11 Hauntingly Gorgeous Photos of The Blood Moon

There's nothing quite like a fiery moon on a crisp autumn night.



At around 8 a.m. EST this morning, our only orbiting satellite was completely covered by Earth's enormous shadow in a total lunar eclipse. The result was that the usually milky moon turned to fiery hues of orange and glowing shades of red. Millions of people all over the world set their alarms and walked to their windows, or to specially designated watching areas, to see the moon transform. Unsurprisingly, many of the best photos were taken in the crisp air of the countryside, where a clear night unveiled a beautiful but haunting crimson orb floating in an inky sky. Below, we present some of our favorite photos of this rare natural phenomenon:

1. Along the Michigan Coast


2. Illuminating ruins in Greece.


3. Spotted at the Cincinnati Observatory.


4. Eating Fort Worth, Texas whole.


5. Taking a leisurely city stroll. 


6. Hovering above a golden city.



7. Being all eerie above a church in California.



8. Peacefully watching over Notre Dame.



9. Being all celestial behind a church in California. 



10. Looking a little lonely in Crested Butte, Colorado.



11.Disappearing into a crescent grin over Grand Haven Lighthouse in Michigan.


Photo credits (from top to bottom): Mark Parren; via Twitter; WTAE-Pittsburgh; Brian Luenser; NASA; NASA; David McNew/Getty; John Slaughter Jr.; David McNew/Getty; Don Emmert/Getty; Cory via Facebook


From- http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/blood-moon

The 16 Most Magical Autumn Sensations

The sound of leaves rustling across a pavement, the taste of hot apple cider, the auburn glow of the evening light...



There's so much to love about autumn, and so much to be grateful for, it's hard to compile into one list. But we tried our best, and the following are our favorite things about what is arguably the most enchanted time of the year. Which one is your favorite?

1.The sound of crisp leaves rolling against the pavement.


2.The way the earth transforms from verdant green to vibrant shades of fall color.


3.Falling leaves.


4.And more specifically, the way the leaves look like fairies descending sleepily from trees in the early morning sun.


5.That golden autumn glow at dawn.


6.And the auburn glow at sunset.


7.The constant smell of crackling fires in the air.


8.The sound of trees rustling in the wind.


9.The sensation of jumping into a fresh pile of leaves.


10.The warm, haunting beauty of a lit jack-o’lantern.


11.The cozy elegance of candles and decorative gourds.


12.The thrill of wrapping yourself in a scarf on a chilly day.



13.Hot apple cider.


14.Pumpkin spice lattes.


15.A big bowl of soup.


16.Feeling cozy inside while observing a rainy autumn afternoon from the window.


Photo Credits: Oleksiy Maksymenko/Getty, nIGHTANDdayImages/Getty, sUSAN tRIGG/gETTY, Henrik Sorensen/Getty, Cavan Images/Getty, Moncherie/Getty, Tanathedreamchaser/Tumblr, Heartsandmagic/Tumblr, SimplySeasons/Tumblr, Allthewaythingsare/Tumblr



From- http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/most-magical-autumn-sensations

Tips for Halloween Safety -Checklist!

http://www.ct.gov/dcp/lib/dcp/pdf/factsheets/halloween_checklist.pdf



When choosing or making Halloween costumes for your children

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Costumes, wigs and accessories should have a label indicating they are flame resistant.  Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, tangling, or contact with flame.
• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup and decorative hats are a safer alternative.
• 
  Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
•  

Include emergency identification (name, address, phone number) inside the costume or on a bracelet.

 

Think twice before using simulated knives, pitchforks, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

 

Provide flashlights with fresh batteries for children and their escorts.

Before trick or treating

• Have a full meal before trick or treating. Children will be less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.  Be creative and make it a “spooky” dinner!
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Provide and use flashlights, so children can see and be seen by others.

