HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY SAM!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!

 

15th Birthday Quotes:

You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime. - John P. Grier

“It takes a long time to grow young.” - Pablo Picasso

Age is a high price to pay for maturity. - Tom Stoppard

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. - Chili Davis

The best birthdays of all are those that haven’t arrived yet. - Robert Orben

The Year You Were Born:

1996 - the first Scream movie hits the cinemas.

Uncle Sonny & Aunty Marieanne leave Qld and move to the Blue Mountains

Interesting Facts On One of Your Favourite Insects:

    1.    A bee flaps its wings about 300 times per second, but a dragonfly flaps its wings at only about 30 beats per second. (fact, dragonflies have two sets of wings so they don’t have to beat them as much to fly.) 

    2.     A dragonfly is a very strong and good flyer, and can fly at speeds of up to 36 miles per hour (fact, but not all dragonflies are that fast – one was clocked at this speed in Australia) 

    3.    Dragonflies are known as snake doctors because they can bring dead snakes back to life. (myth) 

    4.    There were huge dinosaur dragonflies that lived 300 million years ago. (fact – the largest fossil found had a 2 ½ foot wingspan, and currently there are dragonflies in Costa Rica that measure 7 ½ inches across the wings.) 

    5.    Dragonflies have huge stingers and some people are allergic to their stings and can die. (myth – the thing that looks like a stinger on a dragonfly is actually called a clasper and the male dragonfly uses it to hold onto the female when they are mating.) 

    6.    There are about 5,000 different species of dragonflies all over the world except in Antarctica. 450 of the species can be found in the United States and about 80 species in British Columbia. (fact, most of the 5,000 species are found in remote, tropical areas.) 

    7.    A dragonfly’s eyes have about 30,000 lenses and a dragonfly can see all the way around it, but they don’t see details very well. (fact, a human eye only has one lens and sees better than a dragonfly, but only to the front and side of them.) 

    8.    From the time a dragonfly egg hatches, it can live anywhere from six months to six years, but only about two months as an actual dragonfly. (fact, most of the time spent is as a nymph in the water before the dragonfly’s metamorphosis into a full grown dragonfly.) 

    9.    In the old days, dragonflies would seek out bad kids and sew their mouths together with their claspers while they slept. Dragonflies were known as the devil’s darning needles. (myth – dragonflies don’t have pockets to carry the thread to the beds of sleeping wicked children.) 

    10.     A dragonfly’s scientific name is Odonta, which comes from the words “tooth-jawed” because the entomologist (insect scientist), Johann Christian Fabricius, who named them studied the dragonflies’ mouths in order to distinguish the different species. Now their wings are studied as well to classify dragonflies. (fact – other names for dragonflies around the world are water dipper in England, old glassy in China, and the ancient Celts called dragonflies big needle of wings.)  

We hope you have a great day!

love

Uncle Sonny & Aunty Marieanne

HAPPY 9 th BIRTHDAY BRIANNA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIANNA

We hope you have a great day!

I thought it might be fun to give you some interesting facts about you and your birthday....

Your birthday date the 9th of April is the 99th day of the year (100th in leap years) and there are only 260 days remaining until Christmas.

 Star Sign

Your star sign is Aries and here's what the astrology chart says for you be born on April 9th.

Aries people are Feisty and opinionated, an Aries born on April 9 sees life as a series of missions. More pragmatic than idealistic, these people enjoy the act of striving almost as much as the victories their efforts bring. These intrepid individuals are not afraid to challenge the status quo.

You should embrace: Going the distance, peace and joy, good taste

You should avoid: Looking back, saying "I told you so", blaming others

Friends

 The gregarious nature of April 9 individuals explains why they are so often in demand, both socially and personally. They are intensely loyal and will always stand by a friend. Their love of nature is strong and uncomplicated.

Family

 Strong family ties are important to April 9 natives. They often like large families, feeling it unfair for a child to grow up without siblings.

Health

 With energy to burn, April 9 individuals manage to enjoy exceptionally good health. It is their positive attitude that keeps them active and able when others their age have begun to slow down.

