Yaocomaco and Piscataway Tribes of Maryland

 This year we are plunging into a study of Early American History and planning to take full advantage of the plethora of local historical sites. And that is why Camille and I got up early on a Saturday morning; packed the car with sunscreen, water bottles, a pile of audio books; made two quick pit stops to get freshly made doughnuts and traveling necessities (Twizzlers and Doritos); and hit the road for Historic St. Mary's City. We were hoping to make it in time to participate in their Native American Discovery Day. And as we were making the nearly two hour drive there I found myself hoping that it would be worth the drive. As soon as we arrived, it was clear to see that it was well worth the drive.  

We quickly jumped into doing a variety of hands-on activities: fire building, creating pinch pots with local clay, carving soapstone beads, and making a pokean (Native American hacky-sack made with corn husks, feathers, and beads). We learned about the native plants and food sources. Shot arrows. Helped to build mats from reeds that were collected that morning to add to the rooftops of the re-created Yaocomaco witchotts (longhouses). St. Mary's City, the first capital of Maryland, was established on the grounds of a Yaocomaco settlement. 

One of the highlights of the day was watching the Tayac Territory Singers and Dancers, members of the Piscataway Indian Nation, led by Mark Tayac son of the current hereditary chief, Chief Billy Tayac. It was hard not to be entranced by their beautiful outfits and their voices singing in Algonquin Piscataway while drumming and dancing. The Piscataway were one of the most populous and powerful tribes in the Chesapeake Bay region north of the Potomac. It was an honor to see them sharing their history and culture today. Want to learn more about the Piscataway? Meet Naiche is a good place to start. 

Exploring: KID Museum

Wind tunnels made out of embroidery hoops. Kites of all shapes and sizes. An animation studio. An hour long chat with an inventor...all of this and more are just down the road from us. We finally had the chance to visit the new KID Museum and we were not disappointed. It's not a huge place, but it's all hands-on and the perfect mix of maker space, science lab, and art studio. In fact, if you are searching for us this winter, it's where you will probably find us!

Celebrating: Nine!

  

 Birthday Breakfast: biscuits, presents, number nines hanging all over the house, and lots of kisses

Birthday Dinner: ice skating, hot cocoa, tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, sparkly pink plates, cupcakes baked and decorated completely by Camille, matching purple scarves, and surrounded by her favorite friends

Happy Birthday, Camille!

Blogships

Breezy beach, sandy discoveries, and boat friends. We had a fabulous time yesterday with Cindy and her crew.  So nice to finally meet after all these years of "knowing" each other via the blogging world. It's always a surreal experience when these meet-ups happen. Immediately prior to the meeting, my gut is filled with a bubbling concoction of giddiness and anxiety. What if it is feels weird? What if we don't get along? What if? What if? And yet, as soon as I meet that blogging friend in real life, it all just feels so comfortable and right.

Yesterday was no exception. Cindy was just as a warm and witty in real life as she is in her writing. Her children are full of life, curiosity, and charm. And her boat world is just as enchanting and interesting as I have always thought it would be.

As I was driving home after our day together, I kept thinking about this process of getting to know people through blogging prior to ever meeting them in real life. I've come to the conclusion that it is the modern version of a pen pal...learning about a person through what they share in words and photos, being able to respond immediately through comments or direct e-mails for a more personal exchange, and yet never knowing what their voice sounds like or how tall they are. Blogging has created connections and friendships that I never could have anticipated and with our nomadic lifestyle that on-line community has been such a source of comfort and support.And happily, each time I have had the opportunity to meet a blog friend in-person it's been a good experience: Karen in Sicily, Juniper in Malta, Jean in Asheville, Wendy who is constantly on the move, and now Cindy on the water. Makes me wish I had kept up with my childhood pen pals in Japan!

Halloween 2014

Fancy Devil and Cereal Killer

Exploring: Burnt Mills Park

Bursts of yellow, kids scrambling up and over rocks, acorn whistles, and lots of sunshine: Burnt Mills Park, Silver Spring, Maryland.