My family's first-aid kit has seen plenty of action over the years.
The tweezers have regularly removed ticks and the baby wipes have saved
us from poison ivy outbreaks. The plastic card has earned a permanent
place in our kit since we discovered its leech removal abilities, and we
always carry small bottles of meat tenderizer and Benadryl after our
run-in with yellow jackets.
Our first-aid kit includes a couple of items we use all the
time, which helps ensure that I use the kit regularly and know when it's
time to replenish certain supplies.
As the weather warms and your family gears up to hit the trails, it's
a good time to take a few minutes to organize your first-aid kit.
Here's an inventory of the Almeida family's kit (which we consider a constant work-in-progress) to get you started.
Band-Aids: We used to stock a variety of character
and tattoo Band-Aids when the girls were younger because a minuscule
scratch on a finger threatened to prevent us from moving another step.
We still stock a variety of sizes and styles because even as teens, only
the perfect one will do.
Hydrogen peroxide: A small bottle of this is a must as my girls refuse any contact with the "nasty" alcohol square.
Anti-itch cream: In the summer someone always has a
mosquito bite. And although scratching a bite isn't a big deal, it can
become an all-consuming irritant (especially if the bite is hard to
reach while wearing a backpack).
Baby wipes: A multi-purpose item that has been
helpful after the misguided steps we've taken into a poison ivy patch.
By wiping our skin to remove the resins, we've been able to avoid an
outbreak. Although soap and water are best, the key is to get the resins
off quickly.
Meat tenderizer: A
paste of water and tenderizer helps reduce the swelling of bee stings.
This was a tip we learned from a pharmacist, and after our run-in with
yellow jackets everyone in my family can attest to the fact that this
odd-sounding remedy really does work.
Gum: This always helps calm down my girls when they get anxious or hurt.
Tweezers: We use these primarily for tick removal but also for the occasional splinter.
Moleskin: This stuff works a thousand times better
than Band-Aids for blisters on your feet so it gets lots of use on our
longer hikes (we pack a small pair of scissors as well).
Plastic card: I discovered the benefit of an expired
plastic credit card while trying to remove leeches from my daughter.
The firm, but flexible, scraping of an old plastic card does the job
well and it works on newly attached ticks as well.
Eyeglass mini screwdriver: If you have a child with
glasses then you know that if they're going to have a problem with their
glasses, it's going to be somewhere really inconvenient. This little
item came in handy fixing our flashlight once on the trail too.
Baby powder: This is great for sweating feet as well as the all-consuming irritant of chafed thighs and for sand removal between toes.
Sunblock and insect repellent: I keep these items in the first-aid kit because I use them frequently and this ensures I'm familiar with my kit's inventory.
OTHER ITEMS we carry include: antibiotic cream, Ace
bandage, medical tape, ibuprofen/acetaminophen, feminine hygiene pads,
nail clippers, emergency heater blanket, whistle, sewing kit, waterproof
matches, safety pins, hair elastics, hand sanitizer and a flashlight.
I'd like to say our kit is light and easy to carry, but it's not. The
girls have a smaller first-aid kit for our shorter adventures when
we're not far from our car (and our larger kit).
But I think it's important to be prepared for an emergency (the real
ones as well as the ones contrived by the little people in your life)
when you're spending time outdoors. Oh, and trust me that the gum and
preferred Band-Aid requests should be accommodated. That's a small price
to pay for solid insurance for a fun family adventure.
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram March 11, 2012.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Make-your-own yogurt not just for the cultured elite
I thought making my own yogurt was beyond my busy lifestyle and
cooking abilities when a farming friend suggested I give it a whirl. I'm
a busy full-time working mom with two active kids, and I initially
thought that if yogurt making were easy, everyone would be doing it.
There were a couple of aspects of the recipe that intimidated me:
1. It requires a candy thermometer.
2. The six to eight hours of "incubation" for the yogurt to set.
But I found these things were easily managed. Plus, knowing exactly what was in my yogurt -- as well as the cost-savings -- made homemade yogurt worth the effort.
I get my milk from a friend who raises Jersey dairy cows. My recipe reflects my own family's taste for a thick and creamy, but less-sweet, yogurt.
HOMEMADE VANILLA YOGURT
1 gallon of milk
¾ cup of sugar
¾ cup of dry milk
1 tablespoon of Madagascar vanilla bean powder (found at a natural food store)
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon of plain active-culture yogurt
Candy thermometer
Mason jars with lids
Heat the milk in a large pot on medium high heat. Do not set the heat on high, as it could scald the bottom of the pan. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pot to monitor the milk's temperature. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat when the temperature reaches 180 degrees. Depending on your stovetop, this can take 20 to 30 minutes. When the temperature climbs to 150 degrees, keep a close eye on the milk, as the jump to 180 degrees happens quickly. It is important not to allow the milk to boil.
Once at 180 degrees, submerge the bottom of your pot in a pan with cold water and ice cubes to cool the milk quickly. Add sugar, dry milk and vanilla bean powder and stir well. The mixture needs to cool until it is 110 degrees, so keep the thermometer in the pan to monitor.
