2012

Once again another blogging year has been completed. We started the blog in 2005 and hope we have many more years of sharing our adventure with you. Happy New Year!

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Here is another avian casualty involving a collision with our living room window. Remember early this summer we had a Ruby-crowned kinglet that flew into the window? It was the first time seeing the Ruby-crowned. Yesterday I discovered this Golden-crowned in the path by the window.

Adults are olive-gray on the upper parts with white underparts, with thin bills and short tails. They have white wing bars, a black stripe through the eyes and a yellow crown surrounded by black. The adult male has an orange patch in the middle of the yellow crown.

Their breeding habitat is coniferous forests. They nest in a well-concealed hanging cup suspended from a conifer branch.

These birds migrate to the United States. Some birds are permanent residents in coastal regions and in the southern parts of their range. Northern birds remain further north in winter than the Ruby-crowned kinglet.

They forage actively in trees or shrubs, mainly eating insects, insect eggs and spiders.

Final Look Christmas 2011

Well, the holidays are about over. I am sharing a few pictures from the kids Facebook pages. I am certain as you look at these that you can be assured we have been blessed!

Robots in Afghanistan

Yesterday we posted Gene's photos of making that great Afghan bread. For you science folks, I thought I would inform you that robotic helicopters are now being used in Afghanistan.

The robotic K-Max helicopter shown above is flying re-supply missions in Afghanistan, opening up the era of unmanned logistics.

John Roach writes that robotic helicopters are capable of ferrying 3.5 tons of cargo in a single load are at work supplying NATO troops in Afghanistan.

The helicopter is a Lockheed Martin/Kaman Aerospace K-Max designed for battlefield cargo resupply. Confirmation of its use in Afghanistan means we're now in the age of unmanned logistics.

The technology will put fewer soldiers at risk flying over enemy lines on re-supply missions. That doesn't mean, however, that the military will put the helicopters directly in harm's way.

"Most of the missions will be conducted at night and at higher altitudes," Marine Capt. Caleb Joiner, mission commander, said in a news release. "This will allow us to keep out of small arms range."

MERRY CHRISTMAS
Gene and Afghan Bread!

Our Facebook friend is Gene Botting who has a residence on Fallen Timber not far from Diana. Gene is currently working in Sherberghan, Afghanistan. He is a Customs Specialist who teaches at the Afghan Advanced Border Management Academy in Sherberghan. Gene keeps track of us and knows I love to bake various types of bread. A few days ago Gene indicated that there is no better bread in the world than Afghan Bread. This sparked my interest. He was so kind to produce a Powerpoint of the bread making process. I was delighted and will share it with you with his permission. He stated, "This is our bakery across the street and behind the classroom where I teach."

MAKING BREAD IN SHEBREGHAN

THE KNEADERS

DOUGH

Note the Passing Trays in the window.

THE WOODEN STAMP IS APPLIED TO THE CENTER TO PREVENT OVER-RISING IN THE OVEN

WITH THE KNEADING ROOM VISIBLE BEHIND THE WINDOW

THE WOOD FIRED MASONRY AND STONE OVEN

LOADING THE LEATHER SLAP GLOVE WITH FRESH DOUGH

THE SLAP GLOVE LOADED AND READY TO APPLY THE DOUGH TO THE OVEN

SLAPPING THE DOUGH TO THE SIDES OF THE OVEN

THE DOUGH APPLIED TO THE OVEN AND BAKING

SPRINKLING WATER INTO OVEN TO PREVENT BURNING OF THE CRUST

DONE IN 5 MINUTES! RETRIEVING THE LOAVES WITH LONG HOOKS

THE FINISHED PRODUCT IS CHEWY AND HOLLOW AROUND THE RIM AND ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS

A BASKET OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT READY FOR DELIVERY TO OUR DINING FACILITY

I certainly thank Gene for the fine documentary. I love that he has the opportunity to experience different cultures. He is in a dangerous part of the world and Judy and I wish him the best and safe Christmas season.

It may be some time that I am able to construct the wood-fired stone and masonry oven in the backyard.

Opening of Gifts

I remember when we were kids our tradition was to open our presents just after the Christmas eve dinner. Diana said that when she and Trevor were growing up during World War II that toys were not under the tree. Everything was rationed in England and money and supplies were sparse. She did remember a handmade chicken toy that was made by the Italian troops who had been captured and were camped nearby. This is the pecking chicken toy that we often see in Appalachia. The chickens peck corn grains and it is powered by a swinging weight.The one below shows the basic principle of this toy.

Nate, what is it - a John Deer tractor?

Grandma Great gave all the kids their own piggy bank. She also supplied their first coins to be placed in the piggy's back.

I agree that we probably do more than the kids need or can process at this time.

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jeff gave the Flora and Lucy a karaoke machine. Flora really has a sweet voice.

It is during this time of gift opening that I often think it is similar to a shark feeding frenzy!

It was a great day. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas celebration!

Christmas 2011

On Saturday, December 17, our family celebrated the holiday at Sarah's and Jeff's house. Judy and I arrived on Friday as did John, Rachael, Flora, and Lucy. Grandma Great, Aunt Judy and Bill, and friend, Diana, came on Saturday afternoon.

Sarah had the house decorated in fine style.