Newsletter 04/27/2014

If you want to view the chat or video in pop-out screens, use the links below. Some find that this places less stress on their computer and/or its memory.

Video: http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/vacadude

Chat: http://www.ustream.tv/channel-room/3506056

If you use the pop-out links, it is recommended that you open two browser windows. That way, if one needs to be refreshed, the other is not affected.

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Important News

VacaVideo DVD

If you want one of the Dude's new DVDs (and who wouldn't?) email him soon so he knows how many to make. If you are interested, please email him soon at John@vacadude.com. A $7 contribution, which is strictly voluntary, is recommended. This should cover the cost of shipping and the disc materials. However, you will receive your disc whether you add a contribution or not.

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Vriends
News

Chatter
News

Prayer
Requests

VacaBlog

	Hello Vriends,
	Happy Sunday to you! I hope your weekends are going well. I have just been trying to work my way through my to-do list. It has involved a lot of sitting at my desk, however, and I think that has made my back go out a bit. Ouch! I've been getting the spasms that can be pretty bad. So today I've been taking Advil and applying heat and cold (alternately) to try to get it to calm down. Ugh. However, I can report that I spent some time Saturday and this morning doing some drawing! It has been a while--there were some techniques I had to pull out of the recesses of my brain. However, it did feel good to be drawing again. I found my Series 7 brushes, and they feel SOOooooo good. I did a number of drawings to be used for newsletter graphics, but I've only gotten a handful completed. So you can look for those over the next several issues. Also, I am working on the DVD this afternoon, and it is my hope to be able to start sending those out tomorrow. It may take me a few days to burn them all, so bear with me. I am going to be sending out the confirmation e-mails out this afternoon, so look for that. Bizzy bizzy bizzy... Work is still trucking along. I have picked up a couple of little mini-projects on top of my big trade show piece, so it has been an exhausting month of April so far! Thankfully, it has not been a dry April. We just had some showers in the last couple of days, which felt great. We are still way below normal, and we still have drought conditions, but every drop is better than nothing! Boy, one thing that this drawing has done has been to make me want to work on the graphic novel again! I am hoping that once I get past this trade show deadline, that maybe I could try coming up with a few pages. Well, that DVD is not going to finish itself, so I had better get back to it! Have a great week, y'all!
	Cheers, VacaDude

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Chatter News

	*Ann Savage*	Ann shares with us this wonderful news: “My latest news is that we have a new grandbaby on the way [due mid August], and the doctor thinks it's a girl! She'll be our third grandchild, joining cousins Lucas, 13, and Adrian, 3. :)” Congratulations to Ann and her family.

	*Elsalynda*	Elsalynda's latest column entitled Nature in the City: Spring arrives in Waltham?, is available online here: http://waltham.wickedlocal.com/article/20140408/NEWS/140408516/?tag=1

		Elsa has other good news! We’ll let her tell it. “Good news!!!!!!!! Two poems I sent to a photo and essay/ poetry book on our Mount Auburn Cemetary in Watertown and Cambridge MA (a very famous place) were accepted!!! This is a huge breakthrough for me. I think it will look like a coffee table book but not sure! yayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!"

	Sharoot	Last week Sharoot shared with us this tidbit of her visit to Maine. Just a couple days ago I spied this little guy near the back steps. I have made it my mission to free him from winter's grasp before I leave on Tuesday. Wish me luck!"

		This week we received this news:

		With a little help from my assistant, and a shovel, we were able to free this very rare "oof oof" duck. Named by my assistant of course, it was the dog's chew toy...... Hoppy Easter owlvrybuddies!

	Wolfgirl	Wolfgirl shares with us news of her new pets. "The rats are sisters, and will be 5 months old on the 12th. The mostly-black one with the funny ears is Morrigan. She's braver and friendlier, and likes to be picked up and tickled. The black-and-white one with normal ears is Linda, she's much more shy. Once she warms up to a person, she likes to climb on shoulders, but doesn't like to be pet. I'm attaching the best photos I have, but neither of them likes to hold still."



