elle's Green Earth

Hard Choices: How to Decide What Stays and What Goes in a Green World

2011-07-31T01:35:00.000-04:00

Example:

Prairie Dogs are considered a nuisance because they carry a type of plague, make holes digging their tunnels that cattle and horses stumble in breaking bones.

It's legal to shoot prairie dogs and many land owners advertise and organize trips for people to come and stay and target shoot using the dogs as their targets.

I can't condone this activity as an animal lover but I can understand why their population needs to be controlled. Like deer.

But, unlike deer, they cannot be eaten, their skins are not used for anything. Their value doesn't lie in death or life.

I understand the need for control but I do not like the eradication methods legally employed.

The idea of using them as a recreational target makes me cringe.

I believe in rodent and pest and weed control. I don't like metal clip mouse traps. If someone was shooting mice I would want them to stop.

But what is the answer? It's not moving the creatures elsewhere. Like a garbage ship, it has to land somewhere and who would want it?

Perhaps the only humane answer is mass eradication using a painless method.

How many need to go? To stay? How do you know which ones are elderly and which are the young? How to decide which ones are to go and why? What makes one more valuable to stay and one of lesser value to go?

If they live up to 5 years, would a 3 year old be the one to go so the 1 year old can stay a while, have his chance at existence? Make more so they can die early?

What do they do besides dig holes? Well, on the food chain, they are food for an endangered species of ferrets. If the prairie dogs go the ferrets go. What will happen if the ferrets go?

Where does it end?

I am of the belief that the earth is ours and all that is in it. Just follow the food chain...it's very clear. We are in charge. We hunt and plant and harvest. We work so we can eat.

We learn better ways to take care of the earth, of using it to our advantage.

We just don't like to see there are no guarantees.

Like abortion. Of the millions of little ones that have died before their time, how many would have made the best president of the United States? Or an inventor of a better space ship? Or a scientist discovering a cure for cancer?

And speaking of painless death for the critters...what's with treating them better than humans?

Save the whale, but kill the human? No....save the human and the human will save the whale, right?

Be Fruitful and Multiply After Your Own Kind

2010-08-14T13:38:00.003-04:00

Small fig tree produces three fruits.
Only one survives.
But not for long.
I did take photos of it before it's consumption.

Hybrid pear-apples are almost finished. Nice fruit.

Waiting on the scuppernongs, persimmons, pears and pecans.

'Tis the Season

2010-04-04T23:26:00.003-04:00

'Tis the season for earthquakes and tornadoes.
Frogs and flowers.
Pollen and sneezes.
Tiger and Woods.

There is a season for everything.

The cough due to cold season.
Hurricane season.
Golf season.
Hunting, fishing, kiting, biking, boating, skiing and sports season.

There's even a season for aging.
Seasoned they call it.

Scuppernongs are Almost Ready

2009-09-04T11:16:00.002-04:00

We've enjoyed several already but the main crop will be ready in about a week.

Ant-ic-i-pa-tion

Our puppy follows us around the vine waiting for juicy ones to fall at her feet and then she pounces!

Beneficial Snake in the Grass

2009-07-09T21:59:00.003-04:00

This Hog Nose snake was gliding through the back yard when my husband saw it and went to get a long dowel to direct it away from the house and into the nearby woods which caused the snake to move into its' protective stance - trying to look like a cobra. Good job.

Introducing Sophie

2009-07-05T23:00:00.003-04:00

Hi, I am a female Yorkshire Terrier and I love my new people and they love me. I like to run, play with my toys, cuddle on laps and nap on the sofa. Oh yes...and eat.

One of my favorite things to do is to drag all of my toys out and make a big pile in the living room .

I am learning to go potty outdoors and to sit quietly in my kennel but when I bark my people say I sound like one of my squeak toys. That's not so bad.

Beyond the Sea

2009-06-09T22:35:00.004-04:00

The Savannah River, which is the border between Georgia and South Carolina, ends near the beaches of Tybee Island, Georgia.

The massive cargo ships coming and going into the city of Savannah are fun to watch, wondering which seaport in the world they are headed for.

Rescue Me

2009-05-26T12:48:00.003-04:00

I am a male fawn less than a week old and I'm on my way to live with some very nice people who are licensed to rescue and/or rehabilitate young ones like me until they can make it on their own.

Notice the Bulge in His Belly in the Upper Left

2009-05-15T18:12:00.002-04:00

I felt sorry for whatever the snake had eaten even though I know it's the way of things.
Clicking on the photo will give an excellent point of view.

The Green Earth's Food Chain Is Working Well

2009-05-13T12:30:00.004-04:00

The day after the Grapevine post, on Mother's Day to be exact, we checked the grape arbor and there he or she was. In the scuppernong arbor with a large lump halfway down his body.

The snake moved away from us and curled up in an empty bird nest.

I Heard it Through the Grapevine

2009-05-09T20:50:00.003-04:00

That a snake in the grass had crawled up into this scuppernong arbor to seek refuge from a husband showering it with a hosepipe.

When I braved up to go see and take a picture...it was gone.

Or was it?

Masters Week is Coming

2009-04-05T12:33:00.004-04:00

Blooming azaleas are the groundhog of the Masters Golf Tournament. If they're blooming it means Masters Week is almost here.

If they are blooming, they will come.

In the South, especially around Augusta, Georgia and Aiken, South Carolina, we look to the buds to tell the golf season the way we look to the groundhog to tell the end of Winter.

It's been a mild winter and we've had a lot of rainy Spring days bringing out the best in our Dogwoods and Azaleas.

We get to enjoy this beauty all year round and we are proud that you all get to see it at it's best.

Loaves and Fishes

2009-04-01T14:22:00.001-04:00

Presenting Bailey

2009-03-05T13:26:00.005-05:00

Hi, my name is Bailey and I am a 4 month old mixed breed female puppy.

