The kids camped in tents in our backyard with a bunch of their 4-H friends two nights ago and had a great time (and their parents are still catching up on sleep).
One of the games we played was flashlight tag. When I was little I used to play the game around my grandmother's postage stamp yard with my cousins. And that small loop of space wrapping around her house actually had a lot of advantages. Running around a corner made it harder to get caught in the flashlight beam and kept the game going for a long time.
When I suggested flashlight tag to our visiting campers, they loved the idea. What kid doesn't love to run around hours after bedtime playing with flashlights?
So someone volunteered to be "it" and the others scattered in our yard's open field.
The game lasted about 5 seconds.
Since the kids' tent was set up close to the house and the ongoing shed construction tools and materials took up some space, the kids couldn't run completely around the house. And that made tagging everyone with the flashlight beam a piece of cake. There was nowhere to hide in the field.
We decided to move the game to a small forested area in our front yard. That made things a little more challenging but after a few rounds, the kids decided it was time for the next activity, making s'mores around the campfire.
What I found funny was that a group of urban kids growing up just north of Boston, could have more fun playing flashlight tag than my country-raised kids.
There must be a different way to play flashlight tag when you have more open space. If you have a suggestion, let me know. I'm all ears in anticipation of our next camping night later this summer when our city cousins come to visit.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Puffin love
The kids trade postcards with other kids all over the world through Yahoo Groups. They love buying postcards and their favorite ones have puffins on them.
When they first started trading (more than a year ago), we did a little research to find some fun "facts" about Maine to write on the back of the postcards. We came across the Puffin Project and the kids learned a lot from that website (and the movie clips are a big hit with them). Needless to say, there are quite a few kids around the world who have learned a fact or two about Puffins because of my kids' fascination with the little birds.
So after I read today's story about the new Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, I asked the girls if they'd like to check it out. Of course they'd rather see the birds in person but agreed with me that the center sounded fun.
"But someday we have to see a real Puffin," G. told me.
Well, there are puffin watch cruises that run through mid-August. I think this may be the summer we find time to make that trip.
When they first started trading (more than a year ago), we did a little research to find some fun "facts" about Maine to write on the back of the postcards. We came across the Puffin Project and the kids learned a lot from that website (and the movie clips are a big hit with them). Needless to say, there are quite a few kids around the world who have learned a fact or two about Puffins because of my kids' fascination with the little birds.
So after I read today's story about the new Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, I asked the girls if they'd like to check it out. Of course they'd rather see the birds in person but agreed with me that the center sounded fun.
"But someday we have to see a real Puffin," G. told me.
Well, there are puffin watch cruises that run through mid-August. I think this may be the summer we find time to make that trip.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
The unfortunate frog
These photos were another surprise when I downloaded my camera's memory card this morning. And as I sifted through the 20+ photos of this frog, I couldn't help but feel some sympathy for the little creature even though the girls' intentions were good.
Well, maybe the 5 feet to the ground isn't too far to jump.
Do I not deserve a little modesty girls? Please.
Hanging out in a shoe is not my idea of a good time girls.
(And thanks Uncle Scott for those new shoes. The girls are obviously finding creative ways to enjoy them.)
"How long you been here?" asked the frog.
"Just grin and bear it, they'll let you go ... eventually," replied the blind cat.
Aaah, freedom isn't far now.
Adios girls!
Well, maybe the 5 feet to the ground isn't too far to jump.
Do I not deserve a little modesty girls? Please.
Hanging out in a shoe is not my idea of a good time girls.
(And thanks Uncle Scott for those new shoes. The girls are obviously finding creative ways to enjoy them.)
"How long you been here?" asked the frog.
"Just grin and bear it, they'll let you go ... eventually," replied the blind cat.
Aaah, freedom isn't far now.
Adios girls!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Slugger is cool
We went to the Sea Dogs game last night, our first ever.
Hadlock Field gets a big thumbs out from G. for their fried dough. "It was waaaay better than the Civic Center." Making it fresh at the field would be better than the pre-made version she had at the Pirates games.
The pace of the baseball game was slow for the kids, especially after an exciting hockey season. And since they aren't so familiar with the game of baseball (they have never wanted to play little league), they kept asking how long the game was going to be. They liked the countdown clock at hockey games for game play as well as breaks between periods. And hockey is a fast-paced sport, much more appealing to my active kids' attention spans.
As I had predicted, the kids started getting a little antsy after the third inning so G. picked up the camera and started taking "action" photos. When I downloaded them from the camera there were easily 50 of these type of pictures.
But hey, it kept her busy for a while and watching the game.
Then the girls started sliding around on the bleachers (we went for the cheap seats) and I had to put a stop to that.
But then the Sea Dogs started scoring and the fans were making a lot of noise in the stands. Stamping feet on the bleachers was really loud and the kids loved it. They stamped and stamped ... and stamped.
Then a foul ball flew in our direction and I told the girls to duck while a bunch of people around us leaped to catch it. And yes, not only are we not a puck-catching family, we're not a flyball one either. And the girls were not impressed with the fighting among fans about that baseball.
