Funny Monday

Good Monday morning to you! Today's topic is urination. Yes, peeing, simply because I found this awesome post and thought it would be a nice, light start to your week. I give you...

12 Important Reasons Why Boys Need to Pee in the Woods, found on the 12 Most blog.

And because I know some of you want to see this again, I give you my infamous You Go, Girl post with accompanying demonstration video! (Feel free to skip to the video--It's the best part.)

Have a wonderful week! :)

Sundays in My City: Door County

It's hot everywhere, and Wisconsin is no exception, but here's what happens when you add humidity:

(This is at 7am.)

I know, right?

Thankfully, when I took Kendall and her friends camping, the humidity and heat had lessened,

and I got to enjoy a beautiful, solitary hike at Peninsula State Park, on Wisconsin's Door County Peninsula.

The hike is called Eagle Trail.

To me, Nature shares so many metaphors for life.

Take this tall pine (or cedar, maybe?), for example; it has very little to hang onto 

but it is still tall and beautiful, hanging on for dear life.

There was also this high-rise apartment building, 

in which I'm sure there there are plenty of interesting tenants.

The sheer cliffs on Eagle Trail are fascinating. 

"400 million years old," (??) they are made from limestone.

Dark and scary in spots, they made me curious,

but I was hiking alone--I didn't want to get lost in some cave and disappear!

Fortunately, there were plenty of other hikers about,

and a nice young woman took this shot for me.

If you take this hike, be prepared to be tempted to look up while you walk.

 Don't--It's dangerous. Stop, and take it all in slowly. 

It's beautiful, and the hike is only a two-mile loop, so you'll have plenty of time.

(Two hours is nothing compared to 400 million years, you know.)

The enormity of the cliffs will make you feel small.

I was tempted to start climbing (you know me!) but of course thought better of it.

Still, I was so curious about what might be up inside that cave.

On a paper I read, this hike was described as "Difficult," but it didn't say why. 

The reason is not that it has huge gains in elevation or anything 

(though my heart did get thumping an the ascent in the last few minutes), 

but because the terrain is rough;

 it wouldn't be a bad idea to wear hiking boots if you're worried about turning an ankle. 

And I suggest you leave Grandma and Grandpa back at the car, 

unless they are sure-footed; there are lots of rocks and twisted roots like this....

 Just as in life there are many obstacles that present themselves plainly, 

but it doesn't mean you don't have to be careful

or wear real shoes. 

(Flip-flops are not recommended for this hike.)

I highly recommend the Eagle Trail hike at Peninsula State Park.

I also highly recommend you visit Unknown Mami

to see plenty of other sites from around the globe.

Saturday Sampling, July 30, 2011

Ever wonder when "old" is? DBS knows, which is why I'm linking up his gem of a post this week. If your offerings are half as entertaining, I'll be thrilled :)

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy!

Friday Fragments, Episode #156, Vlog-Style

I have plenty of randomness this week, and I decided to vlog my fragments. Sorry for going over the 2-minute rule--My computer with Camtasia Studio (video editing software) is temporarily unavailable, and I was too lazy to learn a new program, so I couldn't cut it down.

For another cute story about teaching summer school, read yesterday's post: In Which I Learn a Lesson from a Small "Alien."

Now it's your turn! Link up your FRIDAY FRAGMENTS post below. First time here? Please read the FF tab at the top of the page, and if you're fragmenting for the first time, add a * to your name, so that we can all welcome you properly :)

In Which I Learn a Lesson from a Small "Alien"

Photo Credit

One of my summer school classes (Fun with Computers) is made up of 1st-3rd graders. This is a new experience for me, as I teach middle school and am certified to teach 6th-12th grade. It's been really fun, as these little ones are pretty stinkin' cute.

"Teacher! Teacher! Come and read my story!!!"

Cutie-Pie, a little first-grade sweetheart, is late every day (walking from her previous class) and is still learning how to log into the computer after eight days of class. Seemingly on another planet, CP is often lost in her own little world and doesn't seem bothered by that at all. When she is "with" us, she is almost-always talking and almost-always asking what to do two minutes after I give instructions.  I wasn't expecting a lot from her writing (truthfully), and my judgment was confirmed when I glanced at her computer screen, on which a goofy looking pirate was prancing next to this:

wunsaptontimitwasarnedaandtatsitewaskoldtapritland

Feigning admiration, I chirped, "What a great story! Wow!"

