tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-143071562024-03-07T17:23:17.079-06:00School For UsDana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.comBlogger1257125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-11663467558735936212017-07-10T10:15:00.002-06:002017-07-10T10:17:43.521-06:00Alex is a SENIOR!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi! I know I haven't been keeping this blog up to date, but Alex and I have continued our journey as homeschoolers. She just completed her junior year and is now a senior! For her fall semester, she will be taking a full load of 12 credit hours as dual credit classes at our local junior college.</div>
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I have done a lot of genealogy over the past few years, and have recently started learning all kinds of art techniques. I have just started an online class to learn how to create digital scrapbook pages using Photoshop Elements. This is my first page!<br />
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I hope you all continue to enjoy your homeschool journey! This path we chose has its ups and downs, but it is worth it. - DanaDana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-53870463735790987292013-12-05T15:46:00.004-06:002013-12-05T15:46:40.310-06:00Nat Turner RebellionTomorrow we will study the Nat Turner Rebellion using three online resources:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from Wikipedia</td></tr>
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<li>We will read "<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3p1518.html" target="_blank">Nat Turner's Rebellion</a>" at a PBS site under "Brotherly Love".</li>
<li>We will use the Stanford History Education Group's site <a href="http://sheg.stanford.edu/nat-turner" target="_blank">Nat Turner lesson plan</a> to "read like a historian". We will read and discuss parts of three documents, including Nat Tuner's "Confession". (You can view the lesson plans after registering which is free.)</li>
<li>We will watch the <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/nat-turner-9512211/videos/nat-turner-slave-rebellion-18242627938" target="_blank">short Bio video</a> about the slave rebellion.</li>
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Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-37133983150902308232013-11-11T13:58:00.003-06:002013-11-11T14:04:44.092-06:00Physical Science, Module 4: WaterI am using Exploring Creation with Physical Science for Alex's 8th grade science text. I have found a few sites that are REALLY helpful with links and videos. I decided to post what I will use on my blog so I can find it easier when I go through it with Alex. But, I want to give these people credit. (Plus, they will have more on Modules 1-3 while I'm starting my blog with Module 4). The sites are:<br />
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<li>the blog <a href="http://martysahm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sahm I Am!</a> under <a href="http://martysahm.blogspot.com/p/physical-science.html" target="_blank">Physical Science</a></li>
<li>a Wiki by <a href="https://wikis.engrade.com/nctps/module4" target="_blank">Mrs. Debbie Nafzger</a></li>
<li>and an <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/nctscience/physical-science/module-four" target="_blank">Educator's Science Resources site</a></li>
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So, now I'll pick and choose what I want to use for Module 4....<br />
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STATIC ELECTRICITY & WATER VIDEO<br />
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HOW POLARITY MAKES WATER BEHAVE</div>
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IONIC AND COVALENT BONDING<br />
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LAUNCHPAD: COHESION AND ADHESION<br />
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LAUNCHPAD: SURFACE TENSION<br />
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PROPERTIES OF WATER<br />
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PROPERTIES OF WATER<br />
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ELECTROLYSIS OF WATER<br />
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DISSOCIATION OF SALT<br />
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SURFACE TENSION<br />
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HOW A WATER SOFTENER WORKS<br />
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The sites mentioned above also have links to various experiments, cartoons, worksheets, etc. Because of the things we've already covered, I'm only going to do one with my daughter. It was created by Debbie Nafzger and is a wonderful "<a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxuY3RzY2llbmNlfGd4OjVjZjM2NWU0MDdhOTU5NWU" target="_blank">Chemical Formula" worksheet</a>.Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-22937878989290735892013-11-07T16:03:00.001-06:002013-11-07T16:03:35.040-06:00Lost in India (A mission story)This week, my daughter and I watched a series by Mission India (in partnership with Sonlight curriculum) called <a href="http://www.lostinindia.org/" target="_blank">"Lost in India".</a> This is a short, 8-part video series (most videos are between 5 to 8 minutes) that also includes other activities like family devotions. My daughter and I found it kind of cheesy, but we really enjoyed watching these shows.<br />
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It's the story of a man, Chris, who goes to India to visit his friend, Justin. But, he gets lost. The real story, though, is how we are all lost, but Christ seeks us. And, many in India are lost. Through this mission organization, you can give a donation to help start Children's Bible Clubs. Every $1 donation allows one child to go to a club for a year. And, through next Thursday (November 14th), Sonlight will double any amount given!</div>
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I encourage you to watch these videos with your family, pray for India, and give to this mission.</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-52835073381818355772013-11-07T07:57:00.001-06:002013-11-07T07:57:56.465-06:00The Constitutional ConventionToday we will be finishing up our study on the Constitutional Convention using the following three sites:<br />
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First, we will listen to "The Constitutional Convention of 1787 for Dummies by Keith Hughes. We have watched several of his videos and I think they are great!<br />
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Then, we will play <a href="http://www.annenbergclassroom.org/page/the-constitutional-convention" target="_blank">"The Constitutional Convention"</a> at Anneburg Classrooms. (Note that when it asks you to login you push "cancel" and you will be able to play.) This game says: "Travel back to 1787 and become a delegate to the convention in Philadelphia. As the Founding Fathers struggle to decide how the young nation will be governed, explore how very different men representing their states' conflicting interests created a bicameral legislature and three branches of government."</div>
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And, lastly, we will play <a href="http://www.superteachertools.com/jeopardy/usergames/Dec201051/game1292942442.php" target="_blank">Constitutional Convention Jeopardy</a> at the Super Teacher Tools site for a review. You can also play this on your iPad or other non-flash device. Whichever way you play, the scoring is awkward. But, I think it is worth it for a good review game!</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-18598516871037407502013-10-10T15:33:00.001-06:002013-10-10T15:33:40.571-06:00The Constitution & the Bill of Rights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year we are using the <a href="http://efts.history.org/node?destination=node" target="_blank">Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trips</a> which we bought through the <a href="http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/" target="_blank">Homeschool Buyer's Co-op</a>. The first show was today, though they are recorded and you can watch them anytime throughout the school year. I highly recommend them!</div>
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We started out by reviewing the Articles of Confederation and the Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist compromise while creating the Constitution. <br />
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We started with this video about The Making of the American Constitution. You can also watch the video on this <a href="http://ed.ted.com/lessons/who-made-the-american-constitution-judy-walton#watch" target="_blank">TED ED site</a>. It also has multiple choice questions about the video and a "Dig Deeper" section. </div>
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Next, we watched this short video titled <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsjfSoaW4tc" target="_blank">"Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: A Compromise."</a> Then, we did all of the activities that were included in the CW EFT. The two major components were summarizing the 10 amendments and then reading about cases and documents and determining to which amendment they corresponded.</div>
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Tomorrow, we will actually watch the presentation as we spent two hours doing these videos and activities. I found two more videos I'd like to use...</div>
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A <a href="http://ed.ted.com/lessons/a-3-minute-guide-to-the-bill-of-rights-belinda-stutzman" target="_blank">3-minute Guide to the Bill of Rights</a>, which is also from TED ED and therefore also has multiple choice questions and a "Dig Deeper" section.<br />
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And, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uihNc_tdGbk&list=PLPoTNANHF6fXCPq5jgM-GfUYOMuNKzT36" target="_blank">"The Bill of Rights Hand Game: US History Review"</a> by Keith Hughes. I have watched several of his videos and really enjoy them. This particular one is to help you remember the first 10 amendments that appear most often on a particular test and Mr Hughes uses hand 'signals' to help you remember what each of them mean.<br />
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As I've been teaching Alex again this year, I'm just amazed at all of the available resources! A lot of teachers now "flip" their classrooms and you can find some wonderful videos to explain difficult concepts! </div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-71934864408133494492013-09-03T14:09:00.003-06:002013-09-03T14:09:41.796-06:00Learning Through Movies: Nelson Mandella & ApartheidWe were at a restaurant last night and saw on the news that Nelson Mandella had been released from the hospital. My husband started explaining to Alex who he was and then told her he knew of a great movie that would teacher her a lot about him, South Africa, and apartheid. She knows 3 sisters (triplets!) from South Africa, so this would seem more 'real' to her.<br />
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The movie is by ESPN and it's a 30 for 30 film called "The 16th Man". It's the story of how Mandella used the sport of rugby to unite his country after becoming president. It's an amazing story! (My link is to YouTube, but it is also available on Netflix.)Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-7100195645354972772013-08-18T19:16:00.002-06:002013-08-18T19:16:52.984-06:00Injured Dove & Volunteering with Baby SquirrelsWe found this White-winged Dove in our pool earlier this week. We were hoping he had just fallen in and gotten his wings wet and would be fine after he dried off. We didn't see him again until the next afternoon when he was walking around the yard again. We ended up on watching him for 3 days, but he just couldn't fly. My daughter wanted me to call a wildlife rehab place but I didn't think they would take a dove. I finally called, and they took him!<br />
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When we got there, one of the volunteers said they thought his shoulder was messed up and he'd probably hit the window. When we got home I noticed a mark on our sliding glass doors where he definitely hit the window. We have a case number and can check to see how our bird is doing in a week or so.<br />