Before leaving the house, remind trick or treaters to:

• stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate to each other and with the adult where they are going.
• trick-or-treat only in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
• remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk; don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
• never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• always walk. Never run across a street.
• remember that not all drivers can see children crossing the street. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.
• never eat unwrapped food items or open beverages, and although tampering is rare, every trick or treater should bring candy home to be inspected before eating anything.

Older children going out without adult supervision should:

• know where to reach parents and when to be home.
• plan a route with parents beforehand and stick to it so you know where they're going.
• not bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.
• wear a wristwatch and carry coins to make a phone call if necessary.
• be reminded that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.

Safe decorating suggestions

• Small children shouldn't be allowed to use sharp knives to carve pumpkins.  Kits that come with tiny saws work better then knives and are safer, but it's safest to just let the kids clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it, which an adult can carve for them.
• Always keep jack o' lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
• Battery powered jack o' lantern candles are safer than wax candle flames.
• Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
• Remove tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to trick or treaters.

Pets need to be safe, too!

If possible, keep all dogs and cats indoors on the evening of Halloween, when lots of people, scary costumes, and loud noises might cause them distress.  If they must be outside, be sure that your pets are wearing collars and proper identification tags.



From- http://ct.gov/dcp/cwp/view.asp?a=1629&q=285132

Recipe Thursday: Oven-Roasted Pork with Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

Oven-Roasted Pork with Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

                                                        

2.5 pounds boneless pork top loin roast (single loin)

                                                       

2 stalks rhubarb

                                                       

1/2 cup sliced fresh mango

                                                        

2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves

                                                        

1 tablespoon olive oil

                                                       

1/4 teaspoon salt

                                                       

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

 

Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Trim fat from roast. Make a horizontal cut through the roast to, but not through the other side. Cut rhubarb to the length of the roast. Place rhubarb stalks, mango slices, and oregano inside the roast. Drizzle with oil. Fold the roast together to enclose the filling. Tie the roast at 1-inch intervals with 100% cotton kitchen string. Season pork with salt and pepper.
2. Place pork roast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Brush with some of the Rhubarb Barbecue sauce. Roast, uncovered, 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until 145 degrees F. Let stand 10 minutes. Top with additional Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce. Slice and serve with additional sauce.

From the Test Kitchen

Frozen Rhubarb

If you like, replace rhubarb stalks in the roast with 1/2 cup frozen cut rhubarb, thawed.

Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

                                                                   

1 1/2pounds fresh rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces

                                                                     

2 tablespoons olive oil

                                                                   

1/4cup finely chopped onion

                                                                 

1/2cup bottled smoky barbecue sauce

                                                                   

1/2cup molasses

                                                                   

1/2teaspoon salt

                                                                    

1/2teaspoon ground ginger

                                                                    

1/4teaspoon ground cloves

                                                                    

1/8teaspoon ground black pepper

                                                                    

1/2cup chopped fresh mango

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place rhubarb in a 15x10x1-inch pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Roast, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until very soft. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat; add onion. Cook and stir for 4 minutes or until tender. Stir in rhubarb mixture, barbecue sauce, molasses, salt, ginger, cloves, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 8 minutes or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Stir in mango.

From the Test Kitchen

Frozen Rhubarb

If desired, replace fresh rhubarb with 1 1/2 pounds frozen cut rhubarb. Prepare as directed.

Nutrition Facts

(Oven-Roasted Pork with Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce)

Per serving:
• 351 kcal cal.,
• 11 g fat
• (2 g sat. fat,
• 1 g polyunsaturated fat,
• 6 g monounsatured fat),
• 89 mg chol.,
• 446 mg sodium,
• 30 g carb.,
• 2 g fiber,
• 24 g sugar,
• 33 g pro.
• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

 

 

