We all know the saying, “it’s five o’clock somewhere” which usually refers to having an adult beverage well before the time it might be socially acceptable to do so. But, today, I exclaimed, “It’s five o’clock and still light out!” We are freed from the dark clutches of winter’s gloom.” Not exactly poetic but true!…
For the last few years, our school system has been refining grading policies. It is time well spent, in my opinion. We have been residents in the same school system for nearly twenty years. During nineteen of those years, I have had a child in the system. I’ve seen a lot of changes come and…
I’m in kind of a quandry. I do not think people know what I do for a living, or in what disciplines I’ve been educated, nor do I have any chance to tell them. I’ve not had a linear trajectory as far as a career path is concerned. Once an intensive care nursery nurse and…
I tried my hand at some songwriting last week, inspired by a ukulele sitting on my kitchen counter. My husband told me to keep my day job. Still, I like that it prompts some cherished and warm memories in the cold darkness of winter. We’ve been to the Hawaiian islands three times in the last…
I have been trying to pick plants to start from seed for the school garden I tend as part of my garden club advisor job. Last year, I purchased plants from a homeschooled teenager who had his own greenhouse business. They were probably the most healthy plants I have ever had in my gardens! Some…
While we were driving our son back to school on Sunday, we crossed the great Mississippi River. Due to the mild weather, parts of the river are still open and not frozen. There, in the trees, lining one of the pieces of land in the slough, were a pair of Bald Eagles, resplendently sitting with…
There is no question that I like routines. I like the predictability of a schedule and knowing what is planned for the day, week, or even, year. But, with recent changes – my husband’s retirement and the completion of my graduate degree in Natural Resources this past Saturday, we are adjusting to new patterns. My…
After sleeping in this morning, (I think I deserved it), I woke to read a blog by someone I follow who writes posts on education. He wrote about the movie,”It’s a Wonderful Life,” and the connection it shows to schools and their role in the community. I enjoyed the post, and you can read it…
When I was little, I remember hand carrying my report card in a sealed manila envelope home for my parents to open. Since I was a compliant and eager student, I waited with anticipation and pride to share my grades with them. Aside from graded work coming home and the twice a year parent teacher…
Over the weekend I arrived home from a brief vacation in Southern California. My sister was a DNP conference with her students. I tagged along with her, and was able to visit one of our American deserts for the first time ever! It was something on my Bucket List! If you’d like to see photos…