#story of seasons fruit cows

[gelicarrotcake]

cow variants

what if story of seasons gave us more cows............

[bokujou-monogatari]

[scifigirlgamez]

I love my farming game cows <3

[im-totally-not-an-alien-2]

Halloween prompts year 2 day 15

Hood remained silent, even as he clenched the gun tightly in his hand. He hadn't even seen a hint of green portals or blond elfs but 200 witnesses couldn't all be wrong.

All of them had stated that a white haired meta with a gas mask was working with a blond elf with a leaf mask and that they had been the ones kidnapping the kids and teens of Gotham.

Jason had heard stories of fairies snatching kids and infants, sometimes swapping them out with a sickly one of thier own. But there were no trades that Jason knew of. Only missing kids.

Hell, all of the biggest child gangs around Crime Alley and the Narrows were gone.

As in gone gone. Not a single member was left nor any trace of where they could have been taken to. As much as he hated to admit it, he might need to ask for help from the Justice League Dark...

---

Link stared down at the kids from his rooftop perch.

They looked...cleaner. Happier. They had gained a healthy amount of weight, no longer stick thin and weak looking. They had season appropriate clothing without holes and others hidden away in chests and armours for the coming seasons far off from now.

His spirit friend, Phantom, had panicked a bit after he realized what they were doing was trafficking, but calmed down once he pointed out that these kids would have a much better life in Hyrule than they would have had in the rotting trashpit that was Gotham.

If they would have lived much longer at all

Still, thier presence here was mutually beneficial. Hyrule had lost over 80% of its population in the Great Calamity and they were no where close to regaining the population they once had. All of thier forts, training areas, ect were specifically targeted and destroyed in the attacks and gardians and monsters were left in the ruins to ensure they could not rebuild what was lost

Which led to the bigger issues at hand. All the empty occupations.

The castle, and thus castle town, were ground zero for the disaster that wiped out the Hylian peoples. With it many businesses and trades were lost. Hyrule had few soldiers and those they did have desperately needed armor, weapons and training.

That wasn't all. Hudson construction had attempted to repair Castle town and eventually the castle, but they were wood workers, not stone masons. They knew little of the craft that was needed.

There were lessons and information in the castle archives covering most of the jobs and trades, as well as how to proform them, but the princess didn't see it as a priority. They didn't have the people necessary to teach these crafts and the castle and town surrounding wasn't really a priority anyway. Not with all the people who still needed help around the kingdom.

Phantom helped a lot too. Other than helping them build towns for the kids (the child gangs actually really liked having a town all to themselves) he did a lot of other random jobs around the kingdom, much like Link himself.

Unfortunately, his next trip to Gotham lead to a run in with the "Red Hood" and the phrase, "Was that a fucking fruit grenade?!" Link did not know what the word "Fucking" meant but the Hood man would not tell him. He is learning a lot of new words from this guy, words that Phantom appearently didn't like cause he loudly scolded Red Hood like a naughty child the first time they met. It was hilarious to see this tiny 15 year old tell off a giant tank of a man.

Link couldn't see the mans expression due to the odd red helm the man wore, but he could tell he was cowed, even if just a bit. Then he began speaking to someone who wasn't there while pressing his finger to the side of his helm where his ear should be. Is Red Hood ill? Does he have a mind sickness like the ones Phantom told him of when describing his parents? Or is this something Link doesn't yet understand...either way he doesn't think he's getting more children for Hyrules future in this trip...or anytime soon if those ominous masked people landing on the rooftops around them had any say in the matter.

[bovineblogger]

Friendly reminder that Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town has cows that give milk in coffee, fruit, and strawberry flavors.

I give all my strawberry cows pink related names cause it's so pink and the fruit cows are named apple and mikan. I couldn't think up anything cute for coffee though

OH!!!! MY!!!!!!GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!! what about mocha? or latte? um um ummmm im gonna google types of coffee

UMMM THESE ONES!!!!

[satirediary]

Everyone has those childhood stories of lavish summer vacations consisting of beaches, foreign countries, cruises, and fancy resorts, but not you. Your summers were filled with open fields, sweet tea, climbing trees, and Touya Todoroki. 

Long days were spent ripping and running through the fields of your family's acres. Scraping your knees and bruising your elbows. Touya always had more scars than you, most from events you hadn't witnessed. He was always sent home with extra ointment and bandages from your mother, who never asked questions but instead gave long hugs and lots of fruit. You always felt like your parents knew something you didn't.

Hanging upside down from the swing your dad made out of an old tire and rope, the grass looks like it's growing from the sky. "Do you think when we're older we'll go to cool places for the summer? Like India, or something." You ask casually, your head turning to face an upside-down Touya.

Half preoccupied with picking at his bandage, Touya hums and thinks for a bit before focusing his attention on you. "Only if it's just the two of us; family vacations are overrated."

That's right, it's easy to forget Touya comes from money when you two are out in the grassy fields with dirt underneath your fingernails and grass-stained shirts. He's been coming out to the country for three summers now; apparently, his dad's idea is that he needs to focus on other things and be a normal kid. You think it means he's becoming too materialistic; your grandmother says it's because Touya has a troubled home life, never getting too many details out before your mother speaks in a strained tone to not discuss those things around you.

Your smile is soft, as is your voice when you speak mostly to yourself, “Yeah, the two of us is just fine.”

—

Traditionally, Touya always ate dinner with your family on the last day of summer. The long table would be decorated with all the harvests of the season, plus enough yeast rolls to feed the masses and milk from the best cow on the farm. His leaving for the school year always left you devastated, but these dinners filled with laughter, full bellies, and his promises to see you next summer always lightened the mood.

“My doctor says milk makes your bones stronger,” Touya declares after chugging his third glass, a milk mustache to match his fluffy white hair. You can’t help but giggle at the sight of it, telling him to wipe his face. “Hey, one day this mustache will be real!”

But that day never came. Touya left that night, and he never returned. Not the next summer, or the following, or the one after that—and eventually you grew up and stopped waiting. You never saw his white mustache or congratulated him for taking his father’s position, like he always rambled passionately about. You don't know if those things ever happened for him, but whenever he crosses your mind, you wish him well, wherever he may be.

[stalkerofthegods]

Lady hera deep dive.

Lady Hera is the queen of the gods and goddesses and the shared ruler of the skies, she deserves respect, and I adore her, as a researcher, and as a person in the community, I do not worship her, but she is welcoming, she is a wonderful goddess and kind, and as a mother and a ruler, she is amazing.

Herbs • lilies, poppies, irises, white roses, waterlilies, Golden roses and white roses, Vitex agnus-castus, poppies, stephanotis, cypress, coconut, maple trees, all white flowers, Marigold, Patchouli, Sage, Rosemary, Frankincense, oak, asterion flower, hyacinths (from when Zeus swept her up in a cloud in Bed of hyacinths in the Iliad 14.340-50)

Animals•peacock, the crow, the cuckoo, carrion-crow, Cow, snake, dragon, crab, snail, and other shelled creatures, eagle, young cow or lion, Wide-winged hawk, Cranes, heifer, goat

Zodiac • Cancer 

Colors •White, royal blue, purple, dark green, grey, and silver, yellow, gold, red,  blue, purple, rose.

Crystal• pearls, garnets, citrine, amber, diamonds, star sapphires, platinum, Morganite, Rose quartz, Lapis lazuli, Peacock ore, herkimer diamond, iris agate, apophyllite, morganite, turquoise. 

Symbols• the crow, the cuckoo, the peacock and the pomegranate, Milky Way, the cow, the seasons of the year, Lotus-staff, the scepter.

Jewelry you can wear in their honor rings• wedding veils, and veiling in her honor. 

Diety of • marriage, women, childbirth, and family, she also used to be an earth goddess, Matriarchy, fertility

Patron of • married women, presiding over weddings and blessing marital unions, bringing a woman fertility, protecting her children, helping a woman find financial security, overseeing both private and public affairs, and protecting women in labor. She also has domains in life, death, and the rebirth cycle. And is the patron of earth and cows before marrying Zeus, the Air, Clear skies, Rain, Storms, the Constellations, Maidens of marriageable age, Maiden virginity, Betrothals, Bride-price (dowry), Widows, Menstruation, Heirs, Dynasties, Fidelity (legitimate heir & not the product of adultery), Inheritance, sanctity of the home, kings, empires, heaven, showers, and breezes, prosperity, progeny and military victory, luck in battle, heroes 

Alter ideas• She likes big alters, and I would put them near a lake, she was raised near a lake, and she likes extravagant things. 

