tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29953085501676839632024-03-12T21:46:31.050-05:00Wendell's ThriftblogLife on the cheap in the Twin Cities!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-76322176801798119682011-11-05T11:55:00.000-05:002011-11-05T11:57:37.873-05:00Gift ThriftAlready I have failed NaNoBloPo. Hopefully no one wept at seeing I didn't post yesterday.
Today I'd like to highlight two of my favorite items, both given to me by my beloved paternal Grandma D. Here we are a few years ago at Christmas:
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I'm very thankful to have two wonderful grandmothers in my life!<br><br>
The first item is this red orange dress. Perhaps someone can help with the history of it; did my Aunt J make the dress for Grandma Diane? Or did Aunt J make it for herself? Anyway, I LOVE how it fits me PERFECTLY. I resemble my Dad's side of the family and in this case genetics are a blessing.
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Grandma D is also responsible for starting my Haeger flower pot collection, as she allowed me to remove this red pot from her basement. The plant inside it is a from a cutting from her as well!
(I have never seen another pot like this one.)
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What are some of your most treasured gifts?Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-4045162262590737892011-11-03T11:35:00.001-05:002011-11-03T11:39:06.486-05:00Thrifted Objets d'ArtHeyo,
Happy sunny Thursday to you!
I realize most of my friends and family fully embrace thrifting as a hobby and lifestyle, so in many ways I'm preaching to the choir with this blog. For those of you who aren't thrift aficionados I will suggest that thrift stores and resale shops also can provide furniture and decorations for your home. <br><br>
I'm totally in love with this stained glass column, found at the Lake St. Savers:
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Also note Robert's handiwork on the tile floor, freshly painted bathtub and restored claw foot!<br><br>
I also collect flower pot-type vessels, particularly from the manufacturer <a href="http://www.haegerpotteries.com/">Haeger</a>. The golden yellow pots here above my cabinet are Haeger. The other fluted round ones don't have a manufacturer label; I just like the shape.<br><br>
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See you tomorrow!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-62658606387355126172011-11-02T11:33:00.001-05:002011-11-02T11:33:20.465-05:00Nov 2Howdy and welcome to November 2nd. Today I could find neither my phone nor my water bottle as I left the house. Probably they are throwing a big party and bothering Stella in her kennel.
Here is my outfit from yesterday. My photographer was sitting down as he took the picture, which explains the awkward angle of my bust and double chin.
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This is a J Crew dress purchased at the University Avenue <a href="http://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/site/PageServer">Goodwill</a>. Boots from one of the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/valu-thrift-store-st-paul">Unique</a> thrift stores? The plastic necklace I purchased in Northfield, MN on an excursion with my Mother in Law. You can't see the row of tiny red beads at the top of it.
Happy Wednesday!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-30473722402112419212011-11-01T22:32:00.002-05:002011-11-01T22:32:43.754-05:00NaBloPoMo 2011Greetings friends,<br /><br />On Sunday I decided I should participate in NaBloPoMo for the first time. Considering it's been eleven months since I've posted here it's clear blogging hasn't been a priority of mine.<br /><br />But buying thrift store items remains an important part of my lifestyle. I still purchase new items, such as these <a href="http://www.6pm.com/softspots-skye-black-maestro">boots</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovIeRBQICl4/TrAi3egduEI/AAAAAAAAAK0/JK8vFns9sTo/s1600/boots.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovIeRBQICl4/TrAi3egduEI/AAAAAAAAAK0/JK8vFns9sTo/s400/boots.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670070267336833090" /></a><br />(Which I got for $35! They must have been the last 9.5 wide pair or something, which I why I bought them.)<br /><br />So for November 1st, I present this blurry picture of yesterday's thrifted outfit: Martin and Osa jersey shirt (thrift store unknown...maybe an Arc Value Village?) and Zinc wide leg trousers (Goodwill, Portage, WI). Also my adorable dog Stella!
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUcHgHTwHus/TrC45i_BGrI/AAAAAAAAALA/xLEuU9NTlSo/s1600/Nov%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUcHgHTwHus/TrC45i_BGrI/AAAAAAAAALA/xLEuU9NTlSo/s400/Nov%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-29402435515312234912010-11-30T09:22:00.003-06:002010-11-30T09:27:38.401-06:00Thrifted outfit showcase!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TPUW_lRHfOI/AAAAAAAAAIk/-QjtQXFKlL4/s1600/wredbeltbo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TPUW_lRHfOI/AAAAAAAAAIk/-QjtQXFKlL4/s400/wredbeltbo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545363797768109282" /></a><br /><br />The above photo highlights a mixture of older and newer thrifted items. The gray sweater dress is from Target, found this weekend at the Lake Street Savers. Black patent boots are from two Augusts ago, Goodwill on University Avenue. Red belt from a Unique, red necklace from one of the Savers.<br /><br />This picture highlights the challenges of a do it yourself Christmas portrait with a dog. Note the treat crumbs below my chair!<br /><br />United in Thrift,<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-56814846539442229802010-11-17T09:24:00.006-06:002010-11-17T09:34:16.659-06:00Long neglected thrift blog....I hope to start posting more as my semester finishes. Here, a totally thrifted outfit!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TOP1TG55_2I/AAAAAAAAAIU/5iwvLqjUDmU/s1600/outfit1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TOP1TG55_2I/AAAAAAAAAIU/5iwvLqjUDmU/s400/outfit1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540541675215650658" /></a><br /><br /><br />Check out these crazy Steve Madden boots (pretty uncomfortable!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TOP1wuDvOsI/AAAAAAAAAIc/Ec6ky0UBCD0/s1600/madden%2Bboot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TOP1wuDvOsI/AAAAAAAAAIc/Ec6ky0UBCD0/s400/madden%2Bboot.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540542183942077122" /></a><br /><br />Details to follow.Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-53982984511310778642010-07-06T00:02:00.005-05:002010-07-06T00:21:34.668-05:00Designer Jeans!Dear Reader,<br /><br />While I have not been blogging, I have been thrifting! Hopefully many of you took advantage of the big sales over the Fourth of July weekend!<br /><br />Designer jeans are a major reason shopping pre-owned can save you big money. Ranging from $100 to $200, brands such as Joe's Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, Level 99, Adriano Goldschmied, 7 for All Mankind, Paige Premium Denim, Chip and Pepper, True Religion and Rock & Republic all can be found in thrift stores for a fraction of the original cost.<br /><br />While the <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=unique+thrift+store+mn&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a">Unique Thrift Stores</a> may sell these jeans from $15 to $40, check out these Joe's I found at the Roseville <a href="http://locator.goodwill.org/#giimap">Goodwill</a> for $6.99!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TDK7S6BFBAI/AAAAAAAAAHo/vDr1iyuXKoM/s1600/joepocket.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TDK7S6BFBAI/AAAAAAAAAHo/vDr1iyuXKoM/s400/joepocket.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490656829203874818" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TDK7rLfCGRI/AAAAAAAAAHw/SXi4dEvBAnQ/s1600/joetag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/TDK7rLfCGRI/AAAAAAAAAHw/SXi4dEvBAnQ/s400/joetag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490657246209775890" /></a><br /><br />While these didn't fit me, I sold them to a friend who gave them to her niece. <br /><br />I think the best odds of finding designer jeans are at the Lake Street Savers, followed by the University Avenue Goodwill. For extensive and more expensive high-end jean collections, check out Plato's Closet, TurnStyle, Clothing Mentor, Marshalls/TJ Maxx or my favorite consignment shop, <a href="http://www.nulookconsignment.com/">Nu Look</a>!<br /><br />xooxxox<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-84334396217252438302010-05-10T23:34:00.006-05:002010-05-11T00:05:09.848-05:00The Downtown Salvation Army/"Target Outlet"Last week I made my third pilgrimage to the downtown <a href="http://www.thesalarmy.com/loc/thriftstores.htm#tc">Salvation Army</a>. Introduced to me by my sister in law Julia several years ago, her sister Anna and I went there together last summer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-jfhp4p6DI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7K9vpYKwyYI/s1600/salvarm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-jfhp4p6DI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7K9vpYKwyYI/s400/salvarm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469867516713625650" /></a><br /><br />The building is monstrous and therefore holds plenty of furniture, tschotchkes, tons of shoes, loaded bookshelves and of course, clothes. Items are arranged by male/female/boy/girl, genre and color, but not size, which means a lot of picking through racks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-jgvtHmHrI/AAAAAAAAAGs/88otod7wBKY/s1600/salvup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-jgvtHmHrI/AAAAAAAAAGs/88otod7wBKY/s400/salvup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469868857611394738" /></a><br /><br />The upper story is your average thrift store, though I would say fairly dated in clothing styles. I feel you wouldn't find designer jeans here, but you would find plenty of 80's and 90's styles. (Acid washed jeans are back, apparently!) Vintage Levi's would be a possibility.