Voting Booth

I voted early this week at our local courthouse. It made me remember that the first time I ever voted was in a barn with a dirt floor. I remember the curtains for privacy were feed sacks. So this year I voted in a closet. We've come a long way, baby.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween. It will be a wild ride at school today. The kids are already eating their candy from trick or treat. And they are anticipating the fall party that we will have. Even my well behaved students are giddy with chocolate. You have heard of the expression, "Death by chocolate." Well, chocolate could be my death today without even eating a bite.

You're a Good Movie, Charlie Brown

Hubby picked up Toots, our granddaughter, after her preschool on Tuesday. She asked him to turn down the radio so that she could sing a song. She said it was called "Riding in the Back Seat with My Papa." So he did, and she did. He can't remember what it sounded like, but said it was original. Ha. Last night Toots came to our house to watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. She had only watched for about 5 minutes when she went over to the DVD stash to choose a better movie. She announced that she didn't like this movie. Can't imagine why. It was made in 1966 and used the best of technology at that time. It probably won't be long before none of the children will watch it.

Language

Capping hat is the name Toots uses for stocking cap. It takes a second to realize how she transposed it, but once you do, you can understand her perfectly.

Weiner Roast

Went to a wiener roast last night in the cold and the wind. My brother had built a big fire to help keep us warm and cook our supper. It was a lot of fun sitting and visiting with one another. As kids growing up, we spent many of time doing the same thing for our mid-day meal. We owned an apple orchard and were forever working in it. On the weekends we had to trim and cut limbs and burn the brush. So we had the opportunity to enjoy many wiener roasts. It never gets old or out of style.

I was looking up how many insect parts we eat in peanut butter and came across the book The Eat-A-Bug Cookbook. It was on amazon to be purchased. I read some to the reviews and laughed outloud at the first one. The author has cooked several of the dishes and his family loves them. His son is fond of crickets. He said it has opened a whole new world for them. But the best thing that it has done is he is no longer asked to bring food for a carry-in dinner at work. We had something similar happen when our children were in grade school. They showed goats in the 4-H fair. So one year we had one, the really mean one, ground up into sausage. For more than a year our kids would not eat anything I made that contained meat, unless it was chicken. I don't think they ever tasted how good that goat could really was, deep down, under her skin!

Overnight Guest

Our granddaughter spent the evening and the night with us last night. Hubby picked her up at day care. She hit the door talking as usual. She wanted to help me make home-made pizzas, but we did not have all the ingredients. So we went out to get pizza. We had a particular pizza restaurant in mind, but so did she. She wanted the one we do not like and tried to persuade her papa by saying he could get his from Pizza Hut and she could get hers from this Italian place. After we talked her out of that, we passed Little Caesars. Hey, you passed the pizza place!! She assured us that she liked that one better than Pizza Hut. I know, she is only 4! When we finally arrived at Pizza Hut, she did not eat any pizza, but had salad and breadsticks instead cause she doesn't like their pizza. Oh, no, I hear this little voice calling me and it is only 5:25 a.m. She's up and the fun begins.

Say It Isn't So

Hubby and I shop at a chain grocery store because of necessity. A reward is cents off on gasoline purchases. We have been known to rush up to make needed purchases just before month's end so that we can utilize the discount. Well, for a long time, we have noticed that the amount earned toward cents off has fluctuated. And not long ago we had enough for two fill-up discounts only to find out that they had been used. My inquires have been unsatisfactory in a solution. Yesterday my husband called the company headquarters and got the answer. Seems as if the company has linked two of our children to our account, even though they do not live with us and got their discount cards separately, all the numbers are different. We have all been earning points (us more than them), and they have been using the discounts at the pump. Go figure. Merry Christmas, son and daughter.

What's for Lunch?

