Monday, February 28, 2011

Flooded forest aquascape


Australian river system


Nature Connections in February

This month we made a few excretions outdoors as part of our Nature Studies and our appreciation for Nature. At the beginning of the month (February 4th), our city got a treat for once in over a decade. We had a light snowfall and I mean light but it was still a wonderful experience for the boys to see snow for the first time.The boys enjoyed playing with the snow and watching their breath in the

Be Transformed

Nature is so natural....
                                                 Yellow crested cockatoo..

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
 but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--
His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans" 12:2

I awoke this morning with the above verse.
And wondered why??
Am I too worldly?
I suppose in many ways, we all are to some extent.

Reading this verse through and contemplating further,
I can't help but realise, that even two thousand years ago,
this was an issue!!!

Man has never been content!
There is always a seeking for what is considered the best.
Or..
The most authentic!

I am no different to anyone else.
Last night I went to bed desiring certain changes in my life.
How selfish is that???
After all, if I trust in the Lord with all my heart, then I know, my life is how God Will's it to be.
If I want to complain in my heart,
then I am saying to God,
"I don't like the way you do things."

When I look deeply within myself,
 Am I wanting to conform to the ways of the world???
 Always have a tidy home and everything perfect.
OR
Can I allow myself to be transformed to the Perfect Will of God??

What is that Will??

2 Peter 3, says "God desires that none should perish."

He also desires we "build up treasure in Heaven, not on earth."


On our news last night they showed the fashions of the women attending the Oscar's.
The emphasis was on walking the red carpet, posing, camera's flashing, and who looked the best.
Such a lot of pomp and glamour.
And, just for one night?

What are your priorities?
Are you a God pleaser or a man pleaser??
I believe we all need to search our heart on this.


Relish a Great Barrier Reef Holiday in Australia


The Great Barrier Reef, located in the Cairns, acts as a home to colorful and lively marine life. It is one of the most famous boarding points and natural wonders of world. The world largest coral reef collection with around 1500 fish species, 400 kinds of corals and 400 mollusk types are found at this place. It can be seen from outer space and is the world biggest single structure made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. CNN has labelled it one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The Queensland National Trust has named it a state icon of Queensland.

The place also serves as the habitat for species like green turtle and sea cow that are on the verge of extinction. It is listed in the world heritage site and has become a premier vacation spot in Australia. This reef that runs parallel to Queensland coast has been declared as the Marine Park by the government of Australia. One can find the most exciting varieties of rare mammals and species in the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef one of the major Australia attractions, offers a treat to the underwater explorers, scuba divers and lovers of romantic and exotic tropical islands. You can witness succession of magnificent reefs that extend from the south of tropic of Capricorn to the Torres Strait situated in the north. It is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia.

The spectacular reefs make the Australia vacations fun filled and memorable. The 2000 kilometers long reef provides the people on Great Barrier Reef holiday with a lot of access points. You can take a cruise to visit the reef while on the Australia vacation.

Scuba diving is one of the most enormous attractions of the place. You can have an experience of a lifetime with the spectacular coral formations, vivid marine life, amazing visibility and comfortable temperature of water all year round. Whether you are an expert or a beginner diver, Australia vacations is incomplete without a visit to the Reef.

There are lots of diving shops and schools nearby that can provide you with secure diving tips. You can relish the Great Barrier Reef holiday with the proper training and equipments needed for diving.

A close rendezvous with lovely marine life can make your Australia holiday simply mesmerizing. Snorkeling and scuba diving let you have an effortless transportation to the lovely and spell binding marine world. You can closely witness the extraordinary realm with the colorful and beautiful life in crystal clear waters.

Paying a visit to this world heritage site can be a memorable add-on to your Australia vacation. The greatest concentration of marine life at this place lets the visitors have the greatest times of their lives. It is one of Australia most famous and popular attractions in Australia, and its reputation for stunning coral reefs and plethora of sea creatures is wholly deserved. Next time you plan Australia vacations, do not forget to visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Relish a Great Barrier Reef Holiday in Australia


The Great Barrier Reef, located in the Cairns, acts as a home to colorful and lively marine life. It is one of the most famous boarding points and natural wonders of world. The world largest coral reef collection with around 1500 fish species, 400 kinds of corals and 400 mollusk types are found at this place. It can be seen from outer space and is the world biggest single structure made by living organisms. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. CNN has labelled it one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The Queensland National Trust has named it a state icon of Queensland.