Offerings• Honey, Breads, grains, homemade sweets, Pomegranates, Fruits, Milk, Wine, Pure water, Peacock paintings, peacock statues, peacock patterns, Cow paintings, cow statues, cow print patterns, Cuckoo bird art, cuckoo bird statues, Cuckoo clocks, Diadem (crowns), Throne imagery, Framed family photos, Chocolate, Pomegranate seeds, Peacock feathers, Peacock jewelry, Cuckoo feathers, Snail and hermit crab shells, Cow jewelry, Toy peacocks or cows, Perfumes, Silver and gold jjewelry (especially rings), White or gold rose petals, Golden roses, Art that you’ve created (especially if it is an art of Her), Poems are written for Her, Any crafts you’ve made, Stories that you’ve written, Photos of your S.O. and children, goat meat, goat cheese, the asterion flower, Nemean lion imagery, shields/shield imagery, wedding related (ex- rings, veil, garter, copy of vows), she likes sweet things, snail shells, any shelled animal leftover shell

Devotional• Donate your time or money to charities that help women and children, find a fallen branch and burn a small part of it as an offering to Hera (based on the festival Daedala), don’t cheat, don’t make others cheat (don’t be a side chick), tame your jealousy, Read the story of Zeus and the Daidale (“wooden bride”), As you make your bed ask Hera to bless it and Bring romance to your marriage bed, Take a day to indulge in love, keep your home clean, be kind to children, do house chores, take care of your physical health, take care of your mental health, speak your mind, donate to and support domestic abuse victims, write her poems, donate old maternity clothes and baby clothes, Campaigning for women’s rights and equal marriage, gardening, painting, making music, do colour magick, Celebrate solstice and changing seasons, Setting a boundary in life (especially in love).

Ephithets•  Cow-Eyed, White-Armed, The Virgin, Queen of the Gods, Protectress, Queen of Heaven, Protector of Women, Hera Alexandros (Protector of Men), Lady of the Beasts, Of The Golden Sandals,   Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexandros) - Protector of Men, Αἰγοφάγος (Aigophágos) - Goat-Eater, Ἀκραῖα (Akráia)- She of the Heights, Ἀμμωνία (Ammonia), Ἄνθεια (Antheia) -  flowery Ἀργεία (Argéia)- She of Argos, Βασίλεια (Basíleia)- Queen', Βουναία (Bounáia)- She of the Mound, Βοῶπις (Boṓpis) - Cow-Eyed or Cow-Faced, Λευκώλενος (Leukṓlenos)- White-Armed,  Παῖς (Pais)- Child (in her role as virgin), Παρθένος (Parthénos)- Virgin, Τελεία (Teléia)- as goddess of marriage, Χήρη (Chḗrē) - Widowed, Τελχινία (Telchinia) - She was named like that because according to a legend, that the Telchines were the first in the island and also the first who created statues of gods, Ζυγία (Zygia) - as the presider over marriage, Hera Nympheuomene - Hera the betrothed bride, Hera Pais - Hera the girl, Hera Parthenia - Hera the maiden

Equivalents (not the same but alike)• Hathor (Egyptian), Juno (Roman), Frigg (Norse), Isis (Egyptian)

Aspects• Khaos-Aer (the Air), Hemera (Day), Nyx (Night), Titanis Rheia (Flow), Selene (the Moon), Eos (Dawn), Mother of Typhon (Typhoon, Smoke)

Attendees• Eleithyia (Goddess of Childbirth), Hebes (Goddess of Youth), Iris (Goddess of the Rainbow), The Horai (Goddesses of the Seasons & Heavenly Law and Order), Okeanides (Cloud-Nymphai)

Signs they are reaching out• Sudden imagery of peacocks and her animals, sudden mentions of what she is the goddess of, feeling an intense pull to her 

Morals• Morally grey 

Courting• Zues

Personality• Hera has a fast temper and is quick to administer justice

Mortal or immortal • immortal 

Fact• Hera’s temples may have been the first to be roofed, her temples were some of the largest ever built (she is very big on big alters and on temples) 

Blessings• Good betrothal, Marital harmony, Successful birth, Heirs, Dynasties, Birth of a male heir, good luck in battle, successful birth

Curse: Marital discord, Punishment of adulterers, death in birth, Protracted labor

Roots• her origin could’ve been as a Pelasgian goddess, she was nursed as an infant by the three daughters of the river Asterion: Euboia, Prosymna, and Akraia. But in the Iliad, Hera states she was given by her mother to Tethys to be raised, aspected to be raised in Argos in Argolis Greece and her birthplace being Samos on a Greek island. She also claims to be the oldest, but so does Hestia.

Parentage• Kronos and Rhea

Siblings• Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, and Demeter, half-siblings with Chiron 

Pet• peacocks (peacocks pull her chariot)

Children • Angelos, Ares, Eileithyia, Enyo, Eris, Hebe, Hephaestus, and the Kharites, many say she adopted Heracles, (he built a temple for her and etc)

Appearance in astral or gen• in Greek and Roman art as a large woman, fully clad, wearing a diadem radiantly beautiful woman, shining like the sun, however, she is also a shape-shifter with many forms and is usually wearing a veil. She also has 3 aspects, the Maiden, Mother, and Crone aspects, She comes with the scent of flowers, and the earth blooms at her every step.

Festivals • Daedala, Heraia, and Anthesphoria were also common in the Peloponnese (where it was celebrated in honor of  Hera Antheia at Argos, and of Aphrodite Antheia at Cnossus.)

Month• June 

Sacred places• Heraeum at Nemea in the Argolid, the great temple on the island of Samos, and the temple at Olympia. A sanctuary at Argos, a seventh-century BCE temple built over an earlier shrine, is among the oldest Greek temples, Argos (Samos).

Status• Queen of the gods, and a major deity before and after marriage. 

What angers her • Cheating, the Trojans. 

Music she likes• wedding music. 

What she likes in people• Women, heroes, moms.

Planet•  Venus, and the full moon 

Her Tarot cards• The empress, the world. 

Scents/Inscene • rose, iris, myrrh, civet, jasmine, and patchouli, Rose, stephanotis

Prayers• 

Hera, queen of Olympos, the bride of thundering Zeus, protector of marriage, of the joining of hearts and the creation of bonds, of the building of home and the finding of family. Great Hera, whose presence honors any wedding day, whose favor graces any marriage, I pray to you, O goddess, grant to me a joyous union, a love to last, a harmonious home. I ask your blessing on my household, O Hera–may it be a place of happiness and affection. I ask your blessing on my marriage bed–may it be a place of joy and pleasure. May my mate and I share our lives; may we grow old together, merry and content; may our words be honey-sweet, and may our love be ever strong. Shining Hera, I ask your blessing.

“O Hera, Queen of Gods, divine protector of marriage, From your throne above, look upon us with favor. Majestic and exalted, cloaked in unyielding loyalty, Bless the bonds we forge, and the promises we make. Grant us the strength to uphold love’s sacred vow, To support and cherish, through trials and time. May our hearts reflect your undying commitment, As we seek harmony, guided by your wisdom. Hail Hera, the eternal matriarch, in reverence we call, With offerings of peacock plumes and lilies white. Embrace us in your grace, bestow upon us unity, As we honor you, now and in all our days.”

I praise you bright and noble Hera, great lady of Olympos, gracious queen of the deathless gods, dark-eyed goddess, fairest of the children of Rhea, graceful and comely, cloaked in the starry skies, garlanded in poppies fragrant and blood-red, crowned in brightest gold, the lotus wand in your hand, your form ever draped in the finest of silks, majestic one whose blessing is sought by all, whose gifts are treasured, whose favor is a surety of good fortune. Hera, champion of great cities, gurardian of ancient Argos and the pretty isle of Samos, warder of the bounds of marriage, protector of women in the old world and the new, unparalleled goddess, white armed one, sovereign of the high-reaching heavens, I honor your might. 

Deep-eyed Hera, beloved bride of mighty Zeus, mighty goddess, fair of face and silent of step, noble your manner, stately and poised your form, a queenly presence is ever yours, godly in glory, womanly in grace and beauty. Beloved Hera, patroness of kings and princes, friend of women, of mothers, upholder of marriage, of the right of lovers to join hearts and hands; lavish your gifts, liberal your hand, limitless the blessings you bestow on those you favor. Hera, the broad sky is yours, and the sweet air we breathe; to you we turn to for harmony and wedded bliss; to you we turn to for strength in the passion and turmoil and hard work of marriage; to you we offer our thanks for a life of love. Well-crowned Hera, beautiful one, revered one, greatest of goddesses, I praise and honor you.

