5 Camping Essentials - - This post haved 1 comments

Camping is so much fun and I really don't get to enjoy it enough. I love camping at local lakes and in the mountains. One day I would love to camp on a beach anywhere. Here is my list of  5 Camping Essentials:


1.Water Repelling Blankets - These things are great for sitting by the fire and keeping the dew off, if you are sleeping sans tent. They can be used to cover your dry goods and keeping moisture out of your food. Great for sleeping on the ground and using as a blanket in the cold. This material is generally found for use on horses but can be found at camping supply shops as well. They come in many colors and thicknesses.

2.Lighter - Useful for all of your fire needs. A necessity for eating, boiling water and lighting herbs. It also scares off wildlife and mosquitos. Camping can be dangerous without access to fire. Always take a lighter or a trained boyscout. 

3.Hula-Hoop- There is no electricity in the wilderness so you must have a hula-hoop to keep you busy when you're not hiking or gathering firewood. Hula hoops are great for exercise and help keep the blood pumping on cool nights.

4.Jars - Glass or plastic jars are both fine. Just remember to recycle and clean up after yourself. You will find plenty of reasons to use glass jars. Storing your food, toilet paper, money, or souvenirs. 

5.Tin Foil - Good for grilling, storing food and waterproofing. Wrap your food in it and toss it on the fire. There are great tin foil recipes online that are easy to prepare beforehand. There are endless reasons to use tin foil while camping.  

Country vs City - - This post haved 0 comments

I always feel a little bit torn between my desires to live in the country vs. the city. Growing up in the south there are only a few big cities and a lot of developing farm country. I have to drive 30 minutes to Greenville SC which is the biggest city near me. I visit Atlanta and Charlotte from time to time but only for short visits. I've spent most of my life on a lake. Mobile homes are abundant in the area although I did grow up in a 2 story home.

I believe I prefer country living with a side of city life because it allows me to return to my serenity. A lot of noise can be overwhelming, and upsets the soul. Some people thrive on the rush of the busy streets but I prefer the hum of a lawn mower in the neighbors yard.

City living is fun because there is so much going on. So many lights and signs and consumerism. Too many offices with stuffy suits and combed back hair. Perfumes that make your head hurt. In the country all we smell is nature and t shirts are acceptable.

For now I choose to stay with the trees and absorb the purity of the air. But later I may yearn for the hustle of the mean streets (not the roughneck side) and the cafe on every corner. I love to spend time in the city but I want to hear crickets while I fall asleep.

Flashback Friday : Beach Bums - - This post haved 0 comments

I'm a firm believer that people who live in land locked states are little crazier than people who get a chance to see the wide oceans. Beaches are great. A great way to meet people, have some fun, and connect to the Earth. Since the beginning of time, humans have been mystified by the depths of the oceans. We gather on sandy beaches to marvel in the glory of the waters. This Flashback Friday takes a look at the great times had on the beaches of the world! 

Flashback Friday : Conversation With Nature - - This post haved 0 comments

Today's Flashback Friday is for the nature seeker in all of us. Enjoy these pictures from past and present of hippies enjoying life in the outdoors.

Baby Giraffe Born At Greenville, SC Zoo - - This post haved 0 comments

We've been waiting and watching for weeks. On the edge of our seats waiting for the arrival of a very special baby giraffe. Proud mama, Autumn, gave birth to the baby Monday night at 11:45 pm. The vet will arrive this morning to give the baby a full physical and find out if it's a boy or a girl. I've got my fingers cross that there will be a naming contest for this cute little one.

The public has kept a close eye on the pregnancy of Autumn. A few weeks ago a camera was installed in her enclosure and the stream was broadcast live on the internet. You can see the new baby live on EarthCam.

Here are some pictures from the Greenville Zoo Flickr page and Facebook.

Darrell Snow

Darrell Snow

Reef Relief: Protecting Coral Ecosystems - - This post haved 0 comments

Earth is made of more water than land. The depths of the oceans are still left unexplored. We are mystified by the majesty of our oceans and bodies of water. Even a single drop is enough to make us take notice.

Reef Relief is a nonprofit organization that has dedicated itself to protecting coral reef ecosystems in our oceans. Specifically the Florida Barrier Reef. Their goal is to implement strategies, through government and community based groups, that protect reef ecosystems. At their local Florida Environmental Center, the public (specifically children) can be introduced to the concepts behind reef protection in a camp environment.  Children ages 6-12 can attend day camp. The organization even conducts Coastal Cleanups, which removed over 11,000 lbs of debris from the coast and coastal waters.

The Florida wildlife that thrives in this unique environment relies on these habitats to be healthy, just as we, in turn, depend on them to support food, recreation, and valuable jobs. 

RIGHTEOUS DUDE!

We have to protect our bodies of water in order to keep a functioning ecosystem for all of us. We rely on these waters for many resources, not to mention the fun and beauty that are associated with the oceans ecosystems.

Learn more at REEFRELIEF.ORG .

Refried Hippie - - This post haved 0 comments

What is a Refried Hippie? A new age hippie, born in the wrong decade. Hippies and beatniks of the 60's have inspired a new generation to lead a path to freedom. We have taken on many cultural relics of our forefathers (and foremothers) and incorporated modern technology to give us an electric highway to spread our messages of peace and love.

Refried Hippies, like any other micro-culture, are all different people. Different backgrounds, different styles, different beliefs; all with same ideal for world peace. This blog will incorporate all the aspects of a new age hippie lifestyle, with throwbacks from the summer of love!

Topics will include (but are not limited to):

• Hippie/Beatnik culture of the 60's and beyond.
• Political Issues
• Feminism
• LGBTQ
• Family and Relationships
• Home Decorating and Environmental Tips
• Environmental Issues
• Kids - Raising and Surviving Them
• Pets
• Fashion Trends
• Food and Drink
• Health
• Travel
• Romance and Sex

If you are interested in anything you see on the site or if you would like to contribute to the blog send emails to mrsatollison@gmail.com .

Also find me on Facebook.

Peace and Love,

Mrs T