Small things, shiny objects and flying things all tend to fascinate people. Who wouldn't look at a very small plant and smile, wonder how the Hope Diamond could be real and take every opportunity to watch a helicopter? I do.
Speaking of shiny objects, I had the opportunity to visit the gems and minerals exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History last Wednesday. The photo below is of the Hope Diamond. It's about the size of a walnut, and if you view it from the right angle it's a spectacular blue, from other angles it usually looks charcoal gray. And it's apparently a priceless bit of rock. Isn't is wonderful that anyone who visits the museum can go see this rare bit of God's beautiful creation for free?
While I was there, I also visited the butterfly pavilion on the 2nd floor. You do have to pay admission, but I thought it was worth it. All those beautiful butterflies and moths from all around the world. Wow! I'm still in awe of the wonders of creation and the God who made them all. I think I need to add a butterfly bush to my plant collection, too bad I didn't think of that when I stopped by Southern States my last Region A medic shift.
In my wanderings while playing Region A medic last Saturday afternoon, I stopped by the farmers market in Purcellville to pick up fresh local vegetables. One of the booths at the market was Loudoun County Master Gardener's. The ladies and I ended up talking for a good 15 minutes about the fun and challenges of growing things in Loudoun. I've been having trouble getting rid of mealybugs on my plants, so we naturally got started talking about natural pest deterrents. The best solution to my problem seems to be regular applications of insecticidal soap. But did you know that planting certain things together can help with other pests?
Speaking of shiny objects, I had the opportunity to visit the gems and minerals exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History last Wednesday. The photo below is of the Hope Diamond. It's about the size of a walnut, and if you view it from the right angle it's a spectacular blue, from other angles it usually looks charcoal gray. And it's apparently a priceless bit of rock. Isn't is wonderful that anyone who visits the museum can go see this rare bit of God's beautiful creation for free?
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| The Hope Diamond on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. |
In my wanderings while playing Region A medic last Saturday afternoon, I stopped by the farmers market in Purcellville to pick up fresh local vegetables. One of the booths at the market was Loudoun County Master Gardener's. The ladies and I ended up talking for a good 15 minutes about the fun and challenges of growing things in Loudoun. I've been having trouble getting rid of mealybugs on my plants, so we naturally got started talking about natural pest deterrents. The best solution to my problem seems to be regular applications of insecticidal soap. But did you know that planting certain things together can help with other pests?
For example, planting marigolds tends to repel rabbits. And nematodes. And marigolds are pretty. I need to plant some. Growing citronella helps to reduce the mosquito population on the patio. One of the plants I picked up and planted over the weekend is a beautiful little citronella plant.
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| Citronella plant in the foreground.
While I was in the process of planting stuff, three little praying mantises turned up. They were about the diameter of a 20ga IV catheter and maybe 1in. long. I hope they stay and eat all the bad bugs.
 I must also be obsessed with helicopters. I really enjoy calls where we get to fly patients only because I get to watch the helicopter land and take off. Here's this post's helicopter picture.  |
Until next time...
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