The Hidden Dangers of Squeaky Toys for Dogs

                                          Pic by P. Kreczkowski     OUR DOG LENNY

Squeaky toys are a favorite in many dog households. The sound excites dogs, keeps them engaged, and can turn playtime into a full-body workout. While these toys can be fun, they also come with some hidden risks that every dog owner should understand.

One of the biggest dangers is choking. Many dogs instinctively try to “kill” the squeaker, and once it’s removed, the small plastic piece can be swallowed. Squeakers, torn fabric, or stuffing can easily lodge in a dog’s throat or be inhaled, creating a life-threatening emergency.

Intestinal blockages are another serious concern. If a dog swallows parts of a squeaky toy, those pieces may not pass through the digestive system. Blockages can cause vomiting, pain, loss of appetite, and may require costly surgery to correct.

Squeaky toys can also encourage obsessive or aggressive behavior in some dogs. The high-pitched noise may overstimulate them, leading to frantic chewing, possessiveness, or stress rather than healthy play.

Finally, not all squeaky toys are made with safe materials. Cheaply made toys may contain toxic dyes or plastics that can be harmful when chewed or ingested over time.

This doesn’t mean squeaky toys must be banned altogether. Supervised play, choosing high-quality toys designed for your dog’s size and chewing strength, and regularly inspecting toys for damage can greatly reduce the risks. When used thoughtfully, playtime can stay fun, safe, and enriching for your dog—without unexpected trips to the vet. 

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..........UPDATE PICS OF AMARYLLIS

 

                        pics by P.Kreczkowski

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Keeping Amaryllis Happy Indoors and Out

Amaryllis is a favorite bulb plant known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers and bold colors that brighten homes, especially in winter. With the right care, an amaryllis can rebloom year after year, making it both beautiful an rewarding to grow.

Start with a healthy bulb and plant it in a pot with good drainage. Only about one-third of the bulb should be buried, with the top exposed. Place the pot in bright, indirect light and water sparingly at first—too much moisture before growth begins can cause rot. Once the flower stalk appears, increase watering slightly, keeping the soil evenly moist but never soggy.

Amaryllis thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65–75°F (18–24°C). As the stalk grows, rotate the pot occasionally to keep it from leaning toward the light. After flowering, cut off the spent blooms but leave the stalk until it yellows naturally, allowing the bulb to store energy.

The key to long-term success is post-bloom care. Keep the leaves growing by providing bright light, regular watering, and a balanced fertilizer. In late summer or early fall, allow the plant to rest by reducing water and letting the leaves die back. After 8–10 weeks of dormancy, bring the bulb back into light and resume watering to trigger a new bloom cycle.

With a little patience and consistency, amaryllis can become a reliable, show-stopping plant that returns with spectacular flowers year after year. 

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Geraniums: Bright Blooms and Easy Propagation

                                                                          

                         

Geraniums are a gardener’s classic—cheerful, colorful, and surprisingly hardy. Whether you grow them indoors on a sunny windowsill or outside in containers and flower beds, geraniums reward even minimal care with abundant blooms. One of the best things about these plants is how easy they are to propagate. With just a few cuttings, you can turn one healthy geranium into a whole collection.

Why Geraniums Are Garden Favorites

Geraniums (often the common “annual” type, Pelargoniums) come in a wide range of colors, from bright reds and pinks to soft pastels and whites. They love full sun, tolerate heat well, and bloom continuously through the growing season. Indoors, they’ll keep flowering as long as they get enough light.

They’re also forgiving plants—great for beginners or anyone who likes low-maintenance gardening.

How to Propagate Geraniums From Cuttings

Propagating geraniums is simple and works best in late summer or early fall, but you can do it any time you have healthy growth to work with.

1. Take a Healthy Cutting

• Choose a non-flowering stem, 4–6 inches long.
• Make a clean cut just below a leaf node.
• Remove any flowers and the bottom leaves, leaving just the top two or three.

2. Let the Cutting Dry

Geranium stems are firm and slightly woody. Allow the cut end to dry for an hour or two to prevent rotting once planted.

3. Plant the Cutting

• Use a small pot with well-draining soil or a mix of perlite and peat.
• Insert the cutting about an inch deep.
• Water lightly—just enough to settle the soil.

4. Give It Light, Not Heat

Place your cutting in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun until it has rooted.
Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet.

