THE ROTARY CENTENNIAL PARK DOG PARK

Located in the heart of Spring Hill, the Rotary Centennial Park Dog Park has three acres dedicated exclusively to your barking buddy.

 

 

See more . . .

http://springhillnow.com/rotary-centennial-dog-park-in-spring-hill-fl/2012/12/15

Catskills Foliage - Sightseeing & Recreation in Upstate New York

View from Ski Lift at Hunter Mountain, NY
by Marie C. Dimino 

The beautiful Catskills Mountains in Upstate New York offer many diversified activities. It's a perfect getaway for families, friends, couples or singles.

The foliage colors of a typical autumn day in Upstate New York in the beautiful Catskills Mountains can be poetically described as hues of tangerine orange, glistening golds, crimson reds, chartreuse greens and rustic shades of burgundy browns. The canvas is an open sky with varying shades of splendid blue and puffs of billowy, fluffy, soft, white clouds. A hint of smokey silver, peach and lavender sometimes spreads across the mountaintops crowning the heavens in all its glory. The lakes and many tumbling waterfalls sparkle and reflect tiny flashes of light that glitter and dance with the glow of the sun at the first moment of morning’s dawn.

Autumn skies of this beautiful country with its crisp, cool air is what music and art has been created from throughout the centuries. This natural fine art is the palette that draws tourists here from all walks of life to experience and photograph the pristine wonders of nature in the North-Eastern ever-changing fall season.

Natural Wonders

Many birds instinctively migrate to warmer climates where food will be readily available. During this time, geese can be seen flying in formation and heard calling out to each other, tracking one another’s distance between them. Monarch butterflies appear with their autumn colored wings as if to announce the end of summer. Mushrooms go into full bloom to spread their seed for the following year. Mycological societies especially enjoy their fungi hunting during this season.

So Much To Do, So Much To See

There are many Catskills events and outdoor activities to explore. Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, festivals, hay rides, fishing tournaments, and motorcycle rallies, as well as, scenic tours and cruises on the Hudson River and old-fashioned historical railroad rides that take you through the Catskills Mountains giving you the feeling of yesteryear.

Farm stands are everywhere and overflow with fresh, ripe, sweet produce. You can even visit an orchard and pick your own. Cider mills offer fresh squeezed cider from a variety of apples. Maple syrup farms explain how syrup is collected from the trees and offer maple syrup products and samples to try. Dairy farms offer distinct and quality cheeses and soaps made from cow, goat and sheep milk. Bee farms offer unique honey products such as basswood, blueberry, buckwheat, and wildflower.

Garlic is planted in October, winters over, and harvested in July. Fresh garlic is abundant in the Fall. Several varieties and species are offered at garlic festivals where you can spend the day enjoying local garlic recipes.

Art Groups and galleries exhibit works of art that are also for sale by local artists. Paintings, wood carvings, sketches, sculptures, and other interesting, unique forms of art line the stores and streets. Treasure seekers will find the abundance of antique stores irresistible. These shops can be found all over the Catskills and range from private store owners to garage sales and flea markets.

In the Fall season, some ski resorts open their ski lifts for Sky Rides so you can enjoy the dazzling sights of the high peaks of the Northern Catskills. On a clear, sunny day you can see amazing views of the Catskills Mountains, the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, and the Green Mountains of Vermont.

For thrill seekers, Zipline Adventure Tours will have you flying through the air, 600 feet above the ground, at 50 miles an hour. There are also tamer, family-friendly Zips for all ages and ability levels.

Mountain bike trails and bicycling routes are all around the Catskills Mountains. Here you can enjoy scenic, wilderness, historical or romantic cycling adventures.

Hundreds of trails are available for riders of ATVs, SUVs, dirt bikes, quad runners, and go-karts. There are orchards with rocky trails, wooded trails, grassy trails, sandy trails and muddy trails that are opened for touring, practicing or racing.

For the sportsman minded, there are archery, gun and game clubs that offer target shooting, pheasantry and sporting clays.

Many museums and landmark historical farm houses are open to the public and tour guides are informational, cordial and friendly. Rooms are filled with antique furnishings hand-carved by fine furniture makers of the 19th century, and interesting items from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Explore the underground caves and caverns that were formed millions of years ago. Experience lantern tours that simulate natural cave exploration. Exhibits display the cave's geology, formation, rock and mineral specimens, and the history of the cave's discovery. Learn about the vegetation and wildlife that live in these caves.

