Peony Farm - Peonies and Martagon Lilies Five more photos taken on 2 July 2024, at the Peony Farm.
25 July 2024: cooler today (high of 22C), but wildfire smoke continues. Air quality is at Very High Risk, so I will again be staying home.
Jasper: "it was said crews will be fighting the fire for weeks before it's under control, and even longer before it will be extinguished."
www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/severe/building...
Jasper wildfire (NW of Calgary):
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/wildfire-that-roared-into...
24 July 2024: wildfires are burning in Alberta. There is also an Alberta Emergency Alert today : "This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch alert. This alert is in effect for all communities between Wetaskiwin and Calgary, that are west of Veteran's Memorial Highway 36 and east of the foothills."
24 July 2024, Jasper: "The largest fire, referred to as the south wildfire, is estimated to be among the largest in Jasper National Park’s history at 10,800 hectares in size and as of 6:40 p.m. Wednesday had reached the town, according to a Parks Canada post on social media." From Edmonton Journal. So sad! Maligne Lodge has been completely burned.
23 July 2024: 33°C (feels like 36°C). Intense heat and wildfire smoke pose health risk. So hot inside without any air-conditioning!
22 July 2024: "Temperatures will continue to break records in Alberta this week, smoky skies linger. Temperature is 31°C (feels like 34°C)." The Weather Network.
In the morning, on 2July 2024, my daughter and I made our first ever visit to the Parkland Peony Farm. People had to buy tickets in order to be able access the glorious display of 850 varieties of Peony. I only heard about this place a year ago, when a friend posted photos, and it was too late to get tickets. So, this year, I was determined to take my daughter there. I was concerned about how much walking there could be. As it turned out, I was unable to see the furthest rows of these amazing blooms, but so thankful that I had at least seen many of the flowers. Too much pain, as well as the heat, and I just had to give up. 'Walking' was of course just a very slow stroll, taking photos. Fresh air and a teeny bit of exercise no doubt did me good, though I felt absolutely tired out by the end.
Right at the start of our visit, arriving a bit early, we looked near the parking area, finding a Black Henbane plant that already had seedpods. I love these pods, though I know it is an invasive species.
Once inside the farm grounds, we heard and saw a KIlldeer. This behaviour told us that there had to be a nest somewhere. We saw both adults in among the Peonies, so my eyes kept checking the soil pathways for any sign. Maybe instead of a nest, they now had young ones to protect. I also saw a rabbit running through the bushes, too fast for me to get a photo.
After leaving the Farm, we called in briefly at the Saskatoon Farm. So many people there, enjoying themselves. My daughter needed to get home and also the weather forecast was for a storm and we wanted to avoid that. Instead, we watched the heavy rain and hail - thankfully, ony small hail! - about five hours later, at home. In no time at all, everywhere turned white. So glad I wasn't driving in such awful weather!
Peony Five more photos taken on 2 July 2024, at the Peony Farm.
25 July 2024: cooler today (high of 22C), but wildfire smoke continues. Air quality is at Very High Risk, so I will again be staying home.
Jasper: "it was said crews will be fighting the fire for weeks before it's under control, and even longer before it will be extinguished."
www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/severe/building...
Jasper wildfire (NW of Calgary):
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/wildfire-that-roared-into...
24 July 2024: wildfires are burning in Alberta. There is also an Alberta Emergency Alert today : "This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch alert. This alert is in effect for all communities between Wetaskiwin and Calgary, that are west of Veteran's Memorial Highway 36 and east of the foothills."
24 July 2024, Jasper: "The largest fire, referred to as the south wildfire, is estimated to be among the largest in Jasper National Park’s history at 10,800 hectares in size and as of 6:40 p.m. Wednesday had reached the town, according to a Parks Canada post on social media." From Edmonton Journal. So sad! Maligne Lodge has been completely burned.
23 July 2024: 33°C (feels like 36°C). Intense heat and wildfire smoke pose health risk. So hot inside without any air-conditioning!
22 July 2024: "Temperatures will continue to break records in Alberta this week, smoky skies linger. Temperature is 31°C (feels like 34°C)." The Weather Network.
In the morning, on 2July 2024, my daughter and I made our first ever visit to the Parkland Peony Farm. People had to buy tickets in order to be able access the glorious display of 850 varieties of Peony. I only heard about this place a year ago, when a friend posted photos, and it was too late to get tickets. So, this year, I was determined to take my daughter there. I was concerned about how much walking there could be. As it turned out, I was unable to see the furthest rows of these amazing blooms, but so thankful that I had at least seen many of the flowers. Too much pain, as well as the heat, and I just had to give up. 'Walking' was of course just a very slow stroll, taking photos. Fresh air and a teeny bit of exercise no doubt did me good, though I felt absolutely tired out by the end.
Right at the start of our visit, arriving a bit early, we looked near the parking area, finding a Black Henbane plant that already had seedpods. I love these pods, though I know it is an invasive species.
Once inside the farm grounds, we heard and saw a KIlldeer. This behaviour told us that there had to be a nest somewhere. We saw both adults in among the Peonies, so my eyes kept checking the soil pathways for any sign. Maybe instead of a nest, they now had young ones to protect. I also saw a rabbit running through the bushes, too fast for me to get a photo.
