Alabama’s state flower is the beautiful Camellia.  It may have only a few petals or it may have many, as in the example shown.  Some Camellias look almost like roses, while others look like giant carnations.  Camellias come in white, many shades of pink, and red.  They may also be lavender, or mottled pink and white.  In the far east, a true yellow camellia is grown.  Camellias are evergreen, a tree, with thick, usually glossy leaves.  Under ideal growing conditions, camellias grow rapidly, sometimes reaching twenty feet.  The Camellia became the official state flower of Alabama in 1999.

  Alaska’s state flower is the modest little Alpine Forget-me-not.  Forget-me-nots are tiny  flowers that grow in clusters, often carpeting the ground in early spring to mid-summer.  They are usually blue or lavender, and more rarely, pink or white.  The forget-me-not, which is a perennial, does best in  moist soil.  It grows well in gardens, preferably in semi-shaded areas.  The seeds form in small pods, which may catch on the clothing of passers- by, and so be spread to new locations.  The Forget-me-not became Alaska’s official state flower in 1917.

  Arizona’s state flower is the Saguaro Cactus.  The cactus blooms for about a month each year, in early spring.  Each evening the blooms appear, at the top of the cactus ‘arms’.  The following day, these blooms will die and the following evening a new batch of blooms will appear.  The individual blooms are about three inches across, and are milky white with golden centers, and a lovely scent.  If the flowers are pollinated, they will produce a luscious fruit with a red center.  This fruit provides food for many birds and desert creatures.  The fruit is sweet and jelly like, and is enjoyed for its taste as well as for its nutritious value.  The Saguaro Cactus became Arizona’s official state flower in 1931.

  Arkansas’s state flower is the Apple Blossom.  These lovely blossoms form in clusters.  The pink outer petals open onto a white interior. Every spring, thousands travel to see the apple trees bloom.   When pollinated, the trees will provide crops of apples, for which the state was once famous.  Today, the United States produces over seven percent of the world’s apples, with Arkansas producing about one percent of the U.S. crop.  The city of Lincoln hosts the states’s annual apple festival.   The Apple Blossom became Arkansas’s state flower in 1901.

  California’s state flower is the California Poppy, also known as the Cup Of Gold.  These dainty flowers are a favorite in gardens and spreads rapidly in wilder areas.  The four-petaled blooms range from yellow to deep orange, each growing on an individual stem.  The foliage is whispy, not unlike carrot greens.  California poppies are drought tolerant and thrive in sandy soils.  A distant relative of the opium poppy, but containing no opium, the California poppy is used in a variety of  herbal medicines.  The seeds are used in cooking.  The California Poppy became California’s state flower in 1903.

  Colorado’s state flower is the Rocky Mountain Columbine.  The Rocky Mountain Columbine blooms in spring, and early summer.  It prefers cooler areas, moist soil, and partial shade.  The outer five pointed petals are sky blue or lavender, and inner five rounded petals are white, or near white.  This delicate flower grows in the wild, but is also easily grown from seed.  The wild plants are protected and must not be removed from their original site.  the Rocky Mountain Columbine became Colorado’s state flower in 1899.

  Connecticut’s state flower is the Mountain Laurel, which is also the state flower of Pennsylvania.  The Mountain Laurel has lovely, large clusters of fragrant, white or pink blossoms, which show well against its glossy thick leaves.  The overlapping petals of the flower present a cup-like appearance until they open into a star.  When growing in the wild, the Mountain Laurel prefers cool, moist, well-drained soil, but it does bloom best in sunny locations.  In Connecticut and the surrounding area, the Mountain Laurel is an evergreen.  The Mountain Laurel became Connecticut’s official state flower in 1907.

  Delaware’s state flower is the Peach Blossom.  Although it no longer is the most famous ‘peach state’, at one time Delaware was the largest producers of peaches in the United States.   It is therefore no surprise that Delaware chose to name the Peach Blossom as its state flower.  Although many orchards were destroyed by peach blight in the early 1900s, peach trees still set out a profusion of beautiful blooms to herald the approach of the Delaware spring.  The Peach Blossom became Delaware’s official state flower in 1953.

  Florida’s state flower is the Orange Blossom.  This is not surprising as Florida produces over seventy percent of the U.S. orange crop.  In spring the orange trees produce clusters of beautifully-fragrant waxy white blossoms, which perfume the air around the orchards.  The orange blossoms, in addition to producing next years orange crop, are also used in the making of perfume, and the orange oil may be used in cleaning products.  Orange trees are evergreens.  They may produce blossoms while still carrying mature fruit.  The Orange Blossom became Florida’s official state flower in 1909.

  Georgia’s state flower is the Cherokee Rose.  The Cherokee Rose is a hardy specimen, a climbing rose, blooming first in the spring, and also, if conditions are favorable, later in the autumn.  The Cherokee rose has waxy white petal, standing out against the glossy green leaves.  Originally from China and Taiwan, the Cherokee Rose got its name, legend has it,  from the Native Americans who distributed the rose widely along the Trail of Tears.  Cultivated vines grow well with minimal care.  They are reminiscent of wild roses, with bristly, rather than thorny, stems.  The Cherokee Rose became Georgia’s official state flower in 1916.

  Hawaii’s state flower is the Puo Aloalo, the Yellow Hibiscus.  These lovely flowers are indigenous to all the islands in Hawaii.  They come in a wide variety of colors, including whites, yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds, and they bloom virtually continuously.  Although many images depict the red hibiscus as the state flower, it is the Yellow Hibiscus that was formally selected as the state flower.  In lower elevations, the bushes still grow wild.  They are also an integral part of many Hawaiian gardens.  The Yellow Hibiscus became Hawaii’s official state flower in 1988.

 Idaho’s state flower is the wild Syringa or Mock Orange.  The Mock Orange is a wild woody shrub, which can grow to a height of more than eight feet.  The name Mock Orange came from the sweet scent of the waxy white flowers, that form in clusters at the end of the branches.  Mock Orange bloom from early spring to mid-summer.  Native Americans used the Syringa wood for weapons, and the bark for soap.  The Syringa or Mock Orange is very distantly related to the Syringa Lilac.  The Mock Orange became Idaho’s state flower in 1931.

  Illinois’s state flower is the modest little Purple Violet.  In 1908, the Purple Violet edged out the wild rose and the golden rod, to become Illinois’s state flower.  The Purple Violet has five petals, and looks similar to a slender viola or pansy.  The plant is a perennial, growing only about six inches tall.  It blooms profusely in the spring, both in the wild, and in cultivated gardens.  The violet prefers rich, moist soil, and lots of sunshine.  Violets are edible and are frequently used as decorations on pastry.  The Purple Violet became the official state flower of Illinois in 1908.

  Indiana’s state flower is the Peony.  Peonies are luscious many petaled white, pink, or red, flowers, growing on perennial bushes from four to six feet tall.  The blooms start as tight round buds, often covered with ants, which are said to facilitate the opening of the bud.  Actually, the ants are just feeding on the sticky substance that covers the buds.  Peonies do best when they are fed well and the soil is aerated. Peonies are spread by root division, though this should be done only to prevent over-crowding.  The Peony became Indiana’s state flower in 1957.

  Iowa’s state flower is the five-petaled, Wild Prairie Rose.  Wild Prairie Roses bloom on small bushes which die down during the winter and grow anew in spring.  The Wild Prairie Rose is a native to Iowa and various other states, as well as several provinces in Canada.  Masses of these roses bloom wild in prairie areas as well as on the outskirts of forests and along roadways.  The Roses come in a variety of white, and pinks.  They do not livelong when picked.  The wild Prairie Rose became Iowa’s official state flower in 1897.