Discover the fossils that date back 380 million years ago during the Devonian period in the geologic time scale. In 1850, a naturalist found a sandstone cast of a portion of a Devonian-age tree trunk in the Schoharie Creek near Gilboa after a huge flood. The samples were sent to Canada where the specimens were described and illustrated by McGill University paleontolgist John W. Dawson. This was the first documented discovery of fossil tree stumps in North America.

Nightlife, entertainment, wineries, concerts, music and dancing can also be found throughout the region. The choices of hundreds of fine cuisine restaurants with various ethnic food and country quaint eateries will leave you perplexed.

Be sure to visit a corn maze and a haunted house attraction during the month of October. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House in Ulster Park is one of the most popular haunted attractions in the United States. There are many Halloween activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

Classes, Crafts, Courses and Workshops

If you enjoy learning new things in Creative Art, the options are limitless. There are a variety of classes to experience. Ceramic and pottery Classes will teach you the technique and art of wheel throwing, hand building, trimming, glazing and finishing pottery. Level of skill range from beginners to advanced and are offered to people of all ages.

Watercolor and oil painting classes take you to paint-on-site locations with magical scenery and beautiful waterfalls.

Writing Groups offer workshops in creative writing, journaling and poetry. Fiction and non-fiction classes offer tips and ideas where you can read your work-in-progress to the group. Some screen and play writing courses allow you to actually audition characters and present your work on stage to a live audience.

Learn the art and history of weaving arts. There are a variety of loom types. Once prehistoric, they have now moved into more complex modern-day machine looming. Archeologists believe that basket making and weaving were probably the first crafts developed by humans. Primitive people learned to create woven structures. Some of the items were nettings, coverings for huts, containers for goods, carriers for the young, rugs, blankets, hammocks, pouches and body coverings.

Felting arts is the process of laminating wool to selected areas of a base cloth. Projects may include creating dolls, animals, ornaments, lightweight wool drapery and silk scarfs.

Drum circles and yoga transdance classes are a great way to meet people and broaden your social circle. There are also spiritual resorts and retreats which are very relaxed and draw spiritually minded people together in a peaceful, natural setting. Some offer vegetarian and vegan cuisine, tai chi, yoga and meditation classes.

Hiking and Mountain Walks In The Fall - Fun and Educational

The Catskills region has much to offer to those who enjoy vacationing during this season. Aside from the natural beauty of its spectacular foliage, both hikers and bikers can now comfortably enjoy exploring the trails and the changes in the wildlife while taking in the scenery.

In cooler weather there are fewer insects to contend with. Mosquitos disappear and bees begin to hibernate inside their hives. Wasps die off except for the queen wasp, who hibernates and starts her new colony in the spring. Some insects remain in pupa form throughout the winter. 

Under the fallen leaves covering the ground is a habitat known as the leaf litter environment. Slugs, snails, millipedes, woodlice and spiders maintain their daily routines while living in the hidden world under the leaves.

The forest is bustling with activity by squirrels and other woodland animals who scurry about and hoard their food preparing for the upcoming winter months. Some animals undergo a series of transformations such as changing colors and growing longer, thicker fur to endure colder months ahead. Mammals prepare for the winter by eating enough to put on body fat. Some hibernate, slowing their heart rate to survive the colder months, and are able to go without food for long periods of time.

Deer, wild turkey and bats seek mates during the autumn months. Bucks are very territorial and if you are fortunate enough to spot one, it is best to stay a good distance. Some species of bats will sing to the females inside the caves. These love songs can be heard using a bat detector.

This is a very busy time of the year in the forest. Both interesting and educational, hiking or walking in the Catskills is a great activity and a wonderful way to spend the day if you enjoy nature and animals.

Fishing

Every year, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) stocks fingerling and yearling trout throughout the Catskills streams, which offer some of the finest trout fishing in America. There are also perch, pickerel, bass, sunfish and catfish. These streams are famous for its fly fishing. There are many fly-shops, resorts, motels and bed and breakfasts that cater to fishermen who come from around the world to fish these waters.

