Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/404410
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2014 39 THIS WEEK Daily diary for yearly concerns IDDJARJU ta' Darba f 'Sena is the first book written by Lorraine Galea. Published by Horizons, the story recounts the contents of diary penned by a lady who, as the title indicates, writes only once a year. It spans from 2002 until 2013, and she always chooses the same day to write on her diary, except for the very last time. In these writings, we encounter the protagonist, who is the diary's authoress' daughter, as she negoti- ates through life's ups and downs. It is evident that the mother tries hard to instil in her daughter the values which she thinks are impor- tant. Almost every chapter focuses on a particular principle, like love, voluntary work, making good use of time, discipline with children, tak- ing care of the elderly and animals, sports, discovering and making good use of one's talents and edu- cation. In the meantime, the book addresses problem areas in our is- lands, by which almost every citizen is affected. These include problems in the hospital, in elderly homes, in our roads and in the education sys- tem, in hope that these cries will not fall on deaf ears. The book ends with an unexpected twist, which answers particular questions which might pop in the reader's mind while read- ing the book. This book is suitable for young adults and adults alike. It will be available from bookshops and news- agents from late October onwards, as well as from Horizon Outlook stand at the National Book Festival, which will be held at the Mediterra- nean Conference Centre in Valletta between November 13 and 16. The writer appreciates readers' comments and feedback about the book on her Facebook page 'Il-kotba taghna – Darren Agius u Lorraine Galea' Today BirdLife Malta reopens its two wetland reserves for the public to visit and enjoy an hour or two of peaceful communion with nature. One of the sites is Is-Simar, a small enclave of eye-soothing greenery right on the doorstep of megabuilt Xemxija. Is-Simar is a mosaic of pools, canals, small sandy islands, marshland and reedbed. These are all rare habitats in the Maltese Islands and a magnet for native wildlife and migrating birds looking for somewhere to rest. So it's no surprise that the site enjoys several titles, including Nature Reserve, Bird Sanctuary, Special Protection Area, Natura 2000 Site, Ramsar Site, etc. Birdwatchers log over 100 species of birds at the reserve every year, and just last month a bunch of White Storks on their way to Africa landed there for a while – and maybe for a killifish. Is-Simar is one of BirdLife's successful efforts to restore rare habitat for birds, biodiversity and people. Before 1992, when the project to revive the site began, Is-Simar was a rat haven overflowing with sewage and litter. Go there now and see what a little foresight and TLC can achieve. Let one of our volunteers show you around. The place opens Sundays 10.30am–4.30pm, and it's free. 427. IS-SIMAR NATURE RESERVE GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 329: FIND OUT MORE – Think Twice about Flea and Tick meds – These topical preparations are laden with pesticides that can harm your companion in more ways than one. They deplete the immune system and compromise over all health. In fact they're so toxic that people shouldn't come in contact with them at all. Try adding Brewer's Yeast and Garlic to your companion's meals, or use an essential oil combination to repel unwanted bugs. Pennyroyal is an excellent herbal repellent but should never be used around pregnant pets or peeps. Time to start planting. The key is to choose flowers with pollen that bees can get at easily – single-flower varieties for example. Choose a range of plants that will provide a succession of flowers for as long as possible during the year – bees need nectar from very early spring until early winter. The great thing about gardening is that it's good for you as well as wildlife. Fresh air and gentle exercise improve health and well-being. The scale of your bee-friendly growing will depend on your outside space, but it all helps. If you don't have a garden, go for a window box or hanging basket. You could try flowering herbs like marjoram, chives, sage and thyme; bushy plants rosemary and lavender or easy edibles like strawberries, tomatoes and beans. A meadow area is a beautiful option and really low maintenance – and you can create a miniature meadow in a container if space is limited. Meadow-seed mixes are available in annual and perennial form – the annual mixes will give you lots of impact straight away. Perennials are slow burners but will gradually produce more colour and wildlife interest over the years. Bee solutions (II) Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). Text and photo Victor Falzon