CEO and I were sitting around visiting last evening while O entertained us with his 18 month old cuteness. I commented, "O, you are so smart!" and he responded by giving the ASL baby sign for /smart/! So to make sure we were seeing what we were seeing, we made a couple other comments and he continued to repeat it!
CEO have been watching these baby signing videos on pretty much a daily basis and O has picked up an amazing number of these signs. He is using words too, but if he needs help getting his point across, he uses a sign. It's truly amazing to watch this work.
Now, my early childhood training has taught me that this is typical, and I've seen it work in a moderate way on my students with special needs, but to see it work on a child with typical development is truly amazing! He is learning language so FAST! Of course, I'm the grandma, and I think he's a genius, anyway. I wonder what the sign for /genius/ is? Hmm.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Grandma Hugs
Yesterday I stayed home from work, ill with the latest bug going around. CEO had it, too. As C and I commiserated on the phone, I decided to go over with my box of tissues. O was just waking from a nap. I heard him complaining and whining to his mom as she attempted to change a diaper, so I popped my head in the door. He took one look at me, gave the mightiest grin I've ever seen and threw out his arms to me! I will never forget that little face and those arms reaching out. He really was quite ill with fever the night before. Life is so precious.
There's the special, special bond between parent and child that can never be diminished. But parents have such a heavy load of responsibility that joy sometimes gets lost in the mix. As a grandparent, I come and go, not expecting much, really, and get SO MUCH!
It is tritely true that it's too bad we can't be grandparents before we are parents!
There's the special, special bond between parent and child that can never be diminished. But parents have such a heavy load of responsibility that joy sometimes gets lost in the mix. As a grandparent, I come and go, not expecting much, really, and get SO MUCH!
It is tritely true that it's too bad we can't be grandparents before we are parents!
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Multi-tasking?
This morning I got up wandering around, tired, after a heavy, heavy work week. One of the bathroom vanity's lights had burned out during the week and I hadn't taken time to change it. So I decided to change it, wandered into the kitchen to get the step stool, saw the cat's litter box, changed that, went on to gather trash and dump that, swept the kitchen floor, wandered back into the bathroom (no step stool yet...I'd forgotten about it) and realizing I needed to do some laundry, went to the bedroom, sorted laundry, returned to the bathroom to start a load, thought, " I really need to wash the sink and toilet," did that, and turned around and thought, "Oh, yeah, I need to change that light bulb." Went back to the kitchen, got the step stool and got the job done.Returning to the kitchen with step stool, I sat down at my computer, and couldn't remember my password to get into my blog, so I surfed the net a little, then remembered the password. Ever have a morning like that?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Marvelous
All I can do is sit here and think how amazing young children are.....and ESpecially my grandchildren! Last evening C and I took O to the U swim pool. He wasn't particularly fond of the water, but in mommy's arms was okay. He was entranced with watching the other children and especially two who had a Ball! Of course, it was all over when the ball hit him in the head! But he lasted about 45 minutes! And it was good to see C enjoying some time in the pool, too. I always remember her enjoying swimming as a little girl!
And then I check every day for the next news of my TN family and E's changes. She and O are neck 'n neck in their development. It is fun to see the differences and similarities. If only I could snuggle and spoil E as much as I do O!
Topic 2:
In the next two weeks I am swamped with paperwork, as parent-teacher conferences are coming up. And in the school board's demented wisdom, they decided to take away our one day off and make it a regular school day to make up for missing school because of previous snow! That, of course, meant all the teachers have to REschedule the appointments already set and work two formal 12-hour days instead of one. It is hard enough to work 'informally' for 12 hours. Being on one's game for 12 hours to meet parents is draining. Perhaps some who are more charismatic and gregarious than I am enjoy this type of thing, but I don't.
Oh, and by the way. When I opened my kitchen cupboard this morning to remove a piece of Tupperware, I found the package of coleslaw that I had evidently placed There instead of in the fridge when I made myself a salad Two Days ago! See, multi-tasking really is a precursor to Alzheimers! Gross! LOL....but beware!
And then I check every day for the next news of my TN family and E's changes. She and O are neck 'n neck in their development. It is fun to see the differences and similarities. If only I could snuggle and spoil E as much as I do O!
Topic 2:
In the next two weeks I am swamped with paperwork, as parent-teacher conferences are coming up. And in the school board's demented wisdom, they decided to take away our one day off and make it a regular school day to make up for missing school because of previous snow! That, of course, meant all the teachers have to REschedule the appointments already set and work two formal 12-hour days instead of one. It is hard enough to work 'informally' for 12 hours. Being on one's game for 12 hours to meet parents is draining. Perhaps some who are more charismatic and gregarious than I am enjoy this type of thing, but I don't.
Oh, and by the way. When I opened my kitchen cupboard this morning to remove a piece of Tupperware, I found the package of coleslaw that I had evidently placed There instead of in the fridge when I made myself a salad Two Days ago! See, multi-tasking really is a precursor to Alzheimers! Gross! LOL....but beware!
Monday, February 16, 2009
President's Day
Today is a day off from the school routine, but I've got lots in the works. However, blogging seemed to be much more fun. It's been a couple of weeks. I have recovered from my bout of painful gut. I'm trying to eat a lot more fiber and drink a lot more water. I've upped the water to another quart a day. I actually feel better.
