International Cheetah Day

The Cheetah is a large, slender cat that live in sub-Saharan Africa, and in eastern and southern African parks. Cheetahs can also be found in small numbers in southern Algeria, northern Niger and Iran.  The Cheetah is the fastest land animal on the planet. They are members of the family Felidae, which includes the tiger, lion, jaguar, leopard, snow leopard, and other big cats.

Cheetahs are found in open and dry grasslands in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa, although they were once widespread throughout Africa and Asia. The majority of Cheetahs today inhabit natural reserves or parks. Cheetahs in the wild typically live between 10 – 15 years in the wild. Some can reach 20 years of age while in captivity.

The Cheetah has a slender body with long legs and is clearly designed for speed. They are tan in color with a massive covering of black spots all over the body. The unique patterns of the spots are as distinctive as fingerprints are on humans.

Cheetahs areeasy to distinguish from other large cats as they are smaller in size, have a smaller head and ears than most other cats, have a spotted coat – and carry what are known as tear stripes that run from the corner of each eye to the side of their nose.

These meat eaters typically hunt and feedon impalas, wildebeest calves, gazelles and other smaller hoofed animals. They are diurnal, which means they hunt during the day and rely on tall grasses to hide when on the hunt. Cheetahs mostly hunt in either the late morning or early evening. A typical chase can last between 20 and 60-seconds with only half of them being successful. They have large non-retractable claws that are used to prevent skidding when cornering quickly, and to pull down an animal.

Interesting Cheetah Facts

Cheetahs are the fastest land animal in the world.

These cats are fast. They can typically reach speeds of up to 61 miles per hour, and can go from 0 to 60 Mph in just 3-seconds, which is faster than most super-cars. Their stride length becomes as long as 23ft at full pace, which means the cheetah spends more than half the time airborne.

Cheetahs don’t simply rely on their speed, they anticipate the escape tactics of different prey when hunting.

A team or researchers found that Cheetahs hunting tactics were specific to characteristics of their prey, and are far more sophisticated than thought. Research suggests that cheetah chases comprise two phases – the first phase involves rapid acceleration to catch up with prey. The second phase involves slowing down five to eight seconds before the end of the chase, where the cheetah will predict and match movements of the prey, as the distance between them closes.

The Cheetah tail helps them steer at high speed.

It may look large and cumbersome, but when on the chase, the tail of the Cheetah plays an important role. It actually helps to steer the cheetah as it runs, like a rudder on a boat.

It’s not a cheetah’s speed that’s their greatest attribute when hunting, it’s this agility — their skill at jumping sideways, changing directions quickly and slowing down almost instantly.

Cheetahs tire quickly.

Due to the energy required to run at such speed, cheetahs can only maintain a chase for a short time. If a hunt isn’t successful after 1 min, they usually stop to rest.

Fossils have revealed that Cheetahs date way, way back.

Carbon dating has estimated the age of some cheetah fossils as being between one and two million years old.

Cheetah can’t roar.

Unlike big cats like the lion, cheetahs are unable to roar. They are closer to your domestic house cat in that they can purr, both inhaling and exhaling.

Female adult cheetahs often live alone.

Known to be typically solitary animals, females raise their cubs alone for about a year before they leave. Male cheetahs sometimes will live in a small group of brothers from the same litter.

Cheetahs abandon around 10% of kills to larger predators.

In order to prevent losing their kill to another big and nasty carnivore (lions, hyenas or even vultures), Cheetahs will move their prey to a secluded spot, and eat quickly.

They will also hunt during the day when predators are generally asleep, and only end up abandoning a relatively small number of kills.

The cheetah’s spots act as camouflage.

The cheetah can have between 2,000 and 3,000 spots, to help it blend into surroundings when hunting or hiding from predators.

Cheetahs can mate any time of the year with gestation lasting just three months. A litter can range between 2 and 4 cubs.

Cheetah cubs have a very different coat to that of adults.

The cubs have a smoky colored, long, wooly coat called a mantle. It runs down their backs and acts as a form of camouflage. It helps to conceal the cubs and their mothers assist in this by constantly seeking places to ‘hide’ them to protect the cubs from predators until they are old enough to take care of themselves.

Female cheetahs will move their cubs to different hiding places every few days. Once the cubs reach 5 or 6 weeks of age, they will follow their mothers and even start eating from their kills. By the time the cubs reach one year of age, they are hunting on their own. At 15 months, they will move away from their mother and either find a mate or sometimes live in a small group.

Cheetahs don’t need to drink lots of water.

Having adapted for life in an environment where there is little water, cheetahs can go three to four days without a drop of it. That doesn’t mean that they don’t actually get any liquids at all. As it turns out, cheetahs are able to draw water from the animals they hunt, kill and eat.

Cheetahs start families early.

The male can reproduce at the age of one, while females can begin rearing families at the age of two. The pairing is mostly random as cheetahs will mate with many different cheetahs during their lifetime.

Females end up raising their young alone.

Males do not participate in the rearing of their young. Female cheetah are caring, affectionate and dedicated mothers.

Cheetah cubs have a shockingly high mortality rate.

One study in the 90’s the Serengeti found that 95% of cubs died before reaching adulthood. Many deaths were due to lions, but also other predators and disease.

Cheetahs are capable of turning mid-air.

The Cheetah is the only big cat that is capable of turning in mid-air while sprinting. Studies concluded cheetah are able to use their tails to change body orientation in mid-air, which further aids their incredible agility and hunting prowess.

It’s a myth that cheetahs abandon hunts due to overheating when running.