<br /><br />But descend to the basement, aka the "Target Outlet" and you will find most of the customers in the store! This Salvation Army seems to be the repository for Target store clothing samples, overstock, scratch and dent and miscellany. However the prices are much higher than upstairs; $5 for a t shirt, $10 for a dress, etc.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-jh76KS_mI/AAAAAAAAAG0/QqLPvIZZkDA/s1600/salvdown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-jh76KS_mI/AAAAAAAAAG0/QqLPvIZZkDA/s400/salvdown.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469870166782443106" /></a><br /><br />The home goods section includes furniture, various decor items, towels, comforter sets ($30 to $50), sheets ($25 for a queen set without its original packing, wrapped in duct tape, which seemed high for not knowing the fabric/thread count.) There are some toiletries and pet care items there, along with gardening items and clothing accessories. One highlight is the multitude of brand new shoes and sandals in the basement.<br /><br />The majority of the lower level is dedicated to clothing, arranged by titles like "Girls T-shirts", "Mens Pants", etc. I was especially drawn to the colorful summer dresses, but there were few in size large. The extra-small or plus sized woman would have a field day down there, as well as expectant mothers who like the Liz Lange line.<br /><br />I didn't check out the kid's clothes but there was a huge selection!<br /><br />One drawback is that this Salvation Army only has one dressing stall, upstairs. Also make sure to look carefully at your Target cast-offs; they might have a hole, stain or a big stamp labeled "SAMPLE" across the back. Some items have no tag or no size listed at all.<br /><br />For me the "Target Outlet" hasn't really been worth the digging. Target pants usually don't work for me anyway, and the store itself has pretty good sales. I feel most Goodwill stores have plenty of Target clothes at better prices. But, for the Target addict, this Salvation Army is a must see!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-51033041934816912862010-05-05T22:20:00.007-05:002010-05-05T23:02:16.560-05:00New and New to Me Thrift Stores<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-I4Xk_b2BI/AAAAAAAAAFk/LGUR_BNVuuo/s1600/seconddebut.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-I4Xk_b2BI/AAAAAAAAAFk/LGUR_BNVuuo/s400/seconddebut.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467994875299092498" /></a><br /><br />In the former Joe's Garage restaurant at University and Fairview Avenues in St. Paul is the new <a href="http://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/site/PageNavigator/Second%20Debut/sd_homepage">Second Debut</a> store. Run by Goodwill Industries, Second Debut features high-end clothing and designer shoes and jeans. The store seemed to cater to a person older than myself, but did have a great selection of pre-owned items. Running the gamut from a Gucci jacket ($150) to Express Jeans ($14.99) prices are obviously higher than at the neighboring Goodwill Store. Clothing is arranged by size and genre and includes accessories and a large shoe room, where a size 7.5 pair of Manolo Blahnik black pumps sold for $79.99. Definitely check it out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-I-SSH-I9I/AAAAAAAAAGc/Cn17MGyTdcA/s1600/Sign_best.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-I-SSH-I9I/AAAAAAAAAGc/Cn17MGyTdcA/s400/Sign_best.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468001381405041618" /></a><br /><br />I recently made my inaugural visit to a thrift store in St. Anthony, <a href="http://www.hiddentreasuresonline.org/">Hidden Treasures</a>. This was a very neat, well organized store of the "smells like Grandma's basement" variety.<br /><br />Hidden Treasures had furniture and loads of kitchenware, including many matched sets of dishes. The usual vases, candle stuff, cutlery, Tupperware and wicker baskets were included, as well as a large selection of books and video cassettes. There was a tempting but too small black velvet and taffeta dress, but otherwise the clothing was from the Kohls/Kmart/Walmart ilk, mostly dated. For $19.99 I purchased a dehumidifier that appeared to work in the store when I plugged it in, and proved to indeed dehumidify our basement! I also found clothes for my niece and nephew (1 and 3) who had their birthdays this week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-I8hSx5E3I/AAAAAAAAAF0/B--Qdeq3JdM/s1600/kidsclothes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S-I8hSx5E3I/AAAAAAAAAF0/B--Qdeq3JdM/s400/kidsclothes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467999440255652722" /></a><br />(The tags with the bar codes are from Hidden Treasures; the others are from the St. Anthony Unique Thrift store.)<br /><br />I feel both stores are worth checking out; Second Debut for the cream of the Goodwill clothes crop, and Hidden Treasures for who knows what! Ah, the beauty of thrifting.<br /><br />Happy shopping,<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-84381621086807290382010-04-18T22:11:00.003-05:002010-04-18T22:25:06.748-05:00Thrifted Outfit SHOWCASE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S8vL-0G07hI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ytQEcXgByOc/s1600/wengrayshirt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S8vL-0G07hI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ytQEcXgByOc/s400/wengrayshirt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461683253116464658" /></a><br /><br />This outfit includes three thrifted items: the sunglasses and Lux denim skirt (originally $65 at Urban Outfitters) from the Lake Street Savers, and the Frenchi gray t shirt from <a href="http://www.arcsvaluevillage.org/Shop/">Arc's Value Village</a> in Richfield. All three pieces were $12 or less apiece.Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-28862851687540675632010-04-11T21:52:00.004-05:002010-04-11T22:01:41.019-05:00Thrifted Outfit SHOWCASE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S8KNBKhO28I/AAAAAAAAAFU/CP2nCuCOpWI/s1600/bluedress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S8KNBKhO28I/AAAAAAAAAFU/CP2nCuCOpWI/s400/bluedress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459080749469588418" /></a><br /><br /><br />I found this Boden wrap dress for $8.99 at <a href="http://mnges.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=MNDR_homepage">Goodwill</a> on Fairview and University Ave in St. Paul. The necklace and the little bird house are pre-owned as well!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-80223581382400509212010-04-09T23:19:00.006-05:002010-04-09T23:40:15.049-05:00The Time Has ComeFor a new blog. I think. <br /><br />While my love for critters remains undiminished, I have sort of run out of MN wildlife to feature on the Critter Corner.<br /><br />Meanwhile, thrifting has grown into a new passion in my life. Perhaps because of necessary budgeting as a homeowner, or simply the "wisdom" that comes with being over 30, buying pre-owned is becoming more attractive.<br /><br />Both my Wisconsin and Minnesota families are avid thrifters; none more so than my mother in law R and sister in law AM.<br /><br />AM gave me this thrifted rug last summer for my birthday:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S7_-FDj4EII/AAAAAAAAAEk/amUQAjYf5zU/s1600/arirug.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S7_-FDj4EII/AAAAAAAAAEk/amUQAjYf5zU/s320/arirug.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458360636204912770" /></a><br />(Not included: her dog, Ari.)<br /><br /><br />I found the middle Haeger pot at a local thrift store to match the ones my Mom bought me for Christmas. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S7_-iEufCTI/AAAAAAAAAEs/cfSKPskrEp4/s1600/haeger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S7_-iEufCTI/AAAAAAAAAEs/cfSKPskrEp4/s320/haeger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458361134734051634" /></a><br /><br /><br />At the <a href="http://www.savers.com/Find-A-Store.aspx">Savers</a> on Lake Street in Minneapolis, I found this Boden wrap dress for $12.99, compared to a retail of around $100:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S7_--dPP4wI/AAAAAAAAAE0/qCTZOu04t1o/s1600/dotdress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S7_--dPP4wI/AAAAAAAAAE0/qCTZOu04t1o/s320/dotdress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458361622350258946" /></a><br /><br />Even today I found a SIGNED COPY of this Tyler Florence cookbook at the same Savers, for $7.99:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S8AAxF1usaI/AAAAAAAAAE8/-Ffaw48vwXk/s1600/tyler.