yes we're home, and both headed back to work today.
Hard to believe we were on a cable car, or at niagara falls or on a NY subway the other day....but of course it's lovely to be home with our kids.
Yes yes it is.
The trip home was fairly uneventful, flights went as per usual. We met our pastor in the airport at Auckland..bizarre huh!? so we had breakfast with him and his wife then both went off to catch our respective flights - they are still on holidays
I think the kids were happy ot have us home; they enjoyed us opening our suitcases and finding their pressies anyway.
Oh Martin's suitcase got busted by baggage handlers, we'll be claiming for a new one....all that fell out was the cables for everything electrical and dirty washing...aargh...so they gave us a bag with dirty clothes and cables....ick.
martin proudly wore his US flag tie to work and I forgot to use my fake american accent, but the day went fairly uneventfully for us otherwise.
I need to do masses of work to get all my findings into a relevant readable document, so will be busy for a while. :)
But that's life and what else would I do with my time???
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Nearly time to go home
This is Martin here.
It is Friday evening here in Toronto and we are getting ready for the trip home. Our flight leaves at 7.00am Saturday morning so it will be an early start as we have to go through customs.
Today Mary took us into Toronto by subway and we had a great look around the town. We went up the CN tower which was the tallest structure in the world and had the tallest observation deck in the world - up until the towers in Dubai were built. There are two levels in the tower, the main deck with restaurant and glass floor and then another deck a further 33 floors up in the main tower. It is the equivalent of 147 floors up. I must admit i nearly pooped my dacks. It is really high up and the windows start at your feet and go out 45 degrees and then up to the roof and it is a small area. I will let the pictures do the talking.
In the last week I have been corrected in my observation of beer here. The main Coors, Millers and Buds are what I said they were. Then I tried a Samuel Adams Boston Lager... and it was good. I've tried the "micro" breweries and they are much better. I take back what I have said.
Now is the time to try to pack our stuff. So much stuff to get into our bags and to keep under our 25 kilos each.
See you all soon.
Martin
It is Friday evening here in Toronto and we are getting ready for the trip home. Our flight leaves at 7.00am Saturday morning so it will be an early start as we have to go through customs.
Today Mary took us into Toronto by subway and we had a great look around the town. We went up the CN tower which was the tallest structure in the world and had the tallest observation deck in the world - up until the towers in Dubai were built. There are two levels in the tower, the main deck with restaurant and glass floor and then another deck a further 33 floors up in the main tower. It is the equivalent of 147 floors up. I must admit i nearly pooped my dacks. It is really high up and the windows start at your feet and go out 45 degrees and then up to the roof and it is a small area. I will let the pictures do the talking.
In the last week I have been corrected in my observation of beer here. The main Coors, Millers and Buds are what I said they were. Then I tried a Samuel Adams Boston Lager... and it was good. I've tried the "micro" breweries and they are much better. I take back what I have said.
Now is the time to try to pack our stuff. So much stuff to get into our bags and to keep under our 25 kilos each.
See you all soon.
Martin
Friday, May 9, 2008
Canada
We left some lovely new friends in Oneida the other night; after a few dinners and lunches out together and discussions about politics, American vs Aussie cars, American vs Aussie beer, US vs Aussie slang and the state, value and economy of the world in general, we think we have cemented very happy relationships. (Oh and a discussion on the merits of key lime pie...mmmmmm)
The mansion house where we stayed was fantastic, the first night there I slept the best I have on the whole trip.....when I got to the library the next day they told me other people have told them the place is sooo haunted and sooo full of spirits and sooo scary...think they knew I wasn't to be trifled with with my brain overload. :)
If you're planning a trip to the US I do encourage you to go to smalltown America, off the beaten track and visit these beautiful places...
I took Martin to a "friendly's" eatery, known for ice cream. I'm sure he'll fill you in.
So from Oneida through some more little towns to Utica NY and we got an Amtrak train over the border to Toronto to visit a family friend we haven't seen for a number of years...
