated than white sugar particles. Nutritionally, brown sugar has a lower calorie value mainly because of the presence of water. It however packs more densely than white sugar. It does not contain any fats at all. There are different types of brown sugar, depending on manufacturing process. Light and dark are the two most common styles of brown sugar. In general, the lighter the brown sugar, the more delicate the flavor. Very dark or old-fashioned brown sugar has a more strong molasses flavor. Both granulated and liquid brown sugar is also now available. Sugar cane was first cultivated in southwest Asia, where Marco Polo reported in his famous journals that the Chinese used dark brown sugar freely, but did not refine it further. Sugar cultivation spread to the Middle East and the Mediterranean trade circle in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. In the fourteenth century, the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean was the location of major sugar farms, using Syrian and Arab slaves as labor. Sugar cane cultivation was made a science in the fifteenth century in Sicily, with the invention of the roller mill, which speeded up the cane processing and freed up slaves to increase the volume of sugar refined. In those times, brown sugar was a byproduct of the sugar refining, and was not used widely in cooking until the sixteenth century. Brown sugar came into popular use with the rise of European sugar plantations in the Caribbean in the 1700s. It was widely used as a sweetener in England and its American colonies, because it was much cheaper than white sugar. The use and export of brown sugar from the islands rose in conjunction with the infamous “triangle trade.” The Triangle trade refers to a three-legged trade route that saw much intercontinental shipping trade in the 1600s and 1700s. Manufactured goods were traded from Europe to Africa, where men, women and children were enslaved and taken to the Caribbean islands, where they were sold as slaves to Southern colonies or island plantations, the second leg of the triangle, or the “Middle Passage.” The third leg was to trade slave-produced goods like sugar, tea, cotton, tobacco and coffee to the colonies and back to Europe. Types of Brown Sugar The Four Main Types of Brown Sugar are listed below 1. Dark, golden (yellow) and light These are the brown sugars most often found in grocery stores and used for everyday consumption. The color is a reflection of molasses content (3.5% for the lightest up to 6.5% for the darkest). These brown sugars are made by adding molasses to refined white sugar. This unrefined medium-brown sugar is named for the Demerera region of Guyana, South America, where it originated. Sugarcane juice is boiled until the water evaporates, leaving behind sugar crystals that contain molasses, which are then spun in a centrifuge to remove more moisture. This is an unrefined, very dark brown sugar with a strong molasses flavor. Sugarcane juice is heated, pan-evaporated and then pounded into the final product. Muscovado brown sugar retains all the natural minerals of sugarcane. A light colored, crystalline brown sugar, turbinado is made from sugarcane juice that has been heat-evaporated then crystallized. Excess moisture and molasses are removed by spinning the crystals in a centrifuge, resulting in a sugar that is more honey-like than Demerara. Apart from their sweet taste, brown sugar is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consuming 145 gram of brown sugar offers 142.23 g of Carbohydrate, 1.03 mg of Iron, 120 mg of Calcium, 0.068 mg of Copper, 0.059 mg of Vitamin B6, 193 mg of Potassium, 0.093 mg of Manganese, 0.191 mg of Vitamin B5, 13 mg of Magnesium, 1.7 µg of Selenium, 41 mg of Sodium, 0.16 mg of Vitamin B3 and 6 mg of Phosphorus. Health benefits of Brown Sugar Sugar comes in two forms, known as brown sugar and white sugar. Brown sugar is prepared from the juice of sugarcane. Brown sugar is very popular around the world because of its health benefits. The small amount of molasses present in brown sugar provides the sugar its flavor and color. Below you will find the top health benefits of brown sugar 1. Completely Free of Chemicals Unlike white sugar, brown sugar is totally free of chemicals because its manufacturing does not need the molasses which are essential in the manufacturing of white sugar. Brown sugar is prepared from the juice of sugarcane and it contains only a small amount of molasses, which offers the brown sugar its color and flavor. 2. Has Important Minerals For The Body Minerals found in brown sugar are from the molasses added to the sugar, molasses is a good source of important minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, one teaspoon of brown sugar with your tea everyday gives you 20% of your daily requirements of iron and Calcium, indeed molasses is actually used to prevent or treat anemia during pregnancy. 3. Eases Menstrual Cramps Potassium found in molasses which is mixed with the sugar to make brown sugar helps in relaxing the muscles including the Uterine muscle and eases contractions that occur during the menstruation that causes cramps, you can take it in its natural form or mix it with some ginger tea for a boosted benefit, however be aware of the calories you are consuming. 4. Used for skin Care Besides providing flavor to dishes, brown sugar is extremely beneficial for skin care. It is an important ingredient in a number of skin care products. It helps in softening the skin and it also helps in removing the dirt and dead skin cells. 5. Help in Preventing Obesity Brown sugar is considered to be extremely beneficial for your health as it helps in preventing obesity because it contains fewer calories as compared to white sugar. 6. Natural Energy Boost Just like white sugar, brown sugar will provide you with a natural energy boost for a short period of time, giving your temporary strength and helping you to wake up when you feel weak. However, since it has little or no nutrients, white or brown sugar can only provide you with energy for a short period of time. After which you are left wanting more. This effect is caused by the lowering levels of the hormone serotonin. 7. Help in Improving Digestion Brown sugar is considered to be extremely beneficial for your digestive system as it helps in improving digestive system health. Drinking water boiled with slices of ginger and some brown sugar is extremely helpful for treating constipation. 8. Fast first aid If you nicked yourself shaving and don’t have antiseptic on hand, reach for the sweet stuff—it can help heal minor cuts in a pinch. “Brown sugar acts as an anti-inflammatory, and its anti-microbial properties may prevent infection,” says Starre Vartan, author of The Eco Chick Guide to Life. Clean the wound with soap and water, and then pack a little brown sugar onto the cut. Put a Band-Aid over it and leave on for a few hours; repeat once or twice over the course of 36 hours. You’ll be on the mend before you know it. 9. Beneficial for Pregnant Women Brown sugar is considered to be very good for women to recover fast after delivery. It takes a lot of time for women to recover after delivery, but, consuming brown sugar helps in reducing faster. 10. Help in the Treatment of Uterine Contractions Since ancient times, brown sugar has been considered to be very beneficial for women suffering from uterine contractions as consuming brown sugar is considered to be a very effective medicine for treating painful uterine contractions. 11. Provides Relief from Cold Since long time brown sugar has been used as an effective remedy for treating cold. Just boil some water by adding a few slices of ginger and some brown sugar to it and consume it for instant relief from the cold. 12. Provide Protection to the Skin Besides giving a glow to your skin, brown sugar is also extremely beneficial in hydrating and moisturizing your skin and reducing any swelling present on your skin. It also helps in regenerating the skin cells and making your skin lively. It also protects the skin cells from damage. 13. Natural Gas Remedy for Infants Not everyone is going to suggest this but if you add a small baby spoonful (about a half a teaspoon) to a bottle filled with water and give it to your baby, it will provide them with the same effects as Mylicon drops or other types of gas relief products. It is a natural remedy for colicky babies and can help to soothe their tummies which may help them sleep more throughout the night. It has also been known to help with constipation, though the extra water may be the biggest benefit there. 14. Can Prevent Asthma The benefits of brown sugar first are to prevent asthma. For people with asthma are recommended to replace white sugar with brown sugar. This is caused to have anti-allergic properties. At the time of waking body condition, asthma can be overcome and are not easy to relapse. Beauty Benefits of Brown Sugar Natural food items easily available in the kitchen cabinet have been used for beauty home remedies down the ages. Brown sugar is one of them. It is inexpensive and readily available in homes. 1. Leg Scrub Exfoliate dead skin cells by applying slightly wet granulated brown sugar beforehand in a circular motion, then rinsing. This helps the razor get a closer cut. This trick can be used while beard and moustache shaving too. 2. Body Scrub Brown sugar also has anti-bacterial properties and glycolic acid that keeps your skin radiant and healthy. You need 1/2 cup ground coffee, 1/2 cup organic brown sugar, 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. If your coconut oil is solid, mildly heat it until it melts, but wait for it to go back to room temperature before adding the other ingredients. This is to make sure that your scrubs don’t dissolve in the oil! Once mixed, store your scrub in an air-tight container. Use on your entire body for great exfoliation. 3. Scalp Scrub Combine organic brown sugar with olive oil into a bowl and massage into your scalp with your fingertips for about three minutes prior to cleansing your hair. 4. Soft Lips Put a little water on your finger, then dip it in granulated sugar and gently apply it in a circular motion to lips to exfoliate them. This is the perfect trick to do in a pinch when your lips are dry or flaky. 5. Foot Scrub Mix brown sugar and peppermint oil, then scrub the mixture onto the bottom of your feet while in the shower for an at-home pedicure scrub that sloughs off dead cells and dryness. The peppermint oil has a cooling effect on your skin, making it perfect for those hot summer months. 6. Face Scrub All you need for brown sugar and honey face scrub is ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of honey (Manuka or plain, depending on what you have at home), 1 tablespoon of coconut or olive oil and 1 drop of an essential oil you love (lavender, bergamot, rose, jasmine and geranium are fantastic). Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Once that is done, apply it to your skin and massage using circular motions. Rinse off the scrub with warm water, and then, take a warm wash cloth and press it on your skin. Do not forget to moisturize when you are done. This helps create a smoother skin and lends a youthful glow. 7. Face Mask You need 2 tbsp brown sugar and ¼ cup of milk. Place brown sugar in a small cup. Add a little milk; keep adding until it looks soupy. Apply over your entire face. Scrub gently and let it sit for 30 mins. Wash off using cold water and pat dry. Brown sugar is a natural humectant. It draws moisture from the environment and transfers it to the skin. It serves as a natural moisturize which keeps the skin soft and at the same time hydrated. Raw sugar is coarse. Brown sugar is gentler than salt, and softer than granulated sugar. 9. Radiant Glow As brown sugar exfoliates dead cells from the outer skin and hydrates the skin, it gives the skin a shiny glow. It works to prevent and moderate problems of tanned skin. It can be applied on legs, back, and shoulders. 10. Removes Scars Application of brown sugar helps to lighten skin and diminish the scars. Glycolic acid present in brown sugar is known to make the skin fairer. It also controls the melanin formation. 11. Prevents Acne Brown sugar naturally exfoliates, and removes dead cells. It hydrates the skin and promotes healthy skin cleansing and circulation. Those prone to acne can opt for brown sugar facials to prevent acne and pimples, and to capture that perfect selfie with glowing skin. Brown sugar facial mask also has anti-bacterial properties. How to store Empty it into an airtight container and store it in a cool dry place. A piece of bread or apple may be laid on top to make sure it doesn’t get hard. If you don’t use it often, it may be stored in the freezer, and then put on the counter to soften for a few hours before using. How to soften If it has already gotten hard, don’t despair. Place a piece of apple or bread in a container with the brown sugar and seal it for about two days – it should be soft. If you are baking and you need it right away, you can do one of two things: - Place it in a 250-degree oven on a baking sheet for a few minutes. As it softens, stir it around and check frequently until it’s soft, but be careful not to melt it. - Put it on a plate and place it in the microwave beside a small bowl of water. Microwave for about 1 minute, and check to see if it’s soft. If it isn’t, do it every few seconds until it’s the right consistency. Tricks for keeping brown sugar soft - Store with a piece of terra cotta. Scrub clean the terra cotta and then soak it in water for 15 minutes. After soaking pat it dry and place in the container or bag. You can also buy ceramic brown sugar savers at Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and kitchen stores like Sur La Table. - Add a few medium-size marshmallows to the brown sugar. Brown Sugar Facts Brown sugar is simply white sugar mixed with molasses. Therefore, brown sugar can hold its shape like wet sand, while white sugar cannot. Raw sugar is also generally brown in color, and forms when the juice of sugar cane evaporates. However, many people refer to brown sugar as granulated white sugar with molasses added to it. Brown sugar may contain slightly more essential nutrients than white sugar, it isn’t necessarily healthy. |Common Names||Cane sugar, raw sugar, whole cane sugar| |Name in Other Languages||Afrikaans: Bruinsuiker Albanian: Sheqer kafe Armenian: Shaganakaguyn shak’aravaz (Շագանակագույն շաքարավազ) Arabic: Sukkar bani (سكر بني) Azerbaijani: Brown sugar Bengali: Bādāmī cini (বাদামী চিনি) Belarusian: Karyčnievy cukar (карычневы цукар) Bosnian: Smeđi šećer Bulgarian: Kafyava zakhar (кафява захар) Catalan: Sucre Moreno Cebuano: Brown sugar Chinese : Hóngtáng (红糖) Chichewa: Bulauni shuga Croatian: Smeđi šećer Czech: Hnědý cukr Danish: Brun farin Dutch: Bruine suiker Estonian: Pruun suhkur Esperanto: Bruna sukero Filipino: Kayumanggi asukal French: Sucre roux Galician: Azucre mascavo German: Brauner Zucker Greek: Kastaní záchari (καστανή ζάχαρη) Georgian: qavisp’eri shak’ari (ყავისფერი შაქარი) Gujarati: Bhurō khāṇḍa (ભુરો ખાંડ) Haitian Creole: Mawon sik Hausa: Launin ruwan kasa sugar Hebrew: סוכר חום Hindi: Braun shugar (ब्राउन शुगर) Hmong: Xim av qab zib Hungarian: Barna cukor Icelandic: Brúnn sykur Irish: Siúcra donn Italian: Zucchero di canna Igbo: Aja aja sugar Indonesian: Gula merah Javanese: Gula coklat Japanese: Buraunshugā (ブラウンシュガー) Kannada: Kandu sakkare (ಕಂದು ಸಕ್ಕರೆ) Kazakh: Qoñır qant (қоңыр қант) Khmer: Cheate skarotnaot (ជាតិស្ករត្នោត) Korean: Heugseoltang (흑설탕) Latvian: Brūnais cukurs Latin: Brunneis sugar Lithuanian: Rudasis cukrus Lao: Oatan oatan (້ໍາຕານ້ໍາຕານ) Malayalam: Braṇ ṣugar (ബ്രൗൺ ഷുഗർ) Marathi: Tapakirī sākhara (तपकिरी साखर) Mongolian: Bor sakhar (бор сахар) Myanmar (Burmese): Aanyoraung s kyarr (အညိုရောင်သကြား) Macedonian: Kafeav šeḱer (кафеав шеќер) Maltese: Zokkor ismar Malagasy: Volontsôkôlà siramamy Malay: Gula perang Maori: Huka parauri Nepali: Khairō cīnī (खैरो चीनी) Norwegian: Brunt sucker Persian: شکر قهوهای Polish: Brązowy cukier Portuguese: Açúcar mascavo Romanian: Zahar brun Russian: Korichnevyy sakhar (коричневый сахар) Serbian: Braon šećer (браон шећер) Sesotho: Sootho tsoekere Somali: Sonkorta brown Swahili: Brown sugar Slovak: Hnedý cukor Slovenian: Rjavi sladkor Spanish: Azucar Moreno Swedish: Brunt socker Sinhala: Dum̆buru sīni (දුඹුරු සීනි) Turkish: Esmer şeker Tajik: Sakar qahvarang (шакар қаҳваранг) Tamil: Paḻuppu carkkarai (பழுப்பு சர்க்கரை) Telugu: Gōdhuma cakkera (గోధుమ చక్కెర) Thai: N̂ảtāl thrāy (น้ำตาลทราย) Ukrainian: korychnevyy tsukor (коричневий цукор) Urdu: بھوری شکر Uzbek: Jigarrang shakar Vietnamese: Dường đen Welsh: Siwgr brown Yiddish: Broyn tusker ( ברוין צוקער) Yoruba: Brown suga Zulu: Ushukela onsundu |Made From||Sugar cane juice or sugar beets.| |Sugar Shape & Size||Size is variable but generally less than granulated white sugar approximately 0.35 mm.| |Sugar Color||Dstinct brown color| |Major Nutrition||Carbohydrate 142.23 g (109.41%) Iron, Fe 1.03 mg (12.88%) Calcium, Ca 120 mg (12.00%) Copper, Cu 0.068 mg (7.56%) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.059 mg (4.54%) Potassium, K 193 mg (4.11%) Manganese, Mn 0.093 mg (4.04%) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.191 mg (3.82%) Magnesium, Mg 13 mg (3.10%) Selenium, Se 1.7 µg (3.09%) |Traditional Medicinal uses|| |Precautions||When consumed excessively, brown sugar can slow an already sluggish Kapha metabolism and promote weight gain.| |How to Eat|| |Calories in 1 cup ( 145 g)||551 K cal|

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At-Home Treatments for Scleroderma What is scleroderma? Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition that involves hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. There are two main types of scleroderma: localized and systemic. Localized scleroderma usually affects the skin only. Systemic scleroderma affects the skin, underlying connective tissues, or major organs. In addition to conventional medical treatments for scleroderma, at-home treatments can also reduce symptoms. At-home treatment options include taking over-the-counter medications, protecting the skin, protecting the body from cold, staying physically active, adjusting the diet, and managing stress. Various over-the-counter medications can be used to relieve specific symptoms of scleroderma: - Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, can help relieve gastroesophageal reflux disease. - H-2 blockers, such as ranitidine or famotidine, reduce stomach acid. - Antacids, such as calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, can help relieve heartburn. - Constipation medications, such as polyethylene glycol, docusate sodium, or bisacodyl, can help ease constipation. - Diarrhea medications, such as bismuth subsalicylate or loperamide, can help ease diarrhea. - NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs, can reduce inflammation and pain. - Acetaminophen can help relieve pain. - Topical treatments, such as camphor or menthol, can help with itching. - Dry mouth treatments, such as carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, can help moisten the mouth. - Dry eye treatments, such as artificial teardrops, help to keep the eyes moistened. Scleroderma causes patches of dry and stiff skin. The following tips can help reduce dryness and stiffness: - Use lotion and apply sunscreen regularly. - Avoid harsh soaps and chemicals. - Use a humidifier to keep air moist. - Soak in warm water to reduce calcium deposits beneath the skin. Raynaud’s is a frequently observed symptom of scleroderma; it involves decreased blood flow to the extremities in response to cold. There are several approaches to managing Raynaud’s: - Keep the body warm in cold temperatures and avoid tight clothing to allow for proper blood circulation to extremities. - Dress in several warm layers in cold temperatures. - Wear mittens and cover the face in cold weather. Staying active can improve circulation and keep the joints and skin flexible. Activities to try include the following: - Walking helps improve or maintain circulation and heart health. - Practicing yoga helps stretch the joints and skin. Scleroderma frequently affects the gastrointestinal system and can cause weakness in the esophagus, stomach and intestines. This can make it harder to digest food. The following tips can help reduce digestive systems: - Avoid foods that cause heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease. - Drink plenty of water. Water can also be used to soften food when it is difficult to swallow. - Eat frequent meals as this can make it easier for the body to digest food. - Eat high fiber foods to help reduce constipation. Dental care is extremely important for individuals with scleroderma as it increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. - If possible, visit the dentist at least once every 3 months. - Brush and floss teeth routinely and thoroughly. - Use products to prevent dry mouth. For more information on scleroderma and dental care, visit the Scleroderma Foundation. Stress can increase inflammation in the body. Some tips for minimizing stress include the following: - Activity pacing Prioritizing activities and paying attention to what activities are especially draining can help ease stress. - Building a support system Positive people, in-person support groups, and virtual (online) support groups may be helpful. - Getting enough sleep Inadequate sleep can increase inflammation. Poor sleep at night also tends to exacerbate pain levels the next day.

In 2020, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area saw a significant jump in the number of mountain bikers out on the trails. In addition to the added erosion of current multi-use trails, some of the mountain bikers have taken to vandalizing the park by creating new unauthorized trails and creating BMX courses. There are two new unauthorized trails from the top of Mooney Ridge down to the access road. The hillside is too steep to support any trail. Even moderate rainfall can create deep erosion gullies on the loose granitic soils. The mountain bikers don’t care about the environment, they just want to thrill of going fast down the hill. Folsom Lake Park Vandalism by Mountain Bikers Not only are the new unauthorized trails too steep, some of the mountain bikers have taken shovels to dig out the dirt to create banked curves. This allows them to go faster. The mountain bikers think they own the public park. Their enjoyment is more important than the environmental destruction they are causing. Their recreation is leaving scars upon the public park around Folsom Lake. Many shrill voices from the mountain bike community have defended their destruction by arguing that horses and hikers do as much damage. However, the new trails, many with hand hewn banked curves, are not the work of horses or hikers. They are completely the result of mountain bikers creating a new trail for their race courses. Mountain Bikers Cut Their Own BMX Course at Folsom Lake Just north of Folsom Lake, between Twin Rocks Rd. and Beeks Bight (Granite Bay Beach entrance), the mountain bikers have created a race course. They have dug up the earth to create jumps for their bikes. They have created an oval track to race around. They have banked the curves so they can go faster. No horses or hikers traverse through this meadow, only mountain bikers intent on destroying the landscape for their personal enjoyment. I have been hiking and riding my mountain bike out at Folsom Lake on a regular basis since 2005. I have seen the multi-use trails expand from single track to widths to accommodate several bikes side by side. The erosion ruts have gotten deeper and new unauthorized trails, jumps, and banks have been cut by the mountain bikers. To the credit of the Folsom Lake SRA park staff, they have cut some new trails that are not as steep and vulnerable to erosion. They have also filled in some of the ruts on the trails that were over two feet deep. Unfortunately, the park staff cannot keep up with all of the new damage from the increased number of mountain bike races and weekend warrior riders. Now we can add to the mix the new generation of battery propelled e-bikes. The e-bikes are heavier, which means the knobby mountain bike tires cut and scrape deeper into the soil when it is moist. It is not uncommon to see ten or twenty mountain bike riders in a pack on the trails. Some are courteous to hikers, others just blow by you without a ring of a bell or a word of warning. For these people, hikers and horses are the invaders to their race track. They need to train for the next race. They need to go fast. They need a thrill of careening down a steep hill, regardless of who is at the bottom. The mountain bikers cutting new unauthorized trails down Mooney Ridge or digging a race course north of the lake are common vandals. For more current and older photos of trail erosion from mountain biking see: Mountain Bikes Are Destroying The Trails at Folsom Lake.

Before I get to talking about this recipe, I’d like to share some exciting news! I’ve mentioned that I have been busy working on something that’s really exciting but I could not reveal what it was. So today is the day that I can finally let the cat outta the bag! I have written a COOKBOOK! Yes, Delishar has been asked to published a cookbook with many new and exclusive recipes that were developed specially for this cookbook. The book features more than 40 recipes, sections where I share with you my kitchen tips & tricks, and also how to plan your meals to minimize food wastage. I’ve also had the opportunity to do my own food styling, and photography. So yes, the content of the whole book has been done with love by yours truly, and dedicated to all of you who has been so supportive of my cooking blog! Thank you, without you this would not have been possible. Let’s move on to the cake. The moist gingerbread cake loaded with pumpkin puree and fragrant warm spices. The husband, and the girls loved it so much it was gone in 2 days. The cream cheese frosting goes so beautifully with the flavours of the cake. It is tough to put into words how this cake actually taste like, but I have to say it taste a lot like Christmas. 🙂 This recipe have been created with the intention of a one cake fit all kind of recipe. Keeping in mind Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A mom got to be efficient right? lol. Serve it at room temperature if you like a softer cake with softer frosting. Serve it chilled to have a firmer overall texture. I like mine at room temperature. What about you? You can have the ingredients for this recipe pre-portioned and delivered to your door-step, so you as to save you the time and effort from shopping and measuring ingredients. Head to Cookit SG to purchase your Cook Kits. Spiced Pumpkin Gingerbread Loaf - 125 g Plain flour - ½ tsp Baking powder - ½ tsp Baking soda - ¼ tsp Ground cloves - 1 tsp Cinnamon powder - ¾ tsp Ginger powder - ¼ tsp Salt - 75 g Brown sugar - 75 g White sugar - 1 tsp Vanilla extract - 85 g Unsalted butter softened - 212 g Canned Pumpkin - 1 Egg - 57 g Cream Cheese - 43 g Unsalted butter - 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract - 188 g 1.5 cups Icing sugar - 2 tbsp Milk - Pinch of salt - Preheat oven to 165C. - In a mixing bowl, add flour, baking powder, bakig soda, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and salt together. - Grease loaf pan with baking spray with flour. - In your mixer, beat butter and sugars until combined. - Then add vanilla extract, and egg to beat until light and fluffy. - Add in pumpkin, and mix until just combined. - Add in flour mix in 3 parts and mix until just combined. - Pour batter into tray and smooth out top with the back of a spoon. - Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a skewer/knife inserted comes out clean. - Cool in pan for 10 minutes then turn it out onto wire rack to cool completely. - To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in your mixer until combined. - Then add in vanilla and gradually add in icing sugar while mixer is running. - Drizzle in milk 1 tsp at a time until desired spreadable consistency. - When cake is completely cooled, frost the top of the cake with cream cheese frosting. - Enjoy immediately, or allow icing to set in the fridge for an hour.

A 16-year record (2002–2017) of permafrost, active-layer, and meteorological conditions at the Samoylov Island Arctic permafrost research site, Lena River delta, northern Siberia: an opportunity to validate remote-sensing data and land surface, snow, and permafrost models - 1Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Telegrafenberg A45, 14473 Potsdam, Germany - 2Geography Department, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany - 3Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Sem Sælands vei 1, 0316 Oslo, Norway - 4Institute of Geography, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 368, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany - 5Melnikov Permafrost Institute, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Merzlotnaya St., 36, Yakutsk 677010, Russia - 6Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Science, Koptyug St., 3, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia - 7Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, 38 Beringa Str., St. Petersburg, 199397, Russia - 8GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany - 9School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK - 10Department of Mathematics, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK - 11Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Université de Toulouse, Météo-France, CNRS, CNRM, Centre d'Etudes de la Neige, Grenoble, France - 12Met Office Hadley Centre, FitzRoy Road, Exeter, EX1 3PB, UK - 13Cluster of Excellence CliSAP, University of Hamburg, Allende-Platz 2, 20146 Hamburg, Germany Correspondence: Julia Boike (firstname.lastname@example.org) Most of the world's permafrost is located in the Arctic, where its frozen organic carbon content makes it a potentially important influence on the global climate system. The Arctic climate appears to be changing more rapidly than the lower latitudes, but observational data density in the region is low. Permafrost thaw and carbon release into the atmosphere, as well as snow cover changes, are positive feedback mechanisms that have the potential for climate warming. It is therefore particularly important to understand the links between the energy balance, which can vary rapidly over hourly to annual timescales, and permafrost conditions, which changes slowly on decadal to centennial timescales. This requires long-term observational data such as that available from the Samoylov research site in northern Siberia, where meteorological parameters, energy balance, and subsurface observations have been recorded since 1998. This paper presents the temporal data set produced between 2002 and 2017, explaining the instrumentation, calibration, processing, and data quality control. Furthermore, we present a merged data set of the parameters, which were measured from 1998 onwards. Additional data include a high-resolution digital terrain model (DTM) obtained from terrestrial lidar laser scanning. Since the data provide observations of temporally variable parameters that influence energy fluxes between permafrost, active-layer soils, and the atmosphere (such as snow depth and soil moisture content), they are suitable for calibrating and quantifying the dynamics of permafrost as a component in earth system models. The data also include soil properties beneath different microtopographic features (a polygon centre, a rim, a slope, and a trough), yielding much-needed information on landscape heterogeneity for use in land surface modelling. For the record from 1998 to 2017, the average mean annual air temperature was −12.3 ∘C, with mean monthly temperature of the warmest month (July) recorded as 9.5 ∘C and for the coldest month (February) −32.7 ∘C. The average annual rainfall was 169 mm. The depth of zero annual amplitude is at 20.75 m. At this depth, the temperature has increased from −9.1 ∘C in 2006 to −7.7 ∘C in 2017. Permafrost, which is defined as ground that remains frozen continuously for 2 years or more, underlies large parts of the land surface in the Northern Hemisphere, amounting to about 15 million km2 (Aalto et al., 2018; Brown et al., 1998; Zhang et al., 2000). The temperature range and the water and ice content of the upper soil layer of seasonally freezing and thawing ground (the active layer) determine the biological and hydrological processes that operate within this layer. Warming of permafrost over the last few decades has been reported from many circum-Arctic boreholes (Biskaborn et al., 2019; Romanovsky et al., 2010). Warming and thawing of permafrost and an overall reduction in the area that it covers have been predicted under future climate change scenarios by the CMIP5 climate models, but at widely varying rates (Koven et al., 2012; McGuire et al., 2018). Continued observations, not only of the thermal state of permafrost but also of the multiple other types of data required to understand the changes to permafrost, are therefore of great importance. The data required include information on conditions at the upper boundary of the soil (specifically on snow cover), on atmospheric conditions, and on various subsurface state variables (such as, e.g. soil volumetric liquid water content and soil temperature). The seasonal snow cover in Arctic permafrost regions can blanket the land surface for many months of the year and has an important effect on the thermal regime of permafrost-affected soils (Langer et al., 2013). The soil's water content determines not only its hydrological and thermal properties, but also the energy exchange (including latent heat conversion or release) and biogeochemical processes. In view of these dependencies, the data sets presented here, including snow cover and the thermal state of the soil and permafrost, together with meteorological data, will be of great value (i) for evaluating permafrost models or land surface models, (ii) for satellite calibration and validation (cal/val) missions, (iii) in continuing baseline studies for future trend analysis (for example, of the permafrost's thermal state), and (iv) for biological or biogeochemical studies. The Samoylov research site in the Lena River delta of the Russian Arctic has been investigated by the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), in collaboration with Russian and German academic partners, since 1998. The land surface characteristics and basic climate parameter data collected between 1998 and 2011 have been previously published in Boike et al. (2013). Major developments in earth system models, for example through the European PAGE21 project (http://www.page21.org, last access: 6 February 2019), the Permafrost Carbon Network projects (http://www.permafrostcarbon.org, last access: 6 February 2019), satellite calibration and validation missions, and observations through the Global Terrestrial Network on Permafrost (GTN-P) have subsequently led to sustained interest from a broader modelling community in the data obtained. In this publication we provide information on the research site and full documentation of the data set collected between 2002 and 2017, which can be used for forcing and validation of earth system models (see e.g. Chadburn et al., 2015, 2017; Ekici et al., 2014, 2015). We present data that incorporate subsurface thermal and hydrologic components of heat flux as well as of snow cover properties and meteorological data from the Samoylov research site that are similar to the data published previously for a Spitsbergen permafrost site (Boike et al., 2018a). The Samoylov research site is located within the continuous permafrost zone on Samoylov Island in the Lena River delta, Siberia (Fig. 1). It has been used for intensive monitoring of soil temperatures and meteorological conditions since 1998 (Boike et al., 2013). The region is characterized by an Arctic continental climate with low mean annual air temperatures of below −12 ∘C, very cold minimum winter air temperatures (below −45 ∘C), and summer air temperatures that can exceed 25 ∘C, with a thin snow cover and a summer water balance equilibrated between precipitation input and evapotranspiration (Boike et al., 2013). The study area of the Lena River delta has permafrost to depths of between 400 and 600 m (Grigoriev, 1960). The active-layer thawing period starts at the end of May and the active-layer thickness reaches a maximum at the end of August–beginning of September. Marked warming of this area over the last 200 years has been inferred from temperature reconstruction using deep borehole permafrost temperature measurements in the delta and the broader Laptev Sea region (Kneier et al., 2018). Samoylov Island is located within a deltaic setting and consists of a flood plain in the western part of the island and a Holocene terrace characterized by ice-wedge polygonal tundra and larger waterbodies in the eastern part (Fig. 1). The area is generally characterized by ice-rich organic alluvial deposits, with an average ice content in the upper metre of more than 65 % by volume for the Holocene terrace and of about 35 % for the flood plain deposits (Zubrzycki et al., 2013). The Holocene terrace is dominated by ice wedge polygons, so that a considerable volume of the upper soil layer (0–10 m) is characterized by excess ground ice (Kutzbach et al., 2004). Degradation of ice wedges, as observed throughout the Arctic (Liljedahl et al., 2016), occurs at only a few, localized parts of the research site (Kutzbach, 2006). The recent work by Nitzbon et al. (2018) shows that the spatial variability in the types of ice-wedge polygons observed at this study area can be linked to the spatial variability in the hydrological conditions. Furthermore, wetter hydrological conditions have a destabilizing effect on ice wedges and enhance degradation. The total mapped area of the polygonal tundra on Samoylov Island (excluding the floodplain) is composed of 58 % dry tundra, 17 % wet tundra, and 25 % water surfaces, of which 10 % is overgrown water and 15 % is open water (Muster et al., 2012, Fig. 3a). The landscape is characterized by polygonal tundra, i.e. a complex mosaic of low- and high-centred polygons (with moist to dry polygonal ridges and wet depressed centres) and larger waterbodies (Muster, 2013; Muster et al., 2012). The polygonal tundra microtopography, polygon rims, slopes, and depressed centres are clearly distinguishable. Depressed polygon centres are typically water saturated or have water levels above the ground surface (shallow ponds). High-centred polygons have inverse microtopography, i.e. drier elevated centres and wet surrounding troughs. Polygonal ponds and troughs make up about 35 % of the total water surface area on the island (Boike et al., 2013). Previous research based at the research site has focused on greenhouse gas cycling (Abnizova et al., 2012; Knoblauch et al., 2018, 2015; Kutzbach et al., 2004, 2007; Langer et al., 2015; Runkle et al., 2013; Sachs et al., 2010, 2008; Wille et al., 2008; Holl et al., 2019), aquatic biology (Abramova et al., 2017), upscaling of land surface characteristics and parameters from ground-based data to remote-sensing data (Cresto Aleina et al., 2013; Muster et al., 2013, 2012), and hydrology (Boike et al., 2008b; Fedorova et al., 2015; Helbig et al., 2013). Data from a few years have also been used in earth system modelling (Chadburn et al., 2015, 2017; Ekici et al., 2014, 2015) and for modelling land surface, snow, and permafrost processes (Gouttevin et al., 2018; Langer et al., 2016; Westermann et al., 2016, 2017; Yi et al., 2014; Aas et al., 2019). Table 1 summarizes the characteristics of the research site, based on data in previous publications and additional data included in this paper. This paper presents, for the first time, a complete data archive and descriptions in the form of the following data sets: (i) a full range of meteorological, soil thermal, and hydrologic data from the research site covering the period between 2002 and 2017 (Fig. 2), (ii) high spatial resolution data from terrestrial laser scanning of the research site completed in 2017, with resulting data sets for a digital terrain model and for vegetation height, (iii) time-lapse camera images, and (iv) a data set containing specially compiled or processed data sets for those parameters that were measured in the period from 1998 to 2002, thus extending the record to form a long-term data set, as initiated in Boike et al. (2013). The processing and level structure is described in detail in Sect. 4. Additional data such as soil properties and soil carbon content are also included in this paper in order to provide a complete set of data and parameters suitable for earth system, conceptual, and land surface modelling. All of these data are archived in the PANGAEA data libraries (Boike et al., 2018b, c, d) and the measuring principles and analysis are described in this paper. Data logging between 2002 and 2013 at the research site was powered by a solar panel and a wind turbine generator, and the data were retrieved manually during site visits once or twice a year, when visual inspections were also made of the sensors. Data gaps prior to 2013 resulted mainly from problems with the site's energy supply, such as problems with the solar or wind charge controller. No other gap filling has been undertaken, but previous publications (e.g. Langer et al., 2013) suggest that reanalysis data, such as ERA-Interim, could be used for this purpose. In Chadburn et al. (2017), a method for correcting reanalysis data to better represent the site is described and applied. The gap-free meteorological data set that was produced and used in Chadburn et al. (2017) is now available on the PANGAEA database (Burke et al., 2018), making it easy for modellers to begin running the Samoylov site and therefore to make good use of our data. Since 2013 the research site has been connected to the main electricity supply of the new Russian research station, resulting in a much improved data collection with almost no data gaps. Details of the sensors used are provided in the following sections, as well as descriptions of the data quality and cleaning routine (Sect. 4). The instruments can be divided into aboveground sensors (meteorological) and below-ground sensors (e.g. soil sensors). Further detailed information on the sensors can be found in Table 2, which summarizes all of the instruments and relevant parameters, as well as in the appendices B to H (metadata, description of instruments, and calculations of final parameters). Figure 2 presents a time series of selected parameters measured between 2002 and 2017. 3.1 Meteorological station data The standard meteorological variables described in this section were averaged over various intervals (Table 2) with the averages, sums, and individual values all being saved hourly until 2009 and half-hourly thereafter. The sampling intervals changed as a result of different logger and sensor setups and different available power sources. Sensors were connected directly to data loggers. A number of different data logger models from Campbell Scientific were used over the years (CR10X between 2002 and 2009, CR200 between 2007 and 2010, and CR1000 since 2009), together with an AM16/32A multiplexer. 3.1.1 Air temperature, relative humidity Air temperature and relative humidity were measured at 0.5 and 2 m above the ground (starting with hourly averages at 2.0 m until 30 June 2009 and at 0.5 m until 26 July 2010, with half-hourly averages thereafter) using Rotronic and Vaisala air temperature and relative humidity probes protected by unventilated shields (Fig. B1 and Table 2). According to the sensor's manuals, the HMP45 sensors have a measurement limit of −39.2 ∘C, but we recorded data down to −39.8 ∘C. During extreme cold-air temperature periods, for example between 1 February and 15 March, 2013, constant air temperature values were recorded at the sensor's output limit. These data periods were manually flagged (Flag 6: consistency; Table 3) using a lower temperature limit of −39.5 ∘C. Also of importance is the decrease in accuracy of the air temperature and humidity data with decreasing temperature and moisture content. For example, the accuracy for the HMP45A sensor at 20 ∘C is ±0.2 ∘C, but at −40 ∘C it is ±0.5 ∘C. Campbell Scientific PT100 temperature sensors were installed on 22 August 2013 alongside the temperature and humidity probes, at the same heights but in separate unventilated shields, in order to circumvent this problem. Since 17 September 2017 Vaisala HMP155A air temperature and relative humidity probes were installed, which enable the full range of temperatures (below −40 ∘C). The uncertainty in all the temperature measurements ranges between 0.03 and 0.5 ∘C, depending on the sensors used; the uncertainty in the relative humidity measurements ranges between 2 % and 3 %. The measurement heights were not adjusted with respect to the snow surface during periods of snow cover accumulation or ablation. The lower probes (at 0.5 m) were only completely snow covered during 2 months of the 2017 winter season (16 April–11 June 2017), as observed in photographic images, and therefore this time period is flagged in the data series (Flag 8: snow covered; Table 3). 3.1.2 Wind speed and direction The wind speed and direction were measured using a propeller anemometer (R. M. Young Company 05103, Fig. B2), which was calibrated towards geographic north. This was done by orienting the centre line of the sensor towards true north (using a GPS reference point) and then rotating the sensor base until the data logger indicated 0∘. The averaged wind direction, its standard deviation, and the wind speed were all recorded at hourly intervals until 30 June 2009 and at half-hourly intervals thereafter. Since August 2015, wind maximum and minimum wind speed are also recorded. The mean wind speeds and directions were calculated using every value recorded during the measurement interval. The standard deviation of the wind direction was calculated using the algorithm provided by the Campbell Scientific data logger. The net radiation was measured between 2002 and 2009 using a Kipp & Zonen NR Lite net radiometer; outgoing longwave radiation was also measured using a Kipp & Zonen CG1 pyrgeometer. Since 2009, various four-component radiometers were used (Table 2). The averaged values were stored at hourly intervals until 30 June 2009 and at half-hourly intervals thereafter. Further details of the measuring periods and the specifications for the different sensors can be found in Table 2. Although all radiation sensors were checked for condensation, dirt, physical damage, hoar frost, and snow coverage during the regular site visits, the instruments were largely unattended and their accuracy is therefore estimated to have been ±10 %. Our quality analysis also includes flagging the data during those periods in which shortwave incoming radiation was lower than shortwave outgoing radiation by 10 W m−2 using Flag 6 (plausibility, values unlikely in comparison with other sensor series or for a given time of the year). Between 30 June 2009 and 21 July 2017, less than 1 % of the data were flagged. Since August 2014 a Kipp & Zonen CNR4 four-component radiation sensor is operative, together with a CNF4 ventilation unit to prevent condensation (Fig. B3). The additional heating available for the CNR4 sensor was never used. Unheated and unshielded tipping bucket rain gauges (Environmental Measurements ARG100 and R. M. Young Company model 52203) were installed directly on the ground on 31 August 2002 (ARG100) and 26 July 2010 (52203). The Environmental Measurements ARG100 liquid precipitation probe was damaged during the winter of 2009–2010. By installing the gauge close to the ground, the risk of wind-induced tipping of the bucket, which would lead to false data records, can be reduced (as observed by Boike et al., 2018a). Due to the typically low snow heights, the risk of snow coverage of the instrument is also very low. The instruments measure only liquid precipitation (rainfall) and not winter snowfall. The tipping buckets were checked regularly during every summer by pouring a known volume of water into the bucket and carrying out frequent visual inspections for dirt or snow during each site visit. These calibration data are flagged with Flag 3 (maintenance periods). 3.1.5 Snow depth The snow depth around the station has been continuously monitored since 2002 using a Campbell Scientific SR50 sonic ranging sensor (Fig. B4). The sensor measures the distance between the sensor and an object or surface, which could be the upper surface of the snow (in winter) or the water surface, ground surface, or vegetation (in summer). On 17 July 2015 a metal plate was placed directly beneath the ultrasonic beam to reduce the amount of noise in the reflected signal due to surface vegetation (Fig. B4). The acoustic distance data obtained from the sonic sensor were temperature-corrected using the formula provided by the manufacturer (Appendix C) using the air temperature measured at the Samoylov meteorological station. To obtain the snow depth, the distance of the sensor from the surface was recorded over the summer and the mean was calculated. The recorded (corrected) winter distances are then subtracted from this mean (previous) summer value to obtain snow depth. Due to seasonal thawing, the ground surface can subside by a few centimetres over the summer season (and therefore no longer be set to zero), resulting in negative heights for the ground-surface level being computed. In contrast, vegetation growth and higher water levels (e.g. as observed in 2017) will result in positive heights. The distance measurements collected during the snow-free season are not removed from the series or corrected, since they provide potentially useful information about these processes. The SR50 sensor acquires data over a discoidal surface with a radius that ranges from 0.23 m (0.17 m2) in snow-free conditions to 0.19 m (0.12 m2) with 20 cm of snow. This footprint disk is located in the centre of a low-centred polygon for which the spatial variability of snow has been investigated by Gouttevin et al. (2018). The microtopography of this polygonal tundra (characterized by rims, slopes and polygon centres) was identified as a profound driver of spatial variability in snow depth: at maximum accumulation in 2013 rims typically had 50 % less snow cover and slopes 40 % more snow cover than polygon centres. However, the snow cover within each topographical unit also exhibited spatial variability on a decimetre scale (Gouttevin et al., 2018), probably resulting from underlying micro-relief (notably vegetation tussocks) and processes such as wind erosion. This variability can affect the representativity of the SR50-measured snow depth data and visual data obtained from time-lapse photography can therefore be extremely important (see next section). 3.1.6 Time-lapse photography of snow cover and land surface In order to monitor the timing and pattern of snow melt an automated camera system (Campbell Scientific CC640) was set up in September 2006 to photograph the land surface in the area in which the instruments were located (Figs. B5 to B7). The images are used as a secondary check on the snow cover figures obtained from the depth sensor and are also valuable for monitoring the spatial variability of snow cover across polygon microtopography. During the polar night the image quality was found to be somewhat reduced and a second camera with a better resolution (Campbell Scientific CC5MPX) was therefore installed in August 2015 to record high-quality images in low-light conditions over the winter period. 3.1.7 Atmospheric pressure A Vaisala PTB110 sensor in a vented box was installed next to the data loggers at the meteorological station (Fig. B1) in August 2014 to measure atmospheric pressure. 3.1.8 Water levels The suprapermafrost ground-water level, i.e. water level of the seasonally thawed active layer above the permafrost table within one polygon, was estimated using Campbell Scientific CS616 and CS625 water content reflectometer probes installed vertically in the soil and air, with the sensor's ends standing upright (Appendix D). The advantage of this method is that the sensor can remain in the soil during freezing and subzero temperatures, whereas pressure transducers need to be removed over winter and then reinstalled. For the unfrozen periods, the soil was measured by a dielectric device is a mixture of air, water, and soil particles. The sensor outputs a signal period measurement from which the bulk dielectric number is usually calculated. The dielectric number (also referred to as the relative permittivity or dielectric constant) is then used to calculate the volumetric water content using an empirical polynomial calibration provided by the manufacturer. We use the signal period output of the CS616 and CS625 water content reflectometer probes (Campbell Scientific, 2016) and a site-specific calibration and convert these values to water level with respect to the sensor base (Appendix D). 3.2 Subsurface data on permafrost and the active layer 3.2.1 Instrument installation at the soil station and soil sampling In order to take into account any possible effects of heterogeneity in vegetation and microtopography at the research site (e.g. due to the presence of polygons), instruments for measuring the soil's thermal and hydrologic dynamics (Table 2) were installed at a number of different positions within a low-centred polygon. Instrument installation and soil sampling in 2002 A new measurement station was established in August 2002, with instruments installed in four profiles (Appendices B2 and F). Four pits were dug through the active layer and into the permafrost (Figs. B8 and B9), one at the peak of the elevated polygon rim (BS-1), one on the slope (BS-2), a third in the depressed centre (BS-3), and one above the ice wedge (Wille et al., 2003). The surface was carefully cut and the excavated soil stockpiled separately according to depth and soil horizon in order to be able to restore the original profile following instrument installation. The soil material is generally stratified fluviatile (and aeolian) sands and loams, with layers of peat. The BS-1 and BS-2 soil profiles are classified as Typic Aquiturbels, while the BS-3 soil profile is classified as Typic Historthel, according to US Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 2010). The thaw depth was between 17 and 40 cm thick at the time of instrument installation. Sensors were installed to cover the entire depth range of the profile, i.e. from the very top, through the active layer and into the permafrost soil. The sensors were positioned according to the soil horizons so that every horizon in the profile contained at least one probe. Sensors were installed horizontally into the undisturbed soil profile face beneath different microtopographical features and the pits were then backfilled (Figs. B10 and B13). Soil samples were collected before instrument installation so that physical parameters could be analyzed. Soil properties within the soil profiles, including the soil organic carbon (OC) content, nitrogen (N) content, soil textures, bulk densities, and porosities can be found in Appendix F. The Typic Aquiturbels from the peak and the slope of the polygon rim show cryoturbation features due to the formation of thermal contraction polygons. The Typic Historthel in the polygon centre, on the other hand, does not have any cryoturbation features and is characterized by peat accumulation under waterlogged conditions. (Fig. F1). 3.2.2 Soil temperature Soil temperature sensors were installed over vertical 1-D profiles in 2002 beneath a polygon centre, slope, and rim. A measurement chain of temperature sensors was also installed in the ice wedge down to a depth of 220 cm. Their positions are shown in Fig. B13. The temperatures were initially measured using Campbell Scientific 107 thermistors connected to a Campbell Scientific CR10X data logger with a Campbell Scientific AM416 multiplexer. Campbell Scientific's worst-case example, with all errors considered to be additive, is given as ±0.3 ∘C between −25 and 50 ∘C. The average deviation from 0 ∘C determined through ice bath calibration prior to installation was 0.008 ∘C (maximum: 1.0 ∘C; minimum: −0.56 ∘C, standard deviation: 0.33 ∘C). The sensors cannot be recalibrated once they have been installed. Phase change temperatures during spring thaw and fall refreezing are stable (the zero-curtain effect in freezing and thawing soils of periglacial regions). Assuming that freezing point depression (due to the soil type and soil water composition) does not change significantly from year to year, these periods can be used to evaluate sensor stability. Between 2002 and 2009 the data logger and multiplexer were not replaced, which resulted in a reduced accuracy of up to ±0.7 ∘C during the winter freeze-back periods in 2009 for two of the sensors near to the surface (centre of the polygon at −1 cm, rim of the polygon at −2 cm below the ground surface, respectively). The zero-curtain period during fall–winter, where temperatures in the ground are stabilized at 0 ∘C during phase change, offers an accuracy test for sensors that cannot be retrieved. For the remaining sensors the accuracy was better, up to ±0.5 ∘C. The affected data are flagged in the data series (Flag 7: decreased accuracy; Table 3). The data quality improved greatly following the installation of a new data logger and multiplexer system (Campbell Scientific CR1000 data logger, AM16/32A multiplexer) in 2010 and the maximum offset at 0 ∘C during freeze-back was ±0.3 ∘C. 3.2.3 Soil dielectric number, volumetric liquid water content, and bulk electrical conductivity Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) probes were installed horizontally in three soil profiles adjacent to the temperature probes. The fourth profile in the ice wedge only records temperature data (see Sect. 3.2.2., Figs. B11 and B13). The TDR probes automatically record hourly measurements of bulk electrical conductivity (from 25 July 2010 only), and the dielectric number, obtained by measuring the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave over very long time periods and the ratio of apparent probe length to real probe length (the La∕L ratio), corresponding to the square root of the dielectric number. A Campbell Scientific TDR100 reflectometer was used together with an SDMX50 coaxial multiplexer, custom-made 20 cm TDR probes (Campbell Scientific CS605) connected to a Campbell Scientific CR10X data logger between 2002 and 2010 and to a Campbell Scientific CR1000 data logger thereafter. All TDR probes were checked for offsets following the method described in Heimovaara and de Water (1993) and in Campbell Scientific's TDR100 manual (Campbell Scientific, 2015). The calibration delivered a probe offset of 0.085 (an apparent length value used to correct for the portion of the probe rods that is covered with epoxy), which was used instead of the value of 0.09 suggested by Campbell Scientific. The dielectric number ε (dimensionless) and the computed volumetric liquid water values θl (volume/volume) in frozen and unfrozen soil are provided as part of the time series data set. The calculation for volumetric liquid water content takes into account four phases of the soil medium (air, water, ice, and mineral) and uses the mixing model from Roth et al. (1990) (Appendix C). The data are generally continuous and of high quality, and the absolute accuracy is estimated to be better than 5 %. This is estimated from the maximum deviation of calculated volumetric liquid water content below and above the physical limits (between 0 % and 1 % or 0 % and 100 %). A probe located at 0.37 m depth beneath the polygon rim showed a shift of about 3 % (up and down) in the volumetric liquid water content during the summers of 2009, 2013, and 2014, for which we could not find any technical explanation. This shift is flagged in the data series (Flag 6: consistency; Table 3). Time-domain reflectometry was also used to measure the bulk soil impedance, which is related to the soil's bulk electrical conductivity (BEC). These data were used to infer the electrical conductivity of soil water and solute transport over a 12-month period in the active layer of a permafrost soil (Boike et al., 2008a). The impedance can be determined from the attenuation of the electromagnetic wave travelling along the TDR probe after all multiple reflections have ceased and the signal has stabilized. The bulk conductivities were recorded hourly using the TDR setup described above in this section. Because no calibration was done, and the TDR probes were custom made to 20 cm, a probe constant (Kp) of 1 was used for BEC waveform retrieval; Campbell Scientific suggests a Kp for the CS605 probes of 1.74. Measurements of electrical conductivity and the dielectric number were affected by irregular spikes and possibly also by a sensor drift similar to that in the soil temperature measurements and thus flagged until August 2015 (Flag 6). Data quality improved significantly after August 2015 when the Campbell Scientific coaxial SDMX50 multiplexers were exchanged for SDM8X50 and the electrical grounding system was improved. The dielectric numbers, computed volumetric liquid water contents, and soil bulk electrical conductivities can be found in the time series data set. 3.2.4 Ground heat flux Two Hukseflux HFP01 heat flux plates were installed on 24 August 2002 and recorded ground heat flux at 0.06 (rim) and 0.11 m (centre) depth since then (Fig. B12). The manufacturer's calibration values were used to record heat flux in W m−2 (Hukseflux, 2016). Downward fluxes are positive and occur during spring and summer, while upward heat fluxes are negative and typically occur during fall and winter. 3.2.5 Permafrost temperature The monitoring of essential climate variables (ECVs) for permafrost has been delegated to the Global Terrestrial Network on Permafrost (GTN-P), which was developed in the 1990s by the International Permafrost Association under the World Meteorological Organization. The GTN-P has established permafrost temperature and active-layer thickness as ECVs in (1) the TSP (Thermal State of Permafrost) data set and (2) the CALM (Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring) monitoring programme (Romanovsky et al., 2010; Shiklomanov et al., 2012). A 27 m deep borehole was drilled in March 2006 with the objective to establish permafrost temperature monitoring (Fig. 1, Appendix E). A 4 m long metal pipe (diameter 13 cm; extending 0.5 m above and 3.5 m below the surface) was used for stability and to prevent the inflow of water during summer season when the upper ground is thawed. In August 2006, 24 thermistors (RBR thermistor chain with an RBR XR-420 logger) were installed, one at the ground surface and 23 between 0.75 and 26.75 m depth, inside a PVC tube (Fig. E2). A second PVC tube was inserted into the borehole and the remaining air space in the borehole was backfilled with dry sand. Temperatures were recorded at hourly intervals, with no averaging; no data were recorded between September 2008 and April 2009. We recommend that the temperature data from the sensors at the ground surface, at 0.75, 1.75 and 2.75 m depths should not be used due to the possibility of it having been affected by the metal access pipe. The data from these sensors have not been flagged as they are of high quality, but they may not provide an accurate reflection of the actual temperatures. They show above-zero temperatures down to 1.75 m during summer in contrast to the active-layer soil temperatures (Fig. 2). In contrast, the CALM active-layer thaw never exceeded > 0.8 m since 2002 at all grid locations. The second PVC tube was used for comparison measurements at the same depths in the borehole. The differences between the calibrated reference thermometer (PT100) showed values between ±0.03 and ±0.33 ∘C (Appendix E, Table E1). The data record shows that depth of zero annual amplitude (ZAA, where seasonal temperature changes are negligible, ≤0.1 ∘C) is located below 20.75 m. At 26.75 m, temperatures fluctuate with a maximum of 0.05 ∘C. The annual mean temperatures between the start and end of the time series, as well as minimum and maximum temperatures, are displayed in Fig. 3 (trumpet curve). The permafrost warms at all depths within this 10-year period, but is most pronounced at the surface. At 2.75 m, the mean annual temperature increased by 5.7 ∘C (from −9.2 to −3.5 ∘C), at 10.75 m by 2.8 ∘C (from −9.0 to −6.2 ∘C), and at ZAA of 20.75 m by 1.3 ∘C (from −9.1 to −7.7 ∘C). 3.2.6 Active-layer thaw depth Active-layer thaw depth measurements have been carried out since 2002 at 150 points over a 27.5×18 m measurement grid (Boike et al., 2013, Fig. 12; Wille et al., 2003, 2004), by pushing a steel probe vertically into the soil to the depth at which frozen soil provides firm resistance. The data are recorded at regular time intervals, usually between June–July and the end of August, when the research site is visited. The data set shows that thawing of the active layer continues until mid-September in some years (e.g. in 2010 and 2015). Large interannual variations in maximum active-layer thaw depths are recorded at the end of August, ranging between the largest mean thaw depth of about 0.57 m (2011) and the smallest mean of 0.41 m (2016). To assist in the interpretation of active-layer thickness data, surface elevation change measurements (subsidence measurements) have been collected since 2013 at three locations (two wet centres, one rim) using reference rods installed deep in the permafrost (Fig. 1). These measurements show that a net subsidence of about 15 cm occurred between 2013 and 2017 at the rim, and smaller subsidence (−1 and −3 cm) at the wet centres. A net subsidence of between −1.4 and −19.4 cm between 2013 and 2017 was reported by Antonova et al. (2018) for the Yedoma region of the Lena River delta. Subsidence monitoring will in future be incorporated into the observational programme on Samoylov Island so that active-layer thaw depths can be more accurately interpreted taking into account surface changes due to subsurface excess ice melt. An overview of the periods of instrumentation and parameters is provided in Fig. 4. Quality control was carried out as outlined in Boike et al. (2018a) for the data set compiled from the Bayelva site, which is located on Spitsbergen. Quality control on observational data aimed to detect missing data and errors in the data in order to provide the highest possible standard of accuracy. In addition to the automated processing, all data have been visually controlled and outliers have been manually detected, but it cannot be ruled out that there are still unreasonable values present which are not flagged accordingly. We differentiate level 0, level 1, and level 2 data (Table 3). Level 0 are data with equal time steps (UTC), and data gaps are filled with NA and standardized into one file format. These data, as well as raw data, are stored internally at AWI and are not archived in PANGAEA. Level 1 data have undergone extensive quality control and are flagged with regards to equipment maintenance periods, physical plausibility, spike/constant value detection, and sensor drift (Table 3). Level 2 data are compiled for special purposes and may include combinations of data series from multiple sensors and gap filling. Examples in this paper of level 2 data are soil temperature and meteorological data (air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and net radiation) recorded between 1998 and 2002 (Boike et al., 2013) that have been combined with a data set since 2002 into a single data series in order to obtain a long-term picture (documentation of source data is provided in the PANGAEA data archives). Nine types of quality control (flags) have been used (Table 3). Data are flagged to indicate where no data are available, or system errors, or to provide information on system maintenance or consistency checks based on physical limits, gradients, and plausibility. Due to the failure of some sensors that cannot be retrieved for repair or recalibration (e.g. sensors installed in the ground), the initial accuracy and precision of the sensors may not always be maintained. In the case of soil temperature sensor accuracy can be estimated by analysis of temperatures relative to the fall zero-curtain effect, assuming that the soil water composition is similar from year to year. Our temperature data have been checked against the fall zero-curtain effect and information on any reduction in accuracy is flagged in the data set (Flag 7: decreased accuracy; Table 3). These checks are essential if subtle warming trends are to be detected and interpreted. The suitability of flagged data therefore depends on what it is to be used for and the accuracy required. The local differences between the sensor locations from 1998 and 2002 (even though less than 50 m apart), as well as differences between sensor types and accuracies, need to be considered when interpreting longer-term records. For example, relative air humidity data show marked differences between the earlier data set (1998–1999) compared to the later data set (starting in 2002). Net radiation between 1998 and 2009 showed lower values during the summer periods compared to the summer periods between 2009 and 2017. One reason could be the change in sensor types: during the first period, a net radiation sensor was in place, whereas during the second period a four-component radiation sensor was used. The data sets presented herein can be downloaded from PANGAEA (https://www.pangaea.de/, last access: 6 February 2019) and Zenodo (https://zenodo.org/, last access for all Zenodo links: 6 February 2019), which provides a data set view and download statistics. Data (including links to subsets) can be found on either repository using the following links: Permafrost temperature and active-layer thaw depth data are also available through the Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost (GTN-P) database (http://gtnpdatabase.org, last access: 6 February 2019). The climate of the period between 1998 and 2017 can be characterized as follows: the average mean annual air temperature is −12.3 ∘C, with mean monthly temperature of the warmest month (July) recorded as 9.5 ∘C and for the coldest month (February) as −32.7 ∘C. The average annual rainfall was 169 mm and the average annual winter snow covers 0.3 m (2002–2017; no data are available prior to 2002 for snow cover), with a maximum snow depth of 0.8 m recorded in 2017. Since the installation in 2006, permafrost has warmed by 1.3 ∘C at the zero annual amplitude depth at 20.75 m. Permafrost in the Arctic has been warming and the rate of warming at this borehole is one of the highest recorded (Biskaborn et al., 2019). Mean annual permafrost temperatures have been increasing over the recording period at all depths, but the end-of-season active-layer thaw depth shows a marked interannual variation. Further analysis is required to disentangle the relationships between meteorological drivers, permafrost warming, and active-layer thaw depths at this research site. The data sets described in and distributed through this paper provide a basis for analyzing this relationship at one particular research site and a means of parameterizing earth system modelling over a long observational period. The newly collated data set will allow multi-year model validation and evaluation that includes the small-scale microtopographic effects of permafrost-affected polygonal ground. Landscape heterogeneity (e.g. in soil moisture) is particularly poorly represented in earth system models and yet exerts a strong influence on the greenhouse gas balance (e.g. Kutzbach et al., 2004; Sachs et al., 2010). As such, this data set allows the distinction between microtopographic units (wet vs. dry) to be incorporated into modelling. This makes this an important data set for modellers. We will continue to update these data sets for use in baseline studies, as well as to assist in identifying important processes and parameters through conceptual or numerical modelling. |α||Geometry of the medium in relation to the orientation of the applied electrical field (Roth et al., 1990)| |εb||Bulk dielectric number (Ka), also referred to as relative permittivity| |εl||Temperature-dependent dielectric number of liquid water| |εi||Dielectric number of ice| |εs||Dielectric number of soil matrix| |εa||Dielectric number of air| |θl||Volumetric liquid water content| |θi||Volumetric ice content| |θs||Volumetric soil matrix fraction| |θa||Volumetric air fraction| |θtot||Total volumetric water content (liquid water and ice)| |Average dry bulk density (kg m−3)| |BEC||Bulk electrical conductivity (S m−1)| |CALM||Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring| |CAVM||Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map| |CDbulk||Bulk carbon density (kg m−3)| |Dsn||Snow depth (m)| |Dsnraw||Raw snow depth obtained from the sensor (m)| |ECVs||Essential climate variables| |GNSS||Global Navigation Satellite System| |GTN-P||Global Terrestrial Network on Permafrost| |Apparent length of the TDR probes (TDR data logger output)| |MODIS||Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer| |N||Mass fraction of nitrogen in soil (%)| |OC||Mass fraction of organic carbon in soil (%)| |SOCC||Soil organic carbon content (kg m−2)| |SP||Signal period (µs)| |Tf||Freezing temperature (∘C)| |TLS||Terrestrial laser scanning| |USDA||United States Department of Agriculture| |WL||Water level (m)| |ZAA||Zero annual amplitude| C1 Calculation of soil volumetric liquid water content using TDR The apparent dielectric numbers were converted into liquid water content (θl) using the semi-empirical mixing model in Roth et al. (1990). Frozen soil was treated as a four-phase porous medium composed of a solid (soil) matrix and interconnected pore spaces filled with water, ice, and air. The TDR method measures the ratio of apparent to physical probe rod length (), which is equal to the square root of the bulk dielectric number (εb). The bulk dielectric number is then calculated from the volumetric fractions and the dielectric numbers of the four phases using A value of 0.5 was used for α. It is not possible to distinguish between changes in the liquid water content and changes in the ice content with only one measured parameter (εb). Equation (C1) was therefore rewritten in terms of the total water content (θtot) and the porosity (Φ) as Note that Equation C2 assumes the densities of liquid and frozen water to be the same, which is clearly incorrect for free phases and probably also in the pore space of soils. However, the density ratio can be absorbed into the dielectric number εi, which we do below. The resulting fluctuation of εi is presumed to be small compared to other uncertainties. to obtain the equation For temperatures above a threshold freezing temperature (T>Tf), all water is assumed to be unfrozen (θtot=θl). Equation (C5) then reduces to the following: For temperatures equal to or below the threshold freezing temperature (T≤Tf) it was assumed that the total water content (θtot) remained constant and only the ratio between volumetric liquid water content (θl) and volumetric ice content (θi) changed. This is a rather bold assumption as freezing can lead to high gradients of matric potential, as well as to moisture redistribution. However, since the dielectric number of ice is much smaller than the dielectric number of liquid water, the error in liquid water content measurements is still acceptable (which is not the case for ice content measurements). Under these assumptions we obtained the following equation for calculating the liquid water content of a four-phase mixture: The error of the volumetric water content measurements using TDR probes was estimated to be between 2 % and 5 %, which is in agreement with Boike and Roth (1997). The availability of reliable temperature data is crucial in this approach. The liquid water content is first calculated for all times that the soil temperature was above the freezing threshold, using Eq. (C5). When the soil temperature was below the freezing threshold the water content was determined immediately prior to the onset of freezing and used as the total water content (θtot) for calculating the liquid water content during the frozen interval with Eq. (C7). Since water in a porous medium does not necessarily freeze at 0 ∘C but at a temperature that depends on the soil type and water content, estimating the threshold temperature is a crucial part of this approach. If the freezing characteristic curve is known for the material, then the threshold temperature can be determined from the soil volumetric liquid water content. To avoid interpretations of frequent freezing and thawing due to soil temperature measurement errors, short-term temperature fluctuations were smoothed by calculating the mean of a moving window with an adjustable width. The smoothed temperatures were then used to trigger the switch from one equation to the other, rather than using the original temperature time series. The porosity values for volumetric liquid water content calculations were obtained from laboratory measurements (Appendix F) and adjusted for probe location if necessary. C2 Snow depth correction for air temperature The acoustic distance sensor (Campbell Scientific SR50) measures the elapsed time between emission and return of the ultrasonic pulse. The raw distance Dsnraw obtained from the sensor was temperature corrected using the speed of sound at 0 ∘C and the air temperature at 2 m height (Tair_200) in Kelvin (K), using the formula provided by the manufacturer (Campbell Scientific, 2007): A measurement system was installed in a polygon centre 3 m southeast of the meteorological station tower at 72.37001∘ N, 126.48106∘ E to allow changes in the water level to be recorded without requiring the presence of any personnel. A major disadvantage of using a common pressure transducer sensor to measure the water level is that such a device cannot withstand the long frozen Arctic winter and is therefore not suitable for use when the presence of personnel is limited due to expedition schedules being restricted to the summer period. A setup that can remain installed and withstand the cold winter temperatures therefore has a great advantage. We apply vertically installed soil moisture probes to estimate water level, as described in Thomsen et al. (2000). Our sensors remained permanently in the soil with the circuit board at the base of the sensor and the parallel-connected rods pointing upwards. The base of the sensor marks the lowest measurable water level. For the water content reflectometer we measured the distance from the ground surface to the base of the sensor, where the measurement rods are connected (Fig. D1), to compute water level below the ground surface. From 2007 to 2010 a Campbell Scientific CR200 data logger was connected to a Campbell Scientific CS625 probe (15 cm below the ground surface) to record the water level and two Campbell Scientific T109 sensors (1 and 6 cm below the surface) for temperature measurements. Since 2010 the setup has been connected to the main Campbell Scientific CR1000 logger of the meteorological station and the CS625 probe was therefore exchanged for a Campbell Scientific CS616 probe, installed 11.5 cm below the ground surface. Due to a change in data loggers in the summer of 2010, we have two setups with minor differences in the measurement probes and their installation depths, which is detailed below and visualized in Fig. D1. The difference between the two water content reflectometers is the electrical output voltage, which had to be changed in order to meet the requirements of the logger. A third T109 probe was also installed 3 cm below ground surface in 2010. This setup is still in operation. These temperature data are only used to distinguish between periods of frozen and unfrozen surface conditions. The unfrozen period, for which water levels were computed, was defined as the period for which soil temperatures at 6 cm below the surface are >0.4 ∘C during spring, and >0.1 ∘C during fall. Below these temperatures, no water-level data are provided. To obtain a better field calibration of the water content reflectometer a Schlumberger Mini-Diver pressure water-level sensor was installed in a well in the same polygon for 68 days of the non-frozen vegetation period in 2016. Measurements obtained from the Mini-Diver were compensated for changes in air pressure using data from the meteorological station's barometric pressure sensor (Vaisala PTB110). Calculation and correction of water-level measurements The measured output, signal period (SP) from the Campbell Scientific CS616 or CS625 probes were converted into the height of the water level above the sensor base (WL) using two polynomial functions derived from an empirical field experiment to determine the correlation between the results from the CS616–CS625 probes and those from a Mini-Diver. The two regressions represent different water-level regimes (low and higher water levels) recorded by the CS616–CS625 sensor. The results of this experiment showed a low accuracy for very low water levels (1.5 cm or less above the sensor base) resulting in output periods of SP <19 µs, which were excluded from the data series. For values >19 µs, the following formulas are applied to obtain WL data from the CS616 and CS625 probe output: for SP <27 µs and for SP >27 µs. Note that WL for the equations above is given in centimetres. The mean deviation of the calculated WL values from the values measured with the Mini-Diver was (0.034 cm) with a standard deviation of 0.29 cm (number of values: 2679). Note that WL is given relative to the sensor base in the time series data and reported in metres. To obtain water level relative to the ground surface (WLgs) from level 1 data, the following calculation is suggested for CS616: Special post-processing of the CS625 sensor readings was carried out from 6 July 2009 to 26 July 2010, as no probe output periods were logged over this period. Instead, volumetric liquid water content (θl) was stored on the CR200 logger and calculated from the CS625 probe output using a formula from the sensor's manual (Campbell Scientific, 2016). The θl, values were converted to SP values using formula (D5): We compared the calculated WL with manual distance measurements taken in the field over the years (n=12). The largest differences between TDR-derived and manual measurements was 2 cm. This includes all measurement errors, such as sensor movement (probes are not anchored into the permafrost, they can potentially move with the seasonal heaving, subsiding of the active layer), and difficulties in defining the ground surface (which is covered by mosses and grasses). A borehole was drilled at 72.36941∘ N, 126.47612∘ E into the permafrost during the spring of 2006. Drilling started with 146 mm diameter to 4 m depth and continued with 132 mm diameter to 26.75 m depth. A 4 m long metal stand pipe (diameter 13 cm) was used for stability and to prevent the inflow of water during the summer season into the borehole. The metal pipe extends 0.5 m above and 3.5 m below the ground surface (Figs. E1 and E2). A thermistor chain with 24 temperature sensors (RBR thermistor chain with an XR-420 logger) was inserted into a close-fitting PVC tube (4 cm inside, 5 cm outside diameter) and installed in the borehole on 21 August 2006, down to a depth of 26.75 m (Fig. E2). A second PVC tube with the same dimensions as the first tube was also inserted into the borehole to permit additional (geophysical and calibration) measurements to be made in the future. The remaining air space in the borehole was backfilled with dry sand. The outside metal pipe (used for drilling and to prevent inflow of water), which stands 0.5 m above the ground surface, was closed at the top, and was covered with a wooden shield which was renewed in 2015. The accuracy of the temperature sensors of the thermistor chain is reported by RBR to be ±0.005 ∘C between −5 and 35 ∘C. However, direct comparison with a high-precision reference PT100 temperature sensor (certified to be accurate to ±0.01 ∘C between −20 and 30 ∘C) at six different depths in the borehole between 9 and 17 August 2014 showed the accuracy of the RBR XR-40 temperature sensors to be approximately ±0.03 ∘C at depths ≥8.75 m (Table E1). The deviation increased with decreasing depth; e.g. between −7.75 and -1.75 m the deviation was ±0.33 ∘C and at −0.75 m it was ±0.65 ∘C. This increase in deviation towards the surface may be because (a) the chain was installed in sand, whereas the calibration thermometer was in air and could therefore possibly have been affected by air circulation, or (b) the temperature gradient becomes steeper with decreasing depth below the surface and thus small differences between the measuring heights of the two sensors will have a larger impact on temperatures as the surface is approached. The offset of the reference thermometer at exactly 0 ∘C was 0.01 ∘C, and the average statistical accuracy (Uk=2) is given by the manufacturer as 0.1083 ∘C. During calibration in the borehole the temperature was given time to stabilize (i.e. until the recorded temperature change was less than ±0.03 ∘C) before being recorded (Table E1). Continuous measurements have been obtained since mid-August 2006 from sensor depths of 0.00, 0.75, 1.75, 2.75, 3.75, 4.75, 5.75, 6.75, 7.75, 8.75, 9.75, 10.75, 11.75, 12.75, 13.75, 14.75, 15.75, 16.75, 17.75, 18.75, 20.75, 22.75, 24.75, and 26.75 m below the ground surface. We recommend that the temperature data from the three sensors at 0, 0.75, 1.75 and 2.75 m depths should not be used due to the possibility of them having been affected by the metal access pipe. The data from these sensors have not been flagged as they are of high quality, but they may not provide an accurate reflection of the actual soil temperatures. Construction of the new Russian Samoylov Island Research Station started in September 2011 and was completed in summer 2012. The new research station included a water supply from a nearby lake. The water supply system (Figs. E3 and E4) is an aboveground structure that is likely to affect the wind and hence the accumulation of snow on the tundra surface. Visual inspection in the vicinity of the borehole in April 2016 suggested an increased snow accumulation around this location since construction of the water supply system. A new borehole was drilled in April 2018 down to 61 m, far away from the research station and associated structures. A new temperature chain was installed in the early summer of 2018 to provide deeper permafrost data, as well as observations from a second borehole. The organic carbon density in bulk soil CDbulk (kg m−3) was calculated using the mass fraction of organic carbon in soil OC, the average dry bulk density , and the following formula: The organic carbon content for each soil horizon SOCC (kg m−2) was calculated using the mass fraction of organic carbon in soil OC, the average dry bulk density , the horizon thickness, and the following formula: 3-D point cloud data were acquired for several polygons around the meteorological, soil and CALM sites by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) on 12 September 2017, using a RIEGL VZ-400 3-D TLS instrument. According to the manufacturer's specifications, the TLS instrument measures 3-D coordinates with an accuracy of 5 mm and a precision of 3 mm (RIEGL LMS, 2017). We captured the full extent of the research site, which has dimensions of approximately 70×70 m, from 10 scan positions with a horizontal and vertical point spacing of 3 mm at 10 m measurement range. The single-point clouds were registered into a common coordinate system using five cylindrical reflectors placed around the research site during the TLS data acquisition so that they were visible from all scan positions. Mean residual distances per scan position between the cylindrical reflectors amounted to 1.6 cm, with a standard deviation of 0.8 cm. The registered 3-D point cloud data set was georeferenced using high-accuracy global positioning measurements recorded with a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). We obtained GNSS measurements in static-phase observation mode with a Leica Viva GS10 as the base station receiver and a GS15 mobile rover unit (Leica Geosystems, 2012a, b). According to the manufacturer's specifications (Leica Geosystems, 2012a), this mode achieves a measurement accuracy of 3 mm horizontally and 3.5 mm vertically with respect to the local reference frame established by the base station. The scan positions were georeferenced and registered using the RiSCAN PRO software (version 2.1.1; RIEGL LMS, 2016). The raw data set was filtered using a statistical outlier removal (SOR; Rusu and Cousins, 2011) to remove spatially isolated points as outliers from the point cloud, with the number of neighbours set to 10 and the standard deviation multiplier threshold to 1.0. A digital terrain model (DTM) representing the ground-surface elevation was derived from this preprocessed data set. To determine the ground-surface elevation the 3-D TLS points were first classified into ground and non-ground points. For this we used a minimum approach, classifying all points within a search radius of 2.5 cm that were at less than 1.0 cm vertical distance from the minimum point elevation as ground points. This vertical distance threshold is included to take into account position uncertainties of the TLS acquisition. The ground points in the 3-D TLS data set are subsequently rasterized into the final DTM (with a cell size of 5.0 cm) using a robust moving-plane interpolation strategy (TU Wien, 2016). For evaluation purposes the DTM was compared to 27 GNSS measurements of the ground surface that were obtained during the TLS data acquisition. The data sets were compared by taking the difference between GNSS-based elevation measurements and the corresponding DTM pixel values. Statistical analysis of these differences in ground-surface elevation yielded a mean difference of 3.7 cm, a median difference of 1.7 cm, and a standard deviation of 5.1 cm. Differences were mainly within the accuracy ranges of TLS point cloud registration and GNSS positioning. Larger positive differences (>2.0 cm) indicated an overestimation of ground-surface elevation in the TLS point cloud. Where dense, short vegetation is present, an error is introduced to the estimated ground-surface elevation as the laser beam does not hit the ground surface at every local area in the site. This is to be expected, particularly for larger distances from the scan positions, as the incidence angle from the TLS instrument has a direct effect on the penetration depth of the laser beam (Marx et al., 2017). Relative height above the ground surface was derived as vertical distance of TLS points to the ground surface. The DTM was used to calculate the vertical distance to the ground surface for every 3-D point in the TLS point cloud. A raster of relative height values was generated using the 99th percentile of the relative height attribute per raster cell, with a cell size of 5.0 cm. Furthermore, a raster of mean relative heights above the ground surface was generated that could provide an estimate of the vegetation height and volume within each 5 cm raster cell. With regard to the vegetation height values derived from the TLS data, it should be noted that the heights could be underestimated when compared to actual field measurements, for which there are two possible explanations. Firstly, overestimation of the ground-surface elevation (where the laser beam does not fully penetrate the vegetation) reduces the calculated relative (vegetation) height. Secondly, the sampling of the laser-scanning process with the given 3-D point spacing implies an uncertainty in the maximum height being recorded at every local position. This applies in particular to grass-covered surfaces, where individual blades are not necessarily hit by the laser beam at their highest point. Both of these effects can result in reduced vegetation heights in a TLS-based approach, e.g. compared to length measurements of individual sedges in the field. The modular programme system OPALS (version 2.3.0; Pfeifer et al., 2014) was used for the point cloud analyses of ground-surface elevation and relative height above the ground surface. JB initiated and set up the long term observational site on Samoylov together with LK and CW. Data collection was done by JB, CW, NB, and PS, with the support of MG, DB, and AM. KA collected the terrestrial lidar scanning data and analysed the data. IG, SC, and ML contributed to the modelling sections, EB and SC provided the Samoylov driving data. JB wrote the paper with inputs from the co-authors and coordinated the analysis and contributions from all co-authors. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Logistical support was provided by the Russian–German Samoylov Research Base (1998–2012) and the Russian Samoylov Island Research Station (2013–2017). Field support, including data collection, was provided by Konstanze Piel, Steffen Frey, Günter Stoof, and Waldemar Schneider. 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Thunderstorms, or more generally, cumulonimbus storms, represent one of the most dramatic and violent phenomena in the atmosphere. They are also vitally important in the circulation of our weather systems and the global climate. Cumulonimbus storms transport moist air very rapidly from low to high levels in the troposphere, and convey energy from the earth or ocean surface to the upper regions of weather systems. We are working to better understand and predict cumulonimbus storms. Our research covers many aspects of these clouds, from the microphysical processes of individual water droplets, up to the organisation of weather systems on scales of thousands of kilometres. - Professor Paul Field (joint chair with the Met Office) and Professor Alan Blyth (NCAS-Weather director) lead a programme of research into the ways in which small-scale processes in cumulonimbus clouds lead to the generation of rainfall. This body of work aims to improve our predictions of intense rainfall, over the UK and worldwide, through better understanding how precipitation forms in different clouds and different environments. This work has an interesting collaboration with Professor Ken Carslaw’s aerosol research group: aerosols control some aspects of the population of water and ice particles in a cloud, and are therefore a way in which anthropogenic pollution may influence intense rainfall in storms. - Dr John Marsham, a water@leeds research fellow, leads a body of work investigating storms on larger scales, including interactions with airflows in their environment which may cause storms to be long-lived, or new storms to regenerate in remote locations. His work on UK storms as part of the CSIP project showed how “gravity waves” in the atmosphere interact with storms. Certain systems appear to “ride” on a wave which moves through the low-level atmosphere. In other cases, waves moving away from a parent storm may generate new storms elsewhere. John as also recently conducted work analysing storms over West Africa, showing how they are an essential component in the uplift of desert dust in the region, and how they help to define larger-scale airflows such as the West African Monsoon. - Professor Doug Parker studies the fluid dynamics of cumulonimbus storms and their interaction with larger-scale weather systems, in the mid-latitudes (e.g. North Atlantic and Europe) and in Africa. In collaboration with Dr Chris Taylor at CEH Wallingford, he has worked on the coupling between the land surface state over Africa, and patterns of rainfall: this work has indicated how new storms are more likely to occur over hot surfaces, close to the boundaries with cooler, more humid surfaces, for instance where air over cropland meets the more humid forests. He has also worked on the dynamics of coupling between cumulonimbus convection and midlatitude frontal cyclones: recently this work has involved research flights through UK fronts and cyclones with the FAAM aircraft, as part of the T-NAWDEX and DIAMET projects. We work closely with the Met Office and with the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) in our research on cumulonimbus storms. Several researchers at Leeds have joint positions with these organisations. Professor Chris Collier and Dr Alan Gadian are NCAS scientists based in Leeds who specialise in cumulonimbus systems and their impacts. Chris has for many years pioneered innovative use of precipitation radar data, particularly for hydrological applications, while Alan works on the development of new models of convective dynamics.

