I'm planning at trip from Michigan to Arizona and I don't know where to start! Any ideas?

kids tents sears image

Bailey

My boyfriend and I have been talking about driving from Kalamazoo, MI to Scottsdale, AZ to visit his brother for almost 2 years now. We finally decided that we have the time and money and we are leaving in 2 weeks. While all the planning has been left to me and I don't want to admit that I am completely stuck!
I know that we have to stop in Chicago on our way there to visit with his mom. Also I want to take a different way there and a different way home. I think we are going to take the historic Route 66 there, then cut through Colorado on the way home.

Does anyone have any suggestions on things to do, where to eat, stop, stay?

Answer
You haven't said anything about the amount of time that you have available for your trip. Also be aware that it will be very, very hot in AZ. Once I was in AZ when I was a kid in the summer, and there even was a very nasty sandstorm -- think blizzard of sand. Bring a good cooler with you for beverages, lunch meat, veggies, etc.

Scottsdale is maybe good for a day, but, personally, if I were you I wouldn't spend too much time seeing things on the way there or in the Phoenix area. Also forget about historic Route 66 unless you've already seen all of the natural wonders of the "Four Corners" region.

Chicago always can be a separate trip from Michigan, as could St. Louis (in the summer vacation season, you'll likely spend a lot of time trying to get to the top of the Gateway Arch). If you are going to spend time in Chicago, apart from the great museums, botanical garden, Millennium Park and science museum, I've always enjoyed Rush St. (haven't been there in years) and the Signature Lounge at the top of the John Hancock Building.

http://www.millenniumpark.org/

http://www.signatureroom.com/lounge/default.cfm?PID=15

The newest Chicago attraction just opened this week -- the Sears Tower Ledge(s), if you have great courage.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-sears-tower-ledge-02jul02,0,7151729.story

Here's one place that I want to see in Illinois that I might stop at, but your interests may be different than mine:

http://www.alplm.org/

Anyway, unless you definitely are going to be in Chicago for several days, I would save it for another trip.

After visiting your boyfriend's brother in Scottsdale, I would head west from Phoenix, then turn north and climb into the Prescott National Forest. After leaving Prescott, which will give you a very different perspective, you can drive through some very beautiful vistas and even a ghost town on your way to Sedona.

Sedona and the Oak Creek Canyon are worthy of visiting in their own right, and you could spend several days there, especially if you like biking or hiking. You might want to consider taking a couple sleeping bags and a small tent with you. You could save a lot of money. Again, remember that you're heading to Arizona during the hottest part of the year. You might want to minimize your time in AZ and other hotter areas and head north into Colorado sooner than you would in the less hot times of the year.

http://www.visitsedona.com/

From Sedona, drive to Grand Canyon for a day on the south rim. You need to make reservations now if you want to stay in the park. You don't need more than a day in the Grand Canyon. Leave the park and head east to the Navajo Bridge, where you can walk out over a deep canyon on an abandoned bridge. Then take your choice of other great parks, such as Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley, in the Four Corners region before heading north. I'm assuming you can save the Las Vegas area for another trip.

Head for Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods and the Pike's Peak Cog Railway, then Rocky Mountain National Park.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America_the_Beautiful

This website has great pictures of the Sedona and Colorado Springs areas, Grand Canyon, Navajo Bridge at Lee's Ferry and other natural attractions in the Four Corners Region.

http://www.pigseye.com/mc/4corners/index.htm

If you still have more time, go north to Yellowstone National Park, then head east to the Black Hills in South Dakota for the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, etc., before heading back to Michigan. Remember that accomodations in many of these areas, especially national parks, may be difficult. These aren't places that you can visit at the last minute, but perhaps things are different this year with the recession in full force. You'll have to check once you've decided what you want to see on your trip.

You'll probably spend two days of very hard driving from Michigan to Arizona and two days back. You might have limited time to see things, so I personally would pick carefully, and drive back not worrying about seeing too many things on the trip back either.

BOL for a very memorable trip!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Any good Themes for sleepovers?

kids pink camping tent image

Soxy and L

My best friend and I have a sleepover every weekend,each week a different theme. Next week we are doing 70s, then valentines, then casino, baking and easter. But I need a theme for THIS weekend! HELP!!! We are 14, both girls, and already thought of spa and pink themes. 2 points anyone?

Answer
There are so many sites that offer sleepover ideas try one of these -- some may be birthday parties but you can still get theme ideas. There are enough here for the next couple of years ...

My own: pick a favorite star and throw a birthday party for him / her
Under the sea (hang fish balloons from ceiling, get a bubble machine, eat goldfish)
Rain forest (hang vines from the wall and tape rain forest animals to stuff)
Desert (eat Mexican food, buy some cactus, put sand on tables)
Winter (eat ice cream, watch snow dogs or something else)
Holidays (pick the closest holiday)
TV shows
Movies
Animals
Chocolate (eat chocolate, get chocolate scented stuff)
Sing and dance (have a dance competition or have Karaoke)
Around the world (have people bring food from different countries)
Spa Night (if u are a girl you could do makeovers and stuff)
Camping (you could make s-mores and sleep in a tent)
Sports (choose your favorite sport (mine is soccer) you could have a soccer ball cake, play that sport, etc

http://party.kaboose.com/girls.html
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf184695.tip.html
http://www.easy-party-ideas-and-games.com/slumber-party.html
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/party-sleepover-party.htm
http://www.toppartyideas.com/slumber-party/
http://www.kids-birthday-party-guide.com/slumber-birthday-party.html
http://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/sleepover.htm
http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/sleep_over.html dozens of links
http://www.boardmanweb.com/party/slumber.html

34 weeks pregnant and feeling very insecure and left out! Am I overreacting?

Cassie

Ok I am 34 weeks pregnant and I am not sure if I am just being insecure or what. Lets start out by saying my husband and I have been married for 9 years this October. We got married when I was 18 and he was 22. I recently found out that before he knew I was pregnant he talked to my BFF's hubby and said he thinks that we are going to get a divorce. I don't know if he was the one wantng it or if he thought I was wanting it so im confused there. So up till now, things have been alright. Well, he has been drinking every weekend at least, if not through the week and the other night we were having a bonfire with my parents and was expecting a friend to show up around 11. I laid our 3 yr old down for a nap so he could stay with us for a while cuz he normally goes to bed by 9 every night. So anyway, 1030 rolls around and my husband starts asking our son if he is ready to go in. Of course he is drunk, but he is asking every 5 minutes until about 1050 when I said fine, ill take him in because I got tired of hearing it. Well as soon as I go in, our friend and a coupe of his friends show up. I put our son to bed and decided to walk back out to the pavilion which is 100 yrds from the house. There was 3 guys and 2 girls, all 21-24 yrs old. my hubby is 32. But anyway, I said hi and bye and went back in. Well I found out the next day that there were a total of 6 girls and 4 guys including my husband that ended up out there. Also they were swimming in the pond and all were drinking. I actually had to call him 2 times to tell him to turn the music down and be quiet before the cops were called because it was 130 am. Well when I went out that next morning to see if all was cleaned up, I found a pair of boxer shorts(not the hubbys), 3 pair of socks, and a pink thong just laying on the ground. I kept my cool, but couldn't shake the fact that he kinda pushed me and his kid inside, knowing that when he fell asleep I couldn't come out. Did he know all these girls were coming over?
That brings me to the present issue. Our buddy planned a weekend getaway 2 hours away to do some 4 wheeling and camping and god knows what else. Well, he posted the guest list on FB and there are just as many girls as guys. Of course, I cant go because I will be 37 weeks pregnant and he knows that, but I feel really insecure about him going. I mean there he will be 2 hrs away with a bunch of young people drinking and 4wheeling and sleeping in tents. Not to mention, none of the girls on this list are ugly. Am I wrong to not want him to go? am I being paranoid?

Answer
He is hanging around with young people who are the age he was when he got married. It sounds like he's missing his single days. If he goes with them, he's pretending he's single. It sounds like he's freaking out about having a second kid. Personally, I think he needs to grow up.

It sounds like you have a communication gap. It sounds like he wasn't the one to tell you he was having doubts about staying together. So you need to talk to him. Don't confront him, don't be angry, ask him how is he feeling about having a second child? Ask him how he feels when he wants to go away with a friend for the weekend.

I would tell him that you would like a weekend away, too, and that he should take care of your current child for a weekend. See how he reacts. I'm going to bet that he thinks that childcare is only your responsibility. If you can, I would see if you can have a date night or some special time by yourselves, without your child, maybe just for an overnight, in the next week or so. Try to reconnect with your husband as a wife, not just as the mother of his child.