CP chirped, "I bet the boys are really going to like this story!"  

I had no clue what she was talking about and had 29 other stories to read, so I said, "Uh-huh," and turned to the next student, but she pulled me back. 

"I want you to read my story!"  

Read it? Okaaaay...I decided I had to play along.

wunsaptontimitwasarnedaandtatsitewaskoldtapritland

I had no idea what to say. 

"Why don't you read the story to me!"  I suggested, and she read aloud, confidently,

"Once upon a time it was a rainy day and the city was called Pirate Land!"

She grinned at me expectantly, eyes wide open, as if to ask, "Isn't that incredible?!"  Clearly, we weren't writing the same language, but she was positively beaming with pride. It wasn't like her to be so engaged, and I couldn't ignore that. This time, I took a real look at her writing, and it finally clicked for me.  Holy cow! This little munchkin had worked her tail off on that "sentence" and had five more like it!  I was blown away! She's six, for crying out loud! 

Get it?

wunsaptontimitwasarnedaandtatsitewaskoldtapritland

wuns apton tim it was a rne da and tat site was kold ta prit land

Once upon a time it was a rainy day and the city was called Pirateland!

It seems this teacher has a lot to learn! 

Impressed (and now thrilled) to finally "get" what she had shared with me, I asked CP if I could copy a couple of her pages, and I quickly emailed it to myself via her computer...

See if you can figure this one out (page 2)

andtaenaksduiisaasilegionabot

(And the next day, I saw a silly guy on a boat.)

Sadly, minutes later, she accidentally deleted her story in the impulsive click of a button, just before the students were going to share their stories. 

"Oh, no!!" I cried. Her wide eyes read mine for leadership in how to respond to the calamity. I acted quickly,

"I wanted everyone to read your awesome story!! Now I feel special that I got to read it before it disappeared. I'm so glad! Thank you! I can't wait to read your next story."

And she smiled her cute, little, girl-from-another-planet (possibly called Laid-Back Land) smile.

***

Today, I was reminded that being witness to the budding of literacy skills is a truly a gift; one that is to be treasured, especially when it comes from another "planet." 

The U.S. may have dismantled its space program, but I'm keeping my space suit; I just remembered I'm probably going to need it for years to come.

Funny Monday

Better late than never...It is still Monday, right?!

One of my summer school students shared this YouTube video with me.
It comes from a user called JustForLaughsTV. I am now a subscriber.

Have a Happy Monday :)

This just in: Lisleman has a new feature called Lisleman's Left-Over Laughs.

I'm in!

Saturday Sampling, July 22, 2011

You know the drill! Share away!

[What? You don't know the drill? Please click on the SS tab above. Thanks.]

Friday Fragments, Episode #155

“If I don't write to empty my mind, I go mad.” Lord Byron


***


I am taking Kendall and some of her friends tent camping this weekend. Prayers are welcome.

***

Many years ago, my sister Judy shared her Camping Checklist with me, and I use it every time we pack for camping. Since it's so helpful, I thought I would share it with you. Looking at it tonight, I realize it needs some updating ("Boom Box"?LOL), and it's not for minimalists, certainly, but you can save a copy and then adjust it to your own needs.  [For what it's worth, the original document fits on a single page, but I uploaded it to Google Docs, where you can't make columns.]  Here's the link to the PDF version (which is a single page).

***

Remember how much I whined about not being able to find Lawry's Guacamole mix anymore?  

I am so over  it! (I know, right?! You're shocked, and you should be.) 

They say that when God closes a door, he opens another one. 

The sign on my new door reads, "Allan's Guacamole Recipe!" 

You will find the recipe here, on Mrs.4444 Cooks.

***

I love preschoolers. Here's an example of my favorite thing about that age: 

 When my nephew Caden was about four years old, he told his mom, 

"You shouldn't have told me about the eyes in the back of your head, 

cuz now I just go away from the back of your head and pick my nose."

***

This cat has an identity disorder.

P.S. I found the video on Morning Express.

