Other Uses for Bar Keeper’s Friend

From the FAMILY HANDYMAN’s website:

Learn how to use Bar Keepers Friend in ways you’d never thought of before, including cleaning rusty tools, removing a stubborn toilet ring and more!

Go-to cleaning product Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) has developed a cult following, and with good reason. The inexpensive powdered cleaner invented by chemist George William Hoffman in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1882, can do much more than polish brass bar fixtures — the job it was originally marketed to do.

What Is Bar Keepers Friend Made Of?

Bar Keepers Friend’s seemingly magic powers come courtesy of its main ingredient, oxalic acid. This natural substance attacks rust, lime, tarnish and other stains on a molecular level, breaking the bonds holding them together to eliminate all trace. It works on multiple surfaces, too.

“BKF powder has just the right blend of powdered oxalic acid and micro-abrasives to safely scour off even long-term mineral build-up without damaging fiberglass, chrome or stainless steel,” says Melissa Homer, chief cleaning officer with MaidPro.

And at a mere $2 a can, you can’t afford to ignore its cleaning power!

How To Use Bar Keepers Friend

Our cleaning experts suggest mixing the powder with water to create a paste, then wiping it off after a brief period. Extended contact can damage finishes.

Homer recommends creating a thick slurry of 1/4-cup BKF mixed with a little water. Smear the slurry onto the surface you want to clean, let sit for 10 minutes while the acids work their magic, then scrub. “Dampen, sprinkle, smear, sit and scrub, and you can clean virtually anything,” Homer says.

The manufacturer says to avoid using BKF on porous surfaces like cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather or painted surfaces.

Ways To Use Bar Keepers Friend

Read on for a host of ways to put this hardworking, inexpensive helper to good use all over your home. A few caveats before you start: Wear gloves, don’t mix with other cleaning products, and always test in an inconspicuous spot first.

Refresh bathroom surfaces and fixtures

Homer recommends smearing a Bar Keepers Friend slurry on hard water spots, mineral deposits and rust stains on glass shower doors, fixtures, tubs and sinks. You can use it on toilet rings, too.

“Clean the toilet with your favorite bathroom spray, flush and pump the flusher [in the toilet water tank] to lower the waterline,” she says. “Sprinkle the powder on the ring, smear it around on the stains with your brush, wait 10 minutes and scrub.”

Remove rust on tools and more

Apply the paste directly on the trouble spot, let sit for a minute, then wipe away. This helps all kinds of items in your garage, including golf clubs, garden tools, ice skate blades and old bikes.

Pro tip: Use a cotton swab to scrub hard-to-reach spots. “I saved a dirty old classic Radio Flyer tricycle with rusty handlebars from the landfill with just a can of Bar Keepers Friend and the back of a kitchen sponge,” Homer says. “I had it looking like it just rolled off the factory floor in less than 20 minutes.”

Get rid of sticky labels

Use Bar Keepers Friend Spray Foam Cleaner to dissolve adhesive and easily remove the annoying residue left behind by labels. Simply spray and let it sit for a minute before wiping clean.

Renew a fireplace

Use Bar Keepers Friend to remove layers of grime and soot stains and from the fireplace door. Remove the insert and lay flat. Wet the glass and sprinkle with BFK. Wait 15 to 20 seconds, then lightly scrub with a wet sponge. Rinse and repeat until sparkling.

Clean kitchen surfaces

Sinks, cookware, appliances and more can benefit from a little BFK. For stainless steel, use a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge and clean with the grain.

On glass cooktops, go with BKF Cooktop Cleaner. First, scrape off any food. Then cover the affected area with cleaner and let it sit, no longer than five minutes. Wet a sponge, apply more Cooktop Cleaner to the sponge, then wipe the stained area in a circular motion. Rinse the sponge and wipe cleaner from cooktop.

Scour siding

Give dingy vinyl siding a good scrub with a Bar Keepers Friend and water solution to help it look new again. Wet a section of siding, scrub the solution on with a wet sponge, then rinse well.

Detail your vehicle

BKF can cut through carbon buildup on your exhaust pipes and make dirty hubcaps shine. It can also turn cloudy headlights clear again — clean, then dampen before sprinkling with BKF. Gently scrub, let sit for up to a minute, then rinse with warm water. Repeat until sparkling.

