So much of Dr. King's speech should be required reading once a year in every school class until everybody remembers it. Today you have young people of every race which don't even know his role in history.

I think about our soldiers every day, and pray for them regularly. There are many programs you can participate in to help those in harm's way. I sent some soldiers 'underbody' shirts, which they had asked for - they get real hot under the heavy stuff they have to wear, and these particular type shirts absorb their perspiration and make them more comfortable. I also sent money to have working military dogs sent home when their work is done. They're adopted out when they return home. There are programs where you can help pay for the college educations of the children of our fallen heroes, programs where you can pay for hotel rooms for the families of injured soldiers to stay in while they visit their sons/husbands in military hospitals. I hope everybody will participate in some way. Sherry

Elizabeth, There is lots of Alder in the park. Alder is found in only a few places in Oklahoma. One of men in the group was able to point out the Alder trees for the rest of us. From my research I've learned that Harvesters feed on the woolly aphids that primarily feed on Alders. There are some other trees, including Beech and Witchhazel. In the spring and early fall, the BFs seem to make their appearances. There is some good information about them on the internet. The adult does not nectar as the proboscis is very short--as you can see in the photo. Several things make the park a really good habitat including the density of the trees, and that nothing was taken out after the ice storm. So there is lots of dead trees and lots of new growth. There is so much poison ivy in the denseness of the woods that people don't go into those areas, they stay on the paths. The area also has a wetland running through it. Until the beaver dam was destroyed by the ices storm, there was a pond in the middle. This summer there is only a stream through center and lots of wildflowers and grasses have erupted where the pond used to be. The beavers are working on a new dam, so next year there will be more water again. There is a natural spring so there is a year round source of water. It is not a large area--only 40 acres, and is surrounded by housing developments. But the area has been allowed to remain totally untouched including chemicals or human interference. The important thing about finding Harvesters is knowing their behavior. They are very easy to overlook. They have specific behaviors that will lead you to them. The males fly in circles about 5 to 8 feet off the ground and light on leaves in the sunshine. They are very non-descript in appearance when you see them flying. You might mistake them for a small Crescent, Checkerspot, or even a Red Banded HS. Only when they light, and upon close inspection, do you see the detail. Once they light, they will stay there until they are disturbed. If you approach them slowly from the opposite side of the sun, you can walk right up to them. I took the picture in this thread with my macro lens, so I was inches from this guy. If another male comes into their territory, they will chase it away, so they find areas that they "stake" claim to. After chasing off the encroaching BF, they will return to their favorite leaf to again perch in the sun and wait for females. I identified 4 areas where males like to light. Each time I return to the park, I see them in those areas. This past weekend, I took DH and DS to see them. We walked right up to one and my husband held the branch (it was windy) so I could take some more photos. The little guy never budged until I offered him my finger for a perch. I should have dipped my finger in salt first! I've read they will perch on a salty finger. According to our state lep statistician, we actually saw 7 Harvesters that day. One lit on one of the guy's hats and stayed for quite a while. I was just having a great time watching everyone's delight at getting to see them, so I wasn't really keeping track of how many. Good hunting to all! Check the NABA map to see if they are in your area. Hope the above info helps you all locate these little guys. They are such a treat to see. Sandy

Peppi, they are selling the paczki here too, but as far as I can see, they're just jelly donuts, sold at a higher price, of course. Walmart, Meijer, even the local Wesco gas station, all have boxes of puczkis. None of them are good, of course, LOL. Heavy greasy squares of dough filled with jelly and coated with granulated sugar, not even powdered. I think I ought to just make my own. And wouldn't you think the bakery would make them? Nope, we actually have a bakery in my tiny town and they don't make them!! Annie