***

I made The Pioneer Woman's Perfect Iced Coffee this week. It's strong but good. 

The only bad thing about it is that I have now doubled my daily coffee intake.

***

Just so you know, in real life, I smile a lot. 

So, that's why I use a lot of smiley faces when typing. 

I sometimes wonder if that annoys the crap out of people, 

but I'm probably not going to stop.

Sorry. (But not really, or I would stop, right?)

***

If you missed Mama Kat's Bang Tutorial, you really should watch it.

***

I'm giving an 8 x 10 Easy Canvas print! Entering is as easy as "Liking" Easy Canvas Prints on Facebook. Click here for more info.

***

Do you have an "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) number in your cell phone?  

My ICE number leads to Mr.4444.  Consider this your Public Service Announcement for making sure you have an ICE number in your phone (and it is current)! You never know...

***

It's your turn! Leave your Friday Fragments link below. (Please add an asterisk to your name if this is your first time fragmenting.)  Have a great weekend!

Easy Canvas Prints Review and GIVEAWAY!

I take a lot of photos, but for some reason, I almost never print them out! My computer is full of digital photos (Yes, I have them backed up.) So, when I was contacted by Easy Canvas Prints about reviewing their product, I figured, "Why not?"  I had a couple of beautiful shots of the kids from this summer, so I ordered 8 x 10's of two of my favorites. I was given one for free, but I figured I couldn't get just one of the kids' photos in canvas--(The other would be hurt!)

Kyle's arrived first...

The photo of the canvas doesn't really do it justice (too bright), but the colors on the actual canvas are really beautiful.  The most notable thing beside the content of the photo is the texture of a canvas print; in certain light, you will notice it quite a bit. It you're going to be shining a spotlight on your canvas or staring at it from less than arm's length, you will be distracted by the texture. However, up on the mantel or from a natural distance, the texture lends a unique characteristic that I like a lot.

Here's Kendall's (which arrived a few days after Kyle's). Keep in mind, this photo is taken just a foot-and-a-half away from the canvas. I just wanted you to see the texture.

 Here's a shot of them from a natural distance away, as well as on our fireplace mantel (maybe 3 feet away).

And just so you know, Kendall was lying on a bright pink beach towel, so yes; 

the photo is pinkish, but I liked it that way, so I did not adjust the color.

Megan, from Easy Canvas Prints, was terrific to work with, 

but I really didn't need a lot of help; the site is very user-friendly. 

Easy Canvas Prints was rolled out last January, and the company prides itself on excellent customer service, as well as quality prints and competitive prices.

I have not shopped around for canvas prints.

In case you're curious (and I know you are), I paid $33.53 for Kendall's 

(including free shipping and the 25% discount available to everyone right now).

My only regret is that I didn't order stands for my prints, but I'm guessing there's an easy fix for that.

And NOW!

You can enter my  GIVEAWAY to earn a FREE 8 x 10 canvas print with .75" edge!

You do not need a blog to enter, but you do need a Facebook account. 

There are THREE ways to enter:

1)  "Like" Easy Canvas Prints on Facebook using this link. THIS ONE IS REQUIRED.
(Leave a comment to let me know which FB username is you!)

2)  Tweet a link to this giveaway using the following text (one entry only):

Got some great summer shots? Enter to win an 8x10 @EasyCanvas Print from @mrs4444 http://tinyurl.com/mrs4444 


(no need to send proof of your tweet--I'll see it easily if you use the text provided)

3) Link to this giveaway in a post on your blog and share the link to that post in a comment here.

Giveaway ends Sunday, July 30th at 10pm.

Fine Print:  LIMIT: three entries total, per person (one FB, one tweet, one blog-mention)  
Directions must be followed, so if you don't do #1, the others won't count.

United States delivery addresses only. (sorry)

P.S. You're welcome to pay the difference between the 8 x 10 print and a larger one if you win.

Lip Dub Love

Last week, I participated in a chat on Twitter called #6thchat. I just stumbled upon it and joined in, and I'm so glad I did, because it led me to some fantastic resources and people in my field who are inspiring and interesting. One of the things I learned about is not just for teachers, is exciting, and FUN. It's called a "lip dub."

