Today I Am…

A writer, a blogger, teacher, student, and…

I finished chapter 7 today! The Wimmer nugget was the highlight, and I am so excited to share Jennie Wimmer’s story with my readers. I am in the process of getting permission to see the nugget currently housed at the Bancroft library, UC Berkeley. It may or may not happen, but my fingers are crossed! Wish me luck!

Our girls’ trip was amazing, and also contained a bit of history. I am so lucky my friends enjoy, or don’t mind, learning something while vacationing! Keep in mind we had lunch with delicious beverages at a great bistro, found the most fabulous chocolate shop in Somerset, and enjoyed a stroll and shop through Sutter Creek. After a refreshing slushie, we relaxed at the cabin with pizza and cards. I can’t believe how much we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company!

Indian Grinding Rock State Park is close to the cabin, and while it was warm, we embarked on that journey after breakfast the next day. The visitor’s center was incredibly informative, and we laughed even more. Then we headed out on the nature trail. Who knew the dangers that lay ahead?

We identified different types of oak trees and learned the uses for a great deal of plants, such as hazelnut trees and Canyon Live Oaks. The Miwok used so many parts of the plants in their lives, and it was amazing to learn how they did it.

Along the way, we encountered a Tarantula Hawk Wasp. Just one, but it may as well have been a swarm. We timed our walk/run to quickly pass, one by one, the wasp and stunned tarantula on its back, hoping it didn’t chase us. The crazy part? We couldn’t stop laughing! As frightened as we were of getting stung, the entire situation was still comical. And we all survived unscathed!

So it was a great trip, and we’re hoping to get another on the calendar in a few months. The wasp is not invited!

So the blog is done; chapter 7 done; what now? Probably my data class through Harvard’s EdX program. I have learned there is always something to be learned, so after a bit of exercise, I think I will tackle that next! And I leave you with something you can learn, too!

Until next time…