tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82899039247873207382024-03-17T23:04:49.723-04:00Our Side of the MountainLive your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point - Harold B. MelehartAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.comBlogger601125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-73772122998935639982016-11-27T11:22:00.000-05:002016-11-27T11:22:41.397-05:00SCHOOL YEAR 2016-2017The start of a homeschool year is always filled with excitement and concerns, but this year is especially filled with mixed feelings. This is my first year with just one learner at home. Even when I started 13 years ago, I had a kindergartener and a preschooler (with a baby on the way). My older kids, Jake, a senior, and Cate, a freshman, are both attending a STE(A)M charter school. This year SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com303tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-29155410541246261322016-05-23T13:28:00.000-04:002016-05-23T13:28:35.646-04:00Weekly Wrap-up: Week 26 - 28 - The End is in SightIt's been difficult for me to keep up with blogging. With the warmer weather and the school year wrapping up, our focus hasn't been on school. We have lots of plans this summer, so I'm not sure how much blogging I'll be able to accomplish. Sometimes it's important to experience life rather than record it. But I'll certainly be around here and there, and definitely in the fall when another Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com144tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-79703283980954963412016-04-25T15:01:00.000-04:002016-04-25T15:01:59.465-04:00Journal Jottings of a Maine Mama - April , 2016
I haven't had much time (and truth by told ENERGY) to do much blogging lately, or even reading all the wonderful things you all blog about. My life is blessed! I simply want to enjoy every day that God has given me with my loving husband and zany kids, the new experiences, the adventures, and even the challenges.I miss writing though, and this link-up. Perhaps starting it at the beginning of Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-65491197779599672072016-04-15T12:14:00.001-04:002016-04-15T12:14:21.771-04:00Weekly Wrap-up: Weeks 24 & 25 - The One that DwindlesOur 13th year of homeschooling is starting to wind down. You'll see this week that both our curriculum subjects, science and history studies have dwindled. Cati especially has wrapped up a number of subjects since my last wrap-up. As the weeks go on our weekly wrap-up posts will change, switching to "Summer Studies" for Sam around early May while Cate explores her own interests before new Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-7628145287857857272016-04-13T08:25:00.003-04:002016-04-13T08:25:48.659-04:00Wednesday Hodgepodge: Taxing Season
1. What's the last thing you did that could be described as 'taxing'?
I'm not sure what's going on with my clothes washer, but for some reason the laundry wraps around the agitator tightly every spin cycle. When it starts sounding weird, I open the lid and unwrap the laundry. And it will only spin out if I stop the spin cycle, turn the knob around 2-3 times, and restart the spin cycle. I Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-4285979292485159102016-03-23T11:37:00.002-04:002016-03-23T11:37:53.508-04:00Wednesday Hodgepodge: A Spring in my Step
1. Has spring sprung in your little corner of the world? Other than the calendar how would I know? What's your favorite thing about spring?
Almost! Most of the dingy snow has melted away. Again. Every once in a while a few inches of new snow falls, but it doesn't stick around long. The road is a muddy mess during the day, but frozen in bumpy tracks overnight. The birds have returned. But the Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-61995232483416644852016-03-21T15:02:00.000-04:002016-03-21T15:02:22.603-04:00Journal Jottings of a Maine Mama: March 21, 2016
CLOCK READS
2:04pm
WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS
Springtime in Maine is fickle! Yesterday we had bright, sunny, high 30s in the mountains. A lovely spring day! Only a few lingering piles of snow. And today? Snow! Schools cancelled due to slippery conditions. White instead of brown and green.
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW and IN THE GARDEN
Yesterday at this time I was in New Hampshire Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-49114668814491399412016-03-18T09:13:00.000-04:002016-03-18T09:13:14.072-04:00Weekly Wrap-up: Week 23 - The One Marching ForwardI've decided to look for more opportunities to follow "rabbit trails"in our learning. I know that may seem strange, but I find that we often JUST stick to our textbooks, not delving into topics of interest. It would enrich our studies to take some time FROM textbooks.
One of those "rabbit trails" this week was Shakespeare. Did you know that 2 of Uranus' moons are named after characters in Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-12276668726824226922016-03-14T14:39:00.002-04:002016-03-14T14:42:57.878-04:00Journal Jottings of a Maine Mama: March 14, 2016
CLOCK READS
2:22pm
WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS
Overcast, high 30s.