Two Harvard scientists in 1973 set-up an artificial experiment in a laboratory, that that concluded a cheetah would be forced to stop running when their body temperature reached 40.5 degrees Celsius. However, new research in real world conditions shows that cheetahs body temperatures never rise that high in the wild, and they don’t abandon hunts due to overheating.

Cheetahs were considered sacred.

Sumerians trained cheetahs for hunting back in 3000 BC. The Indian (then Hindustan) ruler Emperor Akbar had 1,000 trained cheetahs he used for hunting while in power from 1556 to 1605. Even King Tut’s tomb (1400 BC) contained various cheetah artifacts. It was because of this that historians believed that the cheetah was a sacred animal to ancient Egyptians.

Cheetahs are slowly disappearing from the planet.

At the turn of the 20th century there were well over 100,000 cheetahs. Today the numbers are considerably less with roughly 7,000 in Africa and a few hundred in Iran. They have been driven out of their historic range by humans, and are now only found in Algeria, Angola, Northern Niger, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, and Mozambique. The species is already almost extinct in Asia, with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in one isolated pocket of Iran.

SOURCE: FACT ANIMAL

Holly

American holly is the familiar Christmas holly with glossy green, spiny leaves, and bright red berries. Native to the bottomlands and swampy margin areas of the eastern and central U.S., this tree forms a pyramidal shape and can grow to notable size in the wild. This tree is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. Pollination from male pollen is necessary for the female trees to flower and produce the signature red or orange berries. If you grow it in your landscape, you will need plants of both sexes if your goal is to have berries.

American holly is normally planted from potted nursery specimens in the spring or early fall. It has a medium growth rate, adding 12 to 24 inches per year until reaching its mature size of 30 feet or more.

American Holly Care

Although American holly tolerates a wide range of soils, it does not accept alkaline conditions or dense, poorly drained soil. But if you have a well-drained soil that you can acidify, this plant will do marvelously in most sunny or part shade locations. The plant generally loses density in shady conditions, but in hot southern climates, it likes a few hours of shade in the afternoon. In cold climates, plant American holly where it will get some shelter from winter winds.

If planting for a screen or in groups, space the plants about 5 feet apart in a prepared hole two or three times larger than the container root ball. Backfill the hole with soil blended with organic material plus an acidifying amendment, if needed. Keep the plant moist until established.

Light

American holly will grow nicely in most full sun to part shade locations. In hot climates, plants will do best if they get some afternoon shade.

Soil

Give this plant a well-drained, acidic soil. If necessary, amend the soil to acidify it, or be prepared to feed it regularly with an acidifying fertilizer.

Water

American holly needs to be kept moist while it getting established, but after the first year or so, watering once a week (about 1 inch) is sufficient. This plant has a good tolerance for occasional drought.

Temperature and Humidity

American holly generally does well throughout the temperature range of its hardiness zone, 5 to 9.

Fertilizer

Early each spring, American holly will appreciate an application of an acidifying fertilizer.

American Holly Varieties

There are hundreds of different cultivars of American holly; the pure species plant is almost never planted. Holly cultivars are normally sold as either female (berry-producing) or male plants (necessary to pollinate the females). These are some popular varieties:

‘Cobalt’ is a male cultivar with good cold hardiness (down to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit).

‘Jersey Knight’ is one of the most popular male cultivars, growing to 7 to 10 feet over 10 years.

‘Miss Courtney’ is by some standards considered the best female cultivar. It grows 20 to 30 feet and is cold hardy down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

‘Morgan Gold’ is a yellow-berried female cultivar growing to 25 feet.

‘Maryland Dwarf‘ is a diminutive, 2-foot-tall plant with few berries.

‘Cardinal Hedge’ is a dwarf cultivar, growing to only about 4 feet, excellent for foundations and small hedges.

In order to produce berries, female hollies will require a male plant within 30 to 40 feet. It is fine to plant a single male to pollinate all your female hollies.

SOURCE: The SPRUCE

Zircons

Zircon is a gemstone that’s not commonly known among jewelry buyers, which is a shame considering the number of beautiful colors it comes in. These include earth tones such as cinnamon, sherry, yellow, orange, and red. Among those who are familiar with this gem, zircon is especially admired for its attractive blue colors.

Some zircons display warm autumnal earth tones such as yellowish and reddish brown, inspiring fashion trends. Red and green zircons have market value as collectors’ stones, and cat’s-eye zircons occasionally appear on the market. There are also colorless zircons.

Although collectors clearly love zircon’s color variety, consumers seem most enamored of just one hue: blue. Gem dealer reports indicate that at least 80 percent of zircons sold are blue.

Because they’re in greater demand, blue zircons usually command higher prices than any of the other varieties. Even though gem buyers can satisfy their demand for blue gems with top-grade topaz at significantly lower cost, blue zircon continues to sell well. Industry analysts believe that blue zircon has yet to reach its full market potential.

Zircon’s blue, almost always the result of heat treatment, comes in a range that includes very slightly greenish blue, greenish blue, and very strongly greenish blue.

Clarity
Zircons are relatively free of inclusions, but many untreated zircons have a cloudy or smoky appearance. If it’s extreme, it can be a negative factor with buyers. In Victorian times, this smokiness made zircon a popular gem for mourning jewelry.

Today, most zircon that is faceted for use in jewelry is free of inclusions that are visible to the eye. Eye-visible inclusions cause a drop in zircon value.

Rarely, zircon might contain long parallel inclusions that create the cat’s-eye effect when the stone is cut as a cabochon.

