Winter Insects to Watch For

I always thought winter was a small respite from pests, but as I read in the following article from BackYardBoss, there are several insects we need to keep a look out for.

From BACKYARDBOSS:

Winter can be harsh for wildlife, including insects. As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, many of the bugs that are common during other seasons become rarer to see. But where do bugs go in winter? Many insects enter a state of dormancy or seek shelter to survive the cold. Some burrow into the soil, finding refuge beneath the frost line, while others hibernate in cozy nooks, such as leaf litter or tree bark. Certain insects, like monarch butterflies, travel south for the winter, according to the U.S. Forest Service. There, the butterflies hibernate until the cold months are over.

But not all insects are intimidated by winter. There’s a world of bizarre and terrifying insects that thrive in the cold.These winter insects are adapted to surviving in harsh conditions, displaying unique characteristics that set them apart from their warm-weather counterparts.From beetles with antifreeze-like blood to spiders that brave cold temperatures, thesewinter bugsare both fascinating and, at times, unnerving. Discover eight weird winter insects you’ll probably see before the season is over.

Snow Fleas

Snow fleas, despite their name, are not actual fleas. These minuscule insects are a type of springtail. Found in moist environments, snow fleas are some of the most active insects in winter, and their presence becomes noticeable on snowy surfaces. The winter bugs measure only about ⅒ of an inch, according to the University of Minnesota, and their dark color makes them stand out against the white snow. Despite their ominous appearance, snow fleas are harmless to humans. They feed on organic matter and play a crucial role in breaking down decaying plant material, which can help improve your soil.

Snow fleas produce Hypogastrura harveyi Folsom, a protein that acts as an antifreeze, preventing ice crystal formation within their bodies, and allowing them to remain active even in subzero temperatures. Their ability to jump vast distances helps them navigate through snow, while their dark coloration absorbs sunlight, providing them with warmth in chilly environments.

Snow flies can find their way into your home, but there are some things you can do to keep snow fleas at bay:

Maintain proper ventilation to reduce moisture levels indoors.

Clear snow and debris from around the foundation to limit their access points.

Use natural repellents like diatomaceous earth near entry points.

Apply a thin layer of cedar oil or citrus-based repellent in infested areas.

Use a vacuum cleaner with proper filtration to remove snow fleas indoors.

Consider introducing predatory insects like ground beetles to control populations.

Winter Stoneflies

Winter stoneflies are insects that defy the common perception of insects going dormant in winter. Thesewinter bugsare characterized by their elongated bodies and two pairs of membranous wings. Typically found near cold, running water, winter stoneflies undergo a unique life cycle that involves egg-laying on rocks in freezing conditions. Like snow fleas, winter stoneflies have dark coloration that aids in absorbing sunlight for warmth. Their ability to walk on their tippy-toes prevents direct contact with cold surfaces. Additionally, they seek refuge in crevices to evade harsh winter winds and replace body fluids with glycerol, an alcohol that remains unfrozen, enabling them to regulate their antifreeze levels as necessary.

Fortunately, stoneflies rarely invade your living space. However, if you have discovered them in your space and would like to get rid of them, there are some things you can do:

Use light-colored exterior paint to reduce heat absorption and deter stoneflies.

Install artificial light sources away from water bodies to minimize attraction.

Remove standing water around the property to limit breeding sites.

Apply insecticidal soaps sparingly on stonefly-infested plants.

Winter Moths

Winter moths are enchanting insects with a problematic reputation. These small, delicate moths have a wingspan of around 1 inch and are known for their ability to fly in cold temperatures. While they may seem harmless, the weird winter insects can be highly destructive to deciduous trees during their larval stage. The caterpillars feed on tree buds, potentially causing extensive damage to forests and ornamental trees. Winter moths have antifreeze in their bodies, aiding survival in freezing temperatures. They can also shiver to generate heat, maintaining their activity levels in cold weather.Moreover, they exhibit the ability to delay hatching until food sources are plentiful, enhancing their survival prospects by synchronizing with blooming cycles.

Winter moths can nest in your home but, there are some considerations for getting rid of these bugs in the winter:

Release natural predators such as parasitic wasps to control caterpillar populations outdoors.

Use organic insecticides such as neem oil to kill winter moths.

Apply horticultural oils on tree trunks to suffocate winter moth eggs.

Introduce pheromone traps to disrupt the mating cycle of adult moths.

Wrap tree trunks with burlap in late fall to prevent egg-laying.

Use sticky bands around tree trunks to trap crawling caterpillars.

Winter Ticks

Winter ticks feed on the blood of mammals during the winter months. These tiny, reddish-brown bugs are particularly concerning due to their impact on wildlife and domestic animals. Animals can suffer from significant blood loss when infested with large numbers of winter ticks.

A significant adaptation of these winter bugs is their ability to remain on a host throughout cold winters, unlike other tick species that shift hosts between developmental stages.This strategy ensures their survival by providing consistent access to a blood meal. Furthermore, off-host larvae and adult female winter ticks display remarkable survival techniques underwater, showcasing their adaptability to severe environments. To fight winter ticks:

Regularly check pets and livestock for ticks, especially after outdoor activities.

Safely remove the winter insectsusing fine-tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

Create tick-safe zones by clearing tall grass and dense vegetation.

Use botanical repellents on pets, focusing on ears, neck, and paws.

