Summer Vacation

I had a busy summer! I learned how to do genealogy for the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), took an online course about sharing great works of art in the classroom
, and took a few college-visit trips with my daughter, Aurora. I also visited my family in New Mexico---while there, we--2 of my children, and my sister--hiked around White Sands National Monument.

That's me, in the middle of the sands. It looks like snow, but it's pure white gypsum. This was really a unique experience: it was still and quiet, just like it is here in Brooklyn after a new-fallen snow...only 90 degrees!

Back home this past weekend, my husband and I attended the commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn (1776) held nearby at Greenwood Cemetery---this battle was the 1st one that we fought as a new nation, having just declared our independence from Britain the month before. We didn't win this one, but George Washington and 10,000 American troops managed to escape to Manhattan thanks to the heroic fighting of an American regiment from Maryland, the Maryland 400. They pretty much sacrificed their lives so our guys could regroup to fight another day. And we all know what happened then!

There were re-enactors at the Commemoration, so that's me with the Scots!

What did you do on your summer vacation? Send pictures!

The End of Summer

We have about 2 weeks remaining to our Summer Break---sad but true! I hope you've done lots of wonderful things with your family and friends, gotten lots of exercise, and managed to de-stress. Right about now, if you haven't done so already, you want to get that summer schoolwork done, and flex your mind-muscles by reading some good books. That should put you in a good place to begin the new school year fully powered up. I look forward to seeing you on Sept 3rd, and hearing stories of your adventures!