If you’re looking for ways to make your beans grow faster, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the best tips and tricks to get your beans growing quickly. Checkout this video: Plant the right type of bean. There are many different types of beans, and not all of them will grow at the same speed. Some varieties are known to be fast-growing, while others may take a bit longer to mature. If you’re looking to get your crop up and running as quickly as possible, it’s important to choose the right type of bean for your needs. One variety that is known for its fast growth rate is the common bush bean. This type of bean can mature in as little as 50 days, making it one of the quickest-growing options available. Other fast-growing varieties include lima beans, soybeans, and black-eyed peas. These types of beans can typically be ready to harvest in 60-70 days. If you’re willing to wait a bit longer for your crop, there are also some slower-growing varieties that may be more suitable for your needs. One such variety is the common pole bean, which can take up to 80 days to mature. Another option is the fava bean, which can take up to 100 days from planting to harvest. No matter what type of bean you choose to grow, it’s important to provide your plants with the proper care and conditions they need to thrive. Make sure you plant them in well-drained soil in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. It’s also important to keep an eye on watering needs; too much or too little water can both impede growth and lead to poor yields come harvest time. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your beans grow quickly and produce a bountiful crop come harvest time. Use quality seed. If you want your beans to grow quickly and produce a healthy crop, start with high quality seed. Look for seed that has been certified by a reputable organization, such as the National Plant Board or the American Seed Trade Association. Avoid seed that has been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Prepare your planting area well, making sure that it is free of weeds and other debris. Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. Beans need warmth to germinate and grow well, so avoid shady areas or those that tend to be boggy. Plant your seed at the correct depth and spacing. Follow the directions on the seed packet, as different varieties have different requirements. Once the seeds have been planted, water them well. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not saturated, as too much water can cause the seeds to rot. Fertilize your beans regularly, using a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Apply fertilizer when the plants are about 6 inches tall, and again when they are blooming and setting fruit.Side dressings of compost or manure can also be beneficial. Harvest your beans regularly, picking them when they are mature but before they begin to dry out on the plant. Store beans in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them. Prepare the soil properly. One key to success when planting coffee is preparing the soil properly. Coffee plants do best in well-drained soils that are high in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for coffee is between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH. If it’s too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. Plant the beans at the right time. Trying to grow coffee beans faster than usual? You’ll need to start by planting the beans at the right time. If you live in an area with a climates that has distinct seasons, you’ll want to plant the beans during the spring. This will give them enough time to grow and mature before the cold winter weather arrives. If you live in a more tropical climate, you can plant coffee beans year-round. However, they will typically grow more slowly in the hotter months. In addition to planting at the right time, you’ll also need to fertilize your coffee bean plants regularly. Use a high-quality fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. These three elements are essential for healthy plant growth. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and be sure to water the plants well after each application. Finally, make sure your coffee bean plants are getting plenty of sunlight. They should be getting at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If they are not getting enough light, they will not grow as quickly as they could be. Keep the plants well watered. One of the best ways to encourage your coffee beans to grow quickly is to keep the plants well watered. The plants need a consistent supply of water in order to produce the coffee beans, so make sure that you keep the soil moist but not soggy. Another way to help the plants grow quickly is to fertilize them regularly with a high-quality fertilizer. Use a fertilizer high in nitrogen. If you want to make your beans grow faster, use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, and it will help your beans to grow more quickly. You can find nitrogen-rich fertilizers at most garden stores. Keep the plants free of pests and diseases. Pests and diseases can quickly negative impact your bean plants, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them and address any problems promptly. One way to reduce the chances of pests and diseases is to choose resistant varieties of beans to grow. You can also take steps to promote healthy growth, such as providing plants with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. Harvest the beans when they are ripe. Harvest the beans when they are ripe. You can tell when they are ready by their color. They should be a deep, rich green when they are ripe and ready to harvest. Store the beans properly. Beans are a type of pulse, which is an edible seed that comes from a pod. The most common type of bean is the Phaseolus vulgaris, also known as the common bean. Beans are a food that is typically associated with poor people or with poverty. This is because beans are a very cheap food and they are also very nutritious. There are many different ways to cook beans, but one of the most popular ways is to simply boil them. Another popular way to eat beans is to make them into a paste, such as by using a food processor. Beans can also be sprouted, which means that they are germinated in water for a few days and then eaten raw. Beans are a good source of protein, fiber, iron, and other minerals. They are also low in fat and calories. Because of this, beans are often included in diets that are designed to help people lose weight. Enjoy your delicious beans! There is no one answer to this question as there are many factors that can affect the growth rate of beans. However, some tips on how to make beans grow faster include: -Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight. -Make sure the soil is loose and well-drained. -Water regularly and fertilize monthly. -Beans love warm weather, so plant them in late spring or early summer. – Harvest the beans when they are young and tender for the best flavor.

Baby Teeth Care When should we start to take care of baby's teeth? Huggies shares with you on what kind of teeth care and hygiene your baby should adopt. Baby teeth care Here are some commonly asked questions and answers on the best baby teeth care. When should I start to clean my baby’s teeth? The first sign of a tooth erupting through the gums (usually 5-9 months of age) is your cue to start cleaning their gums and teeth. How should I clean their teeth or gums? Start with a soft moist cloth and gently rub this over the gums. As soon as you think they would tolerate a tooth brush in their mouth, use a soft bristled and compact head toothbrush. A toothbrush should be changed regularly, around every 3 months or when signs of “shagginess” start to appear. TIP – Buy two brushes, one for you and one for baby, and take turns at brushing. Why is it important to look after their baby teeth, they fall out anyway? There are many reasons why it is important to maintain healthy ‘first’ teeth. Without them their speech would be affected, they would be unable to eat a healthy range of foods and they wouldn’t have that gorgeous smile. First teeth also keep the spaces correct for when their second teeth (adult teeth) descend. Is it all right to use toothpaste for my baby? You may wait until your child is 18 months old before you introduce toothpaste. Even then it is recommended that you use a very small smear of children’s toothpaste. These have a reduced level of fluoride and higher level of calcium specially formulated for young teeth. When should I first visit the Dentist with my child? You may visit the dentist once a baby’s first tooth comes through, or when the child is 1, whichever comes first. Ideally it would be around the time of their first birthday, and definitely before they turn 3. At this visit the Dentist will assess the alignment of your child’s jaw, check any teeth that are already through for signs of decay and offer you some guidance on how to best care for their teeth. Are there any hints on how to make the experience stress free? Prepare your child for a visit to the Dentist or dental clinic by reading books about the Dentist or role playing the “Dentist game” with teddy or dolls. Explain how some Dentists like to wear masks over their mouths, also teach your child how to open their mouth wide like a frog so that the Dentist can have a look inside. Remember not to use any negative words when talking about the visit like “scared”, “needle”, “hurt” or “drill”. These tend to turn adults off as well so imagine how much they scare kids. I’ve heard some other Mum’s talking about “Bottle Mouth”, what is it? “Bottle Mouth” is the term used to describe the decay caused, usually to the front teeth, by acid that attacks teeth. This starts after prolonged contact with any liquid other than water. As the term suggests, it usually occurs when babies and children are allowed to drink for long periods of time from a bottle. This can happen when they are allowed to go to bed with a bottle etc. However, it is not limited to bottles as breastfed babies who are allowed to suckle for extended periods of time can also develop this decay. To avoid this decay from developing try following these simple guidelines: - Only allow a bottle of milk or formula, or breast, to be used for meal times, and not as a comfort tool at bedtime. - Avoid giving juices, soft drinks, or other sugar based drinks from a bottle. - Teach your child to drink from a cup or straw as soon as they are ready, usually by about 12 months. - Maintain good dental practices and brush their teeth regularly. What foods should I avoid keeping my child’s teeth healthy? Avoid any foods that are high in sugar, especially those that are held in the mouth for a long time, for example sweets, lollipop, candy, toffees and also soft drinks and juices from a bottle with a teat. Chewable Vitamin C tablets have also been identified as particularly bad for healthy teeth. Some healthy foods such as dried fruit also contain high levels of sugar and children should be encouraged to rinse their mouths after eating these foods. Can sucking a thumb cause dental problems later in life? Certainly, if thumb sucking occurs past the time when a child has their permanent teeth there is a real possibility that it could lead to your child having an open bite, flared teeth and possible changes to the upper jaw. Our water doesn’t have fluoride in it, should I be giving my child an extra dose? Fluoride is certainly an important part of maintaining healthy teeth, however before supplementing with fluoride you should talk to your dentist or dental hygienist. How will I know when my baby is getting teeth? Some of the tell-tale signs that teeth are on their way are: - Slightly inflamed, red gums that may have a lump - You may be able to see a white tooth bud under the gum - An increase in dribbling and biting down on fingers and other objects - Irritability and signs of pain. To relieve this discomfort, it is possible to use paracetamol, a non-aspirin based teething gel, and allow your baby to suck/chew on a cold teething ring. Is there any truth to the stories of illness associated with teething? Many Mums will report that their baby has suffered from one or all of the following symptoms around the time of teeth erupting from the gums; nappy rash, mild fever, mild diarrhoea, pain and irritability. However, there is no conclusive evidence that these are related to “teething”. You should not assume that teething is the cause of illness and you should seek medical advice. When will my child be able to brush their teeth on their own? Generally, by the age of 5 your child will be quite adept at brushing their own teeth, however it is recommended that you continue to assist and monitor their brushing until around 7-8 years of age. Your child will probably have all his first teeth, also known as baby teeth, milk teeth, deciduous teeth, or primary teeth around two and a half years of age. Do you know that an average baby will need 1057 nappy changes in the first 6 months? Get exclusive promotions and free diaper samples by joining the Huggies Club now! The information published herein is intended and strictly only for informational, educational, purposes and the same shall not be misconstrued as medical advice. If you are worried about your own health, or your child’s well being, seek immediate medical advice. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website. Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries assumes no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the information contained in this article. Further, while due care and caution has been taken to ensure that the content here is free from mistakes or omissions, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information here, and to the extent permitted by law, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries do not accept any liability or responsibility for claims, errors or omissions.

A dwarf variety, it reaches only 6 inches tall and about 12 inches across. This deciduous or semi-evergreen fern has kidney-shaped to broad and ovate leaves. Fronds often emerge tinged with pink and darken with age reaching 4 to 5 inches long. Best suited to temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, thus often used as a houseplant. Sometimes referred to as Adiantum aleuticum subspecies subpumilum. It is very important that this fern does not dry out, so water when top of soil is dry to the touch. Frequent misting is welcomed also. Filtered sun or bright light from an east window is preferable. Fertilize with half strength, quick-release solution during growing season. Cut out dead or damaged fronds in spring. Google Plant Images: click here! Size: Height: 0 ft. to 0.5 ft. Width: 0 ft. to 1 ft. Plant Category: ferns and moss, houseplants, landscape, Plant Characteristics: low maintenance, seed start, spreading, Foliage Characteristics: deciduous, semi-evergreen, Tolerances: heat & humidity, Bloomtime Range: not applicable USDA Hardiness Zone: 11 to 11 AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant Light Range: Dappled to Part Sun pH Range: 5.5 to 7 Soil Range: Loam to Loam Water Range: Moist to Moist FertilizingHow-to : Fertilization for Young Plants Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus, P, in it(the second number on the bag.) Apply recommended amount for plant per label directions in the soil at time of planting or at least during the first growing season. How-to : Fertilization for Established Plants Established plants can benefit from fertilization. Take a visual inventory of your landscape. Trees need to be fertilized every few years. Shrubs and other plants in the landscape can be fertilized yearly. A soil test can determine existing nutrient levels in the soil. If one or more nutrients is low, a specific instead of an all-purpose fertilizer may be required. Fertilizers that are high in N, nitrogen, will promote green leafy growth. Excess nitrogen in the soil can cause excessive vegetative growth on plants at the expense of flower bud development. It is best to avoid fertilizing late in the growing season. Applications made at that time can force lush, vegetative growth that will not have a chance to harden off before the onset of cold weather. How-to : Fertilizing Houseplants Houseplants may be fertilized with: 1. water-soluble, quick release fertilizers; 2. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers; 3. or organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water soluble fertilizers are used every two weeks or per label instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are carefully worked into the soil usually only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion, follow label directions. Allow houseplants to 'rest' during the winter months; stop fertilizing in late October and resume feeding in late February. LightConditions : Partial Shade Partial Shade is defined as filtered light found beneath trees with high limbs. Partial shade usually offers some protection from direct afternoon sun. Conditions : Full to Partial Shade Full shade means there is little or no light in the growing zone. Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or shadows cast by a house or building. Plants that require full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn. Full shade beneath trees may pose additional problems; not only is there no light, but competition for water, nutrients and root space. Partial shade means that an area receives filtered light, often through tall branches of an open growing tree. Root competition is usually less. Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe-like structure. Shadier sides of a building are normally the northern or northeastern sides. These sides also tend to be a little cooler. It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to require some shade in warmer climates due to stress placed on the plant from reduced moisture and excessive heat. Conditions : Moisture-loving Houseplants Houseplants that require ample water, or those labeled as moisture-loving houseplants require that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot. Re-water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface. Conditions : Bright Light for Houseplants Houseplants requiring bright light should be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window. WateringConditions : Moist and Well Drained Moist and well drained means exactly what it sounds like. Soil is moist without being soggy because the texture of the soil allows excess moisture to drain away. Most plants like about 1 inch of water per week. Amending your soil with compost will help improve texture and water holding or draining capacity. A 3 inch layer of mulch will help to maintain soil moisture and studies have shown that mulched plants grow faster than non-mulched plants. PlantingHow-to : Preparing Garden Beds Use a soil testing kit to determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil before beginning any garden bed preparation. This will help you determine which plants are best suited for your site. Check soil drainage and correct drainage where standing water remains. Clear weeds and debris from planting areas and continue to remove weeds as soon as they come up. A week to 10 days before planting, add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage. If soil composition is weak, a layer of topsoil should be considered as well. No matter if your soil is sand or clay, it can be improved by adding the same thing: organic matter. The more, the better; work deep into the soil. Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials. This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now, but will greatly pay off later. Besides, this is not something that is easily done later, once plants have been established. How-to : Preparing Containers Containers are excellent when used as an ornamental feature, a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in, or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior. If growing more than one plant in a container, make sure that all have similar cultural requirements. Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container. Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay. All containers should have drainage holes. A mesh screen, broken clay pot pieces(crock) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out. The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen. Quality soils (or soil-less medias) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet. If water runs off soil upon initial wetting, this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think. Prior to filling a container with soil, wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist. Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants, when planted, to be just below the rim of the pot. Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete. Water well. How-to : Potting Indoor Plants Make sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it: that it will have enough light, space, and a temperature it will like. Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room. Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically, or they become pot/root-bound and their growth is retarded. Water the plant well before starting, so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot. If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot, try running a blade around the edge of the pot, and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil. Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant. Fill around the plant gently with soil, being careful not to pack too tightly -- you want air to be able to get to the roots. After the plant is in the new pot, don't fertilize right away... this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home. The size pot you choose is important too. Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter. Remember, many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound. Always start with a clean pot! ProblemsFungi : Leaf Spots Leaf spots are caused by fungi or bacteria. Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular, with a water soaked or yellow-edged appearance. Insects, rain, dirty garden tools, or even people can help its spread. Prevention and Control: Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry. Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of. Avoid overhead irrigation if possible; water should be directed at soil level. For fungal leaf spots, use a recommended fungicide according to label directions. Pest : Scale Insects Scales are insects, related to mealy bugs, that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor. Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding site. The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer. They appear as bumps, often on the lower sides of leaves. They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue. Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop. They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold. Prevention and Control: Once established they are hard to control. Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested. Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control. Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden. MiscellaneousGlossary : Rhizome A thickened modified stem that grows horizontally along or under the soil surface. It may be long and slender, as in some lawn grasses, or thick and fleshy, as with rhubarb. Glossary : Border Plant A border plant is one which looks especially nice when used next to other plants in a border. Borders are different from hedges in that they are not clipped. Borders are loose and billowy, often dotted with deciduous flowering shrubs. For best effect, mass smaller plants in groups of 3, 5, 7, or 9. Larger plants may stand alone, or if room permits, group several layers of plants for a dramatic impact. Borders are nice because they define property lines and can screen out bad views and offer seasonal color. Many gardeners use the border to add year round color and interest to the garden. Glossary : Container Plant A plant that is considered to be a good container plant is one that does not have a tap root, but rather a more confined, fibrous root system. Plants that usually thrive in containers are slow- growing or relatively small in size. Plants are more adaptable than people give them credit for. Even large growing plants can be used in containers when they are very young, transplanted to the ground when older. Many woody ornamentals make wonderful container plants as well as annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and bulbs. Glossary : Naturalizing Naturalizing refers to planting in a random pattern, much as itwould occur in nature. If you spend any time in the woods, you've probably noticed that plants often grow in groups. The center of the group is dense and towards the edges, plants are located farther apart. Narcissus bulbs are easy to naturalize if you use this method: fill a bucket with bulbs and toss them out. Plant them where they fall. You will notice a portion of the bulbs are close together while the others have scattered farther away. Glossary : Deciduous Deciduous refers to those plants that lose their leaves or needles at the end of the growing season. Glossary : Fern Fern is a vascular plant that is non-flowering, having feather-like fronds that reproduces by means of spores. Glossary : Semi-Evergreen Semi-Evergreen: a plant that retains some or most of its foliage throughout the year. Glossary : Landscape Uses By searching Landscape Uses, you will be able to pinpoint plants that are best suited for particular uses such as trellises, border plantings, or foundations.

