So in my quest of reading, I have also read Stink Alley by Jamie Gilson(http://www.amazon.com/Stink-Alley-Jamie-Gilson/dp/1887840656/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376066736&sr=8-2&keywords=stink+alley). This is a coming of age story about a little girl, Lizzy Tinker, who finds herself trying to live up to the expectations of the very strict, William Brewster. Lizzy never feels good enough. Lizzy and her family are part of the "radical" sect of Puritans who followed Brewster to Holland. Life had been better in England for Lizzy and her friend Will. Now, both of her parents have passed as well as a step-mother. Lizzy is living under the critical eye of the Brewster's and feels like an imposter. She finds herself more like the free-spirited Dutch children. Her friend Will and his brother end up fleeing the sect and the rigidness of the Puritan life.
I have mixed feelings about this story. I think the author does a great job of depicting life in the early 1600's. There is mention of the Puritans' time in England, reasons why they left, and their journey to Holland. All of this will serve to gently educate the reader.
My reservation comes from the fact that both Lizzy and Will find the Puritan way of life too restrictive. In the end both characters leave because they just cannot live within these restrictions. While I am not saying the Puritans were perfect in their beliefs, I don't like the mentality of children not liking the culture and beliefs of their elders and ditching them. Maybe that says more about me though. Hmmm.
I will say that in the end, Lizzy is a survivor as is her friend Will. That "I-can-make-it-after-all" attitude is a good thing!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
A few more books
I really don't know what is going on this year, but reading just doesn't seem to be taking priority. That said, with the upcoming start of our school year, I wanted to pre-read some of the books Palmer and Dempsey would be reading this year.
The first one of these books is Peace Child by Don Richardson(http://www.sonlight.com/130-15.html). This book describes how Mr. Richardson traveled as a missionary to New Guinea and introduced native tribes to Christ. I found this book to take a while to really get going. Part of the reason for this is because Mr. Richardson takes the time to introduce the reader to this part of the world, this culture has been previously unknown. But as events unfold and tensions increase the plot does pick up.
Mr. Richardson places himself in the midst of the Sawi people. Their culture makes legends of those who make friends with enemies for the sole purpose of betrayal. The bigger the friendship scam, the greater the hero. This culture is a violent one. The victim of betrayal is usually eaten.
Mr. Richardson finds himself asking how in the world is he going to have a message of peace mean anything to these who immortalize this kind of thinking? But, Richardson does not give up. He continually tries to comprehend the Sawi people and by doing so he finds a hole through which to explain the message of Christ.
For all of Richardson's work, we cannot ignore the courage of the first of the Sawi to stand up and say a big "YES" to accepting Christ.
Thank God for those people who heed the call to travel to all ends of the earth to make sure everyone has the opportunity to hear the message of Christ. They give new opportunities to people for salvation. In the process, there are also new opportunities for education and medical treatment given.
This was a rewarding book to read because it gave insight into a culture that may not be written about in history books. It also reminds us about the missionaries that choose to live their life with Gods' purpose in mind.
The first one of these books is Peace Child by Don Richardson(http://www.sonlight.com/130-15.html). This book describes how Mr. Richardson traveled as a missionary to New Guinea and introduced native tribes to Christ. I found this book to take a while to really get going. Part of the reason for this is because Mr. Richardson takes the time to introduce the reader to this part of the world, this culture has been previously unknown. But as events unfold and tensions increase the plot does pick up.
Mr. Richardson places himself in the midst of the Sawi people. Their culture makes legends of those who make friends with enemies for the sole purpose of betrayal. The bigger the friendship scam, the greater the hero. This culture is a violent one. The victim of betrayal is usually eaten.
Mr. Richardson finds himself asking how in the world is he going to have a message of peace mean anything to these who immortalize this kind of thinking? But, Richardson does not give up. He continually tries to comprehend the Sawi people and by doing so he finds a hole through which to explain the message of Christ.
For all of Richardson's work, we cannot ignore the courage of the first of the Sawi to stand up and say a big "YES" to accepting Christ.
Thank God for those people who heed the call to travel to all ends of the earth to make sure everyone has the opportunity to hear the message of Christ. They give new opportunities to people for salvation. In the process, there are also new opportunities for education and medical treatment given.
This was a rewarding book to read because it gave insight into a culture that may not be written about in history books. It also reminds us about the missionaries that choose to live their life with Gods' purpose in mind.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Second Book of 2013
Before I jump into Gulliver's Travels, I think there are some other books that require my attention. I like to try to keep up with reading that Dempsey and/or Palmer may or may not like. That is what led me to The Thief, by Megan Whalen Turner. This is a 1997 Newbery Medal Honor Book.
