Category: Vegtable soup


Travel safe ..

We wish and deserve…

There we go…

It’s tricky to guarantee “calm, reliable” weather, as nature can always surprise us! However, here are five places known for generally pleasant spring and summer conditions, focusing on areas that tend to avoid extremes:
* The Pacific Northwest (e.g., Seattle, Vancouver, Vancouver Island):
   * This region is famous for its mild summers. You’ll find comfortable temperatures, and while rain is possible, summers are generally drier than other times of the year.
   * It’s a great choice for those who prefer less intense heat.
* The Baltic Coast (e.g., parts of Germany, Poland, and the Baltic States):
   * This area tends to have cooler summers, avoiding the intense heat waves that can affect other parts of Europe.
   * You can expect pleasant days and comfortable evenings.
* Coastal California (e.g., areas north of Los Angeles):
   * Coastal California often has a “marine layer” that keeps temperatures moderate, especially in the mornings and evenings.
   * Areas like the central and northern California coast offer beautiful scenery and comfortable weather.
* Patagonia (Southern Chile and Argentina):
   * While “summer” here is the Southern Hemisphere’s summer (our winter), their spring and summer months provide for very enjoyable hiking and outdoor activities.
   * This area is known for its dramatic landscapes and cooler temperatures, providing a great escape from heat.
* Alaska (especially coastal areas):
   * Alaska offers mild summers with long daylight hours.
   * Coastal areas tend to have more moderate temperatures than inland areas.
   * It is a great place to experience nature, and see wildlife.
When considering these locations, remember that:
* “Calm” is relative. Even these places can have occasional weather variations.
* Coastal areas often have microclimates, so conditions can change within short distances.
I hope this helps!

Careful how you judge…

The saying “When you point a finger, you’ll have three pointing back at you” is a powerful reminder that blame and criticism often reflect back on the person doing the pointing. It suggests that before we are quick to judge or accuse others, we should first examine our own actions, motivations, and perspectives.
Here’s a breakdown of the meaning:
* Accountability: The three fingers pointing back represent the aspects of ourselves that we need to take responsibility for. This could include our own mistakes, shortcomings, or contributions to a situation.
* Self-reflection: The saying encourages us to look inward and honestly assess our own role in any conflict or issue. It prompts us to ask ourselves: “What could I have done differently? How am I contributing to this situation?”
* Empathy: By recognizing that we are not perfect and that we all make mistakes, we can develop greater empathy for others. This can lead to more understanding and forgiveness.
* Humility: The saying reminds us that we are all fallible and that no one is above making mistakes. It encourages humility and discourages self-righteousness.
Where to apply it:
This saying can be applied in any situation where blame or criticism is involved, such as:
* Personal relationships: When conflicts arise with family or friends, it’s important to consider our own role in the situation and avoid simply blaming the other person.
* Workplace: In a team setting, if a project fails, it’s more productive to focus on what everyone can learn from the experience rather than assigning blame.
* Social issues: When discussing complex social problems, it’s important to avoid making sweeping generalizations or blaming entire groups of people. Instead, we should strive to understand the root causes of the issues and work towards solutions.
Is it a good thing?
Yes, I believe this saying is a valuable principle to live by. It promotes self-awareness, accountability, and empathy. By reminding us to look inward before pointing fingers, it can help us build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts more effectively, and create a more compassionate world.
However, it’s important to note that this saying doesn’t mean we should never hold others accountable for their actions. It simply suggests that we should always start by examining ourselves first.

Good luck you adjudicators.

Judging comes with a price.

Spring 2025

April showers bring May flowers…

Alright, let’s talk about spring in 2025!
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
* The First Day of Spring:
   * In 2025, the first day of spring, also known as the vernal equinox, will be on Thursday, March 20th.
   * Specifically, it will occur at 5:01 a.m. EDT.
   * This marks the astronomical beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
* What the Spring Equinox Means:
   * The spring equinox is when the sun crosses the equator line, heading north.
   * This causes the Northern Hemisphere to tilt more towards the sun, resulting in:
     * Longer days.
     * Warmer temperatures.
* General Expectations for Spring:
   * Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. Expect to see:
     * Plants and trees budding and blooming.
     * Animals emerging from hibernation.
     * Increased daylight hours.
     * A gradual rise in temperatures.
* Factors that influence spring weather:
   * It is important to remember that weather patterns are becoming more variable. So while the equinox is a set date, the weather that follows is less predictable. Factors like the El Nino/La Nina southern oscillation, and other global weather patterns will greatly effect local weather.
To get more specific information about your local area, I would recommend checking your local weather forecasts as spring approaches.