Can your BFF's husband talk to him? Would he listen? Someone needs to tell him his life is with you and his children, not with a group of single young people.

It sounds like you can't really tell him not to go on this trip. The problem isn't the trip, the problem is that he seems to want to walk away from being married and having responsibilities. Also, if he's two hours away, what happens if you go into labor? Do you have someone who can watch your child while you're in the hospital?

I'm sorry. It sounds like your husband is sorry he grew up.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are some activities you do when babysitting?

kids play tent large image

Zoey

I babysit alot the activities can be for any age of children. I'm just looking for a really long list of activities that are kind of time consuming and a lot of fun, for both me and the kids thanks!

Answer
-Make play dough! http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Salt-Dough-Recipe.html
You can even take a small food storage container (of yours) to have the kids decorate with stickers, etc. that will hold their play dough it.

-Decorate a pillow case/T-shirt/etc..
Bring your accessory that you are going to color on. Take some permanent markers for them to use, but make sure they don't write on anything else- include themselves.

-Go outside!
Play with chalk.
Blow bubbles. (you can even make them)
Take a walk/bike ride
Visit a park
Have a picnic
Bring some water guns
Do a scavenger hunt: Have them find a pink flower, a blue car, etc.

-Have a dance party!
Put some songs like: The Macerana, the twist, chicken dance, hokey pokey, electric slide, etc. on a CD or a playlist on your ipod. Turn off the lights, expect for some dimmed ones or a lamp. Try to get a diso ball. (glow sticks if the kids are above the age of 7) Freeze dance for the little ones!

-Play games!
Hide and seek
Twister
Go fish
Slap Jack
Candy Land
Bowling (use soup cans as pins, and a ball)

-For girls: Do a pedicure!
Take a large bowl, if you have one and put a towel under it. Fill it up with warm water and bubbles/soap. Let her sit on the coach with her feet in the bowl. Massage her feet, then paint her toes.

-Frost cookies!
Make the cookies at your house and take them with to avoid using their stove! Bring along some frosting and sprinkles. Have them decorate their own. Rice krispies also work but are quite messy!

-ColoIring
You can take big poster boards and stamps, stickers, markers... Or you can print off coloring sheets, and have them make their own coloring book. Drawing contests for older kids are always fun!

-Build a "tent!"
Very fun in my opinion. Put chairs in a circle, and lay a big blanket on top! Crawl in and enjoy.
I love going "camping" with this idea. Set up the tent, roast marshmallows in the microwave, do a scavenger hunt, etc.

- Balloon games..
This is only good for kids older than about 5... The little ones can choke on broken balloon pieces. Play "keep it in the air" or do the game with the balloon tied to your ankle. Make sure to clean up!

-Limbo...

-Movie "theater"
Bring 4-5 movies for them to pick from, make tickets, have a concession stand.
A fun idea with this topic is if you can bring some large cardboard boxes to make fake cars out of and have a pretend drive in movie.

Just be creative!!
For more ideas email me at jaide.babysitting@yahoo.com

This blog is great for babysitting advise!!! alittlebabysitting.blogspot.com

What kind fun indoor activities can I do with my kids?

baronboru

My son is 4 1/2 and my daughter just turned 3. Sometimes we can't get outside. We're looking to cure the boredom!
Please don't suggest tv or movies because I want to do something to keep them active.

Answer
Oh, do the same things the kids would do in preschool:

Art and crafts. - have them make puppets to go along with a story.
Allow them to make up a story to ago along with the puppets.
Make sun catchers. - clear contact paper and tissue paper is all that is needed.
Make a necklace out of noddles - yarn and noddles are all you need. You can paint the noddles.

Finger painting, painting with a paint brush, painting with pine cones, painting with acorns (You'll need a piece of paper, a large zip loc food container. - cut the paper to fit inside the container then drop in some paint and acorns, and let the kids shake. - be sure to put the lid on.)
Painting with a leaf.
Paint with a old toy car (wheels). push the car along a piece of paper after dipping the wheels in paint.
paint with anything you can put dip in paint.

Read a book and then have the kids act it out.

Play dress-up.

Build a farm with blocks, get animals from another toy to use.

Make a tent out of a table.

Read books

pretend to be airplanes.

Spin in circles until you are dizzy.

Call out animals for your children to "act like" - You call out "dog" and your kids get on all fours and bark.

Play Simon says

Play Ring around the Roses.)

Turn a box into something. - A house, a car, etc...color, paint, use stickers, to decorate.

Be SILLY!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Help with camping on the beach! What things are good to do with a 4 year old?

kids tent sleeping bag combo image

Kris

this is my first time camping EVER! My husband is making it easy on me and we are camping by the bay. It is too early for swimming, but sand castles are good... after that.. no clue... any ideas?

Answer
I generally didn't camp right next to the water when my children where young. For example a 4 year old is old enough and Mobile enough to unzip a tent and go out early in the morning and get to close to the water while your still asleep. So if you are at a camp ground actually pick a site where the water is not directly in site and you have to walk a ways to get to it.

If you are going to be right next to the water be very, very aware at all times where the child is. It's amazingly easy to loose track for just a few minutes while getting dinner out of the cooler, or grabbing something from the Tent or RV.

Beyond that what you need can greatly depend on what kind of camping and how long. Our family does primitive/tent camping. And we have learn, especial with young children along to pack the following (Started camping with them since first born was 3 month old, so far nothing really bad has even come close to happening.):

Extra blankets, it seems you almost never can have to many of these.

Actually don't have to buy child expensive air mate. But a cheap swimming air mat will support a child very well and dry faster if it gets wet, like rain leaking in tent or people trialling water into tent. Even if you don't use any kind of mate, it's good for the child because their internal thermostat is not as well developed as an adult. So laying on the cold ground can rob them of body heat very easy. And they can actually get hypothermia. An air mate or yoga or camping Mat help prevent this.
Also if the night temps cools make sure the child wears some form of shoe while walking about. I have actually seen full grown adults develop hypothermia while camping because the nights cooled down so much and they where walking around long term bare foot. (Really an ambulance came and took them away.) It's not going to happen on a quick run to the bathroom but if their up making smores (Best treat ever Chocolate, gramcracker, and toasted marshmellow) with the adults or something it could plus good shoes are always a good idea.

!!!!!! extra socks!!!!! its' another thing you can't have to many of. In fact I have at least one pair of wool socks for each person camping with us. Wool will keep you warm even if it gets wet (thremo's socks from artifial fibers don't always). But because people can be sinitive to wool I'd put on 1 thin sock and then the wool over that. If the nights is on the colder side it's a good idea to have the child sleep in the sock combo. though don't over bundle the rest of the body. You don't want them to sweat in their sleep. Generally is you can keep the Head and feet warm lighter cloths are all you need for the rest of the body in a sleeping bag.

I usually go to the dollar store before any camping trip and buy little cheap coloring books, games and toys for the kid to play with. Kites and bubble always go over well. Kit's are especially a favorite on the beach even with adults.

Think in terms of rain. Yeah when it's nice and sunny there is plenty you can do with a child but nothing is worse then getting stuck in a tent on a rainy day with nothing for a small child to do.

Finger and snack foods. Actually fresh vegs like carrots, apples and the like work better then alot of prepacked junk food. They don't crush, or get stale or soggy and you have less trash to worry about. My kids where often running here and there and didn't really want to sit around alot, so giving them a carrot stick they could take with them to do what ever worked well.

Also we tend to cook a good breakfast and a good dinner but made lunch light. Actually found sliced meat and cheese worked great. lay out meat put on cheese and rolled it up. No plates, no silverware or other trash and quick prep time. Didn't even bother with bread (again smashes and soggy and takes up alot of packing space.) plus the kid would only eat half of the bread anyhow. So between the fruits, raw veggies and meat cheese roll they had a pretty good lunch.

!!!!!!!!! A good first Aid kit !!!!!!!!
this means: Band-aids
the green medicated ointment (good for other burns too)
Tylenol
Larger bandage gauze
bandage tap
over the counter adult pain killers
A card for quick first aid reference (even professional carry these) You should also make sure to get one that includes "Child CPR". Of course it's best if one of you at least is trained in it. But the card may be of help if you don't panic. Biggest thing is to not blow out the child's lung and keep the blood moving. But the card also tell you how to slow more serious bleeding and other simple little thing that can help alot.
Thermo blank (often packed folded to 3 x 4 size and shiny aluminum.
Tweezers (splinters and such. One year I bug flew in my ear and My husband used them to pull it out.)