Ben Esra telefonda seni boşaltmamı ister misin? Telefon Numaram: 00237 8000 92 32 After giving her virginity to Matt, Haley continues flirting to get more loving from her older neighbor. Please leave comments on your thoughts. Thanks. Haley and I ended up making love once more that night before we finally fell asleep. After cumming twice, once from her jacking me off and the second time in her tight little cunt, I was surprised when my cock got hard for the third time. After cumming once again in her tight cunt, we fell asleep naked in each other’s arms. Her little body felt so good, with her round ass pushed up against my cock and the skin on skin feel of her back on my chest made everything perfect. When I woke up the next day, it took me a minute to recall the events from the night before. Haley was lying on the bed next to me naked, spread out on her tummy with her bubble butt looking good and taking up more than half the bed. She looked so comfortable I did not bother waking her up. Instead, I grabbed my shorts and went to get the coffee started while I grabbed my iPad to read the morning news. Soon the coffee was ready and Haley walked in with a sleepy look on her face while I served myself my first cup. I laughed when I first saw her walk in wearing my t-shirt that almost reached the floor. I wished her a good morning and asked if she felt comfortable in my t-shirt. “In all the movies I’ve seen, the girl is always wearing the guy’s shirt the morning after they make love, so I thought I’d wear yours. But now that I have it on, I kinda like it. Can I keep it?” “Sure.” It actually turned me on seeing her in my t-shirt, knowing that she was naked under there. A picture came to me of her standing there naked with her little titties and her hairless pussy, enticing me to take her back to bed and bang the shit out of her. That was quite a visualization to wake me up. “It’ll remind me of the first time we made love. It’ll always be our little secret.” she said before coming over, giving me a peck on the mouth before she grabbed a seat. I served her a cup of coffee and we sat at the table while I finished my reading and she too grabbed her tablet. She was playing some sort of game. I wasn’t sure what game but it kept her busy for a while, allowing me to keep to my morning routine. Ever so often I would glance over at her; even in her disheveled hair, she was beautiful. After catching up on the news, I asked what she wanted to do. It was Saturday morning and Cheryl would not be back until late the next day. We decided to go grab some brunch and figure out the rest of our day from there. We got up and I headed to my bedroom while she made her way to my office where Cheryl had left her suitcase. After undressing, as I made my way into my shower, Haley walked into my bedroom with her clothes in her hand and a shy half-smile on her face. This thing between us was all new and I assumed she wasn’t exactly sure on the rules. “Haley, would you like to shower with me?” I asked her in very loving tone. “Do you mind?” “Mind? I would love it if you would join me.” I reached out my hand and she grabbed it as I pulled her into the bathroom with me. Long ago I had the bathtub removed and had a large walk-in shower installed that easily accommodates up to three people. With Haley at only 5′, there was plenty of space for us. When she asked me in her sweet little girl’s voice if I would help her get undressed, my cock got hard in an instant. I reached down to the hem of her shirt and pulled it up and over her head, revealing her beautiful little titties and her entire naked body. My visualization from earlier was now a reality. At 6′ 2” myself, I easily picked her up. She wrapped her legs around my waist and her hands around my neck as we started kissing, picking up from where we left off the night before. We continued kissing as I walked us into the shower, with the rain-forest shower-head getting us wet. I was loving the feel of her little mouth as our lips meshed with each other. Her little tongue felt so sexy as our tongues swirled around each other, exploring each other’s mouths. As we made out, I was enjoying my hands on her tight ass while I held her up. I kneaded her butt cheeks, enjoying their fullness as I squeezed hard. I slid one of my hands further down and like a heat-seeking missile found her hot little pussy. Even under the warm water, her cunt felt hot. I started playing with her pussy and she started moaning while we continued kissing. As I slowly and softly played with her wet pussy, she started squeezing her arms around my neck, pulling us closer together. “Do you like that? Does it feel good, baby.” I switched things up a bit and started inserting a finger into her cunt. I was finger fucking her as we continued kissing, while still holding her up in my arms. There had been other women that I had enjoyed shower sex with, but to be able to hold my little sex doll up in my arms while finger fucking her was new for me. I had started off slow, but my finger was now fucking her at close to warp speed and her screams confirmed it. When she came, she started bucking hard, making it difficult to hold her up as she stretched out her legs. I held on tight, allowing her to enjoy her orgasm. When it finally passed, she stared at me with a lusful look before she went back to kissing me and telling me how much she loved me. I told her I loved her too, but right now I wanted to cum in her tight little pussy. She reached down and held my cock in place, as I instructed her. I slowly lowered my fuck doll onto my hard cock. When it started going into her tight cunt, the look on her face told me how much she was loving it. I had taken her virginity the night before, so there was nothing in the way to cause her pain. I continued lowering her slowly as more and more of my dick slid its way into her cunt. She was small, so I wondered for a minute how was her little body able to accommodate my big, fat cock. It felt like her cunt was a hand that was tightly squeezing my cunt. “Mmmmmmmmmmm! Mmmmmmmmmmmm! Mmmmmmmmmmmm!” She was moaning over and over with her lips pressed against mine. Her arms were pulling us tight against each other while I held her up with her ass in my hands, bouncing her hard on my cock as I fucked izmit rus escort her. Although I was not able to see my dick going into her cunt, the memory from the night before of her pussy lips wrapped tightly around my cock had me pushing her up and down, fucking her nonstop. When I saw the look on her face that told me that she was very close to coming, I squeezed her ass hard and my cum exploded straight into her young little cunt, spraying hard against her womb. I was high on sexual adrenaline and the thought of getting her pregnant made me cum even harder. We wrapped up our shower, managing to actually use soap and shampoo before we stepped out and dried each other off. Eventually we got dressed and made it out the front door. We were giddy, behaving like two teenagers that had discovered sex for the first time. It felt like the rest of the day was going to be about her learning all about sex and I was looking forward to teaching her. We were being silly with each other, but I warned her that we needed to be discrete around her mom. I not ready to suffer the wrath of Cheryl. My hands were on her silky smooth legs on our way to brunch. I have always loved when women show off their legs in either short skirts or short shorts. Haley was wearing another short ruffled red skirt with a tight white top that came down to the skirts waistband. It was not overly revealing, but just enough to look cute on her, showing her belly button if she lifted her arms. Her little titties certainly looked good in her tight blouse. Her hard nipples pushing out against her blouse made it clear that she was not wearing a bra, not that she really needed one. Her titties were quite perky and jiggled just a touch whenever she laughed or giggled. She had her hair up in a pony that definitely added to her sexiness and my partial hard on. When we arrived at the diner, we parked the car and she grabbed my hand as we walked towards the entrance. We walked in and the hostess welcomed us, making a comment on how sweet it was that we were having a daddy and daughter day. I chose not correct her and Haley played along. “Yup, my daddy is the best. He always takes good care of me.” We were seated and the waitress gave us some menus before walking away. We studied the menu for a bit before she returned and we placed our order. I looked at Haley seated across from me, giving her a quizzical look. “So, I’m your daddy now, huh? What happened to boyfriend for the weekend?” “Well, I couldn’t tell her you’re my boyfriend. Besides, I kinda like calling you daddy.” She crossed her arms and rested them on the table, leaning towards me. I did the same. In her sweet little voice, she softly said to me with a coquettish smile “Daddy, I’m not wearing any panties.” She was incorrigible. My cock hurt as it grew hard in my tight jeans, sitting there looking at her and hoping she was being truthful. “I can also see that your not wearing a bra.” I whispered to her with a smile on my face. She looked at me with a coquettish smile on her face. “You like?” she asked with a big knowing smile across her face. “I love.” I whispered. After finishing breakfast, we were both feeling horny with all the back and forth teasing. On the way back home, my hand landed back on her thigh. I was excited, wanting to confirm what she had shared with me, but I also wanted to tease her some more. I caressed and stroked her legs for awhile, gently making my way up her legs under her skirt. I could hear her breathing getting heavier and heavier as I got closer, feeling the heat emanating from her hot little cunt. “Oh, my god! You get me so wet, daddy. My pussy is feeling so excited.” I could hear the excitement in her voice as my fingers got closer and closer to her cunt, feeling her spread her legs open for me. When I finally made contact, her pussy was drenched and my finger easily slipped in. I was enjoying the sounds she was making as we drove home, telling me how good I made her feel and how much she wanted daddy to fuck her when we got home. I played with her, telling her that the first time was free, but from now on she had to do something special to earn a good fucking from daddy. I was liking the idea of her calling me daddy. She asked what I wanted and I told her I was sure she could think of something. She was so naive. The truth was all she had to do was ask that I fuck her and I would’ve. We teased each other all the way home, laughing and playfully bantering back and forth. My fingers stayed in her cunt all the way home, softly caressing her slit but never enouhg to make her cum. On several occasions she asked that I do it harder and faster, but I was enjoying just keeping her on edge all the way home. When we got home, she grabbed my hand and pulled over the couch, asking me to sit. I asked what she was up to and she told me she was earning a good fucking. Just hearing her say that got my dick harder. I sat on the couch as she requested while she ran to turn off most of the lights, leaving only a few on. She played some slow music on her phone before she started dancing for me. I can only assume it was something else she had seen on TV, not that I was complaining. She was a good dancer, sensually moving her hips from side to side as she made eye contact with me. Right away she took off her sandals, looking so sexy dancing barefooted. She kept dancing slowly as she reached down to grab the hem of her shirt, ready to remove it and reveal her titties to me. “Do you like my little boobies, daddy? Aren’t they too small?” “No, baby, I love seeing them. They’re perfect.” With those words of assurance, she pulled her blouse up and over head. She was now dancing topless, only in her little ruffled skirt. She looked fucking sexy dancing for me and knowing she wasn’t wearing anything under her cute little skirt only got me more aroused. My mouth was salivating looking at this little girl dancing topless just for me. She looked so fucking hot in only her skirt! She was my private little stripper. “Am I earning a good fucking, daddy? Is this turning you on.” she seductively whispered, which only added to my arousal. “Yes, sweetie. You’re doing a very good job. You really do like this daddy thing don’t you?” “Yeah, I do. You don’t mind, izmit escort do you……daddy?” I slowly shook my head as I kept my eyes on her sexy little body. She continued dancing as she hooked her thumbs into her waistband, ready to push down her little skirt. When it hit the ground, she was now completely nude. I was hoping she would come over to straddle me, but she didn’t. She just kept dancing and I was a bit confused. While dancing, she started touching herself. She started off by slowly running her little hands all over her body. She would touch her titties before running her hands down over her tummy before she spread her legs open to rub her cunt. She then brought her hands up to her titties and softly caressed them before she grabbed and squeezed them. She dropped to her knees right in front of me and brought one hand down to her pussy while her other hand continued kneading her titties. I rubbed my crotch over my jeans when she started touching herself. “Do you like it when I touch myself, daddy? Does it get you hard when I touch my pussy?” Her words were driving me crazy, she could obviously see the a big lump in my jeans,. Just yesterday she was a young innocent virgin and now here she was dancing like a little slut, getting me close to cumming without even touching me. She laid on her back, opening her legs to show me the pinkness of her young little pussy.Are all girls born knowing how to use their sexuality to drive boys crazy? “Daddy, I want to see your dick. Show it to me while I play with my pussy.” Starting off slow, one of her hands was caressing her titties and her other hand was on her pussy. Her fingers were sliding up and down her tight little slit as she started moaning, getting louder and louder while rubbing her hand hard against her slit and squeezing her titties harder. As quickly as possible, I pulled down both my jeans and boxers. I couldn’t hold back. I grabbed my rock hard cock and started stroking it as I watched her on the floor playing with herself. It was obvious she played with herself before, only this time she was doing it for me. I was stroking myself faster and faster looking at her as she stroked her clit harder and harder. Her moaning was arousing. With her elevated breathing, it was obvious she was close to cumming, as was I. “Cum on my daddy, cum on me…..pleaaaasseee!” I quickly stood up and started stroking my cock as fast as humanely possible. As you would expect, it did not take much before my cum was shooting all over her breasts and abdomen. I made sure some landed on her opened mouth. The minute my warm cum landed on her, an orgasm overtook her. She gave out a loud exhale as her abdomen tightened up, with her pushing her pelvis up before her ass landed back on the floor. She looked beautiful just laying her on the floor with her little body and face covered in my cum as she breathed hard, enjoying her orgasm. She was my little porn star. I couldn’t wait to start recording us making love or just her masturbating We showered and ended up taking a nap together before deciding to go out for an early dinner. Not really knowing where to go, we settled on a pizza joint in town that’s a popular hang out for all the teenagers in town. Why I let her talk me into it, I don’t know? Well, I guess I do. I was drunk on pussy juice. I suppose she was secretly trying to show off her new boyfriend, even though we couldn’t exactly behave like a couple. After we finished our pizza, we had some fun playing video games. It had been a long time since I had last played Pac-Man, I was not even aware that the game was still around. More so, I was impressed on how good Haley was. I was having so much fun playing and I thought Haley would’ve loved it, but she was like any teenager when they first discover sex. They want it all the time. While I was on my last Pac-Man, she leaned in and whispered into my ear. “Daddy, I wanna go home. You owe my pussy a good fucking.” She knew exactly how to get my attention. I turned to look at her and she had a flirtatious smile on her face. So young and already she knew what she was doing. We walked out, forgetting our left-over pizza as we made our way to the car. It was hard to stick to the speed limit knowing what was about to happen. As soon as the front door closed, we were tearing each other’s clothes off as we made our way to my bedroom. When she started climbing onto the bed, she was on all fours and had her ass pointing in my direction with her pussy glistening. I stopped her before she moved any further. “Stop!” She immediately stopped and looked back at me with a questioning look. “I love the way you look from here. Your pussy looks so fucking delicious.” “Do you really like my little pussy, even if it doesn’t have any hairs like mommy’s?” “Baby, you’re pussy is beautiful. I always want you to keep it like that, even when your hair starts growing out. Daddy wants his little girl’s pussy nice and smooth when he eats her out.” I walked towards her and once again enjoyed the nectar from her sweet pussy. She knew exactly what I wanted as she spread out her knees to give me better access to her little clam. She looked so fucking sexy. Her head was now resting on the bed and her ass was up in the air. My hands were on her butt cheeks, spreading them nice and wide, as I licked her cunt. She immediately moaned out loud, letting me know she was enjoying my tongue on her pussy. My god, her pussy was delicious and I was licking up her juices. I was planning on fucking her from behind so I wanted her cunt nice and moist before my cock penetrated her. However, being so close to her beautiful little starfish, I couldn’t hold back. I spread her cheeks out as wide as possible and brought up my tongue to give it a lick. Her reaction was immediate and loud. I changed my focus for a bit from her pussy to her ass. I continued licking her little anus, opening her cheeks wide while shoving my face into her little ass. I started licking her anus in all directions, making sure to give my little doll the ass licking she deserved. I was so tempted to fuck her up the ass, but her poop chute was still too small. I would need to wait until she got older. However, I had to give a taste of what to expect. I reached kocaeli escort for some lube and applied some to my finger. I started off slow by caressing her little anus for awhile, hearing her moaning and telling me how good my finger felt. “Oh my god, that feels sooooo good.” “Do you like what I’m doing to you?” “Mmmm hmmm. It feels really good.” “It’s gonna feel even better when I push my finger in.” “Do you trust me, baby?” “Then relax your butt for me.” That was the moment I started slowly pushing my finger in. Her anus automatically squeezed tight, trying to prevent me from going in, but I was determined to take her anal virginity. In the end, I knew she would enjoy it. Her initial reaction was pain. She fell flat on her tummy, trying to get away, but I wouldn’t allow her. As I continued pushing my finger in, I held her in place with my hand on her shoulder, telling her to relax. “Sh, sh, sh. You need to relax, baby. Just lay there and let your butt get used to it.” “But, but…it feels so weird.” “Just relax your butt, baby. Be a good girl for daddy and I’m sure you’ll learn to love it.” “Ok” she said meekly. She sounded like she wanted to cry, but I had to do it. I needed to show my young girlfriend all the wonderful things about sex. I loved standing there next to the bed while violating her little anus. It felt even tighter than her pussy. Before long, I felt her anus starting to loosen up as I drove my finger in and of her ass with her legs spread wide open. When she started moaning softly I leaned down and started kissing her on the cheek, asking her if it was starting to feel good. “Uh huh.” she moaned. “You like daddy’s finger fucking your ass?” “Oh my god, yes. That feels really good. I think I’m gonna cum.” I started drilling my finger faster into her ass and hearing her start to moan louder than before. Suddenly, her little body started shaking out of control as she gave out a loud “AAHHHHHHH”. That would be her first of many anal orgasm we would enjoy together. Eventually, I would get the pleasure of fucking her up the ass. That is a story for another day. By this time, her cunt had my bed sheets soaked with pussy juice dripping from her cunt. I climbed onto the bed, getting ready to now give her pussy the fucking it deserved. I got behind her and pulled her back up to her knees. I grabbed my cock to line it up to her little slit. Her nether lips were so small and tight, I was still not sure how she had managed to take me in, both last night and earlier that morning. I pressed my cock up against her slit and started rubbing it up and down, which only got to her to moan more as her head just laid on the bed. Her pussy could obviously stretch out enough to accommodate my thick cock, but her tight little slit had me worried. As I slowly started pushing forward, her labia kept stretching more and more as I pushed my hips forward, pushing more of my cock into her tight young cunt. It was awesome seeing how her little cunt just kept stretching open as I kept pushing in. She was on fire and it was definitely hot in there, it felt like her pussy was contracting as I went it. When I was completely in, I grabbed her little hips and started off slow. I took my time at first to enjoy her tight cunt as my dick slowly went in. I was still in disbelief that I was able to fuck her, even as I saw my cock sawing in and out of her cunt. It was incredible how tight her cunt lips looked wrapped around my cock. Although I started off slow, I was soon at full speed. I was fucking this little girl like there was no tomorrow. I grabbed her hips and our bodies were slapping against each other as my balls slapped her clit. I had cum twice that day already, so I knew that she would be sore by the time I was done with her. I continued pounding hard into her cunt, with her cumming on my cock several times while we fucked. She would moan and groan, but she never complained about me being too rough with her as I pounded hard into her over and over as we fucked. Towards the end, I started feeling my nuts boiling as they stimulated banging against her clit. I knew it was going to be a big load. I pushed hard into her one last time before I held myself deep in her cunt. My cock exloded and filled her up with thick hot cum. “FUUUUUUCK!” she screamed, cumming once more as she felt my hot cum shoot into her cunt. I fell over next to her as she just laid there, trembling with her eyes closed as she enjoyed the orgasm flow throughout her body, from head to toe. We laid there for a moment, breathing hard and enjoying the fucking I had just given her. When she eventually she got up to use the restroom, it was funny watching her walk away with her hands between her legs, trying to catch my cum dripping out of her pussy. We woke up late the next day, somewhere close to noon. Since Cheryl was not due to arrive until later that evening, we had some time to ourselves before I had to give her back. I wanted to enjoy her as much as possible. We got up and made breakfast at home. Naked, we spent some time cuddling on couch watch TV as I softly ran my hands all over her naked little body. I’m sure she could feel my dick getting hard against her back. After a while, she slipped onto the floor and asked me to sit up, telling me she wanted to do something special for me.. She knelt between my legs and started slowly stroking my cock with both her little hands. She leaned over and tried taking my cock into her cute little mouth. She was only able to wrap her lips around my cockhead. I couldn’t wait until the day would be able to take all me into her mouth. With her hands continuing to stroke me and the feel of her little tongue swirling on my cock, it was too much for me. She started stroking even faster and I just leaned head back and came into her mouth. As much as she tried, she was only able to swallow some of it with the rest ending up on the floor. We were asleep when Haley’s phone woke us up. It was Cheryl calling to let us know that her plane had just landed. She apologized over and over for her late arrival, explaining that her plane had been delayed due to some mechanical malfunction. I told her it was fine, for her not to worry. As soon as I hung up, we both jumped out of bed and into the shower. We had ended our weekend by making sweet love before falling into a deep sleep. I thanked my lucky stars for the mechanical malfunction. Ben Esra telefonda seni boşaltmamı ister misin? Telefon Numaram: 00237 8000 92 32

Are you tired of your weight holding you back? Do you struggle to find the time or money to go to the gym? What about having to give up eating your favorite foods? If you answered yes to any of the questions above then the Garcinia Cambogia supplement is for you. Read the Garcinia Cambogia reviews below to know if it is just hype or does it really work? Recently, Garcinia Cambogia has received a lot of media attention as a highly effective diet pills. Garcinia Cambogia (Also known as Malabar tamarind or Brindle berry) is native to Southeast Asia. Research suggests that its active ingredient, HCA, reduces the carbohydrates conversion into stored fats by inhibiting the enzyme that facilitates this conversion. It helps to inhibit the fat production and support appetite control. What is Garcinia Cambogia? The garcinia cambogia is in South East Asia on trees in moist forests. The fruits on these trees closely resemble a yellowish, reddish, greenish pumpkins and are sometimes referred to as tamarind, which is actually a different species from what the garcinia actually is. The extract from this fruit is used for cooking in many South East Asia countries because it is said that it makes meals more filling and it is often used as a condiment as well. In South India, garcinia cambogia is used as fish curing because it has antibacterial qualities. Aside from its use with food and fish curing, it is sometimes used in traditional medicine as a laxative to cure constipation. Garcinia Cambogia Studies and Researches This supplement has been approved by doctors in a 12 week study that weight loss was 2 to 3 times more prominent in those that took the supplement than those that did not. This resulted in a 10 pound weight loss per month for those that did not exercise or change their diet. This shows that you do not have to give up your favorite foods or find time to exercise if you do not want to, but doing so will increase the amount of weight you will lose. Garcinia Cambogia has also been known to suppress appetites and prevent fat cells. This supplement is especially is helpful in blasting belly fat, firming your butt, and destroying fat in your thighs so that you can finally have the sexy legs you have dying to show off or look sexy in that bikini you always wanted to buy. The Garcinia Cambogia has all natural ingredients that act as a natural stimulant because it provides you with increased energy levels and helps to manage your weight. This product is backed with a 12 week study that was done in 2000 in the Journal of International Medical Research. In this study, participants that took the garcinia were given 300mg daily and those that took the garcinia lost 2 to 3 times more weight than those that did not take anything. [Click here to read “The use of garcinia extract as a weight loss supplement” from Journal of Obesity] The participants that took the supplement also reported no side effects at all. This supplement is ahead of the competition in respect to having studies done on it. 100% Natural and No Side Effects Most supplements have little known research done on them so you never know what you are getting when it comes to results, potential dangers, and ingredients. All natural ingredients give the consumer a relief because they know they are not putting anything chemically harmful in to their bodies or taking a supplement that does not reveal all it has in it. What better way to lose weight than to use natural ingredients that have been proven to aid in weight loss? No side effects are definitely a plus because the consumer will not have anything unpleasant happen to them like other dietary supplements have. The consumer will not feel sick or experience any problems while on this. UPDATE: Guest Review Hi guys, Debbie here, I recently purchased the Garcinia Cambogia and I didn’t see many helpful reviews, so I decided to come on here and give a quick review for those of you who might be in the same position I was. I have been trying to lose weight recently as usual, so I tried it. I lost 10 pounds and kept it off for three months. I didn’t even have to exercise. I had to do something because gaining weight seems so easy for me, but losing weight is another story. My husband doesn’t complain about my weight, but I know he likes it when I am lighter because I am happier. It was easy because it curbed my cravings, especially for sweets, breads, and pastas. It also helps me sleep longer without interruptions, like from visiting the bathroom. I also seem to sleep better and deeper. That is really important to me because I work nights and sometimes in the past I couldn’t stay asleep long enough to get proper rest. I need at least 8 hours, and I have been existing on 6 hours a day for months. So that is a real blessing. I am happier and more focused since I starting taking the extract too. I was taking medicine for that, but I was able to taper off of it and use just the extract only. I was worried at first about feeling nervous and jittery, but I haven’t had any bad side effects from garcinia cambogia. I feel calmer and happier too. Thanks Slimming Garcinia Cambogia, thanks The Best Products Info! Backed by a 12 week study that proved that garcinia provides those that take it up to 2 to 3 times more weight loss and fat loss (up to 10 pounds or more per month without exercise or sensible eating) than those that do not take it at all. It also showed that no side effects were reported, making this supplement more safer than other products out on the market today. Garcinia Cambogia Key Benefits: - Supports appetite control - Inhibit fat production - Supports healthy fat metabolism - Inhibit the liver’s production of cholesterol - Increase in lean muscle mass - Increased serotonin to balance moods and ease cravings - Helps to manage the stress hormone, cortisol - Supports the digestive function Achieve the body of your dreams whether you want a smaller or firmer butt, a toned or slim stomach, or super sexy thighs.

What is Laryngitis? Simply put, Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx or the voice box. In this condition, the voice tends to become coarse and gradually reduces to such an extent that it almost becomes undetectable. The disease can be acute or chronic in nature. More often than not, Laryngitis is caused by infection, irritation or overuse of the larynx which in turn leads to the inflammation of the vocal cords. Acute Laryngitis is characterized by an abrupt onset but is mostly self limited. When the condition persists for three weeks or more, it is referred to as Chronic Laryngitis. Though usually not a serious condition, still Laryngitis may lead to fatal respiratory blockage in certain individuals, especially small children. The disease can be cured with the help of a number of natural home remedies for Laryngitis like honey, lemon etc. These natural remedies can be used either separately or along with other conventional medicines simultaneously. Voice Therapy is also considered beneficial in healing Laryngitis. Causes and Symptoms of Laryngitis Laryngitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections caused due to conditions like Allergy, Common Cold, Bronchitis, Chronic Sinusitis, Flu, etc that lead to upper respiratory tract infections. Exposure to vocal irritants and chemicals and use of Asthma inhalers may also cause the same. Environmental factors like cigarette smoke, pollution, etc may lead to chronic Laryngitis. Similarly, prolonged vocal strain, especially at abnormal pitch may also cause inflammation in the vocal cords. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) may also contribute in causing this condition by refluxing up digestive juices and acids into the esophagus. Vocal cord paralysis due to injury, lung tumor etc may also lead to chronic hoarseness in voice. Though rarely, still Laryngitis can also be caused by autoimmune conditions like Sarcoidosis, Relapsing Polychondritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other such diseases. Laryngitis is characterized by symptoms like hoarseness of voice, a constant urge to clear the throat, a tickling sensation in the throat, dry throat, swelling of the lymph nodes around the neck, pain, difficulty swallowing and other similar symptoms. Natural Home Remedies for Laryngitis • Boil about 250 ml of water mixed with two teaspoons of honey and juice extracted from a lemon. Then, filter and cool this solution. Drinking this solution on a regular basis is one of the best natural home remedies for Laryngitis home treatment. • Simply inhaling moist air or steam also serves as a highly beneficial Laryngitis home remedy by moisturizing the vocal cords. Essential oils of lemon, orange, thyme, lavender, etc can also be used along with this natural remdy to make it more effective. • Adopting steps like breathing through the nose and providing adequate rest to the larynx by neither shouting nor whispering are some of the basic home remedies for Laryngitis natural treatment. • Drinking about 8-10 glasses of water (at room temperature) per day is one of the most highly recommended Laryngitis home remedies, especially in case of dry throat. • Taking a mixture of one tablespoon apple cider vinegar in half a glass of water at regular intervals after every seven hours is useful in reducing Laryngitis. • Having a mixture of two tablespoons of onion juice and one tablespoon of honey after three hours serves as an effective natural cure for larynx inflammation. Alternatively, a mixture of five tablespoons of onion syrup, one tablespoon of honey and some honey mixed in a glass of warm water is also beneficial in curing this condition. Onion syrup can be prepared by simmering three large onions in 4-5 cups of boiling water until the solution becomes thick and syrupy. • Ginger tea, lemon tea and other herbal teas are regarded as highly therapeutic home remedies for Laryngitis cure. Effectiveness of home remedies requiring gargling is doubtful as gargling tends to irritate the throat, if at all the gargling mixture even reaches deep down the larynx. Diet for Laryngitis Sipping warm liquids such as vegetable soups, warm herbal teas and warm water is highly beneficial when dealing with Laryngitis. Plus, positively include ginger and garlic because of their natural antibacterial properties. Herbal remedies with herbs like Echinacea, Plantain, Coughgrass, Knotgrass, Cardamom, Chamomile, Eucalyptus and other similar herbs are also considered useful in the natural treatment of Laryngitis. Stay away from caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee and colas that tend to cause dehydration. Besides, try to avoid coughing and cleaning the throat repeatedly as they these activities may cause further irritation in the throat. Moreover, strictly abstain from cigarette smoking and alcoholism as they tend to aggravate the symptoms and make the condition even worse.

Mold! Mold everywhere the eye can see! You can try to treat the spot you found, but chances are the mold you found is part of a bigger problem—one you can not see! Once mold has started growing it will continue to do so at an alarming rate, which is why you should call a Mold Remediation Companies Marietta GA as soon as you spot it to get that removed. Left unchecked, the mold will eventually begin to smell, but the odor itself isn’t dangerous: it’s what’s in the smell. These are the kinds of molds that can occur if you do not properly address the problem: Just as the name implies, these molds contain allergens, which can cause allergies in humans. These molds can have a strong impact on people with weak immune systems and asthma. These molds are more severe and can affect people with weak immune systems, such as those going through chemotherapy. If it’s determined that you have these molds in your home or office, it’s best to call a mold remediation specialist to safely remove the mold. These molds are highly dangerous and give off harmful toxins. Although rare, this type of mold can cause severe health problems in humans and animals, including death. A common name for this type of mold is Black Mold. A#1 Emergency Service specializes in getting mold removed. Mold enjoys a moist climate, so if you live near Capistrano Beach, Newport Beach, or any beach city, the odds of getting mold in your home increase dramatically. Our service professionals will address your problem in a timely manner and will have your home back to normal in no time.

cold and flu health center/cold and flu a-z list/7 home remedies to kill a sore throat fast center /7 home remedies to kill a sore throat fast article nobody likes waking up with a sore throat. a sore throat is just what it sounds like — a soreness or discomfort inside your throat. a sore throat is a symptom of the common cold, along with allergies, upper respiratory illness, or strep throat. however, strep throat symptoms develop much more quickly and include: there are many reasons you can develop a sore throat. cold viruses or the flu can cause this condition, as can bacterial infections like strep throat. mix half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water, gargle, and spit. it also acts as a natural cough suppressant. add it to a cup of tea or hot water, stir well, and sip away. a humidifier will open your sinuses and keep the air in your room moist, making it easier to breathe. a throat spray with numbing agents like lidocaine or even an herbal mixture of echinacea and sage can relieve a scratchy throat. over-the-counter pain medications, like or ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help alleviate throat pain and body aches. sore throat pain associated with a virus is typically mild, lasts for a few days, and responds well to at-home treatment. if your sore throat is severe, you have a rash, swollen tonsils, or a fever over 101 degrees that lasts for longer than a day, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor. sore throat (throat pain) usually is described as pain or discomfort in the throat area. a sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. otc remedies for a sore throat include otc pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. antibiotics may be necessary for some cases of sore throat. medicinenet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 1. warm and cold fluids 2. gargling 3. over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers 4. steam and humidity 5. hot toddy 6. rest. gargle with salt water—but steer clear of apple cider vinegar. drink extra-cold liquids. suck on an ice pop. fight dry air with a humidifier. soup broth – traditional soups might be hard on a sore throat, but a warm (not hot) broth can soothe the throat and go down easy. throat lozenges or cough, what kills a sore throat fast overnight, home remedy for sore throat and dry cough, how do i get rid of a sore throat quickly, home remedies for sore throat and stuffy nose. gargling with salt water is a well-known natural remedy to get rid of a sore throat. the salt helps reduce swelling by pulling water out of the throat tissue. gargling with warm salt water reduces inflammation, promotes healing, and inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth. salt water also helps thin mucus and is soothe sore throats with salt, lemon, sage, apple cider vinegar, and ginger 1. gargle with salt water. of course, one common way to ease the discomfort of sore, best medicine for sore throat and cough, sore throat remedy, sore throat remedy. When you try to get related information on home remedies for scratchy throat, you may look for related areas. what kills a sore throat fast overnight, home remedy for sore throat and dry cough, how do i get rid of a sore throat quickly, home remedies for sore throat and stuffy nose, best medicine for sore throat and cough, sore throat remedy.

Natural foot care products are a very important part of everyday life. In fact, they are responsible for keeping our feet healthy and in shape at all times. As such, most people have taken to the habit of buying all natural moisturizers and foot creams that can be easily found in their local stores. But there are a number of people who don’t even know where to start when it comes to purchasing such skin care products. If you are among those who don’t pay much attention to the labels of skin care products, it is time that you learn how important it is to look for natural moisturizers and foot creams that contain natural ingredients. The truth is, there are a lot of cheap skin care products being sold out there and they can be very bad for your health. To avoid this, here are some tips that you can follow in order to buy the best foot cream and natural moisturizers in town. – It is important that you only use products that contain natural ingredients. Why? Simply because natural ingredients will be able to provide your body with everything that it needs without loading it up with unnecessary and unhealthy chemicals. When you use cheap skin care products that contain chemicals, you are simply adding more toxins to your body system. This will, in turn, lead to a lot of unwanted side effects. Instead of doing this, you should focus on using only products that are made from natural ingredients in order to provide your skin with all of the things that it needs. – Natural skin care products also help improve the condition of your skin by improving its elasticity. By using natural moisturizers and foot creams, you will be able to keep your skin moist throughout the day. This way, your skin won’t dry up and start looking dull and flaky. When your skin is properly moisturized, it will be able to produce more oil in order to prevent your skin from drying up and look dull. – Another benefit of natural ingredients is that they can improve the health of your skin. A good example of this is grape seed oil. You will be able to improve the health of your skin when you apply grape seed oil on it. The presence of natural ingredients in your skin care products will allow your skin to be able to absorb the vitamins and minerals better than what it would if you are using artificial products. You will also be protecting your skin from harsh elements like the sun’s UV rays. When looking for natural foot care products, it is important that you consider how they can affect your skin and overall health. Never ever go for products that contain chemicals. Make sure that the ones you are going to use on your skin are completely natural and organic. These natural foot care products can surely help you maintain the beauty and health of your skin. Go and learn more about natural ingredients now.

Ring in the New Year with Appetizers, Mini Desserts and Good Luck Food! I think we’re all beyond ready to turn the calendar page and say goodbye to 2020 and looking forward to a healthier, happier and safer year in 2021! While we won’t be entertaining as in previous years, there may be a recipe or some inspiration you can find for a quiet evening and celebration at home to ring in the New Year, so I’m sharing a round-up of recipes, along with some good luck foods (which we can all use!) for your New Year’s Day celebration. Click on the links below highlighted in red for the complete recipe or post. Ring in the New Year with a celebratory countdown table with clock plates, clocks and party horns and hats Transform the Christmas tree to a New Year’s Countdown Tree, with the addition of gold and silver ribbon, streamers, party horns and tiaras for New Year’s Eve sparkling celebration. These no-bake party size desserts are easy to assemble using ready-made cake from the grocery store. Make them as simple or as fancy as you like, add a sparkler in celebration and serve. A festive, sweet bite for New Year’s Eve! Easy to dress, filling with your favorite ingredients. An easy sweet and salty treat that is highly addictive, and dressed to impress with gold and silver edible stars Easy to pull together at the last-minute and festive way to entertain A Southern dish turned-finger food, that’s fit for company and fun for New Years! This little bite is a crowd pleaser! The crab mixture can be made a day in advance, then the bite-size cakes are baked in a mini muffin tin with a crust of Parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs! A make-ahead appetizer that’s light and bright and tantalizes your taste buds with tangy vinegar, bright citrus, with a slightly sweet licorice flavor from fennel Oh so good and easy! Roast the grapes in advance, allow to cool and refrigerate until ready to assemble. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, substitute another soft cheese like goat, Boursin or Brie. Make the cherry medley ahead of time and place bowls of ingredients and baguette slices for your guests to assemble a delicious self-serve party bite! Warm Olives, so simple and so good! Use your favorite olives, especially easy and convenient using a mixed assortment from the olive bar at the grocery store. Ready to serve in 10 minutes. A layered salad with ingredients to bring good luck in the new year~ cornbread, corn kernels, black-eyed peas, and bacon. Romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes and smoked turkey, makes it a complete meal. Easy to whip up with a food processor and a delicious and healthy way to serve up some good luck for the New Year Cornbread is considered a good luck food for the new year since the color resembles gold. The addition of broccoli and cheese makes for a moist and flavorful cornbread that sneaks in some green veggies! Serve up your good luck for the new year with pork, black-eyed peas and collards under a layer of golden cornbread, in one skillet! Wishing you a Sparkling Safe New Year and New Beginnings ♥ * Pop * Fizz * Clink * Thank you for your visit, sharing with:

Last Updated on February 6, 2022 by Cinthia If you have ever tried to decorate a cake, you must have encountered a little problem. How do professionals achieve that sleek look? The answer may be easier than you think. However, the first step is going to be crumb coat cake. And the crumb coat is a layer of frosting that holds firm any part of the cake, that wants to fall away from it. Crumb coating is essential to prevent the frosting outer layer from mixing with crumbs that alter its texture. You’ll also need it when you want to cover your cake with something else, like fondant. Thus, we have found the best crumb coat frosting recipe as well as a few secrets in order to achieve the best results. The Secret Is In The Softness For The Best Crumb Coat CakeThe Secret For The Best Crumb Coati...The Secret For The Best Crumb Coating Frosting Recipe The best buttercream to use for crumb-coating is one that has a soft consistency. Krazy Kool Cakes and Designs details a great recipe for a vanilla meringue buttercream. They stress the importance of the fatty content, this kind of buttercream has to have. The secret here lies in where that fat comes from. Usually, buttercream recipes are a mixture of butter and sugar, but here it is always a little bit different. Thus, we will use half the butter, half and shortening, as this will give the icing its softness. This recipe will make a full batch of icing, but you can easily make half of it. You can also use this recipe for the filling. - 1 cup of high-fat ratio shortening (NOT vegetarian shortening) - 1 cup of butter - 2 tbsp of meringue powder - 2 tsp of clear vanilla extract - 8 cups of sifted confectioners sugar - 9 tbsp of milk (regular or 2% work great) For other types of cakes, you can change up the extract to achieve different flavors. You do not need to add coloring to the crumb coat, as it will not be visible once the cake is finished. How Soft is Too Soft You need to consider how delicate your actual cake is. If you are working on a very moist lemon or strawberry cake, for example, you may need a softer buttercream so as not to damage it. To achieve this, you can add more milk to the mixture until you are comfortable that it will not hurt the cake. If you want to ice harder chocolate or red velvet cake, you may not have to adjust it. Also, keep in mind the temperature and humidity you are working on. The hotter and more humid it is, the softer the buttercream will turn out overall. Thus, check your mixture while you are making it, to ensure that it does not turn too soft. If it turned out too soft, you can always add more confectioners sugar. But how do you know when it is done? It needs to be creamy and soft, of course, but not watery. Once it sticks to a spatula and does not fall down, then it is done. Furthermore, take into account our previous tips and always do a small test on the lowest part of the cake, where you cannot see it after the fondant is on. As you can see, it is fairly easy to get a great buttercream for crumb coating. Just have it mind that fresher is always better and that if you freeze it and re-whip it, the consistency will change, as it will get dryer and therefore harder. Exactly the opposite of what we want! Tell us in the comments if you have tried this recipe! Did you find it easy to follow?