From- http://www.bhg.com/recipe/oven-roasted-pork-with-rhubarb-barbecue-sauce/

40 Fun Facts About . . . Halloween

1. Because the movie Halloween (1978) was on such a tight budget, they had to use the cheapest mask they could find for the character Michael Meyers, which turned out to be a William Shatner Star Trek mask. Shatner initially didn’t know the mask was in his likeness, but when he found out years later, he said he was honored.^h
2. The first Jack O’Lanterns were actually made from turnips.^e
3. Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas.^f
4. The word “witch” comes from the Old English wicce, meaning “wise woman.” In fact, wiccan were highly respected people at one time. According to popular belief, witches held one of their two main meetings, or sabbats, on Halloween night.^g
5. 
   An intense and persistent fear of Halloween is called Samhnainophobia Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween.^a
6. Fifty percent of kids prefer to receive chocolate candy for Halloween, compared with 24% who prefer non-chocolate candy and 10% who preferred gum.^a
7. The owl is a popular Halloween image. In Medieval Europe, owls were thought to be witches, and to hear an owl's call meant someone was about to die.^g
8. According to Irish legend, Jack O’Lanterns are named after a stingy man named Jack who, because he tricked the devil several times, was forbidden entrance into both heaven and hell. He was condemned to wander the Earth, waving his lantern to lead people away from their paths.^g
9. The largest pumpkin ever measured was grown by Norm Craven, who broke the world record in 1993 with a 836 lb. pumpkin.^b
10. Stephen Clarke holds the record for the world’s fastest pumpkin carving time: 24.03 seconds, smashing his previous record of 54.72 seconds. The rules of the competition state that the pumpkin must weigh less than 24 pounds and be carved in a traditional way, which requires at least eyes, nose, ears, and a mouth.^d
11. Trick-or-treating evolved from the ancient Celtic tradition of putting out treats and food to placate spirits who roamed the streets at Samhain, a sacred festival that marked the end of the Celtic calendar year.^d
12. “Souling” is a medieval Christian precursor to modern-day trick-or-treating. On Hallowmas (November 1), the poor would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes.^e
13. The first known mention of trick-or-treating in print in North America occurred in 1927 in Blackie, Alberta, Canada.^d
14. “Halloween” is short for “Hallows’ Eve” or “Hallows’ Evening,” which was the evening before All Hallows’ (sanctified or holy) Day or Hallowmas on November 1. In an effort to convert pagans, the Christian church decided that Hallowmas or All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) should assimilate sacred pagan holidays that fell on or around October 31.^e
15. Black and orange are typically associated with Halloween. Orange is a symbol of strength and endurance and, along with brown and gold, stands for the harvest and autumn. Black is typically a symbol of death and darkness and acts as a reminder that Halloween once was a festival that marked the boundaries between life and death.^g
16. Halloween originated in Ireland over 2,000 years ago Ireland is typically believed to be the birthplace of Halloween.^f
17. With their link to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (a precursor to Halloween) and later to witches, cats have a permanent place in Halloween folklore. During the ancient celebration of Samhain, Druids were said to throw cats into a fire, often in wicker cages, as part of divination proceedings.^g
18. Scarecrows, a popular Halloween fixture, symbolize the ancient agricultural roots of the holiday.^g
19. Halloween has variously been called All Hallows’ Eve, Witches Night, Lamswool, Snap-Apple Night, Samhaim, and Summer’s End.^d
20. Halloween was influenced by the ancient Roman festival Pomona, which celebrated the harvest goddess of the same name. Many Halloween customs and games that feature apples (such as bobbing for apples) and nuts date from this time. In fact, in the past, Halloween has been called San-Apple Night and Nutcrack Night.^f
