long time no talk

Sorry, once school started again it was push and push.

Just finished with finals and being lobbied by students for grades they didn't earn.  Interesting.  We have this "new" online grading program so every little comma, percentage, etc is recorded and the kids can see it.  Yesterday I had 3 different Humanities tests to administer (all makeups) for 7 different students (with 2 more still coming on Monday), heard 2 guitarists play pieces that were due in early December (sickness and "please please please Ms Martinez") and assessed a student's piano final (a retake because he didn't like the first grade he earned).  Yesterday was supposed to be a "makeup" day--but "we" are finding the kids look to it like an "option" day.  On Tuesday (Humanities final) we had 9 students as no shows..6 of the 9 said they were going to "wait" until Friday.  Really now.......  The team voted it was okay then realized what a pain that was.  

I spent time with Hunter last week.  He is such a love.  Makes me sad to see him so sick, having difficulty breathing.  The weather was wretched so school was cancelled on Friday (-37 wind chill and yes it felt it!) ..I offered and was GLAD to go be with the baby rather than take him out in the weather. Just brutal!  

Tuesday was a regular oil change at Palmer's but they also said they felt I needed 4 new tires. Huh?  Seems the Pyrelli's that came with the car were a "soft compound tire" (Mark's words) and thus did not hold up to the AWD features of the Freestyle.  I bought 4 new tires (Discount Tire) on Thursday--but they said I had a bent wheel from a pothole.  (That's next on the money list).  When they were all finished with the replacements, a young man behind the counter hollered out "Mrs. M&M you are all finished!"  Wow was I surprised (and delighted).  There was "little" Kevin (the twin to Audrey) at 6'3".  I had him in 4th and 5th grade about 12 years ago.  I smiled a lot.  I asked and Audrey is now a nurse at Mott Children's Hospital.  I am sure she is a good one, too.

It was a hard day in A2 Public Schools this week. (one of the reasons some of the kids didn't take their finals on time).  A senior Orchestra student, loving soul, giving and well known girl was killed by her boyfriend.  In an argument it would seem he took a hammer to her head.  The family opted for public visitation at the funeral home and private funeral service today.  

My Huron friends are reeling.

Life is precious.  LIve each day, enjoy all that you can.

I lecture 2x this week--Intro to Baroque, Composers of the Baroque Era.  I am looking forward to next year!

This afternoon I am joining Jan and her lady friends. We are going to the Purple Rose theater for the play and then to dinner somewhere in town.  We should have a great time.  Do I have time to do this?  You betcha!!!

Corrine Grace called me out of the blue last night.  She retired from Northside about 4 years ago.  She just wanted to talk, ask about getting together.  Corrine is in the market for a computer, buying an Apple this week at the Apple store.  I pushed her to consider getting an iPhone.  I think it is the 2nd iPhone I sold this week.  A retired gentleman next to me in Palmer's waiting room was curious about my phone.  I went on and on and on.  He was enthused as well.

Well.....I should go do some laundry so I don't smell at the Purple Rose ;-)

Enjoy the new picks.

Love,

me

what?? Cold again?

It is -11 wind chill over here.  The deck is still waiting for shoveling.  I've been up putsing.  I worked on some Humanities work (I lecture the day we get back, run lab after school, then give the major test on Thursday (yet to be written, printed, collated.) Then lecture again the next week on a totally different subject, era (Intro to Baroque Music) then give my finals the following week--yup rather crowded time.

Since I am NOT planning on going back into Detroit, I think I'll go to the Wellness Center somewhere in here and also do some Chelsea in town shopping.  I tried to do some Art Gallery looking but it was closed yesterday.  I thought I'd make bread for the neighbor kid and Doug and Jan but after adding up all the ingredients and the mess thoughts--I decided to gift them with good holiday bread from Zingermans.  I'll have to find my festive ribbon--right now all I can locate is lavender and somehow that doesn't hum Christmas.

Saw Shirley Brown at ACO yesterday (more holiday shopping--no luck).  It was nice to see her.  She is pretty focused on her youngest and his divorce.  I did get to see multiple pictures of her grandchildren and of course Hunter was quickly displayed from my iPhone (I love my iPhone).

Jan and Marshall headed out early this morning (6am) for Florida.  It has become their habit to honk good bye to me as they leave on trips.  This morning was no exception.  When home I'll keep an eye on their house.  There have been several robberies of homes out in the country here in the Chelsea/Dexter area. 

Will give my Dad a call a little later as he gets lonely.  He has quit going to church--really dislikes his new minister and his service/sermons.  It is a loss for him as he's been a faithful member for 57 years.  He of course still sends his pledges.  Dad isn't interested in going to a new church either--tried asking that, suggesting, offering to go with him.

Guess it's time to put on warm clothes and go dig out the deck.

No better time than the present!

Keep warm everyone

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chilly

"Button up your overcoat!"

