Squam Lake Science Center

Well, I promised a few pictures of the animals at the Squam Lake Science Center. You see why I have the word "Ramblings" in the title of this site? =)

Here's one of their foxes. When I saw that he was sleeping, I didn't think I'd get a good picture, but this is actually one of my favorites - he looks so cute and fluffy! Not to mention comfortable...

Most of the enclosures had two animals; the second fox was much further away. This little guy was obligingly parked near the viewing window.

I felt bad for this bobcat - he was going a little crazy in his cage. He and his friend were staring intently outside most of the time. This one, though, spent a couple minutes dashing wildly back and forth on the rocky little "cliff" in the enclosure. As I understand it, most of the animals are at this science center because they were injured or are for some other reason unable to live in the wild.

The otters were definitely showoffs, and they kept moving so much of the time that I only got one or two decent pictures of them in the water! This one liked to swim up against the wall, push off against it, and swim on his back. They seemed to be watching the people - and enjoying being exclaimed over. The Science Center site does have a webcam for the otters.

The bears were enjoying a nize midday snooze. I imagine the best time to see the animals active would be early in the morning or in the evening. Still, the smaller bear woke up enough for me to

get a couple decent shots - mostly of him stretching and yawning. This is one of the better pictures. I guessed that he/she was about 200 pounds. The other bear, a little further away, was even bigger - my estimate was 300 pounds. The security in this enclosure was impressive - high fences and electric wire everywhere! They had many of the trees wired, presumably so the bears can't climb up and jump over the fence or onto neighboring buildings.

Many of the trails were lined with milkweed and other wildflowers. I was surprised not to see any

butterflies, but I suppose it's just as well - I

would've spent ages trying to snap the perfect

picture of them.

There were lots of other animals, too - all kinds of small birds, birds of prey, deer, mice, turtles, etc. Their displays are very nice, with lots of information - very kid-friendly. The info tends to be evolutionistic, but that's no surprise.

Here's the link to their site: http://nhnature.org/

Check it out sometime! =)

Cute Redhead

Hi! What a busy summer this has been so far! Once I finally got to start working, I hit the ground running and have been doing nearly 40 hours a week. My checkbook is breathing a sigh of relief at that! The Lord has provided miraculously with financial aid at Northland, but it'll still be a bit squeaky this fall.

What's especially fun is that three of my four siblings are working with me at Zeb's General Store this summer. It's so nice to look up from the hubbub and share a smile with someone I know well.

Today I got to visit the Squam Lake Science Center with my good friends the VanDynes. We had a great time and saw all kinds of neat exhibits and animals. I'll have to share a few pictures the next time I do a post. Some of my favorites are the curled-up fox and the stretching black bear (they were a bit sleepy). The bald eagles were also very neat. The vultures were not.

Well, today I also met this really cute redhead. In fact, I ran outside barefoot, wearing my (modest) pajamas, and snagged him right off the sidewalk! We sat on the porch and chatted for a while before he had to leave. Here's his picture:








Told you he was cute! =) He was running loose and had to go with the animal control officer. She promised to let me know what happens with him. What I find very interesting about the situation, though, is that of all the lost dogs that had to wander across my yard, it was an Irish Setter. It's my favorite breed, and I used to own one! Is God trying to tell me something??? Unlikely, but I thought that was interesting. =) I'll be quiet now and remember that I can't have dogs till I move out of my parents' house...

Well...it's bedtime! I like bedtime. And I'd better end this post before I become excessively loopy. To any and all who actually take the time to read this stuff, Thanks! Have a fantabulous night!

Snow...

...on the mountain. Yep, it's true: It's June 3rd, and Mount Washington still has a little snow. If I recall my facts correctly, it can snow at the peak during any month of the year. Here's the link to a site for Mount Washington: http://www.mountwashington.org/
I always enjoy reading about our mountain - home of the world's worst weather!

Anyway, I've been keeping busy since coming home from school - wrestling with to-do lists, practicing piano, annoying my older sister (but having plenty of good times with her too!)...I love being home! I've played piano in church 3 times, made home-made ice cream twice, and I even made my very first cheesecake: Caramel Pumpkin Pecan Gingersnap cheesecake. Yummy! (That recipe can be found here: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/11/caramel-pumpkin-gingersnap-cheesecake-so-there/ Definitely worth it!)

I haven't actually started work yet, but that's because it doesn't get busy around here till schools are out. Never mind that my school gets out the second week of May...oh well. I'm sure I'll be wishing for these quiet days later in the summer.

Yesterday my siblings and I went over to church to do some work on Solid Rock, our little publishing ministry, and we found the coolest thing on the study window:

It's called a Cecropia moth, and its wingspan is between 5-6 inches! Apparently they're nocturnal, which might explain why this one seemed a little confused. He was very friendly and spent quite a while perched on my finger. I took 127 photos. =)

This picture shows his wingspan a little better. My favorite part was his incredibly fine little antennae. The incredible beauty of this humble little moth makes me think of Psalm 8.

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!

2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength because of Your adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained;

4 What is man that You take thought for him, And the son of man that You care for him?

5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty!

6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,

7 All sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,

8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!