Better

Sitting in the office window watching the sun rise--I love all the magnificent colors--the layers of molten red, yellow, orange. Nadeau Field is covered in a heavy fog. Up front our volunteer yellow maple still holds her leaves and graces the side of the hill.

Finally I am feeling better. Been sick since last Monday. It is settling in my chest but I am taking good measures to coax it out. Preently enjoying a nice cup of chai tea. First time I've felt like making tea since Monday. Was out of school W, Th, and F but oh well. There was no way I could have listened and helped problem solve with the splitting flu headache I had--and what an example that would set for me to go back sick. The students will survive. It's a messed up school year as it is with all the illness and then all the budget scares, cuts.

I still will hang around the house today. I was up for an hour in the night. Boy, they sure sell some interesting things on tv in the middle of the night. I almost feel like I should have purchased that steam cleaner that reaches in all the corners--hate to use my bathroom without it.

Watching for the big 8 point buck this morning. He usually moves through Jan and Marshall and my woods about 8am. Tomorrow deer season starts so he may well be hiding out. Marshall said that before Nov 15 there are deer tracks all around the pond, but on the 15th and after the tracks are only on his house side of the pond. Smart deer.

Later Gators

Be nice to each other

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Ah Thursday

Am having a lovely week at school. Really enjoy my kids. Being the first 2 weeks we are still shifting classes so some kids come and go but all is okay in the end. I have a lot of kids from many different countries and I do like that. I put all of their hometowns on my iPhone so we check their weather daily. Today, Harriet (from Scotland) told me that in her town "they" shoot off a cannon every day at 1pm. I was astounded!!! A live cannon to mark 1 pm!!! Then I remembered Mary Poppins--and that old Admiral? who shot off the cannon. Isn't that cool!

My Kenyan student was homesick this week so we've been trying to bolster his spirits. Good chance I'll be at a hockey game tomorrow night. One of my USA hockey kids (from MN) is playing his first home game and asked me to come. I'll certainly try.

Last night Jan called and we went out for a GREAT country walk. We ended up bushwacking a bit across a farmer's field (whoops) but made it back in sight of town. What fun! It was great weather for such an adventure (and it was an adventure). (Currently listening to the Sandhill Cranes in the next field)

Heard from my sis, Emily. She had a good time at Larrainey's shower. Hope Larraine got a lot of gifts she can use. It is too bad we aren't out near her so we could have thrown her a shower as well. Emily said about 45 people were there. Very nice of Mike's Mom to host.

I have to escape and go water the tomatoes. I still am picking about 30 a day. I"m a little tired of tomatoes. I also have a big bag of jalapenos from a friend's garden. I thought I'd take a few to my Dad and give a few to Doug down the road.

Well off to the garden.

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Where to begin?

So much has and is happening:

Highlights--Hunter came to stay with Gma overnight while his parents went to Chicago to a wedding. We had a WONDERFUL time! He never fussed or cried. He was wonderful about taking naps and going to sleep (slept 10 hours overnight). I rocked him in the rocker my Great Grandfather built and realized, Hunter was rocking in his Great Great Great Grandfather's chair....thanks Mom for saving it for us. Hunter's sweet little voice and patter of his feet just warmed my heart so. It seems like only yesterday Jeanine and Jean were playing in the halls, in the rooms, running and laughing about. This is a wonderful home to raise kids! I think having Hunter for the weekend was the bestest of ways to end my summer vacation!!! Thank you for sharing him, Jeanine and Brad!!!

I have a lot of pics so I'll post for a while then pull--copy what you want, or if that doesn't work, tell me which ones you would like and I'll send.

Hunter played a long time with his cars, took a break to read some books, we did a big fire truck puzzle, listened to the choo choo, chipmunks, fire engines, and sandhill cranes--all from the window, played piano, video conferenced with Jean (now that was fun as I got to hold Hunter and watch him interact with Uncle Juniper AND remember how Jean liked to play (the gorilla on the car was my favorite)!!!), and sat and had meals together! Hunter played hard and happy. I realized I had planned well for his visit such that I didn't have to do laundry, cleaning, or run any errands, which made Hunter the center of the universe. Far from spoiled, he is just a happy boy! I loved it when he took my hand and directed me to what he wanted next. I love being Hunter's Gma.

School is good. I much prefer this schedule. In the winter semester it will be crazy because they stuck a MT&T class in the middle of my piano classes and MT&T is at least a half mile away in the building (at passing time) and at my bathroom break time ;-) I have to lock up the 10 practice rooms and then scoot down the hall. I'd like to sneak out and go around outside to cut off some of the hall traffic (still have 2500 in a building built for 1600) but they lock the outside doors. Will figure it out. In the meantime, I sometimes come home with a little energy (remarkable for the beginning of the year). Monday will be a wipe out as we have capsule night until near 10 (home near 10:30) to get up again at 5am to start all over again. In the time between close of school and capsule night--I have to go get fingerprinted at the Sheriff's office (Hogback) to continue the process for changing my name. Only the Sheriff's office will do it. My electronic fingerprints already on file with the state (required to teach) are not allowed to be "shared"--so I get to do it all over again and pay for it twice. Oh well. Other highlights of the week--I will go in and see my Dad next Sunday. (I told him I couldn't come today--with working last night and Capsule night tomorrow I needed some time to do laundry, walk and think.

The harp sounded lovely last night. The Art Museum is a beautiful place to play and the accoustics--ahhhhhhh. I think I'd like to cut a CD in there. I wonder if that's allowed. I know the head facilities manager. It is a destination museum now. They had to cut down several trees for the expansion so they saved the wood, gave it to local artists who made various wooden art pieces--beautiful bowls, sculpture like things, yo yos, plates, etc--and sell those in the gift shop. The caterers were particularly good and kind. Several took time to help me shove the harp up the stairs (yeah) and carry my briefcase out to the triple parked car on State Street (in the middle of the ND win celebration). Actually the M fans seemed pretty tamed though very very happy. It was fun to be on campus. I also noted that the representing reunion attorneys (AGAIN) were primarily white males. In the crowd of 400, I saw two faces of color, no one you'd call of Arabic descent ? and maybe 14 Asians (primarily Japanese). I always find this fascinating. Perhaps only old school attorneys return for their reunions? The law school staff always has a strong supportive presence. From the food pictures (main event to follow) you can see they go all out....but then it was the 150th Anniversary.

Off to breakfast with Jan and Marshall this morning. We are going to the hospital brunch. Jan and I have become a lot closer than we've ever been in these 30 years of living next door to one another. She is headed to hear Perlman later--I would have bought a ticket but I figured I'd be at Dad's--now I wish I had a ticket. We went to a concert together at the Methodist church on Friday night--jazz. Very nice. Max Plank was one of the soloists--he was the best!

Well, off and running

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My Twit

as opposed to my tweet ;-)

"just visiting my anthropologie wish list and drooling. Darn those summer taxes!!!"

made it home safely yesterday

Reason I mention:

I was traveling at a clip on 94 and could see a very fast moving pick up truck in my rear view mirror. He was going about 85 maybe faster. The reason I noticed him was the trash that was spewing out of his very full truck. Papers, cardboard the size of large appliance boxes, strips of packing tape ripping off of the cardboard he had over stuffed in his bed. I was trying to think--is it better to be ahead of him? in the lane behind him? next to him? It was piled as high as anyone could imagine--and then he flew past me just before 275--when BOUNCE--something bounced up and out of the bed--seconds to think, maneuver--was it cardboard? was it...???--I swerved into the left lane--and ran over the corner of a wooden drawer--He had lost a complete chest of drawers. !!! The people behind me slammed on brakes and skidded and.......the truck driver slammed on his brakes and pulled over to the left median a bit down the road. I didn't wait to see who bumped into whom at 70 + miles an hour. It was a wonder I didn't make the choice to go "over" what I thought was a big cardboard box laying in the road. The drawer crunch was bad enough. I'll keep a watch on that front tire.

arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I was just lucky!!!

Still here and kicking.

ps Jean--hope you weren't involved in that small plane landing on the highway outside Santa Barbara yesterday morning.

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itchy itchy

I finished my taxes! Yeah! 10 hours of tedious checking bank ledgers, credit card billings, adding misc deductions. The CD stuff took a junk of that time. I checked all the digital distributions, had to hand count streaming vs download (I pay royalties on downloads not streaming) tally, write checks etc. Well, at least it is done until December when I finish the chore.

Picked gobs of tomatoes and beans in the garden. Got a beautiful purple pepper yesterday. Came in with more mosquito bites but eh! Some of the cherry tomatoes were so ripe that when I went to pick them they jumped off the vine and did a hairy kari dive down to the ground below. I said goodbye to each one ;-)

Stayed up late watching for A Emily and her sign at the baseball game in Oakland. No luck. Hope Gpa had a better time of it--especially since the Tigers lost in the 9th inning. ugh

Headed in to see Gpa.

Later gators

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The realtor

came today. I like her. She seems honest and straightforward. She said it would be best if I replaced the flooring in your old bedrooms (though the other realtor had said it wouldn't be worth it). This one said it was the first thing she noticed when she walked in the rooms. ah

Also, there are some "stains" on the ceiling in the bedrooms--I thought they had been treated SINCE the new roof and painting--but there they were. I'll have to price it out.

Unless some really GREAT new place comes on the market--I won't push this to happen until Spring now.

Spending a lot of online anthropologie dreaming. Nice clothes!

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It's a jungle out there!

A tomato jungle. I picked 34 cherry tomatoes yesterday and 4 big tomatoes. The deck is full of flowers, fruit and greenery.

Today the realtor comes over to check out the house. I could be rushing around picking things up but then--eh, it looks "good" enough. I will take out the trash though.

Muffin has decided to soil the carpeting of late. I'd like to bean her! I have been very attentive to her clean litter box but she has found a corner she prefers. I read online that if you have "other" cats or neighbor cats and are showing them attention sometimes cats will do this. ??? Well, Jan and Marshall's cats have been stopping in for breakfast all summer. Perhaps I"ll have to ignore them but really now............

Had a great time at the dentist yesterday (thanks, Jean-Pierre) I like my dentist and his staff. We played with our iPhones for a long time. I had convinced the dentist he MUST have an iPhone, he got one (loves it) then his staff started branching out and getting them. I spent doing an iPhone tutorial in the lobby for the staff. ;-) Unfortunately they did find dire work to be done on a tooth--so those 4 crowns I was putting off for a rainy day--just moved to 5 with the 5th a must do. Will revisit the dentist tomorrow. hmm.....about saving for those summer taxes due in September.