One of my students is really into his 2 liter bottle made into an ecosystem. He has brought it to school several different times with several different insects within. Yesterday he had a salamander that grandpa had caught for him as well as insects and snails. While we were working, he let out a whoop. He was watching as the salamander ate one of the snails leaving the shell intact. Of course the students crowded around his desk to see, hoping it would eat or maybe not eat the other snail. How do you get back to work with that happening? You don't. That was a teachable moment in many ways. Glad we didn't have escargot on our menu for the school lunch! Wonder what creatures he will bring today?

Back to Work

I went back to work yesterday after being off for a week. I was excited about going back, but at lunch time was wishing I had more time off. The pain was pretty intense by then. But I made it. My room was a wreck. There were books and papers strewn all over the place. Even though I had been grading their work all along, I had tons of work to bring home. And when I sent home their mid-term grades, many of the students had several missing assignments. Those students that make the honor roll argued long and hard with me about the poor grades, with lots of excuses. Those students who barely pass looked for the missing work. Those students making all Fs didn't care. Unfortunately for those with the Fs, seems their parents don't care that much either.

Technical Difficulties

The cyclops lantern picture is coming to you soon. There are several of us working on it, but I don't know how to retrieve it from the source, and I am the ultimate closer on this deal. Perhaps when hubby arises, I will be able to accomplish the task.

Cyclop 'o Lantern

Toots drew the face on her pumpkin all by herself. She didn't quite get the concept of two eyes, one nose, and a large mouth. Guess the finished project could qualify for a cyclops pumpkin.

Election Anticipation

Now why did he come out and endorse a candidate? Why did he wait until so close to the elections? Why is his endorsement suppose to influence my vote? Did he forget his military service? Does he know something we don't know? Is he hoping for an appointment to a high-level office? Do I really care?

Change in Temps

BRRRRRR! We woke up to temperatures below 40 degrees. I'm not ready for that. I'm not ready for winter. So sorry I complained about it being too hot. And so sorry I complained about sweating. Please bring back the heat!

Visiting with the Family

We had a great evening last night visiting with hubby's sister and husband from Michigan. They stopped in on their way to their winter home in Florida. We had a chance to catch up on all the news on both sides of the family, share pictures, stories, and such. Wish we had more time to share before they head south. The three of our children were able to make it in to see them. Don't know how long it has been since we have all been together, perhaps 5 years ago at grandma's funeral. Life is too short in some ways.

Meals for the Sick

My husband, granddaughter Toots, and I were enjoying a delicious homecooked meal that was prepared for us because of my accident. Hubby explained why we had the meal. Then he teasingly said that if he gets hurt, we will get more food. So Toots added that she could also get hurt, and we would have even more food. We all laughed, but quickly explained that no one else needs or wants to get hurt. I think the chewy brownies didn't help convience her to stay safe. Maybe if we have brussel sprouts tonight...

Update

Ok, I'm feeling better/worse. Confused? I'm feeling pain in areas that I didn't know that I hurt. For the most part, the broken rib pain has subsided unless I cough or sneeze or hiccup or move the wrong way or lift my right arm or move the arm backwards or bend over or twist either way. Really, it doesn't hurt as much. I just have to remember not to move the wrong way, lift my arm, move the arm backwards, twist or bend over, and stiffle the cough, sneeze, and hiccups. IF I can manage that, I feel great!

Pain in the Street

As I was walking from the school parking lot to the main building yesterday, I had an accident. I stepped on something, turned my ankle and went flying down the slanted driveway. I landed full-force on my right side, in the street. The pain was excruciating. So I'm there in the street, screaming, pitch black, no one hears or comes. Then I saw a car coming up the street (it's a one-way street.) I'm hoping for help. The car stopped right beside me and rolled down the window. It was my principal. She seemed confused and asked why I was sitting in the street. Later on I found out that she could barely see me in the dark. Long story short, I was transported by ambulance to the local hospital. It was deteremined that I have a rib broken all the way through, and it has slid back over itself, overlapping by an inch each side. It is so painful, but the treatment is pain medicines and rest. I am off school till next week. And all because I stepped on a rock or stick in the dark.

