Orlando Bloom as Legolas Replaying YouTube "They're Taking the Hobbits to Isengard." July 2013

via Wikipedia

Every home, garden, and farm can benefit from legendary creatures, such as elves. While we at the Merry Rose don't know any elves personally, we do like to read about them, especially in Tolkien's writings, and subsequent films directed by Peter Jackson.

This week, Jackson wrapped up the three-part "The Hobbit."

Reprising his role as Legolas, Orlando Bloom took time from filming to re-enact a famous YouTube version "They're taking the hobbits to Isengard."

The original version is here with over 2 million viewers, by Irwin Beekveld.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWsuzRmqDuw

Here is Orlando playing himself in this parody of a parody:
http://www.thehobbitblog.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NGguk8VXYc&feature=youtu.be

How to Manage Wasps, Bees, and Stinging Insects via The Merry Rose July 21, 2013

A Solitary Wasp

 

Here at the Merry Rose, we try to be environmental, earth-friendly, and considerate of all Earth's creatures. Yet, some creatures, such as wasps, challenge this philosophy. We may be able to live with the friendly wasps and bees in the small nest by the door, but others may not. And the small nest can begin to grow. These insects can be helpful, but also quickly deadly. Here are some links for information about managing stinging insects.

Here is a discussion from "Get Rid of Wasps: Traps &Tips."

The discussion centers around various methods, not all considered environmental. One major discussion involves setting traps with sugary substanced, which one poster advised against as it could also trap beneficial honey bees. Nevertheless, the posters share many ideas about enjoying the summer and minimizing the risks.
http://tipnut.com/wasp-trap/

Here is a reference work Homeowner Guide to Bees. The University of Idaho
http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/BUL/BUL0854.pdf

Choosing the Methods that Works Best for You and Your Home

To summarize, there are environmental ways to discourage wasps and stinging insects from nesting around your home, deck, garden, yard, trees. And many people manage to live their lives with these creatures. Yet, other stories involve people who thought they were fine, only to be badly stung.

As with everything, gaining knowledge and consulting with others can help us learn about the flying and stinging creatures that help bring flowers and vegetables to our Earth.

Animal Communication via Joan Ranquet and Rescue of Horse May 2013

When Gemma the horse ran away from her stall in the Seattle area, the owner searched without success, but credits an animal "communicator" for finding the horse's location in a ravine, leading to the horse's rescue.

Here are links to the animal communicator Joan Ranquet, who describes what she does as not a gift, but a skill that we all have.

Originally published May 28, 2013 at 10:23 PM | Page modified May 28, 2013 at 11:19 PM

"Horse stuck in ravine rescued through ‘telepathy’

By Brian M. Rosenthal

Seattle Times staff reporter

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021075839_horserescuexml.html

Joan wrote the following on her website: "I believe telepathy is a skill.  I have honed the ability to communicate through lots of studying and years and years as a professional.  You are already using telepathy as well, and probably have had glimmers of awareness about it if not full blown connection."

Here's the link to Animal Communication.
http://joanranquet.com/animal-communication/

Bees, Yellowjackets, Wasps : How to Identify These Creatures of the Earth and Air

 Here is a photo of a creature who seems to like my home. The guy meets the description of a jellow jacket. According to a website about these insects, The Bee Hunter only tries to save honey bees. So, what to do with yellow jackets?

Consider reading:

About Yellow Jackets and the Benefits of Wasps in the Garden. By Barbara Pleasant. March 18, 2013.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/benefits-of-wasps-yellow-jackets-zw0z1303zkin.aspx#axzz2UQzjysnA
"Yellow jackets wasps feed their young liquefied insects, with caterpillars, flies and spiders comprising the largest food groups in the yellow jacket diet during most of the summer."

Wasps and Yellow Jackets. By Jeff Schalau, County Director, Associate Agents, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arizona Cooperative Extension.
June 21, 2006.
This article includes advice on a homemade trap to use for outdoor picnics.
"Wasps and yellow jackets are beneficial insects. They feed their young on insects that would otherwise damage crops and ornamental plants in your garden...these insects should be respected and tolerated under most conditions."

Since the yellow jacket in the doorway appears to be a solitary insect, I'll see how it goes, and perhaps remove it some cool evening.

We can try to live with these insects. One piece of advice is to let the yellow jackets have access to the garden and yard during the hottest part of the day, when they like to be out. Since I personally have never liked gardening during the hottest part of the day, this gives me a reason to stay in cool shade and help Mother Nature's creatures go about their important business.

Also, we can remember that these insects will sting us if they are disturbed, so we can all exercise caution.



Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/benefits-of-wasps-yellow-jackets-zw0z1303zkin.aspx#ixzz2UR0pj9bv

References

About Yellow Jackets and the Benefits of Wasps in the Garden. By Barbara Pleasant. March 18, 2013.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/benefits-of-wasps-yellow-jackets-zw0z1303zkin.aspx#axzz2UQzjysnA

I.D. Your Bee. By The Bee Hunter. Referenced May 26, 2013.
http://www.thebeehunter.com/types-of-bees.html

How To Trim Hawthorn Buds and Leaves : Lore of the Hawthorne Tree

 

Hawthorn trees are legendary for their help with human hearts. Here are some legendary guidelines to collecting buds and leaves.

According to Wikimedia Commons, the Hawthorn trees have a history of lore. It's considered unlucky to trim the tree except when it's in bloom.

http://www.naturalremedies.org/hawthorn-herb/

Processing the herb is unnecessary, although it is almost always dried, crushed and turned into powder form. However, it is perfectly effective to simply chew the leaves and buds raw and straight from the tree...The plant’s berries can be eaten straight from the tree as well once they are ripe. The ripest berries are dark red and nearly black

References

Dave's Garden
I have been told there were three sacred trees in Ireland and in Wales: the Oak, the Ash, and the Hawthorn, but the hawthorn was favored more than all others.  Read more: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1087/#ixzz2UKaePjz2
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1087/

"In Irish folklore the Hawthorn is sometimes referred to as the fairy bush, due to the belief that fairy spirits inhabit the tree as guardians...it has always been considered bad luck to cut or damage the tree in fear of offending them.  However after due regard to the guardian spirit, the collecting of sprigs and flowers ...was allowed...
http://www.controverscial.com/Hawthorn.htm

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Untrained Housewife offers the writing and editorial skills of Angela England.
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