Mount St. Mary's and the Red Clay of North Carolina

On Tuesday, June 18, 2009, my friend and hostess Noreen and I went to Mass. It was Father Palomino's last day before his transfer to Chambersburg. Then it was time to drop off Ian at Basketball camp at Mount St. Mary's. I wrote about Mount St. Mary's in last year's blog. I love this University. There is a peacefulness that permeates this very special place. It looks like the programs are not going to work for Colin at this point, but Ian might be a nice match depending on which area he chooses to pursue. If you didn't get a chance to check this out last year, do it this year. http://www.msmary.edu/

We dropped Ian off and were headed south to North Carolina. We were going to be staying with my buddy Michelle, who having transferred from Vermont to North Carolina, is in the process of building their new home. We drove to Raleigh-Durham, located Michelle's apartment, met her black lab Bella, had an awesome dinner and then drove to check out construction. The red clay of North Carolina will stay with us for quite sometime, literally and figuratively. I have never seen anything like it. The dog at the house next door had white patches that were RED! We drove by the UNC campus, and it looked beautiful from the road. We were supposed to tour it on Thursday, but Matt and Colin decided that UNC was more on Ian's list. We decided to cut our North Carolina trip short and return to Gettysburg on Thursday.

Wednesday morning dawned a scorcher, but it was nice to see the sun. We decided to head over to the Duke Campus and have lunch there. This campus is magnificent. The architecture is the most spectacular campus I have ever seen. Our tour guide said something to the effect that he feels like Harry Potter here every day because the campus almost looks like Hogwart. We went to the tour and information session, and there were students there from all over the country. Amazing. There must have been at least 60 people in all, so they split us up into three groups. I loved it. They also talked about the fact that about 85% of Duke graduates make it in to medical school within the first year about graduating with their undergraduate degree. I will add in some additional pictures.

Sorry I have fallen behind on my blog. We have since arrived in Vermont, but my Dad has been back in the hospital! I will keep plugging away as I am able. Stay tuned for more adventures like....guess who I found behind the desk at ICU?

PITT and Ian's big SURPRISE!

Sunday after a wonderful brunch with Mom and Dad Fallon, we drove to Pittsburgh. Of course we didn't know at the time that the Pittsburgh Penguins were going to be celebrating their championship on the same day that we were to tour PITT. Here is an article about it! http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2009339562_aphknstanleycupparade.html

Ah well...now that was exciting. Check out this great school! http://www.pitt.edu/ All three guys ended up taking the tour on their own while I tried to extricate the van from the parking garage...sorry no pictures of this excitement, and I will save that story for later....maybe. For now, I will let you envision it on your own! Colin, Ian and Matt all loved PITT. The campus is right in the City with beautiful stately buildings. The programs were right on course with what they wanted to do.

I find it fascinating to see where the various campus are in terms of technology and comparing and contrasting that with our secondary campuses. I love the electronic kiosks whether they are in the airport or in college admission offices! The kiosk concept has certainly evolved through the years.

We did eventually make it out of the City, and we headed to Gettysburg. Unbeknownst (sp?) to Ian, his surprise 16th birthday party would be waiting for him at O'Rorke's! What a great time...We had a great turnout and a good time was had by all! Although Ian's birthday doesn't officially arrive until October, he had a great time reconnecting with his old Gettysburg pals!

Sunday, June 14 Tour de Revs

After a teary goodbye, it was off to meet Mom and Dad Fallon at Church. It was a special service today because the Tour de Revs (reverends, revenue and revolution...or something like that) had arrived in Massachusetts to draw attention to the ELCA's campaign against world hunger. These three pastors are riding a three-seated bamboo bike across the country. They arrive in Nebraska (Omaha) for the first weekend in August. Pastor Fred gave the children's message and the big kid's message by talking about how we are called to feed the hungry.

As I reflect on this now, I am reminded of the NETA conference back in April. After we finished our sessions, a bunch of us went out to eat at Olive Garden. In the parking lot, we were approached by a young woman who said she needed money. Although I immediately gave her some money, I remember my parting words were, "I am so sorry I couldn't give you more, but the rest is my lunch money for tomorrow." Now- those words echo through my brain. Ouch! This incident in the parking lot was fodder for lots of conversations over dinner. We discussed how to truly help people in a way that it would make a difference in their lives. We debated whether giving money to this person enabled or disabled this young woman. We brainstormed buying her a meal versus giving her the money. What is the right answer?