Sunscreen, nothing worse then burning the first day and being miserable the rest of the time. Plus sunburn dyhdrate you and in some camp ground you have to carry in all fluids you drink including water. So don't want to do anything that means you need to carry even more.

Needle and thread

something to read

deck of cards

A folding table is always handy to bring

A good sharp knife (always handy and sometime necessary)

Rubber malot (small is fine)

plastic plates and silverware even if you plan on using normal stuff and washing it's good to have a pack of this with you. Same goes for Styrofoam cups but don't burn in fire. (other plastic cups are not good for hot drinks). It's a really bummer to have Hot coco and not be able to drink it because you don't have a hot drink cup.

If you drink coffee bring coffee, cream and suger. Even if you don't drink coffee you may find you like it while camping. (warms you up on cold mornings and not as sweet as hot chocolate)

Extra clothes (again think of what if it rains)

extra Toilet paper, even indoor toilets can run out. Plus can can be used for blowing noses.

A little bag for your child to bring home souvenirs.

Trash bags

Rope and twine

pedialite or something like it for the child and anti-diarrhea med for adults. Change in diet can cause it to happen.

I can go on and on

If you want to email me and discuss more specif to your needs feel free.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How can I design a camping themed room for my 10 year old?

kids day tent image

Q. My son loves the outdoors. He wants his room to be a camping theme. In other words, he wants a tent to sleep in, things with boats, fishing, etc. I would love for him to have a tent to sleep in, but I also want to put his mattress in the tent so he won't have to sleep on the floor!! Is this doable? How big of a tent would I have to get? Can you even put a tent up in your house without having to stake it down?
Any ideas would be great!
Thanks!

Answer
there are many toy tents available these days for kids in the market made of parachute material that are long lasting and i guess they are big enough to accomodate a mattress, if not, even if the mattress peaks out a little, it is no problem, you can rope in the tent higher and it will give a spread over effect, these tents are meant for small children only and can be placed in the rooms!

along with it, you can go to a supermarket and check out the fishing section, there you will find wooden boats decorated in corners, you can buy one of these and place it in one corner of the room, it will give the out door effect, you can also get a artifical tree to place in one corner of the room, it will all enhance the outdoor effect, apart from that, try to paint the room in light green and light brown combination or even sky blue color to foster the image of being outdoors

see http://www.aboutfurniture.org/kids_room.php for more ideas on designing kids bedrooms

How to find partners and sponsors to run an orphanage in Uganda?

haruna

Iam the current head of all operations in Nalubaale Children's care centre in Uganda. The number of needy children grows by the day at our orphanage, but like most non-profits, our biggest challenge is funding. We need more & more partners and individuals to help us serve more needy children. Below is our site
htttp://www.freetocharities.org.uk/nccc

Answer
while you can't ask for money on YA you can approach different churches as well as millionnaires like entertainers who are looking for tax breaks. Usually it's country's leaders who also provide some assistance like shots, food, tents, seeds, and send some high school kids over to help out for a little while when on summer break from school. Doesn't Oprah have a school over in Africa?

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What party theme should i get for my son who is turning 2....Just ideas please.?

kids tents diy image

Joanna

Answer
We just did an "Under the Big Top" party for my son's first birthday.

We served hot dogs, popcorn, bags of cotton candy, circus peanuts, soft pretzels, etc. If you have a lot of friends, you can ask around and see if anyone has a hot dog roller cooker, a popcorn maker, a cotton candy machine or a snow cone maker to make it really authentic.

For decor, we used a red and white theme. We had red plastic tableclothes and we draped white streamers around the front. We also took red and white streamers and hung them in the center of the room and twisted the two colors together and took them out to each corner and then let them hang down to the floor so it resembled a Big Top Circus Tent. We also sat stuffed circus animals (elephants, a giraffe, some lions) around (we even made little paper collars for them that resembled something you would see in the circus).

For the cake, we had a friend make us a 3D peanut cake but you can find circus cakes for $24.99 at the grocery store bakery.

We also printed out signs and glued them onto cardboard and sat them around. They said things like "Please don't feed the elephants!" and "Step Right Up!"

We did a few games, too. We printed out tickets that we designed on the computer.

For a duck pond, we got some rubber ducks from orientaltrading.com and wrote 1, 2 and 3 on different ducks and we put them in a kiddie pool (or you could use a bathtub if it's inside) and let the kids pick them out.

We put baby food jars in a diaper box that we cut down to 1" higher than the top of the jars and had kids throw ping pong balls at them like in a goldfish toss. Instead of winning real fish, they won little bags of goldfish crackers.

If you google "Circus Birthday Party" or "Big Top Birthday Party" you will find all kinds of inspiration.

I think in total, we wound up spending $80 for everything but we did as much DIY as possible and we used freecycle.com to get some of the materials. Be creative and it will turn out great!

What to make out blankets?

Camelia Mo

i have old blankets and i am thinking to make something out of them what should i do?

Answer
I really love DIY <3

You could always clean the blankets and give them away, but since you're looking to make something out of them there are a couple of fun things you could try.

Before anything though just take two factors into consideration: a) do you have a plain blanket [so something that is either pure white or close to it], or is it patterned, coloured or both? and b) what is the material of your blanket [thick, thin, silk, etc.]

Then do a google search accordingly to get more accurate results. So if you happen to have a plain fleece blanket then do a search, like: new use for old fleece blanket or reusing fleece blankets

If it's flexible enough you could always make pillows out of them. This is even easier if your blankets happen to be coloured or patterned; then you'll have a type of accessory that would perfectly match your room or add an interesting accent to it.

If it's absolutely plain you can have fun decorating the pillow. You could do something like stitching on a different fabric or a design. You could also paint on it. This is one idea that will definitely get you inspired to experiment: http://www.radicalpossibility.com/2012/06/zero-effort-tie-dye-pillows.html

You could also mount your blanket onto the wall. One idea you can do that just came to mind: buy square frames and then cut strips of your blanket into the matching size. Pin it down or stich it onto a very thick fabric that will likely hold the blanket in place or glue it onto a thick paper, then place it into your frame. Or you could even make it into one big tapestry.

You could reuse your blanket to design a plain wooden hamper. I can't think of a technique to do that right now but I'm sure if you went on google and did a search you'll find plenty of DIY videos. You could even do that with any boxes or cupboards you have. Like if you have small wooden boxes, you can use the blanket for lining and then use these boxes to store things in them, whether they're things like your shoes and shirts or smaller ones such as make-up brushes (you can accent the make-up brush holder with a cloth ribbon). You could do this too with thick colourful boxes if you don't want the wood or don't have the wooden ones.

You could even use the old blanket to perhaps make cozies or other accessories for the kitchen. Perhaps mug mats if it's thick enough? Or if you have a pet, cut it to the desired size and use it for their own blanket, pillow, bed lining, etc.

If you have any kids (your own, your siblings, your niece(s)/nephew(s)) you could make a small little blanket just for them, like a knotted one. Or you could even let them borrow it for dramatic play whether to use as a cape, to make their own 'tent' or even for a picnic. On that note, if the fabric is suitable you could use it for picnics or if you go to the beach.

That's all I could think of really, but I'm sure if you did a more specific search you'll definitely stumble across even more creative ideas :)

Edit:
I just realized you could reuse the blanket as a bed cover :p

Edit 2:
Place mats for food, dish rags, towels for washing or dusting.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What type of things wil I need to bring on a camping trip?

large camping tents walmart image

Lindsey

I've never been camping before. What should I bring?

Answer
It all depends on what kind of campground you're going to and what kind of camping you plan to do..
If you're tent camping, then you'll want to bring a tent of course. My husband and I bought a 3 person Coleman a few years ago that has worked very well for us. Pretty much every tent we saw camping this weekend was a Coleman too, so, I'd assume they're decent. Our coleman came with a little mallet and the tent pins and the directions are sewn right into the bag.
If the campground has showers and bathrooms then you won't need to bring toilet paper, but, I always bring one roll anyways just in case. You'll also want to probably bring a towel and your basic toiletries.. Don't forget a flashlight! Or it will be one dark walk to the bathroom at 3 am..
As far as sleeping goes, there's so many different options, make sure to be prepared for it to be cold, but, also have another option if it's warm. I bring a sheet and a heavy sleeping bag. We have cots, but, you could use an air mattress or even just a foam pad like the kind sold in a camping section at Walmart.. Remember though, the dew will rise through the bottom of the tent, so don't just use a regular blanket underneath you or you'll be damp by morning. You'll probably just want something cheap to make sure you even like camping before buying something nicer like a padded cot. It'd be a good idea to bring a cheap pillow if the one you use at home is a nice one you don't want ruined.
Most of the time they sell wood at the campground, but, a lot of the time people alongside the road near the campground have it for sale, so no need to bring wood. If there's a grocery store nearby, I wouldn't bother bringing food either, just buy it once you get there. I would bring a cooler though, it's probably best to get a larger one and share it with friends or family that you're going with..
You'll obviously also need bug spray, and pack clothing for hot and cold weather and rain..
Other then that, a lot is personal preference.. I can't survive without my coffee, so I have one of those little blue enamel coffee pots sold in the camping section. They're about $10 and work pretty decent. I also have an enamel cup that cost about $3. You can put it right over the fire to boil water for hot cocoa mix. I also have extending forks for cooking hot dogs and marshmallows and a Lodge cast iron skillet for cooking up eggs and bacon in the morning.. Most of the time campgrounds have fire rings with a grid over them that you can set a pan on, otherwise you may have to pick one of those up or just skip on the cast iron pan..
That's really about all I can think of..