Saturday night my little O stayed over night for the first time. I can't tell you how emotionally filling it is to have him snuggle against me as he falls asleep or we read books together. I love that little boy! He seemed to sleep okay but I was tossing and turning all night worrying about him waking up...the 'mother' in me was instantly alert! Then the neighborhood dogs were especially noisy. When they quieted down, I was awakened by loud talking and yelling outside. As I peeked out the window I saw a growing group of teens looking like they were wanting a rumble. So I called the police and as soon as the teens saw the cars, ran inside their party house yelling to each other, "Policia! policia!" Grrrrrr. I was so angry. I did a follow up call to the police to tell them which house they'd disappeared into. I don't know what all became of it, but I'm sick of the neighborhood. I think I'm ready for one of those "Over 55" parks. Peace and quiet. That's not a lot to ask for, is it? Just peace and quiet. No loud stereos blaring, quiet nights.
Being deprived of sleep is definitely a trigger of emotional outbursts for me, leading to depression. That's why I am so empathetic with new moms. Exercise helps and that's my goal since I was sick and to help my eating patterns and make me sleep better. Walking outside renews me and then I sleep deeper. I just have to MAKE myself DO it. JUST DO IT! Off I go.
Saturday night my little O stayed over night for the first time. I can't tell you how emotionally filling it is to have him snuggle against me as he falls asleep or we read books together. I love that little boy! He seemed to sleep okay but I was tossing and turning all night worrying about him waking up...the 'mother' in me was instantly alert! Then the neighborhood dogs were especially noisy. When they quieted down, I was awakened by loud talking and yelling outside. As I peeked out the window I saw a growing group of teens looking like they were wanting a rumble. So I called the police and as soon as the teens saw the cars, ran inside their party house yelling to each other, "Policia! policia!" Grrrrrr. I was so angry. I did a follow up call to the police to tell them which house they'd disappeared into. I don't know what all became of it, but I'm sick of the neighborhood. I think I'm ready for one of those "Over 55" parks. Peace and quiet. That's not a lot to ask for, is it? Just peace and quiet. No loud stereos blaring, quiet nights.
Being deprived of sleep is definitely a trigger of emotional outbursts for me, leading to depression. That's why I am so empathetic with new moms. Exercise helps and that's my goal since I was sick and to help my eating patterns and make me sleep better. Walking outside renews me and then I sleep deeper. I just have to MAKE myself DO it. JUST DO IT! Off I go.
Friday, January 30, 2009
PS
And on the way to Walgreens to get my prescriptions filled, I had to stop for a cattle drive. That's right, a cattle drive. Two cowpokes were herding a bunch of steers. This was between the fairgrounds and the autobody parts place. In my painful state of mind, I decided this topped off my week.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Cave In's
I arrived at school Monday morning, took off my coat, etc., went to my desk to put some things away when I heard a loud ripping sound and then water began to pour through the ceiling tiles over the circle-time area. It was fixed within the hour, but I felt like Chicken Little.....the school is a bunker, after all.
Then, I've had this persistent pain in my gut, remember? Went to the doc this evening, gave 4 tubes of blood. Result? He thinks I have a mild(?) case of diverticulitis. And me, the person who tries to eat healthfully (except for all the sugar). I don't have all the symptoms, but enough of them, I guess. So I'm on megadoses of 2 antibiotics. I'm not sure I want to take one of them, as it produces nausea. That's all I need. I've got to research and figure out how to feel better. What eating plan to I follow now? I'm beat. Going to bed.
Then, I've had this persistent pain in my gut, remember? Went to the doc this evening, gave 4 tubes of blood. Result? He thinks I have a mild(?) case of diverticulitis. And me, the person who tries to eat healthfully (except for all the sugar). I don't have all the symptoms, but enough of them, I guess. So I'm on megadoses of 2 antibiotics. I'm not sure I want to take one of them, as it produces nausea. That's all I need. I've got to research and figure out how to feel better. What eating plan to I follow now? I'm beat. Going to bed.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Feeling Punk
I don't know what it is, but I feel really punk. I've had this gut ache all week and it doesn't seem to go away. Yesterday I limited my food intake by amount and kind....did the bland rice, plain toast thing. It helped some, but not enough. I even went so far as to buy some milk of magnesia, something I don't think I've ever done for myself before. My gut is clean, that's for sure, but the pain is still there. It radiates in a triangle from the tip of my breastbone to across my navel. It is worse after I eat and while the food I've eaten traverses my body. Do I have an ulcer? Some sort of virus? Salmonella (though I haven't eaten any of the tainted peanut butter stuff, I don't think)? I hope it is nothing worse, but I won't list the bad scenarios that flash through my mind during intervals of pain. The pain is wearing me down. I don't have a primary physician here. I've heard so many horror stories of misdiagnoses in this valley, I hate to go to the doctor. I will have to, though, if this keeps up.
I've begun the C.H.I.P. program yet again......will I ever learn to eat for health and not live to eat? We are doing this program together, my family and I. Send your prayers that we will persevere to better health long term!
And to top it all off, it is snowing AGAIN! We have 2-3 inches of the white stuff and I've given up snow shoveling. I can't take winter anymore. But don't worry, I'll be complaining about summer heat come August!
My cat keeps crying to go outside, but when I open the door she just settles down in the doorway, letting cold air in. So I shut the door. So, she walked to the front door....like I never let her out the front!
I'm all for snuggling under some covers today and hibernating till spring. And you?
I've begun the C.H.I.P. program yet again......will I ever learn to eat for health and not live to eat? We are doing this program together, my family and I. Send your prayers that we will persevere to better health long term!