I am a friendly, cuddly, squishy and sometimes mischievously entertaining ball of fluff.

My people love me very much and I allow them to take care of all my needs.

Sunset on Silver Bluff

2008-12-07T14:39:00.002-05:00

A view that never will be taken for granted.

Sunsets are beautiful.

The stars and the moon light the earth.

Meteors flash their showy colors.

The Desert Blooms

2008-11-24T13:43:00.003-05:00

Even Sin City has green beauty. Not all is concrete and desert although this beautiful flower was blooming right next to the eight and ten lane boulevard known as The Strip in Las Vegas.

Tourism may be down and money may be tighter but the world keeps spinning, for now, and the seasons keep changing and God keeps feeding the birds, counting my hairs and dressing the flowers in greater splendor than a king.

Fire and Rain on My Green Earth

2008-11-04T00:18:00.003-05:00

Autumnal fire meets cool rain and creates a really nice photo op. This season is transitioning right on schedule.

Oops! I Did It Again or All Things In Moderation

2008-09-29T11:43:00.003-04:00

This unfortunate bee went head first into the fermenting scuppernong grape and was unable to retreat or either he passed out from drinking the scuppernong wine. Goes to show that even green, organics should be taken in moderation. Greed hurts everyone.
The other bee seems oblivious to the demise of his buddy and keeps searching for his own tap.

Growing Bronze Scuppernongs on Elle's Green Earth

2008-09-22T00:08:00.003-04:00

These are the best scuppernongs I've eaten in a long time and they are mine and ripe for the picking.
One of the best things about growing fruit is the ability to go out the back door any time of day and have a snack fresh off of the vine.
Doesn't get more green or organic than that.
The benefits keep adding up for us too.
We get more fresh air and exercise and now with the experts saying the sun is our friend again maybe we'll get the Vitamin D they say we need after all.

Curiouser and Curiouser

2008-09-17T22:45:00.002-04:00

Mushrooms are blooming and I'm not sure that's a good thing. I will be doing research to see if our yard is missing certain nutrients or has an imbalance causing the eruption of our Fungal Jungle.

Flowering Crabapple Tree

2008-08-30T21:55:00.003-04:00

They say crabapples make a tangy jelly but I just think they're pretty.

Hummingbird Rescue

2008-08-26T14:49:00.004-04:00

A female hummingbird flew into our garage and couldn't find her way back out so we got the ladder and the net both of which are over ten feet tall because our big Hoover garage is about 16 feet high or higher and over 20x30 so a large area to cover.

She was getting tired hovering and getting no where plus the fear of us humans trying eat her, in her perspective I'm sure.

Finally, she was netted by putting the net opening over her and tightening the rim against the ceiling and sort of gently scooting her out the door.

I couldn't see where or if she landed but she was hauling hummingbird butt that's for sure and certain.

Being able to save her was a great feeling. Birds tend to go high when they feel threatened and the ceiling is several feet higher than the door opening. She needed help and I'm really happy we were able to help her.

On a sad note, our Writing Spider has passed away and with no obvious reason. She is so big and beautiful. We will miss her.

2008-08-24T01:21:00.003-04:00

Howdy Neigh-bor!
These horses are just down the road from the house we're buying. I really think this brown mare liked me. We sort of connected. I want to get a bicycle with a basket and pack a lunch and a camera and visit some more once we are settled in. Maybe before. I know I'll need a break from all the work and this would be a good way to find refreshment.

Writing Spider

2008-08-15T14:44:00.004-04:00

The Black and Yellow Garden Spider according to my Google resources.

Dangerous Beauty: Poisonous Plants

2008-08-08T00:42:00.005-04:00

I was researching about how to make a cutting from the Angel Trumpet tree and discovered that while they are easy to root and grow even from seed they are also extremely poisonous.
The experts say not to handle them very much and to be especially careful of the seed pod.
Some say it can affect a person or animal the way a hallucinogenic drug does.

Awareness is my ounce of prevention. I think I'll research every new plant right away from now on.

Green Changes Anyone Can Do Anytime That Also Save Money

2008-07-14T19:53:00.007-04:00

1. Instead of buying or packing extra full size or trial size products re-use plastic bottles for trips. Use them for shampoo, conditioner and liquid soap. Rinse and repeat.

2. Use low wattage light bulbs. Also called energy efficient bulbs. Their shape is different from the traditional incandescent bulbs so they may not fit every lamp or appliance so using traditional bulbs in a lower wattage would save energy.

3. Air dried laundry, especially sheets, smells fresh, saves energy and money. Indoor air drying works well with the folding dryer contraptions that can be stored when not in use. Even in the wintertime they work well if they stand over a heater vent. This will also put humidity into the air which is usually low in the winter with a heater running.

4. Turn the water flow to low and slow when washing your face , brushing your teeth, hand washing dishes or clothes.

5. Turn the dryer off on the dishwasher and let the dishes air dry.

Make it a game to try and see how many ways there are in your day to day life to save energy and money.
It's been said by frugal authorities to try and see what's the least amount of energy or time needed to get the job done.
Use less:
clothes detergent
hot water
water
heat
paper
gas
Until you find your bottom line as far as clean enough clothes or how much water is really needed to wash that load.

Smokey Mountain Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly By The Chattooga River

2008-05-26T13:45:00.008-04:00

Butterflies absorb moisture and nutrients from the ground made wet by the Chattooga River near Highlands, North Carolina.

This is a blue Pipevine Swallowtail which is somewhat common in the North Carolina mountains and rarely seen in the coastal areas.

The blue colors range from bright blue to a dusky green/gray blue.

A good example of how the Green Earth nourishes its own by providing what we need.