  Kansas’  state flower is the Sunflower.  Sunflowers are huge cheerful yellow blooms that flourish on the sun-laden plains of Kansas.  The Sunflower is actually not just one, but many flowers.  We first notice the cheerful yellow petals, and then the large central head, which is actually made up of hundreds of small brownish flowers, or florets, which mature into the sunflower seeds, loved by humans and animals alike.  Oil from the seeds is popular for cooking and baking.  The head of the Sunflower turns during the day to follow the path of the sun.  The Sunflower became Kansas’ official state flower in 1903.

  Kentucky’s state flower is the Goldenrod.  There are many different species of Goldenrod, but all have similar golden plumes, consisting of hundreds of blossoms, at the end of the stems.  Goldenrod grows wild in sunny areas and blankets large tracts of ground in mid to late summer.  It is a primarily a wild flower, but can easily be cultivated in garden areas, that are sunny and well drained.  Goldenrod grows throughout North America, attracting bees and other pollinators.  It is also the state flower of Nebraska.  The Goldenrod became Kentucky’s official state flower in 1926.

  Louisiana’s state flower is the magnificent Magnolia.  Louisiana’s Magnolia trees are considered evergreens though they do lose some leaves continuously throughout the year.  The fragrant blossoms are large and creamy white, standing out against the glossy green foliage.  Other species do produce pink and red blossoms.  Magnolias can grow to well over forty feet tall.  They need to be planted where their roods can spread without damaging pipes and walkways.  Magnolias are pollinated, not by bees, but by beetles.  The Magnolia became Louisiana’s state flower in 1900.

  Maine’s state flower is the White Pine Cone And Tassel.  The White Pine, which once covered vast portions of northeastern America, was devastated by logging operations.  Now only about one percent of the original forests remain.  The White Pine can reach heights of almost two hundred feet and some specimens have lived for over four hundred years.  Because of their great height and straight trunk, White Pines were once known as mast trees.  To Native Americans they were known as ‘The Tree Of Peace’.   The sap and ‘tar’ of the tree was used by the Natives for medicinal purposes.  The wood is still highly prized.  White Pine Trees have soft bluish-grey needles, and produce clusters of long, slightly curved, slim cones from four to six inches in length.  The needles form the tassel.  The White Pine and Tassel is not a flower, but the history of the tree, in the state of Maine, made it important enough to be chosen as the state ‘flower’.  The white Pine Cone And Tassel became Maine’s state flower in 1895.

  Maryland’s state flower is the Black-eyed Susan.  The Black-eyed Susan thrives in sunny areas throughout North America.  It is a tough little biennial, or short-lived perennial, that requires little attention in order to grow, and spread.  From spring to autumn, Black-eyed Susans brighten fields and roadsides, as well as many gardens,with their brilliant yellow petals.  The plant has many uses in traditional medicine.  The flowers attract bees and butterflies, and in the wild, the plant provides food for deer and other wildlife.  The Black-eyed Susan became Maryland’s state flower in 1918.

  Massachusetts’ state flower is the Trailing Arbutus.  The Trailing Arbutus, also called the Mayflower and Ground Laural, thrives in sandy soil and grows low to the ground, where it puts out long branches which ‘trail’ along the ground.  In early spring, the fragrant waxy white to pink blossoms appear, contrasting pleasingly with its hairy, dark green leaves.  The Trailing Arbutus is an herb, and is used as a diuretic, and to treat infections.  Although primarily a wild flower, the Trailing Arbutus will grow well in gardens, providing it gets lots of shade.  The trailing Arbutus became the official state flower of Massachusetts in 1918.

  Michigan’s state flower is the lovely, fragrant Apple Blossom.  The Apple Blossom was chosen as state flower, by both Arkansas and Michigan.  While Arkansas’s  still produces some apples, Michigan now ranks as one of the three top apple-producing states.  Apple growing plays a vital role in the economy of Michigan.  Many orchards have been family owned for generations, and today’s farmers are dedicated to the production of a healthy crop, grown with concern for the environment and the welfare of orchard workers.  The Apple Blossom became Michigan’s state flower in1897.

  Minnesota’s state flower is the Pink and White Lady’s Slipper.  The Pink and White Lady’s Slipper is a rare little wild flower, protected by Minnesota law, from being picked or unearthed.  Also known as the the Queen’s Lady’s Slipper, the Pink and White Lady’s slipper grows in boggy, but open areas, and is difficult to cultivate away from its natural habitat.  It blooms only in early spring, and a single plant can live up to fifty years.  Loss of habitat makes sightings of the orchid-like little flower, rare.  The Lady’s slipper became the official state flower of Minnesota in 1967.

  Mississippi’s state flower is the Magnolia, as is Louisiana’s.  Both states picture the creamy white Magnolia, though the flowers may also be pink (as above), and red, as well as yellow.  Mississippi Magnolia trees are also deciduous.  They are often called tulip trees because of the shape of the flower as it opens.  The pollen from Magnolias is rich in protein, which attracts the beetles, which in tern pollinate the trees.  Magnolia trees are slow getting started, but once established, they can live for over one hundred years.  The Magnolia became Mississippi’s official state flower in 1952.

  Missouri’s state flower is the Hawthorne.  The Hawthorn produces clusters of white blossoms, similar in appearance to apple blossoms.  The Hawthorn is a small bush or tree.  Once the blossoms have fallen, small apple-like fruit appear, which provide food for birds and small animals.  Missouri is home to over eighty species of Hawthorn.  The Hawthorne became Missouri’s official state flower in 1923.

  Montana’s state flower is the Bitterroot.  Bitterroot is a low growing perennial, bearing single blossoms on the end of leafless stems.  Bitterroot grows in rocky areas, and the blooms appear in early spring.  The flowers are from white to dark pink.  The root is bitter to the taste, but Native Americans made it palatable  by cooking and mashing it together with berries and meat.  They also cleaned and dried the roots, and used them for barter.  The seeds of the Bitterroot provide food for small mammals.  Bitterroot became Montana’s state flower in 1895.

  Nebraska’s state flower is the Goldenrod.  Although mostly seen in its golden form, Goldenrod may also be cream-colored.  Tall stands of Goldenrod can be found in both dry and wet locations, in woodlands, and along long stretches of seashore.  It is a perennial, and, by many, is considered to be a medicinal herb.  It is used, primarily in Europe, as a diuretic and for a variety of infections and digestive system problems.  Native Americans used it boiled, as an antiseptic and for eczema and arthritis.  Unfortunately Goldenrod is one of the primary causes of allergies.  Goldenrod became the official state flower of Nebraska in 1985.

  Nevada’s state flower is the Sagebrush.  Sagebrush is a sturdy little greyish-blue bush or small tree, which bears clusters of yellow flowers in late summer.  It is extremely heat tolerant and thrives in the dry areas of the west.  Normally the fragrant Sagebrush is only a few feet in height, but in wet areas it can increase to ten feet in size.  Sagebrush is a perennial evergreen and acts as a food source for both wild and domesticated animals.  Native Americans used Sagebrush for medicinal purposes.  The Sagebrush became Nevada’s official state flower in 1967.