The snow brought a cold dampness as well.  I was up early but dragging toes.  The deck awaits shoveling.  I did do the front steps (twice) yesterday.  The kid was out with his end loader sculpting the road last night at 10pm. He's young and enthusiastic.  

Got an email saying my package of makeup (dermalogical) was delivered here at the house last night--but it is no where to be seen.  I donned warm clothes and walked up to the garage and looked around there as well.  Sometimes they will throw (literally) the box (wrapped in a plastic bag) into the snow drifts somewhere--didn't see anything last night.  Will look again this morning.  Nothing like frozen expensive face cream.

Planning to go to Gpa's this afternoon if the snow predictions hold for tomorrow. He's been alone for several days and snowed in makes things feel worse.  His neighbor across the way came over and snow blowed for Gpa yesterday. Gpa was all suited up and ready to go but when he got out the neighbor said "I can get it, you just go back on in."  How sweet. Gpa said that U Eloy said his neighborhood sent him a card saying they will do all of his shoveling and mowing from now on.  He said "how much do I owe you?" and they said "nothing, it is our pleasure".  Wow!  His neighborhood has shifted to 30 year olds while he is 89 now.

Listening to Christmas music on my iPod Bose system.  I have enough now that it doesn't repeat in my usual listening hours--maybe up to 6 hours.  (Boy, wouldn't Jean like that! ;-)

Hunter is rounding 16 months.  Strange to think that Jean-Pierre was already 6 months in the oven when Jeanine was 16 months. 

What a beautiful Saturday.  Woodpeckers at the bird feeder, turkey in the tree, and everything crispy in white trimming.

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oh dear

where does the time go?

I'm neck deep in prepping for my lecture tomorrow so forgive me if I only touch lightly --I promise to return in the near future with more news.

Raspberries and whipped cream have spurred me on listening, purchasing (iTunes) and Power Pointing for my 'morrow lecture--Renaissance Instrumental Music.  I love this lecture.  I'll keep that in mind while my colleagues make faces (I've learned they are not so interested in instruments).  Onward!

Great field trip yesterday to the Rosary Chapel (wonderful stained glass!!! (thank you Libby Owens!) and the art museum. I'll include some of the pics here.

Looking forward to next week and being with the "kids" and the baby.

Whew

Later gators!

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Thursday and chilly

Survived the attack of the HUGGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEE mouse!

The nerve--he ran out of my bedroom closet, climbing over my sweatshirt--stood and stretched and yawned like he just was getting off a bus.  I screamed and screamed and he just stared at me.  I ran and got Muffin and tossed her in the room.  Muffin literally walked past the mouse--I think they waved.  I screamed some more--grabbed the bedding (i was making the bed!) and the laundry (I was folding laundry next) and ran down the hall to call Doug the handyman.  I reached his sweet wife. Doug wasn't home.  I ran back to the bedroom to shut up the room, trap the mouse and he was GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I ran to the living room and there he was admiring the view in the kitchen!  I screamed and screamed and he didn't mind a bit!  He was big and very furry--had on a very thick winter coat!  I think now, he had traveled in for a guest appearance with the Moscow Ballet-scheduled to do the Nutcracker in A2 this week.  He was tiptoeing around . ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH   I grabbed a towel and threw it over his head.  He didn't seem to move.  So I ran in the kitchen and grabbed a heavy alumnium pan and screamed as I placed it over the part of the towel I thought had the mouse.  Then I got the heaviest book in the house "History of Art" and put it on top of the pan--to keep him from escaping or running off with the pan still on him.  Then I sat in the living room and watched for any movement (none!).  Doug arrived about 30 minutes later.  I met him at the door. I told him "Now Doug, if you lift that towel and he isn't under there I want you to lie to me and say "I got it" !  " He waited while I disappeared down the hall a safe distance away.  He got it by the tail (so he said) and said "what should I do with it?" and I said "oh, don't hurt him, just send him outside".  So out he went.

I HATE MICE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am contemplating remarrying!

School was full. Kids are having difficulties getting ready for the holidays.  My stinker 4th hour was suspended from school for several days due to his antics in Piano Class YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! Not sure that will help much.  

Talked with Jeanine via email.  Life is hard at her workplace--lay offs.  Talked with Mark via text message (his birthday)--he is having a terrible time with morale.  Gosh! 

Orchestra concert was tonight and I didn't go back in.  Sometimes I just need to be nothing.

I've become addicted to NCIS.  I really like the program.

Did I mention the FANTASTIC dinner last night?  Cranberry brined turkey, cornbread and water chestnut stuffing, squash and great wine and conversation.  Life is good!!!

Well....laundry to do.

Gonna go wet my whistle with some apple cider.  Was on a lemonade kick but the lemonade is gone.

Hope you are enjoying the beautiful full moon--I AM!

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Brr......