And to top it all off, it is snowing AGAIN! We have 2-3 inches of the white stuff and I've given up snow shoveling. I can't take winter anymore. But don't worry, I'll be complaining about summer heat come August!
My cat keeps crying to go outside, but when I open the door she just settles down in the doorway, letting cold air in. So I shut the door. So, she walked to the front door....like I never let her out the front!
I'm all for snuggling under some covers today and hibernating till spring. And you?
201 Post
Just saw that I had 200 posts on this blog. Amazing! And, really, what does it all mean? What if the 'Hokey Pokey' is really what it's all about?
Friday, January 23, 2009
a Little Motherly Advice
I feel sorry for all mothers, as after we have children, we never truly have that full night's sleep again. Me, I'm awake in the middle of the night. Here it is 2:21 a.m. I can't believe I'm not sleepy. I didn't go to bed early or anything. As I get older, I tend to do this more and more. It is frustrating.
Oh, the motherly advice? I was just thinking about how hard it is to persevere day after day after day, putting up with tantrums, runny noses, high fevers, messy diapers, etc. Yet, when those little ones show their smiles and endearing qualities, our hearts melt. We will always love our children.
As we raise these precious bundles, and all their newly learned skills seem so delightful (and perhaps frustrating), remember, parents, to persevere. Daily, moment by moment, hang in there. What may seem cute at a young age, could blossom into full rebellion at a later date. It is much easier to train a child when s/he is young than to try to retrain them after an annoying habit has been established. Believe me, even babies can be trained. And even though it seems easier to ignore little mishaps; when they persist, perseverance in structure, routine and 'rules' needs to be your mantra. A defining, repeated /No/ is essential. If you don't believe me, just look at Nanny 911 or similar shows. Even though these are the extremes for sickening 'entertainment' value, those things happen. You don't want them happening to you or your children.
Raising children is perhaps The greatest way for us, as moms and dads, to grow within ourselves in our relationships with others and in our own psyche. I am certain that I have learned the most value and truth in my life from raising my children. If we are willing to let go of the old baggage that drives a lot of our behavior and learn to 'say no,' to persevere though we feel we will collapse in every physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual part of our lives, and to hang on to the hope that we are teaching our children and ourselves to live lives of high quality, we will grow old with grace and wisdom. (Okay, that is way too long a sentence, but it is the middle of the night.)`
Am I growing old with grace and wisdom? I am finding that I want to spout about all the things I've learned and WARN all upcoming generations when I see them making mistakes that have negative consequences. But, I also realize that every person has his/her own journey to travel through this life. I am sometimes strong enough to keep my mouth shut.....but not often enough. :0)
"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs? I believe this. I've lived by it....mostly. I've made huge, huge mistakes. You will too, but persevere. Change. Grow. Smile, laugh. Say no. Persevere.
My children? Oh, how I love them and am so proud of them and their spouses. I'm so glad to call them FAMILY!! They take their lives seriously, yet not so seriously to squash the fun, joy and hope.
Enjoy life, but persevere, even in the little things. Love each other.
Oh, the motherly advice? I was just thinking about how hard it is to persevere day after day after day, putting up with tantrums, runny noses, high fevers, messy diapers, etc. Yet, when those little ones show their smiles and endearing qualities, our hearts melt. We will always love our children.
As we raise these precious bundles, and all their newly learned skills seem so delightful (and perhaps frustrating), remember, parents, to persevere. Daily, moment by moment, hang in there. What may seem cute at a young age, could blossom into full rebellion at a later date. It is much easier to train a child when s/he is young than to try to retrain them after an annoying habit has been established. Believe me, even babies can be trained. And even though it seems easier to ignore little mishaps; when they persist, perseverance in structure, routine and 'rules' needs to be your mantra. A defining, repeated /No/ is essential. If you don't believe me, just look at Nanny 911 or similar shows. Even though these are the extremes for sickening 'entertainment' value, those things happen. You don't want them happening to you or your children.
Raising children is perhaps The greatest way for us, as moms and dads, to grow within ourselves in our relationships with others and in our own psyche. I am certain that I have learned the most value and truth in my life from raising my children. If we are willing to let go of the old baggage that drives a lot of our behavior and learn to 'say no,' to persevere though we feel we will collapse in every physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual part of our lives, and to hang on to the hope that we are teaching our children and ourselves to live lives of high quality, we will grow old with grace and wisdom. (Okay, that is way too long a sentence, but it is the middle of the night.)`
Am I growing old with grace and wisdom? I am finding that I want to spout about all the things I've learned and WARN all upcoming generations when I see them making mistakes that have negative consequences. But, I also realize that every person has his/her own journey to travel through this life. I am sometimes strong enough to keep my mouth shut.....but not often enough. :0)
"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs? I believe this. I've lived by it....mostly. I've made huge, huge mistakes. You will too, but persevere. Change. Grow. Smile, laugh. Say no. Persevere.
My children? Oh, how I love them and am so proud of them and their spouses. I'm so glad to call them FAMILY!! They take their lives seriously, yet not so seriously to squash the fun, joy and hope.
Enjoy life, but persevere, even in the little things. Love each other.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Week's End
A short R&R weekend. Long deep breath. The early morning hour in which I am blogging on this Saturday is a quiet respite from the day to day shoring up I must do mentally, emotionally and physically to face a day at work.