"Geeze mom, those people are crazy!"
The music was similar to the Pirates game, including Neil Diamond (OK, it's clearly a sports event song that I didn't know about) so we laughed and sang along since now we know the words.
Then the YMCA song started and that's when the girls decided that Slugger was really cool.
They were really impressed by Slugger's moves on top of the dugout.
"WOW, Slugger did a jazz split mom! Salty Pete and Crackers never did anything like THAT," said G. I told her I thought it was a little easier to do tricks like that when you're not wearing ice skates...
So then the girls decided to do splits in the stands but I had to call a stop to that too. I managed to last until the 8th inning before I called it a night and told the girls we were going home.
It was our first game so I wasn't sure what to expect. Now I know we'll bring a few diversions in the backpack next time. We already have plans to go to another game this season with some friends.
"Mom, that fried dough was really good. We have to come back again."
"Yeah, and Slugger was so funny! We have to see him dance again."
Hadlock Field gets a big thumbs out from G. for their fried dough. "It was waaaay better than the Civic Center." Making it fresh at the field would be better than the pre-made version she had at the Pirates games.
The pace of the baseball game was slow for the kids, especially after an exciting hockey season. And since they aren't so familiar with the game of baseball (they have never wanted to play little league), they kept asking how long the game was going to be. They liked the countdown clock at hockey games for game play as well as breaks between periods. And hockey is a fast-paced sport, much more appealing to my active kids' attention spans.
As I had predicted, the kids started getting a little antsy after the third inning so G. picked up the camera and started taking "action" photos. When I downloaded them from the camera there were easily 50 of these type of pictures.
But hey, it kept her busy for a while and watching the game.
Then the girls started sliding around on the bleachers (we went for the cheap seats) and I had to put a stop to that.
But then the Sea Dogs started scoring and the fans were making a lot of noise in the stands. Stamping feet on the bleachers was really loud and the kids loved it. They stamped and stamped ... and stamped.
Then a foul ball flew in our direction and I told the girls to duck while a bunch of people around us leaped to catch it. And yes, not only are we not a puck-catching family, we're not a flyball one either. And the girls were not impressed with the fighting among fans about that baseball.
"Geeze mom, those people are crazy!"
The music was similar to the Pirates game, including Neil Diamond (OK, it's clearly a sports event song that I didn't know about) so we laughed and sang along since now we know the words.
Then the YMCA song started and that's when the girls decided that Slugger was really cool.
They were really impressed by Slugger's moves on top of the dugout.
"WOW, Slugger did a jazz split mom! Salty Pete and Crackers never did anything like THAT," said G. I told her I thought it was a little easier to do tricks like that when you're not wearing ice skates...
So then the girls decided to do splits in the stands but I had to call a stop to that too. I managed to last until the 8th inning before I called it a night and told the girls we were going home.
It was our first game so I wasn't sure what to expect. Now I know we'll bring a few diversions in the backpack next time. We already have plans to go to another game this season with some friends.
"Mom, that fried dough was really good. We have to come back again."
"Yeah, and Slugger was so funny! We have to see him dance again."
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Yum!
We went right out to Dole's Orchards after my earlier entry this morning. When we got home L. washed the strawberries, G. made whipped cream and I made the shortcake that we really like (we substitute some of the white flour with oatmeal flour to make it a little healthier plus, we all love oatmeal anyway).
And voila!
Fino better get home early tonight to get his strawberry shortcake - the girls and I have already made more than a dent in the 11 pounds of strawberries we picked today.
Do you have a favorite strawberry recipe? Post a comment - we'd love to have some new recipes this season.
And voila!
Fino better get home early tonight to get his strawberry shortcake - the girls and I have already made more than a dent in the 11 pounds of strawberries we picked today.
Do you have a favorite strawberry recipe? Post a comment - we'd love to have some new recipes this season.
The U-Pick season is here
We have a small strawberry patch in our garden and last night we found a bunch that were ripe but not enough to satisfy our taste for the fruit.
So we're making time this week to go to a pick-your-own farm to get as much as we can eat and make our annual batch of strawberry jam.
Actually, we go to a bunch of the u-pick farms' seasons - strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and apple - because we love the fresh fruit. There's nothing like eating the stuff the day you pick it.
My mouth is watering already for more strawberries...
So we're making time this week to go to a pick-your-own farm to get as much as we can eat and make our annual batch of strawberry jam.
Actually, we go to a bunch of the u-pick farms' seasons - strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and apple - because we love the fresh fruit. There's nothing like eating the stuff the day you pick it.
My mouth is watering already for more strawberries...
Monday, June 19, 2006
A new day
I saw a beautiful sunrise on the way to the office this morning. I know I'm in the minority, but I'm so glad it's Monday.
It means that dance recital weekend is over.
Not that the girls and I don't enjoy recital, but it takes a lot of hours and work. And this year's costumes and props (from circus hat spinners and tightrope walkers to mermaids), were plentiful and hard to keep track of all weekend. I think our winter ski gear is actually easier to manage.
