Adirondack Family Time™

By Diane Chase The Adirondack spring snow was unexpected. It doesn't matter if it happens every spring, I still do not expect it. I pack my children's boots away hoping that the mere act of getting the winter gear out of site will render them out of season. Well, that plan didn't work for me so back we loaded on the layers, made snow blobs (it would be too generous to call them men, women or children) and had a snow ball fight. It may not snowed lemons but we made lemonade just the same. This Saturday is May Day. If you want to resurrect the old fashioned tradition of a May Day basket, check out these tips. Also a reminder that the Wild Center reopens on May 1st after a month of putting on a new spring face! The theme of events this weekend seems to be all about recycling and reusing as everyone from town-wide rummage sales to library sales are on the docket. This weekend is supposed to be back to warm weather but we'll keep our jackets handy. Enjoy the weekly line-u

In a report from Plastiki , Adventure Ecology founder and environmentalist David de Rothschild and his intrepid crew; Jo Royle, David Thomson, Olav Heyerdahl along with National Geographic filmmaker Max Jourdan and Myoo Media’s Vern Moen set sail on the Plastiki, a 60 ft catamaran engineered from approximately 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles and srPET, a fully recyclable material. An ‘off‐the‐grid’ vessel relying primarily on renewable energy systems, the Plastiki and her crew will journey more than 11,000 nautical miles drawing attention to the health of our oceans, in particular the colossal amounts of plastic debris, by showcasing waste as a resource and demonstrating real world solutions through the design and construction of the Plastiki. The Plastiki began her adventure nearly four years ago after taking inspiration from a report issued by UNEP called ‘Ecosystems and Biodiversity in Deep Waters and High Seas’ and Thor Heyerdahl’s epic 1947 expedition, The Kon‐Tiki. True to Adv

By Diane Chase This is a frustrating report and seems to go against everything that scouting stands for, a pin/belt for video gaming? There is a badge for computers but to gain the badge supports an outdoor lifestyle with requirements such as "using a spreadsheet program, develop a food budget for a patrol weekend camp out." The Video Gaming Belt Loop or pin is an award for the Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts with such requirements as "Teach an adult or a friend how to play a video game." and "Choose a game you might like to purchase. Compare the price for this game at three different stores. Decide which store has the best deal. In your decision, be sure to consider things like the store return policy and manufacturer’s warranty." According to the home page of Boy Scouts of America "Scouting promises you the great outdoors. As a Scout, you can learn how to camp and hike without leaving a trace and how to take care of the land. You’ll s

A late spring snow storm won't stop children from having fun!

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Well, it is supposed to snow upwards of 6-8 inches today. We already have a light dusting and it is coming down steadily. Perhaps those pesky black flies will get their comeupance with this freeze, though I fear my flowers are going to pay the price as well. I'd gladly sacrifice a few daffodils for a bug-free spring! There was quite a bit of grumbling in our household this morning as my son begrudgining dug out long pants while staring longingly at his shorts and flops. Having to wear a winter coat might have been the last straw. I asked them to look on the bright side: no snow pants or boots! My son comments to his sister that 'Mom has finally snapped.'