First, let me say that language could be an issue for some. While the Lord's name isn't technically taken in vain, the term Gods D___ is used, repeatedly. The society is a polytheistic one. To me, it felt like the same thing. I did not think the use of this language was necessary. Also, there are times when death's occur. They are not graphically described, but they are there. I would let my 13 year old read this, perhaps not my 9 year old. I would read this to my 9 year old, definitely, if I thought he would be interested.
The story begins with the main character in jail. He is let out only to do a task for the King's right hand man. The task - steal a stone. This is a pretty significant stone. The story revolves around the journey to the stone's location. While on the journey, we learn a bit about the 5 characters that go on the journey and we also learn about the societies in which they live. There are a few twists to the ending - nothing to be revealed here!
I found the book to be a bit slow at times. Unremarkable. I did like the twists at the end, but I am not sure that made the whole book worth it. If you have a voracious reader you could let them read this, if the language and mild violence doesn't bother you. If you have a reluctant reader, you may want to pass on The Thief and opt for Percy Jackson, Harry Potter,or Eragon!
First, let me say that language could be an issue for some. While the Lord's name isn't technically taken in vain, the term Gods D___ is used, repeatedly. The society is a polytheistic one. To me, it felt like the same thing. I did not think the use of this language was necessary. Also, there are times when death's occur. They are not graphically described, but they are there. I would let my 13 year old read this, perhaps not my 9 year old. I would read this to my 9 year old, definitely, if I thought he would be interested.
The story begins with the main character in jail. He is let out only to do a task for the King's right hand man. The task - steal a stone. This is a pretty significant stone. The story revolves around the journey to the stone's location. While on the journey, we learn a bit about the 5 characters that go on the journey and we also learn about the societies in which they live. There are a few twists to the ending - nothing to be revealed here!
I found the book to be a bit slow at times. Unremarkable. I did like the twists at the end, but I am not sure that made the whole book worth it. If you have a voracious reader you could let them read this, if the language and mild violence doesn't bother you. If you have a reluctant reader, you may want to pass on The Thief and opt for Percy Jackson, Harry Potter,or Eragon!
2013 - A New Start to Reading
So, I think I tend to be a bit obsessive. See a list, must complete list at all costs kind of obsessive. Sometimes that's good. But I can sort of drive myself crazy with lists too! Years ago I became familiar with the book, The Well-Educated Mind by Susan Wise Bauer(2003 W. W. Norton & Company, Inc)(go to www.welltrainedmind.com for more info). For those not familiar with this book it explains how to read, I mean really read, books. Not just reading a book like you would go to a movie - for entertainment. But taking the act of reading to a new level - becoming a participant in the process of digesting literature. Learning from the books, taking something from the book and giving it meaning within your life.
The book lists four basic genres of literature, one being novels. And there is - A LIST. A list of novels the author is recommending be read. Well, if I have a list I will follow. I will check off the items, be done, and move onto the next list.
The first novel on the list is Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes written in 1605. This book was fantastic! I am not talking about the abridged modern day version. I am talking the umpteen hundred pages, unabridged, translated by Tobias Smollett in 1755 version. Whew! Totally worth it. To this day, it amazes me how Cervantes, writing over 400 years ago, can make me ROFLOL! The scene in the garrett of the inn and the "lady" comes up to acquaint herself with the other patron....Hilarious!
So, let's move onto book number two - The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Oh my. I found this book to be painful. I started this book in 2008. Put it down and didn't want to pick it back up. Except remember the list? My obsessiveness said the list needed to be done. It was begun(yes, one book in and I am that committed) and it must be finished. Pilgrim's Progress, Pilgrim's Progress. Ughh. So many other books, yes, let's read those. But oh, then there's Pilgrim's Progress.
So in September 2012 I went at it again. This time determined to finish if it killed me! And guess what? It didn't kill me and you won't believe when I finished - Christmas Day 2012!!! What a totally cool gift to give ones' self. First, I got rid of all guilt associated with having not finished this book. WooHoo!! But, more importantly, the book itself is a gift. I felt closer to God when I was reading this book. The language was a double edged sword. At times it was a hindrance to my understanding(so I would pull out a kids's version and a modern day English version). But, throughout the book I also loved the richness of the language. All the effort that went into this book was so worth it. I am amazed at the pictures Bunyan created in my mind. And these pictures seem to have woven their way into the fabric of our culture.