What's a lip dub? A lip dub is kind of like a music video, only for regular people like us. The core concepts are...

*A continuous video (not all spliced together) of a large group of people lip-syncing to a song.
*The original recording is then dubbed in to match the lip syncing.

I was intrigued, and I explored, finding this inspiring post and some inspiring lib-dubs created by schools, cities, and communities all over the globe. Every single one I watched made me smile, but I'll share one of my favorites here.  It's from a high school with a lot of school spirit and amazing levels of leadership and cooperation. (I have no idea what the "Scavenger Hunt" reference is about, but that's not important.)

"Hey, Soul Sister" was made by college kids and is one of the best lip dubs I've seen:

This one is from the community of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in an effort to bring visitors to their community. It has almost four million views on Michigan Radio's YouTube channel and even offers The Making of the Grand Rapids Lip Dub for the curious.

A bunch of dedicated, sweet young grade schoolers from Winecraft Elementary School made this one. (Those kids were so stinkin' cute.)

Making a lip-dub requires an intensive amount of organization, planning, and leadership from passionate, responsible, inspiring people (not to mention equipment and a steady hand on the part of the videographer). What a huge undertaking! What you can obviously see, though, is that a lip-dub brings people together, not only entertaining others, but creating a sense of unity and growing collaboration skills in the participants. I love this concept!!

I never thought I'd say this, but it's July, and I'm actually looking forward to school starting!  You know what I'm thinking, don't you?  Oh, don't you worry--I will NOT be leading such such an effort.  It would be soooooo difficult/time-consuming/frustrating/fun/exciting/wonderful... STOP!  I'm NOT going to do it!!  (I know my limits!)  

However, I am definitely hoping to be part of one.  

LMAO Monday

Mondays are hard. This post is to help ease you through yours. I hope you laugh as hard as I did.

Have a Happy Monday!

Saturday Sampling, July 16th, 2011

Having joined Google Plus this week, I've met a lot of new bloggers and have read some terrific posts from new and old friends. I've also been exposed to some Technology blogs that provided excellent information. I'll share more of those in the future, but for this week's Saturday Sampling, I'm sharing one post for geeks and one post for moms. I look forward to your offerings.

[If this is your first visit Saturday Sampling, please read the info via the tab above.]

Friday Fragments, Episode #154

Time to get our frag on!

Welcome~

[First time here? Please read the details on the tab above.]

***I do not appreciate automated replies to comments. I don't even need a reply, unless you feel inspired or I've asked a specific question. Automated, generic comments? Seriously? 

***Years ago, I tried to tell Kyle about this cool new thing called "Twitter," but he patronized me, saying something like, "Yeah, yeah, Mom; like that's really anything anyone is going to use."  Today, when I mentioned this to him, he said, "Yeah, I remember that. Now, when my friends talk about Tweeting or whatever, I say, "Dude, my mom was doing that before you were!"

***omg--The neighbors behind us (in our wooded, suburban neighborhood) recently got a rooster (who has a time-of-day disorder). Tonight, we just learned that they've added something that bleats to their menagerie. Greaaaat....


***I read this post about Lip Dubbing (which I learned about on Twitter tonight) and was totally inspired! I cannot wait to share it with any/every teacher or kid-leader I know. Even if you're not a teacher, though, the video examples will make you smile. Seriously; if you don't smile at at least one of the videos, you need to seek help.


***Yes, I am still totally loving Google+. I really love having a clean slate, social networking-wise. There are things I'd like to see changed/added, but Google is so open to user feedback (what beta versions are all about) that they are listening, so it's going to get even better, as soon as next week (I think). If you're curious and missed my video or text posts, check 'em out!


***This video is incredible--Someone videotaped a driving route in Joplin, Missouri before and after the devastating tornado last May. Wow.  [Thanks, Quandlequeen, for the geography lesson!]


Okay! Now it's your turn to link up and say hi to new and old fragmented friends :)

Holy Cow!

I just realized that Sunday is my 4-year blogiversary! How fun is that?!

I decided that, in honor of four years of blogging, I would go back to see if I could find any of my old friends and introduce you.

