Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

The new Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival has been posted.

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Thanks to Shannon for hosting this lovely Spring CM Carnival at her blog, Song Of My Heart .
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Enjoy !

St. Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick said,

"Christ beside me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me, Christ within me,

Christ beneath me, Christ above me. "

Have a blessed Saint Patrick's Day !

Quote For Current Times

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

(said by the late Dr. Adrian Rogers, Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis , TN)

The Home Beautiful (by J. R. Miller)

I found this quote particularly interesting ....

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"There is no place in the world where the amenities of courtesy should be so carefully maintained as in the home…There is no love that so needs its daily bread as the love that is strongest and holiest. There is no place where rudeness or incivility is so unpardonable as inside our own doors and toward our best beloved. The tenderer the love and the truer, the more it craves the thousand little attentions and kindnesses which so satisfy the heart. It is not costly presents at Christmas and on birthdays and anniversaries that are wanted; these are only mockeries if the days between are empty of affectionate expressions. Jewelry and silks and richly bound volumes will never atone for the want of warmth and tenderness. Between husband and wife there should be maintained, without break or pause, the most perfect courtesy, the gentlest attention, the most unselfish amiability, the utmost affectionateness."

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This quote is from an old book which can be purchased here

THE HOME BEAUTIFUL by J.R. Miller

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The seller above said (taken from the original Forward) ....

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"Several months before the death of Dr. J.R. Miller, he made plans for THE HOME BEAUTIFUL. The suggestion had been made to him that it would be helpful if he would take the heart of the books "Week Day Religion," "Practical Religion," "Home Making," and "In His Steps," and make a new volume on Christian home life. It was his purpose to improve on the suggestion made to him by preparing a number of new chapters. The plan was not to be carried out. God called him from earth before he was able to do more than begin preparation of the volume.

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However, he talked so fully of his plans to his associates, that it has been possible to arrange "The Home Beautiful" in a manner that it is felt to be in accordance with the wishes of one whose life was devoted to inspiring men, women and children to the life that alone can make the home really beautiful." --John T. Faris, October 1912

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This is a masterpiece on the family. It is so simple, and yet so powerful, as it sets forth the privileges and responsibilities of each member of the household in making the home a beautiful place to both live and die."

We Need A Lot Of Bird Seed !

Our Bird Feeders have been "High Traffic Zones" lately -- Goldfinches, RedWing Blackbirds, Cowbirds, Robins, Doves, Purple Finches, Titmouses, Cardinals, Chickadees, and many other birds.

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Because it is chilly and damp today (our area is experiencing a cold snap, which is our Dogwood Winter ), we are going to do our Nature Study "a la window" ... watching various birds visit our birdfeeders and journaling about them.
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No wonder we go through soooo much Bird Seed every month ! It's a pricey "habit", but we really really enjoy it. Birdseed is considered a "school supply". HA !

The Great Sunflower Project

We have decided to participate in a "Bee Count" called The Great Sunflower Project .
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And we want to invite you to participate too !
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What is The Great Sunflower Project all about , you ask ??
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Quoted from the Project site: "By watching and recording the bees at sunflowers in your garden, you can help us understand the challenges that bees are facing. We'll be sending out annual Lemon Queen sunflower seeds in early March 2009. Just in time to plant!
---It takes less than 30 minutes.
---It's easy.
---Free Sunflower seeds for planting.
---No knowledge of bees required!
Enter your bee counts online or send us your paper form. We would love to have you join us. Let’s help our most important pollinators together!"

There is a red dot on here in order to create a Map Of The First 26,000 Participants registered to "count" in this year's Great Sunflower Project: Hunt For The Bees. WOW - that's a lot of people !! But, there is no such thing as TOO MANY COUNTERS .... every bit of information and every "counter" who submits data is needed !
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About the Bee Count, the site says "The data you collect from your sunflower will be a start. It will provide an insight into how our green spaces in the urban, suburban and rural landscapes are connected as well as shedding light on how to help pollinators. What we need are innovative strategies to maximize the benefits of our wild and semi-wild habitat remnants. The Great Sunflower Project is the first step."
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Bees are our #1 pollinators, and they are in trouble. To learn more about our Bee Crisis, check out Where Did The Bees Go ? . There are several links to great articles which detail this crisis and what it means.
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So, why not participate in the count .... for the Bee's sake ?!?! Sign up to participate in The Great Sunflower Project .