Cut

It’s a challenge to cut zircon because the gem is brittle. Cutters usually fashion zircon in the brilliant style to take advantage of its luster and fire. A modification of the brilliant cut, known as the “zircon cut,” uses eight extra facets around the gem’s lower portion, called the pavilion. This isn’t seen very often today because of the extra labor costs involved. Zircon can also be found in step cuts, which have rows of parallel facets, and mixed cuts, which are a combination of brilliant and step-cut facets.

Carat Weight
The supply of zircon is generally limited, and typical sizes depend on color. Blue or green stones normally range from 1 carat to 10 carats and yellows and oranges up to around 5 carats. Reds and purples are usually smaller.

Sagittarius

Independent and strong-willed, Sagittarius personalities are all about going off the beaten path. Sagittarius isn’t afraid to step away from the pack, and is a natural born leader who goes after what he or she wants, regardless of what other people think. Sagittarius is a born adventurer, and loves solo travel and exploration. Sagittarius also loves exploring the inner workings of their minds, and love stretching their horizons through a good book or movie.

Sagittarius is open-hearted, generous, and big-spirited, but Sagittarius is always truthful. Because of this, they may hurt others’ feelings, or may be called out for not having tact or empathy. The latter is not true. With their keen imagination, Sagittarius is adept at putting themselves in another person’s shoes—that’s why so many Sagittarius are successful actors—but they do not feel the need to beat around the bush or lie. You can trust a Sagittarius to tell you what they really think. You can also trust a Sagittarius, period. Unlike other signs, they won’t spill any secrets.

In relationships, Sags are adventurous and giving, able to adeptly try new things or break down barriers. In relationships, Sags will be honest and true to themselves, and that may mean that they will move on from a relationship. If it’s not working, it’s not working, and a Sagittarius won’t stay for the sake of another person’s feelings. A Sagittarius will always be honest and in check with their emotions, and a Sagittarius will not engage in emotional blackmail.

Sagittarius is a steadfast friend and a creative thinker; a great person to have on a work team, as they have infectious energy and enthusiasm. They aren’t looking for constant feedback, and can take a project and run with it. A Sag can also be an adept entrepreneur or CEO. A Sagittarius is smart, capable, and a true trailblazer.

Sagittarius Love Style

Ruled by expansive Jupiter, Sagittarius is big-hearted, open, and always looking beyond a checklist. A Sagittarius rarely has a “type,”— they are always intrigued by the individual, and don’t make any assumptions about people until they’ve truly met and spoken with them.

Sagittarius Friendship Style

Sagittarius is loyal, loving, and the type of person you can feel has your back even if you’ve only known them for 24 hours. That said, a Sagittarius isn’t interested in your drama, and doesn’t have a lot of patience for friends who say one thing and do another.

Sagittarius Career, Money & Success Traits

Sagittarius’s greatest career strength: Work-life balance. A Sagittarius may work hard and push themselves to the max, but only because they love their job. A Sag instinctively knows that work can help them live their best life, and works hard so they can also play hard.

Sagittarius Greatest Gifts

Sagittarius is adept at blazing their own paths, and can always go it alone. Sagittarius doesn’t need a roadmap, and can easily conceptualize ideas and opportunities that others may not easily “see.” Sagittarius doesn’t need permission or approval, and has a strong sense of self that allows them to always feel sure-footed, even where others may be unsure or insecure.

Sagittarius Greatest Challenges

Sagittarius can sometimes be far too blunt, and put their own needs above others. You don’t need to veer from your values, but sometimes, a white lie saves all. It can also be helpful to be part of the pack now and then. Sagittarius is so good at doing things independently, but sometimes it can be faster, smarter, and more fun to do things as part of a group.

Sagittarius Secret Weapon

Their independence. Sags don’t need other people’s approval, opinions, or advice. A Sag loves hanging out with herself, and feels like doing things solo can only help her connect more to her deepest self. Sagittarius uses solo time as a much-needed reboot. While an hour stuck in traffic during a car commute could be untenable to anyone else, to a Sag it’s a form of self-care.

Famous Sagittarians

National Mason Jar Day

I went searching for things to do with Mason jars since it is National Mason Jar Day! (Who thinks these things up?)  I was astounded by the many, many uses for them!  I have included only a few here, but the links at the end provide many more ideas AND RECIPES!

There are many recipes you can make to put in mason jars and gift them—from cookies to homemade pancake mix to sweet and spicy nuts!  I loved this one because of the festive little Christmas light container.

Sugar Cookie Recipe with mix

If mixes aren’t your thing, how about using the jars to grow herbs?

Mason jar Herb Garden

There are many ideas for filling the jars with non-food related items and gifting them, such as this manicure in a jar idea!

Manicure in a Jar

Getting married and need an idea for the groomsmen?  Get some mini liquor bottles and create a mini bar in a jar!

I like this idea—very simple.  Get some white chocolate covered pretzels, a couple of buttons and viola!  Snowman in a jar!

This idea hubby loved—because hubby loves malted milk balls!

Reindeer Noses (malted milk balls)

This website has dozens of recipes for all sorts of things to put in Mason jars:

https://thefrugalgirls.com/

This website has many ideas for using the jars around the house—as well as some recipes:

https://www.realsimple.com/

Best Christmas Lights in Every State Part 2

Montana — Billings Christmas Lights in Billings, MT

Throughout Billings, Montana, you’ll find residential home after residential home lit to Christmastime perfection. Featuring more than 35 glowing locations throughout the drive, the town includes everything from residential homes and lanes to landmark houses. Bring along some hot cocoa and snacks and enjoy the view!

