Brunnie Is A-Hiding
26/04/25 16:36 Filed in: Animal Kingdom
Brunnie surprised me a few weeks ago when I went to put things away in my closet area. He has found a nice, comfortable niche to stay quiet and not disturbed. Cats are family and really something else too.
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Cherry Blossoms
20/04/25 08:39 Filed in: Berlin Community
I took my 500 mm lens for the Nikon D5000 to the deck railing as a prop for getting a steady shot of the house on the hill across the way. Every spring one of the trees next to the house blossoms in a triangular form of cherry blossoms. It wasn't the sunniest day though the clouds trailing down is often what we see here in our part of Oregon. The shot was good and turned out well. I enjoyed taking it. One could also see all the trees planted on the hillside below the house.
Pink Full Moon
13/04/25 10:02 Filed in: Moon
Last night into early morning was the Pink Full Moon. It is the first of Spring and the smallest of the full moons being the farthest from Earth or at apogee.
The Pink Moon gets its name from the vibrant moss phlox (Phlox subulata), a wildflower that blooms in April. Known as moss pink, this flower carpets the ground in hues of rosy pink, signaling the arrival of spring. So, while the moon won’t exactly be pink, it’ll surely make you think of the fresh, colorful burst of life happening here on Earth.
This moon has roots in centuries-old traditions. Native American tribes like the Algonquin called it the "Breaking Ice Moon" because it’s the time when ice melts and spring arrives. Other names, like the Tlingit’s “Budding Moon,” tie the full moon to new growth and fresh beginnings.
The Pink Moon gets its name from the vibrant moss phlox (Phlox subulata), a wildflower that blooms in April. Known as moss pink, this flower carpets the ground in hues of rosy pink, signaling the arrival of spring. So, while the moon won’t exactly be pink, it’ll surely make you think of the fresh, colorful burst of life happening here on Earth.
This moon has roots in centuries-old traditions. Native American tribes like the Algonquin called it the "Breaking Ice Moon" because it’s the time when ice melts and spring arrives. Other names, like the Tlingit’s “Budding Moon,” tie the full moon to new growth and fresh beginnings.
Oregon - The Name
10/04/25 12:34 Filed in: Oregon
From Ouragon to the Beaver State
Prior to European arrival, Oregon was home to a rich tapestry of Native American tribes, each with their own distinct languages and names for the places they called home. Many of these names remain woven into the landscape, enduring reminders of Oregon's indigenous heritage.
The majestic Columbia River, which forms part of Oregon's northern border, was known by several Native American names, including "Wimahl" (Big River) in the Chinook language and "Nch'i-Wàna" (Great River) in the Sahaptin language. Mount Hood, an iconic peak towering over the Portland metropolitan area, carries the name "Wy'east" in the Multnomah dialect, referencing a powerful spirit who resided on the mountain. These and countless other Indigenous names echo across the state, honoring the deep connection between the land and its first inhabitants.
The Oregon Country: A Colonial Claim
"Oregon Country" gained prominence during the 18th and early 19th centuries as the United States and Great Britain vied to control this vast and fertile region. The name likely stemmed from a corruption of the French word "Ouragan," used by early explorers to refer to the Columbia River.
Nicknames: A Tapestry of Identity
As Oregon transitioned from a contested territory to a thriving state, it acquired various nicknames reflecting its unique character and aspirations.
The precise origin of the name "Oregon" remains shrouded in some mystery. Various theories abound, including connections to Spanish words for "big ears" (referencing local tribes), a French term for "hurricane," and even a misinterpretation of a Native American word for a type of fish oil. While the exact etymology remains elusive, the name itself has become synonymous with the state's natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and independent spirit.
Prior to European arrival, Oregon was home to a rich tapestry of Native American tribes, each with their own distinct languages and names for the places they called home. Many of these names remain woven into the landscape, enduring reminders of Oregon's indigenous heritage.
The majestic Columbia River, which forms part of Oregon's northern border, was known by several Native American names, including "Wimahl" (Big River) in the Chinook language and "Nch'i-Wàna" (Great River) in the Sahaptin language. Mount Hood, an iconic peak towering over the Portland metropolitan area, carries the name "Wy'east" in the Multnomah dialect, referencing a powerful spirit who resided on the mountain. These and countless other Indigenous names echo across the state, honoring the deep connection between the land and its first inhabitants.
The Oregon Country: A Colonial Claim
"Oregon Country" gained prominence during the 18th and early 19th centuries as the United States and Great Britain vied to control this vast and fertile region. The name likely stemmed from a corruption of the French word "Ouragan," used by early explorers to refer to the Columbia River.
Nicknames: A Tapestry of Identity
As Oregon transitioned from a contested territory to a thriving state, it acquired various nicknames reflecting its unique character and aspirations.
- The Beaver State: This official nickname, adopted in 1957, pays homage to the industrious beaver, whose fur trade was pivotal in Oregon's early economic development.
- The Webfoot State: This playful nickname alludes to the state's abundant rainfall and its residents' supposed prevalence of webbed feet.
- The Sunset State: This romantic moniker evokes the breathtaking beauty of Oregon's coastline, where the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues.
The precise origin of the name "Oregon" remains shrouded in some mystery. Various theories abound, including connections to Spanish words for "big ears" (referencing local tribes), a French term for "hurricane," and even a misinterpretation of a Native American word for a type of fish oil. While the exact etymology remains elusive, the name itself has become synonymous with the state's natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and independent spirit.