  New Hampshire’s state flower is the Purple Lilac.  The Purple Lilac is a large bush, that puts out cylindrical clusters of very fragrant blossoms in early spring.  Lilacs can be pruned into hedges or left to grow into small trees, which can reach heights of over thirty feet. They are very hardy and can live for hundreds of years.  The wood of the Lilac is extremely hard and has been used in the making of musical instruments.  Lilacs came originally from Europe, and are now one of the nations most popular garden residents.  In addition to purple, lilacs also come in white, yellow, pink, and lavender, though the deep purple and lavender are by far the most popular.  Lilac wood is excellent for carving and the flowers are used in the making of perfume.  The flowers are edible, and also have medicinal value.  The Purple Lilac became New Hampshire’s official state flower in 1919.

  New Jersey’s state flower is the Purple Violet.  Violets bloom in early spring and prefer rich, moist, shaded soil.  These tiny gems are among the first harbingers of spring.  Although primarily a wild flower, Violets will do well in any shady garden corner.  They spread quickly, but can be controlled by thinning.  Violets are often used to decorate  baked goods, and the leave are used in salads.  There are hundreds of different species of Violets, which come in shades of violet, as well as white, and yellow.  Most species thrive outdoors.  The species that thrives best indoors is the African violet.  Some consider the purple Violet a symbol of love, and the white Violet a symbol of innocence.  The Violet became New Jersey’s official state flower in 1971.

  New Mexico’s state flower is the Yucca Flower.  There are many different types of Yucca, which may thrive in hot, dry dessert areas, in many gardens, and also indoors.  New Mexico’s Yucca Flowers grow on the end of tall erect stems of the  sturdy perennial Yucca Plant.  Before opening, the creamy white blossoms have a tulip shape.  They hang like beautiful bells from high above the sword-like foliage.  The buds open into large six petaled blossoms, which are often used as decorative garnishes.  The flowers, and fruit, of some Yuccas, may be eaten raw or fried, the leaves used for weaving, and the roots used for making soap.  The Yucca Flower became New Mexico’s state flower in 1927.

  New York’s state flower is the Rose.  The Rose is the most-loved of all flowers.  There are literally hundreds of varieties of Roses, wild, cultivated, miniature, climbing, and bush, of every imaginable size and color, even blue.  Roses bloom from early spring to late autumn.  In some areas, there are species that will produce blossoms year round.  Although some Rose have little scent, most have a heavenly scent that, once inhaled, is never forgotten.  To most, the Rose is a symbol of love, evidenced by the fact that it is the most common gift given at Valentines Day.  The Rose became New York’s state flower in 1955.

  North Carolina’s state flower is the American Dogwood.  The American Dogwood is a small deciduous tree, wider that it is tall.  The Dogwood grows best in moist soil, in an area, where it gets equal parts of sun and shade.  Although the flowers of the American Dogwood are small, they show up beautifully against the tree’s dark green leaves.  Dogwood blossoms appear in small and greenish clusters, but each cluster is surrounded by four snowy white, or occasionally pink bracts (specialized leaves), often mistaken for flower petals.  The fruit of the Dogwood provides food for birds and small animals.  The American Dogwood is also the state flower of Virginia.  The American Dogwood became North Carolina’s state flower in 1941.

  North Dakota’s state flower is the Wild Prairie Rose, as is Iowa’s.  Wild Prairie Roses bloom in profusion in fields, meadows, and along roadsides.  The study little rose blooms in clusters, low to the ground, from early spring throughout the summer.  The flower has five pink to deep rose petals and a profusion of stamens.  The stems are without thorns, and the flower does have a strong rose scent.  The petals can be eaten or used as a garnish.  Wild Prairie Rose hips, like all rose hips, are rich in vitamin C.  The Wild Prairie Rose became North Dakota’s state flower in 1907.

  Ohio’s state flower is the Scarlett Carnation.  The Scarlet Carnation, the Lamborn Red, looks almost like a small rose except that the petals are serrated.  Carnations are a cultivated flower with a lovely scent, and are beautiful in their natural state or as a cut flower.  The Red Carnation was chosen as the state flower in honor of President William McKinley, governor of Ohio and later 25th president of the United States.  President McKinley loved the Scarlet Carnation, he once received from it’s propagator Dr. Levi Lamborn, after whom the carnation was named.  The President always chose the Scarlet Carnation as a boutonniere, and it is said that he was wearing one on the day of his assassination in 1901.  The Scarlett Carnation became Ohio’s state flower in 1904.

  Oklahoma’s state flower is the Oklahoma Rose.  The Oklahoma Rose is a heavily-petaled dark-red tea rose, with a strong fragrance.  The blooms are large and the petals are so dark, that at times they appear almost black.  In 2004, the Oklahoma Rose replaced the previously chosen mistletoe as the state flower.  It is an extremely hardy rose, resistant to a variety of common rose diseases.  The Oklahoma Rose became Oklahoma’s state flower in 2004.

  Oregon’s state flower is the Oregon Grape.  The Oregon Grape is a tall evergreen bush with dark, glossy, holly-like leaves.  In the late spring it produces clusters of bright yellow blossoms that will later produce the purple to blue berries – not true grapes – that give it it’s name.  The berries, which attract a variety of wildlife, can be used in the making of wines, jams, and jellies.  The Oregon Grape is native to coastal regions from British Columbia, in Canada, to the northern parts of California.  Herbalists use parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.  The Oregon Grape became Oregon’s state flower in 1899.

  Pennsylvania’s state flower is the Mountain Laural, as is that of Connecticut.  The clusters of flowers, which appear in early spring, and continue into late summer, are from white to pink and almost red, and show beautifully against the dark leathery leaves.  The Mountain Laural is poisonous to livestock.  It is related to the rhododendron.  Although most appreciated in the wild, the popular state flower is often used for landscaping.  In spite of the fact that the Mountain Laural is used for medicinal reasons, caution is necessary as it has some unfavorable interactions.  The Mountain Laurel became Pennsylvania’s state flower in 1933.

  Rhode Island’s state flower is the Common Blue Violet, as is New Jersey’s.  Violets, which are commonly blue, but may also be purple, yellow or white, have been cultivated since around 500 B.C. , when a crown of Violets was thought to prevent headache.   Parts of the plant are still considered to have medicinal properties and are used to combat pain, as an expectorant, and an antiseptic.  The plant provides food for a variety of insect and animals.  Both the flowers and the leave can be consumed by humans.  The flower is also used in the making of perfume, as well as to flavor foods.  The Violet became the state flower of Rhode Island in 1968.

  South Carolina’s state flower is the Yellow Jessamine.  The Yellow Jessamine is an evergreen vine that produces clusters of yellow trumpet-shaped flowers.  Although butterflies are attracted to the fragrant blossoms, all parts of the plant are poisonous to livestock.  Growing best in full sun, the plant is used both as a climber, as well as in ground cover.  The oil from the plant is used in perfume, as it’s scent is virtually impossible to duplicate artificially.  Yellow Jessamine blooms in very early spring.  The Yellow Jessamine became the state flower of South Carolina in 1924.

  South Dakota’s state flower is the Pasque Flower.  The Pasque Flower is a bell-shaped wild flower that ranges in color from white to dark purple, always with a ring of copious bright yellow stamens.  The perennial grows low to the ground, in early spring, and prefers south-facing slopes.  It is plentiful throughout the west from the northern United States to Alaska.  The Pasque Flower is also known as the prairie crocus or prairie smoke, because the hairy stems and leaves give a smoky appearance when the plants grow in groups.  The Pasque Flower is used in herbal medicines.  The Pasque Flower became the state flower of South Dakota in 1903.