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GfqSoV5EC5A/S8AAxF1usaI/AAAAAAAAAE8/-Ffaw48vwXk/s320/tyler.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458363591754166690" /></a><br /><br />Hasten there immediately if you're a size 31 in designer jeans; there were at LEAST five pairs of 7 for all mankind, Paige Premium Denim and Paper Denim and Cloth jeans at the Lake Street Savers.Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-84397532882694688092009-11-26T19:41:00.007-06:002009-11-26T20:32:03.909-06:00Blog Entry: NovemberHeyo,<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are all enjoying a lovely holiday.<br /><br />We had a relaxing day with the B family:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/4136691611/" title="DSCN5737 by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4136691611_43be748cd6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN5737" /></a><br />(Baby M was getting really tired at this point!)<br /><br />What critter encounters to report? After the squirrels stole our tiny pumpkins last year, I decided to get a larger specimen as my sole outdoor decoration. Once more the squirrels destroyed my hopes and dreams:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/4136666547/" title="DSCN5578 by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/4136666547_50c4b5b945_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="DSCN5578" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/4136667245/" title="DSCN5580 by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4136667245_cd47d35f84.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN5580" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/4136668023/" title="DSCN5582 by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4136668023_1b51e45555.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN5582" /></a><br /><br />It took me a few days to realize these "crumbs" on the floor were really wood chips left by a rodent invader:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/4136669061/" title="DSCN5602 by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/4136669061_156d975871.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN5602" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/4137432128/" title="DSCN5600 by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/4137432128_1d5d4907ae.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN5600" /></a> (Yuck; never take macro photos of your dirty floorboards!)<br /><br />He worked alone: <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/4136669543/" title="DSCN5608 by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4136669543_6427674d02_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="DSCN5608" /></a><br /><br />The above photo might not be in the true spirit of the Critter Corner. I felt badly after killing the mouse, but he did poop in my house and chew my floorboards.<br /><br />Recent thoughts:<br /><br />Lately I have been contemplating changes in my life. I don't fully recall my daily life while I was in college, or the year afterward which I spent in my hometown substitute teaching and waitressing. Things become clearer when I remember moving to MN for grad school, watching my friends move to the opposite sides of the country and finally meeting Robert. Now I consider how my shopping sprees have moved from the mall to the thrift store (mostly), and how our Friday nights consist of pizza and a NetFlix viewing. We see our friends a lot less often now.<br /><br />It seems my life is more centered around my husband, dog and house now. Does this mean we should have a child?! Hmmm.<br /><br />My other thought is less weighty in nature: Salon Guilt. Do you have a long standing relationship with your stylist? I did for a while but for the last year I've been going to the Aveda Institute for discounted services performed by students. While I feel confident about what I want for my hair, I dislike the conflict that arises every time they ask about my product usage. I prefer Suave shampoo, Nexxus Humectress conditioner and LA Looks hair gel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/4137497854/" title="lalooks by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/4137497854_38a2fa309e_o.jpg" width="200" height="200" alt="lalooks" /></a><br />$1.99!<br /><br />No offense to all of y'all Aveda product users, but that stuff does NOT work for my dry, bleached, naturally curly hair. I don't like the fragrance and my hair felt and looked like straw yesterday two hours after I left the Institute. I just dislike hearing that my cheap products are hurting my hair. Finally I realized I could just lie to the stylist and tell them I use Aveda so and so shampoo/conditioner and hair gel. My choices were confirmed today when I washed using my makeshift system and my hair looks and feels great; soft and shiny, with a defined curl.<br /><br />To summarize, I guess I feel guilty about not buying the suggested products stylists recommend. Also I hate how you go to one salon and the stylist sniffs, "Did they put you under the dryer at your old salon?", or, "They used a razor to cut YOUR hair?" There's a lot of disapproval at salons.<br /><br />Hugs and winter critters!<br />WendellWendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-54690744327957702412009-10-09T16:23:00.004-05:002009-10-09T16:55:18.028-05:00OctoberDear Critter Readers, specifically <a href="http://wendell77.blogspot.com/2008/02/flamingo.html">The Carrot Queen</a>, how are you?<br /><br />I'm sorry to abandon you for the last two months. What happened was school and six-day work weeks and several 10 day plus work marathons. Then I needed to spend quality time with R and Bobo, eat, do laundry, rehearse, etc.<br /><br />What has happened since August 10th? Sister KB and I did a triathlon!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3995879273/" title="katwentrin by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3995879273_6b7ae44e5d_o.jpg" width="604" height="453" alt="katwentrin" /></a><br /><br />Next came my birthday and a big surprise! R, AM, KB and RM arranged to purchase and secretly deliver a new piano for me! Here nephew B and I play a duet:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3996648286/" title="wenbenpian by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3996648286_c5e3047e1f_o.jpg" width="604" height="453" alt="wenbenpian" /></a><br /><br />I went thrifting 1000 times and bought cool stuff (next post). One $1.99 garment seemed perfect for our little niece, M:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3992067736/" title="CIMG2879.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3992067736_4e0985c5b6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="CIMG2879.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The piano necessitated a living room rearrangement (provided by the peeps listed above). I enhanced it by finding a cool tv stand and coffee table at <a href="http://www.aldifoods.com/index_ENU_HTML.htm">Aldi</a>. I am obsessed with that store. And the furniture doesn't seem half bad!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3991309997/" title="DSCN5480.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3991309997_cb018cdc85.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN5480.JPG" /></a><br /><br />R and his Pa have been busy remodeling the upstairs bathroom, one Saturday at a time. So far it's gone from:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3991314171/" title="DSCN5374.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3991314171_70ba02d940_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5374.JPG" /></a><br />To:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3991311247/" title="DSCN5446.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3991311247_73be5e148f_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5446.JPG" /></a><br />To:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3992065994/" title="DSCN5498.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3992065994_6a8f6fdab0_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5498.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3992066878/" title="DSCN5524.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3992066878_c853b4d1bc_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5524.JPG" /></a><br />Last weekend R, Bobo and I visited my sister AG and her hubby TG's cabin in Northeast WI. It was great to see the fall colors, my Mom, A's dog Ninja and most of all, A's baby bump!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3991308123/" title="DSCN5514.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/3991308123_796f5bc017_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5514.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I have nicknamed the baby "Beavis".<br /><br />We tried to attract wildlife by leaving an offering:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3992065018/" title="DSCN5515.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3992065018_488a0be8c0_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5515.JPG" /></a><br />I believe Stella ate it.<br /><br />We did see some chipmunks though, and eagles.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3992064894/" title="DSCN5517.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3992064894_d82f3819d0_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5517.JPG" /></a><br /><br />That's the report. I may have saw a fox running into the alley across the street, but maybe it was a dog. Today I planted 70 of the 400 bulbs I bought. Went a bit overboard on bulbs!