My sisters, Geri, Mary, Judy, and Michelle (and friend, Kandee) have been big supporters from the start (Thanks, Girls :) (Even though Michelle told me I "sucked," I let her keep reading.)

Most of my original commenters were bloggers, and most of them haven't blogged in years. "Princess Pointful," "Mama of a Whole Lot of Drama" and I cheered each other on for a long time, but I guess they moved on.

I found Sherrie, who lost her dear mom a few months back and wrote about it on her blog (which she hadn't been to in a while). She's a real sweetheart. Sherrie, you were there when no one else was :) Thanks.  Jax, too (of MomMom's Rant) last posted (in 2009) about losing her mom. I can only imagine how tough that must be.

Green Girl in Wisconsin is still blogging! Her header is a charming Wisconsin scene. A Novel Woman is also blogging regularly and still has a familiar little photo of her child-self on her site. I enjoyed checking in tonight.

That brings me to Angie, of John Deere Mom, my longest-lasting blogging friendship (of almost four years). She's got one of the cutest blog headers on the Internet and still keeps in touch now and then. Her best friend, Debbie (also a teacher), hails from Finding Normal and continues to search for "normal," having recently moved eight hours away from Angie :(  Thanks, Girls, for supporting me :)

I also cannot forget Meno, whose blog I still love (Yes, Meno, even though you "used to be funny."). Meno is showing class and strength as she goes through a tough divorce. She has a unique sense of humor that I've adored ever since I met her via Cre8Buzz. Thanks, Meno.

That brings me through my first blogging year (or the fact that it's 10:45pm and I should be in bed). What about you? If you're a blogger, when's the last time you went back and visited your early-adopters (or at least early blog-foster parents?  (If you're a new blogger, welcome! :)

Let's all raise our glasses and celebrate the gift that is friendship. As I read on a post that I will be linking up on Saturday...

Our friends are the hands of God here on earth.

And for you, I am grateful.

My Own "Ski Story"

I recently met a blogger IRL. 

She is beautiful (looks like a teenager, really),

smart,

and funny,

and sweet,

a Packers fan (so of course, we were already kindred spirits), 

living in Tennessee (so, yes, she has a cute accent)

I adore her; she is now my fifth, (much-younger) sister.

Thanks, again, Mrs.Ski, for driving over to TinyTown and spending 

three and a half hours of your vacation at a Subway "Restaurant."

(No, her vacation wasn't to Subway; it was to Green Bay, Silly.)

Mrs. Ski, you are always welcome to visit Wisconsin 

(especially when you are cheering the Pack on).

And next time, maybe we'll even eat at a real restaurant

with plates!

And silverware!

And a bathroom with paper toweling!  

I can't wait. :)

Tech Tuesday Part 2: Google+ Tour

This post is strictly for people who want to see what Google+ is all about (for my post on what I think of it, go back one post). Please bear in mind that I'm not a professional videographer and don't have professional equipment.  I think the video will satisfy any curiosity and answer questions. I hope it's helpful. 

[Remember that you can pause the video when needed. I'm sorry it's not easier to see in full-screen. I don't know how to fix that.]

If you prefer to view this via Youtube, you'll find it here.

Tech Tuesday (on Monday): Google+ (So Far)

So, I joined Google+ last weekend and thought I'd share my opinion of it.

I love it.

What I like about Google+:
*It's like Facebook, with a major difference--privacy and added control. I am not friends with most of you on Facebook simply because I want to keep some things private. On Google+, you create Circles and assign people to them, and when you post something on your wall, you can select which Circles you want to see it. Currently, I have about ten Circles:

4444 Family

C Family (cousins on Dad's side)

D Family (cousins on Mom's side)

Bloggers
Bloggers I Actually Know

School

Blog Business Contacts

Neighbors

Other Friends

(And yes, some people are in more than one of my circles)

*I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I'm just being honest. Another thing I like is that I can create a Circle of people whose wall updates are the most important to me. (Come on--You know you have favorites!)  In Facebook, you see everyone's update in the stream. With Google+, you can click on a stream that is for one particular Circle and see only the updates from those people first, all in one place. That is really cool when you don't want to miss something important from a dear friend or family member since you were last logged in.

