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patricia19 · August 05, 2021, 02:04:10 PM

Thanks MaryPage.

"Alaska's state flower is the wild forget-me-not. Alaska's official State flower & floral emblem was a popular representative of the Alaska Territory years before Alaska entered the Union.

The story starts almost 100 years ago at around the turn of the century and shortly after the population boom caused by the discovery of gold in Alaska and the Klondike gold rush. In 1907, a group of men got together and formed a lodge limited to men who had arrived in Alaska before January 1, 1900. This organization was called the "Pioneers of Alaska." In 1908, the "Pioneers of Alaska" merged with two other lodges to form the "Grand Igloo."

It was in the constitution of the Grand Igloo that the forget-me-not began its journey to become the official state flower and floral emblem of Alaska. A clause in the constitution declared, "The official flower of the Pioneers of Alaska shall be the Alaska For-get-me-not."As the population of Alaska continued to grow, women became involved with organizations such as the Grand Igloo by forming Auxiliaries. They too adopted the forget-me-not as their official emblem.

Territorial status loomed in Alaska's future and it occurred to the members of the Grand Igloo and the Women's Auxiliaries that the forget-me-not would make a most appropriate floral emblem for the new Alaska Territory. In 1912, the United States Congress passed a second Organic Act authorizing Alaska to form a territorial government with limited powers.

The Legislature of the Alaska Territory met for the first time in 1913. Four years later the bill proposing that the forget-me-not be declared the official floral emblem of the Territory was introduced supported by the following poem written by Esther Birdsall Darling:

"So in thinking for an emblem For this Empire of the North We will choose this azure flower That the golden days bring forth, For we want men to remember That Alaska came to stay Though she slept unknown for ages And awakened in a day. So although they say we're living In the land that God forgot, We'll recall Alaska to them With our blue Forget-me-not. "

The Territorial Legislature approved the forget-me-not as the official floral emblem of the Alaska Territory and the Governor signed the legislation into law on April 28, 1917. The following was found written in the margin of the bill.:

"A little flower blossoms forth On every hill and dale, The emblem of the Pioneers Upon the rugged trail; The Pioneers have asked it And we could deny them not; So the emblem of Alaska Is the blue Forget-me-not."

Ten years later, in 1927, Benny Benson paid tribute to the forget-me not with his winning flag design. The blue field of Benny Benson's flag, adopted by the Alaska Legislature, represented the sky and the blue forget-me-not flower. He is quoted, "The blue field is for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not, an Alaskan flower. The North Star is for the future state of Alaska, the most northerly in the union. The Dipper is for the Great Bear - symbolizing strength."In 1959, when Alaska was granted entry to the Union, the forget-me-not was adopted as the official State flower and floral emblem of the 49th state.

Alaska's state flower, the wild native Alpine forget-me-not (Myosotis alpestris), grows well throughout Alaska in open, rocky places high in the mountains. You will see the diminutive alpine forget-me-not in midsummer, and perhaps one of several other varieties in Alaska (such as mountain and splendid forget-me-nots). Alpine Forget-me-nots belong to one of the few plant families that display true blue flowers."

Amy · August 05, 2021, 04:22:27 PM

Patricia, when we were in Alaska I bought a plate with forget-me-nots on it..

so_P_bubble · August 10, 2021, 10:45:34 AM

To day I'll show you a dream place for vacationing.

Illy left for a 10 days holidays to Sinai. For that she and Aviv first had to get a "green passport" proving that they are free of Corona. At 5.00 AM they drove south until Eilath. They stopped on the way for a picnic breakfast at Ramon, in the Neguev desert.

At the border with Egypt, they left the car in thee border parking lot, got checked again and finally could proceed with a taxi to the Dahab townlet on the Red Sea, where they will be staying.

The accommodation hotels are high class and so much cheaper than in Israel...

patricia19 · August 10, 2021, 10:58:09 AM

Bubble, great photos, so sunny too! I love to see these!

MaryPage · August 10, 2021, 08:07:25 PM

Bubble, your family looks happy, which is lovely to see. I find the colors of the sea being so very different, yet laying as though they were pasted on in perfect stripes, absolutely fascinating. What make them do that? Is there a sudden drop off from water you can walk in to a deep chasm? I am dying to know what goes with those two very different water colors. It reminds me of that video you sent of the Atlantic meeting the Pacific.