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The rehab center also housed other animals that are permanent residents for whatever reasons. They are used for educational purposes. There were a couple of squirrels, two opossums, some snakes, reptiles, and owl and probably a few other animals. It was nice and clean, and I think Alex & I will start volunteering there!!!<br />
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They have two seasons for 'baby' volunteers - September & October are for baby squirrels while March through August are for baby birds. This week there is a volunteer orientation to become a baby squirrel feeder. Alex is too young to volunteer on her own, but old enough to volunteer if I accompany her. So, we're going to give it a try! It's a commitment three 4-hour shifts per month for the two months. We're excited!Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-53603405376392198842013-08-17T06:41:00.001-06:002013-08-18T18:49:09.156-06:00We're BACK!!!!!Yes, we have RETURNED to homeschooling! We homeschooled Alex from kindergarten (or from birth!) through 5th grade. During 6th & 7th grade she attended a private school. But, now she's in 8th grade... & we will be homeschooling again!!!<br />
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How do I feel about it? Excited! Nervous! Tired!<br />
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I'm <em>excited</em> because I love homeschooling & love learning & love teaching my daughter! Also, we love the flexibility of homeschooling. We plan on traveling 'a lot', though I haven't defined that yet. <br />
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I'm <em>nervous</em> because this is middle school... and almost high school! I feel like I could really mess things up. But, I know we can do this & do it well!<br />
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I'm <em>tired</em> because we started school on Thursday. Both days I was exhausted when it was over! I'm already working on some changes this morning so it won't be so hard. History is NOT working and I'm totally changing it.<br />
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Over the next week or so I'll try to share what curriculum we're using. I'm so excited to be returning to this wonderful way of life and this wonderful community!!! I've missed you all!Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-67129530076348161632013-04-13T16:21:00.001-06:002016-05-16T07:56:13.330-06:00Busch Gardens: Behind the ScenesAlex had two weeks off for Spring Break this year so we decided to spend a few days in the Tampa area. My husband flew up on Saturday night to pick us up from our cruise Sunday morning. <br />
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The Detroit Lions train in Tampa during the spring, so we went for a game that afternoon. It was St Patrick's Day and, when these guys were raking the dirt, they started dancing to YMCA!</div>
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The next day, we headed to Busch Gardens. I think we saw this cute little </div>
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squirrel where we stopped to have breakfast.</div>
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They make a little feather "animal" for the cheetah to chase using feathers from the park.</div>
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At this point, she was turning around! What a stop!</div>
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And, after playing, she got to enjoy a drink... but she's ever watchful!</div>
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Alex and her dad rode a lot of rides and I rode a few, too. I love the speed setting on my camera! </div>
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It got both the cheetah shots and this fast-moving roller coaster shot! </div>
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They are the 3rd from the back row.</div>
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Another of their rides. Alex LOVES these rides that just keep dropping you, though </div>
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she found lots of roller coasters to love at Busch Gardens!</div>
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Next, it was time for our behind-the-scenes orangutan and tiger private tour. </div>
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What an incredible experience! It was just the 3 of us with a guide for 1.5 hours....</div>
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Going "behind-the-scenes" into the Orangutan House...</div>
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With the orangutans, we got to see how they train them with simple hand signals. Most of the training is so they will present various body parts for medical exams. Even a female orangutan is (if I'm remembering correctly) 4 times stronger than a human, so they really need their cooperation!</div>
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Here I am giving the signal for the orangutan to put his ear to the glass. We did these exercises with two orangutans and then got to feed them through the tube there under my elbow. </div>
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We just dropped in pieces of fruit!</div>
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And here is one of the trainers with their "smartest" orangutan. He's having her present </div>
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her belly where they can do things like use a stethoscope or an ultrasound! </div>
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She even did a cartwheel and a handstand at Alex's command!</div>
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Next we visited the tiger house...</div>
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This tiger was working on a retrieval command. There was a large stick in the water and he was supposed to jump in and get it. He preferred using his paws to try to get it to come to the side!</div>
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And this tiger needed its blood drawn. The lady near the head was feeding "meatballs" to the tiger to keep him occupied. The two ladies at the tail were trying to draw blood from the tail... the safest place to draw from! Unfortunately, they weren't able to get any blood at this time, but they didn't want to tire the tiger so they would try again later.</div>
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And, here I am using a bouy-on-a-stick to show this tiger where to put her head. This is also a training so they can observe various parts of the tiger's body for medical purposes.</div>
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And, our last stop was to go out in public to feed the 3 tigers on display. Alex chose a white tiger and was inside the glass area. She had a little tube she would drop the meatballs into - just like we did with the orangutans. My husband had a similar set-up.</div>
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But me? I was on a bridge and had to throw the meatballs over the moat and onto a little rocky ledge where my tiger was. I'm really not a good throw, but I made it to the tiger every time!!! There were about a dozen meatballs, and on the next-to-last one, the tiger tried to catch it in his mouth. So, I decided to aim for his mouth with the last meatball... and we did it!!! He caught it in his mouth!!</div>
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When we got back to our hotel for the night, we saw this cute little guy hanging out by the trash bin.</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-29660264993319627372013-04-10T10:31:00.002-06:002013-04-10T10:31:32.723-06:00The Guns of LexingtonI've been watching a lecture video series by Dr J Rufus Fears on YouTube. It is called "The Story of Freedom". I have been learning so much and wanted to record some of that on my blog both for my own review and perhaps others would enjoy my insight, links, or even the original video.<br />
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The first video is titled "The Guns of Lexington" and covers some of the early events in the Revolutionary War. From my notes and put in my own words...</div>
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<em>On April 19th, 1775, the British elite were stationed in Boston. A rebellion was starting and Governor Sir Thomas Gage was under orders to put down the rebellion. He was given a two-part mission: to arrest John Hancock and Samuel Adams (in Lexington) and to capture some of the weapons the colonists were stockpiling.</em></div>
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<em>Marching under Sir Francis Smith, about 700 Red Coats sat out in the middle of the night on a 20 mile march. There were two locations where they knew weapons were being stored - Wooster and Concord. If they were going to go to Wooster, they would travel the entire way by land. But, if they were going to Concord, they would launch boats and travel part of the way by sea. Thus, the famous saying "One if by land; two if by sea." And, they went by sea... towards Concord.</em></div>
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<em>Now, these colonsits were British subjects! But, cannons were weapons of mass destruction and there was no need to be in possession of them... except for war! As the Red Coats approached, they expected to see dark, sleeping villages. Instead, they were greeted in Lexington by 77 colonists who had been warned (becaues of spies like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams) that "the British are coming!" This was at about 4:30 in the morning, and as the 700 British soldiers faced the 77 colonists, a colonist leader (Parker) said "Stand your ground! Don't fight unless fired upon! But, if they want to have a war, let it begin here." Then, someone, no one knows who or on which side, fired "the shot heard round the world."</em></div>
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<em>Eight colonists, British subjects, were killed! The Red Coats headed down the road towards Concord. Now, they needed to find cannons to justify the spilling of British blood! While they leave 98 British to dismantle the Old North Bridge, the rest march into Concord and search for weapons. But, they've been removed and so they can't find any!</em></div>
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<em>By noon, hundreds of minutemen from nearby towns arrive. They start shooting at and killing the British soldiers who begin a retreat to Boston. Even though the Red Coats receive backups near Lexington, the colonists continue to follow them all the way to Boston... shooting and killing... They are now a force about 16,000 colonists strong.</em></div>
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<em>When the Red Coats reach Boston, the minutemen surround them and put them under siege. A British General, William Howe, decides he needs to get some cannons on top of some of the hills in Boston so he can fire down on the colonists surrounding the city. But, during the night, the colonists take Bunker Hill and Breeds Hill. </em><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/The_death_of_general_warren_at_the_battle_of_bunker_hill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:The death of general warren at the battle of bunker hill.jpg" height="427" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/The_death_of_general_warren_at_the_battle_of_bunker_hill.jpg/800px-The_death_of_general_warren_at_the_battle_of_bunker_hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fn"><em>The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, June 17,1775 </em>by John Trumbull at Boston Museum of Fine Arts(from Wikipedia)</span></td></tr>
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<em>Twenty two hundred Red Coats march up the hill in rows of three. Knowing the colonists weapons will shoot farther than the Red Coats, Prescott (a colonist) says "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" The British in their formations are heavily attacked. They make several charges and eventually take off their heavy red coats. They have some cannons, but they have the wrong sized cannonballs! Eventually, though, the colonists run out of ammunition. Half of the British soldiers are dead or wounded.</em></div>
