Yay! Science School

We have been so busy this summer with Science School and biking and swim lessons and sailing lessons, and so on...

But the best by far?  Science School: http://childrensschoolofscience.org/ This is the website. Also, if you are on Facebook, they have a page there as well. It is referred to as CSS or Science School.

Kids are accepted once they turn 7 and are allowed to enter only one course, either 3 or 6 weeks, due to the popularity of the school. I recommend the 6-week version as the kids become quite a summer bunch by the end. Charlie and his bunch enjoyed Science School so much that we convinced his teacher to do an extra two weeks and called it Simon School.

They go on walking field trips nearly every day and it is a real hands-on experience. The first time he has liked school!

Applications are due in February or March. The 6-week course costs around $450 and each parent, grandparent, or guardian, is required to volunteer for either a day (1 1/2 hours) of front office duties, or to drive students to two field trips that are out of walking distance. For example, I drove to Nobska Beach and Quissett Harbor.

The school also interviews for teacher assistants and runners for each class.

I can say sooooo much about this wonderful school but I think you get the point and we will only know if your child will love it as much as Charlie does by experiencing it. The only thing that could have made it better would have been if we were staying in Woods Hole as the community has so many activities.

Nothing. Between Falmouth and Woods Hole

I don't really have anything specific to write, but know that I should at least write.  So here I sit, yes I am sitting again, with nothing in the title and a blank mind.  Long shadows darken geometric patches of the back yard, wind rushed through the leafless trees, the occasional leaf tumbleweeds across the still-green grass, clothes turn in the dryer, with a rare zipper on metal door connection.  The tree that reminds me of Africa is bare.  Let me see if I have a picture so I can show you why it reminds me of Africa.

No.  But here is this - Contrast.

There is a bike path not far from the house.  It runs along the sea.  This picture is from the summer before last.  I love how nature is able to create such contrast all within one plant.  Vibrant and natural.  Thorns and beauty.  Able to withstand the weather from the sea.  One side of the path is beach.  Not an ordinary beach.  One of sea-rounded rocks, shells, sea glass.  Between Falmouth and Woods Hole.  It's magical.  And the slower you go, the more you see.

Bike the Path

My favorite bit of the Shining Sea Bike Path is the part connecting Falmouth to Woods Hole.  Getting to the path is an incredible ride: Falmouth Heights and a crystal clear view of the Vineyard, Falmouth Harbor, Surf Drive and it's signature simple, stilted beach houses.  Overhead hawks scout the shore for something to bring back to the nest.

A water break on one of the path's benches allows time to absorb the surrounding nature: sun baked boulders, rounded pebble beach, black glistening rocks beaten by the crash of the waves, then off in the distance the ferry loaded and headed back from Vineyard Haven.  If you pick your bench right, warm air will either swirl around you, warming chilled bones, or a refreshing breeze will blow the cool of the ocean right past.

Once in Woods Hole, WHOI surrounds.  The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute for those who aren't as familiar with the area.  This is a place of science and beauty. 

One of my favorite stopping points is through a WHOI parking lot.  It's a patch of grass and picnic tables overlooking Eel Pond. The panaramic view is unbelieveable.  Here, a feeling of calm and peace overwhelms regardless of the time of day. 

By far, this is not all of Woods Hole, but it was enough for me, for one day.

For a more sheltered ride home, the bike path stretches the other direction flanked by ponds, wildlife, and plantlife.  My son will be thrilled to learn that - though still in it's VERY early stages of growth - the honeysuckle has begun to bloom. 

How he loves to carefully snap one off to get a taste of its sweet nectar.  Unfortunately, poison ivy is everywhere and ticks are clinging to everything.  So, enjoy the ride and check yourself for ticks when you arrive home.  Just a quick brush off before you step inside should do.

Phusion Illusion

Here's a sign in Woods Hole.  It stands on the roof of the restaurant - or at least that's what the sign would have you believe.  But is it saying Phusion?  Or is it saying Illusion?  Ah ha.  A Phusion Illusion just like I said.