Let's Go Shopping

Happy Columbus Day! Many of you will have the day off, especially if you are a government worker. Well, I also have the day off because I have gone to 6 hours of inservice after school hours. I could go to the Covered Bridge Festival, along with 3 million other people. But instead, a friend and I are going shopping for Fall clothes for us. Betsy and I have similar tastes and could buy for each other, no doubts or questions. So, it is always fun to go shopping with her. Sure beats fighting the traffic and the crowds at the festival. Besides, who needs more trinkets?

Happy Birthday, Toots!

It's finally here! Toots is 4 years old today. She is so excited. She has worked her news into to conversations for weeks. Just yesterday at the band contest, someone asked if she had been to her favorite restaurant to which she didn't quite answer the question but replied, "Well, actually, it is my birthday tomorrow." And of course she thinks everyone should be at her birthday party. I hope those she invited off the street didn't take her seriously or hope they don't know where the party is happening. Ha!

Ups and Downs

Have you ever had something hurt you emotionally while also making you very happy? I'm experiencing that at the present. I'm unable to go into detail, but suffice it to say that my emotions are on a roller coaster.

To the Festival!

Have you ever heard of the Covered Bridge Festival? It begins its 10 day run today. We locals are able to avoid the major traffic backups for the most part, but at times our paths must cross one of the major thoroughfares to the festivities. We have to be creative in our thinking. We must plan ahead, think clearly or else be forever stuck in the line that goes nowhere. Sounds a little like life, when life gets so busy and jammed.

The Dreaded Parent/Teacher Conferences

Well, I have just completed 21 parent/teacher conferences in six and one-half hours with 100% attendance! That is the best percentage I have ever had at conferences. No, I did not promise the parents any item nor a good grade. They came because they are interested in their children's education. I walked to my car, patting myself on the back for a job well-done, sat behind the wheel, glanced in the mirror only to find a small, white, crusty alien protruding from the left nasal cavity. Had that been there for all 21 of the conferences? Would anyone have told me if they did see it? At least I didn't retrieve the item and snack on it like the children so enjoy doing. If word gets out about this, I'll have 100% attendance at every conference.

We're Going

We were sitting at our favorite restaurant the other evening, eating and discussing what all we were doing. My daughter told Toots that on Friday, Mommy, Daddy, and Toots are going to the Covered Bridge. Toots was so excited. She turned to her Papa and repeated the announcement. Papa asked, "Toots what is a Covered Bridge?" Puzzled, Toots looked at her mommy, looked back at Papa and calmly stated, "I don't know." But then, she didn't care what it is or what it is called, she is going!! Such enthusiasm.

In Times of Pain

Pastor Bob came to my school today to meet with us and help with the healing process. He did an awesome job with the group who is in such pain from the sudden loss of a husband, sister, grandbaby, friend, or a relative diagnosised with cancer. We are a close staff so when one hurts, we all hurt. Thanks, Bob.

