Sitting on Joy

It's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged. This last weekend my children, sans SIL, came to visit. It was their first time to see my abode here in OH. We actually had room for a little privacy without tripping over each other and all our belongings constantly!

I laughed as they unpacked and plugged in....laptops, cell phone chargers, digicameras. I live such a simple life! It is both exciting and sad as I find them in my lifespace again. I feel more a part of 'what's happening', yet sad that I am not usually in that mainstream....sort of off on a tributary.

We enjoyed each other's company and I watched as they took part in a friend's wedding ceremony. My children. My grown up adults.....still my children. I ache when they ache, I cry when they cry, I laugh when they laugh and feel joy at their successes that only a mother understands. I fear for them, never wanting them to hurt, be ill, have sorrows. They are part of my flesh and blood, my soul. Yes, even my DIL and SIL. They have become part of me, too, because they are such integral, intimate parts of my flesh and blood children.

And I have been sitting on monumental news for two days, not knowing exactly what to do with it. Should I share it? Should I hug it close to my heart safely, quietly, as a mother bird protects her eggs or as a mother hen hides her chicks under her wings?

So, slowly I began to share it. I called my two closest friends in River City and let them know. They were thrilled.

I am going to be a grandmother!

I question how I can let my own 'mother fears' go and be joyously happy, positive and yet honest to share what I know about the process. I want to be supportive, to be able to share experience and give advice only when wanted, to not interfere, yet be there in the midst of the joy and happenings.

I was shocked when I was first told. Now, as I write this, my eyes fill with tears. Cliche: circle of life. What a wild journey life is. After all these years of wondering why I was born, perhaps I know now and I am grateful.

Thanks, kids, for being you.

Can't Help it: One more Nature Walk

Walking is my meditation, my joy, my freedom, my brainstorming time. Today I walked in the brilliant sunshine, with temperature in the upper 40's.

It's early spring....may I dare say it?
Early lavendar crocuses
More ducks than ever,
Ruddy ducks,
Mallards,
Pintail duck (perhaps)
Northern Shoveler (perhaps)
Kingfisher is back!
Sea Gulls of at least 2 varieties
Buffleheads
Great Blue Herons
Flicker
And, of course, Robins

And that's just what I could identify. The tide was out and the birds were foraging along the multitude of barnacles, mussels and clams in the sand and on the rocks.

Even the beach rocks were brilliantly dazzling in the sun. Dried off at home, they are less than brilliant, but I'll add them to my collection; some from OH.

Children on skates.
Dads swinging with their children.
Moms holding toddlers.
Happy laughter.
Baggy, dropped-trousered teen boys trying to bar-b-que.
Teen girls strutting in short skirts. (Brrr)
A football being tossed
Dogs trying to break free from their leashes to R U N!
Spring!

Faith.

I guess its my age, but I go through periods of reflection and have been thinking a lot about faith recently. Faith in my life is a result of the experiences I've had with God. The results add up to show that He has guided and protected my life; and I use that to know, that beyond this life on earth, there is life eternal. A perfect life without its ugly side, if I daily choose to live on God's side of this cosmic war.

I don't really know where or when I started building faith. At my mother's death, a lady came to me to relay that she had picked me up and taken me to Sabbath school when I was small. I do remember being in the children's kindergarten department. I don't remember my mother accompanying me. But I remember I liked being there.

Fast forward: Vacation Bible School was a summer highlight for my sister and I. I looked forward to it. Sometimes my mother helped out.

In sixth grade, my best friend asked me to come to her church with her...the Episcopal church. I liked singing in their choir (they wore those white capes with big black bows). They had a marvelous play of Jesus' birth in which all the kids got to play a part and then a party afterward. I remember loving to be in the play, but never getting to be the angel Gabriel. I remember receiving what my heart desired at the party afterward...a gumball machine! We used the same penny over and over to get at the gumballs! I remember my bitter embarrassment and 'shame' when I took part in communion when I was not supposed to, as I was not baptized and 'confirmed'. All the adults were whispering about my 'sin.' I stopped going.

I attended my own church once in awhile and as a teen, began to help with VBS in the summers. Mom, even though she was a 'stay at home mom' didn't take me anywhere, I walked. It was a small town; it was great.

When I was a freshman in high school I was invited to join the 'International Order of Rainbow for Girls' (I didn't know my church forbade joining secret organizations), so I did. Part of the initiation ritual ceremony was to promise to "Seek a religion that sought to enlighten rather than to enslave". That thought really hit home. By this time, I'd visited plenty of churches in town with my friends. Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Church of Christ, and we lived right behind the Latter Day Saints (Morman) church, so I saw their comings and goings. I really couldn't understand a lot of what was taught in those other churches and never felt very welcomed.

Now, granted, I sometimes dreaded going to the grocery store, as I often ran into one of my church's children's teachers there who always prompted me to come to church. I didn't like her, but she kept me thinking, anyway!

At home, on weekends, dad worked till noon, or sometimes all day on Saturday. Sunday was his day off, but never really did anything with his family. He worked in the yard, puttered in his tool shop, always doing/making something to make life better for us. He was grouchy, cussed constantly, and seemed miserable. I tried to stay away from him most times.

Sometimes he wanted us all to go camping on the weekends and that was fun. He expected my mom to have Everything packed and ready to go when he came home at noon on Saturday so he could pack the car or jeep and we'd be off to the mountains. This was no fluffy camping trip like so many have now. This was in a WWII jeep, canvas tent, sleeping bags, food cooked over a campfire. Bathroom facilities were hiding behind a tree somewhere. We were very 'elite' when we purchased a campstove and folding table on which to assemble meals!

Anyway, part of my youthful rebellion was to go to church Saturday mornings and not help Mom pack to go camping. She never asked me to help her. I think she clung to the bits of faith she had and wanted me to have some to help get me through life. Those words of 'enlightening rather than enslaving' were still rolling around in my mind. Now those of you who have been SDA's all your life may look at this and shudder, but my family was very controlling and restrictive and confining. School was my outlet, my place of refuge, though I was not popular, had only a few friends, but did well academically and rallied in that. I'd early on decided no one, not even my dad, could take away my thoughts.

Through that time, I became more and more of a regular church goer. I was fortunate to have two adults who taught the youth bible lesson to inspire me during those years. One was a retired teacher and one was a doctor in town. They showed me the truths of the Bible, and Jesus. He became a real part of my life.

I decided not to attend Friday night school ball games and activities with my friends because the Sabbath I decided to celebrate began at sundown Friday evening. I stayed home in my bedroom, actually reading parts of the Bible. My dad would come into my bedroom, turn on my radio to the school game, tell me the scores, then leave. I'd turn off the radio and go back to reading. He did this 3 or 4 times during these times of quiet I tried to make for myself. He never understood why I was the way I was. Part of it was teenage rebellion. Part of it was my finding a better way, an escape from the anger and rage at home and the social rejection I received at school. So church and academics became more and more important to me. As I learned my talents and strengths I did have opportunity to be a leader. In Rainbow, I became the 'president' of our group and with good adult tutelage, did a good job. I made more friends at school, until I was included in the 'seconds' popular group...thanks to my best friends for helping me get in with them. We had good, wholesome fun, didn't date much. I still went to church and tried to get in with the few youth there, but they were a clique unto themselves.

When college time came, I wanted to go away to a church college, but my parents would not hear of it. I was to attend the local community college. My dad wanted me to live in the dorm. I dreaded that, as I didn't drink, smoke or carouse and didn't like those activities. I'd been around enough of it. When it came down to the time to apply, the dorm was already full and I lived with my dear aunt who attends my church. With a $1000 scholarship, I was able to pay her a monthly stipend for living there and all my books and tuition. There just happened to be several kids my age from my church going to the community college that year, as well. There were wonderful youth leaders in the church. I had an absolutely marvelous year and grew in faith. It was faith that got me to live with my aunt. We were all praying about it (my aunt and I). My aunt had originally offered to have me stay with her, but my dad, in his more than colorful language said no...over his dead body! Well, my mom was even scared to tell my dad there was 'No room in the dorm". But dad relented without much say. It was the first answer to prayers of that year. There were many more that followed.