Consult with local wildlife management agencies to control tick-infested wildlife populations.

Snow Scorpionflies

Snow scorpionflies are fascinating insects that add a touch of mystery to winter landscapes. With their distinctive long antennae and tail-like appendages, snow scorpionflies have an otherworldly appearance. This winter flyis commonly found on snow surfaces, where it feeds on small invertebrates and detritus. What makes snow scorpionflies so adept at surviving in the winter? Well, the winter insects can lower the freezing point of fluids in their cells, which prevents the formation of ice crystals and allows them to be active in cold conditions. Snow scorpionflies don’t often infest your living spaces. But if you’re concerned that the winter insects might find their way into your home, there are things you can do to thwart an attack by the bugs in the winter:

Maintain cleanliness to discourage their presence indoors.

Safeguard your living space by fitting screens on windows and doors to block their entry.

Use yellow outdoor lighting to minimize their attraction to illuminated areas.

Clear snow and debris from outdoor spaces to reduce potential habitats.

Plant native vegetation to encourage the presence of natural predators.

Winter Ants

Winter ants, despite their small size, exhibit remarkable resilience in cold weather. The insects remain active during winter, foraging for food sources when temperatures drop. With a preference for sweet substances, winter ants may venture into homes seeking sustenance during the colder months. Ants have several adaptations to survive the winter. In colder months, ants use southern exposure rock surfaces to warm themselves and crowd together to share body heat. Unfortunately, winter ants can infest your home.The good news is that there are things you can do to get rid of ants, including winter ants:

Store food in airtight containers to eliminate potential food sources.

To prevent their intrusion, sealing cracks and eliminating food sources is essential.

Clean up crumbs and spills promptly to discourage ant foraging.

Use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean ant trails, disrupting their pheromone communication.

Sprinkle cinnamon or cayenne pepper near entry points as a natural ant deterrent.

Apply diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home to create a physical barrier.

Cold weather bugs reveal the hidden world of insect survival in freezing conditions. From the fascinating adaptations of snow fleas to the potential threat posed by winter moths and ticks, these winter insectsshowcase the diverse strategies employed to endure the harsh environment. Understanding their habits, appearance, and potential risks allows you to coexist with these cold weather bugs while appreciating the intricate balance of nature even in the coldest months.

SOURCE: BACKYARDBOSS.NET

Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge

Looking for famous bridges in Georgia? We’ve got one of the most wonderful pieces of architecture in the state picked out for you! The Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge in Georgia is just 12 miles north of Warm Springs. This old bridge is still standing and more than worth taking a trip to if you are on a quest to see covered bridges in Georgia. If you need a little bit more of a push, here are eight reasons why this record-holding covered bridge should be explored.

This beautiful bridge was built over 170 years ago. It’s been well-maintained over time, so it’s still able to carry traffic across. Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge in Georgia was built by freed slave Horace King. This noted bridge builder was born in 1807 and died in 1885. The bridge has a fascinating design that will enchant covered bridge lovers. The Town lattice plan consists of crisscrossing planks at 45 to 60 degree angles. Approximately 2,500 wood pegs were used when constructing this magnificent structure.

Horace King is credited with building many covered bridges in Georgia. He was particularly active in the western half of the state. Sadly, Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge is the last surviving bridge designed by him.

 At 391 feet in length, this structure is the oldest and longest of all the wooden covered bridges in Georgia. This architectural gem is sometimes called the Imlac Covered Bridge. It spans over Red Oak Creek in the small community of Imlac, not far from Woodbury. What makes this covered bridge stand out above the rest is the workmanship that it showcases. When you consider it was built centuries ago, it’s truly amazing it’s still able to accomplish its job today!

The Last Soldiers

When Japanese sergeant Shoichi Yokoi returned to his home country after almost three decades in hiding, his initial reaction was one of contrition: “It is with much embarrassment that I return.”

Then 56, Yokoi had spent the past 27 years eking out a meager existence in the jungles of Guam, where he’d fled to evade capture following American forces’ seizure of the island in August 1944. According to historian Robert Rogers, Yokoi was one of around 5,000 Japanese soldiers who refused to surrender to the Allies after the Battle of Guam, preferring life on the lam to the shame of being detained as a prisoner of war. Though the Allies captured or killed the majority of these holdouts within a few months, some 130 remained in hiding by the end of World War II in September 1945. Yokoi, who only rejoined society after being overpowered by two local fishermen in January 1972, was one of the last stragglers to surrender, offering an extreme example of the Japanese Bushidō philosophy’s emphasis on honor and self-sacrifice.

“He was the epitome of prewar values of diligence, loyalty to the emperor and ganbaru, a ubiquitous Japanese word that roughly means to slog on tenaciously through tough times,” wrote Nicholas D. Kristof for the New York Times in 1997, when Yokoi died of a heart attack at age 82. Upon his return to Japan, “he stirred widespread soul-searching … about whether he represented the best impulses of the national spirit or the silliest.”

Born in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan in 1915, Yokoi worked as a tailor before being drafted into the Imperial Japanese Army in 1941. Per Wanpela.com, which maintains a registry of Japanese World War II holdouts, he was stationed in China until February 1943, when he was transferred to Guam. After American forces nearly annihilated Yokoi’s regiment in the summer of 1944, he and a group of nine or ten comrades escaped into the jungle.