Sleep Disturbances by Noisy Birds

I'm arising, groggy, unrested this morning, even though I slept till 7:00. It all started at 1:00 a.m. I heard that distinctive chirp of an unwelcomed bird, a smoke detector. Ugh! Hubby's gone on a road trip leaving me to deal with it. Okay, the chirps are far between, I'll just leave it alone. After all, the ceilings are over 10 feet 6 inches high in our house. I'll never be able to reach the smoke detector. But, oh no, there goes that chirp again, and I think it could be louder. I drag myself out of bed, stand poised in the living room to listen to determine is it the one in the living room, or on the stairwell. As I waited an eternity, it finally chirped again. Sounded like the stairwell one, so I attack it and remove the battery. As I crawled back into my now cold bed, I smile, satisfied that I have taken care of the problem only to hear the chirp sound again! Must have been the living room one. To muffle the sound, I close my bedroom door hoping to quiet it enough to allow me to sleep. I have a big day ahead of me Sunday. It has to be getting louder and faster. I can't stand it one chirp longer as I get out of bed again, dig out the large step-ladder, position it below the smoke detector in the living room and decide to use the plastic tongs from the toaster to reach that last foot. By stretching I am able to spring open the trap door. But maybe I should attempt to remove the battery. Yeah, with a little more of a stretch I was able to separate the battery. I'm tired, groggy, and decide to just deal with putting the ladder away much later or even letting hubby fix the smoke detector before putting it away. I crawl back into bed, happy that I had finally taken action, finally dismantled the stupid bird, when CHIRP! It has to be the one in our bedroom! I roll out of bed, stomp in for the ladder and repeat the process one more time. I'm so mad it is a wonder that I didn't dismantle the whole gadget this time. Success! I've killed the right bird this time. But alas, it is 4:30 now, and I am wide-awake. I toss and turn, telling myself I can go back to sleep, I need to go back to sleep, stop thinking and go back to sleep. Well, I must have until awakened at 7:00 by a phone call from hubby to check in with me. I was sure that noise could not be another smoke detector because all of them downstairs had been stripped of their voices. Oh, well, it is time to get up to begin my long, busy day. My only solace will be if two or three of the detectors were chirping last night and not just the stupid one just 6 feet over and 10 feet up.

Writing Again

Did you know that if you have an ink pen that will not write, and the pen is not empty, you can get the ink flowing? Light a match, hold the METAL tip under the flame for a few seconds. Blow out the match, dip the burned match in water, and throw it away. Now try to write with you pen. If it doesn't work, retry the match procedure, try the pen again. If the pen does not work now, throw the pen away! Caution--do not try this on a plastic tipped pen. No pen is work starting a fire.

Two Lilies on the Pond

Our pond had two kinds of lilies, one white that has bloomed often this fall, and one pink that has just put on its second bloom. Both are very pretty but very fleeting. The blooms open up during the day, close at night, sink down in the water, then repeat the process again the next day. The blooms continue this same process for 3, hopefully 4 days, then close and slowly submerge into the water to rot away. If I am extra busy (and who isn't at the start of school) I don't always get out to view the pond, so I have missed several of the blooms. Oh, well, there is always next year. That is if I remember to go out to the pond.

Hair-Care Product Confusion

There must be millions of people who wear glasses or contacts to correct vision. So why is it that hair-care products such as shampoo and conditioner are produced in similar packaging with only a variation in color? I do not wear my glasses in the shower. So how can I read the much-too-small print that identifies the bottle as shampoo or conditioner? Must I remember that the lighter color is the conditioner or is it really the shampoo? Must I squirt out a small amount and use the scientific method to determine which product is which? Must I reserve a place in the shower for the shampoo and a completely different one for the conditioner? I believe I will begin a campaigne to the companies who evidently do not have this problem in the shower with their hair-care products. Print a large S on shampoo and a large C on the conditioner. We who cannot read in the shower would be so thankful.

Cat Has My Voice

I went to school today with a bit of a squeaky voice that wasn't hitting on all syllables. As the morning progressed, it hit on fewer syllables until it was inaudible. Since lunch I have been unable to talk but more than a noiseless whisper. My voice box hurts and feels swollen and I have an appointment to visit the doctor tomorrow. I would love to be able to report that the students were so well-behaved. NOT! Most of them took advantage of me as if I were a substitute in their room. Needless to say, I am not happy. I decided that I would not try to teach tomorrow without a voice and was able to get a sub. Hope he puts the hammer down on them at every opportunity. Then they will be so happy to have me back with or without a voice.

Death in an Instant

It has happened again. One of our staff members has lost a loved one in a violant vehicular accident. It happened so quickly, as accidents do. The loved one has been taken away without a chance to say goodbye. Makes one think about how we live our lives or more importantly, how we should live our lives. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Zona. May they find peace and comfort in Your loving hand.