Hera of the deep heart, the beautiful goddess whose true radiance would blind mortal eyes, whose steps fall softly in the golden halls of storied Olympos. In silks your fair form is draped, O Hera, heavy with jewels is your crown, the sweetest of perfumes surround you; in ancient times you received the highest honors, the finest of offerings were ever yours, your shining temples stood across the land. Hera, defender of cities, protector of marriage, champion of the love that upholds a family, that cherishes a child, you are the friend of those who hold the household dear. Queen of the heavens, holder of the lotus staff, the poppy and the pomegranate have you in hand. Hera, supreme in dignity and grace, unsurpassed in goodness and kindness, I praise you.

credits • https://spells8.com/lessons/goddess-hera-queen-of-the-gods-symbols/https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/classics/intranets/students/modules/greekreligion/database/clunas/https://www.learnreligions.com/hera-greek-goddess-of-marriage-2561992https://www.tumblr.com/septemberfaerie/649491140077338624/simple-offerings-for-hera-honey-pomegranate https://www.learnreligions.com/hera-greek-goddess-of-marriage-2561992https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herahttps://www.reddit.com/r/Hellenism/comments/htocze/a_general_guide_to_crystals_and_which/https://vocal.media/futurism/ways-of-worship-hera https://vocal.media/futurism/ways-of-worship-hera https://screeching-0wl.tumblr.com/post/667043639626743808/a-guide-to-worship-of-hera-cheat-sheets/amphttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/649676050026086400/anthesphoriahttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/640526545372479488/daedala-festival-of-hera-zeushttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/640096332349079552/hera-epithets-of-life-stages-hera-ataurote-hera https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/640148785696276481/hera-aegophagos-goat-eater-i-was-so-curious-about https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/686092860730327040/hera-and-the-river-gods-of-argos-i-go-now-to-thehttps://thegodsaremyhome.tumblr.com/post/690029452553601024/hera/amphttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/650505716453474304/heras-asterionhttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/644802181317427200/in-olympia-the-women-celebrate-their-hera-festival https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/655772113984159744/heraia-games-festival-sanctuary-of-hera-argos https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/640021251498377216/i-am-a-fan-of-the-uncommon-belief-that-herakleshttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/642832991542984704/ive-just-been-called-to-hellenistic-paganism-i https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/649311039464325120/in-truth-three-cities-are-dearest-to-me-by-far https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/657033826078425088/months-before-each-games-the-olympic-flame-is-lithttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/646526356035862528/the-nemean-lionhttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/639110878639407104/notes-from-understanding-greek-religion-by https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/645426513103208448/hi-violet-what-kind-of-offerings-does-hera-love https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/648506401237385216/hi-violet-ive-been-curious-about-something-and-ihttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/687644696777031680/socrates-swore-by-herahttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/643457315969908736/zeus-and-heras-marriage-zeus-and-hera-are-the https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/638657086154309633/zeus-heraios-i-got-too-far-down-a-tumblr-rabbit https://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/646775981494992896/the-myth-of-the-daedala-the-separation-of-zeushttps://verdantlyviolet.tumblr.com/post/646580512604995584/hera-and-the-cuckoohttps://pieandhotdogs.tumblr.com/post/86517296169/hey-can-you-tell-me-things-about-hera-anything https://natural-magics.tumblr.com/post/79253398032/i-think-hera-has-been-trying-to-contact-me https://www.theoi.com/https://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/olympian-gods.htmlhttps://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Hera.html https://www.theoi.com/Summary/Hera.htmlhttps://www.reddit.com/r/Hellenism/comments/m00r3t/looking_for_hera_upg/https://athenaswisdom22.wordpress.com/list-of-prayers-to-the-gods/hera/#:~:text=I%20praise%20you%20bright%20and,your%20hand%2C%20your%20form%20everhttps://www.tumblr.com/tarotbee

I use resources, I do not own the info, and most deep dives have UPG (that I use in my work.) And I only take some information from sources. I am 14, this is my hobby, I am learning but I spent many hours and days on this, and I am always open to criticism. I have been doing worship for 5 years. Please know you can use the info, I do not sue, but I will take action if this work is used without permission and not put as a resource if used in any work. without permisson and not put as a resource if used in any work, for the public.

[blueiscoool]

Meet Methuselah, The Worlds Oldest Fish in Captivity

The lungfish arrived in San Francisco on a steamship along with 230 other fish. Today, she’s the only living aquatic animal from that vessel.

She’s super-gentle, and doesn’t get overly excited. She enjoys eating earthworms, fruits and vegetables, and slowly moving around her tank. Her favorite food – at least for what is in season now – is a fig.

If Methuselah sounds like a grand old dame, it’s because she is: she is the oldest living fish in captivity, aged somewhere upwards of 92 and potentially as high as 101 years. She arrived on a steamship from Australia along with 230 other fish to the Steinhart aquarium in San Francisco in 1938 as a young, small fish. And Methuselah’s story unfolded in a typical way, for a fish in an aquarium: she grew. Humans came to look at her. She peered back through glass at humans.

But 1938 was a different time: bread cost nine cents a loaf. A racehorse named Seabiscuit was winning races. Germany was persecuting Jews, foretelling a coming conflict in Europe. Then there is Methuselah, who is no ordinary fish. She’s the only fish still living from the steamship. And most important, she’s a lungfish – a species more closely related to humans or cows than to ray-finned fish like salmon or cod – which can breathe air using a single lung when streams become stagnant, or when water quality changes. Lungfish are also believed to be an example of the original creatures that crawled out of water and moved to land in evolutionary history. The species was discovered in 1870 – and the scientist who first described the fish originally thought it was an amphibian.

Lungfish like Methuselah have long-held secrets, but scientists have only recently attempted to understand their evolution and life history. For one thing, the fish’s genome is the largest of any animal, containing 43bn base pairs – roughly 14 times the number in the human genome. The previous record holder, the Mexican axolotl, has a genome made up of 32bn base pairs.

“Genetics is really quite straightforward for normal fish – but for lungfish they’re so unique and so different that all of those techniques didn’t or don’t work,” said David T Roberts, a senior scientist with Seqwater, the statutory authority of the government of Queensland in Australia, where the fish still live in a handful of rivers in the wild. “It’s always pushed the envelope on uncovering some of its secrets to be able to manage and conserve it – and age is a really important one.”

A fish’s age is critical to know because it tells scientists information like growth rates, maturity, longevity and how long they breed – which is vital fundamental knowledge to manage a protected species.

Lungfish – a vulnerable species – have proved especially challenging to date because they grow a lot at the beginning of their lives, but then grow extremely slowly (yet continuously) for the remainder of their lives. Ear bones that are harvested after most fish’s death can be counted like tree rings, but lungfish, always the outlier, don’t have the same composition to their ear bones.

So scientists started to use radiocarbon to date the fish – relying on a technique that basically imprints living things with a carbon signature resulting from the atomic bomb tests back in the 1950s. But that doesn’t work well in animals born before 1950, when the carbon signature changed.

Now, scientists are using DNA tools that look at methylation – the way that DNA is turned on or off – to date the fish. For younger fish, it can offer an exact number, but for older fish it gives a range of dates.

It wasn’t the first time this technique had been used. Last year, scientists estimated a lungfish named Granddad that lived at the Shedd aquarium in Chicago to be 109 years old (give or take six years) at the time of its death, confirming that lungfish can live well over 100 years. The analysis also revealed that Granddad started its life in the Burnett River in Queensland, Australia, the location of the species’ original discovery in 1870.

In the study on Methuselah, aquarium workers took samples the size of a peppercorn from the lungfish in captivity and extracted the DNA from that in order to estimate their age for the first time ever. They found Methuselah to be at least 92 years old. The scientists plan to release their findings of 30 other lungfish later this year, as part of a library of living lungfish across the world.

“Knowing how long they potentially live and understanding more about how long they could reproduce could drive how we’re caring for habitat to help keep that species afloat in the wild,” says Brenda Melton, director of animal care and welfare at the Steinhart aquarium. “It just really opens the doors for a lot of other conversations and questions that might be able to be asked about how we can better care for them in the wild and preserve habitat.”

Roberts is inspired to continue to conserve the fish – after all, lungfish were around before dinosaurs became extinct, and their cousins possibly split off into animals with legs and then crawled on to land and then became humans, he says. “They’re a cousin to all land animals, basically.”

