How to use this Page

Now that spring is showing  us some signs that it just might stay awhile, have you ever wondered how birds know – sometimes before we do – that the weather is warming up and it’s okay to hang around? My writer, scrapbooking, and nature loving friend Shiela Fuller is back with a very interesting post about Ospreys that sheds some light on that question.
Each year since May 2012, wildlife biologists have been studying the migratory track of two adult ospreys from the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens, New York to their wintering site in South America. Queens is the easternmost of five New York City boroughs and the second most populated. The main goal of the project was to gain public awareness of the refuge and cultivate interest in the inhabitants that live there.

The first osprey outfitted with a transmitter was Coley. During the summer of 2012 his movements were monitored 12 hours a day. He began his winter migration and headed south on September 10th, 2012. Seventeen days and 2600 miles later, Coley arrived at his winter home, Columbia, South America.
On May 5, 2013, Coley began his round trip back to Queens, NY and he arrived in 15 days and 7 hours.

Later in the month, Coley’s transmitter was removed and placed on another male osprey, Coley 2. Scientists would now track the movements of this bird. During the summer, Coley 2 spent a lot of time perched with his mate after nest failure. Staying close to the nest assured the pair that it would still be their home the following spring.     
Weather can affect migration and when Coley 2 left New York on September 2, 2013, he was headed into some pretty serious thunderstorms. He only traveled 44 miles and settled in Trenton, New Jersey for the first night of his trip. Coley 2 continued onward and made remarkable time considering his damp start. He arrived at his winter home, Lake Valencia in Venezuela, South America on September 17, 2013.
While at Lake Valencia, Coley 2 will spend his time fishing, eating, and resting until his internal signal tells him it is time to return to the nesting area.

What inspires birds to migrate north or south and how do they find their way? There are only scientific speculations but some say it is hormonal changes and/or the changes in the length of day/night hours that motivate migration. Navigation is a bit trickier to understand but some say birds rely on the position of the sun, those that travel at night rely on the North Star, and some scientists say that birds use landmarks to help them find their way just as humans do. That doesn’t explain a bird’s first migration. How would they know the landmarks if they never traveled before?

Scientists had been monitoring Coley 2 at Lake Valencia and were happy to note that he must know the weather is bad in the northeastern US and stayed a little longer at his warm winter home but on Sunday, March 16, 2014, just a few days ago, Coley 2 left and was traveling at a remarkable 250 miles per day.      
Scientists are not monitoring Coley 1, but he and his female partner were spotted on their platform nest in Jamaica Bay on March 23, 2014. Will Coley 2 be far behind? Will his female partner arrive before he does? Follow Coley 2 on his magnificent journey and you can even predict when he might arrive at his summer home:  http://www.jamaicabayosprey.org.

For more details about the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy osprey project and to predict when Coley 2 will arrive go to: http://www.jamaicabayosprey.com http://www.nyharborparks.org

Footnotes: Another fabulous place to visit is the Cape May Bird Observatory. Their website for information is:  http://www.njaudobon.org

I came upon this website and blog hosted by the Flanders Family, parents of twelve (yes…12!) children.  One of the messages they posted that really resonates is how to keep such a large household running smoothly: assign chores to all the children.  Even the youngest toddler or pre-schooler can do some simple tasks and contribute to the running of the household. Not only do chores help parents, they encourage independence, self esteem and teach children that everyone is responsible for the success of the family.  Kids who do chores are better problem solvers and feel better about themselves than those with no responsibility at home.  Here is the chart they developed that lists some of the jobs that are appropriate for children at each age and stage of development.

Age-Appropriate Chores for  Children   © Copyright 2013 http://www.flandersfamily.info       Check out the website for some wonderful information about parenting, home schooling, organization, arts/crafts/games, and raising kids in a large family.

Ages 2-3
! Put toys in toy box
! Stack books on shelf
! Place dirty clothes in
laundry hamper
! Throw trash away
! Carry firewood
! Fold washcloths
! Set the table
! Fetch diapers & wipes
! Dust baseboards

Ages 4-5                                                             
! Feed pets
! Wipe up spills
! Put away toys
! Make the bed
! Straighten bedroom
! Water houseplants
! Sort clean silverware
! Prepare simple snacks
! Use hand-held vacuum
! Clear kitchen table
! Dry and put away dishes
! Disinfect doorknob

Ages 6-7
! Gather trash
! Fold towels
! Dust mop floors
! Empty dishwasher
! Match clean socks
! Weed garden
! Rake leaves
! Peel potatoes or carrots
! Make salad
! Replace toilet paper roll

Ages 8-9                                                             
! Load dishwasher
! Change light bulbs
! Wash laundry
! Hang/fold clean clothes
! Dust furniture
! Spray off patio
! Put groceries away
! Scramble eggs
! Bake cookies
! Walk dogs
! Sweep porches
! Wipe off table