What are your plans for a zombie apocolypse?

Luis

My plans are going to for your average 4 person family. One 8 year old girl, one 14 year old guy (me), and one 34 year old mom and dad. Our vehicle of transportation is a Ford Fusion late '00's. We can make weapons out of golf clubs by cutting off the head of the club and leaving the shaft for use. We also have kitchen knives, hammers, saws, and dumbbells (heavy projectile weaponry). We have wine/beer bottles we can use as melee or projectile, also wine glasses to be used (melee and/or projectile as well). We have a first-aid kit but we need to stock up on band-aids, cool packs, and medicine for fever, cough, stomach ache (I get them frequently. BIG disadvantage), etc. We aren't going to just stick at home, we have to move around or our odds of dying are more likely. Where we'll go for better supplies like protection and weaponry is academy or some sports and outdoors store. If there are any you-know-what over there, we'll try to kill them off using our surroundings. If we succed, well go find supplies. After that, well go to a supermarket like walmart and stock up and save food. We have to make sure it doesn't need to be refrigerated or it'll spoil with time. It'll also attract zombies. We can stock up on things like crackers, granola bars, WATER, no soda because it snaps when opened and zombies may hear. We will sleep in places like an undergound hole or a large tent we could find at academy. NO SEX! Yeah, that's right. It'll distract you and you won't be ready for an ambush. Mose likely won't get strep throat because I got my tonsils removed. Make sure you're vaccanized so you'll be lesser vulnerable to non-zombie related sicknesses. If you have a beloved pet, take them especially if they're protective like a large dog. Make sure your vehicle is FULL on gass and has good oil or else you'll have a bad ride. If you're full and you run out, it's best to find a police or fire station and find keys to the firetruck or police car/SUV. What's your plan?

Answer
Well I live near the Rocky Mountains so my first plan is to go to my nearest elementary school and fortify it with some local community members. We will hold out at the school creating a perimeter at the school gates and defending them until the military arrives. My supplies so far is my katana, combat knife, sharpened shovel, crowbar. And I know how to farm and grow my own food, I have also studied a bit of botany in order to identify wild plants that can be used for food and medicine. If the military fails to arrive we will evacuate with small teams each taking separate routes to an undisclosed location hidden in the Rockies using bicycles since they are quite, easy to fix, and fast and we will begin constructing a wooden fort and post sentries in the nearby pine trees as look outs while the others begin construction. Once the fort is built we will wait for five years before sending out a scouting party to gather news, if they do not return after a set time then we will have deemed the worst has happened.

Flaws in your plan:
Car=bad, the roads and highways will be clogged with them and if you think you can get through with a ford fusion, you are dead wrong.
Golf Clubs: If you are planning long term survival a golf club won't last in many fights because that is not it's original purpose. I suggest something lethal yet practical like a crowbar, it's highly durable and can be used to open doors and such.
Supplies: Learn some botany and first aid without using processed medicine and learn to bear without it because once a zombie apocalypse happens medical supplies go faster than you can imagine.
Location: Get away from large city areas, if you are going to plan to go to a sport store during an outbreak you're gonna die, zombies tend to gather where there is a food source and that especially means a store where there are people trying to hold out in and if you are in a city or even a suburb it can be hell. Underground is the worst place you can camp out in, if you've ever been in a sewer you have to work there in order to know how to get around and usually being underground you can easily get cornered, trapped and killed. NEVER GO TO A POLICE STATION, CHURCH, OR HOSPITAL these are hotspots for zombies due to the fact that people love to swarm to a police station thinking it is safe when in actuality there could be a lot of infected people there.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota -- and the surrounding area?

children outdoor tents image

Happymom13

My husband and our kids (boys ages 4 and 7) are considering a trip to Minnesota this summer. We have family in Pine City (about an hour north of Minneapolis) that we would be seeing. Any ideas for outdoor and indoor attractions? We usually are tent campers, but since we'll be flying to MN, I think we'll look into renting a cabin. Thanks for the suggestions!

Answer
Bandana Square, and the Minnesota Model Train Museum tcmrm.org in St. Paul
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory... free zoo!!
Mall of America...or the Park @ MOA the indoor amusement park in the mall.
Science museum
Children's Museum

How much would this type of house setup cost?

FredBaguet

OK, this is going to sound really kind of weird, but here goesâ¦
I've always had a "dream house" since I was very little. With my weird upbringing, I've developed a bunch of personality quirks that I would want incorporated into this house. Now at this stage in my life, it's time for me to get a house. I'm thinking about custom building one, you'll see why.
Here are the specifications.
First, I'm assuming I'm having a family in this house, although it just might be two. But I'm preparing for up to 5 people, I guess.
The most important thing is for there not to be many small creatures around. Yeah, this sounds weird, but I just have a phobia of scorpions, snakes, spiders, slugs, and insects (a few insects, e.g. ants and flies, are OK, but I hate most insects). What's a geographical location (preferably in the US) that satisfies that characteristic? I know some of you might say I'm being controlled by my phobia, and yes I am. But I want to enjoy life and I can't enjoy life with those things around. I fell into a well when I was little (yes, I know, Batman, whatever) and there were tons of slugs and insects and spiders down there and I've never recovered.
Now, the stuff I would actually have in the house. I don't like going far from my house, not because I mind heat/cold or exercise, but because I just really hate driving. So I'm planning a sort of athletic complex. This would consist of three things: a small pool, perhaps with a cheap waterslide for kids. I would want this to be indoor, because indoor pools are way better. A small indoor climbing wall (I love climbing), maybe 10 feet high and 20 feet across.. And, most importantly (I'm a serious runner) a short outdoor track. Maybe one of those 200m ones, either circling the house or just outside it, or, if it's a bigger house than I'm anticipating, attached to it. If it's outside, as it probably would be, a tent would be over it so that it doesn't get super cold or super hot.
Yes, I know this is all very complicated and probably expensive. Money's not really a huge object, but I just want ballpark figures. That's why I'm not going to an agent, this probably wouldn't materialize until several years from now, just getting ballpark figures.

Answer
OK, I'm up for your challenge. I live and CA and HI. HI does not have snakes [technically it has one that is more the size of a small worm but it is classified as a reptile], it does not have scorpions, very few insects, has a centipede, has a brown widow spider. It does have slugs. But all in all very few insects. CA does have rattlesnakes in certain areas but they are very shy, various assortment of brown recluse and black widow spiders, very few mosquito's, mild ant population in most places.

HI has a very mild climate so you can jog on your track although you won't need an indoor pool as the climate year round is so mild. Similarly coastal CA has a mild climate although the coastal breeze makes for some cool evenings and by my standards, cold winters where you want to heat your pool and maybe enclose it. Public schools in HI are not great so factor in private schools.

Not a lot of driving to do on the Big Island - it is an island for goodness sake. Every October there is an Ironman triathlon you can train for. The Big Island does have VOG, a volcanic gas that the trade winds scatter.

Both states can have earthquakes and the Big Island of Hawaii is one living and very active volcano.

Climbing walls can be put anywhere so that is very flexible.