Nebraska — Omaha Holiday Lights Festival in Omaha, NE

If you live in the Cornhusker State, check out the Omaha Holiday Lights Festival in Omaha this holiday season. Running from November 24 until January 2, the Omaha Holiday Lights Festival lights up 40 blocks of downtown Omaha with twinkling, glowing lights, running from 10th to 13th Streets and from Farnam to Jackson Streets. Come New Year’s, the tradition continues, with the Holiday Lights Festival also setting off fireworks. Their Shine the Light on Hunger campaign has goals to raise the equivalent of three million meals this year. Go out and show your support!

Nevada — Glittering Lights in Las Vegas, NV

From the safety, warmth, and comfort of your car, Nevadans can celebrate the season by driving through Glittering Lights in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Tickets for the drive-thru start at $29 for weekdays and $39 for any day. You can also purchase a season ticket for $129.

New Hampshire — La Salette Christmas Festival of Lights in Enfield, NH

This year, the annual Christmas lights display at the Shrine of Our Lady La Salette in Enfield, New Hampshire isn’t just offering light; it’s offering hope during a dark time. The website reads, “Despite the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, natural disasters, climate change, and political turmoil this year’s festival will proclaim ‘Jesus Christ-the living light.’ Generations of men and women have all declared that, even in times of darkness, his “living light” is still shining ahead of us all”. As such, the Shrine of Our Lady La Salette named this year’s display “Christ: Living Light.” Running from November 24 until January 1 the La Salette Christmas Festival of Lights is one of the oldest light displays throughout the Granite State. Set on 20 acres of hillside, the La Salette Christmas Festival of Lights features nativity scenes, thousands of multi-colored lights, and hundreds of decorations.

New Jersey — Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township, NJ

In the quaint Egg Harbor Township of New Jersey, you’ll find Storybook Land—a timeless, enchanting children’s park that has been around since 1995. Open from November 19 to December 30, Storybook Land is now open for the holiday season, offering the Christmas Fantasy with Lights event. Santa turns the park’s thousands of lights every night at 5 o’clock through December 23.

New Mexico — River of Lights in Alburquerque, NM

Throughout the U.S., there is no Christmas lights display quite like the River of Lights in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Running from November 26 through December 30, this event will host over 700 light displays, animated and 3D sculptures and millions of twinkling lights! Purchase a timed ticket starting at $14 Mondays through Thursdays and $17 Fridays through Sundays.

New York — The Shops at Hudson Yards in Manhattan, NY

In New York, New York, everyone tends to flock to the illuminated angels at the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center because they’re free to visit (of course, if you want to skate underneath the tree at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, that’ll cost you about $33, not including rentals). But if you want to beat the crowds and escape the weather, check out The Shops at Hudson Yards instead.

Outside of The Shops, the lights display continues with over 2 million twinkling lights across The Plaza, Edge, and Vessel, as well as almost 1,000 decorated trees across The Plaza.

Other honorable mentions throughout Manhattan include visiting the Saks Fifth Avenue outdoor light display and taking a quick trip on the D train to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

North Carolina— The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC

In Asheville, NC, there’s the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate—America’s largest home, which was built back in 1895. It’s worth visiting all year round solely for its historical significance, but come the holiday season, it’s all the more magical. From November 4 to January 7, visitors can explore the estate’s luminary-lit pathways, glowing candles reflected in thousands of ornaments and warm, flickering fireplaces starting at $119 per ticket.

North Dakota — Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive in Spring Lake Park, ND

The Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive in North Dakota is one of the most unique light displays there is. After all, the Holiday Lights Drive has hosted several different themed nights in the past—from LEGO Night and Snoopy Gives Back to Dinosaur Night and the Grinch Gives Back Night. This year should prove just as unique with different craft nights!

Ohio — Clifton Mill in Clifton, OH

The Historic Clifton Mill, one of America’s largest water-powered grist mills, has been a historical staple of Clifton, OH since 1802. Every holiday season, the Clifton Mill goes all out by transforming into a Christmas village featuring a Santa Claus Museum, a vintage toy collection, and lots and lots of lights.

Oklahoma

Apparently, Parade didn’t like Oklahoma…there was no information for Oklahoma.

Oregon — Peacock Lane in Portland, Oregon

One of Oregon’s most beloved Christmas lights displays is Peacock Lane in Portland, OR. From December 15 to 24 each home on Peacock Lane is decorated in its own style and personality for the holiday season. You can either drive through this display, but be prepared to wait your turn, or you can walk along the sidewalks. December 15, 16 and 17 will be designated pedestrian-only nights this year and the cocoa booth is returning for 2022. Each night from December 15 through 24 cups of cocoa and hot cider are free! (While supplies last.)

Pennsylvania — Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, PA

If ever there was a place that really, truly felt like it could be the real North Pole, it’s certainly Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, PA. Nestled in the Pennsylvanian countryside, Koziar’s appears as a quaint and festive village lit up by more than 1 million lights glowing in the night. In town, you’ll find a toy workshop, a bakery, and a post office that only goes back and forth to Santa’s address. Tickets start at $10 for kids, $12 for people ages 11+, and children 3 years old and under can attend for free.

Rhode Island — Bristol Christmas Festival in Bristol, RI

Christmas in Bristol, Rhode Island is unlike any other place… except maybe the North Pole! Light displays as part of the Bristol Christmas Festival and Grand Illumination event have been a part of Bristol since 1987. Throughout town, buildings, churches, trees, and residential homes are lit up in celebration of the season. This year, the Grand Illumination event kicks off on December 3 and is free for everyone who attends. The festival’s annual Christmas Story Time event is going virtual on December 16.