“From the outset they took enormous care not to be detected, erasing their footprints as they moved through the undergrowth,” Yokoi’s nephew, Omi Hatashin, told BBC News’ Mike Lanchin in 2012.

Initially, the holdouts survived by eating locals’ cattle. But as their numbers shrank and the likelihood of discovery grew, they retreated to increasingly remote sections of the island, living in caves or makeshift underground shelters and dining on coconuts, papaya, shrimp, frogs, toads, eels and rats. Per the Washington Post, Yokoi drew on his tailoring skills to weave clothing out of tree bark and marked the passage of time by observing phases of the moon. He eventually parted ways with his companions, who either surrendered, fell victim to enemy soldiers on patrol or died as a result of their spartan lifestyle. Yokoi stayed in sporadic contact with two other stragglers, but after they died during flooding in 1964, he spent his last eight years in hiding in total isolation.

Fifty years ago, on January 24, 1972, fishermen Jesus M. Duenas and Manuel D. Garcia spotted Yokoi checking a bamboo fish trap in a part of the Talofofo River about four miles away from the nearest village. As the Associated Press (AP) reported at the time, Yokoi attempted to charge at the men, who easily overpowered him in his weakened state. (Doctors later deemed him slightly anemic but otherwise in relatively good health.)

“He really panicked” after encountering humans for the first time in years, Hatashin explains to BBC News. “He feared they would take him as a prisoner of war—that would have been the greatest shame for a Japanese soldier and for his family back home.”

After hearing Yokoi’s story, officials in Guam arranged to repatriate him to Japan. Though he’d found leaflets and newspapers detailing the conflict’s end two decades earlier, he viewed these reports as American propaganda and continued to resist surrendering. “We Japanese soldiers were told to prefer death to the disgrace of getting captured alive,” the soldier later said, per Wyatt Olson of Stars and Stripes.

Yokoi arrived back home in February 1972, receiving a hero’s welcome by a crowd of 5,000. “I have returned with the rifle the emperor gave me,” he told the New York Times upon his return. “I am sorry I could not serve him to my satisfaction.”

The subject of fascination both at home and abroad, Yokoi divided public opinion, with older residents of Japan interpreting his actions as an inspirational reminder of a bygone era and younger people more often viewing his refusal to surrender as “pointless and symbolic of an age that taught children to stick to what they were doing rather than to think about where they were going,” as Kristof wrote.

Yokoi attempted to assimilate into a “world [that had] passed him by,” in the words of one contemporary columnist, but grew nostalgic for the past, sometimes criticizing the innovations of modern life, according to Hatashin. He entered into an arranged marriage in November 1972, unsuccessfully ran for Parliament in 1974, and detailed his experiences in a best-selling book and lectures delivered across the country. Still, noted Lanchin for BBC News, he “never quite felt at home in modern society,” and prior to his death in 1997, he made several trips back to Guam.

Two years after Yokoi’s return to Japan, another wartime holdout, Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda, resurfaced on the Philippines’ Lubang Island after 29 years in hiding. Like Yokoi, he maintained that he’d received orders to fight to the death rather than surrender. He refused to leave the island until March 1974, when his commanding officer traveled to Lubang and formally relieved him of duty.

SOURCE: SMITHSONIANMAGAZINE.COM

Philippine Eagle

The Philippine eagle or monkey-eating eagle is considered one of the rarest and most powerful birds in the world. The Southeast Asian country declared it as its national bird and protects this critically-endangered species at all costs, punishing those who are found guilty of killing it with 12 years of imprisonment or with high fines. Below, we round up 11 interesting facts about this majestic bird.

It can live up to 60 years of age

The Philippine eagle’s life expectancy ranges from 30 to 60 years. Two Philippine eagles were recorded to have lived for more than 40 years – one of which died on October 2016. The full-grown, female Philippine eagle named ‘Thor’ (after the Norse God of Thunder), died due to old age. Authorities believe her captivity worsened her condition. Hence, it is believed the Philippine eagle can live longer if left in the wild.

The female Philippine eagle is usually bigger

The giant forest raptor is not only considered as rare and powerful but also recognised for its length. It can grow up to 3 feet and its wingspan can extend up to 7 feet. Average measurements among male and female Philippine eagles suggest the female Philippine eagle can be 10% bigger than its male counterpart. In terms of length, it’s considered as the largest surviving eagle in the world.

It doesn’t really eat monkeys

Earlier beliefs suggested that the Philippine eagle was also known as the monkey-eating eagle because it preyed on monkeys. However, contrary to popular belief, the Philippine eagle does not eat monkeys. According to recent studies, it preys on a variety of animals, usually rodents, bats, snakes, and pigs.

It has a distinguished noise

The noises heard from a Philippine eagle are described as loud and high-pitched, suggesting its fierce and territorial characteristics. It has clearer eyesight than humans.

It is found in four major islands in the Philippines

It’s only found in the Philippines, and can be spotted on four major islands. These are the islands of Leyte, Luz

on, Mindanao, and Samar. However, due to shooting and trapping, the Philippine eagle has been critically endangered for years. Despite the prevalence of strict laws, there are still cases of Philippine eagles being shot in forests. Thus, the Philippine Eagle Center was put up as a conservation breeding facility for this highly-threatened raptor.

