Shorpy is a tremendous site featuring historical photographs. Click on the image above to take you to the site. The images are available as high definition .jpeg files, and you can even order prints if you like. This is a classroom in West Virginia, circa 1921. Want your kids to get a feel for school days back when? Are they reading the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, or the Fairchild series by Rebecca Caudill? Here's what it looked like - bare feet and all!

The Homeschool Blues

Bah-da-da-dum
Baby ain't got no motivation,
Bah-da-da-dum
She ain't got no drive at all,
Bah-da-da-dum
She's avoiding her schoolwork,
ya know,
She's gonna drive me up a wall, ohhh...

Don't you know I got it, Honey,
Yeah, I got the homeschool blues... ohh, yeah,
When the kids are goofin' off, y'all,
and I'm feeling lower than my shoes.
-Homeschool Blues, by "Big Daddy" Bell

Been fighting with the girls lately - no fisticuffs, of course (they'd take me in a New York minute), but just one, long argument trying to get them motivated to do their work. We are resorting to a stricter schedule of courses, which has worked so far (one day into the plan). My philosophy had been to allow them freedom in structuring their day and their interests, as long as the core subjects have been covered. It seems that they need more structure than that provided, so I am working to find a balance. We'll see how it goes.

The Curta Calculator

For kids interested in mechanical devices, for kids interested in history and how dire circumstances can still bring remarkable innovation, for kids wondering how calculators worked before the era of solid-state circuitry...

the Curta! Follow this link for some remarkable links on a page dedicated to this calculator. Scroll past the posters to find the good stuff.

This is a remarkable piece of machinery (I have a bias toward Old World design and craftsmanship), and the story behind it is amazing.

The short version is this: Curt Herzstark was born in Austria, the son of a man in the business of manufacturing calculators. He learned the trade and became a skilled craftsman - which likely saved his life. After the annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938, his life changed dramatically - the more so after he was sent to Buchenwald. His ability to work on precision calculators was of value to the war effort, and when it was learned he was working on a portable four-function calculator, he was provided the means to continue and complete that work - to be a gift to the Fuhrer after the war.

At any rate, a remarkable man, and a remarkable story - and a remarkable design. Well, I'm off to eBay to try and find one (if I can afford it).

Back from Our Trip

Just back from 10 days in Idaho. We have a little cabin on the North Fork (or Henry's Fork) of the Snake River. About 20 miles by road from West Yellowstone, a little more than a mile from the Park border.

When I say "we", I mean my parents own the cabin. It was my great-grandfather's cabin, circa 1930. He was a jeweler in Pocatello, and had this as a weekend/summer place. It is in Targhee National Forest, so the land is leased. I have many fond memories of summers spent in Island Park, and I hope my kids have some too.

I hope to add some pictures soon, and a description of our "Little House on the Prairie" day - quite an experience for the girls.

The Value of Service

We had a lovely brunch at church following Mass this morning. Some gave short talks highlighting the various ways members of the congregation can help the Parish - Altar Guild, Flower Guild, service at the altar, cleaning, cooking - you name it.

I know it is popular, and sometimes even mandated, for students to get involved in "community service". For church-going kids, however, it seems as natural as breathing. Our girls have watched us model the concept - service to others, without expectation of reward, or even acknowledgment. They now exhibit the same "servants heart" in service to the church; they help cook and set tables, they help Mom clean, our oldest is very good at helping the altar guild (she even corrects her Mom), and they help Dad weed and trim bushes - they even took charge of some planters and filled them with a beautiful assortment of annuals.

In my mind, this is where the public schools miss the boat. Service given for a grade or as a requirement for graduation is not really voluntary service. Yes, the community gains, and the students perhaps learn something (although, they may learn the wrong lesson entirely), but they miss the larger lesson. They miss out on the joy of selfless service. They miss out on the idea that there is something (or some things) more important than their immediate desires. They miss out on the idea of duty.

Once learned, these basic values will serve them well in life. Our girls receive real pleasure in helping others, in giving of themselves - not just at church, but at home and elsewhere. Yes, there are times they would rather be out playing with their friends. And yes, we often allow them to do so - we are not slave masters. But when one asks, "Dad, wouldn't you rather stay home?" as I head out the door, I can honestly answer "Yes, but I have committed to (whatever), so I need to go." And that lesson is important for them to learn. As adults, we model those behaviors that our children will model for their children.

A DVD Cooking recommendation

I don't know why, but I am having trouble with Blogger not allowing multiple links in a single blog. This is, therefore, a continuation of the previous post.

For an introduction to Chinese cooking with a western flair, Tsai Ming had an interesting show on PBS. I particularly liked the curry/ginger oil he used on one show - adds great flavor without being overpowering. His DVD set is still available. Check it out. He is sometimes seen in re-runs on the local PBS stations.

Wok recommendation

I did use a wok for yesterday's recipe. My wife and I were cooking with a wok well before our trip to China; being fans of Chinese food, we learned early on to cook our own. That said, the wok is really more versatile than many people think.



This is the wok I use - carbon steel, it does need to be seasoned and hand washed. Once seasoned, it provides a non-stick surface that rivals any commercial non-stick surface. It requires a bit more care, but will last much longer than any non-stick pan I've ever owned. And it will allow you to cook at higher temperatures than most non-stick pans. We bought ours as a package that included a lid (essential for steaming).

Joyce Chen (whose name adorns the box of the above-linked wok) authored one of the first cookbooks we owned.