But now it's Monday and it doesn't matter if we can't find the mermaid hair bow, or the tightrope walker jump rope and parasol. And we don't have to worry about the quick change from one prop-filled number to the next backstage.
I can sleep. I can finally get some sleep.
It means that dance recital weekend is over.
Not that the girls and I don't enjoy recital, but it takes a lot of hours and work. And this year's costumes and props (from circus hat spinners and tightrope walkers to mermaids), were plentiful and hard to keep track of all weekend. I think our winter ski gear is actually easier to manage.
But now it's Monday and it doesn't matter if we can't find the mermaid hair bow, or the tightrope walker jump rope and parasol. And we don't have to worry about the quick change from one prop-filled number to the next backstage.
I can sleep. I can finally get some sleep.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Treasure hunting and geology
The kids enjoyed our latest treasure hunt - and learned a bit of geology along the way. Read my monthly column to learn more about gem hunting in Maine.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Free orienteering workshops
For all families wanting to learn how to orienteer, there are some free workshops offered by the Gray Recreation Department this summer to learn how to do it. The workshop dates are: June 17, July 8, 22 and 29.
Orienteering is a sport that uses a detailed map to find check points along a course. Once a check point is found, each player marks their course card with the paper punch attached to the control station. Naturally the paper punch - and their various patterns - are what my kids really enjoy. And although orienteering is traditionally organized as a race, my family has never been interested in that aspect. It's finding the control stations that feel like a treasure hunt that we all love.
The free workshops being offered are geared toward families wanting to learn the sport. Pineland Farms has monthly courses set up so for a small fee, families can orienteer anytime they want from spring through fall. Libby Hill also has plans in the works for offering a monthly course as well in the fall.
The free workshops are open to families (for all ages with parents supervising young children) to learn the sport together and will begin at the base of Libby Hill Trails, adjacent to the Gray-NG Middle School, at the end of Libby Hill Road in Gray, off Rt 26.
All classes begin at 9 a.m. and are expected to run about 60-90 minutes. The coordinator of the workshops suggests families bring water, a snack, bug stuff and wear good shoes. For more info contact Tracy Ross at 657-7213, inbox1803@yahoo.com
Orienteering is a sport that uses a detailed map to find check points along a course. Once a check point is found, each player marks their course card with the paper punch attached to the control station. Naturally the paper punch - and their various patterns - are what my kids really enjoy. And although orienteering is traditionally organized as a race, my family has never been interested in that aspect. It's finding the control stations that feel like a treasure hunt that we all love.
The free workshops being offered are geared toward families wanting to learn the sport. Pineland Farms has monthly courses set up so for a small fee, families can orienteer anytime they want from spring through fall. Libby Hill also has plans in the works for offering a monthly course as well in the fall.
The free workshops are open to families (for all ages with parents supervising young children) to learn the sport together and will begin at the base of Libby Hill Trails, adjacent to the Gray-NG Middle School, at the end of Libby Hill Road in Gray, off Rt 26.
All classes begin at 9 a.m. and are expected to run about 60-90 minutes. The coordinator of the workshops suggests families bring water, a snack, bug stuff and wear good shoes. For more info contact Tracy Ross at 657-7213, inbox1803@yahoo.com
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
'Hoot' really was one
We were listening to the audio book "Hoot" in the car last week and I have to recommend it based on the humor factor, not to mention its worthy environmental message to kids.
The adult characters in the book, for the most part, are depicted as being dimwitted, which of course the kids thought was great. But at one point, we had to shut off the CD player because we were laughing so hard. The reason: a chicken reference.
As the story goes, the main characters - kids - are trying to save these little burrowing owls from being buried alive on a construction site. The kids talk with the foreman on the project about the owls then see one fly by right in front of them and burrow into the ground. The kids point it out to prove their point but the foreman says, no, there aren't any burrowing owls around. Those things flying around are "wild chickens!"
You gotta read the book - and a little of my blog - to really appreciate why this was so funny to us.
And then yesterday afternoon we were weeding the garden and collecting eggs while the chickens were taking their "dirt baths." They do this all the time but when I looked more closely, I noticed a bunch of holes in the ground. I asked the kids what was going on.
"The chickens dig holes for their baths mommy. You didn't know that?" G. asked.
"Yeah, kinda like the owls from 'Hoot' only the holes aren't so deep," said L.
No, I never noticed that our chickens dig holes in the back yard.
Maybe I should re-read "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" because this place - and the things I've learned here - is like no place I ever imagined I'd be today.
Of course I wouldn't trade it for the world. I mean, you never know when this weird bit of information might come in handy.
The adult characters in the book, for the most part, are depicted as being dimwitted, which of course the kids thought was great. But at one point, we had to shut off the CD player because we were laughing so hard. The reason: a chicken reference.