I read online that A2 teachers have a tentative contract and will meet on Monday to hear the terms. Well.....I never received the emails the article referred to--so I called the union and they are on "summer break". I emailed a few friends and they were as clueless as me. Gosh--where did all those union dues money go?

While online I also looked around the anthropolgie site. I like that shop!!!

Screech owl was zippin' around the woods last night. They are the ones who sound like a lady screaming/sighing--descending from so to do. Pretty cool. Such a distinct sound you can hear them fly throughout the woods.

Well off to play

Enjoy your day

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Beautiful Saturday

Early morning trip to the Farmer's Market. Still no peaches there :-( I guess I'll need to branch out and go to the A2 Farmer's Market. Have been trying to do the local shopping thing. Did head to the "New Chelsea Market" for challah and a few items for my Interlochen bus trip tomorrow. I have to be at the bus by 7:30am and won't return until after 11pm. That's a long bus day ;-)

The New Chelsea Market is moving from its corner (I love it on that corner!) to the Old Post Office, which is moving later this month to Old Polly's building. Fun, huh! The Market said the building is up for sale so they decided to move. I think there is more to the story because they were a tad ouchy with their story and they JUST knocked out the next door wall and expanded their wine department that way. hmm? It will be strange not having the meat market back in the corner like it has been for all these katrillion years living in Chelsea.

The realtor, Pam Sjo is coming to see my house next Thursday morning. I'm not planning any big hoopla or cleanup. It looks pretty nice the way it is. Okay, maybe I"ll change Muffin's litter.

Angela (My cousin, David's youngest daughter--the pharmacist and her friends stopped in on Thursday on their way to TC. It was fun to have young lady energy in the house again. They are storing a car in my garage. I bought them Zingerman's brownies and water for their trip.

My garden is full and abundant. What a joy--it's like having a 2nd backyard on the deck!

Off for a walk before it hits 90 :-)

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Whoops left out some info

Uncle Lino's town of Fruitport took the brunt of the storm last night--lots of trees down/loss power/ etc. He hasn't answered the phone all day--Carl (his son living down the road) also is not answering. Jeff (son in Gaylord) switched his cell phone so I don't have that number. Holiday Inn is full with people without power SOOOOOOO unless we connect with Uncle Lino tonight--Dad and I are postponing our trip.

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Thought it might

be a nice idea to pick up the Family Room for when my Dad comes over tomorrow. (That is, if he comes over--right now we are still unable to reach Uncle Lino.) I started in washing the blocks I bought for Hunter. I was surprised to find out they are not Duplos but something called Megablocks. They are fashioned for 1+ year olds so Hunter should be able to handle them pretty well. I'll have them operational when he comes to visit later in the month.

Blessing ceremony went okay. Dr. Lu had a singing bowl--I forgot about singing bowls. My sis Emily has a great singing bowl. Great for meditations.

Marshall is out cutting the grass. They leave for CO on Wednesday.

Looks like the tomatoes will need a good drink in the morning. I'll also hop over to clean out the car. Dad likes a clean car. All that rain knocked the blooms off my petunias. When I am loaded with bug spray, I'll go up and stand out and plucked the dead blooms. Yesterday

it was full, today, not so much.

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Nice chat

with JP. He reminded me that this blog, any blog can be viewed from afar by people I never intended to see-------so I've gone back and edited and will try and be more aware in my postings. Thanks son for the reminder.

Tired--my cough is better, no I'm not dying and I'm going to go read my Goodwin book. Tomatoes ripened while I was at Dad's (amazing!!!) and now I hear thunder rumbling. Summer nights are great!

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Sunday and hot!

Boy "they" say the heat index is 100--I believe them! I just drove home from Dad's and it was sticky hot even with the a/c on. The road was hazy due to the heat. People were driving unusually crazy--I think they wanted to get to their destination quickly and cool off. I know once home I was out of my clothes in 10 seconds time! (A quick change artist)

My Dad talked a lot about helping Veronica with her tuition and book needs. He heard her hours at work have been dramatically cut back due to the down turn in business. He wants to keep her encouraged in attending school.

So glad the harp is downstairs. Even with the a/c at 74 it isn't comfortable upstairs. Muffin is shedding like crazy (good plan) so I'll have to grab the vacuum. She hates that!

I hope it isn't 100 heat index next week when we are at Interlochen. No a/c there! Perhaps we will luck out and get a cool breeze off the lake. It will be nice to be among friends.

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Rainy Saturday

Well some day stories will be told how Gma stood in line in pouring rain waiting for the library to open to the book sale. I had my #8 queue pass (you have to get there and get a number) and waited and waited from 9:23 onward. I had already dripped through the Farmer's Market (nobody had jalapenos???), walked to Chelsea Market (Zingerman's bread and a Vernors) then the Post Office. A nice family came in behind me--library book sale virgins. One Gma was visiting from Australia --we had a very nice chat. She told me about the 4 year drought in Melbourne and how "scary" it was to have the weather shifting southward (more monsoons in the "wrong" places). I discovered we were after the same books (oh horrors!) so I tried to be polite but she did get to books I wanted--boo! I did okay though (see pic) These will be nice on Gma's shelf for Hunter and/or future Gchildren visits.

Now home it is storming. I"m going to take advantage of the day to read and read and read. My Lincoln book is due this week with two days devoted to taking Dad north. I can't renew because it is on a waiting list for many. The Lincoln Highway DVD was excellent (thank you A2 Public Library!) and now I will dream of scooting along there and seeing ALL of the sites. This is right up my alley. Maybe someday I'll have a partner and we'll get a trailer and just moosey along and enjoy people. Maybe someday I won't have a partner and I"ll get a trailer and just moosey along and enjoy people. ;-)

It has been an interesting summer. Several of the men whom I have known well or dated in the last 6 years have had disturbing, life interrupting, devastating health news, 2 have lost their jobs, 1 is taking an early retirement with lots of trepidation. It is almost as if I've reached a "certain" age and these are the things now popping up in my life view. I think I'll make hay while the sun shines.

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It's Friday it must be Garage Sale Day

yep, this is the new Hunter haul. I will keep in my Gma toy box unless....blah and blah.

What's here you ask? a "GIANT" fire truck puzzle (4'), plastic mattel dump trunk and bull dozer, gallons of duplos, a train set (minus wheels on the box car :-( and track, playdoh cut out thingees, Legos (for a future day), and in the back--an individual child's tent for indoor play. What a haul! All for under $10!

Okay, I have a doctor's appointment so I'm in for the day--but thought you'd like to see.

It's fun to be me ;-)

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Full Day/Good Day

Had a good meeting with my Financial advisor. Still on track to have some money when I retire. Not interested in being a burden or not being able to do the fun things I like to do.

Was at Meijer when all their computers (cash registers) went out. They could only accept cash at 98% of the registers. I dashed to the deli counter where they could still take checks. (weird) I was in line for a couple of days but I made new friends. ;-) I even whipped out my iPhone and played bubblewrap (my vice) while waiting.

What a beautiful day. Good to be enjoying it!

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Breakfast Company

I was cooking bacon. I bought bacon to have some great BLT's with my garden veggies. I cooked a "bit" for breakfast and pronto--Jan and Marshall's cats showed up. They are sweet cats--GREAT MOUSERS!!! (also squirrelers, skunkers, gophers, woodchuckers, snakers--very versatile). I drizzled some bacon drippings over "their" food and they left as satisfied customers.

The Excel class yesterday was good. I hope to put some of the teachings to direct work--otherwise I'll forget! My cold has kicked in so it was hard not to want to nap that late in the afternoon but alas--I made it through.

Came back to my good book (also NCIS marathon) and watering. I have already picked out 3 places that some of that handblown garden art glass could go. ;-)

Meeting with my financial not advisor but beneficiary. She is the one who benefits from my having pay deducted to invest. Though I have lost tons (like everyone else) she continues to drawn her pay from my investments. I'll listen intently shift as needed.

Pam Sjo (realtor on vacation) 's computer sends me email of houses in A2 for sale. I have "seen" about 100 now, and really NONE have interested me like the house on Spring St. Oh well.

Perhaps with some garden art I'd fall in love out here again ;-)

Tomorrow is the official Garage Sale day.

Saturday is the monthly book sale at the library. I will go look with a discerning eye. (It is where I found Hunter's "Things that Go" big book, the Happy Baby "Things that Go" board book, and the Ultimate Lego book for JP) I've decided to make a small toy box here at the house for Hunter and any future Gchildren. When Hunter is here later in the month--if he plays with something he likes, he can just take it with him (with his Mom and Dad's permission that is)...otherwise toys can just stay here for when he likes to visit. I can supplement as I choose and it won't crowd their living space.

Speaking of space: I do think I am going to dig into the cold storage area. That means--I have to be brave. Probably will wear my snow boots in case any mice run over my feet (argh)!!! I hope to get rid of many of my things--old clothes, bedding, Christmas decorations, etc. I will get rid as in recycle.

In this state, we can't seem to get rid of our houses, and the value has sunk so low so quickly that it is hard to comprehend. (I miss my Mom here because she would be able to analyze it and direct me, anyone as what to do, when to do it, where to invest, when to fold, when to just jump in, sell and buy something else. She was very smart that way--though she did hold on to her Ford stock ?) Personally, I would be willing to take a loss in value here to get into the house I want in A2. (selling low/buying low) It has to be the right house though. in the meantime, I'll dream about that garden art ;-)

Will think about it later for now--

Off to play

Have a great day

:-)

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the swans

now the DNR think the birds were hit by a car.

I dunno.

It would be easier on my mind thinking a car hit them by mistake rather than someone purposely killed them.

All sad none the less

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NCIS Marathon= it must be Wednesday

Up early for an appointment... All those appointments teachers put off until summer is here. Back home to do some chores, nurse this cold. Took a little nap, but have a computer class back at the Pittsfield Twp Library later this afternoon. Attended a class yesterday at Mallet Creek Library. Actually these classes are kinda fun ;-)

I stopped at a store on the way home--the Wackenhut Gift Shop. (though its inventory rotates. I bought hanging planters there earlier in the summer, now they are selling produce (got a squash to add to my stir fry) and they also are carrying garden glass. I am particularly interested in this artistic blown glass. The artist assured me it would make it through the winter. ? It is quite expensive ($100 a piece) so I'll think for quite a while. Nice to dream none the less.