21. Scottish girls believed they could see images of their future husband if they hung wet sheets in front of the fire on Halloween. Other girls believed they would see their boyfriend’s faces if they looked into mirrors while walking downstairs at midnight on Halloween.^g
22. Because Protestant England did not believe in Catholic saints, the rituals traditionally associated with Hallowmas (or Halloween) became associated with Guy Fawkes Night. England declared November 5th Guy Fawkes Night to commemorate the capture and execution of Guy Fawkes, who co-conspired to blow up the Parliament in 1605 in order to restore a Catholic king.^e
23. Harry Houdini (1874-1926) was one of the most famous and mysterious magicians who ever lived. Strangely enough, he died in 1926 on Halloween night as a result of appendicitis brought on by three stomach punches.^d
24. According to tradition, if a person wears his or her clothes inside out and then walks backwards on Halloween, he or she will see a witch at midnight.^g
25. Mexico celebrates the Days of the Dead (Días de los Muertos) on the Christian holidays All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) instead of Halloween. The townspeople dress up like ghouls and parade down the street.^d
26. During the pre-Halloween celebration of Samhain, bonfires were lit to ensure the sun would return after the long, hard winter. Often Druid priests would throw the bones of cattle into the flames and, hence, “bone fire” became “bonfire.”^f
27. Dressing up as ghouls and other spooks originated from the ancient Celtic tradition of townspeople disguising themselves as demons and spirits. The Celts believed that disguising themselves this way would allow them to escape the notice of the real spirits wandering the streets during Samhain.^f
28. 
    The average American will spend $66.28 on Halloween in 2010, totaling $5.8 billion The National Retail Federation expects consumers in 2010 to spend $66.28 per person—which would be a total of approximately $5.8 billion—on Halloween costumes, cards, and candy. That’s up from $56.31 in 2009 and brings spending back to 2008 levels.^a
29. According to the National Retail Federation, 40.1% of those surveyed plan to wear a Halloween costume in 2010. In 2009, it was 33.4%. Thirty-three percent will throw or attend a party.^a
30. In 2010, 72.2% of those surveyed by the National Retail Federation will hand out candy, 46.3% will carve a pumpkin, 20.8% will visit a haunted house, and 11.5% will dress up their pets.^a
31. Halloween is thought to have originated around 4000 B.C., which means Halloween has been around for over 6,000 years.^e
32. In 1970, a five-year-old boy Kevin Toston allegedly ate Halloween candy laced with heroin. Investigators later discovered the heroin belonged to the boy’s uncle and was not intended for a Halloween candy.^e
33. In 1974, eight-year-old Timothy O’Bryan died of cyanide poisoning after eating Halloween candy. Investigators later learned that his father had taken out a $20,000 life insurance policy on each of his children and that he had poisoned his own son and also attempted to poison his daughter.^e
34. Teng Chieh or the Lantern Festival is one Halloween festival in China. Lanterns shaped like dragons and other animals are hung around houses and streets to help guide the spirits back to their earthly homes. To honor their deceased loved ones, family members leave food and water by the portraits of their ancestors.^d
35. Halloween celebrations in Hong Kong are known as Yue Lan or the “Festival of the Hungry Ghosts” during which fires are lit and food and gifts are offered to placate potentially angry ghosts who might be looking for revenge.^d
36. Both Salem, Massachusetts, and Anoka, Minnesota, are the self-proclaimed Halloween capitals of the world.^d
37. Boston, Massachusetts, holds the record for the most Jack O’Lanterns lit at once (30,128).^c
38. The Village Halloween parade in New York City is the largest Halloween parade in the United States. The parade includes 50,000 participants and draws over 2 million spectators.^d
39. In many countries, such as France and Australia, Halloween is seen as an unwanted and overly commercial American influence.^d
40. Children are more than twice as likely to be killed in a pedestrian/car accident on Halloween than on any other night.^d

