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Today is my l'il brudder's birthday.
Did you know that turkey is 46 years
old? Holy smokes. Next thing you know he'll be asking for senior discounts.
When Dave and I were growing up, it's
fair to say I often tormented him. There's a little more than three years difference in
our age, just enough for me to pick on him and get away with it.
I particularly remember when I was in
high school and on the wrestling team. I always used to practice my moves and holds
on him, without asking him first. Sure he would get aggravated with me, but you know what?
He always stuck with me.
A few years away from home while in
college finally made me realize just what a valuable part of my life Dave had been.
From the time we were both in our twenties we've been best friends.
We live 1300 miles apart, so visits
are infrequent, but we make the most of our time together. We've traveled all over
America in the past quarter century. From desert sandstone to icy glaciers, we've seen
much of the rich beauty this great country offers.
Dave is always willing to lend a
helping hand to someone in need. I am very proud to have him for my brother. I
couldn't have asked for anyone any better to share the same parents with.
Happy Birthday Boogie. I love you.
Aortal
Link: Rocky Mountain Scenery —
Dave's personal site
Can reindeer REALLY fly?
When I was in Alaska this past summer
I learned quite a bit about reindeer, first that they are real. In North America they
are called caribou. Europeans call them reindeer. The European herds tend to be mostly
domesticated ... tame Alaskan caribou are also called reindeer.
Unlike other members of the deer family,
both sexes of caribou grow antlers. Bucks shed theirs shortly after breeding, while does
retain theirs until spring calving. The females use antlers as shovels when foraging, and
for protection. Both sexes will eat their shed antlers because the soil contains
very little calcium.
Caribou live in the artic tundra and
nearby conifer forests. They are noted for long-distance migrations, sometimes as far
as 3000 miles each year. They have to keep moving because food becomes scarce by virtue
of the herd's sheer magnitude.
It is estimated there are about two
million caribou in North America.
Caribou fir is very thick. The fine
underfir protects the animal from minor wounding, while the hollow outer hairs improve
bouyancy and make the caribou a great swimmer. They have to be to navigate the many
rivers found along their migratory routes.
But, you're asking, can reindeer
really fly?
When I was in Alaska I didn't see
any leave the ground ... but, just because I didn't see it doesn't mean they can't.
It all depends on what you believe.
Aortal
Link: Caribou Commons Project
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