A Soggy Cookout and Some Duck- Shooting

Hello!

How was your Memorial Day? Mine was pretty memorable, between shooting senior pictures for my sister and helping my dad cookout in the rain. I don't much recommed cooking out in the rain, by the way. It's a bit wet.




 Anyway, the photoshoot went pretty well (considering the model doesn't like her picture taken) and we did get some pretty good shots.

There were a few people there also to enjoy the views...

I just thought the picnicking couple was too cute. Even if the ground was too wet to be sitting on. ;)

All of this picture-taking took about an hour, which was pretty quick considering our normal track record.

          Also, you may want to check out her (my sister's) blog, allyoucanchew.blogspot.com.
Right now she's got a recipe for make-your-own chocolate syrup. Yum. :)

Lastly, thank you to all of our current and former soldiers for their bravery and selflessness in the face of danger and potential death. It is because of them that we still live in a land where we can be free. It is the Land of the Free because of the Brave.
                       

A Little Bit Warm Out Here...

It's beginning to feel a lot like summer.... certainly a hot day to work outside!

Daisy Head Floral Headband

 Has the Spring season got you trippin' over your toes in flowers? Want to try out the trend that's got everyone pretty in petals?  Here's how you can make your own happy little floral headband!



What You Need:

• Scissors
• Floral tape (found at Walmart and craft stores)
• A beautiful bouquet (I recommend a Dollar Store for this one)

What To Do:

1. Cut off each stem a couple inches from the actual bud. Make sure you don't cut off more than you need; you can use the remainder of the bouquet in a vase to light up a desk or table.
2. Take each snippet and wrap the stems together, securing with floral tape. Do this until you have a band that will comfortably fit on your head. 
3. If you don't secure the tape tightly enough, some of the pieces may try to bop off. Adding more floral tape to problem areas can fix this issue.

4. Wear on a picnic, nature walk, or garden show. This headband is sure to bring happiness wherever it goes (and maybe a couple butterflies too)!

          P.S.- Ignore the timestamp. It lies. ;)

Winter Fun

       Nature's free. 
                Go ahead. Have some...

                                     

Breaking News (that cat again), Bad Notes and Lack of Growths, and Cool Blogs

Bonjour! Breaking news to crazy cat fans! There has been a reported sighting of the under-the-bed dweller to the extended regions of living room! Also known as Sassy-finally-emerged-to-the-living-room! Even though it was only once. For about five minutes. But still.  She won't be happy to find out that Lilly's back...

Anywaaay... hope everyone had a good fourth of july. I must say that this week is sure to be a busy one.  And for all those interested in Creature Vacations, you can see different ideas for destination choices in the poll, though they are but a few of the possibilities.

As for my summer to-do list, I am making some progress. I am  currently learning "Clair de lune" on the piano and it is not an easy piece.  This is due to the fact that there are four or five flats, then a couple pages in (there are six pages), they change to sharps, then back to flats a page later. But I shall press on. The keys, that is.



Garden is still growing, minus the habanero peppers. I deeply regret to inform you (and myself, as I refuse to let them die such a cold and brutal death) that they are pushing up daisies rather than sprouts. But on the sunny side (which rotates with the clock), my other flowers are growing quite nicely, as well as the weeds that grow beside them (I find it increasingly difficult to tell the difference between the two).

And as for the attempted endurance per the bicycle, I realized today that I have enough endurance for three minutes, but I fall considerably short for my hopeful goal of three miles (someone find me a workout that works in two months!).

My bedroom got redecorated Saturday, but when I say redecorated, I mean I over-decored with a rating in the negatives. And no, it's not due to my obsessive recycling. It's due to my ever-reducing personal space. And to my ever-increasing cat space. Why need nine lives? Her best one is obviously now (and no, she doesn't read Joel Osteen. She'd have to find a new home).