Love is in the Air on elle's Green Earth

2008-05-10T20:19:00.004-04:00

Love was in the air at the state zoo this week and making pink littles seems to be this avians mindset.

Pink flamingos are pink due to the high content of beta carotene in their diets which include algae and small shrimp.

The parents also share nursing duties because, like pigeons, they both have the ability to produce a milk that is high in fat for their young.

Certain species of flamingos are considered threatened.

Wild Mustangs

2008-02-09T15:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks to http://www.thepioneerwoman.com for making this photo available as a free download. Your photo op's must be endless living on a working ranch.

Abundantly Green Earth

2008-01-26T21:36:00.000-05:00

Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada. The conservatory was decorated for the holidays showing the beauty and the fruit of the earth. The green earth.

Mossy Tree

2008-01-07T13:44:00.000-05:00

Spanish Moss covered tree at the Jackson Savannah River boat landing.

The blue sky is a perfect and lively background.

Desert Rainbow

2007-12-29T23:18:00.000-05:00

The Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas creates a photo op.

The mist and light were perfect.

Tips for A Green And Frugal Holyday Season

2007-12-21T14:25:00.000-05:00

1. This photo of a Christmas tree is made available through Dover dot com. They give free photo samples every week and they can be seasonal and cultural. They have a lot of Celtic designs available.

2. I am reusing Christmas bags for gift wrapping...making sure they still look like new. If the name tag is used I just cut it off and make a new one or use a stick on one.

3. I am also using new Christmas bags, tins, and boxes that I had left over from last year or bought at the after Christmas sales when things can be found for up to 75% off which is really nice when you like pretty things.

4. My kitchen is open for making food gifts too. This year I am planning on making Chocolate Truffles rolled in cocoa and powdered sugar. A rich and tasteful gift. One that I would like to receive too.

5. We are reusing our small "Charlie Brownish" artificial Christmas tree this year and decorating it with ornaments that I realized are mostly gifts or were bought on vacations. These give our Holidays memories and warmth we appreciate.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Peaceful Green

2007-11-04T23:49:00.000-05:00

A Moment

A Healthy Forest

2007-10-27T21:21:00.000-04:00

Cypress Marsh
Near the Savannah

Recycling Down Throws

2007-10-18T02:31:00.001-04:00

Using small down comforters or throws as pillows is a good way to recycle the material and put it to good use.

Just roll it up as if rolling up a sleeping bag and insert into a pillowcase. That's it!

It conforms to your body just like the expensive, squishy down pillows at the department stores.

It's warm, soft, comfortable, conforming and washable and is a good way to make use of the extra blankets sitting in the linen closet.

This would not be safe to use for babies because it would be too soft and they may not be able to breath if they are laying on their stomach or roll over onto their stomach.

A Shrimp in the Hand is Worth Two in the Sea

2007-10-14T13:34:00.001-04:00

This haul was much bigger with plenty of

shrimp to clean and put in the freezer.

Sometimes we separate the shrimp by size.

This makes for some special meals when

the freezer bag is full of large and extra large

shrimp.

These we use to fry or make a nice saute' with pasta.

My Jeep Wrangler is Cheaper Than Smoking!

2007-10-13T19:00:00.000-04:00

I quit smoking nine years ago on October 16 and this is my reward!!! A cute '99 Jeep Wrangler! We added up how much money I've saved and it really is quite a large amount and we didn't even account for the huge increase in the cost of cigarettes since that day.
It's a lot of fun to zip around in my new toy and I'm grateful for my healthier lungs and sinuses since quitting smoking. I used to stay sick with bronchitis and/or a sinus infection. I like to think that I've cleaned up my internal environment and think I deserve a Nobel Prize. But, I will settle for my Jeep!

elle's Green Earth...The Savannah River

2007-10-08T22:38:00.000-04:00

Spanish moss decorates Cypress trees on the banks of the Savannah River
Many different kinds of creatures survive and thrive in and around this water fixture including;
Alligators
Sturgeon (which are illegal to catch as they go through here to their spawning grounds.)
Beaver
Assorted small fish
Turtles
Eels

Cruising the Savannah River Looking for Alligator

2007-10-05T10:33:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, the two alligators made it into the water before the camera could capture them. They looked to be about eight feet long and were resting in the reeds by the knobby kneed Cypress trees.

elle's Green Earth

2007-10-03T11:34:00.000-04:00

Sun Set Over Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

2007-09-29T20:08:00.000-04:00

"Sunset Sandwich"

Scouting for Porpoise Near Hilton Head Island

2007-09-29T19:28:00.000-04:00

We can hear him come up and blow often but we never spotted him.

This may be another reason for the small haul of shrimp.

Fall Colors

2007-09-26T09:53:00.000-04:00

Click to enlarge.

Conserving Water During a Drought

2007-09-25T23:18:00.001-04:00

My state has declared a severe drought in most counties.

There are four stages of drought and severe is the third stage.

Here are some of their suggestions for conserving water:

1. Take shorter showers, even plug the water during a shower to have a concrete idea of how much water is actually used.

2. If a bath is your thing, try filling the tub only half way instead of all the way.

3. Turn the water off while shaving or brushing your teeth.

4. Don't use the toilet as a trashcan for facial tissue and similar items. Flushing them uses several gallons of water.

5. Use the garbage disposal less often.

6. Outdoors, use plants and grasses that are drought tolerant.

7. Wash your car less often or use a bucket of water instead of leaving the hose on.

Casting the Net

2007-09-22T19:06:00.000-04:00

After casting the six foot net over the bait balls by the poles we let it settle and slowly bring it back towards the boat and lift it up.

We released the net over a large plastic tub. The tub makes it easier to see the catch and to pick up what we won't keep.

We used tongs to catch and release the flounder and the little crabs we netted.