There was some loud explosion in the neighborhood last night. There was a boom and then the house shook. Jan called and asked if I felt that "yep!" Then Mike got in the act. We all smelled a burning electric smell.....but didn't see anything on fire. Marshall got in his car and drove all around looking but found nothing. I called Alice and asked if the police scanner picked up anything--nothing. Just a mystery at this point. Glad we all felt it and it wasn't just something I did ;-)

My Dad wants to go to see Uncle Lino so I'll try and figure that out. Denise appears to be trying to skip out on the trip. She has several jaunts lined up this month--Wisconsin, Chicago, Ottawa so I can imagine she might not one more thing to do. Dad wants to go on a Tuesday and come back on a Wednesday (Farmer's market day up there--they have a GREAT market) Uncle Lino comes down about every 6 weeks for an appointment at U of M. He stays at my cousins in Detroit. It would be nice for HIM to visit Dad, but that just hasn't happened so.......I'll be the runner. Uncle Lino is in Spring Lake Mi.

Have some new library reading, so in the cool of the afternoon--I'm off to read.

Hope everyone is having as delightful a weather day as I am.

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Broken Hearted

http://www.annarbor.com/news/lodi-township-residents-mourn-deaths-of-trumpeter-swans-authorities-investigate/#comments

I've watched these swans for years. It was one of the joys of traveling Scio Church to school. I'd watch for their return every spring, watch them build their nest, watch the nest get disguised as the weeds grew in the pond, watch the Mom and Dad take turns sitting on the nest--even in pouring rain, watch when the cygnets arrived--watch the Mom and Dad play with the babies--and last Thursday again watched as the Mom and Dad flanked the babies along Scio Church shoulder while the babies napped. I loved watching these birds. They were graceful, loving (they mate for life) and so kind with their young. Who could be so cruel? This person needs to be caught and punished. So sad :-(

Thursday morning

Beautiful chilly morning--about 58 in the night. Nice sleeping weather!!!

I went around and put packing tape on all the holes in the screens. (Mosquito deterent) I had conveniently forgotten about the holes in the front window screens where Houdini would climb with his buddies. Beautiful screens with some kind of soft netting like material--black. I am guessing it will be expensive to replace. Well, most of the packing tape fell off in the night. I am guessing the little buggers were pushing from the outside to get in and sleep in the comfortable brown chair ;-).

Tomorrow begins the "big" 94 repaving. The road commission has posted electronic signs all along 12 telling us to expect delays, increased traffic--strange they would do both east and west at the same time. The 94 rumble can be heard this morning --I imagine the sound will increase tomorrow as it moves closer on Old 12.

Off for breakfast. Hmm--banana muffin anyone? (please!)

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turned out to be

a beautiful day. The humidity of the morning disappeared and it's dry, warm (77) and hosting a cool breeze.

I went to the Farmer's Market prior to Polly's. I found tomatoes, onions, pepper (mine will be ready this weekend), and a cucumber. I've always enjoyed fresh tomatoes, but biting in like an apple--'member that story about what's worse than finding a worm in your apple? ;-)

Went to Polly's and now mashing 3 more bananas. That leaves 20 bananas to entertain. Perhaps I'll surprise you, Jean and send some your way ? ;-) (yes yes I know what they'd look like when you got them)

Jan wants to walk tonight, I think I'll sleep. I think Muffin and her outstretched paw kinda interrupted the flow this morning.

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eggs?

So you need lots of eggs for banana bread??? I made two rounds of muffins and bread (23 bananas to go) and ran out of eggs. My official pj Mary Kay barefoot feet, no makeup and hair pulled into a girlie scrunchie is over. Off to Polly's, cash in hand

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Don't come over!

I'm in my pjs ;-) Rainy grey day and still a bit sticky out. I was up at 4:30am. I was dreaming Tony Randall was on some talk show and as I watched a lioness came up behind him and put its paw around his neck and started choking him. I blinked my eyes open and Muffin was on my bed looking at me with her paw outstretched. I decided to get up ;-)

Currently washing the little banana loaf pans I bought yesterday at Meijer. I guess the banana rama day has come and I'll be up to my elbows in mashing soon. (running the loaf pans through the dishwasher was a nice delay ;-)

Have a kink in my back today--developed over the weekend. After the bake a thon perhaps I'll work on my taxes. Actually I have a list of things I "could" do that I have put off so effectively...one of my friends asked if I would come help her declutter her house and I thought--oh yeah, "declutter"--and looked around here. On some red letter day you'll find me in the cold storage room but for now--it's fun to wear my glasses (allows me to be removed one step from reality) and wander about aimlessly. Sometimes summer vacation is just pure goof off time. I could go walk but it is drizzly and oh those mosquitoes. My toes were pokin' out of the sheets last night and yep--my feet are about 2x their normal size from the nibblin' beasts. So picture this--barefoot wearing a layer of Mary Kay on my feet, prancing about in my summer pjs, with glasses 1 step removed from reality, listening to Big Band music. Ah life is great!

Smiling--hope you are, too

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okay okay

I bought the ingredients for the banana bread--but I still haven't mixed anything up. The temps just don't encourage hard work in a kitchen! Those poor bananas. They really want to do something other than turn brown on my counter.

Got pounded by rain on the way home, but it didn't follow me over the Fletcher bridge. It stayed to the south and never wet my plants. In all kindness I should have donned more bug spray and gone out to water but I just didn't wanna. The mosquitoes are big pigs and I didn't want to donate any more blood. As it is they are floating past this computer screen and look like small humming birds!

I went past 2 of the 63 houses the realtor has forwarded my way. Not interested. The Washington street house is up a hill (I'm done with hills) and the Ashley house is a "fixer upper" --but at $249,000 that wouldn't leave me much to fix her up. It's been a rental for years so, I can imagine the insides. It is also next door to the Washtenaw Dairy = heavy pedestrian traffic.

Saw an ad for the Spring house for rent. I just might schedule a tour. Maybe that's not nice considering I am not going to rent it, but I want to see it so I can say "DARN that's the one!" or maybe "wow, it isn't at all what I thought". Maybe Cynthia would consider going with me. (a partner in crime?)

Had the sweet corn for dinner. YUMMMMMMMMM

Hit the Produce Stations plant clearance sale. Bought a few things to fill in where the deer left holes. We'll see.

Wearing my halo tonight. ;-) Ask Jeanine ;-)

Loving Limeade. Where has this been all my life?

Okay I'm outtie (ala JP in his early teens)

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up late

sharing banter with David Letterman. Finally it was just too hot in my room so I ended up sleeping on the floor in the family room. Always a nice breezy place.

Out walking this am, sorely aware ;-) that I need new walking shoes, but it will have to wait until after a few other big budget items. Thought about precious Hunter and how soft and gentle and everything is so "present" for him. "I'm hungry now" "I want to go outside" (signals with out stretching his hand, taking your hand and walking you to the door) "Mommy" "Daddy" (they are gone and he whimpers and points to the door--any time during the duration--out of nowhere hours into play--just "Mommy" "Daddy" and the point. How he loves to cuddle with a book, a iPhone lotsoffiretrucks.com movie, or just preparing for a nap. How he trusts. when I put him down I'll sit in the rocker and tell him "I'll wait right here while you fall asleep and will be back in a second when you call me later". I tell him "Gma will take care of you, honey" and mean it.

Then I realized I never fed him any veggies. Whoops. He needs veggies!!! I'll do a better job next time. Yep, reflecting on my time with Hunter was a good companion as I walked.

My hip is giving me problems. Shoes and not stretching I imagine. Considering going back to yoga instead of just donating to the Wellness Center and not going ;-) Zumba is Thursday night--now that sounds fun!

Accomplished something big this morning. Actually took the harp outside and down the back steps and stowed it in the lower level (cooler, don't have to run a/c so much). Yes, it was hard. Yes, I usually have Doug help me (a lot) but he kept coming at the wrong time (raining, I was dressed to go out to lunch and pushing/shoving a harp down outside with the mosquitoes was not my idea of how to present at lunch)--The harp got hung up on the top steps, but I pushed and shoved and rocked and WHOOSHHHHHHHHHHH it went down the steps. (I'm sure Marshall thought I was riding a roller coaster over here with all the noise I kicked up)

Heh, a squirrel was eating my tomatoes this morning. Gpa says they do that to get the water. hmm. I noted they only eat ripe ones, not the green ones. Creeps!

Off to A2 today. A few errands, need to pick up ingredients to take care of these very ripening bananas (banana cream pie anyone?) Will make a lot of batter, cook in the cool of the evening (supposed to be 85 and sweaty today) and freeze for quick breakfasts in the morning. . Well, Happy Kristine's Birthday. If you are my kids, drop your Gpa a card or call this week. He loves it and It's the right thing to do. ;-)

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itchy goomey

so I sprayed up and went out to water my plants. I watered them thoroughly on Thursday before I left for Jeanine's, watered them Sunday (yesterday) when I was here and today they were dying and thirsty, Come on guys, give me a break!!! So I spent the extra time taking buckets to the new plants, filling the earthboxes, carting to the individual plants. I now have had 15 cherry tomatoes (yum!!!) and numerous big guys in the pale shade of pink. Jan and Doug stopped by with fresh picked corn YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM. The neighbor farm on Scio Church has the best corn in the county--and Doug is in charge of picking the corn and stocking the outdoor fridge. You drive along, if the frig is out, stop and get a dozen ears ($4 last year) and drop your money in the cigar box. Nifty keen. It is picked fresh daily and stored in the frig.

My cousin David's daughter Angela (Buckeye 2) emailed and said she and 2 of her Buckeye friends are traveling to TC in mid August. Since one is coming from PA, they hope to connect in A2, leave a car somewhere, spend the night and move on. I offered my garage (for the car) and my house for the sleep over. Could be fun. Angela is a pharmacist. Probably will be a late night as all three "girls" are working and then beginning their jaunt. Oh, I should tell her 94 is supposed to be down to 1 lane then (starting this week) from Baker to Jackson County line. (Take note, Jeanine for your Fair Parade jaunt)

Well, I am spent. You'd think I walked a marathon and did 2 yoga classes instead of lounging about with a good book. yawn--none the less, I'm headed to tv land.

