Going Back in Time

3 Day 2 Night Field Trip to Hillsborough River State Park


I love camping and love the great OUTDOORS, however, my son does not. As he puts it "I am an indoor kind of kid".  I prepared my "Indoor kind of kid" with a 3 day, 2 night camping stay, with electric and water. The next camping trip planned he will not be as lucky as it is PRIMITIVE. Yep, no ELECTRIC, no WATER. 

That should be interesting!
(Wish me LUCK!!!)

We arrived at 2:30 to

Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park is one of the eight original Florida State Parks created in 1938. It was built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). The park is cleaved into two halves by a swiftly flowing section of the Hillsborough River. This section of the river is noted for having several clusters of small rapids; it is one of the few rivers in Florida to have a system of rapids.
Also located on park land is a replica of Fort Foster, which was originally built in 1836 during the Second Seminole War, abandoned and reused again in the 1840's. 
We did not get to visit Fort Foster due to it only being open on Sat. and Sun., so another trip is being planned to go back and visit the Fort, as well as the small museum holding at least 100 artifacts.
We stayed on Campsite #28, a 25 x 30 site with Palm, Oak, Cypress, and Magnolia trees. A few unbosomed hibiscus is also located on the site. Located right behind the site was small piece of the Florida Trail,which had  a small bridge. Great photo opportunities!
We had lots of visitors, wildlife, and people! Our neighbors next door who were from Canada, stopped by to ask if my son was Autistic! I love it! That has only happened one other time that someone knew and asked if he had Autism. The first time was a teenage- she said she knew because my son acted just like her brother :) . You never know if you made someone's day, but these people made mine! It was a husband and wife, who just could not get enough of Spencer, and came back once more to chat before leaving. The husband was a Physicists and retired teacher. He asked Spencer if what classes he studied, in which Spencer replied "American History, Chemistry, any science, and Blogging (lol). The man asked what about chemistry he liked in which Spencer replied "Metal... Titanium is my favorite. Did you know each granular of sand contains one atom of Titanium? The Physicists replied "Really? I did not know that".
50 POINTS SPENCER!

My husband Dave asked him if he liked the TV show "The Big Bang Theory", and when he said he watched it all the time, Dave and I both pointed to Spencer.

Spencer IS Sheldon Cooper 
 
BAZINGA!

The next day, we woke up, ate breakfast (tried egg beaters so I would not break eggs, and well, only Dave liked it) and off for a canoe trip we go!!!!
The Hillsborough River was clear, which meant the water was Crystal Springs fed, and not Green Swamp Fed (the rivers two sources of water).  We did not make it that far, as in  our path, (and no way to go around it) was a HUGE gator. Even after HOURS of watching the Gator Boys (Tv Show), and thinking I had them babies under control, I realized how much of a chicken I am! When you see a Gator as big as your 3 person canoe, instant reflex...
PADDLE BACKWARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As we turned around, so did he or she, and was now headed our way, and under the water it went! You have never seen me paddle so hard- I mean our canoe had a wake! In and out in like 30 minutes.
So....
We take a hike.
We found the suspension Bridge built in the 1930's (a replica of the one burned down by the Seminole Indians).  We were also on a search to find Resurrection ferns that grow on the cypress tree that crosses the path of the bridge as part of an Earth Cache for Geaocaching.
We found it!
We were also able to find the sign for the Prayer of the Woods. Love that!
Our last day, we cheated and hit the Poolside Cafe for Breakfast...and it was GOOD! We started and ended our last day with a few short hikes.
Great weather, and great family fun!!!!
Who knew he was learning the whole time??????????????
Pictures of our trip are posted below! Enjoy!

Our Travel Bug

#28

Photography class :D

Tree stump that LOOKS like a Gator

Black History Month (1750's)

Today in American History, Spencer studied "The great Awakening". It was a time when thousands of people were saved, missionary spirit was kindled, colleges were found, and people were now able to separate Religious freedom from political freedom. This time changed peoples lives either directly or indirectly. It was also a time where music became important in worship. Hymns written by Isaac Watts, who also encouraged humanitarian efforts. People felt a new concern for the poor and suffering, some founded orphanages, others spoke out against slavery, and wanted all men free.

Then we read about one of the most fascinating woman I have never read about!  Phillis Wheatley.
At the age of 7, she was stolen and sold to a man in America (to help his wife), John Wheatley.  She was introduced to God, and was taught how to read and write. She was able to read English, Latin and Greek.  She loved to read the Bible, and to read poems.She became a notable poet herself.
One her most famous poems - regarding her journey from Africa to America.

Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic dye."
Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

In 1773,  Phillis was relieved of domestic duties, and was Freed in 1778. The following year, she married another freed slave. Together they had 3 children. Two had passed away due to poor living conditions, and her third son, died 3.5 hours after she did, in 1784. She was 31.

I will tell you why I find her so fascinating. Not only was she educated, but was able to read and write multiple languages. During a time period where all of this is unheard of. She was invited to the White House via George Washington. She went to court and won rights to her poems.  She HAD what most of her people of this time DREAMED for.  After she gained freedom, she struggled as her freedom was not easy.    


info from Wiki and United States History in Christian Perspective, Heritage of Freedom.
edited by : Spencer!

Not Your Typical Day at School

There are so many thing I want to teach my son, but today was one of those days YOU CAN'T teach- but let others do it for you.

So, what did we do? Doctors appointments! Three in One day!

Dr. R. Perez

First, we were off to Spencer's primary care physician (actually saw his nurse practitioner) , where he learned the importance of a yearly check up.  Spencer decided he was going to educate the Doctor, and told her the history of the pancreas (and she did not know it!!!!). I guess you could say she learned something new too!
Soon after, we were off o the eye Doctor. I went first so he could watch and prepare (as this was the first time seeing an eye Doctor).  Little did I know, I have eye issues, so it took a bit longer for me than expected. Needless to say, he perfectly understood the importance of a check up. I have been having eye issues, and if it was not for this appointment, I may have lost my vision.  We found out I have high eye pressure, and see a specialist later on this week.
Spencer's turn! He was a champion, like he knew what he was doing, and he made me so proud! He never complained, was patient, listened, and followed directions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ALL AT THE SAME TIME!
Found out he has 20/20 in both eyes, no glasses needed! YAY!!!!!
However, he does have light sensitivity (Photophobia), just like me, so now he has to wear polarized sunglasses to protect his eyes when he is outside.
Spencer said he had the BEST DAY EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! After hearing that, I looked like this guy...  Click here to see my facial expression

Thank GOD someone had fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I might just take him to my eye specialist appointment, so he can hold his Mommy's hand :)

Lewis and Clark Expedition & Sacajawea

What do you do when the "Books" (aka curriculum) gets boring? 

You loose the books and get creative.

The other day Spencer came into the room and had a memory bubble from years ago (not unusual in this house when you have a child with Autism who has a photographic memory).  He started to tell me about this Indian girl who was only 16, acted as a tour guide for two crusaders. I know exactly who he was talking about, as my Grandmother had told me she was my ancestor.

Sacajawea
(also spelled Sacagawea).

When I was a kid, I has a Sacajawea doll, but our family dog ate her. To bad I do not still have her!
So here is where my creative light bulb went off. He is interested in it, can not remember ALL the facts, so this would be a great idea for American History. Of course their is a lesson in his book (United States History in Christian Perspective, Heritage of Freedom 11th grade), but it not for a few Chapters.
 I could have been like a Public Education Teacher and apologized and and told him he would have to wait a few chapters... The beauty of Home School! 

We managed to find a few good websites, and we made this fun!
Lewis and Clark Trail / Legacy Timeline 

I printed out Key Lewis and Clark expedition sites, and had him write down on thing that happened from each site.

After I decoded the answers (see attached picture) I was able to type this out so everyone could read it.  I tried to get him to type it as he is much better with a keyboard than a pencil.

           Preparations

1. Monticello- Plants discovered were corn, snow berry, and flowering pea.
2. Washington DC- Basically started and ended (President Johnson)
3. Philadelphia-  Lewis had to go there.
4. Harpers Ferry- Lewis and Clark obtained weapons from here.
   
   Recruitment
5. Pittsburgh- 1,600 recruits
6. Louisville- Lewis asked Clark to go with the travelers.
7. Ft. Massac- 2 recruits
8. Ft. Kaskaskia- Clark and his armada take over the Spanish Fort. 
9. St. Louis- Expedition vacated
10. Camp Dubois- The camp they stayed in for the Winter.
    
    Exploration
11. Council Bluffs- Where Lewis and Clark met the Otoe Tribe.
12. Floyd's Grave- Charles Floyd died here.
13. Calumet Bluff- N/A (after one hour of intense research, he was unable to find the answer)
14. Fort Mandan- Another Winter Camp
15. Great Falls- One of  the Lewis and Clark discoveries.
16. Camp Fortunate- Is a massive water reserve. 
17. Shoshone Villages- of the Shoshone tribe, started the snake wars.
18. Traveler's Rest- Serves as an Inn
19. Lolo Trail- used by expedition as a short cut
20. Columbia Cascades- N/A (again after one hour of intense searching...nothing)
21. Fort Clatsop- used as a NORMAL camp by the expedition
22. Camp Disappointment-  The final camp used by the expedition.

Spencer also made the Lewis and Clark Expedition into a comic strip. He changed the charaters into prehistoric animals (see attached picture).

We also watched (On Netflix) National Geographic, Lewis and Clark Great Journey West.

There was a 3 hour movie available, but we voted on the short version.

We did learn some interesting facts about Sacajawea while we were studying the expedition.   You see, both Lewis and Clark kept detailed diaries during their journeys. The only problem was some rapids caused their boat to over turn at some point, and they lost some of what they had on their boat.  If it was not for Sacajawea, it would have ALL been lost, and we might never know of her Legend, her Legacy she leaves behind, as she was mentioned in these diaries. In a way, she saved herself from being lost in History.  We did learn she became a wife around the age of 14 to a Chief  who was already married once. While Pregnant, and then giving birth to a baby, she led two men, and their armada aross the USA headed West.  She ended up giving birth to a baby girl who passed away at one year old. Her son, adopted by Clark, grew up to be an explorer himself, and started at one day old. She died at the young age of 25 but lived a full life with many adventures.

 She is a role model to all woman!

I wonder if and when we get to this chapter in our "Book" if he will want to learn more, or skip it? I'll let you know in a few chapters!

McKay Gardens Lakeside Preserve

School on Saturday?

If an educational experience falls on a Saturday, the answer is YES!!! 

This Saturaday, we took a field trip to McKay Gardens Lakeside Preserve, located in Lake Alfred, Florida. 

In 1917, the MacKay Family of Scotland came to Lake Alfred and built a great estate on the north shore of Lake Rochelle. The home and gardens were designed by Robert Morely, a botanist from England. The MacKay Family hosted many events and cutural activities at the estate, often bringing in harpists, concert pianists and other well known musicians.

Here is a link to beautiful historical pictures.





Here is our pictures, and what it looks like today.