As I previously stated, we have been getting more involved in church, and taking over some of the duties, as we ought to be. I've also gotten all the paperwork in, and we "officially" started school last Thursday. We are diving in, both feet, not looking back into the Charlotte Mason method of learning. I've been reviewing a book I read several years ago, "A Charlotte Mason Companion" by Karen Andreola, and studying up on narratives, ideas for different techniques for hands on learning, and creative free time playing. No, I don't have it "all together" yet, but we are getting there. So far I've learned that I have to keep up on the record keeping everyday just for my own peace of mind in regards to the end of the year portfolios. Also, I'm pleased that there are no required quarterly reports in Pennsylvania. Just one great big reckoning at the end of the year.
The library is just around the corner from us, but it is TINY, and not very good as far as good kids' books are concerned. There are some of the classics (most of which I have) and some stuff on Pennsylvania. Our first History/Geography lesson is all about this new state in which we live, and I was hoping for some good kids' biographies or stories about the Liberty Bell, or living books about the Allegany River or Appalachian Mountains... but I haven't found anything that would be a good living book at the library, so we'll have to look stuff up on the Internet, and maybe I can find some decent priced things on Amazon. For now I have a few books in my own private library they can use. We aren't suffering for books around here! LOL
Our next door neighbor had a baby last week, and I decided to make a baby quilt. There are two things about this baby quilt that made me reach beyond the rut I've gotten into. First of all, it is of my own design. Second, it isn't symmetrical. Also, I used some machine applique which I have never been brave enough to try. It is of an abstract, modern design too, a real departure from my tendency to use more traditional arrangement. I just need to put the label on it, and we'll take it over, and bring a meal, too.
We seem to have inherited a black bunny from somewhere. It definitely isn't wild. It eats the grass and weeds sedately and though it doesn't startle and run away from us, it won't let us exactly touch it. The cat has had mild interest in it. I think he tried to chase it once, then decided to just resort to grooming himself and ignoring the strange intruder.
The weather here has been pretty good, but we have had a few hot and humid days. Thankfully it has been cool enough at night so that we can just run the fans. We haven't attempted to put in the AC's yet, as it seems too late in the season to mess with it. Plus, the style of windows we have for the most part, do no lend themselves to air conditioning units. That is something we'll have to deal with next year.
This next picture is one Elizabeth took of me, and decided that the heat was getting to me. The water here is very different than it was in NY. I think it is very "soft" water, for suds are quite easily made, and can easily take over if one isn't careful. Looking at the suds at the end of a hot, humid day, I was longing for snow, and well.....
So, there is a small update. I'll leave out the boring details of our first monthly shopping, and doing some reconnaissance and finding two very small, but tempting quilt shops.... let's just say Dale is very happy they are each 45 minutes away!
Dale has put up some pictures on the walls, and the stencils I bought through Amazon. Very cute looking, I have to say! I'll post pics of those soon.
Blessings to you all!
1 comment:
Yeah! So good to hear from you! Glad to hear you're all settling in well. Can't wait to see pics of the house and live the baby quilt! Hugs,
Shellee
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