Interesting factoid: the Jamestown settlers introduced earthworms to North America--they came in the root balls of the fruit trees the settles brought. Before earthworms, the fallen leaves in the forests took far longer to disintegrate, and were often very thick. Earthworms had a dramatic effect not only on the appearance of the forests, but on their ecology.
Huh! Who knew! Thanks, Alan, that's fascinating. I just sort of assumed earthworms were native all over the globe. Guess that's one of those unexamined, untenable assumptions.
Earthworms--one of those invasive species! Given that New England was scraped bare by the glaciers, there's nothing native there. "A place for everything and everything in its place," is good advice for humans, but imposing it on mobile organisms is a useless enterprise. Anyway, this migrant is fixing to head north and leave the Golden Isles of Goergia behind for a while.
I donno. Some invasive species are terribly destructive and do need to be controled, as they crowd out and extinguish native species. That's not just silly, human sentimentality. Reduction of bio-diversity is bad for everything and everybody on Earth, not just humans.
This just in from politicalwire.com; I gave the White House a piece of my mind on the subject, for what little that's worth:
Congressional leaders in both parties are engaged in high-level, confidential talks about exempting lawmakers and Capitol Hill aides from the insurance exchanges they are mandated to join as part of President Obama's health care overhaul," Politico reports.
"The talks -- which involve Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), the Obama administration and other top lawmakers -- are extraordinarily sensitive, with both sides acutely aware of the potential for political fallout from giving carve-outs from the hugely controversial law to 535 lawmakers and thousands of their aides."
I'm confused. I thought Congresspeople and their aides were government employees with employer-sponsored insurance. Hence, outside the exchanges by definition.
Had a dream with an image so lovely it woke me up. I thought, I *must* remember this in the morning. Surely I will. I don't. I remember the urgent need to remember. It'll do.
It is frustrating, though. And then frightening nightmares you'd much rather not remember stay and pop back into your mind from time to time. Seems not so many of the beautiful dreams stay at or near the surface. Some of them do though, and that's something I suppose.
When I set today's photo to post it never occurred to me that it would be the new thread while Youngest & DIL are at Labor & Delivery! Baby is due May 18th, but induction is underway, as Mama has severe preeclampsia. They are happy that if it must be now that it's the Full Moon day (as was their wedding).
Today's trip, both directions, was glorious! So much in bloom! The Shad (bush aka Sarvice), Red Bud, Moss Pinks. Many apples, plums, and cherries. The May Apples' umbrellas way up and glossy. A few early Dogwoods. Plenty of Winter Cress and Wild Mustard. Pastures full green. Missed any lambs boinging -- one neighbor moved theirs back from the road, another quit the bidness, the third, the lambs just asleep in the warm sun. All the expected gardens but one ready to go, and one brand new one. Spring truly has arrived!
Howard primus inter pares est!
ReplyDeleteInteresting factoid: the Jamestown settlers introduced earthworms to North America--they came in the root balls of the fruit trees the settles brought. Before earthworms, the fallen leaves in the forests took far longer to disintegrate, and were often very thick. Earthworms had a dramatic effect not only on the appearance of the forests, but on their ecology.
--Alan
Huh! Who knew! Thanks, Alan, that's fascinating. I just sort of assumed earthworms were native all over the globe. Guess that's one of those unexamined, untenable assumptions.
DeleteEarthworms--one of those invasive species! Given that New England was scraped bare by the glaciers, there's nothing native there. "A place for everything and everything in its place," is good advice for humans, but imposing it on mobile organisms is a useless enterprise.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this migrant is fixing to head north and leave the Golden Isles of Goergia behind for a while.
Hi Monica, Glad to hear you're coming back north.
DeleteI donno. Some invasive species are terribly destructive and do need to be controled, as they crowd out and extinguish native species. That's not just silly, human sentimentality. Reduction of bio-diversity is bad for everything and everybody on Earth, not just humans.
This just in from politicalwire.com; I gave the White House a piece of my mind on the subject, for what little that's worth:
ReplyDeleteCongressional leaders in both parties are engaged in high-level, confidential talks about exempting lawmakers and Capitol Hill aides from the insurance exchanges they are mandated to join as part of President Obama's health care overhaul," Politico reports.
"The talks -- which involve Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), the Obama administration and other top lawmakers -- are extraordinarily sensitive, with both sides acutely aware of the potential for political fallout from giving carve-outs from the hugely controversial law to 535 lawmakers and thousands of their aides."
---Alan
Unholy Moly!!
DeleteAnd GRRRRR!!
I'm confused. I thought Congresspeople and their aides were government employees with employer-sponsored insurance. Hence, outside the exchanges by definition.
DeleteSo, what's new? Congress routinely exempts itself from the laws it passes.
DeleteHad a dream with an image so lovely it woke me up. I thought, I *must* remember this in the morning. Surely I will. I don't. I remember the urgent need to remember. It'll do.
ReplyDeleteIt's still inside you. ♥
DeleteYes, I think so. I can almost feel it!
DeleteI've had several like that...still with me years later.
DeleteIt is frustrating, though. And then frightening nightmares you'd much rather not remember stay and pop back into your mind from time to time. Seems not so many of the beautiful dreams stay at or near the surface. Some of them do though, and that's something I suppose.
DeleteWhen I set today's photo to post it never occurred to me that it would be the new thread while Youngest & DIL are at Labor & Delivery! Baby is due May 18th, but induction is underway, as Mama has severe preeclampsia. They are happy that if it must be now that it's the Full Moon day (as was their wedding).
ReplyDeletePrayers cherished.
Love and light!
DeleteThanks, puddle! ♡
DeleteDefinitely sending good vibes for Mama and Baby!
DeleteThanks, Cat! ♡
DeleteIt'll be awhile yet.
How marvelous to be born on a Full Pink Moon.
DeleteSpeaking of which, saw lots of Moss Pinks on the trip to town!
Today's trip, both directions, was glorious! So much in bloom! The Shad (bush aka Sarvice), Red Bud, Moss Pinks. Many apples, plums, and cherries. The May Apples' umbrellas way up and glossy. A few early Dogwoods. Plenty of Winter Cress and Wild Mustard. Pastures full green. Missed any lambs boinging -- one neighbor moved theirs back from the road, another quit the bidness, the third, the lambs just asleep in the warm sun. All the expected gardens but one ready to go, and one brand new one. Spring truly has arrived!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely description, Puddle. Yes, I am cautiously optimistic on the subject of Spring.
DeleteHere's a question from the quiz I'm currently working on, which is titled "All You Need Is The Girl":
ReplyDeleteWho’s the girl in the starlight?
“A great symphonic theme
That’s __________ by starlight and not a dream
My heart and I agree
She’s everything in life to me”
Celeste
Celina
Stella
Estelle