An Anniversary

Two years ago today we had a housefire, resulting in the loss of everything we owned. No one was hurt, Praise God. But everything was gone.

There are some moments when it seems as if the fire happened only yesterday, and at other moments it seems as if it was a lifetime ago. We can finally enjoy a bonfire, but if we smell smoke in the air we panic. Our hearts also still skip a few beats when we hear sirens coming in our general direction.

We are safe, happy, and well these days. We have since realized that fire can indeed be a blessing from God, and that "things" are only "things". The fire also confirmed for us that true friends, while not necessarily many, are God's BIG blessings in more ways that we ever imagined.

The new "house" has finally become a "home" to us after many monthes of feeling as if we were living in a hotel because nothing was familiar. All of the Cherubs sleep soundly at night after many monthes of nightmares and getting up frequently to "check" on things. I even let people plug in electrical items without freaking out now.

Honestly, it was only by God's Grace and His loving arms holding us that we managed to "rise from the ashes". And we are ever thankful !

Thank you again to all of those who showered us with love and those who helped us replace the things that we needed in order to begin our household again.

Here is the original post about the Beck's Bounty Housefire .

And here is a post saying Thank You to all of those who helped us during those difficult times.

Spring Soccer

It's that time again !

Soccer practice begins today for Cherub 5.

Games begin in just a few weeks.

Carnival Of Homeschooling

Announcing the new Carnival of Homeschooling .

Thomas Jefferson said ....

"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe."
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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work, and give to those who are not."
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"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle, which if acted on, would save one-half the wars of the world."
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"I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
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"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."
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"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."
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"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
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"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
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"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."
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In the light of the current financial crisis, its interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."
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How I wish someone would consult with Mr. Jefferson regarding America's current situations ....
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(copied from an email sent by MamaO. Thanks MamaO !)

Spring Is "Spring-ing"

The first bloom.

Isn't this Periwinkle ?
Our birdhouse gourds from last summer
are almost dry enough to "finish".

Our roses have brand new leaves.

Our daffodills are ready to fully open.

And the lilac is covered with these buds.

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Spring is coming ... finally !

For The Record

Here is how it started one evening after dinner ... a note left by the Kitchen Cleaner ... and the knowledge that we would ahve to deal with that broken dishwasher ASAP. Washing dishes for 8 people in a household that actually cooks "real" meals with lots of pots and pans ... well, it is not pretty. So, the next morning before school, Cherub 1 and I started checking out "charges" (by telephone) to have someone come to fix our dishwasher. Turns out, it was cheaper to buy a new one - but ....

From the internet search for phone numbers for repair shops and vendors of dishwashers we found .... a whole host of fix-it-yourself websites .... the photos on these sites made it look so simple ... and the WHAT COULD BE WRONG WITH MY DISHWASHER information was so extensive .... Cherub 1 and I decided that we had nothing to lose by trying a Brave Experiment ... in home-appliance-repair (or at least an attempt).

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So, over the course of 2 hours, armed with the laptop, the internet, and a few hand tools, we managed to completely disassembled the inside of the dishwasher workings ... low and behold, it DOES look like the pictures. And so far it was pretty simple ....

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We cleaned out every trap and spot where the "how to's" said debris could gather (the first source of the "likely" trouble, according to the websites) ... and then reassembled the whole unit.

And VOILA .... it worked. Perfectly. For good measure, we ran vinegar through a whole "empty dishwasher" cycle, followed by a CLR-laced cycle, and then finally a clear water cycle to clean out the cleaners. TA DA !! All three cycles went prefectly .... WE FIXED IT !!

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We did not have to call a repairman, and did not have to buy a new dishwasher. "Cha ching" ... money saved !!

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So .... under what school "subject" should I record this , for the records ? Life Skills ? Small Appliance Repair ? Machine Mechanics ?

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I love this unusual homeschooling lessons !

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Now, I wonder what is causing that noise in the dryer ???? Hummmmmmmm .....

Happy Square Root Day !

Yes, it's true.