Update dishes

To get rid of stains and scratches on mugs, glassware and porcelain servingware, sprinkle BKF on a damp sponge and wipe onto the scratched surface. Let sit for 10 to 15 seconds, then lightly scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse and wipe clean.

Refresh sneakers

Make a paste of BKF and water and start scrubbing to clean shoes. All surfaces except leather can benefit! Use a toothbrush to detail rubber soles and edges. Scrub until clean, then wipe off remaining cleaner with a damp sponge.

SOURCE: FAMILY HANDYMAN : ANDREA COOLEY

What Shall We Bake Today?

In honor of Memorial Day, today’s entry is a Patriotic Memorial Day Cake. The technique used to make the multi colored cake can be used for any holiday!

Patriotic Memorial Day Cake

Ingredients

1 box White Cake Mix
Water, vegetable oil and whole eggs called for on cake mix box
1 1/4 teaspoons red gel food color
1 1/4 teaspoons blue gel food color
1/2 cup from 1 tub (16 oz) Creamy Vanilla Frosting
2 teaspoons Red, White & Blue Sprinkles, if desired

Steps

Heat oven to 350°F. Generously spray 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with baking spray with flour.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and whole eggs with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. In small bowl, place 1 cup of the batter; stir in 1 teaspoon of the red food color until blended. In another small bowl, place 1 cup of the batter; stir in 1 teaspoon of the blue food color until blended.

Pour red cake batter into bottom of pan. Carefully pour remaining white batter over red batter in pan. Carefully pour blue batter over white batter. (Blue batter does not need to cover white batter completely; it looks better if it just forms a ring in the center of the white batter.)

Bake 39 to 44 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove cake from oven. Let stand 10 minutes, remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Place cake on cooling rack over waxed paper or cooking parchment paper. In small microwavable bowl, place 1/4 cup of the frosting. Microwave uncovered on High 10 to 15 seconds or until thin enough to drizzle over cake. With spoon, drizzle warmed frosting back and forth over cake in striping pattern. Divide remaining frosting between 2 small microwavable bowls. To 1 bowl, stir in 1/4 teaspoon red food color until well blended. Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 10 seconds or until thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle over cake. Repeat with remaining bowl of frosting and 1/4 teaspoon blue food color. Sprinkle candy sprinkles on top. Let stand about 30 minutes or until frosting is set. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens

When you add batter to pan, do not mix with spoon. Just pour in so colors don’t mix but rather just rest on top of each other in pan.

We like using baking spray with flour when baking our red, white and blue bundt cake for easy removal from pan. Greasing pans with shortening and lightly dusting with flour will also work.

Watch closely while warming frosting in the microwave; it doesn’t need a lot of time before it starts to melt down into a looser texture for drizzling.

ENJOY!

125 Interesting Facts About Everything: Part 1

Reader’s Digest bills this article, written by Elizabeth Yuko as 125 random interesting facts to share with your friends. Because of it’s length, I decided to break into 5 monthly parts.

From the article:

Fact: The world’s oldest wooden wheel has been around for more than 5,000 years

It was found in 2002, approximately 12 miles south of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and is now housed in the city’s museum. Radiocarbon dating was used to determine the wheel’s age, which is somewhere between 5,100 and 5,350 years old.

Fact: Dead skin cells are a main ingredient in household dust

Here’s an interesting science fact for you: According to researchers at Imperial College London, humans shed around 200 million skin cells each hour—and they have to go somewhere when we’re indoors. If the idea of skin dust isn’t sitting well with you, you should know that a report from the American Chemical Society found that a skin oil called squalene naturally helps reduce indoor ozone levels by up to 15 percent.

Fact: Sudan has more pyramids than any country in the world

Not only does Sudan have more pyramids than Egypt, but the numbers aren’t even close. While 138 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt, Sudan boasts around 255.

Fact: The bumblebee bat is the world’s smallest mammal

Weighing in at 0.05 to 0.07 ounces, with a head-to-body length of 1.14 to 1.29 inches and a wingspan of 5.1 to 5.7 inches, the bumblebee bat—also known as Kitti’s hog-nosed bat—is the smallest mammal in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. To see this tiny bat for yourself, you’d have to visit one of a select few limestone caves on the Khwae Noi River in Kanchanaburi Province of southwest Thailand.

Fact: The circulatory system is more than 60,000 miles long

If a child’s entire circulatory system—we’re talking veins, arteries, and capillaries—were laid out flat, it would stretch for more than 60,000 miles, according to the Franklin Institute. By the time we reach adulthood, our bodies have become home to approximately 100,000 miles of blood vessels.