Shirley · August 10, 2021, 08:34:34 PM

What a treat to see the happy duo today, Bubble! I am also curious about the changing water colors, interesting. The names of the places they are visiting are like reading of dreams, of places most of only hear about and can't imagine actually being there. By the way, Illy has beautiful legs & body, won't be long (as fast as that kid is growing) he will look like her handsome escort! Thank her for sharing their trip with us, please?

so_P_bubble · August 11, 2021, 03:12:53 AM

Yes, I think the different colors in the water are caused by the difference in depth and also the rock formations at the bottom.
It's a favorite place for divers as well, and there used to be such a variety of sea life... I don't know the situation these days.

Amy · August 11, 2021, 05:17:55 AM

What a beautiful spot to unwind and enjoy. Thank you for sharing Bubble

Tomereader1 · August 11, 2021, 06:16:12 PM

I was thinking the same thing as Shirley, "Illy, you have great legs!" Like a dancer's legs, long and strong!

Vanilla-Jackie · August 11, 2021, 06:48:46 PM

Bubble...it looks like Illy and Aviv are living the dream...do it and enjoy it while you can...and i so agree with Shirley and Tomereader, a great pair of legs...

Sandy · August 11, 2021, 11:01:22 PM

Back in the eighties I
was lucky enough to tour around eastern and western Europe,
(by Auto) down to Dubrovnik, Croatia (was Yugoslavia back then.)
And I was amazed at the beautiful Adriatic sea as I
traveled down the coastline.

It had the most striking variations of green and blue
that were spectacular.. I will never forget it.

I wonder if it is the same, today.

Vanilla-Jackie · August 12, 2021, 12:48:01 AM

Guess my highlight was briefly living in St Lucia - the West Indies for 6 months, ( the beautiful Caribbean sea )...glad it was done when it was done early 1980's..

MarsGal · August 12, 2021, 07:34:19 AM

Tome you reminded me that I haven't checked out the Hvar live webcam in quite some time. Last I looked they were working on some of the walkway and piers along the shoreline. Looks like they have finished. Lots of boating activity. Very popular place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvXK8oAbu4c

The township building and branch library have finally reopened as of three days ago. Think I will stop in to pay my taxes today and then head to the post office for stamps.

Saturday it is supposed to get back down below 90^o. Hopefully that will be the last of the super hot weather.

so_P_bubble · August 13, 2021, 03:46:17 AM

Next chapter: a day spent at sea, specifically diving in the famous Blue Hole.

and finishing the day with a festive meal at the hotel.
This was the choices for dessert.

Vanilla-Jackie · August 13, 2021, 04:50:13 AM

Bubble...i'll sample a bit of everything...

MarsGal · August 13, 2021, 06:55:13 AM

Huh, somehow my post of yesterday got in here instead of Norm's. Oh, well.

I am enjoying the pix Bubble.

MaryPage · August 13, 2021, 10:20:53 AM

I doubt you'll get a chance to sample them all, Jackie; because I am the greediest of the greedy when it comes to pastries. Anything anywhere close to a chocolate eclair is going to go down MY throat. You can hope I leave something behind.

Oh, but it's you, so I'll do my best.

Wonderful photos. It is happy-making just to live their experience vicariously! Lifts my spirits, it does!

Vanilla-Jackie · August 13, 2021, 10:25:41 AM

Mary Page...you are right, i am struggling and i have only reached half way...Come on folks, grab some while you can...

patricia19 · August 13, 2021, 01:35:15 PM

Bubble, thank you for these wonderful photos, and thank you, Illy and Aviv, for allowing us to join you!

Marilyne · August 13, 2021, 02:04:36 PM

Bubble - I enjoyed seeing that beautiful vacation spot on the Red Sea - plus the underwater photos of Aviv and Illy. What fun it would be to choose a couple of those desserts, after a perfect day of sightseeing and diving.

Shirley · August 13, 2021, 07:49:17 PM

I would have behaved like a lady & only take one, years ago.... TODAY I would want one of every single kind & could eat 'em all! What fun for them. I did snag the first photos to send my daughter (she has been everywhere in the world but there). She was impressed & ready to go. She has a grandson about Aviv's age (she is 65 this year) and loves hearing about your family, Bubble.

By the way, MaryPage, I'll fight you for the chocolate eclairs~~ When we lived in England I would eat them instead of a meal when my husband was at the base! Had to walk a long way to town but between them & a newspaper rolled up with cod fish 'n chips.... that is what kept me alive!

