More on the active earth and animals!

With Katla and the earthquake activity that results during an eruption on my mind, , my thoughts are on an article published two years ago. Earthquakes and animal behavior have often been linked. Here is an example.

Toads Predicted China Earthquake May 17th, 2008 By susannah vila

A China buff lamented that the nation’s technological prowess had devolved. “Why, if the Chinese had come to know so much about earthquakes so early on in their immensely long history, were they never able to minimize the[ir] effects?” Why couldn’t they predict even a humongous earthquake like this one?

Maybe they could. Or, at least, their toads could. The buzz in the Chinese blogosphere is that two days before the quake, toads invaded a Sichuan Province town called Mianzhu. The mass migration was seen as an ill omen. Residents were scared, but officials dismissed it as completely normal toad behavior.

Toads weren’t the only creatures to outdo Chinese authorities in forecasting the earthquake. Cows flung themselves into fences, zebras banged their heads into doors, elephants threatened to bruise unwitting humans with their flailing trunks, lions and tigers paced, and peacocks screeched.

Katla! Oh, my!

A second, much larger volcano in Iceland is showing signs that it may be about to erupt, scientists have warned.

Since the start of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which caused cancellations of thousands of flights in Europe because of a giant ash cloud, there has been much speculation about neighboring Katla.

An initial research paper by the University College of London Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction said: "Analysis of the seismic energy released around Katla over the last decade or so is interpreted as providing evidence of a rising ... intrusive magma body on the western flank of the volcano."

"Earlier seismic energy release at Katla is associated with the inflation of the volcano, which indicates it is close to failure, although this does not appear to be linked to seismicity around Eyjafjallajökull," it added.

"We conclude that given the high frequency of Katla activity, an eruption in the short term is a strong possibility," the report said. "It is likely to be preceded by new earthquake activity. Presently there is no unusual seismicity under Katla."

When Katla erupts it spews forth enormous amounts of ash. This volcano system is thought to be the reason for cooling in Europe that led to crop failure and then the french revolution. More importantly, jet engines cannot work when there is ash in the atmosphere. the engines just turn off automatically. If there is a big eruption in Katla, flight over north Atlantic and possibly parts of (depends on the weather) Europe or north America could be grounded. for weeks or even months if it is a big eruption.

Hanna's Quarter!

Thanks to our Pittsburg friends, the Damiani clan, we have the opportunity of sharing in their "kid" adventures. Candi posted this xray of Hanna (2 1/2), who swallowed a quarter last week.

I do not think that Candi will mind if I post her Facebook quote.

Friday night with the Damianis....Take out from Pasta Too....45.00.....Emergency trip to Med Express for X-rays of the quarter Hannah swallowed.....20.00 (and 25 cents).....Hannah sleeping with the picture of her X-ray because she likes to see her heart (and her quarter)....priceless.

Thanks to a special family!

"Chubby Checker" Frogs

Guess we should expect these critters to show up at the dance platform during the Folk Festival (June 17-20).

By Jeanna Bryner
LiveScience managing editor

One species of male frog shakes its booty big-time in aggressive showdowns, with the victor pulsating its rear for a longer time and with more gusto.

The shaking, which starts with the hind end and becomes a whole-body affair, sends vibrations along the red-eyed treefrog's plant perch until the shaking reaches the frog's opponent sitting on the branch — this process is called tremulation.

"In the case of red-eyed treefrogs, tremulation displays in which the frogs shake their entire bodies convey information about the status and aggressive intent of the signaler," said researcher Michael Caldwell of Boston University. "They also appear to carry information about the size of the signaler."

Scientists had missed the waggling frogs because observations had taken place under white artificial light. "They're nocturnal, so you shine a light on them they say 'daytime,' or 'something is wrong here,'" Caldwell said. That kept the frogs from their normal booty-shaking routines.
But as soon as Caldwell and his colleagues went into the rainforests of Panama wielding infrared lights, the tremulations were apparent.

First Farmers Market 2010

Part Two

The lady above is Lisa Belnap. She is always taking photos for her new Gilmer publication, The Journal. Thought it would only be appropriate to turn the table and capture her image at the market.

Below are our friends Lynn Yurkiewicz and David Millard, master goat soap entrepreneur.


You just have to see Lynn's happy toes!


Don Kelble is observing my ziploc bag containing the feathers of the "suicide avian torpedo" that destroyed our windshield last week.

Judy is posing with our friend, Dan.