The place also serves as the habitat for species like green turtle and sea cow that are on the verge of extinction. It is listed in the world heritage site and has become a premier vacation spot in Australia. This reef that runs parallel to Queensland coast has been declared as the Marine Park by the government of Australia. One can find the most exciting varieties of rare mammals and species in the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef one of the major Australia attractions, offers a treat to the underwater explorers, scuba divers and lovers of romantic and exotic tropical islands. You can witness succession of magnificent reefs that extend from the south of tropic of Capricorn to the Torres Strait situated in the north. It is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia.

The spectacular reefs make the Australia vacations fun filled and memorable. The 2000 kilometers long reef provides the people on Great Barrier Reef holiday with a lot of access points. You can take a cruise to visit the reef while on the Australia vacation.

Scuba diving is one of the most enormous attractions of the place. You can have an experience of a lifetime with the spectacular coral formations, vivid marine life, amazing visibility and comfortable temperature of water all year round. Whether you are an expert or a beginner diver, Australia vacations is incomplete without a visit to the Reef.

There are lots of diving shops and schools nearby that can provide you with secure diving tips. You can relish the Great Barrier Reef holiday with the proper training and equipments needed for diving.

A close rendezvous with lovely marine life can make your Australia holiday simply mesmerizing. Snorkeling and scuba diving let you have an effortless transportation to the lovely and spell binding marine world. You can closely witness the extraordinary realm with the colorful and beautiful life in crystal clear waters.

Paying a visit to this world heritage site can be a memorable add-on to your Australia vacation. The greatest concentration of marine life at this place lets the visitors have the greatest times of their lives. It is one of Australia most famous and popular attractions in Australia, and its reputation for stunning coral reefs and plethora of sea creatures is wholly deserved. Next time you plan Australia vacations, do not forget to visit the Great Barrier Reef.

The Azur Window



The Azure Window is another spectacular natural landmark in Dwejra, along with The Inland Sea and Fungus Rock. The Azure Window at the end of the cliff, is a giant doorway, through which one can admire the blue expanse beyond the cliff. It must be one of the most photographed vistas of the Islands, and is particularly spectacular during the winter, when waves crash high inside the arch. The sea around is very deep and of a dark blue hue, which explains why it is called the Azure Window. The rocks in this area are encrusted with fossilized crustaceans, evidence that most of the island was once covered by water. In front of the Azure Window is the Blue Hole, and The Chimney, two of the most popular dive sites in Gozo. 

The Azur Window



The Azure Window is another spectacular natural landmark in Dwejra, along with The Inland Sea and Fungus Rock. The Azure Window at the end of the cliff, is a giant doorway, through which one can admire the blue expanse beyond the cliff. It must be one of the most photographed vistas of the Islands, and is particularly spectacular during the winter, when waves crash high inside the arch. The sea around is very deep and of a dark blue hue, which explains why it is called the Azure Window. The rocks in this area are encrusted with fossilized crustaceans, evidence that most of the island was once covered by water. In front of the Azure Window is the Blue Hole, and The Chimney, two of the most popular dive sites in Gozo. 

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Diet Drinks Deadly for Hearts !



I caught a revealing interview on our local morning show the other day. Apparently there was a new study linking artificial sweeteners, as found in diet drinks, to a 61% increase in heart disease and strokes. It was presented 3 weeks ago at the 2011 International Stroke Conference. This young medical doctor said she had no idea that artificial sweeteners were such a problem and proceeded to say that her office staff always had a diet drink in front of them. She went on to dismiss the research by saying she wouldn't think that one would drink more than one a day so it wouldn't become a problem. I believe this sweet young ignorant thing is completely out of touch as to the diets of Australians, Kiwis, Americans and the British. Many diet drink guzzlers drink on average 3 to 4 drinks a day, some drinking as many as 10! With their large market share, Coke Zero and Pepsi Max are the worst offenders in causing this serious health danger.


She would only have to do her own Googling as I have done on artificial sweeteners to find that since 1974 when ASPARTAME was first approved that there has been a groundswell of research and anecdotal evidence linking it to: diabetes, neurological disorders, obesity, appetite dysfunction, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's, chronic fatigue syndrome, brain tumours, birth defects, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, cancer, migraines and now....heart disease & strokes. It is beyond my comprehension how anyone would ever consider consuming this non-food item. At the end of the interview the co-host said, "So the lesson is everything in moderation."