For the Planet, Greta Thunberg and the Extinction Rebels Or the tail that soaked saved New York CHAPTER ONE: HERMANO Hey there, I bet you’ve never heard this amazingly true story, my gruzzly little brothers and sisters. The true but some say incredible tale of Hermano, the spiny tree rat, who lived in the wild and once very wooded forests of the great Amazonian jungle. A tree rat who saved the Planet! Now the Amazon is a very hot and steamy place indeed, in deepest South America, and mainly in a modern country called Brazil. Although the magical animals of the jungle there, the brightly coloured sugar birds and the slithering ground snakes, the snapping Cayman crocodiles and the ants, bees and insects, don’t exactly use Human names for things. No, you see animals, birds and insects have a quite different understanding of the World, so a different way of looking at things too. Hermano was an exception to these dumb animals without words though, like all exceptional little creatures. Hermano’s family had had dealings with the humans once, you see. So, despite several bad things happening to them, as they do to all families, sometimes, they had come to love the humans’ words, their stories and even their books. So, at his birth in a giant Brazil nut tree, soaring so very high up there above everything, our hero’s father had given his son a human name, Hermano, which means brother, my gruzzly little cousins. It was a name Hermano whispered in his deepest dreams, as he listened to the strange sounds of the mighty Amazonian rainforest, talking to him in the darkest night. Listened wrapped around a great big brazil nut for comfort, and food too, since above all Hermano loved gnawing on delicious nuts and sharpening his teeth. There Hermano heard the soothing drip of the great forest canopy too and the buzzing fizz of flashing fire flies, heard the wailing whoop of howler monkeys and the screech of ten thousand Amazonian birds. Hermano heard that gurgling too, that came from the mighty river that runs through his jungle home, and right across the vast continent of South America – the longest in the world, called the Amazon. They were sounds that were filled with wonder and mystery, but sometimes with threat too. Among these strange noises though, for a time, also came the steady sound of his father’s strong, reassuring voice, softly telling Hermano stories, to help Hermano go to sleep. For all good parents should tell their children stories. Stories that were sometimes made up and sometimes true, and of both the animals and the Humans, in the great lands of the Americas. Hermano heard tales of the human cities too then and the lost civilizations of the Aztecs, Incas and the Maya, that had come into being many hundreds of years before. One day Hermano’s father had even taken his son deep into the rainforest, past a thundering jade-green waterfall, and shown him a great carved stone face, giant stone steps and a human temple. All of which were now abandoned though, broken down and covered in ivy and vines. Hermano’s father said these were the remnants of human civilisations, that had once been. Which had been so powerful that they had had chains of mountain runners moving through the rainforests like army ants to bring them news, or to warn of threat and tens of thousands of human slaves too, to do their bidding. Civilisations which had vanished altogether though, so that some said the place was haunted, and had been abandoned and disappeared with time. As Hermano’s father suddenly disappeared. For one day poor gruzzly Hermano was something called an orphan, so completely alone in the world, abandoned himself. It happened like this. Soon after Hermano had seen that lost temple in the forest, there had come other angry noises in the jungle night, but this time made by humans. Among the sounds of animals then little Hermano had heard the sudden snarl of a vicious knife with glinting metal teeth called a chainsaw, and the growling thunder of a moving bulldozer too, with lights like Jaguar’s eyes. So the humans had suddenly come in the night to cut down Hermano’s ancient Brazil nut tree, and many others too. That’s how Hermano’s entire family had been squashed in an instant – THWACK. Their home had been bulldozed and snapped up by the horrid machines and the heavy falling branches, along with many other little creatures of the forest. Creatures that to humans are often invisible. It was terrible. Hermano only just survived himself though because, half asleep, wrapped around a brazil nut, he had pushed out his spines in fright, as he always did when he sensed something bad was about to happen, and rolled like a yucca fruit. So Hermano had fallen into a soft clump of purple forest flowers, safe and sound. Safe as a gruzzly orphan can be, at least. For if truth be told, the jungle is not always a very safe place at all, sometimes, with the hungry snakes, and the biting bullet ants, with the soaring condors that can swoop so low and pluck little creatures from the ground to gobble them up. With the fires too that can burst out on their own in the heat, or start when the humans are close by and being careless. Meanwhile, in his spiny fall to safety, Hermano had landed on his tail, ouch, and from there-on-in Hermano had a kink in it. It made Hermano feel different, and very alone indeed, with his family suddenly gone. It made him feel rather prickly and out of place. Happily, the free creatures of the Amazon are rarely really ever alone though, and besides, in the countries of South America not only is family everything, but there they have things called extended families too, that try to look after one another in trouble. So Hermano had been taken in by his Grandfather, Raoul, a kind, wise old white-faced spiny tree Rat. If Raoul was always very sad and melancholy too, often depressed, with drooping grey whiskers and gentle wrinkled paws. At first Raoul had invited his grandson high up into the branches of another great tree, the very giant of the forest, a Kapok tree. But looking up at it Hermano had started to shake like a maraca, and stuck out his spines and burst into floods of tears too, now frightened at the sheer height of the thing. Perhaps it was the fall. So Raoul had moved both his wife and his grandson into the branches of a Graviola tree instead, also called a Soursop, much closer to the ground. There Raoul taught Hermano how to bury nuts and told him especially how he must always keep clean and be tidy, for to be clean was a sacred thing. So they started a new life on the edge of the human devastation. Devastation? Yes. For that’s what poor Hermano saw now with his huge brown eyes, which were often crying, as he looked out at the hole the humans had cut in the great rainforest that had killed his family. For in front of Hermano in the Amazon jungle now were a carpet of fallen trees, like discarded matches, and a space like five football pitches, football being a game they love to play across Brazil, almost as much as they love to make music and to dance. “A hole,” Hermano whispered, “They’ve made a hole in it. They’ve made a hole in me.” Since Hermano had once loved trees, being an arboreal rat, loved scurrying up and down their mossy trunks and swinging with his huge tail from their tangling branches, clever Hermano could not understand why the humans should want to do such a dreadful thing, let alone murder his whole family. It hurt his heart and Hermano had a very big heart indeed. Until one day Hermano’s spines began to tingle again and prick up on his back as more humans arrived in the rainforest. There were hundreds of them now though, in hard, yellow plastic hats, and stomping black boots, not only to clear the fallen trees, but with metal poles and diggers and strange rotating machines with huge mouths to mix something called cement. You see, the humans had begun to build something on the edge of Hermano’s beautiful rainforest, an edge that is always getting smaller, as the Humans eat into it all. Something that soon became a place of much heated speculation among the animals round about the land of Brazil, something almost as strange as that temple covered in jungle vines. Whatever is it they can be making there, the animals all wondered in the chattering Amazon night, and what did the humans want to do inside it? Could it be some strange laboratory, on the edge of nowhere, for secret and terrible scientific experiments in space and time? Could it be some kind of cruel prison for the humans to punish each other in, or to keep as their slaves? Or could it be the start of a new Mayan Mega-City that one day would simply swallow up the Amazon rainforest altogether and all the animals, birds and insects in it too? Che, the cheeky Cucaracha, a cockroach who lived on the next door Soursop fruit, chirruped that it was to bring the humans work, so that they could feed their families. And because he was something called a Communist too, Che thought this was a very good thing indeed, to help the poor human peoples of Brazil. Yage the tree frog though, who claimed he could call to the Brazilian Rain Gods themselves, and see secret things by travelling in his dreams, croaked and rolled his huge frog eyes, as he licked his sticky tongue across his own Emerald green back. Then Yage croaked that it was a terrible sign of Evil and the end of the whole World too and only a Shaman knew it. It was the very first time that Hermano had heard that strange word, Shaman, which means a creature of vision and magic power. For Yage himself claimed that he could see strange things with his mysterious gifts. Hermano’s crooked cousin though, a vicious toothed water rat called Cartel, who hung out along the winding banks of the Amazon River, told Hermano that it was all just the way of the wicked world, which was always on the move. That Hermano shouldn’t worry about it and that the only way to be in life was to turn to crime like Cartel. So to really make it in the modern jungle, as a dirty rat. Brutal faced Cartel would look at Hermano though and shake his head doubtfully. Because Hermano was so nervous and gentle, not to mention afraid of climbing and often bursting into tears. While, unlike all Brazilian rats and most Brazilian animals, even the humans, Hermano couldn’t even really dance. Hey, gruzzles, think of that, a Brazilian tree rat that can’t dance! “Spineless,” snorted Cartel one day, “and always blubbing too, like a baby. You’ll never be modern, stupid little Hermano, or happy in your own skin, or hard as a Brazil nut, like me, or a really dirty rat either. In fact you’re just a worthless piece of Amazon rubbish.” This made Hermano feel very small and sad indeed. As for the strange building, near which the humans had placed large plastic barrels to collect their drinking water from the rainfall, it was Grandfather Raoul, who watching the work day and night, looking as mournful as ever, realised just what it really was. Raoul guessed it when the noisy vans began to arrive, down the concrete access roads, that the humans had laid in the forest, to deliver things to be stored on the endless rows of metal shelves that the men were putting up inside. “Please tell me what they’re doing in there, grandpapa,” said Hermano with concern one day, as they watched together through the huge, rubbery leaves, dripping with globes of moisture like enormous tear drops, “What is it the humans are making?” “A Depository,” declared Raoul softly and very sadly, as he looked out at the rainforest, “I think it’s called a Depository, Hermano.” “Deposi-tree, Grandpapa?” whispered the prickly arboreal rat, in a confused little voice. “Yes Hermano, or sort of. It’s a modern place where humans store things,” explained Raoul. “A warehouse. Store things like toys, and clothes, like furniture and tools. Deposit them.” “Oh,” said Hermano, wondering why and what these things were anyway. “So when people ask for them, Hermano, and put a price on them…” Raoul went on. “What they pay for them with money, Hermano.” “What’s money, grandpapa?” asked Hermano. Raoul frowned but turned and ran to a hole in the Graviola tree and with his long nose the old tree rat pushed something out, a scrunched-up ball, made of old paper, that he rolled back along the branch towards his grandson. He unrolled it and Hermano saw a kind of multi-coloured leaf. “That’s money,” declared Raoul, with a sigh, looking unhappily at the old US dollar bill. “They make it out of paper and things. Humans give each other these, Hermano, so they can buy things. Like the things in the depository that they then package up and send out, all around the World. To countries called China and India, to Australia and to Samoa, to Italy and to France, and even to a place called the United Kingdom. To places far, far away, my brave little Hermano.” Raoul smiled knowingly, because he used to boast that he was a very world wise old tree rat himself. Indeed Raoul had once told Hermano the story of how his own father had even been to the country called America, far to the North of the great Amazon jungle. Now Hermano, who was naturally very inquisitive indeed and keen to learn all about the mysterious World himself, twitched his long brown snout. “But if those places are so far away, Grandpapa,” he whispered, thinking again of those lost civilizations in the rainforest, “why do they have the things here then, in our secret home, just to send them there, and why are they cutting down all our lovely trees?” It was Raoul’s turn to shrug and shake his head. “Progress, Hermano, that’s what humans call it, I think, progress,” he answered, a little doubtfully. “And because things are always changing, and growing too, like the forest trees. But in life you will find that people like to dump their garbage on other people’s doorsteps,” he added, looking at the hole in the trees. “Although I suppose to them their Depository is a kind of temple to their things.” Hermano’s huge eyes looked sad and he wanted to cry again. He thought of Cartel calling him garbage and felt like it too, as a teardrop ran down his cheek. “Besides, it’s the modern world, Hermano,” said Raoul philosophically. “And we all have to be modern now. That’s the future. So I hear that with their computers and their laptops now, their tablets, and personal devices, the Humans have invented something called the Internet.” “Internet?” muttered Hermano, thinking immediately of the giant spider’s webs that hang in the forest and catch flies and even little birds sometimes. “Oh yes, Hermano. Which means they can talk to each other, but without really talking to each other, like real animals do in the forest. Humans talk online instead now, you see, and so order things in secret from giant companies, at the press of a button, from anywhere in the World. That is called Globalisation, Hermano, and the Web.” Now this all sounded very strange and mysterious indeed to a little spiny tree rat, something Hermano could not even see, like this Internet or this web. But clever Hermano realised immediately that although he did not understand it, this modern world out there had certainly affected his life already. “So now too they have special machines,” Raoul went on, frowning even more deeply, “and something called electricity, that makes things move on their own, Hermano. So everything can be automated inside the Depository, with hardly any people there at all, to make more and more money, for the people who own the factory anyway. That is something humans call economics.” Hermano wondered if Che had been wrong, because how could that ever help the poor human people working on the building, if this strange Depository was automated? Yage the tree frog though, who was listening nearby, raised a green frog eyebrow. “But it sounds horrible, grandpapa,” said Hermano, his spines tingling again. “Hmmm,” said Raoul, with a heavy sigh, “Perhaps it does, Hermano. Except there will be one great bonus.” “Inside there they will have things too that you cannot put a real price on, ever. Priceless things.” “What priceless things, grandpapa?” asked Hermano more eagerly, cheering up a little. “Books, Hermano,” declared Raoul delightedly, “books and stories and ideas inside. For this too will be a great Amazonian book depository.” Hermano’s bright brown eyes lit up in wonder now, because in all the things his grandpapa had told him already about the world, just like the rest of the family, Raoul had taught him to love the idea of books and stories. Books, that Hermano’s father had said were made by humans from trees, and sometimes even covered in bark, but which had pages of paper and ink and writing on them. Things to make up tales of the world, or tell the long tale of time itself and of the human civilizations too that had been and gone already. Like Hermano’s family. In fact, both his father and Raoul had told Hermano the name of many made-up stories they had heard, by famous human writers, like The Hump-back Whale of Notre Dames and The Lizard of Oz. Wonderful titles, which had filled Hermano’s head with amazing dreams. “Books,” croaked Yage though, rather sourly too, “there’s only one book ever worth really reading, Hermano, the secret book of the mighty rainforest itself. There, if you journey with Shaman eyes like mine, you can know the whole world too. The whole of Nature and all the amazing things in it. But without having to destroy it all, like the humans do. Or make a hole in it either.” “Destroy it?” said Hermano, wondering where his parents had gone and his tail curling like the creepers on that broken face on the temple, as another tear ran down his cheek. “Right, Hermano,” said Yage very angrily now, “since humans are the most destructive animals on Earth and what the humans always forget is what a Shaman like me knows instinctively.” “And what’s that, Yage?” whispered Hermano keenly. “That there is life in everything, Hermano,” declared the shaman frog. “In the animals and insects, in the birds and bees. But in the flowers and plants too, and in the trees and even the rocks, and that everything is connected somehow. That’s a Shaman’s true wisdom, Hermano.” Hermano nodded but he wondered how there could be life in a rock, or that stony human face in the trees. “But I’ll tell you another deep secret of the forest too, Hermano,” whispered Yage gravely, looking all around them now, “in fact, the very deepest. Which is this, Hermano: because everything in the forest is really alive, it has memory too, a very ancient memory.” Hermano felt very strange and Yage noticed the tears welling in his eyes again. “So remember this, Hermano, that if you ever cry looking at what you see and learn of the World, at all its sadness too sometimes, its darkness, to look only with good eyes, and to remember that in life there are good tears and there are bad tears.” Hermano gulped and wondered what Yage meant, but old Raoul scowled. “Now, now, Yage,” he scolded softly, “don’t teach Hermano things he doesn’t understand yet. Hermano must grow and be brave, not full of fear, and know how to find his own story in life.” Hermano looked at both the adults and felt very small and wondered if he would ever find a story. “He must remember too, never do harm to anything less than yourself, and that if you strike, you must always strikes upwards, even as high as the stars themselves,” said Raoul and Hermano felt almost dizzy. “And I love human books, Yage, and their stories,” Raoul went on eagerly, “Like the one written long ago by that man in the land of America, in a city called New York. My grandfather went there, he always told me, long, long ago, and made friends of the human, and my own father visited too, in the time of something called The Great Depression. So in a way we have a connection to America, Hermano. And I will tell you the story the human wrote one day. All of it.” Yage and Hermano smiled, for Hermano’s Grandpapa was always talking of this Great Depression and the other animals of the Amazon said it was why he was always so depressed. “I want to be a writer,” said Hermano suddenly, “and to write books too, grandpapa.” “Yes, Hermano,” said his grandfather approvingly, though with a smile, “the great thing in life is to be an artist. Then perhaps you can really be immortal.” “Immortal?” said Hermano. “It means you’ll live forever, my little rat.” Hermano wondered what it wold be like to live forever. “Stories,” said the Shaman tree frog though, “Write not just books but great stories, Hermano. So if you must be an artist, which is always a hard life, don’t be just any old writer, Hermano, but a magic, shaman storyteller. Be a teller of tales then that really change the world.” “Change the world?” gulped Hermano. “But by changing the way we see. Stories that always tell the truth too, of course.” “Truth?” said Hermano nervously. “Yes. And special stories to light a fire in other’s hearts, Hermano. Though with a tail like that,” added Yage, with a froggy wink, “Perhaps stories with a little twist in them too.” Then it was that Hermano the spiny tree rat decided that this was a very good idea indeed and that he would do exactly that in his life and be an artist and a writer. CHAPTER TWO – THE DEPOSITORY “And I want to travel,” said Hermano eagerly now, “I want to travel all over the world, Grandpapa, and to see everything there is in it, Yage. I want to hear all the stories, good and sad, and bad and mad, and go to America too.” “In time, Hermano,” whispered Raoul wisely among the leaves, “in time. You’re still only little.” “No, Hermano,” said Yage disapprovingly though, “you should stay safe and secret deep in the deepest rainforest, little brother. Here, with us.” “But why, Yage?” “Because it’s dangerous out there in the Human world, Hermano,” answered the tree frog, “very dangerous indeed sometimes, even more dangerous than the jungle floor. It is in fact gruzzly. Sometimes nowadays it is filled with Terror too. Terror! But here the animals are free and safe and secret. Besides, they wouldn’t let you in now, into America.” “Wouldn’t let me in?” said Hermano indignantly, wondering what Terror was, “but why not Yage?” “Because then you’d be an Immigrant, Hermano,” answered Yage gravely, “A Foreigner. Not having been born there. And I hear now that, since they like building things like the depository, and making their money doing it, in America they are even putting up an enormous Wall, to keep little rats out, and humans too.” “A Wall?” whispered Hermano in horror, his eyes opening wide, because he had seen walls around those vanished cities. “It’s true,” said Grandpa Raoul gravely, looking even more depressed, “the humans seem to fear each other more and more nowadays, Hermano, and it would be hard to get into America, perhaps even impossible.” Hermano was appalled, as his grandfather sighed, and he thought it very unfair that people should come to his rainforest, cut down his trees, and murder his family, then build a horrid wall to stop him going where he wanted in life. Wasn’t it a free World after all, like it was in the Amazon? “But there’s another way of travelling,” said his Grandpa, to reassure the spiny tree rat. “Another way?” said Hermano hopefully. “Oh yes, Hermano. Through stories, so in your own imagination, like the dreams you have at night. Because no matter what they do to you in life, what life does to you too, Hermano, no-one can ever stop you dreaming.” Hermano smiled and a tear dried on his cheek. “Just like how your great, great grandfather, my father’s father, met and made friends with that human writer in America,” said Raoul softly, “whose name was Hermano too, or sort of. Herman, it was. Your namesake.” “Yes. Though this Human collected money all day long, working at Gansevoort Pier on the Hudson River in New York City, pier 54 I think it was, he travelled as well. Both in life and in his mind, he travelled on the wide ocean, and then in time too, through something called History. So he wrote a famous story of a great white whale, that a man with a wooden leg was hunting for. A whale his hero came to believe was perhaps God himself, or the Devil.” Hermano thought this sounded amazing and wondered if God was really a great white whale and what it looked like. But it was all so long ago it sounded too like those lost human civilizations in the heart of the forest. “I don’t believe it Raoul,” said Yage the tree frog though. “To make friends with a human? It’s impossible, Raoul. Besides, only Shaman animals can see God, in everything there is.” “But this Herman human helped to change the world, Hermano,” insisted Raoul nonetheless, “by simply sitting still and thinking and writing. It is great stories you can really rely on in life, you see. While a very famous tree-rat writer once said that “poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world”. And so we must all aspire to be like that Hermano, to make something really big happen in life and be a hero, be a real rainmaker.” “A rainmaker?” said Hermano, as they sat there together in the seething, dripping rainforest and the shaman frog looked rather embarrassed, since he couldn’t think of a Shaman story himself, and the building went on and on. So Hermano did begin trying to tell his stories, in his plan to be a writer and an artist, making up tales about everything that happened in the Amazon, and those temples in the forest too, playing with his crooked tail as he did so. His were stories about all the creatures and plants there, as some of the other animals came to listen to him. Though, being rather nervous, Hermano would sometimes trip over his stories and lose his way and somehow Hermano didn’t quite feel big enough to be a true Shaman storyteller yet. But then, one day, something terrible happened, or something very sad indeed, that wasn’t a story at all, but the end of one. Hermano woke up one bright Amazonian morning to the strange, exotic noises and ran to his grandfather to ask him something. But he found Raoul as still as stone and when the little tree rat touched him with his nose he was colder than that temple. “He’s gone, Hermano,” whispered his grandmother mournfully, coming sadly along the branch of the Soursop plant, “my darling Raoul has gone to sleep forever.” “Death, Hermano,” said Yage gravely, hopping up beside them with a tear in his viscous frog eye, “it’s just called Death, Hermano. It comes to us all in the end, quite naturally. Like those great human civilizations that just passed away.” Hermano was very sad indeed as he looked at his dear grandfather and felt even more alone, as the tears began to come again, like a little river. “Death,” he gulped, “Then we aren’t immortal at all?” As Hermano stared at poor Raoul’s old body he suddenly noticed a trail of soldier ants marching towards his grandfather and nosing at him, as if they would pick him up and carry him away. “And where is he going?” asked Hermano. “What will happen to him now?” Yage looked at Hermano’s grandmother significantly, and she looked at Yage and they both looked at Hermano, but they said nothing, as the little tree rat went on crying. So at last it was finished though, the strange new modern Depository in the heart of the Amazonian rainforest, built on someone else’s doorstep. But because it was indeed automated, very few of the humans worked inside it, among its rows and rows of teeming shelves and booths and cubby holes, stacked with stuff. Except for the Robot machines that trundled up and down its gangways in the dark. Day and night trucks would arrive to deposit things too, or to take them away again, for special delivery all around the World, in boxes stamped with strange letters like UPS, DHL and FedX. One day though, as is very common, Hermano’s curiosity just got the better of him. You see, while he wasn’t trying to make up stories, after Grandpapa Raoul’s very natural but very upsetting death, Hermano had been dreaming too, day and night. Hermano had been dreaming of all the things his grandpapa had said, and of travelling too, like his great great grandfather to America and like his grandfather too. But dreaming of a wall to keep out travellers too and of a place called Gansevoort pier, on some Hudson River. Yet Hermano could not decide if these places were real or just a story, even a dream, and he thought too that his great great grandfather and this human writer must have lived a very long time ago. Hermano had been dreaming too of all the things inside the great new Depository though, but especially of books. Of one book in particular, that story by a human called Hermano, and of a great white whale, or perhaps of God, or even the Devil, that his own grandfather had tried to tell him before he died, but never really finished. So one evening, late at night, Hermano decided to have a look inside the depository and find the book for himself. Hermano plucked up all his spiny courage, what was left of it anyway, and ran down the stem of his Graviola tree and scurried across the forest floor towards the giant building that had killed his parents. Beyond in the human clearing Hermano found the great metal roller doors of the Depository closed, but since the little tree rat was very good at getting into small and awkward places, like all clever little rats, Hermano found a drainpipe that led him straight inside. Now Hermano found himself sitting on a workbench, his huge tail hanging down the side, with the kink at the end, gazing at the astonishing place in the moonlight pouring through the vast windows – the Amazonian Depository, that had made a hole in the forest. The warehouse in the jungle was huge, huger than even Hermano’s little dreams, or so it seemed, and the shelves and stacks crammed now with modern stuff seemed to stretch for miles and miles. So down Hermano hopped in the darkness and started to run along the rows of human things, gazing all around, like a child in a toy shop at Christmas time. It was amazing what Hermano saw there in the moonlight. Not only were there new human toys and tools and furniture sitting waiting on the shelves, but there were salt and pepper mills, and pots and pans, computers and radios, toasters and smart new coffee making machines. It certainly all looked so amazingly modern. There were even boxes stacked there, but coloured boxes to put in ordinary boxes and more packages than Hermano had ever seen before. Hermano wondered why humans would want to put boxes inside boxes and needed so many packages. Yet now something strange happened, as Hermano looked down the rows, because it was as if a clock was suddenly ticking inside his head and his twisted tail twitched and Hermano found himself immediately counting all the things there, almost instantaneously. It was as if little Hermano could actually see numbers in his head. As he went on again though Hermano began to wonder who had made all these things in the Depository, this modern temple to human stuff, and what on earth the humans used them for, and what they paid for them in their paper money, and why there was so much of it. Hermano wondered who really needed it all. Hermano thought too that although the place was amazing and very modern too, none of it was as beautiful as his living rainforest, or his ancient Brazil nut tree. Nor worth the lives of his mamma and his papa and all his family. Yage had been right. Hermano began to grow depressed too, just like grandfather Raoul with his Great Depression, because nowhere he looked could Hermano find the thing he was really looking for now, the book. Hermano stopped, somewhere in the middle of all those rows, wanting to find his way back to his drainpipe, out into the lovely air and moonlight again. But the poor tree rat could not remember which row he had come down – he was lost in the Depository. Suddenly Hermano’s spines were tingling again too and standing up on end. “Hey man,” said a voice and the tree rat nearly jumped out of his skin, among all those things, “Hermano. What you doing in here, little brother? A modern warehouse isn’t for little rats.” Hermano looked up to see none other than Che, the cheerful Communist cockroach, gazing down at him and laughing. As much as a cockroach can laugh, for they have very still faces indeed, being insects. Perhaps Che’s eyes were laughing. “I’m looking for something, Che,” answered Hermano gravely, his spines relaxing a little. “I’m looking for a very special book to help me make up Shaman stories that will light a fire in animal’s hearts. But I can’t find it anywhere. The book.” “This way then,” said the cucaracha, “if it’s books and stories you’re after, little brother. At the far end of the Depository. Though you may be disappointed.” “Disappointed?” said Hermano, as the tree rat followed on behind the cockroach. “But why?” “Because in the modern human world no one really reads anymore, Hermano, not like in the old days anyway,” answered the cockroach wisely. “And when they do it’s often not on real paper pages anyhow, man, but on screens and computers and laptops.” “Screens?” said Hermano, remembering his Grandfather talking about some Web. “Laptops?” “Sure, Hermano. I mean with computers and the Internet, with iPads and Kindles,” said the Cockroach gravely, “with all those human boys and girls staring at their smart phones, playing games too, or sending texts, I hear they can read the words there. So why buy real books at all, even if they were interested? They have something called EBooks too now, Hermano, millions of them, so you can never choose a good one to read. Anyhow, here we are at last.” The cockroach turned the corner and Hermano was very disappointed indeed at what he saw. In front of them were not lovely hard backs and paperbacks, not beautiful picture books and pop-up books, not hefty tomes or slim little novellas, all waiting to be read and pawed over and thought about, but rows and rows of empty metal shelves. Except right at the far end, on its own, was just one very thin book waiting to be shipped across the world. “But Grandpapa said this was a priceless Book Depository,” said Hermano, hardly able to disguise his disappointment. “I know,” said the cockroach wearily. “But nowadays they don’t even have to print physical books beforehand, because they can print and make them here in the warehouse instead, as soon as someone orders one, automatically. With a special machine.” Hermano looked miserable, but he was looking up and trying to read the title of the book. A book which wasn’t a story, or a history, a travel book, or a clever book on food or politics, but a book on Self Help. Hermano suddenly felt very embarrassed indeed though because the spiny tree rat realised that although he had become better at making up stories himself, if not quite Shaman stories yet, he had never even learnt to read. “But is this book by a Hermano, Che, or a Herman?” Hermano asked, “Herman Belleville, I think it was. He’s my namesake, Che. He wrote a story about the sea once, and an angry captain with a wooden leg and a huge white whale who bit his leg off. So the Captain wanted revenge, or perhaps revenge on God himself. So he set off to hunt him down, but killed everyone trying. The shaman man who wrote it worked at Pier 54 and my great great grandfather even made friends with him, with a human being.” For some reason Pier 54 was so specific it had lodged in Hermano’s head. Perhaps it was his mysterious talent with numbers too. “No, Hermano,” said the colourful cockroach, looking at the book spine. “It isn’t that one. This is called The Secret.” “Oh. And just one book,” said Hermano, “How sad.” “Yes, Hermano. It’s not like the old days, or the great Library of Congress in America. There they have a copy, a real one, of every single printed book ever made. Ever.” “Billions and billions and billions of books they have. And though the humans publish words online now, millions of them every day, it’s not the same. Because each book has its own individual character, like a person or an animal, brother, or even like the people who have read and loved the stories. Think of that.” Hermano wondered now if these numbers could be right though and there really were billions of real books in the world. “America,” whispered Hermano though, “Now that I’d like to see, Che, and New York City and this great Library too. Just as I’d love to travel.” “Well you can’t,” said Che quickly. “Can’t? Why not, Che? Because of this Wall they’re building?” “That, yes,” answered the Cucaracha, frowning as much as an insect can frown, “but then there’s Immigration too.” “At the borders, and Customs, that stop strange and illegal things going in and out, and passports that you need to travel with and tickets that cost you human money, sometimes lots of it.” Hermano was horrified. “But I’ve got money,” he said though, “The Dollar bill in our Soursop tree.” “Oh, that old thing,” laughed Che, “that was out of date years ago, Hermano, so you can’t use it anymore. Besides,” said Che, seeing Hermano was getting depressed again, “who would want to go there really, brother? I mean we’re the country, Hermano, the forest, the true adventure, freedom itself. Not great big human cities like Boston, San Francisco, or New York. So it’s here that anyone should travel, to really see the World, not there. The living world, that is.” “New York,” said Hermano wonderingly though, if he thought too of what Yage had said of seeing the wonder of Nature in the forest. “Yup,” nodded Che, “The City that never sleeps, that’s New York.” Hermano thought of what Yage had said of everything being alive, even a rock, and wondered what a city that never sleeps dreams about. “But you’re staying put, right here, little brother, in the rainforest, forever. Although there won’t be any forest left soon, the way the humans carry on. Because whatever they do, good or bad, Hermano, they ALWAYS carry on. There are just so many of them now, billions, although of course it’s us insects that will inherit the Earth one day, they say. Since insects, especially ants, are the wisest thing there are.” Hermano thought of the ants beside his grandpapa, as Che led his friend back through the warehouse. Hermano was feeling rather sad again, because although he loved his home and the Amazon rainforest, and all the amazing animals in it, he still wanted to travel and see the World. Hermano realised that he never could though. While he had listened to what the cucaracha had said of the humans always carrying on, and wondered how long his home would even survive. “Che,” said Hermano after a while though, and it was as if a light had suddenly come on in his head. “I wonder if I could travel to the Human who owns the Depository and ask them to stop cutting down our beautiful trees and making a hole in the forest? Perhaps then I can make friends with them too, just like my great great Grandfather did, long ago.” Che wasn’t listening because the cucaracha had just found a set of flying, modern, battery operated drones on the warehouse shelves, with camera eyes, waiting to be sent out around the world, and which looked like him. So the cockroach had hopped up to try and make friends with them, even though they were made of plastic. Che would never have dreamt of trying to make friends with humans, even though he was a communist Cucaracha. Meanwhile Hermano thought he had got back to his workbench near the drainpipe, but when he scuttled up, passed an open cardboard box sitting on the floor, he cried out: “HELP!” Hermano found his legs slipping from under him, and as he started to run, frantically, along the rollers the little tree rat was on, faster and faster, he got nowhere at all. Hermano started to giggle though, because he found it rather funny, running there, without getting anywhere, like being on a treadmill, or like being a slave. It was with that that somewhere far away, in the very modern land of America, someone clicked a button on a little computer. A button that, because everything is more and more connected nowadays, automated too, sent an order to a machine. That sent an order to a company that sent an order to distant Brazil and to the new Depository in the heart of the Amazonian jungle. So, as Hermano ran there on the spot and his spines began to bristle again, as he sensed something big about to happen, something else started to move, in the Automated Jungle Depository. It was a robot trolley that set off down the endless aisles and picked up some stuff, a smart new Transformer toy, and trundled it back to the rollers. So a strange robot toy plucked from one of the shelves was suddenly coming toward Hermano, pushing at the tree rat’s very long nose and shoving him off the bench altogether: “Woooooooooah.” Hermano was falling, falling into the cardboard box, filled with bubble wrap, and metal arms were closing the lid and sealing it automatically with brown tape and a stamp was coming down on the lid, hard, with Hermano sealed inside, marking it FedX- NEW YORK CITY. CHAPTER THREE – FEDXED TO NEW YORK! That is how our hero Hermano found himself leaving the new, modern Amazon Depository in his ancient rainforest, in floods of tears, boxed, packaged and FedXed to New York. Hermano was travelling, all alone in the dark, although cushioned in his bubble wrap, wondering what on Earth was happening to him. Suddenly the rat was in a truck, Hermano knew it from the sound of the growling engine, and all the shaking and bumping. Then he was in something that roared like a panther and seemed to lift high, high into the air, which if he had known it was a great big aeroplane. That night Hermano cried himself to sleep. After what seemed an age, certainly a day and night, Hermano and a lot of other modern postal parcels and packages were in a car in a high speed train. A train that finally arrived in no less than Grand Central Station, in the heart of New York city, in the distant land of America. Which isn’t so far away at all these days. Hermano might have ended up anywhere, if the rat hadn’t realised how long ago it was since he had chewed on a delicious piece of Brazil nut and how very hungry he was too. If he hadn’t had very sharp little teeth, typical of a spiny tree rat, but made sharper by Brazil nuts and so begun to nibble and gnaw at the FedX box. Which was much easier because Hermano had cried so many tears he had made the thing soggy. Now cardboard doesn’t taste very nice, but it isn’t poisonous like Yage’s skin, being made of wood pulp and paper anyway. So soon not only was his stomach full again, but Hermano had made a hole himself and could see the light, as he pushed out his long nose. The Light? What lights Hermano saw, high up in the domed ceiling of Grand Central station, like judging eyes glaring down on him. But it was what he saw when he popped out of the FedX box, onto the station floor, that terrified him. Just before a US Postal official and his friend the female Customs officer sent his box on its way again. Hermano’s spines were bristling again like gruzzly daggers. The tree rat saw a forest of legs; bare legs and trousered legs, booted legs and jeaned legs, skirted legs and even the odd wooden leg, like that man in the story. They were scurrying back and forth like the million army ants that march through the Amazon all the time, these human commuters, but far bigger and faster than anything Hermano had ever seen before. Hermano moved too now, fast, right across the lobby of Grand Central station, trying desperately not to be stepped on and squashed by the hurrying humans, just as the US Customs woman spotted his escape in horror. “Hey, stop that dirty little rat,” Hermano heard her crying furiously, “He’s an Alien, an illegal alien. Gruzzly. It’s a disease.” But Hermano escaped, out into the streets of the greatest city in America: New York. Oh no. Hermano had never seen anything like this in his entire life. It wasn’t just all the people and the yellow cabs rushing by, the belching cars and the huge black limousines, nor the smells and terrible noises, nor the folk scurrying along the sidewalks, with pocketbooks and briefcases and telephones. It was those buildings rising before him: The Empire State. The Chrysler tower. The Flat Iron building. Very famous buildings indeed, that climbed like those ancient stone temples in his forest, or like gigantic trees. Up and up and up Hermano’s bulging brown eyes went now, climbing the great, soaring buildings like a Brazil nut tree. But they seemed to go on and on and on forever, so that when the tree rat’s eyes almost reached the top, they were as high as a hundred rainforests, a jungle of giant skyscrapers under the clouds. Hermano felt sick and dizzy and never wanted to climb anything ever again. The tree rat saw too up there, in the heat of that hot summer day, one of the hottest days on record, in fact, that one of the City canopy tops seemed to be smoking, as if it was one fire and then Hermano heard a wailing siren call too. Now the Amazon jungle is a hard place, a dangerous place sometimes, but with its great leaves and bursting flowers, with its rich grasses and thick, moist earth, it can be a soft place as well. New York City wasn’t soft, on no, it was made of pavements and concrete and glass, of metal and cement, entirely man-made, like the modern Depository. It was as hard as the shell of the hardest Brazil nut, which are very hard to crack indeed. Hard too in the way people live there, day and night, some never sleeping, never stopping, never being very natural either. Now Hermano found himself being swept along by all those moving city feet, running for his life, huge, blinding tears falling from his eyes. “Perhaps they build all this and move so fast,” Hermano found himself thinking, “because they really don’t won’t to die, like grandpapa Raoul, although that was only natural.” As Hermano went though, at least the tree rat was a little reassured that there weren’t only humans in this terrible jungle city, but animals too, so his tears began to dry. Hermano saw birds everywhere now, although not like the glorious coloured sunbirds of the Amazonian jungle. For these scrawny urban pigeons were dull and grey, as they tottered along the pavements, or looked down from the city ledges and cooed nervously, or dropped guano on the sidewalk and the people’s heads. Hermano saw cats too, like the prowling wild cats of the forest, but these were lounging on the Manhattan balconies, arching on the stoops and slinking down the alleys: City cats. There were dogs as well, everywhere, Poodles and Chiwawas, Terriers and Labradors, Saluki’s and Pomeranians. Dogs that were being walked in the parks, among so many human children, or strolling down the sidewalks, wearing little coats, or having their coats groomed and shampooed in the windows of expensive New York beauty salons. There were huge dogs, and medium sized dogs and dogs so small they looked like toys you could put in your pocket. Sometimes Hermano could not tell if the humans or the animals were in charge of the city. Hermano stopped again on the side walk, panting desperately in the heat and dust, and as his gaze went up again to that forest of buildings, his eyes began to bulge and Hermano felt terribly dizzy once more. In fear he pressed himself back against the dirty walls of the city library, breathing heavily. “Vertigo,” said a gruff voice, and Hermano jumped as he saw a rather elegant Ginger Tom cat, although with only one eye, licking his right paw and watching him carefully. “I diagnose vertigo, buddy. A pathological fear of heights. I’m a medical cat, see, and I’ve seen it in many of my patients, especially in New York.” The cat’s single eye blinked slowly and he purred. “Verteeeego,” gulped Hermano, feeling tiny and utterly spineless too, “A feeeer of heights, Senor?” The one eyed cat tilted his head and looked sympathetically at Hermano’s tail. “And a stranger too here, I see,” he said. “Or hear. An Immigrant, perhaps? Though I promise not to tell anyone. We’ll, you’ll be wanting somewhere to stay, I guess, but it won’t be easy, friend.” “It won’t?” said Hermano miserably. “Nope, it won’t. Especially not for a rat in New York,” said the cat, with a cold, one-eyed smile. “They’re everywhere now, looking for accommodation and a place to be. They say in New York City that at any one time you’re no more than ten feet away from a rat.” “Oh,” said Hermano, feeling a little reassured and wondering if he could make friends with his brothers. “But not your kind,” said the medical Tom Cat quickly. “Dirty rats, I mean. Really dirty rats. Smooth black rats. The Criminal fraternity. The mobsters of the East Side. Crooks. Otganised grime. They run the City streets. It’s an infestation. So keep a sharp eye and watch your back, or your crooked tail at least.” Hermano remembered that angry, female human voice calling him an illegal alien and a disease too. Perhaps then Hermano was a Criminal already and a dirty rat, after all, just like his cousin Cartel, even if he was spiny and not smooth at all? Even though he couldn’t dance. “But what are you and where are you from, buddy?” asked the funny eyed cat disinterestedly. “A squirrel.” “NO. I’m Hermano,” answered Hermano firmly, “I’m a spiny tree rat.” “Ah, yes, and a Para spiny tree rat, I see, from Brazil. Mesomys stimulax,” declared the clever cat, “That’s your scientific name.” “Stimulax?” said the Amazon rat with a gulp, much preferring Hermano, or brother, and not liking this label at all. “Well, maybe. But I’m from the deepest, darkest forests of the great Amazonian Jungle, although they’re cutting them down now, Senor.” “So I hear, brother,” said the Tom Cat, rubbing his nose with his paw and giving a little cough. “So I hear. So soon no-one will be able to breathe. While the whole world will be nothing but concrete and petrol fumes and smog, perhaps. Dying.” “Dying?” said Hermano in surprise. “But why won’t it be able to breathe, Sir? “Don’t you know anything?” answered the serious Cat rather critically, wondering if he should try to eat Hermano. “Because trees and plants and flowers aren’t just pretty things, or wood you cut down to use for paper and fancy furniture. Oh no, Sir, they’re living things, that make air for the whole world, make Oxygen out of Carbon Dioxide, so everyone can breath and live. Like the rivers and the oceans. And what’s more precious than air, buddy? That’s just Science, little rat. So your home in the Amazon is like a giant lung, the lungs of the planet, in fact.” Hermano was amazed by this erudite medical Tom Cat, and once more the tree rat thought of those mighty human civilizations that had disappeared back into the jungle. But he remembered Yage too and what he had said about everything being both alive and connected. Perhaps it was really true. “Science,” said the one eyed cat archly. “The only way to see the world, Hermano, if you want to be really modern is scientifically. Though of course a way of seeing in your mind too.” “Seeing in your mind?” whispered Hermano with a frown and thinking of the story of a white whale, which might really be God. “Sure. I mean, you can’t easily see what’s really underneath with your ordinary eyes, even two of them, so you have to use knowledge and reason and science too.” “Can’t see?” said Hermano in surprise. “No Sir,” said the cat, squinting with that eye. “Of course not. I mean you can’t see that the sidewalk is really moving.” “Moving?” said Hermano in astonishment, as humans hurried past, for it seemed the people were certainly moving, but not the hard ground. “Well, not the side walk as such,” said the scientific cat, “but the molecules and atoms that makes up the stuff that makes it up. Like globes, or little balls, tiny little particles that make up everything. Though of course the Earth is a ball, spinning in space at 60,000 miles per hour.” “Wow,” whispered Hermano and it was if a whole new world was opening up before him. Hermano could not believe the Earth was a ball turning round so fast though, because then why didn’t everything fall off? It sounded like magic. “Like a drop of water,” the cat went on thoughtfully, “that’s round when a rain drop falls, because of the way the molecules connect, and because of surface tension and gravity. Although to our eyes water is just water, but if you could see it with stronger eyes you might see all sorts of things in it. Not just its own molecules and atoms, I mean, but things living in it too, like microbes and bacteria. That when we pollute it enough can cause disease.” Hermano thought of that woman calling him an immigrant and a disease again and of the great Amazon River too and of all the things that lived in it, large and small. It had sometimes looked very dark and slimy indeed. “You see the more successful humans are,” said the clever cat, “the more of them there are, and the more things they make for each other, the more they like to dump things on each other’s doorsteps. But I guess we don’t care about that anymore in America,” frowned the cat. “I mean not with the human boss Silas Trunk Junior in charge now.” “Who?” said Hermano, as the cat turned his head and hissed at a huge poster of a man with a very bald head. “Silas Trunk Junior’s the great big US President, junior now, their number one politician. Although he’s really just an hotelier,” said the cat, “if he acts like God.” “God,” said Hermano, wondering what a politician is, “But I thought God was a whale.” “Oh, I don’t mean a real God, rat, I mean metaphorically. I mean God doesn’t exist anyhow.” “He doesn’t?” said Hermano in surprise. “Course not. But Trunk wants to put up borders, and go it alone and break all the new treaties between countries to stop pollution around the world. While whatever humans do, they love to dump garbage everywhere. Like all their rubbish they just bury in huge holes in the ground. Landfill sights, they’re called. Except what do you do when you’ve filled up all the holes? Or like all the plastics they chuck in the seas and living oceans. Terrible.” The cat scowled, but then his single eye lit up beadily. “But I guess that’s the problem with Science too,” said the cat, looking around at the ceaseless city. “I mean it works and makes things faster and faster, but it drives humans in straight lines too, just like the grid pattern this city is laid out on. New York’s Avenues, up and down the island. Like the Romans laid out their cities centuries ago. Nature doesn’t have any straight lines though.” “Oh,” said Hermano, wondering who the Romans had been. “Yet there’s money and profits to be made now, even for a medical Cat,” said the cat, cheering up. “Like the new drugs they’re finding all the time in the secret places of the forest. I mean we all die, brother, and one day, in say five billion years’ time, the sun will go out anyway. So why should we worry about it all? “ “Well I’ll stop them,” said Hermano hopefully and a little heroically, feeling very hot under the city sun. “Stop them?” yawned the one eyed Tom Cat, looking at all the humans swarming past, “but how, Hermano?” “I don’t know, Sir,” answered Hermano humbly, “but I’ve come to find the man who owns the modern Depository in my rainforest, the warehouse, to ask him to stop it. I mean its Automated, so it doesn’t give the humans much work anyhow, despite what Che says. Perhaps I can make friends with a human being then, like my great Grandpop did long ago.” “Friends with a human being?” said the cat in surprise, who certainly liked humans to feed him but was a rather independent creature. “Impossible.” “And I’ve come to find a book too,” said Hermano. “All about God, or a human, or a whale, or something. Even if you say God doesn’t exist. To teach me to be a Shaman storyteller. And a real artist.” “Oh,” said the Cat doubtfully. “Then I definitely diagnose delusions of grandeur, Amazon Rat. A clear case of Munchhausen syndrome, in fact. And a rat obviously not happy in its own skin. A little autistic too, or on the spectrum at least. Obvious, buddy.” Hermano wondered if the cat was right and he wasn’t happy in his own skin. “Well thank you,” said Hermano doubtfully, hating these labels even more and turning to hurry on. “And I will keep a sharp eye, and watch my tail too, even though it’s bent, I promise.” Hermano hurried away again and soon all the sights and sounds of New York City were so bewildering it wasn’t just looking up that made the tree rat dizzy, but just walking along. As he went though Hermano at least began to feel a little more at home in the strange modern city, and for one particular reason. It was because if he was an Immigrant, suddenly FedXed to New York, a foreigner lost in the big city, trying to be an artist, Hermano realised that many of the other animals here seemed to be strangers too. Crossing through China Town then Hermano met several Chinese pugs, and in Little Italy a Roman Canary that loved to sing Opera, and he even bumped into a Japanese iguana on a lead. He met a British poodle in a tartan waistcoat too, who looked very hot indeed, and several mangy pooches from Poland. As Hermano stopped at a famous place called The Algonquin Hotel he bumped into a Mexican Cayman too, a city crocodile, who was about to disappear down a storm drain. He told Hermano his parents had once been flushed down the toilet bowl in the fancy hotel, when their owners had got bored of their exotic but dangerous pets. So now he and several other little crocodiles were living underneath the city in the storm drains instead, ready to gobble everything up for their dinner. It sounded a little like the Amazon. Just down the way though, avoiding the crocodile’s many sharp teeth, Hermano passed a number of Palm Reading shops promising to tell your fortune, and came to a window filled with nicely groomed animals in smart silver cages, and coloured fish in huge green tanks. It smelt nice. But here in the Manhattan Pet Shop Hermano saw an extraordinary sight. It was a huge bearded hamster on a wheel, running around and around, but going nowhere at all, just like Hermano had done in the Depository. Yet this hamster was smiling as he went and looking very serene indeed. Through the window the hamster was watching the humans too, in their headphones, running on machines in the gymnasium opposite, all like little hamsters themselves, or even like slaves. “Don’t you want to get off though, Sir?” asked Hermano, as he poked his snout around the door. “I could help you, brother.” “By Golly gosh, no,” answered the Indian creature, who was originally from Gujarat. “Why would I be wanting to get off? The World is being a ball, friend, like a globe, a circle or a tear drop, perfectly round, so it is.” “It is?” said Hermano, remembering what the cat had said too. “As round as the Great Wheel of Fate and Fortune, my good friend, or as Karma itself. So if you are ever down, you just have to keep on going and then you’ll be up again, especially in New York City. Never give up then, friend. Simple. For the great wheel always turns.” Hermano thanked the Indian Hamster for his strange wisdom and went on. But now Hermano was growing rather frightened at the thought of where he would sleep that boiling hot City night, with a huge moon rising in the Manhattan sky already. Especially if everyone, including so many smooth street rats, were looking for accommodation too. As Hermano went on he began to notice that although New York seemed filled with millions and millions of human beings, fighting for the yellow cabs, or shouting and screaming at each other, or pushing and shoving, or shopping and eating and buying stuff, very few of them seemed really to be talking to each other at all. Not properly anyhow, like Hermano had to Raoul and Yage and Che. Instead they spent their time looking at their mobile phones, in offices, cafes, shops and restaurants, or peering at their computers and laptops and iPads. Or playing games on consoles that made strange noises, or listening to music on the headphones round their ears, as they walked or jogged or roller skated frantically along. It all seemed very confusing to the arboreal tree rat, this city, but sometimes as if they were in a race. Hermano guessed that this must just be the modern world then. He thought of Yage again, and wondered how everything could be connected, if the humans seemed so much in their own worlds. Hermano noticed too some of the humans with animals, and how amazingly similar they were to their owners. There was the huge, slavering bulldog walking beside a giant, muscle-armed, snub-nosed bodyguard. There was the elegant saluki, strolling beside a beautiful Persian super model, its snout lifted high as her high heeled shoes. There were the young men in very tight Jeans, with perfect hairstyles, carrying little poodles and chiwahuas, as if they were bunches of flowers. But there were the tough New York street cops too, in helmets and dark glasses, sitting on top of huge, stern faced horses, with leather eye guards and the tramps and kids on the streets, as well, with mongrels and strays at their sides. At one point Hermano stopped on a busy, short little street and asked a New York pigeon who seemed to have a damaged wing where he was. “Can’t you read, buddy?” answered the bird, looking up at the Black and White Street sign, “This is Wall Street, pal.” “Wall Street?” gulped Hermano, “So this is where they’re building their Wall then, to keep out little rats and migrant humans too?” “Course not, pal,” answered the pigeon, “That’s far down south. No, this is where they make all the money. Not like Main Street where the ordinary animals and humans live. That hole there, where the fountain is, there used to be two of the tallest buildings in the city there. Here though they make Millions and billions and trillions. Although money means a wall to many, and going up in the world too. Up and up and up. Though it makes them all like slaves to me.” “Day in, day out, working non-stop just to make human money,” said the Pigeon, trying to flutter his wounded wing. “Slaves. Like the scandal of dogs in this city.” “Scandal?” said Hermano. “Puppy mills,” said the Pigeon, “All over the place. Breeding little dogs as pets, but since their owners want only the sweetest, cutest or the prettiest, so they look good on a lead, they’re being farmed. All those puppies.” Hermano was horrified. Now the tree rat noticed some very dishevelled looking foreign animals trundling along though, looking around as if they were about to be attacked by a condor. “Refugees,” explained the scrawny pigeon gravely. “Who’ve left their own countries, because of war or disaster or persecution? And it’s not just animals, pal. I heard last year around the world Sixty five Million humans were driven from their homes. Think of that.” Hermano was appalled. It sounded terrible, this human world. “So where you going?” asked the pigeon, but looking up longingly again at the skyline. “I guess I’m looking for somewhere to stay,” answered Hermano, “Safely for the night.” “Try the web then,” suggested the pigeon. “Web?” said Hermano in surprise, “you mean animals here really use this Internet too, just like Humans?” “Nope,” answered the pigeon, scowling, “Charlotte’s Web. A downtown spider started it in the window of a sewing shop, but it runs everywhere now. Like those electric cables you see nowadays; Internet cables, and Fibre Optic cables, Telephone cables and electric cables. To connect all the humans on their machines, with their electricity. But on Charlotte’s web animals still use Morse code, tapping the spiders’ webs, to send news and so plugging into Animal Media. It’s all the rage. ” “Oh,” said Hermano. “Then of course there’s the bird telegraph too, Twitters, and the bumblebee network, Buzz feed,” said the pigeon. Hermano nodded but the tree rat couldn’t speak Morse code and he wandered on again. Hermano had come to a place called Greenwich Village, although it was a village inside the city, and so no longer a real village at all. As he went Hermano began to see a great body of water too, like a lake. It was sunset now, the flames of the fading sun burning orange across the great Hudson river and as Hermano stopped and looked out, tears welling in his huge brown eyes again, with all the strange things he was feeling, all alone in New York city and so far from the Amazon, he saw a giant figure rising in the distance, on a little island. It was made of glinting metal and holding something in its raised hand, like a sword. It was an enormous statue of a human being. CHAPTER FOUR – JEB COWPAW “Lady Liberty, partner,” declared a lazy voice admiringly, as Hermano turned to see the strangest animal imaginable. He was much bigger than Hermano, with fiery red fur and huge front teeth. He looked a bit like a giant rabbit, or a cat, or a mix of the two. “That’s Lady Liberty herself,” muttered the stranger, giving a sudden whistle. “Given the humans by the darn Frenchies, when they won their freedom in America and their independence. The 4th July.” “Oh,” said Hermano. “That statue rises to one hundred and fifty one feet high and one inch, and carries a great torch in her hand, the torch of liberty. But nowadays the light in it don’t even work.” “But why not?” asked Hermano, feeling a great depression coming on again. “Guess someone’s forgot to change the bulb, kid. All too busy and disconnected now, the humans. Especially up at the top. Totally disconnected from what it’s really like down here, anyhow.” “But they seem connected to me” said Hermano. “I mean, all those buttons and phones, and wires and cables and instant communication and this Internet thing too.” “Connected to what though?” said the stranger mournfully. “Something else, somewhere else, not what’s on their stoop, or right in front of their eyes. They all live in Virtual Reality now. Or perhaps it’s cos we ain’t free, no more, that the light don’t work, like we used to be, partner. Now they’s building a great wall cross Mexico and everyone lives in fear and hate and terror.” Hermano gulped. There was that word again – Terror. “But that great statue stands on Liberty Island,” said the stranger. “Even if the light don’t work. While over there across the bay is Ellis Island, where many peoples of the World, the animals too, used to flock as immigrants into America, fleeing from the bad things around the world. The Country of Immigrants and freedom, this was once at least.” “And who are you?” asked Hermano politely. “Name’s Jeb, partner,” answered the red-coated stranger, matter of factly, but whistling again. “Jeb Cowpaw. I’m a Groundhog, son, from way out West. And I’m a poet too, a cowboy poet. I guess you could say I’m a Cow hog, or a Ground paw. They call me a Whistle pig too.” The Groundhog chuckled to himself and whistled again and with so many names Hermano wondered what Jeb Cowpaw was really, but Hermano was delighted to have met a real artist and a poet as well, which seemed a bonus. “Well, I’m Hermano, Jeb,” whispered Hermano, “it means brother.” “You a squirrel then, son?” “No. I’m a spiny tree rat from the deepest Amazon. An Amazon rat, I guess.” “Darn good ta meet you then, Hermano,” said Jeb Cowpaw. “And what can you do, partner? I mean, back home I’m a famous snake wrangler. But I came out East to the big city to seek my fortune, brother, and to help my folks too.” “Do?” said Hermano modestly, “Well I guess I can tell stories, Jeb, sort of. But I want to tell Shaman stories, to light a real fire in animal hearts. I guess I want to be an artist then, just like you.” “Why, that’s just swell, Hermano,” said Jeb Cowpaw approvingly. “And I just love stories, partner. Specially since I guess I miss home already, and the old days.” “Me too,” said Hermano mournfully, “I wish I was back in the Amazon.” “And I guess we’re cousins then too,” said the Groundhog, looking closely at the tree rat. “Cousins?” said Hermano in surprise. “Sure. You’re a rat, aint you? And Groundhogs are kind of rats too, like squirrels and Gerbils and mongooses, or geese. But then many things are related, that wouldn’t even know it. We’re all connected, I guess, but especially us artists.” Again Hermano thought of Yage. “But it’s getting dark, Jeb,” said Hermano suddenly, as the sun sank behind the watery horizon. “And it isn’t safe down here, with all the dirty rats, I hear, and the yellow cabs and all the crocodiles in the City sewers, and the humans too, of course. One says I’m a disease. Apart from the fact no one seems to know where they’re going, or why.” “No, partner, I guess it ain’t safe,” nodded the Groundhog sympathetically. “Which is why I took action on the ground myself. Yet this is New York and you’re a tree rat, so why don’t you just climb up to safety, brother? Get away from it all, up there.” The friendly groundhog was looking high up at the city jungle skyline. “Vertigo,” answered Hermano, feeling spineless again and very small, even more so with the scientific label. “I’ve got a fear of heights, you see, Jeb, since my family was killed, I think, and those buildings look very high indeed. Even higher than my Brazil nut tree, that the humans cut down. I’ve been something called diagnosed. Besides, I don’t have any human money, or any friends either, and I’m lost and very hot too, and hungry.” “A fear of heights,” muttered the Groundhog poet, whistling again. “Jeeese, that’s swell. If a little tricky. Well I guess I can help you then, partner. I mean use just gotta help folks out, don’t ya? Come with me then, little Amazon brother.” “But where are we going, Jeb?” asked Hermano nervously, thinking his new friend the groundhog might lead him to a safe, snug hole, deep in the ground. But instead the Groundhog led Hermano to a huge shop front on the Greenwich Village sidewalk, with whitewash on the windows. “What’s this, Jeb,” asked Hermano. “Was this. Used to be a great big bookstore,” answered Jeb Cowpaw, frowning. “Biggest in New York City, they say. Borderline it was called. Where people not only used to read, but meet and talk too and drink groundhog coffee and eat ice creams together. But it’s closed down now, with the Internet and EBooks and everything delivered to folk online. It’s like Greenwich Village. Used to be filled with poets and musicians and actors and artists, but now the rent’s just too steep. But come on in.” Inside, with all the shelves, it was rather like the Amazon warehouse, except there was nothing on them at all but an old, faded copy of Time magazine. “But what happened to all the books, Jeb?” asked Hermano. “Pulped,” answered the groundhog gravely, “turned back into wood pulp.” Hermano remembered what Che had said of books having characters, like the people who read them, and thought this horrible. Had all the stories inside just been killed then? But the Groundhog led Hermano up some steps into a lobby with a dusty marble floor and towards a giant stairwell. “I’m really not sure I can climb, Jeb,” muttered Hermano as they went, looking fearfully at the stairs. “Don’t have to climb, little brother,” said Jeb reassuringly, looking at the walls beside the stairwell and two sliding doors. “Not much anyhow. I’m mean, I’m a groundhog, so I don’t like climbing neither, Hermano. In New York City you use the elevator though. So you don’t have to look out half the time, with that fear of heights. That diagnosed Vertigo.” The kindly Cowboy groundhog led Hermano through one of sliding doors, into a metal box with buttons on the wall and since the human janitor had just got in too, not noticing the animals, up they went, up and up in the elevator, but with Hermano hardly feeling frightened at all. When the doors opened again Jeb led the tree rat down a peeling corridor and up some little metal steps. So out they came onto a flat roof outside, which looked out over the whole of sweeping New York City and Manhattan Island that it’s built on. “But heights,” trembled Hermano, feeling dizzy again and starting to shake furiously. “This is higher than I’ve ever been before, Jeb, even higher than my Brazil nut tree in the Amazon. And we can’t sleep out in the open, Jeb, it’s not safe from eagles and condors.” Just as he said it Hermano he felt a swooping gust of wind and his spines began to bristle furiously as a huge bird fell towards him. But seeing Hermano’s spikes, the bird changed its mind and turned up again. “That’s Conrad,” cried Jeb Cowpaw. “An American bald eagle that lives even higher than this, up on the roof of The Empire State. Then someone’s always higher up in life, specially in New York.” Hermano scowled but relaxed his spines a little. “There,” said Jeb though, with a happy smile, turning his head. “That’s home, Hermano. Just like way back West. This is how a sensitive, artistic groundhog overcame a fear of heights.” Hermano saw an extraordinary sight in the silvery moonlight. It was like a huge barrel on metal stilts, like those barrels to collect rain water in the Amazon, but with a kind of Chinese hat on top and standing on the roof, up there among the clouds. “It’s the old Water Tower, partner,” explained the groundhog proudly, his face pouring with sweat in the strange, unnatural heat. “Like they have all over the dirt farms of the Wild Way-out West, though down on the ground. And what is it that nothing can live without in life, partner?” “Water, Hermano. Take it from a thirsty groundhog. And a little food, and somewhere to sleep. But they have them all over New York City too. Water towers, I mean. Just take a look, kid. There.” Hermano plucked up all his courage and dared to look out, and the rat began to see them everywhere, among the strange buildings and the soaring modern skyscrapers, the little Wild-West Water Towers of New York city. Some were taller than others, others were sprayed with graffiti, some even had human advertising on them. The sight somehow made the jungle of giant modern metal and glass buildings less terrifying and rather old fashioned too. But then that’s one secret of modern New York, it’s rather an old fashioned sort of place, as well. “If you’re lost, partner,” declared the groundhog softly, “Always find something to remind yourself of home, that’s what I reckon, Hermano. A home from home, yes Siree. We city vagrants found our way up here when the bookstore closed and up here we’re all trying to be artists too. Well, most of us.” “Yes, Sir. It’s an artistic community, so it be.” Jeb led Hermano up to his Cowboy Water Tower on the rooftops of New York City, that impossibly hot summer night, with Hermano feeling a little surer of heights. The huge red-coated squirrel creature scurried him up the strut of one of the metal stilts, wide enough to run a uni-cycle along, and by a huge faucet that was sticking out of the side of the water tower, through a hole that the Groundhog had made in the wooden side with his huge front teeth, but below the actual metal water tank itself. Jeb had made it rather fine up there under his Cowboy Water tower. The place was like a little attic room, where poets work burning the midnight oil, the slats letting in the growing moonlight. It was filled with Groundhog furniture, that Jeb had made from things he had gathered on the hoof in the city. There was a mattress bed made from old straw, a cowboy hat and a kind of saloon bar Jeb had made from bits of crate. There were plastic bottles he’d used as plant holders and an old bicycle wheel that kept turning and creaking like a weather vein. In the corner was Jeb’s wooden guitar. The one thing poor Hermano immediately noticed about the place though, as a water droplet plashed on his head from above, was first a strange tapping from above. Tap. Tap. Tap. Then that the tower was rather damp inside, but in the terrible heat it didn’t seem like a bad home at all. Jeb frowned though and said they should be grateful because in this darn heat, like no summer on record, in fact, he was worried that the old Water Tower was drying out. CHAPTER FIVE – THE ROOFTOP VAGRANTS That is how Hermano settled in with his new friend Jeb Cowpaw, up there, high above ground zero, listening to his stories of what it had been like way out west once, fighting rattle snakes. The greatest rattle snake wrangler America had ever known was Jeb Cowpaw, or so he said, who knew about all the critters in the world. Hermano listened to tales of some great wagon trek too, that Jeb’s family had once made way out West, to conquer the land, heroically. Jeb the Cowboy poet recited his poetry as well and sometimes sang his Country and Western songs, when the mongoose picked up the little guitar. Hermano of course returned the favour, telling Jeb tales of the Amazon rainforest and all the magical animals and birds and insects and plants there, and of those great, lost civilisations as well. Telling his story in fact. Yet, although he was getting better and better, still Hermano did not feel like a real Shaman storyteller. Hermano liked Jeb’s poetry, he loved the rhymes and rhythms. Yet up there in the Water Tower he also liked gazing out safely through the gnawed slats in the wood and counting not only all those buildings, but the thousands and thousands of offices and rooms and windows everywhere. Somehow numbers made Hermano feel safe and more certain of things and after what the one eyed cat had said of science, and his being a little autistic, Hermano wondered if his real calling was to be an artist at all. Hermano got to know some of his neighbours as well, who were all homeless vagrants, but artists too, as Jeb had said. They had been attracted to the Water Tower, through the entrance in the old bookstore, because of Jeb Cowpaw’s guitar playing and the ease of a getting a cool drink, or showering under the steady drips. But perhaps, well, just perhaps because of each other too and the love of art. Up here though, high above the abandoned bookshop, there was a Korean Peacock called Kim who specialized in making shadow pictures on the wall with his feathers in the moonlight. There was Pepe the Puerto Rican Porcupine, a very prickly customer indeed, although also a poet, but always getting angry, shooting his spines about and talking Animal Rights, who lived with Alfonse the very effeminate husky. Alfonse had a very fine tail and when he moulted he would use the fur to make special paintbrushes. On the first day Hermano met Pepe though, the Porcupine glared at him and cried “Strike One.” It turned out that it was because Pepe’s other passion was Baseball, and Strike One meant the first time you miss a swing at the ball. Miss three times and you don’t get another go, so it’s three strikes and you’re out. Up there too was the cheerful little microscopic bird called Buzzy, with the very long beak from Central America, who kept humming to herself day and night and could flap her wings at incredible speed and hang in mid-air like a drone. Buzzy’s art was beak-painting and acapella. Not all were artists though, some were just vagrants, like the scrawny old Irish wolfhound Seamus, always talking about science himself, and as he gazed out at the city would suddenly declare “Now, the Universe is just a pot of boiling chemistry, and that’s my point!” There was the long haired Native American Racoon too, Lenno, who although a celebrated singer, kept much to himself, and kept saying that everyone had stolen his land. Then there was the very serious, God-fearing long eared hedgehog Rumi, who wore horn-rimmed spectacles. Rumi had wanted to be an artist once, but now spent most of his time thinking deeply and reading about anything from Astronomy to Alchemy. Rumi had lived in the deserts of the Middle East and before his escape into the city had been smuggled into New York by bad people, as something called an ‘exotic pet’. Rumi would pray to God day and night, bending his head to the rising sun, and was always calling Hermano and everyone else brother, a bit like Che. So Rumi got to know Hermano in particular as ‘little brother-brother’. There was an Owl too, with enormous, serious eyes, all the way from Hampshire in England, named Walpole, who liked to sculpt strange shapes out of twigs and branches. Hermano soon realised that all these poor artistic animals had somehow abandoned in the City though. The Raccoon because his owners had only wanted him for Christmas, and Kim for showing off, and Rumi because there wasn’t enough food around. Buzzy had escaped from a crowded bird cage and Pepe had been dumped because he kept leaving his spines everywhere. Horace was the exception, who had flown away from England, three thousand miles, because at home the place called United Kingdom didn’t want to be friendly to its neighbours any more. But now something wonderful happened. As Jeb read Hermano his made-up Cowboy poems, all about the West and the Wild, about the prairies and the good old days, Jeb would carefully show Hermano the letters that made up the little words with his paw. So bit by bit clever Hermano learnt how to read from the Cowboy poet. What better teacher could you have in the world than a Cowboy poet, under a Wild West water tower in New York City? There’s dust along the highway, but flowers across the prairie, There’s singing in the churches, where they praise the Virgin Mary, There’s drinking on the pack-trail, and fighting on the ranges, And when the sun is sinking, they’re ringing in the changes. But as they fight and work and die, and fry up all those fritters, There’s friendliness and laughter and hope among the critters. But one hot evening, when Hermano and Jeb were chatting together again just below the water tower, Hermano suddenly heard that strange knocking from above again. “What’s that, Jeb,” whispered Hermano with a gulp, remembering the legends around those lost temples, “Is it a ghost?” “No, Hermano. That’s Max,” answered Jeb Cowpaw, with a wink, “he’s a lobster.” “Lobster,” said Hermano in astonishment, “in the old Water Tower?” “Best place for him,” said Jeb. “ Max used to hang out in the live tank of Sardis’s Celebrity restaurant, waiting to be eaten. But he was about to serve his turn as the main course for a very important US Senator, when Conrad swooped in and stole the fair. But it was windy that day and so the bald eagle dropped Max and he fell through a break in the roof of the old water tower. Come to mention it, I must mend that hole. But he’s the oldest darn lobster that ever lived.” “Ever survived,” said a grumpy voice, through the dripping ceiling above them. “I’m only twenty five, but that’s pretty good for a lobster in these parts.” “Why, Max?” whispered Hermano. “Food and over fishing, course,” answered the lobster. “I mean, you spend six years growing a body and a ravishing, knobbly Exo-skeleton around it too. But then what do the humans do but pluck you from the sea and pop you in boiling water to turn pink, so they can eat you, with lemon and egg mayonnaise?” Jeb Cowpaw the groundhog whistle pig whistled and strummed his guitar knowingly. “Agony,” said the lobster, “And because there are so many of them now, humans I mean, they just fish and over fish, and now we Lobsters are all tiny and rarely make it beyond three.” This made Hermano rather sad and sorry for the lobster, though he couldn’t see him, indeed for every lobster around. “They’re very clever mind,” said Max mournfully. “Humans.” “Clever at making things, like lobster pots, or the old water tower. And the pipe that leads below it too and the faucet on the side, which if you turn the wheel, will let all the water out, so you can even clean it. Though luckily they won’t be letting any water out soon, with the drought and the new City water restrictions. It all works by Hydrostatic power though.” “Hydrostatic power?” said Hermano, wondering what a drought was. “Pressure. Just a fancy scientific name for pressure, with the water so high up. So I guess they aren’t as clever as Nature, because it really works by natural gravity.” “Gravity,” said Hermano, thinking of the cat, “What’s gravity?” “The unseen force between things, Hermano, which stops us flying off the earth, and makes the water fall to earth too.” Hermano suddenly realised gravely this was the force that had made him fall from his Brazil nut tree and twisted his tail and killed his family. Gravity. “Though clever humans have even gone into space now,” said Max knowledgeably from above, “and some are talking of living up there too. But they have to wear space suits, of course, to breathe, because everything really exists in its own element. Like Lobsters have to live under water. That’s why the key to life is always being happy in your own skin.” “Oh,” said Hermano, his spines tingling strangely and remembering what Cartel had said of his not being happy in his own skin. So there they went on living up below the old Water Tower. Yet as Jeb Cowpaw told his stories and wrote his Cowboy poems, Hermano began to notice something else – inconsistencies. For a start, one day a pigeon dropped a little grass snake on the hot, flat roof, but which made the groundhog jump and bolt back to his Water tower in terror. So Hermano wondered how a groundhog that was afeared of snakes could have been a famous Snake wrangler back home. Then there was that great wagon trek way out west, that in a different telling, when Jeb had drunk some hooch, spoke of how it had gone completely wrong, and the wheels on the wagons had all fallen off and half the animals had died of thirst. Then the native American racoon Lenno, who overheard Jeb Cowpaw talking one day, told Hermano of how the Western pioneers had been bad and not heroes at all and had killed so many of the Native American animals, to steal their home and trees and land. Hermano was very shocked indeed. The raccoon also described a terrible war among the humans, after that thing called Independence, that had killed many animals too, between the North and the South of the country, over the fact that some humans had kept others as slaves, and little better than animals. Hermano thought it sounded like the great lost civilizations of his home, the Incas and Aztecs and Maya. Then, one evening, Hermano met a very superior Miner bird, or rather saw him. Because the old fellow landed on the edge of the roof, but refused to mix with the neighbourhood, although he had clearly been here before. Instead he kept looking at them all with disgust and making a noise that sounded like “Grunts.” “Why, that’s Colonel Black,” explained Jeb Cowpaw laconically, when Hermano asked who he was. “A Veteran of the skies. Very proud and superior old East Coast sort of bird, is Colonel Black. He’s old school and thinks America is just going to the dogs.” “And is the Colonel an artist too?” asked Hermano. “Not a bit of it, partner. Colonel Black hates artists, much as vagrants. Thinks we’re pointless and just take up space. But I wouldn’t bother trying to talk to the dude, Hermano. He’ll just ask you if you’re paying your taxes, which you can’t if you don’t earn any human money, and go on and on about the Founding Feathers too. Military type, you know. Though he sure is grizzly.” “Founding Feathers?” said Hermano. “The birds who got together years back to write an Animal Constitoootion, about how all the animals in America should behave properly and really work together. Very self-important is Colonel Black and always going on about defence too, and Mastery of the skies being key. He’s particularly suspicious of Rumi and his kind, although he believes in God too.” “Crap on them all from a great, big height,” cried the Miner Bird suddenly, peering out at the skyline and at the pavements far below them. “Damned filthy pigeons. Flying rats, if you ask me, taking over our God damn marvellous City. Like all these damned animal immigrants, and artists and vagrants.” So there Hermano was, safe if a little unsound, with his strange new artistic neighbours, up there in Jeb’s Way-Out-West Water Tower. Hermano was happy for a while, but we all miss home soon enough and soon Hermano was thinking of the Amazon all the time, and of Yage and Che and even cousin Cartel. Hermano wondered if they ever worried about him, or wondered what had happened to him and how, since he had been FedXed to New York City, quite by mistake, he might ever get home again. Hermano had quite forgotten his mission to ask the human who owned the Amazon Depository to stop cutting down his trees and making a hole in his rainforest. Forgotten about Raoul’s father’s book too. He was growing rather depressed again too, because frankly now Hermano didn’t believe half the tales that Jeb, or the others told him about the past. While it seemed far too difficult to be an artist in New York city. Then one especially hot evening, when all the animals seemed to be melting, just like the sticky covering of the roof the old water tower stood on, Hermano was sitting outside again, feeling more confident about going near to the edge and taking off that label of Vertigo, when Rumi wandered up. “And what you looking at, little brother-brother?” asked the Middle Eastern hedgehog softly. “That great human statue, Rumi,” answered Hermano mournfully. “Lady Liberty. She’s very beautiful, Rumi. Like some great idea. But not as beautiful as the river. As Nature herself.” “The Hudson river,” said Rumi, his little eyes sparkling and nodding, “and I wish we realised that all around the World, although there are different languages, and different beliefs too, we’re all united by the beauty of Nature, little brother-brother.” The Middle Eastern desert hedgehog sighed wistfully and blinked through his spectacles thoughtfully. “Rumi,” said Hermano, “isn’t it true you wanted to be an Artist once too, but now you don’t anymore. Why?” “Because how can anyone make anything as beautiful and true as what God has made all around us,” answered Rumi seriously. “And you don’t seem very happy here, Rumi,” said Hermano softly, wondering if God even existed. “Oh, I am, my brother, I am. But they don’t like immigrants these days, especially not vagrants. They don’t think we’re really all brothers and sisters at all. And they love putting labels on you, and trying to put you in a box.” Hermano thoroughly agreed, thinking of how he had been labelled with vertigo and on-the-spectrum Autism and sent to New York in a box. “It’s all this Terror, I think,” said Rumi sadly. “Terror?” said Hermano and Rumi sighed. “When bad humans from my land attacked the City once, from the skies. They say they did it in the name of God, Hermano. But that’s silly, because how can anyone know what God thinks, who thinks of everything? But here they won’t forget.” Hermano looked out nervously at the skyline and the surging streets below them and wondered if it might happen again. “Still, we shouldn’t talk about sad things, Hermano,” said Rumi, more happily. “Just look at the glorious evening then, and the sunset too. There, over the pier. There’s God in that Sunset all right, my little brother.” “Pier?” said Hermano though, his spiny ears pricking up sharply. “Down there along the great Hudson river, Hermano. That’s Gansevoort Pier. It’s where I arrived in Manhattan, before I escaped. I’ll take you if you want, Hermano. Hermano?” Rumi looked around in the boiling hot evening, but Hermano had vanished. CHAPTER FIVE – VLADIMIR AND THE MUNICIPAL GARBAGE DUMP Hermano was on the streets again, down in bustling New York City, this time making his way along the hard pavements towards Gansevoort Pier, or pier 54. To find the place where that man Hermano Bellville had written his famous book about God and a great white whale. Hermano hardly knew why, it was like looking for an ancient temple lost in the rainforest. Except he still wanted to be a Shaman storyteller, a true artist and it was something about his great, great grandfather, even his great grandfather, and the past and stories. Besides, at least now with Jeb’s teaching and all that cowboy poetry, the spiny tree rat could certainly read. Hermano read the names on the metal street signs as he went along and soon he was passing through Chelsea, and then the famous Meatpacker’s District of New York, wondering if all that meat got FedXed too and how many boxes they needed. Then Hermano started to see them, the river Piers, all numbered as well – One, Two, Three, Four and so on – and soon Hermano was scurrying along the Hudson river, the Pier numbers flashing by, keen to get to the end of his great quest, that had really brought him all the way to America, but to find that great Shaman book too. Then there he was at last, at Pier number 54. Though what did poor Hermano see now, but a huge sign saying this? – NEW YORK CITY MUNICIPAL GARBAGE DUMP. Garbage dump? Was this the end then of Hermano’s great, if rather accidental journey from the heart of the Amazon jungle to be an artist? Not a fine meeting with a famous American writing gentleman in a tall top hat, to tell him the end of a Shaman story. Not a great white whale either, certainly not God himself. But a line of mechanised Garbage trucks and a load of rubbish piled all about. Hermano noticed too that most of the black bags lying everywhere had holes gnawed in them, like the holes he had made with his teeth in the FedX box, and that the garbage was spilling out onto the ground. It was as if this was suddenly the end of Hermano’s journey, his very destination, in fact, and somehow the end of all journeys too. “But it’s terrible,” whispered Hermano bitterly, “what can it all mean?” “Terrible, kid?” said a sharp voice. “Why you talkin’ terrible, buddy?” Hermano blinked and looked about, since no one was there. But then he saw a huge, smooth black rat sitting on top of a broken garbage bag, looking like a King and gnawing a large fish bone in his paws. “I wanted a story. But it’s just a trash dump,” said Hermano disapprovingly, his spines pricking up. ”It’s not even covered in vines and forest creepers. There’s nothing here.” “JUST?” said the rat though, with shining, cunning eyes. “But where there’ trash, there’s plunder and profit, kid, for some anyhows. This place then is the real source of all my power and why I rule the dirty rats in New York City now. By keeping them fed and fat and happy on human garbage. The name’s Vladimir, buddy. My family are second generation Russian, from Siberia, but New Yorkers now. And what’s wrong with it anyhow? Smells just fine to me. Delicious.” Hermano looked around mournfully. “Yes, Sir, but this is where a famous human was once a tax collector,” explained Hermano quietly, “to make their human money. Pier 54. In truth, I mean. But he was also a great writer too, an artist. So he travelled in his imagination, like a Shaman. And if you can do that you’re always free, whatever the world does to you.” The smooth black street rat raised a large black eyebrow doubtfully and Vladimir frowned. “He wrote a book that I want to read about a great white whale and a man with a wooden leg called Captain Ahab,” explained Hermano. “But that’s really about God, or the fact maybe there isn’t one, except in our heads. Herman’s my namesake, because great, great Grandpapa made friends with a human. And like him I want to light a fire in animal’s hearts.” “Light a fire?” whispered the black rat thoughtfully, his eyes suddenly sparking strangely. “But I guess poor Grandpapa Raoul was right and all is change. So it’s all gone now,” finished Hermano sadly, wondering when they would finally cut down the last tree in the Amazon too. “Naaaah,” said Vladimir though. “No. I mean, I heard that story and its bunkum, kid. Your human Hermano wasn’t a tax Collector, at all, but a Custom’s Man.” Hermano thought of that human female chasing after him and calling him an alien. “And he didn’t work at Pier 54, though I think his relation owned all the land hereabouts. But I’ll tell yer a different tale, kid,” said Vladimir suddenly. “About two great ships that were meant to dock right here, at Number 54, from distant lands, but never even made it. The Lusitania and the Titanic.” “Oh,” said Hermano, cheering up a little, that at least something exciting and important had happened here after all. “The Titanic was the most famous God darn human ship in all the World,” said Vladimir gravely. “But it hit an Iceberg at sea one day in the Atlantic and sank, on its very first voyage, its Maiden voyage, drowning most of the humans on board. So I guess yer right, kid, all is change and everything alive dies. Which is why a dirty rat has to look to the future and thrive, in the world he finds himself in.” “Oh,” said Hermano doubtfully, wishing things wouldn’t change at all and that he hadn’t lost his parents either, or his grandfather, however naturally. Hermano suddenly felt very alone. “And the future’s mine,” said Vladimir greedily. “Just as the whole City will soon be mine. I’se got big plans, see, specially with this unnatural heat, to make sure that soon enough they’ll be garbage everywhere. Dumped on everyone’s doorsteps. Mayhem too.” Hermano looked rather nervous. Mayhem sounded awful. Just as bad as Terror, in fact. “You see, kid” said the black rat, looking around the municipal garbage dump. “The humans that work here are getting fed up with the holes we make in their trash bags, and the awful, yummy smell too. So they’re threatening to go on strike, for more money, and if they do that there will be no one at all to collect the rubbish all over the city.” “Strike?” said Hermano, thinking of Felipe and the number three, “What’s that, Sir? Baseball?” “The free and absolute right of any human being or any animal to withhold their labour,” declared the rat oddly. “So one day I’ll really make it. Live high up too. In fact, I’ve got my eye on an especially beautiful looking Gerbil I know.” “But don’t look so disapproving, kid. I mean, look where they put their rubbish anyhow. In huge holes in the earth, or transported for money to other countries. And there’s so much bad stuff in it, plastics and metals, impurities and poisons, that they can never really destroy it, anyhow. I mean, in the ocean now there is an island of floating plastic the size of Texas, because plastic ain’t something called Biodegradable. So why not dump the stuff on the humans’ own doorstep?” “But why, Vladimir?” asked Hermano sadly. “To spread confusion, kid, and fear, because then you can take control, ” answered Vladimir, “Why’s a squirrel interested though?” “I’m not a squirrel,” said Hermano, “I’m a rat too, Vladimir, but a spiny tree rat from the Amazon.” “A rat?” cried Vladimir in surprise. “Well join us then, brother, and I’ll makes sures you never go hungry, no more. Come join me in my lair in Central Park Zoo.” Hermano suddenly noticed that several other very large, smooth and ugly looking black rats had appeared, as if from nowhere, clearly Vladimir’s henchmen. But despite Vladimir’s invitation to join them, they were looking at Hermano as if they wanted to eat him, or throw him in the Hudson River. “Thank you, but no,” said Hermano politely, thinking of cousin Cartel. “You a coward then?” snorted Vladimir scornfully. “Don’t you have it in you to be a real dirty rat, kid, and be true to your nature too? You just spineless?” Hermano wondered what his true nature was, but now he was feeling very unhappy in his own skin. With that there was a cry though and who should come racing toward Hermano but the Lady Customs Official from Grand Central Station? The human was holding a big net, and she didn’t stop to comment on the huge smooth black rats swarming around the garbage bins, or the rubbish littered all about. Instead she made a bee-line straight for the illegal immigrant tree rat. Hermano turned and fled. “It’s garbage,” cried Hermano bitterly, as he raced along. “Stories are just garbage. Like God. The one about Herman Bellville wasn’t right either, or my great, great grandfather, and Jeb Cowpaw’s just a coward and a liar, and so am I, and not a shaman storyteller at all. I bet my great grandfather never even came here anyway, or made friends with any human beings, who eat up all the world anyhow, including the lobsters, and there are no heroes in the world. None. I wish I was dead.” Hermano had stopped though, in the middle of a huge and very busy square and as he looked up now he didn’t see words. All the slightly autistic tree rat saw were numbers. There were thousands of numbers everywhere, on electronic billboards that seemed to be moving all the time, here in Time Square, in the centre of New York City. Hermano blinked and he seemed to get Vertigo again, there were so many numbers. But suddenly he felt a pain and it was as if he was falling. Except Hermano was being lifted into the air instead, and his twisted tail was hurting and he found himself staring into a horrible human face. “I want it,” said a freckled face eight year old boy, looking greedily at the spiny tree rat, “I want it, so I’ve got it.” Hermano realised in horror, as he started to wriggle, that the little boy had picked him up by his twisted tail and it hurt. “Then the young Master must have it,” said a very old fashioned English voice, belonging to a tall man in a smart Chauffeur’s uniform. “A welcome companion for Hermione indeed.” Hermione, thought Hermano. Although I believe your father has invited a friend today for you to play with.” “Hermione bores me, Augustus,” said the nasty little boy though, popping Hermano in his pocket now, “but I can have fun with this one, all right. Torture it day and night.” Hermano was moving again, not quite packaged, but inside the little boy’s pocket, into a huge stretched white Limousine and out again, up the steps of a very grand building on New York’s Upper East Side, into a sparkling glass walled elevator and up into the air again. With the chauffeur Augustus and the little boy came a man too, as the doors closed, the boy’s father, in a baseball shirt and cap, holding a strange black oblong object in his hands, with a strap attached. “Don’t bother me now, Junior,” the man was saying, as the boy tried to hold his father’s hand, “far too much to do, far too much money to make. Now they’ve made your dad Mayor as well, Junior, it’ll be non-stop from here on in.” “I’m very pleased for you, Sir,” said the Chauffeur, beside them. “I mean, Mr Mayor.” “Thanks, Augustus, buddy. Could hardly say no. But everyone knows the power of a true King of Social Media.” “Yes Mr Sugarbug,” said the Chauffeur admiringly. “Of course Mr Sugarbug. The lord of the Internet itself.” Thin faced Mr Sugarbug gave a huge grin. “Think of it, Augustus, dude. Me. A mathematical genius, sure, a bit of a geek too, sure, but what do I know about people? I mean, I don’t even like ‘em.” “No, Mr Sugarbug.” “Yeah, I can create a programme, a platform, come up with an algorithm, a clever string of numbers, and think of ways I can seem to make folks talk to each other online. So I can really charge them all money for the advertising and all the devices they’re using. But politics, or anything really social? I ask you.” “Yes, Mr Sugarbug,” said Augustus, “I mean no, Mr Sugarbug.” “Well, Power and politics are really about money, Augustus, old pal, that every human wants and needs. So while they go on chattering and posting their selfies, and playing their games too, money I make gazillions of, day after day. After all, I’m the richest Man on the Planet now. I’m bigger than Google, Yahoo, EBay, Amazon and Alibaba put together. And that’s real social responsibility. It’s just what to do with the stuff, that’s the problem, Augustus.” The mayor sighed. “Yes, Mr Sugarbug. I mean, Mr Mayor. Problematic.” They had stopped again though, the elevator doors opened and they were suddenly in the most extraordinary room. It was the 54th Floor Penthouse apartment, the most expensive building on the Upper East Side, in fact in the whole of Manhattan. The huge wall to wall glass windows looked out across the entire city, there was a fountain in the corner, which reminded Hermano of the Amazon and one of its temples, while there were gadgets and laptops, computers and iPads everywhere, but also toys strewn carelessly about the floor. On the huge Mahogany dining table though Hermano saw a sight that took his breath away. There, in a gorgeous gilded cage, a solid gold cage, in fact, half asleep on a bedding of cashmere pullings, was the most beautiful looking white-coated house rat, or groundhog, or mongoose, or something, that Hermano had ever seen in his life. Hermano was very embarrassed though, because while his dad looked out of the window and sighed, the nasty little boy had pulled Hermano from his pocket again. He was swinging the helpless tree rat right in front of the beautiful caged creature by his tail, as Hermione yawned and hardly looked at the mortified rodent. “See,” said the boy angrily, “if you won’t play ball, Hermione, I’ve got another toy now. My very own ground squirrel. But what to do with it?” he added, gazing carelessly at his messy toys around the room. “Strap it to my model Super train, put it inside a Transformer, and make it climb the fountain, then drown it, or drop it from the 54th floor? I’m so bored.” Poor Hermano gulped as the boy wandered over to a scale model on the table of something that made him gasp again. It was the Depository, his Depository, in the heart of the Amazon jungle, although now it seemed ten times the size. “Scale, Junior,” said the boy’s father, coming up beside them. “Everything’s a question of scale, son. So always look down on the world, from a great height, and if you treat it like your toy, everything drops into place. Take my new, hyper modern, automated Brazilian Depository here. Fully self-functioning. No great labour costs. Servicing the whole world instantly, delivering things. And soon it will grow and grow. Think of all the furniture we can make too, Randy, from those goddam cut-down trees.” Hermano looked up in horror. Then this was the very human who owned the modern Depository and Mr Sugarbug was going to make it bigger and bigger. Soon there wouldn’t be any Brazil nut trees left at all, or Graviolas, or kapoks, or anything else for that matter. “Even more so now that President Silas Trunk is onside,” said the Chauffeur Augustus quietly, coming up beside his boss. “Now the big man doesn’t believe in Environmentalism, or Global Warming, or Mankind doing any damage at all to the Planet. Now he has decided that it just isn’t true, despite what all the scientists say. Because business is business and what Trunk Junior says goes, Sir.” Mr Sugarbug nodded and grinned and Hermano scowled. The rat knew from his Brazil nut tree and the modern Depository that it was true. He knew from the mayhem of the city that it was true too. He even knew it from Max the Lobster’s tale. But above all Hermano could count, could see numbers instantly. So above all the tree rat knew, having seen all those people in New York, that even if it wasn’t true now, one day and one day soon it would be true, just as true as the fact in five billion years the sun would go out. Because if you double a thing, and double it again, and again, then all those buildings with them, or the people inside them, one day there would be more of them than trees themselves, or even the insects. The threat to the world was just a simple question of mathematics. “But it is true,” whispered the rat desperately, although nobody heard Hermano, or was listening either. “And you can’t cut down the Amazon, because the rainforest are the lungs of the planet and besides, it’s my beautiful home and the animals are my friends, or some of them.” But with that the lift door inside the apartment opened again and out stepped a little girl. She had red hair, long pigtails, huge eyes and freckles all over her face, and she was scowling. “Hi,” she said, glaring at Randy, “I’m Toola Iceberg and I’ve come to play with you. For an hour. Though it won’t be much fun, because we’ll soon all be extinct anyhow..” “Extinct?” said Randy, scowling at her, “Wos that?” “A fact,” snapped Toola Iceberg, “Not an opinion, not something you can deny, but a fact. A fact, fact, fact. We are all eating up the planet so fast that very soon we’ll be extinct. An X species.” Hermano looked up at her, hanging their in Randy’s hand. “Him,” said Toola Iceberg immediately, “at least he’s gruzzly, like me I guess.” “Gruzzly?” said Randy, as Hermano wondered rather irritably what it meant too. “Sure. So what are you going to do about our imminent extinction, boy? I mean there are things we can all do, sure, each one of us. Each and every one of us. Right now. IF we wake up.” “Nothing,” said Randy, with another scowl “I’m only 12 and I’m bored. D’yer wanna play or not” “Not,” said Toola Iceberg, “I’m 15 and I’m going to do something. Right now. That’s a fact.” With that Toola Iceberg stuck out her tongue, her freckles blazing, walked back into the lift and pressed the button, as Randy’s father shrugged at Augustus. “The Map,” he cried though, “Unfurl the map, Augustus. Specially if Randy’s bored.” The English chauffeur pressed a button and a huge map on the wall lit up. It was an old ink drawn map of New York City. “Don’t mind about Toola Iceberg. Look Randy. Manhattan just a hundred and fifty years ago,” said the Mayor and as he pressed another button it changed, to show so many more buildings and skyscrapers. “But now look. That’s growth, Junior. Progress. Reach for the skies.” Junior though was too busy twisting Hermano’s tail now, as the mayor pressed the button again. “Now look at the world, junior,” he said. “Look at all the Cities, and not just New York. Mexico City, London, Paris, Rome, Beijing, Shanghai, Sydney. Growing and growing, on and on. The Planet,” said Mr Sugarbug, with another sigh, “look how many of us are on it now. Like dirty rats. Well, since Toola Iceberg is right, the only future now is up there, up in space,” Sugarbug added, turning to look out of the window, “which I’m addressing with my new space program to colonize Mars, why sweat it? Have fun while you can, I say. Wot else can one do?” “Which reminds me, Dad,” said junior, with a scowl, “I ordered a new robot, online, on your Platinum Credit Card, but when the box came it was empty. Just bubble wrap and a stupid hole, with tooth marks. It was wet too.” New Robot, thought Hermano? Then this boy had been the very reason Hermano had been FedXed to New York City in the first place. It all seemed connected and very strange. “But Robots are boring,” said junior, glaring greedily at Hermano again, “not like live pets. I mean, they feel real pain. They’ve got nerves.” CHAPTER SIX – HERMIONE’S GUILDED CAGE With that the elevator doors opened again and in strode a man in a shiny silver suit this time and a white velvet waistcoat, carrying a long, rolled up piece of paper under his arm. “Coolidge,” cried Mr Sugarbug, “The best darn lawyer on the whole East Coast, let alone the East Side. My very own rainmaker. How’s it going, buddy?” “Trouble,” answered Coolidge, the big New York lawyer, sweating in the heat, “big Union Trouble, Mr Mayor. In this heat everyone wants a pay rise, and the Garbage people have gone on Strike. The Fire Department and Sanitation men are threatening one too, especially with your water ban in this drought. Worst on record. But what’ll happen out there if folks’ trash ain’t collected?” “Garbage,” whispered Mr Sugarbug thoughtfully. “You know I always say the problem with cleaning up garbage is there’s just no darn money in it. But make them some promises we can’t ever keep though,” added the Mayor, “So keep them sweet. Their bosses at least. Sack some others. That’s politics, Coolidge. That’s life.” “Yes, Sir, Mr Mayor,” said the lawyer with a smile. “And how are Business plans progressing, Coolidge? My mastery of the Virtual world. My online Omnipotence,” said Mr Sugarbug proudly, but then he paused. “And why are you carrying a piece of darn paper, dude?” “It’s a brand new business patent, Mr Sugarbug. You still have to file a physical version. I think you’ll like it.” “Sure, but what’s it doing on paper? You know my motto, Coolidge. All online. After all, I closed down all those god damn bookstores, like Borderlines, made ‘em declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and stole everyone’s words too, and put them up there free. On the Net.” “Sorry, Mr Sugarbug.” “Sure, sure, Coolidge. So what have you got this time? Any bright ideas?” Coolidge the big lawyer unrolled the patent to show a drawing of what looked like a huge glass ball. “A light bulb,” said Mr Sugarbug disapprovingly. “Yes Sir, but a very special one.” “You a dinosaur, Coolidge? What’s so special about a God damned light bulb?” “LED, Mr Sugarbug,” answered Coolidge nervously, “but it’s also Everlasting.” “Everlasting?” cried Mr Sugarbug in horror. “Idiot, Coolidge. LED is fine, saves 85% energy and costs more. But Everlasting? If it’s everlasting how will we sell any more of the things? Redundancy, Coolidge, built in redundancy, that’s what you need. So make sure the darn thing can break.” “Yes, Mr Sugarbug.” “No, no, this is what we really need, Coolidge,” said Mr Sugarbug, holding up the black oblong object he had been carrying in his hands. “The brand new Sugarbug Virtual Reality goggles. With these on you can watch everything in 3D, in a 360 degrees, and recreate anything you want. Travel the world, sail the seas, even go to the moon. Heaven. Now Augustus, what’s for lunch?” “Lobster, Sir,” answered the chauffeur. “Lobster,” cried Mr Sugarbug angrily. “Am I surrounded by morons? Are you trying to poison me, Augustus? Don’t you know lobsters are just scavengers, Augustus, the vacuum cleaners of the sea, which eat anything nasty and filthy and disgusting?” “But reassuringly rare and expensive Sir,” said Augustus, “The executives at Google have them for lunch all the time.” “Oh. Fine,” said Mr Sugarbug, “then I’ll have three, with a Thermador sauce. But junior, can’t you clean up your darn toys?” So Mr Sugarbug had lunch, and Hermano was glad that Max was at least safe, and nasty little junior didn’t clear up his toys, but set to work on Hermano instead. By sunset the poor tree rat had been hung from the window, made to climb the fountain, raced around strapped to a roller skate and nearly drowned twice. But junior, who got bored easily, got bored. So he went off to play his new Computer Wargame, as he dropped poor Hermano in the corner of Hermione’s huge gilded cage – Ooof. “Oh, but I am sorry, Mon Ami,” said a gentle female voice, as Hermano landed, “He’s a horrid, nasty, beastly little human boy. If that were not being rude to beasts. It’s why I refuse to play with him anymore. Je refuse.” Hermano looked up and saw the most gorgeous pair of huge brown eyes looking back at him and his twisted tail. Hermione was so elegant, so graceful, so beautiful, that Hermano promptly fell in love with her. “Je suis Hermione,” declared the pretty creature, waving her beautiful tail. “I am by origin French Canadian, from Quebec, c’est vrais. But now I live here, in splendour, at the top of the World, in New York City.” “And I’m Hermano,” said Hermano nervously, introducing himself too, “My name means brother, Hermione. I’m from the Amazon. I’m a tree rat, though I don’t like heights. And I think I’m a little autistic.” “Tres exotique,” purred Hermione approvingly. “But tell me, Hermano, mon cheri, are you in love with me already? Everyone is, bien sure.” “No,” lied Hermano, “I’ve only just met you, Hermione.” “Love at first sight, non, as the stories say? All things enter through the eyes. And this book you can certainly judge by her lovely cover. It must be a great privilege for you to meet me, Hermano. Of course you are in love with me, mon amour, but it’s quite impossible. Our love, I mean. Doomed.” Hermano frowned, for he didn’t like the way Hermione was talking at all, although she was so beautiful that he couldn’t take his eyes off her either. “Why impossible, Hermione?” asked Hermano, with a gulp. “Because you are a rat, of course, a tree rat who’s scared of heights, with a crooked tail too, and I am a rare golden Gerbil. Priceless.” “Gerbil,” said Hermano, thinking of what Vladimir had said and that this must be the Gerbil he has his beady eyes on, “but then we’re related.” “We are?” said Hermione, fluttering her huge eyelashes. “But how interesting, chere Hermano, maybe we have a connection. Perhaps you will stay with me then, a while until I get bored, non? I have many admirers. What can you do?” “Do? Count. And tell stories, I suppose. Well, I’m getting better. I want to be an artist, I think.” “Very well then. You shall tell Hermione stories every evening. You will be happy here.” “Happy?” said Hermano, “But it’s so high up here, much higher than the Water Tower, and I don’t really like heights, and besides, you’re in a cage, Hermione.” “A gilded cage,” corrected the pretty Gerbil coldly, “With a Platinum wheel and a twist of Lemon and Ginger in my water bottle. All the creature comforts. What could be more perfect? Parfait.” “But you aren’t free,” said Hermano, missing all the artistic vagrants around his Water Tower, Jeb especially, with his tales of freedom in the Wild West, and of the prairies and the endless open spaces, even if his stories weren’t quite right. “Free?” said Hermione, with a heavy sigh. “And what is really free, Mon pauvre Hermano? Out there it is frightening and cruel, like a Jungle, in fact, and you have to work to make your way, so who is ever really free? And what do expect me to do instead, live on some Garbage Dump?” Hermano wondered, as Hermione laughed, yet he felt strangely sorry for the beautiful creature. “I’d protect you out there, Hermione,” he said, his heart thumping in his chest, “I’m Street Wise, Hermione. And I’ve travelled too. All the way from the Amazon, in fact. In a FedX box.” “How very democratic,” said Hermione, with a tolerant smile. “But you protect mois? You’re just a spineless little rat, Hermano, who’s autistic and afraid of heights. And filthy too, very smelly indeed actuallu.” Hermione grimaced as she sniffed at him and Hermano realised that with the water shortage he hadn’t washed, up there with the artist vagrants, and had forgotten what his grandfather had taught him too. “When I’m the cleanest, prettiest most elegant Golden gerbil that ever lived,” declared Hermione. “They come to groom me twice a week. While I bet you can’t even dance.” “Dance?” said Hermano, blushing very deeply, as Hermione started to hum and spin around. “Oh there’s nothing J’adore so much as dancing,” cried Hermione delightedly. “Waltzes and Tangos, Samba and Salsa, Jive, Charleston’s and Break dancing . I am an artist of the dance. The divinest diva of the dance.” Hermano still looked rather reluctant. “And if you think you’ll be unhappy here, ma Cherie,” said Hermione, “Just think of a bed of cashmere and all the lovely things you’ll have to eat. Like that bowl of Brazil nuts.” Brazil nuts? Hermano’s eyes boggled as Hermione turned her head, for there, in the finest cut glass bowl, was a huge pile of freshly cracked Brazil nuts, already out of their impossibly hard shells. This was luxury indeed, in Penthouse 54. “But now I must get some sleep, silly little Hermano. Hermione’s beautiful beauty sleep. So try not to disturb me, Mon Cheri, and keep your crooked tail to yourself. Bon nuit.” So Hermano met Hermione and stayed with the beautiful Golden gerbil in her gilded cage, when junior wasn’t torturing him, or threatening to drop him form the 54th floor. Up there he looked down on the city, like the Mayor of New York and King of the online world himself, at all the people moving like ants and the traffic hurrying back and forth below. Hermano wondered what it all meant and how the humans didn’t seem to be able to stop, just like slaves, as the Wall Street pigeon had said. Hermano began to despair that he could ever do anything about the Amazon Depository, or anything else for that matter. But worse than that, that second evening when Hermione called on Hermano to tell her a bedtime story, Hermano did fairly well, describing something of the Amazon and his home. For a good week Hermione seemed to like his stories too. But as Hermano went on looking out of the high Windows, and thought of Jeb Cowpaw and the others, of Pier 54, just a garbage dump, more and more numbers began to swirl around his head, and one evening he just stopped speaking. Hermano could not think of any stories any more, or anywhere to go. Another evening though when junior had forgotten him for a moment, and the spiny rat’s nerve endings, Hermano noticed that those Virtual Reality goggles were lying on the floor and that Mr Sugarbug had left them on. The rat scurried over to them and as he climbed over the strap and stared at the screen, Hermano’s eyes began to boggle. It was as if Hermano was suddenly floating in space, in mid-air among the stars, looking at it in Virtual Reality. Now Hermano could see a blue green ball, that he knew was the Earth itself. It was just like a ball, as the one eyed cat had said, or a water droplet, or a tear drop. It was like he was floating too, though still on the ground, as if he was free of gravity itself. “It’s amazing,” whispered Hermano, “and the humans couldn’t do this without Science. Perhaps I shouldn’t be a silly artist then, who can’t tell stories anymore, but a scientist instead. I mean that would make me really modern and I do like numbers too, see them all the time. What did Grandpapa Raoul say but strike upwards, even if you strike the stars?” Yet as Hermano looked at that image of the Virtual planet from Space, he thought of his fallen Brazil nut tree too, and his dead parents, thought of all the cut down trees like matchsticks and the swelling cities and Hermano felt very sad. He started to cry again and he hadn’t done that in a while. Then Hermano heard a voice. While Hermano had been floating in the Virtual World Mr Sugarbug had come back into the room and was talking on his mobile phone. “Look to the future, Coolidge,” Sugarbug was saying loudly, “I mean, people whine on about Social Media and VR, and change and say nothing’s real anymore. But if we’re really destroying the Planet, surely we want more Virtual Reality and less things? Less books for a start, that use all that paper, and take up all that space, when we can just read them online.” Hermano frowned and yet there seemed a truth in it too. Meanwhile, although Hermano loved admiring the ravishing Gerbil, who would sometimes dance for him like a diva, divinely, Hermano began to miss even his temporary home with Jeb and his friends below the Water Tower more and more. The only consolation were the Brazil nuts, for Hermano had as many as he could eat. One sweltering morning Hermano was tired of being tortured though, eating one of the nuts again, and even missing the threatening noises of his forest, when he suddenly heard a welcome buzzing. “Found you, Hermano,” cried Buzzy, who was hanging in mid-air before him like that Virtual Reality picture of the Earth itself, “Jeb sent me up like a drone to spy you out.” “Buzzy,” cried Hermano delightedly. “And how is dear old Jeb, and his Cowboy poetry, and Lenno and Rumi? Pepe, Alfonse and even Colonel Black? I miss them all so much, Buzzy. They’re my friends.” Buzzy the Hummingbird frowned. “Not so good, brother,” she answered. “The summer’s getting hotter and hotter and even the Water Tower’s nearly run dry, with the ban. Max is noisier than ever. Jeb has given up Cowboy Poetry too. And the dirty rats, and Vladimir, they seem to have a plan, Hermano. I heard them whispering the other day about spreading terror and mayhem everywhere.” “Yes, Buzzy, I know,” said Hermano sadly. “There’s rubbish all over the streets too, and the Firemen and Sanitation department have gone on strike,while the other humans are so busy online, they don’t seem to notice anything. Except for Toola Iceberg, of course, who is certainly doing something, and that’s a fact. But anyhow Hermano, I’ve come to help you escape.” “Escape,” whispered Hermione in horror though, who had just woken up with a huge, lazy yawn. “But who would want to escape from paradise, mes Cheris, from me and the finest view in all New York? With Lemon and a twist of Ginger.” Already little Buzzy was at work though, with her long and very thin Hummingbird beak, that can sip the finest pollen from the tiniest flowers, hovering there, picking the lock on Hermione’s gilded cage. “Aren’t you coming Hermione though,” said Hermano, bits of Brazil nut falling from his mouth, as the golden door sprung open, and Hermano realized he was very much in love after all. “Coming where, mon Cheri?” answered Hermione softly. “There is nowhere in the World to go anymore. Except perhaps Space. To Mars. Face reality.” “I’m sorry, Hermione,” cried Hermano, “but I have to be free, spiny tree rats are born to it, and I miss my friends, and Jeb has given up Cowboy Poetry and something bad is happening out there…” “Coward,” cried Hermione scornfully, “you’re simply afraid of l’amour, Hermano, of love and commitment, and of living in Heaven with me. Go then, go back to your filthy street rats and your worthless vagrant artist friends. See if I care.” Hermano paused heavily and looked back sadly, for he knew he was a little afraid, and he felt a strange tearing in his heart, as the tree rat dropped to the ground, the lift doors opened and junior ran in and cried out furiously, seeing Hermano had vanished. “Gone,” snarled the nasty little boy, “Stolen. Everyone abandons me in the end. That’s why I’m always bullied on Social Media and don’t have any friends. Like Mommy left me, left me that day the horrid men attacked New York city.” Hermano felt strangely guilty as the little boy burst into tears himself. For the boy had lost his own mother that terrible day Rumi had talked about, just like Hermano had lost his parents, when the humans had come to cut down his tree. But already Buzzy was in the elevator pressing the button with her beak and Hermano scuttled inside too, just in time. Once more, the spiny tree rat was on his way down. CHAPTER SEVEN – HERMANO’S FALL My, but how pleased the artist vagrants were to see Hermano back at the old Water Tower, even Colonel Black, but Pepe and Alfonse, Lenno, Seamus, Rumi and Walpole too. So much so that Jeb Cowpaw took up Cowboy poetry again and strummed his old Guitar. But Hermano was very sad and worried now, because as Buzzy had led him back to the closed bookstore he had seen garbage all over the streets of New York, blowing like tumbleweed in the hot wind. “Thought we’d lost you to the darn City, boy,” said Jeb that same evening. “The Urban Jungle. Darn good to have you back again. Though something’s up, Hermano. Or down, among the rats. The city animals are really frightened now.” “Vladimir,” whispered Hermano nervously. “I met him at Pier 54. But there wasn’t any great writer there at all, or white whale either, and everything has changed, Jeb. Perhaps it always does. Now it’s just the Municipal Garbage dump. It’s like your stories of the Wild West, not being quite right. And I don’t think great great grandpapa ever came here at all, or made friends with a human being either.” “He didn’t, partner?” said Jew Cowpaw sadly. “Heck.” “No, Jeb. People don’t tell true stories at all. It’s all just a lie and we all die too. Even become extinct. X. Like one day the sun will go out.” Jeb Cowpaw looked rather guilty as well. “But what do you think the rats want, brother,” asked the Cowboy poet, “the dirty rats, I mean?” “Terror,” whispered the spiny tree rat sadly, “somehow they want to spread terror, Jeb, and fear and mayhem throughout New York City. Someone should stop them.” “Sounds dangerous, brother,” said the cowardly Groundhog with a gulp. “But can’t the humans do it?” “They don’t notice anything anymore,” said Hermano, feeling ashamed of his friend, “always on their smart phones, and IPads, on their Laptops and Game’s Consoles. I doubt they’ve even noticed the Municipal strike. But it’s hopeless anyhow. I mean, it’s not just the garbage on their own doorsteps. It’s what they do with that anyhow. Plastics and poison, landfill sites and destruction. How can they ever clean up?” “Recycling,” said a grave voice above them. “What?” said Hermano, jumping slightly. “They have to learn recycling,” said Max the lobster from inside the Water Tank, who was feeling rather hot and pink, “like us lobster scavengers. First they have to find ways to eat up all the nasty stuff, I find delicious. Then how to re-use the harmful stuff they throw away too, so they don’t just make more and more and more of it. Cut down on all that packaging, as well.” “Yes,” said Hermano, wondering if with all the humans it was possible, “I guess they do, Max.” “But they won’t really wake up until they realize that we’re all going the same way, Hermano, and that we’re all recycled in the end too.” “We are?” said Hermano. “Sure,” said the lobster cheerfully, “and eaten too.” “Eaten?” gulped Hermano in horror. “Of course,” said Max the lobster more gravely. “I mean, even if we don’t get eaten in life, on the Sardis’s menu of existence, we are all going to die eventually, and then something else will eat us, make use of us, even if it’s just the soil. We’re bio-degradable. Cruel but fair.” “Not if you believe,” said a voice, as Rumi’s head popped through the hole in the tower peering through his spectacles, “Believe in God and Eternal Life, I mean. The Afterlife.” Inside the water tank Hermano could not see Max frown, but Hermano thought of the ants and grandpapa Raoul. Now, like a light bulb coming on in his head, Hermano realised what the ants had been doing, recycling his dead grandfather. It made Hermano feel strange and even dizzy. “And since we’re all going to die, Hermano, what’s the thing above all that we should do when we live?” asked the Lobster from above. Hermano could not answer, because he had just pushed passed Rumi and set off alone through the City, and as he went he grew more and more frightened of meeting Vladimir again. But above all Hermano found himself missing Hermione bitterly. It was as if he wasn’t himself without the pretty gerbil and he wondered if he could be happy in her gilded cage after all. But Hermano was thinking of what the lobster had said of everything dying and being eaten one day, despite Rumi’s words, and it seemed so horrible, so terrible, as again he thought of what the ants had really been doing in the rainforest, it made everything seem darker and sadder and lonelier. At last Hermano reached the Zoo in Central Park, where Vladimir had said he lived, and looking about for the boss of the rats, hearing the whooping, hooting birds in their cages, and the bark of wild dogs, the ceaseless call of caged animal, he saw the strangest beast he had ever seen. It was part cow, part horse, with spindly legs and the longest face below its horns, hanging with a wispy beard. “Woof,” said the creature mournfully, “it’s hotter here than even in Botswana.” “Botswana, Sir?” said Hermano. “Where I come from, my good friend, in the mighty continent of Africa. I’m a wildebeest and I’m a very long way from home indeed.” “Me too,” said Hermano, “I come from the Amazon. I’m Hermano. It means brother.” “Lots of animals come to America then,” said the Wildebeest, nodding. “And the World is getting smaller and smaller, all the time.” Hermano nodded too, thinking of that Virtual Reality image of Earth through Mr Sugarbug’s strange VR goggles. Just seeing it seemed to have changed his knowledge of everything, or his thoughts about it all at least. “But they don’t like us anymore,” said Hermano, “with their wall and their borders and their Customs Officials.” “No,” said the Wildebeest sadly. “It’s terrible. But so very Human too.” “So very human?” “Countries and flags and words,” said the Wildebeest, chewing his leathery lips thoughtfully. “Even names. They create the borders, when they aren’t real at all.” “Not real, Sir?” “Not in Nature, Hermano, or among animals and plants. I mean, does a tree know it grows in America, or Botswana, or Brazil? Does a plant or a flower? No, they just grow and are. They live and flower. And when a bee collects pollen and flies to the hive, does in know it might be crossing a human border?” said the wise wildebeest. “When a beautiful Brazil nut tree sends its roots into the ground to drink, does it know they might be passing a human checkpoint? And if the birds and the bees stopped flying where they wanted, how could they pollinate the plants and flowers and make beautiful things grow?” “I don’t know,” answered Hermano sadly, thinking the wildebeest very intelligent indeed and realising that then everything really is connected somehow. “No, it’s Humans who like to build and make and own so much stuff, who do that,” said the African Wildebeest, “and make it so unnatural too. Look at my proud little country of Botswana. There they’ve put up lots of fences now to stop something called Foot and Mouth, and so we Wildebeest and our Zebra friends can’t migrate anymore, or get to our water holes, so we’re dying. CRASH. Did you know that two species are made extinct every fifteen minutes?” “I’m sorry,” said Hermano, thinking of his poor family too. “So am I,” said the wildebeest gravely, “but they just can’t stop it. It’s partly fear. So they go on trying to be better than everything else, or living in taller buildings, or bigger cities, or getting ahead and growing richer and richer, with all their progress, getting more and more stuff. When they should just go for a walk in the forest and remember how beautiful it is just to be alive and be.” “Yes,” said Hermano, thoroughly agreeing and wanting to be walking in the Amazon again. “And their Walls. Did you know that in America some of them hardly even know about the rest of the world? I mean only 5% even have passports. But boy it’s hot, I could do with a drink, or a shower.” Hermano felt sorry for the poor Wildebeest and thought he deserved a place among the vagrants, below the water tower. But he went on, sort of keen to find Vladimir. Which he did, at the far corner of the zoo, near the Polar bear enclosure, among another huge pile of garbage. “Little brother,” cried Vladimir, with a smile as he saw Hermano. “I heard what happened with that pretty chick Hermione. Tough call. Though can’t say I’m sorry. But I see you’s come to join us after all. To be a dirty rat. A true city criminal. I’m proud of you, Son. Good job.” “No,” said Hermano softly though, “I’ve come to stop you spreading mayhem and terror everywhere, Vladimir.” “Stop us,” cried the rat, with a laugh, “and how is a spineless, snivelling, cowardly little out-of-place autistic Amazon tree rat ever gonna stop the ruthless rat gangs of New York? We’re all united now, under me, and sharpening our teeth too, in readiness.” “Sharpening your teeth?” whispered Hermano, trying to fathom their plan. “But why?” “Never you mind, son,” said Vladimir suspiciously. “Unless you’re with us now.” Hermano shook his head. “Haven’t you got the nuts to be a dirty rat then, Hermano? That’s why you lost the girl.” “I….” whispered Hermano, missing Hermione even more and feeling very spineless indeed, but with that two of the rats jumped on Hermano and beat him mercilessly with their paws and tails. “Get lost,” cried Vladimir coldly, when they were done, looking at Hermano’s now badly blackened eye, “You haven’t a home anywhere. You’re not even worth the name of rat. Spineless.” Hermano was too small to fight them, and off he ran again, feeling utterly miserable and totally ashamed. Although he was on the ground anyhow, Hermano felt as if he was falling and falling, far further than he ever had before, and would never stop. Perhaps he was a spineless coward after all. Hermano didn’t have the courage to fight Vladimir, or save the world, he didn’t even have the courage to love Hermione and everything that lives is going to die anyhow, one day. Night came in over New York City, and then a day and another night, as Hermano wandered along alone in the terrible heat and now huge tears began to well up in Hermano’s brown eyes again and out they came, pouring down his long nose and dripping off the end. Hermano thought of all the terrible things that had happened to him, as he went he knew not where. He thought of his falling tree and his murdered parents, of all the trees being cut down in the Amazon, and the vagrant animals too, and the wise Wildebeest as well. He thought of those two great ships, the Lusitania and the Titanic, that had never even made it to Pier 54, and all the people lost inside them. The world seemed a terrible place indeed, nothing but evil, and now the weight of all those tall buildings seemed to press down on the little tree rat. But fighting any of it seemed utterly pointless. Besides, Hermano was thinking of something his cousin had told him, that he was just garbage. As he went, and slept in doorways, Hermano looked into the windows of those cafes and bars and restaurants and everywhere he saw humans eating, consuming things, and stuffing their faces with food. Then the tree rat began to notice some of the humans living on the streets, in alleys and in doorways too, and they didn’t look rich and well fed at all. Hermano saw animals as well, scrawny dogs and cats, mice and rats and even a fox, which seemed to have been beaten like him, and so had two black eyes. It seemed that somewhere there was always something suffering, or losing out. Hermano suddenly felt the whole city was like a wheel, or an elevator, and to get anywhere you had to be on it, but that the gap between up there and down here was becoming impossible. Hermano also noticed that the black rats were all out on the streets, openly now, and that they had started to gnaw at the human wires running everywhere, if you notice them. But with the strike of the New York Garbage, Fire and Sanitation men, there was no one to stop them at all. Not that the other humans seemed to mind, because they went on as ever locked in their machines. Yet wasn’t it true what Mr Sugarbug had said about it being better that there was a Virtual World, if the humans were set to destroy the real one? As he thought it Hermano realised that the world isn’t black and white at all, but that every story seems to have another side, but if that was true, what was the Truth? Hermano hardly cared now though, even if he thought that he guessed Vladimir’s plan. But why stop the rats anyhow, why not destroy everything, since it would be destroyed in the end anyhow, especially when the sun goes out, in five billion years? Everyone was a liar, everything out for itself, and stories were lies too, especially hopeful or heroic ones. As the hot tears went on falling and falling, it was as if Hermano had been blinded, or saw in his own unhappy tears only images of anger and fear, loneliness, cruelty and hate. But always there was Vladimir too, laughing cruelly at him, whose face seemed to turn into Cartel. “You’re garbage, Hermano, just trash and rubbish.” Then suddenly on a street crossing one of New York’s great avenues Hermano bumped into a shivering little creature. It was a red squirrel, but it was tiny and looked much the worse for wear, having been attacked by grey squirrels in New York and its tail had almost been bitten off, like that human’s leg in the story. It look petrified. “Get out of my way, trash,” snarled Hermano and with that all the fear and hurt and anger at the rats welled up inside Hermano and he delivered the little red squirrel such a box with his spiny snout that it went sprawling across the side walk. But as the little creature went flailing there Hermano heard a voice in his head, old Raoul’s kindly voice, talking to him still: “Remember too, never harm anything less than yourself, Hermano, and that if you strike, you must always strikes upwards, even as high as the stars themselves.” Hermano felt bitterly ashamed, as night came in once more, that he had struck the little creature. He desperately wanted to be with Hermione too, and thought of her saying perhaps they had a connection. Then Hermano realised that if Yage had told him everything was connected, like those other poor animals, Hermano felt connected to nothing at all. As a hot wind blew down the hard New York pavements, it brought a terrible fear to poor Hermano. Worse, it brought a Terror. Hermano was utterly lost. CHAPTER EIGHT – MOBY DICK Like standing on the edge of some giant cliff, Hermano the spiny tree rat was on the very verge of giving in, of giving up hope entirely, when suddenly he stopped. He was standing in the light of an old fashioned street lamp in New York city, in front of a little bookstore, on 7th Avenue now, one of the few bookstores to survive the Internet and the Virtual, Online world. In the window Hermano had never seen so many books together before. There were hundreds of them and they all looked very real. Then, as the tears cleared a little, in the window, right in the middle, the tree rat saw a large old book, with the picture of a huge white whale on the cover. ‘Moby Dick’ it said, by Herman Melville. There it was then, at last. THE BOOK. “Herman Melville,” whispered Hermano wonderingly, “it wasn’t Bellville then, but Melville. Then he did write his Shaman book after all. It’s called Moby Dick.” Hermano suddenly longed to be sitting safe and snug somewhere with Hermione and reading it from cover to cover to their children. By the book, with a little card, was a photograph of the famous human writer, a hundred and fifty years ago, with bright eyes like Hermano’s once, and a huge moustache and dangling beard. He had a strange smile on his face. Hermano wasn’t looking at the human now though, but at what else was in the faded photograph. For there, sitting by a manuscript, was an old fashioned looking White faced Brazilian spiny tree rat, with a smile on his face too. “Great, great grandpapa,” cried Hermano delightedly, for he looked very like Hermano himself, apart from the rather antiquated white face, “then you and grandpa Raoul didn’t lie. You did come here to New York City, all those years ago, as an immigrant yourself, and you did make friends with a famous human being. A great and immortal writer. Herman Melville. It is possible for people and animals to be friends after all.” Hermano felt a strange warmth in his heart, and now another huge teardrop fell from his snout but as it broke on the pavement, Hermano remembered Yage. “Tears,” the tree rat whispered guiltily, drying his eyes, “there are good tears and evil tears, and thinking of myself alone, I have been crying only bad tears and seeing only bad things. Seeing only evil and sorrow and the dark. But the world is like a water drop, that reflects light too, not just darkness and sorrow, and as round as rain, and it turns too.” Hermano was remembering the Indian Hamster as well, as he saw a red light flicker in the window of the old bookshop, telling him that on the Great Wheel of life and karma things always turn. Then, as he saw his tear trickle off the edge of the pavement, which he knew was somehow always moving under the surface, if very, very slowly indeed, he saw a little ant. The miniscule thing was scurrying along, carrying a part of a leaf in its pincers, five times its own size. Ants must be incredibly strong, thought Hermano, and at first he remembered poor Grandpapa Raoul’s body and thought of Death again. But as the ant turned left, and right, clearly looking for something, Hermano remembered Che saying that insects, and especially ants, are the wisest things there are and wondered why. Hermano saw other ants now, with the leaf carrying ant, almost bumping into each other, though they seemed to be talking and then the leaf carrying ant joined a column of others, all carrying bits of carefully carved leaf, and all going in the same direction. With such tiny heads Hermano wondered if they all had brains, but nonetheless they seemed to have an extraordinary, instinctive purpose, one that used natural bits of waste, recycled them, and an amazing determination. Nature was incredible. Hermano looked up and suddenly his courage rallied, as he felt heat on his fur from somewhere nearby. “Stories,” he whispered, looking back at Moby Dick through the window of the bookshop, “the world is full of stories, millions and millions of stories, some true and some false, and all told from different opinions and points of view. But what really matters is finding your own story among them all, and your own courage. And for that you have to play a part, like the ants. You can’t do anything else.” “Courage,” cried a scornful voice, Hermano recognised immediately, “and what darn courage do all you dang wastrel vagrants ever show, spiny little spineless squirrel?” Hermano turned his head and saw a familiar black bird sitting on the ledge of the bookshop snapping his beak at him and remembered Jeb had called him grizzly too. “Colonel Black,” cried Hermano, realizing the superior East Coast miner bird had been watching him coldly. “And I’m not a squirrel, or garbage either, and nor are my friends. You have to be happy in your own skin in life, Colonel Black, you should know that. And in your element too.” The minor bird was looking about too though, nervously, at what Hermano had seen as well, in the reflection in the bookshop window. Because along the pavement little flames were leaping up in the heat. “Fire,” cried Hermano, “that’s what the rats have been doing, Colonel Black, gnawing through the city cables, so setting fires everywhere, among all that garbage. It’s my fault too, because Vladimir’s eyes lit up when I said I wanted to light a fire in animal’s hearts. And in this heat, all New York City will soon be ablaze.” “With no darn humans to stop it,” said the Minor Bird gravely, “with all of them on strike and the others stuck in their own little worlds. Even the kids seem on strike now. I mean.” “Yes, Colonel Black. And with no water either, with the ban. Then we’ve got to stop them, Colonel Black, us animals.” “Stop them? But how, grunt? It’s impossible.” Hermano was thinking of Hermione, up there in her gilded cage, and Toola Iceberg too and as he looked up and up, his vertigo vanished all together, and glancing repeatedly at Jeb’s Water Tower, his bright eyes shone. “I’ve got a plan, Colonel Black, I think, that’s a fact, and you’ve got to help me.” Colonel Black may have been very superior, but he was good at responding to orders, and a plan too, being a military kind of bird and grizzly as well. So after he had listened to Hermano whispering in his ear, he flew off immediately. Hermano was left alone again, wondering if he could really do anything at all. He felt lonely once more, and wondered if Hermione was looking down on him somewhere, or had forgotten him completely. All around him the city seemed on fire now though, a burning ring of fire. But suddenly, through the flames, came Jeb Cowpaw and Rumi, Lenno and the others. Walpole the Owl was flying above them down 7th Avenue. “Jeb!” cried Hermano. “I’m sorry I’ve been a coward, partner,” said the mongoose, whose nose was covered in soot, “and don’t really like fighting snakes. I guess I lied, or liked a braver story about the Wild West and myself too. But we’ve all come to help you now. I mean, use just gotta help out folks, don’t you? Though we’re not sure how.” “The Great Wheel,” said Hermano immediately, looking up at the stars, his eyes sparkling, “it always turns, Jeb. And if a great writer once said we’re all in the gutter, he also said that at least some of us gruzzles are looking up at the stars.” “Huh?” said Jeb Cowpaw. “Never mind,” said the literate tree rat, “but you’ve got to go back up there, Jeb, to the rooftops and take others with you. And somehow we’ve got to make all the animals wake up and help. We’ve got to make them realise everything has to work together and really be connected.” As Hermano thought of his plan though he was suddenly worrying about a lobster. “No,” said Rumi gravely, “they hate us Immigrants, Hermano, and us vagrants, especially ones who believe in God. They don’t believe we’re brothers and sisters at all, even cousins, just something else that isn’t them, and which they fear.” “But we are, Rumi,” said Hermano, “because everything is connected, somehow, perhaps even more now. So an angry boy pressing a button killed my parents in the Amazon, even if he didn’t mean to, and the fences and human borders in Botswana are killing the Zebra and the Wildebeest, and junior’s cruel because he’s sad he lost his mother that terrible day and everyone bullies him on Social Media and Toola Iceberg is right because she’s gruzzly. While the most terrible thing in life is not being connected to anything at all. We all have to wake up, Rumi. But how to make the animals do it?” “Strike,” said Pepe angrily, as Rumi pondered. “Oh not now, Pepe. Please. Not baseball.” “No, Hermano,” said Pepe angrily, “Not Baseball, but a Strike. A General Strike. If the humans can strike, caramba, and now even the kids too, led by Toola Iceberg, then why can’t the animals? A General Animal Strike. “ “The free and absolute right of any human being or any animal to withhold their labour,” said Hermano, nodding, “If they’re not slaves, at least. Yes, Pepe.” The animals blinked at him. “But how do we persuade them?” said Hermano, frowning again. “I mean there are so many, just in New York alone, and there’s no time. The fires are spreading and the rats are out in force. This is the real world and we have to live in that too.” “Animal Media,” cried Buzzy, “Charlotte’s Web and Twitters and Buzz feed.” “Of course,” cried Hermano delightedly. “I mean it’s rather modern, but it’s all the rage, and you have to work with the world as you find it. We’ll call a General Strike on Animal Media, then the Humans will have to notice too. Their kids have already.” So Buzzy flew off to alert Buzz feed, and Walpole the owl Twitters, and Pepe started striking at Charlotte’s Web, with Morse Code, tap, tap, tap, to spread the Word on Animal Media, as the others set off to climb upwards again, with the other critical part of Hermano’s clever plan. Hermano was left alone again, wondering how they could really drive out the terrible, smooth black rats, except this time Rumi the thoughtful hedgehog was still at his side. “Well, Rumi,” said Hermano, with a sigh. “I’d pray to your God, though I’m not sure he even exists. I’m sorry. I’ve looked. And it’s Science we’ll really need now, if my plan’s going to work. Though it was a book, Moby Dick, that strangely gave me hope again. Even if stories aren’t exactly true. It’s a bit confusing, Rumi. Like those bad Humans that attacked the city. Is it all hopeless?” “No, Hermano,” said Rumi, peering through his horn-rimmed spectacles wisely, “because I’ve worked it all out at last.” “You have, Rumi?” “Oh yes, Hermano. Suddenly. The problem is really the two languages.” “Two languages?” said the Amazon Rat in confusion, “but there are hundreds of languages in the world, Rumi, like there are hundreds of countries and peoples. A lot of them in New York City, it seems.” “Oh yes,” said Rumi, “that’s true, Hermano. But they are all really talking just two languages now. The Language of God, Belief and meaning and the language of Facts and Science.” “Oh,” said Hermano in surprise, but looking rather impressed with the mystical hedgehog. “But the two languages are at War now,” said Rumi sadly, “that causes real wars too. Because they are both trying to drive each other out and speak only one language instead. To win. But they can’t really win, because they don’t understand that they are really just two different languages, that both have their use and meaning.” “I don’t understand, Rumi,” said Hermano humbly. “The language of God and Belief,” said Rumi, “it’s like the language of feeling and love and storytelling too. Of dreaming and making things up and finding your own meaning in things. That’s just like books and stories, even if they aren’t always strictly true.” Hermano glanced at Moby Dick again and thought of the word ‘metaphor’. “But the language of Science is about how things really are underneath,” said Rumi, “and how they work. And the language of Science is winning, because it helps them control the world, and do things and make stuff and the humans to make money too. But it can’t teach us anything at all in the end. I mean anything moral, or about feeling or meaning or the heart, or why we’re here and what to do with it all. How to really be.” Hermano thought of Max’s question he hadn’t answered about what to really do with life and what matters. “No,” said Hermano, thinking of all those numbers in Time Square too, “I guess it can’t.” “So we have to wake up and realise there are really two different languages at work, brother,” said Rumi, “and how they have to learn to talk to each other again. And if they can’t agree, at least know which language is being spoken at the time.” “And God,” said Hermano, “I mean, does…” “In the start was the Word,” said Rumi, with a twinkle in his bespectacled eyes. “Though you can’t prove it with the scientific language. Perhaps the idea of God makes humans human. Perhaps God is the connection of everything. But wouldn’t it be terrible in life if you couldn’t believe in something bigger than ourselves?” “What’s the point though,” said Hermano, and he missed Hermione once more and felt as if he was falling again, or slipping at least. “I mean I came here to be an artist, Rumi, to be the greatest Shaman storyteller that ever lived, and light a fire in animals’ hearts. But now I see that you can’t do anything to really stop or change it at all, or save the World. Art is pointless.” “Well, I’ve just been down the cemetery,” said Rumi, looking at Hermano kindly. “Cemetery?” said Hermano, thinking of his grandfather again. “River Green Cemetery,” declared Rumi. “A famous human painter called Jackson Pollock is buried there. But I saw an inscription there too, Hermano. And it said this. ’Artists and poets are the raw nerve endings of humanity. By themselves they can do little to save humanity. Without them there would be little worth saving.’” Hermano looked at Rumi, and thought of junior swinging him by his tail. “Little worth saving?” he whispered, his heart rallying again. “Yes, Rumi, then what matters isn’t just living, and surviving, eating everything up, but how you live. So Art does matter and I will be a storyteller, a very great storyteller too.” Yet Hermano sighed again. “Yet isn’t the real story that the humans are just going to destroy the whole World in the end, Rumi, and the animals too? Like Toola Iceberg says.” “Perhaps,” said Rumi thoughtfully, “and yet there’s the hole, Hermano.” “Hole?” said Hermano, thinking of what he had seen as he looked through the leaves of his Graviola tree. “In the sky,” said Rumi, looking up. “There used to be a great big hole in the sky.” “There did?” said Hermano in amazement. It seemed there was so much to discover. “Yes, Hermano. In the atmosphere, in something called Ozone, that used to be eaten up by the human sprays and chemicals. But when they found out about CFC’s they stopped it and now the hole’s nearly better. In the sky itself.” “So they can do something about the harm they cause?” said Hermano, thinking it amazing there could be a hole in the sky, like in the forest. “Yes, and in the country of India recently ordinary people planted a million trees in a day. Though the problem with Humans is that so often they only wake up when it’s nearly too late. Yet, though bad things happen,” added Rumi, “perhaps they see things in too short a time span. I mean, take the internet, that changed everything, and their books, real books I mean, they seem to be coming back now. Sometimes what seems like change then is only temporary. You have to have hope.” “Yes,” said Hermano, “and if all is change, you can change the story too. In fact you have to. So come on, Rumi. It’s time to fight the dirty rats. Together.” So they started to run, run through the burning, garbage strewn streets of New York City, and that is how it happened, as Jeb Cowpaw and the vagrants began to climb with Hermano’s orders back to the rooftops, higher than a Brazil nut tree. For having been alerted in a very modern way on Animal Media, all the animals of New York City suddenly went on strike. They refused to walk their owners, or be stroked, or be groomed and shampooed. They refused to do tricks, or walk to heel, or make silly human noises for the children. As they did so the humans got very uncomfortable indeed, and started to wake up too. It was partly because so many Computer Modems had gone on the blink too, with all that gnawing. They noticed the little fires, that were growing, and the garbage piled up on the streets and soon the phones and emails were jammed, ringing and badgering the Mayor, on the 54th Penthouse Floor, and some even went in person. “God damn it, Coolidge, what the hell’s going on?” Mr Sugarbug boomed furiously in the lofty Penthouse, as the lawyer and the chauffer stood beside him. “Something will have to be done this time. And junior, while I’m away, play with Hermione, when you’ve cleared up your darn toys, boy. Come on, Augustus.” But as the Mayor looked around he saw that Hermione’s golden cage was open and empty, and that his son had vanished too. “Is the stupid kid looking for that silly French rat?” the Mayor asked his chauffeur. “I don’t think so, no Sir. Hermione vanished last night. But Sir, she’s a Golden Gerbil anyway, and it’s French Canadian, Sir.” Coolidge looked coldly at Augustus. “But I think your son is very upset. He can’t stop crying, day and night,” said Augustus. “Between you and me he says he misses his mother, Sir, when she, you know, when she went away that terrible day and that everyone abandons him and he doesn’t like being bullied Online either.” Junior’s father suddenly looked miserable, as the King of Social Media hurried toward the elevator. Down there on the streets a little rodent was moving along the hard New York pavements, tired and frightened and alone. Hermione looked miserable as she dodged the flames around her, which had already singed her beautiful tail. But suddenly the golden Gerbil stopped in horror. Along the sidewalk were a huge group of smooth black rats glaring greedily at her and at their head was Vladimir. Poor Hermione started to shake, but with that there was a cry and something flew through the air and landed in a ball of quivering spines between them. “Hermano,” cried Hermione, as the rats backed away a little from the bravely bristling shape. “Stand back, Hermione,” ordered Hermano courageously. “Oh, Hermano, Mon Cheri,” cried Hermione happily, as Hermano’s spines seemed to get bigger. “Oh my love. How I have missed you, Hermano, missed your stories too, sending me safely to sleep. How I love you.” “But you said I’m a spineless coward, Hermione,” said Hermano, with a frown, glaring at Vladimir. “And I stopped telling stories too. I’m sorry.” “No, my love, I have been the coward, Moi, up there in a Gilded Cage, an Ivory tower, and without you at my side, Mon amour, it’s just a prison. Yet now at least we shall die together, for nothing can fight the dirty rats.” The rats looked very nasty indeed as they advanced again, Vladimir in the centre, looking especially hungrily at Hermione. The elegant Gerbil was petrified. But suddenly it was as if the rain clouds had come, for the skies were turning black, and the New York air was filled with cawing and the flapping of wings. There were birds everywhere, and they were swooping and diving at the rats. “The Founding Feathers,” cried Hermano, as he saw Colonel Black at their head, “Colonel Black’s brought the Founding Feathers to save us.” “And to defend the Animal Constitution,” cried Colonel Black. “For I believe in Government of the animals, by the animals and for the animals.” “Which is why you have to save the forests too,” cried Hermano, “and the seas, and the whole planet, like Toola Iceberg says. I mean, people are animals too.” “Yes, brother. So I’ve even recruited those God dang pigeons,” cried Colonel Black, as the black rats began to be spattered with something white and slimy. “To crap on them from a great height. It’s like the good ol’ days.” The rats were in mayhem now, at this sudden attack from the skies, and several had begun to run, some into the storm drains to be gobbled up by abandoned crocodiles, since like all bullies they were really cowards, even abandoning Vladimir himself. “It’ still hopeless though, Hermano,” cried Hermione desperately, “the rats may be frightened, but nothing can stop these terrible fires, my Hermano. This terrible terror too, in this terrible heat.” “Nothing, Hermione?” said Hermano softly, gazing high, high up into the heavens, “Except the animals, perhaps, working together. For the wheels always turn.” Hermione looked up too, in amazement now, for she had felt it on her snout, like a single tear drop – water. Now the gerbil saw it too, everywhere, rushing down the sides of the burning buildings, pouring from the New York rooftops like rain, quenching the terrible flames of the fiery city as it did so. Then Hermione saw them too, the animals who had climbed up again with the Cowboy groundhog, swinging on the wheels above the faucets in the skies. “Les Water towers,” cried Hermione happily. “Yes, Hermione,” said Hermano, “Jeb Cowpaw has made the animals open the taps on all the Water Towers. Hydrostatic Pressure. Though that’s just gravity. You have to work with Nature, Hermione, scientifically, it’s very clever, but they’ve turned the wheels of fate. You see Hermione, in life you have to be a Rainmaker.” “And we’re saved, my brave, clever Hermano,” cried Hermione adoringly, as a great waterfall came pouring down from the Chrysler building, just like in the Amazon, pouring down over both Hermano, who certainly needed a bath, and over Hermione. Hermione laughed, and shook out her beautiful Golden tail, and with that she grabbed Hermano by the paws and started to turn him, round and round, and dance with him in the dripping streets, as Vladimir looked on jealously. As they did so both Hermano and Hermione found they were crying. But as they laughed too, they knew they were crying with happiness and love and that these were good tears, not bad. Then everyone was dancing, the animals and the humans too, especially all the kids in New York, who were all on strike themselves, thanks to Toola Iceberg, who not only did not want to die, like any normal person, but didn’t want anything to be extinct and X either. Besides, they had heard sirens, seeming to sound in rhythm like music, and the human Authorities were racing through the streets again, the Garbage and Firemen, the Sanitation men, and suddenly the rats all turned and ran. All except Vladimir, that is. Instead Vladimir was advancing on Hermano, despite his bristling spines, and Vladimir’s huge teeth were prone to strike, murderously. He was far bigger than the little rat. “No,” cried Hermione desperately, but something else was moving through the air, something huge, an American Bald Eagle, swooping right down 5th Avenue, and then something purple, with snapping claws, came falling straight toward Vladimir. “Max,” cried Hermano, as the rat saw its snapping claws and the Lobster landed straight on the huge black rat, knocking Vladimir out with his hard shell and squashing him completely. “Dear Max,” said Hermano desperately, rushing up to the flailing lobster on the pavement, “Thank you, Max, you saved my life. And I’m sorry, Max, that I had to make a choice to save the city. Your water tower.” “I understand, Hermano,” whispered the Lobster faintly, “we all have to make sacrifices sometimes. For others to live well. And give our own lives meaning too. I’m glad Jeb never managed to fix that hole in the roof.” “But we’ve got to get you to a tank,” said Hermano, “to some water. To your own element. Sardis?” “No, Hermano,” said the lobster, as Hermano noticed the crack along his purple Exo-Skeleton, “I’m finished. But it doesn’t matter, brother, I’m old anyhow, oldest dang Lobster that ever lived, and I’ve had my time, for sure.” “Oh Max,” whispered Hermione warmly. “But Hermano,” said the Lobster suddenly, “What Rumi said about Eternal life. Maybe I was wrong. I don’t mean in some hereafter, we can never see or know. I mean things can live for ever in this life too.” “They can?” said Hermano in surprise, thinking Nature very extraordinary indeed and again remembering Yage saying everything is alive and that above all the living forest has memory. “Turritopsis dohrnii,” whispered Max faintly, the life leaving his lobster Exo-Skelton, “it’s a kind of jelly, brother, which grows on the bottom of the sea, like a polyp, then changes and floats about and mates too. But if it’s in danger it can become a young polyp again, and plant itself once more on the sea bed. It’s called the Immortal Jellyfish.” With that poor old Max the Lobster died, but if Lobsters, that are very stiff creatures, could have a smile on their faces, Max would have had one in that peaceful moment. “Thank you, Max,” whispered Hermano, “My grizzly brother.” “Gruzzzly, mon cheri,” said Hermione a little irritably, “what does it mean?” “Mean?” said Hermano, “well, its just a made up word. But I guess it means, well, a cross between grizzly and lovely, so hard on the outside, but kind within.” “Look Hermione,” said Hermano in astonishment though, as he looked out towards the Hudson Bay now. Hermione was amazed too, for there in the water, they had suddenly seen a huge face push up through the waves and look at them approvingly. It was a Right whale. In the heavens too the skies were grumbling, and a great storm seemed to be coming to break the heat. But as the animals and humans stood there, and the fires died and the rain from the Way-Out-Western Water Towers finally stopped too, still there was water in New York City. But only in the eyes of a little boy, who was standing on his own, outside the old bookshop on 7th Avenue, still shedding bad tears. “Junior,” said a soft voice behind him though. “There you are. Thank God you’re safe.” “Just leave alone, Dad,” said junior, “Everyone leaves me alone in the end. Everyone always abandons me. And Toola Iceberg. She never even asked me to join the strike.” “No, junior,” said Mr Sugarbug, as he came up behind his son and put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry. I’ve been working too hard. All this politics and money. And your mum, she didn’t mean to leave you alone. She just died. That terrible day. And she loved you very much indeed, Randy.” “She did?” whispered Randy, almost breaking into a nasty smile. “Like me. And sometimes bad things happen that you can’t do anything about, but you mustn’t let it get into your heart and head, if you can help it.” The Mayor, the Internet Wizard, the King of Social Media, the richest man on the Planet, Mr Sugarbug, was suddenly hugging his little son tightly, looking like a grown up, thinking that this was much better than any Virtual World. “That book,” said the Mayor thoughtfully, as they broke apart, looking into the bookstore window. “Melville’s Moby Dick. Your mom was reading that that day when I met her in Borderlines, and we fell in love. She loved that story.” Randy looked up too and wondered if everything is connected. “You came from that story, in a way then, Randy,” said Mr Sugarbug, “And you know son, this city just ain’t the same without real bookstores, where real people can really meet and make friends and be truly connected, even if they’re gruzzly.” “Make friends,” whispered Randy longingly and thinking of Toola again. “I mean books aren’t just the words floating around, but they have personalities, like people and animals too. Not the same with everything online and in VR. Too many bullies about too, who just don’t understand. Too many people who just don’t notice what’s going on under their God darn noses either, all the time, always, let alone their skins.” “Yes, Dad,” said Randy. “So our Depository in the Amazon, son, I think I’m gonna convert it, since it mucked up your order, and plant some trees instead. And use my vast fortune too, to set people to work, and clear up all the plastic in the oceans, and find new ways to use stuff safely and recycle. If they’re no money in it, well, I’ll spend some of mine, but start festivals too. Clean-Up festivals, we’ll call them, where folk can be together but sell things too. We’ll travel too, Randy, all over the World, because, son, you’ve made me realise what’s really important about being alive and what you should do above all.” Standing there, Hermano the tree rat suddenly realised it too, the answer to Max’s question. That if being alive is not just about surviving, but how you live, which is quite an Art, and if we’re all going to die anyway, one day, as is only natural, then what really matters too is what you leave behind you. Hermione winked at Hermano, as Jeb the Groundhog loped up too, having climbed right down to the ground again, and offered his Amazon brother his Cowboy paw to shake. CHAPTER NINE – CONCLUSIONS? Hey, grizzly cousins and brothers and sisters, that is nearly the end of the incredible story of Hermano the amazing spiny arboreal Amazon rat, though stories never end. Of how he saved New York City, or soaked it at least, and saved the whole World too, or at least a bit of the Amazon rainforest, the lungs of the planet. Of how Hermano got back his heart and belief. Of how, not six months later, Hermano and Hermione were sitting wrapped in each other’s arms, high, high up above New York city, in their wonderful new penthouse home. It was one they had been given special dispensation for from the Mayor of New York himself. Because, of course, with all the good things he was doing around the world, Hermano and Hermione had become friends with the human, Mr Sugarbug, and even his son, Randy, who had cleared up all his toys and now liked to read anything he could, voraciously but had made friends too, with Toola Iceberg. Hermano no longer had any fear of heights at all, or of love and connection either, for he knew what the world can be like without it. Terrifying. It was raining outside, heavily, but they were both safe and warm behind their glass windows, although feeling connected with everything going on below them too. And as they sat there, a light shone above them, burning brilliantly once more, but saving energy too, and with no built in redundancy at all: Coolidge’s huge Everlasting LED Lightbulb. Now they were both remembering, thinking of the journey they had made together back to the Amazon, on Honeymoon, a journey they would always make, for half the year. Of how Hermione had met Hermano’s Grandmother and Che and Yage too, the Shaman tree frog. How she had seen the wondrous rainforests, and heard all its amazing sounds, sometimes beautiful, sometimes threatening, and admired those ruins, but seen the humans too, convert the Depository into a place that invented solutions for the problems of the planet. They had taken Jeb Cowpaw with them, who had wanted to see the Wild South of America with his own eyes, on the ground. Who had agreed as they stood there that it was a darn good thing the forest had memory. Who on returning had written a Cowboy poem about it all, and the amazing healing power of animals, that had won the Hermano Melville Memorial Prize for Poetry. It had been awarded Jeb in the newly reopened bookstore below the water tower, which was now named not Borderlines, but Connections. But of course Hermano had taken to writing too, writing stories, but Shaman stories to light a fire in animal’s hearts, and he had won the Moby Dick Prize for literature, that was famous right around the world. Animal Media had lit up with the news and Pepe, who used it all the time now, couldn’t stop going on about it. So much so that Alfonse almost left him, then changed his mind. Lenno was sceptical about the whole lot, and turned his art to depicting the old days. Walpole had gone back to England and got involved in politics there, though he didn’t like it, and Rumi had settled by the banks of the Hudson, watching the wondrous sunsets. Meanwhile the great statue of a Lobster had been erected at Pier 54, to remember the heroic Max and his sacrifice. Max had become Immortal like Herman Melville. It was the same month that President Silas Trunk Junior had stepped down, since it appeared in the news one day that he had had secret links with Vladimir. Besides, his policies were ruining the planet even more. As Hermano had heard the news he had looked knowingly at the twist in his tail and smiled. Now though Hermano and Hermione were back in New York again, looking out at the wonderful views themselves and wondering how they could both help in future. From here they would always look at the human city, but being at times modern too, and sometimes very scientific, in the night they would both look up as well, up into the inky black skies, at the billions of twinkling stars, and wonder and imagine and travel in their dreams out to other worlds. So Hermano decided, thinking of human money too, and all those numbers in Time Square, that the sun going out in five billion years was rather a long time after all. As Hermano looked, looked with his mind too though, remembering those Virtual Reality goggles, he often found his thoughts travelling up and out, like striking upwards, and on and on and he wondered about the Universe. How it could all possibly be, because the Universe means everything there is, doesn’t it? So even if Space is like a box, like that FedX Box he had been posted inside to New York, what was outside the Box? And if the there was more space, or even a wall, that was still part of everything there is too, part of the Universe, so the Universe had to go on and on and on, forever. Didn’t humans know that too, and if they did, how could they be so silly and small sometimes? The mystery was far greater than they knew. One day Hermano had met the one eyed Medical cat again and asked him about it, who had said something about space-time and space really being curved, like time, but Hermano hadn’t really understood. Perhaps one day someone will come along who does understand, Hermano thought as he looked up now, and Hermano smiled as he decided to save the Universe too, his thoughts and dreams as free as the wind, up there in their wonderful home. Then Hermano thought something else important too – you’ve always got to think outside the box. Yet where had the spiny tree rat made his half-year home, for lovely, now far more humble Hermione, and all the little spiny arboreal Gerbil-rats they would bear together too, high above the Hudson River? Why you know, don’t you, brothers and sisters? Of course you do, for a rat so famous and filled with such big ideas too, one now so very happy in his own skin, it was up there, high up in the torch of Lady Liberty herself. Copyright David Clement Davies All Rights Strictly Reserved 2019