5. Wait for Roots

Roots usually develop in 2–4 weeks. You can check by gently tugging—if it resists, it has rooted. Once established, move it to a sunnier spot and treat it like a mature geranium.

A Simple Way to Grow Your Collection

Propagating geraniums is not only easy—it’s rewarding. You can overwinter new plants indoors, create more blooms for your garden beds, or share cuttings with friends. One plant can give you a whole season of fresh, vibrant growth.

         

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From My Counter

                                                                                                                                                           From a small space, brings some Green onto my counter. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

A Little Greener Everyday

             

       A lot of enjoyment from a small space. During cold months                 

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Keeping Pets Safe During the Holidays:

 A Quick Guide.........

The holidays bring sparkle, excitement, and lots of festive chaos—things we love, but that can pose hidden risks to our pets. With a little planning, you can keep the season joyful and safe for your furry family members.

1. Watch Out for Toxic Treats
Holiday classics like chocolate, alcohol, xylitol-sweetened goodies, and rich table scraps can make pets seriously ill. Remind guests not to slip treats under the table, and keep desserts and cocktails well out of reach.

2. Protect Your Decorations
Sparkling lights and dangling ornaments are irresistible to curious cats and dogs. Secure your tree, avoid tinsel (especially dangerous if swallowed), and place fragile or edible ornaments up high. Always check cords for chew marks and use cord protectors if needed.

3. Be Mindful of Seasonal Plants
Festive plants like Poinsettias, Mistletoe, and Lilies can be toxic if nibbled. Keep them out of reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives, like rosemary trees or artificial arrangements.

4. Provide a Calm Space
Holiday gatherings can overwhelm even the friendliest pets. Set up a quiet room with their bed, toys, and water where they can retreat when the house gets busy.

5. Manage Doors and Visitors
With guests coming and going, pets can slip out unnoticed. Use baby gates, keep ID tags updated, and remind visitors to watch for wandering paws near open doors.

6. Watch the Wrapping Supplies
Ribbon, tape, and string make fun toys—but also choking hazards. Clean up wrapping stations promptly, and store supplies safely when not in use.

7. Fire & Heat Safety
Keep pets away from open flames, hot stoves, and space heaters. A wagging tail or curious paw can knock over candles or lead to burns.

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How to Grow Fresh Herbs Indoors All Year Round

If you love cooking with fresh herbs, growing them indoors is a simple and rewarding way to have flavor at your fingertips—no garden required. With the right light, soil, and care, you can enjoy fragrant basil, mint, or rosemary even in the middle of winter.

1. Choose the Right Herbs

Some herbs thrive better indoors than others. The best choices for beginners include basil, parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, mint, and cilantro. These herbs adapt well to containers and don’t require large root systems.

2. Light Is Key

Most herbs need about 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. A sunny south-facing window is ideal. If natural light is limited, consider using a small LED grow light to mimic sunlight and keep your herbs healthy and flavorful.

3. Use Well-Draining Soil and Pots

Herbs dislike soggy roots. Choose pots with drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix—never heavy garden soil. You can add a little perlite for extra drainage.

4. Water with Care

Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes with indoor herbs. Herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer slightly drier conditions, while basil and parsley enjoy more consistent moisture.

5. Harvest Regularly

Frequent harvesting encourages new growth. Pinch off leaves from the tops rather than the bottoms, and never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.

With just a bit of attention, your kitchen can become a mini herb garden bursting with aroma and flavor. Fresh pesto, mint tea, or homemade herb butter could be just a few snips away!

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Keeping Parakeets as Pets: Colorful Companions Full of Personality

Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or “budgies,” are among the most popular pet birds in the world—and for good reason! These small, vibrant parrots are intelligent, social, and surprisingly easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced bird lovers.

Personality and Bonding

Parakeets are playful and curious, and they thrive on interaction. With gentle handling and regular conversation, they can form strong bonds with their owners. Many even learn to mimic words and phrases! They love to be part of household activity, so placing their cage in a lively room (but not too noisy) helps them feel included.

Housing and Environment

A spacious cage is essential, allowing your parakeet to stretch its wings and climb. Include perches, swings, and toys to keep them mentally stimulated. Parakeets enjoy daily out-of-cage time in a safe, bird-proofed room where they can fly and explore.

Diet and Health

A balanced diet keeps your parakeet healthy and bright-feathered. Offer a mix of high-quality pellets, seeds, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Clean water and a cuttlebone for calcium are must-haves.