At 110 degrees, add the plain yogurt.
Mix the yogurt starter well before pouring into your mason jars. Place jars in a pot of warm water so that the water is just below the top of the jar. Then put the pot in the oven.
Set your oven at 110 degrees to incubate. This process can take 6 to 8 hours, depending on your taste preference. I prefer removing mine at the 6-hour mark to put in my refrigerator.
Recipe makes about 5 quarts of yogurt.
TIPS
• Yogurt cultures like bacteria, so avoid using commercial milk labeled "ultra-pasteurized." Local dairies typically offer less-processed (called flash pasteurized) milk, or you can connect with a local farmer to buy raw milk.
• Be sure to use only plain active-culture yogurt for your starter, and choose a quality yogurt. Using a vanilla or added-sugar yogurt will not work correctly.
• The dry milk I use makes my recipe into a thick, creamy yogurt that my kids like because it's similar to a commercial-brand consistency. You can use less for a thinner result. Another common thickener for yogurt is unflavored gelatin, but I prefer dry milk for the additional protein it offers.
• There are two ways to affect the sweetness of your yogurt. One is how much sugar you add, and the other is how long you incubate. Experiment with both to find a combination that suits your family's tastes.
• I use a combination of quart, pint and half-pint sized mason jars. This requires that I use a couple of different pots in the oven while incubating in the water bath, but the variation offers convenience for my family's lunch boxes.
• Fruit should not be added to homemade yogurt until after it is incubated and ready to eat.
• I use powdered vanilla bean because it is cheaper than an actual vanilla bean, and my family doesn't care for the faint alcohol taste of liquid pure vanilla extract.
• To make Greek-style yogurt, use a strainer lined with muslin and fill with yogurt. Put the strainer into a bowl and set in the refrigerator for about two hours. Scoop out the drained yogurt and add to single-serving containers. This method works for homemade or commercially processed yogurt. And if you have a dog, the drained liquid is a great healthy treat for your canine friend.
• To make frozen yogurt, add two cups of drained Greek-style yogurt along with one cup of milk, one cup of frozen fruit and two tablespoons of jam into a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into single serving containers (smaller containers freeze more quickly and minimize crystallization). Then place containers in the freezer overnight. My daughter packs one of these in her lunch box and by the time the lunch hour arrives, her container is a slush consistency, which she likes.
1. It requires a candy thermometer.
2. The six to eight hours of "incubation" for the yogurt to set.
But I found these things were easily managed. Plus, knowing exactly what was in my yogurt -- as well as the cost-savings -- made homemade yogurt worth the effort.
I get my milk from a friend who raises Jersey dairy cows. My recipe reflects my own family's taste for a thick and creamy, but less-sweet, yogurt.
HOMEMADE VANILLA YOGURT
1 gallon of milk
¾ cup of sugar
¾ cup of dry milk
1 tablespoon of Madagascar vanilla bean powder (found at a natural food store)
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon of plain active-culture yogurt
Candy thermometer
Mason jars with lids
Heat the milk in a large pot on medium high heat. Do not set the heat on high, as it could scald the bottom of the pan. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pot to monitor the milk's temperature. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat when the temperature reaches 180 degrees. Depending on your stovetop, this can take 20 to 30 minutes. When the temperature climbs to 150 degrees, keep a close eye on the milk, as the jump to 180 degrees happens quickly. It is important not to allow the milk to boil.
Once at 180 degrees, submerge the bottom of your pot in a pan with cold water and ice cubes to cool the milk quickly. Add sugar, dry milk and vanilla bean powder and stir well. The mixture needs to cool until it is 110 degrees, so keep the thermometer in the pan to monitor.
At 110 degrees, add the plain yogurt.
Mix the yogurt starter well before pouring into your mason jars. Place jars in a pot of warm water so that the water is just below the top of the jar. Then put the pot in the oven.
Set your oven at 110 degrees to incubate. This process can take 6 to 8 hours, depending on your taste preference. I prefer removing mine at the 6-hour mark to put in my refrigerator.
Recipe makes about 5 quarts of yogurt.
TIPS
• Yogurt cultures like bacteria, so avoid using commercial milk labeled "ultra-pasteurized." Local dairies typically offer less-processed (called flash pasteurized) milk, or you can connect with a local farmer to buy raw milk.
• Be sure to use only plain active-culture yogurt for your starter, and choose a quality yogurt. Using a vanilla or added-sugar yogurt will not work correctly.
• The dry milk I use makes my recipe into a thick, creamy yogurt that my kids like because it's similar to a commercial-brand consistency. You can use less for a thinner result. Another common thickener for yogurt is unflavored gelatin, but I prefer dry milk for the additional protein it offers.
• There are two ways to affect the sweetness of your yogurt. One is how much sugar you add, and the other is how long you incubate. Experiment with both to find a combination that suits your family's tastes.
• I use a combination of quart, pint and half-pint sized mason jars. This requires that I use a couple of different pots in the oven while incubating in the water bath, but the variation offers convenience for my family's lunch boxes.