Coming up fast…

March Night Sky 2025…

The heavens they await and know your soul …

Benevolent Protective order of elks.

B.O.P.E

A Display at an open house, in a museum in Merritt. That’s a member in effigy, The organization was very active in  British Columbia for a number of years. In particular, since 1968, when they received a title to the local armory with conditions to use for community  work.

Ask AI

It appears you might be asking about the structure and function of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE). Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:
* Foundation and Purpose:
   * The BPOE is a fraternal order founded in 1868.
   * Its core principles are “Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.”
   * They focus on community service, charitable work, and supporting veterans.
* Organizational Structure:
   * The BPOE has a hierarchical structure with local lodges, state associations, and a national organization.
   * Each lodge is led by an “Exalted Ruler.”
   * They have established rituals and traditions, some of which draw inspiration from other fraternal organizations.
* Effectiveness and Stability:
   * The Elks have a long history of community involvement and charitable giving, indicating a stable and effective organization.
   * They are known for their support of veterans, scholarships, and various community programs.
   * The BPOE has maintained a presence throughout the United states for over a century, indicating a stable organization.
* Key aspects of the order:
   * They have a strong focus on patriotism.
   * Charitable giving is a large part of their mission.
   * They have a system of officers that run the lodges.
It’s important to note that fraternal organizations like the Elks have evolved over time, adapting to changing social landscapes. Their continued presence and activity suggest a degree of stability and ongoing relevance.

The display at the Nicola Valley Museum has no immediate plans to end this particular display…

The Museum can be accessed from the Railhead Mall parking lot through the Merritt Seniors Center walk.

Enjoy the museum on a day trip… The Elks one is expected to be there a while. The museum is also an Archive  to be sourced.

TGIF-Bennu came home.

Next serious flyby 2135, it flies by about every 6 years.

Earth scientists took samples off the last menu. Flyby and found carbon dioxide nothing exotic. Yeah

And it was an important asteroid that was studied for chemical compositions of the early universe. Knowledge is very much increased as far as chemistry and that is concerned + how the universe works, how our planet works. 

This includes seasons and weather cycles of climate. All kinds of information from different cultures that are providing humanity with the ability to completely understand his environment and perhaps someday rule over diseases. Do away with borders and live within the grace of nature by all kinds of faith.

Winter 2024 former Chinese dry goods store from 1927 property, vacant after the 2021. flood. It was demolished by new owners. Not because of flooding.

On this Day December 20th 1971

Doctors without boarders is founded

lemon tree

Growing a lemon tree indoors can be a rewarding endeavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you cultivate your own lemon tree at home:

1. Choose the Right Variety

Select a dwarf variety of lemon tree, such as the ‘Improved Meyer’ lemon tree, which is well-suited for pot cultivation.

2. Potting the Tree

AI image of an improved Meyer higher elementary
  • Container: Use a pot with good drainage, at least 12-16 inches in diameter.
  • Soil: Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix. You can use a mixture of regular potting soil, sand, and perlite to ensure proper drainage.

3. Lighting

Lemon trees require plenty of sunlight. Place your tree in a location that receives at least 8-12 hours of bright, direct sunlight each day. If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights.

4. Watering

  • Watering Schedule: Water the tree when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure that excess water can drain out to prevent root rot.
  • Humidity: Indoor environments can be dry. Increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing a humidity tray filled with water under the pot.

5. Fertilizing

Feed your lemon tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).

6. Pruning

Regularly prune your lemon tree to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or diseased branches. This will also help with air circulation.

7. Pollination

If your tree flowers, you may need to hand-pollinate the flowers with a small brush to help set fruit if there aren’t any natural pollinators around.