I did wonder why Christiana was the benefactor of a guide, children, and friends during her pilgrimage. Is it because women were thought of to be weaker by Bunyan(and society at the time)? Is it because a women is supposed to be led by a man? Is it a reflection of the social nature of women? Christian had to walk his road alone - is that because Bunyan felt alone in his Christian walk?
I do like how in Part II there was a place for the Pilgrims to live before death came to call. For Christian, it seemed as though his pilgrimage led to an obvious death. I didn't really like that. So, how the end was handled in Part II, was a lot better.
Has anyone else read this book? Would you like to comment on it?
As for me, onto the next book. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. Of course, I do have a tone of other books and magazines to read. But eventually, I will get back to the list!
The book lists four basic genres of literature, one being novels. And there is - A LIST. A list of novels the author is recommending be read. Well, if I have a list I will follow. I will check off the items, be done, and move onto the next list.
The first novel on the list is Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes written in 1605. This book was fantastic! I am not talking about the abridged modern day version. I am talking the umpteen hundred pages, unabridged, translated by Tobias Smollett in 1755 version. Whew! Totally worth it. To this day, it amazes me how Cervantes, writing over 400 years ago, can make me ROFLOL! The scene in the garrett of the inn and the "lady" comes up to acquaint herself with the other patron....Hilarious!
So, let's move onto book number two - The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Oh my. I found this book to be painful. I started this book in 2008. Put it down and didn't want to pick it back up. Except remember the list? My obsessiveness said the list needed to be done. It was begun(yes, one book in and I am that committed) and it must be finished. Pilgrim's Progress, Pilgrim's Progress. Ughh. So many other books, yes, let's read those. But oh, then there's Pilgrim's Progress.
So in September 2012 I went at it again. This time determined to finish if it killed me! And guess what? It didn't kill me and you won't believe when I finished - Christmas Day 2012!!! What a totally cool gift to give ones' self. First, I got rid of all guilt associated with having not finished this book. WooHoo!! But, more importantly, the book itself is a gift. I felt closer to God when I was reading this book. The language was a double edged sword. At times it was a hindrance to my understanding(so I would pull out a kids's version and a modern day English version). But, throughout the book I also loved the richness of the language. All the effort that went into this book was so worth it. I am amazed at the pictures Bunyan created in my mind. And these pictures seem to have woven their way into the fabric of our culture.
I did wonder why Christiana was the benefactor of a guide, children, and friends during her pilgrimage. Is it because women were thought of to be weaker by Bunyan(and society at the time)? Is it because a women is supposed to be led by a man? Is it a reflection of the social nature of women? Christian had to walk his road alone - is that because Bunyan felt alone in his Christian walk?
I do like how in Part II there was a place for the Pilgrims to live before death came to call. For Christian, it seemed as though his pilgrimage led to an obvious death. I didn't really like that. So, how the end was handled in Part II, was a lot better.
Has anyone else read this book? Would you like to comment on it?
As for me, onto the next book. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. Of course, I do have a tone of other books and magazines to read. But eventually, I will get back to the list!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Opening Day!
So, Palmer made his grid iron debut today! You all know I don't publish photos that can share too much info and I don't think I am comprimising that by sharing this.
Here he is, all suited up and looking to take the ball away!
Please say a prayer for a player from our town, another division. He was taken to the hospital for a concussion. This little guy is about a year older than Palmer. Not the way you want a season to begin.
I will say, it is exciting to see your son carry the ball well(Palmer did have a couple carries, one that was really good!). And he does look cute in all the gear!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
How much would you spend?
A bit ago Dempsey took a test. It wasn't a big deal. It wasn't for a grade. It wasn't a pass/fail thing. It was a test for entrance into the JHU CTY(Center for Talented Youth) Program. The results confirmed what we, and everyone who knows him, already knew. The kid is SMART! Needless to say, he was accepted.
The test results brought about mixed emotions from Dad and me(OK, mainly me). Pride was prevalent. But there was also apprehension and panic. I mean, how in the world could I home school this smart guy? I must make sure to challenge him every day, must find the perfect school books, must have in depth studies of all subjects, must teach all subjects, must, must, must! But then the following revelation hit...he was just as smart the day, week, year before he took his test, and I had been his teacher. Before test day, that had been the most desirable solution because we suspected we knew Dempsey to be really smart. So why wasn't it good enough now? Aghhhhhh. Breath a sigh of relief.
As a former member of the JHU CTY(which was known as G&T when I was young), I remember taking classes with other JHU kids. They were fun and I fit in. I was pretty excited to know that Dempsey could have fun, be challenged.
