Summer Nights and No Fireflies...What's Happening to Them?

Summer is a time for picnics and outdoor parties that often extend into the evening hours. Watching the children running around having a ball with glow sticks got me sadly contemplating on what was missing in this picture. Years ago there were no glow sticks to entertain children after dark. Kids were enchanted with the stars and the magical mystery of fireflies. Some people call them june bugs, others simply call them lightning bugs. What is happening to them?

Just as with the bees, the answer lies with habitat loss, and pesticide use, but there is another factor and it is called light pollution.

These insects aren't flies, they are actually beetles, and that glow comes from a chemical reaction. 

Both male and female fireflies use their flashing lights to communicate. Their language of light is used to attract mates, ward off predators and defend their territory. Too much light caused by streetlights, car lights and suburbia in general, interrupts the sync of firefly flash patterns. Difficulty for fireflies to signal each other results in fewer larvae being born with every passing season.

Open fields and forests, waterways and bogs, are all disappearing as development makes its slow crawl across what was once uninterrupted habitats. Most species of fireflies thrive as larvae in rotting wood and forest litter at the margins of ponds and streams. As they go through their life cycle, most stay around where they were born. The environment of choice is warm with areas of wet spots.

The female lays about 500 eggs in sheltered areas that contain damp soil. After about a month the tiny larva hatch and begin feeding as they get ready for the next stage when they become pupae. The larval period can last from one to three years. During this stage the fireflies look like small worms and crawl along the ground. They are carnivorous and eat worms, snails and slugs by injecting a digestive enzyme and then sucking out the liquid. When big enough, the larvae digs into the ground and goes through the pupae stage. It forms a hard exterior shell that is what we are familiar with when we see them. This stage of metamorphosis takes them to the adult firefly which emerges in early summer. Once adults, the fireflies only live another few weeks. They may or not even eat during this short span. The purpose is to find mates and reproduce. So if light pollution creates enough of a problem to interfere with this process, these adults won't have the time to mate and lay their eggs before their life span ends.

This little video shows the life cycle of the firefly:

There are ways we can make a difference for these little guys. Make your own difference where you live. Avoid the use of herbicides and pesticides. Don't feel every part of your landscape has to be under control. Let spots naturalize to provide the habitats needed for all the stages of life. Learn what invasive species are a problem in your area and remove them to encourage the natives to thrive. Unless you have good reason for outdoor lighting to shine throughout the night, turn it off.

Children don't miss what they've never seen. Fireflies bring a sense of magic to our world and it would be a real loss to lose them.

A Veterans Day Note of Gratitude

Veteran's Day is a day in honor of our American armed forces for their sacrifice, stamina, and dedication to their country. They have made a commitment, that as a united force, enables us to choose our own choices with our lives, to speak our minds and go where we please. The fact that all the men and women in the armed forces are voluntary is an amazing concept to grasp.

It is true that all men must register with the Selective Service when they turn 18 years of age. This is done in case there is ever the need for combat soldiers, but even then it is completely random as to how those person's are chosen. Everyone is on the same level, with no partiality to social status. The reason women aren't required to register is not that they wouldn't be able to serve, but that registration is for the purpose of preparing combat troops. Women had been excluded from combat in the past but that is no longer the case.

The thought may be with some as to why in the world someone would voluntarily enter into something that will literally control their lives and possibly put them in harms way. Those who do so are of the mindset that our country needs help to maintain her principles for continued freedom. We should be grateful to live in the U.S.A and have protection from those who may want to do us harm. We have to realize that while we have our rights, those rights are a privilege. Those rights were earned through the sacrifices of those before us, who fought for what they believed, many losing their lives in the process.

We should have the utmost respect for anyone who signs those enlistment papers. Of course we want peace and for all of our young people to be safe at home. But given the fact that we live in a world of dispute and violence, even if you don't agree with current politics, the fact remains that we can sleep at night with the security that we have our military always on watch. So let us support the decisions of those who chose to walk this path. Let us support them with our prayers, and encourage them to stand tall with pride in their contributions for this country.

Our son is amidst the tired, yet proud group of men and women pictured above, who had just completed their Army Basic Training. When you think that all of them are volunteers, and the fact that with every cycle of training, there will be another group standing there in that same place, it is indeed something to be appreciated.

Take a moment not only today, but every day, to say a silent prayer of gratitude and safe keeping for all of those who serve. Let them know they are appreciated and not taken for granted.

Enjoy your Veterans Day!

Deal With Pet Anxiety Over Fireworks, Thunderstorms

With the accessibility of  fireworks available for home use, the booming might be a little too close. The unexpected explosion of noise may send your pets scurrying with fear for the nearest place to disappear from perceived danger.

Don't overdo it with the fussing in trying to console your pet. That just sends the message that he/she has good reason to be so anxious. And never show anger or raise your voice in your own frustration over thinking you have a wimpy dog.