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<em>Meanwhile, the Continental Congress is meeting in Philadelphia. They have decided that they are at war and need troops and a leader. On July 1, 1775, General George Washington takes command of the troops under an elm tree in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Now, the colonists are at war with the British.</em></div>
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<em></em> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sLLg7l_rSuY?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>
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Other resources:</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: left;">
A poem by Emerson (1803-1882) coins the phrase "the shot heard round the world" and is sung at the Concord Monument on July 4, 1837</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: left;">
"America: The Story of US" has a 12 minute clip about Lexington & Concord</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Liberty's Kids has an episode called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLLg7l_rSuY" target="_blank">"The Shot Heard Round the World</a>" </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Johnny Tremain, both the book (which I haven't read) and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Tremain/dp/B004IDBEMS/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1365611210&sr=1-1&keywords=johnny+tremain" target="_blank">movie</a> (which I watched last week on Amazon Instant Video) are about these events & more</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Visit the <a href="http://www.paul-revere-heritage.com/" target="_blank">Paul Revere Heritage site</a> to read Longfellow's "Midnight Ride" poem and learn about some of the myths from this poem</div>
</li>
</ul>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-10596419600176038932013-04-03T12:37:00.000-06:002013-04-03T20:02:10.246-06:00Learning JavaScript at Khan AcademyI have been working with <a href="http://www.khanacademy.org/" target="_blank">Khan Academy</a> for the past few weeks, and yesterday discovered that they also have a computer programming course! My first introduction to computers was in high school - on computers that just had black screens and green lettering. And, we learned some programming in BASIC. I've wanted to learn to do a little programming, and now I can! For free!<br />
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This was my first creation. There was already a green turtle on the screen. I worked on making him rainbow colored, moving him to the left of the screen, and moving his eyes, head, tail, arms & legs.</div>
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<img src="http://www.khanacademy.org/cs/kirby-by-me/1512645881/1001.png" /></div>
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Then, I made Kirby! This was from scratch!!! Of course, it is just a bunch of ovals with coloring, but it was still an accomplishment!</div>
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<img src="http://www.khanacademy.org/cs/punk-guy/1514007467/1001.png" /></div>
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Next, I made my punk dude. For this one, I manipulated a face that was already there. I moved the arms to be ears, changed the color, added a neck and shirt, and added hair! Oh, and I learned how to make a colored background... and went back and added colored background to the other images.</div>
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<img src="http://www.khanacademy.org/cs/stick-man/1512798230/1.png" /></div>
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This guy was from scratch! I was learning about points & lines.</div>
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And, my Pac-Man. For this program, I was learning how to set up variables. So, on these dots, if I increase the size of one, they both increase! I'm having so much fun! My next lesson is to set up a program where all of the pieces are attached and move as one piece. I'm thinking of a teddy bear...<br />
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<img src="http://www.khanacademy.org/cs/ms-pac-man/1516396419/3001.png" /><br />
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One more... Ms Pac-Man!!!</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-25457105451259643602013-04-03T12:29:00.000-06:002013-04-03T12:29:01.804-06:00Wet & Rainy Roatan (Honduras)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqvUKHjc54bP-v0Ra2T7hraIHrChQHil-sN-2tq-22tzvA2i7DFWFdygeiV5zvM1eldmRqcwb0Fc2i4_BiS0MnUzcqFj1XZyAqKqAfjOBnSBHkSI14MnszPm3sEvc54TzZjfPDQ/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_218308537="2" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqvUKHjc54bP-v0Ra2T7hraIHrChQHil-sN-2tq-22tzvA2i7DFWFdygeiV5zvM1eldmRqcwb0Fc2i4_BiS0MnUzcqFj1XZyAqKqAfjOBnSBHkSI14MnszPm3sEvc54TzZjfPDQ/s400/IMG_3665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />When we woke up on
the morning of our excursion to Roatan, an island of Honduras, we were thrilled
to see the rain forest! And, both of our days in Mexico had been very flat. So,
seeing the lush hills was quite a site! We were ready for our day... of
ziplining & then playing with some monkeys!<br />
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<br />After a lengthy
checking in process, we headed up the hillside. And, once again, it started
raining. We were sad to see the poverty that was so abundant. But, the people we
passed seemed very happy.<br />
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<br />There were
different types of tours which were in line to go down the multiple ziplines.
Our group was the very last one. And, by now, it was raining pretty hard. Alex
and others were getting quite cold. There were more than 100 people in front of
us as we waited to start our journey down. But, in the end, the cold & rain
got too much for us and we asked for a bus back to the starting point.<br />
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<br />That was quite a
disappointment! The day before was supposed to be our first zipline experience,
and we hadn't even made it to our port. And now, we missed our second chance! We
were dropped off under a large pavillion and started to dry off and warm
up.<br />
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<br />At first we were
just going to go back to the ship. But, the rain quit for awhile and then we
just had sprinkles off and on. So, we decided to go and see the monkeys!<br />
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<br />We were at a place
called Gumbalimba Park. I didn't realize we would go on a tour and see a lot
more than monkeys! We walked through the rain forest and saw hummingbirds, and
waterfalls, & then arrived at the Insectarium. This little cave had a nice
assortment of insect displays and insect facts.<br />
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<br />Then we went into
another cave where there were murals on the walls telling the history of Roatan.
And, in the middle, was this relief map of the island. You can see Gumbalimba
Park (in yellow) on the far west of the map. And, on the south side, a little to
the right of the middle of this photo, you can see Mahogany Bay where our ship
made port. The history of the island was very interesting complete with
invaders, pirates, and buried gold!<br />
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<br />Next, we headed to
a rope bridge to cross over to the monkeys. As we started across, we saw 3
iguanas! They were quite large and all lying on branches sunning, I guess. I was
thrilled to see them!<br />
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And, we could hear... and then SEE... scarlet
macaws flying through the sky!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Time to cross
Pirate Bridge... 5 people at a time!</div>
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<br />I walked with one
hand on the rope and the other taking photos. Near the end of the bridge the
planks were farther apart and I'm glad I noticed before I had a problem!<br />
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<br />On the other side
of the bridge are the macaws. There are scarlet macaws and military macaws
(which are green with blue tails). A man was holding this scarlet macaw and
would let you take photos with it on your shoulder or on your arm.<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
My turn!</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We were warned that, with the rain, the monkeys
might not come out. But, after we were there 5-10 minutes, someone saw a monkey
coming through the trees! We were told she was the alpha monkey and that all
others would follow her. (I think there were about 13 in the group.) And, the
alpha had a baby!!! Can you see it's little hand?!?</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a little encouragement, the monkeys would
jump on our shoulders... or heads! The mommy with her baby jumped on me!!! It
was such a neat feeling!!!</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then the mommy was coaxed onto Alex's
shoulder with a little drink.</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We were told not to bring anything, or even wear
glasses, because the monkeys would steal things and take them up to the trees to
play with. As you can see, this little monkey stole someones Gatorade. I'm sure
it isn't the best thing for a monkey to drink, but he sure did look funny! He
would drink some - and spill a lot! And, then he'd wipe his face on the tree.
When he was done, he just dropped the bottle down on the forest floor!</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We left down a different path and I got a photo
of the Pirate Bridge we'd crossed earlier.</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alex and her friends in our beautiful yellow
raincoats as we walked back to the pavillion. <br />It's time to leave the RAIN
FOREST!</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-36041529565838918282013-03-27T18:59:00.001-06:002013-03-27T19:01:30.936-06:00Cruisin' Mexico<div style="text-align: center;">
Because of the propulsion issue, we ended up making two stops in
Mexico.<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkorgfrDJNmvMRnB62Q5wlcdHYxAezmVt3jPdEuI_62Mni6EKGW6mdvLevuf2ffTO6r_epw8ccp04Iy1IhoUbn49XhAD4g81e7b-6e9ShyphenhyphenOBSRF5ef_y1YIGlP2dlXMW1wof5HQA/s1600/IMG_3600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_uid_848785104="3" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkorgfrDJNmvMRnB62Q5wlcdHYxAezmVt3jPdEuI_62Mni6EKGW6mdvLevuf2ffTO6r_epw8ccp04Iy1IhoUbn49XhAD4g81e7b-6e9ShyphenhyphenOBSRF5ef_y1YIGlP2dlXMW1wof5HQA/s400/IMG_3600.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dolphin experience we watched
in Costa Maya, not Cozumel where we did ours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I
get our disposable camera developed, I'll tell you more about our first stop in
Mexico: Cozumel. We started with a dolphin experience where, besides the
'normal' dolphin encounter, you also got a "pull" (hanging on to her fins) and a
"push" (using a boogie board and her pushing on your feet... what a thrilling
ride!) After the dolphins, it started raining really hard and getting cooler. We
did walk around some Mayan sculptures, visit a Mayan hut where we sampled fresh
tortillas, and watch our friends come in on their glass bottom kayak adventure.
We also had a nice Mexican buffet. But, we ended the day early because of the
rain and cold.<br />
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<br />
Although the cruise
line put together some last minute excursions, we decided to not take any in our
second port of Costa Maya. Instead, we went with our new friends - Jill and her
college-age daughter, Natalie. We first visited the high-pressure shops and Alex
bought some sunglasses which she needed. Then we climbed this tower. There
wasn't a lot to see, but we could see our ship!<br />
<br />
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<br />
Natalie went back
to the ship while Alex & Jill hung out in beach chairs and I visited the
tide pools that were right there at our port! I LOVE tide pools and enjoyed
exploring these. I found several chitons which are mollusks with hard plates.
