I Love the Beach!

I love going to the beach.  Where we live in Texas, it is about two hours to Galveston Island, and lots of beach, fishing, sailing boats, and plenty of sea gulls and sea shells.  

I wonder what the beaches will be like in Kuwait?

It Keeps Raining and Raining Here

It makes the woods and pond so beautiful in the evening... the green of the woods is so deep.

Something in the Woods

I know that trees will not be in great supply in Kuwait, so I made photos this morning while feeding the animals.  Trees and woods change through the seasons, and these pictures communicate how gray and stark they look in the winter, they are quite lovely in a different way than they are during the summer.

In My Research on the Persian Gulf, I Found Something Cool, But First My Pond!

The bodies of water of all sizes across our planet have always fascinated me.  Their presence has had the ability, for the eons, to sooth the human soul.  Back in the 90s I became interested in water gardening, and began creating tiny ponds in the places where I lived.  I am certain I will find ways to water garden in Kuwait.  Look forward to seeing pictures and videos of my efforts.

We have a pond directly in front of our house here at the ranch, and it is a constant source of delight for both of us.  The Eco System of this little man made body of water is a never-ending source of entertainment for both Randy and I.  In fact, I have rented and used a backhoe to improve the pond, and engineer into it some flood control elements. When we first arrived the pond was in rather sad shape, and as it went down the West side of the house, it turned into a swamp.  After about three weeks of dirt work, that area turned into a channel that goes back to another smaller  pond with an island in the center.

I love sitting on my porch, and looking out across the pond when it rains.

 I love these next pictures with mist on the pond early in the morning.

 This is one of the latest pictures of the pond made this fall.

 When Randy was home for Christmas, I took this photo of Alisha, Pickle, and he sitting on the dock feeding the ducks and the fish.

I will be leaving my pond, but I will be arriving in Kuwait to water garden and explore the Persian Gulf!

Already I have a special interest in that body of water, and the mystical mammal which swims in it's waters fascinates me. They say the origins of the mermaid legend arises from sightings of this animal which lives it's entire life in the water.  Tomorrow, the full story!

he rare and beautiful dugong inspired “tails” about mermaids. This strange creature faces extinction in the Middle East. Image via Christian Haugen.
Can you believe that between six and seven thousand “mermaids” still live in the shallow, saline waters of the Persian Gulf? Better known as dugongs or sea cows, these slow moving, gentle herbivores inhabit sea grass filled estuaries and mangrove swampy areas off Saudi Arabia, the UAE states, Bahrain, and Qatar. They also live in the Red Sea. But they are under danger of extinction. 
These aquatic mammals were once the subject of maritime tales dealing with mermaids, or half fish, half human creatures that lived in the sea and often called sailors to their death by encouraging them to jump overboard from their ships.
The dugong population in the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf are estimated to be the second largest in the world, according to an article published a few years back by UN Environment Protection Agency’s Grida newsletter

We need to protect these strange and beautiful mammals not at risk in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Image via ThePatrick.

Recent construction projects in the Gulf’s coastal areas may have affected the relative safety that these creatures have been there for hundreds of years.

Man made damage harms dugongs and other Gulf Wildlife

The impact of oil production, war, and all the construction projects in and around the Persian Gulf has naturally had an adverse effect on marine and other wildlife in this region.

Previous Green Prophet articles have mentioned Dubai and Abu Dhabi real estate projects such as Dubai’s Palm Island and The World artificial islands, which have caused considerable damage to marine life in the areas where these projects have been constructed, and are presently being constructed.

The best example is the largest of these projects, The World, which is now causing serious damage to coral reefs, kelp, and the very sea grass  that the dugong feed upon. As was noted in this article, the delicate eco-system of coral reefs, mangrove coastal areas and sea grass habitats, have been depleted by more than 35%.

