The Power for Good September 5, 2022
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Health & Wellness, Humor, Nature.comments closed
Our electric company, Florida Power & Light, is a force for good.
In addition to implementing innovative programs to provide energy to homes using sustainable solar as well as programs which allow consumers to recharge EV’s overnight for a low monthly rate (less than the price of a tank of gas), FPL is helping to protect the American Crocodile:
The American crocodile is primarily a coastal species that ranges from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and even into South Florida. They are typically a gray/green color and can be found in the fresh/brackish/salt water of river estuaries, coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps where they feed on fish, crustaceans, small mammals, reptiles and birds.
Throughout much of its range, the American crocodile was listed as endangered. FPL partners with federal and state conservation agencies to help with crocodile restoration efforts, resulting in the species being downlisted to threatened status. At [the] Turkey Point Power Plant in southern Miami-Dade County, [FPL has] worked for years to help this species rebound. In fact, the 2021 American crocodile nesting season at the plant resulted in a record-setting 565 hatchlings, establishing a historic success in FPL’s management of the local crocodile population.
This video is a pleasant 7-minute interlude showing stunning scenery and heroic efforts . . . by man AND by mama beast!
Go mom!
To read more: FPL ~ American Crocodile
On a related note, I read a somewhat bizarre news story this week about someone whose emotional support animal is . . . an alligator!
I kid you not!
No, not a metallic sculpture in the garden.
And not a fluffy gator made of sand, either.
A real live alligator.
With sharp claws and sharper teeth!
Joseph Henney’s emotional support animal WallyGator goes with him almost everywhere, from the grocery store to walks in the park. They hug each other and sleep in the same bed. WallyGator is an alligator.
“When he turns his nose toward you, that means he expects a kiss,” said Henney, 69, who goes by Joie (pronounced “Joe”) and lives in Jonestown, Pa., about two hours from Philadelphia. “He’s super sweet-natured.”
To read more: His emotional support animal is an Alligator.
OK, so, I would have to be severely disturbed before I would CHOOSE an alligator, crocodile, or venomous snake as my emotional support animal.
Just saying.
How about you?
If you needed emotional support, could you place your trust in a reptilian crocodilian?
Or would you prefer to cuddle up with a cute kitten?
Do tell.
See you later, Al E Gator. In a while, Crocodile.
Down The Hatch March 25, 2022
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Food & Drink, Travel & Leisure.comments closed
After our climb, we had dinner on the shores of the Halifax River at Down the Hatch, an iconic seafood restaurant in Ponce Inlet that has been on my radar for years . . .
The name got my attention right away.
We arrived in time for Happy Hour with 2-for-1 domestic drafts and yummy corn fritters!
While we waited for dinner and enjoyed our drinks, we soaked up the view from our table as the sun set.
The waitresses were friendly and attentive.
The only downside? The menu was a bit heavy on the fried for us . . . which worked to the advantage of a friendly dog, Tucker, located at the next table.
Tucker gleefully scarfed down proffered fried clams from my basket, while counting his canine blessings. When we left, we gave a doggy bag to Tucker with the remainder of my meal.
Before leaving, we snapped one last photo op before calling it a night.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Elvis Has Left The Building September 9, 2021
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Home & Garden, Nature.comments closed
In Florida, from time to time, small, friendly, and fearless anole lizards sneak into our homes and wreak havoc.
Well, not really.
They do sneak in . . . but no havoc is wreaked and no homes are wrecked.
For the most part, they are quite quiet and well behaved.
Despite their polite demeanor, we are inclined to dispatch them back to the great outdoors at the earliest opportunity.
Yesterday, while BFF was at an early morning medical appointment, I walked into the kitchen and spotted one of the wee beasties, let’s call him Elvis, in the middle of the kitchen floor.
As I approached, Elvis retreated and then he turned tail and headed straight for the washer/dryer, disappearing from view.
Point 1 ~> Elvis.
When BFF returned, he took up patrol duty in the kitchen and spied Elvis in the pantry looking for the peanut butter for an Elvis Special (bacon, banana, and peanut butter sandwich).
BFF “almost” caught him using an upside down clear shoebox, but “almost” doesn’t count when catching lizards. At the last minute, Elvis darted across the kitchen and took refuge under the dishwasher.
Point 2 ~> Elvis.
The game remained at a stalemate until bedtime when we left a small saucer of water out for Elvis in case he got thirsty.
Point 3 ~> Elvis.
This morning, we hoped to see Elvis out in the open, drinking from his tiny trough.
No such luck.
BFF peered under the dishwasher and spied Elvis peering back.
No skirmish ensued.
A short while later, BFF called for reinforcements, “Hey, Nancy. Come here and get the door. Elvis is ready to leave.”