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"REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Dust off the slide rules and recharge the calculators. Square Root Day is upon us.

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The math-buffs' holiday, which only occurs nine times each century, falls on Tuesday — 3/3/09 (for the mathematically challenged, three is the square root of nine).

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"These days are like calendar comets, you wait and wait and wait for them, then they brighten up your day — and poof — they're gone," said Ron Gordon, a Redwood City teacher who started a contest meant to get people excited about the event.

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The winner gets, of course, $339 for having the biggest Square Root Day event.

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Gordon's daughter even set up a Facebook page — one of a half-dozen or so dedicated to the holiday — and hundreds of people had signed up with plans to celebrate in some way.
Celebrations are as varied: Some cut root vegetables into squares, others make food in the shape of a square root symbol.

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The last such day was five years ago, Feb. 2, 2004, which coincided with Groundhog Day. The next is seven years away, on April 4, 2016."

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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,504085,00.html

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

The new "Spring Edition" of the Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival is posted. This Carnival is full of fantastic posts. Be sure to check them out.

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And if you are in the eastern United States, perhaps have a cup of hot coffee or tea to sip while reading -- can you believe this snow in March ?!?!? We did not get snow in our part of Tennessee, but BOY OH BOY is it coldddddd ! Yet, I am dreaming of Spring, which is supposed to be right around the corner.

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Thank you Barb for hosting this "feast" of a Carnival !

Living Science Books

We are loving the "Wonder Island Boys " books, which are adventure stories chock full of "science" yet are technically "literature".

There is nothing dull about science with these books, and they are also a nice change of pace from our usual science studies. (They are approximately 7th grade reading level.)

WONDER ISLAND BOYS (scroll to the bottom)

Or they are also available from Gutenburg Press under the author's name (Roger Thompson Finlay) .

Signing Off

... until Monday ...

OFFLINE DAYS: We are making a lot of “little” changes to our Daily Routines … seeking the Old Paths as the Bible instructs ... to be more productive … to grasp a bit of "quiet" ... to be a bit more “green” … to spend a bit more precious family time …. and to spend a bit more time enjoying God’s Creation. We pledge that each weekend (which means from sundown on Friday through sunrise Monday), the Cherubs and I will be offline. We won't go near a computer. We will not turn the power switch "on". No blogging, no reading, no games, no researching, no emailing. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

REVIEW: Enjoying "Outdoor Hour Challenges" Too Much ...

We have been so busy enjoying this lovely book written by Harmony Art Mom that we had difficulty finding time to write a proper review. But according to my promise, the Cherubs and I have now written a full review.

First, we want to say that you and your students will thoroughly enjoy this well written, easy-to-use book whether you are seasoned nature-journalers, novices just getting started, or simply curious about Nature Study.

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We have been doing Nature Walks and have been keeping Nature Journals for several years now. We are very well acquainted with The Handbook Of Nature Study (Comstock), and also have gathered a good collection of other resources including Nature Guides. However, the Comstock handbook (for which there is a link in the book to read free online) is used with the OUTDOOR HOUR CHALLENGES, and is more than suitable for a family who does not have additional resources on hand, and also for a family just "testing the waters" of Nature Study. There are also some great websites listed at the back of the book (free resources) for help with identifications and additional information. The lists of resources included at the back of the book is quite extensive, which will make beginning this Nature Study Adventure easier for all involved.

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Because we are a family with 7 (and possibly 8 when dad joins us) , we printed this book (46 black/white and color pages). We read through the GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS and HOW TO GET STARTED pages first, which would be particularly helpful to those new to Nature Study. For each Challenge, we began by reading aloud each challenge and it's components. Then we proceeded with our walks and challenges. We would work on our Journal entries at various times - sometimes "on site" and sometimes when we returned home after walking. We agreed that this book would be simple to use on the computer only, but we have a "preference" for printed resources.

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The included Notebook pages are great. There is a wonderful variety of page styles, and many pages even include suggested information to include. The Journal pages included (26 black/white pages) are lovely and are simple to use. (I would recommend printing them on heavy paper or cardstock for durability.) I spent a lot of time, long ago, making and collecting these types of pages, at the beginning of our Nature Study adventure. Harmony Art Mom has removed that "work" by including them with this book, which is fantastic. These days we prefer to use sketch paper (heavy). On these pages we include written information as well as sketches. Then we insert our journal pages into page protectors, and keep them in a loose-leaf notebook. We decided on this sketch paper method because we have several left-handed children, for whom "bound" books prove cumbersome and difficult. These included Nature Journal Pages could be put into page protectors and into notebook, could be hole punched nad put into notebooks, or could be used "loose". The choice is up to the user, which makes this a great resource. Harmony Art Mom shares some of the optional journal ideas in the book as well.

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We particularly loved the Focus Area information which is woven throughout the entire book. Harmony Art Mom suggests repeated visits to a specific area to watch for "new" and "changed" things. When we have talked about our Nature Studies with families who are not familiar with this form of "study" (and who are curious), they often express frustration due to being "overwhelmed" by all that they see (and remember) on a walk -- "how do you even notice that ?", what should be noticed, what to study in particular, how to narrow it down, what to "journal", how to "journal", where to find such a wide variety of information, and other such concerns. So, we felt that the suggestion of the Focus Area would be particularly helpful to those new to Nature Study who might experience these same feelings.

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The included photos of Nature Walks and also copies of Nature Journal pages are lovely -- these are both inspiring and encouraging to those new to Nature Study and veterans alike. The book is not-too-plain and not-too-cluttered - a perfect balance.

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We HIGHLY RECOMMEND this inexpensive resource for those interested in Nature Study. No one will be disappointed, as there is something for everyone in this wonderful economical resource.

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Outdoor Hour Challenges: Nature Study Close To Home: Getting Started Challenges 1 - 10 can be purchased from the Handbook Of Nature Study Blog (right column) and from Lulu .

Wildflowers and Winter Weeds

I picked up this treasure (book) last weekend from the used bookstore while looking for more Nature Guides for our collection, uh, I mean Science Resources.

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We have had a grand time lately walking 'round the farm with this book in hand. The simple sketches make the identification of various wildflowers and weeds in their "winter state" so easy. There are some plants down by our pond which we have admired all winter, and we hve finally been able to figure out what they are with the use of this book.

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !

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This book is available from Acorn Naturalists, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon .

Reading Progress

Cherub 5 has been working diligently, reading with Cherub 1 at least once every single day. They work together for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, usually split into two sessions (morning and evening). These sessions are in addition to her school work -- they are "leisure" reading.

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Cherub 5 has been making steady progress for some weeks ... and finally, just this weekend, began to read her very first "chapter" book (she is reading it aloud to Cherub 1 just in case she needs help) .

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This first chapter book is (this edition is copyright 1941 ) THE ADVENTURES OF REDDY FOX by Thornton Burgess (number 14 in the series). REDDY FOX happens to have been Cherub 1's first experience with Chapter books. He gradually read the entire series, and loved each of the books ... and still loves them even today. So, he selected this series, and this particular title, just for Cherub 5 in hopes that she will love these books as much as he did (and in turn, will grow to love books and reading !). What a smart young man, and what a wonderful "Dad" he will be someday !

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So, the Headstrongs (HA !) are still making good progress .... great progress .... actually, it is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC progress. And I just wanted to share my joy ....

A Bird Highway ?

(Above)
One Robin from the flock who ventured near the house during snow flurries.

(Above)

The Starlings descended on our front lawn on a snowy day.

(Above)

More Starlings. It appeared that there were several flocks, coming in "swarms".

The sound of them all was sooooo loud !

(Above & Below)

This morning we had many many Redwing Blackbirds.

We were watching them in the yard, trying to identify them.

And finally, something spooked them, and it was when they took flight

that we could finally see the tell-tale red and yellow markings on their wings.

A few weeks ago, we had huge flocks of Robins stop by for a visit and some snacking from our freshly mowed yard. We watched them for several hours as they moved from yard to yard, and occassionally tree top to tree top.

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Then two weeks ago, we had many many many flocks of Starlings come by (on a snowy day). They were amazing to watch, and were extremely LOUD !

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And just this morning, our yard was covered with many many RedWing Blackbirds. We have been watching them from our schoolroom windows all morning.

