New Turtle Cam and a Turtle Named Ladybug

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) in Juno Beach, Florida is a non-profit organization that supports a turtle hospital located adjacent to one of the most heavily nested sea turtle beaches in the world. Sick and injured loggerhead, leatherback and green turtles are nursed back to health here. As most turtle lovers know, this winter has been particularly hard on sea turtles living along the Florida coast. This Center and others like it have been working diligently to save as many of these endangered turtles as possible. Other sea turtle patients at the Center include those that have swallowed fishhooks or been injured by boat propellers.

The LMC has just launched a webcam (supported by the Florida Power & Light company) that allows a peek at sea turtles in their tanks. The video feed can be accessed at http://www.fpl.com/environment/plant/turtle_cam.shtml. Right now you can watch the Center's latest patient, which they named "Ladybug", recouperating in her tank. When she is well she will be released back into the ocean. We think this is a great linking of two of our favorite creatures --ladybugs and turtles. Check out all the other things going on at the Center by visiting their website at Marine Life.

Turtle Helps Canadian Win Gold Medal in the Olympics

A turtle helped Canadian Jon Montgomery win a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics skeleton gold medal. (Skeleton or tobogganing is fast winter sliding sport in which an individual rides a small sled down a frozen track while lying face down, during which athletes experience forces up to five times the normal force of gravity. It is run run on the same track used by bobsleds and luge, but the skeleton sled has no steering or braking mechanism.)

When he competed in the Olympic event Montgomery had a beautiful turtle design painted on the front of his racing helmet.

According to an article in the Vancouver Sun Montgomery had the design put on his helmet just before coming to the Olympics. The inspiration came after members of the Canadian national team visited with a sport shaman (what American might call a "medicine man") in Revelstoke, British Colombia last September. Among the things the athletes did was find their spirit animal. Montgomery's was the turtle so he had Vancouver native artist Phil Gray design the artwork.

"He accompanies me on my helmet and sled," Montgomery said of the turtle, which is painted in a native theme along with a thunderbird, another prized native symbol.

 

Looking for turtle gifts? Visit http://www.turtle-treasures.com/

Celebrating Kent County

A fun article from Delaware Today featuring upcoming events in Kent County Delaware, including of course the Bug and Bud Festival in April.

Ladybug Puppet is Lucky Charm for GI Christopher Anderson

A wonderful story full of love and ladybugs from the Detroit News,

New world awaits GI's homecoming detnews.com The Detroit News

Excerpt:

"They were both bound for Iraq until she found out she was pregnant. Christopher was still around for the baby shower, and he pounced on one of the presents, a ladybug puppet.
That's been their symbol, and his good-luck charm as Isabell (their baby) developed with a mass on her lung that was pushing on her heart. He'd tuck the puppet into his duty vest, next to the extra ammunition."

Ladybug Valentine's Day Craft Project

Skip to My Lou is a website with free downloads and lots of fun craft ideas! If your kids haven't made Valentine's Day Cards yet, why not make this fun LoveBug Ladybug Valentine's Day Card. The Ladybug Valentine Card is made from a lollipop, card stock, brads and tissue paper. She even has a pdf pattern, to make this project super easy. There is also a printable Butterfly Valentine's Day Card with a lollipop!

Ladybug Slippers for Women & Children

The super soft and super fun Ladybug Slippers make a great gift and are fun to flop around the house in. The Ladybug Slippers originally just for women are now available in children's sizes. The Children's Ladybug Slippers fits kids feet up to size 3. Now the ladybug slippers are fun for everyone in the family!