• Fruit should not be added to homemade yogurt until after it is incubated and ready to eat.
• I use powdered vanilla bean because it is cheaper than an actual vanilla bean, and my family doesn't care for the faint alcohol taste of liquid pure vanilla extract.
• To make Greek-style yogurt, use a strainer lined with muslin and fill with yogurt. Put the strainer into a bowl and set in the refrigerator for about two hours. Scoop out the drained yogurt and add to single-serving containers. This method works for homemade or commercially processed yogurt. And if you have a dog, the drained liquid is a great healthy treat for your canine friend.
• To make frozen yogurt, add two cups of drained Greek-style yogurt along with one cup of milk, one cup of frozen fruit and two tablespoons of jam into a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into single serving containers (smaller containers freeze more quickly and minimize crystallization). Then place containers in the freezer overnight. My daughter packs one of these in her lunch box and by the time the lunch hour arrives, her container is a slush consistency, which she likes.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
You can see this recipe step-by-step, with pictures, as Wendy teaches Shannon Bryan how to make yogurt for her Pans on Fire blog.
Originally published in the Portland Press Herald's Food & Dining March 7, 2012
You can see this recipe step-by-step, with pictures, as Wendy teaches Shannon Bryan how to make yogurt for her Pans on Fire blog.
Originally published in the Portland Press Herald's Food & Dining March 7, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Oscar season a lot of fun this year for me
The Oscars are this Sunday night and G. and I are on a mission – watch as many Oscar-nominated movies as we can before the awards show.
This idea was prompted after seeing The Artist. G. and I loved the movie. L. thought it was "OK." But truth be told, G. took a film history class this past fall that focused on silent movies and then "talkies" during the 30s and 40s. I enjoyed watching the old Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, etc. movies with her during that school quarter and we had many discussions about them. G. also made her own silent movie with many of the classic elements that helped her understand this particular movie genre. There is something to be said for having a different level of appreciation when you've tried to do it yourself. G. used animals and music in her own silent film so she paid careful attention to those elements in The Artist. We also both made note of the guy's hair in the movie. If you watch with a keen eye you'll see that the man's hair reflects his mood and/or foreshadows what's to come. A very minor element in a series of clever ones we liked in that film.
I could ramble on about different aspects of The Artist but I'll spare you. G. and I think it's still our favorite for winning Best Picture.
This is however tempered by the fact that we've only seen a handful of Oscar-nominees so far.
G. saw Hugo in 3D with a friend and really liked it. And again, she appreciated knowing the silent films referenced in that movie (it's a silent movie Oscar year). I saw Hugo with L. without the 3D and liked it, but not nearly as much as G. I don't like 3D because it is a blurry picture to me (I believe my astigmatism prevents me from fully appreciating the effect). But I've been told that the 3D effects in Hugo are what make it especially compelling.
Last night G. and I rented The Help. Both of us really enjoyed the movie and thought Octavia Spencer was our first choice for Best Supporting Actor. Although we both agreed Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids was great so we could root for her to win as well. And just for the record, I am well-aware that Bridesmaids was not likely my best movie-watching decision for my 15-year-old. Yet it prompted some interesting (and oh yes, uncomfortable) conversations at our house after that viewing! But I don't regret it because it sure did bring to light the issue of bogus boyfriends. That movie was hilarious and I was happy to see Melissa McCarthy get a nod for an Oscar. She made that movie oh so much better with her character.
Anyhoo, G. and I have looked through a bunch of other nominees. We actually would love to see Jane Eyre since it's up for a Costume Design award. We didn't think Hugo, or The Artist for that matter, was really all that great in this category. But based on the trailer, Jane Eyre looks more to our liking. But alas, we can't seem to find a rental of the movie online and can't get it at our local Redbox as of yesterday. But our search will continue at Videoport tomorrow.
We've watched trailers for The Tree of Life and it looks like a snooze. A couple of people have told us they either (1) thought it was horribly slow and/or (2) "didn't get it." Based on the comments we're going to skip the $3.99 rental on that title. We kind of felt the same way about "Moneyball" but it is in the queue for us to decide for sure either way tomorrow night.
The Descendants is playing at the Nick this weekend. I dislike depressing suck-the-life-out-of-you movies so I'm still on the fence about seeing that one. Although a friend just emailed and said it was good and not overly depressing. There is also Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close to consider as well but to be honest, neither jumped out at me as being movies I'd normally seek out. So, we're still making up our minds about spending the steeper price for a movie theater ticket.
Tonight G. and I are jazzed about our plan to watch Midnight in Paris. Several friends have told me - in the context of "not being a big Woody Allen fan" - how much they liked that particular movie. We think this will likely be the last of Oscar-nominated movies we'll really enjoy.
We won't be seeing every movie nominated (obviously). Yet this year's Oscar season is particularly enjoyable because I can share in the experience with my 15-year-old. Teens can be fickle creatures but when you can find a genuine interest and common ground... boy they sure are fun to have around!
Here's the trailer of Jane Eyre we saw that is prompting us to seek it out for rental to gauge its costuming....
