How Did I Get Here?!

Sitting in the Entomology class today, I could not help but ask myself this question.  Ten years ago, I never would have imagined sitting in a classroom learning about insects!  That is what 4H has done to me...taken me in places I never dreamed of going...LOL!  However, I am happy with turn of events...my boys are learning about something they love.  They will appreciate these little creatures more now that they know what they are looking at when they go out in to the woods or in our yard.

Today, the boys learned about the different types of metamorphosis.  Did you know that all bugs do not mature in the same way?  There are three types of metamorphosis:

No metamorphoshis (egg, immature, mature):


Incomplete (egg, nymph, adult):



Complete (egg, larvae, pupa, adult):


They also learned more about the structure of insects and arachnids.  I was lucky to remember that insects were divided up into three parts, but the boys need to know a lot more.




And then they began their adventure into the different orders of insects.   This week they learned about the following orders:

Thysanura (silverfish)
Ephemeroptera (mayflies)
Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)
Plecoptera (stoneflies)
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets)
Blattodea (roaches)
Mantodea (mantids)
Phasmatodea (walkingsticks)

It is amazing to me that the boys can learn all these orders.  However, it is even more amazing that they can spell the orders!  They have to spell correctly for the answer to count.  They also have to know the kind of mouth parts and if the insect is beneficial.  Pretty amazing!

And to think we would never have had this adventure if it were not for 4H.  So glad we are able to give the boys these opportunities.  An added bonus today was being able to see praying mantis egg sac.  It was really cool!  Thanks again to our leaders!

Also, Sean did a great job of reviewing our last class.  He and I put together a crossword puzzle with clues from last weeks class.  He gave out the worksheets at the beginning of class and then he gave out the correct answers at the end of class.

Two Hikes, Some Bees and a Service Opportunity

Sounds like a good movie title, doesn't it?!

There are times when our 4H adventures seem to duplicate themselves.  If you were to go back over the last eight years and look at my calendar, you would see the same thing week after week...month after month.  However, I was thinking back to these experiences and know that each was different in its own way.  Maybe you feel that way yourself in the activities that you do...whether it is in 4H or just day-to-day life.  I think that is why I have enjoyed blogging over the last few months...I write what happens and it brings to mind past events.  Each year brought different opportunities as we learned and competed in the different projects.  It makes me wish that I had blogged from the beginning to show how we have changed over the years.

Yesterday, the boys and I woke up and rushed over to the VA clinic to serve sandwiches to the Veterans who came in for blood work.  We have done this in the past.  In fact we are scheduled to do this each month at this time.  We had not done this for several months.  I hate that we fell out of the practice, so when we got a phone call asking us to help once again, we were glad to help.  Unfortunately, that would mean taking the supplies to make the sandwiches.  So, here we were the night before scrambling around our pantry looking for sandwich supplies because we would not have time to go to the store ahead of time.  We found enough supplies to make 40 tuna sandwiches.  

This is when I begin thinking about how this once regular part of our 4H experience was different each time.  We meet different Veterans...we take different food...different 4Hers help...Yes the same event month after month but a new experience as well.  Yesterday that meant staying the course and doing the best with what we had...and trying to be positive with the Veterans we met.  I also realized how much we rely on others to make things go smoothly.  In the past we have always had Myra (our club manager) provide the basics.  Even when she did not come herself, she made sure we had what we needed.  We might bring some of the sandwich ingredients but she brought the staple items.  Yesterday as we made our way to the clinic, we realized we did not have everything we would need.  We arrived begging for supplies from the staff.  How was I to know that we needed baggies to put the sandwiches in?  We have just always had them!  We learned to appreciate the small things and the BIG help we would miss.  A big thanks to Myra for her hard work to keep us on track!  And also another proud moment as I watched the boys take over the serving.  We only stayed a little while but we were glad to help the Veterans.

Then came the first hike!  We met at a large park and hiking trail for our Wildlife practice.  We thought we would be able to find enough plant specimens along the outside of the woods (or maybe that was wishful thinking on my part!).  Unfortunately, we found very little so the 4Hers were anxious to go into the woods.  I was a little leery because it was still quite wet from our recent rain over the last weeks.  

We looked at the trail map and found a short trail that was attached to a longer trail.  Silly me...I thought we would find what we were looking for on the short trail and head back to study other things.  I was wrong and we choice to head down the longer trail...Oh my!  I would not have minded the trail so much if we had been successful.  However, we walked through the muddy trail with only a few specimens to identify.  It wore me out... and Brendan also, obviously, because he was carried most of the long trail!  I took a few pictures of our adventure.  We decided we would just need to find a better place next time.  It was good experience nonetheless as we definitely got our exercise.  

