Good Bye old Friend

Cleaning out the frig.  Doug wants it so I wanted it to look halfway decent.  It does.  When I uncovered the baby pictures, magnets, coupons, pencil holder--I found the remaining portion of that Dominos pizza sticker Jean had pasted on the frig when he was in middle school.  Cleaning out the freezer, I also found a ziplock bag of egg rolls ala Jean-Pierre's egg roll love about Freshman year in high school.  Saved the organic frozen peas for future ouches.  Most of the frig's contents is sitting outside on the deck.  I am keeping a careful eye out for hungry skunks, raccoons and coyotes.  The turkey doesn't look in bags.  He prefers his food spread out on the ground.  

Have my bags packed--just waiting. 

Talked with Dad.  They did feast last night after 8pm. 

Ran to the recycling center again--and am pretty magazine free again.

Ah the Chicago express is humming through the woods.  That will be me someday soon.  Adventures await!

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Frig

comes today. I listened to the old one chirp and chip last night.  It really has held on well--over 29 years! It started this unhappy chirping in May--so kudos to GE's strength.  The machine I bought is an Amana. The freezer is on the bottom.  The door opens on the opposite side--should be fun learning that trick ;-) I'll spend some time cleaning out this frig and putting the extra food out on the deck. It is cold enough it should be okay for an hour out there.  

I have plenty to do while I wait for the Heydlauff crew.  I just don't want to do anything.  Laundry is always waiting, have done most of the cleaning, could work on my lecture but Humanities has lost a lot of its luster, need to organize my other 3 classes--piano, guitar (where do we go from here--what can the kids do and still do well and enjoy) and then MT&T starts Finale.  I guess it would be best for me to go into school early on Monday to see if I left my "old" finale projects there.  They don't seem to be neatly filed here at home.  I did look.  I found a lot of other things though--and lots to throw out.

It is rather "fun" going through house stuff. Gosh, we accumulate a lot of things! I think I'll "do" the pantry today.  The top shelf fell down in July and I have yet to get a ladder, make the climb and put things back together.  No time better than the present.

After doing the recycling yesterday on my way to Dad's--yes, he gave me more magazines.  Denise also has been bringing home magazines from Ben's (I mean stacks, not just a few!) She often will package up the medical ones and send to Larraine (come on, old medical magazines??) To me they seem like great fire fodder.  Perhaps I have the "wrong" attitude.

Emily and I pattered back and forth via text message.  Her flight from MN was quick! She was "home"  a lot sooner than I anticipated.  I have a feeling everyone is sleeping in this morning. Dad, Denise (who is in Vegas for the week) and Emily are all late night people--like 2am going to bed people.  I guess getting up at 4:45am for 6 years has kinda set my clock.  Even Muffin makes sure I am not sleeping in.  She was whining at 5am for me to get up.  When I came out to see if she 1) needed fed? 2) needed to go out? --she didn't want either. Like Kayla, she just wanted to be sure I knew the time.  Good ol' Kayla.  I still miss her!

Off to play

Hope you enjoy your day!

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ps  Bought gas on Ecorse and Beech Daly yesterday for $1.59  When the pump stopped I thought it was broke--it only cost $18.42   When I started pumping, I was practically empty, too!  Far cry from those $58 payments at the pump!

Busy day

Running hither and yon.

I have plenty of fix up, clear up chores around the house--so Muffin saw to it I was up early.  She of course went back to nap already.  

The turkey had a hard day as he is still sleeping in the tree over the house.  At least he is still with us ;-) 

When hunting for checks I discovered gallons of junk stored in the lower level.  I have decided to spend some time sorting and pitching.  I thought I had done this in recent years, but perhaps this stuff gathered again.  The wok that I thought I would use regularly--forget it!  Another trophy for the recycling pile. Quiet on this backhill as Jan and Marshall are gone.  The kid had his wood stove fired up last night--smelled wonderful!  