And in case you want to see how accurate you are will predicting who will win the Oscars, you can participate in the Press Herald's Oscar poll. But hurry, the poll ends at 5 p.m. tonight.
This idea was prompted after seeing The Artist. G. and I loved the movie. L. thought it was "OK." But truth be told, G. took a film history class this past fall that focused on silent movies and then "talkies" during the 30s and 40s. I enjoyed watching the old Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, etc. movies with her during that school quarter and we had many discussions about them. G. also made her own silent movie with many of the classic elements that helped her understand this particular movie genre. There is something to be said for having a different level of appreciation when you've tried to do it yourself. G. used animals and music in her own silent film so she paid careful attention to those elements in The Artist. We also both made note of the guy's hair in the movie. If you watch with a keen eye you'll see that the man's hair reflects his mood and/or foreshadows what's to come. A very minor element in a series of clever ones we liked in that film.
I could ramble on about different aspects of The Artist but I'll spare you. G. and I think it's still our favorite for winning Best Picture.
This is however tempered by the fact that we've only seen a handful of Oscar-nominees so far.
G. saw Hugo in 3D with a friend and really liked it. And again, she appreciated knowing the silent films referenced in that movie (it's a silent movie Oscar year). I saw Hugo with L. without the 3D and liked it, but not nearly as much as G. I don't like 3D because it is a blurry picture to me (I believe my astigmatism prevents me from fully appreciating the effect). But I've been told that the 3D effects in Hugo are what make it especially compelling.
Last night G. and I rented The Help. Both of us really enjoyed the movie and thought Octavia Spencer was our first choice for Best Supporting Actor. Although we both agreed Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids was great so we could root for her to win as well. And just for the record, I am well-aware that Bridesmaids was not likely my best movie-watching decision for my 15-year-old. Yet it prompted some interesting (and oh yes, uncomfortable) conversations at our house after that viewing! But I don't regret it because it sure did bring to light the issue of bogus boyfriends. That movie was hilarious and I was happy to see Melissa McCarthy get a nod for an Oscar. She made that movie oh so much better with her character.
Anyhoo, G. and I have looked through a bunch of other nominees. We actually would love to see Jane Eyre since it's up for a Costume Design award. We didn't think Hugo, or The Artist for that matter, was really all that great in this category. But based on the trailer, Jane Eyre looks more to our liking. But alas, we can't seem to find a rental of the movie online and can't get it at our local Redbox as of yesterday. But our search will continue at Videoport tomorrow.
We've watched trailers for The Tree of Life and it looks like a snooze. A couple of people have told us they either (1) thought it was horribly slow and/or (2) "didn't get it." Based on the comments we're going to skip the $3.99 rental on that title. We kind of felt the same way about "Moneyball" but it is in the queue for us to decide for sure either way tomorrow night.
The Descendants is playing at the Nick this weekend. I dislike depressing suck-the-life-out-of-you movies so I'm still on the fence about seeing that one. Although a friend just emailed and said it was good and not overly depressing. There is also Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close to consider as well but to be honest, neither jumped out at me as being movies I'd normally seek out. So, we're still making up our minds about spending the steeper price for a movie theater ticket.
Tonight G. and I are jazzed about our plan to watch Midnight in Paris. Several friends have told me - in the context of "not being a big Woody Allen fan" - how much they liked that particular movie. We think this will likely be the last of Oscar-nominated movies we'll really enjoy.
We won't be seeing every movie nominated (obviously). Yet this year's Oscar season is particularly enjoyable because I can share in the experience with my 15-year-old. Teens can be fickle creatures but when you can find a genuine interest and common ground... boy they sure are fun to have around!
Here's the trailer of Jane Eyre we saw that is prompting us to seek it out for rental to gauge its costuming....
And in case you want to see how accurate you are will predicting who will win the Oscars, you can participate in the Press Herald's Oscar poll. But hurry, the poll ends at 5 p.m. tonight.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Kid Tracks Column: Wonderful winter hiking, light snow, false starts and all
There are a lot of variables to consider when hiking with kids. This
is true of hiking with a dog as well. But there is one thing you can
count on with both – a bathroom break will be needed within the first
dozen steps of hitting the trail. Never in all the years I've been
hiking with kids, and the few occasions I've taken a dog, have I avoided
a false start.
So I found myself amused when my 15-year-old bemoaned her
foster dog's need to poop within the first few steps of getting to the
trail head at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.
She had packed a couple of disposable bags for just such an occurrence but had hoped for a bit more time before having to deal with the smelly bag factor. But it worked out that it happened early.
She managed to remove the waste and dispose of it within minutes (hello car), despite the winter conditions and fewer trash barrels available at the park this time of year.
While the dog's business was being picked up, my 14-year-old decided maybe she needed to use the bathroom, too.
Thankfully there is a winter bathroom option near the parking lot for human visitors who prefer to be a bit more discriminating than our canine friend. (Note: The regular bathroom building is closed in winter and the remaining outhouse option is chilly.)
