Big brother to the rescue again

Bob tells me there may be a way to reduce some of my tax liability. I've funded my Ira so that won't help but I can put in some handeling fees from by retirement and annuities as small as they may be.

So far this history gig is not so bad. They want to run wild but at least they are at the level of reason even if they are posturing. These hormones you know and they all go wild.

Once on task they seem to go well. We are reading a play and several girls refused to take parts. Ok fine, AI can't remember doing that as a kid but I won't push it.

There are enough good kids to override the others and when you ahve a grade level class it's a whole different story than at risk and low functioning like I had all last year and for summer school.

Today there is an assembly which means I have 1.5 hr off. Good deal one more class then lunch.

After that 2 more hours and I'm out of here. Not too bad.

All in all it was a good day for my 4 hrs. tomarrow I'm back in hell with first graders. I'll miss kids over the age of reason.

I'm going to interview with Milpitas H.S. for a librarian position next week.

The blossoms blowing from the trees look like snow

It's a bit blowy out there and the white blossoms loosened by the rain have been picked up and it looks like a snow storm --cool.

I'm going to be really brave tomarrow and take a middle school history assignment. We'll see how I survive the day. I've enjoyed going over history with Richard even though I suspect he doesn't really understand when I'm talking about or we're reading about or what the films are about.

A run on the bank is still about people running to him even with a picture, and explanation and memorization of a bank holiday. Two days later he doesn't remember.

Unfortunately, I know how much teaching goes on in a 50 min. class time, then there is an assembly and the good point or bad is they are gone in 50 min and a whole new 5 groups come in.

As I told my 8th graders last year about Harriet Tubman and slavery and WW 2 they really didn't relate untill I whipped out Shindler's List and shocked them into consciousness. By the end they were numb and horrified.

I took a haul of stuff to Goodwill and Back to work a professional womans career closet that helps women get business suits and blouses and shoes to wear to work.

I hate to dump it when it was all on hangers in plastic just back from the dry cleaners. At least I got to say see attached list and include my itemized list on the reciept.

Gas is over $3.08.

I picked my 1st roses of the season today and the freesas are in bloom. They smell so good,

Lacey doesn't seem to have been affected my the pet food scare. She snuggled up to keep my feet warm last night. She gets one treat a day.

I owe a lot in taxes this year for the first time. I shouldn't have sold stock. I need to dump a looser this year. I need more deductions. I am so screwed.

Spring

The trees are all in bloom including my orange trees and they smell wonderful. The pink plum are beautuful and the tulip I love. The white ones look like delicate snowflakes.

Libby will be 1 y.o. in May. I just got her these peek a books.

I'm reading Obama's book: The Audacity of Hope.

I'm not so sore this morning, just exhausted since I was up reading till 2 after tutoring. Even with my afternoon nap I was zonked. One of my students yeaterday told me I looked like her grandmother and my hair was kind of like her's too. Once I was at the hospital to visit a new mom and they thought I was the grandmother and that was 15 years ago!

I think I will stay on the East coast from 4/19 through 5/7. It really doesn't make any sense to fly home Monday and turn around and fly back on Fri.

I may go though the Shenendoah Valley. I'm thinking to stay in the D.C. area for the weekend of the 30th then drive up through PA, NJ, and NY to the beaches, then CT and maybe to the cape. I've always wanted to see the Hamptons and I really like the Cape. The Clam Chowder and scallops are great. From Va I'll stay in this mansion of an iron master in PA that was a underground rr stop during the Civil war. In Charleston and Savannah and Greenwich I will too. I love these old houses turned into b and b's. CT fasinated me. Especially when they go back to the 1760's.

When I lived outside of Hartford in 77, the year Gwen was born, I didn't go to see Twain's home or that of Harriet Beecher Stowe.

I remember going to the Poconos to check out the honeymoon hotels with Jeff. Boy were they sleazy. Those heart shaped tubs and round beds looked good in the Bride magazines but shabby in person. I was glad we looked before we booked. Actually since that engagement was called off, it was moot. I just had a flashback on the tour and camping in 72 the year Emily was born.

Joe and I lived in Groton, Michael called to tell us Gwen was on the way, we went to Mystic but never to the cape and to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard till Jimmy's 2nd wedding in 1988 we only went to Boston. We did take weekend trips to Boston and Montrael and Vermont once.
I never even explored Groton much I was still commuting back to East Windsor to teach rather than find a new job for 3 months. One morning everything was coated with ice, the trees and the roads. I didn't hear the cancellation since I was out of the area until I rented a car and called the principal after I drove all that way in dangerous conditions for nothing. Nancy and I went ice skating. I don't miss that.

During Jonathan's bar mitzvah I was facinated by the history of CT and Greenwich and loved the Cady Stanton House. I loved seeing all the crocus poking up.

Spring in each part of the country is different. In the east, Utah and CO more so since it is so hard won.

Sometimes appreciation comes with age, knowledge or experience.

Tutoring

I'm not patient enough to teach. I just had a 3 hr session with Richard. I asked him to put the trash out first. He had a hard time putting the recycles next to the trash. Then when he had to go back and put the cart out I gave him two more envelopes to recycle and he put them in the mailbox. I wonder if he knows how slow he is?

He doesn't remember the 3 definitions we did on sat. Now we have 25 more.

I'm also supposed to teach him to do a bibliography. Yikes! Yeah right.

After all my walking yesterday, I was sore this morning. You have to get through the pain to get the gain.

I had a combo 4/5 class today. I enjoyed the reading but keep me away from 5th grade fractions.

Tomorrow I go to a 4th grade class.

I turned in an application for summer school today. They wanted to know my experience in teaching at risk kids. (clue here)

The Cavalier

After 80 years this venerable VA Beach hotel got a face lift. I wonder if the indoor pool is still as wonderful as I remember as a child.

After taking a 5 hr. test today I walked all over downtown San Jose today. It was beautiful out.

I misplaced my electronic key so left the car ready to steal...sorry to say it's not the first time. I can start it with a push of a button but anyone else can too. On my lunch break I went back and searched and found them on the front seat. I searched my tote bag in vain and in a hurry and a panic and 7:45 sure they were in there but...they weren't.

I've done it at school a few times too.

If thieves only knew they could push a button and drive away it would be gone. I've got to keep better track of my key. It took me a month to discover I didn't have to put it into the slot!

My closet and garage donations to good will keep growing I'm up to 7k now and I need the deduction!

It's asparagus season and I can't get enough. I wouldn't touch the stuff or zucchini either when I was a kid.

It's been so dry I had to go out and water. The oranges are falling off the trees so I guess it's time to pull out the ladder and pick em for juice and pick up the drops.

Strawberries are ripe and plentiful too. There's a person on every corner trying to sell you a crate.

Invitations

I got the invitation to Pamela's May 5th celebration in Rye. I get to stay at the Caty Staunton house again this cool bed and breakfast in Greenwich.

It doesn't make sense to fly home Mon. and back Fri. Maybe I'll go to the Hamptons or Boston or the Cape.

Another black tie event....hum could I get by with a white evening suit?

Emily and her family are coming to the wedding...yeah! It will be good to see her again and to see all the kids together.

I cleaned out my closet and so far have over 5k of professional clothes to donate. Yikes. The closets are not done yet but they are lighter.

I tutored Richard in History for 3 hours. I wanted to scream. He did manage to memorize bank holiday although he thinks a run on the bank is when people go running but he can nor tell you they close the banks to avoid money taken out. Two other definitions took him over an hour. An 18 question fill in the blank quiz another 1.5 and a short essay, impossible. I don't think there are enough hours in the week to get this child to pass.

For example, I told him to write two words short answer on the top of his paper and pointed to the spot and wrote out the words. He wrote the definition for bank holiday.???

I asked him to put an envelope in the mailbox, put up the flag and put some weeds in the street . He put them both in the street. One thing at a time.

I asked him to take some strawberry tops down to my neighbors 2 houses down for their backyard chickens. He could not count two houses. I'm frustrated and it was just 3 hrs.


We went to Safeway to return a salad. I told him to ask the manager for help. Then he gave him a note and they helped him exchange it, he came out and crossed the street to the car.

Money

Do you remember how you first learned about money? It took a lot of practice in 1st grade. We played with coins then dollars like Monolopy money.

Now I'm teaching the concept to 1st graders and interestingly an 19 y.o. autistic boy. Richard has no more concept of money than the 1st graders. When you ask him how much something costs he says $20.00 his favorite amount. If you asked him for 4 dollars he could give you a one, five, ten or hundred and not know the difference.

