Miscellaneous

Did You Know?

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

You are getting very sleepy……

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Snails can sleep up to three years? Now, I’m down with that!

It’s true.  This phenomenon is known as aestivation or hibernation. 

During aestivation, snails seal themselves inside their shells and enter a state of dormancy. They slow down their metabolism, reduce their breathing and heart rate, and conserve energy. This allows them to survive harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, drought, or lack of food. 

The ability to aestivate for extended periods is an adaptation that helps snails survive in environments where conditions may fluctuate significantly. For example, snails in desert regions may aestivate during the hot, dry summer months. 

It’s important to note that not all snails can aestivate for three years. Some species may only hibernate for a few months. Additionally, the duration of aestivation can vary depending on factors such as the snail’s species, the environmental conditions, and the snail’s individual health. 

Sounds good to me! I just have one question: how can you tell if a snail is really sleeping or just playing possum? No idea. Sounds like a shell game to me!

And now for something completely different.

This is “Silver Snail” by the Pixies.

You heard it here first, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎

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49 thoughts on “Did You Know?”

    2. Hahaha! Your spirit animal! I love it! I am a champion sleeper, not necessarily how long I sleep but how soundly and well, falling asleep very quickly. 😴

      That is a new song for me and as soon as I found it, I stopped searching. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🎶🥳

      Have a great weekend, Michele. ☀️😎

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  6. Pingback: Friday Funny – Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian

  7. A fascinating piece of trivia, which I can’t wait to drop into a conversation. But before I do, can we be certain that they sleep so long, and don’t just take ages to get out of bed?

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  8. I was in an online exercise group for stroke sufferers and we called ourselves the “Turbo Snails” 🐌 yep, we moved that fast you couldn’t see us move!! 😊🌏😍😴

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  9. Hibernating up to three years? Wow, I had no idea. It kind of sounds like an attractive proposition, especially during these current crazy times. Though who knows, you may not recognize the world when you wake up again. Also, good song by Pixies. Other than their name, I hardly know anything about the group, though I’ve included them in previous posts once or twice.

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    1. This video reminds me of some of the songs released by Beluga Lagoon. A head-scratcher for sure but fun to watch and listen to.
      As much as I love to sleep, it would be very upsetting to wake up after three years to find everything has changed and not for the better.
      Thanks, Christian.

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  14. It’s totally fascinating what creatures in nature can do, Nancy,… thanks for the info, … makes you wonder do they know they’re doing it, and does it feel as if it’s just been a few seconds? … I know, I know strange questions, but they always occur to me, … I think I’d love to hibernate, … just for a day or two, …✨💙✨🐌✨

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        1. If I’m on the WordPress reader, Nancy, There’s no problem, … Just comment and send, … I do like to go to the website though, … And it’s just me, I forgot to press the WordPress button, … Stupid of me, … So no worries, right?…. (((Hugs)))….💙🤗

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    2. No such thing as a strange question, dear Penn, not when we’re talking about hibernating snails! We’ll have to ask a snail specialist about what’s going on in their tiny brains; I’d say their inner workings let them know it’s time for a good nap. I could easily hibernate; sleeping is something I do very well and look forward to every night. I don’t sleep long but I sleep well.

      Thanks, Penny.

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      1. For crying out loud, I’ve just lost a comment., … I hit backspace and it just clears everything off., … I was saying, who is it that eats snails? Is it the French? And I was just thinking if the poor snail was hibernating and ended up lunch, Poor little thing, … I couldn’t eat snails, Or anything sort of slimy, … I know I’m getting off the subject a bit, But it seems that kind of morning, … Hope you’re fit and well, Still no sign of sniffles, And that the weathers still bearable,… Hugs, hugs and more hugs, …💙

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        1. The weather is glorious. I hope today is like yesterday, which was one of the top 10 beautiful days here, truly perfect. 🤩

          My mother used to cook snails so it’s not just the French who eat them. I never ate them, but my father loved them and mom would make a giant fish dinner for the holidays. That was never my thing, but I do like clams and oysters on the half shell… delicious! I sure hope we didn’t eat any who were just napping! 😴

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  18. We have a species of frog called the Wood Frog that hibernates during winter- allowing it’s body to freeze- and resumes their life cycle when they thaw out in the spring. Such amazing things can be found in nature- thank you, Nancy this was a pleasure to read.

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