Thursday, March 5, 2009

Sticks and Stones to Heal Thy Bones


"I need to get some rocks from the river for my class on hot rock therapy. Any one feel like helping me out?" a very tired Elizabeth queries after a loooooong week of massage therapy classes.

Hands shot up in the air as volunteers eagerly joined up for an afternoon at the Yuba River. Wedged between past and predicted storms, the 69-degree temps offered no hardship as Dad, Lydia, and Rachel set off with a detailed list and a treasure sack. Let the games begin!

A short drive from home brought the collectors upon the rustic beauty of the Bridgeport Bridge.


In addition to its obvious charm, this bridge holds title as the longest single-span bridge in existence. Yet another piece of yesteryear that puts our little corner of the world on the map for those seeking pioneering/mining history of California.

In use since 1862.

Dedicated to those who sought a new life here in California.

Both inside . . .

. . . and out,


This beauty beats the competition by a mile.


But, lest they forget why they came . . .

The girls grabbed the list and set to work.


They searched far and wide for this shape and that,


Taking time to enjoy rejecting those that just didn't quite measure up.


Some wore out before others in the quest. ("Always carry a book," I have counseled through the years. Nice to see they listen.)


One even had energy left to craft some comic art along the riverbank -- a gift to future passersby (until the storms return).


Finally the hunters returned home and spilled out a trove most plentiful.


Some enjoyed studying the flecks and musing over the origins (budding petrologists?). Another merely enjoyed the hunt (rockhound?) and set off to journal the experience. (Wanna guess which one?)

A third gathered up the stones as tools (massage therapist?) and set about warming them for the next homework item on the agenda -- putting these stones to play in an actual massage.


At which time I began waving my hand wildly in the air, volunteering to help her with her homework . . . like a good homeschooling mom.

; D


PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

25 comments:

Wayne said...

sticks and stones to heal thy bones. I never heard that one before. Great pictures.

Kat said...

I'm next in line for her to practice on. I'm next, I'm next!

What a wonderful day you've all had! :)

Cecily R said...

Sounds like a perfect way to spend and end a day!!!

Michelle said...

Sounds like it was an enjoyable day. Great shots.

skywind said...

Ah, very good stone. You playing very happy. :)

Health is the Greatest Happiness & The World at The Present

Chris said...

Great day! And I think that covered bridge shot is fantastic!

Karen Deborah said...

bbbeeeyoootiful PICS! um Miss E simply must come along on the next family trip she can practice on my knotted neck and shoulders, it will be a tremendous challenge!!
COME VISIT SOOOOOOOOONNNNNN!
If not all send L and RK.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

Awesome pics and i want in that practice line!!!!!1

lsnellings said...

Those were beautiful pictures! I hope you enjoy your hot stone massage!

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

That adventure sounded like a blast!! What a great idea and day out. The bridge is beautiful, I love the long view, it's fabulous!

Kacey said...

What a great way to spend the afternoon! The bridge is gorgeous and so were the treasures!

Flea said...

Oh what a fun way to spend the day! And you're such a good mom, helping your daughter with her homework. Self sacrificing. Kudos. ;)

Shellie said...

That bridge is awesome. So are the stones. Wish you could give out virtual massages, that sounds delicious.

david mcmahon said...

Hi Debbie - truly, yours is a family of ``rock'' stars!

Becky said...

Awww, that is where George proposed to me. Perhaps one of your new pets witnessed the occasion ;-)

Unknown said...

That bridge is awesome!! What fun! you'll have to tell us how your massage went. :)

Pdyrholm said...

you are good ;-)

It sounds like you come home tired and found a great activity for hubby and the girls that they actually enjoyed... at the same time it was great relaxation at home I hope :-)

I love that bridge... and the photos of it. very very nice indeed

imbeingheldhostage said...

I almost cried reading this... such a simple post, but looking at those pictures at the end of a very hard day (why is it that kids seem to sense you're getting better so they don't have to be on their best behaviour anymore?) and I thought that if I had gone, you couldn't have dragged me away from that place.

You are a great homeschooling mom and you live richly. Thanks for sharing it with your blog.

Susie said...

I love this post, and I love that bridge. What a great day! You are truly a homeschooler extraordinaire! whoohoo for you!
Oh, and I love the "always carry a book" and I'm totally copying it from now on! thanks!

Michelle said...

Looked like a fun day with some great finds!

tiarastantrums said...

very cool lesson - and that covered bridge is beautiful

dawn klinge said...

Now that is some homework that I would be more than happy to help out with as well! ;) I loved seeing the beautiful photos of the bridge and the river.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

What an awesome bridge! Great photos of it!
I think I could use the hot rock therapy. My back is killing me this am.

Unknown said...

oh. oh. oh. just lovely. *sigh*

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