At the end of that year, I wanted, more than ever, to attend one of our church's colleges. I applied to three that were each about 1000 miles from home, but in different parts of the country. One in CA, one in WA, and one in NE. I bargained with God, that the first one I heard from that accepted and had a job for me would be the one I'd attend. Well I did hear from NE first, but their paperwork was so difficult, I took the second one in WA. (I often wonder how my life might have been different if I'd attended NE.) Then, I didn't know how I'd get there. I'm not into hitchhiking, but I knew my dad wouldn't take me either, as he was very gruff about my attending anything having to do with religion. So, I wrote my parents and told them that if they wouldn't take me, that I would find my own way (secretly I knew that one of the friends I'd made that year in church was going back and I could ride with him). After much prayer and tears and worry on my part, my parents said they'd gladly take me.....I definitely think it was an answer to prayer as dad was so adamant about my not going to a church sponsored college! Faith, growing again! They took a 2 week vacation to bring me to the NW. Amazing, huh. Of course, I wasn't very nice, as they stopped at every little road sign. This was the third vacation my family had ever taken. Our 'vacations' were weekends camping.

Attending college in WA was amazing as I learned more about my church, its history and basis for its faith. I thrilled to listen to such a large congregation sing hymns together, to sing glorious songs in the choir, to be inspired by good speakers. To have Christ included in nearly all my classes. To have Christian concern for my welfare. I felt safe, I felt happy. I felt in control of my own destiny. God was answering my prayers and bringing me to Him.

Now don't think I didn't make stupid decisions as time went on, or that it was all perfect there. It wasn't. For example, my first roommate had an affair with the Spanish teacher and when I arrived back at school after Christmas vacation, she had moved me out of 'our' room and left all my belongings in the hallway.

I had come from a very controlled family to a very controlled college environment. From there I went into a pretty controlling marriage. I didn't really start making a lot of my own life decisions until I divorced......another chapter with its own pluses and minuses.

But God still leads me, still reminds me I am His. I believe He is preparing a home for me and all I have to do is make it through this life to make it to Him. I have two children whose very presence has helped me grow into a better adult with more faith. Without my precious two children (who are so grown up now!) my priorities would most likely have been very, very selfish and my faith would be lost. Sometimes I worry that my faith is shrinking even now, but then God brings himself close to me and shows me I am still His.

Through previous experience with Him, I know that when I feel most alone here on earth, He is with me to help me through to the next moment in time, wiser and more full of hope and Faith. Do you have a history of Faith? Are you making one now?

Saturday

Today was one of those days I managed to get up, wander to the sofa with a book, eat, and then nap, read and eat again. At 4 p.m. I am finally up and feeling energetic, but what to do? Don't want to do laundry, clean house. It's too late to take a walk, though today was sunny and windy and probably a good day to walk. For some reason this week exhausted me. There was nothing unusual about it, really.

I committed myself to providing lunch for my two assistants on Monday and now I am panicking as to what to make. One assistant said the thing she likes least is pizza... Of course that was the first thing I thought of providing! I want to make them something they'll enjoy, but I don't think they'd like any of the vegan dishes I make. Remember awhile back I talked about our pot luck where nearly every single dish had sausage on/in it? Well, I don't think my vegie sausage would be appreciated! So, does anyone have any ideas for me?

I think buying them lunch would probably be cheaper than buying a bunch of ingredients I don't usually buy...at the end of the month when my grocery money is very slim.......ahem, was I just stupid, or what? Duh.

I've been glancing at my other favorite blogs and I think those people have dropped off the face of the earth, as it has been WEEKS since they've made entries. Come on folks, put yourself Out There!

Doc Hollywood

I don't know why i enjoy this movie, but I do! Over and over....and that's saying something, because I don't have many movies I would watch as reruns!

More January Pictures

Heron on post keeping his (her?) feet dry


Kiddie pool covered in ice and snow

Boredom Abated

I always wonder what to title my posts. I'm not good at being witty. Last night I was so bored, I went to Walmart (laugh here) and bought 3 $5.50 DVDs and one I found for a buck. Then I came home and watched one. Felt the boredom lifting. Buying DVDs just seems like such a luxury to me, but as my dear son said, "It's better to buy the cheap DVDs that to rent them because I end up paying late fees, too." Well, I often have had to do that, so I went with his philosophy. The buck one is entitled, "A Place to Grow" starring Wilford Brimley...okay, okay. It had the main theme of the farmers losing their farms to big business...of course the love story was interwoven into the main theme. The $5 ones were "Little Women" with Susan Saradon, "Fly Away Home," the story about the father and daughter who used their gliders to help some Canadian geese migrate south. I have seen the film before and it's a good one about preservation of our nature reserves. Then the last one is "The Adventures of Milo and Otis." I can hear you all laughing now, saying things like, what a wus (I don't even know how to spell that one: I even checked my dictionary!)! But the films are just right for escapism. Isn't that what movies are for?

Today the sun, the sun, the sun!!!!!!!!!! My main goal was to get out there in it, no matter how cold! I waited till 1 p.m. and took about a 1 1/2 hour walk along the beach front. It was W o n d e r f u l! Many townspeople were there also. Temperature registered at 32 degrees F. There was also the middle schooler with only his t-shirt and jeans, skin bright red from the cold. Dumb kid. Obviously his parents never taught him hot/cold or how to care for himself. When I got home, I picked up my camera and drove back to the beach to take some pictures, so there will be evidence that one week beyond the snowstorm, there is still snow!



Birds standing on ICE!

January Blahs

Okay, I've run out of things to blog about; the weather continues to repeat itself, my workdays repeat themselves, even my cold seems to repeat itself. All things continue as they are. I suppose there is some security to that. It is also boring. Think I'll take another nap.

Back to Work

Whew! I am finally feeling well again and returned to work today. Took two days off previously. Am glad I did, as I wouldn't have had the energy to last the whole day today! One of my assistants was gone this afternoon and her sub never showed. Ugh. We managed; mostly 'babysitting'.

And guess what? THIRD SNOWSTORM for the season! Can you believe it? My DIL and son wanted snow for the 3 years they lived here. The temperatures have dropped and I can tell from the temperature of my apartment that it is really, really cold outside. The half melted snow on the roads should be freezing by now. It is below 30 degrees F. Brrrrrrrrr and double Brrrr. Even Lilo is chasing around the house to stay warm.

Makes me wonder whether we'll have school tomorrow. If the buses can't run on the ice............
This afternoon the principal told all teachers to go home right after classes were out and the after-school meetings were cancelled. Heh, heh. This is a strangely good week. Smile.

Time to snuggle down under the comforter and quilt.

Shakey Weekend

My brain is fuzzy. I had such a headache yesterday, I chucked church and went to the doc instead. Sinuses! I got the usual antibiotics and nasal spray. The antibiotics are really working on me today and I feel shakey and weak. Down for the count. Not going to work tomorrow. Lots of couch potato-ness naps and liquids to get the meds through me. Ugh.

Now you remember I have been on antibiotics already for the rosacea? Had to stop those to take this new one. What a rat race. I try to avoid it and have for many years, but this year it hit me. I try to live a healthy lifestyle (though I'm addicted to sugar goods). But life is life.

Yesterday the sun came out long enough for me to take a walk; now it is stormy again. Sigh.

I think I'm going to drag myself to the classroom and make a list of things for my assistants to do tomorrow. It is their day to plan and do projects. I've made it as far as the computer...which is beside the door. Do you think I'll make it?


Time for another nap.

The New Year with a glimpse back

I've been home for four days now and made it through the first week of work in the new year. I really enjoyed my time in Memphis and had only a few minor delays in air travel (I went through Phoenix and BOY! am I glad!) By the time I got home, my cold had just about abated. Sorry, if I infected the Memphis clan :o( Tonight I have this vague feeling I'm getting a second stage of it.....or maybe the Memphis version?