About work: Student transportation issues have been worked out, finally. Medical issues for one student will be the principal's first micromanaged crisis next week, I'm sure. I'm putting on my armor to face that one. Some students' set ups to leave the classroom to get extended services begins next week. One is being mainstreamed into Head Start for an hour, another is getting extra speech services and one will be receiving extra services in the social behavior classroom. Quite the gamut. The new 3-year-olds who have joined my class function at the 8-12 month range, so it is quite a challenge to balance their needs with those who are 4 going on 5 and ready for more preacademic preschool activities. Of course, they all have their quirks, believe me. But the old screamers look bewilderingly at the new screamers and the dynamic changes again. Some children, because of transportation issues, mostly, did not attend regularly, so the most children I had in any one class was 8, which is Plenty, considering the wheelchairs, oblivious runners, destructos,screamers and children w/autism in their own little worlds.
Sometime last year I put in a request to paint my classroom....they are going to do it next Friday! Thankfully I don't have children on Fridays. It is our assessment and team meeting day. Thursday I will stay late getting things off walls and furniture moved to the center of the room; then go in Sunday to put everything together. I've put out a call for help. We'll see what happens.
One Huge relief this week at work was that the principal was out of town, attending a conference. She took about 5 teachers with her, and despite there being so many substitutes, the week was calm. The administrator in charge this last week is a calm, joyful person, herself having gone through cancer 3 times. She knows the value of any given moment and has a completely different personality/outlook than the principal. One teacher even commented to me about that fact. This was interesting, as I wondered what others thought of the dramatic change in 'atmosphere'. This was a person I didn't expect to say anything, especially without my initiation of the conversation!
My little O is dramatically growing and losing his 'babyness' with every moment. Wednesday evening I babysat and he took my hand, and led me to the stairs, looking up and then back at me, jabbering on, obviously wanting me to go to the family room with him. When we got to the top, he looked to make sure I was seated in the room, then went over to the TV and looked back at me. Now, they don't have "TV" but play Wii and watch movies. He loves to play with the Wii wand. So I found the broken one he uses, gave it to him and then turned on a Baby movie about Old McDonald's farm. He asked for help to get up on the sofa with me and then proceeded to bounce around and climb all over the sofa, learning to climb up and down. He would stop every so often when I'd imitate the animals or ask him to look at a particular animal Then he'd bounce and jump and 'dance'with the music. He wore himself out, that's for sure! It was just so amazing to see him socially interact, initiating play with me, completing communication 'circles' and maintaining the play.....all of which I am attempting to teach my 3-5 year olds at school! When he finished his play, he went downstairs and started pushing the recycling bin around. He has a push toy, a push wagon and a bike, but what does he enjoy most? Pushing the garbage/recycling around!
He's my own little "Baby Einstein," of course, especially considering my skewed sense of normality working with children in special education! :o)
Grandchildren are jewels and I can't wait to see my little TN gal soon! She won't be a baby anymore either. I'm sad to have missed all that cuddliness! But I just consider myself fortunate to have modern technology available to keep me in touch. When I get to feeling sorry for myself, I just think of the 'pioneers' who got letters once a year..maybe, and perhaps never saw their loved ones again if they had traveled far West or East, North or South.
As to the weather, our snow is gone, except for the snow shoveled piles that started at 8 feet tall around store parking lots. We had a particularly warm Chinook wind blow through Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures were nearly 60 on one day. High winds dried everything out and with the warm temps, we even took the kids out to play on the playground. Thursday was colder, but the weatherman predicts a period of cold, dry weather for awhile. That will help with the flooding here. The Pacific Northwest has certainly had its ample share of wild weather already this winter! One interesting note is that I noticed a spot of my lawn where I had piled all the snow from my driveway is now indented. I don't know if it will even out, or not.
Have a wonderful Sabbath day!
About work: Student transportation issues have been worked out, finally. Medical issues for one student will be the principal's first micromanaged crisis next week, I'm sure. I'm putting on my armor to face that one. Some students' set ups to leave the classroom to get extended services begins next week. One is being mainstreamed into Head Start for an hour, another is getting extra speech services and one will be receiving extra services in the social behavior classroom. Quite the gamut. The new 3-year-olds who have joined my class function at the 8-12 month range, so it is quite a challenge to balance their needs with those who are 4 going on 5 and ready for more preacademic preschool activities. Of course, they all have their quirks, believe me. But the old screamers look bewilderingly at the new screamers and the dynamic changes again. Some children, because of transportation issues, mostly, did not attend regularly, so the most children I had in any one class was 8, which is Plenty, considering the wheelchairs, oblivious runners, destructos,screamers and children w/autism in their own little worlds.
Sometime last year I put in a request to paint my classroom....they are going to do it next Friday! Thankfully I don't have children on Fridays. It is our assessment and team meeting day. Thursday I will stay late getting things off walls and furniture moved to the center of the room; then go in Sunday to put everything together. I've put out a call for help. We'll see what happens.
One Huge relief this week at work was that the principal was out of town, attending a conference. She took about 5 teachers with her, and despite there being so many substitutes, the week was calm. The administrator in charge this last week is a calm, joyful person, herself having gone through cancer 3 times. She knows the value of any given moment and has a completely different personality/outlook than the principal. One teacher even commented to me about that fact. This was interesting, as I wondered what others thought of the dramatic change in 'atmosphere'. This was a person I didn't expect to say anything, especially without my initiation of the conversation!