Ages 10-11
! Clean bathrooms
! Vacuum rugs
! Clean counter tops
! Deep clean kitchen
! Prepare simple meal
! Mow lawn
! Bring in mail
! Do simple mending  (hems, buttons, etc.)
! Sweep out garage

Ages 12 and up
! Mop floors
! Change overhead lights                                              
! Wash/ vacuum car
! Trim hedges
! Paint walls
! Shop for groceries w/list
! Cook complete dinner
! Bake bread or cake
! Do simple home repairs
! Wash windows
! Iron clothes
! Watch younger siblings

Welcome to Middle Grade March 2014.  Today I am highlighting Deb Marshall’s new blog about all things Middle Grade. She’s already featured Holly Schindler and her wonderful book THE JUNCTION OF SUNSHINE AND LUCKY, some great book reviews, and will feature my interview about writing Historical Fiction on March 15.

This is a blog started by Deb Marshall & Akossiwa Ketoglo to celebrate middle grade literature, all month, starting March 1, 2014. This is a continuation of Jill @ The Owl‘s original March of Middle Grade Books.

Expect fun and informative interviews, book reviews, giveaways and all sorts of fun shenanigans.

Deb is also hosting a readathon for the Kick-Off and here is the link to the post about that:

http://middlegrademarch.com/2014/02/17/middle-grade-march-kick-off-read-a-thon/

Here’s the link to the site and the post with my interview.  www.middlegrademarch.com

If you get a chance to stop by IHop between 7AM and 10PM tomorrow, March 4, 2014, you can join in the celebration of their 9th annual NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY fundraiser.  You can eat your favorite pancakes, or make a donation that will benefit children’s hospitals and charities across the country. For more details visit: http://www.ihoppancakeday.com

Today’s post comes from a wonderful source: The Children’s Book Review, hosted by Bianca Schulze.

Here are Bianca’s recommendations for five of the best MG books for children.

The art of creating life-long readers really comes down to getting the right books into the right hands at the right time. Once kids have the power to read, letting them choose books for themselves is a really important step in the process of learning to enjoy reading for pleasure. With the amount of wonderful middle grade books available, sometimes finding somewhere to start can be a challenge. Next time your child finds herself confronted with the question of “what to read next,” encourage her to select books that revolve around her passions and personal interests, or start by showing her some of these wonderful books for both girls and boys.

Matilda                                                        

By Roald Dahl

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Throughout my childhood, I read many of Dahl’s books: James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Witches, The Twits (my second favorite) and (my favorite) Revolting Rhymes. Dahl’s talent lies within his power to create poignant satire—his ability to touch the hearts of young readers through absurdity is unmarked. I was so thrilled to introduce Roald Dahl to my daughter with the book loving character Matilda who empowers young girls to be knowledgeable and brave! I know this book has played a large part in turning my daughter into a lifelong reader and, with any luck, a reader that will continue to have a wickedly good sense of humor. Thank you Roald Dahl (forever in my reading heart) for your extreme and creative writing. Read more … (http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2013/06/falling-in-love-with-reading-roald-dahls-matilda-25-years-of-matilda.html)

The Gollywhopper Games                                                          

By Jody Feldman

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Where do I start? How about with a big fat ‘I loved this book’ and had so much fun reading it. Roald Dahl’sCharlie and the Chocolate Factory just happens to be the inspiration behind The Gollywhopper Games. Feldman, a librarian, came up with the idea for the story after a young boy returned Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to her library and requested something similar. When there really wasn’t much literature to compare with the wonderful and magical world Dahl had created, Feldman set about writing The Gollywhopper Games. While the format of the two stories follows a very similar path, Feldman has managed to create an energetic and unique tale all of her own. Gil’s dad promises him they will be able to move away from the trouble that surrounds them if he wins the Gollywhopper Games—an amazing competition held by the ‘Golly Toy and Game Company.’ The competition involves trivia, puzzles, stunts, and the ability to work as a team— thousands of children battle for the ultimate prize. Making the best of a bad situation is certainly encouraged and the message is provided to kids that if you want something bad enough you just might be able to achieve it if you are willing to work hard and really set your mind to it. My hat goes off to Feldman for writing a book with such a creative magical essence that gets children thinking, learning and laughing. What more can you ask for? Read more … (http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2008/07/the-gollywhopper-games-jody-feldman.html)

Inside Out & Back Again

By Thanhha Lai                                                                

Reading level: Ages 8-12

How much do we know about those around us? This is the question that debut novelist Thanhha Lai challenged her readers with in Inside Out and Back Again. Based on Lai’s own personal experience as a Vietnamese refugee, she has crafted a poignant story divided into four parts using a series of poems that chronicle the life of 10-year-old Hà, a child–refugee from Vietnam, during the year 1975—the Fall of Saigon. Along with her mother and three brothers (her father has been missing in action for nine years), Hà travels by boat to a tent city in Guam, is moved to Florida and then finds herself living in Alabama sponsored by an “American cowboy” and his wife. In Alabama, the family are treated as outcasts and forced to integrate quickly through language, food, and religion, to be accepted as a part of the community.