Fact: There are parts of Africa in all four hemispheres

For people whose education was largely focused on the Western world, it may be surprising to find out exactly how huge the continent of Africa is. For instance, it spans all four hemispheres and covers nearly 12 million square miles.

Fact: The cornea is one of only two parts of the human body without blood vessels

The cornea is the clear part of the eye that covers the pupil and other parts of the eye. Cartilage and the cornea are the only types tissue in the human body that do not contain blood vessels, according to scientists at the Harvard Department of Ophthalmology’s Schepens Eye Research Institute.

Fact: The world’s first animated feature film was made in Argentina

Even if you know a lot of Disney trivia, you might assume that the honor of first animated feature film belongs to Walt Disney’s 1937 movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But 20 years earlier, a full-length animated feature film was made in Argentina. It was a political satire called El Apóstol made up of 58,000 drawings and had a running time of 70 minutes, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Fact: German chocolate cake was invented in Texas

The “German” part of German chocolate cake comes from an American man—not a European country. Specifically, it’s named after Sam German, who in 1852 created the formula for a mild dark baking chocolate bar for Baker’s Chocolate Company, which was subsequently named Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate. Fast-forward to June 13, 1957. The Dallas Morning Star published the recipe for the cake, invented and submitted by a reader identified as Mrs. George Clay, according to What’s Cooking America.

Fact: Marla Gibbs continued to work as a flight attendant for two years after being cast on a hit TV show

Prior to taking her place on the stoop of 227, Marla Gibbs played the housekeeper Florence on The Jeffersons (a spin-off of All in the Family). In a 2015 interview, Gibbs told the Washington Post that despite it appearing as though she had gotten her big break, she kept her job as a flight attendant for American Airlines for two more years—just to be safe.

Fact: The Philippines consists of 7,641 islands

The Philippines is an archipelago, which means it’s made up of a group of islands—7,641 islands, to be exact. That figure does not include the thousands of sandbars and other landforms that emerge during low tide.

Fact: A one-way trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway involves crossing 3,901 bridges

Not only is the Trans-Siberian Railway the longest railroad in Russia, but it’s also the longest one in the world. The journey takes seven days, during which time passengers pass through eight different time zones and cross 3,901 bridges.

Fact: The Golden Girls was supposed to have a different theme song

That’s right: Instead of Andrew Gold’s iconic “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the show’s producers wanted to use Bette Midler’s song “Friends,” according to Jim Colucci, author of the book Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai. But the rights to the Divine Miss M’s song were too expensive, and the rest is sitcom history.

Fact: There’s enough gold inside Earth to coat the planet

Turns out, there’s quite a bit of gold on—or, really, in—our planet: 99 percent of the precious metal can be found in the Earth’s core, Discover Magazine reports. How much is there? Enough to coat the entire surface of the Earth in 1.5 feet of gold.

Fact: Cleveland was once the country’s fifth-largest city

Data from the 1920 U.S. census indicates that Cleveland, Ohio, was one of the most heavily populated cities in the country, behind only Detroit, Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York City.

Fact: Human beings can use only a small fraction of Earth’s water

In school, we were taught that most (specifically, 71 percent) of the planet’s surface is covered in water. While that’s true, humans can use only 0.007 percent of that water, according to National Geographic. That’s because only about 2.5 percent of Earth’s water is fresh water, and only 1 percent of that is accessible. The rest makes up glaciers and snowfields.

Fact: Wally Amos is responsible for making more than just cookies famous

You may be familiar with Wally “Famous” Amos, thanks to his packaged chocolate chip cookies. But before he worked his magic on the sweet treats, he was in the business of making people famous, Biography reports. He discovered and signed folk duo Simon & Garfunkel and was a talent rep for acts like Diana Ross, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye.

Fact: The brand name Spam is a combination of “spice” and “ham”

This is one of those interesting facts you probably thought you knew but actually didn’t. Contrary to American mythology, Spam is not an acronym for “Scientifically Processed Animal Matter” or “Shoulder of Pork and Ham,” Eater reports.

Fact: It takes a drop of water 90 days to travel the entire Mississippi River

Spanning 2,340 miles, the Mississippi River is the third-largest watershed in the world. That’s one long stretch of water. So long, in fact, that it takes one drop of water approximately 90 days to travel its entire length.

