Later, I'll try to put out some others, "without accordion" :)
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Senior Photos 1
Here are my favorites from the "with accordion" senior photos by my sister, Marjo.
Later, I'll try to put out some others, "without accordion" :)
Later, I'll try to put out some others, "without accordion" :)
Howdy, World!
Greetings to all you out there who haven't decided by now to stop following me!
Needless to say, I have been pretty busy since my last post, and things appear to be continuing that way!
Anyway, as an update, I have taken 3 tests since that post I think, one of which was the first that I failed so far.
Gladly, there was a very similar substitute test for Financial Accounting, that I took and barely passed.
You get the idea, Accounting isn't among my favorite topics! :)
After that test, I took the Introductory Sociology CLEP, a nice easy one for a change, before starting into the test I'm doing now, considered one of the top difficult tests in my degree, the Principles of Finance DSST. Yep, another un-favorite, with lots of FORMULAS involved...;( !
This past June, my sister took some photos of a good part of Pal group, at the CHEF conference. We were hoping to get a (almost) full group photo on the 2nd day, but there wasn't really a time to gather together all fifteen of the Pals that were there(the total is now 16!), in one place.
Here are a few, and there's one on the Pal group page.
Starling hunting has been slow, one reason being the lack of rain right now, keeping them mostly in other areas, but there have been a few House Sparrow chances, though I've only caught one so far, with the mouse trap method, set under a pine tree in the front yard.
In early June, I graduated from high school, thanks to my college credits, which more than cover those requirements. It was, overall a pretty good graduation with several people I know among the graduates, and a good amount of those invited were able to attend.
Needless to say, I have been pretty busy since my last post, and things appear to be continuing that way!
Anyway, as an update, I have taken 3 tests since that post I think, one of which was the first that I failed so far.
Gladly, there was a very similar substitute test for Financial Accounting, that I took and barely passed.
You get the idea, Accounting isn't among my favorite topics! :)
After that test, I took the Introductory Sociology CLEP, a nice easy one for a change, before starting into the test I'm doing now, considered one of the top difficult tests in my degree, the Principles of Finance DSST. Yep, another un-favorite, with lots of FORMULAS involved...;( !
This past June, my sister took some photos of a good part of Pal group, at the CHEF conference. We were hoping to get a (almost) full group photo on the 2nd day, but there wasn't really a time to gather together all fifteen of the Pals that were there(the total is now 16!), in one place.
Here are a few, and there's one on the Pal group page.
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| The Pals in order of their number, left to right, Pal #s 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15 & 16 |
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| We successfully tried a Pal pile! |
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| Here, in order of height. Hannah's clearly trying to smooth out the line :) |
In early June, I graduated from high school, thanks to my college credits, which more than cover those requirements. It was, overall a pretty good graduation with several people I know among the graduates, and a good amount of those invited were able to attend.
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| The whole CHEF Class of 2012 |
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| Peter & Sarah Burns at my table |
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| My table |
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| Look out, 2012 graduates here! (Peter graduated in May) |
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Starling hunting, the Spring Approach
During the past Month I've been killing a good number of Starlings, six via the nest box trap, and the rest with my air rifle.
I'm still dealing with telescope/mount issues, all tying back to the fact that I didn't know about the very useful recoil pin, a mechanism to keep the scope from sliding. I'm trying to clear up those complications, and hope to have my scope mounted and zoned in before it's too deep into the nesting season.
Here are some tips for hunting during this crucial time.
Over the weeks before, and during the nesting season are prime times for Starling hunting.
(This is for MO., but it should be generally similar in most states).
Before nesting season starts:
Middle March to early April: The distraction to find nesting sites gives more of a chance for the hunter to sneak closer for a surer shot, and the absence of leaves on the trees at this point in the Month provide easy spotting of singing/sitting Starlings.
When the male discovers a cavity, he usually finds a nearby perch, and begins to sing for the female to join him, to verify the quality of his find. This is one of the most vulnerable moments for our bird, as he is doesn't move until the "song" (a series of chirps, gurgles, whistles etc., of varying length) is complete, thus providing himself an easy stationary target.
Mid April through May: A new distraction, though coupled with a new kind of wariness, is the raising of a brood. The meaning seems high at this point, as killing one or two signifies the elimination of the entire brood (usually 3-6). While the eggs are being incubated, the female can easily be eliminated by waiting till dark to physically remove her from the nest, if the hole is at a feasibly attainable position. (The easiest is obviously a nesting box).