What can we say about Toronto?? It's very modern and glass...but we only saw it for a few minutes.....then came home with Mary; who has been reading the blog and stocked up on gluten free food for me, bless her. :)
First stop today - and all day - was Niagara falls.
Awesome awesome awesome.
People have asked me what the highlight of the trip was...now I know.."behind the falls"...actually going behind the waterfall of Niagara. Walking through the tunnels under the water rushing over the cliff...50 million gallons a minute..having to yell over the noise of the water...standing within metres of the powerful rush of water as it crashes over...being drenched by the splashes of the water...it took my breath away. Is it unusual that my favourite thing wasn't man made? I think not.
And highlight!!! I got a slice of key lime pie to convince myself it is THE best dessert in the whole world...after creme brulee...and chocolate...and..oh well it's in my top five desserts.
The mansion house where we stayed was fantastic, the first night there I slept the best I have on the whole trip.....when I got to the library the next day they told me other people have told them the place is sooo haunted and sooo full of spirits and sooo scary...think they knew I wasn't to be trifled with with my brain overload. :)
If you're planning a trip to the US I do encourage you to go to smalltown America, off the beaten track and visit these beautiful places...
I took Martin to a "friendly's" eatery, known for ice cream. I'm sure he'll fill you in.
So from Oneida through some more little towns to Utica NY and we got an Amtrak train over the border to Toronto to visit a family friend we haven't seen for a number of years...
What can we say about Toronto?? It's very modern and glass...but we only saw it for a few minutes.....then came home with Mary; who has been reading the blog and stocked up on gluten free food for me, bless her. :)
First stop today - and all day - was Niagara falls.
Awesome awesome awesome.
People have asked me what the highlight of the trip was...now I know.."behind the falls"...actually going behind the waterfall of Niagara. Walking through the tunnels under the water rushing over the cliff...50 million gallons a minute..having to yell over the noise of the water...standing within metres of the powerful rush of water as it crashes over...being drenched by the splashes of the water...it took my breath away. Is it unusual that my favourite thing wasn't man made? I think not.
And highlight!!! I got a slice of key lime pie to convince myself it is THE best dessert in the whole world...after creme brulee...and chocolate...and..oh well it's in my top five desserts.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Morty's views!
After nagging Elizabeth to put stuff on the blog she said it's my turn.
Wow. The trip from Long Island to Oneida was incredible. We set the GPS and our trip plan was to go via the Long Island Expressway, over the Throgs Neck Bridge (pay toll), through the Cross Bronx Expressway, through Manhattan Island (at the top), over the George Washington Bridge and onto the New Jersey Turnpike. Everything went great. Even all the changing of lanes, the double decker George Washington Bridge, 7 lanes on the New Jersey Turnpike, express lanes on the JNT & HOV lanes on the Expressways (High Occupancy Vehicles).
The trip to Scranton was travelled on the "Interstate". Concrete all the way. Only glimpses of the countryside. We made great time but saw little. If you watch "The Office" (American version with Steve Carrell) you will know that Dunder-Mifflen paper supplies (fictitious) is in Scranton. And as we were told, there is NO Hooters in Scranton - the show refers to this. Part of the train museum that Elizabeth wrote about has the Union Pacific RR "Big Boy". Ok, I'm totally gob smacked. This train is the BIGGEST train I have ever seen!! I will put photos on flickr soon but here is a web site to see it. The wheel configuration is 4-8-8-4 plus the tender.
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/bigboy/
We decided to get off the "Interstate" to actually see this beautiful part of America so from Scranton to Oneida we detoured to Ithica, by the finger lakes. Words can't describe this part of the world. Photos are only 2D and won't do it justice. See the photos later.
Oneida is amazing. The houses are out of picture books and movies. I DO have hundreds of photos. Tonight we went out to tea with the library staff and their husbands and they mentioned a casino run by the Oneida Nation Indians. I had heard of Casinos run by American Indians and had seen programs like South Park taking the p*ss. Well we went to look. It's massive and its in farming area. It like putting a 5 star hotel, golf courses and an entertainment venue with big acts in Eudunda. Take a look at the size of this place. http://www.turningstone.com/lodging/
It's called the Turning Stone Casino and it is impressive. 100's of pokies (most don't take cash, you insert your special card that you put money into), 5 different restaurants and a multi level carpark. There is even an indoor golf dome as well as the actual golf course. All this in a small country town surrounded by farms.