The water was not as salty as usual, probably from recent rains, so that may be why the shrimp were a little scarce.

Baiting the Poles

2007-09-20T18:02:00.000-04:00

Flattening the bait balls helps them stay put during the changing tide.

I recently read that there are a lot of "secret" bait ball recipes but they all seem to use red clay as the binder and fish meal as the filler.

Setting the Poles

2007-09-18T13:44:00.000-04:00

Getting ready to shrimp on the river bank.

We used a six foot net and plenty of bait. I helped make the bait balls and it was a smelly job but I had the satisfaction of doing my part.

Alas, the shrimp just aren't out in large numbers yet and we had a small haul. Some were medium to large though and made a good scampi for tonights dinner.

Bird Words

2007-09-16T18:49:00.000-04:00

Am I the last to know that the Bob White is a quail?

Cherokee, North Carolina Flora and Fauna

2007-09-16T18:43:00.000-04:00

Butterflys and Flowers.

North Carolina in September.

The Green Earth thrives even

in drought conditions.

Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly

on Zinnia.

I Remember: 9/11 - Patriots Day

2007-09-10T21:48:00.000-04:00

We Remember and Do Not Forget
We Freely Give to Keep
The Safe Homeland of our Fathers

-elle

The flag was at half mast at our motel in

North Carolina on the sixth anniversary

of 9/11. During our road trip we saw several

business flags lowered in remembrance.

Bug Herds Are Beneficial Because...

2007-09-10T21:40:00.001-04:00

...they feed the insect eating birds. The birds are beneficial because they eat the icky bugs that bite people and animals.

I read on my state's wildlife website that it's so hard for birds to find bugs to eat during the cold winter season that they migrate to warmer, bug infested areas. I just thought it was because they were cold and maybe looking for berries and other foods not available in winter. It didn't occur to me that the insect eaters were subject to food shortages.

Our state bird is an insect eater but it winters here and forages for food. It's a hardy little thing, like the state it's named for.

Doe a Deer a Female Deer

2007-09-08T11:24:00.000-04:00

I Can See You!

In the plains of the prairie dogs. Does she know she's safe in the eyes of this hunter? How can she know he's not there for her? Will she soon be wary? Do they smell the scent of gunpowder blowing on the winds of autumn?

Shrimp Baiting Season Starts Friday, September 14 in South Carolina

2007-09-07T14:14:00.001-04:00

The shrimp baiting season of 2007 starts noon Friday, September 14 and ends noon Monday, November 12.

I didn't know you could catch shrimp from May till December without a license and without bait in South Carolina.

I've read that the young shrimp are getting ready for their annual trek to the sea, just like the turtle, so this is when the bait season starts.

They say larger shrimp are more abundant in November so I'm tempted to wait until then to go.

We usually go shrimping in Beaufort or Bluffton, South Carolina. Occasionally Hilton Head.

I might try my turn at making the bait balls this year. It's just that they have a really strong odor. I'm glad the caught shrimp don't smell like the bait they've eaten.

I also may try throwing the net more often this year. Usually I drive the boat around the poles and bring it in close to the bait poles but not too close. I have to give the net thrower room to throw.

Shrimping has been like a fun date at times. I'm glad my husband knows how to do all these outdoorsy things and I can tag along asking questions, trying to help and do my part. Being on the water at night is really nice. Especially when the moon is full.

I like a full moon so I can clearly see what I'm pulling from the net! Those shrimp have sharp horns and some of the small saltwater fish have extremely sharp fins or whiskers. It's always fun to catch a small squid. When you release them, they usually blow ink and in a flash, they're gone.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the Winter

2007-09-07T12:53:00.000-04:00

There is no "off" season in my book. A site worth seeing is worth seeing year round.
I don't do heat well. I get that clammy and nauseous "I'm gonna faint feeling" pretty quickly if it's above 95 degrees F. So, I'd much rather go on trips during the other three seasons. I think it would make sense for public schools to have their off season spread out during the year because I'm sure there are others like me who would enjoy their vacation trips a lot more if they could walk about without fear of fainting.

K.I.S.S. GLOBALLY

2007-09-06T01:47:00.000-04:00

Keep It Simple Sweetie!

Planet earth is here for us, not us for it.

It's our homeland.

We take care of the earth so it will take care of us. We don't confiscate someones homeland to save a herd of bugs. We eradicate the herd of bugs so the PEOPLE can live safe from harm. Unless the bugs are friendly, then they live together peacefully.

September Facts

2007-09-04T00:52:00.000-04:00

SEPTEMBER:

-has nine letters.

-is the ninth month.

-Labor Day is always the first Monday of September.

-Grandparents Day is always the first Sunday after Labor Day.

-11th is now called Patriots Day in memory of the ones we lost and those who have fought because of the terrorist attacks.

-23rd is the first day of autumn. The leaves start their yearly fall color change from greens to reds, golds and rusts.

-birthstone is Sapphire. Usually blue sapphire though it is available in pink, yellow, green, and lilac. A nice alternative birthstone for September is the lapis lazuli, a beautiful opaque blue stone usually styled into a cabochon.

-1, 1939 is the start of World War II and September 2, 1945 is the official end of the war.

2007-09-02T22:48:00.000-04:00

Another Angel Trumpet Tree view.

The first time I saw one in full bloom was at Biltmore House in Ashville, NC. It was beautiful, trained into an umbrella shape.

The photo can be clicked on for a larger view.

Singing in the Rain

2007-08-31T00:37:00.000-04:00

Finally, the heat is out of the triple digits and into the high doubles. It's also hurricane season which means rain and my Angel Trumpet Tree is lovin' it!

2007-08-28T13:57:00.000-04:00

Cobblestone lined River Street in
Savannah, Georgia.

