York, England

 

On the Moon

Moon Child

     With my birthday on July 6th, I was always told that this birthday meant that I was a "moon child."  Now I never really knew what that was supposed to mean, but, by golly, I have always been fascinated by the moon.  I am probably getting a little too old to be the next teacher in space, but I love looking at the moon.  I could stare at the moon from our little cabin in Vermont, and last night it was spectacular in Connecticut as well.  But I digress...  The bottom line is that I am a over the moon about our wonderous moon!

Check out these links about something lunar that happens only once in a blue moon, and it's happening tonight- Wednesday, July 13, 2022!  

Full Buck Moon

Supermoon

 

The Long Island Sound

 

Making Sound Decisions

          When one of our 5th graders decided to run for CT Kid Governor and was a finalist, we knew that we had to do something very concrete to make Connecticut cleaner, which was the cornerstone of her campaign.  On Tuesday, June 14th, we did just that.  Our 5th grade citizen scientists loaded a school bus at 6:15 AM and rode to Groton, CT.  For some of them, it was the first time, they had been on a field trip.  For many of them, it was the first time in three years that they had been on a school bus.  For all of them, it was the first time that they would be doing real science.  On Project Oceanology, the students “...embarked on a two and a half hour, extremely engaging, cruise out on Long Island Sound aboard a floating classroom, the Enviro-Lab research vessel.  They will get their hands wet as they set a trawl net with the help of Project Oceanology professional staff and interact with marine life such as crabs, squid, fish and other living organisms from the sunlit surface to the bottom of the Sound.  Students will be involved in rigorous field sampling techniques using charts and the real scientific tools of marine science to measure and record accurate data and learn about ecosystems, adaptations, biodiversity and environmental issues.  The cruise teaches students why Long Island Sound is a vital natural resource worthy of conservation and protection” (oceanology.org).

            When the students returned to school 10 hours later they were tired, they were happy and they were determined to make Connecticut a cleaner place to be.

            If you have not had a chance to study the Long Island Sound, here are some cool resources:

Explore LIS

LIS Resource Center

All About Corals

All About Estuaries

All About Tides

All about Currents

All About Nonpoint Source Pollution

Lunenburg, Vermont

 The Time Machine

While this week is a sad one in the history of our family, we have much to be grateful for including our vast and extended family. In 1945, my Grandpa Kenney passed away on February 14th, forever impacting the trajectory of our family. More recently, in 2021, my cousin Kathy passed away on February 20th. I have so much love and appreciation for both of them on this day of love. Without the two of them, and so many more, I would not be connected to my some really awesome people!

This weekend when my pipes burst up at camp, I was immediately welcomed over to my cousins' house in Lunenburg. It was magical. Not only did I get a chance to celebrate my Cousin Katie's birthday, I sat around their kitchen table again. We sat there, eating and telling stories for hours. For me, that kitchen table is like a time machine or portal that transports me back to another era, and I have been lost in time ever since. I remember all of the family reunions we had out in that very barn on Bobbin Mill Road. I imagine what Lunenburg must have been like, back in the day, when my Grandpa Kenney met my Grammie Catherine for the first time and swept her off her feet. Okay, you can call me a romantic, but Valentine's Day is not always wine and roses for many. Even in my sentimental longing and remembering, I remain centered in love and gratitude for my immediate, and my extended, family. As a family, if we can look back and learn from the past as we make new memories together, we can stay connected for generations to come. I can't help but think that Grandpa Kenney and Cousin Kathy would be rather pleased by that.

#ValentinesDay #loveourfamily

Broadway

 To Kill a Mockingbird

A Draft

Confession- I love the novel To Kill A Mockingbird. I have read it approximately 30 times and each time I do, I feel like I am reading it for the first time.  It is the perfect novel.  Every character, each word is perfection in action, and the themes are seamlessly woven together.  Every time I read it, I believe that Tom Robinson will be exonerated, and Atticus' closing arguments are like a soliloquy to my heart in a quiet and affirming way.  As I reflect on Sorkin's take on my favorite classic, I am struggling to separate my feelings about the novel and this divergent version as an entity in its own right.  

As I sat in the audience at the Shubert Theatre last night and watched my beloved storyline unfold, I felt a little like I do when I walk in to a class reunion.  I see all of my friends, we tell and retell all of the same stories, but another five or ten years later, we've all changed just a bit-  a little wiser, a little older and our world keeps turning.  Huddled up with my favorite civil rights attorney and watching To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway last night felt less like immersing my self in a greatest American novel ever written and more like a call to action.  Hearing the words "All rise" will never feel the same.  

