(no subject)
Am having fun at the DeGraaf Nature Center lately. Took a workshop on plant communities. It included some "field trips" of which I was able to attend 2. The first field trip was really interesting. There is a bog in Allegan County called Miner Bog. We went out onto the bog (which is just sphagnum moss which covers a very deep lake) and saw such things as pitcher plants and sun dew. These are carnivorous plants that I have only seen in books. When you walk out on the bog it feels like you are walking on a waterbed - you can actually jump up and down and feel the wave action! Too cool. Today we went to VanRaalte Farm. Didn't see much diversity in the plants - enjoyed using field guides to figure out what some of them were. I never realized there are so many different kinds of goldenrod. The programs at the nature center are really pretty good. I decided it was worth the $20 annual fee to become a member.
Brought all the houseplants in today. Big job. I have quite a few big plants: Calypso oleander, Christmas cactus, some big water plant that I can't remember the name of, hibiscus plant/tree, yucca, umbrella tree, papyrus palm. It's like bringing some of the outdoors in! I like it. Had to water all of them after bringing them in because it's been so dry.
Work is fun. We started the fall storytimes this past week - had 18 kids and 8 adults. Not bad for the first one. We read books, sang, and played the hokey pokey. Work sure is rough!
Gave a tour of the library to 40 4th graders yesterday morning - they were really attentive - very nice group. I read "Mr. Wolf and the three bears" - great book - highly recommend this one. They seemed to enjoy the humor. We have had several classes from this school which is within walking distance from the library. They are the only local school that did not pass the "no child left behind" measures, so they are attempting to restructure and try new things. Often, teachers would arrange for a Spring library tour to encourage summer reading. Some of the teachers have asked for collections of "good reads" from the library to keep in their rooms for 6 weeks or so. I actually have always been impressed with the classes that I have seen from this school over the years. They tend to be attentive and the teachers really seem connected to the kids. This school, in particular, is very diverse and tends toward the lower economic end.
I miss my kids. Everyone lives so far away! California, St.Louis, England!!?? That's alot of travelling to see everyone! Ah, well. One of these days we'll have to try and get the whole crew under the same roof.
Brought all the houseplants in today. Big job. I have quite a few big plants: Calypso oleander, Christmas cactus, some big water plant that I can't remember the name of, hibiscus plant/tree, yucca, umbrella tree, papyrus palm. It's like bringing some of the outdoors in! I like it. Had to water all of them after bringing them in because it's been so dry.
Work is fun. We started the fall storytimes this past week - had 18 kids and 8 adults. Not bad for the first one. We read books, sang, and played the hokey pokey. Work sure is rough!
Gave a tour of the library to 40 4th graders yesterday morning - they were really attentive - very nice group. I read "Mr. Wolf and the three bears" - great book - highly recommend this one. They seemed to enjoy the humor. We have had several classes from this school which is within walking distance from the library. They are the only local school that did not pass the "no child left behind" measures, so they are attempting to restructure and try new things. Often, teachers would arrange for a Spring library tour to encourage summer reading. Some of the teachers have asked for collections of "good reads" from the library to keep in their rooms for 6 weeks or so. I actually have always been impressed with the classes that I have seen from this school over the years. They tend to be attentive and the teachers really seem connected to the kids. This school, in particular, is very diverse and tends toward the lower economic end.
I miss my kids. Everyone lives so far away! California, St.Louis, England!!?? That's alot of travelling to see everyone! Ah, well. One of these days we'll have to try and get the whole crew under the same roof.