Broken hearts on discontinued blogs... braids and brown boots, where did you go?! and happy hearts on new-found blogs (check them out in my blog list)- gotta love that bakerella!

Garden Progress, Brief Absence, and Canine-caused Feline Friction

Bonjour once again, faithful Coral Reef Islanders! Making good progress on my summer garden (I can already see sprouts a few days early!), and on my 100 posts (and for those who have figured out that it's too late to do just one post a day to meet my deadline, I have a solution. It's called try-to-sneak-more-than-one-post-in-a-day, which becomes even more difficult when I announce that I will be gone on a trip for like four days, and hence won't be posting. But, in the end, the brains will triumph.

In more depressing news, a VI member of my family has recently become a hermit. I'm not even kidding. Sassy will disappear so far underneath my bed that I can't even tell that she's down there (although that may be partially attributed to the fact that under my bed has "under the bed" syndrome, meaning it's slightly cluttered). The reason for her recent hermithood consists of four words: dog and dog's mother. Aka Roland and his mother Lily (or Lilly). They apparently have decided that they want to be the Bosses of the House, and Sassy stood in their way. So, doing as misled chihuahuas do, they barked that cat to the far recesses of the house, which to her was under my bed. Yay. She does, however, come out at night and occasionally during the day, though never goes farther than the bedrooms.  I have noticed that she has become (when she's not under my bed) even more docile and needy, and now even lays on my lap and everything. Needless to say, she has come a long way from the hiss-and-scratch Humane Society resident that she had been some five years ago.

Coral Reefs: The Endangered Gems of Our Seas

A Special Member Report by Sara

Coral reefs. The greatest expression of ocean life in the world, crowned with colorful algae and visited by brightly colored fish. Nearly everyone knows about coral reefs, but how many actually know what they're made of? Some may not know that coral are actually tiny organisms that secrete a hard, rock-like skeleton when they die. These build up to form the structure of a reef, and polyps, which grow on the coral, help the reef to grow and expand. Here are some more interesting facts concerning the sea gems:

• Coral reefs are the most biodiverse ecosystem on earth, with 30 out of 34 known phylas existing on or near them.
• They contain 4,000 species of fish, which live off of coral reefs in what is known as mutualistic symbiosis. This is a relationship where both organismsbenefit from each other. In this case, coral reefs benefit fish by providing shelter and protection, as well as a means of food for some fish, and fish assist coral reefs by eating or otherwise prohibintg algae from taking over reefs and killing them.
• There are coral reefs in Florida.

But coral reefs are on the decline due to several major factors. Some problems they face are:

• Pollution, the primary cause of coral degradation worldwide. Some pollutants include sediments, pesticides, runoff from agricultural developments, and more, all of which can land on reefs and prevent growth and reproduction, or cause eutrophication, a threat in which too many nutrients in the water cause a decrease in oxygen and water quality.
• Disease. Coral diseases can be caused by a number of factors: bacteria, fungi, viruses, stress casued by pollution, sedimentation, and increased water temperatures, as well as factors that we aren't even aware of.
• Overfishing, which occurs despite restriction laws. The removal of such an amount of fish can cause an imbalance in the sensitive coral reef ecosystem, resulting in more destruction of coral reefs.
• Dynamite and cyanide fishing, two of the more direct means of destruction to coral reefs. Fishers intentionally bomb areas of ocean in order to collect the bodes of fish. It depletes groups of fish and destroys coral reefs, which can take hundreds of years to rebuild. Cyanide fishing involves divers who spray cyanide or other poisons into reef crevices to stun the fish in them. They then remove the fish and sell them. Though it doesn't normally harm the fish, cyanide fishing can bleach coral reefs, and can eventually kill them.
• Sedimentation. In this process, sediments, or debris from land masses fall into the ocean, and when suspended underwater, can prohibit sunlight from reaching the reefs. Then, when it settles, it lands on reefs and causes some of the same problems as pollution.
• Bleaching due to an increase in ocean temperatures. It is said to be the most important threat to coral reefs on a global basis by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The ocean absorbs carbon emissions, causing water temperatures to increase, which in turn can cause infectious coral diseases to spread, as well as causing coral bleaching.