Fact: People once ate arsenic to improve their skin

You’ve probably heard about how a lot of the Victorians’ favorite cosmetics were riddled with arsenic, but it gets worse. There were also products on the market in the late 19th century, like Dr. James P. Campbell’s Safe Arsenic Complexion Wafers, that were meant to be eaten. They claimed to get rid of freckles, blackheads, and other “facial disfigurements.” Admit it: That’s one of the most interesting facts you’ve learned in a while.

Fact: The first person processed at Ellis Island was a 15-year-old girl from Ireland

On January 1, 1892, Annie Moore was the first passenger to disembark at Ellis Island on its opening day. She had traveled to the United States with her two younger brothers aboard the SS Nevada after departing from Queenstown, Ireland (now known as Cobh).

Fact: Japan has one vending machine for every 40 people

Japan is thought to have one of the highest densities of vending machines in the world, with one for every 40 people in the country. While most sell various types of beverages, others feature ice cream, noodles, and disposable cameras.

Fact: Lemons float, but limes sink

Because limes are denser than lemons, they drop to the bottom of a glass, while lemons float at the top. Out of all these random fun facts, this one’s been in front of our faces (or rather, in our glasses) this whole time!

Fact: Professional athletes used to perform in vaudeville during the off-season

Before today’s big-league salaries, professional baseball and football players often had to take on jobs during the off-season, The Atlantic reports. Some of them took advantage of their name recognition and hit the vaudeville circuits, doing everything from comedy routines to reciting poems. Babe Ruth even sang—if you could call it that. Frankly, many of the athletes had no business being on stage, but it’s not like it was against the rules.

Fact: The first time the word “period” was used on TV in reference to menstruation was 1985

It came via a line in a Tampax commercial: “Feeling cleaner is more comfortable. It can actually change the way you feel about your period.” And the actor who made pop culture history was Courtney Cox of Friends fame.

SOURCE: Reader’s Digest: Elizabeth Yuko

DIY: Upcycling Garden Tools

I was intrigued by the name of this article I found on balconygarden.web. (I discovered upcycled is simply repurposed.) I hope some of these ideas spark your imagination! (Tutorials can be found at the website.)

GARDEN GATE

RUSTY SHOVEL FLOWER

RAKE GARDEN TOOL HOLDER

GARDEN TOOLS BIRD FEEDERS

GARDEN TOOLS TRELLIS

SOURCE: balconygarden.web: SHERIN WOODS

Georgia State Flower: Cherokee Rose

From the floraqueen.com blog:

In the realm of state symbols, flowers hold a special place, representing the natural beauty and heritage of a region. When it comes to Georgia, the state flower is the Cherokee Rose. This elegant and resilient flower carries deep significance in Georgia’s history and culture. In this article, we will explore the Cherokee Rose as the state flower for Georgia, uncovering its origins, characteristics, and the symbolic meaning it holds. From its delicate blooms to its enduring spirit, we will delve into the rich tapestry of the Cherokee Rose, providing valuable insights and fostering a deeper appreciation for this cherished symbol.

The Cherokee Rose: A Historical and Cultural Emblem

The Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata) holds great historical significance in Georgia, particularly in relation to the Native American tribe from which it derives its name. Here, we will delve into the history and cultural associations of the Cherokee Rose:

Origins and Naming

The Cherokee Rose is native to East Asia but gained prominence in the southeastern United States, including Georgia. It is believed that the flower was introduced to North America by early European settlers.

The Cherokee Rose earned its name in honor of the Cherokee Native American tribe, which inhabited the region where the flower thrived. The association between the Cherokee people and the rose stems from a tale of hardship and resilience during the Trail of Tears.

The Trail of Tears

The Trail of Tears refers to the forced removal of Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in the 1830s. This devastating event resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and marked a dark chapter in American history.

According to legend, the Cherokee Rose grew along the route traveled by the Cherokee people during their forced relocation. As they endured immense suffering and loss, it is said that the tears shed by Cherokee women transformed into the delicate white petals of the rose, symbolizing their resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Characteristics and Symbolism of the Cherokee Rose

The Cherokee Rose is a deciduous climbing rose that features intricate and fragrant white blooms. Here, we will explore the characteristics and symbolic meaning associated with this captivating flower:

Appearance and Growth Habits

The Cherokee Rose is characterized by its elegant and abundant white flowers, which typically bloom in spring or early summer. Its blooms have a distinct yellow center, surrounded by layers of delicate petals. The plant itself is known for its climbing nature, often adorning fences, trellises, and walls with its sprawling vines.

