Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Our BackYard Possum
I have been meaning to post these pictures of our backyard wild life. I was sitting at the kitchen table surfing the net one day while Makayla was napping and this is what was lurking around in our yard . It is so weird to me to find a possum wandering around coming towards our house, I'm sure looking for some food. We would never see one of these creatures in our backyards in Colorado.............. because we had a fence to outline our yards unlike we do here in Minnesota and also we didn't have near the wildlife we have out here. So in a way it is kinda cool as long as he or she doesn't move into our house.
Opossum:
Among Minnesota's wild mammals, the opossum is probably the most unusual. a marsupial, it is a distant relative of the kangaroo and other animals which carry their young in a pouch.
The opossum is about the size of a house cat. It weighs from four to 12 pounds and measures nearly three feet from its long pink nose to its long naked tail. The opossum wraps its prehensile tail around tree limbs as an aid when climbing.
At night the opossum forages for small rodents, fruits, nuts, birds, insects, carrion, and other foods. After eating, it squats on its hind legs and washes, much like a cat.
What's truly unique about the 'possum' is how it comes into the world. The young, usually eight to 12, are not fully developed at birth. Their tiny front feet, however, do have minute claws which the babies use to climb up the mother's belly and into her pouch. Once inside, they attach themselves to a teat. There they remain for 60 to 70 days. For another month after that, the young opossums climb in and out of the pouch, never straying far. Finally, when mouse-size, they climb aboard the mother's back where they spend much of their time until becoming more independent.
The opossum lives primarily in southern Minnesota woodlands, but occasionally ranges into north-central counties. The opossum's naked ears, nose, and tail are very susceptible to freezing temperatures, which explains why the species is not found farther north.Opossum
Opossum illustration
Among Minnesota's wild mammals, the opossum is probably the most unusual. a marsupial, it is a distant relative of the kangaroo and other animals which carry their young in a pouch.
The opossum is about the size of a house cat. It weighs from four to 12 pounds and measures nearly three feet from its long pink nose to its long naked tail. The opossum wraps its prehensile tail around tree limbs as an aid when climbing.
At night the opossum forages for small rodents, fruits, nuts, birds, insects, carrion, and other foods. After eating, it squats on its hind legs and washes, much like a cat.
What's truly unique about the 'possum' is how it comes into the world. The young, usually eight to 12, are not fully developed at birth. Their tiny front feet, however, do have minute claws which the babies use to climb up the mother's belly and into her pouch. Once inside, they attach themselves to a teat. There they remain for 60 to 70 days. For another month after that, the young opossums climb in and out of the pouch, never straying far. Finally, when mouse-size, they climb aboard the mother's back where they spend much of their time until becoming more independent.
The opossum lives primarily in southern Minnesota woodlands, but occasionally ranges into north-central counties. The opossum's naked ears, nose, and tail are very susceptible to freezing temperatures, which explains why the species is not found farther north.
Opossum:
Among Minnesota's wild mammals, the opossum is probably the most unusual. a marsupial, it is a distant relative of the kangaroo and other animals which carry their young in a pouch.
The opossum is about the size of a house cat. It weighs from four to 12 pounds and measures nearly three feet from its long pink nose to its long naked tail. The opossum wraps its prehensile tail around tree limbs as an aid when climbing.
At night the opossum forages for small rodents, fruits, nuts, birds, insects, carrion, and other foods. After eating, it squats on its hind legs and washes, much like a cat.
What's truly unique about the 'possum' is how it comes into the world. The young, usually eight to 12, are not fully developed at birth. Their tiny front feet, however, do have minute claws which the babies use to climb up the mother's belly and into her pouch. Once inside, they attach themselves to a teat. There they remain for 60 to 70 days. For another month after that, the young opossums climb in and out of the pouch, never straying far. Finally, when mouse-size, they climb aboard the mother's back where they spend much of their time until becoming more independent.
The opossum lives primarily in southern Minnesota woodlands, but occasionally ranges into north-central counties. The opossum's naked ears, nose, and tail are very susceptible to freezing temperatures, which explains why the species is not found farther north.Opossum
Opossum illustration
Among Minnesota's wild mammals, the opossum is probably the most unusual. a marsupial, it is a distant relative of the kangaroo and other animals which carry their young in a pouch.
The opossum is about the size of a house cat. It weighs from four to 12 pounds and measures nearly three feet from its long pink nose to its long naked tail. The opossum wraps its prehensile tail around tree limbs as an aid when climbing.
At night the opossum forages for small rodents, fruits, nuts, birds, insects, carrion, and other foods. After eating, it squats on its hind legs and washes, much like a cat.
What's truly unique about the 'possum' is how it comes into the world. The young, usually eight to 12, are not fully developed at birth. Their tiny front feet, however, do have minute claws which the babies use to climb up the mother's belly and into her pouch. Once inside, they attach themselves to a teat. There they remain for 60 to 70 days. For another month after that, the young opossums climb in and out of the pouch, never straying far. Finally, when mouse-size, they climb aboard the mother's back where they spend much of their time until becoming more independent.
The opossum lives primarily in southern Minnesota woodlands, but occasionally ranges into north-central counties. The opossum's naked ears, nose, and tail are very susceptible to freezing temperatures, which explains why the species is not found farther north.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Haven''t been very good about keeping up on on our blog lately,so going to attempt to going forward. So never really did know the meaning behind "Valentines Day" or maybe I did learn it in my early days in elementary school but can't remember now. So I was thinking what is the meaning, looked it up on Google and of course found lots of theories. What ever the meaning, I have always loved this day just for the simple fact of showing the people you are close too a little EXTRA love for the day!
So here is one theory I found............
Valentine's Day History
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialized. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.
Happy Valentines Day
So here is one theory I found............
Valentine's Day History
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialized. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.
Happy Valentines Day
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)