Only 2 more days in the US before we head to Canada before we head home. We only realised that we leave on Saturday and because we travel back over the international date line, we arrive in Adelaide on Monday. Sunday will not exist for us. And Sunday is Mothers day. And kids, even though Mum will miss out on Sunday completely, that doesn't mean you should forget. (hint hint)
Wow. The trip from Long Island to Oneida was incredible. We set the GPS and our trip plan was to go via the Long Island Expressway, over the Throgs Neck Bridge (pay toll), through the Cross Bronx Expressway, through Manhattan Island (at the top), over the George Washington Bridge and onto the New Jersey Turnpike. Everything went great. Even all the changing of lanes, the double decker George Washington Bridge, 7 lanes on the New Jersey Turnpike, express lanes on the JNT & HOV lanes on the Expressways (High Occupancy Vehicles).
The trip to Scranton was travelled on the "Interstate". Concrete all the way. Only glimpses of the countryside. We made great time but saw little. If you watch "The Office" (American version with Steve Carrell) you will know that Dunder-Mifflen paper supplies (fictitious) is in Scranton. And as we were told, there is NO Hooters in Scranton - the show refers to this. Part of the train museum that Elizabeth wrote about has the Union Pacific RR "Big Boy". Ok, I'm totally gob smacked. This train is the BIGGEST train I have ever seen!! I will put photos on flickr soon but here is a web site to see it. The wheel configuration is 4-8-8-4 plus the tender.
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/bigboy/
We decided to get off the "Interstate" to actually see this beautiful part of America so from Scranton to Oneida we detoured to Ithica, by the finger lakes. Words can't describe this part of the world. Photos are only 2D and won't do it justice. See the photos later.
Oneida is amazing. The houses are out of picture books and movies. I DO have hundreds of photos. Tonight we went out to tea with the library staff and their husbands and they mentioned a casino run by the Oneida Nation Indians. I had heard of Casinos run by American Indians and had seen programs like South Park taking the p*ss. Well we went to look. It's massive and its in farming area. It like putting a 5 star hotel, golf courses and an entertainment venue with big acts in Eudunda. Take a look at the size of this place. http://www.turningstone.com/lodging/
It's called the Turning Stone Casino and it is impressive. 100's of pokies (most don't take cash, you insert your special card that you put money into), 5 different restaurants and a multi level carpark. There is even an indoor golf dome as well as the actual golf course. All this in a small country town surrounded by farms.
Only 2 more days in the US before we head to Canada before we head home. We only realised that we leave on Saturday and because we travel back over the international date line, we arrive in Adelaide on Monday. Sunday will not exist for us. And Sunday is Mothers day. And kids, even though Mum will miss out on Sunday completely, that doesn't mean you should forget. (hint hint)
oneida
We arrived in Oneida NY yesterday (Sunday) and owe a huge thank you to the library director from Oneida who recommended we stay at the Oneida Community mansion house. the place is amazing. Humongous and amazing. It was home to a group who sought utopia and lived in a communal kind of way here.
Our room is enormous and the furniture antique. Grounds are majestic also. Place has quite a history....they only have eight rooms they let out and there are permanent residents also, possibly descendants of the original families? Not sure...
http://www.oneidacommunity.org/facilities.html
have a look!!
The trip through NY state was speccie, the countryside is very rural and so much "jigsaw puzzle" scenery...you know, the stuff you usually see on jigsaw boxes...
The library staff are great, very accommodating and friendly; I went on two home visits today which were fun and interesting. They actually help the parents achieve their GED (high school certificate) through tutoring as well as encouraging family literacy through modelling reading and literacy related stuff with the kids. Very exciting.
