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Omaha

Day 205/365: Time For Summer Vegetable Gardens and Farm Produce Stands

June 30, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I’m so excited! It’s the time of year for my summer vegetable garden and in June I’m super motivated with thoughts of cucumbers, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, and fresh broccoli. Until my harvest, I haunt my Omaha Nelson farm produce stand in the parking lot where I work.

Custom Fresh Sweet Corn Sale
Custom Fresh Sweet Corn Sale
by ndjmom

They have the best fresh peaches and produce that is ready way before my own garden zucchini and tomatoes are ready.

Cucumbers
Cucumbers

I’m going to try and like yellow and green “mushy” vegetables like zucchini and squash,I even planted cauliflower this year. Over the years I’m made sweet pickles, jalapeno “cowboy candy” and sweet basil jelly. So far at the beginning of June, we have harvested spinach, lettuce, and radishes. We have had so many leafy greens we have been giving away bags of them to friends and co-workers.

Fresh Garden Spinach
Fresh Garden Spinach

Essential Gardening Tools

Gardening really doesn’t take too many tools or equipment. Some good soil, mulch ( I like to use our lawn clippings), water, and sunlight. The secret is growing plants that are native to your specific area. For instance, growing watermelon in the north isn’t a good idea, not enough heat days. Likewise, blueberries in Nebraska don’t do well. Our soil is too alkaline.

Hometown Farmers Market Vendors
Hometown Farmers Market Vendors
by ndjmom
Fruit Vegetable Stand Arrow  Sign
Fruit Vegetable Stand Arrow Sign
by ndjmom

With my bad back, a rolling garden seat is INVALUABLE!! Seriously, I don’t mean to shout, but now as I have passed the big 50, I cant’ bend over for hours picking green beans for an hour. Inside I keep my gardening gloves, small trowel, and bags to pick lettuce. Everything stays dry and this seat has stayed out all season long in the rain.

Rolling Garden Seat with StorageCorona Clipper Diamond Hoe

First Year Vegetable Garden

It’s amazing how big the broccoli can grow and take over the garden, as well as the tomatoes. I have planted potatoes and onions, but it’s not an efficient use of space. They demand a lot of water, mulch, and loose soil. I’d rather grow basil or peppers in their spot and buy my potatoes from the produce stand.

Do you have a garden? What do you like to plant and what is your favorite gardening tip?

Farmers Market Venmo Sign

A Venmo sign is essential to your farmers market display. Many people do bring cash, but once they run out. So then digital wallets like Venmo and Cash App are alternative option. By the way you can create your own customized Venmo sign in my Zazzle shop.

The one below if for my Tea n More tea company, which was an offshoot of our local farmers market.

 

Filed Under: Food, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, Food, Omaha, Photography, postaday, project365, summer vegetable garden

Day 180/365: Strutting Peacock

June 4, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Strutting peacock
Strutting peacock (post production)

My first award, or recognition, members of the Facebook 365 Day Photo Challenge  voted my “Strutting Peaccok” the photo of the week! Yeah!

Straight out of camera Peacock
Straight out of camera Peacock (SOOC)

Peacock images have been overdone as well as roses, but what photography collection is complete without a strutting peacock. I did bump this up a little with posterizing in Photoshop and a green tint in the black and white layer. The effect I was trying to achieve was to get the “eyes” to pop and I believe it was achieved. Those eyes would get my attention

By the way, this male peacock did catch the female after a little chase. Just another photo from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, love that place.

Peacock Chasing Peahen
Peacock Chasing Peahen

Filed Under: Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, animal, animals, bird, henry doorly, Nebraska, Omaha, Photography, Photoshop, project365, zoo

Day 178/365: Lemurs at the Zoo

June 2, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Lemur with a Monkey Biscuit
Lemur with a Monkey Biscuit

This wide eyed lemur is part of the Madagascar exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo, yes I went back a week later. Did get some different photos, but I was pickier this time. The walk through outdoor exhibit allows you to pass through a double door entry and walk amongst a troop of ruffed lemurs.

It is 6,700 square foot netted exhibit with man-made trees linked by vines and allows visitors to photograph these animals without a net or glass obstruction.They even jump on the walkways and get up close and personal. It’s only open Fridays-Sundays and so I didn’t see it the week before. I think it’s probably due to staffing as a keeper is in attendance at all times to keep the people and lemurs from touching each other. They are very friendly and very unafraid.

Lemurs at the Zoo
Lemurs Up Close and Personal (can you see his tail)

Lemur Enrichment
Lemur Enrichment

The keepers had just gone into the exhibit and stuck several willow branches into the ground, this troupe of ring-tailed lemurs loved the treat.