I've given up worrying about the weather...can you believe it? It's true! We are having another howler storm tonight and I am actually running in and out of the apartment doing laundry. Yes, I live in a 'communal laundry' facility. Not that I like it, but my washing machine is being stored nicely until I move and can hook it up again!

My teaching assistant asked me what New Year's Resolutions I'd made. Frankly, for the first time in my life, I think, I hadn't even thought about resolutions. I never follow through, so why go to the bother of inflicting a guilt trip? It was wonderful to realize I hadn't made any.....but then, she says, "I see you're taking data today. That must be your resolution." Well, it wasn't, but pshaw! Now I feel guilty if I don't take data every few minutes! Oh, sly, she is!

Lilo was so glad to see me when I returned, that she laid on a pillow right by my head and purred all night, occasionally reaching out with a soft paw and patting my face to be sure it was really me! It was pretty cute, but really hard to stay asleep! She has learned that to go outside, which she begs to do each morning and evening, she must wear her collar. As long as I put it on her outside, she stands quietly waiting for me to put it on her. When outside, she sits on the landing and watches the world. Once in awhile she goes up the stairs to the enclosed landing above mine (the apartment is empty, so I don't mind). If she starts to go off our steps downstairs, I call her back and she Comes! She, a cat, comes back! (And where is Dr. Seuss when I need him?) That's more than the children do in my classes! Maybe I should put collars on them?...Only when they are outside? :o)

I promised to post pictures so I'll start now. More will come later as I feel like posting.
Notice the sequence in the following and fill in the blanks:

Christmas in Memphis

Well, it certainly hasn't been as sunny and warm as I expected, but the sun did finally come out on the 26th and it has been in the upper 50's and low 60's and too warm to wear a sweater.

We had a delightful time visiting and opening gifts on Christmas, sleeping in, eating on our laps and opening presents between phone greetings from geographically scattered family. Then, after deciding not to go out for Chinese food as our Christmas dinner (the only place open) we rounded up all our resources and made a vegetarian meal out of the microwave. We had cashew patties, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, and steamed broccoli! You see, the kitchen is in the midst of major renovation and there was No kitchen! We had the microwave, the fridge, blender, food processer and a coffee maker.Our table was a piece of plywood across two sawhorses! It was just beig enough for the preparation and the finished dishes of food. So we did just Fine! Mmmmm!

We stayed up playing Scrabble one night. Christi and I scored neck and neck...then she won! Andy hung in there and played with us!

Then C and I went shopping till we dropped....it didn't take long. We were disgusted not to find, among the myriad of sale racks, specific items we wanted. Humph! And we had gift cards to spend!!!! We tried a second day, but just ran out of time and energy. Poor A was left to face the remodeling all alone, but we women couldn't really do anything to help at that point, but stay out of the way.

I walked around C&A's neighborhood and got a little of the 'feel' of the place. So many little square red or yellow brick or stone homes. (Oh, I found my way back, too, with the help of C's directions.)The soil here is yellow clay or yellow sand.

Days were spent alternately raving about how long this remodeling process was taking, working on the remodeling, taking pictures of the pup, and relaxing. It takes a lot of brain work to really figure out all the intricacies of the renovation. Besides, every time one job got under way, something else happened to side track the original job....like noting some water leaking through the wall near the washing machine, which had to be repaired while the studs were open.

Pup and I continue to get better acquainted. Today she is following me around while C&A really work tough on the cabinets. Finally pup has collapsed next to me on the couch...sleeping like the baby she is! When I return home, I'll post some of the cutest shots of her. What an adorable 'granddog'! I have fallen in love with her, even if she doesn't know how pesky she can be with her baby ways and sharp baby teeth!

Last night we walked up and down Beale Street. It's Liberty Bowl weekend and the place is crawling with fans. One of the teams (I confess, I don't keep up at all with all the football sports) is named the "Gamecocks"! Okay, what a horrible name for a college football team! Beale street was fun to see, listen to the streetside blues and see all the musical notes revering all the legendary music stars.

We drove across the Mississippi (which I really couldn't see because of the cement barriers on the sides of the bridge) and crossed over into Arkansas to go to the biggest Walmart, I've ever seen! We passed St. Jude's Hospital for Children (I didn't know it was in Memphis! duh), the U of Memphis where A attends and saw a few Christmas lights on the bigger mansions in town.

The whole city seems to have few skyscrapers, and buildings are made of red or yellow brick and wood. I think I've identified a southern yellow pine, but haven't seen any birds that were out of the ordinary. I'd like to ID a bunch of the other flora and fauna around. Maybe on my next visit.

C's sis and family are coming to visit tonight so we are rearranging to make room for them. This is a really cute, small home, and has a wonderful back yard with lots of gardening possibilities. I think they could have a big edible garden, plus flower garden and still have grass and play room. There is great space for a nice patio table with umbrella and lounge chairs.....I have a few ideas of my own for out there. There's the above ground swim pool as well! They even have room to build a garage on one side and...

I've decided there's room for a large motor home I can stay in for part of the year on the other side of the house in the back corner. (Hee, hee.)

More later, when I get back home and M-a-y-b-e have time to reflect and write.

Giddy

Yes, I'm feeling giddy! So happy! ONE, yes, only ONE more day of school until a whole week's break....and.......I'm flying away!!!!! To spend time with at least 1/2 my kids! Oh, what joy! Makes the week tolerable!

Plus, I've had a fun week. Started Saturday night with dinner and a concert with a new friend. It was good to leave the island. Concert itself wasn't outstanding; watching the people and trying to predict what their lives were like, was! It's an 'old' lady's game, I guess, but fun.....its a little like writing your own trashy novel!

Then, Monday we had a fun day with the staff get together.

I also found out that I'm at the top of the list to have my job again next year as the person who was on leave, resigned. My assistants have told me they Want me back.....I hope they are being truthful about that for good reasons. Guess I'm not much a believer.

I think I'll end up staying here next year. I'm sort of settling into this 'survival' thing, but this could be the giddiness speaking. After all, what else could happen? Earthquake? Sunami? Forest fire? Shudder. Maybe I should stop thinking so much.

Pimply Rash: beware!

Okay, I finally got to the dermatologist today. I was impressed with his professionalism; of course the proof is in the healing. He said that the cortisone creams I've used ever so faithfully have actually made me addicted. So I need to go on heavy antibiotics & creams to get off the steroid bandwagon. I never, ever thought I'd be addicted to that, of all things! He said the pimply rash will get worse before it gets better....in about 10, yes, TEN days, so those of you who will see me, just know it is NOT contagious, just ugly.

I got new facial moisturizer and would you believe it? The doc said I should use DOVE white bar soap for sensitive skin (the one with no scents or lanolin or anything else.) So, hey, its pretty cheap. I'll try it.

Life continues to swirl along. We had our preschool staff potluck and White Elephant gift exchange today. I got this wooden candelabra thing I'll pass along at the next one. That's what its all about, isn't it? ...If you do the Hokey, Pokey and you turn yourself around,.........

I passed along some Lilac candles that were just TOO scented for me, though lovely.

Later I want to share a couple of little poems that one of my assistants made up on the spot for some things we are doing in class. She is very talented!

Merry Christmas to C&E! Your packages were sent priority mail to you today. I hope you get them by Friday.

Hey, pray for good weather at the end of the week, so I can get to Memphis! Bad weather is once again predicted!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Mewwy Catmus!

Survival of the Fittest: Battery Operated

Another Storm! We did not have school on Friday, as there was no power over the entire island..again! Wind, sideways rain, and pop! There goes the power. I feel sorry for the power company workers; they suffer the brunt of it, working around the clock to restore power to so many homes. Throughout this time I've had many thoughts to blog, but I can't remember all of them now.