Pigeons walk everywhere people walk, including in the road. Pedestrians shoo them out of harm's way.

The riverfront is always docked with the yachts of world travelers and the dumpy yet tough tug boats are kept busy keeping the huge transport ships in line.

Even if Global Warming is Not an Urgent Threat

2007-08-26T17:17:00.000-04:00

I still think it is a good thing to take care of what I have. There is nothing to lose by being pro-actively grateful. I will be a good steward of Gods Green Earth aka elle's Green Earth and all of it's motivating bounty.

I will not waste water.
I will not litter.
I will plant trees and shrubs and flowers beneficial to my area.
I will recycle more often.
I will try to remember to use my cloth bags for shopping.

to be continued....
...I will turn the TV off before I fall asleep.

A Day at the Lake

2007-08-26T12:48:00.000-04:00

A day on the lake is better than a day anywhere else.

The Beautiful Day

2007-08-26T10:50:00.000-04:00

The Lake of Dreams

The Vulture That Ate the Turtle

2007-08-24T15:09:00.000-04:00

The beauty of the lake pictures at the bottom of this blog are forever etched in my memory.
So are the pictures I took of the vulture up on the bank eating a turtle.

We were riding around enjoying the day and suddenly the scent of death was strong in the air. Slowly we came around the corner of the next cove and we saw them. One upright and alive, one on it's back going through the ultimate vulnerability. I was enthralled in a grisly sort of way.

The food chain on display and I have a camera.

The comparison is surreal. The beauty of the picture below was taken not 100 yards away from the vulture and the turtle.

Click on photos for larger images.

The World Will Keep Spinning Until it Stops

2007-08-24T13:34:00.001-04:00

I used to worry about gravity. I could imagine it breaking or malfunctioning for just a moment like the lights flickering off and back on quickly. Just long enough to create chaos (or a rapture...jk).

I decided to stop worrying about gravity. Now I worry about meteors and comet garbage and black holes.

I grew up being told that the black holes are like giant vacum cleaners, get too close and it is all over.

Maybe the black holes are the vultures of outer space. They clean up the place.

Wearing Organically Grown Cotton PJ's to the Dentist

2007-08-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

I'm gonna wear my new organic cotton pajamas to the dentist tomorrow. They look like sweats so it's okay. I'll be comfy and when I get home I can just get in bed!

Organic cotton. It's so neat that clothes are made from a plant though I'm not sure how important organic clothing is. I guess not using chemicals on the plant helps the surrounding environment also.

I just looked it up online and one of the catch phrases is, "organic production systems have a low impact on the environment".

So basically I'm helping the environment by wearing soft, comfy clothes!!! I'm glad to do my part!

The Cemetary Telemarketer

2007-08-20T23:55:00.000-04:00

The newest marketing approach for cemetery plot sales. They offered to give me one plot free and clear. No catch, no fine print. I'm barely listening at this point and then, the spiel, the hook, the piece De la resistance!

It will help them sale more plots if people see my free one being "used". HUH? Yes, that's right, verbatim. They (family or friend) will see your new "residence" and will want to buy and move in themselves. Yeah right. Let's all move into the new neighborhood. (my paraphrase)

Bury her and they will come.

I wonder why she called me? Hopefully, there would be a very long wait before I would be moving in.

How is this related to my Green Earth?
Because I'm still walking on it!!!

Using the Sun's Energy to Dry Clothes on A Wooden Rack

2007-08-19T21:49:00.000-04:00

I put a thick, just washed and very wet bathroom rug on my dusty, unused for a long time, wooden dryer rack and put it on the back deck, in the Southern, three digit air. It dried quickly and looked whiter than usual, even when bleached.

That rug would normally take at least 30-40 minutes to machine dry and a lot of times I just drape it over any surface I can find so I don't have to put it in the dryer with other items or by its self.

The sun dryed it as well as the dryer plus I've read that the sun's rays will kill bacteria which is a good thing. I don't like ickies.

Hybrid Car verses Any Old Car

2007-08-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about the hybrids and how much energy they save with regard to natural resources and then I started wondering about buying used cars and how much energy they save with regard to "recycling".

No energy is used to make another new car.

Will the hybrid save as much energy as the used or recycled car? One saves natural resources by using less of them and the other one also saves natural resources by using less of them. But, which one saves the most energy in the long term? Because it's the long term that determines what needs to be done now to help save our Green Earth.

Tips for Making Due With Less Without Feeling the Loss

2007-08-17T00:02:00.000-04:00

1. Use water to dilute liquid cleansing products such as laundry detergent, dish washing liquid, even shampoo. They will last longer which saves money and there is less waste. They will also liquefy more easily.

2. Another tip that will save energy and money is to use light bulbs with a lower wattage than 75. Also there is available a light bulb made to use less energy and to last longer than the ordinary bulb.

3. Unplug anything that has a light on it at bedtime. This would be computers, the computer mouse, rechargeables, TV's, satellite or cable boxes.

4. Unplug scented plug ins at bedtime. It will save energy and it will last longer.

The savings in energy and money will add up.

Things with Green

2007-08-15T20:44:00.000-04:00

The Green Mile
The Green Green Grass of Home
The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Fence
Mr. Green Jeans
Soylent Green
Green Eyed Monster
Green Valley
The Green Room
The Green Lantern
Green Peace
Fried Green Tomatoes
Green Day
Green Tea
Green Back
Green Thumb
Green Light
Green With Envy
Green Horn
Greener Pastures
Emerald Green

Tree Hugger Marries Prairie Dog Eradicator

2007-08-13T13:40:00.000-04:00

It's true. We are opposites in almost every way and even though we will have been married for 30 years next April we still have our daily struggles in terms of compromise.