Methuselah’s age is now known, but she still holds other mysteries – even her biological sex. The handlers use she/her pronouns, but they actually don’t know if Methuselah is a male or female. Some fish have gender differences in size or shape – but not lungfish. And behaviorally, they suspect she’s a female, but they will not be able to find out for sure until after she dies.

Another question is if the fish is feeling old – and how do fish change when they’re geriatric? Melton says it varies widely. Most fish live only a few years – so it’s rare to see really old fish in the wild. But there are some hints: some spinal changes, like a curved back, or weight loss, cloudy eyes or looking a little gray in the scales.

Two of the other fish in the new study were estimated to be 50 and 54 years old – and Melton says they look a little more similar in coloration, while Methuselah has gotten a little lighter in color over the years. “We don’t know that that’s actually tied to her age, but it’s the only thing that we have seen physically that looks different for this fish.”

Melton says that just the existence of something that has lived for so long leaves her in awe. She wonders what Methuselah thinks of all her companions and living situations over the many years she’s spent at the aquarium – as the fish has the longest institutional memory of anything in the building.

“It’s incredible to me that after all of these years of having her in our care,” she says, “we’re still learning and we still have the ability to learn from animals in ways that we can’t even conceive yet.”

By Katharine Gammon.

[strangerthingsstuff4]

A Story of Another Us- Chapter Two

Summary- Dahlia was no longer in the business of hurting her own feelings but when spending break from University on her best friends family ranch she finds more than just some veterinary experience.

Warnings- Swearing

The leather black suitcase hit the wet pebbled floor with a thud, Dahlia was just thankful that she hadn’t pulled the rest of the boot’s contents out with it. The rain had stopped while she had a short few hours sleep, it was still too cold for the thin gym leggings she had adorned on her journey. It took all her strength to try and pick up the suitcase with both hands, she just about managed to get it a few centimeters off the floor but it was enough for her to get it to the doors that led into the kitchen.

‘Oh here’ Haelena’s nephew Jace jumped out of his seat to help her.

Dahlia was not the only house guest they were having this break, Haelena had mentioned that she had a half sister from her father, she had moved off the farm and bought her own land just after Viserys’ passing. It was her sister’s two eldest boys that were joining her in vacationing with the Targaryen family, Jace and Luke were roughly the same age as Helaena and her siblings if not a few years younger, as were their girlfriends Baela and Rhaena who had joined them on their visit.

‘Thanks’ Dahlia breathed, letting Jace take the case from her and watched him struggle with it a little.

‘Right go and put some warmer clothes on and then I’ll take you on a little tour!’ Haelena grinned giddily.

‘We could look for the dog too if you wanted’ Dahlia suggested as she opened her case searched through it for her fur lined leggings.

‘Maybe yeah, I think Aemond had already searched the farm, here you’re size five right?’ Haelena queried as she handed her a pair of dark green wellington boots.

Dahlia took the shoes and slid them on her feet after she had slipped the thick leggings over the gym leggings she had on. She also pulled her thick waterproof coat out of the case and threw it on. She followed Haelena out into the cold morning air, shoving her hands into her pockets to keep them warm.

‘These are the chickens, that’s the stables and the training yard, we have three palfreys and two Stallions at the moment. Aemond mainly cares for the horses but I’m sure he’d be happy to let you help and show you the ropes’ Haelena started to inform her as the two girls began down the small slope that led to the large section of land that lay behind the house.

‘These are the small trough beds we use for our crops; we can’t grow a lot but what we can grow saves us tons on shopping, these are mainly for like small fruits, cabbages and stuff, the greenhouse is for bigger things like artichokes and pumpkins and stuff’

‘I had no idea you guys were so self-sufficient, this is so cool Hel!... what’s that building?’ Dahlia asked referring to the old run-down building that sat at the very bottom of the garden.

‘Oh that was a cottage my sister used to live in, it’s been empty for a long time now but mum keeps speaking about having it renovated, come on… I think she’s planning on letting one of us move into it when we get a partner or something but for now it’s just full of old equipment’ She informed her best friend while she led her down the length of the land and through a small arch way in the tall thick hedges.

Dahlia made sure to shut the gate securely behind her before continuing over the grassy land and onto another dirt track. Haelena went on telling her about how many fields that had and what animals resided in them. They had cows, Heifers and Bulls both. They had Ewes, Rams and were hoping to start lambing for the first-time next season. Dahlia could have listened to her talk about the farm and the animals all day, she loved how Haelena’s face lit up when she could show off her vast knowledge of the farming life.

‘Oh there’s mum come and say hi’ The silver haired girl pointed across the country road to where a brunette stood on the other side of the field, two tall figures with matching shiny locks as that of her best friend.

They both plodded through the wet mud and through the fence that led onto more wet mud and grass. As they approached the group Dahlia caught the pale purple eyes of Haelena’s younger brother, his gaze burnt into her like fire in a way she didn’t much enjoy.

‘Hi, mum this is my friend Dahlia that I told you about, Dahl this is my mum’

‘It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs Hightower’ Dahlia smiled, shaking the extended hand of the stunningly beautiful young woman.

‘And you sweetie, Haelena has spoken so highly of you, have you met my sons? My eldest Aegon and one of Haelena’s other brothers Aemond’ she introduced her to the two men who were both also stunning.

Dahlia smiled at both of them and mumbled a quiet ‘hello’, too scared of being received with another ice-cold comment from Aemond. The three of them had been stood next to what looked to be a young heifer, one that seemed to visibly be in discomfort. It’s belly was extremely swollen, her hind legs were regularly kicking at her stomach and stomping into the soft wet surface of the floor.

‘Right well we’ll have to get Criston out her to have a look at her… there goes another four hundred dragons’ Alicent sighed looking the animal over, her hands on her hips.

‘Mum, I told you to just sell them to Nyra, they’re more hassle than they’re worth’ Aemond huffed, a slight glint of distaste as he watched his brother pat the animals side like she was a pet.

‘Is it trapped wind? I know something that might help if you don’t mind me trying’ Dahlia asked nervously, noticing the defeat in Alicents face.

The woman looked at her unsure before nodding and waving for her to give it a go.

‘Erm does anyone have like a nail or knife? Something sharp?’

Aegon began rifling through the deep pockets on his fleece jacket, he pulled out long loose nail and handed it to her. She moved closer to the cow, avoiding her jolting legs and stroke her side soothingly. Finding a spot towards the back of the hard bloated stomach, Dahlia used all of her strength to pierce the thick layer of skin, the cow let out a long loud sound of relief when she removed the nail and the hot smelly air began to release from her stomach.

‘That should do it’ Dahlia huffed wafting the horrible smelling gas away from her face as she stepped back and the animal visibly relaxed.

‘Really? That simple?’ Alicent asked astounded.

‘It’s a trick I learnt from someone I studied under in the capital; vets don’t tell you about it because they can charge you hundreds on medication. Just need to keep an eye on her for the rest of the day and make sure she’s eating properly and that wound will heal itself in a few days as long as it’s been cleaned’.

‘Dahlia almost has her master’s degree in veterinary care for agricultural purposes’ Haelena bragged nudging her best friend.

‘Really?! Well you let me know as soon as you have that degree, I could use somebody like you working with us’ Alicent grins at the girl, admiring how the heifer had returned to business as usual, grazing at the grass.

Aemond had began to head off the field before the rest of them, Dahlia was unsure of whether she had heard him scoff or not before he walked away from the group. As the rest of them walked back towards the house, Aegon chirping down her ear some of the small hacks he knew and how he could teach them to her sometime, Dahlia couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable. She had only had two interactions with Aemond yet both times he seemed to be inpatient with her. Had she done something wrong? Something to make her seem strange. Perhaps he just wasn’t keen on being around new people or perhaps he was just a complete dick, either way she had no intention of spending a lot of time around him.

It was heaven when Dahlia got to crawl onto the soft mattress later that night, her stomach full from the meal Haelena and Baela had cooked for everyone. Her limbs melted like butter underneath the thick warm blanket and her head sunk into the pillow like it was a cloud. She had decided on an oversized shirt as her pyjamas and shoved her long copper her on top of her head for a good night’s sleep. Her room was on the very top floor of the house, at the end of the landing. She had watched Aegon go into the room next to hers and she was sure Aemond had disappeared into the room opposite hers not long after. Dahlia must have fallen asleep in seconds, her body finally giving up the fight, because the next thing she knew she was rolling out of bed. Despite having less than fifteen hours sleep in the last two days, her body clock hadn’t gotten the memo. She had lay in bed refusing to get up for twenty minutes, hoping to fall back asleep but to no luck.