We know that we can help coral reefs, but did you know that coral reefs help us? For example, they:

• Bring in an annual revenue of $375 billion.
• Supply 10% of the world's diet.
• Provide untapped pharmaceutical resources for today's medicines. They are being developed as possible cures for arthritis, infections, viruses, and other diseases, including cancer (http://magazine.noaa.gov/stories/mag7.htm).
• Protect the coastlines of about 109 countries.

So as you can see, we need coral reefs and the benefits they provide for us, but maybe even more do they need us. 25% of coral reefs have disappeared already, and two-thirds of them are on their way out. Coral reefs may be gone completely in fifty or so years if we don't do something to help.

Fortunately, there are ways we can help:

1. Minimize your use of fertilizers, detergents, and pesticides so that they don't end up in a waterway; just as all roads lead to Rome, all waterways eventually lead to the ocean.
2. Conserve water. It decreases the amount of wastewater polluting oceans and thereby harming reefs.
3. Do your best to keep trash out of landfills and oceans. Recycling helps.

Project Blue Hope (http://www.projectbluehope.com/) has also provided ways for us to help preserve our ever-raring sea gems:

1. Petition the government to protect reefs. There are already several government organizations enacted that study the reefs and ways that they can be better protected.
2. Learn more about reefs and share what you know with others; the more you know, the more you can help.
3. Support "green" businesses, "businesses that are eco-friendly are also reef-friendly" (Project Blue Hope). Check out the National Green Pages for buisiness that are environment friendly.
4. Consume only seafood that is sustainable. Remember overfishing? Eat seafood that is able to reproduce as fast or faster as it is being consumed. Seafood Watch is a website that tells you what kinds of seafood are sustainable, and those that aren't, so you can support reef ecosystems that can support and sustain themselves.

So what are you waiting for? We can help coral reefs! Though it may seem like nothing, it may ultimately save the world (or at least the reefs' part of it)! Let's get started on preserving the greatest expression of ocean life.

Finally, we need coral reefs, and they need us. We need an ocean of beauty not just for today, but for tomorrow. We can help save the "gems of the sea", simply by choosing our seafood carefully, watching what we put in waterways, limiting the use of harmful products such as detergent and pesticides, and by spreading the word. Maybe down the road, future generations can enjoy the beauty of coral reefs, just as we preserved them.

Be a Friend, Welcomes, and Look For...

Hello again, Creature fans! I just realized that I haven't been on for a week (although that's not exactly true since I was on, I just hadn't posted anything) so I better get started prepping for summer. So here I go, promising things that I may or may not get around to (as I've noticed I  have a habit of doing). Creature Vacations! I need to get going on that! I'll try to post some forms or something- no wait, that might not work. How's about if you are interested on signing up your creature for a vacation, you comment below saying "I am interested in signing up my creature for a vacation", and then I can email you the forms (if I know your email). If I don't know your email, then you email me (creaturelove04@aol.com) saying that you are interested in signing up your creature for a vacation, and then I can get back to you. If you don't have a creature, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!? This is the Creature Club, baby! Send me an email saying that you are interested in getting a creature, and I will get back to you. All creatures are property of Coral Reef Island and are FREE! (until I go
global)!

Also, please welcome Samantha Denise to the "Friends of Coral Reef Island" association. She, like Emma, realizes that it is important to be "a Friend of Coral Reef Island", especially if you have a creature. I mean, come on, think of all the awesome benefits you get! ?

Apparently, according to msn, today is World Oceans Day, and we all know that in oceans around the world are... does anyone have a guess? That's right, Coral Reefs! So, to celebrate, look for the special Member Report regarding the preservation of coral reefs.