For instance, I don't get his love of cartoons and he doesn't get my love of slap stick comedy. I don't get his love of the cops reality shows, he doesn't get my love for the food network (although he appreciates the benefits).

Add to that he is outdoorsy and I can sit still for long periods indoors. He has a green thumb and I have a green blog.

Well, anyway, it can get interesting the ways we try to convince the other to see our side of it all and that the logical thing to do is to do it my way.

Parrot Speak

2007-08-12T15:59:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to teach my parrot to make monkey sounds and I've also been calling him monkey so when I walked by his cage on my way to the laundry room and he called out to me,"Hey monkey" it shouldn't have surprised me but it did. I was almost as excited as a mother hearing her child say a new word.
After he said it he made the "oohoohooh" monkey sounds to go with it. They are so good at mimicry.

I like calling him monkey and he likes the attention.

My husband is afraid it'll confuse him. I say he'll be fine. It may even be good for him because he thinks he is the master of the universe so maybe calling him monkey will keep him humble.

Getting Used to the Threats of Terror

2007-08-11T13:14:00.001-04:00

I feel grieved that hearing news of threats and chatterings of threats are becoming such a common occurrence that the horror of it is being downgraded to "just another unsubstantiated threat we have to look into" kind of news story.

My country feels so infiltrated by people who do not have our best interests at heart that I hesitate sometimes when I'm walking through an airport or walking down a busy street. What if that news report is true and there really is a truck driving around with radioactive material?

I've been forced to learn a new lingo because of the increased terrorism in my homeland. Terms like: homeland security, internet chattering, terror alert status. I've had to memorize which alert status means what and which color goes with which alert and what I'm supposed to do or feel with each one.

I've had to pay closer attention to the news, national and local when I'm traveling to check for the most recent updates on airport security and what I can and cannot pack and if I need to arrive more than 3 hours early because some terrorist decided today it would be fun to make me wait or rush or be afraid.

It's always something.

To Water or Not to Water? That is the Question.

2007-08-09T19:34:00.000-04:00

It's 104. It's VERY hot. How hot is it? It's so hot that my son said he preferred the heat of the desert in Nevada to the heat here in the Atlantic Southeast. It's the humidity. I'd rather have trees than dust devils. But that's just me.

I've heard of people's water bills being four times higher than mine because they are watering the lawn. I know green looks better than brown but aren't earthlings supposed to be conserving our natural resources?

And, it's not only about looks. The green green grass of home is pretty but is it beneficial in other ways too? Does it shelter hidden to us insects and other creepy crawlers that would suffer without the green shade and creating an environmental change for the worse? Does it really matter that much?

Is it survival of the fittest and let the best man or bug win? Mother Nature wins by default and whoever survives with her is still driven by her. Look at Katrina or Hugo. There has always been drought and hurricanes. There is no answer for that except for controlling what is under our control.

I vote for brown and wish the critters well.

Steroid Enhanced Little Leaguers?

2007-08-08T16:04:00.000-04:00

The news isn't good. Parents supposedly giving their young ones illegal hormones so they can be the star?
Children cannot make this kind of decision and it's scary that adults can't either. This news really got me down. It's not about the hard anymore. It's about the unearned glory. It's fake and it is unhealthy.

How can you make the playing field level if the rules are not the same or enforced for everyone on the team? Any team?
Weekly testing? On their own nickel? Maybe.

How fair is it to the rule followers to have to pay to get poked to prove they are not users?
It's been said that steroid users are willing to accept the health risks for the glory.

No one asked me but if they did, I would vote against having lots of drug controlled super stars and settle for one or two natural stars with plenty of in-between talent.

The New Cold War?

2007-08-08T15:59:00.000-04:00

Apparantly I'm a day late in hearing about Russia putting their flag on the ocean floor at the North Pole/Arctic Circle.

Do you think it's a small step for mankind and one giant leap for Russia?
All for oil?
The race is on.
But, I thought we were on the same team since we're on the same globe!?
How does global warming come into play here?

Frugal and a Little Green

2007-08-07T23:29:00.001-04:00

I use a swiffer sweeper to dry and wet mop using the strong, blue shop paper towels. They are much less expensive than buying the wet/dry cloths made for the sweeper and I can use any cleaner I want.
Saves money and time.

Click here: Swiffer Sweeper is Swift - Associated Content

The Perfect Response to a Telemarketer

2007-08-07T21:09:00.000-04:00

I've been searching a long time for the most efficient and polite response to the telemarketers that still call my "do not call" number. I suppose there are hidden loopholes in marketing fine print that I cannot do without due to the business nature of my life. Dealing with credit cards, online sites , etc.., Even with privacy policies in place there is usually the excuse/explanation of sharing my "life" with businesses that claim I fall into their demographics or I'm told I would be interested in them for the same reason.

Anyway, since they will still call, yep, you plug it in and they will call, I've decided to try being polite but firm instead of hanging up (which I've done) or listening to their spiel (which hubby has done).
And so, without further ado, here it is...

"We do not like to do business on the phone."

That's it. And, it worked beautifully the first time I used it. Which was today.
I wonder if it will always work?

My List of Childhood Phrases and Songs/Nice and Naughty

2007-08-07T19:43:00.000-04:00

Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers!
Nanananana!
Crybaby!
You and Me, sittin' in a tree/k-i-s-s-i-n-g!
Sore Loser!
Don't Look at Me!
Knick Knack Paddy Whack.
B-I-N-G-O.
I see London, I see France, I see teacher's underpants!

I'm Teaching My Parrot to Speak Monkey

2007-08-05T19:14:00.000-04:00

I say,"ooh ooh ooh ooh, ahh ahh ahh ahh", until he learns to say it and then I added to that ,"Hey Monkey!" and now when I say, "Hey Monkey!" he says, "ooh ooh ooh ooh". He has not learned the,"ahh ahh ahh" yet but he will.