If I hear that comment one more time...I think I'll scream! There are some things that should never be consumed in moderation and I would put high on the list artificial sweeteners, followed by margarine (read my "ticked off" posting on Oct 27th), hydrogenated vegetable oils, homogenised milk and suspect food like soy, enhancers and additives. Those little packets of Equal, Splenda, Sweet'n low and Nutrasweet on restaurant tables are dangerous and should be banned from being in any food or beverage sold for human consumption.


The problem is profits and consumer demand. Many people go on a diet to lose weight and consume diet drinks and foods with this Aspartame in them thinking this is an easy way to keep the pounds off but it is doing the reverse. It is fooling your body by leaving you more hungry and causes more fat to be produced.


The Way I See It....Aspartame is creeping into many other foods besides diet drinks. Items frequently containing this toxin include; breath mints, diet ice creams, diet jams and jellies, flavoured waters, low-cal juices, snack bars, sugar-free candies, baked goods, children's medications, sugar-free chewing gums and now even the energy booster...Berocca. These artificial sweeteners are in approximately 6,000 food products world wide.

I see no need to wait for more scientific documentation to make alternative dietary choices and to not make these foods or soft drinks any part of your nutritional intake.

Aglaonema Fruits


Crassula aquatica





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crassula_aquatica

The Laem Sor Pagoda



The pagoda is located on the grounds of Laem Sor Temple at Samui island, Thailand. It sits magnificently at the rocks on the water's edge. It is covered in countless small yellow tiles, which appear golden when viewed from a short distance. At the far south of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Page Ka, you can reach the temple by following the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalow."

The Laem Sor Pagoda



The pagoda is located on the grounds of Laem Sor Temple at Samui island, Thailand. It sits magnificently at the rocks on the water's edge. It is covered in countless small yellow tiles, which appear golden when viewed from a short distance. At the far south of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Page Ka, you can reach the temple by following the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalow."

Samui Island



Samui Island or Ko Samui is the largest of a group of nearly 100 tropical islands in the Gulf of Thailand along the east coast of Surat Thani Province. These islands are known as the Samui archipelago. The most phenomenally famous tourist destinations, attracting a wide range of visitors from all over the world, are the three largest islands: Samui, Phangan, and Tao. Long sandy beaches, green mountainous interiors, colorful coral reefs, a warm tropical climate and an easy-going people with a ready smile clearly define Samui's appeal.

Some 1,500 years ago Samui was probably first inhabited by fishermen using the island as a base to fish its rich waters. The island was first officially recorded on a Ming Dynasty map from China in approximately 1,500 AD. Many immigrants from Hunan have settled in the northern villages of Nathon and Maenam. Muslim fishermen settled in the South and East and Huan Thanon is still a strong Muslim enclave. During the 17th to 18th centuries the islands came under the rule of Nakhon Si Thammarat which at that time was the main power in southern Thailand. Eventually it came under the direct rule of the Siamese from Bangkok in the late 18th century, but Samui and other islands have always been essentially self-governing. By the end of the 19th century, the remote communities had been established and word of the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand was already seeping through to the greater Thai country. After the Second World War, Thailand became more economically sophisticated and natural products such as timber, rubber and fruit became tradable commodities. These fertile islands were important for the plantations of coconuts which began to assume economic value to the country. Then the backpackers arrived and gradually tourism began to dominate the island economically and socially.

Ko Samui, the third largest island of Thailand and thelargest in the southeast in the Gulf of Thailand, is surrounded with almost a hundred islands. The main islands, which are all near Samui Island and are inhabited, are Phangan, Tao and Tan Islands. Samui Island is 247 sq km It is full of tropical jungle and mountains up to 600 m high and is covered by almost 3 million coconut trees, some over 160 years old and 35 m tall.

Samui Island



Samui Island or Ko Samui is the largest of a group of nearly 100 tropical islands in the Gulf of Thailand along the east coast of Surat Thani Province. These islands are known as the Samui archipelago. The most phenomenally famous tourist destinations, attracting a wide range of visitors from all over the world, are the three largest islands: Samui, Phangan, and Tao. Long sandy beaches, green mountainous interiors, colorful coral reefs, a warm tropical climate and an easy-going people with a ready smile clearly define Samui's appeal.