I promised my Dad I would come in today and help him to do final cleaning chores to get ready for Emily.  His hand is less swollen now but still sore.  Denise left for Vegas this morning.  Emily should be in late tonight.  I'll be back home by then.  The dinner is ready and prepared for when she comes in.  Poor kid--she already had 2 Thanksgiving dinners with her family.  They made Thanksgiving dinner at their house for Josh and Veronica on Sunday. Last night Larraine invited Ben, Veronica, Emily and Jasper for a full Thanksgiving dinner.  

I bought lunch meat  at the Chelsea Market for Gpa.  He wanted extra food on hand for Emily. (she really isn't a big eater).  Part of my job today is to buy the rest of what is needed--yogurt, Rock and Rye soda.  Dad loves having Emily home.

My new frig is supposed to come tomorrow afternoon sometime.  Good news is it is coming, bad news is--I'll have to wait to go in and see Emily.  

I lecture on Tuesday so trying to prep that on the side.  Humanities has lost a lot of its sparkle in my eyes. I put more effort into it than I receive back.  I was surprised to hear the head of the department say "we can't expect the kids to have read their books".  Really now.  She wants me to slow down in the presentations to review what has been said, what the book says because the kids don't read their materials.  Really now.  

Headed out for a morning walk at Waterloo.  Should be relatively quiet.

Happy Thanksgiving All!

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brr......

anyone else chilly?  

The turkey was at the door at 5:30pm looking in the window.  He feels very comfortable around here.  Jan stopped by so the turkey flew off to his tree.  Jan and I had tea and yucked it up.  They are leaving for Chicago in the morning.  She does the best stuff with her free time.  Jan just finished her 2nd film class, and will be taking a walking tour of Oak Park (Frank Lloyd Wright homes) on Friday.  I did this myself 37 years ago with my then best friend, Chrissie.  Ah life!

You were right son. I didn't post about that incident at school. I think I wrote it up and then deleted that section before posting.

After a "hearing" the student was reinstated to attend school.  I'll tell you the rest when I talk to you.  

Ready for the day off tomorrow.  I think Heydlauff's is listening for my call.  We have snow and ice on the back hill, so I might have to wait a bit for the big delivery.  Sounds like I bought the same unit as Jan--imagine that ;-)  Probably will hang with some friends tomorrow afternoon. One of my piano students (sleeping beauty) has a game tomorrow night and he asked me to come.  I always enjoy the hockey games.

Talked with my Dad tonight and his hand felt better.  He had xrays--and it showed he had not broken it, but twisted the muscles, has bruises.  The doctor gave him a cortizon (sp?) shot.  

Later gator

Monday Night

and tired enough!  Corresponded a bit with my lil sis.  Dad is scrubbing the kitchen floor trying to get everything ready for her.  He fell today on the stairs and twisted his right hand.  He was wearing socks on the slippery steps.  He was hurrying to let my sis, Denise in the door.  This was this morning--as of tonight, he was still in pain and putting ointment on it.  Maybe tomorrow he'll consider going to the doctors.  He isn't big on going to the doctors.

Long school day.  Not all holidays are cheerful times for kids.  Many of my kids are hurting, anxious about where they will be--visiting a parent who doesn't raise them or perhaps has another family by now and they feel excluded.  Several of my students complained of headaches, tiredness, just needed someone to listen.  I was more Mom than teacher today.  Unfortunately I am still full steam ahead with returning quizzes, offering make up quizzes tomorrow to those who were absent at the beginning.  Lots of paper for Thanksgiving for me ;-)

My foot isn't happy. I've been trying to stretch it.  Being on the cement floors is killer on it.  I thought it would feel better--new, better shoes.  Nope.  Guess it will take some to recover.  

I did write up my witness statement.  I'll submit it tomorrow.  I didn't want to knee jerk it.  Interesting, today at the end of 4th hour--there was the 12 day suspended student parading down the hall. He had come in to hear about his school status.  His dad was about 100 yds behind him.  I thought it was interesting that "we'd" have a volatile student walking the halls at his leisure, parading down past the band director with whom he had had the confrontation when he had been suspended.  Actually I saw it as a sign of intimidation.  The exit door he was seeking was anything but convenient--it was more a show of "I run this place" than anything.  Isn't teaching fun!