If our neighborhood is planning a block party, I can put up a post on my wall and just share it with my Neighborhood Circle (the rest of you won't have to see it). You can sort of do this on Facebook, but you have to go to a separate place (and create a Group) to do it. If I have something to share with my colleagues at work, I can simply select the School Circle, rather than having to add each person to the message separately.

Of course, you can set up your circles any way you want. I just saw a post from a guy whose Circles are:

Read Now

Read Soon

Read Eventually

Family

*Google+ is also very user-friendly. It looks like Facebook, so that part is familiar. I'm also familiar with Edmodo, and I think Google+ has similarities to Edmodo, so that helps.

*Font size--Thank you, Google+!  It's not a lot bigger than Facebook, but it is clearly bigger than Facebook.

There is also a "Hangout" feature that I haven't explored yet (because I haven't taken a shower yet today and don't want to be seen on video!haha). Mashable describes it this way:

That’s the concept behind “Hangouts,” Google’s new group chat feature. Instead of directly asking a friend to join a group chat, users instead click “start a hangout” and they’re instantly in a video chatroom alone. At the same time, a message goes out to their social circles, letting them know that their friend is “hanging out.” The result, Google has found in internal testing, is that friends quickly join.


[Update: I checked it out with Amy Austin, of Pretty Babies, and we had a ball. I even got to see her sweet little baby boy, who is adorable.]


The difference between Google+ Hangouts and Facebook's new video chat feature (in a nutshell) is the FB video tool is best for two people to chat, and Google+ plus is better for groups. (Groups can video chat on FB, but it's my understanding that Skype will charge fees for that.) Also, with the Google+ Hangouts, a group of people can watch a YouTube video together--I have a feeling my kids (Kyle and Kendall) are going to like that. There is also a chat box inside the video chat room, so you can have text and/or video chat simultaneously.


*I like that people can add you to their circle, but you don't have to add them to yours. If you get tired of seeing their posts, like Facebook, you can simply "mute" their posts (or even block them). You have complete control over who sees your stuff.


*I'm going to add two more observations, from Cool Mom Tech:


You'll find that Google+ allows you to do all those little things you wished you could do on Facebook, like edit posts after they've published; or unsubscribe from certain discussions so you don't have to be alerted every time yet another person says "Happy Birthday!"

I also love that you can email your updates to people who aren't in Google+, great for when you want to share that photo with Grandma who hasn't made the jump into Facebook.


What I don't like about Google+:
*They won't let me use my Mrs4444 username--No numbers or special characters allowed. How dumb is that?!   If you google my real name, you won't find my blog, and if you google Mrs4444, you won't find my real name; I like it that way. MrsFours will have to do, but I don't have to like it.

*I would very much like it if they would show my Circles on the top of my circles page and their recommendations below that, rather than vice versa; I like to see the "big picture" first.

*It would be really nice if Google+ would add an "Invite to Google+" option under the More Options tab in a Gmail Contacts. (Hear that, Google? Thanks.) That way, I could add my entire neighborhood at once, instead of clicking on each name separately, hoping not to miss someone.

*If you want to privately message someone, you can't do it on Google+; you have to do it via an email button on the page. [UPDATE: I figured out that you can message people individually, much more efficiently than on Facebook, too; you simply type the person's name in the field, instead typing in a circle. @ signs can also be used when mentioning someone else (like in Twitter). Nice going, Google. I love you even more, now! :)

*I hope that Google+ doesn't get cluttered up (like Twitter) with daily blog-promotion stuff. I don't mind an occasional request to visit a special post, but I really don't like the every-day, all-day "Read my blog" Tweets; I need a Blog-Promotion-Free Zone.  Maybe I'll just create a secondary blogging circle for those with Google+ goals similar to mine--strictly socializing. Yes! That's what I'll do!

Will I give up Facebook? I guess it depends on how many people in my real life join Google+. I am certain I'll be using Google+ to connect with bloggers in a purely social way--I love finally having a place for that!  If you'd like to join my Circle let me know, and I'll happily invite you if I haven't already.

I want to apologize if you have no interest in joining Google+ but got bombarded with emails from Google about it because of me. (If you did, it might be because I added you to my circle and they might have sent that to you; I don't know how they do that.)  Feel free to send an email asking me to delete you from the circle-business :) Better yet, just copy this paragraph and send it to me--I'll get the hint.