Then there is history and English. His Individual Instruction Plan says he will pass both and be able to write to pass the exit exam. I worked all summer with him to get him to be able to do a paragraph.

History is tough. He does not understand what he reads. He can memorize. It's like a picture to him. I get him movies. We talk but he cannot respond verbally to "what were the causes of the great depression"?. However, I make flashcards and he can drill and memorize the facts.

I'm frustrated. How do you get through?

Lord save me from from from 1st graders that break into tears because they don't have their homework or are called bossy and need to go to the office because they scraped their knees or their eyes hurt because of the flower pollen. All day long they tell me about their imagined slights....someone is my friend not hers.....et al.

It's 86 degrees today. No such luck for my East coast people....and here I was wishing I could come earlier and that I'd miss spring...maybe not.

On my trip I'll go from No. VA on Fri. to Williamsburg. Then after the wedding, I'll head to Charleston then Hilton Head and Savannah the next night. Beauford sounds like a nice area to explore so once I finish with the plantations and the gardens I'll head down, then on to St. Simons' Island.

On the return I'll go throughSC, NC to visit my friend Jane in NC, then VA Beach to see a college friend, Mary, and head back Richmond to see my friend Kathy from high school and into Northern VA by Fri. get to visit with family in MD and my friend from high school, Karen.

I want to see the Holocaust museum, I'm rereading Night with Richie, and wander through Alexandria a bit.

I head out Mon at 6.

I'm reviewing for a test on Sunday. I thought my days of having to calculate those word problems of a car draveling x at y speed.

Now, I'm learning radio jargon and terminology. Greek to me.

Wedding Outfits

I pulled out the evening suit I assumed I'd wear to the wedding......nope.

Can't wear white to a wedding.

Guess I'm going to have to find a coat to take too.

It will be Gwen's birthday.

I dug in to find another outfit glad I didnt wait.

I wonder If I can just forgo the garment bag.

I'm purging my closet of all those 8, and 10's I'll never use again.

Another beautiful day and I spent it writing an IEP and conservatorship papers for an 18 y.o. autistic boy.

Sure is a long involved process.

Tomarrow I'm back in 1st grade.

Smoking ban

CA is the first state to ban smoking in restaurants and now on sidewalks and apartments.

I hate it.

I can't stand to walk by someone outside smoking.

Today it was 82.

My tenure in 1st grade is done. It was painful. 6 and 7 year olds are cute but 20 at a time need a lot of one on one attention.

I changed my 7 day trip to 10-11. I had too far to go and to little time to do it in. Now I will have time to spend with my friends and see some family.

A week isn't long enough

I am planning my Southern Oddessy.

I will be in VA on Thursday 4/19 then on Fri. head to Williamsburg. The wedding goes on Sat. them I head to Charleston and from there to Beauford and Hilton Head in Route to Savannah; then a quick trip over to see what all the fuss is about in St. Simon's Island and it's time to head back.

Not enough time.

It was 84 today. Time to find the sun screen.

Below the age of reason

I've been teaching 1st grade. They are driving me crazy. They ask the spelling of everything and want to show you their papers everytime they change a character.

It takes a lot of patience. I don't have a lot for this age.

I am introducing the quarter and we are adding coins. You never realize how much you know until you see what they don't.

Bless the teachers that have the patience for this.

Chinese New Year

San Francisco has the largest Chinatown and the largest Chinese New Years parade complete with this great 60' dragon and fire crackers galore. The crowds line the streets waiting to see the floats and dragon and bands pass by.

I taught 2nd grade on Fri. decided that they are too young. They can;t do stuff indepently. Third grade may be my favorite so far.

I'm reading Eat, Pray, Love. http://amazon,com

it's pouring

its raining, its time for all the daffodils to be out and the hills are so green. Mustard is starting to bloom in the fields, it's really pretty.

I taught 3rd grade today, a really nice class. They are old enough to understand and still young enough to want to please.

I was glad to see that Helen Miren won an Oscar for the QUEEN along with Jennifer Hudson for Dream Girls.

Drug seeking

It makes me crazy that the pharmacy treats you as though you are drug seeking when you ask for a refill before it's time.

I lost the second bottle of my meds. I looked for 5 days and was without during that time. Finally, I got in touch with my doctors. They called in another prescription yet when I went to pick it up I had to fight with the pharmacy staff, wait 30 min. then talk with the pharmacist before she would fill it. This is not a narcotic or class 3 drug. You'd think they were protecting the vault in accusation to a addict.

I finally found the other bottle under the bed.

My friend had major surgery and she had to go from Safeway to her Dr's to turn in her drug that was not strong enough then back to another store that had the dosage and have her insurance co. called before they would fill it. She was barely walking. They think she's gonna OD or sell them? She was in pain.

My other friend is at the Mayo clinic and since her dr's haven't found anything they think she's drug seeking too and want to report her dr to the drug control board.

Aye......

There's snow on them there hills

After a rain on the flats I look out my window to the hills in the distance and there is snow. They say 2 inches. Everyone is taking their kids up to play in it. It beats a 5 hr drive to Tahoe.
I haven't been up there to ski in a couple of years. I remember driving up listening to Dad's tapes while at the Pritikin Center and having the snow come down and people slip and slide all over. I was glad to get over Donner summit and start heading down lower. I hate to put on chains. Usually, thank goodness, there are people to put them on for you.Then, hopefully I can figure out how to get them off again.

I went to look at granite for the kitchen counters. There is a lot to choose from.

I made steel cut Oatmeal. It beats Quaker Oats. Then I add rasins and cinnamon and vanilla...yum. I used to make it for Gwen and Michael when they were little. The I would pretend yogurt was like ice cream to get them hooked. worked!

Ah, the webs we weave when we practice to decieve.

House ownership

Its always something. Houses require upkeep.

I need to paint the outside.

Having redone one bathroom and part of the kitchen the rest remains.

I got a quote today on kitchen cabinet refacing. I also want to replace the counter tops, sink, faucet and put in recessed lighting. Then I've just got the ovens to replace. All it takes is cash.

I know resale will increase but in the interim....ouch.

I also want to demolish my existing fireplace and replace it with marble and new mantle.

Fat Tuesday

and now Lent starts. One of these year I will go to New Orleans. I've been close to Baton Rouge and on the coast where they gamble bit it was on business and I was with someone and although we were 2 hrs away it was his car and I didn't rent one after dinner of shrimp and craw fish and drive down. I love the Parishes though. We stopped in several throughout our day and the Cajun names and towns like Natchoches. It was in Feb. right before Mardi Gras too. Gaberdine suits, silk blouses and nylons were almost too much even then with the humidity.

I got to visit with my friend Kim yesterday and her daughter Breanna, 9. We finally exchanged Christmas and birthday gifts. Hers is in Sept. and mine Dec. She's so busy with her work at Cisco, Breanna and life that we visit by phone mostly. She's been out a lot for medical issues this year and last so ironically we've had more time. They have this amazing, 4 story home in the hills with turrets on acres with sauna, wine cellar et al. We met over 21 years ago when she and I worked together. Her family shared many a holiday with me. Her mom who passed 2 years ago was very special. We miss her a lot. She was so loving and never had a bad word to day about anyone or anything. A gentle soul.

After working 3 hrs, I came home so exhausted. My back and shoulders were killing me, it's usually my feet. We were very busy.I stopped by Trader Joe's for some of my favorite French Onion soup, took a bath, had bowl and read until I passed out at 8. I wanted to get up and watch something at 10 and although I opened my eyes it was for a moment and back with Morpheus. My girl Lacey came to snuggle up too. Now at 4 we're up.

After the wedding

After Michael's wedding I'm going to go to Charlotte, maybe the Outer Banks, perhaps to see my friend Jane in Chapel Hill, Charleston, Columbia, St Simon's Is. and Md all in a week after Thurs. in No. VA Fri. and Sat. in Williamsburg for the wedding. I'd like to see Savannah too.
Hopefully I can see Gwen too.

I fly in Thurs. to Dullus arriving at 3:30 and will stay with my friend of 39 years, Karen.

Maybe I can see Michael. Once the wedding hoopla gets going it will be more difficult to visit. All family will convene from MD, NY, NJ, VA, IN and CA, and CT. Over 33.4 in all not including our Iowa family.

There will be over 150 at the wedding. I'm looking forward to going back to Williamsburg. I love the place. I always intended to go back for the kids graduation from Wm. and Mary but I never heard when it was until after the fact.