Tomorrow I have a meeting scheduled.  My Humanities head of the department requested to talk to me about complaints students have about my tests. (hard)  They feel I should do scantrons and offer easier questions.  This may be an interesting meeting.  I am assuming non of these complaining students are the ones who studied and past the test with flying colors.  I'm just not interested in letting go of the standards of this AP class.

Oh well

6 calls and counting

I had 6 calls to play Christmas Eve.  Each one said "it's only a little music" Four of the 6 were midnight services.  I declined all of them.  I've also received calls for other dates but remain picky about when I want to go out, load the harp in the snow, navigate the hill, etc etc.  It's okay.  I know I can still play.

Had a great Saturday.  I touched base with my friend, Naomi the massage therapist--and she worked on my heel spur.  My foot does feel better.  I read a bit online and it can come from wearing bad shoes (ah, like flip flops and heels most of the summer ;-) It is aggravated by my mega walking on cement at school.  Oh well.

Had a great lecture week. We are in the Medieval period so of course I am quite content with the presentation of Giotto.  I believe Jeanine and I saw some Giotto in Venice and Florence, though the motherlode that I saw was in Padua--Arena Chapel.  I also discovered that one of the most famous of all Medieval frescos was in a long building in front and to the side of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  Jeanine and I spent a lot of time leaning there and not going in to that site.  Oh well, next time!  Perhaps I'll take Hunter on a European holiday for his graduation from Middle School.  

Worked hard--cleaned house, made banana bread, finishing the scalloped potatoes and ham, ran errands including at Meijer where a smiling Diana was waving at me from the check out counter.  (I never noticed her eyes are green with tints of beige--very pretty!) Got back home in time to run to Heydlauff's to price a frig.  I think I know now what I want, but not sure it will fit in the space--so will have to do some more measuring and checking.  The old frig (we bought it when Jean-Pierre was born) has been making chipmunk sounds.  It has done a good job of holding on. (It's been making the sounds since May)

Off to wander

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middle of the week

and still busy and tired.  Long work days. Kids are getting "testy".  One of my special students lashed out yesterday and the first time in the history of teaching high school I had to call for help. He was lashing out at the big band director as well so I knew it was time to call reinforcements. Who knows what became of him--he came back the next day and was ready to go again.  I am very very very busy with this one student.  Yes, it gets tiring.

One of my Humanities students asked me to come early to school (I arrive by 7:10am as it is) to hear his marimba piece for chair auditions.  I went in and heard him today.  I was very touched that he would ask for my opinion.  Gosh!  I did my best, found him the source of his piece--so he could listen to some interpretations online (Clementi Sonatina No. 36  Andante Mvt)    

I sight read two hard pieces today for piano students ("Why God") from Miss Saigon and one Beethoven Sonata movement.  3 of our Humanities alum came back to join us for lecture this morning.  So wonderful to see them and hear their stories.  They are totally bored at Eastern--said they are not challenged at all, even though all three are in the Honors College there. 

Emily is coming home on Thanksgiving night.  Dad was waiting to hear about Emily coming, so we didn't make reservations--so he ordered a dinner from Krogers (hmm) to pick up and store until Emily gets in.  I do believe I"ll be heading back home before she lands.  I'll leave the dinner for Dad and Emily for later that night.  I told Dad I could bring in some pot pies for Thanksgiving day while he waits for Emily. I have to drive in to pick up the dinner for him.  No sense him doing that (heavy). And I didn't want him to spend the day alone.

I'll drive back in over the weekend and spend some time with Emily and Dad.  Dad does not want to leave his house now, doesn't want to go to CA for Christmas.  Maybe Emily will have better luck talking to him about it.  He loves going to Emily's. 

Talked with my friend, Lyn tonight. It is her birthday.  She sounded pretty good.  Lyn has been a good friend forever.

Ah, grading awaits.

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yep a long week

Lots of work but I'm on the other end of it now.