Some 1,500 years ago Samui was probably first inhabited by fishermen using the island as a base to fish its rich waters. The island was first officially recorded on a Ming Dynasty map from China in approximately 1,500 AD. Many immigrants from Hunan have settled in the northern villages of Nathon and Maenam. Muslim fishermen settled in the South and East and Huan Thanon is still a strong Muslim enclave. During the 17th to 18th centuries the islands came under the rule of Nakhon Si Thammarat which at that time was the main power in southern Thailand. Eventually it came under the direct rule of the Siamese from Bangkok in the late 18th century, but Samui and other islands have always been essentially self-governing. By the end of the 19th century, the remote communities had been established and word of the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand was already seeping through to the greater Thai country. After the Second World War, Thailand became more economically sophisticated and natural products such as timber, rubber and fruit became tradable commodities. These fertile islands were important for the plantations of coconuts which began to assume economic value to the country. Then the backpackers arrived and gradually tourism began to dominate the island economically and socially.

Ko Samui, the third largest island of Thailand and thelargest in the southeast in the Gulf of Thailand, is surrounded with almost a hundred islands. The main islands, which are all near Samui Island and are inhabited, are Phangan, Tao and Tan Islands. Samui Island is 247 sq km It is full of tropical jungle and mountains up to 600 m high and is covered by almost 3 million coconut trees, some over 160 years old and 35 m tall.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Week In Review: All about Birds (week 21)

February 21 to February 25This Wednesday we began our two week unit study on birds (to coincide with the Great Backyard Bird Count).

We learned what birds are, which birds fly and which do not. We read books about birds and painted with feathers. It was a fun filled week that included our Nature Study on birds in our area.
Note: For those who do not know my sons are nicknamed Godzilla boy, age

Hoplosternum thoracatum - Brown Hoplo Catfish





http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fish/hoplocatfish.php

Coral - Camden Aquarium


Fluoride Is Poisoning Your Children !


Two months ago I informed you that the courageous citizens of Waterloo, Ontario in Canada finally overcame scientific dogma and dental association ignorance and voted to stop fluoridating their town's water supply. There is word that there are other town councils across Canada now facing consumer demand to stop poisoning them. Now I have more proof they and YOU can use in the fight against such a mass toxic medication of the public.


A new groundbreaking study has found that the protective shield fluoride forms on your teeth is up to 100 times thinner than previously believed! This raises the questions about how this supposed renowned cavity fighter really works, because it has long been believed that fluoride changes the main mineral in tooth enamel, hydroxyapatite, into a more decay resistant material called fluorapatite. To the researchers shock, they found that the fluorapatite layer formed in this way is only 6 nanometers thick -- meaning it would take almost 10,000 such layers to get the width of a strand of human hair.


According to Science Daily, "The scientists question whether a layer so thin, which is quickly worn away by ordinary chewing, REALLY can shield teeth from decay." The conventional wisdom has been that topical application of fluoride can help strengthen your enamel and help prevent decay. If that's now untrue, then the case against water fluoridation (the ingestion of fluoride) becomes even stronger than it ever has before. Pass this on to your poor, deluded dentist.


Tell him and every friend and relative that there's no doubt that ingesting fluoride has no beneficial effect on your teeth. In fact, there's overwhelming evidence indicating that fluoride is a potent toxin that can cause a wide array of severe health problems once ingested, especially in children. Another new study shows that exposure to fluoride lowers children's intelligence. It reported that "about 28% of children in the low-fluoride region scored as bright, normal or higher intelligence compared to only 8 % in the high-fluoride region...a high-fluoride city, as well as 15% had scores indicating mental retardation and with only 6% in the low-fluoride city."


Amazingly there are only eight countries in the entire developed world stupid enough to fluoridate more than 50% of there water supply. They are the United States, Australia, Columbia, Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand. Mainland Europe is not fluoridated, and yet, according to the World Health Organization data, their teeth are just as good, if not better than the "stupid eight". In addition to this study, there are 23 more studies done in different countries which indicate that even moderate exposure to fluoride lowers IQ in children.


The Way I See It....with millions of children being exposed unnecessarily to this neurotoxin on a daily basis, who in their right mind would risk lowering their child's intelligence and success in life in order to reduce a small amount of tooth decay, after reading this evidence. I have seen studies showing fluoride can accumulate in your body and can, over time, besides brain damage & dementia lead to lowered Thyroid function, Immune system inhibition, Bone fractures and cancer and Sperm damage (with associated infertility).