Sure enough, Elvis had emerged from under the dishwasher and was now “standing his ground” by the front door.
I opened the storm/screen door to the courtyard and BFF shooed Elvis out of the villa using a piece of cardboard to guide the little guy in the correct direction ~> OUT!
Once outside, Elvis did a little happy dance and made a beeline (or lounge lizard line) straight for the Norfolk Pine.
Inside, we did a little happy dance too!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Go Magawa! October 4, 2020
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Humor, Nature.comments closed
I loved this story from the New York Times:
An African giant pouched rat named Magawa has received an award for bravery for his work detecting land mines in Cambodia.
Magawa has been trained to sniff out TNT and can search an area the size of a tennis court in 30 minutes. By comparison, it would take a person with a metal detector about four days to search an area of that size.
Over the past four years, Magawa has discovered 39 land mines and 28 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and helped clear more than 1.5 million square feet of land.
He is the first rat to receive the award — a gold medal bestowed by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, a British charity.
For a longer look addressing the problem of land-mines in Cambodia:
Aah . . . I smell a rat, an heroic bomb-sniffing rat!
It’s Spring! April 2, 2020
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Happiness, Sustainable Living.comments closed
Tired of thinking about the pandemic, quarantines, and TP that is MIA?
Enjoy a few Spring Smiles!
Aah . . . that’s better!
More from Colonial Williamsburg: Welcome, Lambs!
O Little Town of Bethlehem December 9, 2019
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Happiness, Humor, People.comments closed
We joined a Bethlehem Walk last night at a local church.
The re-creation was authentic down to the last detail (except for the Christmas lights decorating the “inns,” the microphones, the loudspeakers, and the asphalt upon which Mary & Joseph trudged while looking for shelter).
The event, oddly reminiscent of Noah’s Ark, included 2 spitting llamas, 2 Aflac-ing ducks, 2 bleating goats and a miniature horse who remained silent for the duration (no doubt annoyed that his mate had stood him up).
We sang carols (off key of course) while diners seated on the outside patio at The Waterfront restaurant looked on in awe.
After Mary & Joseph got settled into “the stable,” they invited us in to meet the star of the show ~> Baby Jesus!
Following a brief introduction to the bonny boy, the people who peopled the procession stayed to enjoy cookies, sandwiches and chips (a menu served at all the finest establishments in Bethlehem back in the day).
I doubt it will become an annual tradition for us, but it was an eclectic ecclesiastic event.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Do The Funky Chicken! November 7, 2019
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Art & Photography, Humor, Sustainable Living.comments closed
On a recent trip to Sarasota, we swung by Sarasota Architectural Salvage.
We saw Porky Pigs, Funky Chickens, and Randy Roosters.
And Pink Flamingos and Proud Peacocks.
And a Perky Pelican!
My guess? The owner enjoys imaginatively-created creatures.
Aah . . . that’s funky!
Say Hello to Paitoon & Jilian October 7, 2019
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Life Balance, Nature.comments closed
Like cats?
Meet Paitoon & Jilian:
For the first time, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to rare clouded leopard cubs. The two cubs are the newest residents on the Zoo’s Asia Trail; [they made] their public debut Wednesday, Sept. 11.
The cubs are a male named Paitoon and a female named Jilian. They were born April 29 and March 24, respectively, at the Nashville Zoo. Visitors will be able to see them for short periods of time during the morning at the clouded leopard exhibit from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The cubs are learning how to climb but will need to be supervised by keepers while they explore and acclimate to their new exhibit. As they become more independent, they will spend longer periods of time on exhibit until they no longer need keeper supervision, and visitors will be able to see them for much of the day.
“The cubs are extremely curious and precocious; they have been exploring and investigating every nook-and-cranny of their new home,” said Michael Brown-Palsgrove, curator of Asia Trail. “It’s a great time to visit the clouded leopard exhibit to see them and learn about all our conservation efforts here and in Thailand.”
Clouded leopards are arboreal and have large paws with sharp claws and long tails that help them adeptly navigate forest canopies of Southeast Asia. The Zoo’s energetic cubs spend most of their time perfecting their natural climbing abilities and wrestling and vocalizing to each other.
Aah . . . that’s precious!
Ticks . . . ICK! July 25, 2019
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Nature.comments closed
As if we needed yet another reason to hate those blood-sucking critters:
Maine Confirmed Its First Case of a Rare Tick-Borne Virus in Years. Here’s What to Know About Powassan
The article’s advice ~> Steer clear of deer ticks.
Aah . . . that’s basic!
Get Out!!! July 12, 2019
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Home & Garden, Humor, Nature.comments closed
Check this out:
Aah . . . that’s more bearable!
Spirit Lights The Way 