<br /><br />Hugs and warm coats,<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-35595955646604037422009-08-10T13:55:00.003-05:002009-08-11T16:47:17.687-05:00Beetle-Bugs of SummerHeyall,<br /><br />Hope things are going smoovely for you!<br /><br />This post is being written on a beautiful, hot Monday that finds me paralyzed with indecision about how to spend such a day. Buy new running shoes? No. Exercise? Not right now. Clean? Maybe. AND the library is closed and I'm out of books!<br /><br />Yesterday GH and I went to <a href="http://www.izzysicecream.com/">Izzy's Ice Cream</a> to get some cones. I tried the Mexican Chocolate as my Izzy scoop and the Salted Caramel as my main ice cream. It was AMAZING and probably I should not go back there today for more.<br /><br />While summer is prime ice cream time, it is also the height of bug activity. Along with pretty butterflies, busy bees, crawling ants and biting mosquitoes, beetles gather under logs and fly around porch lights at night. Let us learn about some of these flying, crawling and plant-eatin' dudes!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3808131687/" title="junebeetle.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3808131687_cea80925e6_o.jpg" width="550" height="403" alt="junebeetle.jpg" /></a><br />The June Beetle.<br /><br />These black, brown and yellow beetles are around an inch long. They are members of the New World Scarab beetle family, or Phyllophagia (leaf-eater in Greek), which is part of the beetle order Coleoptera.<br /><br />Side Note: Coleoptera contains the most species of any animal order in the world!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3808131405/" title="JuneBug.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3808131405_bf935d6c5f_o.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="JuneBug.jpg" /></a><br /><br />June beetles are "chafers", or leaf eaters, who enjoy eating corn leaves and other crops. While the beetles can be destructive, beetle grubs are especially evil. Living for three to four years underground, beetle larvae eat the roots of grass and cereal crops. They can be especially pesky underground at golf courses.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3808946688/" title="White Grub.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3808946688_14a9c01a3c_o.jpg" width="468" height="300" alt="White Grub.jpg" /></a><br />Ew.<br /><br />My cousin Miss Lippy has a very disturbing story about such a grub attacking her as a child.<br /><br />More intimidating than a June Beetle is the Stag Beetle!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3808131521/" title="common-stag-beetle.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3808131521_486c919ca8_o.jpg" width="443" height="358" alt="common-stag-beetle.jpg" /></a><br />Ay!<br /><br />These oversized mandibles were thought to resemble deer antlers, hence the name "stag". While scary-looking to humans, the mandibles assist male beetles in wrestling matches to find mates! <br /><br />The British stag beetle is the largest insect in England. Their grubs live in rotting wood instead of underground.<br /><br />Perhaps the most annoying of these insects is an import: The Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3808131477/" title="japanesebeetle212.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3808131477_51e1a6825a_o.jpg" width="360" height="446" alt="japanesebeetle212.jpg" /></a><br /><br />These green and copper beauties like to eat the leaves in your garden! In the US there are few natural insect or bird predators that will eat Japanese Beetles.<br /><br />Thankfully the adults are only alive for about a month, and can be easily collected in a bucket of soapy water and discarded. If you have leaves which are eaten between the veins, or "skeletonized", Japanese Beetles might be the culprit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3808946750/" title="japanese-beetle-soybean.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/3808946750_7ab17853d2_o.jpg" width="432" height="575" alt="japanese-beetle-soybean.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Scientists think these beetles were accidentally imported in a shipment of iris bulbs before 1912. The first Japanese Beetles were found in New Jersey in 1916.<br /><br />Please keep me posted on any beetle sightings!<br /><br />xoxoxoxo<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-61664472555521708412009-07-13T20:12:00.003-05:002009-07-13T20:30:48.385-05:00SommerHeyo,<br /><br />I'm realizing the focus of this blog has changed, mostly focusing on my dog and my yard! This might restrict its universal, even world-wide appeal! Also I haven't posted in a while.<br /><br />But I have seen critters! First, a pair of wild turkeys right before taking the Ford Parkway bridge into St. Paul!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/2798184010/" title="wild-turkeys.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2798184010_ea1b48d889_o.jpg" width="454" height="360" alt="wild-turkeys.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We went camping last weekend at <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/afton/index.html">Afton State Park</a>. It was our first time there and our inaugural camping trip with Stella. The hike-in status of the campground made it a little burly, however. Especially as the fresh drinking water was 1.5 miles away in the parking lot. Poor R had to carry a giant water bladder up the hill!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718187335/" title="DSCN5239.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/3718187335_9cce8ec06e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN5239.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Our campsite (22) was the perfect combination of forest and prairie, sun and shade. Right away a deer came to visit!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718998708/" title="DSCN5218.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3483/3718998708_f20f467c83_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5218.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Stella also scared up...a wild turkey! It fluttered away, making an angry noise!<br /><br />Can you see the Bobo-Dog?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718185265/" title="DSCN5238.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3718185265_e3e157ced5_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5238.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718997678/" title="DSCN5232.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3718997678_31f0ce787b_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5232.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718185463/" title="DSCN5231.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3718185463_891129c1a7_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5231.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718997262/" title="DSCN5234.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3718997262_c5aeb1c831_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5234.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It's hard to get Stella to pose in a photo!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718998210/" title="DSCN5224.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/3718998210_85a4420e8e_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5224.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The St. Croix River:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718997042/" title="DSCN5244.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3718997042_d58067fc97_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5244.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Hardcore camping requires a nap:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718996964/" title="DSCN5251.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3718996964_269401096a_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5251.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Apparently this is the smile we have when attempting a self portrait:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3718996060/" title="DSCN5252.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/3718996060_21dde9bcbe_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5252.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Hope you're all enjoying every moment of summer!<br />xoxoxo<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-22155894039801252822009-06-17T08:37:00.007-05:002009-06-17T09:25:04.452-05:00June AdventuresGreetings, all!<br /><br />Man, for being recently unemployed for over a month, I sure have not posted a whole lot! Probably because I've been eating every meal outdoors and trying to relax, read, exercise and have fun with my Bobo-Dog. A summation of these activities is represented by this photograph:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3614332260/" title="DSCN5041.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3614332260_d8c3a3ceae_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5041.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Check out this adirondack chair and table set our across the alley neighbor GAVE US!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3614330882/" title="DSCN5073.