As a member of the JHU CTY, you are offered classes to challenge your brilliant, beautiful, brainy, child - for a slight fee. That isn't so slight. Try $600 - $700 for a class!!!!
So here is my question - How much are you willing to spend on your child's education? This is more for the home schoolers out there. We already pay for everything! I am not complaining, just stating a fact. So how much would you spend?
The test results brought about mixed emotions from Dad and me(OK, mainly me). Pride was prevalent. But there was also apprehension and panic. I mean, how in the world could I home school this smart guy? I must make sure to challenge him every day, must find the perfect school books, must have in depth studies of all subjects, must teach all subjects, must, must, must! But then the following revelation hit...he was just as smart the day, week, year before he took his test, and I had been his teacher. Before test day, that had been the most desirable solution because we suspected we knew Dempsey to be really smart. So why wasn't it good enough now? Aghhhhhh. Breath a sigh of relief.
As a former member of the JHU CTY(which was known as G&T when I was young), I remember taking classes with other JHU kids. They were fun and I fit in. I was pretty excited to know that Dempsey could have fun, be challenged.
As a member of the JHU CTY, you are offered classes to challenge your brilliant, beautiful, brainy, child - for a slight fee. That isn't so slight. Try $600 - $700 for a class!!!!
So here is my question - How much are you willing to spend on your child's education? This is more for the home schoolers out there. We already pay for everything! I am not complaining, just stating a fact. So how much would you spend?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Coming to an End
So, we were in Russellville, AR and had completely unreliable internet! One moment I would be logged into the network, the next I wouldn't be. Yesterday we began our day in Oklahoma City. What a neat little town. It is really nice downtown. We stopped in to see the OKC Memorial for the bombing that happened in 1995. 
How very moving. Everything is placed in a certain position for a reason. You get the feeling that the memorial was painstakingly planned out. We know it is painstakingly maintained for we witnessed garderners clipping grass by hand. The groundskeepers are very respectful of visitors, stopping their work as you approach the area they are in and waiting for you to pass. 
This tree stood on that day in April, in a parking lot across the street from the Murrah building. As you can see it survived and is now called The Survivor's Tree.
We were surprised to learn that the memorial receives no federal dollars for maintenance. It seems for all the money our government throws away that it could contribute to this very important memorial.
How very moving. Everything is placed in a certain position for a reason. You get the feeling that the memorial was painstakingly planned out. We know it is painstakingly maintained for we witnessed garderners clipping grass by hand. The groundskeepers are very respectful of visitors, stopping their work as you approach the area they are in and waiting for you to pass. 
This tree stood on that day in April, in a parking lot across the street from the Murrah building. As you can see it survived and is now called The Survivor's Tree.
We were surprised to learn that the memorial receives no federal dollars for maintenance. It seems for all the money our government throws away that it could contribute to this very important memorial.From OKC, we traveled east across Oklahoma to Fort Smith, Arkansas. 
This was, at one time a fort set up by the US to help bring the law to the western most state in the union. It sat on the border of Arkansas and not Oklahoma, but Indian Territory.
After Fort Smith, we spent the night in Russellville, AR as previously mentioned.
This was, at one time a fort set up by the US to help bring the law to the western most state in the union. It sat on the border of Arkansas and not Oklahoma, but Indian Territory.
After Fort Smith, we spent the night in Russellville, AR as previously mentioned. Today, we went to Fox, AR to see where my dad was born, raised, and now lies forever. Sorry folks, no pictures. It was nice to be able to show the boys where part of their family comes from.
Even though we won't be home for another couple of days, our trip to unfamiliar places is over. Hubby no longer has to research hotel prices and availability in places where we think we may be. We will be with family, in a place we know, in a town we know. I've said this before, but while this trip has been fun and we have seen some great things, it will be a relief to be somewhere familiar!
I will be taking a few days off. But once home, will get back to posting again. Thanks for "coming along" on this fantastic journey with us. Check back to see what other adventures our family undertakes!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A bit out of order.
If you are looking for what we have been up to, you'll have to scroll down. Sorry. That comes from me trying to post, but having such awful internet, well you know the story! :)
Today is the first day I haven't taken any pictures in 29 days. But that doesn't mean today was any less special.
We left New Mexico and are now in Oklahoma City. While driving, we took a slight detour to see a very blessed young woman. One of my neighbor's daughter's was in a bad car accident a bit over two weeks ago. We took some time to visit her, her husband, and my friend. Thank you to them for letting us stop by and say hello. We will continue to pray for your recovery. :)
Tomorrow it is on to Fort Smith, Arkansas. No more big cities for the next couple of days. So posting may be a bit spotty. We'll just have to play it by ear.
