Churning, Sloshing, and Grinding - Rock Tumblers

Rock tumblers can be a bit of a pain at times. These past few years I have burned up several of them. For this reason, I am writing this article to save you the heart ache, the pain in your neck, and the trauma of stress related rock tumbler angst.

I started off with my rock tumblers running and spinning in the kitchen. My husband and children begged me to put them somewhere else. I took them to the laundry room. The trouble with that was that the laundry room is next to my husband's office.

He complained so we put them in the garage. The trouble with that is that with both cars in the garage there was not much room. Also, I didn't go in there a lot and did not keep up with the tumblers to see if they were still running.

So, they went out on our porch. That worked for me because I see (and hear) them every time I come home.

Here are the tumblers that did not work for me (a.k.a. they are at the dump or back at the store at this moment).

#1 This beauty from Hobby Lobby really disappointed me. I opened it up only to find out that it can hold just a few ounce of rocks at a time. Definitely not for me. If I'm going to go through all the trouble of polishing rocks I want to know that I can polish a bunch of them. I took it back without even trying it out. It should be called, "Small Pebble Tumbler", in stead of a Rock Tumbler...


#2This Chicago Tumbler came from Harbor Freight. I love that store but their rock tumbler is not my favorite. I have burned up two of them... They look a lot like my favorite (keep reading) but the motor has a lot of plastic parts.



#3This tumbler came from Big Lots. It was a good price but again, did not last. I love the space age design and the programing. I purchased two of them and they both went on the blink. The first one ditched after about a month. The second one died after about 5 months. I liked the space age type programing and the fact that it can hold a lot of rocks but, the fact remains that they both "spaced out" on me. Ok, next...


#4 This is my favorite and most dependable rock tumbler. I purchased it from the Dixie Rock Shop near Cherrydale. It cost me about $65.00 and is worth every penny. It has lasted about four years now and I use it for several months every year. I put lots of rocks in there for my students. It is "fairly" quiet. Watch this video to hear it run.

So there you have it. Learn from my mistakes and don't think you can save money by purchasing a cheap rock tumbler. And oh, keep it far away from the kitchen!!

Rocks

I love rocks. It all started when I was asked to write a Rock Lab for my job. I called my brother Paul for some help.

(This is Paul. He loves crows)

He has a master's degree in geology. I knew he could help me. I didn't know the difference between an igneous and a sedimentary rock. Now, that's sad... Paul enlightened me. He is also the person who got me started with the Petosky stone obsession. Now, practically every child at my school knows what they are and how to polish them.

Here is a picture of a typical shoreline at Lake Superior. This is where I found some of my most colorful stones. We collected buckets full of beautiful rocks. My husband has a pain in his back to prove it. These rocks even have some gold in them. My students won't be receiving these beauties. They're mine! My parents live on Lake Hartwell. Fortunately for me the lake level is down and it is prime rock hunting grounds!

Quartz and pyrite are in abundance around the lake. My mom even found a stone near an underground spring that the Indians used to grind grain. It has a hollowed out center, very cool. She gave it to me. If I can haul it to school I will show it to the students for the Rock Lab. Better yet, I can get my husband to carry it for me! Good thing he doesn't read my blogs :)