Woke up early. Kept dreaming my Dad was falling and getting hurt. :-(  Denise isn't there very often, more of a pit stop and I do worry about my Dad being safe in his home.  I'll try and coax him to thinking about considering (boy, step by step) about assisted living.  I sure would be more comfortable knowing someone was there to help if he needed it, there when he needed help.  I would really like him "closer" to me so I could visit more often.  I would like him to live in Silver Maples. I have heard so many wonderful things about it.  Dad is stuck in the thinking that assisted living is like the nursing home of long ago when Aunt Gail was left to rot in a hot smelly corner.  Just not so here. He also equates assisted living with dying.

 I think my sister, Emily is coming for Thanksgiving.  I will give her a buzz tomorrow.  She remains neck deep in school (3 classes!).  She is determined to finish her Bachelor's degree. (She left MSU after one year.  Didn't like her roommates, Dave was back in Dearborn)

Attended the student's production of Miss Saigon.  Well, you already know I don't think it is high school material.  They did a beautiful production with the exception of their choice of mic ing.  Their sound was HARSH and abrasive, painful.    It really took away from the beauty of the kids voices.  I wonder why that is considered a good sound? I thought at first they would hear it in the booth and "fix" it--but as it continued on I realized they thought that was a good sound.  hmm  It was hard to watch one of my beloved students get "killed" even though I knew it was just pretend.  The kids were thrilled to see I was attending.  

I lost my clear bag with the pink edges with about 12 dry erase markers and my lipstick. Last seen, I had it zipped in my briefcase.  I actually think someone took it out of my bag in guitar class when I was in the adjoining room testing duets.  Makes me very sad.  I retraced all of my steps, looked in lost and found etc--it is just gone.  I remembering that class saying "don't leave your iPhone out, Ms Martinez.  Someone will take it" and I said "but I trust you guys" and my student said "don't".

Listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir this morning--very peaceful.

Received one of those Lifetime for email types from Mark this week. How it would be nice if he were truly faithful and sincere--he sent it on to 5 other ladies.  One of those forwards like "Keeper" with all the beautiful poetry and ending with those "you are so special to me" things....eh, right.  I didn't respond.  If he needs to talk to me, he knows how to find me.  I do imagine it is a difficult time for him--his work was his life.  Being forced out at 58, and then again GM is in some very scary times.  again--if he needs to talk, he can find me.  Reaching in with a forward email to other women isn't my idea of contact.

The rain is pounding quite steadily. I rescued the cat.  She went out for a stroll then waited for me on the back deck.  The light is just beginning so soon I'll hear that sound of guns.  I understand we have a 12 point buck in the back.  Mike the kid neighbor says the man on the property back by the railroad tracks hunts up here (illegally) and has been tracking the buck.  Mike is a hunter as well.

Hoping Hunter, my little pumpkin's, day care is working out.  He is such a sweet soul.  It was wonderful to be able to host him last Saturday and just let him be for a couple of hours.  He wandered from room to room. It was "whatever you want to do, Hunter dear".  It was totally Hunter's time table.  I do remember my kids having that freedom, within lunch, nap and of course safety parameters.  Hunter let me rock him and sing to him and he was all cozy in my arms.  What a sweet sweet soul! It was quite remarkable to me to see him wandering in the kids old rooms.  I remember curly tow head Jeanine wandering, toddling gently in that back bedroom as well.  I never imagined I would still be in this house, and what a blessing to have that image of another loved generation moving forward in that room. Only yesterday the kids were building and playing, using their sweet little voices in that room.  Time passes so quickly.

Miss my Mom.  Last night I thought I'd call her.  Then I remembered.    I also remembered my Mom saying that when things would happen in her life she'd think "I'll call and tell my Mom"...even years after she had died.  Well, I guess that has happened here as well.

Well, off to house chores. 

Busy Days

Very school busy. I still have a stack of 84 tests to grade (slow process and hasn't been my priority).  Beautiful fall day.  My volunteer maple tree has turned bright yellow and is holding on to her leaves.  Everyone else in the yard has spread their wings and flown.  There are large red headed woodpeckers at the feeder this morning.  I love living in the country.

