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When flat Emily arrived after her long trip from Western, NY, she wanted to stretch her laminated legs and go for a walk.
We took her on a long stroll around our neighborhood to see what spring looks like in the desert. Flat Emily noticed right away that spring looks different in
Flat Emily thought this Agave plant was neat. It was so big she could have slid down the long stems. Flat Emily learned that the Agave is a succulent plant that survives the heat by storing water in its fat stems. Many different things can be made from the Agave plant. One is an all natural sweetener that Flat Emily’s Aunt uses to bake muffins and cookies with. It’s like sugar but much healthier for your body.
Next Emily spots an Ocotillo plant. It’s very curious looking. It’s spiny and tall but at the top are beautiful orange/red flowers. Flat Emily hears a familiar sound. The sound of hummingbirds! She watches the hummingbirds dive in and out of the long, spiny branches. The hummingbirds and bees love the Ocotillo plant.
Flat Emily learned about cacti. A cactus is a thick fleshy, desert plant with no leaves but spines instead. If you've ever touched a cactus you know how prickly they can be. Flat Emily didn't want to touch them but they sure were pretty to look at. Like this purple cactus
and this Cholla cactus with bright green new fruit.
Where ever you are, whether you’re in
Flat Emily and her cousin Michael also found a little, blue, cracked, bird egg.
Flat Emily wondered what kind of baby bird hatched out of it?
By this time Flat Emily sure was tired. She decided to hop in the basket and let us carry her. We had a great time with Flat Emily in New Mexico. Next time though, could you send 3-dimensional Emily too?
Happy May Day from the Southwest!
Posts
Such a cute post. I bet Emily loves it. Thanks for sharing the wonderful succulents, as you know, we can't grow those here....they are beautiful! My girls are on a cactus kick, my mom has bought them quite a few in the past week (much better gift than the webkins she used to spoil them with).
ReplyDeleteLisa~
ReplyDeleteI must say I've been more than a little jealous reading your posts and seeing all the beautiful lush plant life. It was nice doing this project for Emily and getting to see our Southwest with fresh eyes. It made me appreciate it all the more. Beauty in all it's spikiness!
How fun your girls are collecting cactus!
B
I really love this post! I remember watching Flat Stanleys in the past. It looks like Flat Emily had a lovely time and learned a lot! We, too, love eating agave nectar. It's so much better than sugar...
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it could be a cool project. You took so much care to show Flat Emily around on your walk. I felt like I was there with you. I took a look at the Flat Stanley website. It looks like its for schoolkids. But this could be a fun homeschool penpal project, too. Do you have to be a part of the school system to register?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharin'!
Thanks so much everyone! This was a really fun project for us.
ReplyDeleteJenell, that is an excellent question. I went to the main site and emailed the creator of the project because I didn't see anything on the website about homeschoolers. Hopefully, I'll get a response soon and I'll let you know.
Becca
Man, your making me miss the SW. I love succulents more than any other plant ever. Ocotillo are my favorite especially after the late summer monsoons!
ReplyDeleteJenell and anyone else who is interested in participating in the "Flat Stanley" project. I received this email back from the creator of the project, Dale Hubert.
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If you go to the List of Participants and select Custom Search, you can choose HMSCH and see the 30 or so homeschoolers. You may complete the Registration Form and take part as a homeschooler.
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Here is the link to List of Participants Page.
http://www.flatstanley.com/list_map.htm
Becca
You rock, Becca! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteNo problem!
ReplyDelete