Wide-Eyed and Learning

There's a moment  - a really special one - when a kid learns something.  It's usually obvious because their eyes go saucer big in wonder.  It's a moment worth savoring.

Durham is home to a plethora of places to learn, and one in particular probably gets more than its fair share of the aforementioned moments.  It's probably no small coincidence that it's called the Schoolhouse of Wonder.

The school calls itself "a consortium of lifelong learners," and maintains a focus on nature as a subject, backdrop for learning and a source for capturing the moments when learning is most exciting.  The school also runs camps throughout the year based on a variety of school schedules and has other programs that might be of interest to those homeschooling their children.  Programs are targeted by age group and kids aged 5 through 12 are best suited.

The school is run at the West Point on the Eno city park and is funded in part by fees and in part by community support.  Like many other non-profit organizations, the school has been hit hard by the economy.  They are hosting a fund raiser on Sunday, October 23.  Details are here.

Feeling Like Spring?

It's always refreshing when the grip of winter loosens its hold on the place where great things happen, and it seemed that the grip was a little tighter than usual this year. There were no record snowfalls, but there were many of them. While that's enough to dampen the spirits of the average Southerner, folks in Durham are hardly average...Durham is the Bull City for more than tobacco - folks are pretty hearty. Nonetheless, spring brings all sorts of great opportunities to get out in the world and enjoy some fresh air.



This image of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens
can be downloaded at
http://www.durhamncphotos.com/.

Here are some of the ways to get out as the weather permits (like this weekend!):

• The Sarah P. Duke Gardens - these are free, open to the public and are going to be bursting to life shortly.
• Outdoor dining - many restaurants are opening their patios on these warmer days, so be on the look out for dining al fresco options soon.
• The NC Museum of Life and Science - the outdoor spaces are a great way to get the kids all tuckered out, especially if they've felt cooped up in the colder weather. 
• West Point on the Eno - a walk through the woods beside a river can be just what the doctor ordered to shake off some of those cold weather cob webs.
• Go to the Durham Farmers' Market on Saturday morning - the offerings are mighty tasty.
• Take in some of the action at the Durham Skate Park - it's a great way to burn off some calories and watch some great developing talent in a state of the art facility.

At 299-square-miles, Durham is the 17th smallest county in the state, but it sure is packed with things to do.   The forecast is calling for a high of 60 on Sunday, and all of these ideas are better than any sort of project at home.