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So what did you do today?

I must admit I have had a very lazy day. The bunches of bananas are still sitting on the counter awaiting to become something masterful. I have laid on the floor, stretched out in my brown chair and read and read and read and read--finally finishing "Middlesex". Gosh, what a good book! Gosh what a lot of twists and turns! What a great escape. The chimes rang, the weather switched from sunny to almost rain to sunny to almost rain to windy to sunny.....and I stayed in the book. Felt like I was living the story, following each turn.

Time to move outside. Time to recycle, run to the post office, pick up some dinner somewhere.

ah............

Monday the 27th

Ah, I think it is Mary Ann McGinn's Birthday (or is that tomorrow?) I need to send a card off for Kristine (Kristina Louise) as her birthday is the 29th.

Busy weekend. I spent some time with the precious Hunter. I am reminded how quickly time passes and how each moment is so sacred in a little one's life--the impunity of a puzzle dropping on your sandeled foot, a Mom and Dad coming and going and coming and going and missing them when they are out, celebrating when they are in, wanting something that is bug sprayed and not understanding why you can't have it (a precious dump truck--will need to be nuked in dish soap or plain replaced! would hate to see his little hands on the chemicals and find their way to his soft skin or open mouth) I love being with Hunter. I am reminded to SLOW DOWN.

Nursed a sinus headache Saturday night, so didn't make it to an invite for a party. Oh well. Was up Sunday to cheer and applaud the "Make a Wish" cyclers into the fair grounds. (300 miles in 3 days!) and then join the party there. (fun!) Doug came by later with 7 crates of bananas (gave me 4 big bunches!) I'll make banana bread and muffins today. Doug was on the clean up committee at the Fair Grounds and there was a lot of leftover food, shirts, etc. He was delivering around the neighborhood then headed to St Louis to drop off the majority there.

Sunday evening I was very tired, very lonely. I was/am done with being alone in the woods.

I decided to NOT go to my Craigslist class today but will see if I can't get back on track. Laura invited me to a party in FH for her son (fund raiser at relatives).

No contract yet for teachers. The district is dragging their toes on negotiating. They know they have the workers over a barrel in this economy. People are afraid to talk strike. District is talking "no money" when we know that is not true. First time in 4 years, we don't even have a calendar. (Though we do know we are "slated" to start with kids September 8th--no start up date for teachers yet)

My friend, Ken returned safely from his motorcycle trip through the UP. He is getting practice for his big out west, northwest tour in the fall. He discovered his back wasn't quite as happy sleeping on the ground as in past years.

My sis, Emily was in Yellowstone this past week. I couldn't help but remember when Jeanine was there, what a difference that summer made in her life.

Off to the kitchen--or at least to thumb through cook books

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hmm

I think I missed a few posts sorry:

This is what I've been doing.

Watering the new bushes daily, deck gardening, tracking the sandhill cranes in the back woods/pond area, listening to the F16s overhead (today anyway), replacing flowers the deer ate (3x) spreading Irish Spring soap around to keep the deer away, visiting my Dad, walking almost daily (well up until this weekend ;-) playing a wedding (hot and outside at the Tecumseh Country Club--but next to an occupied bluebird house), shooing a naughty 3 year old off my harp "Why????" she asked, cleaning up after an elder cat (argh), visiting Jeanine, Brad, Hunter, Cherry and Bill, talking on the phone with friends, attending Sights and Sounds in Chelsea on Thursday nights, catching up on lost episodes of NCIS, wrestling through a few book and garage sales for Hunter, reading various books including "Middlesex", "Personal Finance for Dummies" "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin (what can I say, we are a family of readers), attending lectures at the A2 library (Yankee Air Museum talk was outstanding!), attending a few computer classes, and while on the streets of Royal Oak or at home- wearing my halo with streamers ;-), and reading the last Sunday edition of the A2 News.

Buckets of fun.

This week I hope to dig more into the clean up chores that are always waving at me (cold storage room, cabinets (sell or ???), and contact the realtor again (yes, Jean I didn't do that this week but will next). I found the Spring House street listed in the Sunday paper (no open house though)--I think it is doable at $259,000. I will go see it this week. (Also saw that BIG brand new houses in a subdivision in Chelsea are going for $150,000 --not good for me!) So........if I end up here, I end up here--just not giving up as yet.

Have a Palmer Ford appointment Tuesday--brakes somethin' (I think they (Palmer) need money) and oil change, go see Della Ram (friend) before she leaves with her family for her Iran trip (home), lunch with Cynthia on Wednesday (She elected to teach a summer school special needs music class M and T this summer).

Headed in to see Gpa in a few minutes. He was FULL of stories from Kristine's party yesterday.

Later gators.

Love you

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Yawn but smiling

So.....my friend, Laura called late yesterday afternoon and said she was given some tickets to Gladys Knight at Hill (Ann Arbor Summer Festival)--would I like to go! We had a great time. Main floor, row 3....cool when you actually can see the performer's eyes, smile, shoes, belt! Gladys was great. One pip showed up--her older brother--so that was a riot. We ended the evening at the former Escoffier now called Earle 2/drinks and dessert. Got home about 1am, Queen Oaks dogs were barking (argh) until 2am. Up early, no walk yet but cool like I like. Went to Farmer's Market--fresh flowers (love flowers in the house), raspberries, blue berries and the appearance of green beans! YEAH!!!! I love green beans!

Off to the beach today so will float and smile.

Happy 4th of July my lovelies

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itchy itchy scratchy scratchy

Been spending more time in the yard. ;-) After my morning walk I often will stay outside to water the 7 new plants (2 gallons a day) and spoil the others. The tomatoes are going great guns but I found a beetle and family taking up residence in one of the plants. I used my Dad's super organic spritz to encourage them to find other lodgings. I have little beans beginning to grow--this is fun!

All well and smiling. Spent time with Dad yesterday, taking him to the grocery store. He found some great buys on wild caught salmon. I think I may venture to A2 later to go to Krogers myself. (wow, I just said that--go to Krogers! I haven't been in an A2 Krogers for probably 3 years.) My other pleasure of course will be to read around the fireplace at the library.

Spotted this license plate on my walk and in honor of my Jean who got us all started on this, I decided to post.

Happy 3rd everyone!

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Had a great busy weekend

Picked up my Dad on Saturday and he came out to spend some time here. He enjoyed watching the Tigers baseball game in the big brown chair. It was breezy and clear skies so made for a nice sitting time. Dad enjoyed the chimes (a lot) and watching the birds. Dad said--you need to keep your feeder filled. (Unfortunately then the squirrels come and pig out) Dad's back was bothering him ( a lot) from doing the hedge at home so he had quite a bit of trouble moving around. On Sunday we went to Brunch with Jan and Marshall. We went over to the Hospital brunch--it was very very good!!! I am glad they suggested it.

The landscapers came today. I said goodbye to a lot of old friend plants. The one "kid" who was working was fun. He whistled and grunted and talked to the earth as he worked. He told me he was headed to college in Pennsylvania next fall. He kept hitting things when he was shoveling and would say "I found Jimmy Hoffa!!!" We found a bunch of big stones so we piled them up to put somewhere another day.

I walked this morning with my friend, Jan Stevens. She enjoys a morning walk. Jan Carr will join me some evenings, but keeps very very busy with classes and committees--so our walks have been more hit and miss.

Cynthia has headed to Phoenix to spread her mother's ashes. My heart is with her for sure.

Off to play in the yard. With 60 degree weather it is MOST inviting!

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How did I miss that ?

The Jans and I have been walking off and on. If Jan Carr is busy, Jan Stevens often will join me. They are available at different times so it works out well when I want company.

So tonight when Jan Carr and I were walking she started talking about being at a conference in NYC for Pfizer on 9/11 Boy, that's something I had blocked out, forgotten.

It was a medical conference and she said they were on the Avenue of the Avenues. They were not told of the happenings 4 miles up town until their coffee break at 10:10--when they not only announced what happened but asked for doctor volunteers to go assist as needed. ALL of the doctors at the conference (Jan said 60) volunteered to go. They were people from all over the world. Interesting. Jan said she went out in the street to see and that there was no traffic on Avenue of the Avenues--that she stood right in the middle and looked to the financial district and could see smoke but little else. She said she realized later that the towers had already fallen at that point.

They of course couldn't fly out of NYC so ended up renting a car the next day and driving back to Michigan (8 people in the car). She said they had to walk across the bridge to get to the car rental spots. Pfizer had set up the arrangement for them.

Headed to A2 this morning--as on most summer days, I have a list as I've held off running there until my official going in days. now----where is that list? I should stop past the Apple store as my beloved iPhone is acting up. It quit taking clear pictures, is very reluctant to allow me to touch to make a message for texting and now delivers my mail twice (interesting). Since it looks like my Dad will be coming out to join me soon (who knows, playing by ear) I noticed I need a number of things like-- lightweight bedding, pillow, lightbulb, replacement shade for living room, so it will be a busy spending day.

ah summer!

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on the deck this morning

I was checking the plants and came across this little critter just sitting on the railing.

He has been sitting there now for about 20 minutes. He let me get real close to take his picture so I am thinking he is newer at this woods life. We do have a lot of hawks about so I hope his Mom returns soon and shoos him back to the nest!

My iPhone pics have been blurry in the last week--so I know it's hard to see. Sorry

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Purple Rose

So I didn't like the play. There were moments that it was funny, very funny--but a play about a mortician whose husband has died and she won't leave the house--just didn't do it for me. The relationship with her mother and daughter (both excellent actress') was face paced and comical--but throw in a few dead bodies, including a dead Golden Retriever and it tore back and forth between comedy and tragedy. Three women, two men in the cast. Interesting as I think with TV you get used to lots of people in the cast, or opera there is a chorus--but limiting your cast--that's a heavy responsibility.

It was well done. I'll think on it today....but I don't think I'd spend another $25 to go back and see it again.

Dinner was at la Fuentes the local Mexican restaurant--Mexican without the spices ;-) Made for some interesting dreams ;-)

Off to my Dad's today. Will see what he wants in the way of company this week. Denise leaves today. Bon Voyage!

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Saturday in the Park

headed out to walk this morning before the weather shifts.

Up early and was out on the deck making repairs as needed to fallen tomato plants. The rain and wind did a number on their statuesque effect.

