Wildlife Wall Decor

Recently, I read that Alaska is big.  So BIG! in fact, that Texas and California would fit inside its borders with room for New England to stretch its legs!  Now . . . I’ve driven the length and width of both states.  So, if Alaska is bigger than my own experience, then it truly must be “GRANDIOSO!”  

And, if that didn’t stretch your imagination, grasp this: In the same periodical, I read that there are 175 million acres of wetlands in Alaska, more than all the other states combined.  WOW! . . . I said!  Isn’t most of Alaska frozen? Then the credibility of the two PHD’s writing the article slipped considerably when they mentioned that 20 % of all waterfowl get their start in Alaska.  I would be a believer, except for the use of the word “all” is . . . all incompassing.  Should they merely have specified that 20% of all waterfowl in the North American Continent get their start in Alaska, then I would be more receptive to believing “the rest of their story.”

This article to reference is, “Waterfowl in the Last Frontier,” Ducks Unlimited, January/February 2009, pages 36-41.

HEADS UP. . . to anyone who fights pain every hour of the day!  If you are dreaming of hunting and fishing, or planning an extended vacation, yet you are living in pain, then take time to read this book, 14 Medically Proven Foods That fight Pain, by Neal Barnard, M.D.  Dr. Barnard encourages us to  “Halt a headache with fruit,” . . . “Soothe a backache with an herb,” . . . and “Stop arthritis pain with a spice.”  The trivet pictured above is a reminder that chili peppers help fight the pain from shingles.

To my readers, . . . I invite your input in this exciting adventure towards ”FREEDOM from the Enemy of PAIN!”  It looks like I’m about to make some changes in my diet and lifestyle.  Let’s share with others how Dr. Barnard’s recommendations of managing pain lead to a better way of life, how it affects our health, and the relationships with those we live with.

Antioxidant is a keyword to better health, according to Joe Smulevitz C.H., M.H., author of “Amazing Health Properties of Berries,” where we find antioxidants.  He writes about several berries, especially blueberries and raspberries that contain another keyword called anthocyanins that offer protection against diseases of the heart, cancer, diabeties and Alzheimer’s.  We should also know that berries are a wonderful source of fiber-rich food benefitting the human body suffering from high cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure.  In addition, berries treat diarrhea, gout, arthritis, kidney stones, and goiter ailments.

For me, berries are a reminder of nature’s creation of a marvelous food supply, of good things to eat.   It’s the bounty from the Great Outdoors.  Whenever we get the opportunity, we go to the mountains to pick huckleberries.  Berries have been a health food source for humans and wild animals throughout history.  They are served not only as fresh fruits but also as preserves in jellies, pastries, wines, health foods, and flavoring in many types of medications.

For more information, read this article in Today’s Senior magazine, December, 2008, Texas Edition, page 4.  Joe Smulevitz is a published Herbalist and nutritional research specialist.

When it comes to creating a warm and inviting outdoor space, there’s no better place to start than the garden.  Gardens represent a harmony between man and nature, and provide a relaxing environment for the owner.  In order to create the kind of warm atmosphere you just won’t want to leave, here are a few additions to consider:

~Fire Pit – nothing warms up a space like a fire, it provides both warmth and visual appeal.

~Welcome Sign – it might seem trivial, but when you have guests often, garden welcome signs can really make them feel invited. 

~Garden Swing – there’s nothing quite like curling up in a garden swing with a good book or a loved one. 

~Fountain – for the aesthetic appeal of water and beautiful sounds, a garden fountain is ideal. 

The Moose, often standing 6-7 feet high at the shoulder, is one of the largest and most noble forest animals.  Moose are most often noted for their distinctive horns (in the males), much different from other species of the deer family.  The female moose doesn’t look all that different from a standard cow, though their fur is darker and much shaggier.  Moose inhabit various boreal and forested locations throughout the northern hemisphere, most noted in locations throughout Russia and parts of Europe, and the northern part of North America.  Because of their size, moose don’t have a lot of natural predators, the only notable ones being packs of wolves and sometimes bears. 

Moose are a beloved part of several cultures, with moose décor a common item in Native American cultures.  In addition, in the places where moose roam freely, like Alaska, the noble forest animal has become a symbol for the region’s prosperity. 

Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders.  A measure of fear is a healthy emotion that every big game hunter and fisherman possesses.  It’s a part of the “rush,” the “high,” and the adventure of the great outdoors.  The fear of spiders, however, is sometimes overcome with a positive respect for the “little buggers.”  There are hundreds of species; different sizes, types, colors, but not all have deadly bites. 

In North America, there are only a few creepy crawlers we need to be aware of, and they are the famous Black Widow, the Brown Recluse, the Hobo Spider, the Bark Scorpion, and some hornets and ants.  They are all part of nature’s cycle of life.  So respect their space and be aware of dark areas under fallen leaves, logs, rocks, and always check boots, hats, gloves and bedrolls before removing your gear from storage in preparation of the next outdoor adventure.  Have a good insect repellent, and carry a can of gum turpentine to treat any insect bite until you can see a doctor.