Once all the business was done, we were on our way (again). And I have to admit that even though my kids are getting older, I am amused some things don't appear to ever change.
At this time of year I usually write about all our fun adventures on the cross country ski trails. We pack our lunches and have a ton of fun flying down hills on our skinny skis and scoping out a nice spot to sit in the snow for a picnic.
Not so this winter. The snow has come and gone more quickly than a New York minute and it's been rare that a snowy day coincides with one of my days off from the office.
But if we can't ski right now, a winter walk by the ocean is a nice second choice.
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park offers great winter hiking options. It is a well-visited trail system, so the packed snow makes walking fairly easy. It's also well lined with trees to keep the stiff winter breezes from hitting you while you enjoy a view of the ocean.
There are several miles of looping trails around the park and plenty of animal tracks in the light snow covering to keep kids interested, and guessing, what creatures live in the area. We didn't see many feathered friends flying in the sky, but we did hear quite a few songs in the trees.
We are never alone on the trails when we visit Wolfe's Neck Woods regardless of the weather and time of year. On the day we visited the park there were a dozen cars – and plenty of people with canine hiking companions -- taking advantage of the park. These were not nearly the number of visitors we typically see during the warmer months. So, a quiet hike on the popular trails is a real treat.
If you haven't ventured out for a winter hike yet, do it. The cold days of winter, when dressed properly, can be a great way to enjoy the Maine State Park system with your family (humans and canines). And during this particular winter, no special gear beyond a comfortable pair of snow boots is required.
Warmer winter also means the inevitable bathroom break is a little more tolerable, too.
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram February 12, 2012
She had packed a couple of disposable bags for just such an occurrence but had hoped for a bit more time before having to deal with the smelly bag factor. But it worked out that it happened early.
She managed to remove the waste and dispose of it within minutes (hello car), despite the winter conditions and fewer trash barrels available at the park this time of year.
While the dog's business was being picked up, my 14-year-old decided maybe she needed to use the bathroom, too.
Thankfully there is a winter bathroom option near the parking lot for human visitors who prefer to be a bit more discriminating than our canine friend. (Note: The regular bathroom building is closed in winter and the remaining outhouse option is chilly.)
Once all the business was done, we were on our way (again). And I have to admit that even though my kids are getting older, I am amused some things don't appear to ever change.
At this time of year I usually write about all our fun adventures on the cross country ski trails. We pack our lunches and have a ton of fun flying down hills on our skinny skis and scoping out a nice spot to sit in the snow for a picnic.
Not so this winter. The snow has come and gone more quickly than a New York minute and it's been rare that a snowy day coincides with one of my days off from the office.
But if we can't ski right now, a winter walk by the ocean is a nice second choice.
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park offers great winter hiking options. It is a well-visited trail system, so the packed snow makes walking fairly easy. It's also well lined with trees to keep the stiff winter breezes from hitting you while you enjoy a view of the ocean.
There are several miles of looping trails around the park and plenty of animal tracks in the light snow covering to keep kids interested, and guessing, what creatures live in the area. We didn't see many feathered friends flying in the sky, but we did hear quite a few songs in the trees.
We are never alone on the trails when we visit Wolfe's Neck Woods regardless of the weather and time of year. On the day we visited the park there were a dozen cars – and plenty of people with canine hiking companions -- taking advantage of the park. These were not nearly the number of visitors we typically see during the warmer months. So, a quiet hike on the popular trails is a real treat.
If you haven't ventured out for a winter hike yet, do it. The cold days of winter, when dressed properly, can be a great way to enjoy the Maine State Park system with your family (humans and canines). And during this particular winter, no special gear beyond a comfortable pair of snow boots is required.
Warmer winter also means the inevitable bathroom break is a little more tolerable, too.
TRAILS
WHAT: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
WHERE: 426 Wolfe's Neck Road, Freeport; 865-4465
BATHROOM: An outhouse
TRAIL USE: Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing; looping trails range in distance from 0.4 to 1.8 miles, with linking trails to extend mileage
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash
FEE: Adult residents, $3; Children 5 to 11, $1; under 5 are free
WHAT: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
WHERE: 426 Wolfe's Neck Road, Freeport; 865-4465
BATHROOM: An outhouse
TRAIL USE: Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing; looping trails range in distance from 0.4 to 1.8 miles, with linking trails to extend mileage
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash
FEE: Adult residents, $3; Children 5 to 11, $1; under 5 are free
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram February 12, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Kid Tracks Column: Whie waiting for snow, give skating a try
Mother Nature hasn't felt like offering up much white stuff (until recently) for my family to enjoy our usual outdoor winter fun on skis and sleds. So, we're adapting. The cold spell has offered conditions to get outdoor community ice skating rinks around southern Maine up and running.
Ice skating is something I introduced to my kids when they were preschoolers. I felt they should have a comfort level to be "social" about it. Basically, I figured if some friends asked them to go ice skating, they could accept the invitation with confidence they knew the basics to have fun.