  Tennessee’s state flower is the Iris.  There are well over one hundred species of Iris, which come in many colors, white, yellows, pink, red, green, lavender to dark purple, blue, and brown.  Some Iris are more than one color.  Although the petals may be frilled in different manners, the form of the flower is always the same, with three petals hanging down, and three standing erect.  Growing from a bulb-like root, the Iris appear in early spring, each erect stem producing upwards of five flowers.  One of the most popular cultivated flowers, the Iris lasts well as a cut flower.   The Iris became the state flower of Tennessee in 1933.

  Texas’s state flower is the Bluebonnet.  In early spring, Bluebonnets blanket roadsides and fields throughout the state of Texas, as well as other southwestern states.  Extremely drought tolerant, Bluebonnets need well-drained soil to thrive.  Masses of blossoms coat the tall central stem, with those at the top of the stalk fading to white.  Bluebonnets also come in deep pink, again fading to white at the top of the stalk.  Looking at the flowers individually, they do look like tiny blue ladies’ bonnets.  Although the germination of Bluebonnet seeds ‘in captivity’ is only about 20 %, Texas Bluebonnets can be grown in home gardens, providing the soil is well drained, the seeds are sown in the late fall, and lightly covered with soil, and providing the gardener has patience.  The Bluebonnet became the state flower of Texas in 1901.

  Utah’s state flower is the Sego Lily.  Tulip-like Sego Lilies, also called Mariposa Lilies, appear in early spring.  Each plant produces only a single creamy white blossom on its upright stem.  The central part of each of its three petals is beautifully marked in purple and gold, or red and gold.  Yellow Sego Lilies are also common.  The bulbs of Sego Lilies are eaten by small rodents, and sheep and cattle graze on the foliage.  The bulb is palatable and in times past has proven to be a precious food source to pioneers in the area. The Sego Lily became Utah’s state flower in 1911.

  Vermont’s state flower is the Red Clover.  Red Clover is actually a dome-like cluster of many lovely pink or red flowers, which grow at the end of each erect stem.  The plant is only about six to eight inches tall and each cluster of flowers is no more than an inch wide.  Grown throughout the northern states as a fodder for livestock, Red Clover has proven to be a rich source of protein and other nutrients.  In addition to its value as animal food, Red Clover has proven to have a variety of medicinal properties, for which the blossoms are picked and dried.  Although Red Clover is a valuable crop for a variety of reasons, it still grows wild throughout the fields and along the roadsides of Vermont, adding color and beauty to the spring landscape.  Red Clover became Vermont’s state flower in 1895.

  Virginia’s state flower is the American Dogwood, as it is the state flower of North Carolina.   The Dogwood Tree has a distinct bark, that looks more like stacked irregularly shaped blocks that it does conventional bark.  It is by this bark that the Dogwood can be distinguished from any other tree.  When the small flowers at the center of the four bracts are fertilized, they will produce small green fruit, which ripen to red in the autumn.  Although most think of Dogwood as white, many are red, as seen above.  The American Dogwood became Virginia’s state flower in 1918.

  Washington’s state flower is the Rhododendron Macrophyllum, also called the Coast Rhododendron.   This Rhododendron, growing at the edge of forests or in deforested areas, is  considered a large bush, or a small tree.  It is an evergreen that blooms in the early spring to mid-summer, with large clusters of pink to violet flowers showing well against the large, smooth, leather-like leaves.  Coast Rhododendrons can be found from the west coast of Canada, south to California.  Rhododendrons are considered toxic to both humans and wildlife.  It is illegal to uproot the coast Rhododendron.  The Rhododendron Macrophyllum became Washington’s state flower in 1959.

West Virginia’s state flower is the Rhododendron Maximum, also called the Great Laural.  This Rhododendron is a large evergreen bush, which can grow to well over thirty feet.  They flourish in the wild as well as in home gardens.  Blooming in early spring to mid summer, the clusters of flowers are large, closely packed, and showy.  Wildly blooming bushes may have flowers in white, pink, or violet.  There is also a cultivated variety of purple Rhododendron Maximum.  While this bush affords protection for small mammals, it is also toxic if ingested.  The Rhododendron Maximum became West Virginia’s state flower in 19o3.

  Wisconsin’s state flower is the Wood Violet.  Violets are most commonly purple, but they can also appear in blue, white and yellow.  Violets are one of the first flowers to appear in early spring and are a joy to hikers and gardeners alike.  In the home garden, Violets prefer a shady corner, with moist, but well-drained, soil.  The tiny blossoms stand on upright stems, above a bed of dark green (edible) leaves.  Violet leaves add nutrition to a green salad.  They are also eaten cooked, like early spinach.  The Wood violet became Wisconsin’s state flower in 1949.

 Wyoming’s state flower is the Indian Paintbrush.  The brilliant scarlet of the flower, also aptly called Prairie Fire, shows that spring is well on its way.   What appears as the petals of the flower are actually bracts, that hide the real flowers, which are tiny and green.  Indian Paintbrush is a partly-parasitic plant, living on the roots of other plants that grows in rocky areas of scrub.  Because their life depends on the roots of other plants, Indian Paintbrush is almost impossible to transplant.  Usually associated with the color red, Indian Paintbrush can also occur in yellow, orange, or purple.  Indian Paintbrush was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, and for washing hair.  The Indian Paintbrush became Wyoming’s state flower in  1917.

This weekend my wife and I decided to make a version of a cinder block planter wall for succulents that we had once seen in the courtyard of a coffee shop in Austin, Texas. We made this DIY cinder block planter wall or cement block wall, in about four hours, not including the time spent going to the home improvement store to buy the cinder blocks, paint and plants. The total cost for this cinderblock divider wall was only about $140. We built this simple concrete planter wall to provide shade, privacy and a place to place plants on our front porch. It was placed in an open space between two columns on a stained concrete front porch. It was a relatively easy project that required a minimum of tools and materials. Below is a photo of the completed cement block  planter wall. It is not perfect, and there are a few things that I would have done differently, (such as taking more care in laying the blocks,) but overall we were pleased with the results and the value for the money spent. This DIY cinder block planter / privacy wall measures approximately 5′ wide by 6.5′ tall. It consists of 40 cinder blocks.

You May Click On Any Of The Photos Below To Enlarge

Here are the materials you will need to build a cinder block planter wall of similar size:

                                            Materials

• 40 cement 15 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ blocks. (Sometimes these are referred to as “cinder blocks.” ($1.30 each.)
• 4 Large tubes of Loctite PL375 adhesive and a large caulking gun. ($5.00 per tube.)
• 1 bag of mortar to level the surface, if needed. Otherwise, use PL375 to glue blocks down. ($8.00.)
• 2 cans (1 box) of Synta Deck Restore, tinted to the color of your choice. ($39.00.) If you want to hide the block seams, buy an extra kit of Deck Restore and do another coat.
• 14 plastic terra cotta color pots. ($1.75)
• 14 various succulents. (Average of less than $1.00 each.) Tip: Buy a large pre – potted planter that has several type of succulents and break them apart to save money.
• Metal “L brackets” to secure wall to wood posts at 2′ intervals.
• Masonry screw anchors.

                                        Tools

• Large size caulking gun.
• Masonry trowel
• Paint roller handle.
• Tub to mix mortar in, if mortar is needed to level base.
• Medium size paintbrush.
• Rough paint roller.
• 4′ level
• Gloves
• Drop cloth or plastic sheeting.
• Drill and masonry bit.

Cinder Block Planter Wall Instructions:

Measure the length of the area in which you want to build your cinder block planter wall and decide what height you want to make it. ( Important Note: I do not recommend using this method to build a 6.5′ free standing wall out in the open. These instructions are for a wall that is held captive, or which fits up against, or within a structure to help support it.) If your planter wall is going to be out in the open, where it could potentially be knocked over by someone placing all of their weight against it, you need to use a different building method in which you have re-bar coming up out of a new cement foundation to help hold the blocks in place.