I am spending all day cooped up with them (ha ha) going over the admin side of it all tomorrow. They have a history of successful grants to help keep the programs going, so it'll all be wonderful, and my suitcase will probably be overweight with more additions.
Prior to our stop in Oneida, we visited some other online friends in Scranton, PA. She a retired school teacher, he a retired electrician, and both lifelong Scranton residents, it was wonderful to spend time with them visiting their hometown and its sights.
We went to the steam train museum (yes Kat, I have lots of photos for you, I'll burn them to a CD there are so many. :) ) amongst other things....
and I got my hand slammed in the car door. OUCH...between hers and my "crap" eyesight, it was a disaster waiting to happen I guess; I left my hand on the pillar of the car door and it got shut. Lucky it was on the knuckles at the bottom of the fingers, which is fairly flexible; it bent completely back...I felt something heavy on my hand and looked over and calmly tried to open the door handle...I think she had locked the door from the inside, but her poor husband looked in and thought he was looking at my severed fingers sitting inside the door. Poor guy.
It's over 24 hours later and the middle knuckle is sore and ever so slightly swollen (I had to take the ring off that finger, but Annette et al. if you dare tell her I'll be very mean to you) so I'm pretty sure it's okay. Pretty sure, LOL.
So that's been the last few days of our trip.
I think Martin would move to Oneida tomorrow. You know the Oneida brand silverware? It's from here, but that's not why...the town itself is really pretty (though it's a pretty time of year) and the houses are architecturally different....I think Martin took about 100 photos of houses today, they are so nice, and while I was trying to video he kept pointing to houses on alternate sides of the road and I couldn't keep up. :)
And just so my kids aren't concerned, yes we have been eating healthy as well as junk food. I've hardly had any junk food unfortunately as i can't risk a migraine when I'm supposed to be researching...and everything is burger / sandwich based. So have been eating a fair amount of chili (NOM) and salads. Martin has actually been eating well too, so, dear children, it doesn't mean you can go on a junk food binge in sympathy....
Anyway I think his lordship wants to tell you something...so I guess I'll let him
Our room is enormous and the furniture antique. Grounds are majestic also. Place has quite a history....they only have eight rooms they let out and there are permanent residents also, possibly descendants of the original families? Not sure...
http://www.oneidacommunity.org/facilities.html
have a look!!
The trip through NY state was speccie, the countryside is very rural and so much "jigsaw puzzle" scenery...you know, the stuff you usually see on jigsaw boxes...
The library staff are great, very accommodating and friendly; I went on two home visits today which were fun and interesting. They actually help the parents achieve their GED (high school certificate) through tutoring as well as encouraging family literacy through modelling reading and literacy related stuff with the kids. Very exciting.
I am spending all day cooped up with them (ha ha) going over the admin side of it all tomorrow. They have a history of successful grants to help keep the programs going, so it'll all be wonderful, and my suitcase will probably be overweight with more additions.
Prior to our stop in Oneida, we visited some other online friends in Scranton, PA. She a retired school teacher, he a retired electrician, and both lifelong Scranton residents, it was wonderful to spend time with them visiting their hometown and its sights.
We went to the steam train museum (yes Kat, I have lots of photos for you, I'll burn them to a CD there are so many. :) ) amongst other things....
and I got my hand slammed in the car door. OUCH...between hers and my "crap" eyesight, it was a disaster waiting to happen I guess; I left my hand on the pillar of the car door and it got shut. Lucky it was on the knuckles at the bottom of the fingers, which is fairly flexible; it bent completely back...I felt something heavy on my hand and looked over and calmly tried to open the door handle...I think she had locked the door from the inside, but her poor husband looked in and thought he was looking at my severed fingers sitting inside the door. Poor guy.
It's over 24 hours later and the middle knuckle is sore and ever so slightly swollen (I had to take the ring off that finger, but Annette et al. if you dare tell her I'll be very mean to you) so I'm pretty sure it's okay. Pretty sure, LOL.
So that's been the last few days of our trip.