My little O is dramatically growing and losing his 'babyness' with every moment. Wednesday evening I babysat and he took my hand, and led me to the stairs, looking up and then back at me, jabbering on, obviously wanting me to go to the family room with him. When we got to the top, he looked to make sure I was seated in the room, then went over to the TV and looked back at me. Now, they don't have "TV" but play Wii and watch movies. He loves to play with the Wii wand. So I found the broken one he uses, gave it to him and then turned on a Baby movie about Old McDonald's farm. He asked for help to get up on the sofa with me and then proceeded to bounce around and climb all over the sofa, learning to climb up and down. He would stop every so often when I'd imitate the animals or ask him to look at a particular animal Then he'd bounce and jump and 'dance'with the music. He wore himself out, that's for sure! It was just so amazing to see him socially interact, initiating play with me, completing communication 'circles' and maintaining the play.....all of which I am attempting to teach my 3-5 year olds at school! When he finished his play, he went downstairs and started pushing the recycling bin around. He has a push toy, a push wagon and a bike, but what does he enjoy most? Pushing the garbage/recycling around!
He's my own little "Baby Einstein," of course, especially considering my skewed sense of normality working with children in special education! :o)
Grandchildren are jewels and I can't wait to see my little TN gal soon! She won't be a baby anymore either. I'm sad to have missed all that cuddliness! But I just consider myself fortunate to have modern technology available to keep me in touch. When I get to feeling sorry for myself, I just think of the 'pioneers' who got letters once a year..maybe, and perhaps never saw their loved ones again if they had traveled far West or East, North or South.
As to the weather, our snow is gone, except for the snow shoveled piles that started at 8 feet tall around store parking lots. We had a particularly warm Chinook wind blow through Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures were nearly 60 on one day. High winds dried everything out and with the warm temps, we even took the kids out to play on the playground. Thursday was colder, but the weatherman predicts a period of cold, dry weather for awhile. That will help with the flooding here. The Pacific Northwest has certainly had its ample share of wild weather already this winter! One interesting note is that I noticed a spot of my lawn where I had piled all the snow from my driveway is now indented. I don't know if it will even out, or not.
Have a wonderful Sabbath day!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Today is about Tomorrow
Holiday break is over. Today I am finalizing January's lesson plans and going to the school to put up a bulletin board, put in place a few new 'toys' I bought and fill the Circle bag with new stories and rhymes. Now I had planned, over the break, to reorganize my files, rearrange the classroom, etc., but that never happened. I do avoid unpleasant tasks! I have five new students coming, two in the morning and three in the afternoon. It's a bit like the first day of school all over again! I doubt if I sleep well tonight. How many of my students will actually attend tomorrow is questionable, what with the weather (18 degrees last night), colds, flu, and transportation issues (I had a call that one family was concerned that they hadn't heard from the bus barn as to a pick up time for their child.)Since we left school three days early, rather abruptly because of the weather, everything will take a while to settle into a regular routine.
I know I'll need to breathe deeply on a regular basis and be patient. When I'm anxious for my classes go well, I'm easily provoked by anyone...my little students included. Even my exceptional assistants get on my nerves. And, remember, I have that new data system to put in place.
So, this day, starting early, I hope to get a lot done to prepare for school tomorrow and feel more relaxed tonight. I'm opening a new page to color at school. I already feel like I'm scribbling nervously as a squirrel moves in cold weather. I need prayers to help me remember to color joy and fun into the doing.
Friday, January 02, 2009
It's Ba-A-ack!
Snow! It is snowing in earnest! Heavy, wet snow. Weather report says it should be rain by noon, but for now we have over an inch and the birds are frantically searching for the bird seed hidden by its white snowy frosting.
The new year has arrived, my grandson and family have returned and school starts on Monday. Vacation is over. What have I accomplished? Rest. Rest. Rest.
I am beginning to color in the pages of the new year. As each blank page of the new year presents itself as pure and open, I hope to color with beauty, originality and purpose. I'll color inside the lines wisely. At the end of the year I hope my coloring has brightened the lives of those who contacted it and shown the glory of my merciful God.
The new year has arrived, my grandson and family have returned and school starts on Monday. Vacation is over. What have I accomplished? Rest. Rest. Rest.
I am beginning to color in the pages of the new year. As each blank page of the new year presents itself as pure and open, I hope to color with beauty, originality and purpose. I'll color inside the lines wisely. At the end of the year I hope my coloring has brightened the lives of those who contacted it and shown the glory of my merciful God.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Okay, I admit it...
I'm depressed. I sat down this morning to write a "New Year's" letter and 1) couldn't think of anything exciting to write about, so I looked back over my blogs..the weather and my job. Good grief!!!! 2)Then I tried to download some pictures and arrange them on a page to print out. Finally got them downloaded, but then I couldn't get them arranged. >sigh< It takes so much mental effort and trial and error on my part to use a computer!
So then I get a call from the school. A computer for one of my students has arrived and they want to know what to do with it. Did I request a computer for this kid? NO! What the_____!?!?!?! Just another bit of evidence that my input is not even considered! Seriously, these kinds of things make me crazy.
I miss my families. Think I'll go eat worms.
So then I get a call from the school. A computer for one of my students has arrived and they want to know what to do with it. Did I request a computer for this kid? NO! What the_____!?!?!?! Just another bit of evidence that my input is not even considered! Seriously, these kinds of things make me crazy.
I miss my families. Think I'll go eat worms.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Daily Weather Forecast
Last night the snow began to melt. I'm not sure it rained, but I sure woke several times to the sound of water dripping off the house. The snow has gone from the trees, the wind is blowing and on the untouched surface of the snow about 1/3 has melted away. The sky is overcast and the formal report says its about 36 degrees outside, but I think it might be a little warmer where I am. I even opened my patio door a crack so Lilo could 'feel' like she's closer to the birds who gather to eat the birdseed. And, I didn't have to put anymore seed out today, as some that was covered by layers of snow has appeared, so there is a fresh, though perhaps soggy, supply.
