Resources abound for private woodland owners in Indiana. We really enjoy the woods on our property, and wanted to learn about how to best care for them. John and I have been taking classes at the Purdue extension (yes, Purdue) on Charlestown Road, in New Albany.
If you are interested in tree planting to reforest open areas and streamsides, the construction of rural windbreaks, timber stand improvement, fencing to keep livestock out of forest and streamside areas, tree identification, forest biology and ecology, managing your woodland investment, marketing timber....I highly recommend looking into this class. It's fun and informative, and economical.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Dead Snakes Can Bite
It's hot outside. Critters abound as I set about my yard work chores. Especially the frogs, lizards and snakes. Now, I can tolerate the frogs and lizards no problem, however snakes are a whole different story. In an attempt to identify the snake I came across yesterday, this article came to my attention and I found it to be very informative, so I am going to share it. What I learned today is, A SNAKES BITE REFLEX REMAINS ACTIVE UP TO AN HOUR OR MORE AFTER IT'S DEATH, MEANING A DEAD SNAKE CAN BITE. WOW!!!
BY: Melissa Jeremiah, RN
Director of Hoosier Uplands Home Health and Hospice
With the weather warming up more people will be engaged in outdoor activities. My Dad,
who loves to get out in his yard and go into the woods behind his house, recently saw an
adult copperhead snake, with a nest of smaller copperheads. This prompted me to
research the snake population of Southern Indiana.
There are 3 venomous snakes, which call Southern Indiana home and all are pit vipers. Pit
viper have a sensory pit between their eye and nostril which help them locate warm-
blooded prey, even in the dark. If a snake appears to have four nostrils, it’s a pit viper.
The information in this article on snake identification is only good in Indiana. Venomous
snakes in Indiana have pupils that are vertical slits and are heavy-bodied. They have
broad, spade-shaped heads that are distinctly wider than their narrow necks. The head of
a non-venomous snake is typically the same width as its body. Some non-venomous water
snakes are stout and many snakes flatten their heads when bluffing, making the head look
spade-shaped.
The Northern Copperhead is the most common poisonous snake in Indiana, and even it has
a restricted range in the hills of Southern Indiana. They live in high, dry, rocky areas and
well forested areas dominated by oaks and hickories, but have been seen in outbuildings
and barns. It has a coppery-red head and an hourglass pattern of 15 - 19 mahogany bands
on its body. Irregular brown spots are often found between the bands and it is 24 - 36
inches long. It’s bands may be confused with a water snake.Copperheads bands are
narrow along the back and wide on either side, where water snake bands are saddle like,
which means wide on the back and narrow on the side. Copperheads are nocturnal, which
means they hunt at night, and they are more likely to bite during the evening hours. This
snake is very secretive and does not tolerate human presence. The bite of this snake is
extremely painful, but rarely life threatening.
The Cottonmouth Water Moccasin is restricted to a single wetland in Dubois County. The
cottonmouth is recognized by the distinctive white lining that it displays when annoyed.
The color patterns are easily confused with those of the northern or midland water snake,
and is 30 - 42 inches long. They are almost never seen, even by those who know exactly
where they should be. Water snakes seen while fishing around the state are simply
common water snakes.
Timber Rattlesnakes are also rare, restricted to some of the forested hills in south-central
Indiana. This snake lives on dry, forested hillsides and hibernates in dens. Colors and
patterns vary from almost black to yellow with dark blotches, it can be up to 5 feet or more
long. It has a distinctive head shape and rattle at the end of the tail. A new rattle segment
is added when the snake sheds its skin 1 - 2 times a year. This snake is not aggressive and
the majority of documented bites occurred while people were trying to pick up the snake.The fourth venomous snake is the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, which lives in
Northern Indiana, in marshy, swampy areas and bogs. It is on occasion found in
woodlands and old fields. It is spotted with dark black or brown blotches on the back and
3 rows of small, dark spots on either side, and is generally 20 - 25 inches long. It is
generally mild mannered and rarely strikes unless stepped on or picked up.
The remaining snakes who make their home in Southern Indiana are non-venomous, and
include the eastern garter snake, north and east ribbon snake, northern ring-necked
snake, kirtlands water snake, queen snake, northern and midland water snake, midland
brown snake, midwest worm snake, rough and smooth green snake, eastern hognose snake,
southern black and blue racer, eastern and red milk snake, black rat snake and black
kingsnake, which are all found in Southern Indiana. The other non-venomous snake from
Indiana is the fox snake, which lives in the northwest corner of the state. Snakes tend to be more active in the middle of the day in the spring and fall when evenings
are cool, and more active in the morning and evening during summer months. A snakes
body temperature is the same as its surroundings. Snakes regulate their body temperature
by basking in the sun when cold, or seeking shade and reducing activity when warm.
