5 Reasons I'm Not Afraid to Observe the Florida Black Bear
December 5, 2013
I enjoy watching the Florida black bear in my yard almost every night. I'm in awe of them. I find them to be beautiful, magnificent creatures.
Most of my friends enjoy reading about my bear-watching adventures on Facebook. A few seem to think I'm foolish or downright stupid.
In the name of education and to alleviate anyone's concern, I'm sharing with you...
Upcoming: Florida Black Bear & Wildlife Conservation Festival
October 10, 2013
I'm obsessed with bears.
Alright, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but since moving to the Ocala National Forest, I've developed a keen interest in the Florida black bear. (How could I not? They're in my yard all the time.)
On our own, we've learned quite a bit. Being naturalists, we not only are interested in nature but we also desire to learn all we can about the environment in which we live. For us, this now includes bears.
This weekend, we are planning to attend the Florida Black Bear & Wildlife Conservation Festival. (Festivals are just one of the things I love about fall.) Today, I'm creating our itinerary for the weekend. I don't want to miss anything.
Wow! Is that right up my alley or what?
I called the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce to get more information. Not only has the date been moved from March to October, but they've changed the name this year to include additional wildlife such as the coyote. While there are vendors there, the event itself is free. The purpose truly is to promote awareness. I like that.
The event includes children's activities, presentations and even field trips into the Ocala National Forest for a mini-hike. (Did someone say hiking and field trip?! My excitement just went up 10 notches!)
Hope to see you there!
Your Turn:
What types of festivals do you enjoy? Or what aspects of nature interest you? Share in the comments.
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Alright, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but since moving to the Ocala National Forest, I've developed a keen interest in the Florida black bear. (How could I not? They're in my yard all the time.)
On our own, we've learned quite a bit. Being naturalists, we not only are interested in nature but we also desire to learn all we can about the environment in which we live. For us, this now includes bears.
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| Photo Credit |
This weekend, we are planning to attend the Florida Black Bear & Wildlife Conservation Festival. (Festivals are just one of the things I love about fall.) Today, I'm creating our itinerary for the weekend. I don't want to miss anything.
What is the mission of the Florida Black Bear festival?
The purpose of the festival, according to their website, is "to increase awareness and promote the safe coexistence of humans and wildlife by fostering community appreciation of the Florida black bear and other native wildlife species, as well as Florida's unique ecosystems that serve as wildlife habitat."Wow! Is that right up my alley or what?
I called the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce to get more information. Not only has the date been moved from March to October, but they've changed the name this year to include additional wildlife such as the coyote. While there are vendors there, the event itself is free. The purpose truly is to promote awareness. I like that.
The event includes children's activities, presentations and even field trips into the Ocala National Forest for a mini-hike. (Did someone say hiking and field trip?! My excitement just went up 10 notches!)
Admission, Location and Hours:
Admission to the festival is FREE. It will be held in Umatilla, Florida on October 12, 2013. The event hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visit their website for more information.Hope to see you there!
Your Turn:
What types of festivals do you enjoy? Or what aspects of nature interest you? Share in the comments.
Subscribe to Life on My Planet
10 Things I Love about Fall
October 9, 2013
I love fall. I must inform you, however, that it is not for the same reasons you may enjoy the season.
Our season is different from fall in many other states. When I think of fall, I do not think of crisp breezes or leaves changing colors. Its hot, humid and trips to the beach are still an option. Still, there are things I enjoy in the fall.
Our season is different from fall in many other states. When I think of fall, I do not think of crisp breezes or leaves changing colors. Its hot, humid and trips to the beach are still an option. Still, there are things I enjoy in the fall.
Lee Anne's Tiramisu Balls Recipe
October 3, 2013
This sweet little treat is a perfect blend of chocolate and coffee.
Are you getting that?
I said chocolate and coffee. 'Nuff said.
Lee Anne's Tiramisu Balls Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes plus refrigerating Makes: 36 ballsIngredients:
- 1 8oz package of cream cheese, softened
- 60 vanilla wafers, finely crushed (about 2 cups)
- 4oz dry coffee
- 12 squares of semi-sweet baker's chocolate, melted
- Shredded white chocolate for decorating
Method:
1. Mix cream cheese, cookie crumbs and 3oz. of coffee until well blended
2. Shape into 1-inch balls. Freeze 10 minutes.
3. Mix semi-sweet chocolate and remaining coffee.
4. Dip balls in chocolate mixture.
5. Place in a single layer on shallow pan which is lined with wax paper. Sprinkle with shredded white chocolate.
6. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until they are firm.
Do you have a favorite dessert you like to make? What is it?
Happy Cooking!
Making Preparations for Fall
September 12, 2013
Feeling like summer passed us by...
I'm getting excited about the idea of Fall. I'll admit, it hasn't come easy. Due to my work schedule and transportation issues, I feel like we completely missed summer. Actually, it's more than a feeling. We did entirely miss summer. It was out there, but we weren't.Ahhh well. Time to move on then. My daughter, Lee Anne, bought me one of those cinnamon scented brooms the other day. I told her I wasn't really feeling it but after a couple of days, I began to think, "Sure! Fall. A new start. Let's do this."
Perfect Hearty Chili Recipe
September 8, 2013
Some people associate Summer with Chili. I associate it with Fall. With fall at or doorstep, I thought I'd share this chili recipe with you.
I love chili. I don't often make it, but when I do, it's an event! The following is a very hearty chili recipe. The tomatoes and sweet peppers give the initial flavor a certain sweetness which is readily followed by a spicy hotness.
My friend says that it's the "perfect" amount of "spicy". If you like spicy foods, eat it alone. If you need to tone down the amount of spice, eat it with saltines or sweet corn bread. Or throw a dollop of sour cream into the chili. It is easily balanced. That works out in my household. The youngest children can tame the "hot" while the adults can enjoy the spicy aspect. Perfect!
Life in the Ocala National Forest
September 7, 2013
An Update
It's been a while since I've posted here. I've had a topsy-turvy year. There have many challenges and successes, but little I've wanted to say publicly.
I've decided that although I have a personal blog for family and super-close friends which is on complete privacy, I'll start blogging here as a more public personal blog. I closed down most of my websites and blogs. I've decided this can be the place where I do a little of everything.
This can be a place to share my southern-fried life, recipes and whatever else that isn't about homeschooling. I am currently redesigning it, so please forgive the incomplete look of it all.
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