Yesterday I went shopping.....heh, heh. I haven't done that in months and months. It scares me to think how much money I spent. Underwear is so expensive! Even for 'old lady' stuff! Then I hit the sale racks and bought some new shirts. My old ones were pretty sad looking. For every one I'm putting Into my closet, I'm pulling an old one Out. I went to the book store and bought some great stuff I've wanted for the classroom. I'm hoping they'll reimburse me, but if not, hey, my grandchildren will love to play with the stuff! I bought myself a couple of books to read which I will share with some of you later, if you want.
Today is Sabbath. With being pretty much snowbound and having so many days off, they all have seemed to run together. God knew what he was doing to give us a day to think about Him at the end of a crazy week (each one is, right?) and have time to reflect and absorb soul peace that can only come from His superior source.
With the warmer weather, I feel more alive and my brain is starting to unthaw as well. Two days in a row I can think about something other than bundling up to shovel out the drive. Hurray!
Onward and Outward.
Yesterday I went shopping.....heh, heh. I haven't done that in months and months. It scares me to think how much money I spent. Underwear is so expensive! Even for 'old lady' stuff! Then I hit the sale racks and bought some new shirts. My old ones were pretty sad looking. For every one I'm putting Into my closet, I'm pulling an old one Out. I went to the book store and bought some great stuff I've wanted for the classroom. I'm hoping they'll reimburse me, but if not, hey, my grandchildren will love to play with the stuff! I bought myself a couple of books to read which I will share with some of you later, if you want.
Today is Sabbath. With being pretty much snowbound and having so many days off, they all have seemed to run together. God knew what he was doing to give us a day to think about Him at the end of a crazy week (each one is, right?) and have time to reflect and absorb soul peace that can only come from His superior source.
With the warmer weather, I feel more alive and my brain is starting to unthaw as well. Two days in a row I can think about something other than bundling up to shovel out the drive. Hurray!
Onward and Outward.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
It's Christmas!
Weather report: It got up to near 40 degrees yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours before the sun went down and the snow settled and roofs began a slow drip.drip.drip. Then it snowed 2 more inches last night. When I woke up I was stomping mad. That snow will not beat me!!! So after the day had brightened...some sun, some sun...I tackled the shoveling and even broke apart some underlying ice which had stubbornly refused to budge before this. I got the whole driveway and sidewalk shoveled and swept out again, then came in, ate some apple pie (Yum!) and took a nap. Then I decided I should check on the kids' place, so I went over there and shoveled their sidewalk, took in mail, fed the cats (who were around the house, surprisingly, and even came up to me to be petted)and then dug out a better trail for the cats in the back.It was so warm I even took off my hat and gloves! That's a lot of shoveling for one day and I'm tired, but not totally exhausted as I have been on other days. I'm getting stronger!!! Heh, heh!
When I got home, the sun was out brilliantly and everything did look beautiful. I knocked more snow off my car from sitting out last night at the dinner party I attended and then came in to rest. Here I am!
Dinner Party last night: Was at a friend of my sis's and my CEO family. She has a comfortable home, but it was crowded with 18 people there, all adults except for 3 teens who were quiet and actually very conversational.I didn't know anyone but my sis, her hubby and the hostess. We had quite a feast: a good lentil roast, homemade gluten patties, tossed salad, broccoli (yeah, I brought it), cooked carrots, a wonderful potato dish my sis made, two kinds of homemade cranberry relish, rolls, butter, green beans, mushroom gravy. It was all yummy food! Then we had pumpkin pie and apple pie for dessert. Someone had even brought soy whipped cream in a squirt can (I didn't even know they made such a thing!) The favors at each plate were a candy cane and a chocolate Santa. After dinner, which was quite a production in the small space, a couple card tables were removed and with everyone seated in the living room around the Christmas tree, a novel story about Christmas was read. Then the hostess handed gift bags to each and every guest. She had very thoughtfully given them gifts she knew they'd enjoy. She had gotten some of the items on her earlier travels during the year. I got a boxed set of 'lemon verbena' bath salts, oil, etc. The scent might be okay, but I don't think my sensitive skin will be able to handle it. I might pour out some of the goodness into the shower just to soak up the scent, however. Then another story was read and we all departed.
This Christmas eve gathering originated years ago when the hostess and a few friends were alone and didn't want to be so on Christmas. Last night there was quite an eclectic group of people there. I just kept my ears open to hear about these people. One woman was going through a marriage separation. There was a young college boy/girlfriend duo that had been in my BIL's classes and they had quite lively conversation going. The girl had tried to go home for Christmas but got stranded here (I'm sure she and her boyfriend were upset about that!:o) Another woman, a English Prof (and taught children's lit)came with her 12 year old autistic son. He just sat quietly with his mom, who, by the way, had had surgery on her ankle 1 week before and was not able to bear weight on her ankle. She parked herself in an easy chair in a corner of the room and ate there. There was an older couple there, parents of yet another couple. The older man of this couple got ill after he ate and was taken home. The child of this couple was married to a woman who was a lawyer...I'm not sure she's practicing at the moment. She was so loud and spewing her ideas onto everyone. Besides her 'righteous' views on vegan-ism, she gave some grandiose theory relating Roger Williams, the Liberty of Conscience, Christians, Atheists, Deists and on and on, spouting about all her wonderful research work and seminars she's given on this. My brain snapped. I'm used to getting kids to come when their names are called, count to ten and eat with a spoon. I think my SIL would have really kept her going, though. Too bad you weren't there, E! I would like to have seen someone take issue with her. Thankfully, my sister saw my glazed look and rescued me to another part of the room. My head was aching when I went home.