When I sometimes feel so issolated I realize that. I'm just on the l coast. Fortunately , I have good friends as a surrogate family.

It was 70 and sunny all the trees are fruiting and the plum blossoms petals floating off in the breeze. The tulip trees are beautiful.

When I was traveling a lot in sales I used to kove having spring here then again in Salt Lake, Seattle and Denver.

La dia de Presidentes

Had a nice two hr. breakfast with some friends from the library this morning.

I got there 1/2 hr, early misunderstanding the time.

I had just convinced myself it was the wrong day when they arrived.

It was good to catch up.

We are the birthday club and meet respectively on each birthday 4 times a year.

Afterwards, I went to finish my taxes. It sure helps to have a good person help.

Mine are quite complicated and it takes some work to come up with a refund this year.

My dear friend Carolina fortunately is quite skilled. Caro and I met in business school.

She's got quite a little tax service run out of home.

Then I met my friend Karen. She has a 9 y.o. son.

I often spend passover Seder (we eat but don't do the reading or have the horseradish, but she does have the traditional plate) and Thanksgiving with them.

Last Thanksgiving I made the pumpkin pie while visiting and forgot to put the sugar in!

We like to cook and have a lot to visit and catch up on.She's an immigration lawyer and we used to work together.

Communication

Why is it that Communication is so difficult.

I have always wanted to know what's going on with people.

(Maybe noisy, but I don't see it that way) I'm interested. I want to have a relationship. I care.

I want to share.

Guys don't share as much I guess.

This may be a generalization but my experience has been unless I ask the questions and pull information out I remain unconnected and uninformed.

Frustrating.

It is especially curious to me that family can be spectacularly unconnected.

People can get hurt or ticked and go for years and not talk to one another.

Sometimes they don't even know why.

I have a person who has not talked to me in 12 years and although I've asked, I don't honestly have a clue why she has chosen not to talk to me.

At one time I thought we were close I still love her and always will.

Then there are acknowledged family feuds.

It seems like a waste of time and love and connection.

Why can't we just get along.

Isolation is not good.

Exclusion hurts.

Why can't we just love one another.

Ironically, I think that under the hurt and hate there is still love?

Oye

Started taxes today. I even have a preparer. I'll go back Monday.

I was sure I had all my stuff together. Then, there is always something else.

I even had my stock capitol gain calculation done from the sale of stock!

They stopped giving carpool stickers for hybrids 2/14.... Happy Valentine's.

Now all I need to do is find the transponder and the stickers.

Went on eBay to find baby coupons.

I used to get them and send them to Gwen and she sold them.

Now, these new parents of Brianna are supplementing with Silmilac, so even at 6 days they are looking for bargains.

Death and Taxes

My dear friend Tommie Lei died of asthma. She leaves behind a beautiful daughter AJ.

I'd change placed with her if I could.

She was so young at 54.

Tommie gave love and light wherever she was. I was lucky to have her in my life.

She is the second death of a friend.

My boyfriend Bill Brown died of a heart attack at 37.

All that's left that we're sure of is taxes

Reading

I'm reading John Grisham's new book The Innocent Man, not to captivating so far and I'm 1/2 way through.

I went over and saw Brianna a new 4 day old baby about the size of Brandon. She was so tiny. I'm looking for that breast pump of Dad's.

I saw it recently, just can't find it again.

I finally have a new mom to give it to. I was saving one for me but that's most unlikely.

She's feeding every 4 hours.

I told her dad not to give her honey. (Saw that on ER)

I'm making up a list of my financial assets and account numbers for my estate et al.

Taught 5th grade today. There has to be an easier way to make a living.


Next, I'll do some monthly expenses and retirement calculations.

Selling

There is a law that can save 125k on your house if you turn it over after 55.

I'm looking at it and thinking about it and reverse morgages.

Michael says I need to look at the laws.

The internet info is outdated.

Now the level is 250,000. one time deduction at any time. No longer do you have to wait till 55.

It was 72 sunny and warm today.

We have a new cousin from Tina and Denzil, another boy, Brandon, born before Valentine's Day.

How great! Congratulations to you all! We're thrilled and happy to hear of your new home in Clarksburg, MD.


I'm also looking to sell my engagement ring. I need to figure how to load pictures on the computer from the camera.

I think I need to run some software.

I've been exploring ebay.

Valentine's Day

I need a Valentine.

I had breakfast in bed.

I had a nice bubble bath

The day was sunny and warm.

All the trees are in bloom.

Like cupid I went out and delivered my Valentines.

I got some in return too.

Had some chocolate.

Now for dinner.

To sleep perhaps to dream....

There are foods that promote sleep: oatmeal, bananas, turkey, whole wheat toast but I'm still up to 3 a.m. or so on the computer or reading.

Fortunately I can sleep in, most of the time.

Now I like staying up late and I know I shouldn't nap during the day but sometimes after work I just fade out. I can't keep my eyes open another minute. Then I wake up and I'm ready to go until 2 or 3.

If I had my way, all grocery stores would be open 24/7 along with movie theaters like in NYC. I need a city that never sleeps and a schedule that can accommodate my body rhythm.

Today is my friend Gloria's birthday so after work I'll go join the celebration. Knowing how they go on for hours I'm sure they will still be there.

After a day of rain today is beautiful, the sun is out and it's about 70, no coat needed today.

The city of San Jose just sent me a workers comp. form for my doctors visits and mileage.

Glad to know they will reimburse my mileage and deductible. I just hope I will get use of my L arm again.

Pho

On these rainy days there is something comforting about a big bowl of soup or pho, vietnamese broth that you add bean spouts, mint, other herbs and sometimes chicken, pork or beef.

It took me a while to realize that restaurants called pho never served anything else. My favorite lemon grass chicken had to come from another source. I live in a town that had a large Latin and Vietnamese population.

Their markets are very different.

We have out meat sealed in plastic. No smell everything sanitized....

Their fish is on ice and the guy plucks it or swimming out of the tank hits it in the head, guts it and cleans it. No cost.

I checked out some books today: A bird's-eye view of Jewish history, Against Silence: the voice and vision of Ellie Wiesel and Ancient Judiasm. (that one may be beyond me)

Maybe I'll learn something.

Walking

Exercise starts one step at a time...at least I'm walking. Then my aerobics class and tape.

There is also the Avon Susan B Koman Breast Cancer Walk a thon coming up.

I'm not so sure I'm up to 32 miles.

I'm investigating....

Think I'll make some beef stew.
I remember mom putting in a pot roast every Sunday before leaving for mass.

Then it was a wonderful meal when she got home.

She even knew how to make gravy which I haven't gotten down completely.

The part I didn't like was the cold roast beef sandwiches for lunch the next week. To this day I won't eat a roast beef sandwich. I think there may have been Velveeta involved too.

Hers were a lot better than the deli too!

Our comfort food was grilled cheese sandwiches and tuna casserole with potato chips and cream of mushroom soup and Salisbury steak t.v. dinners and mashed potato's; and meatloaf.

Now I like macaroni and cheese a la Martha Stewart not Velveeta. I also like meatloaf and mashed potato's.

Now I make beef short ribs from Bon Appetite.

Isn't it interesting that short ribs, flank steak and other cuts that used to be cheap now are so expensive.

Then again in 1968 gas was .29 a gal.

Physical therapy

My therapist was not happy with me. I was not doing my exercises correctly.

I put my arm in a warming chamber for 30 min. while ground corn husk granules blew round it . Then parfin dips and ultrasound. I got a brace and instructions to ice it.

Then I went for my walk. It's a shorts day, warm and sunny.

I made a nice feta, basil, sundried tomato pasta salad add parsley and tiny grape tomatos, red onion to corkscrew pasta. Add a little olive oil and white wine vinegar..yum

Stopped by the falaffel drive in today for a salad with extra pitas it makes 3. Those balls of ground chickpeas/garbanzo, and spices are good along with cucumber, tomato, lettuce and white yogurt sauce in a pita.

The place is packed all summer but not a sole was in sight today.

I registered to sub again for Evergreen school district.

You'd think they'd tire of taking my fingerprints but ever district requires it for an additional dollar fee. They all want their piece of the pie.

ebay

I was looking on ebay last night for the first time.

I found baby stuff: diapers and a car seat for cheap.

Babies are so expensive.

Too bad Gwen doesn't remember Grandma Jean and Grandpa George.

They showered her with love and living so close by attention and care.