Hot Peppers, Hopeful Vacations, New Look, and More Reports

  Ok, so I've gotten started on the "plant a garden" item on my list (finally got my habanero pepper seeds potted). Now I just have to wait for sprouts, and if there is one thing I hate doing, it's waiting. But patience is a virtue, so I won't bite off more than I can virtue. Which means, I'll be waiting.

  Hopefully going to get started on Creature Vacations soon, so once again, stay tuned.

  Also, there is a new craft added to Coral Reef Crafts, and you may have noticed that the Creature Blog has a new look. Be sure to rate it at the bottom of this post.

   I've also noticed that someone wants to see more member reports on the poll, so I'll see what I can do. If you have a report you want to do, send it to me, and I'll see if it will be behooving to add it.

Things-To-Do-Before-the-End-of-Summer List 2012

Summer is here again, and the best way to start it off is with a things-to-do-before-the-end-of-summer list. So, here it is, my to-do list for this summer:

• Go on a picnic
• Plant a garden
• Ride (bike) 3 miles
• Have a Movie Marathon
• Redecorate bedroom
• Learn a classical piece
• Workout every morning
• Finish my dress
• Write 100 posts on mon blog
• Get 100 members on mon blog

Fly Away Birdies

Birdhouse is doing well, but I STILL have not seen any birds in there!!! Course, it may be because I put parakeet, cockatiel, and parrot birdseed in there, and the birds visiting it would not be any of the above, but still! How picky can wild birds be?!

Also shot this beautiful butterfly which I think may be a Painted Lady. Maybe it would like a birdhouse to feed in.

Tweetin' Sweet Bottle Birdhouse

What could be more perfect than a birdhouse for May day? It's fun, fast, and easy to make too. Just take a juice bottle (like juicy juice), cut a large hole in the front for birds to get in through, and another hole for  a thin dowel. It will serve as a perch inside and outside the birdhouse. Then, paint it how you want it, and once it dries, coat it with a water-glue solution, which will (hopefully) waterproof it and keep the paint safe from cracking and running. Once the first coat dries, it may be a good idea to apply a second coat, just to be safe. Fill with birdseed, hang from a string, and watch the birds come flying!

Earth day and duck tape

I heard that Earth Day was tomorrow, so today I capture nature...

                                       and I help you save the environment!

Now, you may ask me, "Sara, how can I possibly save the environment with this zebra-printed, fluffy-handled, hair accessory-containing... thing?!

Well friend, I am glad you asked. You see, this is no ordinary container. This is (or was) a Crisco butter stick container. But rather than letting its plasticated body fall into the unprotected hands of Mother Earth, I snatched it from its cru-el fate and turned it into something great!

And just how did you do that? you inquire.
Easy, I reply, with my somewhat-new BFF- ducktape!!!
Really, you say, I never would have guessed.
Well friend, now you can not only guess what it's made of; you can make it yourself.  Simply apply duck tape of any pattern or color to a clean (let me tell you, cleaning greasy butter of a plastic surface is not easy, but it's definitely worth it!) Crisco butter stick container, being careful not to obsure the edges where the lid goes on. Duck tape the lid also (no obscuring!). Then, take a fluffy handle, pipe cleaners, or whatever (check a craft store) and carefully attack it to the lid. Voila! You just saved the environment and made yourself a fabsolutely ah-dorable accessory holder!

Saving the world, one butter stick at a time. That's how we operate.

Spring blooms

Springtime is here!My favorite time of year
when flowers bloom
and babies boom
and butterflies are everywhere!

Bday continued

Got the rest of mis regalos 2nite. They were as follows: 4 packets of Burpee seeds (2 seashell mix, 1 psyche white, and 1... habanero hot pepper! Yummo! Can't wait to harvest that one!), a big pink zebra print rug, and zebra print sheets.