I think Martin would move to Oneida tomorrow. You know the Oneida brand silverware? It's from here, but that's not why...the town itself is really pretty (though it's a pretty time of year) and the houses are architecturally different....I think Martin took about 100 photos of houses today, they are so nice, and while I was trying to video he kept pointing to houses on alternate sides of the road and I couldn't keep up. :)
And just so my kids aren't concerned, yes we have been eating healthy as well as junk food. I've hardly had any junk food unfortunately as i can't risk a migraine when I'm supposed to be researching...and everything is burger / sandwich based. So have been eating a fair amount of chili (NOM) and salads. Martin has actually been eating well too, so, dear children, it doesn't mean you can go on a junk food binge in sympathy....
Anyway I think his lordship wants to tell you something...so I guess I'll let him
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Bye Bye NY
So, today we leave New York. We called briefly into the city yesterday to catch up with Rick, which was a delight, we met his pooch Buster and martin met his new grand Theft Auto 4 played through his BluRay on his big screen tv. Rick's in the middle of major grant writing (pretty much all his work is done through grants) so we didn't stay and harass him.
After the train trip back, we ventured towards "the Hamptons" - holiday homes of the rich and richer. We didn't go all the way just periphery, but it was beautiful scenery and can see why it's popular.
Over the last few days I've been kept busy in the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach, Long Island. I have mentioned it I know, but I am still in awe!!
Found a great little discount book store (like 60% off retail) and bought a couple of books for work I've had trouble getting in Australia.
we were going to go through Philadephia, through Amish country to stay in Intercourse, but going to visit Rick put that on hold. However we are on our way to Oneida in upstate NY via Scranton to catch up with some other friends today.
Oneida library won grants to set up home based literacy programs late last year so I'm anxious to see what they have to offer!
Must away to breakfast; I believe it might actually be bacon and eggs this morning..they seem to alternate between sausage and cheesy pancake things and bacon and eggs. One I can have the other..no way. Oh and the other morning while I was feeling sorry for myself with my cornflakes again (while Martin had pancakes doughnuts bagels sausage, french toast ...) I spoke to the manager of the dining room who happened to be in the breakfast area. I told her of my frustration and suggested she maybe buy gluten free bread and just put a few slices out per day, freezing the rest so less wastage. (That's what I do at home, ha ha ) Can't believe her response:
Are you celiac?
No...just.. (thinking 'here we go again, having to explain....")
Oh so you get the migraines and cramps from gluten? Me too.
wow. she got it. But why she didn't get it in the area of her dining room is beyond me. Apparently someone that same morning had asked for soy milk so she said the chain are going to have to become more intolerance diet friendly. She has a reaction to yoghurt and bananas too... the naturopath told me to go easy on dairy, which i have been so not sure about that one! I couldn't give up my bananas though so poor her.
Scranton awaits. Oh and even though the US show 'the office' is based in Scranton...just so you know..it's not real.
After the train trip back, we ventured towards "the Hamptons" - holiday homes of the rich and richer. We didn't go all the way just periphery, but it was beautiful scenery and can see why it's popular.
Over the last few days I've been kept busy in the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach, Long Island. I have mentioned it I know, but I am still in awe!!
Found a great little discount book store (like 60% off retail) and bought a couple of books for work I've had trouble getting in Australia.
we were going to go through Philadephia, through Amish country to stay in Intercourse, but going to visit Rick put that on hold. However we are on our way to Oneida in upstate NY via Scranton to catch up with some other friends today.
Oneida library won grants to set up home based literacy programs late last year so I'm anxious to see what they have to offer!
Must away to breakfast; I believe it might actually be bacon and eggs this morning..they seem to alternate between sausage and cheesy pancake things and bacon and eggs. One I can have the other..no way. Oh and the other morning while I was feeling sorry for myself with my cornflakes again (while Martin had pancakes doughnuts bagels sausage, french toast ...) I spoke to the manager of the dining room who happened to be in the breakfast area. I told her of my frustration and suggested she maybe buy gluten free bread and just put a few slices out per day, freezing the rest so less wastage. (That's what I do at home, ha ha ) Can't believe her response:
Are you celiac?
