Enjoy July

Topics for July 1, 2006, Newsletter

Top Three Tips

Book Watch

Enrichment

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Moms' Section

Three Top Tips:

1) Make fresh mint ice tea. (Snip fresh mint into fine pieces. Freeze it in ice cubes and serve in ice tea.)

2) Fix a surprise candlelight dinner for you and your husband.

Set the children up with their favorite finger foods (pizza, corn dogs, etc.) and a good movie or ask the Grandparents to watch them for awhile. Cook a simple meal or just use prepared dinners. The goal here, of course, is lovely time with your spouse, not a gourmet dinner. Serve it on the deck, front porch or anywhere out of the ordinary.

3) Spend at least 15 minutes a day reading a favorite book.

Book Corner: Brother Cadfael

Speaking of books, if you haven't done so already, check out the Brother Cadfael series. Written by Ellis Peters, these are the mystery books on which the popular PBS TV series was based. They are light--but not silly--and always satisfying.

• Setting: England in the twelfth century, close to civil war

• Characters: The protagonist is a sixtyish former-Crusader turned monk. Armed with the gift of insight into his fellowman, an inquisitive, observant nature and a kind heart, he ferrets out the strange goings-on in the abbey and village. He always seeks to put things aright.

  Other believable folks inhabit the pages. They are friends, other religious, commoners and acquaintances. Each has his very own temperament and human foible; sometimes, make that plural!

• Style: The books are alive and vital. They contain fascinating, intricate plots, natural prose, brisk, wry dialogue, marvelous depiction of the life in those times...landscapes, routines of life, attitudes, manner.

• Theme: Always uplifting. Usually the theme centers on the fact that man, with the grace of God, the kindness of others and his own gumption, can overcome adversity.

• Why I like the Brother Cadfael series: The stories open the door to medieval times, a fascinating period in history. Peters captures the spirit of the age. History comes alive.

  Homeschool Note: When I'm excited about history, believe me, the children benefit.

  One closes the volume with an optimistic view of the heart of man.

  The mysteries themselves are unique, interesting and page-turners.

• Available: All bookstores and libraries

The following passage illustrates the above points:

"A tall, erect, elderly man in a thick cloak led the arrivals, riding a big, grey horse. When he shook off his hood, he uncovered a head of bushy, grizzled hair and a face long, austere and bearded. Even at that distance, across the wide court, he showed handsome, unsmiling, unbending, with a high-ridged, arrogant nose and a grimly proud set to his mouth and jaw, but his manner to porter and groom, as he dismounted, was gravely courteous."

Children's Section

Enrichment Activity: A Friends Poster

To foster care and appreciation for those close to the child and to dispel any feelings of isolation, encourage the youngster to make a "Friends Poster."

• Buy a sheet of poster board from a craft store.

• Collect pictures (school, formal, informal, any sort) of friends, relatives and pets.

• If he can't find many, this is a great excuse for a visit. For those out-of-towners, write to ask for pictures.
• Attach photos to the board using glue, tape or special craft adhesive.

• Use colorful markers to identify folks and decorate.

Please send us 1)your suggestions for book reviews and 2)any special tips or shortcuts that have proven helpful.

We'd love to hear from you! Contact us.

Have a safe and happy July!

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