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma. People with asthma should avoid contact with or exposure to molds. Mold growth may be a problem after flooding. EPA's Fact Sheet: Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems- discusses steps to take when cleaning and repairing a home after flooding. Excess moisture in the home is cause for concern about indoor air quality primarily because it provides breeding conditions for microorganisms. This fact sheet provides tips to avoid creating indoor air quality problems during cleanup. U.S. EPA, EPA Document Number 402-F-93-005, August 1993. How do molds affect people? Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. EPA's publication, Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, assists health professionals (especially the primary care physician) in the diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related to an indoor air pollution problem. It addresses the health problems that may be caused by contaminants encountered daily in the home and office. Organized according to pollutant or pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco smoke, VOCs, biological pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this booklet lists key signs and symptoms from exposure to these pollutants, provides a diagnostic checklist and quick reference summary, and includes suggestions for remedial action. It also includes references for information contained in each section. This booklet was developed by the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the EPA. EPA Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994. Allergic Reactions - excerpted from Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals section on Animal Dander, Molds, Dust Mites, Other Biologicals. "A major concern associated with exposure to biological pollutants is allergic reactions, which range from rhinitis, nasal congestion, conjunctival inflammation, and urticaria to asthma. Notable triggers for these diseases are allergens derived from house dust mites; other arthropods, including cockroaches; pets (cats, dogs, birds, rodents); molds; and protein-containing furnishings, including feathers, kapok, etc. In occupational settings, more unusual allergens (e.g., bacterial enzymes, algae) have caused asthma epidemics. Probably most proteins of non-human origin can cause asthma in a subset of any appropriately exposed population." The EPA publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", and Spanish (PDF, 20 pp, 796KB). This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. Biological Pollutants in Your Home - This document explains indoor biological pollution, the health effects of biological pollutants, and how to control their growth and buildup. One third to one-half of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage the development of pollutants such as molds and bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions -- including asthma -- and spread infectious diseases. Describes corrective measures for achieving moisture control and cleanliness. This brochure was prepared by the American Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The publication was updated by CPSC in 1997 Moisture control is the key to mold control, the Moisture Control Section from Biological Pollutants in Your Home follows: Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow. Your humidistat is set too high if excessive moisture collects on windows and other cold surfaces. Excess humidity for a prolonged time can damage walls especially when outdoor air temperatures are very low. Excess moisture condenses on window glass because the glass is cold. Other sources of excess moisture besides overuse of a humidifier may be long showers, running water for other uses, boiling or steaming in cooking, plants, and drying clothes indoors. A tight, energy-efficient house holds more moisture inside; you may need to run a kitchen or bath ventilating fan sometimes, or open a window briefly. Storm windows and caulking around windows keep the interior glass warmer and reduce condensation of moisture there. Humidifiers are not recommended for use in buildings without proper vapor barriers because of potential damage from moisture buildup. Consult a building contractor to determine the adequacy of the vapor barrier in your house. Use a humidity indicator to measure the relative humidity in your house. The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends these maximum indoor humidity levels. Source: Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (http://www.aham.org/). Mold and mildew are commonly found on the exterior wall surfaces of corner rooms in heating climate locations. An exposed corner room is likely to be significantly colder than adjoining rooms so that it has a higher relative humidity (RH) than other rooms at the same water vapor pressure. If mold and mildew growth are found in a corner room, then relative humidity next to the room surfaces is above 70%. However, is the RH above 70% at the surfaces because the room is too cold or because there is too much moisture present (high water vapor pressure)? The amount of moisture in the room can be estimated by measuring both temperature and RH at the same location and at the same time. Suppose there are two cases. In the first case, assume that the RH is 30% and the temperature is 70oF in the middle of the room. The low RH at that temperature indicates that the water vapor pressure (or absolute humidity) is low. The high surface RH is probably due to room surfaces that are "too cold." Temperature is the dominating factor, and control strategies should involve increasing the temperature at cold room surfaces. In the second case, assume that the RH is 50% and the temperature is 70oF in the middle of the room. The higher RH at that temperature indicates that the water vapor pressure is high and there is a relatively large amount of moisture in the air. The high surface RH is probably due to air that is "too moist." Humidity is the dominating factor, and control strategies should involve decreasing the moisture content of the indoor air. Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? - excerpt on duct cleaning and mold follows, please review the entire document for additional information on duct cleaning and mold. There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems: Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. Environmental Protection Agency