	We'd love to include more news of VacaChatters. If you have something you'd like to share (something about you or your family) or if you know of exciting news about another chatter that they're just too shy to share, please send it to us! (We won’t run it without that chatter’s permission, however.)

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Prayer Requests

	*ChatterChopz*	ChatterChopz' ankle is getting a bit better—still somewhat swollen, still painful and now her ankle and foot are turning all kinds of funky colors. The final radiology report indicated there was no breakage, so we're only dealing with a bad sprain. She is now out of the splint and allowed to use her foot a bit for walking. We've returned the wheelchair and only use the walker when she had to go out of the home. It's still an estimated 6-week recovery time. Keep CC (and her parents) in your prayers.

	*Caboval*	Caboval is in need of our prayers for her dog, Joey. You can read more about Joey and his struggles here: http://gfwd.at/1n8NU0h.

		UPDATE on Joey! Caboval writes: “Joey is in remission but the chemo almost killed him. He was in liver failure and the Dr gave him a 50/50 chance to live. He made it through that and we have had 3 really good weeks. He was so happy and acting like a puppy, but now he is starting to not eat again and he vomited today so I don't know… It's a rollercoaster. I have a feeling he is having liver issues again. I do really need those prayers!!!”

	*Elsalynda*	Elsalynda is also in need of prayers. She is asking for prayers for good care and caring from my primary care physician. Elsa reports that at her last visit, her physician "was at least civil and apologetic." She also reports that her back issues are improving and thanks everyone for their prayers and support. Continue to keep Elsa and her doctor in your prayers.

	*GentleDoe*	GentleDoe says her father is recovering. He has moved to a rehab facility. Doe is trying desperately to juggle being with her mother and yet also caring for her birds and other animals. She especially needs prayers about the financial situation and some rather difficult family dynamics. With no transportation and having to rely on others for rides, this has been very difficult for her. The whole family is still in need of our prayers.

	*Jes and Miss Jonesy*	Both Jes, and her furkid, Miss Jonesy, are battling health issues and undergoing various tests and procedures. Let's keep both of them in our prayers.
	*Jes and Miss Jonesy*

	Shari in Memphis	UPDATE!!! Just received this from Shari: "So kind of you to keep prayers going for me. I was hospitalized in November for an event (that just yesterday my doc said was severe enough that it could have killed me) and have pretty much been sick ever since. I'm trying to be patient as doc said it would take 6 months to a year, to fully recover."
	Shari in Memphis


	Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts for owl our wonderful VacaFamily members! If you have any prayer requests, updates or news of answered prayers, please let us know. Email us with the information so it can be included in the next newsletter.

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	Check out VacaDude's blog! Don't forget to send VacaDude your comments to let him know how much you appreciate him, his time & his talent!
	http://vacadude.wordpress.com/

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A Message
from Zorro

	Hello there, Everbuddy!
	It has been a very creative weekend around here. The Dude has been making us all sit to pose for portraits, so as a result my little neck is a bit stiff. I think they are going to be worth it, though. In one of the drawings, the Dude put me in a chef's hat, and I had to hold a plate of yummy food in my hand. Well, I just couldn't stop eating the food, so I'm afraid none of it made it into the drawing. Maybe the Dude can just draw something in from memory. Meanwhile, I will relish the memory of those delicious cheesy truffles. YUM!! Other than that, things have been quiet in the house here. TOO quiet. I have not been able to play with the power tools much this week, so I have no new creations to enjoy. Oh well, all us puppets are hoping the Dude will get done with his work deadlines soon, so he can come play with us! So until next time, cheesy dreams for all!
	Yours Most Whiskerly, Zorro

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StoryTime News


	*Next StoryTime*	Sunday, May 4, 2014 (Unless pre-empted by John's work. Watch for possible changes.) 3:00 PM PDT/6:00 PM EDT

	*Title*	Hoo's a Storyteller?