When the girls were little, I collected various sizes of inexpensive ice skates through second-hand stores and yard sales. I would bring along a small plastic lawn chair or old milk crate to an outdoor rink and make sure the girls were wearing a thick pair of snow pants to pad their little behinds for the inevitable falls. Then we'd skate around until we couldn't feel our toes, which was usually less than an hour. But how long we spent on the ice didn't matter. The activity was free and the girls had a ton of fun, with most of the giggles happening when I fell.
When my girls were in elementary school they had friends who were learning to figure skate in a formal learn-to-skate program. My girls could have cared less about taking lessons at that time. But I learned two important things about ice skating equipment from my figure skating mom friend.
• A firm figure skating boot that offers solid ankle support makes the experience a lot more fun, because standing and simple gliding is significantly easier.
• A sharp blade is absolutely worth the sharpening fee.
A stiffer figure skating boot offers ankle support that will keep a skater upright more easily than the old floppy boots. Trust me, this makes a BIG difference! Play It Again sports offers these type of skates second-hand, but I also have friends who have found good quality figure skates in various sizes through eBay and Craigslist. When used, these types of skates run about $25-$40; new, they start around $50-$70. L.L. Bean also offers some good skates for tots with an ankle strap for added support.
When my girls decided to take formal skating lessons about a year and a half ago, I borrowed a pair of good quality skates from my friend and purchased another pair on sale for $60. My girls used those skates for about a year, until they started learning jumps and spins. That's when I had to make the investment in custom fit skates from a pro shop. I had some serious sticker shock on that trip, even though the girls had a Cinderella-like fitting experience. That, however, is a story for another time.
As for sharp blades, that makes all the gliding difference for a novice skater. The frustration level in learning the sport can be lessened with a simple sharpening. Most ice rinks offer a basic sharpening service for $5-$8 per pair and often can do the sharpening while you wait.
As for where to take your family skating, there are a lot of options. I have always been a bit squeamish about skating on ponds and lakes, but I am thankful for the large number of communities that flood park rinks, removing the worry about thin ice. When outdoor skating conditions don't appeal, there are several indoor rinks that offer public skating.
For those inspired to try a learn-to-skate class, the Portland Ice Arena, Family Ice Center in Falmouth and Biddeford Ice Arena all offer formal lessons. Classes are geared for basic elements in figure skating and hockey skills. And if you remember watching the Olympic skating competitions as a girl and were inspired to try it but never did, take an adult class. I have thoroughly enjoyed my learn-to-skate experience at Portland Ice Arena. I give a lot of credit to my teens for being good sports about cheering me on with my slower learning curve (they are five levels – and many skate skills – ahead of me now).
My family has come a long way since our days of floppy skates and milk crates, yet we have many fond memories of those early years on the ice together. But no matter your skating level or whether you skate indoors or out, it definitely helps make a less snowy – but cold – winter more fun.
INDOOR RINKS
• The Portland Ice Arena offers public skating from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sundays. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for youths and seniors, and $2 for skate rentals. www.portlandicearena.com
• The Family Ice Center in Falmouth offers indoor public skating from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and from 1:20 to 2:30 p.m. some Sundays (check the website). Next to the indoor rink is the Lee Twombley Pond, an outdoor Zamboni-maintained pond that is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, weather permitting. The cost is $5 per person for the pond or indoor rink, and skate rentals are available for $2. www.familyice.org
• The Biddeford Ice Arena offers public skating from 7 to 10 p.m. most Fridays (check the website) in January for $6 per person; kids under 5 skate free. Rentals are available. www.biddefordarena.com
OUTDOOR RINKS
This is a sampling of free outdoor options. View a more comprehensive list at: www.mainetoday.com/guides/winter12.html#skating
• Biddeford: West Brook Skating Rink, Pool Street, fees to skate with warming hut, skate shop, concessions
• Freeport: Parking lot on Depot Street
• Portland: Deering Oaks pond, State Street and Park Avenue
• Standish: Johnson Field, Sebago Lake Village, Route 35, warming hut, port-a-potty
• Scarborough: Behind Wentworth School on Municipal Drive, lighted with warming hut and concession area
•Westbrook: Stroudwater Ice Rink, Stroudwater Street, lighted with warming hut; East Bridge Street Ball Park, East Bridge Street
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram Jan. 15, 2012
Ice skating is something I introduced to my kids when they were preschoolers. I felt they should have a comfort level to be "social" about it. Basically, I figured if some friends asked them to go ice skating, they could accept the invitation with confidence they knew the basics to have fun.
When the girls were little, I collected various sizes of inexpensive ice skates through second-hand stores and yard sales. I would bring along a small plastic lawn chair or old milk crate to an outdoor rink and make sure the girls were wearing a thick pair of snow pants to pad their little behinds for the inevitable falls. Then we'd skate around until we couldn't feel our toes, which was usually less than an hour. But how long we spent on the ice didn't matter. The activity was free and the girls had a ton of fun, with most of the giggles happening when I fell.
When my girls were in elementary school they had friends who were learning to figure skate in a formal learn-to-skate program. My girls could have cared less about taking lessons at that time. But I learned two important things about ice skating equipment from my figure skating mom friend.
