The negative effect of goats on vegetation is well known worldwide. Damage caused by goats in Hawaii is worse than in other places because Hawaiian plant species evolved in the absence of grazing and browsing pressure. Goats were introduced to the eight major Hawaiian islands before 1800 and have reduced or eliminated whole populations of native plants. As a consequence, they have aided in nonindigenous plant invasion, and have increased soil erosion. Localized high populations of goats have completely eliminated even the most unpalatable native plant species.

But they are so cute in a very ugly way, don't you think? (But wait until you see the feral pigs!) The pigs are very ugly in a cute sort of way.

Guess My Name
	Audrey
	Goatee
	Oliver
	SmashMouth
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The pronghorn antelope is built for running; its speed is surpassed only by that of the cheetah; sustaining high speeds longer than cheetahs. The top recorded speed was 61 mph. Remarkably, the pronghorn has an oversized heart and lungs and their hair, of all things, is hollow. The pronghorn also sports a very large set of eyes that are said to be the equivalent of 8X binoculars, and have a 320 degree field of vision. That explains why at 600 yards, they are staring at me.

By the way, these guys are not to be found in Hawaii. Gecko took this in eastern Colorado. In the viewfinder of my Canon, the prongs were not visible.

(Photographed by Gecko in his back yard)

Lobster claw heliconia

Notice that the growth is similiar to the appearance of bananas on a banana plant. The leaves are nearly identical but of a smaller scale. It is, in fact, related to the banana plant. These fellows are an important if not exclusive food source to the Hermit Hummingbird. The Lobster claw is one of the few varieties of heliconia which do not stand erect.

Knowing what I know now, I would live
	In Paradise, knowing that the cost of living is such that luxury would not ever be available
	In a Pleasant enough spot, where income would be ample enough where sacrifice is not a concern
	In a Hellhole, where income would be at its maximum
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The Sunset overwhelms the mountainside profusion of greenery forcing this viewer to think of the desert SouthWest. But you are looking up ten thousand feet to the observatories on the top of Mauna Kea. Look carefully and spot them. But how many of the telescopes? (An earlier post provides a detailed education)

This is an unusual view. From Weimea, where I am standing with the camera approaching sundown, the view is always obscured by a heavy bank of clouds and usually falling rain.

The picture is fitting given we are experiencing a draught throughout the islands. We have not heard any word from any of our neighboring states as to how parched they are. Oh, that's right. We have no neighboring states.

Speaking of favorite or familiar states to live in, which one is yours?
	Being pulled over by a state trooper?
	Being old enough to reside in your state archives
	Being able to sell you real estate at what you bought it for
	The State Pen
	Being in a fairly constant State of Emergency
	Prancing about in a State of undress
	Wishing you could deliver the State of the Union message.
	A general state of disarray
	Not in your legal state of residence
	State is quo
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Children with ashberger syndrome, autism, and varied other special needs have been a part of my wife's daily life since she and I were wed in 1971. In that year she graduated with a BA in Elementary Education and Special Education. For thirty years she taught these children until becoming seriously ill five years ago. After 5 years of being completely disabled and now recovered, she has returned to the classroom and is about to forfeit her $1000 monthly disability payments as she completes her first year teaching again.

It seems like yesterday, I was doing everything around the house in care for her. Chronic fatigue syndrome and its kissing cousin fibromyalgia had reduced her to a state of being completely bedridden. I lifted her out of bed and to the toilet.



Now at the completion of her first year of teaching special needs kids again, she had her special needs youth perform "Peter Pan". In the picture above and below, you look upon Nikah who is the daughter of a OBGYN. The primary care giver to Nikah, her stay at home father, passed two months ago. This special multi-evening performance received high reviews given the challenge of the perfomance for these youth.

Nika performed as Tinkerbell.


Of special note to me was the refrain sung by the entire cast, "...I will never grow up, never grow up, never grow up, No Not Me..." In an absolute sense, so many of these sweet souls WILL remain as children.

All pictures were taken by Gecko during the performance and parental permission was given for their display.



Above is Gilbert. He is a high functioning autistic 11th grade student. He plays the Uke by ear, makes three dimentional cars. buses, trucks and airplanes out of printing paper and wide clear tape. He has earned several state awards where he competed with nonspecial needs children. In the play, he was the father, a pirate, and a lost boy. My wife claims he is a delightful, very verbal young man who will find a place in society where he will be independent. He can tell you what day your birthday is on in a matter of seconds. As a matter of fact, he can give you the day connected with any date.



Heather who plays Nana the dog is a Down Syndrome 10th grade girl. Her speaking part was to bark on command. She is always pleasant and lovable, showing compassion to even the most difficult child. She loved being Nana. Heather is an important member of her family and feels very loved and accepted.

And on another note, I hope you had a wonderful birthday Blue Moon.