No...just.. (thinking 'here we go again, having to explain....")
Oh so you get the migraines and cramps from gluten? Me too.
wow. she got it. But why she didn't get it in the area of her dining room is beyond me. Apparently someone that same morning had asked for soy milk so she said the chain are going to have to become more intolerance diet friendly. She has a reaction to yoghurt and bananas too... the naturopath told me to go easy on dairy, which i have been so not sure about that one! I couldn't give up my bananas though so poor her.
Scranton awaits. Oh and even though the US show 'the office' is based in Scranton...just so you know..it's not real.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Martin's Views by Martin
Elizabeth has had another day at Centereach Library and she has finished there tired and a "brain ache". Sooooo much info to absorb and to process. So it's my turn to post a blog.
Wellllll.........
The food.
Burger King/Hungry Jacks - The Whoppers are pretty much the same. Other "steakhouse" burgers are on the menu.
McDonalds - All the burgers are called sandwiches. The fries are still pretty crappy.
Wendys, I-Hop, KFC, Jack in the Box, In-N-Out & at least 10 other chains all have similar type burgers. Sizzler is alive and well in some parts of the US (hooray)
The drinks.
Beer. 1/10. What a let down. Soooo dissapointing. Even English beer is much better and it's warm!
Dr Pepper, Root Beer, Cherry Coke and Cherry Pepsi all get a big thumbs up.
Haven't tried the wine. Missed out on the chance of wine in Washington State. There is a huge wine area in Washington State and Oregon plus all the wine areas south into California.
TV
So many shopping channels. All offer weight loss programs with adds for fast food in the middle. So many local channels. Normal channles that we have on cable are here. If you have the full cable plans you can have hundreds of channels.
Lollies
I don't think there is enough room to post a full report on the "Candy". Needless to say that Hersheys has a lot to answer for. Peanut butter cups are sooooo nice.
Driving.
If you remember to concentrate during left hand turns, make right hand turns at red traffic lights & stop (both directions) when a school bus stops and the lights are flashing you should do fine. Then there is the conversions - miles into kilometres. The GPS (3 cheers for GPS) is in miles and it gives its comands in miles. It still is weird sitting in the other seat with a steering wheel and driving on the wrong side.
Well this is Morty reporting Live from Long Island for WMAE channel 14.
Wellllll.........
The food.
Burger King/Hungry Jacks - The Whoppers are pretty much the same. Other "steakhouse" burgers are on the menu.
McDonalds - All the burgers are called sandwiches. The fries are still pretty crappy.
Wendys, I-Hop, KFC, Jack in the Box, In-N-Out & at least 10 other chains all have similar type burgers. Sizzler is alive and well in some parts of the US (hooray)
The drinks.
Beer. 1/10. What a let down. Soooo dissapointing. Even English beer is much better and it's warm!
Dr Pepper, Root Beer, Cherry Coke and Cherry Pepsi all get a big thumbs up.
Haven't tried the wine. Missed out on the chance of wine in Washington State. There is a huge wine area in Washington State and Oregon plus all the wine areas south into California.
TV
So many shopping channels. All offer weight loss programs with adds for fast food in the middle. So many local channels. Normal channles that we have on cable are here. If you have the full cable plans you can have hundreds of channels.
Lollies
I don't think there is enough room to post a full report on the "Candy". Needless to say that Hersheys has a lot to answer for. Peanut butter cups are sooooo nice.
Driving.
If you remember to concentrate during left hand turns, make right hand turns at red traffic lights & stop (both directions) when a school bus stops and the lights are flashing you should do fine. Then there is the conversions - miles into kilometres. The GPS (3 cheers for GPS) is in miles and it gives its comands in miles. It still is weird sitting in the other seat with a steering wheel and driving on the wrong side.
Well this is Morty reporting Live from Long Island for WMAE channel 14.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Long Island
have moved east from New York city to Long Island, which in parts is just so picturesque!
Tuesday I spent with the international headquarters (LOL) of a home visit literacy program which is doing wonderful things with little people through their parents, exactly what i was looking at doing. The program is very carefully researched and delivered, and follows a strict protocol, but its success rate is amazing, the evidence supporting it is undeniable.
