The theme is still steampunk. If you’re wondering just what the heck that is, take a look at Wikipedia’s Steampunk page for starters.

Here’s what I’m thinking of making this year:

1. Riding Habit Bodice with a bit ‘o tweaking
2. Big Sky Riding Skirt could wear this one after too
3. Ladies Victorian Underwear

Or something like those. I originally found the riding skirt at Steampunk Emporium. But I’m not one to pay that much for a skirt… ‘specially if’n I can make it.

‘Course these are my grandiose plans and it is February. By October things could look a lot different!

I still need to make a good pair of goggles too. Mebbe some sorta hat. Earrings.

I was glad to be able to make the trip. Reason number-the-next-one why I like homeschooling… when there is a family crisis in the next state, you can just pick up and go! No school to notify. No worries about homework backlog (well maybe a little).

I am also equally glad to be back home. Bob and I have not been apart that long (nearly 2 weeks) in, oh, twenty years. Seriously!

So now I’m hustling to get things done so we can start next week somewhat stress-free… create monthly grocery list and meal plans and juggle lesson plans to account for our unexpected “holiday.” Bills were paid earlier today. Gah.

I’m also looking at ways to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. MamaKohl has a neat Gratitude tree going. FamilyFun has several “tradition” ideas. I like the pressed leaf idea for the tree, the “familiar feathers of thanks” and the “Kernels of thanks” ideas. Will have to sleep on it.

This morning we were treated to a gorgeous sunrise. It was so freaking orange you’d think it was sunset… after a huge fire or something. There was even a rainbow.

After lunch we went on a listening walk. That was Jessie’s idea. We caught a leopard frog. Or at least I think it is. Could have sworn I ran across an entry for a frog that looks very similar… somewhere. The kids climbed the cedar tree. I’m going to make rabid tree climber out of Sam yet. I really enjoyed watching them climb. I think every kid should have a tree to climb.

Read a rather disturbing post today about the NEA (National Educational Association) and their current resolutions against homeschoolers. There is an online petition here that gives some of the details.

“The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. “

There sure is a lot of evidence to the contrary. Colleges are actively seeking homeschooled kids too. The petition link above includes a link to some impressive stats and more information (that I need to read).

Not exactly sure why this NEA resolution bothers me so much. I’ve seen other such things and ignored them successfully. Will have to spend some time thinking and reading more on it. Exactly WHY do I homeschool…? What makes ME think I AM qualified? Stay tuned….

Directions can be found here.

What I did differently:

• I used a plastic vinegar jug instead of a gallon milk jug.
• For the eyes and designs, I used sheet foam (‘coz I had some already) and hot glued it on.

What I’d do differently

• LED lights for eyes!
• space the legs out more
• wrap body in black feather boa
• Use different colored tape for “knees” for that orange kneed tarantula look
• dimensional fangs