Career and Finances

 April 9 natives like sampling jobs and careers, suspending judgment until they find something that suits their need for challenge and adventure. Their ability to make money may also be latent during their youth. If they happen to inherit money, they are likely to use it in ways that may seem frivolous. But they know what they are doing and can reap a fortune from a modest investment.

Dreams and Goals

 Despite their intellectual savvy, April 9 people believe that dreams can come true. Because of their insistence on accentuating the positive, it often may not even occur to them that a coveted goal may not materialise. If this does happen they are unruffled, considering this temporary setback as a mere inconvenience.

Meaning of the Name BRIANNA:

Brianna \b-rianna, bri(an)-na\ as a girl's name is pronounced bree-AHH-Nah. It is of Irish, Gaelic and Celtic origin, and the meaning of Brianna is "high, noble, exalted". May also possibly mean "strong". A contemporary feminine form of Brian, found occasionally in England since the 16th century.

 A Special Birthday Party Game For Brianna

  

Golf Ball Croquet Game -

Supplies: 1 pair of Panty Hose per team, 2 golf balls per team

ShareThis - Email this Game to Friend! or Click to Bookmark

Divide up into teams. Put one golf ball down into one of the legs of the hose. Take the other leg and tie it to the waistline of the hose. The golf ball that is in the leg of the hose should be in the back hanging down between your legs.

Place the other golf ball on the start/finish line. The objective is to move your hips to swing the golf ball and hit the one on the floor to a specific point (or around an object) then turn around and hit the golf ball back to the finish line.

Take the hose off and help the next person in line get it on. You can not use your hands to direct the hanging golf ball; it's all in the motion of the hips. The first team to have all team members’ finish, wins.

This can be played as a relay or individuals against each other.

Thanks - Wendy K.

Variation

Instead of just hitting the ball to one point have them person or team member go through arcs like they do in croquet. This makes it more difficult.

Also if you don’t have gold balls, use tennis balls or oranges.

REAL LIFE TREASURE HUNTING

GEOCACHING -  https://www.geocaching.com/Membership/default.aspx

Getting Started with Geocaching

Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache anywhere in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache's existence and location online. People go out and find the geocache look at its contents and then either replace them or take them and replace them with new items. Anyone with a GPS device (check your phone apps) can then try to locate the geocache.

Check out where there are geocaches around Gladstone.

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest.aspx?lat=-24.1407601&lng=151.23355919999995&dist=25

There are 80 geocaches around Gladstone alone.

HOW IT WORKS

To hide a new geocache in your area...

Read the Cache Listing Requirements and Guidelines prior to placing each and every geocache.

Once you are prepared, fill out our online form to report a new cache. This is a free service.

Only caches of a non-commercial nature can be posted through this site.

First time? Learn how to hide a geocache. If you have difficulties posting your report to the website please check the Groundspeak Knowledge Books for more information.

Hiding Your First Geocache

 Step 1 - Research a Cache Location

 Geocaching is just like real estate - location, location, location! It is common for geocachers to hide caches in locations that are important to them, reflecting a special interest or skill of the cache owner. These unique locations on the planet can be quite diverse. A prime camping spot, great viewpoint, unusual location, the beach, a garden in a park etc. are all good places to hide a cache.

When thinking about where to place a cache, keep these things in mind:

    * Does it meet all requirements and geocaching guidelines to be listed on the site? Make sure to review these during your research. Issues of concern include cache saturation, commerciality, solicitation and long-term cache maintenance.

    * Did you consider accessibility? If it is too visible or too close to busy roads and trails, there is a good chance someone may stumble upon it by accident. It is best to place a cache just off trail to preserve the environment but keep it out of sight of people casually passing by.

    * Did you seek permission from the land owner or manager? If you place a cache on private land, you must ask permission before hiding your cache. If you place it on public lands, contact the land manager to find out about any rules or restrictions. Please note: You will be in violation of federal regulation by placing a cache in any area administered by the National Park Service (US). The National Park regulations are intended to protect the fragile environment, and historical and cultural areas found in the parks.