They are about 2 inches long.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dozens of shells - probably hermit crabs?</div>
<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A little bitty sea urchin!!! I believe this is
my first in a tide pool. It was about the size of a marble!</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is what I believe is a piece of coral. It
was about the size of my hand. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gorgeous! And so fragile looking! It reminds me
of a leaf skeleton.</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, a little striped fish that got caught in
the tide pool.</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A self-portrait by the tide pools. You can see
our ship in the background!</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alex & Jill relaxing by the ocean.</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
After this, Jill headed back to the ship and
Alex and I found two hammocks! We had the BEST time hanging out in these! I
could have stayed for HOURS, but we hadn't put on sunscreen because we thought
we'd just be shopping for awhile.</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just relaxing! (Alex loves to take angled
photos... they do turn out neat!)</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, a zoomed-in view of Costa Maya from our
balcony. We took that little red trolley back. You can see the flag that I took
a photo of, the yellow tower (behind the orange building) that we climbed, the
shops (brownish triangular roofs) where we shopped, the beach (in front of
umbrellas) where I looked at tide pools, and right behind the umbrellas were the
hammocks where we laid out.</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-89290145707881940262013-03-27T17:31:00.002-06:002013-03-27T17:31:59.136-06:00We Were "Stranded in the Caribbean"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Yes, we traveled
on one of the Carnival ships that experienced difficulties recently. For Spring
Break, we flew to Tampa, Florida to set sell on the Carnival Legend cruise. Our
7-day cruise was to visit four places: Cozumel (Mexico); Belize; Roatan
(Honduras); and Grand Cayman. However, after our first stop at Cozumel, the ship
just sat there... </div>
<br />
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<br />
We ended
up leaving 1.5 hours later and didn't think too much of it. But, the next
morning, we learned we were having "propulsion issues" and our ship was not able
to go at top speed. So, instead of reaching Belize for our 2nd day on shore, we
stopped for a second day in Mexico - this time in Costa Maya which is about 120
miles south of Cozumel.<br />
<br />
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<br />
After Costa
Maya, we did make it to Roatan, Honduras for our 3rd day of excursions. Later
that day, we were told they were unsure if we'd make it to Grand Cayman or
Belize for the 4th day on shore. But, then, we got the disappointing news that
we wouldn't be stopping anywhere - we were headed back to Tampa.
<br />
<br />
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<br />
Carnival did
compensate us for our messed up travels. We received $100 per person to spend
onboard or take home. And, we received vouchers for 1/2 off our next cruise!
There are guidelines, though... like it has to be 7 days or less and take place
in the next 2 years. <br />
<br />
Will we travel with them again? Maybe. Alex is
eager to go on another one next year with some of her new friends. But, for now,
I think we'll wait and see what happens on future Carnival cruises. I hope they
get all of their problems fixed quickly! Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-84473799292148097942013-02-27T20:36:00.004-06:002013-02-27T20:38:16.086-06:00Images of a Baltic Sea Fortress<div style="text-align: justify;">
While visiting Finland, we took a ferry tour
out to the island sea fortress of Suomenlinna, "fortress of Finland." This
fortress was originally built by Sweden starting in 1748. In 1808, the fortress
was surrendered to Russia during the "War of Finland." And, after Finland's
declaration of independence in 1917, Suomenlinna was officially a part of
Finland starting in May 1918.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r-5IQyiK40/US60DUTfOYI/AAAAAAAAJGw/1S99kBXeGNg/s1600/11-051+Suomenlinna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_180951022="2" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0r-5IQyiK40/US60DUTfOYI/AAAAAAAAJGw/1S99kBXeGNg/s400/11-051+Suomenlinna.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Part of the island fortress.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
A seagull that flew alongside us during our
ferry ride.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
This is Neck, a
Nordic water spirit. According to tradition, he lived in the sea and parents
used him to scare children to keep away from the water. He could also attrack
people with his magic songs. He is now a 'guide' at a museum on the island
fortress.<br />
<br />
This poster is showing the channel of Sarkaa during the Crimean
War. An underwater obstruction was built here to keep ships from passing through
the channel.</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fortress island has museums, shops, boat
docks and more!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In this building, they were building a
boat!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I loved this paint-splattered
floor.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were LOTS of baby geese! Some of them as
big as the mamas & papas!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, I loved this old building...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this one, too.</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-31873865540961450982013-02-19T21:37:00.000-06:002013-02-19T21:38:41.792-06:00Visiting Finland: Helsinki & the Lutheran Cathedral<div style="text-align: center;">
We only spent one full day in Finland and most
of it was on the fortress</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
island of Suomenlinna. But, I'll start by
blogging about Helsinki itself.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is what Helsinki, the capital of Finland,
looked like as we flew in. The city is on </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, which is an
arm of the Baltic Sea. </div>
<br />
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We arrived during the night so this was our
first view of Helsinki in the morning. We walked to our first stop of the day...<br />
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</div>
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<br />
Senate Square. Helsinki was founded here
in 1640 and, according to a sign, this area has been the 'centre of the city
ever since.' Also, according to the sign: <em>Finland was for centuries a part
of the Swedish Kingdom. After the war of Finland in 1809, Finland was ceded to
Russia as an autonomous Grand Duchy. Helsinki became the capital in 1812. The
city centre was rebuilt and gradually assumed its present look. Finland became
independent in 1917.</em><br />
<br />
This morning, bands were practicing for a
concert this evening. It was for the "2012 Helsinki: European Athletic
Championships."<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xVb31x8Gi64bSWETvJ_vXVKddKaz22dWtfyVPMqrT8nq5YVYpIdBCbqiy5BuJpcyViJqsJGz_FVC1-GbUECMxRYNHmfKT5zFizIiMLvi2rp82gV9nqMmt2n2ndkaFUHVSgykQA/s1600/11-010+Helsinki+Cathedral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_282668346="5" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xVb31x8Gi64bSWETvJ_vXVKddKaz22dWtfyVPMqrT8nq5YVYpIdBCbqiy5BuJpcyViJqsJGz_FVC1-GbUECMxRYNHmfKT5zFizIiMLvi2rp82gV9nqMmt2n2ndkaFUHVSgykQA/s400/11-010+Helsinki+Cathedral.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking over Senate Square is the Lutheran
Cathedral which was finished in 1852. It was built as a tribute to the Grand Duke,
Nicholas I, the Tsar of Russia. (The previous photo of the stage was taken from
the top steps shown here.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jm5C7tGNoTg/USInSUnQNLI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/SbuaTaAmvSM/s1600/11-011+Helsinki+Cathedral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_282668346="6" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jm5C7tGNoTg/USInSUnQNLI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/SbuaTaAmvSM/s400/11-011+Helsinki+Cathedral.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The cathedral was built in neoclassical style
which can be recognized by: tall columns, symmetrical shapes, triangular