South Carolina — Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston, SC

At James Island County Park’s Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston, SC, you’ll drive through three miles of a gorgeous Christmas lights display. The festival features all kinds of lights and animatronics and even has a $3 train ride that will allow you to take it all in. The festival runs nightly from now until December 31. For an additional experience, you can also book a visit with Santa Claus himself and walk away with a 5×7 souvenir photo.

South Dakota — Christmas Nights of Light in Rapid City, SD

South Dakota may be known as the home of Mount Rushmore, but there’s more to the Coyote State than just breathtaking views of the Black Hills. Especially during Christmastime. Come December, the park at Storybrook Island in Rapid City, SD, turns into a winter wonderland as part of the city’s Christmas Nights of Light event. Kids will love the storybook characters walking around, drinking cocoa or cider, and looking at all the charming lights. Admission is $4 per person and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 31.

Tennessee — Cheekwood Estates & Gardens in Nashville, TN

The Holiday LIGHTS event at Cheekwood Estates & Gardens in Nashville was voted the best local event and festival in 2019. This year is no different! Still a beloved light display by plenty of locals, Cheekwood Estates & Gardens offers a one-mile walking path of glowing lights against a backdrop of the gardens. Kids and adults alike will enjoy taking pictures by the iconic poinsettia tree and indulging in the s’more and bar stations. The Holiday LIGHTS event runs from November 19 until January 8.

Texas — Austin’s Trail of Lights in Austin, TX

The Lonestar State is home to Austin’s Trail of Lights in Austin, TX—a literal trail of lights that features more than 70 Christmas-themed displays, two million lights, an artisans marketplace, and some of the city’s most beloved food trucks. Pricing varies depending on the date you choose to go, and admission is free on certain dates.

Utah — Christmas in Color in South Jordan, UT

This year, Utah’s Christmas in Color drive-through display has adapted to the times, ultimately becoming the Socially Safe Drive-Thru Animated Light Show! Millions of lights twinkle against the backdrop of the Salt Lake County Equestrian Park as you drive by giant candy canes, through lit-up tunnels, and cruise past dancing snowflakes synchronized to the holiday music.

Vermont — Wassail 2020 in Woodstock, VT

Wassail Weekend boasts the historic homes and local shops throughout Woodstock, VT that will be spectacularly lit for the season. The weekend events will be all day December 9 through 11. This calendar highlights all events happening during Wassail Weekend this year. Get ready to enjoy the craft fair, tree lightings and carriage rides at this year’s Woodstock festival.

Virginia — Tacky Light Tour in Richmond, VA

If you’re nearby in Richmond, VA, then you and your family will love stopping by the city’s Tacky Light Tour. A residential light display that acts as a self-guided tour that you can drive through in nearby neighborhoods, you’ll see some of the gaudiest decorations homes have to offer. Think the movie Deck the Halls, but IRL.

Washington — The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood, WA

The Lights of Christmas festival features more than one million lights in its Pacific Northwest display. There will be a light tunnel, the Cascade Splendor Mountain scene and even Santa and his reindeer! Tickets start at $27 and the event will run on select dates from November 25 to December 31.

West Virginia — Oglebay in Wheeling, WV

Light tunnels, a meteor shower of lights and wintry scenes galore! That’s what you’ll find at Oglebay’s Winter Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia. Running from now until January 8, Oglebay’s Winter Festival of Lights: Sounds of the Season is celebrating this holiday season with its annual six-mile drive over 300 acres. There are 90 lighted scenes throughout Oglebay’s Winter Festival of Lights, utilizing more than 1 million energy-efficient LED lights.

Wisconsin — Country Christmas in Pewaukee, WI

For the largest outdoor drive-through Christmas light display in all of Wisconsin, be sure to check out County Christmas from now until January 1. With several different locations to explore—from the Country Christmas Trail featuring mile-long drive-through animated figurines and holiday scenes to the Christmas Village—tickets start at $25 and range to $45 depending on vehicle type. There are also designated walking nights as well as nights that offer wagon rides!

Wyoming — Street Railway Trolley in Cheyenne, WY

Ride in festive Christmas style while you take your Christmas lights display tour this year in Wyoming. Board the Street Railway Trolley in Cheyenne and then be transported throughout the neighborhood to check out some of the coolest local lights—available every night from Dec. 9 to Jan. 1. It’s $15 a ticket for adults, $7.50 for children, and each ticket should be purchased in advance.

SOURCE: PARADE

Stephanie Osmanski

December 22, 2022

50 Best Christmas Light Displays State by State

Best Christmas Lights in Every State Part 1

I love Christmas light displays!  I found an article on yahoo (of all places) for the best lighting displays in each state.  I included the link to the article at the bottom of the article so you can see their links and pictures (which I couldn’t copy here.) The pictures I did find to post, listed only the state in most cases, so don’t assume the picture matches the reference in the article.

From PARADE:

Here are the 50 best Christmas light displays in the U.S., state by state.

There is something about twinkling lights, hot cocoa in hand and Christmas music playing, right? It evokes that warm holiday feeling everyone loves. That’s why holiday light shows and holiday light displays are so special to children and adults—it’s a chance for everyone to pause and look at the magic all around.

And luckily, every state has a holiday light show they are known for (and usually, more than one!). We rounded up the best Christmas and holiday light shows in every state so you can plan your holiday tradition-making now.

Here are the 50 best Christmas light displays in the U.S., state by state.