    * Will the location placement cause unnecessary concern? Please use common sense when choosing a location for your cache. Do not design your cache such that it might be confused with something more dangerous.

You are ultimately responsible for the cache so make sure you know the rules for the area where your cache is being placed. Respect the area around your chosen location. Keep in mind that others will be walking in these areas.

    * If it's the location of a wild animal nest, or if it is off-trail with delicate ground cover, too much activity may damage the very nature of why this area is cool.

    * Do not place caches on archaeological or historical sites. In most cases these areas are highly sensitive to the extra traffic that would be caused by vehicles and humans.

    * A cache hidden in full view of office or apartment building windows exposes a geocacher to being seen by someone who may think the cache search looks suspicious.

Step 2 - Preparing Your Cache

Cache Containers

Start by choosing a container that will withstand the weather all year round. Geocachers have had good success with clear, watertight plastic containers, ammunition boxes, and waterproof boxes often used on boats. You will also want to invest in zippered plastic bags to further protect the cache contents, in case your container does leak. View sample Groundspeak Cache Containers.

Whatever the container, make sure to clearly identify your cache as a geocache. Most geocachers mark the cache container with the words "Official Geocache," the name of the cache, and appropriate contact information. The more information you can provide, the better.

Cache Contents

 Next, you will need a logbook. Make sure to place a writing utensil in the cache as well. If you are in an area where the temperature drops below freezing, make sure to provide a soft lead pencil. Pens tend to freeze and are rendered useless.

Include a note to welcome the cache finder. The note, available here, has been translated into several languages and explains the activity in case someone accidentally finds your cache.

Lastly, you can put items for trading into the cache. It is highly recommended, but not necessary. What you place into your cache is up to you, budget permitting. Some ideas of items to give as goodies:

    * Disposable camera. Put one in and ask everyone to take a picture and put it back in the cache. Later you can develop the photos and place them online.

    * Toys for children. Include action figures, games, playing cards, and more.

    * Trackable items.

    *Things that are unique to your area.

People of all ages hide and seek caches, so think carefully before placing an item into a cache. Explosives, ammunition, knives, drugs and alcohol should not be placed in a cache. Respect the local laws.

Food items are always a bad idea. Animals have better noses than humans, and in some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because of food items in a cache. Please do not put food in a cache.

Step 3 - Placing Your Cache

 Once you arrive at the location of your hide, it is critical to obtain accurate GPS coordinates. This is the very heart of the activity, after all. Be aware that during bad weather, the accuracy of the GPS unit may be poor.

Some GPS units have the ability to take an average set of coordinates. If your device cannot, it is best to mark a waypoint, walk away from the location, then return and mark another waypoint. Continue marking waypoints at the location, around 7 - 10 times, and then select the best waypoint. Learn How to Average a Waypoint.

Once you have your waypoint, write it in permanent marker on the container and in the logbook. Make sure you have a copy to bring back with you. Write a few notes in the logbook if you like, place it in a zippered plastic bag for extra protection, and place it in the cache container.

Step 4 - Submitting Your Cache

 Take time to review the Geocaching Listing Guidelines again. After placing your cache, does it still meet all requirements for placement? If so, fill out the online form, paying careful attention to the helpful notes provided. Write a description that attracts geocachers to your location, including images of interest.

Add descriptive attributes so that others can make a quick assessment of your cache. For example, is this area dog-friendly? Is the hike over an hour long? Is the area accessible in a wheelchair? Is a boat required?

Double-check the accuracy and the format of your work and make any needed edits. After a review, your cache will be published for the general public.

Step 5 - Maintaining Your cache

 Once you place the cache, it is your responsibility to maintain the cache and the area around it. You will need to return as often as you can to ensure that your cache is not impacting the area negatively, and to check that the container is in good shape.

Does the area look disturbed? Are visitors disrupting the landscape in any way? If you eventually have concerns about the location, remove the container and make appropriate changes to your online listing.

Happy Geocaching!

A new and fun activity you might like to try out sometime.

We hope you have a great day Brianna.....

Love and Hugs

Aunty Marieanne & Uncle Sonny & Toby