The sea water salinity in the Gulf has also increased, affecting sea life.  It was also noted that Island project promoters plan to import a number of dolphins from the Solomon Islands to add an extra attraction to the area, as well as creating a special “diver’s cave” where amateur scuba divers can hunt for “treasure” that the project promoters will put there for them.
In another article, a case study published in an American University educational website, one of the most constant threats posed to the dugongs of the Persian Gulf is that of water pollution; most especially water pollution as a result of oil spills.
With an enormous amount of the world’s oil supplies located in the Persian Gulf region, the transport of oil through the Persian Gulf is a fact of life. So too are oil spills. Oil in the water of the Persian Gulf destroys dugong habitats and is likely to have significant direct negative health effects on the dugong.
Efforts have been made to protect the dugong from being hunted or killed by fishermen when the mammals are trapped in fishing nets. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are signers to the CITES Agreement which is a world-wide resolution, adopted originally in 1963, to protect endangered animal species, of which the dudong and other similar species (manatee, etc) are now considered to be.
- See more at: http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/03/dugong-mermaid-persian-gulf/#sthash.TxbnqMdl.dpuf

he rare and beautiful dugong inspired “tails” about mermaids. This strange creature faces extinction in the Middle East. Image via Christian Haugen.
Can you believe that between six and seven thousand “mermaids” still live in the shallow, saline waters of the Persian Gulf? Better known as dugongs or sea cows, these slow moving, gentle herbivores inhabit sea grass filled estuaries and mangrove swampy areas off Saudi Arabia, the UAE states, Bahrain, and Qatar. They also live in the Red Sea. But they are under danger of extinction. 
These aquatic mammals were once the subject of maritime tales dealing with mermaids, or half fish, half human creatures that lived in the sea and often called sailors to their death by encouraging them to jump overboard from their ships.
The dugong population in the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf are estimated to be the second largest in the world, according to an article published a few years back by UN Environment Protection Agency’s Grida newsletter

We need to protect these strange and beautiful mammals not at risk in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Image via ThePatrick.

Recent construction projects in the Gulf’s coastal areas may have affected the relative safety that these creatures have been there for hundreds of years.

Man made damage harms dugongs and other Gulf Wildlife

The impact of oil production, war, and all the construction projects in and around the Persian Gulf has naturally had an adverse effect on marine and other wildlife in this region.

Previous Green Prophet articles have mentioned Dubai and Abu Dhabi real estate projects such as Dubai’s Palm Island and The World artificial islands, which have caused considerable damage to marine life in the areas where these projects have been constructed, and are presently being constructed.

The best example is the largest of these projects, The World, which is now causing serious damage to coral reefs, kelp, and the very sea grass  that the dugong feed upon. As was noted in this article, the delicate eco-system of coral reefs, mangrove coastal areas and sea grass habitats, have been depleted by more than 35%.

The sea water salinity in the Gulf has also increased, affecting sea life.  It was also noted that Island project promoters plan to import a number of dolphins from the Solomon Islands to add an extra attraction to the area, as well as creating a special “diver’s cave” where amateur scuba divers can hunt for “treasure” that the project promoters will put there for them.
In another article, a case study published in an American University educational website, one of the most constant threats posed to the dugongs of the Persian Gulf is that of water pollution; most especially water pollution as a result of oil spills.
With an enormous amount of the world’s oil supplies located in the Persian Gulf region, the transport of oil through the Persian Gulf is a fact of life. So too are oil spills. Oil in the water of the Persian Gulf destroys dugong habitats and is likely to have significant direct negative health effects on the dugong.
Efforts have been made to protect the dugong from being hunted or killed by fishermen when the mammals are trapped in fishing nets. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are signers to the CITES Agreement which is a world-wide resolution, adopted originally in 1963, to protect endangered animal species, of which the dudong and other similar species (manatee, etc) are now considered to be.
- See more at: http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/03/dugong-mermaid-persian-gulf/#sthash.TxbnqMdl.dpuf

he rare and beautiful dugong inspired “tails” about mermaids. This strange creature faces extinction in the Middle East. Image via Christian Haugen.
Can you believe that between six and seven thousand “mermaids” still live in the shallow, saline waters of the Persian Gulf? Better known as dugongs or sea cows, these slow moving, gentle herbivores inhabit sea grass filled estuaries and mangrove swampy areas off Saudi Arabia, the UAE states, Bahrain, and Qatar. They also live in the Red Sea. But they are under danger of extinction. 
These aquatic mammals were once the subject of maritime tales dealing with mermaids, or half fish, half human creatures that lived in the sea and often called sailors to their death by encouraging them to jump overboard from their ships.
The dugong population in the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf are estimated to be the second largest in the world, according to an article published a few years back by UN Environment Protection Agency’s Grida newsletter

We need to protect these strange and beautiful mammals not at risk in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Image via ThePatrick.

