Newsletter 06/29/2014

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June 29, 2014

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

Broadcast
Schedule

Channel
Links

Important
News

Broadcast Schedule

Today!!! Sunday, June 29, 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, July 6, 2014

3 PM PST/6 PM PST

Possible Story Writing (TBA)
See note from John for more info.

6 PM PST/9 PM EDT

Possible VacaChat Broadcast (TBA)
See note from John for more info.
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

VacaChat Broadcast Changes

Changes in the upcoming broadcast may be necessary. Check back to this site for more information later in the week. If changes are necessary, a "Breaking News" email will be sent, as well.

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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			Chatter News
	A Note from the Dude		Chatter News		Prayer Requests		Vaca Blog

	Hello Vriends,
	A very happy last Sunday of June to you all! Just a few more days and there will be fireworks exploding overhead, and probably grass fires erupting underneath... We are heading into several days of 100+ degree heat here, and everybody is nervous about fires. It seems like one breaks out every couple of days around here. Keeping our fingers crossed! Last weekend when we went to the rugby game, I had taken my golf clubs out of the car. This last week I moved them back into the car, and that's when it struck me--maybe I should see if I remember how to use them! I knew our temperatures were about to go from the 80s to the 100s in a few days, so it would be better to do it sooner rather than later. I got caught up on a couple of projects, so I decided Friday to give it a go. I hit a small bucket of balls and played nine holes on the executive (small, practice) course. I think I'm still recovering from that! I drank plenty of water, but I think I still managed to get dehydrated. And despite the fact the temps only made it to the low 90s, just being out for that long just laid me out. Also, my golf activities have become VERY infrequent in recent years. I think I hit two buckets of balls last summer, but it has been at least two years since I last set foot on any course. So there were muscle groups that I had not made use of for a very long time. All those muscles are very sore even now--two days later. So the end result is that all I want to do is take a nap right now...for about a week. I have a doctor appointment coming up Tuesday, and I'm a bit nervous about it. I haven't been to a doctor since 2008, which is when I lost my health insurance. Now thanks to Obamacare, I have insurance again--so I'm going to take this opportunity to get some issues checked out. I'm just a bit apprehensive as to what they'll find. Oh well--it is better to hit it head-on and know what I'm dealing with, than to just stumble through life with my fingers crossed. Now next weekend is the first Sunday of June, but I'm not sure what I am going to do about the VacaChat. The iMac is still not fixed, and right now it is having heat issues (even as I type this). So I really don't think I can broadcast with it the way it is now. I may try using the iPhone, or come up with something else. So I'm afraid the content of next week's chat needs to be listed as TBA. Unless a miracle occurs and I can get the iMac fixed this week. So I guess that is it for now. I hope everyone has a great (and SAFE) Independence Day, and I'll see y'all next week! Cheers, VacaDude p.s. Oh, and the golf was actually fun--I got a couple of pars and one ALMOST birdie. Not bad for not having played for a couple of years!
	Cheers, VacaDude

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Chatter News

	Sharoot	Sharoot's featured pictures can be found at the end of each newsletter, under Photos of the Week. She says that since they are located at the end, then "Sharoot's the Caboose!"

	*Elsalynda*	Elsalynda's latest column entitled Nature in the City: Wildlife in Waltham, is available online here: http://waltham.wickedlocal.com/article/20140611/NEWS/140619951

		Elsa shares this with us: "Hi, all. I am about to give back this short-term loaner laptop to my friend. I miss story time so much! And all of you and our fun and zany creativity together. It is not a technical issue, it is a health concern. Even a much older netbook was bothering me healthwise with my environmental illness. I am going to 'meet' a desktop soon, to borrow and then purchase if I feel healthy using it. I am also considering a rather pricey alternative treatment for this illness, developed and presented in Canada, called Dynamic Neural Retraining. I'm still mulling that one over. (I may look into a notebook or whatever you call it.) Thank you all for your communications, cards, bday wishes, and staying in touch. My birthday was on June 10!! EEK! Another decade. And a journal has accepted a poem of mine for online publication and possibly in a print version too! I've swum a few times, so far, at Walden pond. The water was chilly with only one little girl and me in the water. She said, 'Hi, how old are you?' LOL I said, '70,' and she said she was 7. I was only 10 times her age. I had my voice recital which went great despite a bad dress rehearsal one hour before. Hmm…let's see…I have a TINY bunny in my yard and so far it is doing well. I adore it. I am sure there is more news but this is enuf for now. I love you all to PIECES!"

	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
							Recipe of the Week

A Message
from Zorro

	Hello there, Everbuddy!
	Boy, it is starting to get hot here! It is beginning to remind me of my old stomping grounds in San Marcos. And it is really getting hot here next to the Dude's computer! He really needs to shut this thing off for a while, so I need to make this brief. It is making all kinds of little clicky, krinkly noises. Not good. I am looking forward to the holiday coming up. The Dude is going to get the grill out and make hot dogs, and we have some potato salad ready to go, and everything. It should be vun! The Dude has been messing around with his electronic gizmos, as well. I'm still trying to figure out what he is making. Something to do with the camera, so that's good. I love cameras, because every time humans go to use them, they talk about my favorite subject--CHEESE! They all say cheese, and then they smile. I smile too, when I talk about cheese. In fact, I'm smiling right now! Okay, I need to go so we can let the 'puter cool down. So we'll see you all later. Stay cool!!
	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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	Homemade Milky Way Ice Cream
	Ingredients
	8 ounces Milky Way candy bars, chopped 1 cup sweetened condensed milk 2 cups whole milk 2 cups half-and-half
	Directions
	Melt the candy bars and condensed milk in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring, until smooth (do not let the bowl touch the water). Remove the bowl from the saucepan and whisk in the milk and half-and-half. (If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, you can also add 1 cup chocolate syrup to the mixture.) Refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours.


	Swiss Steak
	Ingredients
	2 pounds beef bottom round, trimmed of excess fat 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ¾ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup vegetable oil or bacon drippings 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 can tomato paste 1 can crushed tomatoes ½ teaspoon sage 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1½ cups beef broth
	Directions
	Preheat the oven to 325°F. Cut the meat with the grain into ½-inch thick slices and season on both sides with the salt and pepper. Place the flour into a pie pan. Dredge the pieces of meat on both sides in the flour mixture. Tenderize the meat, until each slice is ¼-inch thick. Dredge the slices on both sides once more and set aside. Add enough of the bacon drippings or vegetable oil to just cover the bottom of a 4 to 5-quart Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the steaks to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove the steaks to a plate and repeat until all of the steaks have been browned. Remove the last steaks from the pot and add the onions, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Next add the tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and beef broth and stir to combine. Place meat in baking dish, cover with tomato mixture. Seal with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours or until the meat is tender and falling apart.

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	Owl Cams				Other Nature Cams		Video Picks of the Week		Inspiration
			Other Bird Cams

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 The first egg hatched on June 6!.

	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

Other Sites of Interest

International Space Station Links
During a recent 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 shared with us this photo of an intricately carved bench. Can you imagine how many hours of labor went into this creation? Hundon informs us that the sculptor works in the UK and if you follow this link you can see the bench from all sides. You can also see many more of his works. They are all incredible. http://www.treesculpting.co.uk/g_oakowlbench.html