Alabama — Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, AL

The Galaxy of Lights Festival at the Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, Alabama is a must-visit if you live in the Heart of Dixie. Starting over 25 years ago, the Huntsville Botanical Garden Christmas lights display now spans 2.5 miles and features classic holiday themes, characters, and even scenes from nature. It’s open from November 11 to January 1, can be driven or walked, (even with your dog some nights!) and tickets start at $16 for the public and $13 for members if pre-purchased. Tickets at the gate start at $25 for the public and $20 for members.

Alaska — Alaska Botanical Gardens in Anchorage, AK

If you live near Anchorage, Alaska, you know that Alaska Botanical Gardens is worth visiting at any time of the year. But particularly during the holiday season, Alaska Botanical Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland worthy of the North Pole itself. You’ll have plenty of time to experience this magic as the event begins November 27 and lasts all the way through January 21! Brighter Winter Nights Tickets start at $10 for members ages 7+ and kids 6 years old and under are free.

Arizona — Glendale Glitters in Glendale, AZ

With a name like Glendale Glitters, how could you not want to attend?! Glendale Glitters is home to the largest free light display—featuring 1.6 million LED lights—in the state, and runs from November 21 until January 11. This year marks the 27th anniversary of Glendale Glitters and the display illuminates 16 blocks of the town’s Historic Downtown District.

Arkansas — Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, AR 

Beginning the Friday before Thanksgiving, the holiday celebration of lights in Fayetteville illuminates the Historic Square every night from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. The initial Lighting Night kicks off at 6 p.m. and is followed by a holiday parade. There are also plenty of vendors set up on the Square each night during the Lights of the Ozarks featuring winter treats, seasonal activities, holiday music and more. Lights of the Ozarks is a free public display and will run from November 18 to January 1.

California — Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn in Los Angeles, CA

Every Christmas season, Californians love visiting residential light displays such as El Segundo’s Candy Cane Lane or LA Zoo Lights. While those are both popular attractions, maybe you’d like to head to a different event in hopes of experiencing something new this year. Look no further than The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in LA and witness the castle’s gorgeous interior décor. This year’s 30th annual lighting festival will take place from November 25 through January 6.

Colorado — Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, CO

Blossoms of Light is the Denver Botanic Gardens’ annual holiday lights event that has been held for three decades. Participants walk through the Blossoms of Light pathway and can stop by the Hive Garden Bistro for hot cocoa and other holiday treats. This event runs from November 18 to January 7, (closed November 24 and December 25) and tickets start at $24 for non-members, $21 for members, and each ticket is limited to a 30-minute time slot.

Connecticut — Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce, CT

Connecticut is home to one of the nation’s most unique light displays. In fact, it’s more of an experience than a display. Lake Compounce is an amusement park turned winter wonderland during the holidays! This year will be their longest running season yet, opening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 19 through December 24 and Monday through Saturday December 26 through 31. Admission starts at $39.99 for adults but you can save some money if you buy online. There are plenty of twinkling lights to enjoy as well as fun festive activities!

Delaware — Historic Odessa Candlelit Tours in Odessa, DE

Throughout the First State, Christmas light displays are abundant and in fact, Frampton Realty has put together an amazing stop-by-stop road trip for light-lookers that spans all of Delaware. However, if you want to hone in on just one area, consider taking a Historic Odessa Candlelit Tour in the 18th-century hamlet of Odessa, DE. Tours span throughout the month of December on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and you must have a reservation. On the tour, you’ll walk past Historic landmarks and buildings like the National Historic Register Wilson Warner House (c. 1769), National Historic Landmark Corbit-Sharp House (c. 1774), the Stone Barn (c.1812), and of course, bear witness to a plethora of beautiful light displays.

Florida — Night of Lights in St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine, Florida is a Historic area and as most historic areas tend to do, offers a one-of-a-kind light display each year during Christmastime. Known for its famous white light display along 20 blocks of Historic buildings, Night of Lights is celebrating its 29th year in 2022. Pro tip: The event is best witnessed, according to the website, from either the Plaza de la Constitución or The Bridge of Lions and will be open each evening from November 19 to January 31.

Georgia — Fantasy in Lights in Pine Mountain, GA

Did you know that Georgia is home to one of the top 10 light displays in the world? Experience the wonder of one of the world’s most top-rated light displays at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, which claims to feature 10 million twinkling lights across 2500 acres. This year, Fantasy in Lights is introducing a new scene called the Celebration Lake which will feature a floating combination of 30 dancing trees in honor of the event’s 30th year. Tickets range from $15 to $39.95 depending on the night you choose, and while you’re there, don’t forget to hop on the Jolly Trolley!

Hawaii — Honolulu City Lights in Honolulu, HI

Honolulu City Lights—put on by Honolulu’s city hall Honolulu Hale—usually kicks off with an electric light parade and the annual lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. This year, Honolulu City Lights is inviting guests to partake in a free milk and cookies night on December 17 for its 20th year.

Idaho — Winter Wonderland Festival in Caldwell, ID

The Winter Wonderland Festival takes place at the Indian Creek Plaza every year in Caldwell, Idaho and features all kinds of festive activities. Downtown Caldwell is lit with over a million lights and will stay lit from November 19 to January 9.

Illinois — Christkindlmarket in Chicago, IL

Chicago, Illinois is home to many various Christmas light displays, but an annual favorite has to be Christkindlmarket. An authentic and traditional German-style holiday market, Christkindlmarket will be open to the public from November 18 to December 24. Always admission free, the Christkindlmarket boasts plenty of vendors that will appeal to all the senses! From seasonal treats to holiday music and of course twinkling lights, this festival should definitely be on your to-visit list this year.