Told with pure honesty, emotions run freely from verse to verse and page to page. Hà’s voice is clear, allowing readers to make a leap from sympathy to deep seeded empathy by experiencing her joy, pain, anger, frustration, loyalties, challenges, loss, and determination. The clarity of Hà’s self-awareness and development toward self-actualization is reminiscent of Susan Patron‘s character Lucky, also a 10-year-old girl, from the Newbery winner (2007) The Higher Power of Lucky (2006). Both characters suffer loss, make mistakes, struggle through emotional challenges, and, through sheer determination, intrinsically blossom.

Lai has created an emotionally powerful novel inspired by her own memories and each word is to be savored, pondered, experienced, and felt. Beautiful! Read more … (http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2011/04/review-inside-out-back-again-by-thanhha-lai.html)

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick                                                        

Reading level: Ages 9-12

The Invention of Hugo Cabret was the winner of the Caldecott Medal in 2008. This book is a massive 500 pages, so it can look quite intimidating for its intended age, however, more than half of the pages are illustrated. The illustrations are a vital component of the story and provide important clues to the ever-evolving mystery.

The tale begins like a movie and the pictures set the scene of a dark night with a full moon that, as the pages pan out, turns into morning in Paris. The story is about a 12-year-old boy, Hugo, who is an orphan living inside the walls of a Paris train station. Before Hugo’s father (a clock maker) passed away in a fire, he had been working on fixing an adult size wind-up figure. Hugo makes it his purpose to fix the figure. He believes that, once reassembled, the figure will reveal a message left for him by his father.

Hugo begins to develop relationships with a girl named Isabelle and her godfather George (whose character is based on the famous film maker George Mieles) who owns a toyshop in the train station. Hugo first encounters George when he is caught stealing mechanical pieces from the shop to fix his wind-up man. Little does Hugo know … George and Isabelle just may be able to help him complete his task.

This book is a wonderful choice for kids who enjoy mysteries—it will even capture the attention of those that are not overly enthusiastic about reading. The illustrations really add such a ‘cool’ dimension—and based on its beauty and shiny Caldecott Medal, this book really makes a beautiful gift. Read more … (http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2008/03/the-invention-of-hugo-cabret.html)

Savvy

By Ingrid Law
                                                    


Reading level: Ages 10-14

Ingrid Law’s first novel, Savvy, has a colorful array of characters who collaborate on an unexpected and heartfelt journey.  The story revolves around the Beaumont family, and in particular Mississippi (Mibs for short). Every family has its quirks, but none are quite as unique as the Beaumont’s. When a member of Mibs’ family turns 13 they receive a savvy—a supernatural gift. For some, a savvy can be a clever awareness and for others a major life change that has the potential to be a good resource once they learn to contain its unique power— such as creating hurricanes and electricity, like her brothers.

A few days before Mibs turns 13, her poppa ends up in the hospital after a car accident. The morning of her birthday Mibs awakens to believe that her savvy is just right for saving her poppa’s life, the only problem is that the hospital is miles from her house. Her solution … to sneak onto a bus belonging to a bible salesman—and this is where the real fun begins and the unforgettable adventure takes off! This is certainly a novel aimed at tweens, and manages to convey pitch-perfect messages dealing with peers, guilt and growing up. While the story is based on the family’s supernatural powers, the emotion and events are certainly the main features that carry this powerful story, and I am positive that any child who reads this will find an element to truly connect with. Read more … (http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2008/07/savvy-ingrid-law.html)

Bio: Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids. She is an aspiring author, a mother to two daughters, and has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, her goal is to grow readers by showcasing great books for kids! Visit: http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChildrensBookReview

Twitter: https://twitter.com/book_mommy

I had the pleasure of meeting author Kim Chabel at a workshop she hosted on how to do Book Trailers. www.Castelane.com and http://www.kimchatel.com  Not only is Kim a wealth of information regarding marketing children’s books with book trailers, she is a fiber artist as well.  Her storytelling AND one of her crafts will be featured in this and Friday’s post.  Here is the enchanting and whimsical excerpt from Kim’s latest book: BURGHER AND THE WOEBEGONE: A-Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-Story.

Burgher and the Woebegone                                                 

By Kim Chatel

Chapter 1: Wherein Burgher finds a toenail.