What gets me angry, because NO WHERE in these fluoridated countries has any public Health Department or Dental Association come out and warned parents not to use fluoridated tap water to make infant formula! It's down-right criminal and these agencies that promote fluoridation should be made to answer, in light of this new damming evidence, to an enraged public. It's time you and your family and friends stand up and join an anti-fluoridation group in your area or at least spend the money to get a reverse osmosis system for your residence. Also don't allow your children to use soft drinks as a substitute for fluoridated water, as it is also unhealthy to young, growing bodies due to the High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Shenzhen Nan'ao Bay


Shenzhen Nan'ao Bay is famous for its great variety of sea food, which is exceptionally fresh and tasty. It's an excellent place to sample some more unusual sea creatures! The sea here is teeming with rare sea animals such as abalone and sea urchin, etc.

Nan'ao town is a small fishing village with traditional local customs. The atmosphere is full of life and activity of the local residents. It is a pleasant district to wander and explore the beach, sample seafood, appreciate the unusual sea creatures. Visitors also can take a good view of some small islands near here by renting speed boat.

Most of the local residents make a living by the sea food. When twilight comes, they enjoy the most beautiful sunset and sing their fishing song on the seashore. In town, there are lots of seafood restaurants, where people can taste the delicious seafood dishes.

Shenzhen Nan'ao Bay


Shenzhen Nan'ao Bay is famous for its great variety of sea food, which is exceptionally fresh and tasty. It's an excellent place to sample some more unusual sea creatures! The sea here is teeming with rare sea animals such as abalone and sea urchin, etc.

Nan'ao town is a small fishing village with traditional local customs. The atmosphere is full of life and activity of the local residents. It is a pleasant district to wander and explore the beach, sample seafood, appreciate the unusual sea creatures. Visitors also can take a good view of some small islands near here by renting speed boat.

Most of the local residents make a living by the sea food. When twilight comes, they enjoy the most beautiful sunset and sing their fishing song on the seashore. In town, there are lots of seafood restaurants, where people can taste the delicious seafood dishes.

What my children are reading: February 21 to 26

This week we began our two week unit study on birds. We learned what birds are, which birds fly and which do not. We read books about birds, painted with feathers. It was a fun filled week that included our Nature Study on birds in our area.The boys enjoyed the selections of books we read about birds. The book that we found valuable as a resource was Baby Birds by Bobbie Kalman. My youngest son

Tourism In Bangladesh


A tourist is a person who visits a place for pleasure. Nobody knows him in the place where he visits. He is a newcomer. He goes to foreign land in order to gather knowledge from different historical, tradition and cultural places.

A tourist is a stranger but a visitor is a known person. The purpose of visiting of a tourist is to enjoy the sights and beauties of nature. A tourist stays in a hotel or in a motel. On the other hand a visitor stays with the known friends and relatives in their houses. A tourist needs a guide but a visitor needs no guide.

Cox's Bazar is the most important good-looking place in Bangladesh. Paharpur, Mahasthanghar, Mynamati, Sonargaon are the very prominent worth-seeing places in the country. Lalbagh Kella, Bahadur Shah Park, National Mausaleum at Savar. The zoo at Mirpur, Botanical Garden beside the zoo aat Mirpur; Baldha garden at Wari are the worth mentioning good-looking places in Dhaka in Bangladesh. All these places are very attractive and charming to the tourists.

Tourists are strangers. Those people who helps the tourists in new places are called tourists guides. Tourists guides show the tourists comfortable hotels to stay in. They receive the tourists and answers their telephone calls. Some tourist guides help the tourists with heavy boxes and packets. People helping the tourists must be good at history and quick at arithmetic.

Tourism is an industry of Bangladesh. So we should take steps to make all the good-looking places in Bangladesh more attractive and charming to make it a more lucrative industry in future. Thus it can be a good source of earning foreign exchange.

Tourism In Bangladesh


A tourist is a person who visits a place for pleasure. Nobody knows him in the place where he visits. He is a newcomer. He goes to foreign land in order to gather knowledge from different historical, tradition and cultural places.

A tourist is a stranger but a visitor is a known person. The purpose of visiting of a tourist is to enjoy the sights and beauties of nature. A tourist stays in a hotel or in a motel. On the other hand a visitor stays with the known friends and relatives in their houses. A tourist needs a guide but a visitor needs no guide.

Cox's Bazar is the most important good-looking place in Bangladesh. Paharpur, Mahasthanghar, Mynamati, Sonargaon are the very prominent worth-seeing places in the country. Lalbagh Kella, Bahadur Shah Park, National Mausaleum at Savar. The zoo at Mirpur, Botanical Garden beside the zoo aat Mirpur; Baldha garden at Wari are the worth mentioning good-looking places in Dhaka in Bangladesh. All these places are very attractive and charming to the tourists.