I remember Dad reading her book over and over and over again with more patience than my friend Penny and I thought possible.

I've got this great picture of Mom and Gwen on her 1st Christmas being up on grandma's knees while mom was on the floor.

She was so delighted with her granddaughter.

Mom bought Gwen her 1st honey colored teddy bear with a plaid bow around his neck.

I went out walking the the beautiful sunny CA weather.

Baby food

At the baby shower we tasted the baby food and guessed what it was. I got 5 out of 7. I likes sweet potato and apple sauce. Those peas and green beans were nasty. Bannanna was mixed with something sweet. I like carrots raw but those were icky. No wonder Alexis used to get it in her hair and babies turn their heads yuck.

Diapers are expensive. No wonder Gwen took to making them. I may try to show the mommmie to be how. She's a seamstress. I'm not. We need to make a receiving blanket too.

Did you know they won't let you take the baby out of the hospital without a car seat?

It's interesting that the baby is due next week and they don't have a name for her or a bed. There is a lot to do nesting has not been high on her list. Amazing.

It was really nice this weekend and the sun was old sweater weather again thank goodness.

It's so dry I've been watering and the paperwhites smell so good. Thank you Bob and Pat!

This 4 hr. sleep cycle is getting old.

Latin parties

Boy do the parties Latinos give go on and on....like 8 hrs,,,, I'm usted to 2-4 hours.

Latino time also reigns. They say come at 2 and some come by 4, some at 5 and finally by 5:30 there is food,

I've gone to a number of events by my Nicaraguan friend Carolina and also my friend Gloria from Bolivia.

Caro's parties start in prep where I come early to visit and help prep as cocinera. They 2 hrs. later as the guests drift in they visit and drink and dance and finally eat and dance and drink some more. Sometimes they go on to 5 a.m.

Today there was a baby shower and Gloria said 2. No-one but me and her son were there and he and his girlfriend, novia, because they were doing prep.

By 4 Gloria and her son Richard showed
By 5 her sister and cousin arrived,
By 5:30 another friend came,,,then the food
finally,,, the expectant mom and her husband. We ate and played games and opened presents and at 10 after visiting and trying to come up with names for her daughter I bailed after 8 hrs.

I finally have some one to give one of Dad's breast pumps to after 35 yrs.

Little girl's clothes are so cute.

I came home and passed out I was exhausted!

I'm reading for one more day by Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays with Morrie

I DID IT!

I STARTED MY ExERCISE REGIME FINALLY ONLY 23 DAYS INTO THE NEW YEAR!

I ALSO PRUNED MY ROSES AND LEMON AND ORANNGE TREES.

I'M POOPED, especiallly after only 4 hours sleep again.

Asparagus

You either seem to love it it hate it. When I was in 20's and 3rd grade I hated it along with zucchini. Now I love both.

Until my 20's I never had it fresh or mushrooms either..it was always canned/

Then there is that whole thing Gwen and Aunt Francis said about pee... but I never noticed.

I just got my first batch of fresh asparagus, on sale, yum.

Now is the time for quick bread.

At Christmas I make cranberry, pumpkin ans zucchini bread for friends and co-workers.

I'm out pruning this morning and putting the stuff in the compost bin.

The geraniums are going wild.

Its easy to snap off a branch and stick it in dirt.

Need to plant some poppy and sweet pea seeds.

I remember grandpa having sweet peas next to his garage, in Des Moines, all summer.

Mine only last till March/April because of the heat here, but I love them.

Time to start my tomato seedlings too.

Gardening reduces stress.

Especially when you gave a gardner for the icky stuff you don't want to do.

It's Therapeutic none the less.

I'm off to a baby shower today and to visit the kittens at a pet faire.

I'm reading Shadow Dance by Julie Garwood.

Water intoxication

After my aerobics class I was drinking water....a lot...maybe a liter from the start of the class there was a bit left so I forced it down, went to the loo and felt funny, light headed and a bit dizzy.

Water it's good for you right? Water intoxication comes from drinking water too much too fast. It goes to your brain.

I went back into the bathroom//nothing. So, I went to the car to put my stuff away and all the sudden projectile vomiting of water --just got to the grass. Boy did I feel rotten. Afterwards, much better.

Should have gone back in but I went home. I was o.k. but 911 was not called....I was lucky.

Someone from my class came over to see if I was o.k.

Now, a woman here has died. Stupid radio contest.

No-one checked on her!

Scary.

I think of things like that.

I've fallen twice.

Once in the kitchen and the other last week in my bedroom.

My knee is still bruised.

I've discovered creamy peanut butter with honey..... yum.


I've been playing a lot of bridge. I've been playing for over 37 yrs.

After 2 hrs online and a second sleeping pill I finally got to sleep.

I can't sleep and I have to get to work in the a.m. Time for a sleeping pill.

4 hours of sleep for 6 days ain't cutting it.

Homelessness

There is a man at the supermarket every day, I assume, named Ed. He has a cat, and he built a cart for the cat and gives him everything: food,treats, a bed, blankets et al.

I talked to him about Miedo and he gave me some advice. I like his friendly cat.

He does not ask for money, but he is there rain or shine. I asked him once if he had a place out of the rain and he said yes.

Tonight, I went to the market and he was there on his usual bench in a sleeping bag sleeping or whatever degree of sleep you can get sitting up leaning on a cart with your cat next to you.

There for the grace of God go I.

I was tempted to ask him if he wanted to sleep in my garage. I don't live too close to the market so transportation might be an issue but I hate to think of him out there in these temps.

The bagger said he can't go to a shelter because of the cat and he wouldn't leave him.

Perhaps I could offer to keep the cat while he goes, showered et. al and got out of the weather.

The bag man said that the shelters charge $8.00. Can you imagine them having $8.00? Most don't have teeth.

Here I go again wanting to take in strays. Guess I really can't do that.

Avocados at the market were 2 for $3.00. Lettuce $2. a bag, Asparagus was better. Tomato .99 a lb.

Discovered these veggies with no sauce you steam...(frozen) that's good. They come in a pack and in the microwave 4 min split open and seasoned yummies inside , only 70 calories.

Gee that's like real fresh produce flash frozen but quick prep.

That and 3 hours of exercise a day I'd be dropping weight. Does that goal ever end. Yes there were periods I just gave it up, but it always comes back to nag me.

We sure have nasty fat genes. But, I have some Cavanaugh one's somewhere too.

Unlike Mickey, I actually really like veggies and fruit. I eat little meat.

I guess we go in spurts.

Let's face it food is solace. There are better subsitutions like friends and sex and exercise.....

Picked a bag of oranges rather than buy my regular Odwala Tangerine juice that is now $6.99 a qt.

Time to start squeezing! Yum nothing better than fresh squeezed juice.

Any idea how many oranged it takes to make a qt. 64 fl. oz.?.......over 40!

Went out to water the plants...the spider and geraniums really took a beating and the impatients are totally gone. The oranges are not fozen! yeah!


The primroses and paper whites are in bloom though. I need to check the roses and trim the citrus.

Ever heard of a documentary movie called:" The Boys of Sudan"? It's about boys that were 6 yrs. old or so when the government decided to wipe out all Muslims from the population, As a result of the genocide these children were left orphans and they banded together. They walked through Ethopia, starving, w/o water, facing wild animals, The huge number was decimated as they were thrown out of country after country. Finally, the small number remaining made there way. some to the U.S. They had never seen an apt., electricity, the ocean and asked if crocs were in there. The firm shows them on an elevator, esclator and experiencing culture shock of opposites. Their synopsis is that Americans are not very friendly. We have everything and are unhappy. Interesting.....

I'm reading Michael Civhton's Next.

My Oranges and Lemons are freezing!

Ever wonder why I stayed in CA?

I like the weather.

Now there is black ice on the road and the peaks have snow.

I like snow, when I'm inside with fa fire, riends, a book or elect to go out and ski or walk in it.

But, freezing pipes, frozen sprinkelers...you can have it.

I may have to turn on the heat.

Yes, it does turn on at 55 at night.

I need a heavier coat for the first time in 25 years!

I may need to juice all my oranges and lemons which I do anyway...stay tuned I haven't checked yet.

I'm having physical therapy for my back and l arm which I strained at work. Don't much like the exercises but if I did I'd have a great body. I have to tear the tissue and rebuild it.


Ain't Workers comp. a good thing.

I'm off to the store to load up on artichokes and avocado's, which I never ate before I came to CA and all the other veggies before they triple in price!

oye!

Kittens are gone and I miss them

Pain that they were they were cute too.