Venomous snake bites in Indiana are very rare. Most bites occur when people are trying to
kill or handle the snake. Never get closer than the length of a snake. Never attempt to
handle a snake that is or may be venomous. To avoid being bitten move away from the
snake, as snakes do not actively seek out people and bite them. If given the opportunity
snakes will almost always try to escape an encounter. Snakes will always flee rather than
striking, unless they are harassed or startled. When hiking or fishing you should look
closely before stepping, to avoid stepping on a snake. Be alert and search the area ahead of
you, do not merely look down at your feet. Be wary of areas containing logs or rocks.
Remember that many venomous snakes blend in with their surroundings and may be
difficult to see unless you are alert. If you know you will be in an area known to have
venomous snakes, wear high-topped, leather hiking books. Do not reach under rocks or
logs, and do not step over logs, step on them, then over. You should also be very careful
when handling a dead snake and avoid its head. A snake’s bite reflex remains active up to
an hour or more after it’s death, meaning a dead snake can bite.
The bite of a venomous Indiana snake is dangerous, but rarely fatal. More people die from
bee stings and lightening strikes annually. If you are bitten you should remain calm and
avoid excessive activity, as most snakes are not poisonous. If possible note the snakes
markings, color, behavior and habitat, but do not waste time or risk being bitten again by
capturing or killing the snake. If you think the snake was venomous, or if you are unsure,
have a friend call 911. Do not make any incisions at the bite. Walk, don’t run, when
moving, and keep the bitten part of the body lower than your heart. If the snake is non-
venomous clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible, to avoid
infection.
Information for this article was obtained from the Indiana DNR at www.in.gov/dnr and
The Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management at
http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu.
BY: Melissa Jeremiah, RN
Director of Hoosier Uplands Home Health and Hospice
With the weather warming up more people will be engaged in outdoor activities. My Dad,
who loves to get out in his yard and go into the woods behind his house, recently saw an
adult copperhead snake, with a nest of smaller copperheads. This prompted me to
research the snake population of Southern Indiana.
There are 3 venomous snakes, which call Southern Indiana home and all are pit vipers. Pit
viper have a sensory pit between their eye and nostril which help them locate warm-
blooded prey, even in the dark. If a snake appears to have four nostrils, it’s a pit viper.
The information in this article on snake identification is only good in Indiana. Venomous
snakes in Indiana have pupils that are vertical slits and are heavy-bodied. They have
broad, spade-shaped heads that are distinctly wider than their narrow necks. The head of
a non-venomous snake is typically the same width as its body. Some non-venomous water
snakes are stout and many snakes flatten their heads when bluffing, making the head look
spade-shaped.
The Northern Copperhead is the most common poisonous snake in Indiana, and even it has
a restricted range in the hills of Southern Indiana. They live in high, dry, rocky areas and
well forested areas dominated by oaks and hickories, but have been seen in outbuildings
and barns. It has a coppery-red head and an hourglass pattern of 15 - 19 mahogany bands
on its body. Irregular brown spots are often found between the bands and it is 24 - 36
inches long. It’s bands may be confused with a water snake.Copperheads bands are
narrow along the back and wide on either side, where water snake bands are saddle like,
which means wide on the back and narrow on the side. Copperheads are nocturnal, which
means they hunt at night, and they are more likely to bite during the evening hours. This
snake is very secretive and does not tolerate human presence. The bite of this snake is
extremely painful, but rarely life threatening.
The Cottonmouth Water Moccasin is restricted to a single wetland in Dubois County. The
cottonmouth is recognized by the distinctive white lining that it displays when annoyed.
The color patterns are easily confused with those of the northern or midland water snake,
and is 30 - 42 inches long. They are almost never seen, even by those who know exactly
where they should be. Water snakes seen while fishing around the state are simply
common water snakes.
Timber Rattlesnakes are also rare, restricted to some of the forested hills in south-central
Indiana. This snake lives on dry, forested hillsides and hibernates in dens. Colors and
patterns vary from almost black to yellow with dark blotches, it can be up to 5 feet or more
long. It has a distinctive head shape and rattle at the end of the tail. A new rattle segment
is added when the snake sheds its skin 1 - 2 times a year. This snake is not aggressive and
the majority of documented bites occurred while people were trying to pick up the snake.The fourth venomous snake is the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, which lives in
Northern Indiana, in marshy, swampy areas and bogs. It is on occasion found in
woodlands and old fields. It is spotted with dark black or brown blotches on the back and
3 rows of small, dark spots on either side, and is generally 20 - 25 inches long. It is
generally mild mannered and rarely strikes unless stepped on or picked up.
