Pack of Matches    

I like to go camping, and here is a  quick list of ten things and why to bring them. 

 TENT

 Any will do.

Unless you're a veteran boy scout, chances are you need some sort of flame to start a fire. Without a fire, you have limited food options and nights become a whole lot colder. Don't risk it, and buy matches in bulk. You can leave them in your camping essentials bag for years at a time.

Rope

Rope has so many uses at a campsite, especially if you can tie a variety of knots. Make a clothes line for wet garments, hang your coolers from a branch at night, create a shelter, or tow people out of a tight situation on a hike or swim. Bottom line: don't go camping without one.

Tarps

Whether you're using it to protect the bottom of your tent or as an extra shelter at your campsite, tarps are essential. They're easy to fold, and only take up a small amount of space in your camping bags.

A Jar of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter has a long shelf life, and can be used in more ways than you can count. As a versatile source of fat and protein, this should be with you on every camping trip. In a bind, you can schmear it on bread, remove gum from your hair, or just enjoy it in spoonfuls.

Portable Spice Rack

You wouldn't dig into an under-seasoned dinner at home, so why would you suffer at the campsite. A plastic, portable spice rack is perfect to throw into your camping essentials bag; most of these are small, easy to pack and hard to break.

Lantern, Flashlight or Headlamp

Whether you're stumbling to the bathroom after dark or sneaking a midnight snack, you should always have a lantern and/or flashlight in your camping essentials box. Be sure your light source is easy to reach in the car, in the event that you arrive at your site after dark.

Maps and Compass

You have GPS on your phone, and you may even have a GPS system sitting in your car console. Unfortunately, you may not get a signal in remote camping spots, or as you disappear into the forest to go hiking. Have your navigation essentials, such as a map and compass, with you at all times in case your GPS is less than reliable.

Alternate Weather Wear

You've checked the weather forecast for weeks—no rain, only sun. Unfortunately, the weather can change at the drop of a dime, leaving you stuck in the rain or huddling around your campfire. With an extra set of clothes, you won't have to worry about sudden weather changes; you can swap out wet clothes for dry ones or layer during a cold front.

Pocket Knife

Most commonly known as a Swiss Army Knife, this tool is a camping essential that takes up almost no space in your bags. With a knife, corkscrew, saw, small scissors and more, you'll have a variety of camping essentials in an easy to pack, compact size.  You do not need  Swiss Army brand.  any will do like US Buck, SOG, and Smith and Wesson. 

Webaite is LAUNCHED

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The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum - Springfield, Illinois

This 200,000 square foot complex is designed to impress both the history lover and their tag-along friends or family members. The museum allows you to experience Abraham Lincoln's life from a small boy growing up in his one room cabin reading by the fireplace to his law office and then on through the White House years. Each section of the museum has things to appeal to every type of learner with the interactive displays/videos, written documentation and beautifully designed displays. The 4-D theater is a perfect way to end a fun day at the Lincoln Museum. I would highly recommend this museum to help history come to life.

"George Washington's World" by Genevieve Foster

For students of U.S. History this book is a great read as it tells the exciting story of George Washington from his childhood through his death in 1799. What I enjoyed the most about this book is the way the author told his story while simultaneously explaining other interesting people, events and inventions happening at the same time around the world. I found it very beneficial to see his life in perspective of what was occurring not only in the United States but around the globe. The short sections of this book make it a perfect read-aloud book for a group or family with various aged students.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

I learned so much when I went to this Presidential Library located in Simi Valley, California.  My dad and I went there a few years ago and we both really enjoyed it. The museum has self-guided displays suited for everyone. One of my favorites was the Air Force One plane that Ronald Reagan flew in during his presidency which you get to walk through during the tour.  Some other highlights include a section of the Berlin wall, some of the Secret Service cars of the time and a Marine One helicopter.  The museum not only has a lot of U.S. history it also has shares the details of Ronald Reagan's life from childhood, acting career through his death. This museum is well suited for all types of learners.

Gun Safety

I like guns, but you have to know what your doing.  Make sure not to let you children shoot by them selves. If you have more than five guns you probably will want a safe.  I think these artikels will help 
 you shoot safe.  Shoot safe, be smart, and know whats behind your target. 

1. Don't rely on your gun's safety.
2. Be sure of your target and what's beyond it.
3. Use proper ammunition.
4. If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle with care.
5. Always wear eye and ear protechion
6. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.
7. Don't alter or modify your gun and have it serviced regularly.
8. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using. www.remington.com   
9.  Taken from Remington.com

   Firearms Safety -- 10 Rules of Safe Gun Handling

   Collapse All - Expand All
   1. Always Keep The Muzzle Pointed In A Safe Direction
   2. Firearms Should Be Unloaded When Not Actually In Use
   3. Don't Rely On Your Gun's "Safety"
   4. Be Sure Of Your Target And What's Beyond It
   5. Use Correct Ammunition
   6. If Your Gun Fails To Fire When The Trigger Is Pulled, Handle With Care!
   7. Always Wear Eye And Ear Protection When Shooting
   8. Be Sure The Barrel Is Clear Of Obstructions Before Shooting
   9. Don't Alter Or Modify Your Gun, And Have Guns Serviced Regularly
   10. Learn The Mechanical And Handling Characteristics Of The Firearm You Are Using
   

   
   

   • 
     

     ---

     NRA Gun Safety Rules
     Available as a brochure The fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:
     

     	1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
     	2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
     	3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.

