Why are Flamingos Pink?

Living in Florida, I see lots of  Flamingos.  Most are not the real thing, but during a recent trip with my adopted humans to Sea World, I saw real ones and had my picture taken with one of the plush variety.

Have you ever wondered why a Flamingo is pink or orange?

Flamingos eat algae or crustaceans which contain pigments called carotenoids.  When Flamingos eat algae, prawns or brine shrimp (crustaceans), enzymes in the liver break down the carortenoids into molecules of  color that is deposited into the legs, bill and feathers.

Flamingos that eat mostly algae have a deeper color than those that feed on crustaceans that eat algae.

People food such as carrots, sweet potatoes and other vegetables also contain carotenoids.  Most people to not eat enough of these vegetables to affect their skin color.

Pink Flamingos of the man-made variety are a hot collectible and can be found on ebay.

Pink Flamino Search

© 2012 Hitty Travel Doll

In Which We Have Tea

Hitty Eve, Hitty Flora and Hitty Olive got all dressed up to attend the 2011 International Tea, an annual event sponsored by the Ladies Ministry.

Every year the church gymnasium is transformed by many volunteers who organize the event, decorate and hostess tables. This is the first year the Sunny State Hittys were privileged to attend.

Our guest speaker was Janice M. Cole.  When Janice retired from a career as a registered nurse, she was not willing to just relax and while away her time.  Always a hard worker, she knew that God was not finished with her yet!

Janice is the Director of Mercy Medicine with Children in Crisis, a compassion based organization bringing help and hope to the children and their caregivers  infected and affected by the HIV/AIDS virus in South Africa.  Mercy Medicine Clinics provide health screening, nutritional counseling, food and medication.

Janice cares for the children infected by the AIDS virus and facilitates adoptions for the orphans whose parents have succumbed to the virus. She has worked with the Lighthouse Chidren's Shelter , founded by David and Janice Betzer and serves Protea Polk, South Africa, a community who’s residents are 90% AIDS infected.  In addition,  she ministers in Freedom Park, a squatters camp where most of the residents are AIDS infected.

Janice brings compassion, education and hope by showing the love of Jesus through practical means.

This is a YouTube Video showing Freedom Park.  Janice Cole is not affiliated with the maker of the video.

Janice will be returning in 2012 and will work in another mining community with problems similar to Freedom Park.  As you can see the need is great.  If you would like to help Mercy Medicine with Children in Crisis , you can send contributions to:

AG World Missions
Janice M. Cole #293561-7
1445 Boonville Ave
Springfield, MO  65802

© 2011 Hitty Travel Doll