not a grove, but a survey

I don't know how many were chosen from Georgia for the Arbor Day Foundation Annual Survey, but I am of that number.

How nice to be chosen!

They must have known I would comply - just look at this spiffy certificate they had enclosed!

I also received address labels and a one-page calendar, with promise of other goodies should I decide to send along a donation with my survey response.

(smile!)

I guess they don't know about my new stance on where the money in my pockets goes.

However, I have completed the two-page survey they'd sent to me.

Partly, the first question drew me in.

"Which of the following have you done in the past 12 months? (Check all that apply.)

 

Pruned one or more trees

 

Planted a flower or vegetable garden

 

Fed birds near your home

 

Planted one or more trees " 

I had check marks for all four activities!

I prune trees at least once during the course of a year, mostly because the squirrels are so active at planting scrub oaks, pines, and now a mimosa, all too close to the house.

The growths have to be trimmed to keep them from taking over!

I planted a spiderwort garden in one corner of my front yard, down near the street.

As well as liking these drunken irises that stagger hither and yon, the pretty plants adorn a sloping area that is difficult to mow.

Bonus for me!

The birds greatly enjoy the berries produced by my wild lantana bushes twice a year.

I need to trim back those bushes now, but they are still heavy with berries, so I have left them for now.

I also try to keep the bird bath filled so the birds can splash about - that's fun to watch!

 

As for the planting of trees, that has been done indirectly, with me supplying the funds to the Arbor Day Foundation for the addition of a grove of sixty to a national forest.

This year made the third time that I have done so as part of my birthday gift to me.

 

I encourage all readers to choose at least one activity from that survey question to pursue for this new year.

Enjoying nature is one of the side perks of doing so...

and that's beneficial for your mental health.

Wonderful!

(smile!)

spending gary's money

This email says it all, so here it is!

*****

Alpha Chi Sigma national@alphachisigma.org
7:25 PM

Dear Faustina,

Thank you for your gift of $ 19.02  to our organization.  The advancements we have made can be attributed in many ways to people like you who have generously supported our mission.  We are grateful for your generosity and hope that you will take great pride in the important difference that your gift makes.

Since Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 educational organization, the IRS allows your contribution to be fully tax deductible as permitted by law. Please retain this letter for your records.
 

*****

And here's the inspiration for me to give for the betterment of science!

This email arrived yesterday.

 

*****
Supporting Our Brotherhood
Fresh off the success of #GivingTuesday, we’re opening up one more chance to show your support and celebrate 119 years of Alpha Chi Sigma Brotherhood. We’re inviting all Collegiate Brothers (and Professionals, too!) to make a participation donation of $1.19 to recognize 119 years of our double bond.
Feeling generous? How about bumping that number up to $19.02 to commemorate our founding year? Gifts of any amount are welcomed and appreciated!
As an added bonus, all Founders Day gifts will be matched by Brother Gary Anderson, Alpha Eta ‘62, up to $6,000!

Founders Day Celebration
You are invited! Join Grand Historian Mitch Levings tomorrow night at 8:00 pm EST for a virtual celebration of brotherhood.
Mitch will regale us with stories of our beloved Fraternity and will be joined by other special guests during the 2-hour celebration. We can’t wait to see you tonight!
 

*****

That bold, italicized line has been highlighted by me!

Since Gary was in a mood to have others spend his money, I was certainly going to help a brother Altotus out!

Now, the meeting starts in fifteen minutes, so, I have to make like a wyvern and fly!

(smile!)

something to believe in

That sounds like a song lyric, doesn't it?

Well, it should, as the mental jukebox in my brain is always in search of the next record to put onto the turntable.

This time, the blog's title is a song from Poison.

And the reason it popped into play?

Sumphun of Thailand.

That's right: all it took was one look at her name.

And just why had I even been on Kiva.org today?

Three reasons: 

1) I wanted to give a loan to mark would would have been Mama's upcoming 84th birthday; 2) I knew I had enough repaid funds from previous loans to do so; 

3) Tripadvisor.com was having a special "make a loan, make a second loan for free" deal.

That's why I'd gone to the lending site today instead of tomorrow.

 

The Thai weaver was the second recipient of the two borrowers chosen today.