Thursday night I did dishes, did laundry and readied with candles and lanterns before going to bed. About 2 a.m. the power went out. I dozed off and on, waiting for my battery-operated alarm to go off. Finally, I just got up about 5 a.m. I got a call from the school phone tree about 5:30 a.m. that school was closed for the day...no power! It's about time they got smart! I tried calling the next person and my assistants but couldn't get through to anyone, of course. It seems very few people gave their cell phone numbers for the phone tree!

There was still hot water, so about 6:30 a.m. I took a shower (who knows when the next one would be?) I dressed in a couple of layers and put on a hood and scarf to keep my head warm. I've never had a cold head in my life until getting past menopause!

I had hot water prepared in a thermos for some hot tea and had cereal. Turning on my battery-operated radio to Christmas tunes, I wrapped gifts and got packages ready to mail. I checked my new portable DVD player so I could watch a movie.....the joke was on me. What I thought was the battery-pack...wasn't. So no movie watching! Today I can truly charge the battery! I was getting pretty antsy by noon. I attempted heating some soup, but my camp stove was too small for the sterno canned heat. I managed by holding the pan, propped up.

I decided to get warm by driving to town in my car. The wind was still blowing a good clip, but had calmed to a tolerable level. As I drove around town, ACE Hardware was open, so I stopped there, picking up a bigger 'casserole warmer" which fit the sterno heat can, another flashlight, a couple of emergency candles and more batteries. I picked up an ice block for my ice chest (to save food in the fridge) at the one local Market that was open for business. At both places, clerks accompanied customers around the store with flashlights. They also had the most asked-for items at the front of the store.

Then I went home, got those items ready for use, cleaned the wrapping mess a bit more. I decided to take a walk about
2:30 p.m., as the wind had calmed more, the sun was shining, and I figured it was the same temperature inside as out. So I walked a couple miles along the shore:

A Covey of Quail,
A large Flotilla of Buffleheads
A Robin's nest on the ground (which I saved for school!)
Waves 1 foot high in the little harbor
On the shore, lots of drift wood and trash thrown up by the sea

I walked along main street. I found one cafe open with hot coffee, hot chocolate and baked goods. It was warm inside, as they had a gas stove and had served breakfast foods earlier. So, I had some coffee and an apple tart. Strengthened with warmth and yummy treats, I walked back home, where I cleaned my bathroom (no batteries but arm power needed!), used a carpet sweeper and broom, changed the cat's litter box, lit the lanterns and candles. I settled down on the couch to read under a quilt with Lilo cuddled close.

After awhile, I heated some water for my thermos and had a cup of camomile tea. After that I was ready for bed, so hurriedly changed the outer layer of clothes and snuggled under three heavy blankets. Lilo pitty-pawed around the bed trying to find a warm spot to curl up. I finally picked her up and put her under the covers with me. (Several years ago I would have been aghast at the thought of doing this!...too much cat hair and cat germs!) She settled right down with purring and a sigh. So I knew that the house was COLD if even furry Lilo was cold! We stayed warm under the covers and I slept okay, just kept waking up to see if the power was on yet. Finally there it was! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh: about 3-4 a.m. House is warming again. The water should be hot for a shower now. Hey, and I can blow dry my hair!

For those of you wanting to leave comments, try again. I changed a couple settings. Maybe Beta isn't as good as they proclaimed.

Stupid, Stupid, Whining!

We had such a beautiful weekend, I can't believe we're back to high wind warnings. Okay, so today I decided to just deal with it and go about my normal business. I tried to ignore the trees bending over outside. Mondays are our 'office' days to plan curriculum, do paperwork. So I buried myself in that...easy to do. But my assistants kept whining. Stupid whining!

I have this horrible pimply rash all around my mouth that has increasingly been getting worse. My former dermatologist tells me it is allergies and adult acne....give me a break. I'm practically past 'adult' and into 'senile'! Anyway, I am out of the medication I use when I get these outbreaks and of course, there are no refills unless I visit his office....which is 250 miles away. So I made an appointment with a dr. here, in a town near here. There are only 2 dermatologists on the whole island, both in the same clinic. Some choice. After assurance they were 'good'...whatever that means... I was able to get in today..or January! So middle of the afternoon, off I went.

Wind Warning: 30-50 mph.
Gusts: 60-80 mph.

I was warned which part of the highway was most wind-prone. I made it fine, but noticed as I arrived in this town that their main stoplight was out. Oh well, I thought.

Lo and Behold! A cop pulls me over. My back license plate, which has not been attached to my car's lower bumper since Thanksgiving (because my once trusted mechanic in River City who put it on, did it wrong and it came off the day after it was put on.....thankfully as I stood right there shutting the trunk!, or I would have had to buy a new one..again!) The cop told me I should put it on ASAP because it isn't even legal in my back window. Okay, that is my plan I told him...and it really was!

Well, I couldn't find the doc's place, so I called them. I didn't want to be late....this rash is itchy, stings, burns and looks horrible! I feel itchy all over! It is quite uncomfortable! Well, the flippant young thing that answered the phone, said, "Oh, we're closed. We have no power." They couldn't call me? I did give them my number!

I said, "You don't need power to look at my face. What about a flashlight?"
"Sorry, the exam is all Visual and there's no power." (The sun was shining outside, by the way.) You can call back in the morning to reschedule."

She obviously had never lived without having "power" in her life.

I said, "So I can't even reschedule now?"

She, "No we have no power. My computer doesn't work."

Okay, my patience was really thin, here. And I said, "So, I can teach school, change diapers, and run groups with a flashlight, but you are closed?"

She, "Yes, we're closed. We have no power. It's a crazy world. Call in the morning to reschedule." (Still sounding flippant and irritated.)

Me, "Oh, crap!" (If only a cell phone could 'clunk" goodbye!)
Drive back to OH. Listen to Christmas Music, stay calm, stay calm, stay calm.

Wind: 30-50 mph. Gusts: 60-80 mph. High surf. Warning up until 4:00 a.m. tomorrow.


Scene Two:

I arrive back in OH and stop at Walmart....it's FRIENDLY, right? They'll surely fix my license plate!
Clerk at tire/care center: "Sorry, we don't provide that service, but if we aren't busy, we sometimes do extra things. Let me go see." She returns. "They are really busy. You could go see your car dealer."

Okay there's not one Honda dealer on the whole Island.

So, I think, I'll try Les Schwab. But before I get to that place, I go by the Ford Dealership and turn in. It's worth a try. I walk in and it smells like too many cigarettes accompanied by overflowing bathrooms. I stand around. Finally a woman comes over and asks who I'm looking for. I tell her my story. She goes to the parts/service counter and gets someone to help.
Thank goodness! I stand in the wind while the guy fixes my license plate...temporarily, anyway. It seems he didn't have the right sized screws to keep it secure. (Yes, I know there are comments that could be made here, but I'll forego them.) At least the license plate is on for awhile, at least.

I drop in a couple of toys in the"Toys for Tots" as a thank you. (I'd been carrying them around to do just that, just hadn't seen any of the crates.)

It's only 1 hour, 15 minutes since I left the office and I can make up the time finishing some of my paperwork. Oh how I'd like to go crash in my home, but I get the paperwork done for my meeting tomorrow.

I get home and Lilo thinks she has to be outside, sitting at the door or window, meowing pitifully. Stupid cat. Stupid day. Stupid weather. But all is well. Really. This rash is making me cranky!

Oh, did I tell you there was a beautiful rainbow arching over the doc's town? I think it was for that young soldier who was killed last week in Iraq. He was from that town.

Stupid President.
Stupid Sea Tac
Stupid World
Stupid Whining!
Oh...and Stupid Weather!

Christmas Music

In attempting to 'feel' the joy of the season, I went to a Navy Band concert at the local high school this afternoon. I must say that it was great to feel the fullness of the timpani and the horns. Their female soloist had an amazing range of voice, strong and beautiful. Wow! Their attempts at theatrics was cute. All in all, it inspired me. One more experience to become a part of this community. 'Oh the weather outside is frightful, but inside it's just......." Goodnight.

