Rose Cottage Ltd

Here are a few suggestions for resources that will familiarize you with local nature and wildlife – wherever you might plan to travel in the US this coming vacation season. I’ve made the point before for hikers to “Know your Local Snakes” before heading out to tramp in unfamiliar territories. Better to know what might be there “before” rather than “after.”

This National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America will come in handy – even for the estimated 60 million people who identify themselves as bird-watchers, and most hone their skills right in their own backyards.

Vivid illustrations of 150 common species make identification a snap.

And how many times have you spotted a tree and had no idea what it was?

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Trees of North America will certainly help!

Ideal for backpacks and back pockets, this indispensable reference makes it easy to identify any tree commonly encountered in North America—more than 350 species in all. It’s a natural for birders, hikers, and other outdoorsy types, but even confirmed urbanites will find plenty of information on city trees as well.

Hundreds of gift ideas and titles for you at the National Geographic Online Store:

+ Shop National Geographic’s Best Selling Gifts!

+ SAVE $30 on The Complete National Geographic! Every page of every issue in digital format.

+ Great Migrations DVD & book: buy them together and SAVE 50%!

It’s been an incredibly warm winter season so far in North Carolina. This past few days have been dreary as well with cloudy and overcast days that still do not bring as much rain as the lake really needs – thanks to the drought of 2011. Much of Europe is struggling with extreme cold – so no time to complain!

But, there are still some “scenic” moments like this one early yesterday:

The most constant local question these days seems to be “When are we going to pay for all this warm weather?” I’ll take a cold snap soon or otherwise ticks and mosquitoes will be rampant, Spring and Summer 2012.

In the meantime, birds are going crazy around here! I have a steady supply of Chickadees, Cardinals, Titmouse, Wrens, Nuthatches, and assorted other “visitors.”

This could be a top season for bird feeding at Rose Cottage…good thing I was ready!

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I wrote a post a couple weeks ago about closed Winter rooms and air quality, or lack thereof. The sinus infection I was suffering with added a bit of immediacy to my research. Here is the unit I purchased and here is what I think after about two weeks of use…

I selected this particular unit from Hammacher Schlemmer first because it was from Hammacher Schlemmer. If I want to buy something that I can guarantee will work as advertised, this is one of the first places I will go to for a product purchase. The purifier arrived within days of my online order – not weeks…

I know my older home has mold issues – it also has a wood stove in nearly constant use during colder months. I also have a dog – who has dander. Add to this dysfunctional sinuses and it was almost a given this Mold and Germ Destroying Air Purifier would be a welcomed addition. Here’s what I like about it:

+ This air purifier unit eliminates up to 100% of airborne bacteria, mold, viruses, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen without making a sound.
+ It produces no ozone and has no filter to clean.
+ The air purifier remains cool to the touch and though it is sitting less than 2′ from my computer monitor, I can’t hear it running.
+ It has a small footprint: 10 1/2″ H x 8 1/2″ Diameter.
+ Suitable for rooms up to 550′ square feet (or select the 650 sq ft unit.)

I work at home and on the computer most of most days. I wish I’d had one of these when I did IT contracting – usually in large buildings with hundreds of co-workers – and sealed windows. Maybe I wouldn’t have come home so many days with a headache.

It could be coincidence, but the 3-week duration sinus infection is now gone. I can’t help but think this air purifier played a major role in giving me better quality air to breathe – hastening recovery. So nice to feel that hard-earned dollars have been well-spent!