Golfing

There are many golf courses to choose from if you enjoy golfing. They are all professionally designed and set against breathtaking mountain backdrops. The layouts carved into the natural terrain includes extensive bunkering, doglegs, and a variety of water hazards. Golfers are drawn to the region by the mountainous challenge that its golf courses have to offer. New York state ranks fifth in the nation for its number of golf courses.

Horseback Riding

The mountainous Catskill region provides you with the opportunity to experience some of the best horseback riding. There are miles of trails to explore. Private stables offer guided rides. Lessons are available with professional instructors to learn the proper riding techniques. If feeling very adventurous, enjoy the western feel of the many family resorts and dude ranches that offer horseback riding, cattle drives, and much more.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing has become a popular sport for men and women of all ages. If you are exploring this for the first time, be sure your guides are state licensed, skilled in wilderness medicine, and trained and certified by The American Mountain Guides Association. Climbing and mountaineering instructions are available to climbers of all levels.

Hunting

The DEC now requires that all new hunters, bow hunters and trappers must pass the appropriate course before getting their first license. New York offers many exciting opportunities to hunt a large variety of wildlife, including big game, small game, game birds and furbearers. Hunting season is open between September and January.

Visit the Catskills!

The Catskills region in Upstate New York offers something for everyone. Families, friends, couples and singles alike can enjoy what it has to offer. While driving to the Catskills, be sure to set the mood with George Winston’s new age/jazz solo piano recording of Autumn - Colors/Dance. 

Whether you come for sightseeing, recreation, or relaxation, the memorable experience of leaving it all behind you will create wonderful memories that last a lifetime and will make you want to return for many years to come.

Informational sites to help you plan your vacation:

The Mycological Society of America - http://www.msafungi.org
Places to Hike in the Catskills - http://www.hikethecatskills.com
Catskills Fishing - http://www.classictrout.com/catskill_region.php
Catskills Golf Courses and Clubs - http://www.visitthecatskills.com/golf.html
Catskills Horse Rentals - http://www.horserentals.com/newyork.html
Catskills Rock Climbing and Mountaineering - http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/New_York/Catskills
NYS Hunting Schedule - http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/huntingseasons1112.pdf

MAY DAY - WHAT IS MAY DAY?

May Day - What Is May Day?



The Promise of Spring -
By Marie C. Dimino

May Day has its origin dating back over one hundred years ago. It is the celebration of our 8-hour a day work week. It was also a time when child labor existed. 

Many Americans were shot and killed and their houses were burned to the ground in order to have Saturday as part of our weekend. 

Most people living in the United States know little about the International Workers' Day of May Day. There is an assumption that it is a holiday celebrated in state communist countries like Cuba or the former Soviet Union. Most Americans don't realize that May Day has its origins here in this country and is as "American" as baseball and apple pie, and stemmed from the pre-Christian holiday of Beltane, a celebration of rebirth and fertility.

At a national convention in Chicago, held in 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (which later became the American Federation of Labor), proclaimed that "eight hours shall constitute a legal day's labor from and after May 1, 1886." 

On May 1, 1886, more than 300,000 workers in 13,000 businesses across the United States walked off their jobs in the first May Day celebration in history.

In Chicago, the epicenter for the 8-hour day agitators, 40,000 went out on strike with the anarchists in the forefront of the public's eye. With their fiery speeches and revolutionary ideology of direct action, anarchists and anarchism became respected and embraced by the working people and despised by the capitalists.

More and more workers continued to walk off their jobs until the numbers swelled to nearly 100,000, yet peace prevailed. It was not until two days later, May 3, 1886, that violence broke out at the McCormick Reaper Works between police and strikers.

At least two strikers were killed and an unknown number were wounded.

May Day is an official holiday in 66 countries and unofficially celebrated in many more, but rarely is it recognized in this country where it began.

Over one hundred years have passed since that first May Day. In the earlier part of the 20th century, the US government tried to curb the celebration and further wipe it from the public's memory by establishing "Law and Order Day" on May 1. We can draw many parallels between the events of 1886 and today. We still have locked out steelworkers struggling for justice.