Next, divide the length of the area where your wall will go by 15.5″. This will give you roughly the number of blocks needed for each course. The actual number of blocks will depend on how many blocks jutting out from the wall you desire, and if you want planters on both sides of the wall, as we made ours.  Next, draw a rough sketch of how you want your planter to look, and how you plan to lay your blocks. You may want to lay the blocks dry, and experiment before doing anything permanent.

Start by making sure that the base is level. (Hint: This is the key to the whole project.)  If you do not have a concrete base to lay the first course of cinder blocks on, you will have to build a form and pour a level base. These instructions assume that you are going to be building your wall on an existing concrete base. Next, if you need to level the foundation, mix up a batch or mortar and use your trowel to lay a course of mortar. If you don’t need to use mortar, then lay a generous bed of PL375 to glue the blocks down.

(Click On Photos To Enlarge.)

Apply a generous amount of PL375 adhesive beneath and between the blocks as you go. Also use it to caulk the seams on the outsides of the wall. Wipe off any excess before it dries and tap errant blocks into place before it hardens. You will find that blocks jutted out will not stand in place on their own. Place another concrete block  on top of them to hold them down until the adhesive dries. Having a helper to hold jutted out cinder blocks in place while you lay the next course is a plus. As you lay each course of blocks, try to stagger them so that there is a 1/2 block lying over each seam below it. This is not always possible. Some home improvement stores sell 1/2 cinder blocks, which can come in very handy to achieve this.

We decided not to put bottoms in our cinder block planters. Instead, we used plastic “terra cotta” pots which fit snugly in the holes. If you wish to put a bottom in the blocks, you can cut sections of concrete pavers using a masonry saw, and glue them into the bottom of the block. Although not seen in the photo, the wall was secured to the wood post on the left and the rock wall on the right using “L” brackets and masonry screws at 2′ intervals to prevent it from being knocked over.

Disclaimer: Always follow your local building codes and proper building procedures for your area. These instructions are provided for idea purposes only and will not apply to all circumstances where a more secure method of supporting the wall is required.

Just one more tip: We used a Lowes 10% off coupon at Home Depot to save about $15 on our project. You can buy these for about a buck each here on eBay: Buy Project Starter Coupons

Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions on how this project worked out for you, and what improvements you made to it. Have fun!

The first question someone might have after reading a title such as “The Best Multipurpose Lens for the Nikon D800″  is “who is this guy,” and “how can someone make such a broad recommendation?” First off, I don’t own a photography studio or have a room full of thousands of dollars worth of cameras and gear. Every piece of photographic equipment in my collection was obtained the hard way, by scrimping and saving for it over a long period of time. When I want to buy something that costs more than a couple hundred dollars, I ask a lot of questions, wait a while, and then ask some more before finally making a purchase. I am a semi-professional photographer with about thirty years of experience using film and digital. In the last 10 years or so I’ve used  both Canon and Nikon DSLR’s, (A Canon 40D, Nikon D700 and more recently a Nikon D800.)  I shoot nature photography,  landscapes, occasionally sports  and a few portraits. I  have owned a Nikon D700 for couple years, and I was fortunate enough to be one of the early recipients of the new Nikon D800. It is far and away the best camera I’ve ever had the chance to use, although it’s so feature-rich that I sometimes feel overwhelmed by it, sort of like I felt when I first began learning how to sail a boat a few years ago.  Although a good photographer can take great photos with almost any good quality SLR camera, the D800′s incredible 36.3 MP resolution and versatility make it the perfect camera for me.  Anyway, I’m just a guy with a camera and an opinion on what might be the best overall “walking around” or multipurpose lens for the Nikon D800 camera.

I apologize for the “semi-deceptive” title, since there is really no one single best lens for the Nikon D 800 that will suit the needs of every photographer. I actually own three lenses that I use with my Nikon.  Those lenses are a Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4G prime lens,  a Nikkor AF-S 28-300 f/3.5-5.6G  ED VR and a Nikkor AF-S  70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR 2, that I sometimes use with a Nikon 1.7X teleconverter.  The 50mm f/1.4 is the lens I use most for low light, indoor photography and the 70-200mm f/2.8 is my preferred choice for landscape and wildlife photography. The photo of the Javelina or collared peccary mother and baby was taken with the Nikkor AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. (Hopefully I have not butchered any lens model numbers too badly, there are a lot of characters!)

OK, here it is, if I had to grab one lens that I was going to take on vacation or out on a long walking photo trip, and use it solely, I would have to say that the best choice for overall versatility would be the Nikkor AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR.  That’s not to say that I wouldn’t miss the ability of the 50mm prime to take great indoor photos without a flash, or the 70-200mm f/2.8′s ability to use for action shots in lower light, or its ability to still take great daytime wildlife photos when teleconverted to a f/4.0 340mm.  I know that real professional photographers will always have a bag of lenses available for every situation, but sometimes to get the shot that you want, you have to leave the goodie bag behind. My wife and I hiked around Chaco Culture National Historical Monument this past summer when it was well over 100°. Carrying enough water to stay hydrated, along with my camera, tripod and one lens proved to be all that I could manage.

The Nikkor AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR. Click image for details

Some may find that the Nikkor AF-S  70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR 2 lens’ counterpart, the Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f2.8G ED  lens to be a better choice. This lens is on my Christmas wish list.  (Yes I know that it’s April.) This is a very nice lens, but since I would invariably come across something that I needed to zoom in on when taking my “one lens walking photo safari”, I would miss the 300mm capability.  That being said, this is my next lens and she WILL be mine!

I would have say that in my humble opinion, for those just getting the camera and whose credit card is already maxed out after the $3,000 price tag of the D800, the overall best lens for the Nikon D800 in terms of versatility would be the Nikkor 28-300 AF-S f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR.  Unfortunately this lens is in such high demand that is on back-order at most photo sites and camera shops.  According to one local camera shop in Austin, Texas that I spoke to, the single biggest reason that this lens is currently hard-to-find is that so many new Nikon D800 buyers are pairing this lens with that particular camera. Hopefully Nikon will step up production and shipping to solve this problem.

The Nikkor 28-300 AF-S f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR can take decent low light photos when hand held, if you bump up the ISO, as I did in this one of ducks on a high line wire in the early morning.

Thanks for reading my article. I hope it was useful.   Nolan Hart

In the Eagle Ford Shale, as well as in other new oil and gas producing areas across the United States, drilling rigs,  such as the one seen in the photo below, produce drill bit cuttings and drilling fluid waste material that must be disposed of  by some means.  One method of disposing of drilling mud and other  oilfield waste from Eagle  Ford Shale wells is a method called land farming or “landfarming.”  This process uses bio-remediation,  which includes allowing naturally occurring and introduced microbes, (bacteria,)  water,  temperature and sunlight to break down oilfield waste material.  A “landfarm facility” means a facility or part of a facility at which solid wastes are treated and disposed by incorporation of the materials into the existing soils.  These facilities are normally temporary in nature and  the land  is usually removed from agricultural use for a period of time as prescribed by agencies such as the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates land farming in Texas. Below is a photo of a drilling rig in the Eagle Ford shale discharging rock cuttings into a temporary holding pond. This pit appears to be unlined and the drilling mud water – based.

