Summer's definitely is on its Way!!

Yesterday on the last day of winter, temperatures in St. Paul, Minnesota soared to a 80 degree high.  The weather forecast for the rest of the week predicts 70's...can't really believe this warm front.  Last summer grand-daughter Olivia's favorite activity was feeding the ducks on St. Kate's college campus almost situated right in our backyard.  It won't be long before this scene is duplicated!

Playing Around

This is the result when a child plays around with my iMac!  Cute, isn't she?

"berried 'n chocolate"

What do children do when school is not in session on a sunny, but cold winter day? Perhaps find a bakery and juice shop and sit next to a sunny window while eating a pastry?  Sounds just about right!

Getting Your Goat-Camera Critters

City kids don't see farm animals too often.  While vacationing on Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin this summer, Olivia's favorite place was the Farm Museum, which had old farm tools, buildings, and small animals.  If you would like to see more Camera Critters, check this meme.

“All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.”

George Orwell quotes (English Novelist and Essayist, 1903-1950)

Heaven...horses and kittens!-ABC Wednesday "H"

A Last Trip to the Stable Before School Starts

A Last Ride Before School Starts...

Click to see more ABC Wednesday photos taken by bloggers from around the world.

Family Fun Run

Darlin' Olivia

At the end of the school term the elementary school where my granddaughter Olivia attends holds a traditional and much-loved FAMILY FUN NIGHT.  Students, parents, siblings, teachers, and staff all run an appointed one mile route; everyone is awarded a ribbon and T-shirt upon completion.  I was amazed at how fast the kids ran and how quickly they were finished.  After the run, food, games, and entertainment were enjoyed by all on the school grounds.

Camera Critters-Saturday and Sunday Meme - Another Flower?

Maggi's favorite bed!

Saturday & Sunday Meme: Camera Critters-"A Horse, A Horse, My Kingdom for a Horse!"

The wonderful farm museum on Washington Island, Wisconsin has small animals only, (rabbits, chickens, goats) which makes it easier for the volunteers to care for the property. Islandic horses are part of the island, but at the museum the best one can ride is this cute little critter!

ABC WEDNESDAY-"F"-Farm Museum Animals

There are just a few small FARM animals at the FARM Museum on Washington Island, primarily I suppose because it's easier for the volunteers to take care of rabbits, chickens and goats rather than larger animals that would require more attention and time. As it is, the volunteers do a wonderful job with this small musesum. Granddaughter Olivia had a wonderful time feeding the animals.

What a week this has been; won't go into all the details, but my internet service is still not up to snuff. The new modem I received today is defective so I'm using the ethernet cable 'til I get a new one. Sigh!

Our Herpetologist

Fear of snakes? Nah, not our resident herpetologist, granddaughter Olivia! We visited the Art and Nature Center that is located in an old schoolhouse, which is family friendly with hands on exhibits. It's great that she is not afraid to handle snakes and now wants to catch and keep some in a small aquarium...just as her Uncle Karl did when he was a boy. Must be genetic!

Olivia Among the Blossoms

She makes my heart sing!

PS. I called the camera shop, and I still don't have an estimate for its repair nor do I know what seems to be the problem. In the meantime, I'm using my son's point-and-shoot Canon. Patience!!

Tiaras are a Girl's Best Friend!

You can be anything you want to be, my love, as long as you believe.

A Girl and Her Dog

"The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic." - Henry Ward Beecher

Time Marches On!

This is a collage of scenes that have been duplicated in countries around the globe this fall. Educational programs are important stepping stones for future citizens, and it often begins here. Oh, how I wish that the excitement and pleasure that is obvious at this level would follow students throughout their lives. From personal experience in a classroom with much older students, I know that that level of curiosity, imagination, and motivation too often falls by the wayside.. I wonder why? What's your opinion?