The traveling is winding down. By this time next week we will have been home for a day. Home. We can already tell we are getting closer. When we had been in Oklahoma for about an hour, I woke up(yes, I took a cat nap in the car, at least I wasn't driving!), and noticed I SAW GREEN! There were green, tall, deciduos trees along the road side. There was grass, green grass that had been cut, along the road side and in the median. Grass - short, roughly manicured, grass! Green grass! I cannot express the joy, the sense of calm, the relaxation that I felt. Wow. I knew everything was brown. I knew everything was dry. I had noticed, even admired the rock that made up the landscape. I also knew I missed the green. In talking with hubby a few days ago, we had wondered when things were going to change. We knew we were in a dry dessert climate. But we know that in central Arkansas, where we will be Tuesday, it is green and forrested. Where would the change occur? We began to see the change happening today. What a relief. I think I have my color for Oklahoma(Every state has a color that represents it. More on that later.)!
Home is getting closer each day. The boys and I have been gone a month and by this time next week we will be getting back in a groove. Hopefully not too much of a groove. The sense of adventure that comes with every day is exciting. I think the four of us will agree though, it will be nice to know where we will be sleeping each night. It will also be nice to go to a closet to get our clothes and not a suitcase!
Today is the first day I haven't taken any pictures in 29 days. But that doesn't mean today was any less special.
We left New Mexico and are now in Oklahoma City. While driving, we took a slight detour to see a very blessed young woman. One of my neighbor's daughter's was in a bad car accident a bit over two weeks ago. We took some time to visit her, her husband, and my friend. Thank you to them for letting us stop by and say hello. We will continue to pray for your recovery. :)
Tomorrow it is on to Fort Smith, Arkansas. No more big cities for the next couple of days. So posting may be a bit spotty. We'll just have to play it by ear.
The traveling is winding down. By this time next week we will have been home for a day. Home. We can already tell we are getting closer. When we had been in Oklahoma for about an hour, I woke up(yes, I took a cat nap in the car, at least I wasn't driving!), and noticed I SAW GREEN! There were green, tall, deciduos trees along the road side. There was grass, green grass that had been cut, along the road side and in the median. Grass - short, roughly manicured, grass! Green grass! I cannot express the joy, the sense of calm, the relaxation that I felt. Wow. I knew everything was brown. I knew everything was dry. I had noticed, even admired the rock that made up the landscape. I also knew I missed the green. In talking with hubby a few days ago, we had wondered when things were going to change. We knew we were in a dry dessert climate. But we know that in central Arkansas, where we will be Tuesday, it is green and forrested. Where would the change occur? We began to see the change happening today. What a relief. I think I have my color for Oklahoma(Every state has a color that represents it. More on that later.)!
Home is getting closer each day. The boys and I have been gone a month and by this time next week we will be getting back in a groove. Hopefully not too much of a groove. The sense of adventure that comes with every day is exciting. I think the four of us will agree though, it will be nice to know where we will be sleeping each night. It will also be nice to go to a closet to get our clothes and not a suitcase!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Slight Delay
Well, last night our hotel had too weak a signal and I couldn't get internet. Tonight, our hotel has a very slow internet. I tried to upload pictures, but it is just taking way too long! So, please bear with me. I will try again tomorrow, when we will be in a bigger city.
Suffice it to say, my experience in New Mexico has not yielded the greatest internet service. Glad I don't have to work from home here - probably wouldn't work.
On the other hand, we did have some awesome Mexican Food this afternoon!
I was so looking forward to sharing some pictures with you today too! We had a great time at Mesa Verde yesterday. And today.....well for those who have our itinerary, we didn't follow it! We took a turn south and took advantage of a local festival. :) Sungarlandpal - another surprise location! I know you guys love them!!
I will try to post from Oklahoma City tomorrow, new state, bigger city, perhaps some luck!
Suffice it to say, my experience in New Mexico has not yielded the greatest internet service. Glad I don't have to work from home here - probably wouldn't work.
On the other hand, we did have some awesome Mexican Food this afternoon!
I was so looking forward to sharing some pictures with you today too! We had a great time at Mesa Verde yesterday. And today.....well for those who have our itinerary, we didn't follow it! We took a turn south and took advantage of a local festival. :) Sungarlandpal - another surprise location! I know you guys love them!!
I will try to post from Oklahoma City tomorrow, new state, bigger city, perhaps some luck!