Social Needs

Parakeets are flock animals, so they do best with companionship—either from their human family or another parakeet. A single bird will need daily social interaction, while a pair can keep each other company (though they might chatter more with each other than with you!).

Final Thoughts

Cheerful, intelligent, and full of life, parakeets bring color and song into any home. With proper care, love, and attention, these little birds can live up to 10 years or more—rewarding their owners with endless affection and joy.

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Harvesting Sunflowers: A Simple Guide 🌻

                                   P. Kreczkowski

Sunflowers are one of the most cheerful plants to grow—bright, tall, and loved by pollinators. But once those golden petals fade, it’s time to think about harvesting. Whether you’re after seeds for snacking, replanting, or feeding birds, timing is key.

When to Harvest

Sunflower heads are ready when the back of the flower turns yellow-brown and the petals have dried up. The seeds should look plump and striped (depending on the variety). If birds or squirrels are helping themselves early, you can cover the heads with a paper bag or mesh to protect them.

                            

                                            P. Kreczkowsi

How to Harvest

Cut the head off the stalk with a few inches of stem still attached. Hang it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated spot until fully cured. Once dry, rub the seeds out with your hand or a stiff brush.

                              

                      P.Kreczkowski

Storing Your Seeds

Keep seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For eating, roast them lightly with a bit of salt. For planting, save only the biggest, healthiest seeds.

Harvesting sunflowers is a satisfying way to enjoy the full cycle of this sunny plant—from seed to bloom, and back to seed again.

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Planting Mums in the Ground After a Pot

Mums, or chrysanthemums, are fall favorites that bring bursts of color when most summer flowers have faded. Many people pick them up in pots from garden centers for quick seasonal décor, but did you know you can extend their life by planting them in the ground?

When your potted mum starts to outgrow its container or finishes blooming indoors, it’s a great time to transition it outside. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole about twice the width of the pot and just as deep. Gently loosen the roots before placing the mum in the hole, then backfill with soil and water thoroughly.

If you’re planting in the fall, don’t worry if the plant doesn’t thrive right away. Focus on keeping it watered until the first frost. In warmer regions, mums may establish well enough to return next year. In colder areas, they’re often treated as annuals, but adding mulch around the base can help protect the roots through winter.

Whether perennial or seasonal, planting mums from pots into your garden beds gives them a chance to shine a little longer and brightens your landscape just when you need that splash of autumn cheer.

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How to Propagate a Mango Tree at Home 🌱🥭

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If you’ve ever enjoyed a sweet, juicy mango and thought, “Wouldn’t it be amazing to grow my own tree?”—you’re not alone! Mangoes are tropical fruit trees that can be propagated in a couple of different ways, either from seed or by grafting. Growing your own mango tree can be a fun and rewarding project, whether you’re aiming for fruit production or just a beautiful, tropical-looking plant in your garden.

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Propagating Mango from Seed

The simplest way to start a mango tree is from seed—the pit inside the fruit you eat. While seed-grown mango trees may take longer to fruit (and sometimes don’t produce the same quality as the parent mango), they’re great for beginners.

Steps for Seed Propagation:

1. Choose a fresh mango seed

Eat a ripe mango and save the pit. Wash off any remaining fruit flesh.

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2. Extract the seed from the husk

The pit is a hard husk that protects the seed. Using a sharp knife, carefully crack it open to reveal the bean-like seed inside.

3. Prepare for germination

Wrap the seed in a damp paper towel, place it in a plastic bag, and keep it warm (around 70–85°F).

Alternatively, you can plant the seed directly in soil, flat side down, about 1 inch deep.

4. Provide warmth and light

Place in a bright, warm location. The seed should sprout in 1–3 weeks.

                               

5. Transplant into a pot or garden

Once roots and a small shoot appear, transplant into a pot with well-draining soil. Over time, you can move it outdoors if your climate is warm.

💡 Tip: Mango trees need a lot of sun, so choose the sunniest spot you can find!

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Propagating Mango by Grafting

If your goal is to get fruit faster and ensure good quality (just like the mango you ate), grafting is the best method. Grafted mango trees can produce fruit in 3–5 years, while seed-grown trees often take 6–10 years.

Common Grafting Methods:

Cleft grafting – A young seedling rootstock is cut and joined with a scion (a branch) from a mature, fruiting mango tree.

Side veneer grafting – The scion is attached to the side of the seedling rootstock.