When the eggs are hatched, the parents will be constantly traveling between the nesting site and the feeding grounds, requiring a quick shot before the bird disappears in the cavity, upon returning.
Late May to early June: At this time the young are starting to venture outside the nest, and it's a key time to pick them off, as this also means the young are almost ready to learn to fly, and in a few days, they'll escape safely with their parents to join other families to begin the summer travelling bands of a few adults and several noisy immatures. (see my Starling Hunting in Summer post).
Lately I've been keeping the Starlings I catch in the nest box traps alive, as decoys, but most have died on me from one reason or another. Out of a total of seven birds, I only have one still alive! :( They definitely worked well as decoys while they lasted, though I only killed one of the Starlings that were attracted to the cage, and skimmed another.
So sorry I don't have any photos, I must remember to take more, it's just that I'm usually concentrating on killing Starlings, not photographing them! :)
It took me such a long time to get this post, as I was extremely busy (even more than usual! :) ). As a quick update on things, my last test was the DSST, Management Info. Systems, and I'm working on Financial Accounting now. I now have 78 college credits!
We just recently found that these credits can be use to fill high school requirements, and realized that I could graduate this year instead of waiting till the next. I'll be graduating in June, with the CHEF class of 2012.
I also am going to apply for Thomas Edison college. The last seven classes will be done through them.
So, lots going on, look like this is going to be a pretty busy year!
I'm still dealing with telescope/mount issues, all tying back to the fact that I didn't know about the very useful recoil pin, a mechanism to keep the scope from sliding. I'm trying to clear up those complications, and hope to have my scope mounted and zoned in before it's too deep into the nesting season.
Here are some tips for hunting during this crucial time.
Over the weeks before, and during the nesting season are prime times for Starling hunting.
(This is for MO., but it should be generally similar in most states).
Before nesting season starts:
Middle March to early April: The distraction to find nesting sites gives more of a chance for the hunter to sneak closer for a surer shot, and the absence of leaves on the trees at this point in the Month provide easy spotting of singing/sitting Starlings.
When the male discovers a cavity, he usually finds a nearby perch, and begins to sing for the female to join him, to verify the quality of his find. This is one of the most vulnerable moments for our bird, as he is doesn't move until the "song" (a series of chirps, gurgles, whistles etc., of varying length) is complete, thus providing himself an easy stationary target.
Mid April through May: A new distraction, though coupled with a new kind of wariness, is the raising of a brood. The meaning seems high at this point, as killing one or two signifies the elimination of the entire brood (usually 3-6). While the eggs are being incubated, the female can easily be eliminated by waiting till dark to physically remove her from the nest, if the hole is at a feasibly attainable position. (The easiest is obviously a nesting box).
When the eggs are hatched, the parents will be constantly traveling between the nesting site and the feeding grounds, requiring a quick shot before the bird disappears in the cavity, upon returning.
Late May to early June: At this time the young are starting to venture outside the nest, and it's a key time to pick them off, as this also means the young are almost ready to learn to fly, and in a few days, they'll escape safely with their parents to join other families to begin the summer travelling bands of a few adults and several noisy immatures. (see my Starling Hunting in Summer post).
Lately I've been keeping the Starlings I catch in the nest box traps alive, as decoys, but most have died on me from one reason or another. Out of a total of seven birds, I only have one still alive! :( They definitely worked well as decoys while they lasted, though I only killed one of the Starlings that were attracted to the cage, and skimmed another.
So sorry I don't have any photos, I must remember to take more, it's just that I'm usually concentrating on killing Starlings, not photographing them! :)
It took me such a long time to get this post, as I was extremely busy (even more than usual! :) ). As a quick update on things, my last test was the DSST, Management Info. Systems, and I'm working on Financial Accounting now. I now have 78 college credits!
We just recently found that these credits can be use to fill high school requirements, and realized that I could graduate this year instead of waiting till the next. I'll be graduating in June, with the CHEF class of 2012.
I also am going to apply for Thomas Edison college. The last seven classes will be done through them.
So, lots going on, look like this is going to be a pretty busy year!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Awards from Optimistisc Worldview
Among 11 others, I was awarded the following awards by Leah, I'm going to see if I can answer the questions while I have a little time here:
Somehow people think I should be awarded, don't ask me why! :)
OK, so first, 11 random things about myself...let's see...