Now as I write this blog from North Carolina, I am once again confronted with this question. As we have been driving around, there are men who sit on the traffic barriers barriers begging for money at the red lights. May of them have been given food by people as they pass by.

Matt’s MIT adventure
Friday, June 1

Matt’s Day in Boston dawned rainy, but our spirits were sunny. We thanked Mom and Dad for their hospitality, and we were on our way to our next great adventure…that is until we hit some backed up traffic. When we arrived in Cambridge, there were no parking spaces to be found. I drove around and around in circles, when I finally saw a parking lot with an MIT sign on it. I hooted with happiness as the joyful parking lot attendant handed us a map to find our way through the streets of Cambridge. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.

As we approached the campus to begin our tour, we all took in the grandeur of the setting. It felt very old and a little intimidating to be honest. When our tour guide came, we got started walking around the campus. Although we didn’t get a chance to see the dorm rooms, we did hear a lot about their exceptional programs and the highly competitive application process. They only accept 11 – 13% of the applicants who apply, so it is a very selective pool. Matt loved it. He further fell in love with it when we walked in to the Hacking “museum.” This part of one of the buildings paid tribute to MIT’s long tradition of pranking. It was amazing to learn of the pranks that highly intelligent engineering students can conceive. Matt was very impressed with the athletic facilities as well. SOLD!

Check it out and see for yourself what all of the excitement is about. http://web.mit.edu/

After a quick lunch and shopping trip at the bookstore (we had to resist the urge to buy Mr. Engel a tee shirt that had a glow in the dark periodic table), we headed to Worcester to see Worcester Polytech, sister-in-law Tracey’s alma mater. Although I had visited the campus when Tracey was a student there, the beauty of setting struck me during this visit. We got there early enough to sneak into an information session. I loved the emphasis of service and project based learning at WPI. Here is the WPI link! http://www.wpi.edu/

I wanted to go, and although it was a great experience to compare and contrast their other college visits, the boys were ready to head to Cousins Davis and Payton’s house for a little r and r, and they did just that! Between home run derbies in the back yard while hitting 90 mph curve balls or ping pong tournaments in the basement, they had a chance to reflect on their college visits. Saturday morning had us at Miss P’s soccer games, and the Evil Pickles were victorious 2 out of 3 times. Go Pickles! Mom and Dad Fallon came over in the afternoon for a cook out as did friends Bill, Michelle and their daughter Mary. Of course the Red Sox were playing, so Dad had a chance to put his feet up and watch the game.

Technology- The technology of the Kindle was discussed throughout the weekend. These are amazing, and although I had heard of them, I had never seen them in action. The unit is amazing. My sister-in-law Lynn’s almost looked like a day planner, but when she opened the cover, it revealed a screen where she could download books from her Amazon account. Wow! Literature at the press of a button. I can’t help but think of the educational applications. Lynn said that they are getting ready to come out with a college textbookish version. Wow! The more I discover about technology the more I realize that I have to learn.

Boston

Northeastern University

Boston University
Oops! Where did I leave off? What a whirlwind tour we have had in Boston... Let me start at the beginning.

On Wednesday 6/10/09), we left Kildeer, IL at 6 AM and arrived in Westford, MA at 11:30 PM (Central Time). We got settled at Mom and Dad Fallon's because we needed to leave for Boston University very early in the morning. The glorious thing about our trip into Boston on Thursday was that there were no traffic jams. We found the campus, parked and commenced walking around this campus with the colonial feel. We walked into the admissions office and were excitedly greeted by the admissions staff and Zac, a rising Sophomore from ..... you guessed it, Nebraska. Zac came to Boston University, sight unseen, and has loved it. We spent about a half an hour talking to him in the admissions office before we took the tour around campus.

Check out the website and take a tour of your own!

http://www.bu.edu/admissions/

This campus was hopping because it was orientation weekend. There were people and groups everywhere. The boys loved the campus, the programs and the facilities.

