Friday, June 27, 2008

National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature

I've never been to the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature.

This unique museum is located in Abilene, TX. I saw it highlighted on Texas Country Reporter. It is filled with artwork from favorite children's literature. There are permanent exhibits as well as traveling pieces. You can view artwork from books authored by David Small, William Steig, and William Joyce and of course, Little Golden Books, among other favorites.

There are regularly scheduled family activities at the museum as well. You can meet authors and attend book signings, every Saturday from 1-4 there is a free family activity, there are summer camps, and once a month there is an ArtWalk.

Patrons of all ages love viewing the artwork from some of their favorite books. Grandparents love sharing their favorite stories with their grandchildren. Teachers love bringing classes here for a field trip. Families enjoy spending time browsing the artwork and participating in the many family activities.

Admission to the museum and Saturday activities is FREE!


That I'd like to see.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Blue Lagoon Diving Lake

I've never been to Blue Lagoon before yesterday.



Yesterday, we went scuba diving in a lake just north of Huntsville, TX. This lake, or really two lakes, is known as Blue Lagoon. Is was made just for divers so there is no need to worry about boaters. We drove up and spent nearly the entire day at Blue Lagoon. When we got there, the attendant said they were nearly full and there were no shelters available. We did not realize you could reserve these ahead of time or we would have (though we are still not 100% clear on if individuals can reserve these or only dive classes.)



We drove around to where our instructor had recommended us to go. It was pretty full but we found a vacant spot. Just as we got everything unloaded, a group came saying they had reserved this spot. (It was not a sheltered area) So, we threw everything in the truck and parked in the shade and started unloading. We decided we would just put everything in the water and leave it at the edge between dives. This worked out pretty well, but luckily, the group in the shelter next to where we were was just finishing up and gave us their shelter!

The water was warm, calm and pretty clear (though as the day wore on, visibility grew less.) Even though they were full, we found it not to be a problem. We never felt too crowded by other divers or swimmers (you can apparently go to just swim.) We were in a really nice spot to play and swim between dives. The kids (and us) had fun swimming, snorkeling and jumping off the rocks.

The lake is really pretty and was a great place for us to get in some good practice and gain some confidence in our new adventure.



Although there are no wildlife to see underwater, we enjoyed the clear water and we did see two sunken boats. We even scratched our names onto one. We enjoyed the whole day and hope to return again.

That I'd like to see.


Monday, June 16, 2008

Fruits N Such Orchard

I've never been to Fruits N Such Orchard.

I had not even heard about it until today! A lady from church told me about an orchard, yes, an actual orchard, very near to our house! Fruits N Such Orchard is located off state Highway 146 at 6309 Ave. U in Dickinson, TX. It is open daily from 6-8 pm and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. The orchard boast peaches, blackberries, tomatoes, okra and black eyed peas, all ready for you to pick! I am anxious to get time to get the family out to Fruits N Such!

That I'd like to see.


Thursday, June 12, 2008

Underground Railroad reenactment

I've never been to an Underground Railroad reenactment.

I guess I never knew that any even existed. I saw that in today's paper there was just such an event. Unfortunately, I missed it as it took place at 8:30 am. This event took place in Galveston, TX as part of the upcoming Juneteenth celebrations. It seems like it would have been a very interesting event to be a part of. Maybe one day I will get to see this.

That I'd like to see.

computer memory

I've never been to upgrade my computer memory.

That is my husband's job, or even sometimes my mom's! They both can figure out the computer stuff. As for me, I just wish that I could upgrade my own memory as easily as we can upgrade our computer's memory. I am forever telling or asking the kids things that they say I've already said! I would love it if I could unclutter my mind long enough to remember what I've already said!

That I'd like to see.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Hollister

I had never been to Hollister before.

My daughter has been wanting to go. So today I took her and a friend. It was all of our first times. It was ok. I had heard it was pretty dark in there. It was. And the music was loud. And the dressing room stank! But overall it was ok and the girls both bought a shirt and had a good time. My friend told me that in the future, I should always check out the online shopping as you can often get good deals on the same items.

That I'd like to see.

detox center

I've never been to a detox center.

Luckily, it's not required to do a health cleanse. I have done several over the last few years. It's not easy. I don't know if it is getting easier or harder now that we more consistently stay away from junk foods. When I do detox, I've never used a product like Orovo detox. But after spending the afternoon at the pool, I know that there are several folks who are wanting to find a way to slim down quick, to look good in those bathing suits. I hope they realize that most important to their desire is a healthy diet and exercise.

That I'd like to see.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Homeschool Art Gallery

I've never been to an online homeschool art gallery before.

In fact, I did not even know one existed before! I just found out about a new blog which is host to art work done by children, particularly homeschooled children. Now, the blog is still fairly new, but the host is letting folks know that not only will she be posting art work, but others are welcome to post kids' work as well. What a fun way to gather and show off kid's work in one virtual location. I am going to have to look through and see what I can find to submit to the Homeschool Artist .



That I'd like to see.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Jurong Bird Park

I've never been the Jurong Bird Park .

My friend Jameo recently spent a day there with his family. He said he had not been in a while and enjoyed being able to take his parents and sister to see the beautiful birds. He has posted some really great pictures of his day in the park. I especially loved the brightly colored parrots.

That I'd like to see.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Watership Down

I've never been to Watership Down.

In the story, it sounds like the perfect place to be.

My friend Marathon Bird recently hosted a book club on the book Watership Down . Yesterday as I was out, I came across a real life version of this story. I think I encountered Fiver coming face to face with one of his visions.



This was taken directly across the street from the site of a new subdivision...

Maybe there is a Watership Down waiting for this little guy...

That I'd like to see.


shopping for a cat

I've never been to shop for a cat.

In fact, I've never had a cat. So what would I need with cat toys, a litter box or a cat tree? I mean, my daughter has wanted a kitten for some time now, but in this family, she is in the minority. I won't be surprised to see that one day when she is living on her own, she will be a cat owner.

That I'd like to see.