Hunter was here yesterday. He is such a sweetie.  I followed him around.  He got to do whatever he wanted to do (without eating kitchen chemicals).  We had fun.  I bought him a little truck, but he also came equipped with some of his favorite toys (including his first computer from Uncle Juniper).  He enjoyed rearranging the items on my shelves and front window seat.  We avoided chewing on things made in China ;-) 

Headed to a road meeting this morning (they will want money)--and it is Jan's birthday (she doesn't celebrate.) Then headed immediately to my Dad's.  He has not been happy of late.  I think his living situation is not panning out like he would like.  He is learning to say no--and trying to make it stick.  

School week will be hectic.  I have meetings Monday, then Tuesday Concerto Auditions (about 3+ hours) Wednesday is Staff Meeting, Thursday Parent Conferences (4 hours) and THEN 3+ hours of Concerto Audition Callbacks.  I think Friday is "free" to "just" teach.  I lecture on Friday--Second Chants 1100--1400.  This isn't my favorite lecture. This is the time in music where the monks added different polyphonic lines to their music--sometimes it sounded okay (use of a drone, moving in parallel fifths and fourths) and other times it just sounds irritating.  The lecture is full of dates and names. Notre Dame in Paris figures heavily in the lecture as that is where they still had a lot of records of what was happening. 

Do catch the video on nytimes about Maya Lin--very interesting!

Also, doesn't the world just feel like a better place, economy and all! due to OUR electing Obama to lead us.  I am very very aware that he can't do everything--but WE have to do our part.  We have to keep him safe, and keep in there and work.  We can indeed do it!

Later Gators!!!

wow

long time no write--sorry!  Been super busy.  My Dad was sick in the hospital and I spent most of my time running to and fro. I had to take a few days off just to be with him and retrieve him and get him home.  Dad is back up to his shenanigans, raking, cooking, cleaning.  Denise drops in on occasion, but primarily spends a lot of time away from the house.  She was at Ben's (her friend's) from Friday through Monday, then went there Tuesday night for dinner, then off to Diana's for a few days.  Poor Dad is without company again.....I guess they will have to work that out.

I drove to Canfield OH this weekend to play Angela (cousin David's daughter) wedding.  I had a wonderful time. What nice people.  I think I am ready to do more of that.  It was a long drive but I enjoyed the quiet time on the turnpike--you could put the car on cruise and go.  The harp sounded wonderful in the church--the church was a historic stone and wood building, with lots of old old old stain glass.  (Boy was it beautiful!)  Arrived back home Sunday afternoon and was ready for a nap.  I talked to Dad and he had been out raking for 3 hours (damp weather).  I thought "oh well, guess he will have to work that out."  He was very happy though.  I will remember that he is doing what he wants to do!

I am totally thrilled with the election. I voted with Jan, my neighbor--then we celebrated by walking 2 hours out at Waterloo in this beautiful 70 degree weather. Yeah! I texted with Jean-Pierre and my sister Emily when Obama won.  What a wonderful time!  Jean told me about the people honking horns, setting off fireworks, screaming in the streets and dancing.  Made me feel like I was right there.  I heard Marshall fire off his rifle in the woods.  I guess A2 broke out in students celebrating on the diag.  I was so pleased, so honored to hear that with ALL those people everywhere celebrating, none got into mischief.  What an honoring of Obama.  

Jeanine called me early this morning as I was setting up in the Little Theater.  I was so sorry to hear her say that my friend, Karen's husband had died in an accident.  My heart aches for their loss.  Remembering that we are not promised anything, each day a gift.  

 I lectured today on Medieval Chant (I gave the students permission to find a designated note taker so they could relax with the music and take a nap--so many had worked the polls yesterday (108) and they were TIRED!!!.  I ended lecture with Marilyn Horne singing "God Bless America"--I meant it too!  Now we have to keep Obama safe.

The rest of the day I taught 4 other classes-- graded papers, graded tests (different from papers ;-), finished grades for input, printed and signed off on my grades and delivered to the administrator (required) fielded two phone calls to play on Christmas Eve.......ah...........no..........and stayed after to host the A2 District Music Teachers meeting.  Driving home I met a few bucks along the way but made it safely into the drive.  My turkey is out visiting somewhere so he isn't in his tree tonight.  He occasionally sleeps away from "home" so I think he is smoozing some girl turkey.  

Off and running.  Later gator

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