Monday, August 23, 2010

The Large Blue Butterfly

Animal Tails has introduced 5 new endangered species to their line of organic clothing. I always like to research each wildlife a little further. The large blue butterfly has an interesting story.

Its habitat is across Europe, but was declared extinct in England in the 1970's. Scientists at first thought it was because of butterfly collectors. But then (this is the interesting part) Professor Jeremy Thomas made an unusal discovery. The large blue can only survive if there is a certain species of red ants living in the habitat. Who would have thought? Obviously, Professor Thomas is smarter than most of us.

When in the caterpillar stage, it hatches on thyme buds. The ants then carries it back to their nest and there it feeds on ant grubs until it becomes a beautiful butterfly. Climate change in England made the ants go away, thence also the large blue butterfly.

Now to the happy ending. Habitats were restored on 50 former sites to bring back the ants. Then the butterflies were brought in from Sweden. Success!!!

There is still lots of work to be done; but isn't it a thrill that we can reverse the damage done.

The Large Blue Butterfly is featured on Animal Tails' girls t-shirts, rompers, hats and blankets. See them all at http://www.rubij.com/

Monday, August 9, 2010

Sandy's List

There's Craig's List, Angie's List; and now, Sandy's List. It's a list I alone will create. I'm not sure of all the criteria. For now, it's just little things that has made a positive difference in my lifestyle and I want to share them.

Right now, there is one item on my list: nasal rinse.

Probably not what you were expecting.

First, a little background. I now know I have had allergies all my life. But being a farm girl growing up in the 50's, I don't think I ever even heard the word allergy. I do remember always sneezing and lots of headaches. That didn't travel far with Mothers of that era. If there was no fever, you weren't sick; simple as that.

Fast forward to when mother (me) and daughter (Stef) went to an allergist to be tested.  This has been quite a few years ago, but I'll always remember the shame of that day. Young teenager, Stef, and I were filling out our separate history records before testing. I was still smoking at that time.

Talk about a red flag!!!!! "I see you're a smoker, Mrs. Ronfeldt. Do you smoke in front of your daughter?"

"No - well, hardly ever - sometimes - I won't any more." That was just the beginning of a very long day. Every room I was led into there was the announcement "We have a smoker here." I saw the disgust in their eyes.
After all the tests and humiliation, I was told I was allergic to Iowa. In other words, environmental.

Which brings me back to Sandy's List. I have been on so many treatments through the years; but nothing has helped me as much a nasal rinse. I know it sounds gross, but does it ever work. This is what I use:
It only takes a few minutes a day, totally safe and no side effects. If you suffer like me, please try this. And no, I'm not a paid spokeperson (although I would be available).