After leaving the Farm, we called in briefly at the Saskatoon Farm. So many people there, enjoying themselves. My daughter needed to get home and also the weather forecast was for a storm and we wanted to avoid that. Instead, we watched the heavy rain and hail - thankfully, ony small hail! - about five hours later, at home. In no time at all, everywhere turned white. So glad I wasn't driving in such awful weather!
'Teepee' at the Peony Farm Five more photos taken on 2 July 2024, at the Peony Farm.
25 July 2024: cooler today (high of 22C), but wildfire smoke continues. Air quality is at Very High Risk, so I will again be staying home.
Jasper: "it was said crews will be fighting the fire for weeks before it's under control, and even longer before it will be extinguished."
www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/severe/building...
Jasper wildfire (NW of Calgary):
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/wildfire-that-roared-into...
24 July 2024: wildfires are burning in Alberta. There is also an Alberta Emergency Alert today : "This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch alert. This alert is in effect for all communities between Wetaskiwin and Calgary, that are west of Veteran's Memorial Highway 36 and east of the foothills."
24 July 2024, Jasper: "The largest fire, referred to as the south wildfire, is estimated to be among the largest in Jasper National Park’s history at 10,800 hectares in size and as of 6:40 p.m. Wednesday had reached the town, according to a Parks Canada post on social media." From Edmonton Journal. So sad! Maligne Lodge has been completely burned.
23 July 2024: 33°C (feels like 36°C). Intense heat and wildfire smoke pose health risk. So hot inside without any air-conditioning!
22 July 2024: "Temperatures will continue to break records in Alberta this week, smoky skies linger. Temperature is 31°C (feels like 34°C)." The Weather Network.
In the morning, on 2July 2024, my daughter and I made our first ever visit to the Parkland Peony Farm. People had to buy tickets in order to be able access the glorious display of 850 varieties of Peony. I only heard about this place a year ago, when a friend posted photos, and it was too late to get tickets. So, this year, I was determined to take my daughter there. I was concerned about how much walking there could be. As it turned out, I was unable to see the furthest rows of these amazing blooms, but so thankful that I had at least seen many of the flowers. Too much pain, as well as the heat, and I just had to give up. 'Walking' was of course just a very slow stroll, taking photos. Fresh air and a teeny bit of exercise no doubt did me good, though I felt absolutely tired out by the end.
Right at the start of our visit, arriving a bit early, we looked near the parking area, finding a Black Henbane plant that already had seedpods. I love these pods, though I know it is an invasive species.
Once inside the farm grounds, we heard and saw a KIlldeer. This behaviour told us that there had to be a nest somewhere. We saw both adults in among the Peonies, so my eyes kept checking the soil pathways for any sign. Maybe instead of a nest, they now had young ones to protect. I also saw a rabbit running through the bushes, too fast for me to get a photo.
After leaving the Farm, we called in briefly at the Saskatoon Farm. So many people there, enjoying themselves. My daughter needed to get home and also the weather forecast was for a storm and we wanted to avoid that. Instead, we watched the heavy rain and hail - thankfully, ony small hail! - about five hours later, at home. In no time at all, everywhere turned white. So glad I wasn't driving in such awful weather!
240726-Z-AL508-1005 Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. addresses the audience during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting
240726-Z-AL508-1014 Korean War veterans reflect during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1022 New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers salute during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1049 Veterans and family members bow their heads during the invocation during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1033 Dr. Sung Ji Kim sings the Korean national anthem during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1128 Esther Chucaralao, Director of Veterans Services, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, addresses the audience during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1097 David Lee, President, Korean American Association of Southern New Jersey, addresses the audience during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1138 U.S. Air Force Col. Yvonne L. Mays, acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, addresses the audience during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1174 U.S. Air Force Col. Yvonne L. Mays, acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, addresses the audience during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1288 Veterans and friends pose for a photo at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1277 State Command Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Miller, left, and Col. Yvonne L. Mays, acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, stand at attention during the ceremony commemorating the 71st anniversary of the armistice signing at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1292 A Korean War veteran look for names of fallen friends at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1361 Veterans and friends pose for a photo at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
240726-Z-AL508-1373 Statues at the New Jersey Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, New Jersey, July 26, 2024. The New Jersey Korean War Memorial was created to honor the 191,000 New Jerseyans who served in the conflict. It was dedicated Nov. 13, 2000, on land donated by Atlantic City. The memorial has a wall that bears the names of all New Jersey service members killed or missing in action, as well as a bas-relief honoring the five New Jersey Medal of Honor recipients. The bronze figures include the “Mourning Soldier,” a Soldier and a nurse helping a wounded Soldier, and two battlefield reliefs behind sheets of water cascading into reflecting pools. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)
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Crabs are sorted at a fish market on the Cambodian coast Credit: InOldNews | Andy Ball
Location & Date: Kampot town, Kampot province, Cambodia. 25th July 2024.
Description: Crabs are sorted by sellers at an early morning fish market. In 2020, Cambodia’s mangroves covered nearly 60% of its coastline, including areas around Kampot, according to Global Mangrove Watch. Mangroves serve as critical nurseries and spawning grounds for commercially significant fish and invertebrate species, supporting coastal fishing communities.
Despite their importance, Cambodia’s mangroves saw a 42% decline in coverage from 1989 to 2017. This reduction not only impacts local communities reliant on these ecosystems but also has implications for climate change, as mangroves are known to sequester five times more carbon than upland tropical forests.