MaryPage · August 13, 2021, 11:34:46 PM

Shirley, one of the most memorable days of my life was when my husband & I got back to the Chase Hotel in York, worn out from a day's sightseeing, and he went up to our room to nap, while I headed into one of their little parlors. A maid came in and I ordered Afternoon Tea. Oh my word! I burst out laughing when she brought in this humongous tray complete with a whole tea service and more food than an army could eat. She assured me it was all for me. Oh, and it cost 75 pence.

I had a ball. Wish I could wish myself back there this very minute!

so_P_bubble · August 14, 2021, 11:49:21 AM

On a Banana in Sinai. This is pulled by a motor boat and riders can try to stand in it without falling!

On a banana in Sinai.jpg

Shirley · August 15, 2021, 08:10:50 PM

Looks like fun, Bubble. How long will they be gone? One of these days I'd like to have a map of that whole area, big enough to pinpoint the places you talk about. I have to see a map to put everything in perspective. I can picture a drive from Kansas to Florida, from Kansas to the state of Washington & Canada, from Kansas to the Grand Canyon, all over the Southwest, but going to the northeast of the US, we've only driven to Huntington, West Virginia & south to the middle of the "States" before heading back to Kansas. We've driven along the Gulf Coast from one end to the other, and I'm sure in miles, we've been there, but not all the historical places Illy goes to. I thoroughly enjoy her wanderings and amazed how different her photos are to what I thought those places would look like. Just thought she needed a "fan club"!

so_P_bubble · August 16, 2021, 03:19:34 AM

Illy booked until the 19 but she is pondering if maybe staying for an additional 3 days. It all depends if they can get over the stomach upset they both suffer from since yesterday.

Shirley · August 16, 2021, 07:26:14 AM

Oh, no, Bubble! I'm sure Illy knows all the cures & must dos.... Everyone I know that travels to Mexico from the US deals with "Montezuma's revenge", or at least used to. Don't know anyone that crosses the border the other way anymore. Give them my best wishes for a speedy recovery, I'm sure enjoying their vacation!

so_P_bubble · August 16, 2021, 08:07:12 AM

Shirley, you will never believe this, but she never considered that! I always had my first aid kit with me when away from home with the kids - or alone- but she always relied on me I suppose.

Anyway, the hotel directed her to a pharmacy that sold her pills. She asked me to check on the net. Horror! These are banned in all civilized countries and reported to cause cancer - plus cannot be sold without a doctor prescription!!! They both already had taken a dose.
She went back to return these pills and from the pharmacy reported what else they recommended. They never heard of Imodium, but had something that seemed safe.
I hope it will work.

Shirley · August 16, 2021, 11:43:39 AM

That's a "crappy" way to end a vacation.... sorry, just couldn't help myself!

That is scary to find pills still used that are banned everywhere. My body is so "touchy" I even take my own bottled water to drink, gallons of sealed bottled water for making coffee or cooking & even gallons of water to brush teeth. I won't even buy the bottled water in other states because it is bottled from water local. You & I grew up in a different era, I was the one with the white, wet washcloth in a plastic bag (before Baggies & wipes), my kids called it my "what-iffer-stuff". Do hope they can enjoy a few more days. When my daughter got this on the troop ship coming home many years ago, the nurses wouldn't allow her any milk and basically bananas to eat. Send them my sympathy, I've sure enjoyed their adventures!

MaryPage · August 16, 2021, 12:02:52 PM

I am worse than you, Shirley. I no longer travel, so that is not a problem; but I won't touch ANY bottled water. I have read, and have been told by those in the know, that the bottlers are really just pouring the local tap water in those bottles and charging a fortune for them. Plus the plastic is not good for us. So no bottled water in this old woman.

I have 4 large Pyrex bottles in my fridge full of boiled water. I boil every drop of water we drink in this house. Have done for thirty or more years now. It will not help with the chemicals in the water, or anything but the living things, insofar as I know. But it will kill most of those (bacteris, etc.), and I figure every little bit helps. If our water supplies are deliberately poisoned by some enemy, I figure on the authorities figuring this out and warning us before I run out of my boiled water supply.

patricia19 · August 16, 2021, 12:07:41 PM

MaryPage, You're right about the bottle water being simply tap water.

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