Usually she was up at 5am for an hour-long jog before beginning her day but not being able to navigate her surrounding area Dahlia decided it was safer to pass on it this morning. She had managed to sleep in a little but even at 5:45 the house seemed to still be asleep. Dahlia padded down the stairs in her fluffy socks and entered the kitchen, she flicked the switch on the kettle planning on a nice hot cup of coffee to start her day.

Dahlia stood against the counter waiting for the kettle to boil when she noticed the light glowing through the windows of the stable. She wasn’t the only one awake apparently, deciding whether or not to go and offer any help she settled for making breakfast for everyone. She was familiar with Haelena’s sleep routine so knew she would be appearing from her basement bedroom in the next 30 minutes, just enough time to make pancakes.

Finding everything she needed in the pantry, Dahlia set to work measuring, mixing and flipping until she had enough pancakes for at least five people, fresh fruit set out on the table along with syrups, sugar and fresh squeezed lemon juice. She was in the middle of whisking together another batch of mixture when a small whine and scratching noise caught her attention. Dahlia placed the bowl on the counter and opened the sliding glass doors of the kitchen.

‘Hello little one, you must be Vhagar’ Dahlia smiled down at the soggy ball of fluff, standing aside to let the poor girl inside.

Vhagar was a breed of sheepdog that was no longer bred commercially, an old breed originating in Valyria that was almost impossible to obtain. Dahlia watched the poor dog walk straight to her food bowl and sniff about, gulping down water. Unsure of where the dog food was kept, Dahlia began snooping around the cupboards, Vhagar following her every step, sticking her head in every cupboard and sniffing the contents.

‘Mind your head nosy hole’ Dahlia laughed, not hearing someone step through the door that she had left open.

‘Excuse me?’ Aemond questioned, making his presence known and making Dahlia jump out of her skin, hitting her head on the draw above her.

‘Gods…I was speaking to Vhagar’ she breathed calming herself down.

Vhagar ran around the table to Aemond’s feet, wiggling her tail with so much excitement her bum rocked from side to side.

‘Hey you, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you everywhere!’ Aemond cooed, kneeling down to pet her tatty damp fur.

Dahlia couldn’t help but smile watching the interaction between man and his best friend. How he let her stand against him, front paws on his shoulder licking his face affectionately. Dahlia returned to her cooking, pouring small circles of batter onto the hot baking pan.

‘I was trying to find her food, figured she was going to be hungry’ Dahlia mumbled to Aemond over her shoulder.

She was received with a ‘hmm’ and the sound of his feet walking to the pantry, followed by a bag rustling and biscuits hitting the metal bowl. Aemond gave a satisfied chuckle watching Vhagar scoff down her food and look to him for more.

‘I didn’t realise anyone else was up and out already, I’ve made pancakes for breakfast so help yourself there’s-‘

Dahlia turned around to inform him of all the condiments she had laid out but was met with the image of him retreating out of the room, plate of pancakes in one hand and another bowl of dog kibble In the other, Vhagar in tow. She stood astounded, no thank you or good morning or anything.

He was really starting to piss her off.

[moonshinemusings]

i really enjoy your headcanons! Can you pleeeaaassee do it for my baby boy Alex :,) i love the ones with Alex. Love youu!!!

Thank you, I'm really glad you like them! Here are some more of my thoughts about Alex :)

---

General Alex Keller headcanons (Pt.1)

Warnings: slight mentions of canon typical violence

A/N: there are so many mentions of food in this?? I'm sorry, I just have some very specific thoughts about him lol

• I'm a firm believer this man runs hot like a furnace no matter the season. In the summer he should be suffering, but somehow he's used to the heat

• Dog person. When people say dogs look like their owners they are talking about him. He probably owns a beige labrador or a golden retriever

• He's good with most animals, but bigger ones like cows or horses kinda intimidate him. Only at first though, when he gets to spend some time with them he really enjoys their presence

• The only animals he really dislikes are birds. No specific reason, he just does

• He's somewhat an artistic soul; he likes to write song lyrics (although he can't really sing), design new tattoos for himself, try to scribble poems

• Alex loves specifically the pink cotton candy. As a kid he used to eat them often and they are still a comfort food of his

• Despite that, he likes salty and savory things over sweets

• An exception is vanilla pudding because he could eat it for the rest of his life. His second favorite is the caramel flavour

• He also looks like the average honey-mustard chicken enjoyer. With pasta. You know what, I think he LOVES any kinds of pasta

• He's also a fruit lover, his favorites are tangerines and strawberries. He totally eats his apple slices with peanut butter too

• Loves pizza even when he knows it's stereotypical. His mother used to make really good home made ones when he was younger and he never really grew out of the "I can eat a whole pizza in one sitting" phase

• Also, when he's drunk he always craves pizza, no matter where they are or how much he had to drink

• Speaking of, he can hold his tequila but weak to beer. Shots do almost nothing to him, but a few beers and he's down

• When he's drunk and gets together with Gaz and/or Soap, everyone is going to suffer from their volume and pranks. The amount of bullshit that can come out of their mouths those times is honestly impressive

• Still, he's king of respecting women tbh. If there is someone who's going to be polite and won't cross any boundaries even when in a pub shitfaced, it's him

• Alex is one of the worst when it comes to gossip because he wants to know all the tea. It's hilarious when he tells something he just heard to Farah and she already knows

• He's naturally easy-going and laidback, most know him for his friendliness as a close second to his abilities

• He's really good with kids. Alex is like the fun cousin you only meet at family gatherings, but those times he teaches you some tricks and tells the best stories you will forever remember

• He has one specific sniper rifle that he has gotten from his father at a young age. It can't usually be with him on missions because he has an assigned weapon, but when he can he takes the chance to use it on the field

• His favourite colors are green and red

• Most of his tattoos don't hold any deep meaning, only a few represent something/remind him of something/someone

• The codename Echo 3-1 is really close to his heart for some reason, if he could he'd keep it forever

• He's not a big fan of coffee, but still drinks it for the caffeine and out of habit

• He has occassional nightmares and night terrors (which soldier doesn't), but they are not as frequent as they used to be when he was younger

• Opposite of what others may believe, his hair takes like 5 minutes to style in the morning. Sometimes he puts some gel on it when it has already started to grow a little longer, but otherwise he just ruffles it and let's it do what it wants

• Some has told him before that he'd be a great leader, but Alex always denied it. He doesn't feel like he's cut out for that kind of responsibility

• He often bickers with Price, but only outside of missions. He's a pro at knowing when to take something seriously or joke about and that makes him really efficient in the field

• Alex often puts others before him, which almost cost him his life a few instances before. He doesn't think it would have been in vain though

• He loves to spend time in the nature, going on hikes, camping or hanging around the beach all day. Doesn't matter as long as he's outside

• As a kid, he tried to play football but hated it

• He used to be really good at math, but somehow as he got older he just gradually became worse

• In school he was the best at geography, communications and for a while math (as mentioned)

• He doesn't per se have a problem with flying, but would much rather travel through cars or other vehicles on the ground. They are much more comfortable, even if he likes being high up (hence his sniper position)

• When he was a kid, he didn't think about joining the army, although his father was a marine. He thought he was going to get a scholarship somewhere with his sport abilities or just land a decent place at a regular university. Turns out life had different plans, but he didn't regret it one bit

• He's totally the type to use emojis like 💀 and🧍🏻‍♀️ or the crying one when he laughs at something

• He's great at household chores and keeping the place running

• Alex can't exactly cook, but he can adjust just a few ingredients in a boxed food mix. It always turns out heavenly and no one can tell he didn't make all of it

• Deals well with horror movies but doesn't really like them

• Okay this last one if really specific and random at the same time, but he 100% eats the little chocolate roll things out of this wafer mix and no one can convince me otherwise

[birds-nest-on-the-roof]

From bud to blossom

It’s your first flower dance! You mingle and are having a good time. It's after an incident involving spilling some punch on both yourself and Haley that things take a turn. Shane comforts you and  brings you out to dance despite telling you earlier he wouldn't be. 

It's mostly fluff. Shane is a little bit annoyed in the beginning, but sweet in the end.

Your senses are filled with music and the sweet smell of the blossoms that surround the field. Dandelions and violets have spread in splotches of yellow and blue. The many pots and vases overflowing with flowers are scattered around the many tables and sitting areas. Evelyn has gone out of her way to make this year's flower dance a momentum over how beautiful the spring truly is. 

A light breeze is making your dress flutter, it’s pastel blue with a checkered design on it. The people around you are just as beautifully dressed and happy as you are, enjoying the good company through chatting or dancing. You stop and talk with as many as possible. You talk to Robin about fixing up your house. Vincent and Jas tell you a story about one of Marines' cows. Sam stops by and asks you to come and help him get Sebastian on the dancefloor. 