Here's why... for what it's worth! (spoiler alert...Please do not read these bullets if you want to see the play and know that I feel like I need to see the play AGAIN to bat around some of these impressions a little bit more.  Yes, the irony of this statement is not lost on myself!  😆)

• The Aaron Sorkin play, directed by Bartlett Sher, version of To Kill A Mockingbird feels raw to me like the crying of Calpurnia when she hears the news of Tom Robinson's death.  
• I am haunted by Bob Ewell and the overt discussion of the klan and lynching Tom Robinson and Atticus Finch.  Seeing the two ropes the mob brought to the jail shocked me and my own shock disappointed me.  There is no happily ever after here.  I am not a fan of Lee's sequel Go Set A Watchman.  In fact, I was angry and outraged after reading the novel, but, perhaps, this is the effect of what Harper Lee was after.  The work of this novel has not been realized even in 2021. Sometimes, my outrage is misdirected and closes my senses to what I should be seeing, hearing and most importantly DOING!  
• I loved the fact that Link Deas and Boo Radley were played by the same character. POWERFUL!
• Ian and I talked a lot about use of music in the play.  The jury is still out.  
• The acting, and the set it was on, is stunning.  We loved the fact that the actors changed the set.  Those transitions smoothed out what felt like a speedy plot, and we were truly left breathless by the time we arrived at the curtain call.

Tonight is New Year's Eve, and although we celebrated the New Year when we were all together, I feel like I need a do-over after watching the play.  While my intentions focused on wellness and worship for 2022 are important, in some ways, I feel like I need to metaphorically burn the house to the ground and start again.  Maybe this year, buoyed by legit courage and grit to be the change I want to see in the world, I can resign from my patient evolutionary beliefs and placations that good always conquers evil, and embrace the bold and bright revolution brewing within.   ALL RISE!

(To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway FB page) 

Darien, Connecticut

 Convent of St. Birgitta- Vikingsborg Guest House

I had the wonderful opportunity today to retreat to the Convent of St. Birgitta in Darien, CT.  It was a stunning spot from beginning to end!

Here are some of my pictures and related resources.  

St. Bridget of Sweden

Website for Retreat Center

History of the Bridgettines

Lessons for Peace

United States District Court

 My Day in Court

When my Summons for Jury Service arrived in the mail,  I wasn't sure what to think.  Part of me was afraid-  what if I am selected for a high profile case such as the one in To Kill A Mockingbird?  The other part of me what thrilled to experience a new adventure in citizenship.  I made my way to the U.S. District Courthouse, and here's what happened:

• I went through security.  We were not allowed to bring our cell phones, so I just had my car keys, a summons and a new book. 
• I checked in with the clerk and then was taken into a waiting room/courtroom area.  It was impressive.  We spent a lot of the time waiting, but watched a video on recognizing bias.  We were told that, in addition to the 30 people who were waiting in this room, there were another 30 people who came to the jury selection process earlier in the day.  We were told that all 30 of us would have to provide 12 pieces of information and answer any follow up questions.
• Next we had a break as the attorneys for both sides hashed out which 30 of the 60 jurors would come back for round 2.  The team called jurors up for a sidebar conversation or clarifications.  Not me, I just sat in my seat and read my book!
• Finally, after more conferencing with the judge, the attorneys had to come to agreement on which 14 jurors would be selected.  One by one the judge called the numbers of the jurors, and then he dismissed the rest of us.  

I am sorry to say that I was not accepted for this jury trial, but just going through process was so educational!  Check out these resources and pictures (ctd.uscourts.gov) below:

Resources:

Mock Trial

Courtroom Vocabulary

Kids' Court Orientation

Norwalk Harbor

 Sheffield Island Lighthouse Tour

As I have mentioned before, whenever I am going on a boat tour, I hear the theme song from Gilligan's Island in my brain.  Despite that foreboding hymn, we had a wonderful sunset cruise, including a double rainbow when we were boarding, on Thursday night.  

Here are some pictures and resources.

Sheffield Island Tour information

History of Green Ledge Lighthouse

Norwalk Islands + Harbor

What causes a double rainbow?

Things to see and do in Norwalk, CT

Lake Champlain

 Island Time

I have a confession to make.  I am obsessed with the Vermont Islands of Lake Champlain.  I thought that I knew them, since I had been to the Sandbar Beach (https://vtstateparks.com/sandbar.html) a time or two.  I was wrong.  Over the last couple of months, I have driven there both from the New York State side and the Vermont side.  It is stunning.  Ironically, the Islands of Lake Champlain are more than just a scenic spot, those mysterious waters hold ancient mysteries too!  Did you know that there's dinosaurs in them there waters?

When I was in High School, I had the privilege of taking Latin II with Mr. Tremblay, and while I was missing my Mater Chaffee from Latin I beyond words, Magister Tremblay always spiced up our lessons with his colorful "fish" tails. And so it was that one day that he beguiled our class with a story about when he came face to face with Lake Champlain's notorious lake monster, Champ. My secret prayer is that on my next trip, I too might come face to face with that famous cousin to Nessie, the Lock Ness Monster.  If not, I will need to substitute my monster quest with a good ol' fashion Lake Monsters baseball game at Centennial Field.    

If you get a chance to visit the Vermont Islands of Lake Champlain, I recommend keeping your eyes on the horizon while taking in all of the incredible beauty surrounding you!