Went to the Farmer's Market hoping to get some more peonies but none to be found--probably the rain. A lady had nice bouquets of many flowers but at $10 a bunch I wasn't that interested. I do still have Wednesday's peonies. Bought sugar peas, yellow squash (from Tantra Organic Farm) and eggs from Chelsea Market. Picked up a loaf of bread for Gpa (his favorite Zingerman's Farm Bread) so set for my visit tomorrow. He is with Denise today at Ben's daughter's Grosse Pointe home on the river. She is having a Father's Day dinner, with her Dad and Denise leaving for Europe for the Medical Cruise (he will have educational classes off and on on the cruise--a way of getting recertified/up to date like teacher and CEU credits).

I was picking up Doris Kearns Goodwin's Angels and Ages book from the A2 library and since it was such a nice day, I decided to sit and read a few magazines. I was reading the June Observer and was surprised to read that they put out a plea to their readers to send money--that they were in trouble. I haven't read an Observer since October so I did note a big difference in this issue--thinner, and 1/2 the advertisers of the past issues. The business card page used to be 2 pages, but now it was 1/2 page with the other 1/2 the Observer advertising for business. hmm

From the library, I ventured to Target to find Gpa a shower curtain then on to Briarwood. I was totally shocked by the lack of people shopping (found excellent parking) and the downsizing, the missing stores, and the large vacant spaces. Eddie Bauer no longer carried any bedding (why I went) but only boys clothes. Macy's was having a White Sale. Very few people were there plus they had their air conditioning set to something close to 78. Everyone was sweating and complaining! I counted 20 people in line at the Apple Store (when I expected to see hundreds really). Many store fronts were vacant--really gave me an icky feeling! Wow, talk about a loss in the economy!

Headed to Purple Rose for the matinee today. New show called "Wake". We're going out to dinner afterwards. Had dinner at Jan and Marshall's last night--smoked turkey (from their smoker--excellent!!!) baked yams, cranberry sauce, white corn, and green beans. Beautiful table. I took the wine--one of our mutual favorites. With the storm fast approaching I left and came home near 10pm to find a message on my machine from a desperate bride looking for a musician for her wedding this afternoon. By the time I called her, she had found someone. This isn't the first time a desperate bride has called due to her musician "canceling" at the last minute.

Received a wonderfully chatty phone call from Hunter this morning. Big Truck, motorcycle, Gma, I wuve you are all beautiful words coming from him. What a precious soul!

Off and running. Hoping to get in a walk before I jet back for the show.

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Doug Fraleigh

came out to give me a quote on getting rid of the dead bushes at the side of the walkway --replacing with something simpler he said. Doug said Kayla kept the bushes engaged for all those years (well, Frisco and Justice, too) but once the dogs were gone from the house the deer knew and that's why they have been eating the bushes. Doug will get someone to shape the Japanese caria also--it has spread willy nilly to wherever it wanted. Ugly and invasive on the azalea and other plants. This is a beautiful piece of land......someone will realize it's serene value!

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ps PU

I think one of those critters that Marshall caught was a skunk.

The striped pseudo cat scent is permeating the woods.

arghhhhh

Rain Day

Will alter my plans a bit.

My deck garden was hit with the sweet kiss of the Rain Goddess and several tomato plants had fallen over. ugh So I was out at 7am staking up their slender stalks. I think it is the cherry tomatoes that took the plunge. Cherries are my favorite so lucky that I got out there in time to rescue them off the dirt. My frog friends had taken cover somewhere. I stuck a stick down the pipe as Doug suggested. He said they would be better able to climb out than sliding on the plastic piping. (something about having frogs drown in a bucket was the lesson)

Looks like I"ll be making a trip to the Apple Store later today. My iPhone won't charge. weird. Instead of the green bar I am only getting a red bar even though it is plugged into a power source. I tried different power sources--same deal. This happened once before and I ended up taking it to the Store. Now I'll have to remember what happened the first time. ;-) I think "they" replaced the battery.

Got an email yesterday from the Law School, hiring me for a fall gig at the UM Art Museum. Funny as Jeanine and I were there recently and I mentioned how I used to play there a lot--guess the cycle begins again.

Can hear Marshall ridding us of more raccoons. 3 shots! Either that guy was tough or we have been invaded! Jan says with "the kid" plowing down so much of his wilderness, the animals who lived there are still hunting for new digs. They (we) have seen an increase in possum, raccoons, birds, bunnies--etc.

Good day to sit in the chair and read a book. It reminds me of the times with the kids up north--we'd always get at least one rain day. Off to the Benzonian library ('member those dark wooden walls!) and load up on reading material. Well today I have plenty to read so will enjoy my own "easy" chair.

Enjoy your day

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"Schools Out Schools Out

Teachers let the monkeys out" My Mom would ALWAYS call me on the last day of school and leave that message on my machine. She was a riot! Mom was always proud of my work with the students, in the district but she also knew how much energy it took away from me and my real life.

So school's out and I'm smiling. Muffin is adjusting to my NOT having the alarm ring at 4:45. Saturday she attempted to get me up early and I shooed her. This morning she mewed and then rolled over and went to sleep again! aha!!

Had a lovely luncheon with my Humanities colleagues on Friday. We went to the Mediterrano. Good food, good company. I will miss their kindness' next year. They got me a gift certificate to a great card store in Kerrytown. You know I"ll be heading that way soon. I love beautiful cards.

Packed up my belongings, left a few things undone--oh well--and moved on down the road. Celebrated at home and have been smiling every since.

Jan and I went Garage Saleing yesterday. She is funny. She makes a DAY of it. Jan gets several newspapers, cross references and highlights ones she wants to attend, then uses her GPS to guide us. We go all over the western edge of the county. I love the backroads and the rural scenery. I also love being a passenger. There is a lot you miss when you have to pay attention to the road. (but then Jeanine knows the secret that Jan doesn't always stop at Stop Signs. Makes for some exciting trips) My big haul yesterday was 2 wooden puzzles for Hunter (Melissa and Doug puzzles/a newer thing) and a big black garbage bag of duplos (now washing in the dishwasher) There were big boxes of legos, too but I held back--I figured it would be years before Hunter started manipulating those and did I really need to start storing more things?

I have the name of a good realtor. Though the house is "just finished school" messed, I am thinking about putting in some time and calling her. My Dad is supposed to be hanging with me soon (Denise is leaving with Ben to go to Europe)--but I"m quite sure Dad won't want to stay here non stop. He is garden devoted and enjoys his own stuff. I have 1 tv and my house is not user friendly for someone no longer steady on his feet. Even to go walk in the yard would be hazardous. (Up and down the front door steps could even be tricky without a railing.) Well, we will do what we can and want.

My deck is flowing with plants (primarily tomato--I got a little crazy) I imagine I'll be having bushels to share come August. My squash is HUGE, my cucumber struggling (watering it with salt water from the tap wasn't a good idea)(also purchasing a new water softner soon) then there are the katrillion beans (I like beans) and lettuce, rosemary, lavender, peppers and more peppers, basil and flowers. ahhh

One of my friends, the country western gospel singer who also had a day job with Compuware (programmer) but was laid off last July (no work yet) called and told me he had a stroke. GOSH! He is pretty healthy, eats okay and is "young" --51. I don't think I'm prepared for friends of mine to have strokes. He lives far away (Romeo) so I am not much help to him. His kids though are supportive so he'll have help.

Brown Cat comes over daily for dinner. I'll include a pic at some point. He always smells sweet. He loves rocking on the deck rocker until I come to the door to let him in. Lately Marmalade has been coming over for breakfast--but he only uses the front door.

We've been missing DeNozzo for a while. Often in the spring he is busy with his lady friends, but it is unusual that he keeps so far away from the bird feeders (he loves corn) Though we have a lot of "No Hunting/No Trespassing" signs down at the pond, we did hear illegal hunters down there 2 months ago. We keep hoping DeNozzo will come back. He's been a mainstay for 3 years here. My front door step is empty without him.

Off to join the world. Plenty to do and then zipping into Dearborn to see Dad. Though he is disappointed about the Red Wings, he isn't nearly as sad as Emily. She zapped me Friday night "I am devastated!!!" and she meant it. The next morning she wrote "I cried myself to sleep!" She is a true fan!

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Sunday May 31st

Gosh this month flew by!

Busy week, bogged down with end of school tensions.  Trying to help keep the kids head above water AND on track.  Sometimes, no matter how you plan, kids put off doing what they need to do all the same.

Had a crazy Saturday.  Jan asked me to go Garage Saleing with her--so I did.  She is very organized so she had a list of 11 previewed Garage Sales.  She used her GPS unit to find each.  Primarily I was just going along for fun--but ended up buying more than she did ;-)  So many good deals for Hunter! Garage Sale #2 had child's electronic keyboard (in good shape)  At sale #3 we ended up at one of Jeanine and Jean's former teacher's house-the Coelius'.  Mrs. Coelius has taught in the Manchester district for a billion years.  She is retiring so she was selling a lot of her teaching things (books, puzzles, hand puppets).  Hunter inherited a few Coelius boy things as well.  My best find was the $1 Fisher Price toddler bike. It looked well loved.  I think Hunter will enjoy it!  It can even live outside without much problem.  At Garage Sale # 7 (north of Dexter) I looked up from the display table in the garage and there was Alice Leisinger.   I "hehed" her and we laughed and hugged and shared stories. (She has new born feral kittens in her window well! I'm going over to see them tomorrow!)  After goodbyes and more travels,

I ended up with a sinus headache so after 5 hours of Garage Saleing, Jan and I headed home.  I was taking a nap when my friend, Laura called and asked if I'd like to go to the Pinckney "Arts and Eats" festival.  I met her at crossroads outside Dexter and drove up together from there.  It was an okay festival.  Most of the "art" was yard art for gardens or cottages.  The trend in the jewelry seemed to be some kind of fused glass. ?  (lots of that)  Though pretty, now isn't the time to be buying new jewelry.  We fused around a bit, ate garbage food and headed back home at 6pm when the festival ended.  (Guess they turn in early there)

I'm headed into to my Dad's this morning.  He invited a helpful bank attendant to dinner today. (Pause to think about that)  and she accepted.  We are going to the Dearborn Inn.  I really didn't think she'd accept, told Gpa--"Perhaps you can get her a gift certificate"  but no, he wanted her to come so--Miriam will be joining us for dinner.

Gpa has been delighted that the Red Wings have been winning. Go Wings!