As the story goes, the main characters - kids - are trying to save these little burrowing owls from being buried alive on a construction site. The kids talk with the foreman on the project about the owls then see one fly by right in front of them and burrow into the ground. The kids point it out to prove their point but the foreman says, no, there aren't any burrowing owls around. Those things flying around are "wild chickens!"
You gotta read the book - and a little of my blog - to really appreciate why this was so funny to us.
And then yesterday afternoon we were weeding the garden and collecting eggs while the chickens were taking their "dirt baths." They do this all the time but when I looked more closely, I noticed a bunch of holes in the ground. I asked the kids what was going on.
"The chickens dig holes for their baths mommy. You didn't know that?" G. asked.
"Yeah, kinda like the owls from 'Hoot' only the holes aren't so deep," said L.
No, I never noticed that our chickens dig holes in the back yard.
Maybe I should re-read "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" because this place - and the things I've learned here - is like no place I ever imagined I'd be today.
Of course I wouldn't trade it for the world. I mean, you never know when this weird bit of information might come in handy.
Monday, June 12, 2006
The house breach
With all the rain and spending the past week sewing mermaid dance costumes for the kids' recital, I'm all set with this whole water theme going on right now.
So this morning I downloaded the photos from my camera to grab one I took for this blog entry. And I admit, it was nothing exciting.
But then I saw that there were a bunch of photos on the camera that I knew I didn't take. G. had obviously been working on her 4-H photography project yesterday.
Then I looked through the photos...
Well G.'s perspective is always interesting, including photos she chooses to take of her visiting Flat Stanleys. And I know I shouldn't complain about the fact that the girls were actually doing their chores and washing the dishes, but I didn't need to know they flooded the sink and kitchen floor to do it.
G.'s theme for her project is "action/motion" so my guess would be that she was going for dripping and/or spraying water. Still, it's an artsy-type photo and OK in my book.
Now this one, for so many reasons, is so NOT OK that it will require a serious chat when I get home.
I've told the kids a million times not to let the chickens on the porch and not to feed the chickens the cats' food even though they like to eat it.
So this is like the double-rule breaker -- without the house breach.
And what were the girls thinking when they took this picture, that I wouldn't see it?
It's a good thing they're cute...
So this morning I downloaded the photos from my camera to grab one I took for this blog entry. And I admit, it was nothing exciting.
But then I saw that there were a bunch of photos on the camera that I knew I didn't take. G. had obviously been working on her 4-H photography project yesterday.
Then I looked through the photos...
Well G.'s perspective is always interesting, including photos she chooses to take of her visiting Flat Stanleys. And I know I shouldn't complain about the fact that the girls were actually doing their chores and washing the dishes, but I didn't need to know they flooded the sink and kitchen floor to do it.
G.'s theme for her project is "action/motion" so my guess would be that she was going for dripping and/or spraying water. Still, it's an artsy-type photo and OK in my book.
Now this one, for so many reasons, is so NOT OK that it will require a serious chat when I get home.
I've told the kids a million times not to let the chickens on the porch and not to feed the chickens the cats' food even though they like to eat it.
So this is like the double-rule breaker -- without the house breach.
And what were the girls thinking when they took this picture, that I wouldn't see it?
It's a good thing they're cute...
Saturday, June 10, 2006
An insightful lesson
After mining for gems at Mt. Apatite (you'll hear more about that soon) and finding some nice quartz the kids made into necklaces and headbands, we decided to try the rock tumbler the kids got for Christmas last year.
The tumbler came with gems in their rough state and instructions on how to transform them into glossy stones to make jewelry. After reading the full directions from inside the box, we realized it was going to take A MONTH to tumble the rough stones into gems.
That information was definitely NOT on the outside of the box.
The inside instructions also reminded us several times that the tumbler was replicating a process nature took hundreds of years to do. Yeah, well because 21st century kids are not known for patience that information was strategically left off the outside of the box. Obviously a good marketing plan.
But we went ahead anyway with the project. The kids washed the rocks as instructed and set them tumbling with the first of 4 packets of "grit" to smooth out the stones.
Then I turned on the tumbler and man, that thing was LOUD (another detail not mentioned).
So we moved the tumbler to the basement and marked our calendar to check on it 5 days later. That's when we had to rinse the rocks and add the next packet. The next round of grit needed 14 days and a mark on the calendar. The next round required 7 days and the final polishing round needed 5.
Then finally it was time to see the stones - 31 days later.
"What do you think girls?" I asked them after the final rinse.
"They aren't pretty colors like they are on the box," said G. skeptically.
"Yeah, they aren't as nice as our crystals from Mt. Apatite," said a disappointed L.
"They're OK, I guess," said G.
So it turns out that the collection of rocks from our various outdoor adventures are actually more impressive than the $25 rock tumbler from the toy store. Now I could have told them that but this lesson was worth so much more - on so many levels - for them.
Maybe it really was worth that $25 after all.
Even in the basement, the constant churning of rocks could still be heard upstairs. It ran continuously for 31 days.
After each round, we had to dump the contents outside (so we didn't clog our drain), rinse the rocks and add the next round of grit.
