South Windsor Wildlife Sanctuary, South Windsor

Last weekend, we walked in the South Windsor Wildlife Sanctuary. Although we didn't see much in the way of wildlife, we did come to a field of black-eyed Susans.  At the highest point in the town, we had a nice view.

Today, I emailed a query. I haven't done much querying, so I did some research on the correct format beforehand. It came together pretty fast and I think it made a strong case. Geesh, it was SO much easier than doing a lot of research, writing an article, then finding out if there was interest in the subject. I like this query idea.  When I zero in on a topic, I want to do one more for a theme I picked out.

In early November, I'm going to the National Association of Science Writers conference. Driving around New Haven, with its multitude of one-way streets, is not my specialty.  So, I am gathering directions and maps. This will be my first science conference.  I hope I get a lot out of it.

On the beach in Chatham, Cape Cod we watched some seals feeding in the water. Admittedly, they were tricky to photograph because they didn't stay still very long.

Today, I emailed my revised article!!!!!!! This article gave me a lot of grief because my approach never seemed to be the approach the editor was looking for. However, I really like the way it has evolved. It took a while for me to rethink the ending, but I'm quite pleased with it. I've been pondering exactly why this article was troublesome. Maybe there is something to be learned here. I'd say there were a number of factors. My world was pretty rattled when I first started writing it. The article also contains an enormous amount of information. Also, I think I'm the kind of person that takes a statement to the extreme. For instance, the editor's words, "they're not babies," echoed in my head as I wrote.

It reminds me of the time I played on a softball team after work. Having no skill in the sport, my husband showed me how to hit the ball. I did everything exactly as he told me. Yes, the steps were correct, but I swung like a robot, no fluidity. However, after finally getting down the process, I ended up with the nickname "Wheels." Since I could consistently get on base, I was also the lead batter. After mastering batting, I moved on. I don't think I'll ever master writing.

I posted a few more photographs from Woods Hole Science Aquarium. The top is a preserved octopus in a glass jar that did not fair as well as the other living exhibits. I loved the color of that copper fish, it reminded me of the copper Opal Manta I used to drive many moons ago. The bottom photograph has become a mystery. I could have sworn that fish had an amusing name. I thought it was called a Buttfish, but I can't seem to find any information about Buttfishes online, so now I'm not so sure.

Today, I was in the right mindset and really ripped into the first page of this article, making it mine again. I came up with three new titles and revised the ending too. I like to let the thing marinate for a while before emailing it. Generally, I end up refining it even more.

The weekend before last, Walt and I were up at Cape Cod celebrating my birthday and our anniversary. We biked the very scenic Shining Sea Bike Trail from Falmouth to Woods Hole, passing cranberry bogs and ocean views. While we were at Woods Hole we stopped in the Woods Hole Science Aquarium where I took a few photographs which I've posted. I was disappointed some of the other science facilities in the area were not open. Next time.

I've been working steady revising throughout this week despite numerous social activities. The article is in pretty good shape, but still needs more work.

McLean Game Refuge - Simsbury/Granby

Saturday, I hiked at the McLean Game Refuge in Granby, Connecticut. It was my first time exploring the place. I was hoping to see a black bear, but a flock of geese was all that I spotted. There were some interesting little cabins, a vista and lots of fall foliage.

Currently, I'm back working on this chemistry article, trying to get revisions into a version that I no longer recognize.

The bottom photograph is a very interesting looking creature called a leafy sea dragon (excellent photo). It looks like it has seaweed hanging off of it that must certainly help camouflage it in the ocean. The top photograph is also a sea dragon.

Yesterday, I finally received the edits for my article. Hoo boy. It was not a pretty sight.

I skipped off to the Vernon Arts Commission meeting this evening and I'm very glad I went.

I posted a few more photographs of poor Myrtle the green (in the gills) turtle. They measured her carapace (a fancy word for shell). They took an ultrasound of her heart. I'm not sure where the heart is in the turtle, but I can imagine it might be difficult to view it through a thick shell.

Currently, I'm working on three different projects, all different. Two are nearly complete as far as the writing goes. The presentation is still in its infancy, but I have a solid list of creative ideas.

Today, I posted photographs of Myrtle, a green turtle at the New England Aquarium. Like Ari, she also had a health check-up, but she was small enough for them to pull out of the water and examine up close and personal. They drew blood and tested it for disease. The Aquarium website says this turtle is at least seventy years old!

I'm still working on this same piece of writing that is maybe 90% complete. It may be done by our email swap date this week, but it certainly won't be verified for accuracy so, unfortunately, I will not make my own too tight deadline.

I have a new plan for a hands-on science presentation that I think will be exciting. Hopefully, I can get moving on this real fast.