Along with the treats came a trick. I was getting ready to blog when all of a sudden, a virus alert popped up on my screen, and I start freaking out. I'm not even kidding, I know what viruses can do to a computer, and I know what Trojan horses can do (besides destroying my beloved Hektor's home city of Troy). This virus alert happened to be a trojan horse. Window after window popped up, saying "slasher rules" and such terrifying messages that viruses offer. Fortunately, my father happens to know a lot about computers, and he got back, and starts telling me to click "ok" over and over, and "don't let it get ahead of you!" I was clicking as fast as my poor, teeny tiny fingers  can go. Then, all of a sudden, a whole bunch of windows pop up that say "April Fools!" Now I am at the teary point, freaking out that the computer was going to crash and take me with it. And in the midst of it, my father starts laughing. I go crazy and ask, "Is this some kind of joke?!" He replies by intensifying his laughter. Suddenly, the emotion of the moment was overwhelming, and when that happens, nearly every female opens the flood gates. I was so relieved, because the computer was going to be all right, but at the same time, I got very, very angry. WHAT KIND OF A JOKE WAS THIS, ANYWAY?!?! He scared the hard drives out of me!!! He tries to give me a hug, but the only thing going thru my mind is, "It's a joke, It's a joke, It's a joke. I CAN"T BELIEVE I JUST GOT APRIL FOOLED, AND WITH A FAKE VIRUS TO BOOT!! He said it was payback for getting him (I had taped the sprayer on the kitchen sink so that when you turn on the water, BAM!, you get sprayed with water until you recover enough to turn off the faucet). Anyway, he was the first to use the sink after I taped it, and yeah, he got the water treatment. And the best part? He thought my sister did it. She wakes up to "It must be unofficial April Fool's Day today", goes out there and says, "What's going on?" "Don't play coy with me!" he replies. He thought it was pretty funny. And the whole time, I'm with mi otra hermana, laughing and laughing and laughing. It was great. Finally, he found out that it was my genius who rigged the faucet, but I had no idea that he was planning revenge.  I had also stuck a plastic fly in his tea, so I guess all of that amounted to a trick as big as the one he pulled on me. But don't tell him I said that.  Anyway, thanks to all you who sent me sum'n sum'n, and thanks for tuning in to "Life As A Genius". We'll see you next time, but until then, remember: Brains Triumph Again!!!

St. Patrick's Day

Hope y'all have a safe and sober St. Patricks Day! And remember, it's not about the booze, it's about the dude.

Sometimes I get so tired of hearing about PETA protesting because of possible harm to animals. It's nice that they want to protect the creatures on this earth that can't speak for themselves, but really. There are babies being killed all over this country, and PETA wants to stop the slavery of whales at SeaWorld?! People! Our human sons and daughters will never see a sunrise, never know love, and never have their own kids. And just because some parent made a mistake. They did things they weren't supposed to do before marriage, and now, they want to get rid of the evidence. Some decide they're not ready for kids. They argue that a fetus isn't living. LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING!! That's an ugly lie. You are murdering innocent babies. "When you were in the womb, I knew you". Taking the life of a baby is not our job. So don't. Don't support abortion. Support life.

Name: Wilson         Age: 2           Rescued: Wilderness Trail         
Date Rescued: Sept. 10, 2011

When you're walking through the woods, and you see an abandoned golf ball, what do you do? Do you think, "Oh, someone around here plays golf", "Great Golfing Wilsons! Look at all that trash!", or "Aw, look at that poor golf ball! I bet it would like a nice home!"? If your answer was the latter, welcome to the Save the Golf Ball Association. Here, we treat golf balls like lost kittens and puppies, and provide them good homes and nice faces. You can adopt your very own golf ball by just walking through woods or empty fields. Just make sure that the golf balls really are unwanted (and not on private property) before you take them. You can have your very own friend to take wherever you go, and kids will love you for rescuing a golf ball in need!

Sunset on Coral Reef Island