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3614330882_2b1e285d5f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN5073.JPG" /></a><br />(I baked the neighbor a strawberry rhubarb pie to thank her.)<br /><br />We finally went inside the Prospect Park Water Tower, after living in that neighborhood for over four years. The tower is open once yearly.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3635828110/" title="Prospect_park_witchs_hat_fall by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/3635828110_243e1bb4c2_o.jpg" width="1000" height="678" alt="Prospect_park_witchs_hat_fall" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3614331574/" title="DSCN5057.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/3614331574_1b8f7e921f_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5057.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3614331928/" title="DSCN5066.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3614331928_ec4fa2dd87_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5066.JPG" /></a><br /><br />GH came to visit:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3565068603/" title="DSCN5031.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/3565068603_2604af4cc2_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5031.JPG" /></a><br /><br />On the same night that R and I went to <a href="http://www.fogodechao.com/">Fogo de Chao</a> we saw our first baby bunnies of the year. Yes, two babies! They were right outside my teaching office, where we'd parked.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3635841252/" title="baby_bunny by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3635841252_d9818a3b5d_o.jpg" width="640" height="451" alt="baby_bunny" /></a><br /><br />I'm glad to have tried Fogo de Chao, but honestly, only one of the meats was really delicious to me. It's an expensive place and I'm happy R's colleague was nice enough to treat us.<br /><br />In non-meat news, R and his Dad destroyed our upstairs bathroom because water was leaking into the basement:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3613510411/" title="DSCN5101.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3613510411_917a17dfab_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5101.JPG" /></a><br />Goodbye, horrifying bathroom carpet!<br /><br />The poop pipe to nowhere, which overflowed from the sink drain at this point behind the toilet:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3614329446/" title="DSCN5107.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3614329446_7a9a69ac6b_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5107.JPG" /></a><br />Cooties.<br /><br />Last week Stella and I went on a solo mission to the Minnesota River Valley Wildlife Preserve:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3613509049/" title="DSCN5122.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3613509049_e2b75b14a6_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5122.JPG" /></a><br /><br />In the summer, Bobo toys with vegetarianism, sampling grass several times a day:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3613509391/" title="DSCN5119.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3613509391_5f76dde2a0_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5119.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Deer tracks:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3614327824/" title="DSCN5131.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3614327824_211444ea48_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5131.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3613508577/" title="DSCN5129.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/3613508577_f08bcc4e65_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5129.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3614326988/" title="DSCN5142.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3614326988_db8787303b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN5142.JPG" /></a><br />It is hard to take good pictures when your dog is really excited and you're holding the leash!<br /><br />The first goose babies I've seen:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3614326672/" title="DSCN5148.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3614326672_c53a5e0f16_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5148.JPG" /></a><br /><br />There were many great egrets at the preserve:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3613508459/" title="DSCN5130.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3613508459_0a44883c01_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5130.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Stella and what I believe is a loon in the background:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3613507091/" title="DSCN5155.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3613507091_2ee895c0a0_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5155.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Now I've returned to the working world, as a waitress! After an eight year hiatus, I think I'm getting the hang of modern serving, that is, with computerized ordering and credit card machines. Come visit me at the new <a href="http://www.brasa.us/">Brasa</a> on Grand Avenue in St. Paul!<br /><br />Critterlove,<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-3826332514042218182009-05-25T23:03:00.004-05:002009-05-26T00:17:06.591-05:00Non-BloggingHello!<br /><br />I decided to chronicle the advance of spring, taking roughly one picture a week from March 15th to May 8th. This view of the Mississippi River is taken from the Marshall Avenue/Lake Street bridge. <br /><br /><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNDMzMTIyMDczMzEmcHQ9MTI*MzMxMjIyMzQ1OSZwPTU3OTAzMiZkPWdpY2tyLmNvbSZnPTEmdD*mbz*yN2Q4ZDIxZWY3MmU*MmY4YmViZWNmOWZlMWUxOTgzZCZvZj*w.gif" border="0" height="0" width="0" /><a href="http://gickr.com/" title="avatars myspace with Gickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://gickr.com/results/anim_ce4b5113-2ba1-7f74-f1bc-24860fec14de.gif" alt="graphic myspace at Gickr.com" /></a><br /><a href="http://gickr.com/" target="_blank">Make your own animation</a><br /><br />Finding summer employment has been a challenge! Although I had a lead, I applied for many other positions; medical records, nannying. One cashier job that paid $8 hourly had over 100 applicants. I was one of the fifteen chosen for an interview (without knowing the pay!) Anyway, the lead paid off and I'll be starting job training later this week. I'm quite thankful! More on that later.<br /><br />To pass the time and alleviate the stress I've been budget gardening. My definition of this is to use supplies we already have and to move existing perennials into different locations. Also I love fixing up my yard!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3565884862/" title="DSCN5025.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3565884862_db41f7afdb_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5025.JPG" /></a><br />My shade garden, with a border made of glazed bricks I found buried and stacked around the yard! The bricks are crooked because it appears we don't have a true poured cement sidewalk; rather it consists of cement pavers which are not set in a straight line.<br /><br />The herb garden:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3565884518/" title="DSCN5024.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3565884518_d7e5611f4e_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5024.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The window boxes.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3565884960/" title="DSCN5012.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3565884960_4702d107d5_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5012.JPG" /></a><br /> The tall scraggly plants are vincas which were rescued from the front yard last fall and wintered indoors. We'll see if they survive and flower after I trim them down.<br /><br />The front garden.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3565068249/" title="DSCN5014.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3565068249_54b3d6039d_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN5014.JPG" /></a> I'm excited that the white anemones and lily of the valley came up of their own accord!<br /><br />Obviously I purchased some annuals to fill the flower boxes and garden bed. I love the perennial creeping phlox and divided a big box. Hopefully they'll flourish!<br /><br />My neighbor's school had a flower sale and I purchased this lovely fuchsia for only $17!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3565884612/" title="DSCN5017.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2247/3565884612_0565a1797b_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5017.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I have a new rain awareness now because I have to water everything! May has been dry as a mofo; we're two inches behind here in Minnesota. R and I are thinking about getting soaker hoses.<br /><br />The dryness has had a serious effect on that most important spring crop, morels!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3565069819/" title="DSCN5022.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3565069819_ec7d337f78_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN5022.JPG" /></a><br /> I found a few dessicated specimens at our old apartment. (Shhhh!) No one seemed to catch me walking hunched-over around the property....