Ten years ago I had my Evergreen Garden Club students participate in a large Citizen Science Project. It was co-hosted by Monarch Watch and NASA (yes, that NASA). Monarch larvae were sent into space via the space shuttle to arrive at the International Space Station. At the same time, project participants, including those in my…
This morning we cleaned, my son and I. We cleaned out his room and had much to enjoy! Who knew it would be so much fun? We laughed when we saw the dried-up tube of paint, its cap left slightly askew. I jumped when a plastic spider was found in a corner and sent my…
There is no doubt that I love information. I often felt being a librarian would have been a good profession for me as I love to research, look up, learn, and sift through all kinds of information. In pondering what to write about today I considered the following: Superstitions Past Halloween Celebrations and Costumes Halloween Parties…
Today, I am in a contemplative mode. Inquiring Minds Want to Know: How many college applications does the average college-bound senior send in? Are digital applications easier than the paper ones of the past? Why does it take until senior year in High School for English class to be fun? Why do you feel like…
Last night I got to see a performer whose music I have enjoyed my entire adult life. My oldest son and I saw Vince Gill at Stephens Auditorium in Ames, Iowa. We’ve been going to shows together for several years now as he enjoys music and theater as much or possibly more than I do….
This past August we went to Banff National Park in Canada for vacation. It was a spectacular trip with gorgeous mountain scenery. One of the most memorable parts was riding the Sulphur Mountain Gondola to the visitor center and then walking to the lookout on a boardwalk while sweeping views were visible from any direction…
This morning I had coffee with a friend, a former teacher, and mentor to all three of my boys in the subject of mathematics. He appreciates the difference in all three of my sons, the way their abilities manifested, and their chosen paths. During our coffee clutches we attempt to solve the problems of the…
This is my contribution to the Lens-Artist Challenge for this week. In this challenge we are encouraged to pick a place we’ve travelled to that was memorable. For me, it was a trip to a place in The Netherlands that captured my heart. It was full of history, practicality, and beauty. It was special because…
It took me until I was in my 40’s to discover (or rediscover) my creative side. In school, I was a serious student, striving for straight A’s (usually getting them), and leaving little to chance through unpreparedness or lack of completing the assigned work. From high school, I carried this work ethic through college and…
“No one ever talks about it,” said the mom. “It is frustrating and lonely.” She insinuated that she did not know what to do or how to parent her son, whose needs were beyond the scope of “normal.” “My girls,” she stated, “are so different, so easy.” “Once you find resources, and supportive people, it…