The remaining snakes who make their home in Southern Indiana are non-venomous, and
include the eastern garter snake, north and east ribbon snake, northern ring-necked
snake, kirtlands water snake, queen snake, northern and midland water snake, midland
brown snake, midwest worm snake, rough and smooth green snake, eastern hognose snake,
southern black and blue racer, eastern and red milk snake, black rat snake and black
kingsnake, which are all found in Southern Indiana. The other non-venomous snake from
Indiana is the fox snake, which lives in the northwest corner of the state. Snakes tend to be more active in the middle of the day in the spring and fall when evenings
are cool, and more active in the morning and evening during summer months. A snakes
body temperature is the same as its surroundings. Snakes regulate their body temperature
by basking in the sun when cold, or seeking shade and reducing activity when warm.
Venomous snake bites in Indiana are very rare. Most bites occur when people are trying to
kill or handle the snake. Never get closer than the length of a snake. Never attempt to
handle a snake that is or may be venomous. To avoid being bitten move away from the
snake, as snakes do not actively seek out people and bite them. If given the opportunity
snakes will almost always try to escape an encounter. Snakes will always flee rather than
striking, unless they are harassed or startled. When hiking or fishing you should look
closely before stepping, to avoid stepping on a snake. Be alert and search the area ahead of
you, do not merely look down at your feet. Be wary of areas containing logs or rocks.
Remember that many venomous snakes blend in with their surroundings and may be
difficult to see unless you are alert. If you know you will be in an area known to have
venomous snakes, wear high-topped, leather hiking books. Do not reach under rocks or
logs, and do not step over logs, step on them, then over. You should also be very careful
when handling a dead snake and avoid its head. A snake’s bite reflex remains active up to
an hour or more after it’s death, meaning a dead snake can bite.
The bite of a venomous Indiana snake is dangerous, but rarely fatal. More people die from
bee stings and lightening strikes annually. If you are bitten you should remain calm and
avoid excessive activity, as most snakes are not poisonous. If possible note the snakes
markings, color, behavior and habitat, but do not waste time or risk being bitten again by
capturing or killing the snake. If you think the snake was venomous, or if you are unsure,
have a friend call 911. Do not make any incisions at the bite. Walk, don’t run, when
moving, and keep the bitten part of the body lower than your heart. If the snake is non-
venomous clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible, to avoid
infection.
Information for this article was obtained from the Indiana DNR at www.in.gov/dnr and
The Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management at
http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Khan Academy
While watching 60 minutes tonight, I learned about Khan Academy.
www.khanacademy.org
This is a wonderfully fun and informative website. The creator, Mr.Khan is dedicated to providing a free world class education to the world.
To find out more, visit 60 Minutes, or better yet, just go to khanacademy.org.
He even has a section devoted to brainteasers!
www.khanacademy.org
This is a wonderfully fun and informative website. The creator, Mr.Khan is dedicated to providing a free world class education to the world.
To find out more, visit 60 Minutes, or better yet, just go to khanacademy.org.
He even has a section devoted to brainteasers!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Paraproskokians
Paraproskokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorous.
I ran across a list of these the other day and thought I would share them.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are 4 billion stars but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good Evening' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
You don't need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
I ran across a list of these the other day and thought I would share them.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are 4 billion stars but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good Evening' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
You don't need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Proposed Falls Landing Park in Jeffersonville
Please be aware that within a 1/4 mile of the proposed location of the new park there are 3 registered sex offenders.
Please be aware that within a 1/2 mile of the proposed location of the new park there are 15 registered sex offenders.
Please be aware that within 1 mile of the proposed location of the new park there are 42 registered sex offenders.
I realize that it would be difficult to find a location suitable for the purpose of Falls Landing where there would be zero registered offenders within a mile radius. Please be mindful and diligent in protecting yourselves and your children.
For those who follow both of my blogs, sorry bout the duplicate post!
Please be aware that within a 1/2 mile of the proposed location of the new park there are 15 registered sex offenders.
Please be aware that within 1 mile of the proposed location of the new park there are 42 registered sex offenders.
I realize that it would be difficult to find a location suitable for the purpose of Falls Landing where there would be zero registered offenders within a mile radius. Please be mindful and diligent in protecting yourselves and your children.
For those who follow both of my blogs, sorry bout the duplicate post!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Question/Brainteaser
It has been said that anger is a self-chosen poison.
Would you agree?
If yes, please explain, if no please explain.
