One of the most interesting boats involved in the International Canals Conference is the Lois McClure, a replica of the 19th-century canal schooners used to transport cargo on the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes.  Here's a link to the Lois' schedule with more links to the back-story.

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum owns and operates the Lois McClure as a wonderful educational resource for understanding the rich heritage of the Erie Canal.  And by the way, my niece and nephew-in-law are instrumental in the operation of the canal schooner. So I'll be checking out the doings at Corn Hill Landing next week.

Marcia L.

As a matter of fact, The Things They Carried was the summer reading assignment a few years ago for our incoming freshman class at The College at Brockport (a unit of the State University of New York, where I work).  The freshmen are detailed to read the book before they come to college, and there are various class activities and assignments built around it.  The idea is to build civic awareness and engagement, and to foster discussion of topics raised in the book.  It's part of the "American Democracy Project," and has been very successful in raising the consciousness of our new students.  It's really a great program.

Marcia L.

Happy Birthday, Dale - hope you have a wonderful day!

Marcia L.

The pics of that juvenile PEFA are from August, 2009, so it couldn't be a Rochester bird - maybe Syracuse?

ML

Looks like this is the list of who's bringing what tomorrow morning:

Am I missing something?

I'll bring mini cinnamon rolls to the breakfast.

Looking forward --

Marcia L.

Count me in.

ML

Nice shots, Dana -- thanks!

Marcia L.

Really nice shots, Lou.  Thanks!

Marcia

I'll add that line in future, Carol - thanks for the tip.

And thank you for your diligence, Yarak.  Much appreciated, your Botness.   

I didn't get that memo - sounds the least bit primitive.  How about I sacrifice a fly instead?  They have no redeeming social value.

- Marcia L. -

Sorry - I'm Marcia L.  Thought the author's name appeared when a fledge watch was posted.

[Thanks for the good wishes!]

Thanks for the good wishes!

I had a great day, and got a special present.    

Thanks again,

Marcia L.

Here are a couple of pics of Beauty, taken from Mark Bezinque's office.

Many thanks to Mark for allowing us to share his view, and see Beauty flying past us so close (although, as you can see, I didn't catch any shots of her so close).  What a treat!

Thanks again, Mark.

Marcia L.

Happy belated birthday, Carol.  Hope your day was great!

Marcia

Bad news - the Peregrine is already the national bird of Angola.  Puts it out of consideration, by their lights.