Recent construction projects in the Gulf’s coastal areas may have affected the relative safety that these creatures have been there for hundreds of years.

Man made damage harms dugongs and other Gulf Wildlife

The impact of oil production, war, and all the construction projects in and around the Persian Gulf has naturally had an adverse effect on marine and other wildlife in this region.

Previous Green Prophet articles have mentioned Dubai and Abu Dhabi real estate projects such as Dubai’s Palm Island and The World artificial islands, which have caused considerable damage to marine life in the areas where these projects have been constructed, and are presently being constructed.

The best example is the largest of these projects, The World, which is now causing serious damage to coral reefs, kelp, and the very sea grass  that the dugong feed upon. As was noted in this article, the delicate eco-system of coral reefs, mangrove coastal areas and sea grass habitats, have been depleted by more than 35%.

The sea water salinity in the Gulf has also increased, affecting sea life.  It was also noted that Island project promoters plan to import a number of dolphins from the Solomon Islands to add an extra attraction to the area, as well as creating a special “diver’s cave” where amateur scuba divers can hunt for “treasure” that the project promoters will put there for them.
In another article, a case study published in an American University educational website, one of the most constant threats posed to the dugongs of the Persian Gulf is that of water pollution; most especially water pollution as a result of oil spills.
With an enormous amount of the world’s oil supplies located in the Persian Gulf region, the transport of oil through the Persian Gulf is a fact of life. So too are oil spills. Oil in the water of the Persian Gulf destroys dugong habitats and is likely to have significant direct negative health effects on the dugong.
Efforts have been made to protect the dugong from being hunted or killed by fishermen when the mammals are trapped in fishing nets. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are signers to the CITES Agreement which is a world-wide resolution, adopted originally in 1963, to protect endangered animal species, of which the dudong and other similar species (manatee, etc) are now considered to be.
- See more at: http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/03/dugong-mermaid-persian-gulf/#sthash.TxbnqMdl.dpuf

he rare and beautiful dugong inspired “tails” about mermaids. This strange creature faces extinction in the Middle East. Image via Christian Haugen.
Can you believe that between six and seven thousand “mermaids” still live in the shallow, saline waters of the Persian Gulf? Better known as dugongs or sea cows, these slow moving, gentle herbivores inhabit sea grass filled estuaries and mangrove swampy areas off Saudi Arabia, the UAE states, Bahrain, and Qatar. They also live in the Red Sea. But they are under danger of extinction. 
These aquatic mammals were once the subject of maritime tales dealing with mermaids, or half fish, half human creatures that lived in the sea and often called sailors to their death by encouraging them to jump overboard from their ships.
The dugong population in the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf are estimated to be the second largest in the world, according to an article published a few years back by UN Environment Protection Agency’s Grida newsletter

We need to protect these strange and beautiful mammals not at risk in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Image via ThePatrick.

Recent construction projects in the Gulf’s coastal areas may have affected the relative safety that these creatures have been there for hundreds of years.

Man made damage harms dugongs and other Gulf Wildlife

The impact of oil production, war, and all the construction projects in and around the Persian Gulf has naturally had an adverse effect on marine and other wildlife in this region.

Previous Green Prophet articles have mentioned Dubai and Abu Dhabi real estate projects such as Dubai’s Palm Island and The World artificial islands, which have caused considerable damage to marine life in the areas where these projects have been constructed, and are presently being constructed.

The best example is the largest of these projects, The World, which is now causing serious damage to coral reefs, kelp, and the very sea grass  that the dugong feed upon. As was noted in this article, the delicate eco-system of coral reefs, mangrove coastal areas and sea grass habitats, have been depleted by more than 35%.