When we remember that people were shot so we could have the 8-hour day; if we acknowledge that homes with families in them were burned to the ground so we could have Saturday as part of the weekend; when we recall 8-year old victims of industrial accidents who marched in the streets protesting working conditions and child labor only to be beat down by the police and company thugs, we understand that our current condition cannot be taken for granted - people fought for the rights and dignities we enjoy today, and there is still a lot more to fight for. 

The sacrifices of so many people can not be forgotten or we will end up fighting for those same gains all over again.

This is why we celebrate May Day.

MEADOW MELODIES



The songs heard in a meadow come from many different sources. These melodies can have a calming and soothing effect on anyone who listens to them.

 
 
 
 

If you’ve ever vacationed in the country or live close to grasslands and wildflower fields, most likely you’ve awakened to the song of the meadow. These sounds are made by animals during its breeding season to attract a mate and to defend a territory. The impressive displays of music and sound heard from the array of beautiful songbirds and other animals, strike a universal note in the human heart, creating a range of feelings from calming peace to tranquility and joy. These sounds have been recorded for years and brought into the home or office to create a soothing environment. They have also been used to create harmony and relax wild animals held in captivity when medical attention is required or if confined for short periods of time for scientific research.

 

Meadow Life

 

Meadow birds are attracted to the abundance of nectar in wildflowers and the insects surrounding them. Invertebrates such as butterflies, moths, bees and hoverflies collect nectar and thrive from the flowers in the thistles and wild grasses native to their country of origin. The high plant life is abundant and brings a high diversity of animals. Herbivores feed on plant species and in return supply food for the carnivores. Under the soil is another world seething with life, from earthworms to mice and moles. All of this brings forth a balanced, perfect ecology in relation to each other.

 

Song Birds

 

There can be hundreds of different song birds heard and trilling enthusiastically and energetically at dawn and dusk as they forage for food from trees to meadow. Some can create thousands of different songs a day and have large repertoires. These sounds can be loud and repetitive and range from singing, to drumming and winnowing when they try to impress their mates and proclaim territories. Female birds judge the quality of a male’s song when selecting a mate. Males who have access to extra food on their territory and are persistent singers will attract females the soonest. Sometimes males will respond with aggressiveness to another male’s song by attacking. Certain songs mean "stay away." Some birds sing in flight or only when perched. They can listen and respond to each other in complex ways we are yet to understand.

 

Wild Turkey, Ducks and Geese

 

Wild turkey can sometimes be seen in huge flocks grazing through the tall grasses. They are not vegetarians and consume vast quantities of insects, worms and amphibians. Turkeys cluck, gobble and cackle in order to keep the flock together, find a mate or alert other turkeys of danger. The hen assembly call is a series of loud yelps that keeps her young together.

 

Ducks are not very fussy about their food. They will eat almost anything, including animals such as insects, worms, slugs, snails, frogs, grains and berries. When grazing, they will make loud noises like "quark" and "dreek", as well as a softer quacking sounds.

 

Geese graze mainly on grass and vegetation. The make a "honk" sound to keep in touch and stay together.

 

Amphibians

 

Frogs and toads also called Amphibians, Anura, and Salientia, make different sounds. Meadow Frogs, (Leopard or Cow Frogs), will make its home in a meadow if there is aquatic vegetation. The male frog makes a short snore-like croaking call during spring and summer. Toward the end of winter the male frogs could be heard making exciting breeding chorus sounds. In the evenings, a heavy population of Bull Frogs and Spring Peepers can make croaking sounds so overwhelming it can drown out all other songs.

 

Insects

 

Male crickets, locusts and grasshoppers create many sounds and vibrations like chirping and clicking. These are usually signals to other insects or used when finding a mate. This method of sound production is called "stridulation." Cicadas have a pair of special sound producing organs called "tymbals," located at the base of the abdomen. They rapidly contract and relax the tymbal muscles to create loud, buzzing songs amplified by a hollow area in the abdomen. Both male and female katydids make sounds by rubbing their forewings together to "sing" to each other. Katydids hear each other with ears on their front legs.

 

Enjoying the Meadow

 

There are many ways to appreciate a meadow. Some people enjoy spending the morning walking through the fields and listening to the various sounds trying to decipher them. Others will picnic on the soft grounds, relax and take pleasure in listening to the various songs. No matter how you choose to spend your time, there is nothing quite like the peaceful meadow melodies that can be heard on a beautiful, sunny day.