With each opening of the tumbler, we had to put vaseline on the rim to ensure a good seal to prevent leakage.
The final polishing produced a lot of foam and started to overflow when I lifted off the top.
After 31 days, yes, most of the stones were glossy but hardly impressive to the girls.
The tumbler came with gems in their rough state and instructions on how to transform them into glossy stones to make jewelry. After reading the full directions from inside the box, we realized it was going to take A MONTH to tumble the rough stones into gems.
That information was definitely NOT on the outside of the box.
The inside instructions also reminded us several times that the tumbler was replicating a process nature took hundreds of years to do. Yeah, well because 21st century kids are not known for patience that information was strategically left off the outside of the box. Obviously a good marketing plan.
But we went ahead anyway with the project. The kids washed the rocks as instructed and set them tumbling with the first of 4 packets of "grit" to smooth out the stones.
Then I turned on the tumbler and man, that thing was LOUD (another detail not mentioned).
So we moved the tumbler to the basement and marked our calendar to check on it 5 days later. That's when we had to rinse the rocks and add the next packet. The next round of grit needed 14 days and a mark on the calendar. The next round required 7 days and the final polishing round needed 5.
Then finally it was time to see the stones - 31 days later.
"What do you think girls?" I asked them after the final rinse.
"They aren't pretty colors like they are on the box," said G. skeptically.
"Yeah, they aren't as nice as our crystals from Mt. Apatite," said a disappointed L.
"They're OK, I guess," said G.
So it turns out that the collection of rocks from our various outdoor adventures are actually more impressive than the $25 rock tumbler from the toy store. Now I could have told them that but this lesson was worth so much more - on so many levels - for them.
Maybe it really was worth that $25 after all.
After 31 days, yes, most of the stones were glossy but hardly impressive to the girls.
Flying chicken redux
G. was still trying to get the "perfect" flying chicken photo yesterday. So I thought I'd post this photo, just for the record, that I didn't do anything more than hold the chicken in my hands and let it fly away. No "catapulted" chickens at our house :-).
Friday, June 9, 2006
Rain-lovers
And not only are the ducks gloating about all the rain, they're causing trouble again. We let them out of the coop but now they've decided to cross the street and free-range at the neighbors.
Rain-lovers, I don't like 'em.
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
I-Spy on Mackworth
We went hiking on Mackworth Island again yesterday. Like my co-worker, I too feel the need to drop everything and get outside when the sun makes one of its rare appearances.
It was a great day for a hike and L. found all kinds of things to show me on the trail. It was one of those, "Look mommy - look - look," kind of days.
A dead crab, one of many she found along the shore
A slug, also one of many she found in the fairy village
"Pretty flowers"
More pretty flowers
After I thought about it, the best sight of the day was my very special child's socks.
I-Spy... pumpkins!
It was a great day for a hike and L. found all kinds of things to show me on the trail. It was one of those, "Look mommy - look - look," kind of days.
A dead crab, one of many she found along the shore
A slug, also one of many she found in the fairy village
"Pretty flowers"
More pretty flowers
After I thought about it, the best sight of the day was my very special child's socks.
I-Spy... pumpkins!
Sunday, June 4, 2006
A poison ivy re-education
I was sifting through my email this morning and a headline from a weekly health newsletter caught my eye, "Study: Global warming means itchier poison ivy." Curious, I read the full story.
But I had a Huh? moment when I looked at the photo of poison ivy posted with the story because it didn't look right to me. With my curiosity peaked -- and the fact that I obviously needed to refresh my memory about the plant -- I did a quick Google image search.
The images varied quite a bit and made it clear that there's more to identifying the plant than the simple rhyme I learned years ago, "Leaves of 3, let it be."
The shiny, pointy leaves are what I usually look out for on the trail, although the 3-leave bunches are less clear in this photo.
These look more like birch tree leaves to me because of their roundness. I would not have likely recognized these leaves as poison ivy on the trail.
These don't look so shiny but have the leave shape to watch out for so I might have identified them correctly.
My most recent run-in with poison ivy was last summer while geocaching with the kids. We were in the thick of it before I identified the plant. And luckily (after breaking out the baby wipes and washing our lower bodies) none of the kids came down with a rash. As for me, the itchy ankles (because I forgot to wash off my sandals) didn't last long.
So after looking through the various images of poison ivy, I went to the FDA's website to brush up on preventive measures I can take if we run into the pesky plant again - which is likely with all the hiking and geocaching we do.
And the CNN story that inspired this rambling gave me yet another reason why I want to see Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth when it opens in Maine movie theaters at the end of the month.
But I had a Huh? moment when I looked at the photo of poison ivy posted with the story because it didn't look right to me. With my curiosity peaked -- and the fact that I obviously needed to refresh my memory about the plant -- I did a quick Google image search.
The images varied quite a bit and made it clear that there's more to identifying the plant than the simple rhyme I learned years ago, "Leaves of 3, let it be."