After a good night's sleep (exhaustion does that to you!), we headed out early for a second day in a row.  This time we began our day with a workshop in beekeeping.  We had been to these classes last year.  We had no clue of what we were doing and were too new to have questions.  Now after a year into this hobby, we listened with eager ears and ready to ask questions along the way.  

Mr. Cecil Hunt started the group out with a few basics to understanding the bee.  We learned about the parts of the bee, bee hierarchy, how bees communicate, and the basic set up of a hive.  I was really impressed with his ability to bring all the information together and hold the attention of all the 4Hers (age 3-adult, as parents who came were just as interested as the 4Hers).  We had nine 4Hers attend the class with seven adults (counting the three instructors).  The slide show was very helpful in showing the bee and its life cycle.  

Mr. Bob Ham showed the basic equipment needed for a beginner beekeeper.  I thought there would not be much new information, but stayed to listen.  I was not surprised to learn new skills and techniques.  He mentioned how to light a smoker and told about beginners not lighting the smoker correctly...yep that's me!  So, now I know to light a small amount of pine straw in the bottom before adding more straw to the smoker.  

In between sessions, I also learned about splitting our current hive.  I hope to work on this in the next couple of weeks.  This will be a great opportunity for us to advance in our beekeeping hobby.  Mr. Robert Jones said he would be willing to help us accomplish this goal.  He was also the next to teach us about the basics of beekeeping.  This included the history and the basic set up for beginner beekeeping.  Although we have been keeping bees for a year, I learned a lot about the importance of bee keeping and supporting the hive without being too intrusive.

A big thanks to these advanced beekeepers for taking time out of their busy weekend to teach us about bees this morning.  It was very motivating for us to get back to taking care of our hive and progressing to the next level.

We finished this class just in time to regroup and head out on our second hike.  This time we would go into the Angelina National Forest along with Wildlife Biologist, Dick Pike.  His wife would also join us and share her knowledge.  We began the hike through a recent prescribed burn site.  This burn took place about two months ago and the plants are already starting to emerge.  We learned that some of these plants had just gone dormant during the burn (sweet gum), while others were just able to resist the heat and flames (pine).  Some of the plants would only be present during these early stages of regrowth (spagma moss, not sure on spelling).

We walked the path looking at the plants that were on our contest list, as well.  We found several specimens at different stages of growth.  We then drove to a red-cockaded woodpecker cluster.  We learned that one of the main purposes for the prescribed burn in this wooded area was to protect the habitat for these birds.  They are the only woodpeckers that like to drill holes in live pine trees.  They also like a clear under story for easy flight through the trees.  I asked why these particular birds were so important to protect and Mr. Pike explained that this species of woodpecker was considered a keystone species.  If we lost this bird other species would also dwindle.  It kind of reminded me of The Lorax.  It was interesting to see the different methods used to provide the woodpecker with the needed access to the trees and nesting spots.  There were special metal plates above the holes so other woodpecker species would not drill a larger hole for nesting.  The biologists even went so far as to build cedar boxes that would be placed in cutouts from the living pines!  

Then off we went to a new location that had not had a recent burn.  This was also the location of an old sawmill town (Old Alderidge Mill).  We followed the trail around and found many of the plants from our local contest.  This will be very helpful for next fall...maybe we can make another trip out this way then.  When the 4Hers arrived at the mill, they were told there were bats (endangered bats, of course!) on the premises.  They could not resist the urge to find them and were successful!  I took this time to rest before our hike back.  Brendan had had enough as well and began to fall asleep on my shoulder as we walked back.

So, when Mr. Pike offered to take one more trail to the Angelina River, I chose to send my camera with the group and head back to the cars.  Right after leaving the group at the fork in the trail, Brendan perked back up and asked to be put down so he could catch a frog (the little turkey!).  He had seen Mr. Merrel try for a frog on the way up the trail and he decided he wanted to try it also.  I finally convinced him to leave the frogs to their home and walked the rest of the way to the cars.  I thought I would have a little rest before the others got back.  But, Brendan decided to find a muddle puddle instead.  He was covered in MUD!!!!!  LOL!  So much for a nap! The others returned soon after...they got lost trying to find the river so came back after finding a slough instead.  

Just as we were saying our good-byes, Mr Pike told us about an area of the park that had a field of Pitcher Plants (carnivorous plant species) growing on the side of a road.  He suggested we try to go but we will just have to plan for another day.  It is always nice to have a reason to return to a fun place.  He also told us about a flower species he discovered while walking through the forest.  He named it Pike's Freebird Orchid.  We did not see this flower and I could not find a picture on line.  I guess I will need to ask for more details when we meet again.  He was a very interesting person to guide us...very knowledgeable.  

  

A big thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Pike and also to Mr. Merrel (our County 4H agent) for setting up this experience.  We look forward to more opportunities to get moving!  All in all, I think we hiked about five miles in the last two days.  So, I guess the 'get moving' theme was successful.  I, personally, am worn out and I think the boys are too.  They sure fell asleep quickly tonight.