Deforestration is usually the cause of its death

The forest, particularly lush dense forests, is the Philippine eagle’s home. Despite the country’s abundance of greenery, massive logging and irresponsible use of resources is killing the forests, thereby killing the species’ home. Aside from shooting and trapping, deforestration is also seen as a major cause of Philippine eagle deaths.

The Philippine Eagle is monogamous and loyal

The Philippine eagle is reportedly very loyal. Once paired to a partner, they choose to remain as a couple for the rest of their lives. As for their offsprings, a Philippine eagle only lays a single egg every two years. And before they lay another egg, the parent eagles ensure that their offspring can already survive on its own.

A British naturalist discovered the Philippine eagle

t wasn’t a Filipino or local who discovered this powerful bird species. British naturalist and explorer John Whitehead discovered the Philippine eagle in 1896, when he found the specimen in Paranas, Samar. In honor of his father, who financed his expeditions and explorations, the Philippine eagle was scientifically named as ‘Pithecophaga jefferyi’ – where ‘jefferyi’ means Jeffrey (the father of John Whitehead).

It has no recognized subspecies

The Philippine eagle was named as the country’s national bird in 1995. Proclamation No. 615, signed by former President Fidel Ramos, gave way to the recognition of the species as the country’s national bird. It was recognized as such for it is only found in the Philippines and according to the proclamation, its distinguished characteristics of strength and love for freedom exemplify the Filipino people. Unlike other raptors, the Philippine eagle has no known close relatives or sub-species, making it very unique.

Its sighting indicates a healthy environment

Since it lives in forests, many believe that sightings of a Philippine eagle indicate the healthy condition of the forest. Additionally, its presence suggests that there’s balance in the ecosystem and with a healthy natural environment, flooding and climate change effects are minimized.

SOURCE: THECULTURETRIP.COM

Edible Flowers

I didn’t realize that some flowers are edible, but this article from Treehugger.com details 42 that are!

From Treehugger.com:

Beyond nasturtium blossoms and rose petals, there is a surprising number of blooms that are a true delight to eat. The culinary use of flowers dates back thousands of years to the Chinese, Greek, and Romans. Many cultures use flowers in their traditional cooking—think of squash blossoms in Italian food and rose petals in Indian food. Adding flowers to your food can be a nice way to add color, flavor and a little whimsy. Some are spicy, and some herbaceous, while others are floral and fragrant. The range is surprising.

Ways to Use Edible Flowers

It’s not uncommon to see flower petals used in salads, teas, and as a garnish for desserts, but they inspire creative uses as well—roll spicy ones (like chive blossoms) into handmade pasta dough, incorporate floral ones into homemade ice cream, pickled flower buds (like nasturtium) to make ersatz capers, use them to make a floral simple syrup for use in lemonade or cocktails. I once stuffed gladiolus following a recipe for stuffed squash blossoms—they were great. So many possibilities…

Eating Flowers Safely

So, as lovely as eating flowers can be, it can also be a little … deadly. Not to scare you off or anything, but follow these tips for eating flowers safely:

Eat flowers you know to be consumable — if you are uncertain, consult a reference book on edible flowers and plants.

Eat flowers you have grown yourself, or know to be safe for consumption. Flowers from the florist or nursery have probably been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.

Do not eat roadside flowers or those picked in public parks. Both may have been treated with pesticide or herbicide, and roadside flowers may be polluted by car exhaust.

Eat only the petals, and remove pistils and stamens before eating.

If you suffer from allergies, introduce edible flowers gradually, as they may exacerbate allergies.

To keep flowers fresh, place them on moist paper towels and refrigerate in an airtight container. Some will last up to 10 days this way. Ice water can revitalize limp flowers.

Edible Flower List

1 ALLIUM All blossoms from the allium family (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic chives) are edible and flavorful! Flavors run the gamut from delicate leek to robust garlic. Every part of these plants is edible.

2 ANGELICA Depending on the variety, flowers range from pale lavender-blue to deep rose and have a licorice-like flavor.

3 ANISE HYSOP Both flowers and leaves have a subtle anise or licorice flavor.

4 ARUGULA Blossoms are small with dark centers and with a peppery flavor much like the leaves. They range in color from white to yellow with dark purple streaks.

5 BACHELOR’S BUTTON Grassy in flavor, the petals are edible. Avoid the bitter calyx.

6 BASIL Blossoms come in a variety of colors, from white to pink to lavender; the flavor is similar to the leaves, but milder.

7 BEE BALM The red flowers have a minty flavor.

8 BORAGE Blossoms are a lovely blue hue and taste like cucumber!

9 CALENDULA/marigold A great flower for eating, calendula blossoms are peppery, tangy, and spicy — and their vibrant golden color adds dash to any dish.

10 CARNATIONS / DIANTHUS Petals are sweet, once trimmed away from the base. The blossoms taste like their sweet, perfumed aroma.

11. CHAMOMILE Small and daisy-like, the flowers have a sweet flavor and are often used in tea. Ragweed sufferers may be allergic to chamomile.

12 CHERVIL Delicate blossoms and flavor, which is anise-tinged.

13 CHICORY Mildly bitter earthiness of chicory is evident in the petals and buds, which can be pickled.

14 CHRYSANTHEMUM A little bitter, mums come in a rainbow of colors and a range of flavors range from peppery to pungent. Use only the petals.