<br /><br />Even my expert 'shroomer Dad has had trouble finding morels in Wisconsin, although he did spare a meal for us when we visited last weekend.<br /><br />As R and I drove to the Motherland we spotted:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3565068503/" title="turkey_vulture_2.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3565068503_26616bf4ee_o.jpg" width="378" height="450" alt="turkey_vulture_2.jpg" /></a><br />A turkey vulture in a tree!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/2798184010/" title="wild-turkeys.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2798184010_ea1b48d889_o.jpg" width="454" height="360" alt="wild-turkeys.jpg" /></a><br />Wild turkeys!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/2474150225/" title="DSCN3454.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/2474150225_798f07446c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN3454.JPG" /></a><br />A porcupine (deceased.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/2322883976/" title="Sandhill Crane.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2322883976_c3a2d857c0.jpg" width="388" height="500" alt="Sandhill Crane.jpg" /></a><br />A sandhill crane!<br /><br />Hope you're all having a fantastic May!<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-57690001822809060002009-05-03T22:43:00.002-05:002009-05-03T22:57:52.526-05:00Happy May!Greetings, all!<br /><br />The last two weeks have been very busy! School ended for me, including three student recitals in two weeks. This Thursday, our new niece, Baby M, was born! And Friday, my Mom and Sister AG came to visit, along with AG's dog, Ninja!<br /><br />A photo documentary:<br /><br />Our first tulip!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3498994105/" title="DSCN4699.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3498994105_1b067de1f9_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN4699.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Our lil' niece, Baby M!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3499743702/" title="DSCN4740.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3499743702_7412e9af49_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4740.JPG" /></a><br /><br />My lovely Mom and sister, plus Stella and Ninja, who were BFFs all weekend!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3499742242/" title="DSCN4724.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3499742242_02c7b13364.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN4724.JPG" /></a><br /><br />AG, Mom and I went shopping at their favorite local high end consignment <a href="http://www.nulookconsignment.com/">shop</a>, where I found awesome <a href="http://www.couturecandy.com/james-jeans/robyn-high-rise-wide-leg-in-mercury-mars/product.html">jeans</a> in a size 10! For $42! This never happens. <br /><br />We also conquered the wilderness:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3499742026/" title="DSCN4729.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3499742026_135a52733a_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4729.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Finally, today R and I witnessed our first Powderhorn Mayday Parade!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3498929657/" title="DSCN4824.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3498929657_88846c07b1_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4824.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3499745168/" title="DSCN4804.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3499745168_7e97ae5254_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4804.JPG" /></a>Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-12618332744618772722009-04-20T21:42:00.003-05:002009-04-20T23:01:18.788-05:00Spring in the Swamp: the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Preserve part IIIHello Critter-heads!<br /><br />I hope you're doing well! This seems to be the week when most of the buds on the trees are finally opening, and the earliest crocuses and hyacinths are at their peak. Plus this flower which is my all-time favorite color:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3460890565/" title="scillasibericaspringbeauty00.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3460890565_a42434e164_o.jpg" width="275" height="306" alt="scillasibericaspringbeauty00.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It's called the <a href="http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/bulbs/scilla%20siberica/scilla%20sibirica.htm">Siberian Squilla</a>. (I didn't know that before.) I need one billion bulbs for my whole yard, methinks.<br /><br />To celebrate the warm weather on Saturday, R and I thought it was time to expose our dog Stella to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Valley_National_Wildlife_Refuge">Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge</a>. <br /><br />Being a super-dog, Stella leapt over this raging torrent:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3461703672/" title="DSCN4669.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3461703672_453ae8b746_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4669.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We went out on a pier to expand our view of the sky and sea:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3461705248/" title="DSCN4657.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3461705248_11bc45043d_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN4657.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Is that a swan in the background?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3460889145/" title="DSCN4658.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3460889145_7397d65d2d_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN4658.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I warned Stella to be on the lookout for the Wild Beaver:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3460889739/" title="DSCN4655.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3460889739_5a20ceb8fb_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4655.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We headed into the forest trail. I think this could be the Minnesota State Flower, the Showy Lady Slipper. Or maybe its orchid cousin, the Moccasin Flower.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3460889399/" title="DSCN4671.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3460889399_39271d8d03_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN4671.JPG" /></a><br />We'll have to go back to see!<br /><br />The one blooming flower we saw was the lovely Marsh Marigold:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3461702496/" title="DSCN4676.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/3461702496_412c31ac79_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4676.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I love little springs like this:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3460886763/" title="DSCN4677.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3460886763_bd7694f247_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4677.JPG" /></a><br /><br />At this point the walk got VERY exciting. While R and I are animal lovers and photographers, Bobo-dog is a terrier, bred to hunt quickly moving small critters! A rodent narrowly escaped her initial pounce. Stella's second leap off trail resulted in this critter getting the heck out of there:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3460885689/" title="DSCN4686.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3460885689_a861703a5c_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN4686.JPG" /></a><br />(Can you spot the <a href="http://wendell77.blogspot.com/2008/06/garter-snakes.html">garter snake</a>)!?!<br /><br />Unfortunately Stella did successfully root another rodent out of the leaves...perhaps a gopher? It may have been left the worse for wear. I felt badly about this, but then again, as a rodent in a giant wildlife preserve, it might not be the best idea to live right next to the trail!<br /><br />Encouraged by her previous hunting skills, Stella strongly believed she could catch some geese:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3460886235/" title="DSCN4691.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3460886235_78b7275493_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4691.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Check out the Minnesota River Valley Preserve; fun for the whole family!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3461704792/" title="DSCN4662.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3461704792_f98fb1968c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN4662.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3461705592/" title="DSCN4656.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3461705592_8d9fcc79bd_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN4656.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Huggies,<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-32750979513219708582009-04-12T23:41:00.005-05:002009-04-13T00:34:43.308-05:00The South American Degu!Howdy all!<br /><br />I hope April is going smoovely for you. Things are great here! Today I watered my gardens for the first time and discovered tulips and lilies emerging! Since this is the first spring in our house I didn't know what to expect, other than the 80 bulbs I planted in the fall.