You run into Gus who tells you about what the snack table has to offer. You, who are already making your way towards the other side of the field, decide that your next stop will be the snacks. The table is set with all types of different goodies all with in season produce. Cauliflower popcorn, Garlic bread with a kale dip, fries with roasted parsnip and many more dishes. You settle on starting with pouring yourself a glass of fruit punch. 

On a chair right beside a big tray of deviled eggs sits Shane. You greet him like you always do when you encounter him but the only thing you get in return is a small nod. Which to you is a big improvement considering his earlier answers used to be ‘Why are you talking to me?’ and ‘Don't you have better things to do?’.  

“Not a fan of the flower dance?” You ask as you take a sip of the sweet drink. 

“Don’t like dances in general. I wouldn't be here if Marnie had’nt forced me.” 

“Oh, so I won't be seeing you on the dancefloor then?” 

“What do you think?” He gives you a skeptical look. You smile and shake your head. 

“Not even with Jas? I’m sure she would love to.”

“Marnie said the same thing and no, she has the other kid, what's his name?... Vincent right? She has him to play with.”  

"I'm glad you came at least. Well I probably have to go, I'll see you around.” 

“Sure.” 

You give him a little wave before you turn to walk away. But just as you turn you walk straight into Haley. Through some miracle you manage to redirect your falling cup so close to nothing of the drink ends up on Haley’s beautiful flower patterned dress. But much to your dismay most of the contents end up on your own dress. You look down on the red splotch at the end of your dress and decide that there is no harm done. A wash and it would be as good as new. 

Your attention turns back to Haley who makes an audible gasp and holds up the end of the dress. Despite your sacrifice a few drops manage to make their way to her dress, but they would barely be visible over the floral pattern. 

“Oh, I'm really sorry Haley.” 

“You should watch where you're going!”

"I'm sorry! It was an accident, here, let me help." You turn around and grab a few napkins from the table, but Haley snatches them from your hands. 

“I don't want you touching my dress, you just make it worse.” She squeezes out as much as she can, but a few light red drops are left behind. 

“My dress is ruined!” 

“No, I promise it's barely noticeable. A good wash and it will be fine again.” You try to calm her down. 

“You don't know anything do you!” She throws her hands up in frustration. 

“Oh, shut up! It was just an accident, not the end of the world.” Shane who has up to this point just been observing the interaction, stands up from his seat and walks up to you both. Haley looks slightly stunned by the intervention but she quickly collects herself and continues. 

"What do you know about clothes anyways, you wear the same outfit everyday." 

“Why don't you run off to your sister and let her help you. Come on, we're leaving.” Shane takes a hold of your wrist and pulls you with him. 

“Urg! You know what, you are not worth my time.” And with that Haley turns and stomps away. 

“Oh no, I'll have to talk to Emily later. Maybe she can talk to her?” You say more to yourself than to Shane as he leads you away. 

“You don't have to do anything. Everything can't go her way all the time.” 

“I feel guilty.” You tell him. 

“If you ask me, she deserves some humbling.” You try to give him a stern look but your lips betray you and you break out in a small smile. 

“But she got sad over it. I still feel bad.” 

“It was an accident, leave it.” 

“Yeah… I will.” As the two of you make your way over the dancefloor Jolene by Dolly Parton starts to play over the speakers. A few people gather around you to dance, slightly trapping you both. 

“I know you said you wouldn't dance but you can't drag me out here just to ditch me.” You tease and it's enough to make him cave. 

“Fine.” He makes a big dramatic sigh before he holds out his hands for you. You smile at his gesture before you take it. A small red tint graces both your and Shanes cheeks as you both move to the music. 

There is a silence that falls between the both of you. It’s until you misstep and slips slightly, Shane tenses up and you start to laugh that breaks the silence. 

“Be careful.” He says but even he can't hold back a smile and the earlier tense shoulders have softened. 

“And you told me you wouldn't be dancing.” The comment makes Shane's face almost glow red. 

“Hopefully it will be over soon, with the way you're moving we both will tip over before the next chorus.” 

“As you can tell I'm not that good of a dancer, I apologize in advance if I were to step on your feet.” 

“You don't have to apologize all the time.” You look up at him expecting him to be annoyed but his face holds no such emotion. His sincereness caught you off guard. 

“No, I guess not. It just happens sometimes.” 

“Well stop that, with me atleast.” 

“Okay, I will.” You give him a reassuring smile before you continue. “Lewis said the egg festival is coming up soon, anything you're looking forward to?" 

“It's better than dancing at least. Although, this wasn't that bad. It’s still bad, having the constant threat that you'll crush my feet. But Gus always makes the snack table a hit.”

“Did you try the deviled eggs?” 

“Oh, I had way too many.” Just then you feel a tap on your shoulder. 

“Sebastian is talking about ditching and he hasn't even had one dance. Are you going to help me or not?” Sam points over to Sebastian who stands over by a few trees crossing his arms. 

"Right! I'm coming.” You say and let go of Shanes hands. He instantly shoves them down his pants pockets. 

“See you” He says and hurries back to his chair over at the snack table. 

“Bye Shane.” You say as you follow Sam back to Sebastian. On the way Abigail joins the two of you. 

“You got a dance with him? Didn't think he would like that sort of thing. How did you convince him?” Abigail has a curious look. 

“Pure luck I guess. 

“Well save some of that luck for Seb!” You stop in your tracks as you catch a glimpse of Vincent and Jas talking to Jodie. 

“I'll meet you up in just a few minutes.” 

“Hurry!” Sam says after you as you hurry up to Jas. 

“Hey Jas! How's the dancing going?”

“Good! But Vincent doesn't want to dance anymore.” 

“Why don't you go ask Shane?” 

“I did earlier, but he didn't want to.” She says shyly. 

“Try to ask him one last time.” You tell her, she nods and runs off to the snack table. 

As you talk to Sebastian, Sam and Abigail you catch a glimpse of the other side of the field. 

You watch as what you guess is Jas asking Shane to dance with her. You can't actually hear their conversation but you guess that Jas must have mentioned you or maybe Shane just figured out this was your doing because he looks up at you and for a moment you two lock eyes. Then like a miracle Shane stands up and much to Jas and your own joy he follows her out. They stay in the far corner, slightly away from the rest. He spins her around a few times and a smile grows at his face, and so does yours. 

After a while of Sam fighting Sebastian to go out and have at least one dance, ( while you and Abigail are just standing around enjoying the interaction) Emily and Haley approach you. Emily tells you everything is fine and that there are no harsh feelings.  

“I have this!” Emily holds up a small white tube. “ We are out in nature, of course we are bound to get dirty and this gets any spots out. Do you want me to try and get your stains out too?” 

“No, it's fine, just have to wash it.” You say and smile.

“Yeah and I wanted to say sorry for lashing out like that.” Haley says and looks with her big blue eyes.  

“No worries.” You tell her. 

As the flower dance is approaching its end you take one last good look, taking in the beauty of it all. Spring is finally here, flowers are blooming, the nights are still cold but the days are getting warmer. Despite living such a short time here you can't do anything other than feel like you are just like spring. You are warming back up to the life that you used to have at your grandpa's farm.

[starandsims]

As the seasons changed, Rosalie had fully embraced her new life on the farm. Her daily routine had transformed into a seamless blend of chores. Each morning began with the sunrise as she more eagerly embraced the farm’s rhythms. 

Rosalie’s first stop was the animal sheds, with a bucket in hand she expertly navigated her way among the cows, chickens, sheep, goats, tending to their needs. Her once nervous hands had become confident. Although she still preferred to let George milk the cows and gather the eggs. The animals seemed to recognize her as part of their world now, responding with gentle clucks and contented moos. All of course except for the goat, Pippin, but he didn’t like anyone. 

After the morning chores were complete, Rosalie headed to the farmhouse kitchen to prepare breakfast. She wasn’t what Jane would call “skilled” yet but she managed to make some hearty morning meals, using the farm’s fresh produce and eggs. The aroma of the freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, providing a comforting start to the day. 

The garden had become her sanctuary, Rosalie spent hours among the rows of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. She cultivated the lush greenery that would soon grace their dinner table. She had learned to recognize the needs of each plant, coaxing life from the soil with careful attention. Her fingers, once accustomed to such work, were now beginning to form the calluses of a seasoned gardner. 