Tourists are strangers. Those people who helps the tourists in new places are called tourists guides. Tourists guides show the tourists comfortable hotels to stay in. They receive the tourists and answers their telephone calls. Some tourist guides help the tourists with heavy boxes and packets. People helping the tourists must be good at history and quick at arithmetic.

Tourism is an industry of Bangladesh. So we should take steps to make all the good-looking places in Bangladesh more attractive and charming to make it a more lucrative industry in future. Thus it can be a good source of earning foreign exchange.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Bull Point



Based at the extreme South of East Falklands, Bull Point is an isolated, photogenic location offering access to gentoo and Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and many native plants and flowers. The site is low-lying, and the land immediately around the point was recently cleared of farm stock - leading to an improvement in the diversity of flora.
Reaching the site is a challenging 4WD trek, but visitors are rewarded with wonderful views over an extensive sand dunes system and the coast. A series of permanent and seasonal pools are popular with bird watchers, as they provide valuable habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. Maritime enthusiasts will also enjoy examining the hulk of the Craigielea, a large 3-masted barque that was wrecked on the western point in 1879.
Bull Point is a large site with many points of interest for visitors. It is an excellent full-day trip but much better enjoyed by utilising self-catering accommodation found at various points across North Arm Farm or from Goose Green/Darwin or Walker Creek.

Bull Point



Based at the extreme South of East Falklands, Bull Point is an isolated, photogenic location offering access to gentoo and Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and many native plants and flowers. The site is low-lying, and the land immediately around the point was recently cleared of farm stock - leading to an improvement in the diversity of flora.
Reaching the site is a challenging 4WD trek, but visitors are rewarded with wonderful views over an extensive sand dunes system and the coast. A series of permanent and seasonal pools are popular with bird watchers, as they provide valuable habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. Maritime enthusiasts will also enjoy examining the hulk of the Craigielea, a large 3-masted barque that was wrecked on the western point in 1879.
Bull Point is a large site with many points of interest for visitors. It is an excellent full-day trip but much better enjoyed by utilising self-catering accommodation found at various points across North Arm Farm or from Goose Green/Darwin or Walker Creek.

Flooded forest


Caymen eating a Piranha


Bertha Beach



Named after the Norwegian iron barque that wrecked at the site in 1892, Bertha’s Beach is a gentle 10 minute drive from Mount Pleasant Military Complex. Open to the general public with permission, the area is popular with locals and military day-trippers and features a beautiful white sand beach with abundant bird and marine life. The site also offers plenty of opportunity for hiking, photography and picnicking. Dolphins are a regular feature at the beach, often coming close to shore as they hunt in the shallows. Access to the beach is via a locked gate, contact details to obtain access are outlined below.

Bertha Beach



Named after the Norwegian iron barque that wrecked at the site in 1892, Bertha’s Beach is a gentle 10 minute drive from Mount Pleasant Military Complex. Open to the general public with permission, the area is popular with locals and military day-trippers and features a beautiful white sand beach with abundant bird and marine life. The site also offers plenty of opportunity for hiking, photography and picnicking. Dolphins are a regular feature at the beach, often coming close to shore as they hunt in the shallows. Access to the beach is via a locked gate, contact details to obtain access are outlined below.

Homeschool Mother’s Journal (for February 25)


I have been participating in another journal for sometime and when I read about this one I thought I would try to participate. I am still keeping up with my homemaker journal because it ties in with my bible devotionals and housekeeping but wanted a separate journal for homeschooling so this is my first entry for The Homeschool Mother’s Journal.


In my life this week...Some of our

TRAUMA- GRIEF and LOSS

2 Corinthians 4:16-18



" Therefore we do not lose heart!!


Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.


So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen.... is eternal."


I guess when you come through much trauma and hurt in your life, there comes a time when you can't bear any more.


This could be termed denial.


It's where I stand in regard to the devastation in New Zealand.


Tonight I allowed myself to watch the evening news..
Only to hear of a man caught under rubble whose life depended on amputation.


The doctor interviewed described how this man would have died in approximately 15 minutes as his legs were crushed.
Using tools from nearby workmen, his legs were cut off.
He is now recovering in hospital.
Grief..... at the loss of his limbs...

And what of those doctors who performed the rough operation?
Grief...... at the effect of what needed to be done.
Grief...... at the lack of hygienic conditions.
Grief...... there was no other choice!


There are many reasons for grief, and this week in N.Z. some of those reasons will become apparent.


