Thursday, April 30, 2009

Master Naturalist Class #6

Now that I've got my new little pocket camera, there will be no reason not to post dorky pictures like this from my Master Naturalist class.......
Last night's class was about water in the landscape: ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. Part of the class was dedicated to learning about the different tests and indicators of pond health. In the photo above I'm holding on to a "thermometer on a stick" (no, you won't find that as a new food vendor item at next summer's state fair!) in an effort to determine whether the temperature of this pond is different at the surface vs. a depth of 60 centimeters (it wasn't, if you're curious).

As of last night, we have completed 6 Master Naturalist classes and have 3 more to go, plus the last class which includes graduation. May will be quite a busy class month as we have our regular Wednesday night sessions, plus 2 all-day Saturday field trips, and the Master Naturalist conference weekend event. AND, I still need to find some time in between Master Naturalist activities and working to get out and spot migrating warblers (finding a Cerulean Warbler is tops on my list this spring).

I wonder, what's the minimum number of hours of sleep I will need per night to still remain functional and do all the outdoor things I want to each day.......I think I'll be finding out in May!

16 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I like your new header. It looks like you are really getting into your class. I don't think you look dorky, just immersed in your class. Have fun.

Mama Pea said...

LOVE pictures like the one included . . . makes me feel like I'm there with you. Keep 'em up!

Really like your new header photo. Gives a whole new look to your blog.

As they say, sleep is way over-rated. Just keep enjoying yourself and brewing the coffee. Doing what you love will give you more energy on less sleep than eight hours a night and being unhappy.

How's Sophie doing?

Anonymous said...

LOL LOL! Did the instructor know that you're afraid of water?? You look so happy there on the dock, as far as that goes....
Had a hummer in the yard today looking for my feeders. I guess I better get them filled and put outside!

Your un-dorky sissy

RuthieJ said...

Thanks Lisa. For most of this water testing project, I was the supervisor of vials and test strips--the thermometer was the only chance for an "action" shot. Besides, letting my other classmates do most of the work allowed me to watch for birds!

Thanks Mama Pea. I always admire the other blogs with pictures on their headers and wanted to try it for myself. In fact, I ended up changing the whole template to get that picture in there, so that's probably why you're noticing "a whole new look!"
Sophie's doing much better and I think she just sleeps most of the morning until I get home around 10 AM each day. Thanks for asking.

Hi Sissy,
You know that fear of water issue never even came up and didn't appear to be evident in any other classmates either--unlike the paralyzing fear of snakes exhibited in last week's class when the instructor passed around a live fox snake for us to hold.
I put my nectar feeders up after the phone message Jane left, but no hummers spotted here yet.

Deb said...

We're finalizing plans for the aquatic plant survey training at the Master Naturalist conference! I hope it's good weather so we can get out on the lake some.

I would like to see a Cerulean warbler too!

Gaelyn said...

Fun, play and work are great, but, you need your sleep sweetie. Have fun anyway.

Kelly said...

Wow! How exciting. I would like to take a series of classes like that some day. I wonder if our parks offer it. I'll have to look into it. Looks like you're having fun! ;-)

cindy said...

Ruthie, sleep when your old and can't get out anymore...enjoy May, embrace May, do May!!! It's why we endured 6 months of winter!!!

Jayne said...

Beautiful header Ruthie! I think it's so cool that you are doing these classes. Good luck getting everything done in May. ;c)

troutbirder said...

I like the header too. And looks like you are having fun! I'm going up to Ritz next week with the following criteria - the camera must fit in my pocket, be cheap and have a long string attached so that I can tie it to my belt. :)

RuthieJ said...

Hi Deb,
I hope it's good weather for the conference too. We've been lucky for our classes so far this year--although some of the evenings have been chilly, we haven't gotten rained out. I'm looking forward to seeing you again at the conference!

Hi Gaelyn,
I'll try to catch up on my sleep on rainy days!

Hi Kelly,
Guess what? Ohio does have a Certified Volunteer Naturalist program! Find out more information at this link:
http://ocvn.osu.edu/about/

Hi Cindy,
My sentiments exactly! I have a really hard time going to bed when it's still light outside and I could be doing something out there. Thank goodness I don't live in Alaska, right?

Thanks Jayne. The header picture is from 2007 -- a gorgeous sunset after some evening thunderstorms.

Thanks Troutbirder. Good luck in your camera quest!

NCmountainwoman said...

Wow! You are going to be SO smart! And so busy. For me the minimum number of hours is six. I might make it on less once or twice, but then it really takes a toll. Keep yourself healthy.

Heidi said...

Yep, sounds like a very busy month of May. Maybe 5-6 hours sleep? And then one day a week to recharge by playing with Sophie or walking around your property... just not working.

Mary C said...

For some of us (namely moi)sleep is overrated, since I have to get up before 7am everyday (gotta feed the kitties) and don't go to bed before 11:30, and so far I don't feel the lack of sleep in my daily activities. Anyway, I'm sure glad to see you are thoroughly enjoying your Master Naturalist classes. Ruthie, sleep when you can - your body will know when you need it. :)

Dawn Fine said...

Great stuff your learning....you dont need to sleep...LOL

Heather said...

Ha ha, it's fun to see you in action there, Ruthie! I'm glad you're enjoying the classes. Will you then be able to teach classes and lead hikes and stuff like that once you're certified?