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW and IN THE GARDEN
Piles of dirty, dingy snow have dwindled in the warmer temperatures. Scattered twigs, pine cones and leaves dot patches of brown grass. A trail of frozen mud marks the walk to the coop. The swollen brook rushes by behind the chicken run.
WHAT I'M DOING RIGHT NOW and AROUND THE Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-91853202208761086722016-03-09T07:57:00.000-05:002016-03-09T07:57:32.017-05:00Wednesday Hodgepodge: Peace in our Hearts
1. March is National Women's History Month. In that vein, who are three women who've been influential in your life? How so?
The MOST influential, my Mama. I am always amazed at her knack to read people and know when and how to support them. She's a hard-worker, raising kids, working a job, and keeping up a house. She's a go-getter. It something needs doing, she does it. And even Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-88551380213398460212016-03-07T08:14:00.000-05:002016-03-07T08:14:28.725-05:00Journal Jottings of a Maine Mama: March 7, 2016
CLOCK READS
7:45am
WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS
The skies are an overcast light gray. Snow flurries switching to rain may fall later this morning. Or not.
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW and IN THE GARDEN
It's that time of year where everything on the ground is dull and brown, frozen by early morning, muddy by afternoon. The old fallen snow is dirty. But the trees are waking up again!
WHAT I'MAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-53926251599306379162016-03-04T12:13:00.000-05:002016-03-04T12:13:26.877-05:00Weekly Wrap-up: Week 21 & 22 - Brief Peek AheadWith some topsy-turvy news last Thursday, we decided to take that day and Friday off as Stress Relief Days. Isn't it awesome that we can do that? We were ready to get back to schooling this week with renewed focused!
CONGRATULATIONS TO CATE ON HER ACCEPTANCE TO STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Art/Mathematics) HIGH SCHOOL NEXT YEAR!
We've known for a couple of weeks now, but I Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-40332887604811623482016-03-02T12:53:00.000-05:002016-03-02T12:53:34.028-05:00Wednesday Hodgepodge: Randomness MARCHes On
1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?
I wish I could share something exciting, but it was the usual kind of day. We homeschooled. We ran errands. We prepared meals and tidied the house. The flock free ranged. I crocheted.
2. What's something in your life that's grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I'm giving Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-51118849958082149612016-02-29T09:42:00.002-05:002016-02-29T09:42:52.262-05:00Journal Jottings of a Maine Mama: Leap Day
CLOCK READS
9:16am
WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS
Bright, sunny, high 30s.
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW and IN THE GARDEN
Snow and ice continue to melt. More and more patches of brown, but turning green grass. Branches and a lone flip flop peek out of the diminishing snow. Water flows rapidly down the brook.
WHAT I'M DOING RIGHT NOW and AROUND THE HOUSE
Light cleaning while Sam completes a math testAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-37128771754593832072016-02-22T10:14:00.000-05:002016-02-22T10:14:20.568-05:00Journal Jottings of a Maine Mama: Super Quick Edition
CLOCK READS
9:59am
WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS
A bright, sunny 27 degrees
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW and IN THE GARDEN
Diminished piles of dirty snow. Bare, frozen ground. Broken, downed tree limbs.
WHAT I'M DOING RIGHT NOW and AROUND THE HOUSE
Watching Sam do Saxon Math. Cate listening to music through headphones. Dogs snoozing. Furnace running. Phone buzzing. Dirty Dishes piles in sink.
TO Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-36784336193011418162016-02-17T10:28:00.000-05:002016-02-17T10:28:03.782-05:00Wednesday Hodgepodge: Quick Answers Edition
Welcome to this week's edition of Wednesday Hodgepodge. I've fallen behind on my blogging, so this will be the QUICK answer version. Thanks for stopping by!
1. February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It lands on the calendar one day after National Do Something for a Grouch Day (February 16) which somehow feels related. Perhaps the 16th inspired the 17th?Tell about a time you Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-73302412930919843592016-02-15T07:06:00.000-05:002016-02-15T08:23:15.356-05:00Journal Jottings of a Maine Mama: February 15, 2015
CLOCK READS
6:21am
WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS
Absolutely frigid. Not just cold, but miserably cold. We're sitting at -15 right now, but we're supposed to be up to 18 degrees for a high. That's quite an improvement over yesterday.