The best thing to do is use the power of distraction. Offer a favorite toy or perhaps one of those toys you can fill with small snacks or peanut butter; something that will take a while to eat.  Have soft music playing or just the sound of the normal atmosphere of family conversation.

Linen sprays are great to keep on hand for those times when we want our pets to calm down from fearful anxiety, whether real or imagined. Or perhaps just to settle down a high energy pet.

The Anxiety Relief, Sleep Aid Mist and Linen Spray consists of a combination of essential oils therapeutically known for their value in relaxing nervous excitability and emotional conflict.

Lavender, chamomile, sweet orange, and ylang ylang are an excellent combination for anxiety, trouble sleeping, settling down overstimulated children, and calming the fears in your dogs from such things as thunderstorms, fireworks, gunshots, and even separation anxiety.

Spray the linens of your sleeping area or pet bedding but do so sparingly at first in case you find the aromatics too strong. The spray can always be diluted by adding distilled water. Spritz a bit onto your dog's paws and massage it in to help him/her relax. Essential oils are easily absorbed by way of the feet, be it people or pets. Spritz a bit right onto the fur and give your pet a rub down. The power of touch has amazing therapeutic value.



Rescued pets have no way to actually tell us the origins of their fears and anxieties. We try to help these emotionally based behavioral disorders by offering secure, safe havens free of stress. But past traumas are buried deep and all it takes is the loud bang of gunfire, fireworks or even door slamming, to send a shaking pet under the bed. Or perhaps with your companion it is dealing with separation anxiety, and our dog exhibits inappropriate chewing, either of his own tail or paws or your home furnishings. Before relying on anti-anxiety medication, try the power of herbal remedies. Lavender and chamomile are safe for pets and are great for calming fears.



A remedy great to have on hand, though you hope never to have to use it for an emergency, is Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. It is a remedy to give in situations of shock and fear, such as in the case of an accident, or to calm down pets who getting to the veterinarian is usually a stress-filled ordeal, or for those with extreme anxiety over things like fireworks or gunfire.  It is made up of five flower essences known for their calming properties: Impatiens, Clematis, Rock Rose, Cherry Plum and Star of Bethlehem. Found at a health food store, this remedy developed by Dr. Edward Bach, should be in every first aid kit and every car glove compartment. Preventing shock at the time of an emergency can save lives. Give two to four drops on the tongue or gums every 10 - 15 minutes en route to the veterinarian.

Being prepared is the key to nip a problem situation in the bud before it escalates to the next level of stress for everyone.

Never Forget.. Seventeen Years..September 11, 2001

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle."
Albert Einstein
This is the second time I'm quoting Einstein in the past few weeks. He must not only have been a scientific genius but a very intuitive man as well.
"Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better."

Think back at all that has happened in the past 17 years. Babies were born, children grew up, loved ones passed away. Life goes on, the dawn returns every morning, the clock keeps ticking.

For those who had lost a loved one or were there to support someone, September 11, 2001 will always be a raw and ever present memory. A recurring question being asked right now is "Where were you on 9/11?" Many people cannot remember what they wore yesterday but they will never forget that unfathomable day in American history.

For our family, we were on vacation in Williamsburg, Virginia for a few days to celebrate my birthday. My husband had gone out for a bike ride and stopped for a drink at a quick shop when the news flashed on the TV screen. It was surreal when he flew through the door of our room and turned on the television. The haze of what was happening in front of our eyes on the screen took a while to comprehend that it was no accident.

Being so near the military base, the rest of our time spent in that historic town was so strange. People employed at all the wonderful sights of Williamsburg had no choice but to try to function as usual. For the children's sake we still did all the events we had planned but everywhere the energy was so somber and tightly wound. What could possibly be the right thing to say to reassure our kids that they were safe? Even at their young age they could tell none of us were sure about anything.

When faced with the news of such loss of precious life what is one to do? Most of us felt absolutely helpless to do anything other than stay glued to the news and deal with the fearful reality by reaching out to other people. Interesting how it always seems to take a tragedy for people to look up and notice those around them.

As time went by things quieted down and folks gradually returned to the humdrum of their family routines. Those left grieving had to somehow pick up their lives while trying to find some solace in what good could possibly come out of such a waste of life.

Losing someone we love forces us to face the reality of how alone we really are in this life. Our loved ones are separate individuals with a path and fate beyond our control. Those left behind often have trouble giving themselves permission to again feel a sense of happiness.

Let's take the advice of Einstein to heart and live each day given to us as a gift waiting to be unwrapped. A gift of time to cherish, moments to treasure. Don't just go through the motions where every day brings the same expectations.

Look alive because you are alive. Learn something new every day. The more you educate yourselves about our very existence the more you'll view it as indeed miraculous. To live as though nothing is a miracle will soon snuff out the light within the soul.