     When using or storing a gun, always follow these NRA rules:
     

     • Know your target and what is beyond.
       Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.
       
       
     • Know how to use the gun safely.
       Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.
       
       
     • Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
       Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the gun's general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a gun's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
       
       
     • Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
       Only BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.
       
       
     • Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
       Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by shooters and spectators.
       
       
     • Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting.
       Alcohol, as well as any other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical bodily functions, must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.
       
       
     • Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
       Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of gun storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the gun, are available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the mechanical safeties built into guns, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun handling and the observance of all gun safety rules.
       
       
     • Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
       
       
     • Cleaning
       Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun should be cleaned every time that it is used. A gun brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the gun from operating properly.
       Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The gun's action should be open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.
       

   
   

   1. Always Point a Gun in a Safe Direction.

   This one should be self-explanatory. It is the bedrock of all gun safety, and is the most important rule. Another way to say it, which Dad taught me many years ago, is, "Never point a gun at anything you're not willing to shoot."

   
   
   

   2. Assume That Any Gun, at Any Time, is Loaded.

   When someone tells you a gun is not loaded, that's fine - but don't believe it until you see it for yourself. If you offend your buddy by checking a gun after he's told you it's unloaded, then so be it. Better safe than dead. Make it a habit to check no matter what. This is a very important habit to get into.

   3. Keep Your Finger off the Trigger.

   This is something I see way too often. Some doofus will have his or her finger on the trigger of a gun they are simply carrying, looking down the sights of, etc. Don't do it! Keep that finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot, and after shooting, move it back out of the trigger guard. And please don't be offended that I used the term "doofus" if you have been guilty of this, because I have been a doofus before, too.

   4. Know What You're Shooting at.

   Your target is whatever you have decided to shoot. And - this is extremely important - it must be a conscious decision when you shoot something. Don't get lax about this. You need to know what you are going to shoot at, what is between you and it, and what is beyond it. Pay attention.

   5. Be Familiar With Your Gun.

   Take the time to learn about the operation and features of the firearm you are planning to use. The time to learn this is not while you are shooting... that is when you need to be learning about grip, shooting positions, trigger control, etc. When you step up to the firing line, you should already know how to operate the gun you'll be shooting.

   6. Don't Shoot at Hard Surfaces (Including Water).

   Water might not seem like a hard surface, but its density makes it pretty dangerous. It has a tendency to allow bullets and shotgun shot to ricochet (glance off) and fly off in an unintended direction. Not good. Hard surfaces like metal, rocks, and hard wood can do this too - and they can even send the projectile back to the shooter, which can be hard on a feller, because shooting oneself, even indirectly, can be a pretty nasty experience.

   7. Don't Rely on a Safety Mechanism.

   Many guns have a safety device to prevent the gun from firing. These are often reliable, but not always. And some guns have even been known to fire when the safety is released, most notably Remington bolt-action centerfire rifles, which naturally leads to the conclusion that safety mechanisms are often useful, but not completely reliable. Use the safety, but don't count on it! Continue to follow the number one rule: Always keep the gun pointed somewhere safe.

   8. Load Your Gun When You Need to.

   Some, including the NRA, will tell you to keep every gun unloaded until you're ready to fire it. This is not a sensible rule, because guns used for hunting and defense purposes will be needed in a hurry whenever they are needed, and there is no time to be messing around loading your gun when you need it to save your life, or to take the game you're hunting. If you need your gun for defense from human or animal attackers and it's not loaded, it becomes a liability rather than a benefit, and your safety goes down the tubes. So load your gun, and handle it responsibly.

   9. Use the Right Ammo.

   Make certain the ammunition you're using is right for your gun. Don't assume that you have the correct ammo just because it can be crammed into the gun. The groceries you feed your firearm need to match up with the gun's design and strength factors. The proper cartridge designation is usually marked on the gun. If you have any doubt, consult the gun's manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith.

   10. Pay Attention!

   It's easy to get distracted when you're having fun, and target shooting can be a lot of fun, especially if you're enjoying it with friends and family. Don't let yourself get carried away. Take extra care to follow safe gun handling rules, and don't be afraid to correct others when you see them improperly handling firearms - we all need a reminder every now and then. Some folks may not like to hear it, but all participants must follow gun safety rules if everyone is to come home safe and sound. And that's what we always want to see!

   
   

mandolin playing, by David

My older sister Megan plays the mandolin. When she was starting out, she found three different things that helped her very much. First was, she took lessons from a man named Jerry Rosa. He has a band and company called Rosa Stringworks. Next, she watched videos of other mandolin players to learn from their style. Two of her favorites were Chris Thile and Sierra Hull. Third and most helpful one is playing jams with groups of people. (Jerry Rosa's band and friends play several times a month). She found that playing with other people made her more comfortable and used to playing it. She also got to learn things from the other musicians. Those are the three things that Megan thought were the most helpful. Maybe you can use them if you want to learn to play it too. :)