What is her (anger) match/antidote?
Could it be peace or compassion? Do these two virtues go hand in hand?
Or, is the antidote something different?
How do you cultivate the antidote for anger?
(BTW, for this particular question/brainteaser "Letting it go" is not an acceptable answer)
Would you agree?
If yes, please explain, if no please explain.
What is her (anger) match/antidote?
Could it be peace or compassion? Do these two virtues go hand in hand?
Or, is the antidote something different?
How do you cultivate the antidote for anger?
(BTW, for this particular question/brainteaser "Letting it go" is not an acceptable answer)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Square Pegs Fab Gift is Done
There are a few pictures on Goliath's forum depicting Square Pegs gift.
Feedback is encouraged, and welcome, as I took artistic license with this one.
If you like it, great! Please tell me why. If you don't like it, thats ok too, just say so, and why.
I will drop this off at Goliath's place unless Sellersburg or Borden is more convenient for you to pick it up. Of course, if you do not want it, then please send me a message/comment and let me know.
Feedback is encouraged, and welcome, as I took artistic license with this one.
If you like it, great! Please tell me why. If you don't like it, thats ok too, just say so, and why.
I will drop this off at Goliath's place unless Sellersburg or Borden is more convenient for you to pick it up. Of course, if you do not want it, then please send me a message/comment and let me know.
Stumbled across a new blog this morning
While doing a little "research" this morning I found a blog that I liked.
Please check it out and see what you think...
www.squarepegpeople.typepad.com
I especially like the part of her blog where she shares short stories from others.
It's really good.
Please check it out and see what you think...
www.squarepegpeople.typepad.com
I especially like the part of her blog where she shares short stories from others.
It's really good.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
On a roll, with a square peg(heh, heh) .... gift #3 work in progress!!
Square Peg was a participant on the AWESOME BLOG. Her fabulous gift was a bit tricky to create, due to her name change in recent history, to Ruth Ann. There are characteristics for both names that I could have had fun shopping for. On the surface, it would appear that I elected to stick with her original name, Square Peg. However....if one looks very closely,elements of Ruth Ann will become evident.
Square Peg/Ruth Ann will be receiving a priceless piece of art work, specially created just for her, by me. I will not be posting a picture, yet, as it is a work in progress. Materials for the art piece did not exceed my $5.00 limit.
Square Peg/Ruth Ann will be receiving a priceless piece of art work, specially created just for her, by me. I will not be posting a picture, yet, as it is a work in progress. Materials for the art piece did not exceed my $5.00 limit.
Next prize selected and purchased for Cindiloohoo
"Wipe your feet before you come in and keep them off my coffee table". Portion of intro on Cindiloohoo's blog.
Now this sounds like a lady who takes great pride in the cleanliness of her home.
Protective shoe covers will surely assist her, in keeping the dirt, etc... out of her home. Not everyone wipes their feet as well as they should before entering the homes of others.
These one size fits all shoe covers will contain soot, soil and filth,(see description on ad posted on Goliath's Forum) helping to reassure Cindiloohoo that her home will not be invaded by the nastiness that others may track in on the bottoms of their shoes.
Note to Cindiloohoo,
12 pairs (remember my $5.00 limit) of these high quality shoe covers are yours, simply for participating and submitting correct answers on the AWESOME BLOG.
Now this sounds like a lady who takes great pride in the cleanliness of her home.
Protective shoe covers will surely assist her, in keeping the dirt, etc... out of her home. Not everyone wipes their feet as well as they should before entering the homes of others.
These one size fits all shoe covers will contain soot, soil and filth,(see description on ad posted on Goliath's Forum) helping to reassure Cindiloohoo that her home will not be invaded by the nastiness that others may track in on the bottoms of their shoes.
Note to Cindiloohoo,
12 pairs (remember my $5.00 limit) of these high quality shoe covers are yours, simply for participating and submitting correct answers on the AWESOME BLOG.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
!st prize purchased for Goliath
A lot of time and effort went into selecting this prize. I have described his prize in detail on Goliath's forum.
I know that Goliath likes chickens, Goliath has been around for a very long time, Goliath is a treasured attraction, with a larger than life personality and he is smooth and easy. At times his forum has been described in a negative light-hence the "circus attraction" connection.
I meant no harm or sarcasm in the prize selection for Goliath. If any harm was taken, I am sorry.
I hope to finish purchasing the remaining gifts before this years end. Each gift will bear some meaning to the character or personality of the recipient. Each gift will be pictured and described on Goliath's forum.