At least they are no longer feral and all 3 will be adopted.

My run and floors may never be he same after their cages and newspapers were picked up.

Kittens are messy and vacuums have a hard time keeping up.

Then the bleach for all the stuff, litter pans, Wash all those pads, towels, nest materials.

I may have to go to the adoption fair and visit them.

They were a lot of work and I have a hard enough time taking care of me and the house....and I have a cleaning lady and a gardner!

Lacey didn;t want the company. She;s happy to have me and her house back!

She's a growb up abd knows how to behave....mostly. Now if I could just teach her to scoop her litter or use the potty.

I tried that once. Didn't work. Guess you have to start the training as a kitten.

Miedo is gone

The kitten was picked up today. He was just getting to trust me. After 2 months I still couldn't pick him up but he let me stroke him and played with me. I feel so guilty.

Maybe he just needed some more time. Maybe when he comes back from having his ear notched I'll give hime one last shot.

Life outside is tough and short.

Exercise

Why is it so difficult to start or restart a new regime? I've meant to start my walking, or swimming or aerobics this week and here we are at the weeks' end and I need to get on it.

I'm reading the book Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle for my book club. Its a rich story of the haves and the have nots in LA.

It's a good thing there is a book discussion planned, I can't make a guess about the ending.

The hills are green again

not golden or as Gwen said brown. I tried to convince her that's why we we the golden state. She didn't buy it.

It's nice to see everything greening up. The trees are in bud and the fall colors from Thanksgiving are still on the trees.

I booked my tickets and reservations for Williamsburg.

I'll take the week and visit a friend in Chapel Hill and see Columbia,Charlotte, St. Simon's Island and the outer banks.

I ran a mapquest search and was surprised to see the road trip was just over 2 hrs. for some reason I thought the trip to Va beach was always 5.

My perspective/memories of going to the Cavalier Hotel with it's indoor pool is probably squewed.(sic)

Oaxaca

I'm trying to get more plates and soup bowls from a place in Oaxaca.

I found the address and wrote them a letter today.

Let's see how prohibitive they become.

Sunny and warm

The spring bulbs are popping up! Welcome to the new year.

My sheets arrived and they are warm and soft. Did you know that there are 1200 thread count sheets (per in.)

I love after Christmas sales. Actually, I get there in Feb.

By then the prices have been cut again.

I'm sure to find the most expensive ones the I can't be bothered by going to the store and the postage kills me.

Sheet sets are heavy.

I'm getting to be like the princess and the pea!

Yiddish

Tried to find the Yiddish for squirrel. Guess its Polish not Russian or Yiddish.

Found squirrel but sure can't read it in Yiddish or the Russian either!

Why do I know the name Posquinyak? I remember Dad using the word affectionately.

I had forgotten that these languages have Cryllic alphabets.

Is it Polish? In that language I can at least read the letters.

Pasikonik means grasshopper, paskudnik, a never do well or pasjonowac' very fond of.

So much for my memory.

I guess it makes sense since Dad's family came from Minsk which is now part of Poland.

A lot of effort to name a kitten who is going on Sat. I have these four pictures and I'm trying to import them.

I haven't had much success pasting photos in the past.

Happy New Year

Yum! Lobster and Campagne

We barely noticed the ball drop.

A quiet night and the older I get the better I like it.

Stay off the roads and away from the crowds.

Got a chance to sleep in.

Time to talk with old friends, read and rest.

Auld Lang Syne

The last day of 2006 brings us to Mary Helen, mom's sister's birthday.

Those Cavanaughs have good long lived genes.

Alas, Peggy Cavanaugh passed.

Two new babies are in the making with Tina due in Feb. and Gwen in July.

New Year's Eve here brings us an afternoon at the movies to see Happy Feet and Charlotte's Web.

Next week I'll go see Miss Potter, the story of Beatrice and her characters, Peter Rabbit et al.

We have a new Christmas Game like Monolopy and tournaments of bridge and hearts.

The near midnight we go out for our healthy, non alcoholoic celebration by walking around the track for a healthy, spiritual, quiet New Year.

Happy 2007 to you!

Time to take it off

The food has come and left the Christmas cookies remnants showing... time to hit the gym, start the aerobics, swim and walk it off.


I got pictures back today....Yikes

Damage has been done. I dropped 8 lbs but that was a drop in the bucket.

The crab for New Year will be the last hurrah....bring on the fruit and veggies.


There is something decedant about, strawberries, rasberries and fresh pineapple in Dec.

Today was a day for the kitten fair.

Time to get these kittens to homes. Our baby girl, Posquinyak, along with her brother Miedo, are now 15 weeks.

They need to leave me and find a home.

I have pictures to post and history to write so safehaven and town cats can help find them a home.

2006

The year has found me retiring from teaching and returning to the "calm" of the library.

I can't say I miss the imps but there were some good kids.

It was tough with 40 per class and 6 classes.

My blood pressure sky rocketed.

The holidays were calm with good friends.

Last night I took 10 to the movies.

Try and coordinate that many people! Then, since they were late and later, the movie was sold out!
I was early. I should have gotten the tickets, but then we had a surprise - two more showed up.

We ended up dividing the group in 3.

One of my sweet students came in the library today. They are a pleasure...they read!

Teenagers just run in packs! Then they are tough to handle. It got more and more difficult every year from 1976 to 2006.

One at a time they can be sweet.

Movie Reviews

Let's go to the movies.....

Blood Diamonds was the best but bloody.

Apocoalypto was ok,

Pursuit of Happiness and Volver o.k.

I'd pass on the Good Shepard.

I go t stopped by the police driving home.


After I left the garage I neglected to turn my lights on....oops...he asked me where I was coming from and gave me a sobriety test.(kinda

I didn't have to get out of the car or walk a line just follow his finger.


I haven't had but one glass of wine in a year! Well it was 11:30 or so....

Excitement!

Dream Girls

Dream Girls

The movie didn't leave me singing but it was good.

It was darker than I thought and not the simple script I expected.

It was a kick to see the 60's syles a afros.

I expected a different star the Diana Ross look alike did mimic her style and moves.

Interesting to see the first black act break into Miami and Las Vegas.

The tension in the supper club when Eddie Murphy pointed to a white woman was amazing she cringed along with the lily white audience and left insulted with her husband.

I found the warm up jokes offensive to Jews and blacks and everyone laughed in the club....those days.

I remember them. Going to a segregated school through 3rd grade in Detroit, the burning in DC. Seperate parts of the city, the hostility....

Another group segregated and debased. It must make those that can abuse their power feel superior.

Aren't people just people? A thought provoking, not simple and light movie.

Reviiewing movies...hum, I have no desire to see Night at the museum.

However, Apocalypto by Mel Gibson about the Mayans, The Good Shepard, a CIA thriller, Blood Diamonds, Pursuit of Happiness, and

Volver, a story in Spanish , about girls from the provinces living in Madrid (with English subtitles) are on my list.

I've got to use up those free theater passes before the year's end.

Feliz Navidad!

I helped my friend put up her Christmas tree since she just got back from Bolivia.

Then I helped her son Richard, an excellent artist, make his mom's Christmas present - a poster that said Merry Christmas Mom I love you!

He put stars and ornaments and a santa, candle and a church on it with hearts and kisses in between.

We watched the movie calendar girls...funny, with Helen Miren.

Then, I came home to nap with my kitten and up in time for midnight mass in Rome with the Pope in St Peter's.

Afterwards. I made some of my mom's Christmas cookies with butter and drop frosting with sprinkles. I read until 6.

Hum, one was enough, Not interested in the cake or the cookies. There's a first time for everything.

I opened my Christmas presents. My friend Marilyn sent me a lovely pair of blue, square, glazed earings and my favorite lavender soap. One for my drawer one 2 for the loo.

How exciting!

On Christmas eve Gwen had Clair open one present and it was a tee shirt that said I'm a big sister!

A July baby!

I'm off to see Dream Girls then home for lobster tail, twice baked potatoe and harcouts verte. Yum

Things I like:

movies
400 thread count flannel sheets
bed socks
warm, soft flannel night gowns
my whirlpool tub
lavendar soap
my new square, glazed earings from Marilyn
bubble baths
hot tubs
tea, mint herbal and earl grey
christmas cookies and christmas lights
carrot cake with cream cheese icing
lobster and crab and shrimp
good books
candles

Thinks I'm thankful for:

good friends and family
a home
my health

Things I'm interested in

The history of Judiasm

In 83, Uncle Mart gave me a book on it but I wasn't interested then.