I had seen her name and knew without further searching that she was the one for me.

The song had simply cinched the deal.

The first loan recipient took me almost an hour to find.

Then I noticed there were two women, both named "Christina", each looking for a loan.

As they had the same name as my first niece and Mama's first grandchild, I knew one of them were to receive a loan from me... 

but which?

The pink dress of the woman in the Solomon Islands running the general store won out; her loan had the shorter amount of time remaining for it to be funded.

How fortuitous that I had checked my email and found the Tripadvisor missive!

How fortuitous that enough repayments had been made into my nerdfighter account to encourage me to help a new borrower reach their dream!

How fortuitous that I've now made loans to countries new to my portfolio!

(smile!)

Happy birthday, Mama.

I'm glad we could start the celebration early.

thanks from new homeowners

 Dear Faustina,

During this season, many families and loved ones gather to express gratitude. When I sit down to count my blessings, your ongoing compassion will be at the top of my list.

Despite the challenges of this past year, Habitat For Humanity HopeBuilders like you helped us bring hope to families during some of their most difficult times. Together, we empower millions of people to build or improve places to call home.

Your steadfast kindness helps families like Ashley, her children, Yoni, 8, and Rosaledis, 4, and her father, Jose, move into safe, affordable housing where they can thrive.

I am proud and beyond grateful to count on your loyal partnership as we continue our life-changing work. With your generous HopeBuilder gifts, we are creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

On behalf of Habitat families everywhere, I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.

Jonathan T. M. Beckford

Chief Executive Officer

***

Yes, little things like this card of thanks make a difference, too.

Thank you.

doing good for science

When the Act4Chemistry group of the American Chemical Society contacts me, I step up.

When they contact me for agendas related to National Chemistry Week, I gladly comply.

 

First, they requested that I "ask the Senate to confirm science nominees for key positions & consider a chemist for the Chemical Safety Board".

In 2021, the Biden Administration nominated three chemists to three important parts of government. Dr. Geri Richmond has been nominated as the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Under Secretary for Science and Energy. Dr. Asmeret Berhe has been nominated as the Director of the DOE Office of Science. Additionally, Dr. Laurie Locascio has been nominated to lead the Department of Commerce’s National Institutes
of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

ACS asks the Senate to vote on their nominations. 

ACS is also asking Congress to encourage the nomination of someone with experience and a background in chemistry for the remaining vacancy on the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.

Second, they requested that I "ask Congress to include sustainable chemistry and helium priorities in wider U.S. innovation legislation package".

ACS is encouraging the inclusion of dedicated support for sustainable chemistry and authorization of new helium conservation measures into the wider Science and Innovation package Congress is aiming to pass. 

Language supporting sustainable chemistry and the conservation of the critical material helium has passed the House. 

Inclusion in the final package that could become law will depend on action by scientists like you to ensure Members are aware of the importance of supporting sustainable chemistry and conserving nonrenewable helium. 

Third, they requested that I "ask Congress to include STEM priorities in wider U.S. innovation legislation package".

ACS is encouraging the inclusion of the following bills into the wider Science and Innovation package Congress is aiming to pass. 

The specific bills to be included are: H.R. 204/S. 2224, The STEM Opportunities Act; H.R. 2027, the MSI STEM Achievement Act; H.R. 210, The Rural STEM Education Research Act; and H.R. 2695/S.1379, The Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act.

These bills create an array of programs, grants, and requirements that support a more diverse and inclusive learning environment in STEM.
 

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to help!

(smile!)

doing good for the free encyclopedia

Okay, Jimmy Wales, you asked me to spread the word, so here I am, spreading it via the best way I have!

I use Wikipedia ALL THE TIME.

Why do I do so?

That site has up to date knowledge that's kept current at an amazing pace.

Plus, the pages load quickly and aren't cluttered with 'mercials for stuff I don't need or even want.

Keep that wiki light burning, y'all!

(smile!)

doing good as a horseshoe crab

It's that time again!

One Hundred Miles beckoned to me, sending an ocean wave to lure my Horseshoe Crab to its side.

Of course I went!

Helping to protect Georgia's coastline is dear to my heart, especially during the time when sea turtles are nesting on these shores.

Thanks for the lovely sticker, y'all!

(smile!)