Ever since Jan Bloom was here, I’ve had this uncontrollable urge to scour used books at the library. There are hidden on shelves there, for $.50 or $1, unbelievable treasures. Just like little windows into the world around us, they wait to be discovered and opened once again to reveal their enduring contents. This one […]
We saw this very unusual looking wasp today at the Niguel Botanical Preserve. The picture is not mine, unfortunately, I didn’t have a camera with me. © Copyright John Ascher, 2006-2010 It was one of those “What on earth is that!?!” sightings. Its thread-like waist was just so unusual, I stopped to get a closer
Isodontia Philadelphica – Grass Carrying Wasp Read More »
Have you thought about forming a Charlotte Mason Nature Study Group or Co-op?It has been a wonderful blessing for our little group in so many ways. We highly recommend it. Every group is different and will have a flavor all its own depending on its members.Here are some of the things that have worked well
A Charlotte Mason Nature Study Group Read More »
Nature study doesn’t have to be far from our own surroundings. While I was making lunch today, the boys went salamander hunting in the backyard. It was a successful search. Mama and baby salamanders under the big rocks scarlet pimpernel growing in the grass Mexican sage Butterfly bush (with pretty bougainvillea in the background) attracting
Botany in the Backyard Read More »
Isn’t Spring just beautiful in all her ways? Artichoke Thistle (Cynara cardunculus) Prickly Pear (Opuntia) Some type of Cicada Golden Star (Blumeria crocea) California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) Vista Point Santiago Peak, Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County Elevation 5687ft Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja) Vernal Pool Vernal Pool reflecting bright yellow Black Mustard Black Mustard (Brassica nigra) Black
Beautiful California Spring Read More »
If you live locally, you’re going to love me for this post. This past month, the Lord, in all His wisdom and grace has providentially, pointed us to the most fantastic little nature outing! You will never believe this place exists in OC. And the best part is that there are NO RANGERS to tell
Fossils in the Creek Read More »
Object-lessons should be incidental; and this is where the family enjoys so great an advantage over the school. It is almost impossible that the school should give any but set lessons; but this sort of teaching in the family falls in with the occurrence of the object. The child who finds that wonderful and beautiful
Enjoying So Great An Advantage Read More »
The soil is the sepulcher and the resurrection of all life in the past. The greater the sepulcher the greater the resurrection. The greater the resurrection the greater the growth. The life of yesterday seeks the earth to-day that new life may come from it tomorrow. The soil is composed of stone flour and organic
Have you ever imagined a world without sticks? The thought had never even crossed my mind, nor my children’s… until today. As our group was leaving one of our favorite nature trails, a worker came out to tell the kids not to take the sticks they were carrying. I believe her exact words were: “If
“This fine Maple, with its hard wood, its beautiful autumnal colors- red and yellow and orange- and its sweet sap, is the close western relative of the famed Sugar Maple of the eastern states. If it were as abundant as the true Sugar Maple and grew as accessibly, it would doubtless be an important hardwood
Our Tree Trip in Utah Read More »