More Google+ Stuff:
Here's some excellent stuff about Google+--Very good information here!
If you enjoy English people (especially those who speak slowly), check out this video tour of Google+.
Google Plus: 8 Quick Tips and Tricks
Another important question (and answer) about Google+

So that's my two cents about Google+. If you have an opinion or a question, I'd love to hear it. I've also got a video tour of Google+ in the works (hopefully for tomorrow), so stay tuned if you're still curious.

P.S. If you're like me and have been wondering what this is:

It's Google +1, not to be confused with Google+.  It's basically like Stumbleupon; when you click the button, it tells everyone you think that's something worth reading, and it improves the item's ranking in the Google search engine. To learn more, watch this short video from Google.

The Good Kind of Falls (and our brush with death!)

Kyle and I went on two hikes while in California. The first was a good starter-hike at Muir Woods National Monument park. The day after that, we drove east to Yosemite National Park, down into "The Valley" to see what everyone was so excited about--El Capitain, in this case.

I didn't take this photo, but I took one just like it (and lost it). Photo Credit: TheKesslers.]

One thing that's really cool about Yosemite is that you don't have to be a professional photographer to take great photos. 

I took this one just steps away from the restrooms, and it's one of my favorites.

We spent the night in an "historic" hotel in Wawona.

It's a wonderful place to stay if you are rich.

(Read my TripAdvisor review if you want more specifics.)

The next morning, we set out earlyish (8:30am) to hike Chilnualna Falls trail.

I had read that this was a "hot" hike (lots of sun), so I wore a hat, and I was glad for it later.

(The forecast was 84 degrees that day.)

This hike is 8.2 miles (round trip) and has a rise of 2400 feet in elevation.

It took us about 3.5 hours.

The beginning of the trail follows Chilnualna [chill-noo-all-na] Creek, which of course is fed by the falls, 

which, due to a wet spring this year, were really rolling. 

In the photo below, Kyle is having a little spray shower as he kindly waits for his mom to catch up :)

They grow BIG pinecones in Yosemite!

This trail was described as "strenuous." It was, but it was worth the work.

After all, when is the last time you stood this close to a rainbow?

Amazing, no?

Near the very top, we stopped and relaxed for about an hour.

I went a little bit further while Kyle relaxed.

I am not the competitive type of person who always has to reach the top just because it's there; I'm content to go further than most people and let the die-hards finish the "race."

On the way back down, Kyle had an experience he'll be talking about for year to come. Walking past a sunny spot, he heard a distinct, "chik-chik" sound and followed the sound to....well....watch the video and see for yourself!

[Warning: There is PG-13 profanity in this video.]

As you may know, we do not have rattlesnakes in Wisconsin. We also do not have mountains or foot-long pine cones.  As you can imagine, Kyle loved this hike--his first "real" hike. He said that he was proud of himself for being able to endure it. As for me, my goal in taking him there was to give him a little taste of the payoff one can gain from a good hiking effort, especially out west.

My wilderness-loving niece says that hiking is great, but backpacking is the way to go if you want to have a truly amazing experience.  I told her I will pass. However, something tells me she's going to be persistent on that one.

Never say never, right?

Saturday Sampling, July 9th, 2011

Raise your hand if you're behind in reading your favorite blogs.

Yup. That's what I thought.

One of the things I love about blogging is all of the friendships I've made. The problem is, because I've made so many connections, it's impossible to keep up with every blog in my reader. Especially during the summer; we all want to be out there, enjoying the kids, the weather, and all that summer has to offer, right?   I always feel bad about missing out on important or heartfelt posts you've written.  

Anyone who's honest will admit that every single post we write is not our best work. Some stuff is just for fun or entertainment, but sometimes, you write something you wish more people would have seen. Saturday Sampling is the place to link up your favorite post, to give it a little more play and let people know you have something that really means something to you. Sharing other posts you've read is also a great thing about Saturday Sampling.

