Someone I just met asked me what my most recent degree was, knowing I used to be a nurse. I answered that I had obtained a second master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at Steven’s Point in Natural Resources with a focus in Environmental Education and Interpretation (EE/EI). I responded that I was essentially…
Public schools Public health Public library Public defender Public market Public bathroom What does the word “public” mean to you? In nursing school, eons ago, the senior year clinical was called “Community Health.” This clinical, the culmination of three prior years of classes in liberal arts, hard and soft sciences including biology, chemistry, physiology, sociology,…
Today, I returned to volunteering. In preparation, I watched videos on YouTube, took an online orientation from Monarch Joint Venture staff and familiarized myself with forms as well as how data was to be recorded. I am now an official volunteer for the IMMP or Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program run by Monarch Joint Venture. But,…
We’ve been to Washington, D.C. three times in the last ten years. The monuments to our fallen soldiers are a sight to appreciate and contemplate. They have made the greatest sacrifice for our way of life – a free life. Perhaps most impressive is the tomb of the unknown soldier, not pictured in today’s piece….
Today’s post will be short for Slice of Life Tuesday. I’ve been taking photos in my yard (again) and noted that my milkweed has germinated. Milkweed is a perennial plant and germinates around this time of year in Wisconsin. I make daily rounds looking for it in my yard. I’ve also reported my findings to…
Earlier this year I wrote several posts about the pandemic and vaccination role outs. I explored the trials of getting my elderly parents their vaccines in New York State when I lived in Wisconsin. I relayed frustrations at “the system” believing our elderly could manage online searches and registrations for the vaccines. Ultimately, I was…
It is fitting that today is Slice of Life Tuesday! The Slice of Life writing challenge started me on my blogging journey over four years ago. I’ve written nearly every day since February 23, 2017. Naturally, there are ups and downs when one blogs every day. Mostly, there have been satisfying days of accomplishment as…
Yesterday, I commented to a friend that I thought the world was in serious trouble. My thought goes beyond the obvious online nastiness, political polarization, and age old battle of haves and have nots. It comes down to seeing disdain from fellow human beings in everyday actions… every day. When you are full of disdain…
Yesterday, I took an intro to foraging class. It was held by an organization called the Driftless Folk School and the session took place on the grounds of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve near La Farge, Wisconsin. This area is a jaw-droppingly (my own term) beautiful part of Wisconsin. I was excited to go, as much…
Yesterday, I learned from a fellow blogger and Wisconsin educator, Tammy at Tammy’s Reading Life blog that today is Pocket Poem Day! According to Tammy’s blog, the Pocket Poem was started in New York and meant to spread cheer. A poem, written or copied (with acknowledgment, of course), is shared and passed to those one…