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3437326146/" title="DSCN4637.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3437326146_3628f96f3f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN4637.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3436518813/" title="DSCN4636.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3436518813_79cda0832b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="DSCN4636.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Last weekend I was so excited to host my cousins Miss Lippy and Big W from Wisconsin - their blog links are visible on the right of my screen. It is always fun to have visitors, and these sisters are awesome in general. Not only did we feast at <a href="http://www.brasa.us">Brasa</a> and on pizza from <a href="http://www.pizzaluce.com/">Pizza Luce</a>, but also conquered the MOA and IKEA, the latter with Maven herself!<br /><br />Miss Lippy and Big W shown here after the big shopping day, bonding with Stella:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3436463629/" title="DSCN4614.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3436463629_34e91dc29b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN4614.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Apparently Big W has a former colleague who was really into having pet rodents, including a South American degu. What?!<br /><br />Have you heard of degus?! Let us learn together.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3436463927/" title="degu-degu.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3436463927_3e3b33d5d5_o.jpg" width="600" height="500" alt="degu-degu.jpg" /></a><br />Fer cute!<br /><br />Degus, or Octagon degus, is a cousin of the guinea pig, capybara and chinchilla. Tonight I learned the above critters are members of the Caviomorph infraorder of Rodentia. These guys have different skull structures than other rodents, and include some Rodents Of Unusual Size in Africa too. Not to forget our own North American dude, the <a href="http://wendell77.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-post.html">porcupine</a>!<br /><br />Side Note: I am totally fascinated by how animals evolved throughout the planet, and the role of plate tectonics in how these rodents moved from Asia to Africa and to South America.<br /><br />There are four species of degus with populations in Chile and Argentina, including a distinct variety living solely on Mocha Island off the central coast of Chile. (Field trip necessary.) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3436463817/" title="DEGU-FAMILY.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3436463817_99f1ca9509_o.jpg" width="340" height="255" alt="DEGU-FAMILY.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Degus are four to seven inches long and have furry-tipped tails. These social rodents are herbivores and live in complex social groups. Together, they dig extensive tunnels. Along with plants and cacti, degus eat nuts and roots. In rough times they supplement their diet by eating their own poo, (coprophagy) like rabbits.<br /><br />Side Note: My dog prefers to eat cat poo and other, mystery poop she can quickly snatch off the ground before I stop her.<br /><br />Degus have a complicated vocabulary of squeaks and grunts with which to communicate, along with urine scent marking. Unlike some other rodents, degus see well, probably because they are active during the day. A degu superpower is the fact they can see on the ultraviolet spectrum, and their white belly fur and urine glows when viewed through an ultraviolet lens!<br /><br />Some white belly fur:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3436463777/" title="Degu1.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3436463777_af89b51113_o.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="Degu1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Like most rodents, degus reproduce on the regular. The females even nest together and nurse each other's babies. Unlike other beady-eyed critters, degus have a long gestation period of 90 days. This allows the degu pups to be born with fur, vision and hearing ready to go.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3436463683/" title="petitdegu1.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3436463683_8222e20c9f_o.jpg" width="163" height="174" alt="petitdegu1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Degus are also really intelligent, probably because of their social systems. Scientists have taught them to use tools in captivity. They also become easily diabetic when fed too much fruit, and are used in laboratory research to study the disease.<br /><br />In fact, it was through the lab that degus first became house pets! They are easily trainable, intelligent and affectionate pets, "grooming" their owners by stroking them with their teeth! It is also convenient that they are active during the day. Because of their burrowing habits, however, a degu can easily chew through the plastic bottom of most guinea pig cages, so more rugged housing is necessary. Degus can live eight to thirteen years in captivity. <br /><br />OMG I totally want one!<br /><br />Fuzzy fuzzy degus,<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-56278616029446391112009-04-01T09:03:00.004-05:002009-04-01T09:10:02.957-05:00April Fools!I don't really have any jokes.<br /><br />Critter good news: 6000 rare dolphins found in <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090401/sc_livescience/6000raredolphinsfoundinsouthasia">Bangladesh</a>!<br /><br />My budster PoundPapi sent me this sort of critter link...how to make a PC out of a stuffed <a href="http://bored-night.com/index.php/Weird/Beaver-PC-Mod-Very-Bizarre-and-Sick.html">beaver</a>! (This is the "I'm a PC" commercial I want to see!) I bet Big Kral could do it!<br /><br />These messages approved by Bobo.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3403768385/" title="DSCN4603.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3403768385_c8aa9683b4_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4603.JPG" /></a><br /><br />More to come! Happy April.<br /><br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-81877850308809596632009-03-22T22:11:00.003-05:002009-03-22T22:55:17.079-05:00Critters currently destroying my belongings.Hi, Critter Lovers!<br /><br />I hope this post finds you all enjoying the first warm breezes of spring!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3378215252/" title="DSCN4582.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3378215252_435c6815a0_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4582.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, with warmer weather comes the renewal of horrifying insects:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3378214134/" title="DSCN4574.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3378214134_b800aa5ab4_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4574.JPG" /></a><br />This 'pede was above my kitchen sink on Saturday morning. Thankfully it was only 1/4 inch long.<br /><br />Before we discuss critter destruction, I'd like to show off our "new" couch!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3377396693/" title="DSCN4580.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3377396693_b1af3b5b31_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4580.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Stella did not mind the old couch, which was perched on duct-taped-together phone books, even if it was getting holey.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3378214712/" title="DSCN4569.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3378214712_d8fd27d82c_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4569.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The first incidence of critter warfare was a bug attack on two of my houseplants. But was a dual attack; two different plants, two different locations, and two different bugs!<br /><br />My dear Mama bought me a lovely ivy when she visited in November:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3378216448/" title="DSCN4521.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3378216448_5d7f1302cb_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="DSCN4521.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately the plant has been fading all winter. I should have taken action sooner, for I noticed tiny spider webs covering the plant.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3377399197/" title="DSCN4520.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3377399197_c17f2555a0_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4520.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Upon further research, I've discovered the culprit: Two Spotted Spider mites, or Tetrahychus urticae. These tiny spiders have been sucking the chlorophyll out of the formerly lovely ivy, causing it to wither and drop leaves!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3378267674/" title="spidermitepeg.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3378267674_4e48546f34.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="spidermitepeg.jpg" /></a><br />(Actual size, .05 mm)<br /><br />The female spiders have been laying up to 20 eggs a day underneath the leaves. To remedy the situation, I've sprayed the plant with bug spray, but I think a more effective treatment would be to wash the plant with a special soap. The dry and warm climate of my house contributed to the spiders' success. Maybe I should try misting it, or I could just throw it away, as it could be spreading spider mites to other plants.