The sea water salinity in the Gulf has also increased, affecting sea life.  It was also noted that Island project promoters plan to import a number of dolphins from the Solomon Islands to add an extra attraction to the area, as well as creating a special “diver’s cave” where amateur scuba divers can hunt for “treasure” that the project promoters will put there for them.
In another article, a case study published in an American University educational website, one of the most constant threats posed to the dugongs of the Persian Gulf is that of water pollution; most especially water pollution as a result of oil spills.
With an enormous amount of the world’s oil supplies located in the Persian Gulf region, the transport of oil through the Persian Gulf is a fact of life. So too are oil spills. Oil in the water of the Persian Gulf destroys dugong habitats and is likely to have significant direct negative health effects on the dugong.
Efforts have been made to protect the dugong from being hunted or killed by fishermen when the mammals are trapped in fishing nets. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are signers to the CITES Agreement which is a world-wide resolution, adopted originally in 1963, to protect endangered animal species, of which the dudong and other similar species (manatee, etc) are now considered to be.
- See more at: http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/03/dugong-mermaid-persian-gulf/#sthash.TxbnqMdl.dpuf

he rare and beautiful dugong inspired “tails” about mermaids. This strange creature faces extinction in the Middle East. Image via Christian Haugen.
Can you believe that between six and seven thousand “mermaids” still live in the shallow, saline waters of the Persian Gulf? Better known as dugongs or sea cows, these slow moving, gentle herbivores inhabit sea grass filled estuaries and mangrove swampy areas off Saudi Arabia, the UAE states, Bahrain, and Qatar. They also live in the Red Sea. But they are under danger of extinction. 
These aquatic mammals were once the subject of maritime tales dealing with mermaids, or half fish, half human creatures that lived in the sea and often called sailors to their death by encouraging them to jump overboard from their ships.
The dugong population in the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf are estimated to be the second largest in the world, according to an article published a few years back by UN Environment Protection Agency’s Grida newsletter

We need to protect these strange and beautiful mammals not at risk in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Image via ThePatrick.

Recent construction projects in the Gulf’s coastal areas may have affected the relative safety that these creatures have been there for hundreds of years.

Man made damage harms dugongs and other Gulf Wildlife

The impact of oil production, war, and all the construction projects in and around the Persian Gulf has naturally had an adverse effect on marine and other wildlife in this region.

Previous Green Prophet articles have mentioned Dubai and Abu Dhabi real estate projects such as Dubai’s Palm Island and The World artificial islands, which have caused considerable damage to marine life in the areas where these projects have been constructed, and are presently being constructed.

The best example is the largest of these projects, The World, which is now causing serious damage to coral reefs, kelp, and the very sea grass  that the dugong feed upon. As was noted in this article, the delicate eco-system of coral reefs, mangrove coastal areas and sea grass habitats, have been depleted by more than 35%.

The sea water salinity in the Gulf has also increased, affecting sea life.  It was also noted that Island project promoters plan to import a number of dolphins from the Solomon Islands to add an extra attraction to the area, as well as creating a special “diver’s cave” where amateur scuba divers can hunt for “treasure” that the project promoters will put there for them.
In another article, a case study published in an American University educational website, one of the most constant threats posed to the dugongs of the Persian Gulf is that of water pollution; most especially water pollution as a result of oil spills.
With an enormous amount of the world’s oil supplies located in the Persian Gulf region, the transport of oil through the Persian Gulf is a fact of life. So too are oil spills. Oil in the water of the Persian Gulf destroys dugong habitats and is likely to have significant direct negative health effects on the dugong.
Efforts have been made to protect the dugong from being hunted or killed by fishermen when the mammals are trapped in fishing nets. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are signers to the CITES Agreement which is a world-wide resolution, adopted originally in 1963, to protect endangered animal species, of which the dudong and other similar species (manatee, etc) are now considered to be.
- See more at: http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/03/dugong-mermaid-persian-gulf/#sthash.TxbnqMdl.dpuf

My Life Philosophy

 

Why I Blog

All my computer skills are self taught... and there is a learning curve for me...  I have BDDTPP... (Brain Damage Due to Peroxide Poisoning,) and when I began blogging I didn't even know what blogging was.  My husband's deployment to the Middle East with the United States Army for two years, and then his transfer of service to the State Department for the last three fueled my need to blog.  I thought to myself when I started, "it is so much cheaper than therapy sort of a personal journal out loud."  I love it!  I have gained friends all around the world, people who are really important to me, and I am important to them... Who'd a thought!  Don't have a huge audience, but it has grown, and I never needed a huge audience.  "Communication, whether written, spoken, signed, or presented in the art forms is the essence of the human existence."  Debra LeCompte

Did I mention I love my little miniature goat named Rocket?  She has been a comfort to me in the long absences of my husband.  I will miss her when I move to Kuwait, but she will be here when we return home, waiting for us.  She loves my husband so, she butts heads with him for fun... Literally, he plays a game with her where they butt heads together...  He says it is good training for his job with the State Department.  You will love this little video where I tried to find an animal to share her pen for companionship.  Her Emily Post was a little shaky on the subject of entertaining bunnies....