The Rest of the C-Parade

Christmas Parade

Went for a walk and noticed that main street was being cordoned off. So, with a vague memory of someone mentioning a parade, I asked one of the workers if there was one. He enthusuastically said yes! I decided to complete my walk and that would put me back on main street about the time of the parade. So off I went. The wind continued to pick up, and now that I am home, the rain has begun in earnest. I'm glad I got my walk in and that the parade is over! ( I found a robin's nest that had evidently blown out of a treem too. It will be great to show the kids at school!)

The parade started with some of the high school band members playing Christmas carols. It was festive with all the Christmas things hung and shop keepers with their doors open. They did well and I enjoyed the tunes. Then I went to a corner, found a big rock to sit on and waited. Got a little cold and decided to go back home and get my camera, so I did. I got back to main street just as the parade was starting. Good thing my camera was ready, for in 15 minutes, the parade was over!

Here are a few highlights...and most of the parade, really. Questions I asked: Why was Snoopy in the parade? Why were Mr. and Mrs. Santa in a pirate ship? Had they been kidnapped? Is it just because this place is next to the water? A fishing boat may have been more appropriate...or a Navy jet, two of which flew over quite low....I think for the parade, but I can never be sure. I haven't figured out the flight patterns yet.

Tired and Numb

This was a particularly busy week at work and the kids were really squirrelly. It happens when they have not been able to play outside and a holiday is approaching. Plus, two of my most high strung kids are moving within the month and their anxiety is heightened greatly. One assistant took a day off, so we had a sub...who was useless, by the way! I've spent at least three days this week with one child following me around by hanging on to the back of my shirt, another (who's not verbal), continually punching me in the back to get my attention (no matter how many other alternatives I gave him) and a third who interspersed her day with screaming at ear piercing levels. Add to that I've got two more in potty training. There were green runny noses all around so you can see the bedlam. Oh yes, and a fire drill...for children whose sensory systems cannot stand loud unexplained noises and disruptions in routines. Then I've had extra meetings during lunch and after school: wheelchair repairman, postobservation (of my teaching) results with principal, updates for parents' who are moving and video-ed one child to send off somewhere for more help with communication boards. Its all great and wonderful because we are moving Forward, but it is exhausting. By yesterday afternoon, my body and mind were on automatic. We did get to play outside a couple of days and we took advantage of it for more than our usually allotted time. The weather has been mild and we all needed the fresh air. The kids needed the space to run, ride trikes and just 'be.'

I guess even Lilo is feeling house-bound, as she has begun a morning weekend ritual of sitting in front of the door, pawing at it and meowing. Where did she get that? I've "created a monster" by allowing her to go onto the landing a few times!

Last evening, I fell asleep on the couch and when I awoke, couldn't move, but slept there a couple more hours before heading to bed. I've been watching too much CSI on TV, as I had a weird, scarey dream. Whew! Glad to be awake!

Otherwise, I'm just plugging along. I am really looking forward to going to A & C's for Christmas. My only regret is that C&E won't be with us and I'll miss seeing them for the holiday.

One note about my previous job: at least all the days off gave me time to go visit my kids! Here we just keep working and working and working and........ Even Christmas break is only 10 days....not even two full weeks! Now that's a crime in my mind!

I count my blessings today and pray there will be no rain until I've been able to walk. Oh, I finally made it to Curves two days this week......more than for the last several weeks!

Can't think of much to say. Brain must still be tired and numb.

Weekend

I'm so glad its the weekend. The week was an unusually stressful one as we returned from the holiday break with really rough weather. Families often go into crisis this time of year (holidays are so stressful as we want everything to be blissful and perfect...which they Never are!) Those crises have been unfolding as the days progress. The kids, of course, have been acting out, because of the bad weather. We can't go outside to have them work off excess energy and there's no place available inside the school for them to really run and play. I've had one child's behavioral therapist come to visit and been observed by the principal as a 'new teacher.' So, a busy, weird week. Boy, they are all getting weird here! :o) I really enjoy teaching the December themes at school and have caught myself smiling as I work!

I'm just glad the bad weather is past for the moment and 40 degrees seems warm! I'm settling in for the winter and have overcome my bout of homesickness, since I had a happy T-break. My attitude is much better! Whew! I hate it when I fall into that hole!

Not much else is going on. At home, I continue to put out a few Christmas decorations as I feel the urge. I hung my wreath on the door, I have my swag over the computer armoire with lights on, my basket of pine cones set out (cb2, that's for you) and a few other things that I enjoy. I can't find some of my stuff, but with it scattered from here to storage to Cindy's, I'm not surprised!

The sun is shining brillliantly today and the snow is gone. Sigh. Earlier Lilo was meowing at every window to go out so I let her out on the landing for a minute or two. Now she is finally settled on top of her climbing post watching the 'happenings' out the window. She'll be settling in for a nap soon and I'm off to church.

Weather Sidebar

We had school today, but the principal told all the staff to get home as soon as the kids left, as we had more snow this afternoon and the wind has started blowing. We didn't have any heat in our classroom until lunchtime. At least they had cleared a path to the bus drop off, so we didn't break our necks getting the kids from the buses to the classroom and back.

A daily routine (that is out of the ordinary for me) has begun to take shape. At home in the evenings, I make sure all the flashlights and lanterns are in place with batteries and easy to grab. I boil two teakettles of water, one to put in a thermos, and the second stays in the kettle. I set my battery operated alarm along with my electric one and make sure my phone is charging.

In the mornings, I boil two kettles of water and repeat that sequence, pack a lunch that can be eaten without reheating (if I go to work) and pack a backpack with extra outdoor clothing in case I have to walk home from work. When I'm home, I make sure I do activities that involve electricity, First.

I was really glad I had an extra sweater at school, today. Without any heat in our classroom, I was wearing a turtleneck, a fleece vest and that long sleeved sweater. My hands were so cold I could hardly use them (getting old with arthritis doesn't help, either.) We put mittens on all the kids to keep them warm.......which doesn't do anything for fine motor activities!

As I said, this place is nuts and pulling me along with it.
Freezing rain is predicted tonight!

Parts 1 and 2 of Thanksgiving Break with Weather Report

I've paused to even begin writing about the last couple of weeks, as I'm afraid the power will go out in the middle of a post and my computer will be fried. I think my printer may already be fried from the constant power 'blinks.'

Part 1: As stated before, I had hit a wall of homesickness here in OH, one that I did not anticipate. I really didn't socialize that much in River City, spending my evenings at home curled up on the couch with a book or watching TV. Even weekends often became 'cave' time. What I have recently realized is that I spent a lot of time shopping or even browsing. Here there are very few stores in which to browse. If you've seen one Walmart, you've seen them all!

Blog continued Tuesday morning.

Weather Report:

Finally!!!!! They closed the school district, so I have a day at home! Oh, the joy of it. I sat in my easy chair looking out the window, watching the bright sun begin to climb into the sky, giving the snow/ice covered branches a glistening glory like no other. A sniff out the door revealed cold, frigid air with that clean scent, even though the snow stopped falling yesterday noon. Now, I have my cup of green tea, kitty is curled up looking out at the sun and I'm blogging. I listen to the news this morning of people on I405 who left work at 4:30 yesterday afternoon and were not able to go any further, as the ice continued to get worse and worse. Some people have actually run out of gas waiting to go home! They are still attempting to get home.....even one school superintendent they interviewed, who had spent the night in a convenience/gas store! Even airport security workers were not able to get to work so things are dicey-icey there, too Planes are being regularly de-iced to keep the ice from building up! The high temp today is supposed to be 33 F. The poor weather reporters must have to live at the station during these storms; I appreciate their sacrifices! Nearly every school district in Western WA is closed today, plus all the private schools; evening activities cancelled. Roads are layers and layers of snow and ice. It's "Storm Watch coverage and Storm Alert!" Even I5 is very, very slow with ice and snow.