Now, if you had just looked at the quick reminder about each of the events on a calendar you would think how boring!  But we really had a great time and learned so much.  We are just 'making the best better' one unique experience at a time!

Don't Try This at Home!!!!

We had a little field trip today, in spite of the downpour.  We made our way to our local community college for a performance of the Peking Acrobats.  Now, although this was not an official 4H outing, we considered it part of our Share the Fun project.  In fact, we were supposed to have a practice for our skit right after this experience, but it did not work out.  This still gave the boys an opportunity to look at stage presence and simple props. 

The performance was amazing!  It is hard to believe all the things these performers accomplished.  I wish I could have taken pictures but it would have been too dangerous to have flash photography during the performance.  So, I have found some pictures of what we saw on line so you could see some of their acrobats.  It would have been almost as interesting to take pictures of the boys watching the performance.  Our youngest was especially transfixed to the stage.  I don't think he blinked once.  At one point in the performance, a man stacked chairs on top of each other and performed flips.  I was a little concerned that he might want to try some these acts when he got home, so I bent over and asked him it he wanted to try it.  He quickly said no as he continued to watch every move that was made!



Some of the other acts the boys enjoyed were the dragon performers and the men jumping through the hoops.  There were also women performing but I guess those acts were too subdued for the boys' taste because they did not mention any of these as their favorites.  However, I was especially impressed by the umbrella twirling (how fitting for today!).  

Also the boys liked the bicycle act at the end of the show.  However, I wanted to laugh because it reminded me of the children's book, Bears on Wheels.

 

The Chinese instruments and their performance was almost as interesting as the acrobats.  I wish we would have had time to ask them questions after the performance.

A great show!  I will just have to blog about our 4H Share the Fun next week!

Bugs!...I mean Insects

This is the project Sean waits for with great anticipation each year.  Really we never stop learning about insects.  I finally convinced Sean that we could collect them in photo albums instead of jars...a great relief I assure you!

This project is one of our longest running experiences.  It really started with my daughter eight years ago because she thought it would help her understand wildlife better.  However, Sean was hooked from the moment he heard 'hymenoptera.'  Amanda long gave p any desire to learn about insects.  However, Sean has not only grown attached to the little creatures, but has gone on to many contests.  He has even placed high point several years in a row.

This is his first year to be a senior and will need to know the full list of insects and a lot more information.  He will also have the opportunity to go on to the State contest for the first time.  He looks forward to the challenge.

Henry, on the other hand, is always hesitant every year.  He says he will go and sit in the class but has no desire to compete.  This year he did not even want to go to the workshop.  However, low and behold, he came in half way through the class, and could not help answering questions.  By the time the class was over he was signed up to participate.  The other two boys were tagging along to see the specimens set out by our leaders.

In the past we have only had a small group of 4Hers to participate.  Much to our surprise, we arrived to the meeting to find a full room!  There were 19 4Hers (not all boys, with 4 girls in attendance) and seven adults (counting our leaders).  The leaders are great!  They make the experience fun even for the least likely participants (myself included!).  Mr. Joe Pace and Mr. Kevin know how to get the 4Hers interested.  Today they talked about the basic parts and classification.  They also talked about insect collection.  I could see the twinkle in the boys' eyes when he spoke of it.  I am hoping I can reinforce my desire to collect pictures!  I can not repeat enough times that the thought of insect collections sitting around the house has no appeal to me.

Sean volunteered to present a review of information for the beginning of the next workshop.  Great job!

4H Fun in the Mailbox!

That's right!  When we went to our mailbox today, we found our next 4H adventure waiting for us!  We knew it was coming but did not know what it would be or when it would come.

If you remember back to last fall, I blogged about our experience at the International Quilt Show.  We had so much fun at that event the boys insisted that they enter a new quilt this year.  This particular challenge presented by the 4H Clothing & Textile project is to take a piece of fabric chosen by a committee and create an original quilt.  Each year there is a new theme designed around the material picked.

We were overjoyed to find that big soft envelope in the mailbox today!  We tore into the envelope to find insect material!!!!  This is so awesome because my boys LOVE insects!  This will also fit right into Sean’s entomology project and record book.  We found out that this year’s theme is Environmental Conservation.

So, I did a quick Google search on insect quilts wondering if anything would turn up.  There were several but the first one turned out to be perfect for what we want to do with this material!  The design is called bug jars.  We decided we can take this basic design and do something fun with it.  We are going to have some of the jars opened up and tipped over to look as if the insects are being released.  We will have larger version of the creatures found on the material quilted onto the design coming out of the jars.  Here is the basic design:

 

We cannot wait to get started!  So, if there are any quilters out there reading this post, feel free to give tips and ideas to help with the design.  We can always use the help.