<br /><br />The next attacker struck my music studio. I'm so thankful to have windows for the first time, so I went ahead and bought some plants to decorate the space.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3377398539/" title="DSCN4542.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3377398539_4ef2971a04_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4542.JPG" /></a><br />(Note the cool fountain made by my Father-in-law and the thrift store painting!)<br /><br />Why, what are these white fuzzy bugs on my plant?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3378215918/" title="DSCN4539.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3378215918_9af5e20f3b_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4539.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Could it be...a Mealy Bug? Pseudococcus longispinus is covered with a white, waxy coating that protects it from moisture loss. These guys love hiding in the nooks and crooks of plants, as well as in soil and pot crevices. Using a pointy mouthpart called a stylet, mealy bugs suck the moisture out of plants. Their toxic saliva harms the leaves, causing them to drop. Meanwhile, they excrete a sticky substance called "honeydew" which can encourage mold growth.<br /><br />In the following photo you can see the mealy bug's long tails.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3377399625/" title="DSCN4546.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3377399625_708372a3d5_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4546.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Apparently the long tailed species gives birth to live young! Even better.<br /><br />To control this infestation I've been manually removing the fuzzy bugs.<br /><br />The final destruction of my property is on a much larger scale:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3377399009/" title="DSCN4524.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3377399009_955cbe33f9_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4524.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Oh! Perhaps the gnawing sound I heard upstairs was only a squirrel, EATING OUR HOUSE! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/389612723/" title="squirrel by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/389612723_31da8203e4_o.gif" width="237" height="364" alt="squirrel" /></a><br /><br />Thankfully, R fixed the fascia with some wire mesh and that foam stuff.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3378215340/" title="DSCN4553.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3378215340_86623a561d_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSCN4553.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The squirrels have further "trimmed" the foam since I took the photograph. I would think the squirrels would be thankful for all of the birdseed I've provided over the harsh, cold winter. Ungrateful bastards!<br /><br />I'm looking forward to hearing of your Spring critter encounters!<br /><br />love,<br />Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-11692225593129483622009-03-16T11:00:00.001-05:002009-03-16T11:04:42.795-05:00My Boyfriend and Mandy Moore Secretly Married!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3360345630/" title="mandy-moore-ryan-adams.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3360345630_b6f4df69dc_o.jpg" width="462" height="400" alt="mandy-moore-ryan-adams.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Check it <a href="http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/blenderburner/34269/mandy-moore-marriage-shocker-says-i-do-in-private/">out</a>!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2995308550167683963.post-51627178725188550332009-03-07T21:14:00.003-06:002009-03-07T21:57:24.461-06:00Coyote spotted in Southeast Minneapolis!Happy March, critter enthusiasts!<br /><br />I did not post over my spring break, as you might have noticed. As with most vacations, the week flew by. I read a great <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Well-Shades-Bridei-Chronicles/dp/0765309971">book</a>, joined Weight Watchers, hung out with sis AM and went thrifting twice, and went for a few runs with Miss Stella-kin.<br /><br />It was on our run yesterday when we encountered a true wild animal; a coyote!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3337113348/" title="coyote.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3337113348_bbb0eda5f9_o.jpg" width="400" height="290" alt="coyote.jpg" /></a><br /><br />For once I was thankful that Stella took a poo-break, as we were stopped when the coyote ran across the trails near Franklin Avenue and the East River Road. At first I thought the animal was a dog, but I heard the man who had jogged ahead of us say, "I think that's a coyote."<br /><br />Stella was quite interested; I was quite freaked out! Would it attack us? But the coyote was about 50 yards off.<br /><br />We continued on our run with no coyote sightings, but did encounter a very strong smell I associated with fox urine (having smelled it in my Dad's trapping shed) but which I assumed was coyote pee. The same smell reappeared further south on our run, near the Lake St/Marshall Ave bridge. Stella again tried to pull me toward the scent. <br /><br />I had been thinking about critters on the east side of the Mississippi as a lady I encountered on an earlier excursion told me that she'd seen a gray fox running around. It probably was the coyote, methinks, although I did see two red fox pups frolicking on that side of the river in the summer of 2007.<br /><br />Let us learn about this dog and wolf cousin, then, the coyote!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3336279697/" title="Coyote6RC.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3336279697_52d06d607a.jpg" width="438" height="500" alt="Coyote6RC.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Coyotes, also known as prairie wolves, are medium sized predators with a range throughout North and Central America. Coyotes weigh between 20 and 50 pounds and are around 30 to 34 inches in length, with the tail being as long as the body. Canis latrans (barking dog) actually evolved on this continent, unlike the gray wolf, which originated in Eurasia. I didn't know that.<br /><br />It's a good thing the Minneapolis coyote didn't chase after us; coyotes can run 43 mph and jump eight feet! These canines are one of the few animals who have become more successful with the human expansion throughout the United States. Coyotes are extremely adaptable, dining on garbage and house pets when they live in urban areas. It is estimated that Chicago is home to around 2,000 coyotes.<br /><br />Even when living in well-populated areas, coyotes are most often heard and not seen. Their barks, yelps and howls occur at night when they are most active, but occasionally during the day as well. We saw our coyote around 10 in the morning.<br /><br />Mating season for wolves is now! Usually coyotes are done with the nooky around the end of March. A mating pair may be monogamous for several years. While they can dig their own dens, coyotes often enlarge existing marmot or badger holes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3337113122/" title="coyote-den.JPG by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3337113122_f501a358ae_o.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="coyote-den.JPG" /></a><br /><br />After two months of gestation, six or so coyote pups are born! They develop more quickly than wolf pups. After about three weeks the pups emerge from the den for the first time, and after 35 days they're weaned. Both parents then feed the pups with regurgitated food.<br /><br />Babykins:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendell77/3336279423/" title="coyote pups small version-ross warner.jpg by wendell77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3336279423_68c5888984_o.jpg" width="300" height="200" alt="coyote pups small version-ross warner.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In the wild, coyotes live in forests, swamps, tundra, plains, deserts and mountains, with 19 subspecies covering the enormous range. They eat a diet consisting of about 90% rodents, but will eat carrion too. Packs of coyotes can take down an elk, and chase away bears or wolves from their prey.<br /><br />If wolves populate an area, most likely there are few coyotes in residence. In turn, foxes avoid coyote territory, although they have been known to peacefully coexist. Wolves will kill coyotes, and both species will kill each other's pups. In the eastern U.S. and Canada, the coyote and wolf populations are quite mixed genetically. Both wolves and coyotes can interbreed with dogs; apparently the former is more genetically viable than the latter. It seems dog breeders are attempting these hybrids on purpose, which is generally considered a horrible idea. <br /><br />The next question about the Franklin Ave. coyote is...will I see it again? Will there soon be a den somewhere on the east bank of the river?! I will start bringing the camera on excursions and obviously will keep you all posted!<br /><br />Love,<br />Wile E Wendell!Wendellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09755252234884946548noreply@blogger.com1