Part 1 of Thanksgiving Break:

I decided to go to River City for T-Break since the weather predictions were bad for the mountain passes which I would have to traverse to get to my D's. This turned out to be a very wise choice, as the weather continued to ramp up to non-travel weather as the T-break days progressed. By Sunday the passes were quite bad for traveling.

My trip to River City took an extra 1 1/2 hours as the traffic was bumper-to-bumper through the big city area. I left about 9:30 T-Day morning thinking not many would actually travel on T-day. Oh well, I made it safely. The weather was fairly good, a bit rainy, but no big problems and I saw no accidents, just heavy traffic.

I stayed with Barb and had T-day dinner with her and her daughter's family.....3 children under 4 (one set of twins) and they are cute, but ornery. With all the wisdom and experience I have, I would make such a perfect parent now. ;oP It's hard for me to keep my mouth shut and not give advice.......as my family well knows! It was a very lovely dinner and I really feasted...and paid for it later.

On Friday I went to River City and did some shopping at thrift stores to get items I can't get here, looked for a good weather radio (for when the power goes out again here!) and then got the oil changed in my car at the place where I've always had my car cared for. Unfortunately, there was a new manager and he didn't know I had been a regular customer for years. I asked them to put on my new state license plates (Yeh, I finally got them) and a day later, I closed my trunk and they fell off....ooooo, I'm angry! They charged me $5! So I will call and complain today. It's been so cold and stormy, I haven't gone out to put the thing back on, so it is taped to my back window.....so slummy. My son could do a much better job!

Then I went to visit my friend Claire and her daughter B, who has a lovely baby girl! It was so great to get caught up on all their news and the news of the ESD where I worked last year. They are so dear! And watching/playing with baby E was so cute!

I returned to WA to Barb's and spent the night, then went to church the next day and had a great reunion with my friends there. Our study group was going to be cancelled as the teacher and sub were both gone, but after talking to a few members, we decided we were 'adult' and could facilitate the group. I ended up being the facilitator.....good thing I'd studied the lesson during the week! But it was great After I got the discussion started, it pretty much continued by itself. It was a warm, fuzzy feeling to be with those of like faith.

Then I spent the afternoon and evening with my friend Cindy. She told me all about her trip to Peru and showed me the souvenirs she brought home. She brought me a handmade baby Alpaca scarf...so soft and warm! She had a wonderful time, thankfully, made great friends....a feat for her. She went with a group from Nature Conservancy. Then we went out to eat at a great vegie restaurant called Bayleaf. It is a new place, neatly painted and decorated, but rather stark. We needed a cozy feel, but didn't have it there. The food was really good, though. I had Pad Thai and she had a lotus flower vegie dish with wild rice. The rose blossom black tea was exceptional! Because it was listed as a vegetarian restaurant we weren't expecting it to be Asian cuisine, but it turned out okay. Then we did some clothes shopping I hadn't had time to do (I found great deals at Freddie's!) I got back to Barb's much later than I anticipated. She was unhappy about that, but I did let her know what was going on. I feel bad about it. Now I know how A & C, C & E feel when they come to visit River City and there isn't enough time to visit with everyone! (Know, kids, that I adored when you spent the nights with me on your visits, as I just enjoyed looking at your faces and getting hugs between all your comings and goings!)

Because of the bad weather and heavy holiday traffic predictions, I left Barb's fairly early Sunday morning (9 a.m.) and arrived home just before 2 p.m. It was a fine trip, not even bad traffic. When I turned off I5 to 20, snow started to fall, and continued all the way into town. It was just starting to be slushy on the streets. It was still beautiful and not causing any problems. As soon as I got home I unpacked quickly in the snow and set up stuff in case the power went out......I don't trust anything here! I had bought new batteries and a lantern, so I charged up my phone and stuff, then set up the lantern with batteries, redid the flashlight batteries and cooked some hot food. The lights blinked twice, but never went out. I do think my dawn simulator light got fried, as it didn't work the next day, but was working when I first arrived home.

Part 2 and another Weather Report

So, Monday arrived and I kept wondering whether we would have school or not. Well, we did. It was only a one hour late start. They generally have a one hour early release on Mondays, as staff meetings are then, consequently they couldn't have a 2-hour late start, as is usual. Since school seems to keep on keeping on, I spent Monday preparing for Tuesday's class and had my assistants make sure they did all the work that needed to be done with electricity (such as copying, laminating, etc., while I did computer work)...in case the power went out again. When all this starts to melt, I know that will happen! Thankfully, there is no wind right now, so things are stable.....if you stay home off the roads!



Then, wonder of wonders, last night, about 9 p.m, I got the call that the school was closed today! Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can just enjoy the weather and the coziness of it all!

My plans are to do this blog (check), catch up on bills, put out a few Christmas decorations and write a report from work I've been putting off. I can do that at home! Good ole' Microsoft Word!

I'm thinking about taking a walk if I see enough break in the icey roads in the warmest part of the day. It is too sunny to just look out the windows......my walk will probably be short, as it is COLD! I just looked out one of my side windows and there is ice built up on the inside of the window. Good to know, as I can put a towel there now, before it melts into a puddle. This is such a wonderfully insulated place......Not!

On to the next thing on my list...oh, did I forget the kitty cuddling and looking out the window at the beautiful snow? :o)

Homesick or Just a Hard Week?

This week has been difficult, to say the least. I took Tuesday off and had a lovely day, but didn't get accomplished even half of what I anicipated. You heard about that. Then Wednesday came, Oh, Wednesday.

There was a really bad storm that brewed. Was it that day we heard the news of a strong earthquake off the tip of Japan and they expected the whole west coast to receive the butt end with a tsunami? It was supposed to be only a 6 ft wave, but still.......I live on an island!! Thankfully I do live on one of the highest parts of it. So, I calmed my phobia of drowning and went on with my day. As the day progressed, true to the weather forecaster's predictions, a humongous storm developed. The winds took one's breath away and the gusts were enough to have difficulty standing up to.....literally. Trees came down over the island, blocking roads and at noon, the power went out at the school as my assistants and I ate our lunches. The bus driver came in about 20 minutes later and said, "I'm off to pick up your kids, are you having class this afternoon?" Well, I assumed that the principal would cancel classes, so I did run out to ask her....she was directing children into the cafeteria to eat....by lantern. She said, 'We're going on with our schedule." I was shocked to say the least. So I reported the news to the preschool staff and bus driver. Okay, I thought. What will we do...........I've got to keep to the regular class schedule so the kids will stay as calm as possible (I'm talking about special ed kids here - preschoolers - some nonverbal, some who shriek at ear piercing levels at the slightest mention of any change, and some who become like little leeches, clinging to the nearest familiar adult, and some who become violent to anyone and anything because they don't understand why anything is different.

So we went on with class. We have one large window in the room and we moved any barriers that blocked even a fraction of the light from that window, so we could pretty much see around the room.( There was no fear of it shattering for any storm reason.) After an hour, the emergency light in the center of the room went off, so it was darker. Each of us had a flashlight (I had my cell phone in one pocket and my own flashlight I'd brought from home in the other). As we did our songs and stories at circle time, I shone the flashlight on each picture or manipulative...it was interesting to watch the kids respond to that 'focused' effort. We did not take the kids to the bathroom to change diapers, as there is no window or light in there and we weren't about to change diapers without light. For those for whom it was absolutely necessary, we changed them in the classroom. So kids went home pretty soaked 2.5 hours later, but safe. I felt calm, with growing anxiety about the kids, during that time, expecting families to come pick up their kids or for the school to decide to close. It never happened. We finished class and sent the kids home on their buses. It was obvious the bus drivers were stressed. Several roads were closed with trees across them and the stoplights were out. Staff left for home right after the kids, as we needed to get home, check to make sure our homes were safe and set up for a long night without electricity......you know, candles, lanterns, emergency food, emergency radio, etc.

