Is 250 a really big deal?

It depends, 250 of what? 250 pennies – not so much.

250 cats – that’s a lot of cats (more on that in this post).

250 snakes – Sideways says, no thanks!

How about 250 years as a country – without being taken over? Why yes, it’s a big deal.

Perhaps you know there are 195 recognized countries in the world. If you include Taiwan and Kosovo the count is 197. Of those, roughly 20 or 30-ish countries have lasted for more than 250 years, including San Marino (known as a “micro-state” it’s only 23.6 sq. miles, completely surrounded by Italy), Iran, Egypt, Vietnam, Japan, China, Switzerland, Portugal, France and a few more. Click here for a list of 20 old countries from History Snob. You might be surprised. You will also find some fabulous photos from each country.

Capt Rick asked, what about the UK?? Answer: the United Kingdom has existed in its current form only since 1922 (over a century), when most of Ireland seceded as the Irish Free State. Northern Ireland remained, finalizing the present-day composition of four constituent countries (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

I repeat, 250 years as a country is a big deal.

First, a little US flag history. The Continental Army flew this flag until 1777.

First “official” flag of the 13 colonies known as “the Continental Colors” or “Grand Union Flag.”

The first “non-British” version was the Betsy Ross flag, with 13 stars and 13 stripes.

Designed and sewn by Elizabeth Griscom, aka Betsy Ross.

The flag design changed as new states were added. The current US flag has been in place for 67 years, and it is actually the twenty-seventh version of stars and stripes. Introduced in 1959 when Alaska (the 49th state) and Hawaii (the 50th) were added to the mix, it displays 50 stars and 13 stripes.

If you are curious and want to learn more about the history of the US flag, click here.

Mind you, the physical borders of our country have changed significantly over time. In 1776 the newly formed United States was roughly 430,000 square miles. 250 years later – through land purchases, treaties, forced displacements, and brutal conquests – the US land mass is now roughly 3,619,000 square miles, more than 8.4 times the original foot print.

To give you some perspective, the top five countries by land mass are:

Russia: 6,601,665 sq miles
Canada: 3,855,101 sq miles
China: 3,747,877 sq miles
United States: 3,618,783 sq miles
Brazil: 3,287,955

Fun fact, Alaska consists of 665,384 square miles. Brilliantly purchased from Russia in 1867.

It’s no surprise that Russia (notably the largest country) has also experienced serious growth via brutal measures, starting at 1.1 million square miles in 1547, today it is roughly 6.6 million square miles, that’s 6 times the original territory.

Ocean Reef, Key Largo

Signal Flags correctly spell out Ocean Reef, thanks Gail B.

Every time we have the privilege of staying at Ocean Reef we relish the spectacular experience. Thank you Luann Lowen, once again, for spoiling us!

When you hang out with Morgan, the first stop is a lengthy visit at the island cat rescue, managed by ORCAT (Ocean Reef Community Cat Action Team). Now operating out of the spectacular Grayvik Animal Care Center.

ORCAT runs a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program, and it has a beautiful visitation room for adoptable cats.

Imagine, 250 Cats! Currently, the ORCAT population hovers around 200, close enough.

With vet care on the ground floor, the new facility is stunning.

Magnificent cat tree, Ynot, you could use this!

While the girls were chilling with the cats, Capt Rick went on a fishing expedition with Wittman neighbor Greg Wasmuth (Luann’s son) – the fresh bounty was perfectly prepared at the Burgee Bar. All I can say is wow. Oh, and YUM! Libby, you should be here!

While we were waiting for the food to be prepared, Morgan crafted unique bracelets for everyone!

Shout out to Joe Occhino, we found the CIC burgee!

Thanks Morgan, so much fun!

Celebrating Milestones

Birthdays: July 2 – Belated Birthday Wishes to our grandson, Leo Perez (so sorry we missed you in our last post); July 5, Gail Doyle; July 7, Rodger Swink; July 10, Jamie Hendry; July 13, Laura Jo; July 14, Gabriel turns 2!