pediments, and domed roofs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKDUSactwxSWRJYzVIFoA0ZU2lsSawL6Ah_v4rjm4jl8eeudYDV3sg1sAgU9mvJJ6nago05WrERUNX3zTJzG6wpojlHVaeXpPTNGxhc1y16KWGXAPtftSY6zYqq5-Z-8SKwDpug/s1600/11-008+Helsinki+Cathedral.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_282668346="7" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKDUSactwxSWRJYzVIFoA0ZU2lsSawL6Ah_v4rjm4jl8eeudYDV3sg1sAgU9mvJJ6nago05WrERUNX3zTJzG6wpojlHVaeXpPTNGxhc1y16KWGXAPtftSY6zYqq5-Z-8SKwDpug/s400/11-008+Helsinki+Cathedral.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The gorgeous organ!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacto2OowmNrprBspS53n2xpgq5ITJa3gdmtLP6krx9Mqw6HRDm8O43L7g22WgpAvK9gECSDJ4LEQ-ON3M-nszgRIlSIjelSA2dRNq_UoNt9UlV0qPSEgwQ7KapyhOTB2xCZx9PA/s1600/11-057+Senate+Square.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_282668346="8" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacto2OowmNrprBspS53n2xpgq5ITJa3gdmtLP6krx9Mqw6HRDm8O43L7g22WgpAvK9gECSDJ4LEQ-ON3M-nszgRIlSIjelSA2dRNq_UoNt9UlV0qPSEgwQ7KapyhOTB2xCZx9PA/s400/11-057+Senate+Square.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
That evening... the concert was ON and the
crowds were OUT!</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-64785758754139840592013-02-17T09:01:00.002-06:002013-02-17T09:04:44.088-06:00Visiting La Defense in ParisOur last hotel in Paris was the Hilton in La Defense, the business district of
Paris. It is also at one en of the historical axis ("Axe historique") or the
Triumphal Way ("Voie Triomphale").<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paris_Axe_Historique.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" height="92" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Paris_Axe_Historique.gif/1000px-Paris_Axe_Historique.gif" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Paris_Axe_Historique.gif/1500px-Paris_Axe_Historique.gif 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Paris_Axe_Historique.gif 2x" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from
Wikipedia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At the other end is the Louvre. And, in
between are places such as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, and the Luxor
Obelisk. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ7QYzRsTkgjG0PZITaRcaF22QRTd9FkqH0tb2YmoLKBrCYZsFfiChvrNpP0qr1gMQ7AJ7E7mZeCZSFUuiY1fZMSVUQ9mR7K_hcglNwnWcO40eSxzxaNZgwKR-WGbNYK64W_9hg/s1600/09-071+Grand+Arch+at+La+Defense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="2" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ7QYzRsTkgjG0PZITaRcaF22QRTd9FkqH0tb2YmoLKBrCYZsFfiChvrNpP0qr1gMQ7AJ7E7mZeCZSFUuiY1fZMSVUQ9mR7K_hcglNwnWcO40eSxzxaNZgwKR-WGbNYK64W_9hg/s400/09-071+Grand+Arch+at+La+Defense.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The large monument
in La Defense is this large, cube-shaped arch known as the Grand Arche which was
completed in 1989. It was built as a monument to humanity and humanitarian
ideals. My brother and daughter are climbing the many steps in this
picture!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOefFkOYkUGjoNaj7uoSLoSOqMxcZyzsU4MwDeY1nLjYox9IafQQxlSRzOWj1cuh8Lxjwc1Pb0AfJCrVFPqMPN_sW6oN7E7-4I8URIAxGOB5EDr_tMS28qHW0g3jFQnXNNbJMVg/s1600/10-004+Grand+Arch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="3" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOefFkOYkUGjoNaj7uoSLoSOqMxcZyzsU4MwDeY1nLjYox9IafQQxlSRzOWj1cuh8Lxjwc1Pb0AfJCrVFPqMPN_sW6oN7E7-4I8URIAxGOB5EDr_tMS28qHW0g3jFQnXNNbJMVg/s400/10-004+Grand+Arch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And, here's a
picture of the Grand Arche from the distance. On the left side, close to the
arch, is a mall called The Four Times (or "Les Quatres Temps"). We shopped and
ate here as our hotel is just to the right of this monument.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSvpPAWwxA2Y8j-Nm4-ofSZeryWbR48o3-xNTPxdt6GfaR4p0xT2Z5x3-rLwMQSlpP2RkN0HW9X9eqQmLjd9g49vecce7y6Zuhdq-GYNVOPFaAakMA93rnlBqHI5atS06JwwpVA/s1600/09-094+Arc+from+Grand+Arch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="4" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSvpPAWwxA2Y8j-Nm4-ofSZeryWbR48o3-xNTPxdt6GfaR4p0xT2Z5x3-rLwMQSlpP2RkN0HW9X9eqQmLjd9g49vecce7y6Zuhdq-GYNVOPFaAakMA93rnlBqHI5atS06JwwpVA/s400/09-094+Arc+from+Grand+Arch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And here's the view
(zoomed in) from the top of the steps of the Grand Arche. You can see down the
busy street of Champs-Elysees to the Arch de Triomphe.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdFZ5JODjzVrjIfROflfJ6FTb7IvLSgIHyo21wqjlMmcKEWsNGaftZNcjVCmhDMN_lE3XYoh5hStbPGGGihkIPvuz9JPnjtV8OldTPVJ3Hp2nSG4ODP_8MickTcjPTKbb9UeqiA/s1600/Europe+883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="5" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdFZ5JODjzVrjIfROflfJ6FTb7IvLSgIHyo21wqjlMmcKEWsNGaftZNcjVCmhDMN_lE3XYoh5hStbPGGGihkIPvuz9JPnjtV8OldTPVJ3Hp2nSG4ODP_8MickTcjPTKbb9UeqiA/s400/Europe+883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On our last morning
in France, we split up and I took a photo walk while the others shopped. Here's
a better view of Champs-Elysees and the Arche de Triomphe. I really wish we
would have went to the top of the Arche and looked back towards La
Defense!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28ZgaGr1vMUYQx_5CBmoQBaspppTXfS3rXUTNvtNB0VKS75iPzXwk-zhr9fUTRGz3Xfd6j0pvwvVQRRoSSsKFj0KQX364asYRdYbeExIXyRBXxs0gWgmuLL7xZ5Z3XN48jaQ-vw/s1600/10-010+La+Defense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="6" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28ZgaGr1vMUYQx_5CBmoQBaspppTXfS3rXUTNvtNB0VKS75iPzXwk-zhr9fUTRGz3Xfd6j0pvwvVQRRoSSsKFj0KQX364asYRdYbeExIXyRBXxs0gWgmuLL7xZ5Z3XN48jaQ-vw/s400/10-010+La+Defense.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A very neat looking water-fall.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An interesting sculpture.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNkN8lvqHR4/USDYVwSvlNI/AAAAAAAAI_8/ykTHpL9z1aM/s1600/10-012+La+Defense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="8" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNkN8lvqHR4/USDYVwSvlNI/AAAAAAAAI_8/ykTHpL9z1aM/s400/10-012+La+Defense.JPG" width="342" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A self-portrait (& I did do a little
shopping... for sweets! Ha!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsWfih_WB84vHbO43sdNIi_QvmjCV74fow-ry0g-bdGGQqhTZymO1xfcFEEwLE1uQ5VR1zrO6yBYPfM7-qJwGGRTfA5amoHjbjfilyQ3eDfXAlIsPksBoRhHnbVK6JxcVTnMSvw/s1600/10-024+La+Defense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="9" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsWfih_WB84vHbO43sdNIi_QvmjCV74fow-ry0g-bdGGQqhTZymO1xfcFEEwLE1uQ5VR1zrO6yBYPfM7-qJwGGRTfA5amoHjbjfilyQ3eDfXAlIsPksBoRhHnbVK6JxcVTnMSvw/s400/10-024+La+Defense.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I played with my
camera's settings... a black & white with the colorful fountain in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
front and
the Grand Arche in the back.</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8nTH1BSQF3PrCiQw1d8mmXenHThnkOLu8PYMG4qv78OxibVUk2B1_gL7a2DNpHbWCG5XjMI68YkoM5Jt4DL2_ATNyL3Dk28thknQJOLXgCzkN2kFoQxEFjT06NTITdmCmeJuMQ/s1600/10-022+La+Defense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="10" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8nTH1BSQF3PrCiQw1d8mmXenHThnkOLu8PYMG4qv78OxibVUk2B1_gL7a2DNpHbWCG5XjMI68YkoM5Jt4DL2_ATNyL3Dk28thknQJOLXgCzkN2kFoQxEFjT06NTITdmCmeJuMQ/s400/10-022+La+Defense.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Images of buildings in a building (in
b&w).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA244jJ0_maAVRo2m2DoyiqB_MF7iIK7U7j2ekWRO5cekNPDKzhODAGxrNIryqvFY51M-fOGl97MSgToX0kYLkeV0RMLnky2OmTVDXdksPU3MuGpBjl1crj2ayIe8SXsitzxA55w/s1600/10-020+La+Defense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="11" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA244jJ0_maAVRo2m2DoyiqB_MF7iIK7U7j2ekWRO5cekNPDKzhODAGxrNIryqvFY51M-fOGl97MSgToX0kYLkeV0RMLnky2OmTVDXdksPU3MuGpBjl1crj2ayIe8SXsitzxA55w/s400/10-020+La+Defense.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another self-portrait with another
setting...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ_-ZrxONdu0-YFmZeh2akfkZ_VwtdJIhqOpovyfK3XzNHIv4ikxiK3CiAqsq6ZK2vZc8VmMcL8mvSzKRSl4wYeg4VannAT8BKql4_WuQ_Xutru756imJwvQjbIXF1JQ8L-MQyg/s1600/10-025+La+Defense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="12" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ_-ZrxONdu0-YFmZeh2akfkZ_VwtdJIhqOpovyfK3XzNHIv4ikxiK3CiAqsq6ZK2vZc8VmMcL8mvSzKRSl4wYeg4VannAT8BKql4_WuQ_Xutru756imJwvQjbIXF1JQ8L-MQyg/s400/10-025+La+Defense.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the "Carrousel; Jules Verne". This was so
amazing with the beautiful artwork!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3WyC008mM0px69K_DLFu5hhtDkSfpbKeU_7ZXksny4GcsCBJnypXiZMZQY7WBVjqjZJ703cccvaFxaa3SnFXSsBhK4PG0wtTfD0eEcCyObJLrWDucNBp3CpYj3-pL2N1-q1kKw/s1600/10-030+La+Defense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_606487289="13" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3WyC008mM0px69K_DLFu5hhtDkSfpbKeU_7ZXksny4GcsCBJnypXiZMZQY7WBVjqjZJ703cccvaFxaa3SnFXSsBhK4PG0wtTfD0eEcCyObJLrWDucNBp3CpYj3-pL2N1-q1kKw/s400/10-030+La+Defense.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I tried to read it when I got home, but had
trouble sticking with it. I loved these images though!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, with that, we left Paris... and
France...</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-13039201702426150182013-02-16T20:07:00.002-06:002013-02-16T20:49:48.883-06:00A Paris Cruise: Bridges & MoreWe got caught in the rain on the day we decided to take a cruise down the Seine.