My parrot's name is Alex and I've always thought his name perhaps has put too much pressure on him and on us because he is named for a famous parrot of the same species and that Alex can do many tricks and say many words and phrases. When I give our parrot a nickname it feels more fun and relaxed. No burden of proof is on anyone to meet unspoken expectations. And, even though our Alex is very well spoken, he is uptight as most of his species are and anything that relaxes us and him is a good thing.

He seems to enjoy the hollow,echoing sounds of the "ooh", maybe it reminds him of the sounds of the green jungle his ancestors are from and from which he is not too far removed.

Angel Trumpet Tree

2007-08-04T16:33:00.000-04:00

My beautiful Angel Trumpet Tree seems "flat" lately. I think it is planted in a poor spot for the species. Too much sun perhaps.
It loves the night and the trumpets look best when it is too late to see them well.
Well, for me, it's a good lesson to see the tree do its best even if no one notices.

The Green Thumbed Woman

2007-08-02T01:04:00.000-04:00

He said to me jealously, "she could jam a plant into the ground, spit on it and produce prize winning tomatoes".

Yep, he said that. He, the owner of countless seed catalogues and hoes and rakes and peat moss and potting soil mixtures. He who built brick walled flower gardens and made circular flower boxes that went around trees. He who worked and sweated and dug and watered and cussed and even spit. Yep, he was bewildered all right.

How does she do it? Why her? She doesn't break a sweat or even write out a plan or draw a landscape! She even knows the names of all those pretty things that grow for her.

One year, he ordered plants guaranteed to grow as a path, in the shade, without much care. Yep, he believed them.

When I finally told him that I talk to my healthy, tall, full weeping willow tree to make it grow and that I would walk underneath it while telling it how pretty it is and running my hands through it's "hair", he didn't believe me. His weeping willow looked more like a sad willow. Yep, he believes the seed sellers but not me and certainly not the spitter!

Well, he never gave up.
I wish he was here to see his final planting. A hanging cherry tree. It's perfect. He would be proud.

I Got Rid of My Scented Plug Ins Today

2007-07-31T20:54:00.001-04:00

If my house is clean enough it will not need electrically heated scented gels. I realized that these things use energy and money and they don't last long. They dry up quickly.

I'll stick with using my candles. They are prettier anyway.

More Fancy Feasts At the Local Buffet

2007-07-30T17:59:00.000-04:00

Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing

I had this at a gathering and it was good and fresh and different. So I decided to make one for myself at the local buffet using the fruit and salad bars.

I covered my salad plate with fresh spinach leaves and spooned whole fresh strawberries on top and then drizzled with the balsamic dressing. I think I sprinkled on some sesame seeds too. At the table I cut up the strawberries and some of the larger spinach leaves, mixed and it was, as Rachael Ray says..."YUMMO!"

It was another feast for the eyes as well. Green and red are opposites on the color wheel and so the contrast was perfect. It looked like Christmas on a plate.

My Husband Committed Pre-Meditated Snoring

2007-07-29T00:49:00.000-04:00

I committed him. News at Eleven.

It just seems to me that, if, he knows he snores, he knows it's loud and he knows what helps him to not snore and he doesn't do it, it's pre-meditated. And yes, it is a crime in this state to keep me awake beyond all endurance. Of course, crimes of passion in this state are easily fought and won so if he pushes me too far, then, all's well that ends......................well.

To Coin A Word

2007-07-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

It seems that everything one does has it's own lingo including blogging. For example: the word blog is lingo for "web log". Someone must have said it three times fast.
Anyway...my new word is:
"Blingo" =descriptive word=describes the lingo used about blogs.

Buffet Food Made Fancy

2007-07-27T23:21:00.000-04:00

My husband is consistant (read set in his ways) about foods he likes so the local buffet is perfect for him when we eat out. I on the other hand like variety so I've come up with a few tricks that make buffet dining more of an adventure for me.

I do give credit to the Food Network for their creative motivation in my food education.

Tonight for example.
I never would have thought of putting baked salmon on a bed of fresh, uncooked spinach from the salad section without the Food Network. Knowing from watching Food Network and other cooking shows/channels that spinach only needs to wilt to be considered "cooked", I knew the heat from the fish would be enough to accomplish that.

So, on a bed of bright green spinach I layed a nice piece of salmon and on top of that I add a dollop of tartar sauce and then a dollop of cocktail sauce on that and lightly mixed the two. At the table I squeezed some lemon over all and dug in with some of everything on every forkful.
The flavor was very fresh and satisfying and the presentation was pretty to look at and I felt proud of my "invention".

How I Helped Save the Planet Today

2007-07-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

I used less water when brushing my teeth. Instead of leaving it on full force, I turned it down to a trickle of a flow. Just enough to wet the toothbrush and rinse my mouth and the sink.

I used less water doing laundry by making sure I didn't need to use the full load cycle.

I used less detergent realizing the clothes in that one load were not that dirty.

I used less hot water and more bleach in the white load of laundry that did need more work to get clean enough.

What's for Dinner?

2007-07-25T16:47:00.000-04:00

This meal used very few pre-made or processed foods so there is less waste generated and no trees were harmed in the making of this meal.

Chicken with Zuchinni, Onions, Garlic, Pasta, Olive Oil, Butter, Parmasan Cheese with parsley and chives added at the end.

Today we had chicken cut up and pan sauteed in first cold pressed Greek olive oil and real butter. Finish that up and take out of the pan and saute in the same pan: one medium cut up fresh zuchinni with one Vidalia onion and then add two cloves of minced garlic after the onion and zuchinni have cooked for a few minutes because the garlic will cook too fast if added with them. I used pre-minced from the jar. Add extra oil if needed and this is when I add more butter. Add chicken to this with a little pasta water and the pasta. This is a good place to add some milk or cream but not mandatory for this meal. Cook and stir until it thickens and then add the parmasan cheese as wanted to taste.