The shiny, pointy leaves are what I usually look out for on the trail, although the 3-leave bunches are less clear in this photo.
These look more like birch tree leaves to me because of their roundness. I would not have likely recognized these leaves as poison ivy on the trail.
These don't look so shiny but have the leave shape to watch out for so I might have identified them correctly.
My most recent run-in with poison ivy was last summer while geocaching with the kids. We were in the thick of it before I identified the plant. And luckily (after breaking out the baby wipes and washing our lower bodies) none of the kids came down with a rash. As for me, the itchy ankles (because I forgot to wash off my sandals) didn't last long.
So after looking through the various images of poison ivy, I went to the FDA's website to brush up on preventive measures I can take if we run into the pesky plant again - which is likely with all the hiking and geocaching we do.
And the CNN story that inspired this rambling gave me yet another reason why I want to see Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth when it opens in Maine movie theaters at the end of the month.
Friday, June 2, 2006
Bugs, moths and a little psychology
The mosquitos are out and biting with a vengence so we're looking for new bug repellent ideas because our old bottle of bug juice isn't cutting it this year. And with a new line of clothing that has bug repellent already in the material, I'm exploring our options right now.
But there is one insect L. does not want to repel - moths. She is fascinated with them and treats every one she can catch (and that would be lots because she's good at it) like loving pets. I'll never forget the night she watched an old Godzilla vs. Mothra movie with Fino and cried for an hour afterwards because Mothra died at the end.
Yeah, she really likes moths.
So the other night after some hunting around outside, she caught a new one and named her, "Pink Princess."
She made a bed of leaves and bark for Pink Princess before she went to bed. Of course the moth fluttered around the house all night and G. ended up closing their bedroom door to keep her out. G. does not feel the same affinity to moths that L. does.
So the next morning, after L. read Pink Princess a book, G. talked to her about how the moth's family might miss her if she stayed in the house all day. L. released her a little while later.
I think I need to take some lessons in psychology from G.
And if you know what kind of moth Pink Princess is, let me know.
But there is one insect L. does not want to repel - moths. She is fascinated with them and treats every one she can catch (and that would be lots because she's good at it) like loving pets. I'll never forget the night she watched an old Godzilla vs. Mothra movie with Fino and cried for an hour afterwards because Mothra died at the end.
Yeah, she really likes moths.
So the other night after some hunting around outside, she caught a new one and named her, "Pink Princess."
She made a bed of leaves and bark for Pink Princess before she went to bed. Of course the moth fluttered around the house all night and G. ended up closing their bedroom door to keep her out. G. does not feel the same affinity to moths that L. does.
So the next morning, after L. read Pink Princess a book, G. talked to her about how the moth's family might miss her if she stayed in the house all day. L. released her a little while later.
I think I need to take some lessons in psychology from G.
And if you know what kind of moth Pink Princess is, let me know.
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Kid Tracks Column: Mining for gems at Mt. Apatite
We've geocached, orienteered and navigated our way through a corn maze. With each activity it was not only being outdoors, but the spirit of treasure hunting that we liked. Not knowing what we'd find at the end - or along the way - added an element of excitement that made the adventure even more fun.
So when someone from the kids' 4-H club mentioned mining for quartz and tourmaline at Mt. Apatite in Auburn we knew we had to try it. The prospect of a new treasure hunt was a one we couldn't resist.
We set out on a rare sunny afternoon in May to find the trailhead for Mount Apatite, one of several quarries open to the public in Maine. Unfortunately, we became confused once we got there.
"Mommy it says we can't go there! We don't want to get in trouble." said my 10-year-old nervously after reading the "Keep Out" and "Warning Government Property" signs.
But after reading ALL the signs (and there were a lot of them), I realized that as long as we stayed on the marked trail past the Army National Guard training area, we would link up with the public trails of Mount Apatite.
There wasn't a map of the trails online and when we arrived at the trailhead we didn't find one there either. We assumed we'd find the quarries eventually so we set out on the trail.
Although there were a lot of trail markers, none specifically identified the trail that led to the quarries. It was a beautiful spring day and we had a nice hike around the mountain, but the 3-mile trek was quite a bit longer than we'd planned.
It turned out that the quarry was only about 1/2 mile from the trailhead if only we had made a different trail choice earlier. (We should have followed the main trail without taking any turns and would have run into the first of the quarries.)
"Ooops," I said when the kids complained about it during our snack break.
"We got some great exercise and never would have seen those cool wildflowers if we didn't take that wrong turn," I reminded them.
"OK," said my 8-year-old, "but next time I want to be the leader."
After looking around one of the small quarries (there are a couple in the same general area), we found a spot to pull out our mining gear. With their hammer, chisel and safety glasses in hand, the kids picked up a rock and started hammering to split it open.
The kids were hoping to find some tourmaline when we set out on this expedition, but they had so much fun hammering, splitting and peeling rocks (we found clumps of mica that peeled apart easily), they really didn't care about the tourmaline.
"Look mommy! Look at this pretty crystal!"