In Paris, there are 37 bridges over the Seine. Each is unique and we enjoyed
seeing a handful of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYbD6p_AECuC92_XzfQvWqWzPtE8Zx9SDzZF7hdRN0Co_RyM00woJGZogXYHjNzvWgMPs86WXPq4xULhWTslSlDP-JZVU-Dkb_ON3YS5LCsbz1ooBg0nio0ozTSoFEmUO_wdF9A/s1600/09-039+Eiffel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="2" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYbD6p_AECuC92_XzfQvWqWzPtE8Zx9SDzZF7hdRN0Co_RyM00woJGZogXYHjNzvWgMPs86WXPq4xULhWTslSlDP-JZVU-Dkb_ON3YS5LCsbz1ooBg0nio0ozTSoFEmUO_wdF9A/s400/09-039+Eiffel.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, before we get to the bridges, here's a view
of the Eiffel Tower on this rainy day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Sxzgw747DwOfH_QRsDxSOlpPJHZ7jyuYfk73OThHAhyphenhyphenBhK_g7RqTQGnEuAIn6zz-wnV4I0jjQwNUmVmWOkJTcr2GYGMfPvvXZvjB0PreGE3tEzhOcXYIokgKOnKbNwTBTnOa8g/s1600/09-043+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="3" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Sxzgw747DwOfH_QRsDxSOlpPJHZ7jyuYfk73OThHAhyphenhyphenBhK_g7RqTQGnEuAIn6zz-wnV4I0jjQwNUmVmWOkJTcr2GYGMfPvvXZvjB0PreGE3tEzhOcXYIokgKOnKbNwTBTnOa8g/s640/09-043+river+cruise.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is Pont
Alexandre. (Pont is French for 'bridge'.) It was built between 1896 and 1900 for
a world's fair. It is named for Tsar Alexander III of Russia and his son,
Nicholas II, laid the first stone. It features art nouveau lamps and <em>Nymphs
of the Neva</em> with the arms of Imperial Russia (double- headed eagle). On the
other side would be <em>Nymphs of the Seine </em>with the arms of France.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHOp4zB5Q6o/USAHg-RsJFI/AAAAAAAAI84/x5Sav5IAd7A/s1600/09-044+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="4" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHOp4zB5Q6o/USAHg-RsJFI/AAAAAAAAI84/x5Sav5IAd7A/s640/09-044+river+cruise.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The golden winged
horse is also part of Pont Alexandre. The building with the glass roof is known
as the Grand Palais (which we did not visit). This was also built for the
Universal Exposition, or world's fair, of 1900. Today, it often hosts art
exhibitions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLk7Snb63OXL0_eC3cNPnZfo7c48QnlvOAjoRrS2G4VvTTtcT9XXkMLZsmn-ErS7yODPsOg6u17ac-I4FMoE33s4cdYmvEnuEd8Rpa2xb-Jude1qBBkkjLDCipKfK6kkbmznH2g/s1600/09-045+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="5" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLk7Snb63OXL0_eC3cNPnZfo7c48QnlvOAjoRrS2G4VvTTtcT9XXkMLZsmn-ErS7yODPsOg6u17ac-I4FMoE33s4cdYmvEnuEd8Rpa2xb-Jude1qBBkkjLDCipKfK6kkbmznH2g/s640/09-045+river+cruise.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This building was
also finished in 1900. It was originally a terminis for the Paris-Orleans
Railway. It now houses the Musee d'Orsay which <a href="http://love2travel411.blogspot.com/2013/02/musee-dorsay.html"><span style="color: black;">we
visited</span></a> on a different day.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hYzFsDOg3A0MvAJ2lzBe2K6Q3LffbJQxol8waLLjJ4ZP2I08F14hGHQHnAs7cC_Whrj9v4LAuZgXpzZd40jBN8TLu4R5WpPwYYSULSleDGFXOhHSUTM6tF21prV7zwutFmlZVQ/s1600/09-046+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="6" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hYzFsDOg3A0MvAJ2lzBe2K6Q3LffbJQxol8waLLjJ4ZP2I08F14hGHQHnAs7cC_Whrj9v4LAuZgXpzZd40jBN8TLu4R5WpPwYYSULSleDGFXOhHSUTM6tF21prV7zwutFmlZVQ/s400/09-046+river+cruise.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A couple on the
bridge of "love locks" which <a href="http://love2travel411.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-walk-around-paris.html"><span style="color: black;">we
walked across</span></a> on another day. I think this
image looks so Parisian! Maybe they were putting on their own lock?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZGCTTmooakJt9UrlOLuNbIJkJteWkSRA4MjNiSQcWj3wc7FfLGXn4wNnRoCqZs-CzBW58AkwS5uLu_FLE-Pj3tU8kSSnQRvja7ac_2fRK5CK1fXzPbGZy_sNk2RagXkXJCgvwQ/s1600/09-047+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="7" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZGCTTmooakJt9UrlOLuNbIJkJteWkSRA4MjNiSQcWj3wc7FfLGXn4wNnRoCqZs-CzBW58AkwS5uLu_FLE-Pj3tU8kSSnQRvja7ac_2fRK5CK1fXzPbGZy_sNk2RagXkXJCgvwQ/s640/09-047+river+cruise.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is Pont Neuf,
which means "new bridge". However, it is actually the oldest bridge crossing the
Seine in Paris! King Henry III laid its first stone in 1578 and it was completed
in 1607 under Henry IV! There are almost 400 of these faces on the bridge. Each
of them unique! They are called "mascarons" which is Italian for "mask."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7QeDnO13jhLDX7C_Dzma38MdE10Ay-va8rRsimi9v8LDsv0f3fuNHEpgMRuENf27jXQTAty22v05NUpIcaQyEAzT6O3z41xldyq_nO1aBJDdgwISsk0MMqKbSQytyTd6hEhSmQ/s1600/09-048+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="8" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7QeDnO13jhLDX7C_Dzma38MdE10Ay-va8rRsimi9v8LDsv0f3fuNHEpgMRuENf27jXQTAty22v05NUpIcaQyEAzT6O3z41xldyq_nO1aBJDdgwISsk0MMqKbSQytyTd6hEhSmQ/s640/09-048+river+cruise.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
More mascarons on
Pont Neuf.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqfOeabzfhH0d62zZayWyERVE47esNCFbxeyWYZPFQtBFU1ewIGZRL7dlzrNdFTduqHzY47j3Qml-lq9FQ7nEusLKxGRih0BKOF4cWnFSaxXJdGR_y0Rn68Ym6XuWrJ3gsHZfjA/s1600/09-050+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="9" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqfOeabzfhH0d62zZayWyERVE47esNCFbxeyWYZPFQtBFU1ewIGZRL7dlzrNdFTduqHzY47j3Qml-lq9FQ7nEusLKxGRih0BKOF4cWnFSaxXJdGR_y0Rn68Ym6XuWrJ3gsHZfjA/s400/09-050+river+cruise.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This bridge is the
Pont Saint Michel which was built by the request of Napoleon III.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC8wT8ywYCQKvC4SiEbxxxKIE6m-lqe-W0KNgD34creaQIKZM63jPq-wGvGYkajrIBRRWJz6Ioq1kFzCWuylbedQe6dfGaf3ItE64ukHvO8Mhja5hiCnWiSwn-kvvY_CBnRcC2w/s1600/09-056+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="10" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC8wT8ywYCQKvC4SiEbxxxKIE6m-lqe-W0KNgD34creaQIKZM63jPq-wGvGYkajrIBRRWJz6Ioq1kFzCWuylbedQe6dfGaf3ItE64ukHvO8Mhja5hiCnWiSwn-kvvY_CBnRcC2w/s640/09-056+river+cruise.JPG" width="449" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A view of Notre
Dame from the 'back' showcasing the flying buttresses.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi759o8Gac_Ktf06icYtzC0aiEDRrypScEHp0PmqoVs9EQPd-pASosubd6SXWg808vpOZhjFrIHHvUmdJEqhv1Hq4DMX63FpBmiN6CzXxZr_3qUf8FoaAq2HDIe_ZZ5K1Hq4sqzxA/s1600/09-057+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="11" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi759o8Gac_Ktf06icYtzC0aiEDRrypScEHp0PmqoVs9EQPd-pASosubd6SXWg808vpOZhjFrIHHvUmdJEqhv1Hq4DMX63FpBmiN6CzXxZr_3qUf8FoaAq2HDIe_ZZ5K1Hq4sqzxA/s400/09-057+river+cruise.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This bridge is the
Pont de Bir - Hakeim which has two levels - a lower one for vehicles and
pedestrians and an upper one for the Metro. I believe this statue is called
"Labor" by Jules-Felix
Coutan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcw45PNheENABFIRKcuz79-Jf-tgf1k93q6wldYM1mNqA8IqkpQCryfwDHkIf7XJ5TwD1Pg7HOKyhd4jkAFXkGh-BN7MDzZCMhhrvvYswSeeME-db34MxH3RV_npMTXz-1tbmCw/s1600/09-058+river+cruise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="12" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcw45PNheENABFIRKcuz79-Jf-tgf1k93q6wldYM1mNqA8IqkpQCryfwDHkIf7XJ5TwD1Pg7HOKyhd4jkAFXkGh-BN7MDzZCMhhrvvYswSeeME-db34MxH3RV_npMTXz-1tbmCw/s400/09-058+river+cruise.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the same
bridge with the Eiffel Tower in the background.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKOvs9vhsD0EtpXzVzkVOsc7nlfF699H8b22sRPQU5hO2EpTGphG_MPalpXCuNFd6b3-qMbyYSlA70F26Nb3x2V6KfuYuZXmGW_QKZjIkXakzb2Bhx8UXONqXrmkh4zlyxo5yPw/s1600/09-062+liberty%2527s+flame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_698372739="13" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKOvs9vhsD0EtpXzVzkVOsc7nlfF699H8b22sRPQU5hO2EpTGphG_MPalpXCuNFd6b3-qMbyYSlA70F26Nb3x2V6KfuYuZXmGW_QKZjIkXakzb2Bhx8UXONqXrmkh4zlyxo5yPw/s400/09-062+liberty%2527s+flame.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
And, after we got
off the boat, we came across this... the "Flamme de la Liberte"! It is an exact
replica of the flame held by the Statue of Liberty which was, of course, a gift
to the United States from France!Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-67455632236802238952013-02-13T21:34:00.003-06:002013-02-13T21:36:07.519-06:00Visiting Musee d'Orsay<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7593353094765448635" itemprop="description articleBody">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MuseeDOrsay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="160" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/MuseeDOrsay.jpg/600px-MuseeDOrsay.jpg" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/MuseeDOrsay.jpg/900px-MuseeDOrsay.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/MuseeDOrsay.jpg/1200px-MuseeDOrsay.jpg 2x" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of Musee d'Orsay - photo
from Wikipedia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We visited several
art museums while in Paris, including the Musee d'Orsay. This was one of our
favorite art museums, though we didn't have much time here. We saw only a
fraction of it - and we'll just have to go back some day!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsOLnstiBSk1xG6VmowEtC6IMiJEm0KNPQsmxTnIas6Do_T720cyu9fVT7UHUBckFw-bYNpfGHK7P4-0kWOWV3OHwpVdFW14zr8JYQBb70v4y_5CAniJXc5IkCFPa3sKpMnL_vA/s1600/09-008+lunch+at+d%2527Orsay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_52268809="2" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsOLnstiBSk1xG6VmowEtC6IMiJEm0KNPQsmxTnIas6Do_T720cyu9fVT7UHUBckFw-bYNpfGHK7P4-0kWOWV3OHwpVdFW14zr8JYQBb70v4y_5CAniJXc5IkCFPa3sKpMnL_vA/s320/09-008+lunch+at+d%2527Orsay.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We started out with lunch at the restaurant. It
was gorgeous!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBSvlrQUgQs/URg9F_9g5cI/AAAAAAAAI7I/TIaB0n82AEA/s1600/09-023+d%2527Orsay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_52268809="3" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBSvlrQUgQs/URg9F_9g5cI/AAAAAAAAI7I/TIaB0n82AEA/s320/09-023+d%2527Orsay.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You aren't allowed to take photos in the
exhibits, but many people take a photo like this from one of the upper floors.
