Boats and Ships

Good theme for a hot August day!

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
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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A Visit with My Mom's Group

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

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Captain Andrea

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

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.

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Navy Stories

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.

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A Mess

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!