Loss of a loved one.
Loss of a body part.
Loss of health.
Loss of a home.
Loss of income.
Loss of work.
Loss of a city.
It takes a while for reality to hit, and it hasn't yet.


The trauma builds up.
And although people put on a brave face.                                                    
No-one knows except themselves, how their heart aches.


This diagram shows the emotional walk through grief and loss.



It's something we all, at some time, walk alone.
No words can mend the pain, only time eventually heals.


How can we help when someone is grieving??
By simply holding a hand and listening...
By just being there.


One thing they don't need to hear is, "get over it," or "time heals."


It's a hard place to be in.
And yet there is good in everthing.

When we mourn, we are comforted.
When we sorrow, we understand anothers..
When we overcome, we grow.  



Then He (Jesus) said to them:
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven."
Luke 21:10
(And then the end will come)... 


































Thursday, February 24, 2011

Amazon stream


Planting Medium


Ko Nang Yuan


Ko Nang Yuan is a group of three islands northwest of Ko Tao. The pretty little islands are interconnected by a long sandy beach. The long stripe of smooth white sand can be explored on foot.

The beaches on the islands are undisturbed and quiet, and they are all clean. The highlight of Nang Yuan is the beautiful scenery of the underwater world. The most magnificent and deepest spot is called Kohng Hin Nang Yuan which has unspoiled and untouched coral reefs. 

Nang Yuan is also good for snorkeling. Just 10 m away from the shore, the deepwater coral reefs and marine life are clearly seen in the transparent blue seas and the bright sun. The stunning view of a panoramic scene of the sandy beach that links all three islands together can be reached by a 50 m staircase.

There is one bungalow resort on Nang Yuan with a full range of facilities for your convenience, but the price is quite expensive, ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 baht. From Ko Tao's pier there is a long tailed boat to Nang Yuan for the price of 100 baht, from 8.00 am - 4.00 pm.

Ko Nang Yuan


Ko Nang Yuan is a group of three islands northwest of Ko Tao. The pretty little islands are interconnected by a long sandy beach. The long stripe of smooth white sand can be explored on foot.

The beaches on the islands are undisturbed and quiet, and they are all clean. The highlight of Nang Yuan is the beautiful scenery of the underwater world. The most magnificent and deepest spot is called Kohng Hin Nang Yuan which has unspoiled and untouched coral reefs. 

Nang Yuan is also good for snorkeling. Just 10 m away from the shore, the deepwater coral reefs and marine life are clearly seen in the transparent blue seas and the bright sun. The stunning view of a panoramic scene of the sandy beach that links all three islands together can be reached by a 50 m staircase.

There is one bungalow resort on Nang Yuan with a full range of facilities for your convenience, but the price is quite expensive, ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 baht. From Ko Tao's pier there is a long tailed boat to Nang Yuan for the price of 100 baht, from 8.00 am - 4.00 pm.

Bangladesh Tourism - The Longest Natural Sea Beach: A Great Place for a Bangladesh Vacation


What might be the reasons one would choose Bangladesh to be the place of their next vacation? Is there anything special to talk about? Anything to be remembered after the vacation? Anything special that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else? Okay, let me tell you then. Yes, there are. 

Bangladesh Tourism is blessed with a few unique gifts of nature you cannot enjoy anywhere else.

Bangladesh Tourism is relatively new. This is precisely the reason the world is unaware of these gems. These places are simply not advertised enough. It not advertised as "a dream vacation in Caribbean". Of course Caribbean is a great place to plan a vacation. However, I humbly like to put my claim before you: A Bangladesh Vacation would not be less with the right choice of places. It is True.

There are two kinds of vacation hunters and visitors. The first group would be eager to get in the hotel right after getting off the plane. Take to shower, food and rest. The next day, they would go out with the tour operator or hotel guide. They would see what their guide wanted them to see, They would enjoy what their guide wanted them to enjoy. Then they would just go back. This group is great for historical sites or monuments seeing and not so good for an echo tourism. There is another group of visitors do better for ecotourism or a relaxed vacation. This group has imagination, is inquisitive and like to venture everything themselves. They would not walk away to see a beautiful waterfall in the mountain, walking 3-4 hours through the upward hilly jungle. They would touch, test and savour everything on the way.

I like to warn the first group that if you are looking for great hotels and great treatment, Bangladesh would not be a great place for that. At least nothing special in this respect and same as other places. Other places might have even better facilities. I also like to welcome the second group, the inquisitive one. Bangladesh Tourism can make their visit, a visit of a lifetime. However, you have to plan exactly, which place you are going to visit. For instance, the largest mangrove forest with hundreds of river streams supported by a wide variety of wild life. Just stretch your imagination to figure out the beauty of the place. However, today I am going to tell you about another gem of Bangladesh Tourism. Place I went several times, even on my honeymoon.