Filed Under: Project 365, Travel Adventures Tagged With: 365project, animals, closeup, Destination, henry doorly, Nebraska, Omaha, project365, zoo, zoos

Day 171/365: Gorillas in Omaha

May 24, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Whenever we have friends visit Omaha for the first time we always take them to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. There are many parts of the zoo that is my favorite but one of the better exhibits is the  Hubbard Gorilla Valley which opened in 2004. Here it is almost like the people are on display instead of the gorillas. One particular silverback male loves toddlers and it’s not unusual for him to bound over to the window and stare at them. He did that with my daughter when she was little in the previous gorilla building.

Gorillas at the Omaha Zoo
Gorillas at the Omaha Zoo

There are very large outdoor valley areas which encompasses about two acres of habitat which curve and zigzag around the exhibits and make it feel as though it’s much larger. Over twenty gorillas of different ages share a multitude of living areas and many visitors have their favorites.

Gorilla Messes With Visitors at Zoo

As I said it is not uncommon to see the gorillas interact, tease or “mess” with visitors. I’ve just been sitting on the ledge with my back turned and one of the males will just come up and bang on the glass and run away, just like up above. I think he just likes seeing the reaction of people, I know I jumped! Just search on YouTube for Omaha gorilla and you will find hundreds of videos of our gorillas “interacting” with the public.

The design of the enclosures is meant for human and gorilla interaction and many people feel the Omaha Zoo has the best gorilla exhibit in the United States. In 2014 they were awarded the Best Zoo in the World by Trip Advisor. In Nebraska this is old news, but when CNN and the travel channel highlight our city and zoo it’s an even bigger source of pride.

Gorilla Breaks Glass at Omaha Zoo

So in April of 2015 when the gorilla cracked the  glass, during one of his stunts, it shouldn’t be any surprise to regular visitors.

But it surprised the country and the below video has gone viral on Facebook and other social media outlets. The activity of this gorilla is nothing new. Many people come to the zoo to interact with him. People who have never visited the Henry Doorly Zoo are criticizing how cruel it is to have gorillas in captivity, or even the ignorance of the little girl and her parents.

It is scary, especially to little kids. I have often cautioned parents with little kids that the gorillas exhibit this behavior and might lunge at the windows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdJVc1JxGhI

As you can see from the video and the photos the gorilla enclosures are very large. I have met with the keepers and veterinarians at the zoo and brought visiting veterinarians to the zoo. The enrichment program is very intense. Not only do they have a different activity every day, but they don’t repeat an enrichment program more than once a month. Some of the enrichment activities include pumpkins, phone books, boxes, perfume, and other manipulatives..

Silverback Gorilla
Silverback Gorilla

The gorillas are put together in social groups in environment with trees, boulders, logs and an enrichment program that is meant to challenge them on a daily basis. The natural habitat of Lowland gorillas is disappearing at a tremendous rate and Omaha is one of the premier world wide reproductive facilities in the world that houses the largest gorilla sperm banks.

Gorilla in Omaha
Gorilla in Omaha

Gorilla Valley
Gorilla Valley- can you see the Gorilla in this picture?

I just love our zoo, and I think we’re going back sometime soon to take some other friends.  It’s definitely a destination you can’t miss when you come to Omaha. Almost every year there is a new attraction and even though the Omaha Zoo is great now it’s just going to get better with an upcoming $175 million dollar Master Plan expansion planned in the next 15 years.

Face to Face With Gorillas (Face to Face with Animals)Gorillas: Amazing Pictures and Facts About Gorillas (Let’s Learn About)California Costumes Men’s Adult-Gorilla, Black, Standard CostumeSafari Ltd Wildlife Wonders Silverback Gorilla

Omaha Zoo News

Gorilla cracks glass at Henry Doorly Zoo, video catches fire online

Overnight, an Omaha gorilla went viral. Around 9 p.m. Thursday, YouTube user “BULL DOG” posted a video of a silverback gorilla cracking the glass at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. In the first 12 hours, the video accumulated about 750,000 views.

Best Gorilla Exhibit in the US? » United States – ZooChat

About the Omaha gorilla exhibits: as you may know two silverbacks cannot be in the same group unless they are related or have known each other for a very long time. Omaha, unfortunately, has 10 male gorillas and so they …

Stop what you’re doing! The Omaha zoo’s baby penguins now have names

No more tapping the aquarium glass and saying “Hey, you!” The penguin chicks at the zoo now have names. Penguin handlers chose Kirby, Puck and Maverick as the names for the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s three newest penguins. A naming contest …

Omaha Zoo Ranked Best for Animal Attractions

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium picks up more bragging rights. FamilyFun Magazine ranked the zoo the #1 spot for animal attractions in the U.S. for the second consecutive year. FamilyFun magazine surveyed 2,000 American families with children …

WATCH: Gorilla charges family at Omaha zoo, smashing …

OMAHA, Nebraska (PIX11) – A family visit to the gorilla exhibit at an Omaha zoo turned terrifying when a male silverback charged the group, slamming into the glass barrier. The only protection from the silverback’s fury …

Angry Silverback Gorilla Breaks Window & Scares The Heck …

Around the Web. Gorilla Breaks Glass at Atlanta Zoo – YouTube · Gorilla kicks glass at omaha zoo – YouTube · Polar Bear Breaks Glass at Zoo! – YouTube · Fed up gorilla gives taunting kids at the zoo a scare they won’t soon .

