a jog around the educational block

Although we (the kids and I) are daily researching local history, we are also gearing up for our study of the Middle East. We are reading through the book of Genesis very slowly, noting ancient cities and migration routes on modern-day maps, and learning a lot about Abraham's life. We are reading Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths by Bruce Feiler. I recommend anything written by Mr. Feiler, as he is just a regular guy with honest questions about faith. Last evening, we watched part one of his PBS series Walking the Bible ( A Journey by Land through the Five Books of Moses). Hands down, we loved it. Grandma Jean joined us halfway through our viewing and enjoyed it, too.

Even though my darlings are teenagers, I still regularly read aloud to them. (What big babies.) When Hubby is home, he listens along. We have been dipping into The Tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Wrapping myself in a nubby blanket, I peel off stories with drama of which Scheherezade herself would be proud. Last year we read the whole Chronicles of Narnia series. Aloud. Goodness, that's alotta reading.
In between our learning at home, my busy students hop in the car and learn in other places. #1 Son had a violin lesson yesterday. He is also training for a "half-marathon" this weekend, in which his dad and a few other friends will run. #1 Daughter has a horse-riding lesson tomorrow, followed by her very first voice lesson.
As I rinse pots and pans at the sink, I survey our shaggy lawns and hope for one more mowing before the snow flies. Somewhere in all our busy-ness, a few lawnmowers need to be revved up.
At least I know of one place where the grass won't grow around here:

under our feet. For sure.