• A firm figure skating boot that offers solid ankle support makes the experience a lot more fun, because standing and simple gliding is significantly easier.
• A sharp blade is absolutely worth the sharpening fee.
A stiffer figure skating boot offers ankle support that will keep a skater upright more easily than the old floppy boots. Trust me, this makes a BIG difference! Play It Again sports offers these type of skates second-hand, but I also have friends who have found good quality figure skates in various sizes through eBay and Craigslist. When used, these types of skates run about $25-$40; new, they start around $50-$70. L.L. Bean also offers some good skates for tots with an ankle strap for added support.
When my girls decided to take formal skating lessons about a year and a half ago, I borrowed a pair of good quality skates from my friend and purchased another pair on sale for $60. My girls used those skates for about a year, until they started learning jumps and spins. That's when I had to make the investment in custom fit skates from a pro shop. I had some serious sticker shock on that trip, even though the girls had a Cinderella-like fitting experience. That, however, is a story for another time.
As for sharp blades, that makes all the gliding difference for a novice skater. The frustration level in learning the sport can be lessened with a simple sharpening. Most ice rinks offer a basic sharpening service for $5-$8 per pair and often can do the sharpening while you wait.
As for where to take your family skating, there are a lot of options. I have always been a bit squeamish about skating on ponds and lakes, but I am thankful for the large number of communities that flood park rinks, removing the worry about thin ice. When outdoor skating conditions don't appeal, there are several indoor rinks that offer public skating.
For those inspired to try a learn-to-skate class, the Portland Ice Arena, Family Ice Center in Falmouth and Biddeford Ice Arena all offer formal lessons. Classes are geared for basic elements in figure skating and hockey skills. And if you remember watching the Olympic skating competitions as a girl and were inspired to try it but never did, take an adult class. I have thoroughly enjoyed my learn-to-skate experience at Portland Ice Arena. I give a lot of credit to my teens for being good sports about cheering me on with my slower learning curve (they are five levels – and many skate skills – ahead of me now).
My family has come a long way since our days of floppy skates and milk crates, yet we have many fond memories of those early years on the ice together. But no matter your skating level or whether you skate indoors or out, it definitely helps make a less snowy – but cold – winter more fun.
INDOOR RINKS
• The Portland Ice Arena offers public skating from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sundays. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for youths and seniors, and $2 for skate rentals. www.portlandicearena.com
• The Family Ice Center in Falmouth offers indoor public skating from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and from 1:20 to 2:30 p.m. some Sundays (check the website). Next to the indoor rink is the Lee Twombley Pond, an outdoor Zamboni-maintained pond that is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, weather permitting. The cost is $5 per person for the pond or indoor rink, and skate rentals are available for $2. www.familyice.org
• The Biddeford Ice Arena offers public skating from 7 to 10 p.m. most Fridays (check the website) in January for $6 per person; kids under 5 skate free. Rentals are available. www.biddefordarena.com
OUTDOOR RINKS
This is a sampling of free outdoor options. View a more comprehensive list at: www.mainetoday.com/guides/winter12.html#skating
• Biddeford: West Brook Skating Rink, Pool Street, fees to skate with warming hut, skate shop, concessions
• Freeport: Parking lot on Depot Street
• Portland: Deering Oaks pond, State Street and Park Avenue
• Standish: Johnson Field, Sebago Lake Village, Route 35, warming hut, port-a-potty
• Scarborough: Behind Wentworth School on Municipal Drive, lighted with warming hut and concession area
•Westbrook: Stroudwater Ice Rink, Stroudwater Street, lighted with warming hut; East Bridge Street Ball Park, East Bridge Street
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram Jan. 15, 2012
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Kid Tracks Column: Hands-on approach to geoscience
Children spend time in school learning about Earth science and geology, but the subject can be a bit, ahem, dry when reading about it in a book. Thanks to the Geological Society of America (GSA) and their EarthCache resource, parents have an easy, hands-on way to explore geological features while enjoying time outdoors with their families. And not to worry, you don't need to remember anything about Earth science lessons to play this game with your kids. EarthCache ''Masters'' does all the legwork for you.
On its website, EarthCache.org, the GSA explains its approach to educating the general public about geosciences.
''People who want to visit Earthcaches can gather information about a site and what they will experience there through educational notes provided. The notes are written so that an upper-middle school student can understand the science concepts.''
When a tween can grasp the concept of a glacial erratic, basalt deposit, conglomerate quartzite, glacial striation and waterfall formation because of a game she played while hiking with her family, you can be assured it's a novice-friendly way to learn about Earth science.
The only tools you need to find an EarthCache are a smartphone with a geocaching application to access EarthCache listings, or a hand-held GPS to input coordinates and a computer to print out the educational notes.
A few years back, my family found our first EarthCache. It was a glacial erratic near Conway, N.H. That's geologist vernacular for a large boulder sitting in a place where you wouldn't expect to find it. The (basic) geological explanation for this piece of misplaced rock is that it was transported thousands of miles from its original home by a glacier during the last ice age. The glacier melted, so the rock stopped moving.