	*Invitation*	We need story writers! Please consider dropping in and checking out the fun we have writing the stories. Honestly, it's not at all difficult to join in and you'll surely be glad you did.
	*Invitation*

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Recipes of the Week

	Cowboy Beans
	This makes enough to feed an army, but it's great for potlucks, family gatherings or make-ahead (and freeze) meals.
	Ingredients
	2 pounds ground beef, browned 1 pound pork sausage, browned 1 pound thick-sliced bacon, chopped small and cooked CRISP 2 - 3 onions, chopped and microwaved for 1 minute 4 cans pork and beans 1 can red kidney beans 1 can black beans 1 can hominy 1 can crushed tomatoes 1 pound frozen corn 1 pound frozen peas 1 pound frozen baby limas 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup catsup ¾ cup BBQ sauce minced garlic salt and pepper 12 slices bacon
	Directions
	Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix all ingredients except sliced bacon. Divide between 2 foil roasting pans or several smaller pans. Top each pan with 2-3 slices of bacon, cut in half and placed diagonally. Cover and bake until bubbly. Any combination of beans and frozen vegetables can be used.


	Crown Pork Roast with Cornbread and Wild Rice Stuffing
	This was our Easter meal this year. YUMMY!
	Ingredients
	ROAST 1½ teaspoons fresh (or ½ teaspoon dry) thyme 1½ teaspoons fresh (or ½ teaspoon dry) sage 2 teaspoons minced garlic kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ cup melted butter (or olive oil) 10 pounds pork rib roast (about 12 to 14 ribs) STUFFING 2½ cups chicken stock 2 cups water 1 cup wild rice 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion ½ cup finely chopped celery 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves 4 cups crumbled leftover cornbread ¾ cup chopped toasted pecans ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
	Directions
	ROAST Place spices and garlic in food processor. Chop fine and mix well. Drizzle in oil or butter and mix until well blended. Rub marinade over the inside and outside surfaces of crown roast. Seal well and allow to come to room temperature. (If you plan to use stuffing in the roast, it will be added about 45 minutes before roast is done.) Heat oven to 375ºF. Place roast on rack in roasting pan. Place in oven. Cover tips of ribs with foil. Bake about 1½-2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone registers 150°F when done. About 30-45 minutes prior to doneness, remove the foil to add the stuffing, if desired. Remove from the oven, loosely cover with foil and allow to rest for 30 minutes before cutting. STUFFING Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish and set aside. (If using stuffing IN the roast, see instructions above.) (If using instant wild rice, cook according to package directions using broth instead of water.) To cook rice, combine 2 cups chicken stock, water, and rice in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until tender. Drain rice and transfer to a large bowl. Heat butter in a medium skillet. Add onion and celery and season with salt, Cajun blend, and black pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add parsley and thyme and cook another minute. Remove from the heat and add to bowl with rice. Add 4 cups of crumbled cornbread and pecans to the rice mixture and stir to combine. Transfer rice mixture to center of roast. Drizzle remaining ½ cup chicken stock and butter over mixture. Bake until cornbread is golden and crispy, about 20 minutes. This stuffing is very good with chopped apples and/or dried cranberries added to it.

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Recommended
Watching

Owl Cams

Other Bird
Cams

Other Nature Cams

Video Picks of the Week

Inspiration

Owl Cams

Barn Owls
	Nicassio Owl Box Salt and Pepper	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nicasio-owl

	HOP - MAGC Barn Owls	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/magc-owls

	Owlceanside Mel and Sydney	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/owlceanside

	Felix Neck Owl Cam Martha’s Vineyard	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/felix-neck-owl-cam

	The Owl Cam	http://www.ustream.tv/owlchannel

	Barn Owls in Minden, Nevada	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/barn-owls-in-minden-nevada

	Port of Stockton Barn Owl Cams	http://www.portofstockton.com/owl-cams

	Hosted by Cornell Lab of Ornithology Located in Texas	http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/42/Barn_Owls/

Other Owls

	PPO (Potted Plant Owl) in South Africa	https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pot-Plant-Owl/148721154229

	Alessondra’s Owl Cam in Oklahoma City	http://ustream.tv/okcowlcam The three owlets have fledged.