I did all that and realized my little old radio I use for emergencies didn't have very good batteries and I didn't know if the loose ones in my kitchen 'junk' drawer worked, so I decided to drive to Walmart to see if it was open and I could get some new batteries.........ridiculous, I know. What I did see was that the entire town for as far as I could see was black. The only lights were from cars on the road. Walmart was closed, but the nearby Albertson's parking lot was full and a line of people with carts was around the building as they checked out manually. Safeway was the same....they are only a few blocks from each other. So I just drove home (the whole trip took, oh, maybe 10-15 minutes). Come to find out the batteries in my junk drawer did work. I think I had to drive around a bit just to convince myself I was okay.

I lit all my candles, heated a can of chili on my emergency camp stove with the little fuel pellets (yes, I know, open flame in the house) and had supper. Then I cozied myself on the couch under a blanket with a book.......unfortunately, the light wasn't that good to read by (I'm having a harder time seeing in the dark as I get older), so I used a flashlight, one that you shake to keep going, to read by, as well. After an hour of that, I was bored....book wasn't that interesting and I was getting cold, even through my blanket. With the people upstairs' cigarette smoke seeping through the walls (there isn't supposed to be inside smoking here!) and all my 'scented' candles lit, I had to take an allergy pill. Then at 7 p.m. I put an extra quilt on my bed, socks on my tootsies and snuggled in. I was tired from the day's excitement, anyway. Lilo stayed close by my side the entire time. I noticed there were lights on at the police station a block away...they were lit up like a carnival, it seemed..

Note: The sun is shining brightly right now. Thank You!!! Okay, I just took a break and walked for 1 1/2 hours. It was beautiful and WINDY. It was good to breathe the air. I'm pretty sure I have bronchitis ( a result of bad air, coughs/sneezes in face from kids and stress), so I took deep breaths of the shore air. It felt good, despite the wind. I came home and drank a fresh smoothie with raspberries, banana, oj and soy milk. Ahhhhh. Bliss. I'm not going to church today. I've just had it for the week. I'm taking a 'cave' day. Lilo has found the plastic (broken)ring seal from the oj can and is having a ball chasing it around. A much needed day of rest for us both.

Back to my story: I found out Thursday that most of the island was without power, as a main transformer blew. We had no phones either. I guess the main station for the phone service is located at our school, so of course the school was without phones. We did have walkie-talkies in each room for emergencies....but I'd forgotten that, thus the cell phone in my pocket.

We had a short staff meeting first thing Thursday morning and it was then that I decided for sure that this place is absolutely, NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The principal wanted us to summarize what went right and what was negative about the experience.They never even mentioned the fact that maybe they should have Closed the school? They talked about how we needed to keep the kids here because it is a designated 'safe' place (their homes aren't?) And it would have been chaos having parents come in to take their children home or have the buses drop off children not knowing if parents were home. Well, even the Navy Base here closed! Those parents were told the schools were closed too, so those parents came to pick up their kids! Do you think there's a good flow of communication here? AAARRGGGHHHH! And where was the school superintendent in all this? I never did hear anything about his decision making! Is he actually Here?

Then the principal and staff of older students talked about how some of their older students were scared to go to the bathroom because of no lights, but the flashlights were a good idea. Some parent brought in a few electric-battery operated lanterns. Then the emergency lights in the classrooms were mentioned that they were a big help.......until they, too, went out! The principal says, "Well, I doubt if the school board will approve buying any more of those, as they are expensive, but maybe we could get a bunch of battery powered lanterns and keep them in the bathrooms." Of course, then was brought up, you guessed it, that some of the emergency flashlights did not work as the batteries were dead. Who would buy replacement batteries? No money for that either. Can you believe this? Of course, they thought they'd ask the PTA, but weren't sure about that. There is some sort of funds reserved for emergency/safety, so they would look into that as well.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Until teachers stop working overtime for free and buying needed classroom supplies with their own money and doing labor for free, nothing will change for the better with our school systems!

Then, and I think this tops it all, one staff member brought up that instead of having the students take their gym time in the gym, that they should stay in their classrooms during these emergencies; as when the 1st and 2nd graders were in there, there was danger of the windows blowing out and, (get this), the staff member said the first and second graders were being, and I quote, "Disrespectful" to the teachers by not listening to them to stay away from the windows. Okay, so they are punishing the first and second graders because the teachers can't 'get no respect"? AAARRRRGGGGHHHH! What is wrong with this picture?

This whole meeting became, not a meeting to care for the kids, but how the teachers could best 'control' the situation. Now, granted, we teachers need to be in control of adult situations so the children will be safe, but really, folks, if the children need to stay in the classrooms, let's come up with a better reason why.

Needless to say, when I arrived back at the preschool wing after that staff meeting and shared with other preschool staff there what had been said, I was livid. I think having to hold the stress in the previous day and night finally got to me and I just needed a punching bag to let it all out! Unfortunately, I retold the events of that meeting with more emotion and emotionally laden words than I probably should have!

Then in the middle of the day, I got a call from my dear, dear son and DIL to see how I was faring. It was a blessing, as I needed to talk to someone very familiar and loved. Then, he surprised me with saying they could pay for my trip out to see them at Christmas.....oh, how I appreciate that! I danced a little jig (in my head) and cried a few tears right then and there!

Thursday was a sunny day, though cold (and windy, as always), but so different from the day before, like nature was trying to make up for her temper tantrum. We took the kids OUTSIDE for play and it was a great relief! Then that night, I went with three other staff to a teleconference at our ESD, about an hour away, off the island, We had to go around work trucks who were still trying to remove debris and trees from the road. During the storm the ferries closed and even the one bridge to the island was closed for a short while, as it is on a high point and a vehicle could be blown off in the high winds (we're talking 50-90 mph gusts, here!)

I couldn't get done with Friday soon enough. My emotions were ragged throughout the day and in the middle of the morning I just about lost it in the middle of class. It seemed like every kid was whining, crying, pulling at me and fighting. We were all suffering from the stress of the storm!

Somehow this place and my working circumstances are digging at issues inside me that I can't even articulate, pulling raw, ragged stuff to the surface for me to cleanse and heal. I can't describe it well, I just know it's there and it's hard. We'll see what all happens. These are the lessons God wants me to learn here, that much I know. I just have to sort it all out.

Lessons to learn, naps to take, more walks on the beach. Thanksgiving is coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL

Oh my goodness!!

I'm watching Ellen D. on TV this morning (will explain in a minute). She has this team of guys who have made $50,000 on Google Video of their display of qt. Diet Coke to which each bottle has a Mento added.....a veritable geyser ensues! So they've made a whole water-fountain type display of many Coke bottles w/Mentos, running through them to get the bottles set up and spouting in different formations! Oh my Goodness!!!! It was worth it to stay home just to watch that! Totally meaningless and totally funny! What we won't do for entertainment! LOL, LOL, LOL

I'm home today--not because I'm sick (except that I'm sick of working) but because the workmen came to repair a bunch of stuff in my apartment I've been complaining about. I don't trust the pair and I didn't want Lilo freaking out since it has been such a short time since her traumatic vet visit. I had finally written a letter to the property manager about my complaints (rather than just handing a 'note' to the workmen), listing what needed to be done. HA! I feel at least partially vindicated! Finally they fixed some stuff. They boarded up the gaping hole under the kitchen sink that smelled of sewage), replaced the guts of the toilet (It now flushes without holding down the handle 12 seconds!), replaced the porch light fixture, put weather stripping on my door (although only along the bottom), caulked the tub/shower stall. They have not fixed the broken window or fixed the burners.....it cost more than $10/each for the burners, so they were not allowed to fix them (raspberries). They also moved out the broken washer and dryer from the laundry room but didn't say anything about replacing them or cleaning the place or putting a new light bulb down in that dungeon!







