Garden School Tattler

Last night I became a grandmother again. Patrick Joseph was born to my son and daughter in law. A wonderful 7.14, 21.5 little boy with maybe red hair and blue eyes. Mother and child doing fine.

It's always a blessing when it all goes well. Patrick joins his sister, Elizabeth, who will be three this month and Sam who is fifteen.

On the school front, it's time to plant the garden! It's such an exciting time. The weather is beautiful, the children are beginning to show signs of tan, the Popsicle event is expected every day, and there is shade on the playground - the trees are all out.

We're finishing up with "What do you know" month, and so far our map is LOADED with little plastic boats. The children know dozens of places. "That's New Zealand," said Austin. "I know where Chili is," said Hadley.

Today, Mrs. St. Louis pulled out a couple of dozen maps and explained maps. The kids were fascinated. "There are mountains on this map, and camping spots on this one, look at the little tents," said Mrs. St. Louis. After the children inspected several maps, they went to tables and each drew a map of a place they invented. It was all very wonderful.

We did some homemade play dough, and the children just loved it. Homemade play dough is a salt clay mix of 2 cups flour and one cup salt, a dash of oil and a cup of hot water. Double or tripple for a crowd. This play dough lasts about a week and won't stain carpets.

Then we had lunch on the patio. We had homemade bread sticks with garlic butter or homemade cheese sauce. We had Ravioli, a big salad, grapes and bananas, celery and dip and milk.

For treats we had Cheerio marshmallow brownies and Popsicles.

Monday we continue "What do you know." I think it's science week.