And the mystery place was:
I'll give you a couple hints. See if you can guess....
We got up early. As proof, we were in the car and had driven 1/2 hour when we were treated with this beautiful sunrise.
So clue number 1: You have to get up early to see this.
Did that help? Well, how about this - Clue number 2: We were in Albuquerque.
Figure it out yet? We went to the 39th Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. At 7:00AM they have what is called "Mass Ascension". What a site! Hundreds of hot air balloons in the air, all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Yes, you do see a soda can in the air!
And, just for the record, if you had asked if I ever thought I would see the Balloon Fiesta I would have answered, "When pigs fly!" Well, what do you know. :)
It really is a site to see. Every balloon is different. Seeing them so close is fantastic.
Some of the balloons are the traditional shape we have all come to know. But some of the balloon makers get quite creative.
Dempsey and Palmer just can't take their eyes off the sky!
Undescribable.
I'll leave you with the knowledge that the balloon in the commercials really exist. Maybe aerial scenes are shot at the Fiesta.
This was totally unplanned. Hubby was reading a New Mexico guide we picked up at the Visitor's Center and learned that the Fiesta was beginning this weekend. We completely lucked out. And as I eluded to before, after the festival we had some really good Mexican food. Yum! So despite the interent deficiencies we experienced, Albuquerque was neat.
We got up early. As proof, we were in the car and had driven 1/2 hour when we were treated with this beautiful sunrise.
So clue number 1: You have to get up early to see this.
Did that help? Well, how about this - Clue number 2: We were in Albuquerque.
Figure it out yet? We went to the 39th Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. At 7:00AM they have what is called "Mass Ascension". What a site! Hundreds of hot air balloons in the air, all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Yes, you do see a soda can in the air!
And, just for the record, if you had asked if I ever thought I would see the Balloon Fiesta I would have answered, "When pigs fly!" Well, what do you know. :)
It really is a site to see. Every balloon is different. Seeing them so close is fantastic.
Some of the balloons are the traditional shape we have all come to know. But some of the balloon makers get quite creative.
Dempsey and Palmer just can't take their eyes off the sky!
Undescribable.
I'll leave you with the knowledge that the balloon in the commercials really exist. Maybe aerial scenes are shot at the Fiesta.
This was totally unplanned. Hubby was reading a New Mexico guide we picked up at the Visitor's Center and learned that the Fiesta was beginning this weekend. We completely lucked out. And as I eluded to before, after the festival we had some really good Mexican food. Yum! So despite the interent deficiencies we experienced, Albuquerque was neat.Mesa Verde
Whew! We are back to a hotel that has fast router! WooHoo!! Sticking to the cities has it's advantages. Two days ago, Friday, we were here, in south west Colorado.
To get into Mesa Verde, you start at about 5800 feet. Once you enter the park, you climb to 8800 feet, so the view you get is fantastic!
Mesa Verde is a park showcasing the dwellings of the puebloan Indians dating from the 1200's. Although some of what archeologists have found dates back to 575 AD.
Some of the cliff dwellings you can see from the park road. There are ranger led tours given to a few of the dwellings, if you are willing to ascend a ladder like this:
and this:
If you are willing to brave such climbs, you can see kiva's that the Indians built and used like this one.
If you are looking for more of a tame, calm experience, you can elect to wait for those who are daring. It makes it all worth it when you are able to capture the Pinyon Jay, a beautiful bird native to Colorada, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.
And just to give you a general feel for where these Indians chose to make their home, take a look:
No easy way in, no easy way out. Steep mountain climbs were a part of their daily life. I would either never leave or never go home!
To get into Mesa Verde, you start at about 5800 feet. Once you enter the park, you climb to 8800 feet, so the view you get is fantastic!
Mesa Verde is a park showcasing the dwellings of the puebloan Indians dating from the 1200's. Although some of what archeologists have found dates back to 575 AD.
Some of the cliff dwellings you can see from the park road. There are ranger led tours given to a few of the dwellings, if you are willing to ascend a ladder like this:
and this:
If you are willing to brave such climbs, you can see kiva's that the Indians built and used like this one.
If you are looking for more of a tame, calm experience, you can elect to wait for those who are daring. It makes it all worth it when you are able to capture the Pinyon Jay, a beautiful bird native to Colorada, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.