"Oh wow, this one is cool! I can peel the rock and now it looks like mica."
"No wait, this one with the sparkles inside is even prettier!"
You would have thought we just struck gold based on the kids' enthusiasm for all the crystals they found in that small quarry.
I realized that in addition to the supplies we had, I really should have packed gloves. After splitting a large piece of quartz, a sliver got under my 8-year-old's skin. The sliver was glass-like and I was really glad we had a pair of tweezers and antibiotic cream in our emergency kit to remove it right away.
Because we had set out in the afternoon and took a longer-than-planned hike, we only spent about an hour at the quarry before we had to race against the setting sun back to the car.
When we got home, the kids were not satisfied with the number of crystals they had. They wanted more. So I agreed to a return trip and added gloves to our mining gear.
After some direction from a couple of boys on the trail the next day, we found another area to mine. The kids liked the spot because they had to chisel off chunks of quartz from large boulders.
"Aaaaagh! Aaaaagh!" screamed my 10-year-old.
"What honey?! What's wrong?" I asked.
"Ooooh, there was a big spider and he was going to crawl on me!" she replied.
Yes, even with all the outdoor activities we do, she can still be a girly-girl sometimes.
We spent about two hours hammering and collecting before packing up what felt like 40 pounds of rocks (well, maybe it was more like a heavy 20) and pulling out a couple of more quartz splinters from my 8-year-old's hands because she didn't like her gloves. But before we could leave the mountain, we tracked down a geocache nearby to round out our treasure hunting for the day.
Once we got home, I wondered what we were actually going to do with all the quartz we found. It turned out that the heavy May rains inspired us to be creative with our indoor activities.
With craft wire and some tulle from the girls' old dance costumes, we spent an entire afternoon making necklaces and headbands from the smaller crystals. The tulle was perfect for hiding the rough edges and awkward twists of the wire. When we ran out of small pieces of crystal, we took some of the larger ones outside - yes, in the rain - and broke them into smaller pieces, sanded off the rough edges and made more jewelry.
Mining was a lot of fun and one that our whole family found fascinating. It gave us a whole new perspective on the beauty of quartz and rocks in general. And even if you don't know much about mining and rocks, your family can still enjoy a day at the quarry with a few simple tools and an appreciation for the spirit of a treasure hunt.
Trip: Mining for gems
Where: Mount Apatite in Auburn
Learn more about Mining and Quarrying in Maine.
This collector's guide lists 45 mineral collecting sites in Maine. Be sure when choosing a site make sure you find out if access permission is required before you arrive.
Directions to get there: Take Route 202 to Auburn then take Left onto East Hardscrabble Road (it's the first left - happens fast! - after the 95 overpass in Auburn) - go 1.0 mile. Bear Right onto Hotel Road - go 1.2 miles. Left onto Merrow Road - go 1.3 miles. Right onto Minot Road, which is Routes 11/121 - go 1.0 mile. Left onto Garfield Road - go about a mile. Left onto Mt. Apatite Road where the National Guard station and baseball fields are. Drive to the end of the road (very short) and park where the cement barricades are.
Once you park there's a lot of weirdness with signs. It says No Trespassing but you can walk on the sand by the National Guard fence onto the trail. Once on the trail you have to stay on it - you can't venture off onto the military land.
To get to the quarry you follow the wide trail for about 1/2 mile. There are forks in the trail but stay on the wide trail that goes straight ahead (and it's uphill but not too steep). Then you see a stone bridge at a fork in the trail. Take a left and follow that narrow trail to the quarries.
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram, June 2006
So when someone from the kids' 4-H club mentioned mining for quartz and tourmaline at Mt. Apatite in Auburn we knew we had to try it. The prospect of a new treasure hunt was a one we couldn't resist.
We set out on a rare sunny afternoon in May to find the trailhead for Mount Apatite, one of several quarries open to the public in Maine. Unfortunately, we became confused once we got there.
"Mommy it says we can't go there! We don't want to get in trouble." said my 10-year-old nervously after reading the "Keep Out" and "Warning Government Property" signs.
But after reading ALL the signs (and there were a lot of them), I realized that as long as we stayed on the marked trail past the Army National Guard training area, we would link up with the public trails of Mount Apatite.
There wasn't a map of the trails online and when we arrived at the trailhead we didn't find one there either. We assumed we'd find the quarries eventually so we set out on the trail.
Although there were a lot of trail markers, none specifically identified the trail that led to the quarries. It was a beautiful spring day and we had a nice hike around the mountain, but the 3-mile trek was quite a bit longer than we'd planned.
It turned out that the quarry was only about 1/2 mile from the trailhead if only we had made a different trail choice earlier. (We should have followed the main trail without taking any turns and would have run into the first of the quarries.)
"Ooops," I said when the kids complained about it during our snack break.
"We got some great exercise and never would have seen those cool wildflowers if we didn't take that wrong turn," I reminded them.
"OK," said my 8-year-old, "but next time I want to be the leader."
