Time to Explore
I went looking for a good book to recommend on the Olympics. I could not find one, but found lots of information that I hope you will enjoy as well. The original winter sports were: alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, Nordic combined, ski jumping, bobsleigh, and speed skating. The biathlon, a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, was added in 1960. In 1964, the luge - one or two person sled racing on a track of high banked curves, was added. Freestyle skiing and short track skating were added in 1992. Curling was officially added in 1998. It's nickname is 'chess on ice'. Players use brooms to sweep granite stones across the 'curling sheet' toward the 'house' - a circular target marked on the ice. 
Snowboarding, tricks are performed across a semi-ciruclar ditch, was added in 1998. Watch Shaun White, a gold medalist, at Sochi. Skelton, an individual 'face-down' sled race which uses the same track as the bobsled and luge, was added in 2002.Tune in to NBColympics.com for events in real time. I would love to have you share your favorite event. In the past, mine has been figure skating.
Book Reviews for Kids
The Best Figure Skater in the Whole Wide World by Linda Bailey (4 - 8)
Lizzy wants to be the best figure skater in the world. She discovers that it is harder than it looks, but is determined to be the best and constantly practices. Her class is putting on a play and her dreams of having a 'lead' part are shattered when she is cast as a tree. Lizzy leads the other ''trees' in a wonderful unforgettable performance. She discovers a special way to shine. Hocky Meltdown by Jake Maddox (9 - up)
Dylan has an injured arm, but really wants to play. His team members convince him that his best support is telling them how to deal with opposing team players as observed from the sidelines. Dylan is instrumental in helping them win the game - and being a 'team' hero. (Watch for other novels by this author!)
In My Backyard
There are mallard ducks - with babies, Canadian geese, and the muscovy duck. My next blog will explore the herons and egrets that grace our pond.