As the anniversary of 9/11 comes around once again, let it be the nudge to remind us to wake up, look up, and appreciate the now, since that is really all we've got.

In Loving Memory

Eagle Scout Challenge

Memorial Day weekend is a reminder for us to acknowledge and respect those who sacrificed their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms of this country.

As our son received his highest honor in scouting, The Eagle Scout, we truly felt the pride of being a citizen of the United States.


Our ideal goal for our son as he went through the ranks of Boy Scouts over the years was to develop a young boy into a man who is conscious of living by the Scout Oath.

"Duty to God and Country,
Duty to other people,
Duty to Self"

To know and serve God is how we show our duty to God.
To work for the country's good and obey its laws is how you show your duty to your country.
The duty to oneself is shown by taking care of mind and body so we stay strong and healthy.

By the age of 18, should a boy stay with scouting he has the opportunity to achieve Scouting's highest award, The Eagle Scout challenge. By fulfilling the Boy Scout requirements in addition to the completion of a community service project, the scout proudly enters the ranks of promising high achievers.

Honor is the foundation of all character. To be trustworthy is the foremost responsibility in which an Eagle Scout should live his life. The color white represents honor.

Loyalty is the second obligation of an Eagle Scout. Devotion to God, family, community, and one's ideals. This is signified by the color blue.

To be courageous in times of challenge, uncertainty and danger is esteemed by everyone. The color red is a reminder of courage.

To be cheerful is not always easy, but amazing how a smile can influence those around us.

To be of service is the utmost responsibility of an Eagle Scout. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", and the daily Good Turn take on new meaning as a boy enters the adult world. The scout motto memorized since Cub Scout days is "Be Prepared". To be able to handle the pressures and challenges of being on your own requires a child to have matured in character and sense.

Jared's service project involved raising awareness in the Christian community of the important role music plays in reaching the youth of today's world. Typically parents have their children complete CCD classes within the Catholic Church or Confirmation classes within the Protestant church, and then being they have no obligation to attend upon completion, they slip away. Usually the reason is that they think the services are boring or just don't feel anything.

Music is the key to getting through to a teenager or young adult. Spiritual messages portrayed through song can become meaningful and impressionable in a positive way. Song lyrics are often similar to poetry and written in a way people can empathize.

Jared held a concert featuring six bands. Those attending brought a monetary donation or canned goods for a local charity. He even had a local youth pastor deliver a very appropriate message relating to the challenges facing today's young people.

As we celebrate Memorial Day, let us think fondly and proudly of all our men and women who showed utmost character and strength by serving in the military. May their contributions and memory never fade or lose value.

Reuse and Reinvent Those Old Pool Covers

If you have an above ground pool then most likely you'll be taking off that pool cover around Memorial Day. Since nothing lasts forever you may have had to replace that cover and felt the pangs of guilt adding these tarps to the landfill.
We've found a few ways to reuse them.

When we put in our little pond in the front yard we wanted to make the area around it into a mulched perennial garden utilizing the trees already there.

What we did to cover such a large area was cut the pool cover as needed to lay in the shape we desired. We put it right over the grass eliminating the need to pull up the sod.

Then using a box cutter we cut large X's in the spots we intended to add the chosen perennials. Fold under the cut plastic so you have a square about 12 - 18 inches across. Once the plants were in the ground we covered the pool tarp with mulch. Be sure to cut slits here and there across the tarp to allow for drainage before covering with the mulch.

You can save a lot of money if you can get word to the tree trimmers when they pass through your area that you would appreciate a load of mulch dumped onto your property. They are glad to have convenient locations to unload a full truck.
Just be aware that this type of mulch isn't going to be your fine, broken down mulch you buy from a nursery. There will be twigs and larger pieces and it will be fresh and not aged. For our purposes this didn't matter. We did put the nicer, finer mulch around the benches where there will be the most foot traffic (especially if people are barefoot). Keep it from being too close to your plantings since the mulch isn't aged yet.

These picturesque scenes let you see how seasonal change brings continuous beauty to this setting.






























Many of us have backyard septic systems in the middle of the yard and their location can be made into a more attractive area. We used another pool tarp to create a large circular herb garden. We left this one as is in a round shape and laid it right over the grass. We held down the edges with garden staples (those things you use to hold down floating row covers or you can use tent stakes), cut out X's for the herb plants and septic PVC pipes, and again covered the whole thing with mulch. The mulch does break down so has to be replenished at least every other year depending how thick you lay it.

Below are spring and summer pictures of this herb garden in its third year of growth. Perennials need 2 - 3 years for their root systems to get established before their above ground display really takes off.




























Finally, for the vegetable garden these tarps can be cut to lay as your walking foot paths. You will need to weigh them down with garden staples or small rocks to hold the paths in place.

No matter what size area you have to work with, these old tarps can be cut to size and utilized in a number of different ways.