After looking around one of the small quarries (there are a couple in the same general area), we found a spot to pull out our mining gear. With their hammer, chisel and safety glasses in hand, the kids picked up a rock and started hammering to split it open.
The kids were hoping to find some tourmaline when we set out on this expedition, but they had so much fun hammering, splitting and peeling rocks (we found clumps of mica that peeled apart easily), they really didn't care about the tourmaline.
"Look mommy! Look at this pretty crystal!"
"Oh wow, this one is cool! I can peel the rock and now it looks like mica."
"No wait, this one with the sparkles inside is even prettier!"
You would have thought we just struck gold based on the kids' enthusiasm for all the crystals they found in that small quarry.
I realized that in addition to the supplies we had, I really should have packed gloves. After splitting a large piece of quartz, a sliver got under my 8-year-old's skin. The sliver was glass-like and I was really glad we had a pair of tweezers and antibiotic cream in our emergency kit to remove it right away.
Because we had set out in the afternoon and took a longer-than-planned hike, we only spent about an hour at the quarry before we had to race against the setting sun back to the car.
When we got home, the kids were not satisfied with the number of crystals they had. They wanted more. So I agreed to a return trip and added gloves to our mining gear.
After some direction from a couple of boys on the trail the next day, we found another area to mine. The kids liked the spot because they had to chisel off chunks of quartz from large boulders.
"Aaaaagh! Aaaaagh!" screamed my 10-year-old.
"What honey?! What's wrong?" I asked.
"Ooooh, there was a big spider and he was going to crawl on me!" she replied.
Yes, even with all the outdoor activities we do, she can still be a girly-girl sometimes.
We spent about two hours hammering and collecting before packing up what felt like 40 pounds of rocks (well, maybe it was more like a heavy 20) and pulling out a couple of more quartz splinters from my 8-year-old's hands because she didn't like her gloves. But before we could leave the mountain, we tracked down a geocache nearby to round out our treasure hunting for the day.
Once we got home, I wondered what we were actually going to do with all the quartz we found. It turned out that the heavy May rains inspired us to be creative with our indoor activities.
With craft wire and some tulle from the girls' old dance costumes, we spent an entire afternoon making necklaces and headbands from the smaller crystals. The tulle was perfect for hiding the rough edges and awkward twists of the wire. When we ran out of small pieces of crystal, we took some of the larger ones outside - yes, in the rain - and broke them into smaller pieces, sanded off the rough edges and made more jewelry.
Mining was a lot of fun and one that our whole family found fascinating. It gave us a whole new perspective on the beauty of quartz and rocks in general. And even if you don't know much about mining and rocks, your family can still enjoy a day at the quarry with a few simple tools and an appreciation for the spirit of a treasure hunt.
Trip: Mining for gems
Where: Mount Apatite in Auburn
Learn more about Mining and Quarrying in Maine.
This collector's guide lists 45 mineral collecting sites in Maine. Be sure when choosing a site make sure you find out if access permission is required before you arrive.
Directions to get there: Take Route 202 to Auburn then take Left onto East Hardscrabble Road (it's the first left - happens fast! - after the 95 overpass in Auburn) - go 1.0 mile. Bear Right onto Hotel Road - go 1.2 miles. Left onto Merrow Road - go 1.3 miles. Right onto Minot Road, which is Routes 11/121 - go 1.0 mile. Left onto Garfield Road - go about a mile. Left onto Mt. Apatite Road where the National Guard station and baseball fields are. Drive to the end of the road (very short) and park where the cement barricades are.
Once you park there's a lot of weirdness with signs. It says No Trespassing but you can walk on the sand by the National Guard fence onto the trail. Once on the trail you have to stay on it - you can't venture off onto the military land.
To get to the quarry you follow the wide trail for about 1/2 mile. There are forks in the trail but stay on the wide trail that goes straight ahead (and it's uphill but not too steep). Then you see a stone bridge at a fork in the trail. Take a left and follow that narrow trail to the quarries.
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram, June 2006
They can fly?
Yup. It's not pretty but chickens can fly.
G. was working on her 4-H photography project yesterday and needed an "action" shot. She thought flying chickens would make the perfect subject, proving L. is not the only creative thinker in the family.
And speaking of chickens, I'm really looking forward to Fino putting in our air conditioner this weekend for cooling off as well as the white noise. The morning sounds of Chickenland - quaint as the country farm life may be - are waking me up way too early on my days off from work.
(And just for the record, that soundclip was made from inside my bedroom at 4:30 a.m. this morning.)
G. was working on her 4-H photography project yesterday and needed an "action" shot. She thought flying chickens would make the perfect subject, proving L. is not the only creative thinker in the family.
And speaking of chickens, I'm really looking forward to Fino putting in our air conditioner this weekend for cooling off as well as the white noise. The morning sounds of Chickenland - quaint as the country farm life may be - are waking me up way too early on my days off from work.
(And just for the record, that soundclip was made from inside my bedroom at 4:30 a.m. this morning.)
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