Tag: travel

September Timely Topics

In this post I look at September’s transition into autumn, filled with various observances like Labor Day, Grandparents’ Day, and Constitution Day. The post also reflects on memories of 9/11. And remembrs women physicians whose vital role in healthcare is often overlooked.

September feels like we’re in the home stretch of the year, two-thirds of the way through. Where I live, the first day of autumn happens. Vacations end, school resumes, and life gets busier.

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graphic from LIGHTSTOCK.COM, resource for stock photos and other media

Labor Day

In the United States, we observe a holiday called Labor Day, although most people get the day off work. Not much happens on Labor Day except in a book and a movie by that name, and I reviewed both in this post.

Labor Day-a book review

In this post I review the book Labor Day by Joyce Maynard . It explores an unexpected and transformative weekend for a 13-year-old boy named Henry, his emotionally fragile mother Adele, and a mysterious man named Frank.

Keep reading

Grandparents’ Day

Another un-holiday is Grandparents’ Day. I think the only people who observe it are grandparents. I shared my grand-parenting journey in this post.

Exploring the HEART of Grandparenting

This post discusses the significance of grandparenting and the impact it has on children’s well-being. In an interview, I shared my experiences and insights as a grandparent, highlighting the role grandparents play in creating lasting memories and passing on traditions. Practical advice on caring for grandchildren is also provided, emphasizing safety and health.

Keep reading

Remembering History-Remote and Recent

Although not as well known or observed as Independence Day (USA), Constitution Day, September 17, is probably more important. This day honors the creation of the United States government in 1787 as outlined in the Constitution.

If you listen to recent news, you know that what is and what isn’t “constitutional” creates heated debate, but that very debate is protected by the Constitution-and that’s something to celebrate. The day is also called Citizenship Day, an event I celebrated in a post about attending a naturalization ceremony.

9/11/2001

One of the darkest days in United States history, as well as the rest of the world, is September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists. The country and the world have not been the same since.

Pieces Falling: Navigating 9/11 with Faith, Family, and the FDNY by Ann Van Hine

“Ann Clark Van Hine, aka Miss Ann, was born in Oxford, England but grew up in Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona, New Jersey and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Ann is the mom of two grown daughters, the widow of an FDNY firefighter, a retired small business owner, a docent with the 9/11 Tribute Museum, a published writer, Children’s Ministries volunteer, and a breast cancer survivor.

Since September 11, 2001, Ann has had numerous opportunities to share the story of God’s presence and peace as she navigated “a personal loss in the midst of a national tragedy.” She has shared her story all over the USA and internationally in Ireland, Belgium, England, and Japan. Ann is available to speak.”

(This is an affiliate link to earn a commission.)

Honoring Women Physicians

The American Medical Association recognizes and honors women physicians in September.

Women physicians, the future of healthcare

Happy Women In Medicine Month- 5 women physicians

Why women physicians are good for healthcare

Working Stiff -a book review

In this post I offer a review of a memoir, Working Stiff by Dr. Judy Melinek. She was on the team of medical examiners who investigated the victims of the 9/11/2001 attack In New York City

Keep reading

Exploring the HEART of health

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Dr. Aletha
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A Visit to Wow! Children’s Museum

I talk about my visit to WOW! Children’s Museum dedicated to engaging children and families in creative learning experiences. This bright, colorful interactive museum is in Lafayette, Colorado, near Denver .

“We specialize in highly interactive programs for small groups that give each child an opportunity to explore art, science, and culture.”

updated November 12, 2025

I’ve covered some heavy topics here, but this post is lighter, something fun.

On a visit to my son’s home in Colorado, we had fun exploring a children’s museum.

If you live near or visit the area, I recommend it for young kids- and their parents and grandparents, too.

WOW! World of Wonder Children’s Museum

The fun starts even before you go inside; look what greeted us on the outside wall- a carrot garden with a bunny, robin, and mice.

  • a white rabbit painted on a brick wall
  • a red and black bird painted on a brick building
  • 2 mice eating carrots in a garden-painted on a brick wall

“We specialize in highly interactive programs for small groups that give each child an opportunity to explore art, science, and culture. “

SIGN-WOW!WORLD OF WONDER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
entering the WOW WORLD OF WONDER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Lafayette, Colorado

WOW, WORLD OF HEALTH

Of course, my favorite part was the Kids Clinic, sponsored by the Children’s Hospital of Colorado . Signs describing the various rooms and activities are written in English and Spanish.

“How tall are you?”

Exhibits to show kids the bones and other body parts.

Even some real xrays-with fractures!

Visit WOW! Children’s Museum

WOW! Children’s Museum is dedicated to engaging children and families in creative learning experiences. This bright, colorful, interactive museum is in Lafayette, Colorado, near Denver.

My grandson and I are exploring movement.

WOW! plays a critical role in our community by providing informal play experiences in a safe and educational environment.

We offer a variety of program formats to meet the diverse needs of our community – from drop-in programs for children as young as 2 years old to outreach programs at local schools.

Within our Museum walls, children explore exhibits about a variety of subjects, including STREAM, art, music, dance, theater and practical life.

We connect children to caregivers, families to families, and people to the place we live. By working with local musicians, artists, educators, and storytellers, we’re connecting children with the rich resources available in our community, and helping teach them about their world.

WOW!’s mission is to serve the entire community by providing a quality Museum experience for children and families of all backgrounds and abilities.
a play workbench for kids with miniature tools-kids interactive museum
“What will you build? at this workbench, complete with tools.

Our Sensory Friendly Playtime is designed especially for children with autism or sensory processing disorders and their families. The Museum turns down sounds and lights on exhibits, provides special adaptive equipment like weighted vests and headphones, and has an occupational therapist at the event as a resource for families.”

Mom, Dad, and their son are creating a design with colored cylinder pegs.

I’ve enjoyed sharing some of the fun I had with my grandchild and his parents on a much-anticipated visit. We had planned a trip several months ago, but it was cancelled due to COVID.

Thank God they all recovered; his parents were vaccinated but he was not. We are thankful that the vaccine is now approved for kids his age.

Post Images

I took all of the photos in this post. The captions are quotes from the museum’s website. This is not a sponsored post.

a balloon suspended in the air

Dr Aletha

Your Museum Memories

When was the last time you visited a museum? What did you enjoy about it? What did you learn? What was the worst part?

Maybe it’s time to visit a museum again. There are so many options as far as subject, location, cost, time, and formats. You can even visit some museums online.

Visiting a museum with an objective in mind may help you get more from it. On the other hand, going without preconceived ideas may reveal surprises and unexpected benefits.

The National Endowment for the Humanities gives these suggestions for

How to Visit a Museum

Exploring the HEART of health, fun, and learning

I appreciate your time reading this post and invite you to follow this blog and me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha