AdventureMouse

Meet My Friend, Captain Starfish!

2009-01-04T17:04:00.002-06:00

Captain Starfish is getting ready to go to Afghanistan with the US Army. You can follow his trip on the blog, Oklahomeless. He earned his Airborne wings yesterday and is training for his Air Assault wings. Hang in there ... literally!!!

Going 'Homa

2008-10-25T06:17:00.004-05:00

After a wonderful, whirlwind stay with Toadhaven, it is time for me to go home. With the upcoming holidays, my work will soon begin. If you're new to my blog, you can read how it all began almost two years ago.

McCain Political Rally

2008-10-23T12:38:00.014-05:00

Presidental nominee, John McCain, was holding a rally near our home, so the Toadhaven bunch decided to go.

^ The press is all set up.

^ See the CNN camera? We going to watch for the rally on TV when we get home.

^ Security is tight. Can you see the sniper?

^ Here we are waiting, waiting and waiting some more for McCain to come out. Good thing Emily brought a book. I spy ... a mouse!

^ After waiting hundreds of minutes and thousands of seconds, the rally started. It was exciting ... everyone cheered.

I spy ... a presidential nominee. Hint: He's behing my ear! It was fun to see what a policital rally was all about ... and to find out for ourselves where he stood on the issues. What a fun day!

The National Archive

2008-10-20T06:56:00.001-05:00

The National Archive preserves and documents government and historical records. It also allows the public to have access to these documents. The room with the original copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are kept very dark to protect and preserve them.

To any movie buffs out there, the National Archive building is featured in the Disney film, National Treasure. Not sure if it's in the sequel, but defo in the first. : )

The White House

2008-10-19T06:06:00.001-05:00

First, let me tell you ... the White House is ... white! It's made of white-painted Aquia sandstone. This is where our President lives and works. If you're into trivia, the address is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This view is the south facade.

Ever since Socks left the White House, my cousins have moved back in. W's dogs don't bother them much. I wonder if Obama or McCain have pets ... I hope everyone takes that into consideration when they vote on November 4th! (climbing off soapbox)

Washington Monument

2008-10-18T09:04:00.008-05:00

If you ever wonder what on earth looks like an obelisk ... an Egyptian one, at that ... well ... here you go. We are at the Washington Monument. It is 555' 5-1/8" high. Next year it will be 125 years old. The monument was built in honor of George Washington, who led our country to independence and became our first President. For another tribute to our primero presidente, click here.

Smithsonian Castle

2008-10-17T10:04:00.002-05:00

Here we are at the Smithsonian Castle. It is the first home of the Smithsonian museums. Inside is the Information Center for all 17 museums and the National Zoo. I think I have some cousins that live there!

Before we left, we tried the Argentinean gelato at the Castle Café. I think I have some cousins that live there, too!

U.S. Capitol

2008-10-16T14:36:00.004-05:00

Hello from D.C.!

After our Texas vacation, we took a much needed rest. Too much fun! But before long, Toadhaven was up and about. This time to the nation's capitol.

Four-Wheelin'

2008-07-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

With some wheels, "Em" and I got to see just how big Texas really is ... it's big.

Also, made another new friend ... his name is Riolu ... can you find him? He's a fighting-type Pokemon and he's fierce! He showed me some moves.

It's time for us to go home to Virginia. I will miss all the friends I've made here ... they're fierce, too.

Owl

2008-07-15T10:34:00.000-05:00

I was scared when I saw this owl looking down at me. She kept asking, "Who? who?" ... so naturally, I introduced myself and made a new friend.

Addie with Horses

2008-07-14T05:16:00.000-05:00

Texas Windmill

2008-07-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

This was just as much fun to watch as the oil pump.

Brazos River

2008-07-12T06:01:00.000-05:00

This is me by the Brazos River. It means "The River of the Arms of God" and is the 11th longest river in the US. It goes all the way to the Gulf of Mexico ... just so you know.

Texas Oil Pump

2008-07-11T06:59:00.000-05:00

These oil pumps are all over the place ... up and down ... up and down ... fun to watch.

Back Together

2008-07-10T06:13:00.000-05:00

The mammas and babies back together.

Texas Ranch

2008-07-09T06:54:00.002-05:00

These cattle are being loaded onto a trailer to be “worked” (branded, ears clipped, bull calves “cut” to make steers).

The mama cows are wondering where their babies are being taken.

I told them that their babies would be okay and be back soon.

Texas via Virginia

2008-07-08T05:42:00.009-05:00

I arrived in Virginia just in time to go with my new hosts at ToadHaven on a quick trip to Texas.

We went on a plane and I got to look out the window!

Welcome to Seattle, Addie.

2008-04-01T13:04:00.007-05:00

I arrived safely in the Seattle area a few days ago. I was welcomed by a small family (Dad, Mom, 2 boys and a dog) and they promise we'll have a great time together.

During my first weekend we watched a lot of wrestling with the older boy.

Then the younger boy got sick. He has looked like this for about a week now, and we're all hoping he's better soon. There are sights to see and the sun is finally out.

Washington State ... Here I Come!

2008-03-16T21:53:00.002-05:00

Shamrock

2008-02-16T08:33:00.000-06:00

With Valentine's Day over ... Addie looks forward to St. Paddy's Day.

I SPY: A New Addie

2008-02-11T16:13:00.001-06:00

After a trip to Montreal, Addie was feeling a little lost. An extreme makeover was in order. Can you find the new Addie? New adventures coming soon.

Delaware State Seashore

2007-06-26T21:13:00.001-05:00

This morning we headed south to the Delaware Seashore State Park. Just over this dune is the Atlantic Ocean. The water was warm, the waves mild and I saw dolphins. Lots and lots of dolphins.
Here I am. Can you guess what that is in the background? The tall thing sticking up just to my right? Do you know? Well, let me tell you.
Back in World War 2 there was fear that the Germans would attack Philadelphia, or other ports along the eastern seacoast. Just north of these towers is the entrance to the Delaware Bay, and upstream from the Delaware Bay lies the ports of Wilmington, DE and Philadelphia, PA. These towers were used as lookout towers, and thus this beach we were at today is rightly named Tower Beach. Today you cannot go up in these towers, but they still stand as a little reminder to Delaware's role in helping to play a role in the coastal watch.
I also met Michele, a very, cool, homeschooling mom and a dear friend to Mt Pleasant Mom. Soon she will be moving to West Virginia and I'm hoping that I will be able to visit her sometime in the near future. But I heard that I will be heading north very soon. Delaware has been fun to visit and I've seen some really neat sites.

Sassafras River Adventure

2007-06-23T16:41:00.000-05:00

One of the things I've learned in my Adventure to Delaware is that there is water everywhere. Most of it is 'flat water'. That's a term canoeists use to refer to water that has a current but is flat, and free of rapids. Mt. Pleasant Mom took me to just one of those rivers on Thursday.

It is the Sassafras River and it flows from East to West, from the very western edge of Delaware through Maryland to Maryland's Eastern Shore. That's what the land is called that is on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Sassafras River flows into the Chesapeake Bay. We didn't see the Chesapeake on this trip since the river gets quite choppy and rough close to its mouth and is highly affected by the tidal flow. Instead we went floating on the part nearer its source.

But first we had to put the canoe and kayak onto the car:
No, I didn't ride up here even though I wanted to. The sightseeing would have been quite good though. When we got to the river the boys put the boats onto the shore and took some photos of me.

It is low tide and even though we are miles and miles upstream from the Chesapeake Bay this river is very affected by the tidal flow. It even tastes salty.
In 6 hrs the water will be a foot deep here but we were out and back before that happened.

I couldn't take the camera along cause it might have gotten very wet on our adventure, but let me share with you what we saw. We saw Great Blue Herons, six and ten at a time!

The water is teaming with fish and we watched the Great Blue Heron catch fish along the river. We also spotted a Bald Eagle and two juvenile eagles! What a sight. There was a little bird chasing the Bald Eagle away too.

We saw catfish, huge catfish that were at least 3 feet in length and that's no fish story. There were turtles and tortoises, and squirrels, and a Canada Goose pair guarding their young. It is a natural area with few houses along the shore so the wildlife is teaming here. We didn't see any other mice though :-)

Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men

2007-06-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

We had planned to head to Dover International Speedway for a walk around the monster track but unfortunately it rained in the morning. Rain causes the track to be all wet and from what we've heard the sides are so steep that it would too dangerous for anyone to be on the track.

Always having a back-up plan to keep Mice and Young Men out of trouble Mt. Pleasant Mom put us all to work.
First we went to the yard and got a scoop of Eastern Maryland White Rocks. Then we shoveled,

and shoveled:
and shoveled:
and shoveled:
I know what you are thinking. You're thinking that I'm just watching all this, but you would be wrong. Nope, I was supervising!

Adventure to French Creek State Park

2007-06-14T20:25:00.000-05:00

This morning Mt.Pleasant Mom decided that we should all go for a walk through the woods. I expected us to just go for a little walk, but that's NOT what we did. Oh my NO. We traveled north from Delaware into Pennsylvania, through the Amish countryside:Past beautiful farmlandl

And finally to French Creek State Park. I was given a back-row seat, LOL, but the view was wonderful.

And as I mentioned earlier, we hiked and hiked and hiked. OK, so I rode in the pack, but I had to keep a-look-out for blue markers. We followed the Boone Trail:
The park rangers put a blue stripe high up on the trees for hikers to follow so that they know where to hike. These two boys really know how to follow the trail:

Once in awhile they checked their location and our hiking distance on the GPS. We did lose the trail once .....

As we hiked I spotted some signs of woodpeckers. Look at these holes! Thankfully I didn't get lost in one of them.
I also spotted a caterpillar traveling down the tree.
And look at this moth's camouflage!
Finally after 4 hours of hiking, and many, many miles we reached Hopewell Lake.

We saw boats and sailboats on the shore that are surely used on this lake on hot summer days. Today was not a hot day but just the right temperature for a walk through the woods.
The ride back home was through beautiful Pennsylvania farmland, rolling hills growing corn.

Relay For Life

2007-06-12T17:40:00.002-05:00

Last Friday night I had the time of my life! In the small town of Middletown, Delaware the fields become filled with teams, (folks raising money and awareness for American Cancer Society) who are having fun being part of Relay For Life. Enjoying life, singing and dancing, and celebrating being alive. The evening began with the Survivor Walk---Cancer Survivors with their caretaker walk the first lap. Then all the teams walk :

The teams are dancing and cheering and having a great time.
After the teams all walk the track, the entertainers play music through the night so the walkers have entertainment. Here are my new friends Jay and Denise. The sing beautifully!

Each team must have at least one team member walking the track at all times, through the night and into the next morning. When darkness comes the luminares are lit:
There were so many luminares that the track was totally lit for the quarter-mile track! The teams walk through the night and the luminares light continued till almost morning. I was tired!

But maybe not as tired as my team mates. Everyone seemed to be sleeping!
Here I am!

This crazy kid (MtPleasants SK) walked all through the night, and told me he walked over 30 miles! Can you imagine! He told me that he walked for his Grandma who died from lung cancer before he was born, and he walked for his GrandDad who is in Stage 4 colon cancer.

Here's the Relay For Life website.

A visit from my new friend and a trip to MD Eastern Shore

2007-05-29T20:26:00.000-05:00

Do you know what happens when a homeschool mom has to take her child in for a long medical procedure? I found that out today! Mt Pleasant's hs friend has four children, so she called her hs friends to see if they could take one of her other children for the day, and permit her to focus her attention just on the one child having the medical procedure. Isn't that cool! A tight-knit community helping each other out.

So very early this morning 'Smiley Face' came to Mt Pleasant with his school books and did school here at Mt Pleasant. The boys all worked very hard so that when 'Smiley Face's' mom returned at noon he had his work completed. The boys and 'Smiley Face' got a little play time in too.

I liked watching them work. Of course in this photo Boy #2 was still eating his breakfast of bacon and chocolate milk.

After dinner we headed out to Dog Obedience School. Brutus is learning obedience, and the oldest boy is being trained too. Since they were away in Kansas last week they missed a class and so we drove to a make-up class. It was quite a far drive to Earlville, MD, but I soon learned just how pretty the Eastern Shore of Maryland is. There was a mix-up and we arrived 45 minutes early, and soon learned that the class was only on week 2 and not week 3 as Mt Pleasant had been told. They decided to take a drive through the country-side and show me a bit of the Eastern Shore. Soon we came to Mt Harmon Plantation.

Maryland, including the Eastern Shore area has numerous plantation homes. It was past their closing time so we drove on. The Eastern Shore is called this because it lies east of the Chesapeake Bay. Throughout this area there are numerous inlets, streams, creeks, and rivers. In this photo the DelMarVa pensisula is shown laying between the Chesapeake Bay on the west and the Delaware Bay on the east. Maryland has a tiny strip of land on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and oh my, is it pretty there.

As we drove home we came to one such creek. Or is this an inlet?This body of water was only accessible by permit. But isn't it just beautiful.

On the way home we purchased a few quarts of strawberries from an Amish boy. Ummm, they were good and the boys ate them all before we got home so we don't have a photo of the berries. Imagine that, and they didn't share with me either.

I've arrived in Mt Pleasant Academy, Delaware

2007-05-28T20:03:00.000-05:00

I arrived in Delaware! The stamps gave my presence away to the MtPleasant folks. Soon I was introduced to:

Agamemnon the African Lab frog from Grow-A-Frog folks. See him there just to my left? He's just 7 months old and still growing. Agamemnon breathes air but lives in water all the time. This summer, I was told, he will start eating worms from MtPleasant's garden. When he starts eating them he will grow quite a lot, or so they hope.

Next I was introduced to Rabbit. There are many rabbits in their yard but this one just stays put. The rabbits love to eat the lush yard grass but they must hide from the foxes and run fast when the crows attack. Finally I was introduced to Brutus the Buckeye. Actually he is a 6-month old puppy, one of the gentle giant breeds. He promises not to hurt me while I am staying with Mt Pleasant Academy. Brutus is named after the mascot for The Ohio State University although most folks believe he is named Brutus because of his size. Presently he weighs about 85#. He's kept on a leash in the house so that if he misbehaves, which is quite infrequently these days, he can be quickly caught and disciplined. They tell me that when they discipline him he is put through a series of Sit-stays, and Down-stays, but never, ever hit or yelled at. That just isn't an approach Mt Pleasant uses with her dog or her children.

Tomorrow we have school and a new friend is coming for the day. It is time to go to bed.

Thalia Mara Hall

2007-04-30T15:51:00.000-05:00

I spent most of last week at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson, Mississippi. Princess was in a show and I attended every single Thalia Mara rehearsal and both shows. I had plenty of time to explore. Here I am at the fountains in front of Thalia Mara Hall. I also saw the green room, which is green, by the way, the dressing rooms, and the orchestra pit (I fell in but Wisteria was able to retrieve me). I found that Thalia Mara is an interesting person. Here is a web site if you are curious.

Wisteria promises normalcy this week. We may even get to see some local sights.

Ham Jam

2007-04-22T13:42:00.000-05:00

This weekend Philadelphia, MS hosted the HAM JAM which is an annual barbecue cook-off and music and other fun activities. It was perfect weather for such piggish activity. Many of the merchants participate in the decor for the HAM JAM by dressing a pig. There is MUDdonna, Miss Ima Hogg, Gym E Dean (Jimmie Dean Pork Sausage), and many others. Audrey Hamburn was even there. Quite a day. Quite a day. I may not eat for the rest of the week.

The Pearl River

2007-04-18T12:36:00.000-05:00

I visited an oxbow bayou thingie of the Pearl River today. The Pearl runs all the way to the Gulf of Mexico from a little north of where I am staying. In the more remote parts of the river alligators are plentiful. Here, there are none. We did see snakes and turtles galore.

The cypress trees are amazing!! They have knees. I tripped over one and landed on another. Ouch! But, really, they are very cool.

I went to Jackson, MS

2007-04-14T17:08:00.000-05:00

Today, I got to ride in the Yellow Bug car. Just look at that moss in the trees across the street. You don't see that in the north. I went with Wisteria and Princess to Jackson for ballet rehearsal. Princess had a two hour rehearsal at the Mississippi Arts Center. Unfortunately, the ballet dictators wouldn't let me in the door of the studio. So, I am a little short and I didn't bring my tights. Maybe it was because I don't have legs. I think they are being a little short sighted.

Wisteria and I just sat outside and talked with other ballet moms. Mississippi Museum of Art has just moved to a huge, new to them, facility so there was not much to see at the Arts Center. There were some gospel groups practicing, so I got to hear that. If the weather had not been so foul we could have visited the new art museum and looked at the fountain at Thalia Mara Hall. Sounds like I'm complaining, but I'm not.

We got to eat at Beagle Bagel and shop at the Jazzy Dancer. We got to drive through a scary thunderstorm. I got to see downtown Jackson, MS. This was a good day.

Egg Collecting

2007-04-12T15:40:00.000-05:00

My first chore was collecting eggs. There were many eggs in the hen house, but there were also eggs in the barn. The hay bales seem to be a magnet for hens. These eggs were in a big round hay bale that had the center eaten by a cow. We didn't take the blue egg. Brightly colored eggs were in all the nests so the hens would continue to think it safe to lay in these nests and not look for more difficult to find locations.

Tomorrow will be a gardening day!!

I've Arrived in Small Town Mississippi

2007-04-11T15:48:00.002-05:00

After a long journey, I have arrived in Mississippi. I may have to lose the sweater and scarf since the temperatures are warm, 75 degrees Fahrenheit today. I'm sitting on the front porch listening to the ruckus the Wisteria family calls life. There are cows lowing, horses whinnying, roosters crowing, hens cackling, dogs barking, birds singing, and . . . cats meowing. I have been a bit worried about my safety. There seems to be an alarming number of cats prowling.

Wisteria assures me that I am not the sort of mouse that the cats eat. I sure hope she is correct.

After a tall glass of ice tea and a visit on the porch, I have been promised a tour of the farm. It was even suggested that I could be of assistance with chores. The porch is much nicer. I may stay here.

Diversion

2007-04-04T17:01:00.000-05:00

Well ... things have taken a small turn. After a squeakily short visit to Mt. Pleasant Classical Academy, it was decided that there would be much more to do here in Deleware in May. So, I hopped back into my envelope and am now heading to Mississippi. I should be arriving at the home of Twice-Bloomed Wisteria any day now. Can't wait!

Goodbye Iowa

2007-03-23T21:44:00.000-05:00

Today I said goodbye to the Pickle Family. I had a good time but it is time for me to move on. My next stop is Mt. Pleasant Classical Academy. See you there!

Road Trip!

2007-03-20T22:32:00.000-05:00

I got to go on a road trip Monday.

The picklets are still studying Grant Wood and because of that study we all got to go and see a HUGE work of art by Grant Wood!

This stained glass is HUGE! Way bigger than a wee mouse such as myself. (I am circled in green) It features 6 soldiers who stand 6 feet tall ranging from Revolutionary War to WWI eras. Woods sister Nan posed for the angel.

After viewing the window we looked at the Cedar River. Gerty got very dizzy watching the rapids. I thought it was very cool!

We then went to various sites and I got to experience Spring in Iowa. I was almost eaten by a dinosaur and I got to feed ducks along with seeing the sites.

I was very tired and took a nap while the picklets had piano lessons. Then we were on the road again. We met up with Cool to eat supper and window shop at a huge mall. We walked and walked and walked. In the mall was this huge mural that I got my picture taken by.

I had another great day with the Pickle Family. On the way home Gerky told me that I would be leaving Iowa this week to visit another family. I am going to miss Iowa and the Pickles, but being the Adventure Mouse that I am, I am always ready for another good adventure!

Spring and Bats

2007-03-16T09:44:00.000-05:00

When I arrived in Iowa it was icy. No one could walk outside without slip slidin' away. what a turn around in weather!

This is a picture of me by the Pickles Family thermometer that hangs on their flag pole. Gerty was a bit upset that you couldn't see the temperature BUT I am here to tell you that baby read 75º!

And here is a picture of me right by the rubbermaid tub that contains a bat. Yes, another of my cousins. We didn't have much of an opportunity to talk but I am happy to report that he is ok and has been let go out in the wild. You can read more about the families bat adventures at Wicked Pickles.

A Visit to the Cheese Factory

2007-03-10T09:51:00.000-06:00

What better place for a mouse to visit? What I learned:

Three of these towers filled with milk are used 6 days a week to make fresh cheese curds.

The milk is sent, via an underground pipe, across the street where it is made into cheese curds. This is me on the cooooold pipe.

This is a picture of the silos on the side of the street I am on. One is very very cold and one is warm.

Inside the building the cheese curds blow out chutes and are collected in these big vats. A rake like thing rakes them for hours separating the curds and whey.

The cheese factory sells the fresh curds to customers as well as sell them in bulk quantities to Kraft. So the next time you eat any cheesy meals from Kraft you will know where some of the cheddar cheese came from!

Excitement at the Pickle House

2007-03-08T17:09:00.000-06:00

I was going to write about the water cycle today as that is what the picklets and I learned about yesterday. As it turned out, because of the water cycle The Pickles garage was saved from fire.

This is where the fire started. I am sad to report that one of my cousins (not of the ornament type but rather the mouse) has been accused in the starting of the fire. Though no one really knows what happened it is believed that a rodent was in the cabinet and ignited it by chewing on chemical bottles.

This is a slide that was up in the rafters. It got really, really hot up there and the whole roof is gonna have to be replaced. There were many plastic things in the rafters and there are many many strings of plastic dangling from the ceiling.

This is me in a string of plastic.

Over all, The Wicked Pickles know how lucky they were. Cool came in from work and said, "The garage in on fire!" Gherty called 911, went to the basement and cut the electricity and by the time she got back up the stairs and to the door the sirens were wailing. They fire department was here in less than 2 minutes. No one was hurt and things can be replaced. Someone was watching over them last night.

Eclipse, Ghost Rider and Chinese Food

2007-03-03T23:02:00.000-06:00

What a busy evening I have had. The Pickle Family decided to go out for a bit to eat and to see a movie. I am so glad they took me along.

We all loaded into the van and headed to town. On the way to town we got to see part of the lunar eclipse. The moon was reddish. Cool pulled the van over so Gerky (that's what her friends call her) could take a picture. The wind was blowing so hard she couldn't get a clear shot, but it does show the red.

When we got to town Gerky bought tickets to Ghost Rider. While she was in the theater she snagged front row seats in the balcony PLUS she talked to one of the volunteers and got permission for ME to help run the film projector. That is an important job and the film was sooo big! The movie was scary at some points but it was really good.

When the movie ended we went to eat at the local Chinese restaurant. Oh yum! They had a big Buddha that the whole Pickles family rubbed the tummy of and made a wish. The owners wrote my name in Chinese for me. It is very different from the letters we use.

A Mouse Sized Sledding Hill

2007-03-03T09:22:00.000-06:00

American Gothic

2007-03-01T22:41:00.000-06:00

I learned about Grant Wood today. He was a famous artist from Iowa. He painted a great picture named American Gothic. While observing the picklets learn art today I played a trick on them! tee, hee, hee

Icy Iowa

2007-02-27T21:02:00.000-06:00

I am finally here in Iowa. I arrived safe and sound this morning about 10:30. I actually arrived about 8:30 but since they didn't know Ihad arived, I was left in the cooooold mailbox for a while. Finally Sweet, on her way home from the library, stopped and picked me up. I can say two things about Iowa. 1. It's cold. 2. It's icy. Gherkin took this picture to show you the ice. I faded but it is a nice look at the ice out the window.

Today is Polar Bear Day and in honor of that the science turned into "Polar Bears". The "picklets" at Wicked Pickles showed me how to study their way. We watched a movie called Mammals: Polar Bears on the computer. We learned that Polar Bears have up to 4 inches of blubber (that's as tall as I am!) and that blubber helps keep the polar bears insulated. The picklets included me in their hands-on blubber experiment. I got to experience first hand just how blubber insulates a mouse! I have to admit it was really scary to go head first into a plastic bag filled with blubber but I was very warm sitting in the bowl of ice water.

In honor of my first night in the house, Gherkin made a pasta dish with asparagas. I love nibbling on things such as that. She gave me a HUGE plateful but I could only eat a little bit. Mice have very little tummies you know!

I am very tired. I have had a long and cold journey from PA, but The Wicked Pickles have opened their doors and hearts to me. I anticipate a wonderful and fun stay. Gherkin has told me that we won't be heading out anytime this week since there is another ice storm due tomorrow thru Friday. Boy am I glad I got here today!

Sweet has made a great bed for me and let me use a doll so I don't get too homesick. Yawnnnnn...it is time for me to head to bed so I am ready to study with the "picklets".

Addy Visits Homeschool Learning Center

2007-02-15T05:37:00.000-06:00

Good morning everybody! This past Monday, I had a wonderful time visiting the homeschool learning center with MotherCrone's gang. Here I am with Girlie and part of the musical theater class. Boy, can those kids sing and act. I had a great time dancing to the beat.

Some of you have asked about the learning center. It is not a co-op, but has morphed from one into an actual learning center with a lot of different teachers and classes. The center meets on Mondays only, and goes from September to May. Students will often get grade appropriate assignments from each class to do during the week in addition to their own work which reflect the class and are grade appropriate. Many of the classes give grades and assessments for portfolios.

While some of the teachers are indeed homeschooling parents, the resumes' and diversity are impressive. Others are tried and true teachers of the best sort, who understand and respect homeschooling, and love teaching such an eager group of students. There are over twenty teachers on staff every year, and close to sixty classes available for kids K-12 each Monday.

The learning center can be used for various reasons. It is an excellent way to get group classes for homeschooled kids in subjects like theater, physical education, and chorus. Many use it to help with specialized subjects, like foreign language and fine arts. Still others like want their children to learn to take instruction from a teacher who is not their parent and practice organization and listening skills in a classroom setting . There are those students who take as few as one class or as many as seven, and study halls are offered in between.

All involved love having a place where the kids have a group of peers who all homeschool. While there is a lot of diversity among the kids, the one constant is that they have a group of friends where they do not have to explain their lifestyle choice. They get it, and live it. They love their families. While my kids have always had friends who were not homeschooled, there is something special and understood in these friendships.

If anyone lives in near Easton, PA , and is interested in these classes, please contact MotherCrone. We have families from both PA and NJ, and many who drive close to an hour. It is THAT worth it!

Adventures in Pennsylvania, Part II

2007-02-03T05:19:00.000-06:00

MotherCrone and Girlie had a lovely time talking with the museum director, gathering information for Girlie's artist biography. They visited the gift shop, then came to find me before venturing on the paths.

I was enjoying this lovely scenery while resting on my rock. We all had a sense of awe as we started along the path that followed the old stone walls. Girlie wondered aloud if we were actually walking where Audubon had walked, on his way back from his daily wanderings.

I was getting a little bored after sitting for so long, and thought it would be fun to play a little game of hide-and-seek along the trail.

Here I am! I was wishing I had worn something a little less obvious than hot pink right about now....

Girlie took a minute to pose for a picture as we were crossing over a man-made bridge. She pointed out that the remains of the stone bridge were still down at the base, more evidence that these paths were very, very old indeed.

She suddenly turned around and motioned for us to stop and be quiet. She had seen something up ahead, and were slowly crept forward to join her.

I must tell you, I had not problem with this, but even MotherCrone managed to be 'quiet as a mouse." As we walked, trying not to rustle leaves or snap twigs, Girlie was about to explode from excitement. we rounded the bend and saw exactly why she was in such a state....

A grey heron, standing right at the streams edge! The water looked so cold, yet it stood there contently popping its head in and out of the water. We were able to get about fifteen yards from it before it began to get a nervous.

Girlie borrowed the camera to take this picture. We decided to let it be, and walked back the way we came. I was starting to get quite cold, so Girlie popped me in her pocket. We all walked back to the car, quite happy to have had such a lovely adventure.

Next week, we are going to see the Liberty Bell!

Adventures in Pennsylvania

2007-02-03T04:22:00.000-06:00

Greetings, everyone! I arrived in Pennsylvania safe and sound. The gang at MotherCrone's sure had some exciting things planned for my visit.

Our first adventure was a "Girl's Only" fieldtrip to John James Audubon's home in Pennsylvania, MillGrove. Girlie told me all about him as we were riding in the car to the museum. He was a famous artist and naturalist, and was sent at a teenarger to live in Pennsylvania in 1803 to avoid being drafted into Napoleon's army. Although his father wanted him to oversee the family farm, he spent his days hunting, riding, and watching animals, especially birds. Like any teenager without a parent around, he did as he pleased.

He decided to use his skills and try to record and paint all the birds he found in America. He also used his skills as a hunter, for he would shoot the birds, so he could study them up close. He was the first to use wires to place the birds in life-like poses before painting.

When Girlie told me the inside of the museum was filled with specimens like this, I thought it was best if I waited outside. As a wee mousie myself, the thought made me more than a little nervous.

We found a lovely rock for me to sit on, under a tree full of bird feeders. It was a clear winter's day, and I watched juncos, chickadees, and cardinals flutter to and fro while they ate. I used a technique Audubon used to study the habits of the Peewee Flycatcher. He would sit very still inside the cave where they nested for days at a time. At first the birds were very nervous at his presence. But over time they trusted him, and went about their business. Addie, Adventure Mouse and Naturalist- in-Training!

Audubon only spent four years at Mill Grove.

He fell in love with the girl next door, Lucy

Bakewell. He returned to France to ask

permission to marry, and that is where he is said to have had the idea for a book of bird paintings.

It took him many years to compile all the paintings, but in 1826 he sails to England with his portfolio and finds a publisher for his book, "Birds of America." All of London fell in love with this woodsman, and he painted pictures like this outside in the square to increase interest.

On the second floor of the museum, they had this great art table set up in a room painted with beautiful bird murals. Girlie tried her hand at sketching a sharp-shinned hawk.

(see Part II, for the rest of our trip! )

Final Stop: Train Club

2007-01-23T21:16:00.000-06:00

Thomas brought me to his train club tonight. I had a lot of fun. I was thinking that I would fit nicely, but to my surprise, I was a giant!

Here I am at the depot, getting ready to depart.

Yes, I'm leaving Frankie, Thomas and Bob behind. I'm on my way east. Tomorrow after school I'll be heading to east to visit Mother Crone's homeschool!

Making Me Comfortable

2007-01-19T16:30:00.000-06:00

Hospitality has been good here in Minnesota. Thomas decided to make me comfortable by making me my own home. He found some styrofoam, made a hole for me, made and decorated a mail box. It's quite cozy in my home away from home, and I've enjoyed staying warm in my hole during the 20-below-zero nights here. Brrrr.

Thomas also decided that I needed a friend. So he's off crafting a dollar-store-paper mouse companion.

Frankie whispered to me that I may be leaving soon and going east. . . but she promised I can come back to visit when it is warm outside.

Wheeee...

2007-01-15T11:27:00.000-06:00

Thomas decided to take me for a spin around his railroad. He hooked up his new Rock Island RS3 engine to a couple of gondola cars and found a spot for me to ride. What fun!

Ah, this is more like it

2007-01-14T18:12:00.000-06:00

Nice and toasty warm. Thanks, Snowball, for warming me up. You didn't really need to lick my ear, though.

What's this white stuff?

2007-01-14T17:46:00.000-06:00

I don't know if I like Minnesota or not, it's awfully cold! We've had below 0 windchills this week. Thankfully Thomas and Frankie didn't go out of the house much. When we had our pictures taken, it was 10 degrees with a -12 windchill.

Thomas did insist on taking me sledding. We didn't stay out long as Thomas couldn't find his mittens (and his mom didn't give him any pie, either). What you can't see in the photo is that it was SNOWING. Big, huge flakes and coming down fast.

There's this thing called a winter storm watch that means that it is possible for us to get a lot of snow. Well, when it started snowing, we were quickly upgraded to a warning -- which means it's here. We already have two inches of new snow and are expecting 6-8 tonight and possibly 6-8 more tomorrow! Good thing Frankie stocked up at the grocery store today.

I think the snow is great, it's just better when watching it from a cozy, warm house. I think I'll snuggle up with the cat and look out the window.

Game Night

2007-01-09T20:43:00.000-06:00

Frankie, Thomas and Bob decided to have a game night. They played their new Apples to Apples game. I had lots of fun being the judge and laughing at some of their silly answers.

It was quite the experience, though, because Frankie and Bob really think differently, and sometimes they *really* disagreed about things. Bob did not like it when Frankie played a Rush Limbaugh card to define crazy. What a pair those two are.

2007-01-09T20:41:00.000-06:00

I arrived just as Frankie was pulling Thomas's latest Sculpey creations from the oven. Because of my presence, I prevented Thomas from being upset that his starfish pencil holder didn't turn out quite as expected. His duck's eyes got all messed up as well. But he sure did make some cute critters.

I have arrived!!!

2007-01-09T20:40:00.000-06:00

Fresh air and a happy young man to greet me! I have arrived!

Ah, just breathe

2007-01-09T20:32:00.000-06:00

Oh, oh, get me out of here!!!

MatchGame 2007

2007-01-07T08:10:00.000-06:00

Here's a game for you until I get to Frankie's.

Match these states:
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Oregon

With their nicknames:
- Beaver State
- Natural State
- Pelican State
- Sooner State

I've been to all these states so far and I can't wait to see the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

Highlight below for answers:
>AR-Natural State, LA-Pelican State, OK-Sooner State, OR-Beaver State<

In Transit

2007-01-05T15:04:00.000-06:00

Addie waits for the USPS.

Destination: Frankie's

Talimena Drive

2007-01-03T11:11:00.000-06:00

Addie knows that you have to take Talimena Drive to get from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas. She takes it every chance she gets! It's not called Oklahoma State Highway 1 fer nuttin!

The Ouachita Mountains are a fold-and-thrust mountain range which were formed when rocks from the south where shoved hundreds of miles over the rocks in the north. So, basically ... this area was once part of a deep sea floor in Texas and as high as the Rocky Mountains. Over time, the mountains have simply eroded away ... but still plenty beautiful, especially in autumn.

The sun wasn't setting at this vista, but Addie still enjoyed the view.

Addie could still see parts of the Old Military Road. She was thrilled to be in a place where Colonel Robert E. Lee, General Zachary Taylor, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, and Sam Houston allegedly travelled.

Five-Star Fun

2007-01-03T10:10:00.000-06:00

Addie takes advantage of all the amenities in her hotel room.

Crater of Diamonds State Park - Arkansas

2007-01-02T07:08:00.000-06:00

NOTE: Addie was here on Friday, December 29, 2006 ... two days later, a large diamond was found! On the Saturday in between, the area received a record amount of steady rainfall which helps uncover the diamonds! Read about the lucky dog here!

Addie stopped by this "gem" in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Turns out that several other OSU fans stopped by the mine on their way back to Oklahoma.

Boy, this is hard work! One lady did find a small diamond on this day ... over by the tree line.

Addie decided to not dig here ... you know, lightening never strikes twice!

Addie checks out all the information about the mine ... used to be a volcano, huh?

Independence Bowl 2006

2007-01-01T07:07:00.000-06:00

Addie made it to Shreveport. The town had its red carpet laid out for all players and fans.

Addie horses around at the Horseshoe Casino.

Addie almost lost her voice from cheering for the Pokes!

How "orange" are you?

A truly exciting game to the end ... literally! Did anyone see it?

Showman's Rest - Circus Performers Graveyard

2006-12-31T09:45:00.002-06:00

A quick side trip to Hugo, OK ... the winter home of two circuses. The main attraction being the cemetery ... the final resting place for circus performers.

"Many cemeteries, particularly those in larger cities, have restrictive ordinances that prevent such flamboyance or mirthful memorials, but dancing elephants, clowns and circus wagons are right at home in Hugo."

Read more about it here and here.

OSU Bowl Game or Bust

2006-12-27T09:26:00.000-06:00

Addie shows her team spirit!

Christmas 2006

2006-12-26T09:23:00.000-06:00

After yet another successful countdown, Addie is ready for adventure. Before the end of the year, Addie plans on going to the Independence Bowl in Louisiana. On the way back, she will stop by the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas.

Meet My Friends, Finn & Slinky

2006-06-30T16:02:00.000-05:00

Check out their cool travel blog.

Stuck in Limbo

2006-05-08T22:57:00.000-05:00

Addie Getting Special Permission to "Touch"

2006-02-19T13:32:00.000-06:00

This is a car once owned by Elvis. The guy guarding the car actually looked up Addie's site on his laptop before allowing us to take the picture.

Addie lends a hand

2006-02-19T13:24:00.000-06:00

Adventure Mouse vising the Portland Hot Rod and Custom Show, Saturday 2/18

Ready for the big game

2006-02-07T20:32:00.000-06:00

We're the starting five

Checking out the new digs

2006-02-06T13:38:00.000-06:00

Dang, I should have packed a jacket

Addie Arrived!

2006-02-04T14:17:00.000-06:00

Yikes, hope these people don't plan on worming me.

Oregon or bust

2006-02-02T10:15:00.000-06:00

Yahoo!

Tulsa Gun Club

2006-02-01T12:23:00.000-06:00

Boy, this is a noisy place ... skeet shooting looks fun, though.

Ggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

2006-01-29T17:42:00.000-06:00

Stuffed animals rock!

The turnstyles at the front door kinda threw me. This is a "store" right? Or, is it a small natural museum with a really big gift shop? By the way ... I bought nothing!

Yoo hoo ... I'm by his left foot.

Square Feet

2006-01-29T17:34:00.000-06:00

There are 130,000 of them. Can you find me?

Rocky Raccoon checked into his room, only to find ...

2006-01-29T17:05:00.000-06:00

Stopped by the new Bass Pro Shop in Broken Arrow*. It's been open since October and I am one of the 2.4 million predicted visitors for this year.

*not to be confused with Broken Bow!

My Ride

2006-01-28T11:12:00.000-06:00

Had the dog drop me off here ... I'm good to go!

Doggone!

2006-01-27T10:55:00.000-06:00

What can I say? Give a dog a bone and he's yours!

Rusti & Me

2006-01-26T15:22:00.000-06:00

Stopped to visit Rusti before I blow this pop stand.

World ... Here I Come!

2006-01-20T05:01:00.001-06:00

I made it!

Out of the Shed

2006-01-20T04:59:00.001-06:00

The coast is clear ...

Out of the Box

2006-01-20T04:56:00.001-06:00

So far ... so good!

Chance of a Lifetime

2006-01-20T04:47:00.001-06:00

While no one was looking, Addie poked her head out of the box. After a year in storage, and even more recently ... 24 days of counting down for Christmas ... she was ready for a change. This was her chance ... it was now or never! She escaped ...

Hanging Around

2006-01-20T04:42:00.000-06:00

Hi, I'm Addie ... you know, from the Advent Calendar. Yep, that's me ... sitting on the 11! I am the official Christmas Countdown Mouse.

Portrait

2006-01-08T09:09:00.000-06:00