15 CILANTRO Like the leaves, people either love the blossoms or hate them. The flowers share the grassy flavor of the herb. Use them fresh as they lose their charm when heated.

16 CITRUS (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat) Citrus blossoms are sweet and highly scented. Use frugally or they will over-perfume a dish.

17 CLOVER Flowers are sweet with a hint of licorice.

18. DANDELION

19 DILL Yellow dill flowers taste much like the herb’s leaves.

20 ENGLISH DAISY These aren’t the best-tasting petals — they are somewhat bitter — but they look great!

21 FENNEL Yellow fennel flowers are eye candy with a subtle licorice flavor, much like the herb itself.

22 FUCHSIA Tangy fuchsia flowers make a beautiful garnish.

23 GLADIOLUS Who knew? Although gladioli are bland, they can be stuffed, or their petals removed for an interesting salad garnish.

24 HIBISCUS Famously used in hibiscus tea, the vibrant cranberry flavor is tart and can be used sparingly.

25 HOLLYHOCK Bland and vegetal in flavor, hollyhock blossoms make a showy, edible garnish.

26 IMPATIENS Flowers don’t have much flavor — best as a pretty garnish or for candying.

27 JASMINE These super-fragrant blooms are used in tea; you can also use them in sweet dishes, but sparingly.

28. JOHNNY JUMP-UP Adorable and delicious, the flowers have a subtle mint flavor great for salads, pasta, fruit dishes, and drinks.

29 LAVENDER Sweet, spicy, and perfumed, the flowers are a great addition to both savory and sweet dishes.

30 LEMON VERBENA The diminutive off-white blossoms are redolent of lemon — and great for teas and desserts.

31 LILAC The blooms are pungent, but the floral citrusy aroma translates to its flavor as well.

32 MINT The flowers are — surprise! — minty. Their intensity varies among varieties.

33 NASTURTIUM One of the most popular edible flowers, nasturtium blossoms are brilliantly colored with a sweet, floral flavor bursting with a spicy pepper finish. When the flowers go to seed, the seed pod is a marvel of sweet and spicy. You can stuff flowers, add leaves to salads, pickle buds like capers, and garnish to your heart’s content.

34 OREGANO The flowers are a pretty, subtle version of the leaf.

35 PANSY The petals are somewhat nondescript, but if you eat the whole flower you get more taste.

36 RADISH Varying in color, radish flowers have a distinctive, peppery bite.

37 ROSE Remove the white, bitter base and the remaining petals have a strongly perfumed flavor perfect for floating in drinks or scattering across desserts, and for a variety of jams. All roses are edible, with flavor more pronounced in darker varieties.

38 ROSEMARY Flowers taste like a milder version of the herb; nice used as a garnish on dishes that incorporate rosemary.

39 SAGE Blossoms have a subtle flavor similar to the leaves.

40 SQUASH and PUMPKIN Blossoms from both are wonderful vehicles for stuffing, each having a slight squash flavor. Remove stamens before using.

41 SUNFLOWER Petals can be eaten, and the bud can be steamed like an artichoke.

42 VIOLETS Another famous edible flower, violets are floral, sweet and beautiful as garnishes. Use the flowers in salads and to garnish desserts and drinks.

SOURCE: TREEHUGGER.COM

Missouri State Mammal: Missouri Mule

On May 31, 1995, Governor Mel Carnahan signed a bill designating the Missouri Mule as the official state animal. The mule is a hybrid animal, the offspring of a mare (female horse) and a jack (male donkey). The mule was introduced to the state in the 1820s and quickly became popular with farmers and settlers because of its strength and hardy nature. It was an appropriate choice for state animal as it reflects Missouri’s history as a large rural community, and as the “gateway to the West” the state was frequently the location where immigrants bought and filled the wagons – often pulled by mules – that would take them westward.

The high demand for the hardy animal prompted Missouri breeders to develop a larger draft mule. For decades, Missouri was the nation’s premier mule producer. At one time forty-five percent of Missouri farmers were involved in the use or breeding of mules. The average farmer’s income at the turn of the century was around $700 a year. A pair of mule foals could be sold for $500 at this time so not only were they strong workers, but breeding mules was a lucrative side business for many farmers. Missourians marketed the mule to the Cotton Belt and to the lead, coal and logging industries. In addition, the Missouri mule played a critical role during both World Wars in moving troops and supplies. Eventually new technology diminished the mule’s importance and by 1940 the tractor had largely replaced the mule on the family farm.

The prestigious term, Missouri Mule, was said to have been coined at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis when locally bred animals swept the competition in the six-mule wagon team. More than 1,000 mules were exhibited at the 1904 Fair from numerous states.

Associated with strength, endurance and honesty, the Missouri Mule is a symbol of the rich agricultural beginnings of the Show-me State. Today they are primarily used for recreation, although some are still used to work farms and forests.

What Shall We Bake Today?

Today’s offering is Caramel Apple Pecan Coffeecake!

Ingredients

Caramel Apple Filling

1½ cups honeycrisp apples, peeled + diced

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoon caramel sauce

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Cake Batter

2 cups flour

¾ cup brown sugar, lightly packed

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

⅔ cup milk

1 large egg

⅓ stick unsalted butter, melted

Pecan Topping

2 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoon flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

pinch salt

2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

½ cup pecans, chopped

To serve

¼ cup caramel sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line the bottom of a 9″ springform pan with parchment (to easily release the pan bottom away) and grease with cooking spray or butter.