Spring came to Oxtail Orchard with ash-gray skies and dingy horizons. The stunted apple trees shook on the little hillock like a clutch of old hens left out in the cold.

What’s that? Spring isn’t supposed to be about cold chickens? It’s supposed to be about hopeful flashes of green and blossom scented breezes? You’re right, of course, but Oxtail Orchard had been gray and dismal for too many springs. No one remembered it any other way.

You can thank Burgher for that. He drove the Apple Tree Man away.

Burgher was a gnome, which is just another way of saying an ugly elf. He was fat, but still managed to have knobby knees and elbows. He wore the same clothes everyday, until they were tattered, greasy rags. His beard was as gray as his heart and tangled with bits of twigs and last night’s dinner.

He didn’t care that the scurrying squirrels pined for fresh fruit or the birds, so newly arrived from the south, were confused to find the orchard bare and gray. Burgher liked gray. He worked in his garden bed, plucking the few green shoots that dared to poke through the mud. Only fungus and slugs were allowed in his garden. Slugs were dependable and no one ever made a fuss over fungus.

Burgher had been growing gray things for so long; the grayness had crept inside him. But, dear reader, Burgher was about to learn that color, like hope cannot be kept from this world forever.

Just as he was enjoying his crop of slugs and moss, his trowel turned over a green toenail. Not green like his own moldy hobnobs, but green like eager spring leaves.

Burger pulled his beard. He stomped his foot.

Only one person had toenails like these.

The Apple Tree Man was back.

“. . . good for nothing . . . ruin everything . . .” Burgher mumbled. He slipped the toenail in his pocket and looked up at his apple tree home. A small rain cloud hung over the branches like a pork-pie hat.

It was true! Tiny green buds sparkled on the branches. He stared at the little nubs for a full minute, unbelieving. Buds meant blossoms, leaves, apples and all the infuriating creatures that came with them.

Burgher’s hearing wasn’t so good, and the constant thunder rumbling from the storm cloud didn’t help, but he thought he could just make out the chirping of birds.

“. . . wretched tree.” He kicked at a root. “Blasted buds. . .”

Burgher did not believe in finishing sentences. Finished sentences were whole thoughts, promises that couldn’t be taken back.

“. . . bees . . . too many bees. And butterflies. . .”

Burgher hated butterflies.

He sat heavily on a damp mushroom and wondered how he would rid the orchard of the Apple Tree Man once again. Jonny Gold (as the Apple Tree Man was known) was a legend, even to the legends. Flowers sprang up where he walked. Baby critters followed him with big, soppy smiles. The apple trees bowed in the wind when he passed.

Burgher cared less than a fig for the mysterious Apple Tree Man. When he saw the young field mice and bunny kits at Jonny’s knee, listening to tales of bumblebee heroes, Burger cringed. When he heard Jonny’s flute lilting notes into the moonlight, he gritted his teeth.

You see, reader, Burgher suffered from the most dreadfully incurable disease. He had a broken heart, and he blamed his misery on Jonny Gold.

Chapter 2c: Wherein Burgher meets a dear friend.

Before the grayness, Burgher loved to walk through the orchard in the evening. He liked to listen to the birds fluffing their nests for the night, and the crickets tune their bows to start the evening symphony.

He was still a young gnome then. His beard barely reached his knees. His heart was full of love for his home and his neighbors.

“Good evening, Burgher,” said Mrs. Raccoon.

“Evenin’” said Burgher tipping his hat. “How are the children?” Mrs. Raccoon turned and counted each of her babies by tapping them on the head.

“Six. They’re all here. It’s a good night.”

“It certainly is,” said Burgher. The raccoons slipped off like shadows to find their supper and Burgher walked deeper into the orchard.

He wasn’t paying attention to his feet. They knew every dip in the path, every knotty root poking out of the earth. They would lead him where he wanted to go–the Queen tree.

She was lovely in the moonlight. Her leaves glimmered like gold. Burgher laid a hand on her warm trunk. He could feel the sap coursing through her. She was so alive!

Just then, a little inchworm hung down in front of his nose from a silver string. Her skinny, green body swung on her filament like bait for a lonely gnome. Burgher walked right into her and she landed on his nose.

“Hey, little inchworm,” he said. The worm wiggled down to his cheek.

He took the inchworm home and put her in a basket of sweet grass. He named her Katy. Everyday he brought her fresh, green leaves to eat, and listened with fascination to the immeasurably small clicking noises she made as she devoured leaf after leaf. To Burgher it was magical music.

Over the Spring, Katy grew fat. She and Burgher explored the whole orchard together. They picnicked under the Queen tree, basking in its golden glow. They hopped the creek, and ran down grassy hills just for fun.