8. Pest Control

Watch for pests, such as spider mites and aphids. If pests appear, treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

9. Winter Care

During winter, when the tree may slow down in growth, reduce watering and feeding. Ensure it still gets enough light, as trees can become leggy without it.

10. Patience

It may take a few years for your lemon tree to produce fruit, so be patient and enjoy the process of caring for your plant!

By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow a lemon tree indoors, enjoy its beauty, and eventually taste the fruits of your efforts.

Very pretty but the fruit of the poor lemon is…

Grannies corner, Valley Craze cafe, Merritt BC, Canada

Remember the great Canadians

I can see by the clock on the wall. It’s time to bid one and all. This was the poetic beginning of the closing to the Wayne and Schuster show when I was a kid. So it’s appropriate to be in Granny’s corner at the coffee house off  Nicola Avenue.

Just around the back with signage ” this parking lot is not ours” is a delightful nook for baking coffee and  conversation.

There is two hours on street unmetered parking on Nicola Avenue which is highway eight out of town to the Coquihalla and 5A + West to Spences Bridge.

Valley Graze

2114 Nicola Ave, Merritt BC, open 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. most days.

Remember the clock on the wall.

Got a bunch? There is a municipal parking lot within easy walking at the corner of Granite avenue and Garcia street; unmetered.

BC Hydro, women in engineering…

100 women in the field…
Electrifying

Happy flag Day 2025

February 15th flag Day.

It was a pretty big deal when Canada got its new flag in 1965. There’d been a lot of debate about what the flag should look like, and it took a while to settle on the final design. But when it was finally raised on Parliament Hill, it really felt like a turning point for the country.

Planets are busy February…

Snow Moon in monochrome Feb 13 2025 KDG

It’s going to be a great time for stargazing in Merritt, BC in February and March 2025! Here’s a rundown of the planetary skyscapes you can expect, based on information available to me:
Planets Visible in Merritt
* Venus: Will be easily visible in the evening sky, shining brightly. It will be a treat to watch!
* Mars: Should be quite visible, offering perfect viewing conditions. It will be a reddish point of light in the night sky.
* Saturn: Will be visible shortly after sunset, but may be a bit challenging to spot as it will be close to the Sun. Try to find a spot with an unobstructed view of the horizon.
* Uranus: Will be visible after sunset. You’ll likely need binoculars to see it clearly.
* Neptune: Will be fairly close to the Sun, making it difficult to see. You might need binoculars, but only use them after the sun is completely down to avoid eye damage.
Tips for Skywatching
* Find a dark spot: Get away from city lights for the best viewing experience.
* Check the weather forecast: Clear skies are essential for stargazing.
* Use a sky chart or app: These tools can help you identify planets and other celestial objects.
* Be patient: It takes time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Additional Resources
* Time and Date: This website provides detailed information about celestial events, including planet rise and set times, for Merritt: https://www.timeanddate.com/
* Spot the Station: You can check this website to see if the International Space Station (ISS) will be visible from Merritt during your stargazing sessions: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/
Remember that the exact positions and visibility of planets can change, so it’s always a good idea to check a reliable astronomy resource closer to the dates you’re interested in.
Happy stargazing!

https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/

Valentine’s

Have a great day…

The sales tax holiday in Canada is ending.

So…

Valentine’s Day is a special day celebrated on February 14th each year. It’s a day for people to express their love and affection for each other.
The history of Valentine’s Day is a bit murky, but there are a few theories about its origins. One popular theory is that it originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated in mid-February. This festival involved various rituals, including the pairing of men and women by drawing names from a jar.
Another theory is that Valentine’s Day is named after a Christian martyr named Saint Valentine, who was executed on February 14th. There are actually a few different Saint Valentines, and it’s not clear which one, if any, is the origin of the holiday.
Regardless of its origins, Valentine’s Day has evolved over the centuries into a celebration of love and romance. Today, people exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts to show their affection for their loved ones. It’s also a popular day for couples to go on dates and spend time together.
Valentine’s Day is a widely celebrated holiday around the world, though the specific traditions and customs vary from country to country.

Stay safe…