Do you know that the longest natural sea beach is at Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh? It is almost 120 miles stretched, a great place for a vacation. So many beaches to savour. You like a crowded one? You got it. You are planning to enjoy a sunset with your fiancée all alone in a stretch of sea beach? No human as far as your eyes got to. This place is a major tourist attraction supported by some go? 5 and four star rated hotels and an airport so you can reach there directly from any place. Of course you should visit this place and enjoy. Stay there a day or two, but this is not the gem I wanted to mention.

Even if you have to miss Cox's bazar the longest natural sea beach, do not miss visiting an island called Saint Martin. It is 45 miles across the sea, the Bay of Bengal. A beautiful island with sandy beaches all around and with crystal-clear water. This is the place to plan for a great Bangladesh Vacation. You may not find 5 or four star rated hotels here but the enough good quality resorts and guest house right on the beaches are waiting to welcome you. You can enjoy the sea and the beaches right from your balcony.

You must note one thing, it is best and safe to visit Saint Martin in between November to March. This is the safest time with no rain and storm. The remains safe and welcoming at this period. There are few quality ferries available for visitors and tourists at this particular period twice a day.

Bangladesh Tourism - The Longest Natural Sea Beach: A Great Place for a Bangladesh Vacation


What might be the reasons one would choose Bangladesh to be the place of their next vacation? Is there anything special to talk about? Anything to be remembered after the vacation? Anything special that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else? Okay, let me tell you then. Yes, there are. 

Bangladesh Tourism is blessed with a few unique gifts of nature you cannot enjoy anywhere else.

Bangladesh Tourism is relatively new. This is precisely the reason the world is unaware of these gems. These places are simply not advertised enough. It not advertised as "a dream vacation in Caribbean". Of course Caribbean is a great place to plan a vacation. However, I humbly like to put my claim before you: A Bangladesh Vacation would not be less with the right choice of places. It is True.

There are two kinds of vacation hunters and visitors. The first group would be eager to get in the hotel right after getting off the plane. Take to shower, food and rest. The next day, they would go out with the tour operator or hotel guide. They would see what their guide wanted them to see, They would enjoy what their guide wanted them to enjoy. Then they would just go back. This group is great for historical sites or monuments seeing and not so good for an echo tourism. There is another group of visitors do better for ecotourism or a relaxed vacation. This group has imagination, is inquisitive and like to venture everything themselves. They would not walk away to see a beautiful waterfall in the mountain, walking 3-4 hours through the upward hilly jungle. They would touch, test and savour everything on the way.

I like to warn the first group that if you are looking for great hotels and great treatment, Bangladesh would not be a great place for that. At least nothing special in this respect and same as other places. Other places might have even better facilities. I also like to welcome the second group, the inquisitive one. Bangladesh Tourism can make their visit, a visit of a lifetime. However, you have to plan exactly, which place you are going to visit. For instance, the largest mangrove forest with hundreds of river streams supported by a wide variety of wild life. Just stretch your imagination to figure out the beauty of the place. However, today I am going to tell you about another gem of Bangladesh Tourism. Place I went several times, even on my honeymoon.

Do you know that the longest natural sea beach is at Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh? It is almost 120 miles stretched, a great place for a vacation. So many beaches to savour. You like a crowded one? You got it. You are planning to enjoy a sunset with your fiancée all alone in a stretch of sea beach? No human as far as your eyes got to. This place is a major tourist attraction supported by some go? 5 and four star rated hotels and an airport so you can reach there directly from any place. Of course you should visit this place and enjoy. Stay there a day or two, but this is not the gem I wanted to mention.

Even if you have to miss Cox's bazar the longest natural sea beach, do not miss visiting an island called Saint Martin. It is 45 miles across the sea, the Bay of Bengal. A beautiful island with sandy beaches all around and with crystal-clear water. This is the place to plan for a great Bangladesh Vacation. You may not find 5 or four star rated hotels here but the enough good quality resorts and guest house right on the beaches are waiting to welcome you. You can enjoy the sea and the beaches right from your balcony.

You must note one thing, it is best and safe to visit Saint Martin in between November to March. This is the safest time with no rain and storm. The remains safe and welcoming at this period. There are few quality ferries available for visitors and tourists at this particular period twice a day.