 Click on Image to View at Full Size

The  process of land farming of oil and gas drilling waste materials is controversial, yet it is highly profitable for disposal companies and landowners who sign leases with them.  Landowners who sign leases with a landfarming  company, or company that specializes in disposing of Eagle  Ford Shale oilfield waste, may receive over a thousand dollars per acre. There have been concerns about groundwater contamination from landfarming  operations  in Texas, such as the proposed Texas Energy Services landfarm near San Ygnacio in Zapata county.  Residents there  recently  met at the  Martinez Civic Center  to voice their concerns and opinions about the proposed oilfield waste disposal facility near their community.   One thing that concerns  some neighboring landowners is whether a landfarm site will be  regularly monitored for the presence of unauthorized chemicals  and runoff. Also,  if the site is deemed at some point in the future  to be contaminated with toxic waste, will this cause a reduction in neighboring property values?  Regardless of these very valid concerns, landfarming has a  history of success in treating oilfield hydrocarbon waste material, such as drill bit cuttings and waste drilling mud.  Among the concerns listed by landowners regarding Eagle Ford Shale land farming operations are the following:

•  Will the landfarming operation be used to simply dilute contaminants?  If the contaminant cannot be broken down by biodegradation, land farming should not be used.
•  Dust control is an important consideration during the  soil tilling process.  How much dust will be created by an  oilfield waste landfarming facility?
•  The conditions that affect the breakdown of oilfield waste in land farming operations, such as  rainfall  and temperature, are largely unpredictable.  Could this mean that a landfarm  may still contain waste material after several years, if for example there is a drought?
• Many  oilfield waste products including  drill bit cuttings contain some volatile organic compounds  such as diesel and other hydrocarbons that  may transfer to the atmosphere before they can be degraded.  Will the proposed landfarm facility generate noxious odors?
•  Does  Statewide Rule 8.  have too many loopholes? For example, must adjacent property owners  be notified if it is considered “a small operation.” Furthermore, if the operator divides a large landfarm up into small plats can the operation then be conducted using only “minor permits,” which require less oversight?

On the surface, (no pun intended,) landfarming is an effective process that will continue to be used by the  oil and gas industry in Texas to dispose of oilfield waste material such as drilling mud.  Proper, scheduled testing of these facilities should be made a priority  by Texas regulatory agencies to  help allay the fears of residents and property owners  living near new  Eagle Ford Shale landfarms.

Each year the Texas Department of Public Safety retires patrol cars such as Mustang Interceptors  and Crown Victorias.   In addition the Texas DPS sells at online auction hundreds of items ranging from electric staplers to drivers license photo cameras. How do you buy used  DPS patrol cars or other surplus from Texas governmental agencies?  Almost all of the surplus from the state of Texas  is  handled by the Texas Facilities Commission  and sold either at public auctions or on online auction sites such as eBay. Not all property owned by the state of Texas can be purchased by private individuals. Some items are available for sale only to educational  and nonprofit organizations.  Remember the scene in  the cult classic  “The Blues Brothers,”  Where Dan Aykroyd  is describing the Bluesmobile? “It’s got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks. It’s a model made before catalytic converters so it’ll run good on regular gas.”  Such classic  cars as the Dodge 440 Monaco sedan  are no longer available at Texas DPS auctions, but you may be able to find a Mustang Interceptor that will have been tuned down for civilian use.  Items  such as patrol car light bars, sirens, gun holsters and  DPS  radios will all have been removed before the cars  go to auction. To buy used Texas Department of Public safety vehicles and other items you may want to visit their official eBay site here. Texas DPS eBay Auction    which is handled by CDN Systems.
There you can find items such as signal analyzers,  mini anemometers, executive desks, and even refrigerant recovery systems for a fraction of their original cost. Many car buyers who are looking for used Texas DPS Mustangs or fleet vehicles prefer to see them in person.  Below are listed some of the facilities where the Texas DPS sells their used patrol vehicles.

Retired DPS cruisers are sold at auction without warranty or guarantees. Although most do not carry a salvage title per se, many have seen extreme use and some have been in collisions.  Custom  built Ford Mustangs and other Texas DPS vehicles can still offer the lucky bidder thousands of miles of trouble-free driving in a car that’s a step above an “off-the-shelf” model. Good luck on getting a Carfax report on a used Texas DPS Mustang!    Bidders at Texas DPS car auctions will  generally be required to provide proof of financial responsibility and other credentials before joining the auction. Prices on items  in the Texas facilities commission’s  storefront are generally negotiable and volume discounts are available.

If you found this page you may have some interest in the independent American oil and gas industry. Did you know that of all the oil produced in the United States, one out of every six barrels is produced  from what is known as a “stripper well?”  The IRS classifies a  stripper oil well as one producing ten barrels or less per day.  Most of these aging, marginal oil wells belong to small, privately owned oil and gas companies. Many were acquired from larger energy companies who at some point sold the declining wells, considering them not worth the effort and expense to operate.  These old U.S. oil wells, some of which were were drilled as far back as the 1800′s, are still producing enough crude oil to make them worthwhile for small companies to keep operating. Some of these wells are as old as the U.S. petroleum industry itself. In fact, the oldest stripper oil well in the United States is now more than 150 years old. The McClintock Well No. 1 is a  620′ deep oil well located near  Rouseville, PA. It is still producing 7 to 10 barrels of oil  a day, every other month. (It is allowed to sit idle for a period of time between production cycles, while more oil flows from the rock formation back into the area around the wellbore.)  With crude prices at more than $100 a barrel, this historic oil well is still making its owners quite a bit of money, even after all these years.  This oldest producing U.S. oil well is located about 14 miles from Titusville, PA, site of the world’s first oil well, the Drake well, which was drilled in 1859.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are about 420,000 stripper wells in the United States. Most marginal oil wells are located in the lower 48 states.  Additionally, there are about 296,000 stripper gas wells in the U.S. The IRS classifies a stripper gas well as one that makes less than 75,000 cubic feet of gas a day.  These little gas wells account for nearly 10% of total U.S. natural gas production annually. The majority of these older wells are located in the following states:

Click On Any Image Below To View At Full Size

Below are some photos of stripper oil wells in the Luling field of Texas. Most were drilled in the 1920′s using conventional rotary drilling, as well as  with older cable tool rigs.

Photos Courtesy Of Energyindustryphotos.com All Rights Reserved

Below,  a small stripper well running on an electric motor in the Luling field.  This Texas oilfield was discovered in the 1920s by wildcatter Edgar B. Davis.  There are still quite a few wells producing in this old oilfield, however production amounts are now dwarfed by  the larger Eagle Ford Shale wells being drilled just to the south of Caldwell and Guadalupe counties.

