The Periodic Table or Why I'm Trying To Like Science

The other day, my husband and son were talking science. Now, it was in English and it was with words that I recognize are in Webster's Dictionary, but it was science. I never really enjoyed science in school. Maybe because there was math involved, or spatial relations, or something but I could never really wrap my head around it. Technology is wonderful but I just do not have a mechanical or scientific mind.

Anyway, the guys were talking about the Periodic Table. I know what it is and I think I can even name a few of the elements on it and know what they do as well as what they are used for, but . . . it still boggles me some that I don't know very much about science. As I was driving up north for a visit, I was listening to NPR and Sam Kean was being interviewed about a book that he'd written about the Periodic Table. The conversation was interesting, and somewhat scientific, and as a result, I wanted to read the book.

So, I have been reading The Disappearing Spoon. It is very interesting and has some terrific stories about how the various elements were discovered and how they have helped (and hurt) our world. Even though it is full of science, I am doing okay. There is a bunch of stuff that I'm having to read and re-read, but I've learned a lot. I'm considering taking some science classes at our local college. Maybe that will help me broaden my scientific mind.

Speaking of science, I have been conducting my own experiments in the back yard. As a result of a hot summer, lack of water, and my being gone in the summer, our back yard went the way of all the earth. This weekend, I tackled the job with the zest and vigor of hopeful steward caring for my part of the Earth. I did my usual weeding, seeding, and feeding, but added peating and re-peating to the mix. We will see if any green sprouts come out before winter's chill comes. I have been dutifully watering 3 (yes, 3) times a day just enough to keep the peat wet. My son asked me "what exactly is peat moss." I looked it up and found

Sphagnum is a genus of between 151 and 350 species of mosses commonly called peat moss, due to its prevalence in peat bogs and mires. A distinction is made between sphagnum moss, the live moss growing on top of a peat bog on one hand, and sphagnum peat moss(North American usage) or sphagnum peat (British usage) on the other, the latter being the decaying matter underneath. Bogs are dependent on precipitation as their main source of nutrients, thus making them a favourable habitat for sphagnum as it can retain water and air quite well. Members of this genus can hold large quantities of water inside their cells; some species can hold up to 20 times their dry weight in water, which is why peat moss is commonly sold as a soil conditioner.

I am hopeful.

Blessing Day

Baby D was blessed on Sunday. It was wonderful.

A few things that are special about him:

He will be a great big brother.

His parents so looked forward to his coming to Earth.

He is loved by so many people.

We had a great celebration. Lots of family, and good friends (who are basically our family) came to the house and enjoyed yummy food. Thanks to L & R for providing the occasion, thanks to Bob, Bec, Brooke, Carolyn and D for helping me get everything ready, and thanks for everyone who came to the party.

I'm grateful to say this again:

my cup runneth over.

There aren't quite enough words to say how I feel about

this little guy.

Fun. Exciting. Cute. Cuddly. Love. Love Beyond Love.

His parents are pretty cool too.

Being a grandparent is a lot of fun.

We made it back from the cabin where the weather was delightful and I slept peacefully each night. Came home to the heat where I was awakened at 3 am by dogs who were too hot under the covers. Now I feel dragged out and don't want to do anything productive.

I re-read Custer and Crazy Horse (mentioned in my previous post). A lot of historical information. The battle of Little Bighorn was over fairly quickly, but it spelled doom to the the Plains Indian way of life. I liked one quote specifically "At the Washita, Custer was serving his nation and helping his nation realize its destiny. Every person who has even taken a train to California, or settle there or in Kansas, or driven an automobile through the area, or eaten the wheat or beef grown on the Plains, has reaped the benefit of the Washita battle. History is not black or white nor is it propaganda. History is ambiguous, if told honestly. It is hard enough to figure out exactly what happened and why; it is impossible to play God and judge the right or wrong of a given action, even the Washita." The Washita battle was prior to Little Bighorn. It was probable cause for other battles -- two peoples defending their rights to survival. The books left me wondering about a lot of things as well as where I stand on certain issues.