Broad Leaf Aster

I remember learning about the Aster plant.

I couldn't have been more than 10 years old. Grandma and I were canoeing along west shore of Hubbard Lake (as we used to spend many summer afternoons doing) and when we rounded the point into the bay of the West Branch River, we sat there surrounded by the lily pads. Along the shoreline in the bay were some plants which Grammy pointed out to me as "nature's toilet paper". I never thought she was serious about the toilet paper part... I just thought she used the toilet paper imagery to make sure I understood how soft it was. Lo and behold though, people do use it for that purpose. Every time I see the furry little plant I smile and think about what my young mind thought when I learned about "nature's toilet paper". I remember that canoe trip into the bay (as well as the many before and after it).


Things have been going fine. Today is Becka's 9th Birthday! (Yay!) I called her this morning - she didn't seem super excited or anything but it was still good to hear her/mom. I miss everyone at home so much - only 21 days left on contract and then the 2-3 Quet trip and the 3 day trek from Quet through Chicago back home.

John (History director) is back on base as of this afternoon and that means I'm no longer in charge. It also means a lot less fun around the history department for the next 20 days... Oh well. At least we got a little bit of a break?

Oh I can't wait to come back home. I miss you all!