This morning I ate apple pie for breakfast and opened the gift my sis gave me lat night! She made a candle and bird seed-suet cups for the birds and it was just right to feed the little juncos and sparrows and red house finches that come into my yard (and give Lilo fits that she can't go out and chase them.) Of course, when she does go out, it's so cold, she sits on the step for a few minutes and then comes back in. Of course, while she's out there, no birds appear! Hmmm. Today, both this morning and this afternoon, I've had a mourning dove eating the seeds not 4 feet from the patio door. When I watched it fly away, it was missing one side of it's beautiful tail. It is welcome to eat here anytime! With the candle my sis made, I'm ready for the power to go out! :o)
It feels like a heat wave today with the sun out and probably around 32 degrees though the weather forecast says its only to be 25 as a high. I'm sure its warmer than that!
Time for a movie, dinner and a nap. OH, what a glorious day...Glor-o-o-o-rrrr-i-a, in excelsis Deo....
When I got home, the sun was out brilliantly and everything did look beautiful. I knocked more snow off my car from sitting out last night at the dinner party I attended and then came in to rest. Here I am!
Dinner Party last night: Was at a friend of my sis's and my CEO family. She has a comfortable home, but it was crowded with 18 people there, all adults except for 3 teens who were quiet and actually very conversational.I didn't know anyone but my sis, her hubby and the hostess. We had quite a feast: a good lentil roast, homemade gluten patties, tossed salad, broccoli (yeah, I brought it), cooked carrots, a wonderful potato dish my sis made, two kinds of homemade cranberry relish, rolls, butter, green beans, mushroom gravy. It was all yummy food! Then we had pumpkin pie and apple pie for dessert. Someone had even brought soy whipped cream in a squirt can (I didn't even know they made such a thing!) The favors at each plate were a candy cane and a chocolate Santa. After dinner, which was quite a production in the small space, a couple card tables were removed and with everyone seated in the living room around the Christmas tree, a novel story about Christmas was read. Then the hostess handed gift bags to each and every guest. She had very thoughtfully given them gifts she knew they'd enjoy. She had gotten some of the items on her earlier travels during the year. I got a boxed set of 'lemon verbena' bath salts, oil, etc. The scent might be okay, but I don't think my sensitive skin will be able to handle it. I might pour out some of the goodness into the shower just to soak up the scent, however. Then another story was read and we all departed.
This Christmas eve gathering originated years ago when the hostess and a few friends were alone and didn't want to be so on Christmas. Last night there was quite an eclectic group of people there. I just kept my ears open to hear about these people. One woman was going through a marriage separation. There was a young college boy/girlfriend duo that had been in my BIL's classes and they had quite lively conversation going. The girl had tried to go home for Christmas but got stranded here (I'm sure she and her boyfriend were upset about that!:o) Another woman, a English Prof (and taught children's lit)came with her 12 year old autistic son. He just sat quietly with his mom, who, by the way, had had surgery on her ankle 1 week before and was not able to bear weight on her ankle. She parked herself in an easy chair in a corner of the room and ate there. There was an older couple there, parents of yet another couple. The older man of this couple got ill after he ate and was taken home. The child of this couple was married to a woman who was a lawyer...I'm not sure she's practicing at the moment. She was so loud and spewing her ideas onto everyone. Besides her 'righteous' views on vegan-ism, she gave some grandiose theory relating Roger Williams, the Liberty of Conscience, Christians, Atheists, Deists and on and on, spouting about all her wonderful research work and seminars she's given on this. My brain snapped. I'm used to getting kids to come when their names are called, count to ten and eat with a spoon. I think my SIL would have really kept her going, though. Too bad you weren't there, E! I would like to have seen someone take issue with her. Thankfully, my sister saw my glazed look and rescued me to another part of the room. My head was aching when I went home.
This morning I ate apple pie for breakfast and opened the gift my sis gave me lat night! She made a candle and bird seed-suet cups for the birds and it was just right to feed the little juncos and sparrows and red house finches that come into my yard (and give Lilo fits that she can't go out and chase them.) Of course, when she does go out, it's so cold, she sits on the step for a few minutes and then comes back in. Of course, while she's out there, no birds appear! Hmmm. Today, both this morning and this afternoon, I've had a mourning dove eating the seeds not 4 feet from the patio door. When I watched it fly away, it was missing one side of it's beautiful tail. It is welcome to eat here anytime! With the candle my sis made, I'm ready for the power to go out! :o)
It feels like a heat wave today with the sun out and probably around 32 degrees though the weather forecast says its only to be 25 as a high. I'm sure its warmer than that!
Time for a movie, dinner and a nap. OH, what a glorious day...Glor-o-o-o-rrrr-i-a, in excelsis Deo....
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
White Christmas
Everyone's ideal....a White Christmas. Lots of snow, cozy fire, family, food for a feast. Well, that's what most of us have, right? And are we happy? Most of us are complaining that it's too hard to drive in This Much Snow and we are not used to 2 feet of the white stuff!
Now that my kids have arrived at their Christmas Destination (my daughter calls it a Christmas Miracle!) I feel much more settled. Everyone is safe and staying put!