I was investigating our family tree

Now faith is the reason we accept there is a God

tenent says "he always is, always was and always will be" and the Jewish faith follows old old testement and the torah and the sacred books.

What do we know of history?

I googled it and the history they found a menorah burried...the holy sites are there. I didn't realize that at one time Jews worshiped multiple gods.

hum............

It was the day after Christmas

...and mom used to get up early to get those cards and ornaments and wrapping paper 1/2 price.

I thought she was crazy to get up so early and face the cold and the crowds.

I remember her getting Gwen a teddy one year on her first Christmas, all pale brown with a big red bow.

I appreciate the fact now that I have inherited some of those ornaments.

Michael got plastic ones and stored everything in a grocery sack...blue elipses and some just all jumbled together...but he was a buzy fellow with two little one's; ..even the zorro ornament or was that Bob's?

The rest were carefully individually wrapped and unwrapped every year in the Dillards box from FL.

I put up lights around the door and went out running. I has a tan then.

We had candles in each window.

I bought a baby's first Christmas ornament and took it out to show outside and it shattered in my hand from the cold. :-(

I remember her taking the tree down her last Christmas...why is it everyone wants to help it go up but no one wants to help take it down?

On New Years, Joe and I had a party and made lazagna and had her boss Casey over and my friend Cathy and her husband and Dad.

I made Christmas cookies and tried to tempt her appetite and a ham for Christmas. We went to get her from the hospital and then went to get a tree. Both mom and I fell asleep in the car.

I remember Coni coming for Easter, pregnant with Emily, in her 1st trimester; and having to escape the smell of the ham baking. I didn't understand morning or afternoon sickness.

Memories.....

One year they came to Hawaii to see me. We spent Christmas on the beach.

One year, I left HI to come hope to the chagrin of Connie, and Bob. Since all the beds were taken, Connie asked me where I was going to sleep.
Emily had a fancy white penoir.

On our first Christmas in FL Joe and I arrived the 23rd and got an apt. and then went to get a tree. They were all free in Orlando by the 24th so we brought one home decided it was too sparse and went to get another. We went to the beach the next day for a picnic.

We had Christmas dinner on the floor with our new table cloth, napkins, placemats, crystal et al and even invited another officer as a dinner guest without a chair to be seen.

We didn't get a table and chairs till CT the next move. A couch and love seat and bed and lammps came in CA 2 years later.

In HI a TV, microwave and cabinets then when we moved back to CA a dining room table.


It's 70 and sunny here

still I can't wait for my 400 threat count flannel Christmas Sheets to arrive.

Well...I had to get myself a present right?

off to the post office then to see Happy Feet and Charlotte's Web.

Got some great Christmas pictures from Mickey of Michelle's aka Mikie take on Christmas at Gwen's.

Blue's clues, musical instruments, puzzles, books and a train rule!

My paper whites are starting to sprout. Picked my first one today. Thank you Bob and Pat for the gift that comes back every year!

Enjoy your cruise!

Christmas

I got a tiny tree and put on some lights and decotations and some tiny presents my friend Marilyn sent.

Bob and Pat sent a basket filled with drawer liners, body butter, bath salts, bath foam, foot soak, bath caviar, an eye mask, body mitt, sponge and lotion.

I'm getting myself 400 count flannel sheets. This fall I got 200 count cotton...nice but not soft enough.

I need some black socks; these great ones that coution the foot...expensive but I'm worth it and it be on my feet so much I need them. It seems the wash and the dryer eats them.

Saw the movie Eragon. It was great as good as the book, about dragons and riders and good v evil.

I may bake some Christmas cookies. I like Yessica and Brianda to come and help decorate.

Lisa from work made some great cranberry bread.

Tried to make veal scaloppini again last night. The veal was tough again. I don't know what I do wrong. Maybe I need to pound it.

Lobster tail tonight. Yum.


I'll go to Midnight mass tonight. I like the quiet when you come out and the lights. It's a joyous, peaceful time.

Merry Christmas to all.

The Festival of Lights

Well I haven't gotten wreaths on the doors or my menorah out and I don't think I have candels anyway.

My friend Norm brought me the dove shaped menorah from Israel. I'd like to visit and put my message for peace in the wailing wall amd visit Bdthlehem and the church of the Navitivity.

Last year I had it lit and one candle fell on the paper underneath and set on fire the vcr. It didn't work and i was going to return it now it's an expensive clock.

I did a little baking last night, some cookies to give to a friend.

The kittens are still here. I tried an experiment and put the sweet girl Posquinyk, yiddish I think for squirel, in the cage with her wild brother.

(Help me out here, my Yiddish and Russian is non-existant except for a dozen for so words from childhood. = Pos Quin yaok)

She was so cute all snuggled up. Then came the time to take her out and she hissed at me. He was teaching her his tricks! She is better now but they can visit through the bars if she wants to get close enough.

They were introduced to the mixer and food processor. They like that better than the vacuum.

12/15 my birthday

Walter's was Monday and Bradley's was earlier in Dec. A lot of us Christmas babies.

I remember holding Bradley at his bris when he was so tiny. I can't believe he's in college and at my alma matter JMU.

I made my favorite carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.... thought everyone would like that except people like my brother who never ate a vegetable except a pea God forbid 3 c of carrots.

Then I made one for my beau Troy and it was not his favorite or the lazagne either...oh well...ask 1st.

I had lunch at Le Foret. It's a nice restaurant in the woods, as u might have guessed, beside a brook.

There was also an inservice meeting at work at the Hayes Mansion.

Bought myself a coat, my annual white turtle neck and Michael sent me cash, my favorite, with which I got a nightgown and Bob a spring bath basket from overstocks.

I lit the candle and had myself a nice bubble bath in my whirlpool tub with a good book.

Books

Read The Metaphisto Club

A great mystery set in Boston, Italy and other places as the character runs from her cousin.

A surprise ending keeps you reading and then looking for the clue you missed near the start.

I'm reading the book Wild Fire by Nelson Demille now. A thriller involving a right wing mens club and terriorists groups are are they?

Miedo, the kitten, 12 weeks

He's still reluctant to be touched and depending on my patience I play with him or not through the cage.

He's starting to teach his sister hissig and swatting. That won't do.

He's got to go out on the street or start acting more friendly!

Jennifer's Batmitzvah

Sounded great, wish I had gone; and the pictures were great of Gwen and Clare and babies Zander and Clare getting to know another.

Mikie went and was introduced before her impending wedding to Michael in Williamsburg in April. Look on weddings.com for details.

Casino Royale

Great Movie

Beautiful pics of Venice and the Tuscan area of Italy. The new Bond is not a pretty boy.
Lots of scars, but by the end of the movie he grows on you...a go see

Kittens should wear diapers

I was having a snuggle with the tiny purr ball kitten, pumpkin, and fell asleep. 11 weeks is cute

She got up climbed under the bed and pooped. ick...

try and move a king bed and clean it up
i've had my diaper changing with her

all i go is scoop and feed.

her brother, miedo, is still hard to hold

he may have to go go back out on the street he's still pretty wild

NYC

I wish I had gone to Nancy's daughter Jennifer's batmit....

Thanksgiving

Well the market gave me a turkey and I cooked and stuffed it. I get tired of turkey fast. I make turkey enchilladas with the shreaded white meat and feed the cats the dark meat and the skin. I made rolls, gravy and pumpkin pies.

Since the kittens are sick I have to give them pumpkin and broth to help cure their tummy upset. Just like babies. They are cute. I like them at this size but although I'm a bit attached to two it took me a month to get there and one is enough for me.

Kittens

I'm fostering 3 kittens they are now about 10 weeks old two after a month are ok to handle the other just arrived and is of the same litter but I can't touch him yet.

The girls are sweet. They have the runs and being a kennel attendant isn't fun. I'm feeding them broth and pumpkin to cure the runs.
They had antibiotics too but to no avail.

They are starting to play put on a leash. The both got loose and it was not fun to catch them and clean up after them. Easier in their cages.

The Queen

Saw the movie the Queen. I cried at all the Dianna footage and marveled at the coldness of the royal family and their response to her death.

Teaching

I don't like it and I'm not going to do it anymore.

Those that can deserve a lot of money

PATIENCE is required I don't have much.

Adolesence is a pain.

We should just stop it.

There must be a better why to try our wings and learn all we need to learn than rebellion.

