Newsletter 06/08/2014

Welcome to VacaChat

Where Vriends Gather

June 8, 2014

More graphics and buttons, courtesy of VacaDude, coming soon!

Broadcast
Schedule

Channel
Links

Important
News

Broadcast Schedule

Today!!! Sunday, June 8, 2014

3 PM PST/6 PM PST

No Story Writing.
We’ll write again on July 6.

6 PM PST/9 PM EDT

No VacaChat Broadcast.
The chat room will be open at 6:00 PDT (9:00 EDT—8:00 CDT).

Upcoming!!! Sunday, June 15, 2014

3 PM PST/6 PM PST

No Story Writing.
We’ll write again on July 6.

6 PM PST/9 PM EDT

No VacaChat Broadcast.
The chat room will be open at 6:00 PDT (9:00 EDT—8:00 CDT).

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Channel Links

Channel Links

VacaChannel

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vacadude

Pop-Out

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

International Space Station Links

During the last broadcast the Dude talked about the websites where one can view the spacestation and the view that the astronauts have. Here are the links:

This one has the map, but no chat.
http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/HDEV/

This site has a chat room.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/iss-hdev-payload

Trees

Jes shares with us this wonderful page of photos illustrating nature's wonders.

Trees | Dusky's Wonders

Intricately Carved Bench

Jes also shares with us this photo of an intricately carved bench. Can you imagine how many hours of labor went into this creation?

VacaVideo DVD

The DVD's have been sent. If you haven't received it already, please let us know. If you want one and did not order it yet, contact VacaDude soon.

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Vriends
News

Chatter
News

	Hello Vriends,
	Another week gone by--where does the time go? Tonight is the season finale of "Cosmos," and it seems too soon to end. I could just watch that stuff forever. However, a new season of "Longmire" has just begun, so everything is about beginnings and endings. Also ended is the quest for a possible Triple Crown by the racehorse from my old neighborhood--California Chrome. Sadly yesterday he never could break out of the pack, and finished 5th in the Belmont. ::sigh:: Also ending appears to be the project I have been busy with for the last couple of weeks--a documentary for the Pachamama Alliance. This has been a good project, because it is a first one with a couple of producers that I had not previously worked with, and I did some very good work (if I say so myself). So I am crossing my fingers and hoping this will result in more projects in the future. (Working there had the added bonus of making me more familiar with the charming town of Mill Valley.) I'm also doing some little projects for Cisco that involve working with Adobe inDesign. I hope to do more with that, as that's the program I used when putting my Owl Comic compilation book together. I love doing desktop publishing! So that's about it--work, work, work. I did spend some time yesterday cleaning up in my workshop, after the big final push on the coffee table. Now I get to try my hand at making the cabinet doors for said table. So that's about it for the VacaZone. I hope y'all have a great week, and we'll be talking with you soon!
	Cheers, VacaDude

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Chatter News

	Ketaki	Ketaki had a surprise visitor in her front yard this morning. It appears he just wanted a snack, so he helped himself! Ketaki's husband, Steve, woke Ketaki up to see him. He gave them quite a surprise. She says it was quite the experience! This was the same fella that took down the feeders last year on Thanksgiving morning. Broke the wrought iron feeder stand in half and had his happy day of bird seed! He has been wandering thru the acreage around here, which is mostly horse farms. Ketaki saw paw prints coming up their slope from the river out back. He probably sleeps near there because water is right there. They took down the feeders, just in case! What fun, eh?



	Scheduled Meetup	Northern California Owl Fan Luncheon - and of course you are invited whether you were a chatter, on social stream or a lurker or found us after wards: RSVP to grams3cs You need to send her an email so she knows how many. Luncheon will be on June 14th about 11:30ish at the Tower Cafe, 1518 Broadway, Sacramento. It's located right by the Tower Theatre and used to be the pharmacy many moons ago. They are open from 8am to 12am . Hope to see you all there. If you can please let me know if you are coming or not so I can make sure we get enough seats saved. The place is pretty big so we, hopefully, can be seated with no problem. grams3cs bluflame7@sbcglobal.net

	*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: May Delights in Waltham, is available online here: http://waltham.wickedlocal.com/article/20140528/NEWS/140528523

		Elsa is in need of a good, used Windows computer (4 years old or newer). Her computer died and she bought a new high end Dell laptop Latitude 6540 but the materials and chemicals used in making this new computer are causing her health problems. The new one is available for purchase or trade.

	ChatterChopz	CC's going back to Karate this week! Her ankle is still a little tender, especially if she's on it for too long, but she's ready to go back and do what she can to teach the little ones and in her own classes.