Toss the apples with brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce and cinnamon. Set aside while you prepare the cake batter.

Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center.

In another bowl or measuring cup, combine the milk, egg and melted butter. Pour this into the well then stir everything together until just combined. Gently fold in the apples.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the pecan topping. Sprinkle over the cake.

Bake for 35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the top of the cake and serve warm.

ENJOY!

The Crevalle Rescue

Today is Cary Grant’s birthday (born in 1904 and died 11/29/1986) and I went in search of interesting facts about my favorite Cary Grant movie—Operation Petticoat.  I found out it was loosely based on the real rescue of civilians during World War II by a submarine called the Crevalle.  I found this story about the rescue on the pacificwarmuseum.org website:

The island of Negros, located between the islands of Panay and Cebu in the Philippines, was a center of sugarcane production since Spanish colonial times, known for its sugar haciendas. The workers of these haciendas, or sugar mills, were notably not considered as property or segregated by race, and they were free to move about, not tied to mills or locations as many plantations bound slaves. After the Philippines was liberated from Spain, many Americans visited or went to live on Los Negros, often intermarrying with the locals and starting families. Some Americans came as missionaries, some came as entrepreneurs, and some as laborers. There were mothers and fathers, students, teachers, workers, businessmen, and missionaries living across the island throughout the early twentieth century. But the lives of the people of Negros changed when the Japanese invaded in 1941.

Once Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on 7 December 1941, it continued to attack territories and rapidly gained control of various islands in the Pacific. The struggle for the Philippines was prolonged, but it finally fell into Japanese hands in May 1942. The peaceful island of Negros became dangerous for those of American ancestry. Guerrilla fighters in the Philippines fought fiercely against occupation, and Japan finally ordered in November of 1943 that all Americans must give themselves up or be hunted down and killed. The United States’ response was to send the USS Crevalle, a Balao-class submarine, to Negros to evacuate American families from the island to Australia. In May 1944, Crevalle’s orders were to rescue twenty-five passengers and “important documents” awaiting them on Negros. They encountered forty-one people—men, women, and children who had risked their lives running from the Japanese and escaped to the beach for their chance of salvation.

The refugees came from all walks of life—missionaries, planters, former prisoners of war, sugar mill owners, businessmen, and even young children. Few of the refugees knew each other before meeting on the beach, but the one thing they had in common was that the Japanese were hunting them, and they were leaving their homes to survive. Colonel Abcede, leader of the guerillas and the organizer of the evacuation, was dismayed to find that they had far exceeded the promised 25 passengers for the Crevalle, but when the submarine arrived her captain, Francis D. Walker, Jr., assured him they would take them all.

Captain Walker assumed command of the Crevalle in March 1944 for her third war patrol and sunk two Japanese ships in less than two weeks. Walker’s command style was described as “aggressive,” and not always as a compliment, but he had twice earned the Silver Star for command decisions—once during his time aboard the USS Searaven and again as executive officer and navigator of the Crevalle in December 1943. Just after the Crevalle sank the second ship on her third war patrol, Walker received orders to terminate the patrol and head for Negros for this special mission. Walker was dismayed at having to call off what had been a rousingly-successful patrol, but he followed orders.

This was not Captain Walker’s first experience with a special rescue mission; while Walker was serving aboard the Searaven, their war patrol was called off to rescue thirty-three Australian aviators. Now, as captain of the Crevalle, he found himself with forty-one extra passengers and a mysterious box containing documents that the U.S. military was eager to receive. No one told Walker at the time, but these documents held the Japanese plans for a decisive, all-out battle against the Americans, called the “Z Plan.” The plane carrying this plan had crashed in the Bohol Strait off the island of Cebu, just east of Negros, and two native Filipinos found the box on the beach. The Allied Intelligence Bureau learned of the crash and requested, among other things, all the documents from the downed plane.

…SURFACE. AND RECIEVED FROM BOAT FLYING U.S. COLORS TWENTY-FIVE PASSENGERS AND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS.

Top secret orders received by Captain Walker

Once everyone was aboard, the Crevalle got underway, headed back for Australia. Several families, including the Reals and the Lindholms, had young children who amused themselves as best they could, occasionally finding themselves underfoot of the Crevalle crew. There were also soldiers like 25-year-old Howard Chrisco, who had survived the Bataan Death March and now desperately awaited the return home. When the passengers from Negros boarded the submarine and got underway, they believed they had made it, that the worst was over. But there was more to come for the Crevalle.

Early the next morning, 12 May, a Japanese Betty bomber dropped out of the clouds when the submarine was on the surface. The submarine was ordered to dive, but the bombs fell close to the vessel. Everyone aboard heard and felt the explosion, which woke most of the boat. The Crevalle stayed submerged for over an hour before coming back to the surface. The bomber was soon sighted again, and the Crevalle would be bombed, submerged, and surface again multiple times throughout the morning. Later, while the vessel was still submerged, the crewman on watch sighted through the periscope a Japanese convoy. Since Captain Walker’s orders to retrieve the passengers and documents from Negros hadn’t forbidden attacking the enemy, he chose to engage the convoy. An enemy plane dropped a smoke signal above the submarine, marking the sub’s location. It wasn’t until the last moment that Captain realized they’d been spotted—just before the first depth charges went off.

