Victoria and her Big Sister Julia

What is a Pen Pal?

2007-06-21T14:55:00.000-04:00

What is a pen pal?

A penpal relationship is often used to practice writing and reading in a foreign language, improving literacy, to learn more about other countries and life-styles, and to make new friends.

Pen Pal International

Student Letter Exchange

Pen Pal World

Youth Community Service

2007-06-21T14:53:00.001-04:00

2nd Trip to Horn Pond - 6/16/07

2007-06-18T09:40:00.000-04:00

Victoria looooved Horn Pond so much so we decided to go and take a walk without the monster dog. We immediately found an area where people were fishing and she went right up to this man, Jim, and started asking him tons of fishing questions. Jim taught Victoria how to fish for the next hour and a half while I drank my Starbucks and soaked up the sun! What a perfect morning! Haha...it was so fun, he taught her how to find worms under leaf piles, how to bait the hook, etc. I kept trying to say that I am NOT a worm girl! Didn't catch anything but an old plastic bag! David is going to take us fishing this summer at the Pond .

First Trip to Horn Pond - 6/9/07

2007-06-18T09:36:00.000-04:00

It was kind of a bad weather day, raining on and off, I asked Victoria if she wanted to go to the movies but I could tell it wasn't her first choice so we went to pick up David's dog "Cat in the Hat" to take him for a walk around Horn Pond in Woburn. I tried to warn Victoria that the dog is a 7 month old puppy but HUGE and CRAZY! He is really a monster and so strong. It was tough getting him in my car for the first time but he was good. He pretty much took us for a walk, Victoria wanted to walk him and she did a great job but I kept thinking he was going to pull her down and he almost did! He is bigger than she is! It started to POUR rain but it was warm out so it didn't matter.

After the walk, we took the dog back home and went out to lunch. Victoria's 12th birthday was the next day so we had lunch and chocolate cake, too.

Franklin Park Zoo - 6/2/07

2007-06-18T09:34:00.000-04:00

Today we went to Franklin Park Zoo. It is an animal themed summer! We saw a peacock as soon as we walked in and were fascinated. I, of course, forgot my camera. Then every corner we turned there was another peacock! They are kind of mean and really loud! But beautiful. The gorilla scared us to death, we were standing in front of the glas and he came around the corner and we both screamed. I think our favorite part were the prairie dogs, we watched them for like a half hour.

Big Brother and Big Sister You Tube Video

2007-06-17T00:21:00.000-04:00

Watch this great video produced for a Big Brother and Big Sister Day of Caring.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho

First Outing - Horses! 5/26/07

2007-06-15T14:00:00.000-04:00

Today I picked up Victoria at her house and surprised her by saying we were going to see some horses. I checked online to see if I could find a riding stable somewhere and found one in Quincy. I asked if it was okay that we just stopped by to see the horses and they said come by anytime. They had about 6 or 8 horses, all different kinds, some were just feeding, some were being taught to jump, some were getting prepped for a pony birthday party.

After that, Victoria had a great idea to take my car to the car wash. I was not sure she knew she would be washing it! We both got soaked but luckily it was a super hot day. After that we had lunch at Burger King. Then we went to the Dollar Store and Victoria picked out a frame that said "friends and friendship" all around it. We then went to develop some digital pictures so we could each keep our own album.

Match Meeting - 5/19/07

2007-06-15T13:42:00.000-04:00

Today I met Victoria for the first time. I met the social worker Dorette outside of Victoria's home in Somerville - only a mile and a half from my home in Cambridge. Everyone said Victoria might be shy at first but I think she was shy for about a second. I met her mom Diedre, her little brother Keayon and her Uncle Derek. We hung out in the living room, went over the match contract and signed it. Then Victoria showed me her room, told me about her friends, what she likes to do. She introduced me to her bear who she named (prior to even knowing I existed) Julia! She made the bear a really cute off the shoulder dress!

The whole meeting was about an hour. We made an appt to meet again next Saturday, same time, 11am. Victoria loves animals, so I said I would find some animals or horses we could go see.

About Horn Pond

2007-06-15T13:32:00.002-04:00

Julia and Victoria went to Horn Pond looking for critters and pond creatures.

Instead, Victoria found a wealth of information about fishing generously provided by the local fishermen.

There is a lot to learn about fishing! Here is a link to more information!