Wild Turkey in Meadow -
by Marie C. Dimino

Divine Justice - What Is Divine Justice?




A New Day
by Marie C. Dimino

Belief in Divine Justice can open the door to a new reality. It takes courage and blind faith to succeed on a spiritual journey with Truth.

 

 

 

Divine Justice is the practice and belief that a Higher Power reigns over all, delivering fairness in its due course. When a favorable outcome does not prevail in a situation expected, the universe can seem unfair and unjust. It often leaves a feeling of defeat and distress. By the very force and nature of human emotion, it is almost inconceivable to not want to fight back, and gainfully insure what is thought to be rightfully owed or owned.

It is hard to believe that atonement from others will always come forth and be righteous in the end. Since there is no way of predicting the future, trusting in Truth is somewhat difficult unless it is practiced over time with wisdom and faith. Being willing to step back and let go of past beliefs makes it possible to experience the phenomena. Courage is needed to forgive and move forward.

On Forgiving Others

Dr. Emmet Fox was an ordained minister in Divine Science, a branch of New Thought in 1931. His sermons are considered to be one of the first remarkable ministries in America. His Sunday morning lectures drew more than 5,000 people. The meditations and sermons never lasted more than twenty minutes. He was an author, teacher and mystic favored by many faiths and churches including Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, and many others. In his book, Sermon on the Mount, he states: "You must forgive everyone who has ever hurt you if you want to be forgiven yourself; that is the long and short of it." He goes on to say: "If we do not forgive, we will be tied to the very thing we hate."

Emotional immaturity and a false belief in the power of self dictate the belief of revenge and control. Forcefully trying to manipulate the present and the outcome of things is usually doomed to failure. It might seem to work for a while, but the satisfaction that is needed and craved will not be complete. Retaliation feels good at first and may give temporary relief of accomplishment, but later delivers emotions of emptiness and is void of feeling.

Trusting in the Divine

Trusting in Divine Justice makes it possible to move on, leading to a higher purpose in life and a belief that good things will come in time. As life continues to unfold, there will be a moment of reflection and realization that all things happen for a reason. It takes the future to understand the past, and the past is necessary to create an effective future.

During a dispute, opinions can vary. It is only fair to honor another's point of view. What might seem true to you may appear unconvincing or even implausible to the opposing side. Other times a hint of denial might interfere with the ability to understand a situation. It is not always possible to know or understand the actions or life of another. Different paths and realities that exist makes it impossible to know the nature of all things. Releasing past judgments empowers the journey by unburdening the weight of others' shortcomings. It is better to travel lighthearted and pure of conviction than be victorious in all matters.

A Course In Miracles states: "Justice is the divine correction for injustice." By doing what is right and trusting the outcome to rest in the hands of Divine Justice, a new life will come to pass. Co-creating with the Divine results in the opportunity to continue life toward a higher level of existence and a chance to find spiritual happiness in all things.

See:   What Is Spiritual Happiness?

Nurturing Your Child

Spending quiet quality time -
by Marie C. Dimino





Helping to understand feelings and explaining private time     keeps peace in the family. Playrooms can inspire imagination. Avoiding a bully builds confidence.

Children are born with their own needs, feelings and emotions. Allowance for the development of their natural individuality is important. Parents often force their own feelings on their children unintentionally. What you are feeling in the moment should not be inflicted on them.

This means that when nurturing children, anger and personal situations should be put aside. If this is not done, the child will only see that mommy and daddy are angry or too busy for them. Discipline has a greater effect and produces better results when moods and desires are removed from the lesson being applied.

Helping Your Child to Understand Feelings

Children are very sensitive to fear and anger. If they sense these feelings from their parents, the lesson taught will not be absorbed. They will easily grasp and comprehend a learning experience when relaxed and not afraid. The reward of teaching this way will produce a happy, well-rounded and healthy child.

Children are amazing beings. When fear is removed, young minds have the ability to comprehend and absorb information at enormous speeds. Parenting is a responsibility. Children are not possessions. They are gifts and must be treated with the same respect that adults expect from others. Remember to honor every child for the individual and perfect soul he or she was meant to be.