They were inseparable.

Then one bright Spring morning, when Burgher brought Katy her breakfast, she was gone! The basket was empty except for a long, hard egg-like thing, hanging from Katy’s favorite branch.

Burgher grabbed the basket and ran to see Jonny Gold. In those days, the Apple Tree Man was a friend to Burgher, not a foe.

Jonny Gold lazed under a tree, playing his flute. The music brought bees and other beneficial insects from miles around to fertilize the apple blossoms and eat the nasty insects that feasted on the trees.

“Help me!” cried Burger. Jonny Gold’s music faded as the frantic little gnome shoved the basket under his nose.

“Katy’s gone!” said Burgher.

Jonny Gold looked in the basket and laughed.                                                                       

“Katy’s not gone, ol’ boy,” he said. Burgher hated to be called ol’ boy, but he was too upset to notice.

“Katy has made herself into a chrysalis. In a week or so, she’ll come out as a beautiful butterfly.”

“A butterfly?” said Burgher. He had lived all his life in the orchard. He had seen butterflies fly and worms inch, but had never imagined they were both the same creature.

A butterfly! How wonderful! When Katy comes out of her chrysalis, what adventures we’ll have!

“What do I do with her?” asked Burgher. “How do I take care of her until she’s ready to… you know, change?”

“She’s changing now, ol’ boy. You don’t have to do anything, but wait.”

Burgher took Katy and her basket home.

Waiting proved harder than he thought. Everyday he peered anxiously into the basket. Everyday, Katy slept on in her chrysalis.

A week later, the chrysalis moved. Burgher took her to the Queen Apple Tree. He wanted Butterfly-Katy’s first view of the orchard to be that beautiful, golden tree. The day was perfect, warm but not hot. No breeze would ruffle Katy’s newborn wings.

Burger waited and watched. His heart was as full as a harvest moon.

Soon a little black head popped out of the chrysalis. One leg then another. Burgher whispered encouraging words to his friend.

“You can do it, Katy. That a girl! Come on, Katy!”

When she finally emerged, with damp, crumpled wings, he scooped her up on his finger and said, “Welcome to the orchard, Butterfly-Katy.”

She was beautiful! Her wings were the delicate blue of a robin’s egg. She fanned herself, drying the new wings in the sun. Soon she lifted off, hovered in the air for a moment, and then floated into the branches of the Queen tree.

Just like an angel. Burgher nearly burst with pride.

Katy flew higher and Burgher lost her in the glare of the sun. He blinked and she was gone. Burgher smiled. Katy loved to play hide-and-seek. He called to her and slowly circled the tree.

Katy was nowhere. Burgher’s stomach lurched.

“Katy!” he called. “Katy!”

He climbed the Queen tree. His clumsy feet broke branches and knocked off new apples. Frantic now, he searched the leaves, until his head poked up over the top of the tree.

And that was when Burgher heard the music, faint at first, but growing louder. It was lilting and melodic, like a summer’s day.

Jonny Gold’s flute!

Burgher stumbled down the trunk. He scraped his face on a sharp branch. The tree bark chaffed his hands. He didn’t care. He had to find Katy.

“You!” he cried, pointing a finger at Jonny Gold. “You did this! You called Katy away and now she is lost.”

That last word sprang from his mouth in a sob.

“Don’t be ridiculous, ol’ boy.”

“Don’t call me ol’ boy!” shouted Burgher.

“Hey, hey, calm down. I meant no offense. And I didn’t call Katy. She’s a butterfly. That’s what they do. They flutter by and they just keep on fluttering. What did you expect? That you could keep her in a cage?”

“Yes!” said Burgher. “I mean, no.” He didn’t know what he meant. All he knew was that his best friend was gone and nothing would ever be the same. Burgher’s heart cracked in two that night and the joy leaked out like the yolk of an egg. It was the beginning of the end for Oxtail Orchard.

Be sure to check out Kim’s Caterpillar Craft on Friday.

As promised, here are some other suggestions for making a difference, passing on kindness and serving others.

1. ANIMAL SHELTERS often need volunteers to walk dogs. Rescue organizations could use foster families to care for pets or to provide donations for pet food and supplies.

2. VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS such as the WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT welcome volunteers for fund raising events, or to help vets write a resume.  http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

3. You can READ TO SENIORS in a nursing home or assisted living facility, help them with basic computer skills, play games and share hobbies as well.  Many seniors are lonesome and would really welcome spending time with children.

4. During holidays, you can visit a local cemetery to clean and maintain headstones that look neglected…especially those of veterans.

5. PICK UP LITTER and recyclables at your neighborhood park or playground.

6. See someone sitting alone at a table or on a bench?  Say hello and if possible, buy them a cup of coffee or a soda.

7. SMILE AND GREET those you meet. You never know when a thing as simple as a smile and kind greeting may have a huge impact on a person’s day.