In boiling water I added a small palm full of salt and then one half box of rotini. Cook until al-dente and add to the chicken mixture. Mix well.

Enjoy! We did!

J.K. Rowling Wrapped it Up Pretty

2007-07-24T11:39:00.000-04:00

No spoilers here for now but I wanted to memorialize my satisfaction with the way Ms. Rowling decided to end the book/series. I am completely happy and if she chooses to continue the saga fine and if not, that's fine too.
Thank you for that. And, thank you for Harry Potter.

Green is the New Black

2007-07-23T23:00:00.001-04:00

Speaking of fashion trends, the newest to hit the streets is organic, green, recycled, re-used, and not plastic.
But, what about plastic surgery?
My bag isn't plastic but my boobs are?
Save the planet!!!!!!!!!!!!..........don't get a boob job!!!
Probably some high end big wig hollywood doctor will start recycling breast implants.
I can see it now..."priced right, slightly used, former implants were lady driven, nonsmoker, low mileage, she upgraded to a sportier (bigger) model...supplies limited to the first 15 people to call!"

Oh no...an infomercial for plastic surgery that helps the environment.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2007-07-23T19:46:00.000-04:00

I'm still reading the book but wanted to comment about the book being made from recycled materials and from trees that come from forests that are not endangered. Good decision!

It's not 100% recycled products but enough to matter and to possibly help motivate more of us take care of the environment too.

Harry Potter Has a Middle Name and it's...

2007-07-21T01:47:00.000-04:00

James! After his dad. Awww.
I felt a little discombobulated after seeing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix today. So much of the movie was different from the book. The person that drops the prophecy has changed identities, so has the person that ratted the DA out.

And, the mounted house elf heads were nowhere in sight, but, that may be a good thing.

I actually looked away when Harry was briefly possessed by you know who. Yikes!

One of my favorite lines in the movie is not in the book and one of my favorite lines in the book was kept verbatim in the movie, thank goodness!
Definately worth a look see.

Things That Are Green Quiz

2007-07-20T00:22:00.000-04:00

Which Green thing doesn't belong?

Trees.
Vines.
Flower Stems.
Shrubs and hedges.
The green, green grass of home.
Money. Moola.
Broccoli.
Brussel sprouts.
Zuchini.
Green onions.
Celery.

Frugal Friday Activities

2007-07-20T00:14:00.001-04:00

TGIF...Thank Goodness it's Friday! That means it's dinner and a movie night!!!
We will be going to a matinee showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and after we will go to a nearby Cracker Barrel for a down home tasting supper.

A matinee movie generally costs a couple of dollars less than evening shows and as an extra bonus it's usually less crowded at the earlier shows so you have your pick of seats without having to worry about the tall person in front of you.

Cracker Barrel has consistantly given us fresh and tasty food for years. The prices are family friendly too. Their fried shrimp tastes just caught and the baked apple dumpling is the best I've ever eaten.

It'll be a fun night without breaking the bank. Frugal, fun Friday!

What's for Supper?

2007-07-20T00:06:00.000-04:00

Baked ham.
Black eyed peas with real butter.
Kitchen sliced green beans with butter.
Cooked frozen corn with butter and a little greek seasoning and cracked black pepper.
Sliced fresh tomatoes with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
My family prefers baked ham without any additional sauces or fancy spiral slicing.
I thought about baking a macaroni and cheese but didn't have all the ingredients.

I have used cauliflower to make a faux mac and cheese. It's made exactly the same way as mac and cheese except you use cooked pieces of cauliflower instead of cooked pasta. I added a little extra salt and pepper. It doesn't taste the same but it's very good.

Going to See Order of the Phoenix Tomorrow

2007-07-19T21:14:00.000-04:00

I finished re-reading the book today. I'd forgotten that Harry used an illegal curse in this book. He used it on the LeStrange woman...she had used it on Neville's parents and on Neville at the Ministy break-in. Voldemort had used it on Harry so he knows/knew how it would feel. I wonder if it'll be in the movie?

The eerie green cover of book six shows Harry and Dumbledore looking into a pensieve giving it the look of a history book, which in a way, it is. The examination of Tom Riddles heritage and the history of how he came to want and use the dark forces of magic to accomplish his self centered goals.

The cover of book seven looks like Harry is sitting on his broom reaching for a snitch. Not sure how that goes with the title, Deathly Hallows.

Homemade Caramel Candy with Pecans

2007-07-18T17:46:00.000-04:00

I wanted toasted pecans today and usually I brown them in real butter with brown sugar but today I decided to add cream and cook a little longer than usual and it became candy like. Reminiscent of the pralines I've had in Savannah and New Orleans.
Delicious and nutricious.
I love the freedom of not having to measure ingredients. Just eyeball everything, stir and eat.
Fabulous!

Fruit of the Earth

2007-07-17T23:31:00.000-04:00

Today's green food was fresh zuchinni again. Four medium squashes sliced like french fries, coated with olive oil (first cold pressed Greek olive oil), salt, fresh ground pepper and oven roasted on 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, turning once. Delish! A great side item and also a great addition to all kinds of pasta dishes.

I think I'll make my Italian sausage and pasta with parmesan sauce dish and add it cut into chunks with some cut up Vidalia onion.

My contribution to my Green Earth last night and today is to try and turn off anything electrical that glows. I've read if it has a light or glows then it is using energy. So, I turned off both computers. I'm thinking about giving up my plug in scents with night light. Maybe I can find out how much energy they really use and add up my savings in terms of energy saved and money saved.