Monday, November 11, 2013

Grandkids: Halloween to Veterans Day, Part 1

I've got a big job: catching up on two
weeks' worth of pictures.  It'll take three
separate posts, but you can breeze through
them.  Here goes!

Hunter the Dragon, and Brianna, the
Little Mermaid.


Claire is Batwoman

Evan is Iron Man

Iron Man loves to play with Pet Monsters (vintage
1980's-- the one in front of Evan belonged to his
mommy way back then).

Claire wonders why Jennifer's monster had to
wear handcuffs.  What could he have done that
was that bad?

Should Grandma really tempt a hungry T-Rex
with her finger?  I think not.

So what if Iron Man occasionally has to do the dishes.

And Iron Man conjures up one great smoothie
for Grandpa.

Claire figures out this ABC floor puzzle.

Ta-da!

At Evan's birthday party, someone inquires about
his age.  He's been waiting a long time to be THREE!
And he is one happy fellow.

Evan's cool haul of gifts attracts all the other kids.

Okay, Superman.  Use your super breath.

Happy Birthday to you!

Grandma and Grandpa delivered on the dragon
he requested.  As Matt observed, he needs some
monsters for his super heroes to fight.

His first remote control toy was a big hit.

Hunter says, "It was a great party.  Now give me a
few minutes to get this boot on and find the other
one, and I guess I'll head on back to the ranch.

A few days later, at our house, Hunter enjoys some
computer activities.  And evidently all that static from
 the computer screen is wreaking havoc with his hair.

Bri has just completed a terribly challenging fairy
tale puzzle and is ready to play the new game:
Swinging Snakes.

After viewing 101 Dalmatians, Bri innovates a little
role-playing activity.  Using toy airplanes, she has a
Mama, Daddy, and Baby.  She directs me to be
Cruella deVille (who she sometimes calls Drusilla)
and kidnap the poor baby, hiding under pillows, etc.

Hunter comes up with a unique way to use a slinky.
He stuffs it full of as many toys as he can.  Amanda
claims he has destroyed a few slinkies in his short life,
but this one survives.

Uncle Mike Lunday will be real proud of Hunter's
table play.  Peek-a-boo!

And Brianna is not going to be outdone!

Another blog post will follow right away with
more November highlights (and a long way to go)!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The 2013-2014 Guide to the Sandhills Farm Life Nature Trail

Welcome to the Sandhills Farm Life Nature Trail

This is an on-line guide to some of the most
familiar plants of our nature trail.  It is intended
for both students and adults.  For each plant I
have included a photo of its sign, and a Fast Facts
link to a Wikipedia article about that plant.  I have
also included one or more photographs showing
notable plant characteristics, such as leaf shape,
seeds, or berries.  The plants are listed in the order
you will encounter them on the trail.

I hope you will enjoy learning
about some of your favorite specimens.  But I
especially hope this guide will spur you to visit
and enjoy your nature trail-- at any season!

White Oak  




Greenbriar / Catbrier / Smilax 




American Holly


Wild Grape / Muscadine


"The Slingshot Tree"
A sample of the unusual forms
found in nature.


Dogwood


"Jack, Will, and Tom"



Sourwood


Hickory


Sweetgum


Sweetgum balls: the seed bearers
Black Oak



"Saint John"
Another interesting formation, a
favorite of students over the years.


Lady Fern




Magnolia



Netted Chain Fern


Royal Fern


Snag
A snag is defined by ecologists as a
standing dead tree which continues to
provide both food and shelter to numerous
creatures, including birds and insects.  These
trees play an important role in the overall
balance of nature.



River Cane


Alder


When you reach the old bridge,
it's time to turn around and complete
the trail loop.


Jack-in-the-Pulpit

The leaves
The "pulpit" flower
When the plant dies down in the
fall its red berries remain.
"Big Rock"
This amazing rock is an extrusion
of the geologic formation called 
McLendon's Fault, which runs under
this portion of Moore County.  More
extruding rocks can be seen within a
mile of this site.



Tulip Poplar


Loblolly Pine




Sugar Maple


Red Maple


Kudzu




"Old Man Poplar"


The Sandhills Farm Life Nature Trail
exists for the pleasure and education of
the school and community.  As time goes 
 more signs will be added and this on-line 
guide will be updated. You're invited to 
visit, enjoy, and learn.