And just to give you a general feel for where these Indians chose to make their home, take a look:
No easy way in, no easy way out. Steep mountain climbs were a part of their daily life. I would either never leave or never go home! The Indians put this Yucca plant to good use. It is a hard, stiff, unyielding plant. They would use the fibers to make baskets, and weave the fibers together to make rope and blankets. Nothing wasted. The Indians were the first true recyclers! Yucca planta grow out here like weeds! They are among the first plants to come back after a fire. I guess the Indians who lived here were just as hardy as the Yucca.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
This morning we got up early to head back out to the Petrified National Forest Park. It gets mighty hot here during the day, although it is in the mid 40's at night. And can I just say, the lack of trees here means NO shade!
Well, fighting the early bird for the worm paid off. We were able to hike a trail and had a nice breeze, and saw some amazing wood rock. This very old petrified wood is hard like rock, but at times has the feel of plastic. When you find shards on the ground, you get the feeling the Indians could have used the pieces as cutting tools.
In some pieces, you can find every color of the rainbow. Pretty awesome!
In some places, the wood rock is strewn about. Everything you think is a rock in this picture is really the petrified wood.
We didn't see too much wildlife, it is the desert. But we did see this cute little guy, and a bunch of his buddies.
And even if we are in the desert, God provides for the need to see beauty in little ways,
and in big ways! Keep in mind, we haven't gotten to the Painted Desert, yet.
In 1250 - 1300, Native Americans lived in this area. They were gracious enough to leave some evidence of their lives. These are petroglyphs in Petrified National Forest.
Aside from the bird and his flock, we did manage to see a few cute lizards. Very colorful and very fast! This guy was a bit camera shy.
Well, fighting the early bird for the worm paid off. We were able to hike a trail and had a nice breeze, and saw some amazing wood rock. This very old petrified wood is hard like rock, but at times has the feel of plastic. When you find shards on the ground, you get the feeling the Indians could have used the pieces as cutting tools.
In some pieces, you can find every color of the rainbow. Pretty awesome!
In some places, the wood rock is strewn about. Everything you think is a rock in this picture is really the petrified wood.
We didn't see too much wildlife, it is the desert. But we did see this cute little guy, and a bunch of his buddies.
And even if we are in the desert, God provides for the need to see beauty in little ways,
and in big ways! Keep in mind, we haven't gotten to the Painted Desert, yet.
In 1250 - 1300, Native Americans lived in this area. They were gracious enough to leave some evidence of their lives. These are petroglyphs in Petrified National Forest.
Aside from the bird and his flock, we did manage to see a few cute lizards. Very colorful and very fast! This guy was a bit camera shy.
After seeing the colorful lizard, we gazed upon a colorful landscape. The pictures don't show it, but as with the petrified wood, there is every color of the rainbow in these rocks. It is just gorgeous.
All day today, we have been in the four corner area. Traveling through the North-Western part of New Mexico, we drove through a Navajo Indian Reservation. On the reservation, there are rock formations, standing by themselves. These were very captivating since they looked like some kind of castle that you would see in The Lord of the Ring movies.
While seeing all of this beauty today, there were some special people back home that are on our mind. These dear friends are having some hard times come upon them, either with a loss of a loved one, or having someone dear involved in an accident. We are so blessed to be able to have the experience of this trip, but please know we are praying for you and thinking of you every day. And we will soon be home(a bit over a week) to give hugs, cry, laugh, and chat together.
All day today, we have been in the four corner area. Traveling through the North-Western part of New Mexico, we drove through a Navajo Indian Reservation. On the reservation, there are rock formations, standing by themselves. These were very captivating since they looked like some kind of castle that you would see in The Lord of the Ring movies.
While seeing all of this beauty today, there were some special people back home that are on our mind. These dear friends are having some hard times come upon them, either with a loss of a loved one, or having someone dear involved in an accident. We are so blessed to be able to have the experience of this trip, but please know we are praying for you and thinking of you every day. And we will soon be home(a bit over a week) to give hugs, cry, laugh, and chat together.
Have a terrific tomorrow and we hope those in the mid-Atlantic have enough clothes lines to hang everything out to dry!
Eagles
Here is a glimpse of Arizona! What a pretty day we had, not a cloud in the sky. This part of Arizona gets, on average, 9 inches of rain a year. So lots of sunshine, and again, very dry - do you know you don't need coasters out here? Drinks do not condensate!
Today's first stop was Meteor Crater. So many thousands of years ago, a meteorite crashed into the earth and created this crater.
For your reading pleasure, you can read some interesting facts about the crater. It was pretty neat to see. It really is big, but it is hard to get perspective as to just how big when your standing at the side. But knowing the depth is greater than the Washington Monument is tall helps!
While we have been in Arizona, we have been shadowing Route 66. A couple of nights ago, we ate at a restaurant right on Route 66. Today, we passed this:
How adorable! Of course the boys wanted to stay in the wigwams, but our day just wasn't over yet. 