The submarine was rocked as the charges exploded, sending loose equipment, belongings, and children’s toys flying. The attack only lasted about a minute, but managed to inflict heavy damage. The concussive blasts had slammed into the hull and caused leaks that the crewmen raced to slow or stop. Equipment had broken, including the sonar and both periscopes, leaving the Crevalle blind. The frightened children were hushed, and all forty-one passengers and eighty crew members stayed silent as they listened to the enemy sonar pinging as it looked for the submarine. For some of the passengers, like eight-year-old Berna Real, the experience was terrifying, but others, like Berna’s older brother Billy, found it quite exciting—until the second barrage hit suddenly and without warning.

Although the Crevalle managed to survive the second barrage, everyone aboard was shaken, and all aboard spontaneously agreed without orders to run silent, shutting down all equipment that could make noise and alert the Japanese to their position. This included the ventilation system, and the submarine quickly grew very hot. They stayed submerged in this way for hours, sweating profusely and waiting for whatever was coming next as they crept slowly along underwater. Finally, blinded by the smashed periscopes and not entirely sure what he might find at the surface, Captain Walker made the decision to surface. Luckily, there were no other ships or planes in sight. The worst had passed.

The Crevalle rendezvoused with the Chinampa, a trawler that took the Negros passengers aboard and brought them the rest of the way to Australia, and to safety. The documents carried by the Crevalle were transported immediately to American intelligence, who transcribed and decrypted the Z Plan and sent this new intelligence to Admiral Nimitz. This information on Japanese naval tactics enabled them to react and respond to Japanese strategy, gave them insights as to the strength of the present Japanese military, and informed the American naval strategies for the rest of World War Two.

The refugees were relocated to the United States, although many had never lived there before or had not been there in years. The Lindholms, a missionary family whose father Paul elected to stay behind on Negros, went to live with Paul’s brother until Paul himself rejoined them after the liberation of the Philippines in 1945. Bataan survivor Howard Chrisco returned to his parents in Salem, Missouri where he met and married his wife Elsie and eventually became a cattle farmer. The Real family landed in San Francisco and moved to the small town of Albany, just across the bay. None of the Real children had ever lived in the United States, and they regarded it as a fascinating new adventure, exploring their new home. Although the children were young when it happened, none ever forgot the experience of their tumultuous rescue from Negros.

In Fall 2024, the National Museum of the Pacific War will open its “submersive” experience, The Rescue, based on the escape from Negros alongside Berna Real, whose testimony contributed to the development of this experience.

SOURCE: PACIFICWARMUSEUM.ORG; Margaret Dudley

It’s All About the Benjamins!

Today is Ben Franklin’s birthday ( born in 1706) so I decided to search for things we might not know about the $100 bill on which Franklin appears.  This article from gobankingrates.com does just that!

From gobankingrates.com:

You probably know the $100 bill is the largest note currently produced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You’re also likely aware of which Founding Father is on the $100 bill — politician and inventor Benjamin Franklin. There’s a lot more history behind this bill, however.

The $100 bill is more than just a way to pay for bigger purchases — it contains a great deal of fascinating American history. Take a few minutes to discover these interesting facts about your money.

It’s the Highest-Circulated Bill

The $100 bill is the most circulated form of U.S. currency. As of Dec. 31, 2022, there were 18.5 billion Benjamins currently in circulation, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. The $1 bill is second with 14.3 billion, followed by the $20 bill with 11.5 billion. In 2017, there were only 12.7 billion $100 notes in circulation.

It’s the Second-Most Printed Currency …

The Federal Reserve gave approval to print up to 8.7 billion currency notes in 2023. Nearly 1.5 billion of them will be $100 bills, second only to the $1 denomination.

… But Most $100 Bills Aren’t in America

Our $100 bills are very popular internationally. In 2018, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago issued a paper that estimated that as many as 80% of the $100s in circulation were being held outside the country. The report attributed that to “economic and political instability” abroad.

The International Popularity Benefits the Economy

Thanks to that, up to 80% of the $100 bills being circulated reside overseas. They act almost like an interest-free loan for the economy since most of that currency won’t return stateside.

It Costs 8.6 Cents to Produce

Every $100 bill comes with a production cost of 8.6 cents, according to the Federal Reserve. Print costs cover essentials such as paper, ink, labor and overhead costs to print. The $100 bill is the most expensive U.S. currency to print because of its security features. Printing cost of a $1 bill is just 2.8 cents each. The $100 bill includes components such as a 3-D security ribbon that changes from bells to 100s when moved, and a bell that seems to appear and disappear within the inkwell.

The First $100 Bill Was Printed in 1914

Even though the first $100 “Interest-Bearing Notes” were issued in 1861, the first $100 Federal Reserve Notes — aka money as it’s currently known — were printed with Benjamin Franklin gracing the front, just like it is today.

Benjamin Franklin Has Been on It for Over 100 Years

Although many people think there is a $100 bill with a president’s face, the truth is that Benjamin Franklin’s face graces this note — and has since 1914. Since then, the currency has gone through several re-issues, but it has remained the Benjamin Franklin $100 bill.

The Franklin Association Is Uncertain

If you’re like many Americans, you might be wondering, “Why is Benjamin Franklin on the $100 bill?” After all, he was never president like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln. The truth is, there’s a lack of credible information for the reason his portrait graces the currency. It likely has something to do with Franklin being one of the Founding Fathers, alongside Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and James Monroe.

