Metal Souls

During the Solano Stroll earlier this month, we came across some intriguing metal sculptures.  They are made by an artist under the name "Metal Souls."  Here are a few pictures.  Their website is www.metalsouls.com.

Solano Stroll is today, September 11, 2016 in Albany, CA

Today is the Solano Stroll in Albany, CA.

Update:  Here are some pictures from the Solano Stroll two weeks ago.  Lots to do for all ages.  Has to be one of the largest street festivals in the Bay Area.

One of two slides:

The view down Solano Avenue:

An attraction in which a child can strap inside a ball and bash around:

Very large spherical puzzles (and a smaller commercial counterpart):

Touring the USS America During LA Fleet Week

We were lucky to get a ticket to tour the USS America during fleet week.  The America was docked right by the USS Iowa battleship museum in LA harbor.  The America is an amphibious assault ship, specially designed to carry Ospreys, helicopters, and other aircraft.  It is a lot like a "small" aircraft carrier (and is only "small" in comparison to the enormous Nimitz and new Ford-class carriers).  

We had a great time, and even got to sit in an Osprey.

 

Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration During LA Fleet Week

We were touring the USS Iowa during Fleet Week in Los Angeles when a helicopter buzzed past the ship.  It began to hover off the bow - and a coast guard diver dropped out of the helicopter and swam toward the pier and back before being picked up again.  A real privilege to see a rescue exercise up close!

Family of four sold their home, bought bikes and robe from Quebec to Costa Rica

I was sent an article from a friend about a family who sold their home, bought bikes, and rode from Quebec to Costa Rica.  How adventurous, brave, and exciting!

http://livehigh.org/meet-the-conks/

How Legos Can Help Children Love Math

Alycia Zimmerman, who teaches third grade at Chelsea Prep in New York, uses Legos successfully to help her students learn math.  I love her ideas!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-legos-might_turn-your-kid-into-a-math-lover

https://mobile-twitter.com/AlyciaZimmerman

Bike and specialty bike rentals in Long Beach, CA

Wheel Fun Rentals
429- G Shoreline Village Dr.
Long Beach, CA  90802
(562) 951-3857
wheelfunrentals.com

Battleship Iowa in San Pedro, CA

Celebrate the American Spirit at the Battleship Iowa, the West Coast's only battleship open to the public.  The self guided tour explains more than 70 years of history covering WWII, the Korean War, and the Cold War.  Guests can experience the life of a sailor on board the "Battleship of Presidents," walk the wood deck, and see the battleship's 5 and 16-inch guns, missile decks, bridge, mess areas, and the world famous captain cabin.

Battleship Iowa
250 S. Harbor Blvd.
San Pedro, CA  90731
(877) 446-9261
www. pacificbattleship.com