The Museum, Garden Creatures, and Buckwheat Pancakes
Written by admin on January 29th, 2010Friday. Work day. That’s all I have to say about that. Now, let’s catch up. Yesterday was a wonderful fieldtrip day at The Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh with our co-op. The weather was a bit windy and chilly, but not really cold, and so we went to Umstead State Park afterwards for a picnic. There was a nice shelter that all the families could gather under. The children explored the woods surrounding while the moms talked. Of course.
The museum is pretty. It really is. I love the combination of natural light and electrical lighting going on. I always feel like I’m on a stage set or something. The displays look so real, but the large, high windows remind me that I am, in fact, in downtown Raleigh.
We mostly explored without any set schedule, though we did make time to attend a live animals class where we got to see and learn about and touch different reptiles.
You might know that my favorite part was the butterfly room, with its pretty creatures. Ohhh, it reminded me of my garden in the springtime. I could have stayed in there the whole day getting pictures. I’ll add that to my list of things I want to do when the children have grown and moved out.
On another front, I know at least one of you wanted to see who was holding the basket of mushrooms on Wednesday. Well. Here they are, all three of them, the garden and forest people I’ve been working on. The one in the middle is surely a sweet fairy. The outer two are from much deeper in the forest, or farther back in time, which ever you prefer to think about.
I wish I had time this morning to take them outside and get proper pictures for you, but maybe you can get an idea of what they would look like in a more organic setting. My Joseph said they reminded him of Cinderella and her two mean step-sisters. When I look at them as a group, I can certainly see that, but looking at each one alone, I see all sorts of stories! That’s a basket of sweet potatoes on the left, in case you couldn’t tell. 
I must get busy this morning working. I’ve had a fine week, so I certainly cannot complain. Before I leave I’ll show you my buckwheat blueberry pancake with chocolate syrup. Gluten-free never was so much fun! My lab work showed that I’m certainly not allergic to gluten right now, but could develop an allergy, so I’m still staying away.
As far as the Hashimoto’s disease goes, I’ve been a bit nervous the last few days, on a higher dosage (75 mcg) of brand name Synthroid Levoxyl (I truly meant Levoxyl here). My doctor just called this morning because my TSH came back at 1.050 (down from 4.06 a few weeks ago). I could feel this happening, so I actually cut back down to 50 mcg for the last two days. She is going to think about it and call me back and tell me what to take. I had talked about maybe going on something more natural, such as Armour thyroid or Nature Thyroid, but my doctor said my ability to convert T4 to T3 is “beautiful,” so Levoxyl is working well for me. She just wants me to avoid generic because the dosage you get can be variable with each new prescription.
Okay, now that I’ve rambled on about my thyroid, I’ll say good-bye for today.
Enjoy this day.
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
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Lynn, those garden people are darling! And to see a butterfly right now would be such a delight. I cannot wait until our zoo opens their butterfly exhibit this spring. I am glad that you have such a knowledgeable doctor who seems to be on top of things. Your pancakes are making me think I need to make some!
Have a grand weekend.
Jenn
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Dear Lynn,
Oh, what fun to have a museum with butterflies and reptiles~I’ll have to go speak with the people who run ours . . .
The garden/forest folks are sweet as can be; they look like the harbingers of spring!
Buckwheat is good stuff, isn’t it? We’ve been using soaked, dehydrated groats to make a low-glycemic granola that’s very tasty.
I’m glad your doctor is working with you so well~you’ll be an expert at everything before you know it!
Love,
Marqueta
p.s. We’re heading into town to mail your package in just a bit
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Mmmm, pancakes. And chocolate syrup. Double mmmmm. I had a bowl of cream of buckwheat cereal at breakfast this morning. It has a nice earthy flavor.
Now, I’m certain I have met your forest folk in at least one fairy tale. Next time I take a ramble in the woods, I just know one of them will be peering out at me.
Hoping all works out with your medication, and that you’ll be able to settle on a dosage. Don’t you feel like a science experiment sometimes? I know I do!
Have a blessed day in the Lord!
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Oh how WONDERFUL! Your creations are just incredible-you really have a gift. Their faces, baskets, everything about them have so much character. Tell me you aren’t selling them as it would seem to be like parting with kin -ha! but if they are going into your etsy shop holler!
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Jenn, the butterfly room was so very warm and fun. It’s a lovely break from the chilly weather. I hope your weekend is lovely as well!
Yes, Marqueta, reptiles and butterflies!
I wish you all had been with us.
Emily, I must look for that cereal. I am new to buckwheat, so have not looked at all that can be done with it.
Becky, I will be selling them. I am keeping at least a couple of these as models, but will be working on more, to make them better. I’ll be sure and post. And thank you.
Hugs,
Lynn
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Good Morning Lynn,
What a wonderful recap on your week. First, I’m so happy for you in regards to your madical issues. It is so reassring to have a doctor who understands and is careful with treatment options.
The field trip sounded excellent. I think I am usually more inspired than my students when we share similar experiences.
And I can’t signn off without telling you your dolls are precious! They are each so expressive. Hope to see them at your etsy!
Have a terrific weekend,
Diane
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hi lynn.
it was me who wanted to see the mushroom girl–she’s beautiful. i love her mystified stargazing expression!
thanks for the reveal there!
enjoy the snow. sounds wonderful. happy saturday.
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Diane, I am surely hoping to put some dolls on Etsy. And I am like you, I think I get more inspired on fieldtrips than the children sometimes!
April, I remember you asking! And thank you for asking. I’m glad you like her.