Muffin got me out of bed at 5:30 this morning so I cleaned out the car, killed a few ants, am running the laundry--and hope to transplant some plants before showering and driving into Detroit.  Ah, Sundays!

Later Gators

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Monday Memorial Day

Don't go, Don't go, Don't go to "Night in the Museum:Smithsonian"  it is horrible!  Even the monkey acted poorly!!!

Home awaiting hand laundry to finish so I can hang it in the breeze of the lower level ;-)

then off to buy more potting soil, more flowers.  Have lots of tomato plants thanks to my Dad and my lust for cherry tomatoes.  Will be busy in the dirt with at least 3 hours of school work waiting. It can wait.

Beautiful beautiful day.

Listening to John Denver--where there is a voice you can follow, a kind message, and a gentle beat. ha!

Gpa will be garden busy today as well as we bought 4 bags of potting soil, 6 bags of mulch.  You should have seen him trying to throw that stuff on the pile.  87--yeah!

Well, over and out--just wanted to be sure no one buys a ticket to that movie!!!

Have a great Memorial Day, thanking all those who have given time, life to protect our freedoms, allow us to be who we are, follow our dreams.

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Sunday May 24

Where does the time go?

Having an excellent holiday weekend.  Doing some things, doing some nothing.  

On the fun side, met Jeanine, Brad and Pumpkin Puss in A2 yesterday.  They were out for a fun ride and stroll about town.  Little guy enjoyed walking on the diag and climbing the steps at the UGLI.  We hung at Borders for a while as well.  I bought Hunter the "Wheels on the Bus" book--the one with the moving parts.  I always enjoyed sharing that in my Kindergarten classes--now Hunter can enjoy pulling all the different paper parts until it wears down.  Thanks for including me in your day, Bobenmoyers!

Purchased some plants for the garden but not a bunch as yet.  I stopped at a newer nursery in Dexter (recommended by Jan and Doug).  They didn't have all that I was looking for, so will spread the wealth today.

I began to write out my senior student cards.  I will have the class sign this week in prep.

My friend, Laura called and invited me to a party today, but I'm headed to Gpa's.  We decided to head out to a late movie last night instead--saw "Angels and Demons".  My pastrami lunch was demonizing in my stomach so I wasn't sure I'd make it through--but yeah------saved Rome once again.  It was fun to see the Roman sites one more time.  Loved the Bernini statues.

Lazy Sunday with a very early start.  Muffin was sure I should get up at 5:30am.  I shooed her outside, but then I could hear her expanding the wholes in the screen on the front door--so back up and feeding her, then she was sure she'd prefer to sit on the porch with the breezy front screen door rather than sit quietly in the house.  Up down up down.  Lost my remote yesterday somewhere in the house --so was limited to one channel this morning--yep, lazy morning.

Now off and about to drive to Detroit.

Will keep you posted ;-)

Sunday May 3rd

Morning

Been a tremendously busy week.  I was out T-Th from school to support the family, play at U of M Distinguished Dissertation Awards, and just be.  I realized of the last 7 days, I had driven to Dearborn 6 of those.  Friday was a hectic clean up day at school.  Catching up on all that I had missed kid-wise.  I'll be catching up with kids for a while.  Many forgot why they come to school and just enjoyed being in a class with "no direction" more or less.  The sub who was hired was very relaxed.  He took attendance kinda--many of the kids he marked present were absent, and a few he marked as out (skipping) were in their seats.  

This weekend was catch up as well-I am preparing my Tuesday lecture (Modern Music Part 2) finishing grading make up exams (discovered 3 students were no show at the make up, so gave them a 0), did house things that get put aside when you are on the run, had an oil and fuel filter change, and have yet to do some major computer shifting to do as the district announced they are giving us new computers as of Friday.  Ah, life!  Monday night I am attending the Pioneer Band Honors Banquet (cafeteria, parents bring foods, kids have fun), while juggling prepping my lecture. I may slide out early.  Though the kids will be glad to see me, Nancy will be angry.  I am on faculty and I am invited.   (Headed to my Dad's today).  Life is full.

I texted (my cousin says "Tex Mex") with my lil sis until 1 this am when they landed back in Sacramento and started home.  

I'm tired.

Jan and Marshall's brown cat keeps coming to eat here.  He prefers our 9 lives to the Meijer brand (I gave them because Muffin wouldn't eat it).  He runs in here at breakfast, all out of breath and "starving" and does the same in the evening.  Brown cat (that's his name) is very soft and sweet.  Sometimes he walks around the house to see if I've moved any furniture, then mews at the door to go home.

Life has taken a different direction, but my feet are still in the old world--so it's off to prepare for lecture ;-)

Later gator

Sunday April 26th

Yawn

I'm still working to get back on Chelsea hours.  This week was a struggle even with taking Tuesday off.  Usually I'd zip home and lay down by 5pm--lectured Friday so the end of the week's schedule included laying down with lecture notes.  Still planning for a change in teaching schedule next week.

Had a lovely time in Hawaii.  Kids were good and entertaining.  I enjoy traveling with other people--you can bounce things off of them.  Also, traveling on an arranged trip is easier for me--they have already checked out the digs, the events, the restaurants--and then with the free time factored in can continue to do my own "fun" things.

Uncle Eloy died yesterday. He was a Marine at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed.  That seems so ironic since I was just there and thinking of him immensely.  Seems unimaginable the odds those young men faced.  He was just coming off KP duty at 7pm and was in the fight.  He grabbed a machine gun and shot down a Japanese plane.  His CO gave him a box of cigarettes as a reward. Of course they spent many hours fighting and then cleaning up the disaster.  Uncle Eloy was accepted into the Marine Band (baritone) but chose to take the duty of guarding a code talker instead.  He was sent to the South Pacific, Midway, Iwo Jima, Marianne Islands, and dropped into Guadacanal.  Due to the Japanese returning abruptly, the Navy pulled out, leaving the Marines behind to fend for themselves.  He lived in trees, guarding his code talker for 4 months--surviving on eating monkey meat.  Later in the war he contracted malaria and ended up back in Walter Reed Hospital--but by then it was Spring 1945.  I knew Uncle Eloy as the keeper of the family stories.  As quiet as my father is/was--Uncle Eloy was boisterous.  He is the one who told me about the Conquestidor's sword and silver in the cave in NM.  His funeral is Tuesday--full military honors.

My sister Emily, husband Jasper and perhaps Larrainey are flying in for the funeral.

I'll post some Hawaii pics for your amusement.  We had a wonderful time!

Aloha!

Friday

and moving quickly.  Have been trying to tie up loose ends, taxes, get new walking/water shoes (no not walking on water), maybe clean, pack, organize, and headed out to dinner with Jan and Marshall, then to Purple Rose.  Tomorrow will be swoosh in prep with Sunday with Gpa.  What fun!  

Had a wonderful birthday weekend last week.  Jeanine, Brad and baby invited me to spend time at their place.  I love them so.  I was able to rock the precious little Hunter to sleep on Saturday night, and then spend time with both Jeanine and Pumpkin on Sunday morning.  They didn't mind that I wore my crown around Meijer/town.  We went to breakfast where the waitress calls me the "Hot Grandma" ;-)  It was so sweet spending time with them!  On the way home I stopped at Starbucks and they wished me Happy Birthday AND decorated my cup!  I have yet to throw it away.  Perhaps I should write customer relations and tell them how their gesture touched my heart.  

Gave a big H test this week.  Am contemplating taking some of the tests with me on vacation (to grade) and also thinking nah!  I've already written lesson plans for Monday (we get in late Sunday) and then plan to take a sub day on Tuesday.  ;-)  Perhaps I'll indulge that day and get that massage Jeanine and Brad bought me for my birthday.  I'm sure my back will be ready to be put back together after the 18 hour trek back home (a few lay overs ;-)

I picked up my Healing Cuisine order from Dr. Lu last night.  Boy was it good!!! I would highly recommend the food to anyone wishing to have a healthy life.  

Bought new shoes (again) today.  Gretchen, one of my music colleagues, told me to check out Chacos--and I did and I bought them.  They support an ol lady foot while still looking like a cool old hippie ;-)  I plan to wear these all over Waikiki.  

Well, I'm off to finish up chores before Marshall and Jan show

Have a great Friday.

Love you

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found my shoes online

http://www.zappos.com/n/sc?buy=1&back=0

They are called Finn Comfort.  They are about $40 less on the net, and no shipping charges.  I could have them in 4 to 5 days.  I am thinking about it. Or I could go back to the local store and trade "up".  Oh, decisions!

Now, I don't know if I should get them in black (I always wear black) or desert tan.  Heh, Jeanine, Nicole, are you there? opinions?

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aha!

After a katrillion years of being on aol as harpee--in the last 5 months I have begun to receive oodles of spam.  I couldn't figure out what had changed.  I don't use harpee for my nytimes account or a2 snooze (news) --and then signing in here I realized "aha!!!"  

Oh well.  I'll just continue to delete.

My cousin, RoseAnn, wrote from Santa Fe.  She has switched jobs from being a vet assist on the reservations to being a pet sitter. She was quick to tell me that pet sitting, walking is a big job in Santa Fe--you know, I remember reading about that!  There are a lot of wealthy people in Santa Fe and I am sure she is having a good time.

Great Saturday afternoon.  I went to A2 to run errands.  I ran over to Cynthia's to deliver her food containers and money for a ticket to Jeff's Gilbert and Sullivan show (next week)...continued down the road to Arbor Farms to get Dad some Z bread (they were out) so moved on to the PTO thrift store to look for things for Hunter, also found a $5 all most new coffee maker (have been looking for a while)--but when I picked it up my stomach went into spasms???, I put the coffeemaker in my cart and my stomach was still upset--since the store does not have a bathroom I was thinking "oh oh" but then--realized my stomach felt like it did when I would drink coffee in the early morning (acidity and sick) --so I reconsidered, put the coffeemaker back on the shelf and my stomach felt better.  Left with only Hunter items.

