In California, that is!  Our roses are blooming already here at the new house, and smell heavenly. I couldn't resist cutting a few for our table. We have also spent much time observing the hummingbirds in the 'bottle brush bush'. They are attracted to the bright red flowers. I have loved watching hummingbirds since I was a little girl visiting my grandmother. She always had several feeders going and they would flock to them.

 I tried hard to pin one down for a photo, but durned if they don't like to move around! Look hard, and you can see one on the middle right hand side, right above a flower--it's smaller than the flower. (I need a better camera!!) The funny thing about hummingbirds is that they are pretty feisty, jabbering and chirping at each other, even fighting! I told the kids they remind me of them at certain moments. The girls and I have enjoyed the beginning of an indepth study of Africa this week. I realized in all the years we've homeschooled, we've never really done an 'Africa study'  other than ancient Egypt(don't yell, Kim!) Here they are, showing off a plate of 'banana fritters' that we made after studying Nigeria. We're using ideas from Galloping the Globe, and Trail Guide to World Geography as well as tons and tons of library books. Fun stuff!  Next week we get into some heavy duty dissecting for the boys' high school biology course. I have this feeling it won't be quite as fun.