A friend and I took our children to Richmond on Friday to go to the science museum. It is 3-4 stories of hands-on science. We learned about crystals, space, optical illusions, the human body, bio-ethics, weather, watched trained rats play basketball, and our favorite... learned really gross facts about animals. We stayed all day long and had a wonderful time. I really enjoy getting to learn with my children. ___________ Hubby and I had a nice anniversary. We went to lunch, a movie, ran errands, and then went to a really nice dinner. The movie was Pursuit of Happyness. We both really enjoyed it. The women beside me were bawling, but I mostly just teared up. I didn't know it is based on a true story, so that was a surprise for me at the end. It certainly makes you realize how unstable life can be. I don't know what I would do without family. The movie had very little swearing, no sex or violence, and a great plot. I would recommend it to anyone. ___________ I started reading a book this weekend, Last Child in the Woods. I am underlining like a college student! It is about how missing out on nature can make you stressed and unfocused. Nearly every chapter has reminded me of my Dad. When my Mom would have a troubled student, my Dad would say, "If I could just have him here on the farm, I'm sure he could work it out." That was often said about my cousin, who lived in town and did things like shut down the a.c. unit on a pharmaceutical plant! I have also recalled the many times that I have said, "I love that my children are growing up like this; with animals, land, space, and freedom." Visiting my friend in Canada this summer has also jumped into my memory. They have a very large, green area near their house. There isn't much of a playground, but just lots of room to run, explore, climb trees, sled in the winter. There aren't many places like that in the US. The book says that is because there isn't any profit in it. Good 'ole commercialism. I am enjoying the book immensely, but that might be because it is agreeing with what I believe!!