Symbolic Significance

The Cherokee Rose holds deep symbolic meaning, reflecting both the resilience of the Cherokee people and the spirit of Georgia. Here are some interpretations associated with the Cherokee Rose:

Resilience and Strength: The Cherokee Rose serves as a symbol of resilience, representing the endurance and strength of the Cherokee people in the face of great adversity. Its presence along the Trail of Tears serves as a reminder of the perseverance and fortitude displayed by the Native American tribe during their forced relocation.

Beauty and Fragility: The delicate white blooms of the Cherokee Rose evoke a sense of beauty and fragility. Despite the hardships faced by the Cherokee people, the flower symbolizes their ability to find beauty amidst challenging circumstances, offering a source of hope and inspiration.

Unity and Heritage: The Cherokee Rose holds a unifying significance, symbolizing the shared heritage and cultural legacy of the Cherokee people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring Native American traditions and history.

SOURCE: FLORAQUEEN.COM

What Shall We Make Today?

This month’s popcorn recipe is Maple Crunch Popcorn.

Ingredients

10 cups popped popcorn (purchased bagged popcorn can be used)

1-1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

1-1/3 cups sugar

1 cup butter, cubed

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon maple flavoring

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. Place popcorn in a large bowl then set aside too.

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, maple syrup, corn syrup and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage).

Remove from the heat; stir in maple flavoring and chopped pecans. Quickly pour over popcorn mixture and mix well.

Transfer to baking sheets lined with waxed paper to cool. Break into clusters. Store in airtight containers.

Notes

You could pop your own popcorn. However, I like that bagged popcorn doesn’t have as many kernels and it’s not burned.

Store leftover popcorn in an airtight food storage container.

ENJOY!

Weird Wednesdays: Whimzeyland, Florida

I found this interesting house on the Family Destinations Guide website! The article, written by David Reeve, details what a unique property this is. Prepare yourself!

From Family Destination Guide:

Ever thought your neighborhood lacked a bit of pizzazz?

Look no further than Florida‘s own hidden gem, Whimzeyland!

Nestled in Safety Harbor, this explosion of creativity and color offers a whimsical journey right in your backyard.

Ready to dive into a world where ordinary meets extraordinary?

Whimzeyland challenges that notion with every vibrant corner and eye-popping detail.

Created by the artist duo Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda, this marvel took over two decades to evolve into what it is today.

Their canvas?

A humble abode and its neighboring properties.

Picture this: over 500 bowling balls, each meticulously painted, dotting the landscape.

This kaleidoscope of art isn’t confined to just bowling balls, though.

From mosaics crafted from broken bottles to chandeliers that dangle with a story, Whimzeyland is a testament to recycling turned into art.

As you step inside, the riot of colors and materials instantly mesmerizes you.

It’s a sensory feast, with each nook and cranny revealing a new surprise.

Jester statues playfully greet you in the backyard, a nod to the whimsy that defines this place.

Exploring further, you’ll notice every inch of Whimzeyland is an artwork in itself.

The walls, the floors, and even the ceilings join in this artistic symphony.

And yes, those famous bowling balls make their presence felt everywhere!

Relaxing in Whimzeyland isn’t your typical day at the park.

Here, you’re not just a spectator but part of the art itself.

The place has this magical way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting, one where the colors don’t just stay on the canvas but leap out to greet you.

It’s like being in a live-in art gallery, where every step uncovers a new piece of wonder.

The air itself seems to buzz with creativity.

You hear the gentle clinking of glass pieces in the mosaics, each telling a story of what they once were and what they’ve become.

The scent of paint and earth mingles together, a unique perfume that marks this as a place of transformation.

Kids love it here, their eyes wide as they trace the outlines of each bowling ball, counting to see if they can reach 500.

Families gather, smiles as bright as the art they’re admiring, creating memories in a backdrop that’s nothing short of a fairy tale.

And for the adults?

It’s a chance to let go and embrace the quirky side of life.

You find yourself chuckling at a particularly eccentric statue or marveling at how a simple bowling ball can be transformed into a work of art.

But it’s not all about the visuals.

The mosaics, intricate and bursting with color, add another layer to this artistic haven.

