Summertime

I enjoy beautiful summer nights when it’s not too hot or  humid and it’s enjoyable to sit outside.   My favorite place to sit is in the quiet space of my backyard surrounded by the flowers and trees.  I can relax and get rejuvenated at the same time in the chaise lounge simply listening to the sounds of nature around me.  No cell phone, no TV, or computer;  Just me in my chaise lounge along with  my dog, Shadow, who lies down and rolls around in the cool grass.

There are many birds in the yard that sing and fly  from tree to tree.  Sometimes, a hummingbird visits for a brief moment as it tends to the Asiatic lily and Hibiscus flowers. When the  summer sky is clear and blue, the  moon begins to reveal it’s presence as it rises up in the  late afternoon sky. At the same time, the  sun begins to descend on the other side of the horizon.  It’s easy to take for granted the beauty that surrounds us. To enjoy it is really quite simple  but some are  too busy to realize it. The beauty of nature and it’s splendor is available to us each day, each month, each season, each year. The cycle continues with assurance creating a sense of harmony for the soul of all those who embrace it.

Remembering Mom 1933-2013 – I think of you every day.

Kathleen R. Ellis

10/21/1933-10/29/2013

Beloved Mother

 About two weeks ago, our family gathered to celebrate my Mom’s 80^th birthday.

She was pleasantly surprised and overjoyed that the celebration was

 all about “her”. She always gave so generously and it was our turn to

express our love and appreciation for all she has done for us.

Mom was our prayer warrior; her prayers to God

provided a fleet of protective angels all around us.

My family chuckles at this statement, but I know it is true.

 In her home, on the kitchen table, lay her Bible still open to the

book of Psalms. Today, like every day, she read and prayed

      for us, her family. We were her joy, her purpose  and her will for life on Earth.

Today was also the day when she was called away to be

with the Lord above, away from this Earth to enter into Heaven.

Mom was a rock, a prayer warrior, and our protective angel on Earth.

Her gifts and attributes were many: Encourager, helper, generous giver,

loyal, faithful, loving, trustworthy, devoted, and dedicated to her family.

Mom, we feel sorrow of  your sudden passing and yet are joyful to know you are in a peaceful place

with the angels and saints in Heaven. Even so, we will miss you dearly. We embrace the

values you taught us because they are the part of you we keep in our own

hearts and share with others. Until we meet again in Heaven, we will always love you mom.

Blueberry Hill hiking trail in Camden County , New Jersey -part of Green Acres

I hiked on this trail last week with my dog Shadow.  It’s a wonderful place to jog, mountain bike , or walk. There are numerous trails , some short and some go on  for miles.  I chose to hike the trail that leads to the top of Blueberry Hill to view the  Philadelphia skyline.

I conquered Blueberry Hill pic.twitter.com/R3Kayz6IHT

Aquarium Fish in the Classroom is a Hands – On Way to Learn About Life Science

Teaching science is interesting and engaging to students when  hands-on activities are included.  Introducing students to aquarium fish  is an excellent way for students to learn  about their environment and survival in freshwater.

In order to successfully engage student in this activity, all students  take part in caring for the fish.

There are several responsibilities in taking care of fresh water community fish. It’s very easy to maintain  after the tank is  established. Kids love to take care of pets and this is an exciting way to teach about science as well. It creates a feeling   of calm and relaxation as an added bonus.

1. Water temperature – Ideal range is between 78-80 and is kept constant using an electric aquarium heater.

2. pH – Ideal range 7.0 – can be  maintained using a pH regulator (I recommend Marineland)

3. Carbon Filter System  – carbon filters replaced monthly ( I recommend Penguin Biowheel)

4. Under gravel water filtration system (I recommend Penguin Water Pumps)

5. Light kept on during the daytime and turned  off at night.

6. A natural setting such as rocks and plants is an ideal environment for fresh fish . Community fish are great for beginners because they are the easiest to care for. The aquarium in the video above has the  following kinds of  fish : Neon tetra, giant danio, gourami, catfish, , rasbora tetra, striped tetra, and pleco.

7, Flake food, bloodworms, dried shrimp, bottom feeder wafers and pellets are the kinds of food to buy. Feed only a pinch or two a couple of times a day. Do not give the fish more than can be eaten in five minutes.

8. About once every six weeks, remove 1/3 of the water and replace with the same amount of fresh water that has stood overnight in a separate container . Use bottled water if the water source has chlorine  added.

9. Occasionally,  it is  necessary to use an aquarium gravel cleaner to get rid of excess waste matter under the surface of the gravel.

10. Enjoy your fresh water fish  aquarium in the classroom. Your students will really be excited and engaged caring  for them. It’s a fantastic, hands-on  way to learn about life science.

July 4th Activity for Kids

Materials: Red, white, and blue crepe paper streamers on a roll, tape, playing card, spring clip or clothes pin.

Kids will have fun with this  easy July 4th activity.  Kids can decorate their bikes with red, white and blue  streamers for the Fourth of July. Weave streamers  in and out of  the bicycle spokes and wrap around the handle bars.  Then, attach a card to the wheel support bracket with a clip so that as the bike moves the card hits the spokes and makes a loud noise.  It’s a fun way to get the kids out of the house and riding their bikes around to show off their creativity and July 4th spirit.