In Remembrance - Dad
09/04/25 08:56 Filed in: Family
Today would have been my Dad's 108th birthday if he was still alive. He was a good man and a good father. It has been way too long since we lost him and miss his good spirit among us. His name is William Edgar Wolfenbarger and he grew up here on the Berlin Road farm property. I will need to add a picture of him in this post.
Young Queen Victoria
06/04/25 15:13 Filed in: History
Some information about young Queen Victoria, at least before she became Queen of Great Britain.
"Few royal monarchs hold as much fascination as England’s Queen Victoria. Her lengthy reign and complex legacy left such a lasting mark on Britain and the world that the era still bears her name. At her birth on May 24, 1819, Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent was only fifth in line to the throne. She was never expected to be queen, but fate had other plans for young “Drina.” Victoria ascended the throne on June 20, 1837, less than a month after her 18th birthday, and ruled for more than 63 years — longer than any British monarch except for her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II.
During her rule, the diminutive Queen Victoria developed a reputation as a strong-willed and outspoken sovereign committed to expanding and strengthening the British Empire. She oversaw a time of unprecedented industrial expansion, political reform, and social change in England, but her time on the throne was also marked by aggressive colonization. Britain’s imperial reach nearly doubled during Victoria’s reign, until some 25% of the world’s population owed their allegiance to her. Here are seven fascinating facts about the life of the monarch known as the “grandmother of Europe.” "
"Few royal monarchs hold as much fascination as England’s Queen Victoria. Her lengthy reign and complex legacy left such a lasting mark on Britain and the world that the era still bears her name. At her birth on May 24, 1819, Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent was only fifth in line to the throne. She was never expected to be queen, but fate had other plans for young “Drina.” Victoria ascended the throne on June 20, 1837, less than a month after her 18th birthday, and ruled for more than 63 years — longer than any British monarch except for her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II.
During her rule, the diminutive Queen Victoria developed a reputation as a strong-willed and outspoken sovereign committed to expanding and strengthening the British Empire. She oversaw a time of unprecedented industrial expansion, political reform, and social change in England, but her time on the throne was also marked by aggressive colonization. Britain’s imperial reach nearly doubled during Victoria’s reign, until some 25% of the world’s population owed their allegiance to her. Here are seven fascinating facts about the life of the monarch known as the “grandmother of Europe.” "
More Ghengis Kahn
29/03/25 10:16 Filed in: History
More on Ghengis Kahn before he was called this title name:
| The mighty conqueror Genghis Khan is one of history’s most formidable world leaders, but his legacy is far better known than his actual name. He was born to a ruling Mongol family and was given the name |
| In 1206, when Temüjin was in his late 30s to mid-40s (his birth year is the subject of debate), he gathered leaders — the ones he hadn’t killed — from all over the Mongolian Steppe to unite them as one nation, ready to conquer neighboring lands. At this assembly, called a kurultai, he was given the title of Genghis Khan. “ |
Ryan and Simmons Singers
21/03/25 14:12 Filed in: Family
Ryan had his last competition earlier this week with his middle school, Simmons Singers, in Aberdeen. Here he is sided with his parents, Renee and David. He is also getting good grades at school.
Largest Empire in History
20/03/25 13:55 Filed in: History
This is hard to believe…
"There was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire and all roads led to Rome, but there has never been a larger contiguous land empire than that of the Mongols. Established in 1206 by Genghis Khan — who was born Temujin and whose name, also transliterated as Chinggis, means “universal ruler” — the empire eventually reached a size of at least 9 million square miles. To call this unlikely would be an understatement.
Temujin rose to power from a tumultuous childhood, and the Mongols were a nomadic people whose territorial expansion came about largely due to brutal military tactics and fierce pragmatism. At its peak, the empire included all of modern-day China and Mongolia in addition to parts of Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Korea, among others. (This map offers a sense of its vastness.)
For all of Genghis’ savvy, however, his descendants proved a fractious bunch who fought among themselves and oversaw his empire’s decline; with the exception of his grandson Kublai Khan, few others in the dynasty are recalled fondly. Even so, Genghis’ massive effect on the world might best be summarized by two staggering statistics: He was responsible for the deaths of as much as 11% of the world’s population at the time, and 1 in every 200 men living today are his direct descendants."
"There was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire and all roads led to Rome, but there has never been a larger contiguous land empire than that of the Mongols. Established in 1206 by Genghis Khan — who was born Temujin and whose name, also transliterated as Chinggis, means “universal ruler” — the empire eventually reached a size of at least 9 million square miles. To call this unlikely would be an understatement.
Temujin rose to power from a tumultuous childhood, and the Mongols were a nomadic people whose territorial expansion came about largely due to brutal military tactics and fierce pragmatism. At its peak, the empire included all of modern-day China and Mongolia in addition to parts of Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Korea, among others. (This map offers a sense of its vastness.)
For all of Genghis’ savvy, however, his descendants proved a fractious bunch who fought among themselves and oversaw his empire’s decline; with the exception of his grandson Kublai Khan, few others in the dynasty are recalled fondly. Even so, Genghis’ massive effect on the world might best be summarized by two staggering statistics: He was responsible for the deaths of as much as 11% of the world’s population at the time, and 1 in every 200 men living today are his direct descendants."
Worm Full Moon 2025
14/03/25 10:56 Filed in: Berlin
The "Worm" full moon was on display last evening. About 4 hours later the moon would be in full eclipse (only could stay up for a 1/2 eclipse part) that would be a "blood moon". It was amazing after a day of rain and hail that the sky cleared for awhile to allow a glimpse of the moon shining above the clouds.