Students and parents and administrators oh my

SCHOOL DANCES AND 15 HR. WORK DAYS, iEP'S, PAPENT MEETINGS, EMAILS, TEAChING AND PREP. GRADING PAPERS AND ALL THE REST. tHAT'S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT. There must be a reason I returned to teaching for another year but I can't recall what it was right now.
I have more interested and concerned parents than ever before. I also have huge classes with 36 students and a lot of characters. I writw notes home, give stickers and praises, have groups, give prizes, have good lesson plans, have warm up expercises, yet I get meetings from my advisor, my mentor teacher and the principal.
It's bee a rough week or two...
I have CPR and a dentist apt. next.
Have a cavity and need a filling replaced.
I have a sore throat.

Boo Hoo.....

school - same ole same ole

Well I have two classes of 8th graders that are with me for two hours each. I spend time every day keeping them late for their behavior.

I tested them before and the ladd mean was 58. with many in the 20's. My students in the 80's got moved out.

We have a lot to learn.

This year I have kids in 6th grade 1st and second period with a few 7th and eighth thrown in . They are slow.

We've retested 2x on their vocabulary.

I'm stuck in the last portable with intermitant air conditioning. Yesterday, we had a lock down.

I shouldn't have changed my room. The one thing I like is it's near parking.

I don't hear announcements either.

I survived my open house too.

Trinidad

What a beautiful place Trinidad is. It sits on the ocean in a tiny cove with a beach and a head to walk around. I want my bench and ashes spread there when I go.

Got to visit with my friend Marilyn.
Unfortunately she is not well.

Saw the coop in Arcata, ran her errands and moved her form one house to the one in town.

I was glad to come home. It was not a vacation.

It was a Labor day!

Buy the return contract cancellation option

Returning a car is not easy.

I never intended to have to.

I did it within 48 hrs. Now, on Sunday I still l have no return paper

I have to meet with the managers manager on Monday

Stay tuned for the painful continuing saga..............

Prius

I decided I wanted to get a Toyota Prius.

I got one that was an 04 with 24k miles that had been a fleet vechicle. Great warranty etal.

I dropped off my rental car at Enterprise and sat in the parking lot for over an hour trying to figure it out. I rolled backward since I was on a slant but couldn't get the car to start and say ready.

Finally, I took the gas car over to the airport and called the dealer. (Near tears) it was getting dark and it was issolated. Reading the book did not help.

He came out and in one minute showed me that you have to step on the brake at the same time you push in the ignition switch. (embarrased)
Off I went

The next morning I hit the car pool lane and saved 15 min commute time.

Then on Sat., with counsel from my wise older brothers that yes, my suspicion that I had been taken was true. I was screwed and didn't even get to enjoy it.

I took the car back to the dealer.

TRAUMA!

I handed the key and the papers and went to rent a car.

I took the light rail to the airport shuttle and got a car.

Then I went to drive a sonata by Hondai. I was interested in them when they first came out in 87. Its 18 - 1k rebate and 10% licence and tax. A lot lower

Bob doesn't see an extra 6k for hybrid.

If I buy one in IN and drive it back there is no premium. Here in CA they charge an extra 3k and the tax credit may be that. Here you wait till Nov.

There a week or 3.

What to do?

Will the dealer take the car back now that Bob has given her the CA Buyers Bill of Rights?

The Hybrid

I like the Toyota Prius and the milage at 50k.

It's a different experience to drive no key, push button to start.

Remember the cars that had push button for the gears reverse, drive and park it's kind of the same thing.

The price however is msrp 23 and another 3 for premium. With gas at 3 a gal. it could pay for itself fast.

On the other side Honda has a hybrid too. It's not as advanced. It costs roughly the same.

Neither is available. Both require a deposit.

Car

Yesterday started o.k. I took the car in to get it checked out before my trip to Trinidad. I had to get a new rotor, axel and drum. After allignment I started off. I got as far as 1st street, about 7 miles and I smelled burning as I had before. I was trying to decide if it was me... I noticed all the lights go on and pulled off the 101 fwy. to the shoulder. (The last time that happened I was in Nova Scotia!)

The car was billowing smoke. When I finally opened the hood, I thought the oil cap had blown. I called AAA after flagging down someone with a cell phone.

After an Hour I called again after flagging down another motorist. Finally they showed up and towed me home and to the garage.

In the interim, the CA Hy. service had shown up 2x and we tried to fill the radiator with water and think it had a hole.

Now I've had enough. I'm looking for a Honda hybrid. Gilroy is out and I'm calling the others now.

Yikes...at 167k after 500.$ of repairs it's time!

To Teach

Well I'm gonna teach another year we'll see if I made the right decision.
School starts next week/ Mon - Wed.

I have teacher meetings. Then the kids come back on Thurs. I'll set up and hope the year goes well. Our new principal seems nice. I hope as is suggested he is good.

World Trade Center

We went to the movies last night an saw World Trade Center and An Inconvenient Truth.
WOW! It's difficult to watch but, World Trade Center is a powerful movie.

We cried.

I can't believe that only 21 people were pulled out. I never really got the scope of the ruins on the news. It is a grave site.

Downtown San Jose on a Saturday night was crowded.
All the post teens and young adults out cruising.

The theaters were empty but all the parking lots were full along with the bars.

The police were out in full force.

Wedding shower

Went to a wedding shower last night. Its nice to see an older couple try again. They are probably in their 50's. He teaches English at the CC and she 2nd grade.

We made a Chinese chicken salad, pasta salad with shrimp and feta, frest fruit salad and had aram rollups. No traditional cake but a waltz Bolivian style for two haoles. (white people)
Good conversation and we held the party in my friend Gloria's son Jon Davids' home.

He's building another one too. In this one he remodeled the kitchen, recessed lighting new appliances and cabinets and counters and put in floors all over and painted over and over again. It looks good.

Emily's mom Connie is sick with occluded arteries as a result of her thyroid cancer radiation treatments over 30 years ago. She's having surgery. Emily is going with the kids to be with her. Hope she will be o.k. She is a nice woman.

Gardening

Time to beat the heat with early morning gardening, sweet fruit salad and vine fresh tomatos and basil.

It takes about 30 min to water the plants in my back yard and deck while the sprinkler on the front lawn do their thing.

There is something about digging in the dirt. Planting and transplanting and even watering that is calming.

I want to go to Australia and dive on the Great Barrier Reef. The last time I got a visa it was free in 78. Now it costs more than $50.

It will be an expensive trip and I'm not getting younger...got to go soon.

I have no desire to go to see Ayers Rock or over to the over side Sydney and maybe Lady Elliott island will be enough. A long 20 hr. flight for a week.

New Zealand? I'm not sure? Tanzania? maybe....

Love those sweet fresh fruits of summer

Nothing is better than a sweet nectarine, rasberries, blueberries, strawberry shortcake and peaches or cobbler yummm!

Love it and stuff myself from asparagus season here in CA in Feb. to artichokes in May and everything fresh in June.

Wonderful corn and basil salad and fresh grown tomatos! The best!Fortunately it goes to Oct. here.

I make my favorite rasberry jam :-)!

A little more painting

Decided the entire dining room wall needs to be painted.

Too bad I gave the remaining paint to Gloria for a friend of hers.

An Inconvenient Truth

Just finished Al Gore's book An Inconvenient Truth. It was great. I will continue to look for ways to conserve. My next car will be a hybrid. I have reduced my driving a lot. It helps that my commute is so short.

Today it was in the 80's again. I was up overlooking the Silicon Vally and saw the grey. Smog breathing it, We better get a handle on our world. The US and DC better get on the environmental train.

We've got such a beautiful planet I hate that me are destroying it. What's wrong with us?
Alternative forms of energy can certainly help.

Plant!

Sleep

Slept for 11 hours today got up and went to work. I can always tell when a cycle is coming. I keep drifting off. I read a bid and prefer oblivion. Marilyn called at 9 to tell me not to come to Trinidad since her friend was extending his stay. Given this feeling I'm not sure I'd be in a place to make the 6 hr. drive up there anyway. It would be nice to beat the heat and it is beautiful. She is really in pain and needs a lot of help. I need to be up to do that.

To teach or not to teach that is the question.....

I am toying with this question for the fall. I don't like teaching jr. high. I am investigating returning to adult ed. One minute I say I will then I have a dream where my subconscience tells me not to. I should listen and stay with the library and fill in with occassional teaching.

Bob is now 63.
Happy birthday bro.