	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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	*Littleguys*	Now it is Littleguys' turn to be included in our prayers. She has a couple of medical issues going on and is supposed to consult with a surgeon on Monday. The two issues are not related, so it is pure luck of timing that she can talk to the surgeon about both at the same time. If you want details, she said go ahead and email her. samwisebaggins@yahoo.com She isn't bashful, just thought that maybe these details are not appropriate for a newsletter or chat.

	*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 her 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 things are improving for her and her parents a little bit. She is going to temporarily stay in her mother's home to provide care for her. Because of this, she is looking for portable cages for her birds that she can borrow during this time. She needs cages suitable for larger birds (parrot, cockatoo, etc.) If you live in the South Carolina area (near Columbia) and would happen to have a cage or cages she could borrow, please contact her at faith.bun.2012@gmail.com

	*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

StoryTime
News

StoryTime
Archives

A Message
from Zorro

	Hello there, Everbuddy!
	A very happy Sunday to you all! Things got a little sad around here yesterday, as we watched the Belmont horsie race, and the horsie VacaDude was hoping win didn't make it. No triple crown. But it seems he did win the double crown, and the horse only has one head, so I don't see what the big deal is. I mean, he still has a spare, by my calculations. Then again, I admit I might not have a full grasp on the concept. The only racing my species is usually a part of is the "8 yard farmers' wife dash," as they run to the garage to grab a broom. Actually, the kitchen has been a very exciting place lately. I tend to spend a lot more time in there than the Dude does, so I don't think he is yet aware that the kitchen has been transformed into a nursery. You see, there is a skylight above the sink, and apparently a big hatching of baby spiders has occurred inside of it. So now the baby spiders are crawling out through the gap around the bottom of the fixture, and are dropping down on silken threads, like little arachnid Normandy paratroopers--right onto the sink, the dishes, the food preparation areas. I'm not sure how to break the news to the Dude. Maybe I'll make him one of his favorite sandwiches today, and I'll sprinkle lots of baby spiders all over it and serve it to him. I'm sure that will get his attention! Ah well, adventure awaits! Have a wunnerful week, you guys!
	Yours Most Whiskerly, Zorro

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StoryTime News


	*Next StoryTime*	Sunday, July 6, 2014 3:00 PM PDT/6:00 PM EDT

	*Title*	To Be Announced

	*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*

		More stories added to the Archives!

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	Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
	Ingredients
	Meatballs 3 pounds ground beef ¾ cup breadcrumbs 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 eggs, beaten Salt & pepper Additional Seasonings Sauce* Juice from 2 cans pineapple tidbits (or chunks) ½ cup vinegar ¼ cup water ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup soy sauce ½ to 1 teaspoon ground ginger 2 cans pineapple tidbits (or chunks) 2 onions, chopped in large chunks 3 carrots, sliced very thin 1 package frozen sugar snap peas
	Directions
	Mix all meatball ingredients. Shape into small meatballs (about 1½ tablespoons). Place in crock pot. Whisk all sauce ingredients together. Pour over meatballs. Cook on low for 6 hours. Add pineapple and vegetables. Cook on high for 30 minutes more. Remove meatballs and veggies to a bowl (temporarily) Mix 2 heaping tablespoons of corn starch to 1 tablespoon cold water and 2 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice. Whisk well and stir into sauce remaining in crock pot. Let cook on high until thickened. Add meatballs and vegetables back into crockpot along with about 15 maraschino cherries, cut in half. Stir to coat well. Serve with rice. *This basic meatball can be used for other recipes. For Chinese meatballs add 1 teaspoon ground ginger. For Italian meatballs add ½ cup parmesan cheese and use seasoned breadcrumbs.


	Apple Crisp
	Ingredients
	15 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1½ cups white sugar 1½ tablespoons all -purpose flour 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ¾ cup water, divided 1½ cups quick-cooking oats 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1½ cups packed brown sugar ¼ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¾ cup butter, melted 1½ cups chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds
	Directions
	Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced apples in two 8-inch square pans. Mix the white sugar, 1½ tablespoon flour and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples. Pour 6 tablespoons water evenly over each pan of apples. Combine the oats, 1½ cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and melted butter together. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes.

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Recommended
Watching

Owl 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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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

	California Condor San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego, California	http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/cams/condor-cam

	KC Zoo Penguin Cam Kansas City, MO	http://www.kansascityzoo.org/penguincam

	Whidbey Island Back Porch Whidbey Island, WA Rufous hummingbirds and other assorted birds	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/katersch

	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