A child needs to express thoughts and feelings. This allowance will help a child understand right from wrong. In order for a child to understand feelings, the lesson being learned must be taught with loving intentions. Personal anger should not be inflicted upon children. This will cause confusion in their emotional growth.

Take a few moments to relax before discipline is enforced. Keeping the lines of communication open is important in a family. The natural flow of energy will greatly improve when all involved are given the opportunity to express feelings.

Explaining your Private Time to Children and Its Importance

Private time is necessary for our well-being. This is a basic human need. People of all ages need their special time to wind down and meditate. This will help refocus emotional thinking.

Private time is playtime for adults. Taking a few moments throughout the day to detach from daily life will refresh the mind. Meditation will incorporate new ideas when the mind is relaxed.

Children must be taught this. It can be explained as the time mommy or daddy needs to play. The results will be noticed. A child will begin to understand and come to respect this private time. They will grasp the idea and learn to use it in their own lives.

What Your Child Needs in the Playroom

Creating a playroom for your child does not require a lot of money. Children can learn and become cultivators with limited funds.

By cutting milk containers in half and punching a few holes on the bottom, you can make several planting pots. With a large bag of soil and common foods from the kitchen, a child can be taught how to grow plants. Seeds can be taken from fruits such as watermelon and cantaloupe. Children can water their plants and sprouts usually appear within three to four days. Potatoes and onions yield interesting results. It doesn’t matter what is used. The idea is to experiment and have fun.

Inexpensive soap can be used to create sculptures. Simple boats and cars can be whittled with a dull butter knife. Plaster of Paris mixed with water can be used to frame a favorite photo or picture. Different sized plates can be used as a mold. The kitchen cabinet is filled with many things that can be improvised with imagination.

Food coloring can be mixed with water and used as paint. It is non-toxic and fun. Learn to relax with your child. Go on a "things to do hunt" around the house. You will be surprised with what you might discover.

Expensive toys will always be around but the true learning experience is when a child’s imagination is activated under close supervision.

Walking Away From the Bully

Bullies are here to stay. Teaching your child to walk away before steamy pressure erupts will build courage. A bully stands alone when the object of torture turns his back on him. Gentle training should be practiced and feelings of fear should be discussed before your child enters school.

A child must learn the tactics needed to stand up against a bully. Occasional fights should be expected. If your child comes home feeling defeated by a bully, it is not necessary for your own emotions to mix in with the incident. Do not scold or criticize behavior. Have the child explain very calmly the event and results. Understanding both sides of the story will help teach a child how it might have been handled differently.

Always reassure children of their own self-esteem and worth. When lessons are applied with wisdom and confidence, the child will gradually learn how to avoid a bully.

Didgeridoo - What Do You Do with a Didgeridoo?

Didgeridoo
by Marie C. Dimino

A Didgeridoo is a wind instrument with its origin dating back over 20,000 years. It can be used in drum circles, trance dance and meditation sessions.

The didgeridoo is a long, wooden wind instrument used traditionally by the Aboriginal people of Northern Australia. You can also find them made of PVC pipe. The mouthpiece is made of beeswax.

History of the Didgeridoo

The history of the didgeridoo dates back at least 20,000 years and is the world’s oldest and very first wind instrument. It has the form of a long tube which can be made into various lengths anywhere from three to ten feet. They are usually painted with Aborginal designs tracing Australia back to its roots.

Sounds and pitches may vary depending on the length, width and material it is made of. They can be constructed of either hard of soft wood, with hard wood being the best sounding and most expensive.  Some didgeridoos are even made from a PVC pipe, which can be store bought or homemade using a long plastic tube.  

Authentic didgeridoos from Australia are made by termites hollowing out the center or by using hot coals. The native artist must first harvest an appropriate piece of wood, either the trunk of a tree or a branch, then carefully blow out the termites. This is a tedious and sometimes dangerous task. It then must be cleaned up and shaped into an instrument. Designs are painted on or hand-carved by the artist.

Many years ago women were prohibited from playing didgeridoos in public and in ceremonies. It is considered sacred and traditional in Aborginal spiritual beliefs. Though this has changed over the century, there are still some societies that hold true to this restriction.

A didgeridoo player must first learn the basic drone. Once understanding the technique and sound produced, the player can go on to learn the skill of circular breathing.