It did Not snow last night and for the first time in 11 days I will not have to shovel the driveway. Whew! A nice break! The snow 'settled' some yesterday. It was still too cold to melt any of it and there was no direct sunshine, but it has settled, as I can see the bottom support beam of my fence line in some places. The trees are so heavy laden with snow, as are roofs. The news in River City is that marina dock roofs are collapsing now. I wonder when more flat roofs will go. They have more problems than we do. Theirs is ice and snow layered, ours is just snow.
Today I'm going to bake an apple pie and make molasses ginger cookies, besides do a little housecleaning. Then tonight I get to be with my sister and her friends for dinner. It will be nice to be with a group of adults who have lives Not like mine, whose eating habits Are like mine and listen to their conversations, as I'm only a rare guest to this group. I'm hoping it doesn't snow anymore so I can make it there safely.
Got to get busy. I have purpose today.
Now that my kids have arrived at their Christmas Destination (my daughter calls it a Christmas Miracle!) I feel much more settled. Everyone is safe and staying put!
It did Not snow last night and for the first time in 11 days I will not have to shovel the driveway. Whew! A nice break! The snow 'settled' some yesterday. It was still too cold to melt any of it and there was no direct sunshine, but it has settled, as I can see the bottom support beam of my fence line in some places. The trees are so heavy laden with snow, as are roofs. The news in River City is that marina dock roofs are collapsing now. I wonder when more flat roofs will go. They have more problems than we do. Theirs is ice and snow layered, ours is just snow.
Today I'm going to bake an apple pie and make molasses ginger cookies, besides do a little housecleaning. Then tonight I get to be with my sister and her friends for dinner. It will be nice to be with a group of adults who have lives Not like mine, whose eating habits Are like mine and listen to their conversations, as I'm only a rare guest to this group. I'm hoping it doesn't snow anymore so I can make it there safely.
Got to get busy. I have purpose today.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Day 9
Happily my family stuck in River city were able to leave the immediate bad ice storm area. They took the chains off and are now traveling south on only wet roads except when they go over the summit. They are happy to be heading toward their Christmas destination!!!! Their plans changed so many times!
Here, the ground was covered with a light covering of snow again,and it is still lightly flaking down. Today, I Swept(rather than shoveled) off the driveway, and pushed my garbage can just to the side of the end of the driveway. I don't even know if the garbage pick up will happen.
Lilo is still avidly watching the little birds come to eat the bird seed I throw on the snow. By the time the sun goes down and I shut the curtain, she's exhausted and curls up to sleep. I gave in and bought her a Christmas present. A little round soft pillow bed. It is sage green to match the living room decor...none of this pink princess stuff. But she does like the bed and curled up there all night rather than on my bed pillow. I think my bedroom is too cold for her.
Other than that, my snowy life continues. I'm still cozy and safe.
Here, the ground was covered with a light covering of snow again,and it is still lightly flaking down. Today, I Swept(rather than shoveled) off the driveway, and pushed my garbage can just to the side of the end of the driveway. I don't even know if the garbage pick up will happen.
Lilo is still avidly watching the little birds come to eat the bird seed I throw on the snow. By the time the sun goes down and I shut the curtain, she's exhausted and curls up to sleep. I gave in and bought her a Christmas present. A little round soft pillow bed. It is sage green to match the living room decor...none of this pink princess stuff. But she does like the bed and curled up there all night rather than on my bed pillow. I think my bedroom is too cold for her.
Other than that, my snowy life continues. I'm still cozy and safe.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The 8th Day
Folks, we had 3-4 more inches of snow over yesterday/last night. So for the 8th day in a row, I shoveled out my drive way. Do my arms ache, does my back ache? Oh, yeah, big time. I keep thinking I should be getting stronger, but that doesn't seem to be working for me. My driveway is about 2 Camry lengths long. The piles on the sides of the driveway are 4 ft high and I have to throw the snow farther to get it over the top, so it doesn't avalanche back down onto the driveway. What a mess. The sun was shining today, though it is muted now. I work up such a heart rate, I'm really too warm and am not bundling up as thickly as I did at first. Yes, I'm writing about this because it is the 'highlight' of my days recently.
Years ago I bought some Gortex hiking boots, thinking I was really going to do some mountain hiking, but never did. Those boots have really come in handy here. They are very warm, for this weather they are great; except they could be a bit higher (like over the calf). I think I need to get some of those snow leg covers.. I don't know what they are called. They are sort of like the old 80's leg warmers but made of water resistant material and fit from the knee down over boots to keep snow out.
CEO are still stuck in River City and may be there through Christmas. They can't even traverse the city to see friends, as the city is shut down due to weather..the worst since 1968, the news reported.
Well, I'm going to shower and see if I can drive to the store to get batteries and sterno cans. When this starts to melt.............. (hey, you Know I'm a survivalist!) :o)
Years ago I bought some Gortex hiking boots, thinking I was really going to do some mountain hiking, but never did. Those boots have really come in handy here. They are very warm, for this weather they are great; except they could be a bit higher (like over the calf). I think I need to get some of those snow leg covers.. I don't know what they are called. They are sort of like the old 80's leg warmers but made of water resistant material and fit from the knee down over boots to keep snow out.
CEO are still stuck in River City and may be there through Christmas. They can't even traverse the city to see friends, as the city is shut down due to weather..the worst since 1968, the news reported.
Well, I'm going to shower and see if I can drive to the store to get batteries and sterno cans. When this starts to melt.............. (hey, you Know I'm a survivalist!) :o)
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