Northeastern University was just around the corner, so we made our way there after a quick lunch. Check it out as well!

http://www.northeastern.edu/neuhome/index.php

My niece Chelsea was a Freshman at Northeastern University this year, and she loved it. We couldn't believe that the two campus communities were so close but so different. BU was right in the city, but Northeastern felt like it was its own separate entity. The campus felt very modern. There are Husky statues everywhere. They have fascinating traditions regarding these statues. One is that Underclassmen rub the statues' noses for good luck and upperclassmen (maybe even graduate students) rub behind the ears. It was a beautiful campus. The most exciting part of the Northeastern program was the work co-op program where students actually work in their majors for selected times throughout the year.

We drove out of the city without a snag.... Stay tune for our next adventures.... Matt's gummy worms and Brady the dog, Boston Day 2....curse of the Bridge construction and arriving at Big D's! Until then....love all and serve all!

June 7, 2009

Today we awoke bright and early as we prepared for our day in the city. After an amazing breakfast of French Toast, we made our way into the city with Uncle Brad at the helm!

Our first stop was the Cub's Wrigley Field. We had a tour by Jim McArdle, author of Living the Dream. I bought a copy, and he graciously signed it! There is so much history in this place! We saw the field, the dug outs, the clubhouse, the press box and the box seats! Ian had to sit in the seat once occupied by Michael Jordan. What a thrill!

Our second stop was Murphy's Bleachers for lunch. It was delicious and powered us up for another quick drive to the SEARS Tower, our third stop. We had so much fun riding along, and we wondered what sights we would be able to see on this cloudy day in the windy city. When we entered the building, all of the people warned us down below that it was cloudy at the very top. Sure enough we rode to the top and although cloud cover was ever present, the clouds swept around the top of the Tower and revealed breathtaking vistas. We examined the architecture and all of the famous views in the city. It was great!

After a thrilling ride down the highway, it was back to Uncle Brad and Aunt Tracey's. Kendall beat me at HORSE, and all the kids broke in the new trampoline. Now it is time for a delicious supper and off to bed. Tomorrow will be an early morning...destination- Boston!

Dear All-

We arrived in Kildeer, IL last night.

Yesterday as we crossed the prairie, and I was struck thinking about the pioneers. How did they do it? We had just a little eight hour drive in a modern vehicle packed with all sorts of delicious snacks! How did the pioneers do it? I have so much admiration for them...

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fallon

GPS Technology

June 4, 2009

Hi, Everyone-

What would my blog be without mentioning something about my "adventures" with technology, right? Right! Well, Tuesday night one of my caring friends and neighbors suggested that perhaps I should borrow their GPS unit for our trip. (Perhaps she has heard of my notorious ability to get lost at all hours of the day or night.) I was hesitant, but later assured with..."you can't break it." After a short orientation, I cradled it back to the parsonage.

Ian and I were working in the classroom on Thursday, so we decided to take the ol' Garmin unit out for a spin. Nicknamed "Garrrrrrrrrrr" (spoken like a pirate, of course) we began speaking to the GPS much like Robin Williams does in the film RV to his GPS unit "Lola." Ian and I drove to Hartington and back without a hitch! We were feeling a little proud. What is that famous saying about "pride..."?

Later that night as we were delivering another batch of our famous (or perhaps infamous) cookies out into the country, we excitedly suggested to one another that we give ol' Garrrrrrrr another spin! As we headed out to the Hammond Dairy, I remarked to Ian that I thought that I remembered it being on the opposite side of Route 20 than the way Garrrrrrrr was sending us. We persevered, trusting in the calm, cool tones of Garrrrrrrr's electronic voice. As we drove up to the STARKEL farm, just as the sun was setting, Patty assured me that we were, in fact, on the wrong side of Route 20 and very, very far away from our destination. A silent tear shuttered down my cheek, and I looked forlornly at Garrrrrrrr. Betrayed by technology....AGAIN! We persevered thanks to Patty's hospitable directions, and Ian's steady hands on the wheel over those gravel roads! Indeed we made it to the Hammond Dairy before the Rooster went off, but what an adventure...

