The sweet orchid is kind of backlit from all the sunshine in the window. I've had to close blinds and curtains some days in order to work on laptop...I've already increased the screen to higher lighting since moving over here also. I do like looking above the screen to see birds, or sky...but once the sun comes directly inside, oops, can't focus on screen worth a hoot.
An earlier nighttime shot as the orchid was opening.
Not my photo! Just reminding me in a month we shall be inundated with blooming everywhere. Ah, to just be patient!
On March first I captured these lovelies by our entrance to the apartment complex. And no wonder nobody ever can find the place with that well camouflaged sign!!
In the meantime, I've got blue skies to enjoy! When writing this on Feb. 27th I went to wash off my car from the bird droppings. I hadn't seen any robins that morning, so perhaps they had finally traveled elsewhere.
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This is the exercise video I follow that I got after my Ornish program of cardiac rehab. I do it at least once a week, and usually have some aches from it the next day. But last week I actually made the whole 30 minutes, with one break for drinking water and catching my breath. So now I know what the last exercises are at least!
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Current events:
Another place where yellow and blue are to be remembered, since it's now 3 years since Russia invaded the Ukraine. Silly US politicians think they can just get some benefits by giving Ukraine over to the Big Bear...without a care about our long term allies in Europe.
Don't miss the ghost image behind these two!
And another thing to remember,
On February 24, 2025, the U.S. delegation to the United Nations voted against a resolution condemning Russia for its aggression in Ukraine and calling for it to end its occupation. That is, the U.S. voted against a resolution that reiterated one of the founding principles of the United Nations itself: that one nation must not invade another. The U.S. voted with Russia, Israel, North Korea, Belarus, and fourteen other countries friendly to Russia against the measure, which nonetheless passed overwhelmingly.
Just added, FYI: a tracker of the status of suits filed against the Executive orders -
Litigation Tracker.
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And the Good News from Katharine Hayhoe this week about trees!
A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which means heavy rainfall events are increasing around the globe, which in turn can increase the risk of flooding. That’s bad news, obviously.
But the good news is that trees are a strong natural defense against flooding! They help soil absorb water by soaking up rainfall through their roots. The roots also reduce erosion and runoff while leafy canopies slow rain down, reducing flash flood risk.
In the UK, researchers at the University of Plymouth are planting native trees in Dartmoor, in hopes of reviving the area's ancient woodland pastures and helping with local flood control. They're planting these native trees using the “tiny forest” Miyawaki Method I’ve written about before here. By planting many different native species closely together, planted trees can rapidly mimic a multi-layered forest ecosystem.
In cities, green roofs don’t just keep buildings cool. They also absorb rainwater and reduce surface runoff. In India, for example, one study found that installing green roofs across an urban area could reduce flood volume between 10 and 60 percent.
Trees already filter the air, keep us cool, provide habitat for species and so much more. Now we know they’re essential to protecting us from floods as well!---------------
And my personal note for today, my family photo sharing time.
My oldest son, Marty, when he was 2 years old, in Hartford, CT.
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Today's quote:
We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure, but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of the world. |
JACK GILBERT Today's art:
Voyageurs At Dawn is an 1871 oil painting by Frances Anne Hopkins. |
Teresa chose the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich (Gruyere cheese) and took some soup home.
Cinnamon and her daughter, Cayenne, by the back of her head, and pet Severus. (Stuffed moose is not known to have a name.) Cinnamon is my continuing friend, the mother of Will and Cayenne, and now Marty's ex-wife. Riverview FL, Christmas 2023