We saw works by Cezanne, Degas, Gaugin, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, and Van Gogh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho64B8Y6GkA/URg9KclHn4I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/MsrUrRWS6eo/s1600/09-030+d%2527Orsay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_52268809="4" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho64B8Y6GkA/URg9KclHn4I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/MsrUrRWS6eo/s320/09-030+d%2527Orsay.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alex and I spent quite a bit of time looking at
these 'puppets' from a display about the Chat noir Shadow Theatre. As the name
implies, these figures would make shadow figures and stories were told in that
way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49ILXrvs1MfkkGkQi_exXwmj-MbV4URzATuvbGiUcbZyD6QssOKCYEePrsH0BXY1RsS9DpsBI3IHtMfb_Q2wxLRVWBxcFCV5Plb9rjSwdeZX-U0a2WQLCTCSNw92pOi0bnbuvQQ/s1600/09-034+d%2527Orsay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_52268809="5" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49ILXrvs1MfkkGkQi_exXwmj-MbV4URzATuvbGiUcbZyD6QssOKCYEePrsH0BXY1RsS9DpsBI3IHtMfb_Q2wxLRVWBxcFCV5Plb9rjSwdeZX-U0a2WQLCTCSNw92pOi0bnbuvQQ/s320/09-034+d%2527Orsay.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, isn't this a great one?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1TSwvBRiKd4SZNxYmrkpV_mhxPR1Wa-wP5FvcZ-vZ45gT6TvJuFHX8vOsL8bNP9fYm0GuBhIsE3yVeE730TkwtRl-Fz7O7fdEzCMikMwT5imcz7nWfSpSUhFz9bs4SwSuaUoMg/s1600/09-015+d%2527Orsay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_52268809="6" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1TSwvBRiKd4SZNxYmrkpV_mhxPR1Wa-wP5FvcZ-vZ45gT6TvJuFHX8vOsL8bNP9fYm0GuBhIsE3yVeE730TkwtRl-Fz7O7fdEzCMikMwT5imcz7nWfSpSUhFz9bs4SwSuaUoMg/s400/09-015+d%2527Orsay.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The museum is built in an old railway station
and has several gorgeous clocks including this one.</div>
</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-36786565328703099132013-02-13T20:30:00.001-06:002013-02-13T20:39:53.125-06:00My Longest Bike Ride... So Far!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started running 2 1/2 years ago. Then, after doing a 5K, a half marathon, and a few other races, I branched out and tried triathlons. I have now completed: four 5Ks, one 10K, one 10 miler, four half marathons, and two sprint triathlons. My next goal? A century ride, otherwise known as a 100 mile bike ride. And, my goal is to complete it this year. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My longest ride, until this weekend, was a 34 mile ride I did with my friend, E, last May. In November & December I built up to doing 20 miles at a time. And, Thursday night, I decided to enter my first organized biking event. I chose to do 45 miles and E would be riding in the car with me while her husband, R, would ride with their friend M.<br />
<br />
We left very early because they'd done the ride before and knew traffic would be bad. We got there easily and had plenty of time to stop by the bathroom & get some breakfast. I first tried a breakfast taco, but I really don't like egg mixed with 'stuff' and only could eat a few bites. I then had some oatmeal, but I didn't see any sugar and it was so bland! E then showed me where the sugar was & it was great! I also had half a large banana and had already had some food on the drive. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/1/l1145935278.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me before the ride.</td></tr>
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I was pretty nervous about the start. It's a lot more dangerous starting with all those bikes than with runners! And, in a triathlon, you are spread out and it's illegal to get close to other riders. E, R & M all ride faster than me and started in the wave (or group) in front of me. I thought it'd be easier if I just did this on my own and didn't worry about my friends having to watch over me. I stayed to the far left, and took off with the crowd. It was actually not so bad! <br />
<br />
I ended up being at the end of a wave, which was unplanned but I really liked. For the first few miles, I pretty much kept a little distance between myself & the back of the wave. I wasn't really interested in being surrounded by bikes! <br />
<br />
A little before mile 3 everyone started yelling "slowing" and then "stopping". We could see an ambulance up ahead and knew that wasn't a good sign. The ride marshalls had us walk into the grass quite a ways before the ambulance. Most people were carrying their bikes and I tried for awhile, but then decided it was too tiring. <br />
<br />
As I got closer to the wreck, I really started thinking that it could be my friend, E. I was praying and thinking "Please, not her!" I saw they had someone on a backboard, but couldn't remember what my friend had on. As I passed, I realized it was the other friend... M! The one who'd rode with my E's husband! Oh, no!! </div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
I walked up and asked if I could talk to M. The EMT's encouraged me and said no one else had known her. I talked to her. She had a whole in her glove and a knuckle was bloody. And, she was holding her left shoulder. I didn't see anything else. I talked to her and she didn't know who I was. I told her we'd only met that morning but I was E's friend. She started crying and held my hand and told me she was scared and didn't know how she'd got there. I told her she'd be OK, that I'd be praying & try to contact E & R. I asked if I could call anyone and she said "no." I stood by until the loaded her in the ambulance. </div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
I texted my friend, E, as I didn't have her husband's number. Then, I headed off at a pretty good pace. I was praying that I could catch up with my friend at the 1st stop. But, they were probably far ahead. I'd been slowed by the walk and then I'd stood by for probably 5 minutes or so. </div>
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I got there and coulnd't find them but saw a ride marshall and talked to him. He'd actually been one of the first on the scene! As I pieced together the story from him & from my friend's husband who later talked to M, I found out that: someone else had fallen down & M had wrecked into them. Surprisingly & sadly, though M was injured, the other rider got back on their bike and took off! They found another driver's license next to my friend and I guess they think that is the other person's. I was shocked someone would do that! </div>
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By this time, I was still upset and wondering if I should just go back to the car, but decided to press on... and slow down as I'd been pushing myself to try and rush to the 1st stop. I heard from my friend, E, at the 2nd stop. I didn't get much info then, but later learned the following: her husband had been having knee problems very early on and was already back at the start when she contacted him. So, he got to go straight to the hospital and be with M! Isn't that amazing? And, the news on M: she broke her shoulder and will be out about 2 months. (Though she'll get a 2nd opinion from a sports doctor this week.) </div>
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Back to the ride: </div>
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So, the temp was about 50 when we started and near 60 when we finished. I wore bike shorts with capris over them, a bike shirt and my wind jacket with removable sleeves. It was totally overcast (except for a brief time when the sun tried to break through) and winds were 10-15 mph, so I also wore my 'beanie' to protect my sensitive ears. </div>
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For most of the ride, the wind was at our side, and yet it felt pretty powerful to me! Most of the ride was flat with only 4-5 decent hills. (And those are Houston hills... so not that bad for many of you.) We only had about 2 miles with the wind at our back, and that was AMAZING!!! And, we had from about mile 40-43 with it in our face, and that was HORRIBLE!!! (But wind makes you stronger!)</div>
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On the main sections, when the wind was at our side, I was riding at about 12-15 mph. When the wind was at our back, I averaged 18-22. And, when it was at our face, I could only pull about 9!!! At one time, going up a hill with that wind, I dropped down to 7!!! And, at another time, I stopped pedaling and was afraid I might end up going backwards!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest Stop #1 of 4</td></tr>
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There were 4 stops with great food and I stopped at each. I had oranges (sliced), banana pieces, cookies, peanut butter carckers, a granola bar... I didn't drink enough. I was afraid to drink much while riding as I'm still a little unsure of my abilities. I need to make sure and drink more. </div>
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I met another lady at the 2nd rest stop and then we hooked up at the 3rd and finished the rest of the ride together. For about 10 miles we were able to ride side by side and that was the easiest part of the ride... I think because we were chatting & forgetting our pains! </div>
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Different parts of my body hurt at different times, but I was thankful not to have any nagging pains. Today, the only thing sore is my SEAT! I feel terrific! And, I'm already looking at next weekend's ride where I think I'll do 45 miles again (well, 46.5). </div>
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I love BIKING!</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-35710325868966421662013-02-13T08:50:00.003-06:002013-02-13T08:50:59.471-06:00Jesse Owens & Hitler<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am currently listening to <em>A Book Thief </em>by Markus Zusak. The book takes place in Nazi Germany during WWII. In the part I just listened to, we visit 1936 where a young boy is fascinated by the black Olympian, Jesse Owens. </div>