Pirates and Superman Returns

Pirates of the Carribean was great with the special effects.
The second flick, Superman was interesting but by the end of a double feature my feet were frozen and I had enough of movies even if I had to go out and face the heat.
It was nice for the library to give freen pizza and theater tickets as part of their summer reading program. I certainly read enough to qualify for the 25 hours many times over.
My kids at school likes them too they even reluctantly took a book that I told them they had to have to get the other prizes.

Too Darn hot

I went to see a double feature from 1-6 in the afternoon to get out of the heat. With temps. up to 104, two fans just couldn't keep up! There have been up to 125 deaths in CA and I have been pouring decaf icetea with mint and lemon continously down my throat. It doesn't even cool down at night. Usually the fog rolls in but at midnight, 2 and 4 a.m. I know it's not going to happen.

bbq

WE'LL I'M GONNA CELEBRATE THE 4TH BY GOING TO SEE THE MOVIE cars WITH dAVID.
THEN WE'LL DO A COOKOUT.
HE'S MAKE TERREKI CHICKEN AND i SUPPLY THE GRILLED VEGGIES, EGGPLANT, PEPPERS AND ZUCHINI AND I HAVE CORN ON THE COB.

Since I start Summer school on the 5th it will be a early night. I don't like to go out among the throngs anyway too much traffic.

Brunch and Swimming

Went to Los Gatos to the Country Cafe with Kim and Brianna today. Then we went to the swimming pool. It was hot!

Don't eat a yummy breakfast and then get in a bathing suit. I didn't care I just wanted to get my clothes off and et in the pool to cool off!

I got my first frapachino at Peet's coffee and stopped by Whole foods for some take out curried chicken salad. Yum!

NO AC AT THE MN LIBRARY

Went to work today to find out that the AC was out all weekend, Here I am sweltering in 90 degrees,,,then we get to go home.

Can't work or serve the SJSU patrons in that heat!

:-)

What did we do in DC before air?

.....sweat

Summer School

Summer school starts on Mon. with teachers workshops on Thinking maps.

next week the kids come.

Only a month.

I can do that right?

But why do I want to?

The library is calmer....

Yessica helps

6/20

Picked Yessica up to spend the night at midnight and we prepped and painted. She, going into 6th grade just jabbered like a magpipe till 2 when we had finished 2 walls of the family room.

I've known her since 1st grade from biblioteca (the library). Her sister Brinanda have had friends over to camp out in the back yard and I took them to Big Sur camping. Some exposure to things they wouldn't normally have and things to do and for me a little "parenting" and a peek into a culture I only see the outside of. I went to her mom's baby shower....really different and interesting...there were more kids than mom's!

They now have a little sister Adrianna, now 2.

Their mom speaks only Spanish and it's been interesting to watch her grow up.

I was a chaperone for her class to SF Mission Delores last year.

We watched a movie till nearly 3 and finally passed out.

It's been so hot we have to paint in the morning or given my propensity to be a night owl, in the middle of the night.

Painting

Finally painted the LR fireplace wall the mango. cantaloupe color, It looks good. Don't know now what took me so long.

The I painted the DR wall to match. That was nervy. I think it looks o.k.

and then the FR wall too. see pictures to follow!

The door to the house comes next sanded and red!

Recovery

6/10

Took me a week to recover from the school year!

Just finished Robert Parker's new book Blue Screen. I liked it.

Finally got ot in the garden and started getting it under control.

I'm looking at plans to head to NYC in Dec. for Jennifer's do and April to Williamsburg for Michaels.

Hope my friend from H.S. can join me in VA. The Wren building should be beautiful.
On Sunday we can go for brunch or tea sat the Williamsburg Inn. I

Great America/School's Out

6/8
So happy! Couldn't take another moment.

Took the little angels to Great America. One ran off with her boyfriend and we sat on the bus for an hour calling the police, mom, dad, home, cell, principal, the park with 100 kids before we could go.

Another boy got arrested for shoplifting.

I was so sore the next day.

Can't see I missed anything waiting 26 years to get to the park.

I went on two rides, one water one and one whirl thing nothing above a 3 for me.
I don't do rollar coasters so let the kids do the others Survivor and Top Gun.

Gas Prices 5/9/06

Well I had to fill up my Honda Accord today for the first time in a while. The gost per gal. is $3.25 or so and I spent over $31.00 without being totally empty. I'm glad my commute is only a mile and I don't do too much driving. I've always tried to group my trips together but I sure will now.

Testing is over for the kids today. I have 2 more days of sick leave to take before the end of school 6/15. Guess some long weekends are in order. The weather is 80 today.
I just started The diary of Anne Frank with one of my classes today. I really want to show then Schlindler's List but it's R rated so I'll selectively skip some sections. They don't have any grasp of the Ayran race and ethnic purification.
I tried to prepare them today to imagine what 3 years of hiding at their age with their family and 3 strangers in a tiny space might be like.

I remember being horrified and shown footage day after day in social studies the realities of WW2.
I'm not sure these kids have social studies. (Except a select few or art) I know they don't have science. The tests were difficult. I sure didn't know the answers to the comparative religion questions. Science was today and they didn't know that water turned to gas as it was heated. (the sample)

Back to normal tomarrow. I'm watching War of the World today.

The Monday after....5/8

The dinner party was a success. What turned out to be Mexican instead of Chinese consited of:

Menu:
Chicken Enchilladas
guacamole
salsa
4 color salsa
chips
flan
tacos
Enchilazana or Chaquillas A tomatillo, jack, garlic, onion, cillantro sause with chicken and layered corn tortillas like lazagna.
and a big salad
dinner for 6
I had one vegetarian and one diabetic so I had a lot of low fat things like turkey tacos with corn adn black beans!
(blastfamy!)
What a lot of work, my feet hurt. Maybe if you take it in stages of an hour or two you can do it. Even with the food processor it was a lot of standing and chopping.

Karen came over on Fri. and helped with some prep too. It was great to get some one on one time with her. I was pooped.

I started on Friday making the stock chicken and the green sauce.

We had a good time. It's always nice to be with friends.

I don't know how Peggy does groups 25 and up my limit may be 10. (except for family) ((not that I have any here, so my friends are family)

On Sunday, we saw the play, The Cook. It was good. I prefer night, not Sun. afternoons. I feel I've wasted those Sundays and they are precious.

Boy, did I sleep.

I'm reading Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods.

I'm getting a new crown today. The other one was removed. These things are expensive!
After picking up the paint yesterday, Eric, the scamp didn't show, nor was he in school today; nor did his mother. Here I am trying to help these people out and they did me.
It's a good thing I really wasn't depending upon him. He promised up and down he would do it today.

After looking at the color, I think that I will to a faux finish. The dark color alone would be too much, but mixed and wiped with yellow and honeysuckle it should be ok for one wall. It's not that big a space with a fireplace and a window and two high triangle windown on that living room wall. It probably won't even use up 1/2 a gal.
Now with company coming I have all the space preped. Oh well, I won't take it down and do it again we will survive. 8 for dinner now. Couldn't find blue corn tortilla chips.

Cinco de Mayo

It's not Independence Day but you ouldn't tell it here! Flags are waving are music is playing. The French who lost the battle in Puebla might not appreciate it though.

Discovered Goldfish PhysEdibibles, baked lemon animal crackers yum .9 ox is 120 cal. better than rice cakes!

May 4th Almost Cinco de Mayo

Just watch A day without a Mexican and watching Tortilla Soup. I've got to keep the kids quiet after testing and we give them 3 hours. today was math. There are only so many word searches and so much reading they can do. Tomarrow they are bringing "Charlie and the Chocolate factory" or "Water Boy". The library can help but they have seen my copies of Jurassic Park and " The Horse Whisperer."

Today the painting of the living room fireplace wall takes place with one of my students doing the work. His mother cleans for me. His dad is a Gardner and they did my spring cleaning in the back yard. They need the money and stupidly his dad bought a new truck yet he doesn't have enough money for a $25.00 lawnmower part.

May 3rd a play "The Cook"

Going to see a play at Teatrovision at the Mexican Herritage Plaza on Sunday. Its about the cook who keeps on cooking her favorites in pre and post Castro Cuba while the Senora is runnning around, packing and trying to get her stuff together. The cook is the keeper of the hacienda once she leaves and the caretaker as well. A la "Water for Chocolate", she keeps the traditions alive through the food.

Boy was MAy 1st a big deal here. Once of my classes had only 8 kids. There were pictures of huge lines of people running more than a mile and more than a million. I really didn't see any difference except some of the kids were out. Fine with me.