Ladies Wildlife Retreat

Ladies, it's finally here, the retreat you've been waiting for. I went last year and plan to go every year until I drop dead! Honestly, it's that fun! Here are the classes that are offered this year.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
ARCHERY –One of the oldest methods of hunting involves the skilled use of a bow and arrows. You will learn some of these skills as you test the
various types of bows currently used by hunters and competitive archers.
BACKPACKING—From the selection of the proper equipment and supplies to the best places to go, this introduction to backpacking will enable you
to feel confident as you hit the trail on your own backpacking trip. Hear about some of the adventures that your instructor has experienced.
BACKYARD WILDLIFE HABITAT—Learn how to provide food, water, cover, and places to raise young for wildlife to supply a natural habitat for a
variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
BANK / DOCK FISHING—You can land a “mess” of fish without an expensive boat and a lot of fancy equipment. See how your fishing outings can
be quite rewarding without a major investment.
BIRDING—Our naturalist will help you improve your identification skills, using sight and sound, as you seek out the birds indigenous to the area.
CANOEING—One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the outdoors is in a canoe. Learn basic strokes and how to have a safe outing whether on a
river or a lake.
CAROLINA BAYS—Carolina bays are isolated wetlands in natural shallow depressions which are believed to be 30,000 to 100,000 years old or
older. Scientists are not certain of their origins. Take a field trip to a Carolina Bay and discover the abundant wildlife that make their home in these
wetlands as the guide shares some of the mysteries of this phenomenon. *This is a double class.
EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL PLANT WALK—This exploration will enable you to identify, study, and sample various wild plants that are tasty and
nutritious, or those that have medicinal properties which have been used for centuries for healing. You will also learn to identify (and avoid) other
native plants whose potent properties are not so beneficial.
FLY-FISHING—Learn to match wits with trout and other fish by selecting (or tying) the best lures and learning effective casting methods. Fly-fishing
provides another good reason to explore rivers, streams, and lakes throughout the country.
GEOCACHEING -This is an exciting adventure game using Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take
advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a GPS unit. You will use a GPS to find caches that have been hidden throughout the park.
Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. *This is a double class.
KAYAKING—Recreational kayaking allows you to float on a peaceful river or paddle around a pond or lake as you enjoy nature’s beauty. You will
learn basic paddling strokes, safety techniques, self-rescue and more in this introductory class.
KNOT TYING –Learn and practice many universally useful knots. Tie down your boat or make a tight clothes line with the trucker's hitch. Keep the
rain-holding sags out of your tarp canopy with the taut-line hitch. Save a life with the bowline!
KUDZU BASKETRY—Under the guidance of a Native American woman, you will learn to utilize one of nature’s most abundant resources and take
home a basket made from this vine that was originally used as an ornamental plant in landscaping. See how beauty can be found in the most
unusual things.
LAKE MARION FISHEAGLE BOAT TOUR—Explore a portion of the famous Santee Cooper Country, observing wildlife that inhabits the rare and
pristine “sunken forest.” Hear of Indian customs, old moonshine stills, and past inhabitants of Lake Marion as you journey along this watery trail.
*This is a double class.
NATIVE AMERICAN HEALING—The belief that everyone and everything on earth is interconnected, and that every person, animal, and plant has a
spirit or essence is the basis for the healing techniques used by Native Americans throughout the centuries. They include creating Sacred Space,
calling in the guardians of the Sacred Wheel, and the Four Directions. We will also undertake a shamanic totem animal journey.
NATIVE AMERICAN-STYLE FLUTE MAKING—Each participant will create an authentic, Native American-style, river cane flute. This Southeasternstyle
of pentatonic (5-hole) flute is end-blown, easy to play, and very satisfying to make. The sound that resonates from these traditional, handcrafted
instruments is hauntingly beautiful. *This is a double class.
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY—Use your own camera to take beautiful landscape shots and learn how to take better digital pictures. Gain knowledge
about different cameras, lenses, films, filters, and accessories needed to get the perfect shot. Bring your camera and owner’s manual with you.
OUTDOOR COOKING —See how cooking with cast iron and camp ovens is made easy through proven techniques and the sharing of recipes.
Learn cooking shortcuts, fire building, and equipment care while tasting the fixin’s.
OUTDOOR DAY TRIPS IN SC--Our state is abundant in opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, sailing, backpacking and numerous other
outdoor adventures. Learn more about many of the most popular places as well as some that are not so well known.
ROCK CLIMBING –You will have an opportunity to scale a wall designed to simulate a cliff. Your climbing will take place under the safest of
circumstances, and you will have the option of rappelling back to the ground. Don’t miss this exciting activity.
SAILING—Nothing can match the experience of enjoying some of South Carolina’s lakes from the deck of a sailboat. You will learn the mechanics
of piloting your own boat and then test your skills on Lake Marion.
SANTEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE TOUR—The refuge features one of the state’s best birding sites as well as an abundance of mammals,
reptiles, and fish species. In addition, it is the site of Fort Watson and the Santee Indian Mound. *This is a double class.
SELF RELIANCE AND SURVIVAL SKILLS—Emergencies occur when you least expect them. Learn techniques that will help you survive
emergency situations in the wilderness with extremely limited resources. *This is a double class.
SKEET SHOOTING & FIREARMS SAFETY- Learn how to safely handle a firearm and polish your hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes when
you take aim at clay “pigeons.”
SPARKLEBERRY SWAMP PADDLING TOUR—You will learn first-hand why conservationists are working so diligently to preserve one of the
state’s most beautiful and pristine areas. You will paddle into a cypress and tupelo swamp that provides habitat to hundreds of species of animals.
*This is a double class.
SWIMMING – Never learned to swim? Or, just want to schedule some time to take a dip? Spend time with our expert and see just how easy it is to
make the rivers and lakes more fun and much safer.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE—Noted naturalist Rudy Mancke, will lead you on an exploration of the park and the Lake Marion shoreline as he
interprets the great diversity of wildlife and other natural features.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID –You can ensure that your outdoor adventures are safe and that you are prepared to handle emergencies.

For more information (click here).

The Great Backyard Birdcount is Here

How to do the Great Backyard Bird Count
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Plan to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, February 13–16, 2009. You can count each day or just some of the days and you can count in different places. Just be sure to keep a separate list of birds for each day and each location.

2. For each type of bird you see, count the most you see at any one time. For example, maybe you see two chickadees when you start watching, then five chickadees a few minutes later. The number you put on your list for chickadees is five. Do not add two plus five. (This way way you don't accidentally count the same bird twice.)

3. Enter your results on the Great Backyard Bird Count web site! Then watch the maps as more and more people enter their reports.



That's it! Now get ready to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count because when it comes to watching birds, kids count!

(Click Here) to view the webpage and participate in this event.

What is the GBBC?

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. We'll be adding updated 2009 GBBC materials as they become available.
See the new 2009 GBBC PowerPoint presentation.
Visit our special page for kids!
Print a regional tally sheet
Check out the top birds reported in the 2008 GBBC
Download the 2009 GBBC poster
Participants count birds anywhere for as little or as long as they wish during the four-day period. They tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time. To report their counts, they fill out an online checklist at the Great Backyard Bird Count web site.As the count progresses, anyone with Internet access can explore what is being reported from their own towns or anywhere in the United States and Canada. They can also see how this year's numbers compare with those from previous years. Participants may also send in photographs of the birds they see. A selection of images is posted in the online photo gallery.In 2008, participants reported more than 9.8 million birds of 635 species. They submitted more than 85,000 checklists, an all-time record for the count.

Where in the World is Mrs. Kahue???

Do you recognize these people? Yes, it's your familiar Science teacher but where is she?

You guessed it. We are in Belize snorkeling and exploring under the ocean and in the barrier reef. What fun!

This is my husband trying to lift this huge chunk of coral and put it in his suitcase. Unfortunately he couldn't get it to budge...

He found a way to enjoy himself anyway...

I found these cool Mantis glasses in Key West and can't wait to wear them at the Insect Lab! This made the trip all worth while... Suffering in the Caribbean but pressing on ...