Boats and Ships

Theme for Hot August
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My group of seniors at the community center taught me the names of different boats in Spanish.  And then we got down to business.

Paper Boats
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Who needs fancy art supplies or even photos or props?  This group is happiest with a  tiny project that allows them to chat and laugh and share.

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The group folded and decorated and chatted and laughed.  We heard about Alberto's job as a boat mechanic in Honduras.  We heard about Elba's job as a nanny who traveled with a family to Europe...and saw gondola's in Venice.  And Lourdes told us about going fishing in a boat called a chalupa!
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My Mom's Group

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My mom and Ernest had fun looking at some of the toy boats.

Captain Andrea
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We had a young visitor.  Just watching a child have fun with boats was entertainment enough for many.
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Playing in Water
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It's too hard to explain why an iron ship can float. So we did a little experimenting with sinking and floating.  There were a few discoveries that surprised us all.

Navy Stories
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Robin looks fairly serious in this Coast Guard hat, but mostly he kept us laughing with some funny stories.  Rita actually shares a similar humor, so they were a good pair.

A Mess
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We made a mess and the quilt was damp, but we had fun.

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Andrea snapped this photo of me before we started cleaning up.  I was feeling pretty happy because I had just learned something.
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What I learned: Actually  I was just reminded of the secrets that music can unlock. We had been brainstorming different kinds of boats when someone mentioned the Row Your Boat song. I started singing and all the voices joined in.  Like riding a bike, none of us forget that song.  Just as we got to the second line I heard Robin's voice coming in with perfect timing to create a round.  I had thought a round would be too confusing, but it was perfect!   And then I heard Ernest's voice adding some harmony!  He plays clarinet, but I didn't know he had singing talents as well.  And my mom's voice beside me... I could have been a kid again with my mom singing that simple song.  The expressions around the table seemed so pleased and I hated to let the never-ending song end. I didn't want to stop the magic. But it finally ended.  And everyone clapped!