Thanks for sharing. [To learn more about SS, please click on the tab above]

Friday Fragments, Episode #153

Welcome one and all! First time fragmenting? You have no idea how much you're going to enjoy unloading all the clutter from your mind. Seasoned fragmenters know what I'm talking about [insert fragmenters nodding vigorously here]; it's the easiest, most satisfying post you'll write all week. To learn more, please click on the tab above (and read my special instructions at the end of the post). Now, let's get on with it!

I did not watch the trial, but I did watch the verdict.  Please join me when I say that I will not give a moment's attention to any television show, magazine, book, movie, etc. that benefits you-know-who. Instead, I will show her innocent child the respect she deserves by boycotting the exploitation.

In case you missed it, I made peanut butter cake pops last week, and they truly are to die for. You'll find pics and the blow-by-blow here on Mrs.4444 Cooks.

If you love Better-Than-Sex Cake, you will love my latest cake-pop/cake bite creation, 

Devil's Sex Cake Bites, pictured here:

I also made some absolutely-delicious Peanut Butter Cake Pops;

(Kendall said, "Mom, these taste just like big bites of cookie dough.") 

It's a wonder I haven't gained 50 pounds since I started making those things!

I really love this commercial:

Teaching summer school was scary at first (I've never taught in the summer before and didn't know any of the kids, grades 4th to 10th), but now it's fun, and I think the kids are learning a lot. The classes I'm teaching the first two weeks are focused on technology (Google Apps and other Web 2.0 tools). The other two weeks (carrying us through July), I'll be teaching the tech classes again, plus "Fun with Computers (1st-3rd graders!). I'm actually looking forward to that.

Our school district offers amazing summer school programs for kids. Many are free, and others are dirt cheap (mine are only $6 each). Too bad all kids don't have such opportunities.

In case you're wondering, Mom had a ball on her vacation to the Dakotas. Here's one of her photos, in which she achieve her goal of "cussing a biffalo!"

(Nice job, Michelle :)

It's your turn! Do me a favor, will you? If I didn't make it to your FF post last week, will you please put an asterisk (*) next to your name when you enter it?  I'll start with yours this time and catch up your previous offering. Thanks!  And while we're at it, if this is your first time linking, add TWO asterisks; that way, the rest of us can greet you good and proper-like! :)  Remember, the linky is only for Friday Fragments posts [No Drive-by Linkers, please].

Doors to the Past, Present, and Future

This post is dedicated to our door-loving photographer friend, Kristin (of The Goat).

I find it remarkable that, oftentimes, we don't even notice doors 

until they are suddenly standing open before us.

Of course, I found plenty of doors (and windows) on my trip to California. 

At the beach...

On the hiking trails ...

 [from a knothole on a covered bridge near the Chilnualna Falls trail head in Yosemite]

....and at the San Luis Rey Mission, in Oceanside.

This is part of the original mission, founded in the late 1700's.

That's the original well house in the background, too. They still use it today!

When taking photos on the trip, I didn't really think about blog posts until I got to the Marin Headlands, which in itself served as a doorway to the San Francisco and was once a site of military defense. 

This was just a relatively-brief stop on our trip with my niece and her husband, 

but it was one of my favorite places, as it is rich in history, as well as photo ops.  

I was surprised to find nothing on-site to explain the setting, and that was disappointing, 

because it's a fascinating place! 

It has old gun turrets, for crying out loud!

I ended up finding some stuff on Wikipedia (read under the heading, Military sites),

but I'd still like to know more.

I found it remarkable that the grounds were not protected in any way from vandals 

(or curious site-seers like us), but I was happy to take advantage. 

(Kristin, I thought of you as I took these photos! :)

The place we were at was once a military station of some kind, where they maybe held prisoners?

Kyle was the only one thin enough to sneak in there, though plenty of skinny vandals have gone before him...

(arrow points to the place Kyle crawled in)

Even though there was graffiti all over insides, 

I found the contrast with the historical outsides to be strangely beautiful.

The colors of the decaying concrete, combined with the lighting of an approaching sunset, 

made for such a beautiful photo backdrop.

Here's my niece, Nicki, humoring me She and her mom (my sister Geri) later thanked me :).

And the two love birds, standing in the threshold of a very special doorway of their own...

Here's hoping that all the doors you approach today are open,

and if not, that you find a window

(and are skinny enough to fit through it).