  More Statistics On Stripper Oil and Gas Wells in the United States

According to the US Department of Energy, in 2008 there were approximately 296,000 stripper gas wells in the United States producing  2,000,000,000,000 ft.³  (two trillion cubic feet,) of natural gas a year, or enough to power twenty-five million homes.  It was estimated in 2008 that  stripper wells  produced enough oil to fuel more than half of the jet planes flying in the United States.  Since  these statistics were released in 2008,  a monumental shift in U.S. oil production has occurred, thanks to the development of the technologies of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.  Now, because of the incredible amount of oil being produced by new fields such as the Eagle Ford Shale and Bakken shale,  stripper wells  account for an even smaller portion of total US oil production.  Nevertheless, these small  wells are an important part of domestic oil and gas production as a whole. Many stripper wells become  in danger of being plugged or capped when oil prices fall to levels were small independent oil companies can no longer justify operating them.  When this happens, anywhere from 1/2 to 2/3  of the recoverable oil that the well could have ultimately produced  is left in the ground forever. It  has been estimated that between 1994 and 2003, more than  142,000 marginal oil and gas wells in the U.S.  were  plugged and abandoned. This has resulted in a loss of revenue  of more than more than $3 billion, and contributed to an increased reliance on imported oil.  A number of agencies  are working to help improve the productivity of marginal oil and gas wells and keep them from being plugged.   One of these agencies is the The Stripper Well Consortium, an industry-driven entity managed by the Pennsylvania State University.   One of the successes of this consortium has been the Gas Operated Automatic Lift pump or (GOAL,) which was co-developed with Brandywine Energy and Development Company.   This device uses the pressure of  gas moving into the bottom of the well to help force liquids out,  increasing the amount of both oil and gas produced by a small stripper well. Another invention that is helping improve oil recovery and efficiency of stripper wells goes by the acronym of “MEOWS.” That stands for Marginal Expense Oilwell Wireless Surveillance”. (They must have a lot of fun in the acronym department at the D.O.E.!)  Developed with funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) and managed by DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, MEOWS allows owners of small oil wells monitor their pumpjacks and determine when underground flow rates have decreased to the point where the pumpjack should be shut off, to save the pump rods, electricity, etc., and allow the oil in the wellbore to recover.  Another agency that is working to improve marginal oil and gas well productivity is  the  Department of Energy’s  Rocky Mountain Oilfield Test Center, located at Teapot Dome near Casper Wyoming.

Many marginal oil and gas fields, such as the one seen in the photo above, are utilizing a technology known as “enhanced oil recovery,” or  “secondary recovery,”  to help increase production. Secondary recovery techniques include injecting CO2 gas or steam underground to force out more oil and gas, as well as drilling horizontal wells  to  better drain old fields.   More about secondary recovery techniques in oil and gas can be seen here What is Secondary Recovery In The Oil Industry?

Herb butter are simple to make and add great flavor to virtually any cooked meat.  They can also be added to pastas, eggs, and even spread on toast for a unique and delightful flavor treat.  Herb butter are usually made with few ingredients, just enough to bind the herbs and bring out their natural aroma.

To make herb butters, the butter must be at room temperature, never melted.  The butters can be stored in the refrigerator, but should be brought to room temperature before using.  You can use both salted and unsalted butter.  Wash and dry your herbs before use, and eliminate as much stem as possible.  I will give the proportions that I use, but these may be varied to suite your taste.  You can also experiment by adding spices to your butters.

Here are the recipes for six of the most popular herb butters.

WATERCRESS BUTTER

This is especially good on both grilled meats and fish.

In a food processor, pulse 1/4 pound of watercress, until finely chopped.  Add 1/4 pound of softened butter and 2 teaspoons lemon juice.  Beat until smooth.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Use immediately or chill until wanted.  This butter, and all other butters, can be rolled and sliced for a more elegant presentation.

PARSLEY BUTTER

This is especially good on fish or pasta. Parsley can easily be finely chopped, but pulse it if you wish.

Finely chop or pulse 2 tablespoons parley.  Mash this together with 1/4 cup of softened butter, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.  Add Salt and pepper to taste.

SNAIL BUTTER

This is another form of parsley butter that is traditionally served with snails, but is also good with chicken, and of course, fish.  It should be made several days before needed so that the flavors can properly blend.

Finely chop or pulse 1/4 cup parsley.  Mash this with 1/4 cup butter, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and 4 large cloves of very finely chopped or mashed garlic.  Salt and pepper to taste.

TARRAGON BUTTER

Tarragon butter is delicious with any type of fish as well as on roasted vegetables and pasta.

Chop 4 tablespoons of tarragon as fine as possible.  Mash it together with 1/4 cup of butter and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.  Salt and pepper to taste.

OREGANO BUTTER

This flavorful butter is simple to make and tastes great on chicken, and pasta.  It is also good with roasted vegetables and corn on the cob.

Mash two tablespoons or fresh oregano with 1/4 cup of butter.  Salt and pepper to taste.  If you like the flavor of garlic, try adding three or four  mashed cloves,  just before salting.

MONTPELLIER BUTTER

This is the most complicated of the butters listed, but is well worth the effort.  It is traditionally served with meats and fish, but it is also delicious on toast.  This is another butter that is best made a few days before needed.   It is best not to omit any ingredient, but the amounts can be varied slightly to appeal to individual tastes.

Chop the following ingredients, and drop them into a small saucepan of boiling water.

2 shallots

1 tablespoon parsley

1 tablespoon cilantro

1 tablespoon chives

1 tablespoon spinach, and

1 tablespoon tarragon

Blanch these for one minute.  Rinse quickly with cold water and press dry with paper towels.

Blend this herb mixture together with the following.

2 drained anchovy fillets

1 small chopped dill pickle

1 tablespoon of drained capers

1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1 large crushed clove of garlic, and

1/2 cup softened butter

Blend until smooth, and then, with the motor running at low, drizzle in 3 tablespoons of virgin olive oil.  Continue to mix until fully blended.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Stir in 2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar, and if you wish, a few drops of Tabasco sauce.

It is hard to find any accurate statistics on the number of people injured each year by oilfield equipment such as pumpjacks, but sadly this kind of accident is on the rise as oil and gas drilling begins to move closer toward cities. Oilfield pumpjacks or pumping units may use large pulleys, gears and other moving parts, all of which can severely injure people who may come into contact with them. Children are naturally attracted to oilfield pumpjacks, and they may want to try and climb on them. Even if the unit is off, it may be on a timer, and could start up without warning. In 2009 an Oklahoma City boy lost his arm when the pumpjack that he and his friend tried to climb suddenly turned on. The unit was fenced, but apparently not very effectively.  Measures should be taken to keep oilfield pump jacks secure from playful children (and yes, even some adults).   In shale plays such as the Barnett shale and Eagle Ford shale, oil and gas production equipment such as separators, dehydrators, tank batteries and compressors can now be seen close to towns such as Three Rivers, Cotulla, Cuero and other small towns. In the Barnett shale, which is near Dallas – Fort Worth, drilling rigs and oil and gas equipment is frequently seen in major urban areas, even right next to homes. Most responsible oil companies build security fences around pumpjacks, such as the one below seen near Midland Texas. Many accidents still occur around older oil leases, which were once located in fields far from town, but which now have homes nearby due to urban sprawl. The large green pumpjack in the photo below is properly fenced, with a locked gate, high fence topped with barbed wire, and a bottom pipe which prevents anyone from crawling under the wire.  The oil production company has done a good job of securing this pumping unit against unnecessary accidents. Warning signs state that the unit can start suddenly and that there may be dangerous H2S gas present at times.

Below is an example of an unsafe pumpjack in the oilfield. This old pumping unit is located in an oilfield near the town of Luling. The oil well is on a private ranch yet it is only a few feet from a heavily traveled county road. A sagging  barbed wire fence, (which can easily be stepped over), is all that keeps curious kids from entering the lease. There are no warning signs around this old lease either.  The oil company should invest in some chain link fence and warning signs before a serious accident occurs. Although there is a crude sucker rod fence around the oil well, it cannot ensure that curious children do not stick their hands near moving parts such as the belt drive or flywheel.

