How much do you know about your neighborhood?

Have you taken note of the flora and fauna around you?

Exploring your surroundings is a great way to spend time with your children, stimulate their curiosity, and instill a passion for learning.

An explosion of wildlife.

During the start of the pandemic, when vehicles were off the roads, wildlife flourished in my (and other) suburban towns. We began to see animals that had been missing for years, as well as some that had never appeared in the area before.

I was fascinated by the abundance of new birds in the area. I started snapping photos of the ones I didn’t know. I’d go online to identify them.

Last week I captured this goshawk hanging out on the roof of a car.

That was a first!

We’ve always had hawks in the area, but never so comfortable in the environment that they’d be stationary with a human this close.

Another first was spotting a hummingbird. Sadly, I didn’t capture a picture or video of that one.

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Toy blocks have existed since the 1820s, but the concept predates their popularity.

You probably grew up with them, as did your parents and their parents before them. Blocks were perhaps one of your child’s early toys.

They’re colorful, easy to hold, and can be used for various activities.

When is a toy block not a toy block?

Whenever you want it to be.

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