Why We Love the Omaha Zoo and Save with Omaha …

Hear why one Des Moines Mom loves the zoo and learn about Omaha Adventure Card, which provides more than $100 in savings to top Omaha attractions.

Filed Under: Project 365, Travel Adventures Tagged With: 365project, animals, gorilla, great apes, Nebraska, Omaha, omaha gorilla, omaha zoo, postaday, project365, wildlife, zoo

Day 170/365: Exploring the Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska

May 23, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Exploring the Rainforest at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

One of my passions, or “3 Quarters” is the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha Nebraska.

While my son was on leave from the Marines it was a trip we had to make as it has been a summer tradition and at least one annual trip every year. (when the kids were smaller it was several times a year) So enjoy a few pictures from the Lied Jungle and I’ll give a few facts along the way.

Did you know that this big zoo in the little city of Omaha Nebraska has been voted the Best Zoo in America?

Bet not, but the indoor rainforest is just one of the reasons.

Facts about the Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska

The Lied Jungle was built in 1992 and is eight stories tall and has over 90 different species of animals living in both secure habits and roaming the paths and treetops. Many times I’ve seen a Golden Lion Tamarin in the branches above me. All the plants are real and it’s difficult to tell which vines are fake and hold mechanical cables.

Lied Jungle Omaha Nebraska
Waterfall in the Omaha Jungle

I’ve lost track of how many waterfalls there are, but I seem to remember a number over twenty. To walk through the Lied Jungle the first time would take several hours. There are many nooks and crannies to explore. One of our favorites is the small overlook at the top of the tallest 50-foot waterfall.


I didn’t even know my son was standing up there when I took this picture. So many great photo opp locations. I have been bemoaning the fact we don’t have any waterfalls here, but there are twenty waterfalls right in Omaha Nebraska, what am I thinking?

Lied Jungle Omaha Nebraska - Free roaming Monkeys roam the jungle and may just jump on your head
Monkeys in the Jungle Treetops

Covering one and a half acres directly inside the main gate, the Lied Jungle® has 123,000 square feet of floor space with 61,000 square feet of planted exhibit space, 35,000 square feet of display management area and 11,000 square feet of education space. One time I even saw real bananas growing in a clump on the forest floor.

How the Lied Jungle at the Omaha Zoo has Changed

Lied Jungle Omaha Zoo: treetop and canopy is over two stories tallAt one time you could see all the way across the jungle, now the plants and trees have grown too tall it’s truly a jungle environment. The animals, in the beginning, were damaging the plants too quickly, monkeys and the birds were shredding the leaves for nesting and food. Now they can’t tear it apart fast enough, it is truly a jungle environment.

I love the waterfalls, and the Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska has several large indoor waterfalls. You can walk underneath, beside and touch the water, and it feels like you are in an actual jungle. My favorite is the swinging rope bridge. I never tire of walking across it.

The Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska has several large indoor waterfalls, many you can walk under and get refreshed
Lied Jungle Waterfall

You might be asking, so, where is the rope bridge? My picture this year didn’t turn out good, so below is one from last years trip.  I love this bridge, it swings, it’s wet, it’s very cool and so much fun!

For those less adventurous, or with a baby stroller, wheelchair, etc.  there is a path through the caves.

Swinging Rope Bridge in the Jungle
Swinging Rope Bridge in the Jungle (2010)

The Gorilla Complex is also another highlight of the zoo and who would have known we would have such world-class attractions in Omaha Nebraska. Not only do we have the Best Zoo in America, but recently received the Largest Zoo in the World recognition.

If any of my readers ever come to Omaha, seriously contact me, I will meet you there and give you a personal tour.

I love it that much.

Send me photos of your trip on my Facebook page, let me know how much you love the zoo.

Filed Under: Project 365, Travel Adventures Tagged With: 365project, Henry Doorly Zoo, jungle, memories, Nebraska, Omaha, Omaha Nebraska, Photography, plants, postaday, project365, rain forest, swinging bridge, tradition, travel, waterfall, zoo, zoos, Zoos and Aquariums

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