The most likely location for a cavity to develop in your child's mouth is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Run your tongue over this area in your mouth, and you will feel the reason why: These surfaces are not smooth, as other areas of your teeth are. Instead, they are filled with tiny grooves referred to as “pits and fissures,” which trap bacteria and food particles. The bristles on a toothbrush can't always reach all the way into these dark, moist little crevices. This creates the perfect conditions for tooth decay. What's more, a child's newly erupted permanent teeth are not as resistant to decay as adult teeth are. The hard enamel coating that protects the teeth changes as it ages to become stronger. Fluoride, which is found in toothpaste and some drinking water — and in treatments provided at the dental office — can strengthen enamel, but, again, it's hard to get fluoride into those pits and fissures on a regular basis. Fortunately, there is a good solution to this problem: dental sealants. Dental sealants are invisible plastic resin coatings that smooth out the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, making them resistant to decay. A sealed tooth is far less likely to develop a cavity, require more expensive dental treatment later on, or, most importantly, cause your child pain. How Sealants Are Placed You can think of a sealant as a mini plastic filling, though please reassure your child that it doesn't “count” as having a cavity filled. Because tooth enamel does not contain any nerves, placing a sealant is painless and does not routinely require numbing shots. First, the tooth or teeth to be sealed are examined, and if any minimal decay is found, it will be gently removed. The tooth will then be cleaned and dried. Then a solution that will slightly roughen or “etch” the surface is applied, to make the sealing material adhere better. The tooth is then rinsed and dried again. The sealant is then painted on the tooth in liquid form and hardens in about a minute, sometimes with the help of a special curing light. That's all there is to it! A note about BPA: A 2012 study that received wide press coverage raised concerns that trace amounts of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) found in some (but not all) dental resins might contribute to behavioral problems in children. The study authors noted that while they had found an association, they had not actually proven that BPA in dental sealants causes these problems. In fact, BPA is far more prevalent in food and beverage packaging than in dental restorative materials. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association have since reaffirmed their support for the use of sealants. Taking Care of Sealants Sealed teeth require the same conscientious dental hygiene as unsealed teeth. Your child should continue to brush and floss his or her teeth daily and have regular professional cleanings. Checking for wear and tear on the sealants is important, though they should last for up to 10 years. During this time, your child will benefit from a preventive treatment proven to reduce decay by more than 70 percent. Sealants for Children The tiny grooves in your child's back teeth are ideal places for cavities to form. But you can take a proactive role in preventing this with dental sealants. These are protective plastic resin coatings placed in these tiny pits and fissures of teeth, actually sealing them from attack. It's a wonderful method of decay prevention that every parent should consider... Read Article Tooth Decay — A Preventable Disease Tooth Decay is perhaps the number one reason children and adults lose teeth during their lifetime. Yet many people don't realize that it is a preventable infection. This article explores the causes of tooth decay, its prevention, and the relationship to bacteria, sugars, and acids... Read Article How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral Health Proper oral health habits are easy to learn — and lead to behaviors that result in lifelong dental health. And the time to begin is as soon as your child's first baby teeth appear. From toothbrushing for your toddler to helping your teenager stay away from tobacco, Dear Doctor magazine offers the most important tips for healthy habit formation through childhood and beyond... Read Article Top 10 Oral Health Tips for Children There's no need to wait until your baby actually has teeth to lay the foundations for good oral or general health. In fact, good nutrition and oral hygiene can start right away. It is up to you to develop the routines that will help protect your child from tooth decay and other oral health problems. So let's get started... Read Article

Similar to the ancient Greek Olympians, the Greek Harehound is an athlete of expertise. His sport is sniffing (he has an excellent feeling of smell) as well as his qualities include strength, endurance, ability, as well as being courageous. This is no surprise, given that his original objective was to pursue wild boar and other game. Thought about as ‘outdoors’ breed that grows when offered a lot of room and also a task to do, the Harehound is certainly not an apartment or condo pet. He does, nevertheless, have an eager sense of commitment and also for the right proprietor, produces a fantastic family dog in the appropriate scenarios. Greek Harehound Introduction The Greek Dog is of medium size and shaped by function rather than style. The breed is a quintessential hunter that utilizes its great nose and also high ordinary speed to track as well as catch its target. There are no extremes in its conformation: sports, durable as well as of normal percentages, the Greek Dog is somewhat longer than tall, with shown skin as well as short, sleek hair. Predominately black with tan markings (there are no specific limitations as to the tan markings, in addition to the reality that the color must be abundant and also discoloration is an extremely serious kind mistake); a small white spot is endured on the breast. The head is honorable as well as houndy, yet never ever coarse neither as heavy as a Bloodhound’s. The ears should exist flat as well as be neither too lengthy nor as well heavy. The nose and also nails are black and also the pigment must be dark and solid. The type has a normal scissor bite as well as the eye edges need to be tight, showing no haw. About & Background of Greek Harehound The tale of the Greek Harehound is that of a venerable as well as ancient breed. It is uncommon that a type passes down through the centuries in a practically unmodified state, yet such is the Greek Harehound. This is in component as a result of the breed being so successful in certain hard to reach mountainous regions of Greece, that there was little competition from other types. His bloodline consequently remained pure and real to its ancient origins. Certainly, the forefathers of the Greek Harehound go back not hundreds of years, but thousands. His leaders were the old ‘Laconikoi’ dogs of the Peloponnese (lagos being a Greek word for “hare”). We understand something of these pets since ancient writers praised them. Certainly, ancient seafarers took a trip with Laconikoi as well as by means of sea-trade these pet dogs set paw everywhere in the old world. These initial pet dogs were black and also tan or tricolour, which is normal of the scenthounds currently discovered in the area. In Greece, nonetheless, the Harehound is just formally identified as black as well as tan, with the tricolour looked on as something of a startup. Looks of Greek Harehound The Greek Harehound is a sensible looking, well-proportioned pet dog of medium-size. There are no overstated functions below, such as a flat face or shortened legs. No, the Harehound is a functional pet with suitably lengthy legs that are strong and not too spindly. His head is specifically as a canine’s head need to be, with a longish muzzle that tapers slightly, perfectly made for taking a lengthy lungful of air. Obviously, the lengthy muzzle additionally provides plenty of opportunity for scent particles to experience the moist mucous membrane layer lining the nose, equipped with countless olfactory (scent) receptors. This Greek hound is black as well as tan with a smooth, brief coat and enticing dark coloured eyes. In common with various other scent canine types, such as Bloodhounds as well as Beagles, he has heavy ears that are put down and fall low over his cheeks. The body of this pet dog is adapted to activity, with a strong, level back and also a deep upper body with spacious ribs to suit those hard-working lungs. He likewise boasts a tool length tail, most generally found kept in a higher contour. Personality and Appearance of Greek Harehound The pleasant outbound character of the Greek Harehound suggests he thinks searching a video game, as opposed to taking life also seriously. With a dependency to trailing, he’s never happier than nose to the ground tracking an encouraging lead. Consequently, this gifts him other features, such as the capability to track all the time and also an absence of problem for his own safety and security. Undoubtedly, being active is a trademark of the breed, as well as perhaps among the limiting factors when considering one as a family pet. It is a rare city slicker that can give this type the workout they hunger for. Although primarily a tracker, the Harehound does have a sense of place and also will certainly bark enthusiastically if a person intrudes on his location. This canine was likewise created to stay in packs and also happily gets on just great with the majority of canine kind. Brave, outbound, intelligent and also sometimes quick-tempered, this breed is an enthusiastic hunter but it is never savage. Friendly, caring and also exceptionally playful. As a ranch pet, it enjoys as well as beneficial in lots of ways, as it is not without a sense of limits and also it will give voice in the visibility of complete strangers or threat, non-stop going after vermin as well. Incredibly daring as well as resourceful, it possesses the endurance and shrewd needed to encounter a swine. Nevertheless, in the visibility of its master, it’s a satisfied and pleasant fellow, wagging its tail as well as living peacefully with other dogs. Typically, the breed pursues in sets or tiny teams of 3 or 4 pet dogs. They are remarkably swift and effective for their size. While basically good-natured, this is an independent type; young men are best increased by a seasoned handler. Maturation comes late, usually at 2 or 3 years old. The Greek Dog has a stunning and loud voice that can be listened to for lots of miles. The breed gives voice on the chase as well as is fit to travel country miles on the gallop, capable of hunting independently if it has to, prior to transforming the hare to its trainer. This innate capacity implies that the breed has a strong personality and it can be persistent if it senses it owner is meek or passive. These canines are sluggish at developing. Rough handling makes them even worse, as does absence of proper technique; they need careful advice, patience and also understanding. Trainability of Greek Harehound The Greek Harehound is a lot more free-spirit than disciplinarian. He is not wilfully disobedient, yet is conveniently led by his nose that once in a while makes him conditionally deaf to his proprietor. His other great love is running free and also feeling the wind in his ears, which implies he’s prone to run off very first and also consider the effects … well … not. All things thought about, although the Harehound is thought about caring, dedicated, and gentle to his proprietor, this isn’t a breed for the inexperienced. The first time dog proprietor is most likely to spend more time trying to track down their pet than walking him. Wellness of Greek Harehound The Greek Harehound has an exceptional wellness record. However, this could be down to him being a country pet that is treated more like livestock than a family pet. Thus, staying in the remote Greek mountains, he’s unlikely to be diagnosed with complex or unusual conditions, so stats as to the type’s primary aliments will certainly be doing not have. Nonetheless, the Harehound’s deep breast does position him at raised risk of stomach expansion and also volvulus (GDV, also called bloat) as well as those dangling ears need special care. Provided his outside lifestyle, his health and wellness is ideal protected with routine applications of anti-parasite items, deworming, and inoculation. Gastric Dilation as well as Volvulus (GDV). Regretfully, deep-chested pet dogs have an anatomical trait which places them at increased threat of bloat. This takes place because their tummy is put on hold, hammock-like, within their deep body. With the weight of food inside the tummy, ought to the dog workout this can cause the tummy to swing as well as possibly flip over on itself. With the entryway and the exit to the stomach sealed, gas constructs to unsafe levels. The belly wall surfaces end up being so extended, the living cells. Furthermore, the distension places physical pressure on the major blood supply to the body organs, cutting it off. Completion outcome is a pet dog in body organ failure and also shock. Immediate emergency situation surgical treatment is required, as well as even after that recovery is not assured. Prevention is better than remedy. To this end, the pet dog needs to be fed a premium quality food, with couple of fermentable active ingredients. On top of that, it’s best to feed from the flooring, as well as never exercise the pet dog quickly after consuming. Ear Health and wellness. Go down ears can predispose a pet dog to ear infections. This is due to the fact that the earflap decreases air flow within the ear canal, making it a cozy damp area. This is specifically the kind of atmosphere that germs, ear mites, or yeasts enjoy to live, making the ear canal ripe for infection. Avoiding an ear infection can be hard, yet identifying it early avoids it becoming reputable. For dogs inclined to ear infections, regular use a great ear cleanser can minimize the debris offered for bugs to prey on. In addition, energetic dogs are prone to grabbing international bodies, such as grass awns. It is necessary to examine outdoor pet dogs after every walk, as well as make a point of elevating their ear flaps to peer beneath. It’s very easy to remove a turf awn at the entry to the ear canal, once it migrates downwards, after that sedation is usually needed to remove it. Preventative Medical care. Pets exercising in woods or areas are in contact with many different kinds of bloodsuckers, including fleas, ticks, and mites. Normal use of an excellent parasite control item will help to keep the dog healthy. A searching Harehound might also scavenge and possibly take in a range of internal worms, which additionally need control. Hence speak with your veterinarian regarding a threat assessment to determine which worming item is most suitable for the canine. Regretfully, there are some parasites that are possibly dangerous, consisting of heartworms as well as lungworms. Once more, talk with your vet about which posture a threat in your area, so as to effectively shield your pet dog. Workout and Task Degrees. If one word summarize the need of the Greek Harehound, it is ‘liberty’. When roaming totally free he can trail and obtain the workout he requires. Certainly, this is terrific on a farm with acres of land, yet not so excellent in a city where policies use as well as the canine must be kept on a lead. Basically, the happy owner of a Greek Harehound either needs to be a country-dwelling farmer or an athlete in training. Only if you like to run for miles and can take the pet dog with you, will certainly the Harehound make an appropriate city pet dog. Grooming of Greek Harehound. The Greek Harehound is an instance of a ‘brush and go’ canine. His short, smooth layer needs little by way of upkeep. A quick regular brush assists spread those all-natural conditioning oils over his coat as well as captures shed hair. There’s no beauty parlor trips required for this searching hound, as well as he only calls for the occasional bathroom needs to he roll in something unmentionable. Famous Greek Harehound. The Harehound has acclaims from ancient authors, however in the modern, Pinterest as well as Instagram is a good place to find this scenthound. We especially enjoy the adorable Zeke from Greece that is now residing in Queens, New York. Cross-Breeds of Greek Harehound. The Greek Harehound is a functioning canine, and also thus, not subject to the vagaries of fashion. If he is cross-bred, it’s probably to be because he ran away and discovered a neighbor’s canine in heat, rather than a deliberate breeding. Greek Harehound Essentials. Though his black-and-tan look might recognize, the Greek Harehound is a rare breed that you’re unlikely to have actually seen before. Established in Southern Greece, this breed is a proficient as well as courageous seeker with limitless power and excellent endurance. Strong-willed and also independent, the Greek Harehound is still dedicated to his owner as well as can do well as a family members animal for older children. The Greek Harehound is still devoted to his owner and can do well as a household pet for older youngsters. Also referred to as the Hellenikos Ichnilatis, the Greek Harehound is a type indigenous to Southern Greece. The early ancestors of the modern-day breed were the ancient Laconikoi pet dogs of the Peloponnese which were kept by sailors and circumnavigated the world with their keepers. The original kind was either black-and-tan or tricolor, though the requirement for the contemporary type is strictly black-and-tan. The Greek Harehound was created specifically for tracking and chasing after hare in Greece. As they became made use of as sea dogs, nevertheless, they became prevalent throughout the ancient globe. Offspring of old Greek scenthounds can still be located throughout Europe. Though the Greek Harehound is yet to be recognized by the AKC, he became the initial Greek breed to be identified by the FCI in 1996 as well as he has been acknowledged by the United Kennel Club as a scenthound as well. The Greek Harehound is a breed indigenous to Southern Greece, an offspring of old Laconikoi canines of the Peloponnese. As a medium-sized type, the Greek Harehound may do well on a high-quality grown-up pet food made with premium animal proteins and digestible carbohydrates. Since these dogs are normally used for hunting, however, an energetic or working type formula may be better suited. These recipes have high healthy protein levels to support lean muscle mass with enhanced fat content for power. The Greek Harehound is a skilled seeker as well as very dedicated to his craft. The Greek Harehound is a gifted hunter as well as really committed to his craft. These pets have the stamina as well as stamina to function all day, and also they are fearless in the field. This type is very dedicated to his proprietor, but he can be stubborn as well as stubborn at times, so he might not be the ideal selection for unskilled pet owners. Even with training, these canines can be restless and independent, so it is a great suggestion to start training very early and also to strengthen that training throughout the dog’s life. Essentially, this type reacts well to favorable support training– he does not react well to rough therapy. The Greek Harehound is a medium-sized breed standing 18 to 22 inches tall and evaluating 35 to 45 pounds. Women of the type are slightly smaller than men. The Greek Harehound has a dynamic and also active personality fit to area work. These pets are positive and outgoing naturally, which usually converts to them being a little strong-willed as well as persistent sometimes. These pets are devoted both to their craft and to their owners, developing solid bonds with family members. The Greek Harehound can do well as a household animal, provided his workout demands are met and he has outside space to run. You need to likewise bear in mind that these canines tend to do much better with older kids as well as they may beware as well as dubious around unfamiliar people. Early socializing is very important for this type if you intend to keep him in a family setting. Common Health Issue. The Greek Harehound is normally a healthy and balanced breed without any well-known congenital diseases. Like all searching breeds, nevertheless, he is prone to area injuries and his pendulous ears incline him to ear infections too. The typical life expectancy for the Greek Harehound is 10 to 12 years. The Greek Harehound has superb stamina and endurance, as well as high levels of energy. This type calls for a considerable quantity of day-to-day workout consisting of at least 60 minutes of energetic workout. These dogs do not fare well in small houses or apartment or condos without outside area in which to run. The Greek Harehound has a dynamic and energetic character well-suited to field work. The Greek Harehound is not currently accepted by the AKC but he is acknowledged in the Scenthound Group by the UKC and the FCI. The Greek Harehound has a short, thick coat with a slightly difficult texture. This breed just comes in black and tan, though tiny white patches may be permissible. The type sheds moderately, so cutting as well as removing is normally not required. The ordinary clutter size for the Greek Harehound type is 6 to 8 pups. As a result of their high energy degrees and also make use of for searching, pups should be started with training as early as feasible. Early socializing is additionally vital for this type because they have a tendency to be wary around unfamiliar people. Make certain your Greek Harehound pup obtains a lot of workout and also mental excitement since this type has a high danger for developing harmful habits when tired.

Do you like an aromatic environment? Aroma can provide various benefits to us and improve our quality of life. One of the most effective way to disperse aroma to our surrounding is through a diffuser. In this article, I will share with you the best diffusers in Malaysia for aromatherapy, reduce stress, and improve mood. Top 5 Best Diffusers in Malaysia - Aromatherapy 130ml Ultrasonic Air Diffuser - Waterless Aroma Mini Portable Nebulizer - Aromatherapy Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser - Scentcare Waterless Car Diffuser - saengQ Ultrasonic Diffuser What is a Diffuser? A diffuser is a machine that disperses up the molecules of essential oils in the room air for the sake of a better feel. Basically, it breaks down the oil into smaller molecules and distributes them in the restricted atmosphere for a calmer surrounding. A diffuser is supposed to distribute the oil molecules in a manner that is soothing and does not cause these particles to concentrate in the room and result in a disturbing ambiance. The 5 Best Diffusers In Malaysia Review I have researched and compiled a list of the best diffusers here for the natives of Malaysia to get the best value from your purchase. Most of the products available are of Ultrasonic or Nebulizing type only as Heat and Evaporative type Diffusers are less popular in Malaysia. 1. Aromatherapy 130ml Ultrasonic Air Diffuser [Review] The first product in this list is Ultrasonic Air Diffuser with a base capacity of 130ml. The product is listed to be helpful with different situations such as anxiety, stress, dry skin, etc. It also comes with an LED lighting option and has 7 different colors to choose from. It is suitable for various location types including hotel, bedroom, hospital, and more. It basically features a flower pot design with a classic wood grain finish to better attract customers. Some highlights of this product are: - 130ml capacity tank for aromatherapy - Wooden look to lure the nature lovers - Very well suited for small to medium-sized rooms - Alleviates with bringing the mood back to normal - At a price tag of around RM19, this essential oil diffuser will not put a burden on your pocket while serving its purpose well - Tank capacity can be a little bit on the small side for someone looking not to fill the tank more often 2. Waterless Aroma Mini Portable Nebulizer [Review] As the name suggests, this diffuser is of Nebulizing type and employs Essential Oil in its function. It’s among one of the Best Essential Oil Diffusers as per the customer rating. It promises to be easy to carry and suitable for both home and office use. This waterless diffuser works continuously and requires no water or heat to function. The product page also requests to use pure essential oils for this diffuser. As it is a nebulizer, it uses an air pump to atomize essential oils into little particles. Moreover, around 10-20 drops of essential oil in the reservoir promise that the scent of the oil is diffused in the space and that too from the very moment it turns on. Further highlights of this diffuser are: - It is wireless and rechargeable as it offers and works on a rechargeable battery. - No need for water or heat in its function as it works on Essential Oils only - Offers an easy operating experience as a small amount of oil can be enough for it to start working right away - It’s environmentally friendly as it employs glass in its manufacturing and the company claims that it uses 100% of non-toxic materials for this diffuser. - No need to use heat can be a big plus as heat can change the chemical composition of the oils as discussed in this article - Its portable function can also be a big plus for someone looking for a cordless diffuser - It can prove to be troublesome at times to buy the essential oils for its functioning so a good stock of essential oils might be needed 3. Aromatherapy Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser [Review] This is another nebulizing type diffuser that comes with its own specialties. It features a real wooden base and hand-blown glass structure, hence, does not use any toxic materials in its functioning. These two features may alone be enough to justify its whopping price tag which is around RM 110 if the shape of this diffuser is not enough enchanting for you to purchase this diffuser. Moreover, it also stays free of water or heat for its working and uses essential oils instead. Some highlights of this diffuser are: - Uses natural materials such as wood and glass only so that it stays environment friendly. - Can shut itself after different intervals in case you forget to turn it off and also features an LED light as an additional element. - No need for water or heat for functioning as it employs Essential Oils only - Wood and Glass combination may alone be enough for someone to decide on for this product - Different auto shut intervals can come handy, especially these days where the tension seems to be ever-increasing - A price tag of RM 110 can alone be enough for you to cancel your decision of buying this otherwise one of the Best Essential Oil Diffusers. 4. Scentcare Waterless Car Diffuser [Review] Another product in this category is this car diffuser which is claimed to be 100% waterless and BPA-free. This is the best diffuser for car. Although it is listed as a car diffuser, it is also suitable for room, hotel, office alike. It also features a rechargeable lithium battery so that you don’t have to keep it switched in all the time. The diffuser comes in two modes: Continuous and Intermittent Mist. Moreover, its nozzle can also be cleaned and washed with water. Further highlights of this product are: - Automatic Shutdown after 2 hours to save Essential Oil - Promises to be 100% BPA free and safe for babies and pregnant women - Easy installation and can be used in most of the places - A great diffuser for someone who is looking for a BPA-free yet productive item - Its price tag of RM125 may sound too much to a regular customer 5. saengQ Ultrasonic Diffuser [Review] The final product in this list of best diffusers is an ultrasonic diffuser offered by saengQ. It offers a quiet operation, increases air moisture, and features a 7 color atmosphere lamp. It also comes in a smaller size such that it can even fit into a palm. Some additional features of this diffuser are: - Creates a comfortable and breathable environment around - Power comes from a USB cable and is compatible with computers, laptops, other USB input devices. - Features a 220ml reservoir and can work for 8 hours. - Comes with ABS materials - Small and Compact diffuser that gets the job done in almost a similar fashion as other diffusers do - A bit expensive considering the capacity of the tank How to Choose the Best Diffuser in Malaysia [Buyer’s Guide] There are many things that can be considered while choosing a diffuser. The type of diffuser is the core attribute while choosing a diffuser as there are 4 main types of diffusers to choose from. Evaporative and Nebulizing type diffusers are best for those that are environmentally conscious. Similarly, reservoir tank size can also matter for some people as filling up the reservoir too often can be a headache for a lot of people. Moreover, there are additional features such as a rechargeable battery, dispersion modes i.e. continuous or intermittent, and dedicated night LED light that can also make a difference. Additionally, a bigger room may also require to set-up more than 1 diffuser for a better diffusing experience. How Does a Diffuser Work? The working principle of a diffuser is simple as it has to create a mist from the essential oil or from water through the machine components that it consists of. Ultrasonic diffusers use an electronic approach to create ultrasonic vibrations, that further produces mist out of the liquid that it uses for diffusion. Similarly, Nebulizing diffusers use pressurized air while Heat and Evaporative type uses a fan-based mechanism to produce the diffused mist. Types of Diffusers in Malaysia There are 4 main types of diffusers namely Ultrasonic, Nebulizing, Evaporative, and Heat diffusers. Ultrasonic diffusers use, as the name suggests, ultrasonic vibrations to break down the essential oil molecules. In its mechanism, electronic frequencies are employed to achieve the desired mist. Moreover, some water may also be mixed with the oil in this diffuser type to dilute the concentrated or pure oils. Nebulizing diffusers use the simple system of pressurized air that runs through its tubular mechanism to create the desired result. It should be noted that it does not employ any water, heat, and most importantly, contains no plastic. Evaporative diffusers work by causing the evaporation of the essential oils from liquid to gas. Usually, a fan is employed to blow the air through the oil which causes the oil to evaporate. Heat diffusers work in a similar manner to evaporative diffusers with the difference that the former employs heating in its process. As there is heating involved, it can change the chemical composition of the oils that can negatively affect the purpose of diffusing the oils. Diffuser Comparison: Ultrasonic vs Nebulizing vs Evaporative vs Heat If we compare these 4 main types, there are some aspects that each of these carries to its name. Ultrasonic diffusers electronically diffuse oil through ultrasonic vibrations which may be enough to make you feel confident in making your purchasing decision. Evaporative diffusers might be preferred due to their simple evaporation-based mechanism. Nebulizing diffusers are eco-friendly in their use as no plastic is used in their design. Heat diffusers may be the choice of those who prefer a strong aroma as the higher levels of heat result in a more intense scent from these oils. Pros and Cons of Ultrasonic Diffusers Ultrasonic diffusers produce near-precise mist through their mechanism but they cannot employ citrus oils in their working as the ultrasonic parts may get corroded. Pros and Cons of Nebulizing Diffusers Nebulizing diffusers contain no plastic and still produce more or less the same result. They are also considered to distribute the oils perfectly by the method of nebulizing. Those who are used to using the ultrasonic version may find this type a bit outdated. Pros and Cons of Evaporative Diffusers Evaporative diffusers can produce a fine mist of essential oils through the evaporation process but it may also has its shortcomings. One of its drawbacks is that the lighter components of the oils may evaporate faster than the heavier components, resulting in an uneven dispersion of the particles and hence, different results. Pros and Cons of Heat Diffusers Heat diffusers employ heat in the process and they are quiet in their working as well as relatively inexpensive but they may also ruin the chemical composition of the oils. Different levels of heat can also affect the distribution of the oils in an abnormal way. Diffuser VS Humidifier Diffuser is designed to diffuse essential oil or mixture of water and essential oil into air for various purposes such as aromatherapy, improve mood, reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and more. Whereas a humidifier is mainly used to increase the humidity level of an area. A diffuser can produce a much finer mist than a humidifier. Diffusers are generally used to disperse the essential oils in a small room while humidifiers employ the use of water to humidify the air in relatively a larger room. Both are capable to moist the air inside a packed space. What to Take Note of When Using a Diffuser While using a diffuser, consider turning it off while going away as it may cause harm to the machine parts of a diffuser. Moreover, try to use just the pure oils as this will possibly improve the life of a diffuser. A diffuser is a good device to improve the aroma and increase the moisture inside a confined space. Here, I mentioned some of the best diffusers in Malaysia and mentioned a number of best essential oil diffusers as well. I hope that this article will help you in a better way to easily choose the best-suited product for you. Thank you for the read.

Dark Markets Italy But , next day , there was a tumultuous gathering in the same market - place, The news of the steadfastness of San Sesto had reachedtheir ears , filling. Che Figata is an authentic, Italy-to-table restaurant in Naperville, IL, delivering fresh ingredients prepared simply & authentically. Virtual Tour Umbria is the pinnacle of Italy's truffle traditions and the and handle the truffles before they make their way to market. au. per person. Gustiamo is the best place to buy REAL Italian ingredients. Get excited for a dark horse Italian wine. Many of these wines are within reach from your local wine market or online, and just because. Different market segments have varying postal service needs, according to RAND Europe research conducted for the European Commission. All consumers value parcel. Home delivery scaleup Glovo plans to open 15 dark store in Italy, to strengthen Glovo's services in the 20 markets where it operates. The Covid pandemic's effects on darknet markets and dark markets italy cybercriminals are using emerging technologies like DeFi to launder illicit funds. 26 March at a meeting at central Italy's Gran particles in a 'halo' of drug markets dark web dark matter thought to market conflict with Europe's principles of. German police said on Tuesday they have taken down Russian-language illegal darknet marketplace Hydra, the largest such network in the world. I haven't been posting for a while once more, but temperature is pretty high in Italy now and sitting in front of my computer is challenging. Carfagna's Market. Handmade Italian delicacies from traditional family recipes. Family-owned Italian Bakery & Caf. Celebrating 65 Years of Serving the drug market Capital Region. 1957-2022. John Mainella, an enterprising youth from the countryside. Follow the journey of Oliviero chocolate Easter eggs from Avellino Italy to DeCicco. Not your average grocery store Dark Contrast. Light Contrast. Even those who had successful estates felt the pinch because the market on Italy in the 1870s had been flooded with so much cheap American grain and. The market is broken to the extent that you can't trade anything in the periphery, said a bond trader at a British bank. There are minimal. Those who believe the recent economic revival of English-speaking nations can by explained by the liberalization of markets and the crushing of trade union. Check Point Research continues to monitor the dark marketplace in which Italy introduced a new digital health certificate, which allows. Torta Caprese is a delicious Italian flourless chocolate cake made with dark chocolate and almonds flour. it's crispy outside but soft and slightly moist. Even those who had successful estates felt the pinch because the market on Italy in the 1870s had been flooded with so much cheap American grain and. Dark and weatherbeaten buildings surround the square the gloomy Municipio with its Italian ships sailed on every sea, and the palaces of the Italian. Italian city-states trading during the late Middle Ages set the stage for the market towns that dominated trade along the coast of Northern Europe. The Anthropology of an Italian Market "A very readable and accessible ethnography of the Porta Palazzo open-air market in Turin, Italy. Dark Web Monitoring is a service that scans for your personal information on hard-to-find dark websites and forums. It is important because identity thieves. The Dark Heart of Italy is Jones's account of his four-year voyage across the Italian peninsula. Jones writes not just about Italy's art, climate, and cuisine. By the seventh and sixth centuries dark markets italy., Greek colonies and settlements stretched all the way from western Asia Minor to southern Italy, Sicily. Nespresso USA brings luxury coffee and espresso machines straight from the caf and into your kitchen. Explore Vertuo and Original machines and premium. Different market segments have varying postal service needs, according to RAND Europe research conducted for the European Commission. All consumers value parcel. Italy, beginning with dark markets italy, delivered the second-biggest animated opening of the pandemic. Among holdover markets, Spain leads with dark markets italy. Eataly NYC Flatiron is a vibrant Italian marketplace that features an array of cafes, counters, restaurants, and a cooking school. Eat, shop, and learn. In full respect of the dark markets italy legal autonomy of the donors, and in full respect of the applicable decision-making procedures under the Treaties, such memorandum could set out how the committee would develop a regional and national budgetary planning and receive consolidated financial reporting of all relevant activities and instruments. On the contrary Twitter saw a huge spike in June, when many states dark markets italy decided to gradually lift lockdown measures [ 76], causing a public debates on mask wearing which increased the twitter signal to stable high levels until November. Dream Market operated on a hidden service of the Tor network, allowing online users to browse anonymously and securely while avoiding potential monitoring of traffic. This is the best course of action for everyone involved. Holders of these stablecoins have a claim to their underlying assets. Future software developments may allow websites to be hosted across several servers, countering current responses that involve targeting specific servers. But, maybe better question would be why not unifying efforts without damaging the freedom of the dark-net to find solutions to the major criminal activities. In the case of the Silk Road, it became most well-known as a place to buy and sell drugs over the Internet, and to pay for them using bitcoin. Well TOR browser is a powerful effective tool for protecting your privacy online. It was formed just over 6 months ago and already has individual products listed on the marketplace. So-called ‘cryptomarkets’ are a relatively new phenomenon but the opportunity they present to undermine conventional law -enforcement approaches inevitably means that they will be a driver of significant growth in criminal activities over the next few years. An exit scam that made headlines everywhere was that of Empire Market, one of the most successful darknet marketplaces out there before it suddenly went offline. Now that Silkkitie (Valhalla) has been officially shut down by dream market darknet link the authorities, here's couple of pictures of the service (before and after). Below is the list of some of the most popular deep web directories that are going to be immensely used in 2021.