This method is usually done by more experienced gardeners or nurseries, so many people choose to buy a grafted sapling rather than doing it themselves.

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Caring for Your Young Mango Tree

No matter how you propagate your mango, here’s how to help it thrive:

Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily).

Watering: Deep but infrequent watering. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

Soil: Well-draining soil is essential to avoid root rot.

Pruning: Trim to encourage branching and a strong shape.

Patience: Mango trees take time to mature—but the reward is worth it!

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Final Thoughts

Propagating a mango tree is a fun project that brings a taste of the tropics into your home or garden. Whether you start with a seed for the experience or invest in a grafted tree for quicker fruit, you’ll enjoy the process of nurturing your own mango plant. With plenty of sunshine, care, and patience, you might one day enjoy a homegrown mango right from your backyard.

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Hermit Crabs: Nature’s Quirky Shell Swappers

                       

Hermit crabs are fascinating little creatures that blend charm with an eccentric lifestyle. Unlike true crabs, these crustaceans don’t grow their own shells—they borrow empty ones, usually from sea snails, to protect their soft abdomens. As they grow, they must find larger shells, often competing with others in a kind of seaside game of musical chairs.

Found in both marine and terrestrial environments, hermit crabs are social animals. In the wild, they often live in large colonies, scuttling along beaches or tide pools in search of food and better homes. Their diet is varied, including everything from fruits and vegetables to small bits of fish and detritus.

                      

Pet hermit crabs are surprisingly popular, but they require more care than people often realize. Proper humidity, temperature, and a variety of shells are essential to their health and happiness.

Whether you spot one on a beach or keep one as a pet, hermit crabs offer a fun glimpse into the creativity of evolution—proving that home is where the shell is. 

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Chicory: The Underrated Herb with Big Benefits

                            

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) might not be the flashiest plant in the garden, but it’s packed with history, health benefits, and culinary versatility. With its vibrant blue flowers and deep taproot, chicory has long been used in both medicine and cooking, dating back to ancient Egypt.

                            

One of the most well-known uses of chicory is as a coffee subsititute. Roasted chicory root has a rich, earthy flavor that mimics coffee without the caffeine—a tradition especially popular in New Orleans. But chicory’s benefits go beyond your morning brew. The roots are high in inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that supports gut health, while the leaves—often found in salads like radicchio or endive—are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and K. 

 

 Chicory also thrives in tough conditions, making it a resilient choice for gardeners and a beneficial plant for pollinators. Whether you're sipping it in a warm mug, tossing the leaves into a salad, or admiring its hardy blooms, chicory is a humble herb worth knowing.

                            

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Hemp for Anxiety in Dogs: A Natural Solution

Many dog owners are turning to natural remedies to help soothe their pets' anxiety—and hemp has emerged as a popular choice. Derived from the same plant family as cannabis but without the psychoactive effects of THC, hemp contains beneficial compounds like CBD (cannabidiol), which may promote calmness and balance in dogs.

Anxious behaviors in dogs—such as pacing, barking, or destructive chewing—can stem from separation, loud noises, or new environments. Hemp-based products, especially those containing full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD, interact with a dog’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate mood and stress responses.

Hemp oil or treats formulated specifically for pets are generally well-tolerated and easy to administer. Many pet owners report noticeable improvements in their dogs’ behavior within a few days to a few weeks.

As always, consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement, especially if they’re on medication or have underlying health conditions.

Bottom line: Hemp may offer a gentle, natural way to ease anxiety in dogs, helping them feel more at peace—no sedation required.

Battling Common Garden Pests: Simple Solutions for a Healthier Garden

Gardening can be incredibly rewarding, but nothing puts a damper on your green thumb faster than pests nibbling away at your hard work. Luckily, many common garden pests can be managed with a few simple, natural strategies. Here are some of the usual suspects and how to keep them in check:

1. Aphids

These tiny green, black, or white insects love to cluster on tender new growth, sucking the sap from plants.

Solution: Blast them off with a strong stream of water or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. A spray of diluted dish soap and water also works wonders.

               

                                                                         

2. Slugs and Snails

These slimy pests chew holes in leaves, especially on hostas and lettuce.

Solution: Set out shallow containers of beer to lure and trap them or sprinkle crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around plants to deter them.

                                          

3. Caterpillars

While future butterflies are a beautiful thing, caterpillars can defoliate plants quickly.