8.  And finally, if you have gently used books that you no longer want, there is a wonderful organization that will make sure they go to children who need them.  Visit http://www.firstbook.org

I’ve recently had the pleasure of being asked to join a group blog called SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE. We are a group of authors who write for the Middle Grade population…those children aged 8-13 or 14. There are so many wonderfully talented  writers in the group with books that would appeal to all the interests of children.  We have authors who write historical fiction, graphic novels, fantasy, humor, contemporary, non-fiction and more.  Check out this site for some amazing bios about the authors and their works. It is an honor to be part of this group.  My first posting appears today.

http://www.smack-dab-in-the-middle.blogspot.com

There are so many websites that gear their content to children. Just like in the non-web world, some are better than others.  I’ve found these three to be good ones.  Check them out and let me know what you think.

1. http://www.top100familysites.com/parenting-websites  lists the top 65 parenting sites that include everything from how to deal with swimming fears, playground bullies, and mean high school girls.  It also provides information on where to buy  anything at the best price. Looking for a toddler bed?  Baby crib?  Vacation spot?  Check this site first.  The advice comes from parents.

2. http://www.chickensmoothie.com  this site is geared toward a younger audience.  It allows kids to adopt a virtual pet, decorate it with clothing and accessories, and watch the pet grow in real time.  Players age 13 and up can chat on forums and collaborate on writing animal-themed stories.  Parents give the site high praise for safety.

3. http://www.wattpad.com  This site features an online writing community where budding writers can publish and share their stories and receive instant feedback.  With over 10 million readers, your budding Shakespeare will hone her writing skills with her peer group.

The American Library Association recently published their list of the best web sites for kids of all ages.  To access their 2013 guide go to: http://[email protected]

There are some great websites with all kinds of activities for children of all ages.  Here are three that have a wealth of outdoor games, activities and recipes for fun all summer long.

1. spoonful.com:  Water games, scavenger hunt, Tacos and Bridges (check it out!) and lots more .

2. Parenting.com: Eleven water games and other activities for kids.  We all knew water was fun.  These activities will keep the kids cool on a hot day.

3. Alphamom.com   has games such as driveway baseball, elbow tag, musical sprinklers and more.  These games are great for parties and get-togethers.

Kind of makes me wish I was a kid again.  It’s a great excuse to put on a swimsuit and join the fun!

Micheals Craft Stores are offering the PASSPORT TO IMAGINATION crafts program for kids 5 and up.  Children can explore all seven continents and learn about their landmarks.  The program runs from June 17 through August 2 and costs [email protected] per session.  For details go to: http://www.micheals.com

While summer should be fun-filled and relaxing, some children get bored or lose skills when they are out of school.  Others just do better when there is some structure to the day. If you and your family are looking for FREE summer enrichment for kids, check out these websites:

http://www.ixl.com   is an interactive math site containing more than 7 million activities and quizzes created by math teachers.  There are problems from Pre-K through high school geometry and algebra.

http://www.funbrain.com   was created fro children from preschool through grade eight.  It offers more than 100 interactive games fro math, reading and literacy.  There are also popular books and comics to read on the site, including “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”, “Amelia Writes Again” and “Brewster Rocket”.

http://www.openculture.com  contains high-quality cultural and educational media from all over the world.  Children can find free online classes on topics such as English Literature, biology, math and film.

So while you’re having summer fun, check out some fun-filled learning activities as well.

Across the country families and communities will be celebrating our nation’s 237th birthday with parades, picnics and fireworks.  If you’d like to get in on some local fun, check out these sites.  Each has information about what’s happening in your area of the country.

1. www.Zvents.com        2.  http://www.eventbrite.com           3.  http://www.99events.com

You can also GRILL FOR A CAUSE this summer by hosting a barbecue to raise money for the USO.  When you register your event at: http://www.bbqforthetroops.org   you create a webpage where your guests can donate to support men and women in the armed forces.

July is NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH.  You can celebrate with your favorite treat and even try making your own.  For directions on how to make ICE CREAM IN A PLASTIC BAG go to: eHow:How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag

You can also try: http://www.pbskids.org   Homemade Ice Cream

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Now that school is out for the summer, you may be wondering how to keep your children entertained without spending tons of money.  If finances are tight, don’t despair.  There are plenty of fun filled activities you can do with kids to make the summer a memorable one.