Today's first stop was Meteor Crater. So many thousands of years ago, a meteorite crashed into the earth and created this crater.
For your reading pleasure, you can read some interesting facts about the crater. It was pretty neat to see. It really is big, but it is hard to get perspective as to just how big when your standing at the side. But knowing the depth is greater than the Washington Monument is tall helps!
While we have been in Arizona, we have been shadowing Route 66. A couple of nights ago, we ate at a restaurant right on Route 66. Today, we passed this:
How adorable! Of course the boys wanted to stay in the wigwams, but our day just wasn't over yet. 
We had more to see at:
Wood turned to rock: a little water, a little sand and sediment, a whole lot of time!
Next to the Petrified National Forest is the Painted Desert.
We didn't have time to see much of either park, so we will be going back tomorrow. If what we saw today was any indication, we have more Wow moments ahead.
Wood turned to rock: a little water, a little sand and sediment, a whole lot of time!
Next to the Petrified National Forest is the Painted Desert.
We didn't have time to see much of either park, so we will be going back tomorrow. If what we saw today was any indication, we have more Wow moments ahead.
We are in week four of this terrific trip. While we are having fun and seeing some great things, we do miss home and the people we love. Living out of a suitcase is a bit old, as is changing hotels every night.
The things we are seeing and the experiences we are having, make it worth the packing and unpacking. We now understand the whole "it's a dry heat" thing. And the boys are learning more about the geography of this country than they could sitting at home.
We are also learning that people in Rhode Island must be really happy because they don't leave their state! That is the only state we have left to find for the license plate game. :)
Oh, and are you wondering why in the world this post is titled "Eagles"? Well, we went through Winslow, Arizona today. Hubby kept saying he had a certain song going through his head! On the way to Winslow, there is a billboard inviting you to stand on a corner! How cute!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Today the weather was "grand", and we had a "grand" drive to:
Wow!
Of course pictures, as usual do not do what we saw justice. And while we were enjoying the "grand" vista and the panoramic picture, we also took in the little sites. Like this cactus. We certainly don't see these growing in the wild back home!
What surprised us all was the amount of pine trees(Utah Junipers, Pinyon Pines, Ponderosa Pines) leading up to the grand canyon and on the rim of the grand canyon.
You could stand in one spot and look all over. When you think you have seen everything, you notice something else. What you are looking at is so big, it's pretty neat when you pick out little things to notice also. For instance, this rock balancing on top of another rock. Ok, this isn't exactly a little thing, but it is small compared to it's surroundings.
This is what you see all aroung the rim. Blue sky, sandy soil, and pine trees.
The Grand Caanyon is really something to see. Of course, we only saw a fraction of it. But what we saw was really great!
Wow!
Of course pictures, as usual do not do what we saw justice. And while we were enjoying the "grand" vista and the panoramic picture, we also took in the little sites. Like this cactus. We certainly don't see these growing in the wild back home!
What surprised us all was the amount of pine trees(Utah Junipers, Pinyon Pines, Ponderosa Pines) leading up to the grand canyon and on the rim of the grand canyon.
You could stand in one spot and look all over. When you think you have seen everything, you notice something else. What you are looking at is so big, it's pretty neat when you pick out little things to notice also. For instance, this rock balancing on top of another rock. Ok, this isn't exactly a little thing, but it is small compared to it's surroundings.
This is what you see all aroung the rim. Blue sky, sandy soil, and pine trees.
The Grand Caanyon is really something to see. Of course, we only saw a fraction of it. But what we saw was really great!
Here are the boys, watching the sun set over the canyon. Seeing things like this really makes you think, puts life back into perspective.
Last picture for today, here is the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. The river responsible for the canyon itself(God is never mentioned in the creation of the canyon. Hmmmm). The rive is 300 feet wide if you can believe it. Certainly does not look like 300 feet, but then we are a good ways away! Of course Dempsey and Palmer were all for taking a "quick" walk to the canyon floor. "Dad, it's only a mile down!"
We're now in the hotel, so I think you know what the answer was. :)
Last picture for today, here is the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. The river responsible for the canyon itself(God is never mentioned in the creation of the canyon. Hmmmm). The rive is 300 feet wide if you can believe it. Certainly does not look like 300 feet, but then we are a good ways away! Of course Dempsey and Palmer were all for taking a "quick" walk to the canyon floor. "Dad, it's only a mile down!"
We're now in the hotel, so I think you know what the answer was. :)
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