Indiana — Santa Claus, IN

In a town aptly named Santa Claus, you’ll find Indiana’s 1.2-mile-long Christmas LED-light display called Shining Story of Rudolph at Lake Rudolph Campground. The drive-through display runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from November 25 to December 4 and every night December 9 through 26 (but is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Iowa — Adventureland Resorts in Altoona, IA

In Altoona, Iowa, you’ll find the Jolly Holiday Lights at Adventureland Resorts. Open from November 25 through January 1, the Jolly Holiday Lights display features 2.5 miles of stunning lights to feast your eyes on. What’s more, 100 percent of the admission fee goes to Make-A-Wish Iowa, which sponsors the event annually. To date, they have funded over 1000 wishes! The event is also offering virtual meetings with Santa Claus as well.

Kansas — The Lights at Ability Point in Wichita, KA

In Sedgwick County, Kansas, The Lights at Ability Point is one of the most unique Christmas light displays throughout the Sunflower State. While the drive-through light display, featuring more than 1.5 million glittering lights, offers admission by donation on Mondays, a $10 fee is required to visit The Lights every other night from November 24 until December 28.

Kentucky — Lights Under Louisville in Louisville, KY

 

From now until January 1, the Lights Under Louisville Christmas light display is open for business in Louisville, Kentucky. One ticket for a passenger vehicle costs $34.99 and the event starts at the Louisville Mega Cavern. Known as the world’s only underground lights show, the tour rides along 17 miles of lit-up underground passageways throughout the city.

Louisiana — Holiday Trail of Lights in Natchitoches, LA

If you’ve spent more than five minutes in the state known for its Mardi Gras, then you know that Louisiana is big on all celebrations. Christmas, of course, is no exception. The Holiday Trail of Lights is Louisiana’s statewide light display with several towns included on the trail. However, if you’re going to visit just one, check out Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory.  You’ll find 300,000 lights and more than 100 set pieces on display in Natchitoches alone. This year is the Holiday Trail of Lights’ 96th, so head out and celebrate!

Maine — Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay, ME

Every year, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens hosts Gardens Aglow in the Boothbay peninsula of Maine. This year the event will be more traditional as they reinstate the walking tour. Tickets start at $18 for non-members, $14 for members, and the event runs from now until December 31.

Maryland — 34th Street in Hampden, MD

Nearby Baltimore, 34th Street in Hampden, Maryland—also known as Christmas Street—is known for its holiday decorations come December. The lights will be shining brightly this year from November 26 to New Year’s Day and there will be plenty of food, drinks and shopping to enjoy!

Massachusetts — Zoolights at Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA

Walk along the zoo’s 26 acres under lighted trees and see animals such as black bears, arctic foxes, lynx and reindeer. On certain nights you may even catch a glimpse of Mrs. Claus! Zoolights will be open from November 18 through January 8, (closed November 24 and December 25) and general admission for non-members starts at $12.95.

Michigan — The Big Bright Light Show in Rochester, MI

The Big Bright Light Show in downtown Rochester, Michigan, is quite a sight. From now until January 3, as you walk through the downtown area, you’ll bear witness to every single building covered in more than 1 million lights in rainbow order. The result? Downtown Rochester transforms into a holiday-themed rainbow.

Minnesota — Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Canal Park, MN

The goal of Bentleyville’s Tour of Lights is to bring people together during the holiday season. The free, walk-through light display features more than 5 million lights and 20 acres of the park to walk through, as well as free hot cocoa and treats. Parking for the event is $10 per car.

Mississippi — Victorian Christmas Festival in Canton, MS

With more than 100,000 lights glowing from the town’s historic buildings, the Courthouse Square carousel, a 4-story tree, an 18-foot walk-through gift box and Rudolph’s playground, Canton transforms itself into an authentic Christmas village each December. Also, be sure to check out the town’s Animation Museums for an animated Polar Express train and stop by Santa’s Workshop to play “I Spy” and look for the elves’ top 10 favorite toys!

Missouri — Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO

While visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, you’ll stumble upon one of the best holiday light displays in the state. From November 5 to December 30, An Old Time Christmas is a light spectacular at the center of Silver Dollar City. Featuring 6.5 million twinkling lights, animations, and other larger-than-life displays, the whole light show spans nine stories into the sky above.

SOURCE: PARADE

Stephanie Osmanski

December 22, 2022

50 Best Christmas Light Displays State by State

Jaguarundi

They are carnivores, hunting small animals such as birds, mammals, and reptiles.

They are primarily terrestrial, preferring to hunt from the ground, however they are both excellent climbers and swimmers.

They are usually solitary, although are sometimes found in pairs. They have litters of up to 4 kittens.

Interesting Jaguarundi Facts

They are about twice as big as a house cat

This makes them pretty big, but this is still small compared to the cougars or jaguars which also inhabit the region.

They are similar in appearance to weasels and otters

They have elongated bodies, short legs, a long tail, and small squished faces.

They are very shy

You will struggle to see these cats in the wild as they are shy and reclusive. This partly explains why so little is known about them.

They are usually solitary

They have sometimes been found in pairs, but this is likely mothers and older offspring or mating pairs.

Their closest relative is the cougar

However, cougars are much bigger than the medium-size jaguarundi.

The oldest fossil of a jaguarundi dates to 0.5 million years ago

This fossil is from the late Pleistocene era and was found in Brazil.

They have a big range

They can be found all the way from Argentina to Mexico.

