Monday, April 9, 2012

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

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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.





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.





Monday, April 2, 2012

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.



 

 




Sunday, April 1, 2012

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.

Living the Rural Life Outside Manhattan in New York State

Mine Kill State Park, NYS -
by Marie C. Dimino 



Rural life in the Catskills area, Conesville-Gilboa, New York in Schoharie County.




Have you ever wondered what it would be like to give up urban life and a nine to five job in New York City? Less than three hours away from Manhattan is an entirely diverse universe you might want to explore.


Spending a little time in the Catskills area during each season will give you the perfect feel of rural living which can help you make your decision. Most of the small towns in upstate New York have motels and quaint Bed and Breakfasts to choose from, depending on your personal style and what you would like to experience. The Schoharie, NY Chamber of Commerce lists these for your convenience. No matter which you choose, the roads connect with easy access to many larger resorts, including Windham and Hunter Mountain.

One particular area, which is not well known, is considered very desirable by real estate companies. Crime is almost unheard of and property value never plummets.

Nestled in the scenic country of Schoharie County, NY is the beautiful hamlet of Conesville, a community settled around 1764 and town formed in 1836 in the Gilboa settlement. It is also home of one of New York State's nineteen reservoirs.

With a spectacular view and mountainous surface, it boasts many miles of untouched wilderness. Its running streams and waterfalls gently tumble and sometimes thunder across the rocks and ledges forming rows of white frothing foam. Here the wildlife is abundant and can be experienced the way nature intended. Even the sky is filled with many birds of prey proudly sailing high above the mountaintops. This natural beauty creates poetic visions that lure some fortunate city folk to abandon their way of life to set up home in these parts.

When seeing this town for the first time, many people are impressed with its school district and the friendliness of the locals who welcome all with a wave of the hand and their knowing smiles. Although you will not find many stores around here, the roads have easy access to neighboring towns where you can find anything you need. There are never traffic jams or long lights to contend with, making travel an unstressed event. Many people who have never driven in the city find they are easily capable of tolerating these roads, whether paved or unpaved, and enjoy their newfound freedom.

Creating a life in these rural areas is not without challenge. There are harsh winters and short summers. Most homes are heated with wood and require several cords a season. Some families spend an entire summer chopping and splitting the wood themselves while others choose to buy it from the local mills or farms. Before using the logs, they must be dried and then stacked in a convenient area outside the home where it can be assessable during the cold winter months.

Many types of units are now available to choose from. There are fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, corn-burning stoves, pellet stoves, inserts and outside heating plants. There are even gas-burning units which make for a cleaner environment. Some will argue which is most efficient, but in the long run, they all require some old-fashioned physical labor and a strong desire to experience the country effect of unsurpassed warmth. Most homes are equipped with a backup of electric, gas or oil heating system, which will automatically turn on when the wood supply is low, or the thermostat dips.

In Conesville, New York, the scenery changes with every season. Winter has its snow peaked mountains bringing skiers from everywhere. Many birds return in the spring bringing the promise of new crops growing and flowers blooming. Summer welcomes tourists with many fish filled lakes and boat rentals. Autumn foliage never ceases to amaze everyone no matter how many times they've seen it.  The locals are the lucky ones.  They get to experience first hand the beauty of God's Country and all it has to offer every single day.

Choosing a lifestyle in a rural community is a commitment from the heart. A strong desire to experience the great outdoors and the opportunity to exist in the beauty of untouched nature is the fundamental reason for all who come here.

Some will follow their artistic values with the hopes of creating a living from it. Others will set up a hobby farm or other small business. There are also those who come to retire and others who enjoy the relaxation of a summer home. The one thing you can be sure of is that once you experience all the community of Conesville has to offer, you will wish you never had to leave.

Though rural living may not be everyone's ideal, it will certainly leave an impression on your heart for many years to come.

HOW TO RAISE A BABY COW


Baby Calf
by Marie C. Dimino

Raising a newborn calf from bottle feeding to bucket feeding to grazing grass and hay is an enlightening experience.

 



What happens when a calf is born with a minor defect and its mother rejects it? Usually it is left to die or the farm owner rushes to put it out of its misery. If a newborn calf does not immediately drink from its mother, it will not survive. Colostrum in its mother’s milk has nutrients and natural antibodies that the calf needs in order to develop into a healthy cow.

If you’ve ever wanted to have the experience of raising a calf without the commitment of owning one, there is a way to do this. If you live in a rural area with dairy farms nearby, visit the farm and speak to its owner. Sometimes a farmer is willing to hand over a calf when there is a problem and he cannot take care of it. If a calf is born backwards, it might have a twisted leg. When the newborn calf cannot stand up, its mother will reject it.

Before attempting this on your own, it is wise to confer with a large animal livestock veterinarian. A vet will tape the calf’s leg straight and also check to make sure there is no disease. He will also advise of the best way for the calf to get colostrum and what kind of milk the calf should be fed. Usually a special milk powder mixed with water is all it needs.

A baby calf will not need too much space. A small barn will suffice until it is ready to walk around green pasture. The most important thing is to make sure it is bottle-fed at the proper times each day. If the calf will not take milk, you can try using some molasses, corn syrup or honey on the nipple. Anything sweet might work. Just keep trying.

Some calves will go to bucket feeding in as little as two weeks. A bucket filled with the milk formula has a nipple on the bottom. You can either hold the bucket for the calf or hang it on a fence.

It truly is a joy to watch a calf grow stronger every day. Once the tape is removed and the leg has straightened, you will have the pleasure of watching your baby calf run to you whenever it sees you. When you hear your calf mooing happily away, it will bring a big smile to your heart. Soon it will be grazing on your lawn and eating hay on its own.