It’s Had Three Major Redesigns

The $100 has featured Benjamin Franklin since its inception over a century ago, and there have been tweaks through the years. The note has had three major redesigns to incorporate updated security features, however, coming in 1990, 1996 and 2013.

“In God We Trust” Started Appearing in 1966

The phase “In God We Trust” was adopted as the official motto of the United States back in 1956 — beating out “E Pluribus Unum” — but it wasn’t always featured prominently on currency. The first record of the phrase appearing on paper currency (the one-dollar silver certificate to be exact) was in 1957, making its debut on the $100 bill nine years later.

The 1996 $100 Bill Was the First to Get a General Seal

Before new release of the $100 in 1996, each bill contained the seal of a specific Federal Reserve Bank. In 1996, individual seals were replaced with a general seal denoting the entire Federal Reserve System.

The 2013 Version Was Two Years Late

The most recent release of the $100 bill was originally planned for 2011 but was delayed two years because of new security features that caused the notes to crease during printing. The end result was that some of the bills were filled with blank spaces.

The Ink in the New $100 Can Change Color

Your mind isn’t playing tricks on you — the newest (2013) redesign of the $100 does, in fact, change color. The lower right corner has the capability to shift between copper tones to traditional green when in the light. According to Esquire, this is thanks to the ink containing microscopic metallic flakes that reflect various wavelengths of light.

The Time on the Clock Was Changed on the New Bill

If you have an eye for detail, you might have noticed that the time on Independence Hall’s bell tower clock on the back of the old $100 bill read 4:10. It was changed to 10:30, however, on the newer ones. No one seems to know why either of these times was chosen, but both images — the north and south views — were engraved by J.C. Benzing in the 1920s. It is assumed that he took pictures of the building at different times of day, which would explain the clock discrepancy.

The Paper Is Unique

Though it might seem like it, our money isn’t printed on paper at all — at least not in the traditional sense. Whereas books and newspaper use wood pulp for their pages, Federal Reserve note paper is composed of 25 percent linen and 75 percent cotton, which gives it its trademark rich texture. It also has red and blue security fibers built in.

Crane & Co. Has Made the Paper Since 1879

Crane & Co., which got its start in Massachusetts, has been producing the paper for the $100 bill and all other American notes since 1879. In 1844, the company became the first to embed silk threads in banknote paper, according to its website. Crane & Co. has also created several anti-counterfeit measures, including advanced security threads, watermarks, planchettes, security fibers, special additives and fluorescent and phosphorescent elements. Spotting the fakes in distribution is a huge problem, but sometimes keeping your money away from criminals is just as hard.

It Has a Cue for the Visually Impaired

Chances are, you’ve noticed the large gold 100 on the back of the $100 bill, but it’s not a flashy design touch. The 100 was put in place to help people with visual impairments distinguish the bill from other denominations.

Benjamin Franklin’s Shoulder Is Rough to the Touch

If you’ve ever run your finger over Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder on the $100 bill, you might have noticed it’s rough to the touch on the left side. This is not a flaw unique to your particular bill; it’s actually caused by the enhanced intaglio printing process used to produce the portrait.

It Has a Longer Lifespan Than All Other American Bills

The $100 bill has an average lifespan of 15 years, according to the U.S. Currency Education Program. In comparison, the $1 bill lasts an average of 6.6 years, the $5 bill averages 4.7 years of use, the $10 bill gets 5.3 years, the $20 bill lasts 7.8 years and the $50 stays strong for about 12.2 years. The $100 bill is held more by its owners than lower-denomination bills, which pass from one hand to another frequently. Therefore, it will last longer before wearing out, per the program.

The Portrait of Ben Franklin is Off-Center

After the latest redesign of the currency in 2013, Benjamin Franklin was removed from his portrait frame and placed off to the side for the first time in the bill’s history.

There’s Two Ben Franklins (If You Look Hard Enough)

The 2013 redesign of the bill featured a plethora of new security features — one of which was a second portrait of Ben Franklin when held up to the light. The watermark of Franklin looks fuzzy, thanks to the linen content featured in American currency. If money was printed on all cotton, there wouldn’t be a bleed.

Same Building, New View

The $100 bill has long featured a depiction of Independence Hall, which is a huge factor in Franklin’s lore. The newest 2013 redesign also features a new engraving that shows the back of Independence Hall instead of the iconic front.

It Features a Top-Secret Ribbon

To improve security, the U.S. Department of Treasury rolled out new plastic ribbons as part of larger currency to help deter counterfeiting. Even though the most recent $100 bills look as though the plastic ribbon was interwoven into the very fabric of the bill, it wasn’t — according to Esquire, the bill is actually created around the ribbon itself in a top-secret process.

Be Sure to Check the Extremely Fine Print

If you check near Franklin’s collar, you’ll find an engraving present on the latest edition of the bill — and it harkens back to an original portrait painted of the Founding Father by Joseph Siffred Duplessis in the 1780s.

The 2013 Design Uses a Feather to Draw It Together

The newest redesign also features another icon that is integral to Franklin’s tale — a feather quill. The quill, along with its companion the inkwell, were drawn by artist Brian Thompson.

SOURCE: GOBANKINGRATES.COM