I know that Goliath likes chickens, Goliath has been around for a very long time, Goliath is a treasured attraction, with a larger than life personality and he is smooth and easy. At times his forum has been described in a negative light-hence the "circus attraction" connection.
I meant no harm or sarcasm in the prize selection for Goliath. If any harm was taken, I am sorry.
I hope to finish purchasing the remaining gifts before this years end. Each gift will bear some meaning to the character or personality of the recipient. Each gift will be pictured and described on Goliath's forum.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Slower than molasses...
Tabulating who participated in Awesome Blog took soooo long (not really). I just procrastinated, then forgot, then got busy with other stuff, anyway, I just spent a whole 10 minutes or less and it looks like Goliath, Cindiloohoo, Grammy of 5 and Square Peg all participated and submitted correct answers.
Cindiloohoo was the only player who submitted a picture as requested. Even though I could not view the picture she sent, she did send one.
Please let me know how to get the fabulous gifts and prizes out to the 4 of you.
Cindiloohoo was the only player who submitted a picture as requested. Even though I could not view the picture she sent, she did send one.
Please let me know how to get the fabulous gifts and prizes out to the 4 of you.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Reviewing Comments/Answers for Prize Allocations
This morning I will be reviewing the answers which were submitted by YOU, readers of
Awesome Blog.
I will be announcing a winner or two, so tune in later to see if you are one of the lucky ones.
Awesome Blog.
I will be announcing a winner or two, so tune in later to see if you are one of the lucky ones.
Friday, October 14, 2011
More riddles and brain trivia
Your brain is 2% of your total body weight, but uses what % of your bodies energy?
The world record for being fluent in the most languages is held by Ziad Fazah. How many languages can he speak?
The energy used by the brain is enough to light a ________watt light bulb.
What is higher without the head, than with it?
Throughout history there have been thousands of well-documented cases of horses jumping over towers and landing on clergy and small men, forcing their removal. What am I?
The world record for being fluent in the most languages is held by Ziad Fazah. How many languages can he speak?
The energy used by the brain is enough to light a ________watt light bulb.
What is higher without the head, than with it?
Throughout history there have been thousands of well-documented cases of horses jumping over towers and landing on clergy and small men, forcing their removal. What am I?
Monday, October 10, 2011
New Freakin Questions on the Awesome Blog
What % of the average human brain is freakin water?
How many freakin minutes can the brain stay alive without oxygen?
What is the slowest freakin speed information travels in the brain?
How many freakin pounds did Einsteins freakin brain weigh?
How many freakin minutes can the brain stay alive without oxygen?
What is the slowest freakin speed information travels in the brain?
How many freakin pounds did Einsteins freakin brain weigh?
Is everyone stumped on the last round of questions?
I have an arsenal of riddles and trivia.
I hesitate to post more of them due to the lack of response to the last round.
Is everyone stumped, or just tired of riddles?
OMG, was it my REALLY bad cowboy boot joke?
Is the dream of winning fabulous gifts and prizes not enough to get your cranium cranking?
Perhaps it's time to shift gears?
And move to top secret Phase 2 of blog Awesome.
Yes, I said top secret.
I hesitate to post more of them due to the lack of response to the last round.
Is everyone stumped, or just tired of riddles?
OMG, was it my REALLY bad cowboy boot joke?
Is the dream of winning fabulous gifts and prizes not enough to get your cranium cranking?
Perhaps it's time to shift gears?
And move to top secret Phase 2 of blog Awesome.
Yes, I said top secret.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Next round of questions, put on your thinking caps, helmets, hats or bonnets
"My life can be measured in hours, I serve by being devoured. Thin, I am quick. Fat, I am slow. Wind is my foe. What am I?
"Stiff is my spine and my body is pale, but I'm always ready to tell a tale". What am I?
For Lisa, "What do you get when you divide the diameter of a jack-o-lantern by its circumference"?
I have a neck, but no head, but I still wear a cap. What am I?
I start with an "e", I end with an "e", but I usually contain only one letter. What am I?
"Stiff is my spine and my body is pale, but I'm always ready to tell a tale". What am I?
For Lisa, "What do you get when you divide the diameter of a jack-o-lantern by its circumference"?
I have a neck, but no head, but I still wear a cap. What am I?
I start with an "e", I end with an "e", but I usually contain only one letter. What am I?
Ken, Listen UP
Ken,
The Cool Girls are kicking my bootay on page views. Please try to limit the number of times you visit that site. It is making this bestawesomeblog look lame. Don't make me call Barbie.
Thank you
The Cool Girls are kicking my bootay on page views. Please try to limit the number of times you visit that site. It is making this bestawesomeblog look lame. Don't make me call Barbie.
Thank you
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