Buy Nothing New Meets Birthdays

Ben turned 13 this past weekend. There was concern about how we would handle birthdays this year.

Mark was quite pleased with his hunting and gathering prowess...he managed to get both gifts on Ben's wish list second hand. One was the Ranger's Apprentice Book 10...it just came out recently so we were a little concerned...but obviously some people buy them, read them and sell them back. Amazon.com used books.

The second gift was a play station move controller ( think Wii). Mark had already gotten one controller ( used) so had been watching for a second one.

What about the kids attending? We went "gift free" a number of years ago. The boys were getting gifts they didn't use and a few other families had already started the trend...so we followed along and there was no turning back. This has worked out fine...our focus is on good food, an awesome cake and something special for entertainment. This year was laser tag ( past years have been canoe trip on the Wisconsin River, a rendezvous,and a treasure hunt at Devil's Lake)

Nate's birthday is in July... We'll see how that goes :D

Salamander Survey Year 4

We have been citizen scientists for the past four years. Every spring we join volunteers all over Wisconsin by helping to check for salamanders.

Salamanders mate in shallow ponds...so in early spring you can trap them with fish traps...or so we are told. We have tried for the past four years..but so far no luck. This year was our "worst" year...usually we at least catch frogs or minnows or interesting bugs. This year we caught 2 leeches, 3 water beetles, and fairy shrimp ( this is the first year we have caught fairy shrimp) Others have caught salamanders..even in Dane County...so we aren't giving up yet.
Want to find out more about the Salamander Survey?