Hawk Mountain Raptor Sanctuary

Five of us Einstein Fellows took a trip to Pennsylvania north of Gettysburg to the Hawk Mountain Raptor Sanctuary.  I drove my car and Geraldine was my navigator.  It was a nice three hour drive and felt good to get out on the road and away from the city.  The Education Specialist, Jeremy Scheivert invited us to give some teacher ideas for the education outreach program.  We had some great brain storming and idea sharing.  The two of the most abundant migrating raptors at the sanctuary are the turkey vulture and the black vulture.

Mark Supal, me, Geraldine Robbins, DaNel Hogan, and Dave Overbillig

The view of the surrounding valley was wonderful from the top of Hawk Mountain.

Volunteer giving a presentation with falcon.

My good friend, Geraldine.  She is from Florida and was a little nervous with the heights.  No mountains in Florida.

This black vulture landed about 20 feet below us and put on a little show for us as he enjoyed the warm sun.

Easter at Marc's

I road the train to Marcus and Heidi's home in New York state to spend Easter with them.  I really enjoyed my visit.  I did not use my cell phone and did not check email more that a couple of times.  Marcus kept me busy hiking, going to the gym, and playing lacrosse with the girls.  We all went to church together on Easter.  Heidi directed the choir for a special musical number.  She did such a good job.  The choir sounded beautiful and she directed them like a pro.  I get to share the girl's room and bathroom.  I love that they like their grandma and want to hang out with me.  They all beat me at Othello. I got a little grumpy at losing, but they forgave me and still let me play.  Morgan showed me how she has learned to ride her bike and we did a little bike riding around the neighborhood.  Hope I can get back there again before I leave DC in July.

Marc put on a tie and jacket for Easter.  I do not know why Ashlyn is not in this picture?

Morgan and I stop for a rest before we hike to the top of a very steep climb.  Morgan hiked circles around Marc and me.

Look at her ride.  Their house is in the background.

Finally a picture with Ashlyn in it!

DC National Arboretum

Last week I decided to visit the National Arboretum.  I decided to walk.  It is in northeast DC, I live in southeast.  It turned out to be a lot farther than I anticipated, so I was tired before I even reached the Arboretum.  Established by Congress in 1927, it covers 446 acres and has a budget of $12,000,000.

My new favorite flowers are azaleas.  I wonder if they grow well in Idaho?  My favorite tree, right now, is the dogwood.