Circular breathing involves squeezing the air out of the cheeks and using the tongue and throat while taking very short breaths through the nose. The need to gasp for air is what makes the didgeridoo a challenge. It takes a while and a lot of practice to make the correct sound.

Didgeridoo in Culture

The didgeridoo is starting to catch on and can be seen at Drum Circles which is fast becoming a popular way to meet people in a social gathering. Drum Circles are usually held in neighborhood parks, local schools, music stores and art galleries. Djembes and other types of African drums are played in unison or sounds are improvised by those in the group. The larger the Drum Circle, the deeper and more interesting vibration is produced.

Some Circles include Trance Dance, where people will dance to the beat and become enchanted by using yogic techniques. This hypnotic beat is also used as a form of meditation. Adding didgeridoos to a Drum Circle increases the potential of magnetic sound and rhythm to the music.

Doctors are now recommending playing the didgridoo for people who suffer from sleep apnea.

It is helpful to take a didgeridoo class, if you can. There are also instructional didgeridoo DVDs and CDs available to help you learn the proper, essential technique. Do your homework and explore the many types of didgeridoos on the market before deciding which one will work best for you. Have fun and don’t be discouraged with your new instrument. Practice makes perfect and whatever you do, just keep playing your didgeridoo.

The Lansing Manor, a Historical Site in Upstate New York





Guest bedroom with furnishings -
by Marie C. Dimino




The Lansing Manor is a history buff's dream come true. This tourist attraction, located in Blenheim, NY, is free and open to the public.

Try to imagine: It is 1819. You and your family have traveled for several days by horse and buggy. You are tired and weary and just want to finally relax. At last you have reached your destination. When the carriage pulls over and halts, your eyes are immediately drawn to the magnificent country estate in front of you. The next thing you know, you are surrounded by a butler and servants. They rush over and eagerly greet you while unloading your heavy trunks from the wagon. You are welcomed with the highest respect and regard.



You have just arrived at the Lansing Manor in Blenheim-Gilboa, New York. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is now operated and located by the New York State Power Authority in cooperation with the Schoharie County Historical Society.

John Lansing served on the New York State Supreme Court from 1790 to 1801. In 1787, he represented New York as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. In 1788, he was a delegate at the New York State Ratification Convention. In 1801, he was appointed Chancellor of New York State until 1814, when he reached the retirement age of sixty. In 1817, he was appointed a regent of the University of the State of New York.

 

In 1819, The Lansing Manor was built as a wedding gift for his daughter and son-in-law, Jacob Livingston Sutherland. Since that time, it has had several other occupants.

The house is filled with antique furnishings hand-carved by fine furniture makers of the 19th century. Every room is filled with interesting items from the late 1800s and early 1900s, and set up as though someone is still living there. The china and silverware are laid out, giving the feeling that you were just invited to dinner. The informative and very cordial tour guides walk you through every room describing in detail the history of every object and what it was used for. There are fireplaces in every room.

The Lansing Manor has four stories: the cellar, main floor, upstairs bedrooms and attic.

The Cellar

In the cellar there are many pantries, a wine storage room, a huge wooden, country kitchen table for preparing the food, an informal breakfast room, servants' dining area, and a sunken alcove for root vegetables. Original household items are on display, including the servants' dishes and cooking utensils. An old butter churn for making butter and cream sits in the corner. Large barrels and washboards for doing laundry are set near the back door. Off to the side, there is an inconspicuous room that contains wine-making artifacts.

Many servants lived on the premises where they worked and resided in the cellar. Each had separate jobs to do. Some men had the unpleasant task of shoveling coal into the fire hearth, which was used to cook and bake bread. Others chopped and stacked wood for the fireplaces, which kept the house warm. The women baked and cooked all day, cleaned the house, took care of the laundry, and looked after the children.

The Main Floor

When you first walk into the house, there is a huge foyer which was converted into a formal dining room when guests were entertained. The servants would set up a large dining table and chairs. Several original portraits of former occupants are hung on the wall. The tour guide describes the history behind each person.

The tour guide also explains every room detail. There are separate parlors for social gatherings. Men and women never sat together in the same room unless they were dining. When there were visitors, the men would sit together and discuss politics or play chess, while the women worked together on needlepoint and chatted in the tea room. The library contains a desk and books from the early part of the 18th century, including an ancient Bible, still on original shelving.