But really, where are your friends and family and support group? If you have children and a spouse or partner you will want family to be accessible. In Hawaii you will either be isolated or you will need guest quarters to host family. Southern CA has a mild climate and better access for airlines unless your people can charter. I recommend San Diego coastal as relatively less crowded and very few insects which are easy to control with a pest service. Ditto pest service in HI. Land sufficient to host a track along coastal CA is pricey.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Beaches in galveston,tx with Restroom/shower facilities, and campsites?

kids tent reviews image

strugglenp

I want to take my kids for the weekend to galveston.I wanted to know of any nice & clean beach anywhere near or in Galveston that has a shower/restroom facility and where we can camp the night.Any suggestions will be awesome! thanks! :)

Answer
Quintana Beach County Park - 14 reviews - Place page
www.brazoria-county.com - 330 5th St, Quintana - (979) 233-1461

Austin's Landing RV Park Resort - 11 reviews - Place page
maps.google.com - 318 Thunder Road, Freeport, Texas - (979) 239-1923

Surfside Beach RV Park - 2 reviews - Place page
www.surfsidebeachrv.com - 102 Fort Velasco Drive, Freeport - (979) 233-6919

"The Bolivar Peninsula may be where you want to go. There are over thirty miles of beach to camp on. You can drive on all of the beaches.

After the flashing light when you get off of the ferry(at Fisherman's Cove motel), go about a mile or so and you will find Rettilon Rd (nolitter backwards). Turn right. It takes you to the beach and a good area to camp.

One thing new is a County Beach Parking Permit. You can buy them at almost any store or real estate office on the Peninsula. It's only ten bucks. The sheriffs don't really enforce it unless you are creating trouble or they want to roust you. The permit is not needed for driving on the beach, just parking.

Campfires are allowed but not big bonfires. Don't camp in front of someone's beachhouse. It bugs them. Unless you really like to party, avoid the part of the beach in Crystal beach known as the "ZOO". Sheriffs work this area hard and there are a lot problems there. Remember, no glass containers and no beer after 2am."

Galveston Island State Park has tent camping, screened shelters, and RV-related camping.

Galveston Island State Park

14901 FM 3005
Galveston TX 77554
409/737-1222

Galveston Island State Park was damaged by Hurricane Ike. Beachside and Bayside camping are open. The Beachside Day Use Area is also open and has tables, grills, and rinse off showers. Restrooms and showers are available on the beach side and restrooms without showers are available on the bay side. Go to our fee page for specific facility & fee information.

06/14/2011 - The Park is under a burn ban. No wood fires are allowed. Charcoal & containerized fuel stoves (i.e. propane) are currently allowed for cooking. Contact the Park for more information.

Where can I take the kids to camp in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex?

kris

I want to actually camp tent style.. for the 4th of july.. need a good place with water to swim.. lake or pool..

Answer
Camping (Grapevine Lake)

http://www.vineyardscampground.com/
http://www.campingfriend.com/TheVineyardsCampgroundonLakeGrapevine/default.asp?file=Facilities
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/LakeGrapevine/tabid/260/Default.aspx

http://www.texasoutside.com/txorails/public/reviews/show_campground/116
http://www.texasoutside.com/txorails/public/reviews/show_campground/13

http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/grapevine/Recreation/Camping/index.asp


Swimming (Grapevine Lake)

https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/GrapevineLake/PublicSwimming/tabid/263/Default.aspx
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/grapevine/Recreation/Swimming.asp
-

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Things I must do while in Hawaii?

kids tents new zealand image

kmunis

I'll be there for two weeks in late October, spending 5 nights on Oahu, Lanai, and Wailea in Maui. Hubby and I will have our 6 year old son and 4 year old daughter with us. Already planning on visiting the Arizona, Garden of the Gods, Shipwreck Beach, Haleakala (by myself) and poss taking my son for a day trip to TBI to see the volcano.

But I want to know if there's anything off the beaten or not in the guide books that would be great for us to do/see. One thing I'd really like to see is a huge waterfall, but with the kids with us I think the road to Hana is out of the question.

Answer
Hi, not all of this will pertain to you and your children, but while you are on Oahu you should be able to find a few things in here that might help you out! I hope you and your family have a great trip!
I am a nature nut and Hawaii is a great place to enjoy our beautiful planet! I put this together earlier but wanted to share it with you because there are some things here that will help you out! Hawaii is definitely worth it! I just can't get enough of that place! I have been 6 times and I have found enough on Oahu to do that I haven't even ventured out to the other islands yet! Here are some things in Waikiki and around the island to do; Dukes is def cool and right on the beach, and if you want to dance you can head over to Scruples. If you like to drink then do it in your room cause it is way way to expensive at the clubs. I suggest going to one of the 50+ ABC stores and grabbing your alcohol there for much cheaper! There is a ton of eating places down on the strip but the real Hawaii is out of town. Take the bus or drive up to manoa valley and experience the rainforest and a natural waterfall! Take a trip to the north shore and go to Waimaia Valley and see some of the most spectacular fauna anywhere! If you adventurous hike along the ridges and see paradise from 4000 feet! I did that and loved every second of it..Ok well it was more like 8 hours of it but anyway..lol. This link will take you to a site with very detailed info on hiking trails http://www.hawaiitrails.org/ Diving and snorkeling are pretty awesome too! Hanuama bay is touristy and with good reason. You are guaranteed to see tons of fish and have a nice afternoon at a beautiful beach! Diving can be done just off shore and runs around 100 bucks for 2 tanks and you don't need to be experienced. Not far out of town you can jet ski or parasail. Wouldn't really bother with the jet skiing because they have too many rules in Hawaii but the parasailing is something you should at least try once. After that it gets kind of boring. In town the international market place is def cool and worth strolling through...a tip..go to all the kiosks and then go back and don't be afraid to barter..that's how it works there! On the weekend a really cool thing to do it go to aloha stadium for a huge flea market!!! I mean huge the tents go all around the stadium and everything you find for souvenirs in Waikiki you will find there for way I mean way cheaper!! Oh one last thing, you have to go to a Luau and the Paradise Cove Luau is the best. oh crap...just thought of something else that will help you out. Go to www.Entertaiment.com and buy the book for Hawaii and it will give you so many discount coupons it will pay for it self right away. I did and it worked great. I just found another site that has coupons that you can print off the web so check this one out too http://www.ecouponshawaii.com/. Don't forget that part..really do it and you won't be sorry. Many 2-1 coupons on dinners in the Entertainment Book. Waikiki is is really expensive so anytime you can save money itâs a good thing. I have been to Hawaii 6 times now and would love to live there. I hope you make it because you won't forget it! Aloha!

Some more stuff:

Must See Attractions

Paradise Cove Luau - Best on the Island (get entertainment coupon"
Polynesian Cultural Center - North Shore (can catch show here) Make sure you get the "entertainment coupon" At the 42-acre Polynesian Cultural Center, you can experience the everyday adventures of Pacific cultures first-hand. Immerse yourself in the habits and customs of the real Polynesia, while natives demonstrate the art of dancing with fire, making jewelry from plants and climbing 50-foot trees in bare feet. And our new âGo Nativeâ activities let you try your hand at authentic activities and games in our seven native villages. Try Tongan spear throwing or participate in the Haka war dance of New Zealand. Enjoy the AliâI Luau, named âMost Authenticâ by the Kahili Awards, and the âHorizonsâ night show, featuring over 100 native performers
Diamond Head - Cause everyone's doing it
Waikiki- Can't go to Hawaii and miss the strip
Manoa Falls - An easy hike with views and feel of the jungle and it's free!
Hanuama Bay - Best tourist snorkeling in the islands!
Drive the Pali Highway and go to the lookout
Pink Cadillac is where most Japanese gals hang out and is located in Waikiki on Ena Road!
Zanzabar in Waikiki it's in the Waikiki Trade Center on Kuhio Avenue.
Pipeline Cafe in Honolulu located behind Dixie Grill.
The Ocean's Club located in the Restaurant Row Shopping Center.
The Mai Tai Bar located in Ala Moana Shopping Center located across from Bubba Gump 2nd floor from Shirokiya. The food & drink menu is awesome!
Rumours nightclub is located in the Ala Moana Hotel.
The Galaxy Club located at 1739 Kalakaua Avenue across the street from the back half of Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu.

Have fun!
http://www.pinkcadillacwaikiki.com/html/...
http://www.zanzabarhawaii.com/
http://www.pipelinecafe.net/homepage.htm...
http://www.oceanclubonline.com/...
http://www.maitaibar.com/hawaii.html...
http://www.clubvibes.com/listings/listin...
http://www.myspace.com/galaxynightclub...


Makiki Heights drive - Tourists don't find this gem and it's amazing! MUST SEE. Check your map to get to Makiki Heights. Great views of the island

Restaurants: There are tons of restaurants in Waikiki. If you are young and like to drink then drink b/4 you go out! The Pacific Beach Hotel has drink specials all week long and there a good deal. There are Mai Tai specials all over but DIXIES has the screamin Mai TAi which comes in a 32 oz glass and is about 6 bucks!!! Good Eats there too! For cheaper eats go outside of town over towards the Kaneohe side. If you do want to eat in Waikiki then I would highly recommend that you go to www.entertainment.com and buy the book for Hawaii. This coupon book will save you a ton on the island! Seriously every time I go I get the book and use all the 2-1 deals in it! Check ebay for it too sometimes you can get it dirt cheap!