Unfortunately, that will be the time you will have to bring it back to the dairy farm. It is not wise to keep a bottle-fed calf too long. They become very attached and loving when raised by a human and because they are very strong, a young cow is capable of knocking you down when it wants affection.  If choosing to keep your young calf as a pet when it becomes a full grown cow, you must use precaution and remember to keep its strength in mind. 

Raising a baby cow is an unforgettable experience. It puts you in touch with the beauty of one of God’s creatures. You will come away with new respect for this wonderful animal and first hand knowledge of their individual personalities and emotions. And yes, a cow has feelings, too.

The Mysterious, Magnificent Forest - Take a Walk on the Wild Side

NYS Hiking Trail -
by Marie C. Dimino




Discovering hiking as a vacation or sport will inspire you for many years to come. Learn what others have observed and why it's becoming a popular pastime.

 

 

If you’ve never been to a forest, it might be time for you to explore this amazing universe that thrives in perfect ecology. A forest has many facets and changes itself every day of the year. Vacationing near this chameleon-like perfection is the reason many people are opting for a hike in the woods instead of choosing the usual beachfront locations.

Be sure to research the essential things you will need to bring with you before heading out in the woods. Learn about safety and follow valid suggestions to make your hike a pleasant experience. Better to be safe than sorry.

You may also want to bring a few small informational books on descriptions of birds, insects, flowers, plants, trees, berries, animal scat and footprints. These can be found at your local bookstore, or on-line, and will help you identify the species of what you might see. Bring a notebook and pen to journal your new discoveries.

If you have never been in the woods before, you are in for a big surprise. At first glance, it seems there is absolutely no life sustained anywhere, but behind every tree and branch and beneath every bush and rock there are spying eyes! Your slightest whisper or footstep will silence the forest.

Forest animals and birds alert each other when something they suspect as danger is approaching. Some experienced hikers go so far as spraying themselves with a chemical to conceal their human scent. Animal senses are far more keener than ours and they can smell and detect an approaching human from many miles away.

Once you’ve entered the woods, find a comfortable spot, sit down, relax and observe. Try to stay as still as possible, and just wait. You don’t want to miss anything that might poke its head out from its hiding place.

Soon you will start to hear the sounds of the forest. If you are patient enough, and the animals think it's safe, they will peek at you and slowly start to appear. Some might even approach your shoes and sniff in curiosity. Do not make any sudden movement as that will make them scurry away and run back to the hiding place. If you want to take photos, keep your movements slow and quiet.

When you are ready to explore the many insects and plants, keep your magnifying glass handy. The use of a magnifying glass will help you inspect your subject and will reveal the almost invisible life that your eyes cannot normally detect.

Do not eat any berries or plants that might be tempting. Animals can eat them with no problem, but most can make you very sick or even kill you. Unless you are experienced with botanical studies, this is off limits. Stay away from them no matter how innocent or enticing they seem. Bring your own food!

A walk in the woods is a wonderful experience and adventure. This environment is teeming with incredible wildlife. There is so much to see and always new things to discover. It’s educational, peaceful, calming and spiritual. A sense of well-being fills you with wonder and awe when communing with nature. You will find yourself lost in thought and wanting to go back whenever you can to once again explore the ever-changing beauty of the mysterious, magnificent forest.


The Garter Snake - Have No Fear! It's Snakes Who Fear!



Snake eating a frog -
Marie C. Dimino

Garter snakes are the most common snake you will see in your garden. Very fearful for their lives, they hide and camouflage themselves under rocks and brush.



Quick: What kind of reptile can swallow something bigger than its own head in one gulp? If you guessed snakes, then you are right!

The garter snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis) is a nonpoisonous reptile that slithers on the ground. Although they are not deadly, they still produce a mild neurotoxic venom and a bite may result in swelling and an itching sensation. Some people may be highly allergic, but it is rare. Any bite from a reptile requires immediate medical attention.

Colors vary from green, grey, bluish and close to black and usually have side and back stripes. Unusual sightings of different patterns have also been found. There are many subspecies. They are highly adaptable and can survive extreme environmental conditions.

Garters live on land, in water and in trees. The average size is about 30 inches in length. Their diet consists of earthworms, fish, frogs and mice. They are also prey to larger snakes, reptiles, rodents, mammals, large birds and Raptors.

When hunting for food, the garter relies greatly on vision. They are deaf but can sense vibration. They use the tip of their tongue for taste and smell then transfer it to the roof of their mouth to a gland which is called Jacobson’s organ. The tongue can be seen constantly flickering in and out for this reason. It's also what's given the snake its frightening trademark and reputation.

The common garter snake can be found in the United States, Alaska, Canada and Central America. They hibernate in the winter and makes its home in crevices under rocks and brush. Their body temperature is regulated by basking in the sun. In order to find each other to mate, they leave pheromone scented trails. Sometimes they can be seen in the hundreds, all coiled around each other.

The young are born live and the litter can range between 10 and 80. Gestation is between two and three months. They mature within one or two years and grow and shed their skin throughout their lifespan. The baby garter snakes are independent and must find their own food.

The average lifespan is two to three years but most die within their first year. When kept in captivity the lifespan is longer between six and ten years. Most garter snakes live in fear because of their predators. Some people recoil in terror at the sight of a snake, but it is the snake who retreats at the sight of danger. They will only strike and attack when in fear of its life.

The next time you see a garter snake, try to be kind. Remember:  the snake is afraid of you - - so you should not be afraid of it.