from http://facts.randomhistory.com/halloween-facts.html

Happy Monday 15 Stunningly Surreal Autumn Paths

Is there anything more glorious than a stroll down a winding country path in autumn? Breathing in the woody scent of fall, listening to the crisp leaves crunch under your feet, indulging in the total, peaceful silence around you. Sometimes, you can get so lost in your thoughts, that when you suddenly stumble upon a scene that's so beautiful it's almost too surreal to exist, you can't help but wonder if you somehow walked right into a fairytale. Here are a few photos that will bring you there:

1. A crimson forest carpet.

 
2. A seemingly chocolate covered lane. 

 
3. A look into what lies beyond. 


 4. Leaves lying flat against a wet pavement, as in a watercolor painting. 

 
5. The sun bursting through a stone staircase. 

 
6. A winding road along a tangerine plain. 

 
7. A see of color on a forest road. 


 8. A path running parallel to a field enshrouded in fog. 


 9. A light at the end of a sycamore-lined path. 

 
10. A walkway through the copper harvest.


 11. A bridge path where you'd least expect one. 


 12. A haunting walkway through the autumn marsh. 

 
13. The kind of path on which you know exactly where you're going. 

 
14. And the kind of path where you have no idea. 

 
15. But perhaps the best path of all, is the one that leads home. 


Photo Credits: lightkey/Getty, James Forsyth/Getty, Ghety Daniel/Getty, Chalk Photgraphy/Getty, Bob van der berg/Getty, Ron/Patty Thomas Photography/Getty, peter zelei/getty, Travis/Flickr, Mariano Cuajao/Flickr,  Indiana David Cornwell/Flickr, Erik Drost/Flickr, Whitehead/Flickr, Stephen Strathdee/Getty, Sino Images/Getty, Charles Sleicher/Getty.

From- http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/autumn-paths

Halloween Trivia and Fun Facts!

A Halloween Scramble for kids http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/scramble.pdf
For more health games and tips, visit: www.cdc.gov/family/kids

Halloween Trivia & Fun Facts

Because of the unknown, Halloween is the one of the most captivating holidays, often celebrated by both adults and children. The element of surprise makes it fun and unpredictable. Enlighten yourself with Halloween trivia and fun facts to enjoy the holiday even more. Take the trivia and make a quiz for your next party!

Halloween Holiday Trivia

• Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the Fall harvest and black is associated with darkness and death.
• Jack o’ Lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday.
• Pumpkins also come in white, blue and green. Great for unique monster carvings!
• Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe who would celebrate the harvest around a bonfire, share ghost stories, sing, dance and tell fortunes.
• Tootsie Rolls were the first wrapped penny candy in America.
• The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night. They began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as human.
• Halloween candy sales average about 2 billion dollars annually in the United States.
• Chocolate candy bars top the list as the most popular candy for trick-or-treaters with Snickers #1.
• Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday, with Christmas being the first.
• Bobbing for apples is thought to have originated from the roman harvest festival that honors Pomona, the goddess of fruit trees.
• Black cats were once believed to be witch's familiars who protected their powers.

Monster Trivia & Folklore

• Signs of a werewolf are a unibrow, hair palms, tattoos, and a long middle finger.
• Vampires are mythical beings who defy death by sucking the blood of humans.
• In 1962, The Count Dracula Society was founded by Dr. Donald A. Reed.
• To this day, there are vampire clubs and societies with people claiming to be real vampires.
• There really are so-called vampire bats, but they're not from Transylvania. They live in Central and South America and feed on the blood of cattle, horses and birds.
• Many people still believe that gargoyles were created by medieval architects and stone carvers to ward off evil spirits.

Halloween Movie Details

• "Halloween" was made in only 21 days in 1978 on a very limited budget.
• The movie was shot in the Spring and used fake autumn leaves.
• The mask used by Michael Meyers in the movie "Halloween" was actually William Shatner's mask painted white.
• The character Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis was named after John Carpenter's first girlfriend.
• While the setting for the story is in Illinois, the vehicles have California license plates.
• Halloween is on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead. Halloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.

Creepy Tidbits

• If you see a spider on Halloween, it is the spirit of a loved on watching over you.
• Worldwide, bats are vital natural enemies of night-flying insects.
• The common little brown bat of North America has the longest life span for a mammal it's size, with a life span averaging 32 years.
• In about 1 in 4 autopsies, a major disease is discovered that was previously undetected.
• The Ouija Board ended up outselling the game of Monopoly in its first full year at Salem. Over two million copies of the Ouija Board were shipped.

From- http://www.halloween-website.com/trivia.htm

Halloween puzzle and coloring for kids

Printable page- http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/halloween_find_the_differences.pdf







Printable page-http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/dressed_up_for_halloween_colouring_page.pdf