Anyway, it is very nice to have a day off when I feel good and energetic enough to get some stuff done! I've finished organizing and paying bills, will go to the laundromat and do some paperwork that I brought home from work. What a great day! Happy sigh.


One Wary Cat!
PS I don't even feel guilty for not working today, though my assistants were a bit touchy yesterday when I told them they'd do fine without me!

Funk

My Little Lilo seems recovered from her illness and subsequent visit to the Vet. However, I was left a voicemail later in the week, that the xrays were sent to be read by a vet radiologist (for free, as we'd decided not to go through with this since they were having technical difficulties) and this guy found a mass on Lilo's spleen. I'm very upset to know what to do next, as I spent the money on her other vet visit that I'd been saving to go to see my kids at Christmas. Half of the $ is gone. My biggest worry, though, it that my little friend is ill. I know things are not right, as when she goes to her litter box to poop, she sits in front of the box for awhile, goes in and comes out a couple times, mixing the litter. Sometimes she meows loudly, not in pain, but more in frustration (I know, this could be a bit funny). Then later she'll return and do the same thing all over again. Last night she finally did 'her business' and meowed loudly at the fact. There were sounds that didn't seem normal. Considering the fact that I buy high-grade food and that is all she gets, I'm worried. I don't want to lose my little friend prematurely. Okay, she's a cat, but she's My cat and I've come to adore the little creature. She's my sole companion and cheers me when I'm down. What steps to take, a second opinion, more tests, surgery, what? All big money. Why does it have to end up about money?




I'm in a funk. I know it and I know what to do to get out of it, at least somewhat, but here I sit, wallowing in it.

Yesterday, the sun shone for a short time in the morning, so before I went to church, I took a nice, long walk. It felt so good to be out with the sun's rays shining down on me. Of course, my body feels it today, as that is the first time I've even exercised in 10 days! I've been so lazy. I go for so long and then just can't stand it; I have to get some exercise. I'm thinking that a treadmill might be better for me here than Curves, as I haven't been able to get into the routine of going there regularly like I did in Portland. It is a farther from home. I still enjoy it once I'm there, but it's all new.

New, different. I'm in need of some 'familiar' fixes. Portland, friends, stores, places to eat, Trader Joe's, my kids, oh, my dear kids. Didn't realize how much I would miss certain things. I do Not miss the big city noise outside my window. The quiet here still 'rings' in my ears at night.

I sat down this morning to journal and read my Bible when the neighbor turned up the music. Mostly I could only hear the beat, so I began to read out loud. Then I could hear words to songs......hymns! Old time hymns. This, from the rocker downstairs. I think she's off to church this morning, as she's all dressed up and leaving at this early hour. Yes, I watch the neighbors now and then. Anyway, how much we are alike is more than we are different, over all, wouldn't you say? Somewhere in most of our backgrounds, we've been given a taste of Good. What we do with it is how we live our lives....either running and hiding from it, or dealing with it and using it to make us better people.

Oh, I got on a run, there, didn't I?

If any of you are inclined to do so, please pray for my friends in Portland whose son was in that horrific car accident. He is healing quickly, thank God, but they are all still worried about his cognitive functioning. He had extensive brain injury to his occipital and frontal lobes.

I'm taking off Tuesday from work. Workers are coming here to my apartment to 'fix' things. I had finally written a letter to the property manager listing what was wrong, so they are coming. I intend to be here to make sure they do what they have on their work order. Also, I want to make sure Lilo does not totally freak, since she isn't feeling well in the first place.

Okay, I even have a stiff neck this morning.

It's not all bad. Lilo is playing happily and ate some breakfast and drank some water. She even meowed at the door, pawing at it, as though she wanted to go outside. I wrote about letting her go out on the porch landing; well I've created a monster, as she wants out a lot of the time.

Since I'm back to writing about Lilo, it is time to stop.

Cleansing Enema

Okay, I'm sure you've heard on the news about the torrential downpours the NW is having and how there are floods everywhere and that even part of the Hwy that goes off the island to the freeway is under water. So inside, I'm monitoring my panic that arises when extreme weather takes over. I start survivalizing in these situations. Add to this I'm fed up with my apartment and its problems, and have been trying to actually accomplish paperwork at school and debating the issues of whether or not to stay here next year if I have the opportunity.

Is weather like a 'cleansing enema' to the earth?

Now, my dear little Lilo has been throwing up for five days, as of today. So I have been getting more and more worried as the week progresses...and more and more frustrated at cleaning little barf-sites off the carpet (Does anyone make 'carpet cleaning enemas'?)....there is a lot to be said for hardwood floors!

So I called my DIL to get the name of the best vet in town. She had to tell me their latest encounter with the criminal minds of Memphis. >shudder< I'm so glad they are safe! This is totally un-PC, but I'd like to see criminals get a moral 'cleansing enema!"

Then I called the vet for an afternoon appointment. My p.m. class ends at 3:30, and Lilo's appt was at 3:50, so I hightailed it out of there, picked up Lilo and her vet records (I actually found them!) and headed over there.

By the way, the sun was actually shining at this point! Ahhh. Cleansing!

Of course, poor Lilo was totally huddled in a corner of her carrier, having recurrence of the nightmare trip she had to go through when she was last forced into her carrier.

So there we were, checking in for an immediate (vs. emergency) appointment. (Did you know this vet has separate entrances for cats and their owners vs. dogs and their owners?) I had to wait. Then the Dr., a newly graduated vet, offered what I suspected: fecal test, x-rays, enema and/or blood tests.

Well, I opted for all but the blood tests. And, then I had to wait. Technology is great when it works....it didn't tonight as they attempted to electronically send the x-rays to be read by a veterinary radiologist, thus Lilo and I waited. They found her bowel to be pretty impacted...poor thing! I think this has been going on for awhile. Anyway, three, (Yes, I said THREE!) hours later, one poor, frightened, huddling-in-the-corner cat and I headed home. One and a half hours later Lilo is settling down on a nice warm blanket. Before that, she was wandering around from room to room alternately hiding under the largest, most stable piece of furniture she could find.

Personally, I think she'll recover well. After all, how could anyone remain ill after a cleansing enema?

PS. As I finish writing this, she is puking on the floor behind me. Evidently she ate some food. Here goes another $100 for blood tests to add to the $350. Oh, what a week. Another 'cleansing' : from the wallet, this time!

Nature ramblings, etc.

Took a walk this morning in the calm between storms. Wow! Lots and lots of seaweed had been thrown on shore and in the low tide looked like green grass growing profusely! Lots of driftwood had been floated off shore into the bay from the high tides and waves, I'm assuming, during the storm Friday and Saturday. The birds were close to the shore looking for breakfast and I saw herons, grebes, buffleheads, mallards, sea gulls (of course, but my next study will be into the many varieties of these), the local kingfisher, and some other birds I didn't know. The air was so fresh and clean and it was not that cold. I'm so glad to have this opportunity!

Tidbit: I think I've forgotten to show you the nice wicker chair I found for my bedroom from a garage sale last month.

Who's chair is this?

As to Lilo, she has become a bit of a different-acting cat, here. She is much more bold. She sneaks out the door to the landing whenever I open the door, is now looking down the steps like she's debating whether to explore further. I put her in this long mesh tunnel I bought so she could safely be outdoors and watch things, but she turned it over and got out. There are two holes in the bottom where if you were to peg the tunnel to the grass, the cat would have grass to nibble on. Of course, on the landing I couldn't peg it down. I even put one of her cozy blankets in there so she could lay down and watch things, but to no avail. Then, today, she threw up three times, watery, icky stuff. In the biggest pile was a piece of balled up scotch tape! Then, I opened the dining room window a bit to have the fresh air flow through and she managed to push it open enough to get half her body through when I caught her! I don't know if she would have gone all the way out......it is 1.5 stories down to the ground, but good grief! She often whines around and goes to the door, paws at it and then meows. What am I to do? I've created a monster by letting her taste outside!

Of course, in the picture she's her demure self. Naughty kitty! >hands on hips, frown<