Pink New Zealand Tea Plant?

linda b

Answer
New Zealand Tea Tree - Leptospermum


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


General Information: Information on Leptospermum is taken from Lesniewicz's "Bonsai in Your Home," and Resnick's "Bonsai," with lots of additional information supplied by posts from Scott Barboza, Brent Walston, Fred Arnold and Iris Cohen, and my own Herculean efforts.

Leptospermum has the reputation of being the ultimate in forbidden bonsai. It is a lovely tree, with flowers which resemble tiny wild roses and spiky little evergreen leaves. The bark looks old rapidly, although it may take a while to thicken the trunk. Unfortunately, getting it to survive is a monumental task. These trees are native to New Zealand, Malaysia and Australia, but are now often found as hedge plants on the west coast of the US. The best bet for bonsai is Leptospermum humifusum, which is all- around tougher than the rest of the species. It is, however, reputedly harder to get to flower than other Leptos.

Lighting: Needs lots of light. If kept indoors, requires a very bright location for survival. It does not respond well to fluorescent grow lights.

Temperature: Never below 20F, but prefers it a bit cool in winter, 55-60 F. Keep in an airy location and keep away from heat sources. Can be kept indoors, but it is a challenge due to its light and air requirements. Hardy to zone 9.

Watering: Keep uniformly moist. Leptos are touchy about watering. Lack of water is the easiest way to kill them - they do not wilt, but go from healthy to dead in a matter of hours. To make matters worse, they are also subject to root rot. Water when the soil dries slightly on the top, and keep your fingers crossed until you get the hang of it.

Feeding: Use an acid fertilizer, such as Miracid. Fertilize infrequently with a very dilute solution, as they burn easily.

Pruning and wiring: Suitable for most styles, but only L. humifusum makes a good cascade. Leptospermum has excellent mame potential, due to the naturally miniature leaves and flowers. Growth should be pinched back as needed. Care is needed when pruning, as these trees rarely bud back on old wood. Cutting back past the leaves will probably result in major branch die-back. L. humifusum is an exception - it will stand severe pruning. Leptospermum responds well to wiring, but repotting, pruning and wiring must be done at different times, or the tree will be over-stressed.

Propagation: Take softwood cuttings during the growing season, July is usually a good time. Leave the terminals intact and take a short cutting of new growth about two or three inches. This new wood will be red, wood that has already turned brown will take very much longer to root. Protect against drying out, these cuttings will be very succulent. A poly tent or other cover will be necessary absent automatic mist. A low hormone is beneficial, rootone will work, I use Hormex number 3, which is 0.3% IBA. They should start rooting in ten days to two weeks.

Repotting: Lesniewicz recommends very light root pruning only. The cumulative experience of the group suggests that this may be the bonsai understatement of the century. Avoid root pruning as long as possible. When the job can no longer be put off, shave off a thin slice from the bottom and repot. Do NOT try to untangle the roots. Treat with kid gloves for a few weeks. Next year, shave off a thin slice from one side of the root ball. The root mass can be reduced gradually in this fashion. Or sidestep the issue entirely by simply shaking off the old soil and repotting in a larger pot! Some recommend repotting in late winter before new growth starts. Others report more success repotting only in May or June. Plant in a well-drained mixture of sand, soil and humus. L. humifusum will stand far more root pruning than the species.

Pests and diseases: No pests have been reported, perhaps because it doesn't generally live long enough to fall prey to them!

Some species suitable for bonsai:

Leptospermum attenuatum: tea tree.
Leptospermum flavens: tea tree.
Leptospermum flavescens: tea tree.
Leptospermum humifusum: A white flowered, naturally arching variety which makes a good cascade or weeping bonsai. It is more hardy than the species - to 0F - and also much more tolerant of branch and root pruning.
Leptospermum laevigatum: Australian tea tree.
Leptospermum myrtaceae: Australian tea tree.
Leptospermum petersonii: tea tree.
Leptospermum scoparium: New Zealand tea tree, Manuka, tea tree, Australian myrtle.
Leptospermum scoparium 'Kiwi': A dwarf variety with pink flowers and very tight foliage that is more cold hardy than the species. Most useful for accent plants or mame.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Compiled by Sabrina Caine

Return to: Index by Botanical Name or Index by Common Name

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are the best RV campgrounds in Central Florida to bring small children to?

children outdoor tents image

Beachy Kee

My husband and I recently got an RV and have been taking our 2 small boys camping for about the past year. What are the best campgrounds that are the most kid friendly. We have 1 year old and 3 year old boys.

Answer
If I could I would stay at the Disney Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. You can stay there and enjoy all the ammenities of a Disney resort without even having to pay to go to the parks. There is a pool, horseback riding, tennis, archery, crusing on the Disney lakes, petting zoo, playgrounds and so much more. Be sure to click the link on the sources section, for much more detailed info from www.allears.net.

Here's a little more info:
There are 788 conventional campsites at FW located in 20 loops (100 through 2000). Most sites are fairly secluded from one another by a generous growth of brush and trees between sites. All campsites are back-ins and are a combination of paved driveway, which range in length from 25 to 60 feet, and sandy pad. Each site is approximately 25 feet wide and comes with a picnic table and charcoal grill. All sites have electricity (20/30/50 amps) and city water. There are 695 full hookup sites that also provide sewer. The 90 partial hookup sites, primarily used by tent campers and those with tent trailers, are located on loops 1500 and 2000.

It used to be that you couldn't have a campfire at the sites, because they worried about people letting them get out of control etc. But! this policy changed.

You can bring in your own contained campfire unit. Typically, stores call them firepits or outdoor fireplaces. It's a solid metal bottom on short legs with metal mesh sides and a top. A mesh top is okay at all campsites EXCEPT any of those that are creekside. If you have a creekside spot, you must have a solid metal top for your firepit. This is to better prevent embers from spreading to the greater amount trees and foliage (and wildlife) that are around the creeks. For example, the creek/dog walk along Loop 300 has a large wooded area with deer, eagles, armadillos and more making their home there.

Of course, Fort Wilderness also has the Campfire Program where you can enjoy campfires as well as everything offered at this special program.

How to go about building an aviary?

Steph

Okay, I was wondering if someone on here could help me. I want to help design and aviary for a preserve out on Long Island. It will be an outdoor aviary that will house common bird species found in the area. The aviary is desired to be a walk in to educate children on native bird species. My questions are: What should be kept in mind building an aviary? What materials are the best and cheapest? Do they have kits to build aviaries or should they be made from scratch? Is there a bird species found in the North Eastern United States (specifically on Long Island in New York) that does not migrate and would do well outdoors in this aviary all year round?

I would very much appreciate it if I could e-mail someone regarding this project idea. Thank you!

Answer
Okay first i went to check out other walk through aviaries in zoos
Scripps Aviary - Walk-Through - San Diego Zoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahOY8RLiuvo
good video of double doors (which helps prevent a bird from escaping and display of birds within and at the side you see other sites to visit- this is the best way to cruise through other aviaries because if you just type the sentence in of aviaries in zoos- you only get nonsense sites of the zoos public sites saying they have a aviary and no pictures.
Now most of these are huge tents made of metal screens- no cheap and huge frames and concrete footing.
There are premade aviary cages kits available.
http://www.macawdreams.com/outdooraviaries.html
this one comes with the double door for a single cage or it looks like you could hook up many modules with double doors between.
You can just type in outdoor aviaries
and pages come up and at the bottom of the page you will see more places to visit outdoor aviary designs, constuction building, pictures,etc.
http://www.buildanaviary.com/
some basic ideas
http://www.ehow.com/info_8645869_plants-aviaries.html
any holes for planting trees or shrubs in a concrete flooring for an outdoor aviary is a very bad idea. Use Pots on top of a very thick concrete slab for trees and/or shrubs. Holes allow rodents, snakes and any/or other ground dwelling animals easy access to your Birds in the aviary.
http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/birdinformation/housingbirds.php

http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-news/ViewComment.aspx?id=27152
http://jamiesparrothelp.wordpress.com/2011/09/13/outdoor-aviary-concerns-bugs-and-wild-bird-diseases/
everyone is worried of wild birds transmitting diseases to caged birds-avian flu. always have solid roofing to prevent bird wild bird droppings falling inside. Double screening outside screen the best wire mesh that has opening too small for a mouse to fit through for the outer cage and mosquito screen on buildings windows or mosquito repellent plants surrounding the cages outside because lots of birds get the bird flu from mosquito bites.
http://w11.zetaboards.com/Conure_Crazy/topic/166913/1/
more basic stuff.

http://www.birdaviary.net/

some aviaries should have concrete floors so that the floors can be washed down with hose and brooms- daily - drainage ditches for catching the dirty water around the inner perimeter of the cage. Make sure that you submit plans to your local county wastewater dept. for discharge of wastewater ( friends in wastewater) from cages and proper sewage hook up,etc. or what ever you decide but make sure it meets county code before you build.
slow shallow running water fountains with good outlet to drainage is a good way to provide bathing and drinking water.