Walking through Whimzeyland, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life Lisa Frank illustration.

This art extravaganza doesn’t just stop at one property.

It spills over into the neighboring areas, creating a continuous stream of imaginative splendor.

Each step you take reveals more creative imagery, making it an endless journey of discovery.

It’s like someone splashed a rainbow across the neighborhood, and the result is this continuous stream of creativity that just keeps flowing.

You walk from one yard to the next, and there’s no telling what artistic surprise awaits you around the corner.

It’s not just about the art; it’s about the sense of community it creates.

It’s like living in a storybook where each chapter is more colorful than the last.

Kids skipping along the sidewalks are suddenly part of a larger canvas that’s alive and constantly evolving.

Every corner you turn in this area offers a new visual treat.

From whimsical sculptures that seem to wink at you as you pass by to murals that tell stories without words, it’s an art lover’s paradise that’s both quirky and endearing.

Families find themselves playing an impromptu game of ‘spot the most amusing artwork,’ a pastime that has both the young and young-at-heart chuckling.

Whimzeyland is more than just a destination; it’s an experience, a place where art and life intertwine most delightfully.

It’s like stepping into a world where imagination isn’t just encouraged; it’s the rule of the land.

And in this world, the only thing you can expect is the unexpected.

Situated in downtown Safety Harbor, Whimzeyland is a bridge to the local community.

After wandering through this bowling ball paradise, local restaurants and cozy cafes await to quench your thirst and treat your taste buds.

For those curious souls craving more information, Whimzeyland’s official website and Facebook page are treasure troves of details.

Keen on visiting?

Where: 1206 3rd St N, Safety Harbor, FL 34695

So, are you ready to embark on a journey that’s anything but ordinary?

Whimzeyland awaits with open arms, promising an adventure that’s both strange and stunningly beautiful.

It’s a rare opportunity to step into an artist’s mind and see the world through a lens of unbridled creativity.

Have you ever experienced anything like Whimzeyland before, or will this be your first dive into Florida’s world of whimsical art?

SOURCE: Family Destination Guide: DAVID REEVE

Dahmer

Today would have been Jeffrey Dahmer’s birthday. The serial killer was murdered in prison.

I was going to bring an expose on his life and crimes, but reading about his atrocities made me sick to my stomach. He was born on this day and his death befitted his crime. Enough said

The remainder of this post will be kittens, puppies, and baby animals.

King Vultures

The King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a large bird found in Central and South America. It is a member of the New World vulture family Cathartidae. Its more powerful features, for the purpose of feeding from the toughest animal carcasses, have given the King vulture its name; its larger size, brilliant color, and adapted features. Other birds treat the King vulture as the king, for example, when it flies in, other birds will stop feeding and let it eat.

Appearance

An imposing bird, the adult King vulture has predominantly white plumage, which has a slight rose-yellow tinge to it. In stark contrast, the wing coverts, flight feathers, and tail are dark grey to black, as is the prominent thick neck ruff. The head and neck are devoid of feathers, the skin shades of red and purple on the head, vivid orange on the neck, and yellow on the throat. On the head, the skin is wrinkled and folded, and there is a highly noticeable irregular golden crest attached to the cere above its orange and black bill; this caruncle does not fully form until the bird’s fourth year. The King vulture has, relative to its size, the largest skull and braincase, and strongest bill, of the New World vultures. This bill has a hooked tip and a sharp cutting edge. The bird has broad wings and a short, broad, and square tail. The irises of its eyes are white and bordered by bright red sclera. Unlike some New World vultures, the King vulture lacks eyelashes. It also has gray legs and long, thick claws. The juvenile vulture has a dark bill and eyes, and a downy, gray neck that soon begins to turn the orange of an adult. Younger vultures are a slate gray overall, and, while they look similar to the adult by the third year, they do not completely molt into adult plumage until they are around five or six years of age.

Distribution

King vultures live in the south of Mexico and throughout South and Central America to northern Argentina. Mainly frequenting humid tropical forests, they may sometimes be seen in more open areas like savannah and grasslands. These birds prefer undisturbed forests inhabited by large mammals. They are also often seen near swamps or marshy places in the forests.