Dan is talking with another special guy, Dave Peters. Dave is a wonderful repairman and friend. He has helped our family during many times of need.

Karen Kuhl is adding to the economy of the market. Karen is a fine line dancer and quilter.

Poor killdeer! Yes, the killdeer female lays her eggs in gravel. A great case of camoflauge, but in this case the camoflauge worked too well!




Bill Bennet was out with his "canine son". He certainly loves his dog.

The Phares clan was also present in full force this Saturday.

The Farmers Market is such a great addition to out community. This first day the vendors grossed over $2000. The market helps our economy, but even more brings our community together. Thanks to all the folks who are responsible for this great project.

First Farmers Market 2010

Part 1

This past Saturday the Farmers Market opened and it was a grand occasion. I could not believe how may folks stopped by to buy everything from herbs to chickens. Above you can see the good wife (and the Fitzwaters) purchasing Dave Millards famous goat milk soap.


Don and Sadie Kelble were discussing with Judy worldly topics such as sewing, folk festival plans, and how to keep elephants (OK-deer) out of your garden.

There were folks selling baked goods. We purchased a loaf of Italian bread and it was excellent.

Several vendors had green onions, spinach, honey, and many starter plants for the garden.

Logan Phares is the proud owner of several strawberry plants. They even had berries on the stalks.

Amy Walker was selling her baskets. She makes fine baskets at a VERY reasonable price. Judy came home with a new market basket



Tomorrow we will end with a few more photos of Glenville's first Farmers Market of the 2010 season.

Ah, The Month of May!

OK, once again the time is going too fast to enjoy nature's beauties. The rhododendron has been beautiful, but is now on a downhill slide in terms of blooming. The clematis always makes me happy.

The stamens and pistil remind me of an exotic flower that one would most likely encounter in the tropics.

As I mowed the yard, our friend, Sam, was weedeating and came up with one of our yard treasures. A baby garter snake was captured by Sam and I was, as you can imagine, excited! He also discovered a second garter snake which was a little larger than the one shown, but it slithered away under leaf litter..

Garter snakes are one of the few WV snakes that bear their young live and not by eggs laid outside the body as do the majority of our snakes species.

Mother's Day 2010

After the party on Saturday, Jeff and Sarah treated us to a Mother's Day lucheon at the Bridgeport Country Club the next day. The food was excellent. The buffet included prime rib, turkey, grilled salmon, pasta, veggies, desserts, and breads.

After the lunch, Jeff, Sarah, and the boys had to go to Romney for a visitation and funeral for Grandma Dodson. Before they had to leave, Sammy asked his Dad if he could putt a few balls on the practice green.

Dad Jeff was teaching Sammy how to line up the ball so that it will be directed to the hole.

See the excitement on this young golfer's face when he succeeds!

Thanks to all our family for a great weekend. You are certainly appreciated. We are so blessed to be able to share our live's with our family and friends.

Nate's First Birthday

Eating the Cake

Sarah cut Nate's birthday cake and the eating began. Lucy certainly enjoys her desserts!




The birthday boy was ready. How will he eat his first birthday cake?

OK, here we go!

As you can imagine, Nate needed a bath after he finished his cake.

After the birthday cake experience, the kids gathered to open their presents.

It was a great time of sharing and celebration!

Nate's First Birthday

The Feast

After the kids played, bounced, and visited with Elmo, it was time for the birthday lunch. Son-in-law John was ready to help with the warming of the food.


Grandma Great Meads was there to warm everyone's hearts!





Melanie and "the little one" were also ready to help with the preparation of the gourmet offerings.

Lucy was just wandering around thinking "Where's the food?"

Sarah and Jeff had decorated the table with the appropriate balloons. Yep, Elmo was on end of the table and Big Bird on the other.



The meal was excellent. There were quite an array of appetizers with the main meal consisting of lasagna, meat balls, salad, and bread sticks from Oliverios Restaurant. Yummy!


Tomorrow you will see how a one year old kid eats his birthday cake. NOT FOR THE WEAK OF HEART!

Nate's First Birthday

A Special Guest!

The kids formed a circle and they were told that a surprise was about to appear. Down the street and coming toward their circle was a large red critter. As he approached, we all realized that Elmo from Sesame Street had arrived. Yes, the funny red monster with large white eyes and an orange nose created quite a stir.

Elmo had birthday wishes for Nate and then the Sesame Street character invited all the kids to play games with him.

They sang and danced. It was fun to watch all the excirement.



Tomorrow- Nate's party continues.