Back to the Wild

Wildlife project that is...Now we are over our first WHEP contest and a little time before the next one we are back to studying Wildife.  For a small number of our group that means going to the State contest in West Texas next month.  We are very excited!

However, we have to study new material and a small variation of format.  The rules have changed and new workbook arrived this week.  We knew this was coming but have not had a lot of time to focus on it.  Today we started back in full force!

I think it is interesting to study the plants, which was our main focus today.  On this contest there are a lot of grasses and other plants that we have never seen.  I mean, how many of you know what any of these plants/trees are: Sumac Skunkbush, Lotebush, Chittimwood, Ephedra, Elbowbush, Old man's beard, Tallow weed, or Wolfberry, along with 60 other plants!

But, it is so much fun learning about these plants and how they are used by the wildlife in Texas.  So we set out today to learn these plants.  We finally decide that the best plan to learn about them all was to divide and conquer.  Each team member was given a list of plants to look up and learn.  Next week we will present what we find to the group.  It is a great way for them to lead as well as learn.  We continue to "make the best better" by improving our knowledge of our state plants and wildlife.

And in case you were wondering about those plants.  Here are pictures of some of them:
 elbowbush

 ephreda

 lotebush

 old man's beard

You'll just have to look the other's up for yourself!  LOL!  

Computer Science Presentation

Today was great day of 4H learning and giving back.  We started out early this afternoon to get to our local library of choice.  They have had a great exhibit about the weather and how it effects the earth for several weeks.  Today was the last day of the exhibit and they ended with one of our favorite foresters presenting information about the drought and wildfire in Texas.  I thought this was a great way for the boys to see a different aspect of wildlife and nature.  We were quite pleased with the presentation.  Thank you Mr. Nightingale for the information!

Then we headed over to the extension office in time to set up for a Computer Science presentation.  We were asked to do this presentation because our club had never had this project.  We wanted to show everyone what we had learned.  The group had taken a part of the computer and created a slide to tell about its importance to the computer.  It was not until all the slides were placed in one power point presentation that we would be able to practice for the presentation.  I took all the slides and added a few transitions between and made sure it was all formatted correctly.  However, the 4H members did the bulk of the work.

So, we got everyone together an hour before the meeting to practice what we would say.  Practice was a little rough but not too bad.  I was a little worried that we were not ready but "the show must go on" so we were going to make the best of it.  We also asked one of our members to help out since he had shown interest in the project.  I thought it was important to not have a serious presentation because it would be boring to just read from a slide.  So, I added a few jokes and funny graphics along the way.

The time came for us to present and I think we were all a little nervous, but you know what, it turned out great!  Our Vice President (Katy) introduced us and said how proud she was of us for starting a new project for our club...that was nice of her!  Then I had the group start out with a joke:

Why does a computer not like tennis?

Because it surfs the net!

LOl.....ha....right?  Well, maybe not....but as I told the club...the Computer Science project would have been a complete joke if I had led this project...that is why were so thankful to my husband for taking part of his time off for a few weeks to help lead this project.  He did a great job and I did not want ANYONE to think that I knew anything about computers!

Then we got into the serious presentation with the group talking about the different parts of a computer.  Well, maybe not so serious...but packed full of information to let the club know that we had learned about the parts of the computer.  We had golden retrievers representing the output.  Attics for the hard drive.  And, nose and smell to explain hardware and software.  But the best joke was one our reluctant project member wanted to take out.  I encouraged him to keep it in (I hated changing the presentation at the last minute!).  He joked around a little before the meeting but one he got going during the actual presentation he really did a great job improv...he was a hit!  Telling the club about the cooling system...he said there needed to be a fan....but not your football fan...the kind you see turning around on your ceiling...and it went crazy from there!  However, he got his point across...the cooling system is a VERY important part of the computer!

Everyone clapped and cheered and we quickly left the stage...glad we were able to show the club what we learned and give back to a small part of the community...but not wanting center stage!

Great job Computer Science members...I hope you are looking forward to the next sessions in the fall when my husband returns.  We would really like to learn about robotics with all of you and more!

Also, we could not end the night without a game and refreshments!  A big thank you to the families who brought the snacks.  It was fun to have the insect theme on the back table.  A great way to remind us the the insects are back along with our Entomology project!  We are looking forward to another year of learning about insects with some more of our awesome foresters!  More on this next week after our first meeting.

Henry did a great job of teaching the club a different version of Duck-duck-goose.  We changed it up to keep with our presentation theme....CPU-CPU-Hard drive!  And the one trying to get away had to say input-output before being able to be safe.  The ones who participated had a lot of fun!

Another great night with our 4H friends.  Henry said he was glad he did not have prizes for the game because the real prize was enjoying the game with friends.  And that just shows that 4H really does "make the best better!"