Throughout the course of our summer travels, perhaps I will invite our friends and family to offer a guest blog. I am sure Ian would have much to say in his own voice and perspective on our Thursday night adventures or my foibles. Until then...

It was a good learning experience. I think that as we journey forth, I will utilize both my AAA maps and Garrrrrrrr. The best of both worlds will get us where we are going...God willing! Amen... Mrs. Fallon

Boy Scouts Camping/Canoe Trip

May 29 and 30, 2009

Ahoy!

In preparation for our Boy Scout High Adventure Camping/Canoe trip to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota in August, we had an camping/canoeing outing last weekend to work on our skills. Wow! Okay...so I guess my formal canoe instruction ended at 4H camp when I was in the sixth grade. I thought that it would be like riding a bike. I discovered it was not like riding a bike at all! The memories from my Downer 4H camp came did come flooding back though, and I remembered my canoe instructor, Rob always asking us, "I can canoe, can you?" It has been 34 years or so, but that line cracks me up every time. I must have said it about 50 times on Saturday.

My faithful canoeing partner was none other than Mr. Joe York from Coleridge. What a trooper! None of us knew what we were in for until our Scoutmaster Robert Colwell showed us the map. I recognized that maniacal twinkle in his eye. The map depicted the series of lakes in this cluster located in Fremont, NE. It was too late to back out when he showed us the order in which we would canoe and then portage the canoes to the next lake. I looked at Joe. He looked at me. We prayed. We struggled. We overcame and we became stronger. We were stretched in new and abnormal ways! We emerged stronger and vowed that we would be ready for the trip in August. Oh my! Thankfully, we do not have any photographs of this action... it was NOT pretty!

I hope to get a few more blogs done before we leave on Monday morning, but if not, I will look forward to starting the next leg of our summer journey together. I miss all of you already!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fallon

Summer Reading Log Sample on TWILIGHT

Dear All,

I started Twilight this week. I thought that this would make a great Sample Reading Log for those who are interested in participating in the Voluntary Summer Reading program, but perhaps haven't done a reading log before. Post any questions your have about the Summer Reading Program or my b/log! Mrs. Fallon

Sample Reading B/Log on Twilight

Summary from page 1 - 84 (Chapters 1 - 4): At last I have begun Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. I know that many of you have been riveted by this series this year, so I had to learn what all of the excitement was about. In this first part, Bella arrives in Washington state to live with her Dad. She starts her new school and Edward saves her from being crushed by Tyler's van that was slipping on the black ice. At the end of this section, Edward has invited Bella to Seattle.

Author's Style/reflection on the six traits of effective writing (organization, ideas, sentence fluency, mechanics, voice, word choice): Voice/Sentence Fluency- I like the first person narration, but I find it frustrating that I do not know what is going on in Edward's head at first. His behavior is so erratic. Organization- At first Meyer's exposition seemed to go on perhaps a little too long, but I think that because I had already seen the movie, it made me impatient for some action. Although I was thoroughly confused when watching the film, the book is likewise confusing at times. Mechanics- Meyer's use of tenses at time threw me off because she switched back and forth between past and present a lot. She uses the word "till" quite a bit and I found that distracting. Word Choice- She uses effective words to depict Washington State as a dark/magical place. Ideas- After reading Dracula and Salem's Lot with various book clubs this year, I may have had my fill of Vampire books. I must admit, it can be scary reading with a vivid imagination. The books are all very different from one another. That is very intriguing...

Welcome to Where in the World is Mrs. Fallon? Summer 2009

June 1, 2009

Dear All,

Welcome to my Summer 2009 Blog! Thanks again to Mrs. Klug for all of her help getting me up and running with last year's Blog. I am hoping that this summer's blog will be exciting for you as I explore a new format and host site. This virtual field trip I am about to take you on will include some highlights of my summer trips and college visits.

A new feature I have planned is the Blogging about Books section of the Blog. Bear with me as I learn how to coordinate all of this. My plan is that students can post thoughts or observations about their summer reading, and other students/adults can respond or just read in order to learn about different books.

Thanks for taking this adventure with me!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fallon