1) I've never gone to the Barbers.
2) I haven't ever liked (fresh) tomatoes as far as I can remember.
3) I've saved several injured birds and animals in yrs. past.
4) I once fell, headfirst, from 12-15 ft in a small tree, onto some tomato cages.
5) My favorite colors are Navy Blue, Maroon (or Dark Red), and Hunter Green.
6) I only use 5 x 7 (usually 100 pg.) notebooks for my Quiet Times. My current one is almost done, and covers a year and 3 1/2 months, leading into my next point...
7) My handwriting is usually about as small as this text.
8) I am the first of our family to be born in the U.S.
9) I've never broken any bones (as far as I know).
10) We still have a Christmas tree up, I guess it's going to turn into a Valentine's tree! :)
11) My worst animal is the Naked Mole Rat, besides looking terrible (as you can see), they live and act like termites!
OK, now I'll answer Leah's questions.
OK, so first, 11 random things about myself...let's see...
1) I've never gone to the Barbers.
2) I haven't ever liked (fresh) tomatoes as far as I can remember.
3) I've saved several injured birds and animals in yrs. past.
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| A female Junco, saved from a window crash |
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| Yes, this tree, but off the other side, and not at night! |
6) I only use 5 x 7 (usually 100 pg.) notebooks for my Quiet Times. My current one is almost done, and covers a year and 3 1/2 months, leading into my next point...
7) My handwriting is usually about as small as this text.
8) I am the first of our family to be born in the U.S.
9) I've never broken any bones (as far as I know).
10) We still have a Christmas tree up, I guess it's going to turn into a Valentine's tree! :)
OK, now I'll answer Leah's questions.
- If you could take a free trip to the moon, would you? NO, I have no interest in risking my life for thrills, but I'm glad we have photos from up there, showing how awesome God is!
- How many awards do you currently hold? (in blogger world). Just one other I think.
What is your favorite song? I really like "In Dream and In Love" (U Snu I Ljubavi), a Croatian song, (although I don't know the language! :/ ), especially sung by Kruno Spisic (my fav. singer).
Kruno Spisic - If you could choose between a, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lyamborghini Aventador or a Ferrari Enzo, which would be your choice? (keeping in mind it wouldn't cost you a thing.) Hmm...Guess I'll have to go with the Eclipse, it looks like the only actually useful one out of them all!
- What time of day is your favorite? Umm...7:30's usually friendly, a.m. or p.m.
- Describe in one or two words your personality type? Easy-going (generally).
- What is your all time favorite season? Spring.
- If you had to choose between a pet, Spider, Snake or Beetle. Which would you pick? I'll take the snake any day, but if I could have all three, that'd be great too! :)
- Which is more common in your daily life, an upside down, or right side up smile? None of the above, usually just straight! :|
- If you could meet any famous person, who would it be? Oh boy!...there are waaay too many! John Powell, Robert E. Lee, and Jack O'brien are three that I can think of at the moment.
- Have these questions been quite random enough? I'll say! Couldn't have been "randomer".
I don't have time to reward 11 people, and a lot of them would be doubles of whom Leah already awarded.
Monday, January 30, 2012
French Clep Test Passed!!
I went in to take the French Clep today, a 6-12 credit test (50-58 is 6, 59-80 is 12), and got a score of 68!! A full 12 college credits, giving me a good boost into my Junior year!
Had a fantastic time skating on the 28th, at the CHEF Ice Skating, talking with many rarely seen friends.
Hope to get a full post up soon, we'll see how that works out...
For now, I'm working on finishing my Art Fest. picture, and choosing my photos!
Had a fantastic time skating on the 28th, at the CHEF Ice Skating, talking with many rarely seen friends.
Hope to get a full post up soon, we'll see how that works out...
For now, I'm working on finishing my Art Fest. picture, and choosing my photos!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The 2012 Art & Photo Contest
My art entries from last year
I should have mentioned this sooner, but the 2012 Art Contest is coming up, and the 1st, lower price deadline, is tomorrow! The 2nd deadline is the 19th.
Sorry I don't have other photos of the Art Contest, I might be able to find some to put up soon!
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| Cooper's Hawk |
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| German Girl |
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| An entry of mine from 2010 |
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My photo entries from last year: Whitetail Dragonfly, and Southern Leopard Frog |
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