In the next photo of dangerous oilfield equipment we see a tank battery which is still in use, but which has a dangerously steep ladder and no fence around it. Many of these old tank batteries are owned by small oil companies who may  be hard pressed to afford new security fences and other safety measures. This oilfield tank battery sits on the side of a county road near the town of Sterling City, TX.  On the day this photo was taken, children were seen playing by the side of the road, only a few feet away from the tanks.   Toxic fumes such as from “sour gas” or H2S, could overwhelm a child who tried to climb the tanks out of curiosity. Parents are ultimately responsible for making sure their kids don’t trespass on oil leases, but kids will be kids.

Many kayak fishermen prefer a baitcasting reel because it allows them to cast one handed. For those who are proficient at casting one, a baitcaster is probably one of the best overall reels for kayak fishing in freshwater, due to its accuracy.  However, over the years I have reluctantly learned that I do not have the the necessary gene that allows a person to learn to cast a baitcasting reel more than a few dozen times without having a bird’s nest.  I’m sorry, but I’ve tried to learn to use a baitcaster for more than 30 years now, and more than one fishing trip has ended in frustration from dealing with a web of tangled mono-filament line. As a result, I’ve become a very good spinning reel fisherman, and use one for both saltwater and  freshwater. The simple design of the spinning reel and the lack of bird’s nest’s makes it my choice as the best reel for kayak fishing. The drawback to spinning reels is that you must reach over with your other hand and flip the bail. When kayak fishing you need all the hands you can get, and this becomes a bit of a pain in the neck. The solution to this would be some kind of spinning reel with a trigger type bail release mechanism, which allows you to cast one handed with a spinning reel. There are only a few of these quick release, trigger type spinning reel bail release systems on the market. One such bail quick release mechanism can be found in the Quantum Snapshot. These are lower end reels, made for casual fishing, and not for heavy duty use such as in saltwater. Another spinning reel bail trigger system is found in some of the mid-range Shimano reels. The QuickFire II system by Shimano can be found on the Syncopate FG and Spirex RG and Spirex FG models.  For kayak fishing in both freshwater and saltwater, I use a Spirex 2500 FG spooled with PowerPro braided line on a Cabellas Tourney Trail IM7   for throwing plastics at bass, flounder,  redfish and trout. For larger fish such as “bull reds”, use  and a Spirex 4000RG on a 7 1/2′ St Croix rod.

I’m not sure why the Quickfire II bail release trigger system is not used on other high end Shimano reels such as the Symetre or Stradic, but I wish it was.  The first time that I cast one handed using a spinning reel with the trigger system, I was hooked. For kayak fishing you can’t beat them. Apparently it was available on some of the more expensive Shimano reels, but was discontinued. I bought a couple of the Spirex 2500′s, just in case they quit making them.

Below are some photos of my Shimano Spirex 2500 FG (Front Drag). The first photo shows the index finger under the trigger and line. In the second photo, the trigger has flipped and my finger now rests on the line, ready to cast.

To trip the bail you place your finger under the release trigger and line. The trigger falls away as the bail opens, leaving your finger holding the line, ready to cast one handed.

Downsides of Shimano’s QuickFire II?

The Spirex series is one of Shimano’s mid-range reels. It features quality construction and a number of features found on higher end Shimano’s such as Varispeed Oscillation and the Propulsion Line Management System. I don’t like the double paddle handle, though many people do like it, according to reviews on Cabellas and other sites. I also wish the reel had anti-reverse, though I don’t think I’ve ever lost a fish due to not having it. For my fishing needs it’s good enough and priced right, at around $60. After about a week of fishing on the Texas coast, even after washing the reel out with fresh water every day, the reel got harder to crank. I took the spool off and applied some Quantum Hot Sauce reel lube to the gears and this sped it up to faster than when it was new and have had no problems since. You may find that the QuickFire II trigger starts to get hard to trip after using it in the sun and saltwater for hours because of friction between the plastic surfaces of the mechanism. Apply some Vaseline to the area where the plastic trigger pivots and this will solve the problem.  There are higher quality, better built reels on the market for a lot more money, but for my own fishing needs and for the ease of casting that they offer, the Spirex reels by Shimano are my choice as one of the for best spinning reels for kayak fishing.

Bedsores, also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, occur when a part, or parts, of the body remain pressed in one position for relatively long periods of time.  Friction and moisture in the area of the pressure, increase the likelihood of bedsores.  Those who are confined to bed, or to a wheelchair, are more susceptible to bedsores.  The elderly, whose skin tends to be thinner, and those who have poor circulation, are also more prone to suffer from bedsores.  Poor diet, and nerve damage, as well as some medications and diseases, can contribute to the formation of these pressure sores.

Bedsores, thought to occur only on boney areas of the body, can actually occur on any part of the body.  If pressure is applied to any area of skin, for a long enough period of time, the tissue on, and below the surface, will begin to die, due to an interruption of the blood flow, and resultant lack of oxygen.

Pressure sores  appear initially as pinkish, slightly swollen, areas.  They may be itchy, or painful.  If untreated, this area of skin will blister, and break open, and the tissue will begin to deteriorate, and eventually die.  Without care, the ‘ulcer’ will deepen, exposing bones, fat, muscles, and tendons.  Dead tissue may be seen in the fissure.

Untreated bedsores can be extremely dangerous.  Bacteria can enter the body through the open lesions, causing blood poisoning, which can quickly become life-threatening, especially to patients, who are ill, elderly, or have compromised immune systems.  Bones and joints that become infected can be so damaged that normal movement in these areas is not longer possible.  Any sore, that does not heal in a timely manner, is cause for concern.

How To Prevent Bedsores—-If you have any concerns, consult the attending physician or health care professional immediately and adhere to their advice.

1.  If someone is bedridden, even for a short time, it is essential that the skin be given proper care.  The patient should be bathed regularly, or as advised, using a mild soap and warm water.  Be gentle.  In the case of incontinence, the skin should be cleaned immediately after each incident.  If the skin tends to be dry, a moisturizing lotion should be applied.  Some patients may have excessively moist skin, and may benefit from a dusting of talcum powder.  Always consult the patient’s physician concerning the best products for skin use.

2.  If the patient is bedridden, or confined to a wheelchair, but is mentally alert and can move voluntarily, they should be reminded regularly to change position.  Make sure that the resting surface is firm, but adequately padded.  A variety of materials are available to provide padding.  Get medical advice to find the material best-suited to anyone in your care.

3.  If patients have nerve damage or are mentally fragile, they may not feel the need to move, even if they are able to do so.  Caregivers of these individuals must ensure that patients change position at least every two hours, more if possible.

4.  Beds that can be tilted are excellent for elderly or frail bedridden patients.  These beds are costly, but well worth the price.

5.  Pay attention to complaints.  Examine areas that are discolored, sore, itchy, or cold or hot to the touch.  Report these to the family physician, but in the meantime, provide extra padding for these areas.

6.  Examine the skin daily, especially around boney areas.  Provide extra soft padding for these areas.

7.  Most people in danger of getting bed sores, usually have a care giver to assist with daily living.  If you are such a care giver, make sure the person in your care is getting adequate nutrition.  They may need help feeding themselves, or they may need nutritional supplements.  Discuss this with the primary physician.

8.  Care givers shoul make use of all community resources available to them.  This includes the physician in charge, physio and occupational therapists, dieticians, volunteer agencies, and any family or friends that can spare an hour or so to assist with daily living.

How To Treat Bedsores

Once bedsores have been diagnosed, the physician in charge will decide how they must be treated.

Basic treatments will include proper cleaning and dressing of existing sores, managing pain, and ensuring that correct positioning is carried out.

Improvements in diet will be considered, and if necessary, surgery will be performed to remove damaged tissue.

Always consult your physician immediately, if you have any concern about your own health or the health of anyone in your care.