Elizabeth's Secret Garden

The Royal Tila tilapia farm was established in 2008 by Francis Dames. This sustainable fish farm in Punta Gorda, FL is an example of how businesses can put a stop to overfishing and make a profit at the same time. The year round operation is in the process of being certified organic and 100% green. This efficiency without the use of chemicals is possible through the process of aquaponics. Aquaponics is a process that uses the relationship of plants and fish together to filter out plant wastes and reduce toxicity. The wastes are then sold to be used as natural fertilizer.   The 7,000 gallon tanks above are part of the farm’s expansion project to help produce more fish to fulfill buyer’s demands. The fish that have reached preferably 1 1/2 pounds, are then shipped out live or fresh on ice. The tilapia fish are fed algae based protein feed which is quickly renewed and replenished. The fish are raised without the use of chemicals so they are thus healthier for consumption. ...

  Denise S. Muir is the proud owner of Rabbit Run Farm in Fort Myers, Florida. She is living out her vision of growing organic vegetables and fruits in a way that is quite unique. Her produce is not grown in the usual fashion, but is grown hydroponically without the need for soil. The plants grown hydroponically use a tenth the water of an average farm. The rows of heirloom vegetables, strawberries, and tropical fruits are grown by using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. The nutrients are fed directly to the roots causing the plants to grow more quickly. Plants grown hydroponically can grow in gravel, sand, water, or even air! Rabbit Run Farm currently has 30,000 plants on 1/2 acre, but still has 5 more acres for future expansion! The produce grown is sold to local restaurants and consumers who what healthy and organically grown food. Seedlings get a head start in their own greenhouse setup. They are protected from harsh weather and are given the nutri...

The mansion above is now the site of the Seneca Falls Historical Society Museum. It is located at 55 Cayuga Street in Seneca Falls. This 23 room mansion actually began as a one room wooden structure. It was Ellen Partridge who purchased the home in 1880 and renovated it to the current Queen Anne style. The Victorian home was purchased by the Becker family in 1890 who lived in it until Florence Becker sold it to the Seneca Falls Historical Society in 1962. Above are two structures that are visible in the mansion's backyard. To the left is the Seth Thomas clock that at one time sat upon the Hoskins Block as the town clock. To the right is the original Gothic Revival tool shed. The mansion is furnished with original items that were owned by the Partridge and Becker families as well as reproduced decorations that would have been used during the time period. The drawing room pictured above was used by the family for special occasions.   My favorite article in the house w...

While traveling to New York, I was able to experience a variety of history. Seneca Falls was one historical city I was particularly eager to visit because it is full of history including the site where women’s rights became active. Before visiting, I readily absorbed information from our public library to prepare myself for what we would see. As soon as we stepped out the door of our vehicle, my eyes were drawn to the sign above which marks the site of the first convention for women’s rights. It was held July 19-20, 1848. There was a lot that led up to this important convention. Like the formation of any house or structure, there has to be a foundation leading up to the completion. Two influential women that eventually called together the convention at Seneca Falls were Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott They had met at the 1840 World Anti-Slavery Convention in London as delegates. Eight years later, they gathered women together at Seneca Falls. The Seneca County Courier an...

In the last entry, I shared with you my experience at Niagara Falls. My journey did not end there though! My dad, sister, and me were filled with enthusiasm as we crossed the Rainbow Bridge which was our gateway into Canada. We did not use an automobile, but made the transit by foot. I shall give two words of caution in case you also decide to make the same journey. First, check the weather forecast for that day before crossing the long bridge by bike or foot. (It looked clear when we started, but an hour later it started to sprinkle.) Second, make sure to bring change. It is currently $0.50 each way for pedestrians or those traveling by bike. We missed this important information and found ourselves lacking a quarter to reenter the USA! Thankfully there was a store nearby where we were able to get change. The beautiful Rainbow Bridge was our key into Canada. We bypassed all the traffic by using our feet! The construction of Rainbow Bridge started on May of 1940 and was opened ...

For every person there is something that stirs within them a thrill and a passion to do great things. This is what I feel when I travel or take on a new task. To go to new places, try new things, and dare to be adventurous is what moves the adrenaline through my body. I was made to be active and not passive. Not every day is adventurous and life is bound to be mundane at times, but when adventure comes your way embrace it. I felt that thrill when I stood at the edge of the railing overlooking Niagara Falls. I had been there several years before, but somehow this was different. I seemed to have a new appreciation for this natural wonder. Time has not taken away the sense of awe over even the small things, but this was so much better than what I remembered seeing so long ago. The roar minimized the sound of my voice and it rang in my ears as I stood gazing at it.   Three thousand, one hundred and sixty tons tons of water flow over the falls every second. All that weight create...