Upon finding the ''largest known glacial erratic in New England, '' according to the listing, we made a post on the website to prove we'd found the location as well as a photo of ourselves in front of it.
Acadia National Park offers an EarthCache experience that takes visitors to six unique park locations. Without giving away too much of the fun, we went on a hike to find Mt. Desert Island's sea level before the last ice age changed it. There is nothing like climbing a mountain and finding a landmark to demonstrate to a child (or an adult for that matter) how significant the change in sea level is now.
During a driving trip to New York City, we made a detour through Springfield, Mass., to find dinosaur prints. The EarthCache listing directed us to a little hiking trail known to locals but not widely advertised to tourists. It was fascinating to see and touch the footprints and know that dinosaurs crossed this path 190 million years ago.
The EarthCache Masters Program is the GSA's way of encouraging goal-oriented types (children and adults) to learn about geology. There are four pin levels - from Bronze to Platinum.
For people to earn their Silver (second) pin, they need to research and post their own EarthCache listing. My family listed Mount Apatite because it was a location we've enjoyed hiking and mining over the years, and one where we can easily identify several types of rocks and minerals.
If you do a key word search on EarthCache.org for ''Gem Trackers'' you'll find our listing explaining the area and the kind of gems you can find.
If you asked me about my earth science class in high school, it's unlikely I would have told you it was enjoyable. But I have a feeling it ranks pretty high on the fun 'o meter with my girls.
MORE * Learn more about EarthCache at earthcache.org
* The first international EarthCache event will be held in Portland in September. To find out more about this family-friendly weekend event, go to www.earthcacheevent.org
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram, Dec. 11, 2011
On its website, EarthCache.org, the GSA explains its approach to educating the general public about geosciences.
''People who want to visit Earthcaches can gather information about a site and what they will experience there through educational notes provided. The notes are written so that an upper-middle school student can understand the science concepts.''
When a tween can grasp the concept of a glacial erratic, basalt deposit, conglomerate quartzite, glacial striation and waterfall formation because of a game she played while hiking with her family, you can be assured it's a novice-friendly way to learn about Earth science.
The only tools you need to find an EarthCache are a smartphone with a geocaching application to access EarthCache listings, or a hand-held GPS to input coordinates and a computer to print out the educational notes.
A few years back, my family found our first EarthCache. It was a glacial erratic near Conway, N.H. That's geologist vernacular for a large boulder sitting in a place where you wouldn't expect to find it. The (basic) geological explanation for this piece of misplaced rock is that it was transported thousands of miles from its original home by a glacier during the last ice age. The glacier melted, so the rock stopped moving.
Upon finding the ''largest known glacial erratic in New England, '' according to the listing, we made a post on the website to prove we'd found the location as well as a photo of ourselves in front of it.
Acadia National Park offers an EarthCache experience that takes visitors to six unique park locations. Without giving away too much of the fun, we went on a hike to find Mt. Desert Island's sea level before the last ice age changed it. There is nothing like climbing a mountain and finding a landmark to demonstrate to a child (or an adult for that matter) how significant the change in sea level is now.
During a driving trip to New York City, we made a detour through Springfield, Mass., to find dinosaur prints. The EarthCache listing directed us to a little hiking trail known to locals but not widely advertised to tourists. It was fascinating to see and touch the footprints and know that dinosaurs crossed this path 190 million years ago.
The EarthCache Masters Program is the GSA's way of encouraging goal-oriented types (children and adults) to learn about geology. There are four pin levels - from Bronze to Platinum.
For people to earn their Silver (second) pin, they need to research and post their own EarthCache listing. My family listed Mount Apatite because it was a location we've enjoyed hiking and mining over the years, and one where we can easily identify several types of rocks and minerals.
If you do a key word search on EarthCache.org for ''Gem Trackers'' you'll find our listing explaining the area and the kind of gems you can find.
If you asked me about my earth science class in high school, it's unlikely I would have told you it was enjoyable. But I have a feeling it ranks pretty high on the fun 'o meter with my girls.
MORE * Learn more about EarthCache at earthcache.org
* The first international EarthCache event will be held in Portland in September. To find out more about this family-friendly weekend event, go to www.earthcacheevent.org
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram, Dec. 11, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
A sheep holiday greeting
When you're in 4-H you never know what kind of email forwards you'll get about animals. Livestock offer a lot of fodder for amusing email exchanges because there is a lot of humor to be had in the little things you "get" when you actually raise farm animals.
The particular forward we received today was just good old fashioned livestock cuteness so I thought I'd share it.
Life has been hectic so I have yet to write a full blog entry about anything lately. But I'm thinking about doing some retro entries of past events at the Almeida homestead (and travels) soon.
For now, happy December!
The particular forward we received today was just good old fashioned livestock cuteness so I thought I'd share it.
Life has been hectic so I have yet to write a full blog entry about anything lately. But I'm thinking about doing some retro entries of past events at the Almeida homestead (and travels) soon.
For now, happy December!
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