I stopped in the A2 library to pick up a few of my on order items, then moved on to Target.  As I arrived at Target, my Dad was called to check in about Easter.  He is funny.  I looked for my favorite "brand" of T shirts (all cotton and comfy for teaching in a building with poor air circulation) but Target quit carrying the items.  (boo!) Found something for Hunter (ah, there is a theme here) and a few cleaning items...then out.  I needed to buy new comfortable supportive shoes so I moved on to Westgate to try the Mast Shoe Store.  Since my parking spot was in front of the Learning Express Store and I had never been in there--I went in.  One of my former Humanities students was working the floor.  Found something else for Hunter--just in case.   When I finally made it to the shoe store, they were closing in 10 minutes (whoops).  I found an INCREDIBLE pair of shoes but they cost $230 and since $230 is a lot of money when you are going to have to buy a $1000 water softner and leave for Hawaii in a few weeks, I didn't get them.  I bought a $130 pair which were okay, not as good. (I've had a terrific problem with a heel spur since August.  Dr. Lu has given me herbs, I went to the masseur (which helped), but I need to eliminate the problem.  I figure if my shoes don't look professional enough for school as well as pretty, I won't wear them.)  I ended up with a taupe pair (they only came in taupe or brown) but are not sold on them yet.  I just may go back and invest the +$100 in the INCREDIBLE pair and be done with it.  I know I'd wear them...plus they are in black which means I could wear them more often, with more things, yes?    Shoe people weigh in here, please.  Oh, they are called Finn Control.  Wow, I'm suddenly getting into shoes. ;-)  Must be the Nicole influence.

okay so from the shoe store, with Target and Hunter and shoe purchases in the car--and looking like a Saturday traveler and disguised in my pj pants ;-)  I went over to Pioneer where they were hosting "Bands in Review".  I figured I often promote the orchestra, attend the choir concerts as well, but am slow to go to Band--so there I was--an hour early??? At least I was able to sneak in the back (yeah, it costs money) and find an incredible seat!  Okay, get this--all the east side middle bands played (today all the west side middle bands) + Pioneer and Huron.  I figured since I was going on the Huron trip, it would also be nice to attend for Huron band.  The bands were terrific.  Pioneer really nailed a wonderful piece--"Entry March of the Boyars" by Johan Halvorsen.  I'd like a recording of it!  (no not for my birthday, I mean, I'd like a recording from Pioneer HS archives, so I'll ask David the band director.)  As it got closer to the hour I noticed my friend, Laura slide in the back (her son plays in the band)--I waved and she came over and sat with me.  We enjoyed the concert together.  From there we went to Quarter Bistro (excellent restaurant).  I realized other than a bag of popcorn at Target and a few gummy bears, I had not had dinner--so I had an incredible Insalata de Mare --salad with scallops, shrimp, oysters, crab meat, and mussels.  Excellent. By 11:30 I was ready to roll home.........

Here I am unprepared for my lecture this week (oh well) but smiling and moving forward to the road meeting, off to Dad's. 

 Rainy morning but it is brighter having been out and about yesterday.

Peeked down at my desk and see I have to get my license AND pay the harp insurance all this week.  Maybe those INCREDIBLE shoes will have to wait until another time. 

oh well.

Dancing off barefoot

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Breakfast Company

Marmalade came over to check on breakfast.  I am donating a 30lb bag of cat food to his house.  Muffin won't eat it (and she's stubborn).

Catching up on lost sleep from Friday early morning. About 2:30am,  I was having a great dream complete with music when I heard the cat getting sick.  Unfortunately she was sleeping on the bed with me at the time.  She managed to vomit all over the white quilt--so I got up, cleaned it up, put the quilt in the wash, stayed up to move it to the dryer, washed the quilt cover, went back to bed--but couldn't fall asleep until near 4:30.  The alarm went off at 4:45am.  yawn.  It took 3 dryings to dry the quilt--and then I think, the heat unit wasn't working. Blasted!  oh well.....the continuing adventures of Shelley the Elf.

Tracked down Ken through his daughter (teacher in Chelsea).  He indeed had been seriously ill, at St Joe.  Had unexpected intestinal surgery on March 6th and then was in the hospital up until last Tuesday--whew!  He is quiet about what all went on, but I am glad he's back in circulation (though propped up in bed at home--Visiting RN and daughters supporting his recovery). Touched base with Mark the Buckeye.  He is a walking wounded waiting for GM news.  Says he has a job lined up out of state if he gets papers.  Said he spends a lot of time NOT talking about GM--doesn't listen to the news, read the print news--just watches sports. Doesn't respond to email, text message--just phone calls now--and heck--

I am learning again what it means to be a friend to yourself first.

Me, I told my Fine Arts boss I wanted out of Humanities, then told Amy my H Department head on Tuesday, then W hunted down my Music Department head at Pioneer and told him I'd like the open position in MT&T IF they get the fte they are hoping for.  My H Department wasn't happy with me but immediately started planning my replacement.  Kinda felt like--'member you are always replaceable ;-)  When all is said in down, did you really want to spend more time at work over real relationships?  Exactly why I am hoping to quit.

My hair looks like a wooly mammoth.  I tried my new "ala Nicole" head scarf/headband that I purchased with Jeanine--but even though I "played with it" like Jeanine suggested, I still look like a wooly mammoth gone bizerk.  I have a hair cut on Tuesday.  

Today I'd like to walk in the woods so waving magic wand--will do it!  I also have a katrillion errands I "could" do, plus would like to go to the A2 Art Museum reopening (live music for 24 hours, some of my friends performing) need to start planning for the Hawaii trip, and wouldn't mind working in the yard a bit. My recycling has collected such that I probably could make my own park bench now--but I'll run it to the center.  Have a road meeting tomorrow then scoot off to buy Dad Zingerman's bread (his favorite) and then on in to Dearborn.  Oh--I also have a lecture to prepare (Program Music), another test to write (Romantic Era) and a study guide to prep.  What fun!  

Spoke with Aunt Emily via email yesterday.  She is working hard, wishing hard.  Difficult week for all police officer families and then with added family difficulties life can hurt you at times.

Love you all,

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Surprise it's Jean-Pierre

Jean-Pierre surprised me with a phone call last night.  We commiserated about the Michigan game and caught up on news.  I had expressed my concern about my friend, Ken disappearing off the face of the earth --and he took time to listen.  Thanks Jean.

That has worried me for some time now.

Doug is supposed to come over with a plumber friend to price out a water softner for me.  (Close to $1000 I don't have today but oh well)  I'm off early to my Dad's so I can get back to Huron for the Hawaii chaperone meeting. COPS last night featured friends of Larraine and co workers of Mike--how ironic it was the same day as three officers were killed in Oakland CA.  

Hope to clean some, do house chores before I fly out of here at 10am so I"m scooting.

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Lunch with Craig

Well, the library cooking class was GREAT!!! Craig Commons taught us how to make several dishes and then he FED US all the food.  We had Shrimp and Scallop Creole Spinach Salad, Parmesan Crusted Whitefish with Lemon-Chive Butter and Fresh Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) with Grand Marnier.  SUPERB!!! He also gave gobs of cooking tips while he was preparing lunch--like--why to only use free range chicken that has not been fed antibiotics etc etc, take the skin off your fish when you purchase it, soak it in milk before you bread it, cook it,  use kosher salt etc........ I got extra copies of the recipe for Jeanine ;-)

Well, off with a full happy tummy to finish grading my tests (15 to go) and join the NCIS marathon!

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was up early

trying to update this blog and whoa--felt like I was losing my mind ;-)  I couldn't remember how to sign on....when I finally realized something was wrong with google this morning and it wouldn't display the sign on piece of the blogsite. Ah

well, hi all

Had a tremendously intense week.  I had to lecture 2x (T and F) with 4 hours of Parent Conferences thrown in on Thursday night.  I came home last night and fell asleep with my clothes, contacts, and tv all engaged at 7:30 pm.  Jan had asked me over for dinner but I declined. Barely found the bedroom as it was.  

My lecture yesterday was brilliant.  Had lots of info and "fun" music (Romantic Era is so cool!)  I was up at 4am prepping since I had fallen asleep with my notes on my face at 11pm Thursday night (got home from conferences near 8pm and had started right in).  I ended the lecture section with the 1812 Overture and as the music came to its climax, clashing, cannons, crescendos, tympani--I shut down the computers, turned off the cameras, and pushed the button for the screen to lift (on cue no less) to reveal a Grand Piano set up with a student poised ready to perform.  The kids were so enthused with this culminating music, screen movement, revealance of the piano (Yeah, Jeanine, I know that's not  a word) that they stood up and applauded--yep at 8:25 in the morning.  They were in LOVE with Tschaikovsky--almost made me blush with joy.  Well, I had asked Alvin to play his cadenza as a promotion for the concerto concert (in 2 weeks)--he was brilliant and ALL the kids left saying it was the best lecture yet--even better than my last lecture where I ended up showing Bugs Bunny as the Barber of Seveille!  (Yeah, I'm a showman)

So lecturing next week and have to play "top this"  ...

Still have 48 tests to grade--down from 158..not bad.  

Yesterday after the long long week, packed up the car (had 2 computers, 3 texts, 60 pages of lecture notes) and drove to the Fine Arts Director District Office--for an appointment.  I told her I was hoping she could tell me of any options for teaching next year to get out from under the heavy prep load of Humanities.  Seems IF the district funds the band program another .2 taking Nancy out of MT&T for an hour--they could give me that MT&T position (should but then you know the history of the department....) and I could drop Humanities.  Yes, they'd need to hire someone for Humanities but alas......

I will talk to my Humanities Department chair today so she is in the loop.  Then I have to talk to my Music Department Chair (David) to express my interest in teaching MT&T if that position opens up.  My other choice was to leave the high school and teach vocal music at the lowest economic, lowest scoring, most difficult life challenging middle school--I passed.

Oh and yes, I was the "cool" teacher this week as I let the kids tune in on Thursday at noon and then again (another class) at 2pm to watch the BB games.  Unfortunately they then thought they could watch each day--but I'll let them have a few. ;-)  Yeah, might be hard pressed to explain this in my curriculum.

Headed to a lecture this afternoon by Craig Common (yes, Jeanine, I'll take notes) about global conservation/purchasing and eating locally.  Should be interesting.  

Talked briefly with my sis, Emily Ann on Thursday (until my phone battery gave out).  Things are doing better in her life.  Larraine is tired but still feeling pretty well.  Tonight is the COPS Sacramento version.  ;-)  Veronica is off on her own (well, living with her boyfriend and his mother)  and Ben is happy but poor.  

Gpa has been showing some signs of confusion of late and he asked us to research diabetes and Alzheimers.  Larraine sent some articles.