So after having my heart broken to bits in Brooklyn it was nice to see this program.
Brooklyn's literacy programs work really really well and are making huge inroads, but the stories of their visits, and knowing that there are thousands more children just like the ones helped who may never be seen and will slip through the cracks just tore me up. I can't help them all, but it took me several days to get over the melancholy that hit me after the visit there. Garfield would call it a deep blue funk...whatever it's called, it was so sad.
All these little children have exactly the same potential as any other child, and we have to believe that every parent wants the best for their child, because they DO...but they need to know the hows. And any parent knows that's not easy. Imagine being behind the eight ball in some way to start with....
So anyway, it was nice to see a positive program that works well, and the staff there have a conference next week (damn should have come for THAT as well!!!) so were flat out organising that so I was extremely grateful for their generosity in time and information sharing.
While I was with these people, Martin caught up with the host mother of a Faith student (we incredibly got off the train in her home town - that was planned before we knew anything about her!!!) so Dianne took Martin around the countryside a bit, which he enjoyed.
We then headed to Centereach, where we still are tonight.
The Centereach library is .... wow. Just wow. Architecturally brave, and program / marketing wise very very strong and deliberate, the library's children's section is enough to blow you away. :) They do a lot of family literacy programming including home visits (yaaay) and so I have more reports to write!!
The librarian I have been corresponding with invited me out to their county's CYS annual dinner. Martin came along as well, and we heard from David Ezra Stein, a children's picture book writer who has just been given a literary award. Great night out, and 87 people attended...that's a big county!?
So I'm back to Centereach tomorrow, then a few days of uncertainty....LOL...then Scranton PA on Saturday and Oneida in upstate NY by Sunday night.
Martin has a rental (Camry this time) with GPS so we're having fun not getting lost. And Vicki, I haven't tried to punch it out yet!!!
Tuesday I spent with the international headquarters (LOL) of a home visit literacy program which is doing wonderful things with little people through their parents, exactly what i was looking at doing. The program is very carefully researched and delivered, and follows a strict protocol, but its success rate is amazing, the evidence supporting it is undeniable.
So after having my heart broken to bits in Brooklyn it was nice to see this program.
Brooklyn's literacy programs work really really well and are making huge inroads, but the stories of their visits, and knowing that there are thousands more children just like the ones helped who may never be seen and will slip through the cracks just tore me up. I can't help them all, but it took me several days to get over the melancholy that hit me after the visit there. Garfield would call it a deep blue funk...whatever it's called, it was so sad.
All these little children have exactly the same potential as any other child, and we have to believe that every parent wants the best for their child, because they DO...but they need to know the hows. And any parent knows that's not easy. Imagine being behind the eight ball in some way to start with....
So anyway, it was nice to see a positive program that works well, and the staff there have a conference next week (damn should have come for THAT as well!!!) so were flat out organising that so I was extremely grateful for their generosity in time and information sharing.
While I was with these people, Martin caught up with the host mother of a Faith student (we incredibly got off the train in her home town - that was planned before we knew anything about her!!!) so Dianne took Martin around the countryside a bit, which he enjoyed.
We then headed to Centereach, where we still are tonight.
The Centereach library is .... wow. Just wow. Architecturally brave, and program / marketing wise very very strong and deliberate, the library's children's section is enough to blow you away. :) They do a lot of family literacy programming including home visits (yaaay) and so I have more reports to write!!
The librarian I have been corresponding with invited me out to their county's CYS annual dinner. Martin came along as well, and we heard from David Ezra Stein, a children's picture book writer who has just been given a literary award. Great night out, and 87 people attended...that's a big county!?
So I'm back to Centereach tomorrow, then a few days of uncertainty....LOL...then Scranton PA on Saturday and Oneida in upstate NY by Sunday night.
Martin has a rental (Camry this time) with GPS so we're having fun not getting lost. And Vicki, I haven't tried to punch it out yet!!!
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