Check out these things to see and do:

Things to see and do

Vermont Vacation Guide

Check out these Educational Resources:

Lake Champlain Islands

The History of Champ

New Canaan, Connecticut

 Tropical Storm Henri- In the Eye of the Storm

Right now, things are pretty calm here in New Canaan, Connecticut.  As Tropical Storm Henri bears down on New England and parts of New York, we have prepared our Emergency Kit and have all of the necessities.  Who's ready for Henri?  🙋

Click here to build your own emergency kit:  Build an Emergency Kit

Here's the update we received from New Canaan Emergency Management:

"As we prepare for Henri in Connecticut, we received this great emergency preparedness information. Great tips fir being prepared! TROPICAL STORM HENRI

The Town of New Canaan has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch in anticipation of T.S. Henri. The storm track was moved West last night by the National Weather Service and we are now on the Western edge of the predicted track.

As this is the first potential storm of the hurricane season, the Office of Emergency Management would like to provide residents with best practices for preparation for these events.

We encourage residents to make their own personal storm plans to be prepared for possible power outages or blocked roads caused by potential high winds and flooding.

A good list of items to gather can be found at https://www.ready.gov/kit and some are listed below.

Remember that power outages due to storms have historically led to potentially long duration power outages, sometimes up to 5 or more days depending on the impact and severity of the storm.

*Water and non-perishable food for several days

*Can opener (if kit contains canned food)

*Extra cell phone battery or charger

*Battery-powered or hand crank radio

*Flashlight and extra batteries

*First aid kit

*Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

*Prescription medications and glasses

*Infant formula and diapers

*Pet food, water and supplies for your pet

*Have a full tank of gas in your car

*Check your propane/gasoline tank level for generators (if applicable)

*Don’t put a generator inside a building, or within 10 feet of the building to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning

*Go to https://www.newcanaan.info/Generator%20Safety%202021.pdf for more Generator safety tips

*Help your neighbors, especially senior citizens, by checking on them after the storm passes

In the event of an emergency during the storm call 911. If the OEM opens an Emergency Operations Center at the Police Department, call 203-594-4100 to report non-emergency trees or wires down.

Do not cross or drive over downed wires in the street. Do not drive through flooded areas.

Stay safe New Canaan,

Russ Kimes

Emergency Management Director"

Essex Junction, Vermont

 Feast of Saint Lawrence

I remember the day that we got the news that Dad was being transferred from the St. Johnsbury telephone office to the Burlington one.  It was toward the end of my 7th grade year;  I was crushed.  St. Johnsbury was all I ever knew, and I was very lucky that we kept the camp at Miles Pond.  Somehow having the camp to come home to made every thing less scary.  It still does, but on the Feast of Saint Lawrence, the Patron Saint of our Parish in Essex Junction, I was so grateful to be reminded of the story of St. Lawrence (click the link and read all about it)  The Life of St. Lawrence.  I cannot help but think about all of the cool benefits of my adopted hometown too.  

We moved to Essex Junction in the Summer of 1977 as I was going into the 8th Grade.  I was sure that my life was over, but Essex Junction and the greater Burlington, Vermont area had lots of exciting opportunities for this 12 year-old girl.  If you are in the Burlington area, please check out these exciting places:

Lake Monsters Baseball

Balloon Rides

Echo Aquarium

Family Fun

Farm to Fork Fitness

Boat Rides

Educational Resources:

Lake Champlain Atlas

Clean Water Rangers

Virtual Learning

Groveton, New Hampshire

 At the Races

I will travel anywhere in the world to see my cousins, and when it turned out that two of my cousins were racing their cars at the Riverside Speedway in Groveton, NH on Saturday night, my cousin John and I had to join in on the fun.  Turns out, it was nerve wracking, loud, but oh so exciting!  I spent the first hour or so in the "Pit" catching up with my cousins.  They warned me that it can be dangerous in there, and I had to pay attention.  I wish I had a diagram of the Pit Pass area because as soon as I stepped inside, I was nearly run over by a car coming off the speedway.  I did not even see (or hear) them coming!  My cousins warned me to wear ear protection to safeguard my already bad hearing, and I am so glad I did because I had a chance to listen to so many stories about racing through the years and in our family from my cousin John.  In the meantime, we made more memories and then sped home through the night!

Saints Christopher and Francesca-  Pray for us!

Click the link for more information about Riverside Speedway and all of the activities they have going on there.   

Check out these other great resources too:

Article about activities that are dangerous for your hearing

American History of Automobile Racing

Saint Francesca Romana

St. Christopher

Family Fun Things to do in Groveton, NH

Racing Rules

Ouch!

How exciting!

I love the sportwear!

I want to give it a spin!

Headed back to the shop...

Isle La Motte

 St. Anne's Shrine

When I found myself in the Lake Champlain Islands (see next post) on Friday night, I knew that I was called to visit the St. Anne Shrine.   I am so glad that I answered the call!

Here are some resources for you if you are interested in making a pilgrimage to Isle La Motte to visit the St. Anne Shrine.  Scared to travel in this time of Covid?  Check out the article on Virtual Pilgrimages.

St. Anne Shrine Website

Background for Students on Pilgrimage

Virtual Pilgrimages