Kennedy Space Center

I have been home now for six days from nearly a month of travel.  After spending Christmas with my oldest son and his family in Tucson (his father-in-law invited them and me), I watched my granddaughter for a couple of days in Madison before driving to South Lyon to celebrate a belated Christmas with my youngest son and his family.  Next I spent one night with a friend in Ann Arbor before driving to Florida the first time in my life.  I took five days to drive the near 1,200 miles, so it was not too bad of a drive.

I met friends at a campground in Mims, Fl.  We spent two full days and did all the exhibits/movies/experiences at the Kennedy Space Center.  Unfortunately the launch of SpaceX did not happen as originally planned, but the KSC far exceeded my expectations.  I loved it.  Of course, I have been a NASA fan since I was a little kid.  Below are some of my photos.

Astronaut Carr and me....

 

Space Shuttle....

Atlantis Space Shuttle....

Mathew and Karri...

Detroit Zoo Adventure

After spending Christmas with my oldest son, I drove to my youngest son's house to celebrate a late Christmas.  One day Jonathan was busy, so my daughter-in-law, grandson, and I headed over to the Detroit Zoo to use free tickets that were about to expire.  It was a sunny and beautiful day with temperatures in the mid to upper 30s.  If you have not been there before, it is a wonderful zoo -- even without all the exhibits open due to the winter temperatures.

First Ski of the year -- on the beach!

With temperatures in the upper 30s and a brilliant sunshine, I just had to get outside yesterday.  I headed down to the boardwalk to check how much snow there is on the beach.  There is not a lot, but by staying closer to the bottom of the bluff, I was able to ski.  I had a great time.

First Draft of New Book is Done!

I am happy to report the first draft of my new book is done!  Thanks to my sister, Diana, for submitting the winning book title.

This book is intended for beginning rock hounds who want to learn more about geology and rocks.  General information about Earth science is included as are innovative graphics which explain concepts in as simplest terms possible.  

The book features seventeen learning activities and exercises to help readers test their knowledge and understanding.  The pages are laminated in a material compatible with dry erase markers so the exercises can be done over and over again.

The Table of Contents for the book is below.

Table of Contents

Earth and its Layers
   Earth Layer Exercise I
   Earth Layer Exercise II

Earth’s Geologic Time Scale
   Geologic Time Scale Exercise
   Key Event Exercise

Plate Tectonics
   Plate Tectonics Exercise
   Continental Drift Exercise

Earthquakes
   Earthquake Drawing Exercise
   Richter Scale Exercise

Mountains
   Mountain Information Quiz

From Atoms to Rocks
   Levels of Matter Exercise
   Rock Categories Exercise

Igneous Rocks
   Igneous Rock Mineral Grain Identification Exercise
   Igneous Rock True or False Exercise

Sedimentary Rocks
   Sedimentary Rock Examples Exercise
   Grain Size Exercise

Metamorphic Rocks
   Metamorphic Rock Examples Exercise

The Rock Cycle

Activity and Exercise Answer Key  

Thanks to everyone who have been supportive of this project!

Hike around my property

Yesterday I decided to check out how much snow is in the woods.  Thanks to friend, Renee, for going on a hike around my property!   We have had warm temperatures as of late, so the snow has condensed down to around eight inches.  All the tree branches are covered in snow, so it is beautiful in the woods!

There is not a lot of snow around my house yet, but we have a longer winter in front of us.