They are active during the day

This is a little unusual for wild cats. They seem to prefer hunting in the mornings, which may be because it helps them avoid other wild cats.

They are terrestrial

While other wild cats inhabiting forests may prefer to stick to the trees, these cats hunt primarily on the ground. However, they are also proficient climbers.

They can swim across rivers

These cats often inhabit rainforests, where they will swim across medium-sized rivers.

They can leap as high as 2m into the air

They do this when hunting birds.

They are vocal

They have been recorded making 13 different calls, including screaming, purring, whistling, and yapping.

They have a tendency to steal chickens

They are often found eating domestic chickens, leading to conflict with farmers.

They have litters of up to 4 kittens

These kittens live in dens constructed in dense undergrowth.

SOURCE: FACTANIMAL

Mums

Hardy mums are fast-growing and will reach their full height within their first year, with the plant filling out a little more each subsequent year. Hardy mums set buds once the nights become longer and flower in the fall for up to eight weeks. The leaves and flowers of hardy mums are mildly toxic to humans as well as to dogs, cats, and horses.

Hardy Mum Care

Here are the main care requirements to keep mums growing healthy.

Plant mums in a site that’s protected from damaging strong winds.

Provide good air circulation around the plants to reduce fungal infections.

Pinch plants on or around Memorial Day and Fourth of July for best performance.

Water weekly and feed regularly.

Light

Hardy mums prefer to grow in full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in the warmer parts of their growing zones, they can benefit from some afternoon shade. The flowers are photoperiodic, meaning they bloom in response to the shorter days and longer nights experienced (in the northern hemisphere) in the late summer and fall. Therefore, don’t plant them near street lights or night lights; artificial lighting wreaks havoc with their flowering cycle.

Soil

These plants grow best in organically rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Sharp drainage is a must, as soil that remains wet for too long can cause root rot.

Water

Mums like consistent moisture but they do not tolerate soggy soil. Water whenever the soil dries out about 1 or 2 inches down. In warmer weather and once the plant is large and in bloom, more frequent waterings will likely be necessary. About 1 inch of water per week is considered a minimum.

Temperature and Humidity

Most garden mums can handle temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with sufficient water and some shade. Most hardy mums continue blooming as temperatures dip down as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the roots of most varieties can survive winter soil temperatures down to less than zero degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s best to choose varieties bred to thrive in your region’s particular conditions.

A moderate humidity level is ideal for these plants. Excessive humidity can encourage fungal diseases, such as leaf spot.

Fertilizer

Mums are fairly heavy feeders. You can use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, following label instructions. Or use a water-soluble fertilizer monthly through July. Any fertilization after July can trigger tender new growth that cold fall temperatures can damage. 

Types of Hardy Mums

Mums are recognized for their particular characteristics and there are many named varieties. The most popular categories include:

Anemone

This group features long, flat petals on blooms that reach a maximum size of around 4 inches. Varieties include the following:

‘Dorothy Mechen’: Light purple blooms

‘Adrienne Mechen’: Flowers with a pink center that fades to bright white tips

‘Samba’: Rose-pink flowers

‘Rhumba’: Coral red flowers

‘Harmony’: Bright yellow blooms

‘Overture’: Bright red flowers

‘Ruby Mound’: Semi-double bright ruby-red flowers

Pompom

Pompom (also spelled pompon) mums are fluffy flowers that are also known as button mums. All varieties produce compact blooms in various colors. Some common varieties include:

‘Patriot’: All white flowers

‘Garnet’: Crimson blooms that mature with bronze overtones

‘Barbara’: Small, purple flowers

Spoon

Named for its spoon-shaped petals, this type of mum grows petite flowers up to 4 inches in diameter. Popular varieties include:

‘Kimie’: Yellow-gold petals

‘Matchsticks’: Yellow centers that end dramatically in bright red “spoons,” and

‘Yellow Quill’: Bright yellow centers that fade into creamy white tips

Newer Varieties for Northern Climates

Historically, garden mums are regarded as hardy only to USDA zone 5, but there are recent introductions by Canadian and University of Minnesota horticulturalists who have created many varieties hardy to zone 4, and some even to zone 3. If you live in a northern climate, consider one of these:

My Favorite series: developed by the University of Minnesota, this mum is hardy into zone 3b. Plants are up to 4 feet tall, with coral, pink, or yellow flowers.

Morden series: Developed in Canada, these jewel-toned mums should be reliably hardy into zone 3. Named cultivars include ‘Morden Canary’, ‘Morden Delight’, ‘Morden Fiesta’, and ‘Morden Garnet’.

Other cultivars zone 3 and 4 gardeners can consider include those developed by the University of Minnesota:

‘Peach Centerpiece’: Peach-hued flowers

‘Rose Blush’: Delicate, double, rose-colored blooms

‘Sesquicentennial Sun’: Double-gold blooms

‘Betty Lou Maximum’: Large red flowers

SOURCE: THE SPRUCE

What Shall We Bake Today?

Today’s offering is a recipe I came across that I wrote down from somewhere. (IF this is your recipe GA, please let me know so I can give you credit!!)

Candied Pecans

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 large egg white

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 lb. pecan halves (about 4 cups)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. 

In a small bowl, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon and salt. 

In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until very foamy, about 1 minute. Add the pecans and stir until well coated. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and toss until fully coated. Spread pecans into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. 

Bake for 20 minutes. Stir and spread out evenly again. Bake for another 20 minutes or until the nuts are very fragrant and are starting to darken in color. Let the pecans fully cool in the pan on a wire rack (the sugar will harden as it cools). Break into individual pieces. Store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 2 weeks.