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The chapter is called "The Jesse Owens Incident" and the young boy, about 7 years old, paints himself black with charcoal and pretends he is Jesse Owens winning a gold medal. His father finds him and scolds him for pretending to be black. He should be happy with his blonde hair and blue eyes... especially as they live under the watchful eyes of Hitler who believes the Aryan race is supreme. In fact, the Olympics were supposed to showcase the supremecy of the Aryans, and yet 6 gold medals were won by black American athelets, including 4 by Jesse Owens. Hitler stormed out of the stadium after Owens won the 100-meter event.</div>
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I found this brief video about Jesse Owens on <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/jesse-owens-9431142">Biography</a>.</div>
Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-32595273723616157642013-02-12T21:32:00.000-06:002013-02-12T21:32:49.495-06:00The Siege of Leningrad: A Book Review & A Young Girl's DiaryAfter <a href="http://alexml.blogspot.com/2013/01/book-review-bronze-horseman-by-paullina.html">reading <em>The Bronze Horseman</em></a> by Paullina Simmons, a historical fiction book about the siege of Leningrad, I was interested in learning more about this time in recent history. I found this Kindle book called <em>The Siege of Leningrad</em> by Rupert Colley which is part of a series called "History in an Hour." It really had some good information in it and was interesting to read.<br />
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<img alt="The Siege of Leningrad: History in an Hour" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357555956l/16171512.jpg" /></div>
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The Introduction to the story is powerful. I've included several pieces below:</div>
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<em>The Fuhrer has decided to wipe the city of Petersbury from the face of the earth. After the defeat of Soviet Russia there is no interest in further existence of this large inhaabited area. - Adolf Hitler</em></div>
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<em>With these words, issued on 22 September 1941, Adolf Hitler effectively sealed Leningrad's fate.</em></div>
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<em>The number of deaths in Leningrad exceeded those who died from the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined, and constitutes the largest death toll ever recorded in a single city.</em></div>
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While being surrounded for almost 900 days... <em>over one million died... from German bombs or artillery, or from disease, the cold or starvation.... The story of the siege is one of heroic resistance and stoical survival but is also one of unimaginable suffering and extreme deprivation.</em></div>
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<img border="1" height="300" src="http://www.pravmir.com/uploads/tanyabig.jpg" width="437" /></div>
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After telling about the siege, the author tells about some of the people of the siege. One of them, Tanya Savicheva, was a young girl who kept a diary. She was 12 years old when she started writing in her diary. But, with the intense cold and lack of fuel, her diary became fuel along with their household furniture. Tanya was eventually evacuated in August 1942, but she died of tuberculosis on July 1st, 1944. Her nine surviving diary pages tell of the deaths of her family members:</div>
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<em>Zhenya died on Dec. 28th at 12:00 P.M. 1941</em></div>
<em>Grandma died on Jan. 25th 3:00 P.M. 1942<br />Leka died on March 5th at 5:00 A.M. 1942<br />Uncle Vasya died on Apr. 13th at 2:00 after midnight 1942<br />Uncle Lesha on May 10th at 4:00 P.M. 1942<br />Mother on May 13th at 7:30 A.M. 1942<br />Savichevs died.<br />Everyone died.</em><br />
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<em>Only Tanya is left.</em></div>
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Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-61986789260695721812013-02-12T20:16:00.002-06:002013-02-12T20:16:26.686-06:00Book Review: Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Princes-Promise-Bring-Children/dp/B005UVQ5BW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360721555&sr=8-1&keywords=little+princes">Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal</a></em> is a wonderful book that I savored for about a week. Some books I get so engrossed in that I devour in 24 hours, but I was happy to visit this book every day and continue on the journey.<br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1279553857l/8564644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal" border="0" height="320" id="coverImage" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1279553857l/8564644.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Conor Grennan is 29 years old and decides to take a year off to travel the world. But, partly to impress women, he decides to start the year off by volunteering. He chooses 3 months in Nepal working with orphans.<br />
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When he arrives at the orphange, he doesn't know what to do. He's never really been around children before and they are crawling all over him the moment he walks towards the orphanage. At first, he can't remember all of their names and learns to identify them by the shirts they wear.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Everest_kalapatthar_crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Everest kalapatthar crop.jpg" height="215" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Everest_kalapatthar_crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Everest in Neapl (from Wikipedia)</td></tr>
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But, Conor discovers that these children are not orphans after all. Instead, child traffickers have tricked families into paying huge fees in the promise of keeping them safe from the civil war in Nepal and a good education.<br />
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Conor comes up with a new mission: to reunite these children with their families in the mountains of Nepal.<br />
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The story of these children is full of sadness, hope, humor and love. It is an amazing story of an issue that is still being faced in Nepal today. The organization that Conor founded continues to work on reuniting these children with their families.Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307156.post-155567574216229642013-02-10T07:34:00.001-06:002013-02-10T07:34:32.735-06:00Bruin: My Family's Pet Bear<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my hobbies is genealogy and I came across an amazing family story about one of my Pennsylvania ancestors! His name was Robert Stewart and he lived in Pennsylvania in the 1800's. And, he had a pet bear. Yes, a pet BEAR!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The story was written about 30 years after he died, but I can imagine the story was told over & over in the area. Here's the story which is taken from <u>History of Centre and Clinton Countie,
Pennylvania</u> (page 523) which was published in 1883:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/95/James_Grizzly_Adams_-_Towne_%26_Bacon%2C_1860.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:James Grizzly Adams - Towne & Bacon, 1860.jpg" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/95/James_Grizzly_Adams_-_Towne_%26_Bacon%2C_1860.jpg/388px-James_Grizzly_Adams_-_Towne_%26_Bacon%2C_1860.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An image of "Grizzly" Adams and his pet bear from Wikipedia</td></tr>
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<em>Mike Swartz
and the Black Bear</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>A tame bear belonging to the family
of Robert Stewart was missing one morning, whereupon a man by the name of Mike
Swartz and Mr. Stewart went in pursuit of him. After a while he was discovered
in a tree a short distance from the house. One of the men, who had a gun, fired
at the bear, and succeeded in bringing him to the ground, but slightly wounded.
In order to prevent Bruin from escaping Mike ran up and caught hold of the bear,
which in turn Bruin caught Mike by the hand with his mouth, at the same time
giving him a hug such only as bears can give; at which Mike called out to his
companion, who was at a safe distance, to come to his assisstance, but Stewart,
who no doubt thought "self-preservation the first law of nature," cooly replied,
"Mike, if you were my own born dear brother I could do nothing for you under the
circumstances."</em><br /><em></em><br />Isn't that a terrific story?!? Of course, the story doesn't tell what happened next. I'm assuming everything turned out fine and they had a good laugh about it later. I did look to see if Mike survived, and didn't find a death
notice. And, with the humor of the story, I do think it must have turned out OK after all.<br />
<br />There was another brief passage from the book about Robert. It was on the preceding page and both gives
me pride in my Stewart family and an idea of where to look for Robert's elusive
parents and possible siblings. This is from page 522:<br /><br /><em>Robert Stewart
came from Chatham's Run in 1816, and settled on the Valentine Hanna property,
near the Bald Eagle Creek. He had formerly lived at the mouth of Young Woman's
Creek. He was of Scotch descent, and was the father of eight children, - four
sons and four daughters, - all of whom possessed energy, and were very
remarkable for their powers of endurance.</em><br />
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I'm wondering how they behaved that they were spoken of as possessing "energy"
and "very remarkable for their powers of endurance." It sounds like a great
family, though, and I'm happy to claim them as mine! Dana Leedshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387705697369311607noreply@blogger.com2