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW and IN THE GARDEN
WHAT I'M DOING RIGHT NOW and AROUND THE HOUSE
I'm staying cozy in bed with my husband (who has the day off from work) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-2249795791479676482016-02-12T14:18:00.000-05:002016-02-12T14:18:48.053-05:00Weekly Wrap-up: Week 20 - The One Before Winter Break...MaybeWe rediscovered Rummikub this past week. Cate joined Tom and I for some games filled with laughter and "mock" boasting. We'll have to try another game this week as I did not win most of the games. :: wink :: We did have a 4th player join us for a few minutes...
CORE WORK
CATI
English Grammar 101: Section 7 - Conjunctions and Interjections (85%), Section 8 - Verbals and Phrases
My Life in Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-6100553687610059642016-02-09T19:56:00.000-05:002016-02-09T19:56:49.718-05:00Wednesday Hodgepodge: The HEART Edition
1. Create an acrostic using the word LOVE. If you're unsure what an acrostic is click here.
ALways
cOmmitted
to that Very
spEcial someone
2. Does LOVE really conquer all? Why or why not?
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-68988602009478486552016-02-08T13:49:00.000-05:002016-02-08T13:49:23.199-05:00Journal Jottings of a Maine Mama: February 8, 2016
CLOCK READS
1:17pm
WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS
Another snowstorm is blowing in this afternoon. It's overcast and 20 degrees. And a 3rd storm in less than a week is following tomorrow. Here comes the white stuff!
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW and IN THE GARDEN
WHAT I'M DOING RIGHT NOW and AROUND THE HOUSE
I'm able to take a breather finally. It's been a whirlwind morning with getting husband off Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-24274477647362954542016-02-05T13:32:00.001-05:002016-02-05T13:50:00.855-05:00Weekly Wrap-up: Week 19 - The One with a Sick Bug and Snow ReturnsPoor Cate started the week with ill with fever, in bed. She's a trooper though. She was determined to get in at least a half day of school on Monday and Tuesday. (Her goal is to finish up her year by mid-April.) Fortunately, whatever Cate, Jake and I had, it skipped over Sam. For now.
And then the snow arrived. The predicted few inches are off by quite a bit. It continues to snow heavily Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-37363541785939856092016-02-03T09:04:00.001-05:002016-02-03T09:05:22.137-05:00Wednesday Hodgepodge: What's the Sense in Loving PJs for Happiness at Home
1. Describe love using all five senses.
Visual attraction. Sweet kisses. Snuggly touches. Words of "I love you". His special scent.
(This one will be interesting to read responses...)
2. February is Canned Food Month. What's your favorite food that comes straight from a can?
This will probably gross some of you out, but I like canned creamed corn. It's especially good on a baked potato Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-805626775729214872016-02-01T07:47:00.000-05:002016-02-01T07:49:59.127-05:00Journal Jottings of a Maine Mama: February 1, 2016
CLOCK READS
7:41am
WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS
Warm weather ushers in February. Cloudy and drizzly, but we may reach 50 degrees. Where are the shorts? flip flops? A sneak-peak of spring!
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW and IN THE GARDEN
Bare patches of ground and grass are showing through the snow to the coop as the mid-winter thaw continues. The hens have been able to explore the yard again, peckingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-19692261033768733312016-01-29T10:32:00.002-05:002016-01-29T12:51:20.036-05:00Weekly Wrap-up: Week 18 - The One with Pet Pics (Because I Forgot Homeschool Ones)Oops! I didn't take a single photo of homeschool this week, so how about some pet pics instead?
CORE WORK
CATI
English Grammar 101: Section 6 - Prepositions (99%), Section 7 - Conjunctions and Interjections
Writing - Started a Blog (Visit her here)
Vocab Test List 2 (95%), List 3 (85%)
Laddie (Stratton Potter)
Khan Academy Pre-Algebra - 85% Completed
SAM
Grammar and Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289903924787320738.post-51853651120165860852016-01-27T07:01:00.001-05:002016-01-27T07:01:56.677-05:00Wednesday Hodgepodge: Every Day New Beginnings
1. Share a winter memory from your childhood.
The Island Country Club has this HUGE hill perfect for sledding. I remember my mom, my sister and I trudging through the snow to the hill (as it's a bit of a walk from the road), and sledding lightning-quick down that hill with other families. I couldn't have been older than 8 or 9, but I still remember how exciting it was.
2. What was on Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06441870348048026971noreply@blogger.com12