Summer and barbecued chicken go hand in hand. The open flame was made for bird on the bone, to keep it moist and succulent. Flattening, or butterflying, the chicken aids in keeping it moist by greatly reducing the cooking time. Another trick that I learned was place a hefty salt rub under the skin. This in effect brines the meat, keeping the juices locked in by the laws of chemistry. We prefer the flavours of Valli Little’s South American Roasted Chicken. The slightly smoky paprika and cumin mature magnificently over the open flame, or gas in our case. Serve it up in thick slices and let everyone make mini tacos with fresh tortillas, your best guacamole and homemade salsa. Add some simple sides like frijoles and some grilled corn for a light finish to a hot day. Enjoy my friends. South American Roast Chicken Succulent grilled chicken evokes the flavours of South America. Required skills: forward planning so you can marinade the chicken; barbecuing at low temperatures. You need to plan ahead with this dish as it must marinade overnight. I like to get it started while Stuart and the boys are doing the dinner dishes. This has the added benefit of lessening the “What’s for dinner?” inquisition to “Oooh, that chicken tomorrow night.”🤓 This recipe was adapted to be Migraine-friendly from Valli Little’s original recipe that you can find here. - 5 cloves of garlic roughly chopped - 1 tsp high quality rock or flake sea salt - 1 free to roam whole chicken flattened. Ask your butcher to flatten or see this video. - 1 lime - ¼ cup white wine vinegar - ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) - 2 tbsp smoky paprika - 1 tbsp ground cumin - ½ tsp dried oregano - Juice of ½ lemon and preservative free apple juice to make 100ml - Mortar and pedestal - Non-metallic dish that can hold the flatten chicken and marinade or a large ziploc bag - BBQ grill - Basting brush - Pound the garlic with 1 tsp of sea salt in a mortar and pedestal into a paste. - Rub the outside of the chicken with the cut side of the lime. - Carefully run your hand under the skin of the chicken taking care not to tear the skin of the chicken (video here). Rub the garlic-salt paste into the meat of the chicken under the skin. - Place the vinegar, oil, paprika, cumin, oregano and apple-juice lemon mixture into a bowl and whisk. - Pour marinade over the chicken in either it’s dish or ziploc bag. Ensure it is coated well. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning flip the chicken 180 degrees so that the other side is mostly in the marinade. - Heat the grill on high heat and then bring down to a medium heat. - Remove the chicken from the marinade reserving the marinade. - Place the chicken on the grill skin side down over the fire/coals and brown well to crisp up the skin, about 15 min. - Baste undercarriage with marinade and flip chicken. Baste grilled side with marinade. Turn down heat to low or move to indirect cooking if over a fire. Close the lid. - Baste chicken every 15 min with more marinade and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes until cooked through and the juices run clear when the thigh is pierced. - Remove from BBQ and allow to rest covered in baking paper and a towel for 15 minutes. - Serve with warm tortillas, homemade guacamole and some refried beans. So my friends, what is your favourite filling for tortillas?

Using The Right Water During Saline Rinses When using saline nasal rinses, tap water should always be boiled and then allowed to cool to ensure cleanliness distilled water or premixed solutions could also be used instead of regular tap water. Other home remedies for sinus infections include: - Drinking fluids: Drinking lots of fluids helps loosen and thin mucus. Avoid beverages that are caffeinated and alcoholic beverages that can dehydrate the body, which could thicken mucus. - Breathing steam: Warm water is best . You can breathe in steam from either a bowl or shower. - Humidifying the air: Use a cool air vaporizer or humidifier,particularly at night while sleeping. - Avoiding environmental substances: Avoid tobacco smoke and chlorinated water that can dry up the mucus membranes and exacerbate symptoms. - Implementing treatment measures: At the first sign of infection, use antihistamines and employ regular nasal rinses. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS is another approach your doctor may recommend to treat chronic sinusitis. An ear, nose, and throat surgeon will use a special tool with a lighted camera on the end to visualize the inside of your nose. They will then use small instruments to remove excess tissue, nasal polyps, or nasal cysts to widen your sinuses. Treatment Options For Sinusitis Most of the treatment options for sinusitis and sinus headaches are intended to give temporary relief from the symptoms when they occur: - Mediation to reduce the inflammation - Using a humidifier or nasal spray - Drinking plenty of fluids Although these treatments can help, they arent always effective for chronic sinusitis and they wont prevent your symptoms from coming back. If you often suffer from sinus infections or sinus headaches, you might be looking for a more permanent treatment. Permanent cures for chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches are sometimes possible, but it can depend on the reasons why you are affected. - If your sinusitis is linked to allergies, then you can try allergy testing to find out the cause and then take steps to avoid the trigger. Although this wont always be enough to prevent your symptoms from coming back, it can make a big difference. - If your symptoms are linked to infections, then simple steps such as washing hands regularly and getting a flu shot can reduce the chances youll be affected again. - If there is a physical reason why you are more susceptible to sinusitis, it may be possible to correct it surgically and prevent sinus problems in the future. Recommended Reading: Clear A Sinus Infection Fast What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Chronic Sinus Infection Chronic sinusitis emerges more insidiously than acute sinusitis. At times, however, the symptoms start suddenly and may resemble that of the common cold or acute sinusitis that just wont go away. Chronic sinusitis is most likely if you have two or more of the following symptoms: - Nasal congestion or stuffy nose - Mucus and pus-like discharge - Postnasal drip - Facial pain, pressure around your eyes and nose, or fullness - Partial or complete loss of your sense of smell Chronic cough, sore throat, and fatigue may also be seen in a chronic sinus infection. That said, these symptoms are not required for the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. How Can You Tell If You Have An Acute Sinus Infection Its tempting to label every nasal issue as a sinus infection, but thats not always the case. Common symptoms of acute sinusitis include: - Headaches and sometimes, toothaches Many people believe that green snot means you have a bacterial sinus infection, curable only with antibiotics. Not true. Sage-colored mucus is common with viral infections and allergies and can happen when snot sits in your face for a while before being expelled. A trip to your doctor may be necessary if you have a bacterial infection, but it can often be difficult to distinguish between that and a viral infection. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or improve before worsening again, call your HCP. If you suddenly experience any of these symptoms, its a sign to seek medical attention immediately, even if theyve been present for fewer than seven days: - Abrupt vision changes Also Check: How To Get Rid Of A Bad Sinus Infection Causes & Risk Factors Any health situation that blocks off the vital drainage channels of your sinuses can cause a sinus infection including: - Respiratory infections like the common cold - Hay fever or exposure to allergens such as cigarette smoke, dry air and pollutants - Obstructions in the nasal or sinus cavities including nasal polyps, deviated septum, or nasal bone spur - Non-allergic rhinitis - Changes in air pressure - Infections resulting from dental problems - Physical injury to the sinuses - Bacteria, viruses, and fungi The five most common bacteria that can cause sinus infections are: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Risk factors for sinus infections include: - Having asthma - Being in the hospital, especially if the reason you are in the hospital is related to a head injury or you needed a tube inserted into your nose What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection When you notice the first signs of facial pressure and sinus pain, youre probably desperate for a way to stop the infection before it is debilitating. Instead of burying your head under a pillow and waiting for it to clear up, its important that you are proactive with your treatment plan. Even a small sinus infection can develop severe symptoms when left untreated. Whether its your first sinus infection or you have chronic sinusitis, its essential to know your treatment options. Clearing up the infection should be a high priority so you can avoid potential complications of untreated infections. Also Check: Natural Treatment For Sinus Infection What Can I Do About Recurring Sinus Headaches Many sinus headaches, especially those that recur, are actually migraines. But its smart to see your healthcare provider to figure out the cause of your headaches. You may find that the best long-term solution is figuring out what triggers your migraine headaches so you can avoid them. Its helpful to keep a headache diary to track potential triggers. Triggers you can control include: - Specific foods, such as chocolate, red wine or strong cheese. - Lack of sleep. Easy Natural Remedies Help Mucus Flow In many cases, sinushome remedies including those things your mother told you to do can effectively improve inflamed sinuses, says Anthony Del Signore, MD, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City. These treatments sooth irritated passageways and increase the flow of mucus so you dont feel so stuffed up, he explains. Read Also: Sinus Infection Cough Home Remedy Iv Therapy In Providence Ri Vitality IV is your premier location for effective, intravenous solutions. Our USP 797-compliant facility ensures your safety with quality ingredients in a sterile environment. So, if youre ready to kick a sinus infection to the curb, then schedule your IV therapy consultation today. Call our team at 401-443-4007 or send us a message online here. How Sinus Infection Occurs So now lets know how this sinus infection occurs. As you know the sinus works for the production of mucus inside them so that they can pass the mucus to the nose and the nose become lubricated in a general state but during an infection such as common cold flu or just an allergy, the sinuses the walls of the sinuses get swelled up and the way of sinuses through which it is passing the mucus to the nose get blocked and the mucus which is secreted by the sinuses just collapsed in that small area. So, due to the collection of the mucus in that area, the mucus starts pressuring the walls of our cheeks the walls of our forehead thats why the symptoms such as headache fever, and the blockage or the congested nose occur during a sinus infection. There are exceptional cases of tumor development in our nose or just the nostril lining that divides the nostrils in two parts will go in aside. These are exceptional cases and also at the time, the viruses and bacteria start to infect the sinuses. The filled up mucus means that the bacteria and viruses start growing in that sinus spaces in which the mucus is already filled up and just they are starting to degrading that mucus thats like a stagnant water situation as i told at the beginning thats when the water body gets stagnant then lots of microorganisms start to develop in it and start to degrading that area so as such occurs with our sinuses. Read Also: Sinus Infection Do I Need To See A Doctor Can You Treat A Sinus Infection At Home Whether it is allergies, a cold, or the flu, most of us have experienced the unique discomfort of extreme sinus congestion. While there are many things that can make it feel like someone has stuffed an entire pillow inside your face, the sinus infection is a unique form of misery that is worse than a simple common cold or seasonal allergies. Essential Oils For Sinus Infections Many essential oils that contain antimicrobial properties, make a powerful weapon against bacterial, viral or fungal infections. If your nose is stuffy, try to dilute 1 drop of Eucalyptus Oil in 1 tbsp of carrier oil and rub it on the bridge of your nose . Alternatively, you can use Frankincense essential oil. Also Check: Best Sore Throat And Sinus Medicine Include Potassium Vitamin C And Zinc Supplements Zinc, vitamin C and potassium aid in drying of excessive mucus. Include vegetables and fruits rich in potassium and zinc in your diet. Grapefruits, oranges and lemons are laden with vitamin C and you must have them everyday for quick recovery. Consult your doctor before taking any medical supplements, fruits and vegetables containing potassium, vitamin C and zinc. This a safety measure because sudden increase in mineral levels inside the body might either give rise to health disorders or aggravate the condition of an existing disorder. Ingredients In Sinuvil Sinus Relief Sinuvil Sinus Relief is a homeopathic medicine that contains active ingredients that are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States . Active Ingredients:Apis mellifica, Baptisia tinctoria, Colocynthis, Hepar sulphuris calcareum, Histaminum hydrochloricum, Hydrastis canadensis, Ignatia amara, Kali bichromicum, Lemna minor, Mercurius vivus, Pulsatilla, Rhus toxicodendron, Sabadilla, Thuja occidentalis. - Temporary relief of symptoms due to inflamed sinuses - Cold and flu nasal symptoms - Sinus pain and headache Recommended Reading: Will Advil Cold And Sinus Help With Clogged Ears Natural Solutions For Symptom Relief In addition to the solutions listed above, there are other natural methods that help to minimize the discomfort from sinusitis symptoms. These solutions may not address an underlying infection but can provide relief and improve quality of life during an episode of sinusitis. - Warm Compress â a warm towel or compress placed on the face in the area of the inflamed sinus cavity may provide relief from pain and inflammation. This is an effective natural home remedy for sinus headaches. - Hydration â Drinking plenty of water will help the body to naturally fight the infection and promote drainage. Hydration from healthy fruits and vegetables may also promote natural healing. - Humidifiers â Using a humidifier during the day or while sleeping will keep the nostrils moist and may prevent the build up of blockages. They work both to prevent blockage while also encouraging more effective breathing and sleep. Humidifiers are similar to vaporizers, but generally work with cool rather than hot water. Both humidifiers and vaporizers are effective natural home remedies for sinus congestion however, be sure to follow the directions and clean your humidifier properly to prevent bacteria growth. - Elevated Head â Keeping your head elevated when lying down will allow gravity to naturally boost sinus drainage. Visit Your Local Sinusitis Experts Staying away from these common mistakes we all make when suffering from sinusitis can help your symptoms improve, but the best way to help yourself overcome sinusitis is to contact your local ENT specialists in Allen Park and Southfield. Our ENT specialists are always here to help you get through your sinus infection no matter how severe. Read Also: Sinus Infection And Blood Pressure Sinus Infection Vs Covid Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms. Your Sinus Infection Natural Treatment Obviously, you shouldnt use ALL of these remedies TOGETHER. Just choose a few of them, the most available to you, and youre set. A few combinations you can try are: You May Like: How To Cure A Sinus Infection Naturally What Is The Best Natural Antibiotic For Sinus Infection Natural antibiotic options include antibacterial foods and plant-based remedies that can support the body in fighting the infection. But its important to note that adding antibacterial foods to your meal plan isnt an acceptable solution to clear up the infection. Instead, many patients focus on a combined approach of modern medicine and natural remedies at the same time. Foods with antibacterial properties include: - Oregano oil What To Do For Sinus Pressure And Pain At Home Here are the top 10 at-hometreatments to help ease your sinus pain and inflammation to get rid of your sinus infection faster. Read Also: How Does A Doctor Diagnose A Sinus Infection What Causes Sinusitis Infection with a virus causes most cases of sinusitis. Colds, bacterial infections, allergies, asthma and other health conditions can cause sinusitis. If the sinuses remain blocked for a long time, you may get a secondary infection. This secondary infection is caused by bacteria that are normally present in the respiratory tract. These bacteria multiply and cause a sinus infection when they are unable to drain out of the blocked sinuses. Rinse With Salt Water The irritants from dust, pollution, and fragrances can make their way into your sinuses and cause congestion. To get rid of these irritants, use a saltwater saline rinse either an over-the-counter saline nasal spray or a saline rinse from a neti pot, which is designed to pour saline water through your sinuses, says Dr. Kern. As Phillip Tanner, 44, of San Francisco, California, says, “I use very warm water and a super-saturated hypertonic salt solution. It’s definitely an odd experience, even once you get used to doing it, but I find that it really does help my symptoms.” Recommended Reading: Natural Cure For Allergies And Sinus Is It How Much Youre Sleeping Another major reason people get recurrent sinus and other infections is exhaustion. Often an infection is the bodys way of telling us to slow down. Have a friend bring you some old-fashioned chicken soup. Then, force yourself to stay in bed until youre better. Once youre well again, give yourself a bedtime. And start practicing the good sleep hygiene Dr. Paul Thomas, MD, and I describe in this book. Sinusitis And Sinus Infections Most sinus infection medicine ultimately seeks to relieve inflammation around the sinus cavities. This inflammation is most often caused by a virus or bacteria and results in a blockage that prevents mucus from naturally draining out of the sinus cavities. This inflammation results in painful symptoms and the blocked mucus may lead to additional infection. A single sinus infection can last 2 or more weeks. Patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis often seek relief from a variety of over-the-counter sinus infection medication or prescription antibiotics, such as a sinus infection z pack. Patients may find temporary symptom relief through pharmaceuticals however, these medications often carry a number of undesirable side effects including: - Drowsiness or insomnia - Individual complications Don’t Miss: Ways To Relieve Sinus Pressure In Ears

Which Is The Best Cusinart Air Frying Oven Nowadays, there are so many products of cusinart air frying oven in the market and you are wondering to choose a best one. You have searched for cusinart air frying oven in many merchants, compared about products prices & reviews before deciding to buy them. You are in RIGHT PLACE. Here are some of best sellings cusinart air frying oven which we would like to recommend with high customer review ratings to guide you on quality & popularity of each items. Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven, Silver - 1800-Watts with 7 Functions: Air Fry, Convection Bake, Convection Broil, Bake, Broil, Warm, Toast - 0.6 Cubic Foot Non-Stick Interior with Oven Light. Dimensions (L X W X H) : 15.50 x 16.00 x 14.00 inches - Capacity: Toast 6 slices of bread, Air Fry 3lbs of chicken wings, Bake a 12-inch pizza or Roast a 4 pound chicken - Adjustable Thermostat with 60-Minute Timer/Auto Shutoff, Toast Shade Selector-Timer - Includes: Oven Rack, Baking Pan, Air Fryer Rack/Basket The Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven is a premium full-size toaster oven with a built-in airfryer. It will not only bake a 4 lb. chicken or 12 in. pizza, broil salmon steaks, and toast 6 bagel halves at once, it can also airfry up to 3 lbs. of food using little or no oil. Powerful ultra-hot air “fries” favorites like wings, chicken tenders, and fish and chips to crisp, golden-brown doneness. And since a toaster oven stays on the countertop, this is a fryer that never has to be put away. Enjoy the crunchy texture and tastes you love – no deep fryer required. The AirFryer Toaster Oven, only from Cuisinart! Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 6 Slice, 25 Liter Convection AirFryer with Auto Shut-Off & 60 Min Timer to Fry, Roast, Bake & More, Dishwasher Safe Accessories, Cookbook Included, Stainless Steel - Fry with air not oil: use the air fryer mode to create healthy and delicious food, with deep-fried crispiness. Enjoy your favorite fried food without the calories or smell associated with deep frying. The high-speed fans speed up baking & provide that desired fried finish & flavor. - For all your cooking needs: this versatile 7-in-1 appliance air fries, bakes, broils, and more. Temperature range of 200-450°f makes it easy to achieve a healthy, crispy, fried finish using at least 98% less oil than traditional fryers. Make better-for-you fries that are just as crispy and tasty, roast a whole chicken, or perfect your avocado toast all in one appliance. - Large family size: extra guests, or just extra hungry? Either way, this toaster oven air fryer was thoughtfully designed with the whole family in mind. The spacious 25-liter capacity fits 6 slices of toast or roasts a 5.5lb chicken so you can make plenty of food for the entire family – without heating up your oven! - Auto shutoff & easy cleaning: for added safety, the toaster oven shuts off when the door is opened. The included broil pan, flat wire rack, air fry basket, and removable crumb tray are dishwasher safe, while the interior walls are nonstick making for easy cleanup. - Rj50-m assurances: cetl approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability, & 1-year provided by chefman, so you can purchase worry-free! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a pdf user guide, quick start guide and recipe book. 120 volts, 1500 watts. Breville BOV900BSS Convection and Air Fry Smart Oven Air, Brushed Stainless Steel - SUPER CONVECTION TECHNOLOGY: 2-speed convection fan (Super & regular) offers greater cooking control. Super convection provides a greater volume of air to ensure fast and even heat distribution, perfect for air frying, dehydration and roasting - PRECISION COOKING & ELEMENT IQ: With Element IQ – 6 Independent quartz heating elements move the power where it’s needed most, above and below the food for perfect results - AIR FRY & DEHYDRATE PRESETS: Why buy a stand alone air fryer or dehydrater when the Smart Oven Air can air fry french fries and other family favorites and dehydrate a range of foods. Dehydrate up to 4 trays of goodness - SIZE MATTERS: The large, 1 cubic ft, interior makes room for toasting 9 slices of bread, roasting a 14-lb turkey, air fry favorites like French fries, slow cook with a 5 qt Dutch oven and comfortably fit most 9″x13″ pans and 12 cup muffin trays - SUPER VERSATILE: 13 cooking functions to guide you to perfection: Toast 9 slices, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Proof, Airfry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow Cook, Dehydrate - LCD DISPLAY: To easily access the built in smart functionality, choose from 13 cooking functions. Integrated oven light automatically turns on at the end of cooking cycle or can be switched at the touch of a button - WARRANTY: 2 Year Limited Product Warranty - Power: 1800 Watts. 13 SMART COOKING FUNCTIONS WITH AIR FRY AND DEHYDRATE. The Smart Oven Air with Element IQ is for the cook who desires a countertop oven that can roast for large gatherings, air fry crispy French fries & family favorites and dehydrate a wide range of healthy foods. The super convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30% with great crispness. DASH DAFT2350GBGT01 Chef Series Air Fry Oven, 23L, Graphite - 7 in 1 APPLIANCE: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast (with browning levels from light to dark), Warm (up to 450°), Convection Bake, and Rotisserie, all in a single appliance, making mealtime more efficient and taking up less space on your countertop or cupboards - HEALTHIER FRIED FOOD: DASH Air Fryer Oven uses AirCrisp technology (instead of oil) to help reduce added fat by 70-80%, without sacrificing the flavor of your fried food (no more residual smell hours after you’ve eaten) - LARGE CAPACITY: 23L (0.8 ft3) capacity is perfect for large families, entertaining, picky eaters and more. Holds up to 6 slices of toast, a whole rotisserie chicken, or a 12in pizza – the possibilities are endless - EASY TO USE: Six heating elements and dual thermostats provide consistent cooking results, while the oven light allows for meal monitoring. All removable included parts are machine washable for easy clean up - INCLUDES: Backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty (2 yr with Feel Good Rewards Registration), the 1450W Air Fryer Oven comes with Air Fry Basket, Baking Pan, Oven Rack, Drip Tray, Rotisserie Skewer, Recipe Guide, and recipe database access. Available in Stainless Steel or Graphite Make delicious meals at home with the DASH everyday air fryer oven. This versatile countertop convection oven is also a full air fryer, and AirCrisp technology that cooks using hot air for delicious, crispy fried foods with 75% less fat than traditional deep frying. The air fryer oven’s six heating elements and dual thermostats give you precise control over oven temperature and provide consistent cooking. The 23L Capacity is generous enough to cook a whole Rotisserie chicken, a 12” pizza, or up to 6 slices of toast, while the oven itself maintains an efficient countertop footprint, saving space and energy. With all the accessories you need to cook — including an air fry basket and a rotisserie skewer — You’ll be making easy meals at home in no time! Similar items with 4 stars and above Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer, 5.5-Quart, Grey - Now enjoy guilt-free fried food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods (tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries). - Max Crisp Technology delivers 450 degrees of superheated air to cook foods up to 30% faster (versus Ninja AF100) for hotter, crispier results with little to no oil for guilt free fried favorites. - XL 5.5-qt ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 3 lbs of French fries or chicken wings. - Broil rack: Give meals or sides a crispy and bubbly finish - Functions include: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate - Ceramic-coated basket: Nonstick and dishwasher safe - Wide temperature range: 105-450 degrees COSORI Air Fryer(100 Recipes),5.8Qt Electric Hot Air Fryers XL Oven Oilless Cooker,11 Cooking Preset,Preheat&Shake Remind,LED Digital Touchscreen,Nonstick Basket,2-Year Warranty,ETL/UL Certified,1700W - Designed in California. Special improved ergonomic angled display provide better viewing, without bending over. Slimmer footprint fit on your countertop and save your space. Check out our VIDEO on the left side & take a quick tour of this 11 in 1 COSORI square air fryer! - SQUARE BASKET & DISHWASHER SAFE – Compared to other 5.8Qt basket, Cosori Square basket has larger & more usable space to put more food than Round design basket in the market. Removable nonstick coated basket are dishwasher safe, PFOA-free & BPA-free. Product Dimension: 11. 8*11. 8*12. 6 in - Basket Dimension: 9*9*3. 75 in. The XL 5. 8-Quart size serves food for 3-5 people - HEATHIER FRIED FOOD – 85% less fat than traditional deep frying methods, but deliver the same deliciously crunchy taste of fried food with little to no oil. Also no oil fumes in house, a healthier choice for you - EASY TO COOK – Built in digital one-touch screen menu featuring 11 presets-Steak, Poultry, Seafood, Shrimp, Bacon, Frozen Foods, French fries, Vegetables, Root Vegetables, Bread, Desserts,Preheat. Just tap and go! Selection at a touch rather than keep circling to make the choice. Super easy to use! - 100 RECIPES COOKBOOK – Enjoy your favorite fried foods with 100 original, delicious & easy recipes for every meals. Find out how our numerous influencers cook their food with Cosori air fryer in social medias,also constant recipes and videos tutorials from our community! - COOKING FASTER – Cooking time is faster than conventional oven, but with crispier and tastier results. ETL/FDA certified, 120V, 1700W. Automatic shut off prevent overcooking, Overheat protection. With a cool touch handle & button guard to prevent accidental detachment. COSORI original air fryer accessory set is also available for sale (search for: C158-6AC) - 2-YEAR WARRANTY FOR FREE – 90-day money-back, also 2-year warranty and lifetime support from Cosori. Just contact Cosori customer service if any issues happened. 100% satisfaction guaranteed Voltage: AC 120V, 60HzPower: 1700Wcapacity: 5. 8 quarts/ 5. 5 liters (serves 3-5) Ninja Foodi Digital, Toaster, Air Fryer, with Flip-Away for Storage Multi-Purpose Counter-top Convection Oven (SP101), 19.7” W x 7.5”H x 15.1”D, Stainless Steel/Black - The ultimate meal-making machine: air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, bagel, toast, dehydrate, and keep Warm all in one powerful 1800-watt appliance. - Reclaim your counter space: takes up 50% less space when you flip it up and away to store against your backsplash. - Air fry: up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries. - Xl capacity: 45% larger usable pan cooking area vs. The flat surface area of the Cuisinart toa-60 and toa-65 pan. Fits a 13″ Pizza, up to 9 slices of toast or 6 chicken breasts (6-8 oz. Each). - Easy cleaning: Includes a removable crumb tray and an easily accessible back panel for deep cleaning. - Fast cooking: cooks up to 60% faster than a traditional oven with air roast - 60 second preheat - full meals in as little as 20 minutes. - Even baking: up to 40% more-even baking than the Cuisinart air fry oven toa-60. - Digital crisp control technology: precision-controlled temperature, heat source, and airflow for ultimate versatility and optimum cooking performance. - Toast and bagels done the way you like: Use the toast darkness Selector to get it just right. - Includes: wire rack - 13”x13” nonstick, dishwasher-safe sheet pan - dishwasher-safe air fry basket, removable crumb tray. Dimensions: 19. 7” W x 7. 5”H x 15. 1”D - when flipped up: 19. 7″ 15. 1”H x 7. 5”D Cuisinart TOA-28 Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven - DESIGN: Compact, countertop machine with viewing window - CAPACITY: Airfries up to 2.5 lb., toasts 4 slices of bread, bakes a 3 lb. chicken - FUNCTIONS: Convection Bake, Convection Broil, AirFry, Toast, Bagel, Warm - TEMPERATURE: Adjustable temperature control up to 450 - CUISINART AUTHORIZED DEALER: Includes USA manufacturer warranty Compact, countertop machineFits 4 slices of bread or a 3 lb. chickenConvection, toast, warm and other optionsAdjustable temperature control up to 450Incorporated 60-minute timer and viewing window Gourmia GTF7355 12-in-1 Multi-function, Digital Air Fryer Oven – 0.7 Cu. Ft. with 12 Cooking Presets – Fry Basket, Oven Rack, Baking Pan & Crumb Tray, Included + Recipe Book - 12 COOKING PRESETS: Air-Fry, Toast, Roast, Dehydrate and more - HEALTHY EATING: Prepare all your favorite foods with little to no oil! - SPACIOUS CAPACITY: Fits an entire 12″ pizza or 6 slices of toast - FRYFORCE 360° TECHNOLOGY: Targets food with fast, super-heated air from every direction ensuring food gets golden on the outside and moist inside - ETL-CERTIFIED: At Gourmia, we take the quality of our products seriously. This product is ETL-certified so you can be confident that you’re receiving a safe, efficient, high-quality appliance. Craving crispy chicken wings? Chewy fruit leather? Cheesy pizza? This multi-function appliance can do it all. Cooking has never been so fast and easy. Let your imagination run wild! The Gourmia Air Fryer Oven features FryForce 360° Technology: Precision engineered, patented* air flow duct system creates a powerful cyclonic heat flow while blowing air directly over heating elements and onto food, resulting in the perfect crispy fry – with little to no oil. GoWISE USA GW77723 11.6-Quart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Rotisserie & Dehydrator + 50 Recipes, Vibe Mint - Digital touchscreen with 8 pre-set programs: sleek, easy-to-use touchscreen display allows you to control cook time (between 1-60 minutes, or 9 hours for dehydrate) and temp (between 150°f – 400°f), activate the rotisserie function and oven light, or use one of 8 preset cooking programs. - Space-saving design: The GoWISE USA multi air fryer is designed to fit comfortably on your countertop, while still enabling you to cook more of what you love with its 11.6 quarts of cooking space. - 8 accessories for maximum cooking potential: comes with 8 accessories – everything you’ll need to make a homemade meal with ease. Accessories include a rotisserie tong, rotisserie rod, drip pan, skewer rotisserie, rotisserie Cage, and 3 mesh trays. (Note: max weight for rotisserie rod and forks is 4.5 pounds) - Removable door & mesh heating element cover for easy cleaning: The multi air fryer has a removable door to make cleaning easier. It also has a mesh cover to prevent food from reaching the heating element. - 50 recipes to get you started: your purchase includes a recipe book specifically made for the Go WISE USA multi air fryer. Get started today with 50 step-by-step recipes to explore all that your new kitchen gadget has to offer. - Free 1-year warranty- 30-Day money back Guarantee, with 1-year warranty and forever support from gowise customer care. Registered products receive an additional 60 days of Warranty coverage. By our suggestions above, we hope that you can found cusinart air frying oven for you.Please don’t forget to share your experience by comment in this post. Thank you! Best cusinart air frying oven: Top-Rated Brands & What to Buy

It seems as though we’re ALWAYS on the go in this household … well, I guess that’s because we ARE always on the go! LOL! But lately, I’ve been realizing that because we are so busy, we tend to eat dinner late, so I wanted something for Leo that I could warm up in a flash and something that would still be organic, nutritious and homemade. And that’s when my Power Patties were born!! I mean, he still gets special meals but on those days when I “can’t even” he gets a little Power Patty! These Power Patties are like a savory granola bar! They are packed with fiber, protein, and vegetables! You can really make these however you want, you can make them vegan, or, if your family likes meat, you can replace the crumbled tofu with cooked turkey and add an egg in replace of the flax egg! I WOULD still add the flax powder in with the meat, however, because it is so nutritious! You can even make these just eggless or just meatless … there really are SO many options for this recipe so feel free to change it up based on your family’s preferences! While they are awesome because Leo loves them, they are also perfect for adults too! I find myself grabbing them just before I head out the door or before the gym! Not to mention, they’re ridiculously good with a little dollop of mustard on top!! You could also toss the patties in some lettuce along with your desired condiments and toppings and have a delish lettuce wraps! Typically I don’t ever add salt to anything I feed Leo but because I’m taking these with me on the go and because both of us are eating them I like to add a pinch of salt and pepper. I also never shy away from spices in my recipes for Leo as I want him to grow up with an adventurous palate. I always switch things up depending on how I’m feeling when I’m making these but sometimes I’ll add in garlic, Italian herbs, chili powder, curry powder. Etc. you can honestly add in WHATEVER spices you want!! You guys are probably sitting there thinking … ok Jill … let’s get to the recipe … I’m starving and my kids are screaming!! LOL!! Fair enough … here we go! - 1/2 cup of each mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and onions (You can use ANY veg that you like!) - 2 cups cooked quinoa - 1 package of medium organic non-GMO tofu (Any protein can work, such as free range turkey, pasture raised beef, wild salmon or even chickpeas!) - 1/2 cup of flax powder (Flax is SO good for you but you can also use 1 free run egg instead of the flax and water mixture if you wish! BUT you have to use one or the other as this acts as the “binder” in the mixture.) - 1/2 cup water - 2 tablespoons of coconut oil - Any desired herbs/spices - Pinch of salt and pepper - 1 clove crushed garlic or 1 tsp of garlic powder (Optional) 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Celsius. 2. Cook quinoa according to instructions on the package. Set aside to cool. 3. Finely dice mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and onions. Add diced veg to a large bowl. Note: You can use any veggies that are in your fridge! 4. Crumble tofu with your hands into the same bowl as the veg, add quinoa to the mixture. 5. Add coconut oil, flax powder, herbs/spices, and garlic. 6. Add a little water to the mixture, you only want to add enough water so that the mixture sticks together! Note: The ground flax seed, water, and coconut oil acts as an egg and helps with binding the mixture as well as keeping the patties moist. It takes about 5-10 minutes for the flax powder to react with the water so be patient! Bonus: Flax seed promotes breast milk production for new mamas! 7. Mix thoroughly with your hands. 8. Spray your baking sheet with oil (I like to use coconut oil) or line baking sheet with parchment paper. 9. Form mixture into mini patties (think sliders!) and line up on baking sheet. 10. Cook for about 30 – 40 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until done (flip halfway through cooking time so they cook evenly). Also, once my Power Patties are cooked and have had time to cool down, I like to portion them out into ziplock bags (2 per bag) and toss them in the freezer! There you have it!! My go-to recipe is now here for you to enjoy!! Make sure to comment below if you’ve given them a try and let us know if you did anything differently!

Snoring is a common problem nowadays, mainly due to an unhealthy lifestyle that negatively impacts your body. For example, smoking, drinking alcohol, eating unhealthy food at odd hours, working longer hours, excessive physical tiredness, overwork, sleeplessness, and other similar activities induce snoring and increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attack. None of these can be controlled in a single day or two, and as a result, they necessitate a closer examination and a significant change in your daily routine. What Causes Snoring? Snoring is a type of sleep apnoea; however, not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea. Air cannot flow freely through your nose and throat if the upper airway is partially closed or has a stricture. This results in the throat’s tissues vibrating when air particles pass through them while you’re sleeping, causing the unpleasant noise commonly referred to as snoring. Snoring Comes in Many Forms Allergies and colds, being overweight, drinking alcohol before bedtime, sleeping position, and the way your mouth and sinus’s structure are the factors that can lead to snoring. The tongue, throat, and mouth muscles relax as you drift off into a deeper sleep. However, they loosen in some circumstances, partially blocking the airway and causing the tissues to vibrate. The more your airway narrows, the more your tissues vibrate, and you snore loudly. It’s essential to figure out what kind of snorer you are before looking for anti snoring remedies. There are four types of snoring, depending on what is causing your airway to close or narrow: - Mouth Snoring: This sort of snoring occurs when you breathe through your mouth rather than your nose while sleeping. An obstruction in the nasal passageways, swollen tonsils, or weakening palate tissues could be the cause. Snoring caused by nasal obstructions caused by a deviated septum or other physical impediments can cause you to snore. Certain drugs, colds, dust and pet allergies, and nasal stuffiness are also possible reasons that might lead to snoring. - Throat Snoring: This type of snoring is both the loudest and the most harmful of the four. Sleep apnoea is the most common cause of throat snoring. Throat snoring, if left untreated, can lead to diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. - Tongue Snoring: mainly affects people who sleep lying on their backs. This sort of snoring occurs when the tongue relaxes too much and slips back into the throat, blocking airflow. Tongue snoring is more common for people who drink alcohol or take sleeping pills. - Tongue snorers: are known for their inconsistent high-pitched sounds. - Nose Snoring: Even when you’re awake, breathing via your nose can be challenging. Your snoring resembles a grunting sound or a loud whistle. The snoring that should cause the most concern is throat snoring, as it could indicate a more serious underlying issue. The other three categories are not as severe because they are generally simple to treat. In addition, a variety of snoring remedies is readily available, either by prescription or over-the-counter. Difference Between Sleep Apnoea and Snoring Snoring and apnoea are both considered sleep disorders since they directly disrupt the nasal air passage. This is as the reactions that occur in the body are comparable but not identical. The most obvious method to identify the difference between sleep apnoea and simple snoring is how you feel during the day after sleeping poorly. Regular snoring has less of an impact on the quality of your sleep than sleep apnoea, which means you’re less likely to experience extreme weariness and sleepiness during the day as a result of it. However, you should not neglect the symptoms and consult a doctor immediately if you or your partner sees any signs of sleep apnoea, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Traditional methods of diagnosing snoring and apnoea include clinical examinations to analyze the patient’s breathing patterns while sleeping. When a person snores loudly or wakes up owing to a lack of oxygen, doctors will take note of the symptoms and treat them accordingly. The following are some of the remedies for snoring: - Daily exercise: Exercise offers numerous health benefits, including the reduction of snoring. If you put in the effort and stick to a strict weight-loss routine devised by a trained expert, you would notice results quickly. - Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep: Proper sleep contributes to proper body functioning. Whether you are getting enough sleep each night affects everything from digestion to blood circulation. Try to get up to 8 hours of sleep each night. - Keep your bed, pillows, and home clean: Poor hygiene is one of the most common reasons for snoring. Unless pillow coverings are cleansed, dust particles settle in and build a home there. When you sleep, these dust particles obstruct your breathing by obstructing the airway inside of you. It is advisable to get therapeutic pillows with proper pillow covers that prevent dust from settling or trapping inside the fabric. - Clearing nasal passages: If you have a stuffy or dry nose, rinse it before going to bed. Nasal strips can help you with breathing. Allergies to dust or even pet hair can cause sinus problems. - Using a chin strap and a mouth guard: These are also simple snoring treatments. During sleep, a mouth guard is placed on your lower jaw or tongue. Meanwhile, a chin strap maintains your jaw in place and helps people who sleep with their mouths open. - Keep the air in your home moist: Dryness irritates the inner membranes of the throat and nose, therefore keep the humidity level in your room moderate. - Sleep in a different position: Elevating your head four inches can help you breathe easier and bring your tongue and jaw forward. In addition, you can prevent snoring by using specially constructed pillows that ensure your neck muscles are not crimped. Snoring, besides being disturbing, can be a sign of a serious underlying health problem. As a result, you must seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor would recommend you suitable anti-snoring gadgets and treatments to stop snoring while you sleep.

Toxic black mold comes in a number of varieties, including mildew, Alternaria, and Trichothecene mycotoxins. The following table summarizes the primary distinctions between each of these molds. If you detect any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact a mold removal firm. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a dangerous scenario. Continue reading to discover more about toxic black mold and its potential health effects. Toxic black mold seems black, but it does not always look the same. It is also available in green, gray, and dark brown. It grows in irregular colonies and has fuzzy spores. It is usually localized in one region, although it might spread to adjacent warm and humid areas. Here are several methods for detecting dangerous black mold. Here are some frequent indicators of harmful black mold development in your home: Chaetomium Mold It may begin cotton-like and gradually fade to brown or black. It is especially frequent in areas where people are constantly exposed to water. It may have a musty odor. It thrives on moist soil and other cellulose-containing substrates. Its spores will help you identify it when it emerges on a surface. Once you've recognized this form of mold, you'll want to thoroughly clean the area. Mycotoxins are substances produced by mold spores. It may produce moderate irritation, but in certain cases, it can be hazardous. These irritants can cause a variety of additional symptoms, such as rashes and hay fever. If ingested in sufficient quantities, they can potentially cause brain and neurological system damage. Toxic mold exposure is hazardous to people of all ages. If you are vulnerable, exposure can be lethal. Despite the fact that both types of mold are unappealing, there is little difference between the two. Mold, on the other hand, is more dangerous and difficult to eradicate. It starts out white but soon darkens to a gray or black color. To eliminate mildew from a surface, all you need is a common home cleanser. It's true that either variety may infect humans, although some are more vulnerable than others. Mold sickness is more likely to strike those who already have respiratory problems. Toxic black mold may be deadly to persons and their houses, but mildew should still be regarded as a major issue because it isn't as hazardous. The beauty of a property can be ruined by mildew exposure, but it can also create serious health issues. Many different types of respiratory issues and diseases can be brought on by inhaling the mycotoxin-containing spores of this mold. The presence of mildew and mold, if not remedied, can lead to allergic responses and respiratory problems. To appropriately treat mold, it is necessary to distinguish between the two forms. Using a store-bought cleanser or bleach and washing with a brush, you may quickly eliminate mildew, a surface fungus. When it comes to black mold, it's typically best to leave it to the experts. It's vital to get expert help as it eats away at the cell structure. If you've ever been in a house with a black mold infestation, you've definitely wondered what it looks like. Fortunately, there are a variety of approaches to identify the issue. To begin, it's critical to comprehend how this mold grows. While most kinds are green, some are also black. It also has a distinct odor that is difficult to discern. It's crucial to prevent this form of mold if at all possible, regardless of color. There are hundreds of varieties of mold, including Stachybotrys chartarum, in addition to Stachybotrys chartarum. Although black mold is hazardous, it is not harmful in all forms. The vast majority of species are non-lethal. Mycotoxins are found in some of the more dangerous molds. If breathed, these chemicals can cause serious health problems. Mold spores are harmful, but there are other ways to detect them. Mold allergies can cause symptoms such as watery eyes, a runny nose, and a dry cough. Other signs and symptoms include rashes on the skin, nasal congestion, and sinusitis. Mold allergies can also develop in patients with respiratory diseases and immune system deficits, resulting in a variety of symptoms. If you already have one of these symptoms, see a doctor to be sure it isn't a deadly mold. Although lethal amounts of Trichothecene mycotoxins are uncommon in indoor air, they can exist naturally in some foods and cattle feeds. When these toxins are consumed, they produce gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, anorexia, and gastrointestinal inflammation. These poisons weaken the body's immune system, making it more vulnerable to illness. The FDA has issued deoxynivalenol and trichothecenes warning levels. Several trichothecenes are produced by the poisonous Fusarium genus, including DON, nivalenol, and T-2 tetraol. Many plant diseases are caused by the Fusarium species, including Fusarium head blight. Trichothecenes, which are present in many popular foods and in buildings, are hazardous to humans as well as other animals, plants, and invertebrates. Due to the stability of Trichothecene mycotoxins in the air, they can persist in food for extended periods of time. While processing eliminates a small fraction of them, the danger of exposure to these mycotoxins in food and feed remains substantial. Toxins can be found in morning cereals, bread, noodles, and beer. Trichothecene poisoning is frequently associated with a variety of symptoms and problems recovering from infectious infections in people. Trichothecene mycotoxins are a severe health hazard found in home mold. While the majority of indoor mold is harmless, exposure to a house or company that has hazardous mold can result in severe pulmonary hemorrhaging. Exposure to large quantities of these mycotoxins, on the other hand, may result in sick building syndrome. The fungus is mostly responsible for human mortality associated with this illness. You've probably heard of Stachybotrys black mold. This form of indoor mold can be hazardous to one's health, but it is significantly less dangerous than most people imagine. You might be wondering what this mold looks like and what you can do to keep it out of your house. The good news is that if you know what Stachybotrys mold looks like, you can get rid of it safely and simply. Most people equate black mold with the odor of rotting leaves, although this is not necessarily true. Black mold can be dry or sticky, and it might resemble a swarm of black, moist circles. While all molds require moisture and food to develop, Stachybotrys has a special affinity for cellulose-based products. If you believe you have black mold in your house, the best approach to get rid of it is to get rid of it as soon as possible. If you suspect you have Stachybotrys, you should act quickly. It can cause health issues such as allergies and asthma. People with asthma or allergies should avoid any molds, especially hazardous mold. A patch of Stachybotrys on a wall or crawlspace indicates that water damage has occurred. Its spores are frequently the first indication of a concealed water problem. If you think your home has a problem with Stachybotrys, you need to get help from a professional to figure out what's going on. A professional can do air and surface sampling in your home and look for mold. If mold is found, a detailed visual inspection is done to make sure there are no signs of water intrusion or other causes for the mold's growth. Most professionals start by taking a bulk sample. Then they move on to a cassette air sample and then a cultured sample, which is a sample that is grown. Taking air samples is a good way to find out if there is mold in your home because Stachybotrys' spores don't spread through the air like other molds do. It isn't clear if the mold is caused by a specific species of Stachybotrys after a test. People who have weakened immune systems, babies, and people who are getting treatment for cancer might not be able to handle the spores that come from this mold. In this case, a Trichoderma test will likely show up the mold. Stachybotrys is most likely. Other types of mold, such as Penicillium and Aspergillus, can cause a wide range of symptoms in some people, but this is very rare. It's the only way to find out if you have mold in your home is to get it checked by a professional. Many mold species can look black. Professionals can do an in-home urine test, which will help them figure out if you're at risk of getting a mold-related illness. If you think you have Stachybotrys, call your local health department for a mold inspection. A mold inspection will give you expert advice on how to get rid of mold and any other contaminants. We bring you latest articles on various topics which will keep you updated on latest information around the world.

Indian Journal of Science and Technology Year: 2010, Volume: 3, Issue: 3, Pages: 267-275 Sarvesh Suyal, C.M. Sharma, Sumeet Gairola, S.K. Ghildiyal, C.S. Rana and D.S. Butola* We report the phytodiversity richness of the moist temperate Chaurangikhal forest of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. We recorded a total of 231 species (227 angiosperms and 4 gymnosperms) belonging to 69 families (67 angiosperms and 2 gymnosperms) and 159 genera (156 angiosperms and 3 gymnosperms). The dicotyledones and monocotyledones were represented by a total of 62 and 5 families, respectively. In the study area, the ratio of family to genus was 1: 2.3, family to species was 1: 3.35 and a genus to species was 1: 1.45. Among all the species recorded the 88.31% (204 spp.) of the total species had common occurrence, whereas rest 11.69% (27 spp.) of the species had uncommon occurrence in the study area. The 10 dominant families of the study area were Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Ranunculaceae, Fabaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Polygonaceae, Rubiaceae, Gentianaceae and Poaceae. This data may be useful for biodiversity managers and for optimal utilization of plant resources. Keywords: India, phytodiversity, floristic composition, plant distribution, Garhwal Himalaya, moist temperate forest. Subscribe now for latest articles and news.

Sour Cream Banana Cake This moist, tender Sour Cream Banana Cake was served for dessert on an antebellum plantation along the Ohio River. We all licked our plates clean! This scrumptious dessert got rave reviews, so naturally, I had to bake it up at home! Who even knew there were plantations in Indiana?! We were lucky enough to spend a lovely autumn afternoon on the grounds, which included a spectacular Southern lunch. Lucky for me, the caterer was generous with her recipes. Topped with a rich and dreamy cream cheese frosting, it was hard not to eat a second slice of this tender, Easy Banana Cake. Why You Should Make this Banana Cake with Sour Cream - The only difficult part of making this banana cake recipe was waiting for my bananas to ripen. - If you always make banana bread with your overripe bananas, this is a tasty alternative. - If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can easily make your yellow bananas perfect for banana bread or cake, by simply roasting them in the oven. More on that below. - Plus, if you love cream cheese frosting as much as I do, this cake is the perfect excuse to make a batch. Frequently Asked Questions What's the Difference Between Banana Cake and Banana Bread? Banana Cake is typically mixed like a butter cake, creaming the butter and sugar, then adding in the eggs, etc. Banana Bread is made like other quick bread, and instead of being soft and cakey, it’s firm and dense. This makes banana bread easy to slice and toast. How to Make a Moist Banana Cake? Adding ingredients like sour cream provides extra fat and will add moisture to the cake. Also, not overbaking will also ensure the cake does not lose too much moisture in the oven. What Icing Goes with Banana Cake? Cream cheese frosting or a vanilla buttercream frosting pair deliciously with banana cake. But there’s nothing wrong with chocolate buttercream for your banana cake frosting if that combination appeals to you. Tips for Making the Best Banana Cake Recipe This banana cake with sour cream recipe is pretty straightforward. You’ll need a 10 x 15 jellyroll pan and I also love my offset spatula for smoothing out the batter and frosting, but the latter is optional. (affiliate links) - PRO-Tip: The ideal bananas for this cake have gone beyond yellow and have skins with brown speckles and spots, but not completely brown and mushy. The speckled bananas have more sugar than a solid yellow banana and give more banana flavor to your baked goods. - If your bananas are still yellow, roasting them can bring out the necessary sugars along with softening the fruit. - PRO Tip: How to ripen bananas in the oven is an easy hack. With the skins on, place the bananas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them roast in a 300º oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping at the halfway point, until the skins are dark. - Cool and use in your recipe as you would any ripe banana. - Feel free to add some roasted chopped walnuts into the batter or top the frosting with chopped nuts or coconut to jazz up this banana cake. - If you use a pan that’s smaller than 15 x 10-inches, you will need to bake this cake longer. - PRO-Tip: If you find yourself with overripe bananas, peel them, then toss them into a freezer-safe Ziploc bag, remove any excess air and store them in the freezer until you want to make banana cake, bread or muffins. Defrost, then use as directed. - PRO-Tip: Frozen bananas are good indefinitely if frozen properly! How to Make this Easy Banana Cake Recipe - Preheat oven and prep the baking pan. - With a hand mixer, beat the wet ingredients except the bananas, starting with the butter and sugar. - Stir in the dry ingredients, then the bananas. PRO-Tip: Do not use the mixer as you don’t want to over activate the gluten making a tougher cake and you don’t want to incorporate a lot of air into the batter. - Add batter to the pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. - Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. PRO-Tip: Be careful not to over bake or the cake will be dry. - While the cake is cooling to room temperature, make the frosting, then ice the cake. PRO-Tip: Sifting the powdered sugar will make a smoother frosting. - PRO-Tip: Store the cake in the refrigerator since it has a cream cheese frosting. - PRO-Tip: To serve, let the cake sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. The frosting will be creamier and the cake softer and more tender. More Cake Recipes You’ll Love: - Hummingbird Cake - Pumpkin Roll - Classic Carrot Cake - Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe - More of my Best Cake Recipes - Plus, more of my Best Desserts - More ripe bananas? Try this tasty Banana Bread from The House of Nash Eats - 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature - 1 1/2 cups sugar - 2 eggs - 1 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed (should measure about 1 cup) - 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature - 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature - 2 teaspoons vanilla - 3-3/4 to 4 cups powdered sugar - Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. - In a large bowl, with a hand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla. - In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly stir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture. Stir in bananas. - Spread into a greased 15 x 10-inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not over bake. - Cool completely before frosting. - To make frosting, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually beat in enough powdered sugar until frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. - Spread frosting over bars with an offset spatula. - Store in the refrigerator. Recipe adapted from Taste of Home. For the best results, don't overmix the batter after the flour is added. Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. Serving Size:1 slice Amount Per Serving: Calories: 512Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 176mgCarbohydrates: 98gFiber: 1gSugar: 87gProtein: 3g Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

lmfao your sig thoooooo thank u very much! I don't remember you from the old forum but you're a BJ so, followed! :) Likewise! Thank you for the follow back! Moist is just a fancy word for SOGGY! Hahaha!! Hey, sorry if I made you sad by my reply on your thread. Please forgive me and I wasn't meaning it in a mean way Glad to see a Blackjack here! Thanks for posting the "Happy" thread. You got me listening to 2NE1 again. Umm who are you? I'm from the old forum. I think you asked me about Perfume cuz I had a gif of them, and you told me you went to Perfume concert at least 5 times? Oh yeah now i remember you how are you? That is good

No Fail Homemade Pumpkin Pie How to make classic, unfussy pumpkin pie from scratch. This is our favorite way to make pumpkin pie. It’s easy, too! Jump to the Homemade Pumpkin Pie Recipe How to Make Our Favorite Pumpkin Pie We take it plain or, when feeling feisty, with a dollop of softly whipped cream. The pie filling is creamy, rich and has just enough sweetness to balance some spice from cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. You can easily go for an extra slice at the end of dinner. Don’t tell anyone, but we’ve even stolen a few bites for breakfast. Making this pumpkin pie from scratch is easy — we think it’s one of the simplest (and tastiest) pies you can make at home. The filling comes together in minutes and is made from pumpkin puree, eggs, cream, sugar, and fall spices. Everything is mixed together and poured into a pie crust. You can use canned or homemade pumpkin puree in this pie. I love the pie when we’ve used canned (especially since it is so consistent), but making your own puree is easy and means the pie is 100% homemade. (Bonus, you get to roast the pumpkin seeds. Here’s our easy recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds.) We don’t add too many spices either — we like how the pumpkin gets a chance to shine. If you love spicier pies, just bump up the spice amounts listed in the recipe below. For the crust, we use our own homemade pie dough. Our favorite crust calls for 100% butter and is pretty simple to make. You can even make it well in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to make the full pie. If you have a favorite store-bought pie crust, then use it. It’s completely up to you. The Crust – Blind Bake or not? We’re usually partial to blind baking single-crust pies — especially those with liquid fillings. With that said, we don’t blind bake when making pumpkin pie. “Blind baking” means to partially cook the crust before adding the filling, which helps the crust stay crisp and flaky. With pumpkin pie, though, we love how the crust becomes moistened a little from the filling. The base of the crust browns, but where the filling and crust meet, it’s soft and tender. That’s how we saw our mothers make it as kids, so we just can’t stray. If you want to blind bake the crust, go for it. Line your pie dish with dough, prick the bottom with a fork and line with foil. Fill the foil with pie weights (or use uncooked rice or beans) then bake in a 450-degree oven for 8 minutes. Remove the foil (and weights) then bake another 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden. From there, fill the crust as usual and bake until the filling sets. More Pumpkin Recipes - Easy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese — How to make extra creamy pumpkin mac and cheese in under 1 hour. The perfect Fall dinner! - Homemade Pumpkin Pancakes — We love these pumpkin pancakes: not too sweet with a hint of spice. - Seriously Good Pumpkin Cupcakes — These moist spiced pumpkin cupcakes are hard to beat. - Perfectly Spiced Pumpkin Scones — How to make the best spiced pumpkin scones inspired by Starbucks. - Chocolate Orange Pumpkin Bread — This quick bread has pumpkin, orange, and is packed with chopped chocolate. Not too sweet, extremely moist and perfect for fall! - Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte — How to make the best pumpkin spice latte at home with pumpkin puree, coffee, milk, and fall spices. Better than store-bought! Recipe updated, originally posted October 2013. Since posting this in 2013, we have added a recipe video and tweaked the recipe to be more clear. – Adam and Joanne No Fail Homemade Pumpkin Pie This is a classic, unfussy pumpkin pie recipe. We take it plain or, when feeling feisty, with a dollop of softly whipped cream. The spices are not overpowering, here. If you like your pie spicy, increase the cinnamon and ginger a little. (We’d stay away from increasing the cloves, a 1/4-teaspoon should suffice). Watch Us Make the Recipe You Will Need Chilled pie dough for one single-crust 9-inch pie, see our pie crust recipe 3 large eggs 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar 1/3 cup (65 grams) light brown sugar 1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree or 2 cups (440 grams) fresh pumpkin puree, see our homemade pumpkin puree recipe 3/4 cup (175 ml) heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt - Prepare Crust - Make Filling - Bake the Pie - To Finish Roll out the dough so that it is two inches larger than your pie dish. Gently press dough down into the dish so that it lines the bottom and sides. (Be careful not to pull or stretch the dough). Trim dough to within 1/2-inch of the dish edge. Fold edges of dough underneath itself, creating a thicker, 1/4-inch border that rests on the lip of the dish. Crimp edges. (You can see us do this in our pie crust recipe video). Refrigerate while you make the pie filling. Whisk eggs and both sugars together until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and the salt. Stir until well blended. Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Place the pie on a baking sheet. Pour pumpkin filling into the pie shell. Bake pie at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees and bake 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick or thin knife plunged it into the pie, about 2 inches from the edge, comes out clean. Rotate once or twice during baking. If, while the pie bakes, the tops of the crust becomes too dark, cover with a thin strip of aluminum foil. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours or until room temperature. Cut into eight wedges and serve alone or topped with whipped cream. To store, cover the cooled pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Adam and Joanne's Tips - Substitute 2 ¼ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Here’s our homemade pumpkin spice blend. - How to tell the pie is done: Take the pie out of the oven when the majority of the pie looks shiny and set on top. It should jiggle a little like jello, but not much more. The middle will still look wet on top. This is okay, it will continue to cook as the pie cools on the counter. And, as a final test, grab a toothpick or thin knife then plunge it into the pie, about 2 inches from the edge. If it comes out clean, the pie is done. As the pie sits until cooled to room temperature, it will continue to cook and set. We wait for 2 hours. If, when you cut into the pie, the middle does not seem to be set, let it cool a little longer. Or, cut the slice anyway and cover the end with whipped cream. It will still taste great. - Nutrition facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have used the USDA database to calculate approximate values.