I plan to go in to Detroit tomorrow morning.  I don't feel as "pushed" this weekend as in the past weekend.  yeah   We "have" to go to breakfast/brunch as I have a 3pm Hawaii chaperone meeting in A2 for the spring trip.  (I think I had better talk to David about that position BEFORE he finds out I am accompanying Huron on their trip.  I meant to mention it earlier, but never got around to it--besides Pioneer has never asked me to chaperone so what can I say?)

Oh and ....I've been asked AGAIN to submit an application for the grant to study in Turkey this summer.  I had thought perhaps it wouldn't get funded, but it did and they (UMS) has asked for me to consider.  (total cost is $1000 for 5 weeks which the bulk is supposedly for housing in A2 in June (a week) for classes/seminars--so I wouldn't have to pay that).  I'm thinking........

I really really really want to go to Boston and hear the Pops play 1812 over the Charles River with the cannons and fireworks.......I think actually that is my priority--but I'll think on it.

Off to grade tests.

Love you

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Bill said last night

"Do you suppose there is a hip hop artist somewhere in China called Yo Ma Ma?"

Yo it's Yo Yo Ma

Friday night--came home from school, wiped out. I was in my jammies and napping already by 5:20 when Cynthia called and said "I have an extra ticket to Yo Yo Ma tonight--wanna go?"  I hauled toes.  I ate a quick dinner of leftover Chinese food (eh) and while digging in, Cynthia called back and invited me to dinner (declined) and about 6 minutes later Jan called and invited me to the local fish fry. (not this time)  I got ready, drove to Cynthia's, joined her and her friend, Kathy and off we went.  We had nosebleed section tickets--but the sound was incredible at Hill.  Yo Yo Ma was joined by many friends for his silk road presentation.  It was very different but also very rewarding.  Yo Yo Ma started the program welcoming us, shouting "Go Blue!" and then  introducing his friends on stage.  Two of the ensemble were U of M grads.  (Interesting) One, Wu Man, played the pipa (stringed instrument from China) and the other a percussionist, Mark Suter.  I particularly liked hearing the different modes, eastern threads in the music.  I also enjoyed hearing the tabla and peruvian cajon (?)--a box like percussion instrument.  (though Cynthia said it came from the Dominican Republic)   After the concert, Cynthia was in a talking mood so we sat up until 1am at her house chatting and eating baked apples (she has always been a great and generous cook.  You can never leave her house without taking home food).  Last night was no exception.  She wrapped up corn muffins with chili powder (yum), cabbage chicken soup (another yum) and more baked apples (with pecan, oats, honey, butter and cinnamon centers).  Bill is still looking for a job. At 58, he doesn't feel particularly hirable.  Julia is taking Humanities next year (yea, she's a senior next year!) She is interested in majoring in Japanese, attending a Japanese University.  The family went to Japan over the February break and had a wonderful time.  She hopes to graduate early (January) and then enroll in a Japanese language program in April. 

I have a list of chores for today--finish my taxes, mail a check to the Hawaii trip account, work on one of my two lectures for next week, finish wrapping up the last lectures--burning to CD, filing materials, rewrite Humanities exam for make up next week, AND go visit my Dad today as I have to attend a social function dinner tomorrow.  ahhhhhh weekends.

Muffin woke me up early (7am) insisting she wanted to go outside.  By 7:30 she wanted back in.  When I let her in I saw a female turkey at the corner of the house by the bedrooms.  I moved swiftly into my room and opened the curtain--not one female but 18!  They startled when I opened the curtain but didn't fly off.  I moved to my back window and opened that curtain--I quickly counted 14 more females and there was DeNozzo herding them!  All glorious with his feathers out like a kindergarten Thanksgiving turkey project made from your 5 fingers, neck all neon blue--signaling the ladies he found them to be cute.  I threw on clothes, grabbed my iPhone to take a pic--zipped to the far sliding glass window--hoping to "sneak out on the deck" to snap a pic--but as soon as I stepped out, they all went airborne--I thought they'd land in the near woods, but they all left for the north woods--Within moments the only one left standing in my woods was DeNozzo.  He turned and gave me a disgusted look.  Guess I broke up his lovefest for the morning.  I wonder if the price of turkey will go up at Thanksgiving due to lack of supply. ? ;-)

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right up there with brown snow

It's been an ick week!  We had MME testing T, W, and Th and it was horrendous!  Our schedule was all botched up because only Juniors came on T--and then W I was the lady in charge of the test--in someone else's room, which had 34 desks and chairs and had to instantly have 21 when the bell rang (4 minutes from end of briefing meeting at 7:10 and then pick up of testing materials and sprint to 3rd floor with broken toes,heel spur and huge box!) ALL my kids were standing there waiting for me (21 kids I've never met before)--and the room was a MESS!  Because my class was still in the hall when the testing bell rang, the principal and a floor comuunity assist appeared out of no where and started helping me shove desks and chairs around, lifting them up on the radiators--anywhere so we could get 21 desks 3 feet apart!  I was so stressed by the time the kids came in, I would have gladly pulled the fire alarm--yeah, that stressed.  Made me mad too because the task was overwhelming and it was really really really important to me that the kids have a "good" testing experience.  Just soooooooo poorly planned by the administration (not the principal who came to help).  I wrote him a thank you card later in the day, and found the community assist and thanked her as well.  The kids seemed to survive, but honestly I don't know if we filled out all the bubbles they needed at the beginning--I concentrated on the test.  Perhaps my class will come back disqualified, who knows!  Also when we are giving these tests for 3+ hours (4.5 on Monday) we are not allowed to read, use our computers, use our cell phone, write, draw, only stare into space.  Can you imagine how a student feels when the teacher is sitting in front staring out toward them?  boo!

Wednesday after that horrid testing experience, I had 11 minutes for lunch before going downstairs and giving my Humanities exam to 160 kids.  (pain in the)  then hauling off to my next class, and the next and then to a staff meeting until 5:30pm.  Someone didn't plan very well!  Thursday's testing was much better. I was in charge again but I had 3 helpers!!! They were rather controlling (YEAH!!!!) so they pretty much ran the whole thing (okay by me!) They really knew what they were doing.  One of the "rovers" who came in regularly signs up as a testing supervisor (for pay on Saturdays) so he knew the ins and outs.  Worked for me!

So this week ALL OF THE STAFF were exhausted--and most of the kids were wiped out.  

It was a wasted educational week.  We didn't see ANY of our classes on Tuesday, (testing 7:30-1pm), only half of our classes on W, and then the other half on M, then today back to "normal".  Kids were out of sorts.  glad that is done!

Thinking of going to see my Dad tomorrow (saturday) as I am supposed to go to a Chinese Healing Cuisine (5 hours) on Sunday.  Monday I am out to a dentist appointment (crown--how lovely a crown for the Princess ;-)  Thursday I have an appointment after school to talk with my Fine Arts Coordinator about possible options for teaching next year.  Doesn't hurt to see what's out there. ;-)

Any of you who have not had an opportunity to hear my beautiful intelligent Grandson talk--tune in to his mother's blog.  He is talking up a storm over there.

Love you and Hallelujah it's Friday!!!

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Not Sunday

Pushing week.  Have a Humanities Lecture/Test and Review next week (Monday/Wednesday) with Tuesday devoted to MME testing. W and Th are ACT plan testing and I am a supervisor (big job/no pay) so it is an extremely stressful week next week.  This week has been all about getting things in place for next week.

I am going to be with Jeanine and family this afternoon and evening so I'll push off the work until Sunday (darn, we lose an hour!!!)  

I did put in my inquiry about getting transferred to a new job next year...we'll see if anything materializes.

Saw Cynthia briefly on Wednesday at the Music District Meeting.  She and her family just returned from their week in Japan.  Yahoo!  Dan Long was presenting at the meeting, giving his eloquent speech on the History of Music in the A2 Public Schools. Very interesting.  Music actually was in the curriculum in 1854.  

Haven't heard back from Hayes so I may not be going to Pittsburg in the next couple of weeks to see him.  No doubt he is busy with the kids and juggling.  His Mom has developed the early stages of Alzeheimers so they are going to be with her.  Gosh, what are the chances of both your parents getting Alzeheimers?

Muffin didn't like the 20lb bag of food I bought her a couple of weeks ago, which then led to the bag with the mouse or snake or hippo in it--then led me to go back and get 20lbs of the bag she liked prior to the fiasco (they restocked).  I filled in the time with a specialized bag (big bucks) that I had in the pantry--well, this morning I opened the new 20lb bag (right next to the old 20lb bag that she won't eat) and she won't eat it.  She's decided she doesn't like it now.  Hunter might have strong lungs, but so does Muf as she goes about the house, following me in the nooks and crannies complaining.  When I leave her today with enough food for 3 meals--I guess when I get back I'll either find her keeled over from lack of nutrition or adjusting to her new/old food.  Geez!

Okay, I'm off to do school work.  

Boo

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Sunday Morning

Today is a great day to do those things I was going to do during the week. ;-)

Perhaps my toe slowed me down, but more likely I was less enthused about chores.

I had hoped to be waking up with the baby and family today but alas, plans change.  I'll work on my lecture--still not sure what "twist" I want to put on it.  Should grocery shop and wash the car--but both would involve moving about on this foot so...perhaps I'll just wing it.  Laundry is always present--even though I did every stitch as of Wednesday, from there--  and then there was the cleaning of the floorboards.  Well......at least I have another beautiful blue sky day to find the dirt. ;-)  With the youngin moving in next door, there is a lot of start up, motor running, slamming of doors and leaving in the middle of the night (he is a tow truck driver).  He parks his truck on the hill on his grass, so I often hear him coming and going.  It's kinda like sleeping in the city.  I don't remember so much comings and goings since I lived on the old westside in A2.  Just part of the new face of our little road.

Enjoying a nice cup of tea before raiding the kitchen cupboard.  Pancakes sound like a good bet this morning.  Have a super recipe for ginger yogurt and fruit however I don't have any yogurt.  I checked in the frig--had a BIG container of Mountain something brand (organic) but the expiration date was November 11, 2008 so I am guessing it needs to be recycled.  It seemed to grow in size these last few weeks but alas....

Jeanine texted that they were without power thus did not call Thursday night ....hope that got remedied.  Jean's Nicole emailed several times this week and weekend. She is off to Paris tonight.  Ah Paris!  "The last time I saw Paris....."  (its a song)

Well off and limping. Hope you all have a good day.

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