Empty Playground

I had to return to school today to sort some papers, file, and cover bookshelves. In years past several of the students would be out on the playground having fun on the equipment. But not today because it was 92 degrees by 1:00. I would assume that the kids are all inside their air-conditioned homes, watching tv, and eating junk food. Such is life on summer break.

The Da Vinci Code

Our minister from our current preaching team preached on The Da Vinci Code yesterday. I must admit that I do not know much about it, and furthermore, do not want to read it, see it, or know any more than I do. Well, since I was interpreting the sermon at church, I had to pay close attention to the sermon. Doug, the minister, is a high energy guy and took off on the topic as if he were in the 500 race. Fortunately for me, he had his main points displayed on the screen in front for all to see. I know I can't remember all of them, but will share one or two. The book is fiction. Although it states it is researched thoroughly, the research sources are not true. I can't remember now what he said! The whole point of his sermon is that should I encounter someone who is interested in The Da Vinci Code as truth, I can tell him or her that the truth is in the Holy Bible.

First Day of Vacation

Yesterday was my first full day of vacation. Yeah! I spent the day with one of my daughters and with my sister-in-law. We went shopping in a nearby city. Our plan was to hit about 6 places and then the mall. But after our success at the first store and the limited space in the vehicle to carry all our purchases, we decided to eat and come home. On the way home we managed to stop at two more places and added to the overloaded Vue. But the best part of the day was the fun we had with each other. Laughing, joking, ribbing one another, and overall joy because my sister-in-law and I are on vacation!

How Much Is That Kitty in the Window

As I work on the computer this morning, my cat is perched on top of the two-drawer filing cabinet with his face plastered to the screen of the opened window. The chirping of the birds drive him nuts. He soon begins chirping back at them as some cats are known to do. If ever a bird dive-bombs near his window, he'll burst through the screen for his meal.

Up Early

On my last day of school, teacher work-day, I'm up at 3:30 a.m. Could I be excited about wrapping it all up? Could I have so much on my mind that I find it difficult to sleep? Am I too hot since it has warmed up? Is The Dad snoring too loudly? Did I drink caffeinated tea too late in the evening? Is the cat screaming to be fed? YES, yes, and yes!

Where to Vacation

The Dad and I are trying to plan a summer vacation for just the two of us. We haven't been on vacation for a number of years, so we are out of practice. We are checking out sites, but have not decided on any. Where should it be--Niagara Falls, Arizona, New England, Gettysburg, The North West states, Hawaii, Alaska, London? All are viable options, we just need to decide. Any suggestions?

School's Out for Summer

Yippee! Did you hear the screaming at 2:40 today? That was the students as they left the building. The screams you heard at 2:41 were from the teachers;)

Field Day

We had a marvelous time at school today. My students competed against the other fourth graders in the annual field day. Remember when you did that? Sprints, softball throw, fling-it, sack race, three-leg sack race, relay, and cross-country events were fun for all. Since my skin is sensitive to the sun, I wore sunblock. But my face looks like a pitted red tomato anyway. Oh, well, it will fade with time, but the memories will last a lifetime.

I Know This Person Who...

I know someone who is very politically correct in everything. She has chided me on more than one occasion for using the word Mexican when she says it should be Hispanic. She has also chided my husband on many occasions saying he cannot or should not say something in a certain way. SOOOOO, my eyes about popped out of my head when I read something she wrote where she was not politically correct, or even nice. Say it isn't so! Say you were too tired and crabby! Say it polically correct!

Poor Thing

Waited several hours to watch the running of the Preakness this afternoon. With great anticipation and allegiance to my favorite, the race was about to begin when Barbaro broke through the gate with a false start. I hated to hear the announcers with their gloom and doom comments about what this could mean to the race. Then, they were off. Not even past the main stands, Barbaro pulled up with a serious injury. The remainder of the race was insignificant at this point, my favorite was out. Watching the people attend the injured horse was difficult. I couldn't believe I had that lump in my throat and a tear in my eye, just as if the horse were a person. I get this ability to be emotional from my mother. When dad and she were first married and with little money, he used to take her to the airport for entertainment. (Now that was back in the early forties.) She would cry right along with the others as they watched a loved one get on the plane. And she didn't know them at all. I used to make fun of her for weeping so easily. Not a good idea, because I have definitely inherited the flowing tears.

Oh Happy Day

Couldn't believe my Mother's Day gift from my husband and grown children. I was hoping to get a large coffee mug and a few plants for my garden. But, when H opened the back hatch of her Vue, there it was, an outdoor firepit encased in stone. (That feature will be important with the granddaughter running around.) I was totally impressed. Thanks for remembering me, family.

Happy Mother's Day

This is the day to honor all Mothers, especially yours. If you haven't done so yet, let your mother know how much you wish her a Happy Mother's Day. If you are reading this after the day, it is not too late to call her. And while you are at it, remember to wish another person who had influence on your life a Happy Mother's Day.

You Mean You Don't KNOW How to Do That?

Have you ever had to ask for help to do a task that is not as familiar to you as to the person you are asking? That's right. If you knew how to do it, you wouldn't be asking. And if you need to ask, you need to ask someone who knows what he or she is doing. Soooo, why is it that the person who was asked to help you says something like this? "You mean you don't KNOW how to do that? It's so EASY. I've KNOWN how to do that since..." Now I could come back at them and say that I KNOW how to do many things that he or she may never KNOW how to do in two life-times. But, I don't. I just smile outwardly. Oh, and have you ever had that person respond to you with THAT look of indignation? Me too.

Frog Strangler

Sitting here with the window open for the cat, I hear it raining, still! Makes me think of sayings and songs about frogs and rain. Do you know the one that goes like this? It ain't gonna rain no more, no more It ain't gonna rain no more, How in the heck can I wash my neck, If it ain't gonna rain no more. Another verse talks about a frog sitting on the lilly pad. A saying about lots of rain is that of a frog strangler. I have also heard it said that it's raining cats and dogs. Okay, the cat is purring so he either he sees a frog out there or perhaps another cat just rained down.

Send a Card to Someone Today

I just finished signing and addressing cards of encouragement and Mother's Day cards. It is one of my ministries to send cards. I am encouraging each of you who read this to send a card to someone who needs encouragement. Also, while you are at it, send a card to your Mother, a relative or friend in honor of the day. You will both (receiver and giver of the card) be blessed.

Fourth Grade Field Trip

Apparently it doesn't take much to impress fourth graders. Recently we took our field trip to Billie Creek Village, a town set in the mid-1800s. As we were crossing the covered bridge to enter the village, one of my students remarked that this was the best field trip he had ever been on. Wonder if he counted the 35 minutes on the bus to this place, where he had to sit with me due to behavior issues. It was a good day. No one was lost, hurt, or fought. Wait, that's not true. We forgot to tell them "no guns" could be purchased at the general store. Too late. About every boy bought a wooden pistol/rifle/double barrel shotgun or saber and proceeded to battle. Most did an excellent job of faking, but one or two actually used the saber. And the bus drivers that transport them home at the end of the day were not very pleased. Oh, well, the boys could have done the same thing with sticks, but it would not have been as fun nor realistic.