Black Bear Scares

Misconceptions are not facts, which can breed unnecessary fear and panic. Take the case of black bear sightings. People panic, but in reality, shouldn't necessarily be afraid.

Black bears are not generally dangerous to humans, but that doesn't mean I'm going to send my kids out to go play with them, either! Their staple foods are basically vegetation, nuts, berries, grubs, and salmon, but occasionally will feast on small animals. Attacks on humans are extremely rare.

Habitat destruction is the main reason we see them in our neighborhoods. Highways, malls, new housing developments, etc, have made them more visible in our towns and even cities.

Black bears aren't prolific breeders like rabbits. Females are about four or five years old before they are ready to start a family, and once they give birth, spend a few years raising them. During this time, they do not produce any more young. There are more sitings of bears not because there are so many more of them, but rather that they are more accustomed to humans and have less space to spend in the wild.

Many people are afraid that if bears stop fearing people, they will be more prone to attack. This is quite the opposite, according to numerous studies.

Years ago, a friend told us of a friend of his that encountered a black bear in the woods. The man was afraid he couldn't out run it, so decided to "play dead". The concerned bear cautiously approached and gently shook him, apparently trying to revive him. When the bear began making soft, sad sounds, he decided to play along and slowly "woke up". Our friend told us that the two began to playfully pat each other! Obviously, the man lived to tell about it--over and over again!

Bears are also easily scared. A neighbor told us of the time one was spotted by their back door. The husband opened the door and quietly said, "Boo". They were amazed--and amused--that this was enough to send the bear scampering off!

Simply put, bears that are afraid of being attacked may themselves attack. Experts advise people to speak softly to identify yourself, and slowly back away. This will let the bear know you mean them no harm.

Those that growl or otherwise try to scare people off often are doing so to protect their cubs, or have found food they don't want to leave.

We need to be informed. For more facts on bears, check out these sites:

http://www.bear.org/website/Bears-Humans/

http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/black_bear.php

--LKR

Memorial Poppy

This beautiful poem was written in 1915 by Major John McCrae who served in the Canadian Army as a surgeon. It is a tribute to all who sacrificed their lives in war for peace.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

A woman named Moina Belle Michael later replied with her own poem, We Shall Keep the Faith. Moina was also responsible for the conception of the Memorial Poppy. Through her hard work and diligence, red poppies became the national emblem of remembrance for those who had not returned home from war.

We Shall Keep the Faith

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

Thanks to all of our veterans for serving our country, enabling liberty and freedom for all!

--LKR

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This is the newest circle located at the south side of Eau Claire. Click to enlarge the picture, and you will see little flags placed here for Memorial Day.

(The tire tracks you see are evidence of drunk drivers who either tried to drive over the circle or didn't see the circle--they get stuck and have to call for help. Honestly.)

Sunday's Song

My Country 'Tis of Thee

My country 'tis of Thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim's pride!
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring!

My native country, Thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture fills
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song.
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our father's God to, Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!
--Samuel Francis Smith

Henry Vilas Zoo & Ducks in the Dells

This is the last half of the fourth grade field trip down to Madison and the Dells...

The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin

This land was donated by the Vilas family in 1904 as a public park, and the first animal exhibits were constructed in 1911. The zoo was named in memory of their young son, Henry, who died from diabetic complications. It remains, along with Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, one of the few free zoos in the nation.

Swans

Isn't he cute? At Turtle back Zoo in West Orange, NJ, and Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, IL, peacocks roam around free.Buffalo and green leaves
I don't know which excited me more after the long winter we just had!
Pink flamingos contrasting nicely against the purple weedsNot sure if these are crocs or gatorsAn emu
Years ago, friends of ours tried to raise these odd looking birds. It didn't last!Inside the Tropical Rainforest Aviary

The Original Wisconsin Ducks in the Dells

The Original Wisconsin Ducks have toured visitors around the Dells for more than 57 years. Previously, these 7.5 ton amphibious vehicles proved to be valuable during World War II due to their versatility on both land and water. This is possible by changing the Duck’s tire pressure right from the captain’s seat!!!

If you've seen the new Indiana Jones film, you've seen a Duck! These vehicles are as at home on land as they are on water.

Each Duck is 31 feet long by 8 feet wide, and does not have power steering!On land...

...and into the water! Quack quack quack!!!There were a lot of really cool looking sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River.
This deer wasn't the least bit frightened of the noisy Duck! Our witty driver and guide stopped so we could all take pictures.Back on land, squeezing through Red Bird Gorge... ...and through the woods!
This was a really fun way to end the day!
--LKR

Sunday's Song

Sometimes Alleluia

Sometimes Alleluia,
Sometimes Praise the Lord
Sometimes gently singing,
Our hearts in one accord

Oh let us lift our voices,
Look toward the sky and start to sing
Oh let us now return His love,
Just let our voices ring
Oh let us feel His presence,
Let the sound of praises fill the air
Oh let us sing the song of Jesus' love,
To people everywhere.

Sometimes Alleluia,
Sometimes Praise the Lord
Sometimes gently singing,
Our hearts in one accord

Oh let our joy be unconfined,
Let us sing with freedom unrestrained
Let's take this feeling that we're feeling now,
Outside these walls and let it rain.
Oh let the Spirit overflow,
As we are filled from head to toe.
We love you Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
And we want this world to know.

Sometimes Alleluia,
Sometimes Praise the Lord
Sometimes gently singing,
Our hearts in one accord.
--Chuck Girard

Woodland Wonders

Let's take a quite walk through the woods, shall we?

--LKR

Orioles at Our Feeder!

A friend told me they were in town, but I couldn't wait to see them with my own eyes. As I groggily sat at the table, this morning, a brightly orange-breasted beauty flew toward the patio door, making a perfect landing on our hummingbird feeder.

Jubilation broke out as I excitedly grabbed my camera and snapped a few safe shots of this blessed event. Watching for this oriole's periodic visits throughout the day, I was rewarded by the presence of a drabber female vying for a sip of some nectar.

This aggressive male wouldn't let her near it! Apparently, he's a lousy suitor. He could take a few courting lessons from a cardinal who lovingly feeds his mate! --LKR

Sunday's Song

Blessèd Assurance

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.
--Fanny Crosby, 1873

They're Back in Town!

My friend Wynde and I were finishing up on a leisurely lunch when we spotted a beautiful male ruby- throated hummingbird at our feeder. I had set out nectar shortly before we had that last fling of wintry weather that dumped upon us a significant amount of snow.

Then, while out on a walk, we saw around 10 cabbage white butterflies. Checkered whites and mustard whites also fly in our northern climate. White family butterflies over-winter in the pupae stage and are one of the first to emerge, come spring.

Several spring azures, tiny blue butterflies, flitted along the country roadsides around our feet. The first generation of this early emerging butterfly are darker blue in appearance than successive generations.

Why the picture of dandelions, you ask? They are among the few early flowering perennials that are essential for bees and butterflies which bloom before lilacs and mock orange bush, both magnets for these and other hungry insects. --LKR

Sunday's Song

Be Unto Your Name

We are a moment,
You are forever.
Lord of the ages
God before time

We are a vapor,
You are Eternal
Love everlasting
Reigning on high

Lord you are holy, holy
Lord God Almighty
So worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Let the highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name

We are the broken
You are the Healer
Jesus, Redeemer,
Mighty to save

You are the love song
We'll sing forever
Bowing before You
Blessing Your name.

For you are holy, holy
Lord God Almighty
So worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Let the highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name

Holy, holy Lord God Almighty
So worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Let the highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name
Be unto Your name.

--Gary Sadler and Lynn DeShazo