Wildlife Wall Decor

The bear is one of the most respected creatures in the animal kingdom representing both ferocity and nobility.  In addition, the United States is home to a number of the world’s bear species, including the North American Grizzly which remains one of the few truly wild creatures left in the world.  In fact, Grizzly attacks are common in certain wildlife refuges in the United States, and hikers, backpackers, and campers are encouraged to carry animal pepper spray.  Despite the Grizzly’s rough demeanor, it is a gentle creature that fiercely protects its young, illustrating the animal’s nobility. 

The Grizzly bear as well as several other species are celebrated in North America, with bear decor, bear apparel, and bear figurines quite common and desired by children and adults. 

Brett Favre is not only a champion football quarterback, but he is also a lover of animals.  At least it appears that way by the Wrangler advertisement in a magazine I read just recently.  The ad shows a beautiful chocolate lab playing ball with Brett.

See more pet images by visiting Mr. Ed’s website . . . Just click on the underlined keywords, pet images.

With constantly rising fuel prices, here’s GOOD NEWS for consumers of gas and diesel off-road vehicles.

In the June 2008, Texas Fish and Game magazine, the author mentions that a tax relief is available for sportsmen operating equipment off the road.  The GOOD NEWS is Texas offers a fuel tax refund of 20 cents per gallon for use not on public roads!  The State tax form 06-106 of the Texas Claim for Refund of Gas and Diesel Fuel Taxes is available online.  For details and information, go to the Texas State Comptroller website: www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/98-661.pdf, or contact the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, PO Box 13528, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas, 78711-3528, phone 1-800-252-5555.

You must document all purchases of fuel and list all land vehicles, motorboats, aircraft, and both moving and stationary equipment in use for hunting, fishing and mowing . . . That’s GOOD NEWS!

The fires in California (2008) remind me of a poem called, Dressed in Black. The destruction, though devastating to our wildlife images, landscape, and wildlife, is all part of nature’s restoration. Here is the poem: . . .

DRESSED IN BLACK

He claims no respect for human life or feathered creatures in the tree.

No building stands . . . constructed by man, before this raging contender.

Within moments, what took a lifetime, man-made dwellings simply surrender.

Who can stand before such painful days when he destroys and shatters dreams,

Leaving despair and filling the air with frustration and helpless screams?

What once blossomed in tranquility, clothed in splendor, nothing would lack . . .

All brilliant colors of the rainbow now lay totally Dressed in Black.

Devastation of God’s creation, who could possibly be so cruel?

Is this like the place we all call hell and . . . is this the one that will rule?

How can so much power in less than an hour consume everything that lives and breathes?

He takes! . . . to fulfill his selfish, fierce, desire! Yet, is never satisfied . . . for his name is Fire!

Ed Provancha . . . October 5, 1996

Published in: The Heart of My Poetry. Available on Amazon.com

Hunters and fishermen want to live longer to enjoy their outdoor events and wildlife art and trophies.  In the March, 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, the author lists “9 WAYS TO A LONGER LIFE.”   The information is not a complete surprise, but a good reminder, and good habits are not born; they are generated over time.

Here is the list: Eat whole grains to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.  Consider vitamin D as a supplement to strengthen bones and the immune system.  Limit time in the sun; use enough sunscreen.  Eat colorful produce to fight disease.  Exercise; it improves the quality of life. Get enough sleep, 7 to 8 hours is best.  Don’t smoke, and stay away from people who do.  Eat fat, the kind found in nuts, seeds, vegetables oils, fish. The right kind of fats lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s.  Chill out! Excess stress and hypertension increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.