Solution: Handpick them when possible or use BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), a natural bacteria that targets caterpillars without harming other insects.

4. Whiteflies

These tiny, moth-like insects hide on the undersides of leaves and cause plants to yellow and wilt.

Solution: Yellow sticky traps help control adult populations. Neem oil is an effective organic spray that disrupts their life cycle.

 

                                                          

5. Spider Mites

Barely visible to the naked eye, these pests cause speckled, yellowing leaves and fine webbing.

Solution: Increase humidity around plants and regularly hose down leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help eliminate them.                     

                                    

A healthy garden is the best defense against pests. Regularly inspect your plants, encourage beneficial insects, and keep your soil and plants thriving. With a little care, you can keep pests at bay and your garden flourishing all season long.

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Picture Time

 

 

Meet Rambos Buck Knife, one of the most beautiful bird dogs I know. He has such an awareness of his surroundings, that its amazing. I have never encountered such an amazing animal to be around and watch him work, hahaha its not work to him.

  

I've known him since he was a few months old. He has the best personality and great character, he's so easy to be around. He never tires of being outdoors and doing what he does best, find birds, even in the tress, hahaha.

As always thanks for looking. 

Pics by P. Kreczkowski courtesy of  Dr Patlen DDS

    

Start now

Seed starter kits, if you will , make growing vegetables easy and fun. 

Decide which type you would like to grow and start your garden .

After putting the planting media in the pots, plant seeds as directed. Provide plenty of water to assure proper germination.

Remember to mark each pot with the corresponding plant, also mark the planting date.

I'll post an update after germination, keep an eye.

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QUICK TIP

                                            Pic.by P. Kreczkowski

Reptiles, since they live in hot climates, tend to retain water for as long as possible, in order to retain moisture in their bodies. In order to accomplish this they don't defecate frequently. As you may know, cleaning up after your Beardy may be a task. They tend to walk the mess around it's enclosure. If you don't see it happen it could be a big chore to clean. I have noticed that when I give my Bearded Dragon a soak, he defecates. I have learned to utilize this to my advantage which helps keep his enclosure clean. I usually give him a soak every week or a little longer, depending on the ambient temp. and humidity.

 This is not something I say you should do, it works for me and it may work for you. 

Always hope you enjoy keeping and having Bearded Dragons.

                                            Pic. by P. Kreczkowski

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Trout Lilies: Spring’s Quiet Forest Jewels

Trout lilies (Erythronium americanum) are one of spring’s most delicate and enchanting wildflowers. Found carpeting the forest floor in eastern North America, these small, yellow, nodding blooms signal the arrival of warmer days.

Named for their speckled, mottled leaves—which resemble the markings on a brook trout—trout lilies are early bloomers that thrive in rich, moist woodland soil. Their leaves often appear weeks before the flowers open, gathering energy from the sun while the trees above are still bare.

Each plant usually produces just one flower, with reflexed yellow petals and a graceful, downturned posture that seems to whisper rather than shout. These ephemeral flowers bloom for only a short time in early spring, making them a treasured sight for hikers and wildflower enthusiasts.

More than just beautiful, trout lilies play a role in the forest ecosystem. They’re pollinated by early bees and their seeds are dispersed by ants—a process known as myrmecochory.

So next time you're wandering a quiet forest trail in early spring, keep an eye low to the ground. You might just spot these subtle, elegant flowers before they disappear for another year.

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Nettle: A Powerful Plant with a Prickly Reputation

                            

Nettle (Urtica dioica), often known as stinging nettle, is a wild herb that many gardeners and hikers learn to recognize the hard way—by brushing against its tiny, hair-like spines that cause a sharp sting. But beyond its prickly exterior lies a powerhouse of nutrition, healing, and ecological value.

For centuries, nettle has been used in herbal medicine to treat everything from joint pain to seasonal allergies. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and calcium, it’s no wonder nettle is often referred to as a superfood. When dried or cooked, its sting disappears, making it a delicious and nutritious addition to soups, teas, and even pesto.

In the garden, nettle serves as an excellent companion plant. It boosts the essential oil production in nearby herbs and is a favorite of beneficial insects like ladybugs. It’s also used to make a natural fertilizer rich in nitrogen—great for leafy plants.

                               

So next time you see nettle, don’t just avoid it—harvest it (carefully!) and put it to good use. This humble weed might just be one of the most useful plants around.

                             

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