In her spare moments, Rosalie had taken up the art of cross-stitching, a skill Jane had introduced her to. While her stitches were a bit uneven and she often poked herself with the sharp needle, Rosalie found solace in the repetitive motion of the needle and thread. Her evenings were often spent with a sampler in her lap, slowly crafting intricate designs by the dim glow of an oil lamp as she laughed and swapped stories with Jane. 

Some days were harder than others and Rosalie still occasionally yearned for the comforts of her old life. Yet, she knew that her place was now on the farm, among the people and animals who had welcomed her into their world. Her days were filled with purpose and satisfaction, and the sense of accomplishment she felt with each completed task outweighed the nostalgia for her former existence. She had grown, not only as a farmer but as a person, and in the embrace of her new family, she had found a deeper sense of belonging and contentment than she had ever known before. 

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

"Strawberry enjoyers"

My last story about the interaction of our Farmers. Thank you very much for the kind words 💕, and feel free to throw a tomato at me if I forgot about someone's farmer 😅 The story of how Julian and Josephine (@jazhand OC) wanted to surprise everyone with unusual strawberries, but Elisa (@elisa6102 OC) outdid everyone.

The whole Republic knows that in the middle of spring begins one of the favorite seasons of all sweet tooths - ripe strawberries will soon fill store shelves. And all as one will agree that there are no tastier and healthier strawberries than in Stardew Valley. Hard-working and caring farmers put on sale the long-awaited berries, which are immediately sold to everyone. Given how this berry boosts the Valley's economy, Lewis decided to dedicate an entire festival to strawberries. The festival is not as large as the egg festival, but Pelican Town residents, as well as many tourists, have embraced the idea. Local farmer Elisa, the biggest strawberry lover in the world, was especially supportive of the idea.

In addition to selling the berries themselves, the farmers decided to display strawberries that would make people gasp with delight and amazement.

Julian decided to use special organic fertilizers and a method of growing strawberries so that the berry was about the size of a human fist. Neither flavor nor health benefits were lost in the growing process, and passing children gasped in amazement and tugged at their parents' clothes, asking them to linger near the display and look at the unusually large berry.

Josephine, a kind and hardworking farmer, decided to introduce people to a new variety of strawberry that no one had ever seen before. White pineapple strawberries impress with an unusual fruit flavor! The berries are sweet, juicy and flavorful, and they are very much loved by children! The appearance of the berry is also striking. It is not like other varieties of red strawberries, it has a white color and red seeds. Like beautiful pearls, they lay on display, and gathered the attention of not only the crowd, but also other farmers, asking Josephine with interest about the strawberries and praising her for her work.

"Oh oh oh! I should definitely buy some from you. It's so beautiful, and it smells so good!" Elisa spun around past Josephine's display, looking at the unusually colored berry.

"Why buy some?", Josephine said, smiling. "Help yourself". She held out a small basket to Elisa, from which Elisa immediately took a couple of berries. "You too, Julian", She held out the basket now toward Julian, who had just arrived. He didn't refuse his colleague's tasty treat either.

"Mmm, delicious! Thank you so much, Josephine."

Julian also thanked Josephine for the strawberries with a nod, not risking opening his mouthful of delicious berries.

"Listen, Elisa, I want to ask you", Josephine suddenly said. "You told us before the festival that you were making unusual strawberries for the exhibition too. Where's your display?"

"Oh! There it is, by the cherry tree"

Josephine turned her head in the direction Elisa had pointed..... and became speechless. Under the tall tree was Elisa's display, and in it was a single strawberry... probably the size of a whole car. Julian almost choked with berries when he saw Elisa's display as well. And these are real miracles: literally a minute ago there was nothing under the tree, and then once - and a huge strawberry!

"Holy cow...", Julian said.

"Indeed", Josephine confirmed his words.

Elisa looked with pride and tenderness at the fruits (or better say berries) of her labor (and a little bit of magic), deep down hoping that no one would buy her strawberries, and she could eat them herself.

[gt-adventures]

Mystic Woods: giants and food!

Everyone likes worldbuilding and food is an important part of that. Answering Questions such as what are the base crops/cultivated foods? And how do food sources interact. In addition to what impact this has on the culture of the specific country/region a story might be focused on! And of course what cultural dishes exist.

I’ve thought a lot about what giants eat in Eretz Orriyad (The Land The Light Touches). Which includes Harim Orr Chayim (pass of living light), Eretz Orr (the land of light), the mystic woods, the Harim Mayvichim (the implausible mountains), and a chunk of other “kingdoms” that I haven’t named. (My Hebrew sucks and the names probably will change over the years LOL)

So what do giants eat? (In this region of the world)

Let’s start with what they grow. Both in terms of fruits and vegetables and animals! There aren’t many animals practical for giants to take care of that are different from smallfolk. They keep cows and pigs, but not smaller animals like goats and chickens. Instead they domesticated a kind of ostrich-like-dinosaur-like bird. Something that is still very dangerous for smallfolk to interact with but perfectly safe for giants. Like with chickens these animals would lay eggs when they had enough food. But for meat giants mostly hunt. And manage the herds of the animals. The animals being large scale-beasts (fantasy dinosaurs). And they manage the herds alongside their crops! Giants will leave crops behind that attract the large animals which allow for easier hunting. And the animals then provide fertilizer for the next growing season! Giants also hunt normal and monstrous wild boars. Humans and other smallfolk don’t hunt these due to the danger and lack of practicality that comes with a big carcass. Smallfolk can team up with giants to handle such things! Elves and giants are the most common hunting partners.

What do giants grow?

Giants in the land the light touches have an ancient technique to plant crops in a specific pattern to trap magic that increases size of the plant. In addition to selective breeding for size but without the magic the size would merely be impressively large rather than “impossibly” large. This comes with an unfortunate drawback of the food being much more bland. It’s like mass produced tomatoes vs farmers market. Because they are kinda mass produced! There’s more mass! Lol!

Giants grow all kinds of fruits and vegetables this way. All kinds of wheat/barley/buckwheat. And rice! I can’t point to specific things they have or don’t have except maybe corn. Sadly I don’t think this region has corn, or rather haven’t historically grown it but just traded for it. Tree fruits are favored over bushes (so apples and citrus over berries). Squash is also popular as even smallfolk can get squash to get huge! Also pumpkins are classic for fairytales.

the crops of giants attract a lot of animals. Deer, rabbits, and such. These can become pests and giants can try to catch and eat these but it’s not always worth it. So they allow smallfolk to do it for a fee/trade.

Remember how I said giant grown fruits and veggies are more bland? To overcome this giants use a lot of herbs and spices. This means they are a major consumer for that market! Giants do grow their own but they can’t use magic to enhance it because then you have tasteless spices! So they buy and trade for a LOT. What do they trade? Well all the normal things but also those bland crops! They have enough to give to smallfolk because a little for them goes a long way. Like I said: mass produced. It’s much cheaper food and becomes kind of poor person food but it goes a long way to preventing hunger in the land. It’s also useful for large celebrations / feasts that require food for thousands. Sure it’s not as tasty but if you fry it and put spices and sugar and stuff who cares?

Anyways this is what I’ve got so far. Thanks for reading

[uncxntrxllable]

Wizards of Waverly Place Season 4 Sentence Starters!

change as needed.

" Oh gosh. I gotta get in there! I wanna take a bath without someone yelling at me, "Hey lady, get out of my pool!" " " I have a soda gun and its loaded with root beer! " " All right, hold on. I'll let you in. I just have to dismantle a bunch of booby traps I set up to protect myself. " " What are you doing? " " I'm calling the police. " " You can't call the police. " " You're making me mad! " " That is the saddest thing I have ever seen. " " I have to get something healthy to eat to calm my nerves. " " That's a donut shop. " " I'll get the ones with the fruit in the middle! " " Well I don't need you either. I can clean all the garbage cans by myself, and what am I going to need to do that? Do I need like a rag or a, or a brush or spray? No? FINE! " " Coconut cream pies are done. " " This is a box of mud. " " Those aren't from me, but I have my suspicions. " " Hey yo (Name)! Like my flowers? " " Cows? I thought we were dalmatians. Now it's just weird. " " Really? That's your story? " " Oooh, cotton candy! " " No, I don't run. " " What is so bad about a slumber party? It's what every girl dreams of. If they never experience one they go through life never knowing the joys of friendship cemented with all that giggling, secrets, popcorn, singing, texting, movies, games, pillow fights and- " " You've never had a slumber party, have you? " " There it is. A little piece of good. Darn it! " " Oh dear, what a mess. "

[oldsalempost-blog]

