Celebrate Life

The Asp Wrangler For A Day

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The Asp Wrangler For A Day        Summer and searing heat are just ahead, it’s time to introduce you to the Texas Asp. One morning while pruning roses I noticed these furry cream-colored caterpillars. I grabbed my camera and started clicking. Something about them was familiar, I just could not put my finger on it. I had taken photos of critters all week so my husband was not surprised I discovered something new. Curiosity got the best of me, I had to see what kind of caterpillar they were. I had thoughts of beautiful butterflies flying around my yard. To my surprise and horror they were Asp! If you are not from the South you can’t fully appreciate the terror growing within. It is close to impossible to kill them. When you get stung by an Asp it’s like having acid poured on you. Their hairs can get imbedded in the skin and every time you touch the area it’s like a new dose of acid. When I was a kid one fell from the porch ceiling at my grandparents house. It fell down the back of my shirt. I was screaming and crying so hard it was difficult to stop to tell granny something was on my back. They leave a mark that looks like a branding iron. My back looked like red tire tracks. With this memory I had to go out the next morning a […]

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Celebrate Life

New Chapter in My Life Begins

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I’ve started to walk again, it fells great and very unstable. Throughout my battle with Lyme I prayed for my Granny’s strength. My Granny had to learn to walk twice as an adult. The first was from a terrible accident leaving her in a wheelchair or walker for years. She cleaned new houses for extra money, whatever the job required […]

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America

Wapama Falls on Hetch Hetchy Trail, Yosemite

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  Wapama Falls (1,400 feet) Flows: all year, with peak flow in May. Relatively few people visit Hetch Hetchy Valley to see this roaring waterfall. In some springs, the water from this fall flows over the footbridges near its base. You can see this waterfall from the parking lot at O’Shaughnessy Dam or you can hike on an uneven trail to near its base (see a list of Hetch Hetchy day hikes).

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America

Yosemite National Park: Half Dome

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  Wild Wild West by Melinda https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=6F8A61D7-E3B5-F2FD-0E7E5921833F1954 The summit of Half Dome is a dangerous place during a lightning storm. Check the weather forecast before your hike and try to reach the summit early in the day to avoid thunderstorms, which are more common in the afternoon (but can occur at any time). If a storm appears nearby, do not continue to the summit and, if in the summit area, leave the area (while still using caution when descending the cables and steps). The summit is typically 15°F (8°C) to 20°F (11°C) cooler than Yosemite Valley and windy conditions are common. Be prepared for cool temperatures and rain showers. Black bears frequent Yosemite’s Wilderness and are adept at grabbing backpacks from hikers and campers–during both day and night. Always keep your food within arm’s reach (or on your back); never leave it unattended. If you see a bear, act immediately to scare it away: make as much noise as possible by yelling. If there is more than one person, stand together to present a more intimidating figure, but do not surround the bear. Squirrels, Steller’s jays, chipmunks, and other animals also live along the trail; never feed them or allow them to get your food. Do not leave your pack unattended (e.g., at the base of the cables or while you take a swim or nap). Keep wildlife wild: respect them from a distance. Improper food storage and feeding of […]

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Celebrate Life

Bridalveil Falls Yosemite National Park

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Bridalveil Falls Bridalveil Fall (620 feet) Flows: all year, with peak flow in May. This is often the first waterfall visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; during the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow. You can see Bridalveil Fall from near the tunnels on the Wawona Road (Highway 41) or Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) and from a signed parking lot on your way into Yosemite Valley. You can walk to the base via a short but steep (up to 24% slope) trail in just a few minutes. https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm 🙂  M

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Australia

Guest Photographer Gavin Kerslake

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Please welcome Guest Photographer Gavin Kerslake. I met Gavin several years ago, probably thru a comment on a photo. He is a natural with the camera, his work can memorize or shine light on something missed. I would categorize his work as Industrial Realism, his eye captures the story in what others walk by without a thought. I’m thrilled Gavin allowed me to share his work with you. I’ve asked Gavin to join us again, eveyone please go to his blog so he will say yes. Here are links where you can find Gavin’s work. I encourage you to look at his expansive collection. The first link is his blog, you will want follow for sure. http://www.sedge808.com/ http://www.fluidr.com/photos/sedge808/interesting/ http://www.redbubble.com/people/sedge808/

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Outdoors

My Bucket List has moved to Looking for the Light Blog

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BUCKET LIST STARTED 2015 Chronic Lyme Disease has given me time to reflect on the blessings in life. To stay motivated, I think of a bright future. Thinking of travel locations and adventures left to do. I want to help my community. I’m extremely proud of my charity God’s Tree of Life Ministries. There’s an unlimited amount to learn, see, give back and baggage to let go. My first Bucket List now started and written down. I’m a strong believer, if you can feel and see the goal, you can do it. I’ll live a full life expanding my soul and supporting others. XO Melinda ********************************* Learn to double jump rope Roller Derby Watch baby turtles hatch Drive Hover Craft Tango and Salsa Lessons Dive again, I had panic attack during a dive in 1999. I have to tackle the fear. Argentinian Wine Country, Twin P will escort me Volunteer for RAINN Advocate Speaker for Child Abuse and Rape. Started charity, Tree of Life Ministries, focused on children’s early education, children in shelters and growing community awareness. Our first initiative was to provide underserved kids with clothes and backpacks and books. Provide pastoral support as Ordained Minister with a focus on dying children and the elderly. My challenge is to clean my language up. Swim with Manatees, Dolphins and Sharks, Sharks only while in cage. Ride a Camel and Elephant in native environment, treated ethically. See every inch of Australia. […]

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