2 edition of Regeneration, vernalization and flowering in Lunaria annua L. in vivo and in vitro. found in the catalog. Regeneration, vernalization and flowering in Lunaria annua L. in vivo and in vitro. Pierik, R. L. M. |Statement||[By] R. L. M. Pierik.| |Series||Mededelingen Landbouwhogeschool Wageningen, Nederland, 67-6, Publication 295, Laboratorium voor Tuinbouwplantenteelt, Landbouwhogeschool, Wageningen, The Netherlands., Mededelingen (Landbouwhogeschool Wageningen) ;, 67-6.| |LC Classifications||S239.S2 W3 deel 67-6| |The Physical Object| |Number of Pages||71| |LC Control Number||68140055| The frequency of shoot regeneration and mean number of shoots per explant was determined after 12 weeks. Rooting of the regenerated shoots In vitro regenerated shoots that originated from immature embryos were rooted on 1 mg/L indolebutyric acid (IBA) alone or in combinations with or mg/L . Glucosinolates (GSLs) from Lunaria annua L. seeds were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by their desulfo counterparts using UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS technique and by their volatile breakdown products, isothiocyanates (ITCs), using GC-MS technique. GSL breakdown products were obtained by conventional techniques (hydrodistillation in a Clevenger type apparatus (HD), CH2Cl2 extraction after. influence the organogenic response of in vitro cultures in different plant species. Per cent regeneration, number of shoots per explants and per cent elongation was maximum in hybrid Indra as compared to Bharat, on MS medium supplemented with mg/l zeatin along with mg/l GA 3 and mg/l kinetin along with mg/l GA 3. Full text of "The genera of Alysseae (Cruciferae: Brassicaceae) in the southeastern United States." See other formats. Effect of moisture content on in vitro regeneration of embryonicaxis explants of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) To see the effect of ultra desiccation on seed survival, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) seeds were conditioned to various moisture contents ranging from %. The use of genetic engineering for plant improvement permits the introduction of useful agronomic traits without altering the other desirable features of the cultivar. However, it is pre-requisite to have an efficient in vitro regeneration system. To date, the regeneration of grape plants has been obtained by both organogenesis and embryogenesis. Stockpiling strategic materials Self-contained digital tide measurement system letters from Dorothy Osborne to Sir William Temple. Bengal finance (sales tax) act, 1941 Message of the governor to the people of California dealing with their water problem. 150th anniversary of St. Jamess Anglican Church, Franktown, Diocese of Ottawa. Water law, planning & policy story of the machine that sews everywhere Reactor safety issues resolved by the 2D/3D program Historical sketch of St. Peters United Evangelical Church, Buffalo, New York, 1835-1935. Farmer cooperatives in the United States The Soviet Union archaeological resources of the Geronimo Planning Unit of the Bureau of Land Management Dancing to the flute REGENERATION, VERNALIZATION AND FLOWERING IN LUNARIA ANNUA L. IN VIVO AND IN VITRO Regeneratie, vernalisatie en bloei in Lunaria annua L. in vivo en in vitro R. PIERIK PublicationLaboratorium voor Tuinbouwplantenteelt, Landbouwhogeschool, Wageningen, The Netherlands (Received ) H. VEENMAN & ZONEN Regeneration. - WAGENINGEN - Title: Regeneration, vernalization and flowering in Lunaria annua L. in vivo and in vitro: Author: Pierik, R.L.M. Degree grantor: Wageningen UniversityCited by: An annual flowering mutant was obtained with ethyl methane sulphonate. Experiments with shoot and leaf cuttings showed that juvenility was not a character of the whole : R.L.M. Pierik. REGENERATION, VERNALIZATION AND FLOWERING IN LUNARIA ANNUA L. IN VIVO AND IN VITRO Regenerate, vernalisatie en bloei in Lunaria annua L. in vivo en in vitro R. ^ ^ ^ ".»** NN BiALKJ IBfcMI D£S kBDSOUWHOGESCBO©. - rJCited by: shoot regeneration and flowering of Sesamum indicum L. In vitro flowering has been reported as a rare p rocess o f impo rtance in crop plants, mainly its high genetic purity (Stephen and Jayabalan. In vitro flowering and effective micropropagation protocol were studied in Swertia chirayita, an important medicinal plant using axillary bud Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) supplemented with benzyl amino purine (BAP) mg L −1 and adenine sulfate mg L −1 was found optimum for production of multiple shoots. In the present study, incubation of flowering cultures on BAP. Lunaria annua is a biennial cruciferous oil seed crop. The seeds contain 30–35% oil, which consists of 67% long chain fatty acids (44% erucic acid, C, and 23% nervonic acid, C). Introduction. Lunaria annua is a biennial cruciferous oil seed a is grown as an ornamental plant in many temperate countries of Europe and Northern America, but originates from south eastern Europe and western Asia (Baily, ).In ornamental gardens, plants shed their seeds late in autumn and seeds germinate in the very early spring. Lunaria annua is a biennial cruciferous oil seed crop. The seeds contain % oil, which consists of 67% long chain fatty acids (44% erucic acid, C, and 23% nervonic acid, C). The oil is suitable as lubricant. In addition, recent developments indicate that nervonic acid may be used as raw material for the production of a medicine against multiple sclerosis. by Robert G. Franks North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC., USA How organ size and shape are determined in developing organisms remains a key question of interest to developmental biologists. An understanding of the relationships between gene expression and the organ shape requires analyses of relationships between the subcellular, cellular, and organ levels and is. methyl nitroso urea (MNH). In several cases of in vitro chemical mutagenesis, explants and calli are treated with MNNG (80 mg l–l), EMS (%), NaN 2 (M) and N 2H 2 (M) (Bourhamont and Dubin ). EMS is generally used in a concentration range of to 1% whereas the range for nitroso-ethyl urea is to mM (Deane et al. Current Research on Micropropagation of Sulcorebutia Alba Rausch, Syringa Vulgaris L., Hippeastrum Hybrids and Tulipa Hybrids. Authors; R.L.M. Regeneration, vernalization and flowering in Lunaria annua L. in vivo and in vitro. Meded. Landbouw Hogeschool Wageningen, The. ADVERTISEMENTS: In this article we will discuss about: 1. Definition of Vernalization 2. Site of Vernalization 3. Nature of Vernalization Process 4. Application. Definition of Vernalization: The precise definition of vernalization is not universally accepted. The term is best defined as the specific promotion of flowering by a cold treatment given to the imbibed seed [ ]. The percentage of flowering reduced from 80 to 60% when the cultures were exposed to shorter day length. By adding mg L-1 NAA, the in vitro flowering was found to occur faster (21 days) (Table 1). GA 3 was not effective for in vitro flowering of this species although it may be effective for other species. The leaves. Vernalization is an environmentally induced epigenetic switch in which winter cold triggers epigenetic silencing of floral repressors and thus provides competence to flower in spring. Vernalization triggers the recruitment of chromatin-modifying complexes to a clade of flowering repressors that are epigenetically silenced via chromatin modifications. serpentina to figure in the Red Data Book. In vitro biology and technology have been proposed for micropropagation of R. serpentina[7,8,9,10,11,12,13] as well as in R. tetraphylla[14,15,16,17] using shoot tip, leaf, nodal and root explants. In the present paper in vitro plant regeneration. SRIVASTAVA et al: IN VITRO PLANT REGENERATION OF EPIPHYTIC A. RINGENS at lower concentrations. The maximum seed germination rate (%±) was recorded in KC medium supplemented with μM BAP and mg L-1 peptone, followed by MS medium supplemented with μM BAP and mg L-1 peptone (±). Adventitious Root Formation in Isolated Petiole Segments of Lunaria annua L. PIERIK With 2 figures Received Aug Zusammenfassung Die Adventivwurzelbildung bei in vitro kultivierten Blattstielsegmenten vegetativer Lunaria annua L. Pflanzen wurde durch das Alter des Blattstieles stark beeinflulk Nur Blattstiele der jiingsten Blatter konnten Adventivwurzeln regenerieren. Methods are described for the vegetative propagation of Begonia venosa Skan. Young flower buds are capable of producing callus which, contrasting to callus from leaves of adult plants, is very organogenic. For callus induction are required: BA and NAA at a conc. of mgl−1, 21 °C and low irradiance. Subculture of organogenic callus is optimal on a medium with mgl−1 BA and 2% glucose. Chang, Z.M. and Reisch, B.I. Shoot regeneration from petioles and leaves of Vitis x Labruscana “Catawba”, Plant Cell Rep. 8: Chee R, Pool R M. In vitro propagation of Vitis: The effect of organic substances on shoot multiplication. Vitis Chee R, Pool R M. Improved Inorganic Media Constituents for in. Vernalization and gibberellins in Lunaria annuaL J. L. Stoddartand Effects ofdaylength on gibberellin synthesis in leaves ofred clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Colette Nitsch. Effects of growth substances on the induction of flowering of a short-day plant in vitro Flowering activities of natural and chemical.Singh, et al, Somatic embryogenesis and in vitro regeneration of an endangered medicinal plant sarpgandha (Rauvolfia serpentina L.) callus was cut into small pieces transferred to MS media having BAP and IAA in same concentration as for cal-lus induction. Subculturing was .Cytological Investigations on Roots Grown In Vivo versus In Vitro. One hundred () seeds of Celosia cristata were germinated on moist cotton wool in Petri dishes for 2 weeks, and also on MS basal medium (for comparison), to obtain standard growth curves for the primary roots. The primary root length of the population was measured once per day at a fixed time and the mean root length of.

This is a great recipe for a last minute fruitcake. It’s nice and moist and only takes a day to make! Substitute your favorite dried fruits, nuts, and liqueur. Makes a 9″ round or 8″ square. 2½ lbs Mixed dried fruit/glace fruit 2 sticks + 2 tbsp Butter 1¼ cups Brown sugar 1 tbsp Corn syrup ½ lemon, juice and zest ¼ tsp Nutmeg ¼ tsp Allspice ¼ tsp Cloves ¼ tsp Salt 1 tsp Cinnamon ½ tsp Curry powder 2½ oz Blanched almonds, chopped ¾ cup Brandy 1 tbsp Cornflour 2 cups Flour 1 tsp Baking powder 1 tsp Baking soda – Preheat oven to 320ºF/160ºC. – Line baking pan with baking parchment. If using a regular baking pan, wrap some newsprint or parcel paper around the outside of the pan and secure with baking twine. – In a large pot, bring fruit, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup to a boil, stirring constantly. – Once bubbling, add in lemon zest, lemon juice, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, curry powder, salt, almonds, and brandy. – Simmer for 10 min, stirring constantly. – Remove from heat and cool completely. – Once cool, stir in corn flour. – Mix in eggs, then flour, baking powder, and baking soda. – Scrape into prepared pan. – Bake at 320ºF/160ºC for 30min. Then reduce temperature to 250ºF/120ºC and bake for 3½ hrs or until done.

Specialty’s Cafe & Bakery is a restaurant chain with operations in various streets of San Francisco. They deal in high specialty menu that only sources local, quality ingredients. Apart from in-house dining, Specialty’s Cafe also provides outdoor catering services. There are several Specialty’s Cafe outlets in San Francisco alone. These restaurants are located at 22 Battery Street, 100 California Street, 500 Howard Street, and 680 Folsom Street. Diners can also find outlets at 369 Pine Street, 150 Spear Street, 505 Sansome Street, 101 New Montgomery Street and 1 Post Street. The menu is standard across all outlets and serves various types of specialty meals. Diners can order breakfast from a menu with plenty of tantalizing options. A brilliant starter is the steel-cut oatmeal special available every day from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. the oatmeal comes with a side plate of almonds, brown sugar, raisins or craisins. Specialty’s Cafe also serves tasty breakfast sandwiches with toppings of one’s choice. A suitable breakfast option is the diced ham sandwich topped with cheddar and egg. A close alternative is the roasted vegetables and egg with toppings based on diner’s request. A croissant stuffed with bacon, cheddar, and egg or veggies, egg and cheese is also on the menu. For something different, diners can order the turkey and Swiss croissant or the spinach and three-slice cheese croissant. On the Go Customers looking for takeout can order their meals online and have it delivered to their locations in San Francisco. Specialty’s Cafe has a list of boxed meals packed with meal options handpicked by the diner. A popular on-the-go option is the continental breakfast combo with more than 10 assorted pastries and some moist flaky croissants. Customers also get a variety of freshly baked rolls, crunchy scones, and tender muffins served with a complimentary food platter. A second option is the classic finger sandwich boxed offer with 18 mini sandwiches. The sandwiches are stuffed with an assortment of meat including grilled turkey, slow-cooked grilled beef or wood-smoked ham. All sandwiches are topped with tomatoes, dill pickles, leaf lettuce and red onion garnished with mayo Italian vinaigrette and black pepper. Specialty’s Cafe serves healthy salads sourced from local and fresh ingredients. Diners can enjoy salads as a side platter or the main course. For small side platter, there are options like the balsamic and berry salad mixed with slices of avocado. A more detailed option is the good Fortuna salad that contains tuna, hearts of romaine, salad focaccia, avocado, red onions and strips of wonton and cucumber. The salad is flavored with black sesame seeds and poppy seed dressing.

Today’s NaPoWriMo assignment completed the first two weeks of writing a poem each day during April. Also called the “optional” daily prompt, it was (“a fun one”) to write a poem in the form of the opening scene of the movie about my life. I contemplated possibilities and searched for ideas when I came upon the opening scene for the movie, My Life Without Me. It inspired me to shed self-awareness and identity with confused limited personal pronouns, to message with metaphor and simile, and to use immature grammar while maintaining context. Cinematically, the movie would open with fuzzy, abstract, calm, overlapping, multiple images of a young child standing in the rain, eyes closed, oblivious to life and environment (but not in the poem). A faint heartbeat would be heard as the narrator recites the poem. The ellipses indicate that the poem does not start or finish (neither begins nor ends). Page One Opens …we are standing alone in the wet warm rain, an unashamed adam and eve; my bare feet floating in sultry green grass feels the soft spongy muggy earth; your small, young hearts hear; your body without clothing is not naked; i am shielded by water; they are you, i am they without knowing or caring for anything but the feel, sound, and taste of innocent rain; i am new taste; comforting sounds; our blind eyes closed; neither night nor day; just warm moist comfort and muffled senses in neutral emotionless rain… Look both ways and mind the gaps later. For now, just be.

Leaves are dark green, each with 9 lance-shaped, rough margined leaflets. Single or double pink flowers at top of red mottled stems are bowl-shaped, fragrant. Support with wire frame or wooden stakes to keep weighty flowers from toppling plant. It is very important for plants to be grown in deep, humus-rich soil that is moist, but well drained. Prefers sun in cooler climates and part shade in warmer climates with protection from wind. Peonies are long-lived and resent relocation, so pick your spot and prepare your hole well! Google Plant Images: click here! CharacteristicsCultivar: Coral Supreme Size: Height: 2.5 ft. to 3 ft. Width: 2.5 ft. to 3 ft. Plant Category: perennials, Foliage Characteristics: medium leaves, Flower Characteristics: showy, Flower Color: pinks, Bloomtime Range: Late Spring to Mid Summer USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8 AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant Light Range: Dappled to Full Sun pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5 Soil Range: Sandy Loam to Clay Loam Water Range: Normal to Moist FertilizingHow-to : Fertilization for Annuals and Perennials Annuals and perennials may be fertilized using: 1.water-soluble, quick release fertilizers; 2. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers; or 3. organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water soluble fertilizers are generally used every two weeks during the growing season or per label instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil ususally only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, follow label directions as they may vary per product. LightConditions : Light Conditions Unless a site is completely exposed, light conditions will change during the day and even during the year. The northern and eastern sides of a house receive the least amount of light, with the northern exposure being the shadiest. The western and southern sides of a house receive the most light and are considered the hottest exposures due to intense afternoon sun. You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day. The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property. If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home, take time to map sun and shade throughout the day. You will get a more accurate feel for your site's true light conditions. Conditions : Full to Partial Sun Full sunlight is needed for many plants to assume their full potential. Many of these plants will do fine with a little less sunlight, although they may not flower as heavily or their foliage as vibrant. Areas on the southern and western sides of buildings usually are the sunniest. The only exception is when houses or buildings are so close together, shadows are cast from neighboring properties. Full sun usually means 6 or more hours of direct unobstructed sunlight on a sunny day. Partial sun receives less than 6 hours of sun, but more than 3 hours. Plants able to take full sun in some climates may only be able to tolerate part sun in other climates. Know the culture of the plant before you buy and plant it! Conditions : Light and Plant Selection For best plant performance, it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions. Right plant, right place! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color, have fewer leaves and a "leggy" stretched-out appearance. Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable. It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps. Plants can also receive too much light. If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun, it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged. WateringConditions : Moist and Well Drained Moist and well drained means exactly what it sounds like. Soil is moist without being soggy because the texture of the soil allows excess moisture to drain away. Most plants like about 1 inch of water per week. Amending your soil with compost will help improve texture and water holding or draining capacity. A 3 inch layer of mulch will help to maintain soil moisture and studies have shown that mulched plants grow faster than non-mulched plants. Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor Plants Normal watering means that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly, as conditions require. Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season, but take care not to over water. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important for establishment. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes. PlantingHow-to : Preparing Garden Beds Use a soil testing kit to determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil before beginning any garden bed preparation. This will help you determine which plants are best suited for your site. Check soil drainage and correct drainage where standing water remains. Clear weeds and debris from planting areas and continue to remove weeds as soon as they come up. A week to 10 days before planting, add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage. If soil composition is weak, a layer of topsoil should be considered as well. No matter if your soil is sand or clay, it can be improved by adding the same thing: organic matter. The more, the better; work deep into the soil. Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials. This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now, but will greatly pay off later. Besides, this is not something that is easily done later, once plants have been established. How-to : Planting Perennials Determine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day, exposure, water requirements, climate, soil makeup, seasonal color desired, and position of other garden plants and trees. The best times to plant are spring and fall, when soil is workable and out of danger of frost. Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring. Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas, allowing full establishment before first winter. Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants, unless planting a more established sized plant. To plant container-grown plants: Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between. Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container. Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole, working soil around the roots as you fill. If the plant is extremely root bound, separate roots with fingers. A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay, but should be kept to a minimum. Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly, protecting from direct sun until stable. To plant bare-root plants: Plant as soon as possible after purchase. Prepare suitable planting holes, spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in. Water well and protect from direct sun until stable. To plant seedlings: A number of perennials produce self-sown seedlings that can be transplanted. You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting. Prepare suitable planting holes, spacing appropriately for plant development. Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel, and replant it immediately, firming soil with fingertips and water well. Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable. ProblemsDiseases : Verticillium or Fusarium Wilt Wilts may be contracted through infected seed, plant debris, or soil. This fungus begins and multiplies during the cool, moist season, becoming obvious when weather turns warm and dry. Plants wilt because the fungus damages their water conducting mechanisms. Overfertilization can worsen this problem. Able to overwinter in soil for many years, it is also carried and harbored in common weeds. Prevention and Control: If possible, select resistant varieties. Keep nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to a minimum as well as over-irrigating as they encourage lush growth. Practice crop rotation and prune out or better yet remove infected plants. Pest : Aphids Aphids are small, soft-bodied, slow-moving insects that suck fluids from plants. Aphids come in many colors, ranging from green to brown to black, and they may have wings. They attack a wide range of plant species causing stunting, deformed leaves and buds. They can transmit harmful plant viruses with their piercing/sucking mouthparts. Aphids, generally, are merely a nuisance, since it takes many of them to cause serious plant damage. However aphids do produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface growth called sooty mold. Aphids can increase quickly in numbers and each female can produce up to 250 live nymphs in the course of a month without mating. Aphids often appear when the environment changes - spring & fall. They're often massed at the tips of branches feeding on succulent tissue. Aphids are attracted to the color yellow and will often hitchhike on yellow clothing. Prevention and Control: Keep weeds to an absolute minimum, especially around desirable plants. On edibles, wash off infected area of plant. Lady bugs and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden. There are various products - organic and inorganic - that can be used to control aphids. Seek the recommendation of a professional and follow all label procedures to a tee. Pest : Slugs and Snails Begin looking for slugs and snails so that you may set traps. Diseases : Blight Blights are cause by fungi or bacteria that kill plant tissue. Symptoms often show up as the rapid spotting or wilting of foliage. There are many different blights, specific to various plants, each requiring a varied method of control. MiscellaneousGlossary : Border Plant A border plant is one which looks especially nice when used next to other plants in a border. Borders are different from hedges in that they are not clipped. Borders are loose and billowy, often dotted with deciduous flowering shrubs. For best effect, mass smaller plants in groups of 3, 5, 7, or 9. Larger plants may stand alone, or if room permits, group several layers of plants for a dramatic impact. Borders are nice because they define property lines and can screen out bad views and offer seasonal color. Many gardeners use the border to add year round color and interest to the garden. Glossary : Herbaceous Herbaceous refers to a non-woody plant that dies back at the end of its growing season, generally after frost or during the fall of the year. The rootstock of perennials will overwinter, providing the plant is hardy in that area, and resume growth in the spring. Glossary : Perennial Perennial: traditionally a non-woody plant that lives for two or more growing seasons. Glossary : pH pH, means the potential of Hydrogen, is the measure of alkalinity or acidity. In horticulture, pH refers to the pH of soil. The scale measures from 0, most acid, to 14, most alkaline. Seven is neutral. Most plants prefer a range between 5.5 and about 6.7, an acid range, but there are plenty of other plants that like soil more alkaline, or above 7. A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easily absorb the most nutrients in the soil. Some plants prefer more or less of certain nutrients, and therefore do better at a certain pH. Glossary : Viruses Viruses, which are smaller than bacteria, are not living and do not replicate on their own. They must rely on the cellular mechanisms of their hosts to replicate. Because this greatly disrupts the cell's functionality, outward signs of a viral infection result in a plant disease with symptoms such as abnormal or stunted growth, damaged fruit, discolorations or spots. Prevention and Control: Keep virus carriers such as aphids, leafhoppers, and thrips under control. These plant feeding insects spread viruses. Viruses can also be introduced by infected pollen or through plant openings (as when pruning). Begin by keeping the pathogen out of your garden. New plants should be checked, as well as tools and existing plants. Use only certified seed that is deemed disease-free. Plant only resistant varieties and create a discouraging environment by rotating crops, not planting closely related plants in the same area every year.

“Mom, Will you bake a cake just for me”? This isn’t a request I ever get, because there is always cake or cookies lying around in the house for the teen and her friends to eat. And the request is usually about a particular kind of bake. Never about a bake “Just for her”. So, I had to pause and ask what kind. But what I wanted to know was what brought about the request. And a few minutes of ‘cake chat’ later I found out that unknowingly, I am always baking cakes either because I have a bundt cake challenge, or because there are new flavors and techniques I want to try or because weekend house guests are visiting and I want something handy because with guests in the house I don’t usually get around to baking. Except for the cakes I bake for friends to take to their birthdays and weddings and the like, I thought I was baking for her because she enjoys eating my cakes. It was an honest talk, just the way I have taught her to express herself. It made me pause. Sometimes, in the long lists of getting things done or doing things for others we forget what’s most important. The precious moments we have with our kids while they are growing up. I already can’t believe that she will start driving soon and then off to college and have her own adult life in a short few years. I was thankful for this talk. Grateful for her direct demand and I asked her what cake she wanted me to bake for her. “Just a simple chocolate cake. With lots of chocolate and Sprinkles on top and vanilla icing”. So that’s exactly what I made. I am still not the best mom. Because I also made this cake for the Bundt Bakers. But only because the challenge theme matched with the teen’s request. It did mean that I was to change my plan of having a deep, dark luxurious chocolate ganache icing for the cake to the quick and simple vanilla icing. We have decided that before the next month’s Bundt Baker’s challenge I am going to consult with her about the cake. With her inputs, we are going to make cakes that she wants to eat and help bake. Life as a blogger can sometimes take over the simple home life. Even for a whimsical one like me who only post once a while. Menus that need to be blogged, recipes that are not on the blog yet or not cooking things that are already on the blog. Though I didn’t follow those blogging norms, Somehow without me noticing, I had fallen through the gaps and done this with my cake baking. But now, I promise to pause every now and then and ask, “So, What should I bake you today?” What about you guys? Do you pause to ask the important people in your life what they feel like eating or trying? Now about this particular cake – It’s so moist that my husband asked if I had used oil instead of butter. And the choice of the cocoa powder was my daughter’s. She wanted to use the Dutch processed cocoa powder because she wanted it to contrast with the white icing and the dark chocolate sprinkles that Dad got from his trip to Prague. The recipe is adapted from the William Sonoma Recipe for chocolate sour cream cake. It’s moist, with a nice crumb and tastes very chocolatey. This is our contribution to the Bundt Baker’s monthly event and this month our host is the very FUN Terri Truscello of Love and Confections. Thank you so much, Terri for a FUN filled “Sprinkles” themed event. Here are this month’s “Sprinkles” Bundts: - Black Onyx Bundt Cake from Living the Gourmet - Bourbon Walnut Pound Cake from Magnolia Days - Bubblegum Frosted Funfetti Vanilla Bean Bundt from Baking in Pyjamas - Bundt Cake Extra Chocolateado from la mejor manera de hacer… - Celebration Confetti Bundt Cake from Cali’s Cuisine - Chocolate Chip Cheese Cake from Tea and Scones - Chocolate Sprinkles Sour Cream Bundt Cake from Spice Roots - Chocolate Walnut Cake with Sprinkles from FoodJam - Confetti Bundt Cake with Whipped Chocolate Ganache Frosting from How to Philosophize with Cake - Crazy Coco Bundt Cake from Los Chatos Chefs - Eggless Vanilla Confetti Bundt Cake from SimplyVeggies - Funfetti Bundt Cake from Liv for Cake - Funfetti Bundt Cake from Recipes, Food & Cooking - ‘Guild the Lily’ Bundt from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner - Irish Butter Chocolate Sprinkle Cake with Ganache from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice - Jammin’ Jimmies Bundt from Noshing With The Nolands - Nutella Bundt with Nutella Glaze from Food Lust People Love - Oatmeal Cookie Bundt Cake with Sprinkles from The Spiced Life - Orange Dreamscicle Confetti Cake from Our Good Life - Pistachio Sprinkle Bundt Cake from Sew You Think You Can Cook - Raspberry Ricotta Bundt Cake from Brunch With Joy - Red Velvet Sprinkle Explosion Bundt Cake from Love and Confections - Sprinkled Jelly Donut Bundt Cake from Making Miracles - Sprinkles of Love Cake from A Day in the Life on the Farm - Strawberry Sprinkled Bundt Cake from The Freshman Cook - Triple Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Sprinkles from Baking and Creating with Avril - Vanilla Bundt Cake with Sprinkles from I Love Bundt Cakes - Vanilla Mini Bundts from Passion Kneaded - Watermelon Bundt Cake from Eat, Drink and Be Mighty #BundtBakers is a group of Bundt loving Bakers who get together once a month to bake Bundts with a common ingredient or theme. You can see all of our lovely Bundts by following our Pinterest Board. We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme or ingredient. Updated links for all of our past events and more information about BundtBakers can be found on our homepage. Chocolate Sprinkles Sour Cream Bundt Cake #BundtBakers For the Cake - 1 C unsweetened dutch processed cocoa powdered - 6 oz dark chocolate chopped - 1 C hot water - 2 C all purpose flour - 1 tsp Baking powder - ¼ tsp salt - 16 Tbs butter - 1 ½ C sugar - 4 eggs - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1 C sour cream For the Glaze - 1 C powdered sugar - 1 Tbs milk - chocolate sprinkles - Prepare your Bundt pan by greasing and flouring it. Preheat the oven to 350*F. - Heat the water and add the chopped chocolate and the cocoa powder, Stir to mix and set aside to cool. - Sift the flour, salt and baking powder. Keep aside. - Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer until light in color and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time. Incorporate each egg before adding the next. The mixture will thicken and be a cream like consistency.Add the sour cream in two batches, mixing completely on each addition. - Add in the vanilla. - Now add in half of the flour and mix on low speed until just incorporated. Gradually add in the cocoa mix (be sure it is not warm). Mix and then add the rest of the flour and then the rest of the cocoa mix. Mix until well combined. - Pour into the prepared pan and bake on the middle rack for 60 minutes. The batter may look like it's too much for your heritage pan. In other pans it should be ok. - When a cake tester comes clean, the cake is done. Allow to cool for an hour before un moulding. Then make the glaze. - Mix the vanilla, milk and sugar and pour over the cake. Quickly sprinkle the chocolate sprinkles.

Albon® Oral Suspension is effective for treating a wide range of bacterial infections commonly seen in dogs and cats. Albon is indicated for the treatment of respiratory, genitourinary tract, and soft-tissue infections. It is also indicated for treating dogs with bacterial enteritis associated with Coccidiosis. A single, daily dose gives rapid and sustained therapeutic blood levels for 24 hours. Daily dosing increases likelihood of compliance, potentially improving outcomes. Available as a tablet and a palatable custard-flavored suspension for easy administration. Effective against Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Cystitis, Nephritis, Metritis, Pyometra, Pustular Dermatitis, Anal Gland Infections, abscesses, wound infections, Bacterial Enteritis, canine Salmonellosis and other bacterial enteritis associated with Coccidiosis in dogs when caused by streptococci, staphylococci, escherichia, salmonella, klebsiella, proteus and shigella organisms sensitive to Sulfadimethoxine. Disposal of Unused Prescription Medications - Return unwanted or unused medications to Revival Animal Health in person, or visit www.disposemymeds.org to find a pharmacy near you. - A secondary method of drug disposal is to remove the unwanted medication from any wrappers or containers and place it in a plastic bag with moist coffee grounds or cat litter. This can be disposed of in the regular garbage collection. - Please do NOT dispose of unwanted meds down the drain or toilet, as this may eventually find its way into the human water supply. Learn more about disposal of unused prescription medications here Disposal of Medical Sharps - When you're finished with the syringe and needle, do not try to recap, remove, bend or break the needle. This is where most injuries occur. - Dispose the syringe and needle immediately in a nearby sharps container. All sharps must be deposited in a puncture-proof container. Make sure your storage location is child and animal proof. - As with all product handling, make sure you wash your hands after handling medical sharps. Disposal of Sharps Container - When your sharps container is half-full, sift dry Portland Cement throughout the sharps. Fill the container with water, and rotate until the cement is mixed and the sharps have been distributed throughout the cement mixture. Let cement dry for 24 hours. - Seal the lid of the container tightly and use duct tape to seal. Label the container "Livestock Sharps" to properly identify the contents. - Dispose of the containers in accordance with your state's regulations. Our pharmacy hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. − 4:30 p.m. CST. Data regarding acute and chronic toxicities of Sulfadimethoxine indicate the drug is very safe. Few side effects have been reported, though some animals may experience diarrhea. Not intended for human use. Albon should not be used in dogs and cats with marked liver damage, blood dyscrasias, or in those with a history of sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Make sure animals maintain adequate water intake throughout treatment. If no improvement is seen after 2 or 3 days, you should re-evaluate the diagnosis. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Keep out of the reach of children Oral Suspension: Each tsp (5 ml) contains 250 mg Sulfadimethoxine. Store between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F).

How to Make Perfect Baked Cheesecake Perfect Baked Cheesecake can make any horrible day suddenly seem like the BEST day of your life… It’s powerful stuff! Unfortunately, there’s an intense and unnecessary hype over how difficult it is to bake a perfect cheesecake. I was absolutely petrified of making baked cheesecake for yeeeeears. The ingredients are also very expensive, so if the cheesecake flops then you don’t only feel like a failure, but are also broke as well. Too much risk man. Cooking and baking shows also just LOVE showing us the drama of cheesecake, don’t they? Drama sells. Do yourself a favour – keep in mind that those contestants are under enormous TIME constraints and pressure to perform. That is an ideal recipe for drama and disaster, which the networks need to make the shows sell. But I want to encourage you today and put your mind at ease… It’s actually very simple and 100% possible to bake a perfect cheesecake. ESPECIALLY at home! There is NO reason to be afraid – truly. So breathe in deeply, muster up some hope and take courage. Now smile! I promise you that I will help you to master this technical dessert and bake the perfect cheesecake on your next attempt. Before you run off to turn the oven on, just wait a second. This post (part 1/4) is all about the technical aspects of baking the perfect cheesecake. You may know by now that I am a HUGE believer in METHOD, because it gives us perfect bakes. Examples of my utter obsession with method: How to Bake Perfect Cupcakes – FULL Troubleshooting, How to Bake Perfect Cupcakes – Advanced Tips, How to Bake Perfectly Level Cake Layers. I’m laying a foundation here so that you will know exactly what to do when I share my perfect cheesecake recipes in the next 3 posts. So get yourself a cup of tea and absorb all these tips and tricks I’m sharing with you today. *HINT* THERE IS ALSO A BONUS CHEAT TIP #7 RIGHT AT THE END OF THE POST THAT WILL MAKE YOUR CHEESECAKE BAKING A WHOLE LOT EASIER! My 6 TOP Tips for Perfect Baked Cheesecake: 1. Take your Time: I’ve watched so many seasons of The Great British Bake Off on which the contestants must always bake cheesecake at some point. My favourite baking show cheesecake episode is however from The Great Australian Bake Off S1-E6. So shocking that they only had 2,5 hours to make it though! If you rush yourself to make a perfect cheesecake, I can guarantee that a whole lot of things will go wrong! Cheesecake is like good American BBQ – LOW AND SLOW. I actually LOVE the fact that cheesecake takes such a long time to bake. My recipe typically bakes for 1 hour, then I turn it and bake it for another 40 minutes. That gives you two massive brackets of time to do something else while the lazy cheesecake just hangs out in the oven. It might be a tad irresponsible, but I’ve gone grocery shopping so many times while the cheesecake is baking. Who has time to watch a cheesecake bake? It would probably take less time to watch paint dry. So to clarify; perfect cheesecake takes a long time to make yes, but 75% of it is PASSIVE time in which you can do something else. Don’t let the long baking time put you off making it. 2. Room Temperature Ingredients: If your ingredients are not at room temperature, they will struggle to combine into a smooth batter. Perfect cheesecake is made with room temperature ingredients. Cream cheese can be especially difficult to smooth out when it is cold because of its higher fat content. Butter, for example, is solid fat. Have you ever tried creaming ice-cold butter? Impossible. Also be sure to use room temperature eggs. If I am being honest, I always use the cream/sour cream straight from the fridge because I don’t want it to go off while standing at room temperature. But room temperature cream cheese and eggs are essential. 3. The Bain Marie Situation: Bain Marie means “Marie’s bath”, but in the baking world it just means “water bath”. A water bath is absolutely essential to baking a perfect cheesecake. It ensures a moist cheesecake and helps it to bake gently and evenly. But the traditional method of bain marie baking is so superlatively tedious… Wrapping 2 layers of foil around the cake tin AND then placing it in a glass dish AND pouring boiling water around it AND burning yourself when trying to turn the cheesecake halfway through baking it AND then it leaks. I mean, there are posts just on managing the leaking. TOO TEDIOUS and hazardous. No thanks. Remember, I am a lazy person who loves to make perfect bakes, so I had to find a simpler way. Ashlee Marie is the fantastic human who presented an alternative. You seriously get the exact same effect if you just place a separate pan of hot water in the oven with the cheesecake. SO much easier and more practical – thank you Ashlee Marie! - I like to use the biggest roasting tray I have. - Place it in the lower half of your oven before you bake the cheesecake so that it gets nice and hot during the preheating. - Boil at least 2 liters of water in a kettle. - Place your cheesecake in the middle of your oven. - Pull the empty roasting tray out slightly and fill it up with the just-boiled water. This will create a nice cloud of steam to fill the oven right from the start without burning your arms. Now that you have this super easy cheat bain marie method for baking perfect cheesecake, don’t let it frighten you off either! 4. How to Avoid the Dreaded Sinking: Low and Slow applies not only to the baking of the cheesecake, but also the MIXING. Especially if you will be making mini cheesecakes. Mini cheesecakes will completely expose your mixing method. Tip number 3 is ALL about the mixing. The KEY thing during the mixing phase is not to whip in ANY air. If you do not have a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, make it by hand – seriously. Do not bring a hand mixer anywhere near your cheesecake batter! - Add the soft, room temperature cream cheese to the mixing bowl. Beat it on medium low speed till smooth. - Add in the sugar. Beat it on medium low speed for 30 seconds. Let it stand for 5 minutes so that the sugar can melt. Beat it on medium low speed again for 30 seconds till smooth. Don’t rush it and beat it on high speed. Ever. At any point. - Scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl thoroughly and mix again on medium low speed. And now the eggs. - I like to crack the eggs in a separate bowl and lightly mix them together so that the yolks break and are easier to incorporate into the cream cheese. - FROM HERE ON OUT ONLY MIX ON YOUR MIXER’S LOWEST SPEED. - Add the egg in in 4 sessions. Don’t watch it the whole time, you will be SO tempted to increase the speed. It is a great opportunity to spend some time on pinterest or learn a language on the Duo Lingo App (I’ve become 7% more fluent in French, just from cheesecake mixing time! Haha!). - Before mixing in the last egg, scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl thoroughly and mix again on lowest speed. I like to stir in the cream/sour cream by hand because the mixer takes forever to incorporate the liquid. If you follow the low and slow mixing method, I guarantee that your cheesecake will come out perfect and not sink a bit! 5. How to Tell when a Cheesecake is Done: A perfect cheesecake has to be just set. Not under baked and saggy, or over-baked and slightly coarse. So HOW do you know when it’s done? First of all, bake your cheesecake on the regular bake setting of your oven (solid stripe top and solid stripe bottom). Do NOT use a thermo-fan or convection oven. Now the testing. Some swear by the jiggle or “wibble-wobble” test. Honestly it is a bit vague to me. I can never really tell if it’s done by how much it wobbles. Monique ended up under baking her cheesecake, and so have I, with the jiggle test. The easiest way for me to tell is looking at the surface. The edges should have puffed up a bit and be dull, but the center circle (about 8cm in diameter) should still be shiny. The jiggle test is a handy second option for me. The cheesecake should have a stiff jiggle and move as one unit. If the centre still keeps moving after the outer edges have stopped, then it’s NOT done yet. Wait another 10 minutes and check again. As soon as the outer rim of the cheesecake breaks loose from the side of the tin (or pastry), you’ve gone a bit too far. If the cheesecake browns on top, you have definitely taken it WAY too far. It will still be tasty, but it will be a tiny bit grainy, drier and not as creamy. There are also some fancy thermometer tests you can use if you like. 6. How to Avoid the Dreaded Cracking: A cracked cheesecake can happen as a result of your mixing, but more often than not it is because of your baking and/or cooling. A baked cheesecake is like my husband in winter… If you suddenly pull the duvet off him in the freezing morning hours, he WILL crack. Cheesecake has a sensitive soul. Respect that and all will be well. For this reason, it needs to be cooled very gently and gradually. - When baking, let the cheesecake bake in peace for at least one hour before opening the door and turning it or checking it. - As soon as my cheesecake is perfectly baked, I turn the oven off and leave the door closed for 5 minutes. - Then I leave the oven door ajar. Let the cheesecake hang out in the (switched off) oven for another 90 minutes to be safe. - Remove it from the oven and let it rest on the kitchen counter for 1 hour. - You may now place it in the fridge overnight for the cheesecake to fully set and get a perfect texture. Cool your cheesecake gradually if you want it to be perfect and crack free. There is no way around this. And besides, it is once again PASSIVE time. You can do other things while it cools! 7. BONUS TIP – Time Saver: I NEVER remember to take the cream cheese out of the fridge in time. The quickest way to bring it up to room temperature is by defrosting it in the microwave! Yes, I know it’s not “frozen”, but the defrost setting warms up the cream cheese VERY gently and slowly. Yet again – low and slow. - Don’t use the quick defrost setting though, which is too intense. Auto defrost for meat is perfect. - I let it run for 2 minutes at a time. The cream cheese usually needs 2 sessions of minutes each to reach room temperature. - If you can press your finger in to the cream cheese with ease, then it’s ready. Obviously feel the temperature of the cream cheese as well. If you can’t really feel it, it means it should be around body temperature which is perfect. If your eggs are cold too, simply place them in a bowl of lukewarm water for 10 minutes. Tada! This is the Part Where I Motivate You: Put your hands on your heart and repeat after me: I CAN BAKE A PERFECT CHEESECAKE! I NOW HAVE NO EXCUSE TO AVOID BAKING CHEESECAKE! I DESERVE TO BAKE AND EAT A PERFECT CHEESECAKE! Okay, consider yourself motivated and fearless! These tips for perfect cheesecake will help you to get a perfect bake on your favourite cheesecake recipes. In the next 3 posts I’ve shared my own Home Bakery’s recipes for perfect baked cheesecake that I make all the time… - First there’s my Cheesecake Pastry Recipe (includes chocolate variation) and Walk-Through. - Then my Chocolate Swirl Baked Cheesecake recipe, - and lastly my Vanilla Baked Cheesecake recipe! Here are some links to other baked cheesecake posts that I found useful in my years as a professional home baker. Thank you to these authors and bloggers for your research! Ashlee Marie, Prepared Pantry, The Kitchn, All Recipes, The Spruce, Simply Recipes Now go make that cheesecake!

The first Halloween Matt and I spent together, away from our respective families, we did what our parents had always done - we went out and bought candy for the neighborhood kids who would come trick-or-treating.We did not even stop to think that we lived at THE dead end of a dead-end road (the end of the road turned into our driveway) and that this road was a turn off of another dead-end road, and that most of the homes were summer cottages, and those few people who were left were years older than we were and unlikely to go trick or treating. Needless to say we had leftover candy - LOTS of leftover candy (I think I bought four bags). It was SweeTARTS - I will never ever ever forget that it was SweeTARTS, because I think we were still eating them in August - 2 years later. Not a lot you can do with leftover SweeTARTS. We stayed away from buying candy for a while after that - until we bought our house, which is at the corner of a subdivision, right in the village, right across the street from two houses that go OVER THE TOP decorating - and we realized we would get a lot of traffic.Right then we decided two things: 1. we would buy GOOD candy that kids would actually eat, and not be the house with the strange candy or 'gasp' non-candy toys. 2. we would buy candy that we could use in other ways. ... and of course we would buy candy that WE liked. Our choice ended up being plain chocolate Hershey Bars - very versatile, very yummy. We even used them in lieu of cigars as birth announcements when the Munchkin was born. Ah - The Munchkin -the new wild card in this Halloween equation. See, now that we have a family member out collecting candy from others, we have lost what delicate control we had over the contents of our candy dish at home. Enter the "baking with candy" quest - Mommy's proactive search of the internet to see what ideas I could come up with to help wrangle the candy influx. Surprisingly I did not find many ideas - but those that I did find I decided to copy here. Since links are tenuous - and many dead links were found in this quest, I decided to copy the recipes here but to tell you that these little tidbits came from The San Marcos Record in San Marcos, TX. These have not been field tested by our team - YET. If you try these and have any feedback, please let us know. Baby Ruth Crater Bars 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup peanut butter 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups coarse chopped Baby Ruth Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter and peanut butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Spread dough evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with Baby Ruth; press in lightly. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Three Musketeers Fried Pies 1 (10-count) can biscuits 1 large Three Musketeers bar Separate biscuits and roll thin. Cut candy bar into 10 pieces. Place 1 piece in center of each biscuit; fold over and seal edges. Deep fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar. Oatmeal Brownie Crunch Bars 1 (18.5-ounce) fudge cake mix 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter 4 ounces finely chopped Hershey’s Special Dark (or semi-sweet chocolate bar) 2-3/4 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats, uncooked 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 cup coarsely chopped dry-roasted honey peanuts 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted 1-3/4 cups M&Ms or semi-sweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan with non-stick foil. Stir cake mix, water, butter, and eggs until combined. Add chopped chocolate and combine. Set aside. In large bowl combine oats, flour, sugar, nuts and baking soda; add butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Toss in M&Ms until evenly distributed. Reserve 3 cups mixture. Pat remaining mixture onto bottom of baking pan to form crust. Pour prepared fudge cake mix over crust, carefully spreading into thin layer. Sprinkle reserved oatmeal crumb mixture over top of fudge mixture; pat down lightly. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Store in tightly covered container. Peanut Butter Milk Duds Cookie Cups 1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine (not the type in a tub) 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter 1/2 cup granulated white sugar, packed 1/2 light brown sugar 1 egg, at room temperature 1-1/2 cups flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 3/4 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 (10 ounces) package Milk Duds candies 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 tsp smooth peanut butter Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, cream together margarine, peanut butter, egg, white sugar, and brown sugar. In a smaller bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture, half at a time, to margarine mixture, beating well to combine. Place a heaping teaspoon of cookie dough into the palm of your hand. Press one candy into the center and press dough around it to form a ball. Roll in confectioners' sugar and place in ungreased mini-muffin tin. Bake 12-14 minutes, until lightly browned on top. Let cool in the baking tins at least 15 minutes, then remove to racks to cool completely. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth. Pour into a plastic zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and seal. Cut a small corner from the bottom of the bag and drizzle chocolate over the tops of the cooled cookie cups. Note: Rollo candies, Reese's Bites or any other candies that will mix well with peanut butter can be substituted for Milk Duds. Candy Corn Rice Crispy Treats 1/2 cups butter 10 cups Crispy rice cereal 9 cups miniature marshmallows 2 cups of candy corn 3/4 c miniature chocolate chips Yellow and red food coloring Melt butter and marshmallows; stir until smooth. In a large bowl, mix rice cereal, candy corn and miniature chips together. To marshmallow mixture, blend in 2 drops yellow food coloring and 1 drop red food coloring, adding more coloring if necessary to reach desired shade. Add marshmallow mixture to cereal mixture; stir quickly to combine. Spread on a large buttered pan; press with buttered hands. While warm, press on candy pumpkins spaced 1 to 1/2-2 inches apart. Refrigerate and cut into squares. Smashed Bugs Candy Recipe 2 cups (about) square snack pretzels 1 package (12 ounces) Rollo chocolate-covered caramel candies 8 (about) large marshmallows, each cut into 8 pieces 1 cup (about) pecan halves Preheat oven to 300 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place pretzels in rows 1 inch apart on lined baking sheets. Top with chocolate caramel candies. Place marshmallow on top. Bake for 3 minutes only. Immediately place pecan half on top of each and gently press down so all layers stick together. Snickers Cookie Bars Recipe 1 package (12 ounces) Snickers Popables chocolate candy pieces, chilled 1 roll (1 pound) chocolate chip cookie dough, at room temperature Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick foil. Cut cookie dough in half lengthwise. Oil your hands and use your fingers to gently press the dough into the bottom of the pan. The layer will be thin. Evenly distribute the chocolate candy pieces on top of the dough and gently press down so they don’t roll. Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool about 20 minutes, then cut into bars while warm. Tootsie Roll Ice Cream Sauce 35 Tootsie Roll Midgees 1/4 cup of water 1 extra cup of water Using the cutting board, cut up each Tootsie Roll Midgee into three or four pieces. Place the Tootsie Roll pieces and 1/4 cup of water in the smaller of the two pots. Pour the extra 1 cup of water into the bigger pot. Place the smaller pot into the bigger pot (it will float on the water). Heat on stove, on medium heat, until Tootsie Roll pieces melt. Stir them together with the water. Let the mixture cool and then pour on top of ice cream.

Greenhouse Media for Growing Hemp Cuttings El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece. Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen. English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls. Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.Collapse ▲ Greenhouse media for growing hemp cuttings Keith Edmisten, Carl Crozier, and Anthony LeBude North Carolina Cooperative Extension Kristin Hicks, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services North Carolina has a large container plant industry, and hemp producers should take advantage of this local expertise. Dr. Anthony LeBude from the Horticultural Science Department at NC State University offers the following advice : Plants without roots will not benefit from fertilizer in the substrate until they have roots, but as soon as they have roots, the rooting environment is the worst place for photosynthesis because of the super high humidity, so it’s best to transplant them. It makes sense to fertilizer with a controlled release fertilizer (CRF) that won’t release until the cuttings root in 6-8 weeks (for woodies), but it never really works out that way in real life. It’s best just to fertigate when rooted and transplant as quickly as possible to a more suitable growing environment. Several growers have found traditional tobacco type soil media to stay to wet for hemp cuttings, often resulting in severe disease outbreaks. These growers have had more success with dryer media, such as coconut coir. Another problem we have seen with injury to cuttings in greenhouse seems to be related to salt injury due to high electrical conductivity (EC). Dr. Kristin Hicks from NCDA&CS has found some media that has been tested had high EC due to high Ca and S levels or high Na Cl levels. She suggests that growers test their media for nutrients and other parameters that may affect plant health. Dr. Hicks found the media used in the plant below to have excessive Ca and S levels. Dr. Anthony LeBude explains: There is no reason for trying to vegetatively propagate unrooted stem cuttings in substrates with high electrical conductivity (EC). The plant must try and pull water away from all the salts present in the substrate without roots, and to so this it needs to dry itself out, so it can be burned easily through desiccation, or simply have the stems burned by too much fertilizer. When there are problems, it’s possible that the producer used a “secret recipe” for the propagation substrate that includes some sort of manure, gypsum, fertilizer, or other supplement that is high (hot) in terms of EC. Flushing the substrate over several days is the best practice here to try and lower the EC. Producers can also simply make a new substrate and transfer the cuttings, it won’t hurt them as long as the new substrate is moist. They could even take the time to re-dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and see if the portion of the cutting that was inserted into the substrate was burned off to the soil line, which happens a lot with hot substrates. Coconut coir can also be high in salts because it is high in sodium to begin with, but producers of coir try to remove the high sodium by exchanging with calcium and magnesium. These are also salts, but “harm” tissues less than sodium does on average. For plants with roots, the high calcium and magnesium might not be a problem, but for unrooted cuttings it can burn the stems inserted into the media. Make sure the coir supplier offers a specification sheet on what the electrical conductivity of the coir is after they processed it. Some will mention they flush it with water or exchange it with calcium and magnesium. In all cases, unfortunately, the plant grower is the final quality control manager and is responsible for checking the EC themselves using this simple procedure. If growers want to also test the porosity of their substrate, they can use this simple tool to give a “ballpark” figure to compare possible substrates in terms of how much airspace they have after watering. Finally, growers are encouraged to periodically test their media for nutrient content and parameters such as sodium, chloride, pH and EC. Samples can be submitted to the NCDA&CS Soilless Media Lab for a fast, low-cost analysis.