1. Pitch a tent for the GREAT AMERICAN BACKYARD CAMPOUT.  You can sleep under the stars in your own backyard. Identify constellations, make s’mores (check out my recipe under the recipe section of this blog). Tell stories, sing songs, eat hotdogs, and do everything you’d do at a camp far away.  Visit: http://www.nwf.org/great-american-backyard-campout.aspx

2.Check out: http://www.parade.com/summerschool   for 14 days of how-to steps and expert tips on everything from building a sand castle, to how to skip stones. You can also learn things like HOW TO HOST A BACKYARD MOVIE NIGHT, SPOT CONSTELLATIONS, TEACH KIDS TO FISH,  and even HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM.

3. Put on a Show.  A Puppet Show that is.  There are tons of videos and sites on how to make your own puppets and puppet theatres.  To get you started, enter: Making puppets in your search engine and a load of sites will appear.  Here’s a good one:

http://www.about.com/od/puppets                                     

You can also use stuffed toys, pencils with funny tops, or socks with painted faces.  Or even cookies!  (see photos) Let your imagination run wild.

To make it a real event, sell popcorn and lemonade.

  4.And…you can’t go wrong with water.  If you don’t have a pool, a sprinkler on a hose works great.  Squirt guns and water balloon fights are sure cures for boredom and cool everyone off on a hot day.  For little ones, fill up a bucket with water and let them “paint” the sidewalk to their hearts content.  Add a few cups for pouring and you’ll keep them entertained for a long time.

Here are some ideas for one of a kind greeting cards for Dad for Father’s Day.  All you need for the “FACE FLOWER CARD” is paper, a green marker and ink pads of assorted colors.  You will also need photos of the kids or family members who are sending the love to Dad or granddad.  Use a child’s index finger to make the flower petals and leaves.  When dry, cut out the face of each child and glue onto the center of each flower.  See photo.

You can also turn your favorite snapshot into a one-of-a-kind Father’s Day card at Treat, a new service from SHUTTERFLY.  To make a FREE masterpiece go to: http://www.treat.com and enter the code:  CARD4DAD.  Watch this spot on Friday where I’ll post a great and easy breakfast casserole your kids can make the night before the big day and bake the next morning.

Happy Father’s Day!                                              

Eighty years ago on June 6, the first drive-in movie theatre opened in New Jersey.  Some drive-ins have come and gone, but many are still a treat for a family fun night out. Visit: http://www.drive-ins.com  for the one nearest you.

Today -  June 7th – is National Donut Day.  Celebrate by having your favorite donut.  You can also MAKE these yummy treats yourself.  For some tempting recipes visit: http://www.familycircle.com/donuts

Why not use those donuts to celebrate an American Icon named DONALD DUCK who will turn 79 on June 9th.  Rent some old videos of the Disney favorite or catch some of his antics on: http://www.disneychannel.com

 Please visit Gail’s site for more posts about gardening as well as other great books and activities for children of all ages. http://www.gailterp.com

Woot! Check it: My newly revamped site is Adobe Muse's Site of the Day.

This is a scratch that just had to be itched. While I love the concept of deviantART, I hate the way it looks. I mean, I REALLY hate it.

First off, the colors. While green, in and of itself, is a lovely color—it's the color of grassy meadows and sunlit forests, after all—whoever "designed" this site chose the worst possible shades of green and them paired them together to create something grotesque enough to make Mother Nature throw up a little bit in her mouth.

Next, there's the icons. Icons that I'm sure were pretty cool and even "cutting edge" when people first started decorating their GeoCities websites with them back in 1997. Sure, the whole "retro" look is cool these days, but only as long as you're doing it ironically. In other words, by people who are actually cool, but choose to dress nerdy, and thus make the nerdy look cool.

This, however, is a case of a nerd who has no idea what cool is, can never hope to know, and still gets beat up for his lunch money even as an adult.

On top of all that, there's the sheer clunkiness of the site itself. Trying to find my way around that site is like trying to pilot the space shuttle.

All of that has driven me absolutely stark-raving bonkers for some time now, and I finally couldn't stand it anymore. It was like walking past a painting over and over that's hanging crooked: I just had to stop and straighten it. And then get a whole new painting, because the original one looked like ass.

Now, I didn't waste a ton of time on this; I didn't put the same sort of effort into the user interface, iconography, etc. that I would with a normal, paying job. I used buttons, textures and icons other designers have created and made available free online. Basically, I just wanted it to stop looking like ass. (Click images below to embiggen)

Home page:

If you have a website, you probably struggled through its birthing process from concept to reality. You can take comfort that you aren't alone. Your pain is felt by many, myself included, agonizing over such questions as: What design should I use? Should I use a template or should I go with code (.html, that is) and carve out my own layout? After all, there's something to be said about being the master of my own destiny even if it is with baling wire and bubble gum. Then again, maybe I should just hire it all out. How much could it cost anyway for the basics about who I am and what I'm peddling? And what's all this fuss I hear about content anyway?

