Our historical field trip

Being a homeschooler, one of the best things we get to do are frequent field trips! Most recently we went to the Castillo de San Marcos castle during national park week.

No, it's not a fort as I was used to calling it. One of the living history actors corrected me on that one.

It's a castle because it has a moat and drawbridge. It's a very unique and special shape too. With the diamond corners it provides a perfectly clear view of every angle.
We were there for the cannon firing which happens daily and at certain times.

They have Rangers who give short condensed history lessons. From one of those lessons, we learned all the following facts:

The Castillo de San Marcos was used as a prison by Americans to hold Indians who were being removed from their lands and taken to reservations. Most notably were Apache and also the wives and children of Geronimo.

For over 300 years it was held strong by the Spanish. They finally gave it up in a trading deal to the English to get Cuba back. The English tried and consistently failed to capture the Castillo but never did. And when they did, they tried to hold double its capacity which required renovations and made their soldiers miserable during the summer months.

Prior to the Castillo, there were approximately nine other forts built around town. They were mostly destroyed by termites, fire and sieges though.

The Castillo is built from a special mixture that includes coquina which is a type of tiny shell here. It could actually absorb a cannon ball instead of being totally damaged. However, it had to be cut in over 40,000 blocks, dried over days-years and then built. It took many years to complete it.

The moat never held water. During sieges, it kept livestock and prevented anyone from storming the walls.
The cannons were strategically placed to cover every part of the surrounding areas. The smaller ones could hit up to a mile away which is about where the St. Augustine lighthouse is now. The larger one can go up to three miles. It certainly kept ships far away.

The bathroom pipes were "flushed" by the tides....
If you ever have the chance to be in town and want a special but fun learning adventure - I suggest a trip to the Castillo de San Marcos!

Emerson Creek Pottery review and giveaway

As I've mentioned in some of my other reviews, I love companies that make and sell products right here in the United States. I also love pottery. My grandmother had a beautiful set of pottery dishes on display in her china cabinet the always impressed me. I found a company that not only sells pottery but they are made and sold here in the US. Emerson Creek Pottery makes some beautiful pieces and sets. With the holidays here, these pieces are even more appealing for all your holiday gatherings and family sharing. They have so many things that make great gift ideas as well.

I was sent a Peony Pitcher in the Copper Clay color. It's so cute. I love the deep, rich color (that goes so well with the ranch theme we have) as well as how smooth the surface is. It's the perfect size for a small bunch of flowers to make a centerpiece. I'm sure too when my daughter is old enough to have "tea parties" this is will be something she goes for first. It reminds me of a miniature size of a pitcher my mother used to have. Remember the pitcher and bowls households would keep in the rooms of their farm house so guests could wash their hands and face? Just like that!

Emerson Creek Pottery also has some lovely appetizer plates, dinnerware, bakeware, baby dishes... The list goes on. They have various colors and designs to choose from as well. You can check out their website http://www.emersoncreekpottery.com/ to see everything they have to offer. My favorite design they offer is the Field of Iris. I like that they make pottery that is not only beautiful, reminiscent of antique-like pieces, but its also made for modern life.

These dishes are safe to use in your microwave as well as your dishwasher. There is no lead in them and you can cook with them in your oven. Being heavy duty and made to last everyday makes them worth every penny compared to the cheaper imports most folks buy that break or shatter or might even develop cracks over less than a years worth of handling. As a bonus for those who love historic facts, the building that houses their showroom has a rich background going back to the 1800's.

So now for the fun part! Enter below to win a Peony Pitcher in your choice of design. As a bonus, they are also giving my readers a coupon code 867, good for 20% off, $25 or more, until 1/7/13. So check them out, enter to win, and happy holidays!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Illegal Immigration in the United States - where did we go wrong?

I'm fed up. I'm tired of people putting their hands out because they feel entitled to the better life or because they just don't want to do their share. America was once the greatest nation in the world. We were refugees seeking freedom  to believe what we felt deep down was true. We wanted to bear arms without someone accusing us of being "dangerous" or some other nonsense. Once we travelled the seas and made it to the New Land, we were cautious with who was let in. Before 1890 each state was responsible for regulating their own immigration issues. Then we had a huge influx of immigrants coming from mostly European nations. The Federal government stepped in to help by building Ellis Island to screen those coming in seeking hope, happiness, and a better life. Everyone was put under a health screening and if necessary was quarantined for so many days before given the approval to step onto American soil. They were also questioned and had to be cleared on a legal basis to ensure that our government would not later have to take them on as wards in any way. Those who passed had to work from the lowest part of the totem pole and share a home with those who were from their homeland until they could make it on their own. They didn't get hand outs. They WORKED HARD. They were happy to do it because to them, it was way better than being back in their home country suffering in poverty or disease or hunger. Or perhaps just from an oppressive government running their everyday lives. To them, life in America was hard but it was worth it. They were grateful.
They became Americans. None of this African-American, Asian-American, Chinese-American crap. You want to live in America and reap the benefits of this nation? Drop the homeland title. Become an American. Not all black people come from Africa you know? What about the blacks from Haiti? The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago (which are still under British rule), and even south America. They can't be referred to ask "African-American". That might be an insult to them. However, American society has deemed "black" or "negro" as offensive. So why not just call them Americans?
Since when should an illegal alien come to America and live the American dream while American-born citizens pay for it? Why should I pay for them to have handouts or free medical benefits while my family lives paycheck to paycheck, can't afford to see a doctor, and isn't always certain how we will make it tomorrow? I'm all for those wanting to have a better life. Just do it legally. Follow our laws, abide by our rules... or don't be surprised if we send your butt home when we are tired of seeing your begging hand stuck out. Look at Spain, they getting strict about letting illegals in. Especially from Africa. Heaven forbid their noble land be ruined like America.
These are just a few things I think deserve a little more consideration by the American people. Our economy is failing. Our people are struggling. How much longer will our government continue to ignore these issues? Helping others is great, so as long as you help those who are paying for it first and so long as you have taken care of the major problems at hand.
On a side note - During Obama's term in office so far immigration authorities have deported the most illegal immigrants than every other United States President in history thus far. And all the while he talks to the public about accepting the illegals (mostly Mexicans) and about wanting to halt ICE and other border authorities. But if you take a look... he hasn't. A police officer here in San Antonio informed me recently that ICE personally goes through the San Antonio jails looking for law-breaking illegals to deport DAILY. Brava!
http://www.ellisisland.org/genealogy/ellis_island_history.asp
http://www.numbersusa.com/content/news/may-28-2009/spain-revisiting-immigration-policies.html
http://www.ice.gov/news/fact-fiction/