I have more info but am running out of space and sites allowed to post and i will send more to you via your email.
Hope this helps

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are some ideas of things to do at nine year old girl's birthday party?

kids girl tent image

Brittany

My sister turned nine during the summer and is having her party this week. It was supposed to be a pool party, but because it's so cold out side, there will probably not be much swimming, although we would like to keep it outside. It is 2 hours long, though, and we need ideas to keep all the girls (15) together and excited and having fun. We need ideas from crafts and games. Already, we are doing sparklers and marshmallow roasting, and other ideas like those that can be done in the dark/late afternoon would be great!!

Answer
Have your guest bring sleeping bags, flashlights, pajamas, fuzzy slippers, etc.

1. Tie a balloon with string around your guest's ankles. On "go" everyone tries to stomp on everyone else's balloon.

2. Give all guests a toothpick to put in between their teeth. They form a line and try to pass a lifesaver or any candy with a hole in it to everyone with using only your toothpick.

3. Put truth and dare cards in a balloon and have guests pick a balloon pop it and answer the truth or do the dare.

4. Play hide and go seek at night

5. Have a silly string war

6. Put a cookie on your forehead and get it to your mouth by using facial expressions only

7. Have one girl be the pointer. She points at one girl to start off a random story then she points to another girl to continue it, and so on

8. Have a girl leave the room while everyone hides in their sleeping bags. The girl comes in and feels the bodies to guess who it is.

9. Have an equal pile of m&ms for every girl. One teen starts off by saying I have never... (I have never gone to Hawaii) If it is true for you, eat an m&m. Whoever has the most left wins!

10. Have a bowl of small multicolored candy (like skittles) Have everyone grab 2 candies. If they have the same color you get to eat them. If not you must keep this in your mouth. Round after round you stuff sweets into your mouth until you have 2 of the same color.

11. Play a classic game of truth or dare

12. Watch a movie.

13. Freeze dance

14. Put on mosquito spray if your going to be outside! Mosquito bites suck!

15. Play "Do You Like Your neighbor?".

16. Play hide and go seek in the dark!

17. Treasure hunt in the dark. (have people bring a flashlight to use)

18. Have a dance off... with bubble wrap. Try to pop the most bubbles.

19. Tea party! Pull out your finest doll china (if the kids can be trusted with it) and serve hot cider, finger sandwiches, and fancy cookies. As you play you can even teach your guests proper manners for a formal occasion (ediquete).

20.Camp out! Pitch a tent, pull out your sleeping bags, and let the kids sleep inside.

22. Do a huge puzzle all together! Put your smarts together to figure it out!

23. Dance! Teach the kids your favorite dance.

24. Test Your Taste Buds! Have one person make something from ingredients in the kitchen and then other person has to put on a blindfold and eats the food. The person with the blindfold on then makes a guess at what the food is or what ingredients are in it.

25. Drama Bag Game - Fill shopping bags with 5 different items in each bag. A shoe, hat, party favor etc. - but fill each bag with different things. Divide into teams and give each team one bag. Go to different rooms and create a skit which includes all items in the bag. After 15 minutes come back and perform. Variation: Create a song or commercial.

26. Play Mafia. It's really creepy in the dark!

27. Have friends bring over board games to play

28. Talk! Parties are a good time for friends to just get together and talk too!

29. HAVE FUN!!!!!!

For dinner have a "Mystery Meal". Give each guest a menu, but have the items coded like Dr.Pepper is Physicians spice. It is funny to see your friends so confused! Here are some more ideas:
âNeptune's Tridentâ (fork)
âPucker Upâ (lemonade)
"Shovel" (spoon)
"Finger Puppets" (olives)
"Early Morning Alarm" (chicken)
"Gold nuggets" Clue- Pocahontace (corn)



Party Menu

Pizza - take out or have more fun making your own with fun toppings.
Chips and dip
Veggie tray with dip
Fruit tray with dip
Make Rice Krispie Treats, Brownies or Cookies at midnight
Fondue
Hot Chocolate
Sleepover Smores
Smoothies

Make a Tutu! Instrunctions here: http://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/tutu-craft.htm

What would be the perfect sleepover for my 11 year old sister?

Its indoors and we are gonna put a giant tent in the living room and do other stuff. and shes turning 11.

Answer
Things 2 do;

01)Hide & seek in the dark
02)Freeze tag in the dark w/glow sticks
03)Next top model
04)Dancing
05)Singing/Karoke
06)Head-2-toe makeovers
07)Who could stay up the lastest
08)Prank the first one asleep
09)Truth or Dare
10)Kiss the poster
11)Twister
12)Gutiar Hero
13)American Idol
14)Talent Show
15)Freeze Dance
16)Pillow Fight
17)Foil Make Over
18)Song Maker Game
19)Scary-Movie-athon
20)Bobbing 4 apples
21)water baloons
22)can't talk with the letter "S"
23)Scavenger Hunt
24)musical Chairs
25)Monster Chase
26)Prank wars
27)light as a feather stiff as a board
28)Make a music video
29)Scary stories
30)Normal Freeze Tag
31)Dress up
32)MASH or MATH
33)Blind fold makeovers
34)Late night swim ;]
35)Cards(go fish,war ect.)
36)Finsh that lyric
37)Pillow forts=]
38)Take Pictures
39)Draw/Drawing contest
40)Dress up your animals..=]
41)Take pictures of people sleeping
42)Make someone laugh w/water in their mouth
43)Hide an object and then the other person has to find it
44)Get really hyper!!
45)See who can go the longest without goingto the bathroom{drink lots of soda!}
46)Gossip talk about boys school...other things that come up=]
47)Play house[[No its not babish]]
48)Play school
49)Pass notes[[I.e like ur in school]]
50)Hold lots of contests w/prizes...
51)Piñata
52)Spinning contest
53)Look at magizines
54)Draw on the sidewalk[[or backyard]]With chalk
55)Zombie chase

Decorations Ideas;


01)Balloons & Streamers
02)Music
03)Christmas Twinkle lights on the ceiling
04)Cut-out creasant moons and star 2 hang from ceiling w/wireing
05)Keep night light in kichen and bathroom 4 late nite trips
06)(2)Black light(s)
07)Storbe light(2)
08)Noise makers

So I want to move to New Zealand... But will I like it?

kids tents new zealand image

raeanne271

Right so a little about me really I think would be required to help you help me agreed? I'm 19, I'm a girl, I love music, rock, emo, alternative yada yada, I love going to gigs, I love meeting new people, I love horses, I love adventures. I'm a happy go-lucky kinda kid. I come from a town thats not too busy but not too quiet, sort of Weston-Super-mare sort of busy. I'm looking at moving to Auckland New Zealand with my Dad who is a Citizen over there, I'm looking at it being a permanent thing obviously, I just want to know from anyone what the area is like, the people the horses, the horse trails the education, the jobs the music scene is like so yea help me if you can :)

Answer
Hello there! I am a New Zealander...but I will do my best to answer your question.
New Zealand has many different music styles as well as cultures. The people are friendly and talk to you like they have known you for years. Very down to earth, relaxed, kind, funny people. If you respect them for who they are then they will respect you. In NZ we don't force another persons thoughts on another...we respect them for who they are and what they believe in...but just accept them for who they are. In NZ you can be the true you...wear the style of clothes that you want...develop your style and taste...and everyone accepts you whatever shape and form you come in. Family and friends are the most important thing in most NZ peoples life.
But don't get surprised if you make random friends very fast....that's part of our charm hehehehe

New Zealand is a place where the lifestyle is more important then the job etc. We love the great outdoors, including extreme sports and hiking in forests etc. We don't have big cities like in overseas countries.