These are just a few of the questions facing those pursuing an identity on the worldwide web. Consider for a moment what drove your website decisions about both the design and content? Did you hire a website designer to help chart your course in cyber space? Whether "designed" or home grown, to what extent was the cost a factor in your website decisions? Either way, are you satisfied with the outcome? And if you had it to do over again, would you follow the same path? What would you do differently? I'll start out. Feel free to chime in about your own experience.

Relatively soon after I got into the writing game (meaning at the point when my mom told everyone from her beautician to the pharmacist that I was writing poetry), I began to feel the push toward having a website. Actually, it was more like standing on the edge of Niagra Falls with a cheering crowd behind me yelling, "you don't need no stinking barrel!" Way back in those days (meaning about four years ago), I knew nothing about websites or how to design them; or, truthfully, what to put on them.

I began with a very basic (we're talking two tin cans and a string here) "website" offered by AOL using their "AOL hometown" template. My content was minimal--mostly a little background information about me (the poet, remember?) plus what I was working on currently and a list of two poems I had published so far. The AOL template offered four or five colors, a few "header" themes and about three text boxes to key free-form text into.

Needless to say, it was a modest website. But when I finished, I thought I had indeed arrived in the cyber world. The only problem, no one knew I was there which, in retrospect, was probably a good thing. But at least if someone asked me, I could beam with pride (OK and maybe a little smugness) and give them my URL. Hey, I was nothing if not pure coolness. I mean, I could totally imagine myself in a TV ad: "Got URL?" "Well, duh! Yeah, I got URL!"

Oh, and did I mention my URL was 43 characters long and included most of the letters in the English alphabet, three carefully placed Chinese characters, half the symbols across the top of the keyboard and six forward (not backward) slashes. Come to think of it, the URL actually looked a lot like the inside of those cartoon bubbles when the speaker is really, really mad.

And I'm sure it was for security reasons that whatever was keyed into the URL line could not be copied and pasted in the event of a keying error. That is, it had to be totally rekeyed from the beginning. Needless to say, I didn't have a lot of visitors to my website.

Yet, imagine my panic when about two years later, AOL announced via message that they would be eliminating their "website" feature in 30 days. Assuming ALL CAPS meant they were serious, I immediately followed their suggestion to save off my content, which I dutifully did in a Word file (with a hardcopy backup of course). Then, I sat site-less for nearly a month until I mentioned my dilemma to a cyber-savvy friend.

With great patience and forebearing (both biblical concepts), he showed me the basics of website design using .html code. I must say, after mastering my AOL URL, I actually found .html fairly easy. He also talked me through the drafting, editing, saving and uploading steps required

Check out this website I stumbled across: Not for Robots Writing is hard. People for whom writing is not hard are robots and should go away. Thank you. I’m not telling anymore, just that when I found myself in the midst of the site I knew it was perfect for Sundays for the Soul. Let [...]

By Bill Kirk
Bill Kirk's Website

(Published in Scouting e-zine Cracker Barrel, 2008)

You'd think it would be easy,
To tell about the day's
Events and how they happened
In ordinary ways.

But this day wasn't normal,
Though it was kind of cool.
I learned to care for victims
At Boy Scout First Aid school.

At first I was a victim.
I had a "broken arm"
And "bruises" and a "headache"
As if I'd come to harm.

An "accident" had happened
On my "mountain bike."
But soon I was "discovered"
By "hikers" on a hike.

They checked out all my "bruises,"
And bandaged all my "scrapes."
In no time they had splinted
My arm with sticks and tapes.

Soon after I was "stable"
I had another role-
To help a rock slide victim
Impaled upon a pole.

Of course, he was "unconscious."
His "skull" had hit a "rock."
Because we had just "minutes,"
We worked against the clock.

At first we rolled him over
And "stabilized" his "spine."
We did a lift and carry;
In no time he was fine.

Several hours later,
The day was finally done.
Although the lessons were intense,
We'd learned while having fun.

When I got home, exhausted,
My wife said, "How's your day?"
"You won't believe..." then I just couldn't
Bring myself to say.

Just a few I've stumbled upon recently:Lunchbox FunniesThis is actually a portal site to 8 different comics for kids, including Aki Alliance, Astronaut Elementary, Cow & Buffalo, and Zip and Li'l Bit. Great stuff.The Putrid PalThe Putrid Pal is an undead French boy who lives underwater near the sea. He spends most of his time wistfully staring out at sea, or playing with his monster friends. He's

I just noticed this morning that Blogger has a new "Pages" feature, which is a lot like the tabs you see in other blog sites like WordPress, and frankly, it's about time. I spent the morning compiling a lot of my links into pages, which are now listed to the right, instead of having to force viewers to scroll waaaaaaay down the page to find them.Granted, if I knew a little more about programming,