Still chilly here. Had a great time at the Pioneer Hockey game Friday night.  Froze though.  I noted the hometeam (Saline) had heaters that worked while the visitors side, the heaters did not work.  Clever.  I have several students on the hockey team so it was fun to support.  Chelsea won 9-5.  One of my students, Chi, scored a hat trick.  He spent as much time in the penalty box as he did scoring goals.  He was sent in the first time for slamming an opponent in the head.  I told the Mom next to me he had perfected that move in my class. She said "what do you teach????" I said "piano".  ;-)  I figured on Monday I'll write a "congrats, Hat trick" on the board before he comes in. We have class 3rd hour.  2nd hour he should have received the lunch detention slip I filled out for him on Friday for disappearing before the end of class ;-)

I could be working on my lecture.  I am not enthused.  Renaissance Vocal Music.  Will present my "Columbus Song" for extra credit possibilites for students.  

The snow has stopped but it is still very chilly out there. I abandoned the car in the garage.  I hope she appreciates it.

Now that the frig is new and quiet I can hear the furnace struggling.  I had asked my handyman to look at it and he thought it was "okay"--called the furnace man (no return call) so will call again.  It makes a "swoooooooooshhhhhhhh" sound when it is trying to start up.

Didn't see the turkey yesterday. I figured he was at Jan and Marshall's watching the basketball game. GO BLUE!!!

Watching the PBS "Godfathers of the Renaissance" once again.  I really like that film.  The Medici's were such "interesting" (cut throat, loyal, godfathers, financiers, patrons of the arts) people.  I think of Jeanine and my trip to the Uffizi every time I watch it--those beautiful Botticelli's!  "Birth of Venus" "La Primavera"  ahhhhhh  Did you realize this was also the time of the "Bonfires of the Vanities" ?

Running to town errands. New Chelsea Market is a center of activity these days. I like the new owner, Francesca--she is from Cuba.  (well, a long time ago).  I'll pick up some meat for Gpa.

Hope you are all enjoying a great Sunday!

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Freezing!

Boy, it is chilly out! I was sitting in the car talking w Gpa on the phone and brr!!!!

I stuck around A2 tonight as the Huron High School has a concert tonight and I want to attend.

It's been a hectic week.  Monday I was still wiped out from staying up late and chatting with Emily Ann.  I went to bed with my lecture notes and fell asleep early.  The lecture went "okay"--probably would have been great with some rehearsal.  Tuesday night I performed at the Hospice Memorial Service at St Joe's. Marshall had used his snowblower to plow out the lower drive as his tractor battery gave up the ghost.  It was kind of him, because then I could get out to work.  The service was beautiful but when they started scrolling the names on the screen, their computer crashed before they got to the "G's".  I kept playing for another 8 minutes while they tried to fix it--didn't work.  So people stood in the audience and spoke their deceased loved ones name.  That was hard.  I came home pretty exhausted.  The crescent moon lit my path--pretty sweet!  (covered in clouds)--rather eerie.  Finally in with the harp, unloaded and asleep by 11pm.  Last night I fell asleep at 6:30.  I talked with Gpa and then just fell asleep.  I was awake at 10pm, thinking it was 2 or 3 in the morning--then tried to fall back to sleep.  My bed wouldn't cooperate--either it felt too hot, or too soft, or too hard--(sounds like a bear story) so I finally pulled all my covers down on the floor and slept on the floor.  That worked.

Kids are feeling pushed right now.  Interims are tomorrow and though given the opportunity, many dragged their toes toward either getting their work done or retaking playing tests to raise their scores.  I was surprised. Maybe it is the time of the year.  I realized I seemed more invested in their grade than they were--so I think they need to bump their noses.  Always interesting to me also that kids, though warned, shown, encouraged, badgered, will wait until the last minute (Wednesday this week) to try and turn around their 5 missing theory papers, quiz and 2 projects to fix it by "Friday".  Yep, I think they need to bump their nose this time.

Lecturing next week on Renaissance Vocal Music.  I would like to "not" drive in to Dearborn this Sunday (time time time) but Gpa is counting on me.  Though Denise returned from her Vegas trip last night, she went to Ben's then came home this morning and left 20 minutes later for A2.  She said she'll be back tomorrow evening so Ben can pick her up for the weekend.  Glad Emily drove Dad all around.  Gave him some (a lot of) companionship. On Tuesday they spent a chunk of the day at Greenfield Village/Henry Ford (Gpa used his wheelchair) and then they went to Miller's Bar for a hamburger.  They had a good time.  

Song and Dance lady just showed up at the library.  I think it might get quickly cheerful.

I think I'm too tired for cheerful ;-)  

Tonight's concert should be great.  Pioneer ALSO has a choir concert tonight, but I elected not to go. I've gone to their events before and they are not as good, boring, pacing off, etc.  I know the Huron group will be a professional concert.  Rick says this is his best choir ever!  Amazing--as he has been teaching 34 years.

I'll let you know what I think ;-)

In the meantime, Fa la la la la 

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