	Rusty and Iris in Houston, Minnesota	http://www.internationalowlcenter.org/ourowls/rustyandiris/livecams

	Burrowing Owls Tri-Cities, Washington	http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildwatch/owlcam/video_burrowing2.html

	Project Snow Storm	http://www.projectsnowstorm.org/

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Other Bird Cams

Puffins
	Shetland Islands Puffins	http://www.shetland.org/puffincam/

	Sea Island, Maine Puffin Burrow	http://explore.org/live-cams/player/puffin-burrow-cam

	Sea Island, Maine Puffin Loafing Ledge	http://explore.org/live-cams/player/puffin-loafing-ledge-cam These pages also contain links to numerous other nature cams.

Eagles
	Black Eagle South Africa	http://www.africam.com/wildlife/black_eagle_webcam Emoyeni (the black eagle) is set to return and start re-building her nest in anticipation of a new breeding season. She has been spotted on the nest several times in the last few days, so be on the lookout!

	Decorah Eagles Decorah, Iowa	http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

	Berry College Eagle Cam Mt. Berry, Georgia	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/berry-eagle-cam

		http://www.pixcontroller.com/eagles/index.htm

Peregrine Falcons
	PA Falcon Cam Harrisburg, Pennsylvania	http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp

	Commerce Tower Peregrines Kansas City, Missouri	http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/wildlife-cameras/peregrine-falcon-web-camera Cam not live now but should be returning soon.

	Pitt Peregrine Falcon Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	http://www.aviary.org/PF-NestCam1

	Gulf Tower Peregrine Falcon Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	http://www.aviary.org/PF-NestCam2

	Emily Falcon Cam Caloundra, Australia	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/emily-falcon-cam

	RFalconCam Rochester, New York	http://rfalconcam.com/rfc-main/

Talking Birds
	Watch the Birdie Bibi, the African Gray	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Watch-the-Birdie

	Disco Talking Parakeet	https://www.youtube.com/user/MsJumpinJude/videos

Other Birds
	Hellgate Ospreys Missoula, Montana Sponsored by Cornell	http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/27/Hellgate_Ospreys/

	Ostrich Chicks (Offline now)	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live

	Streaming Bird Cams List of many cams	http://www.beakspeak.com/

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Other Nature Cams

Pandas
	San Diego Zoo Pandas	www.sandiegozoo.org (click on live cams) or http://www.ustream.tv/sandiegozoo. Zoo's blogs: http://blognew.sandiegozoo.org/category/animals-and-plants/giant-pandas/

	Twin Pandas at Zoo Atlanta	http://www.zooatlanta.org/1212/panda_cam#ff_s=aDIEl

	Giant Panda Cam National Zoo Washington, DC	http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm

Bears
	Kansas City Polar Bears Nikita and Berlin	http://www.kctv5.com/category/244581/nikita-berlin-polar-bear-cam

	Brown Bears and Salmon Katmai National Park Alaska (off season- will return)	http://explore.org/#!/live-cams/player/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls (lots of other cams at this site, as well)
	Black Bears Ely, Minnesota	http://www.bear.org/website/live-cameras/live-cameras/holly-bears-den-cam-live.html

Other Animal and Nature Sites
	San Diego Zoo and Safari Park	http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/

	The Pet Collective (many live cams)	http://www.thepetcollective.tv/livestreams/

	Critter Chat Cams Multi-Critter Site with Chat	http://critterchatcams.org/

	Friends of Felines Rescue Center Defiance, Ohio	www.ustream.tv/ffrc

	Little House Prairie Village, Kansas	http://www.tomnliz.com/Livecam/

	CC's Page of Links (scheduled for updating)	http://chatterchopz.com/links/camslinks.htm