The Old Salem Post

Contact: theoldsalempost@gmail.com                              Distributed to local businesses, town hall, library.                            Volume 7 Issue 34                                                                                                  Week of August 12,  2024                https://www.tumblr.com/settings/blog/oldsalempost-blog                                                         Lynne Martin Publishing EDITOR:   Support local has become a big deal.  What we think is a new and cool idea has actually existed forever on the farm.  Some have to recreate it, but fortunately I got to live it.  In my life around here families have enjoyed “farm to table” every meal starting from breakfast to supper.  Summer was for berry picking, gardening and canning.  As children we had to string many green beans, crack pecans, gather eggs, shuck corn, cut corn stalks for our cows, and load wood for our heater. We had our own meat source of chicken, cows, and pigs grown right at home.  My brother went squirrel hunting and often caught rabbits in a “rabbit gum” to sell.  My grandmother traded dozens of eggs in exchange for something she needed.  Families and friends gathered for weddings and barn dances. Today, people pay a lot of money to visit and recreate the special effects of a farm, when we have had it all along. Support local: buy from a farmer and be more involved in this wonderful place of community. LRMartin                                                                        

TOWN of SALEM: 5 Park Avenue  Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Closed 12-1 for lunch.  * Visit the Downtown Market every Sat, 8am-12pm.  There will be a community cookout in partnership with the Oconee Sheriff’s office and the Town at the Salem Community Center Sept 17th at 4PM.  FREE Hamburger or hot dog plates will begin at 4PM.  A new neighborhood watch which is part of  Mission Oconee, sponsored by a Isaiah  40:31 foundation will be discussed.   Save the date for the Last Season Car Show October 12th at 5PM.   864-944-2819                                                                                                                      Jottings from Miz Jeannie  by Jeannie Barnwell     Dog Training Tips                                                   I  have plunked down several hundred dollars to perfect the behavior of my young, obstreperous Collie puppy.  I feel the need to share these tips! First of all, the trainers stress that all interactions should be positive.  Hence, I have been encouraged to wear a fetching little over the shoulder purse so that I can easily distribute treats for good behavior.  "Charlie Bear" is a new treat on the market. These treats are all protein and make a hearty crunch sound in the pet's month.  "No! Stop that! Down Boy! and Mama will Spank!" are  phrases forbidden to a puppy owner.  For instance, train YOUR NEIGHBORS in advance.  If Rover is prone to jump on people, YOU must train your neighbors to simply turn away from the jumper.  In particular, train your neighbors NOT to scold the dog.   According to my trainer, when a person shouts and scolds the jumper, the jumper considers this to be positive reinforcement, rather than a reprimand.  My neighbor is not anxious to hold her tongue when Rover's muddy paw prints have smudged her church clothes!  At this juncture, both myself and the jumper have been severely chastised!  At least, I am trying to train my dog, and I will take responsibility for her actions.  Have a good week!  Eat fresh fruit and veggies while we have them.  Remember to share the bounty with neighbors!  Miz Jeannie

SONY 107.9 WFBS-  THANKS to all who helped meet the  $1500  goal for the new antenna and upgrades!

ASHTON RECALLS by Ashton Hester   FISHING LAKE OPENS NEAR SALEM - (The following story was in the June 9, 1954 issue of the Keowee Courier). . .Homer Towe has opened a new fishing lake in the Salem area, and early fishermen who have already tried their luck report nice catches of blue cats. . .Mr. Towe's lake is located several miles from Salem and approximately one mile west of the Mountain View Welcome Wesleyan church. . .A concession stand is also located at the site to provide refreshments for the fishermen. . .This is the second lake Mr. Towe has created on his property. Several years ago he created a smaller one for his own personal use.

JOCASSEE VALLEY BREWING COMPANY,(JVBC) & COFFEE SHOP* 13412 N Hwy 11 Opening on Tuesdays 12pm-7pm during the summer season. Wed–Sat 9am-9pm and Sunday 12pm-7pm.                                    Events this week: Wed:  FOOD TRUCK: BLUE RIDGE GRILL  4PM  Thursday: Food Truck:  BLUE RIDGE GRILL 4PM  TRAIL TALK  6PM  Fri: Music: CASSIDY BRIDGE 6:30PM   Food:  BLUE RIDGE GRILL    Sat–  Food: LOBSTER DOGS  Music:  ANGELA EASTERLING at 6:30PM   Sun: 12pm-7pm Food: BLUE RIDGE GRILL  1PM  Music:  Singer-Songwriter Showcase hosted by Rick Malec  4PM.    

.ONGOING FRESH LOCAL FOOD **

The Clemson Area Food Exchange has been selling produce and table items from the farm in Pickens, Anderson and Oconee counties for the last 15 years.  SALEM is on the drop off on Tuesday 4:30pm -6pm, hosted by  Sisters Restaurant on the porch, 281Stamp Creek Rd. Order between Friday pm- Monday noon. First two orders complimentary, then $ 20/ year per household. Order on line at Clemsonareafoodexchange.com                                                                    PICKET POST PRODUCE located on 5787 N Highway 11: Farm fresh milk, eggs, produce, honey, jams, etc   

EAGLES NEST ART CENTER.

2024 UPCOMING EVENTS     Treasure Store open every Sat morning 9AM-12PM.  For donations  call 864-557-2462.   

August 24th, 7PM  Make Reservations for Dinner and a Show with Luke Riley Smith– Enjoy  the tunes of the Big Band Era, Swing and more! Fried Chicken, 2 sides, roll, dessert, tea or coffee. Tickets $25 Call 864-280-1258. Tickets for sale and available also at the Town of Salem. 

YOUNG APPALACHIAN MUSICIANS– Sign up for YAMs for an evening class each week on Tuesdays at 5:30PM. Cost is $50 each month.  3rd grade through adult.   Call 864-280-1258                                                                                                                      September 21, 7PM  Oconee Mountain Opry– Hometown variety show of local and regional talent! Tickets $10                                                                                                                                                             

CHURCH NEWS                                                                                                                   Bethel Presbyterian Church (PCUSA),  580 Bethel Church Rd Walhalla, 29691. Worship at 10:30 a.m.  Come Visit Us!                                                                                                                               Boones Creek Baptist Church, 264 Boones Creek Road, Salem invites you to join us for regular worship service on Sunday morning with Sunday School at 10am and followed by worship at 11am.  

Salem Methodist Church, 520 Church Street, Down town Salem.  Salem Methodist is an independent church.       Sunday Breakfast at 9AM with Sunday School at 9:15AM and Worship Service at 10:30AM.   Holy Communion the first Sunday each month.  All welcome! Tune in to our live service on Facebook or view it later on our website.        ICE CREAM SOCIAL at the Salem Methodist Church:  Sunday afternoon August 25th at 5PM.  Everyone welcome!              Women’s Community Bible Study each Monday morning at 10AM led by Sherrill Carothers                            NEW PRAYER GROUP: Began August 8th at 7 PM at the Salem Methodist Church. Will meet every second and fourth Thursday each month. HELP MAKE JUMPROPES from old TShirts– Come learn and participate in making jump ropes for the Samaritan’s Shoe Box Ministry Sept 14th at 10AM.  

BOY SCOUTS and CUB SCOUTS to return to Salem?  Salem Methodist Church has been a host site for Scouts.  In the  recent past the number of scouts and leaders decreased so much the troops they stopped meeting.  There seems to be a growing interest in parents, children and the community to bring the scouts back to Salem.   Contact theoldsalempost@gmail.com if you would like contact information.  

FOR YOUR HEALTH— Keep your appointment! Schedule time for exercise.  “Exercise is good medicine!” (Beverly Chesser)

Clemson Rural Health Mobile Unit Coming to Salem:  August dates are Aug 13th and Aug 29th Time: 9AM-3PM Location: gravel parking lot across from the Salem Fire Department.  They will offer comprehensive primary care that includes chronic disease management and acute care.  The website: https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/clemson-rural-health/patients.html    

LOCAL BUSINESS

DISCOVER Freeze Drying:   Easy to rehydrate.  Delicious & Nutritious.  Lasts up to 25 years!   ADCM  located 174 East Main Street Salem ( beside Talk of the Town Beauty Salon)  is carrying the HARVESTRIGHT Unit.  Stop by and check these out as well the firearms, ammo, fishing supplies,  treasures, antiques and more.                                                                                                     WANTED:  Someone looking for a home site, home, or fixer-upper with 8-12 Acres in the Tamassee-Salem. Contact theoldsalempost@gmail.com for contact information.                                                                                                        Isaiah 40:31:  “ But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…”

Come to the  Methodist ice cream social!  LRM