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The Cheurbs and I watch this flocks as they come by ... and now we are wondering if we are a "Rest Area" alongside a Bird Highway ?!?!

Who's That Trip-Troppin' ....

.... down near the barn ?
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(borrowed from The Three Billy Goats Gruff)
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Skunks maybe ?

Or perhaps raccoons ?

We obviously need to get a good "Tracking" book

to add to our Nature Guide collection.

Our Nature Walk

A turtle's hole with scattered egg shells

trailing to the pond's edge.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY TURTLES !

Some pretty white flowers.

Very tiny blooms with "grassblade" type leaves.

(yet to be identified)

This lightly wooded area at the east end of the pond

has "greened" considerably in the last 2 weeks.

Some purple flowers blooming.
Heal-all

Prunella vulgaris

Some blue flowers blooming on

the north-east hillside of the pond.
Wild Flax
Linum perenne

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

Welcome to the February 17th Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival.

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What a blessing to have such a wonderful variety of articles !

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this "feast".

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So ....

please get a cup of warm coffee

or tea and a comfotable chair ...

and enjoy !

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HOMESCHOOL METHODS

Makita shared Charlotte Mason or Classic Trivium .

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MASTERLY INACTIVITY

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Richele shared Rock-A-My-Soul: Studying Agate .

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CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Renae shared Building Childhood Memories .

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ARTIST STUDY

Kris shared Artist Study of Picasso .

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READING

Dawn shared Buddy Reading .

Dawne shared Charlotte Mason On Phonics And Learning To Read .

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POETRY

All the way from Australia, Jeanne shared The Enigmatic Poet .

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MUSIC APPRECIATION

Molly shared Whatever Is Lovely: Music Appreciation .

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HYMN STUDY

Melissa shared about their Hymn Study in What We Do .

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LIVING MATH

Jimmie shared Living Math With Playing Cards .

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SHAKESPEARE
Laura shared A Charlotte Mason Minute: Shakespeare .

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NATURE STUDY

Jessica shared Winter Outdoor Time .

Barb shared Winter Art - Three Different Ideas .
Barb also shared Nature Study With Very Young Children .

I decided to share The Somethings and Nature Study Group .

Keri shared Experts In Their Field .
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Art Credits

(1) Feeding The Ducks (Mary Cassatt)

(2) Three Musicians (Pablo Picasso)

(3) Young Girl Reading (Mary Cassatt)

(4) Pen To Paper (online search)

(5) A Christmas Carol At Bracken Dene (Arthur Hughes)

(6) Living Math Tree (U. Penn website)

(7) Works Of Shakespeare book (online search)

(8) Girl In Winter (Tasha Tudor)

THIS WEEKEND: The Great Backyard Bird Count

What Is the Great Backyard Bird Count ?
http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/whycount.html
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How To Participate:
http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html
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Printable Tally Sheet:
http://gbbc.birdsource.org/gbbcApps/checklist
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OUR COUNTS:

FRIDAY

(2/13 - weather was clear and pleasant.)

6 Eastern Bluebird

6 American Goldfinch

4 Robin

4 Cardinal

4+ Starling

1 Titmouse

5 Black-capped Chickadee

8 Canada Goose

1 Great Heron

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SATURDAY

(2/14 weather is cool and partly sunny.)

8 Black-capped Chickadee

6 Starling

4 Robin

8 American Goldfinch

6 Eastern Bluebird

2 Purple Martin

4 Tufted Titmouse

8 Canada Goose

1 Pied-billed Grebe

4 Cardinal

2 Northern Mockingbird

1 Red-headed Woodpecker

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SUNDAY

(2/15 weather cool, cloudy, slight breeze)

20 American Goldfinch

8 Eastern Bluebird

8 Tufted Titmouse

8 Canada Goose

2 Nothern Mockingbird

12 Robin

10 Mourning Dove

8 Starling

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MONDAY

(2/16 chilly, slight breeze, sunny)

8 Robin

1 Redheaded Woodpecker

8 Tufted Titmouse

1 Pied-billed Grebe

1 Great Blue Heron

12 Mourning Dove

10 Starling

8 Robin

6 Eastern Bluebird

2 Cowbird

2 Black-capped Chickadee

20 American Goldfinch