 Now where else would I have a place to voice such thoughts other than in my own little blog about my life adventure of moving to Kuwait with my husband as he serves with the United States Department of State?

There is a Chill in the House This Morning

I checked the weather... Kuwait has Texas beat this morning!

http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Sealy+TX+77474:4:US

http://www.weather.com/weather/today/KUXX0003:1

I bet Kuwait never has ice coated roses!

I took these pictures of ice coated roses about mid December in my front rose bed.

We Have Cows in Texas, Lots of Cows, Does Kuwait?

I Love Making Photos

These photos I made from my back-porch one day at sunrise, They are some of my best!

The little white dot is an actual star I managed to capture in the photo!

Found a Great Organization in Kuwait

Thanks to one of the new acquaintances in my life who lives and  works in Kuwait, I have found what sounds like such a great organization, and my husband and I are anxious to learn more of it.  According to their website, "Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve.  AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America's Army-Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees, Government Civilians, Wounded Warriors, Veterans, and family members."  Sounds to me as though this organization is worth putting effort and support into.  I am sure there are unique needs for those serving in Kuwait, and something that Randy and I can contribute to those Soldiers working in Kuwait.

I plan to plant a seed of support here in the community where we now live as well, so that perhaps a connection can be made to provide support for our troops from some of the local school children for those serving with the Army in Kuwait.  Our children can come to know the culture and customs of another country, and what service in our military is like in Kuwait.  Education is one of the goals of AUSA, and there is tremendous opportunity for this to happen where we are now living.  The military and their families are always in need of the backing of all Americans.  Here is a link to look at the site and get an idea of their good work.

http://www.ausa-kuwait.com/home/ 

All of Austin County, Texas where we call home, has deep patriotic roots, however, Bellville, where we attend church, and our son graduated from High School has lost one person while he was serving in the Army, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and newly stationed in Kuwait.  His name was Spc. Zeferino Eusebio Colunga, and he was a tackle on the Bellville High School football team during his high school years, He joined the Army upon graduation.  While serving in Kuwait he became seriously ill with acute leukemia, and was first evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Iraq on August 4, 2003, and then evacuated to Landstuhl Army Regional Medical  Center, and later to Homburg for further care, where he passed away on August 6, 2003.  It was a very difficult thing for the family to lose their loved one, not in battle, but to disease as he served in Kuwait.

As I have said, our hometown is patriotic, and on this Saturday, Zeferion will be remembered once again in a public ceremony honoring our fallen son, his service, and the sacrifice of his family.  He died within a week of arriving in Kuwait while assigned to the 4th Squadron, 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment, Fort Polk, LA.  There is a connection of the heart of our home town with those serving in the United States Army in Kuwait.  We hope to bring that connection with us as we move to Kuwait.
 

I Wonder if I Will Be Able To Raise Roses?

I love to garden!  

Researching what I will be able to grow in Kuwait isn't going well... 

Can't find much information.

These are roses I grew at Soldier's Heart Ranch, and then photographed.

They are among my favorite photos I have ever made.

Now Where Will We Live?

When Randy stopped in Kuwait on his way home in October, he was able to view the apartment where we had the choice to live, but not the home.  I have not seen any pictures of the home, but Randy sent pictures of the apartment.  Based on what I see in the pictures, we will have such a beautiful home in Kuwait!  What do you think?

Of course I am a person who loves color

I certainly can work with the Ethan Allen furniture style which the State Department provides!

I'm thinking through what of my kitchen decor I will want to take.

Now this bathroom is just waiting for the right colors!  The beginning palette has colors from the beach,
that will reflect this apartment's view of the Persian Gulf!