The adults and older children ate together in a small dining room on the main floor. The younger children ate and slept upstairs with their nanny.

The Second Floor

Upstairs you will find the master bedroom, children's bedrooms, and a separate room reserved for the seamstress, who came to the house twice a year to sew new clothes for the family. Original clothing is hung and displayed revealing the styles of early 1900s American fashion. Outside of each room are a small, private dressing room and a wash basin, as there were no bathrooms or running water during that time. There is still an outhouse outside.

The Attic

The attic was used for storage and the children frequently played there. It is closed to the public.

Where It's Located and Visiting Hours

If you head up to the Catskills in New York for vacation and enjoy historical places, you do not want to miss a trip to The Lansing Manor.

The museum is opened to the public from May through October. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and closed on Tuesdays.

No appointment or reservation is necessary unless you plan to attend with a large group. There is ample parking, public restrooms and picnic tables on the premises.



The Lansing Manor Museum, 1378 State Route 30, North Blenheim, NY 12131, Phone: 800-724-0309.





 


 





I Think I Thought A Feeling

What is an Inflatable Boat? Fun, Affordable, Great for the Family

Starting up an Inflatable Boat -
by Marie C. Dimino

An inflatable boat is a great alternative if you live in the city. It's compact and ready to travel with you and your family at a moment's notice.

 

 

If you’ve ever dreamed about owning a boat but live in the city and think you can’t, an inflatable boat may be just for you. Once considered only for lifeguards and as add-ons to larger boats, these boats have come a long way.

An inflatable boat is not only easy to care for. It can be folded up to fit into a closet. This one feature alone makes owning a boat possible for those with small apartments or limited yard or driveway space. With rising gas prices, an inflatable may be a dream come true and can make boating possible for those who cannot afford larger boats.

There are many companies producing inflatables, and you should really do some research before making a decision. Make your purchase according to what your needs are. These boats can be used for fishing, sailing, camping, tubing, water-skiing, scuba diving or just to take to the lake or ocean on a nice sunny day. A family can pack a lunch and enjoy an inexpensive day together.

Types of Inflatable Boats

A 10-hp motor is all that is needed and can reach up to 30 mph. If speed is your thing, a larger motor can also be used. There is room enough to relax and the boat can easily hold fishing equipment or scuba gear. Some can accommodate a family of up to seven adults. The boats come with oars if you choose to quietly row and enjoy the scenery.

Many options are available and accessories can be purchased as your needs arise. There are inflatable kayaks, canoes and sailboats, as well as motor boats. They can easily be towed on a trailer or set right on top of your car's roof rack. Padded seats, canopies and other extras can be added later on depending on how far you want to go and how much you want to spend. A safety bag is often included, which holds the foot pump and emergency patches. The bag should be brought on the water with you.

Inflating Inflatables

The job of inflating a boat can vary depending on the size and what type of boat you choose. The boats come with more than one chamber and should be filled according to the owner’s manual.

A foot pump usually comes with the boat. It takes between five and ten minutes to inflate until firm.

Electric pumps come in several types. High pressure-low volume compressors are used for auto and truck tires. This will not inflate your boat quickly and will, in fact, take hours. Low pressure-high volume compressors that are used for air mattresses and inexpensive inflatables whose operating pressure is 1/2 lb. Psi will fill your boat 25%. High pressure-high volume is what you need and they usually have a built-in gage which shuts off at a pre-selected pressure.

Where to Inflate

The convenience of an inflatable boat makes it possible to travel with it deflated until you reach your destination. The boat deflates as easily as it inflates. Just open the valves, deflate, pack it up, and go home.

If you already have a trailer or a roof rack on your car, an inflatable boat can be filled at home. The only thing you have to do is unload it onto the water and start having fun.

Registration and Licensing

As with all motor boats, these must be registered and licensed before taken out on the water. Check with your area and make sure you have the proper permits. Some lakes require permits that can take up to two months to process. You will also have to check to make sure that the park, lake or ocean has a boat landing and what rules and regulations are, since this varies.

Whether you want to sail the high seas, or just enjoy a nice day out on the water, an inflatable boat may be just for you.  Maybe it's time treat yourself to a luxury you thought you could never afford.