Habits and Lifestyle

King vultures do not gather in large groups but remain in family units. They mostly stay out of sight, perched high up in the canopy, or they are flying about and soaring high above the ground looking for food. They do not migrate, remaining within the same area all year long. They are a diurnal species and much of their time is spent basking in the sun and saving their energy, sometimes preening their wing feathers. King vultures, unlike some other vulture species, have a poor sense of smell, relying on other vultures to locate prey, and then descending to join in the feeding. These birds are very rarely aggressive, usually backing down instead of fighting. Due to their large bodies and wings, they totally depend on air currents for their flight, and avoid flapping their wings unless they really have to. King vultures do not have a voice box (a syrinx) or the muscles needed to make it work. They can make very low croaks. During the breeding season, they will give warning sounds when something approaches their nest.

Mating Habits

King vultures are monogamous and their pair bonds last for life. They are often seen perching high in trees under cover or soaring very high up in the sky. As a result, their courting ritual is only seen in captivity, being a display where both birds walk around on the ground in circles while they flap their wings. They make loud snorting and wheezing noises during mating. Breeding usually takes place during the dry season. These birds are solitary and so do not gather in big colonies to nest. Instead of building nests, they lay their eggs in a stump the hollow of a rotting log, or a crevice in a tree. A single egg is laid and incubation lasts for around 55 to 58 days, with both parents regularly taking turns. Chicks are naked when they hatch but very soon acquire pure white down. The parents bring food to them in their claws, but also feed their chick by regurgitation. Young fledge at 3-4 months, but remain dependent on their parents until they are eight months old and may stay close to them for two more years. At three to four years of age, a chick has developed all its plumage and other features. Females become reproductively mature at around 5 years of age, and males at around 7 years of age.

Fun Facts for Kids

King vultures have one of the strongest beaks out of all the American vultures, being able to open a carcass that the others cannot. This is why they often eat first, with the other vultures eating what remains.

When it is too hot, the King vulture defecates on its legs, a cooling process called urohydrosis.

The closest relatives to King vultures are condors.

The vulture’s head and neck are featherless as an adaptation for hygiene, though there are black bristles on parts of the head; this lack of feathers prevents bacteria from the carrion it eats from ruining its feathers and exposes the skin to the sterilizing effects of the sun.

After eating, King vultures will fly a long way to a river to bathe.

Ancient Mayans knew the King vulture, including it in their art. They named it “oc”.

SOURCE: ANIMALIA.COM

Lunchbox Notes

My mom was always one of those people who “Spring” cleaned her home twice a year—once in the Spring and once again in Fall. This was non-negotiable. She cleaned walls, ceilings, carpets, windows—every surface in every room on every floor—AND inside every drawer or cabinet. She flipped mattresses and scoured grout with an old toothbrush. Since the basement held my father’s workshop, the furnace, oil tank and not much else, she did relegate the cleaning of that floor to him, but she did make frequent trips down there to check his progress.

With the passing of time, my father has passed and Mom now walks with a walker, but she still insists on her cleaning marathons—only concentrating on the main floor where she lives. When we visit, I will clean the upstairs for her—there’s a spare bedroom where we sleep—and another spare room mostly empty.

The basement, however, has not been touched much since Dad passed. The tools were left to my brother and in more than 10 years, he still cannot face getting rid of anything—which is such a shame because they are rusting in the damp workshop. Since Mom can’t go down into the basement, she had no idea of its condition until I showed her pictures. She shrugged and said she couldn’t force him to do anything. So, I suggested we just get rid of the myriad of leftover scraps of wood, trim and old paint cans and she said she’d talk to him about that. Then, in one of the pictures, she spied a shelf of books and decided they must be musty by now and we could toss those.

The small stack of books were mostly hardcover spy novels (Dad loved those) and how-to books. All of them smelled musty. She started to page through one while I paged through another. In one of the spy novels we found $2 bills tucked between the pages and Mom laughed…that’s Dad she said. We went through the other books, but we didn’t find anything interesting until the last book. I picked it up to hand it to her, and something slipped out from the book jacket. It was a small bag like the kind you got a card shop if you only bought one card. Inside were small pieces of folded paper.

Mom opened one of them and her eyes misted up. I asked what the paper was—was it a note from Dad? She shook her head no…they were notes SHE wrote and sent in his lunchbox sometimes…little I love you’s or you’re the best husband type notes. There were also cards from my sister in the stack. And then Mom handed me a hand written letter I wrote to Dad a long time ago. I remembered tucking it into his birthday card that year, thanking him for helping me through some really rough times back then. I couldn’t believe he kept it all those years.