There is lots of area space in our front and backyards...even in the cities. And we care about the environment and maintaining a lifestyle where its normal to go hang out at a local park and enjoy the fresh air. I hope you like to swim....we have many rivers, lakes and beaches that will forever only a few minutes drive away for you to enjoy swimming in during spring and summer. Also in winter time we have natural hot springs for you to swim in too. NZ is the only country in the world that don't have snakes (good cos that is the animal that I am scared of the most hahahaha) and the NZ waters such as lakes, rivers and beaches are safe to swim in.

Horse riding is a BIG thing in NZ. Many wonderful career options with horse riding. As in becoming a jokey or even working in a horse riding training school. There are many events with horse riding around the year to improve your skills...which allows you to meet people your own age...develop friendships with people with the same interests as you or help with connections.

NZ is NOT the country to make money in....but the hours of work are better in NZ because the main focus is on Family and lifestyle then work.

Education is good...universities and other schooling is known for its high level qualifications from many countries around the world eg America, Canada, UK and Australia and Asia.

Music scene...think of the Unplugged version of music...lol and that's the style in NZ of all different music styles.
The concerts are only in the big cities (Auckland is the main one for most concerts to be in). But we do a mini version of woodstock here in NZ....3 days long...24 hours a day concerts of different worldwide known bands and NZ bands in a country air lifestyle. People sleep in tents and and experience it all. This type of concert happens once a year and is the biggest music event around....its called BIG DAY OUT.
The rest of the music events are at the normal sports ground music event type of thing.

If you are planning to come over....pack ya labeled clothing cos the label clothes are REALLY expensive here in NZ. (just another tip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYFjcWscZos <--- NZ video that may help :-)

Right... So we've had a question about Anguilla, now what about Bern?

Q.

Answer
what about bern!! what about Uruguay!! what about new zealand!! what about that tent!! what about the trees?!! what about my bikinis?!! what about the suitcases?!! what about the princess izzy and someone's kid who was sent to another country?!! what about pizza!? what about martini!!

what about my sleep time!! it's 2:45 am!! :O!!!
ok ppl good night.. and sweet dreams to me..

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

what do my husband and I need to go camping?

large camping tents walmart image

KimberlyJ

I haven't been camping since I was a kid. What equipment do I need? I don't want to spend a fortune on camping equipment, but I need to be comfortable. I am five months pregnant and feeling very sick. I think the outdoors would help me quite a bit. Any advice would be helpful thanks.

Answer
#1 most important thing.

Be comfortable.

Pick out a tent at Walmart/Kmart/Target that is large enough for one of those Coleman (or off brand) air mattresses to fit inside it. Twin size at least. The air mattress should come with (you may have to buy it seperate) battery operated blower/pump, to blow it up for you. If it rains...the 6" thick air matress will keep you up off the ground and dry...even if you have an inexpensive tent.

Try to find a shadey spot, wherever you set up your tent. Tents can get hot in the morning with the sun shining on them.

I'd say the rest ...keep as simple as you can. Setting up and taking down your camp should not the a "big" chore. If it is...your making it too hard on yourself.

My favorite time saver? I gotta have coffee in the morning. I don't mess with a perculator anymore. I buy those big pre-made coffee/filter bag things. Drop one or two in a camp pot...boil...coffee! No mess to clean up.


Keep the "camp" part of it simple. You will have more time to relax, explore or goof around.

Just my two cents...


Have fun!

What should I do for my 16th birthday?

Graci :D

Well my birthday is coming up really fast (you know how the summer is) and I need to start planning. The problem is, I have no idea what I should do for my birthday. I mean, it's my sweet 16, I want it to be special. Or in the neighborhood of special.

I want to do something with my friends. I have maybe 5-10 I'd invite for sure, but those are the closest. I was thinking about camping in the backyard, because we have a big backyard and a big tent.

I need lots of ideas, some that won't make my birthday lame and will make it really fun and memorable.
Thank you so much for the help! c:

Answer
The backyard camping idea sound like fun. Order pizza and serve a nice salad or grill hot dogs and burgers and serve with potato salad and coleslaw or salad. You can serve cupcakes instead of Birthday cake, but for this special occasion I'd want a cake that say Happy Sweet Sixteen.

Tell everyone to bring their best ghost stories or start a scary Stephen King or James Patterson book. If you have Wi-Fi and a Kindle Fire or Ipad, you can even watch scary movies.

Another fun party idea is a Spa Party. You can buy inexpensive facial creams, nail polish and remover, cotton pads etc. in Walmart or other large drug stores. Give each other facials and paint each others nails. Do the spa before or after dinner. Then serve dessert last. For dessert go with your birthday cake and several flavors of ice cream and topping. Let each girl make their own sundae.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How difficult is it to survive in the Canadian wilderness?

quality kids camping tents image

Mike

I'm looking into spending 3-5 months in Canada, probably late summer to late fall/early winter. I'm 21 and I do have some camping experience. I wouldn't be going alone, I'd have a buddy of mine come with me. Also I would be able to afford top quality gear for this, I would have to upgrade my stuff to higher grade weather resistant materials, tent sleeping bag and such. I would also be bringing a small rifle for hunting small game. We're both quite knowledgeable about nutrition and would bring anything we wouldn't likely find to eat. However both of our camping experiences have always been under 1 week on any given trip.

Does anyone have any experience living outside for over 1 month+ ?
Any words of warning or advice?

Answer
I live in the most-urbanized region of Canada's most-populated Province. (Ontario).
We have freeways that are 24 lanes wide and cities with more skyscrapers than anywhere on the continent except New York City.

Yet even here, people still freeze to death in their own driveways just a few feet from safety.
And drivers still need rescuing, practically spittin' distance from the US border:
Link - http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/14/military-and-police-rescue-150-canadians-trapped-in-blizzard/

Forget the gun unless you're willing to undergo all the cost and hassle of just getting a firearm over the border.
Some examples of what I mean by this:
Link - http://gssafaris.hubpages.com/hub/gssafaris
Link - http://www.sportsafield.com/content/head-north-without-hassle
Canadian guns laws are far stricter than America's and Canadians generally aren't too thrilled with the notion of armed foreigners running around loose unsupervised.
There's also strictly-enforced hunting seasons:
Link - http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/2ColumnSubPage/291144.html

If you plan to do any fishing, that's licensed & regulated too.
But Canada's Provinces & Territories each regulate that themselves so you'll need to get your licences from the government of whichever one you'll be visiting.

As others pointed out: This is a big place.
Canada is the world's 2nd largest nation in geographical size. Only Russia's bigger.
But our entire population is barely 35 million, one of the 10 lowest population densities on Earth.
What that means is that Canada is mostly wilderness filled with wildlife that has no natural fear of humans.
So instead of a gun, grab yourself some bear bangers.
If you don't know what they are, look it up. Here's a link that explains the basics:
Link - http://kananaskisblog.com/bear-bangers/2009/
Just don't be an idiot and start a forest fire or something.

Like others said, Canada's also comprised of a variety of different terrains and regions.
Unless you have the survival skills specific to whatever region you plan to experience, forget it.

Best advice on that subject is to take a trip before the trip to get the skills you'll need for the specific challenges you'll face in the specific region you plan to visit:
Link - http://canadiansurvival.info/
Link - http://boreal.net/

And make sure each of you has a satellite phone and GPS unit.
That way, if you run into trouble, Canadian authorities can send out a rescue team.
There's no guarantee they'll make it to you in time, but at least they'd be able to recover your bodies to ship home to your next of kin.
Because this is Canada, kid. And it's no place for amateurs.

What is a good cheap tent brand? Greatland,Ozark Trail or Field and stream?

bridget36

Looking to buy a big enough tent for a family of 5. I don't want to spend to much money because I am not sure if I will even like camping.So I will like to buy a store brand. I am not sure what kmarts brand is. Anyway out of the brands I listed above our any of them good?

Answer
All very good advice above. I will give my two-cents worth. I have two, four-man (9'x7') Ozark Trail tents from Wal-Mart. For a family camping trip, these work great, they are easy to set up, pretty good bang for the buck and over-all have been pretty good tents that have lasted several years and are still holding up. Would I climb Everest or go on an extended backpacking or climbing trip with them, absolutely NOT! I have a quality, one-man backpacking tent for my more serious backpacking trips that I bought from REI. As somebody else said, a tent for the kids and a tent for you guys is the way to go, it's what I do. Two smaller tents are cheaper than one large tent and two small tents are easier to set up than one large tent. I tend to be very organized when I camp. My wife and kids scatter their "crap" all over the tent. Having two tents helps this a lot. The other plus to this is if something happens to one of the tents, it gets a tear, catches on fire, whatever, you have a back-up. Everybody has opinions based upon personal experience, and this is my personal experience. I hope your family develops a love of camping and the outdoors, it's a fantastic family experience.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers