Terrible loss
I lost all of my beloved animals Friday night sometime. One of the goats must have knocked down a heat lamp and caught the hay on fire. By the time I saw it and got down there Saturday morning, it had burned down to the ground. So sad, so regrettable...
We lost the momma goat, her two babies, 9 chicks we hatched in my classroom, 6 young that were hatched there, their mommy, the rooster and two older hens...
We will try to pick up the pieces and start again in the spring...
RIP Gary
Our school had a big shock this week. One of our VP's committed sucide Tuesday. He left a lot of bewildered people wondering. I went through the stages quickly, so I thought. It reminds me of all of my family I hav lost in the past few years. To top this off I lost my last aunt a week ago. They're all gone now. And I have never really grieved any of them, like others appear to... I'm the one that takes care of things, get busy, get the job done... The more I concentrate on work or an activity, the better I felt. I guess I've lived in a constant state of denial. Just don't think about it and it won't bother me, has been my method. I have done that with Gary's death as with all the others.
One thing I don't understand though, why do some people, that don't understand me, think I have to deal with things the way they do? I don't want to talk about it, I don't need to be hugged or patted. I don't stop them cause I figure it makes them feel better. But for some, that want to dwell on things, seem to get almost angry with me when I tell them the truth. I know others like me, and they understand... But why is it that most simply can't look away from themselves long enough to see that it's not all about them and not everyone deals with emotions the way they do?
God bless you if you're one of the emotionally expressing ones. I truly mean no offense. I accept that is the way you are. Please accept me for the way I am...
Things I am Thankful for this week...
New ideas for lessons
Beautiful weather
Green grass
Gum
Fans
The morning dew
Sunshine
Clothes
Observations
Bitterness ceases with the gratitude of life. So many years taken in haste. So many are taken at such an inopportune time, unknowingly, perhaps unprepared... If I am to be as them I have seven, maybe eleven to go. Will she be prepared? Will I have done everything I should have? What did I miss? The home, the life, the nature... The finances... The faith... I concentrated on the faith the most. Made her strong... Much stronger than I... I protected her as much as one could... Who will protect her then?
She is a good citizen... A good person... Just like me, she was ridiculed and exiled because of moral convictions. But that is right. I know it is... It has to be... It makes you stronger... Hold your head up and put your foot down for the Lord your God!
...naysayers get out of my yard...
Iowa has legalized gay marriage as equal rights. Now atheists are putting ads on the metro buses in the capital city. You say you didn't see it coming? I did. What about wiccan? Just wait, its coming...
Hold true my dear. Just because a few say it's ok doesn't make it right.
You are in the spring as I am in the fall... Make it count... Teach yours and understand why I taught you...
Things I am thankful for
My family's overall health
A daughter that loves school
My animals, I am charged care for, are thriving
I have wonderful students to teach
I have a very wonderful mentor to help me teaching a new subject
Electricity
Cool nights and very decent days
My vehicles run
Question of the Week
Can I name a time when the deep convitions of faith leads me to make a decision or take action in a way that may have surprised or puzzled others?
Pictures of our new additions
We have three new additions to our animal family. A momma goat and two beautiful kids! They are part fainting pigmy goats...
We adopted them 10 days ago and have had some concerns. The momma's feet were terribly overgrown and the babies weighed next to nothing. Took them to the vet and got shots and wormed... Got extra feed for them as they were so skinny...
And then today, I sat on the deck watching the momma and baby male kick up their heels! The female baby was in the worst shape and wasn't kicking up her heels. But before they went back into the shed I observed her actually running! That was a good site! :D
A Benedictine way of living...
Life is not expected to be perfect; life is expected to be dealt with reverently and peacefully.
What size is your footprint?
When your time here is finished,
what is the one most significant
thing you want others to remember
when they think of you?
What will your legacy be?
Wiki's
Back in training again. This time I'm hoping it's something I can utilize in my classroom. With a new classroom and level of students I cannot tell at this time if it is something I can use. But I'm approaching this with an open frame of mind and perhaps will know around semester time...
Welcome Spring
I actually got to get my motorcycle out and ride a couple of days over Spring Break! The weather report said it was going to rain today through Tuesday so being concerned I put the bike back into the basement and what happens? Nothing! No rain! Bummer man!
Teacher Training
We are having a professional training day. We got to choose what areas we were interested in learning. I signed up for the morning sessions to learn WiKi... Funny, she's providing informaiton for Blogger also. There are so many uses for the web... It's amazing! I think the most useful information I've received this morning is a list of wonderful web sites that are linked to education. If you are a home school person and might be interested, I'd be happy to post the links I was provided for education. Just comment me and I will add.
Carol
Donation
I am so proud of my young lady. She donated her first pint of blood today. She said it made her feel very good knowing she saved someone's life.
Happy Holidays
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all!
Blue Claws
My students went out before it got too cold and caught some wildlife for our class fish tank. We have crayfish and bluegill galore. They sent a couple of crayfish home with me to put in my tank at home and over the couple of months in my tank at home have had their claws turn blue. It's fun to watch them grow. We've even collected their shed shells and preserved them in the classroom. It's interesting because when they shed it's a perfect replication of their entire body to include claws and antenna!
The biggest guy in my tank likes to climb up the fake grass and jump off floating to the bottom like a skydiver. He then climbs back up and does it all over again. It's really cool to watch him play like that!
Star Trek
I just found out last night that Star Trek is coming out with a new movie this Christmas! I've been a Star Trek fan since 1968. I also caught a video on YouTube showing Spock vs Q. It was so funny!
Birthday Girl
My young lady turns 16 this coming Tuesday! Being that it is during the week we decided to celebrate today. She invited her best friend and we are starting with lunch at Red Lobster, the movie W, and end with a haunted house!
My last sibling
My brother passed away last evening. For those of you that were praying for him, thank you. They think he had a massive heart attack in his sleep.
A few memories from my brother...
As a kid I'd ride in his car. His comment, "Watch me stop on a dime!" as he sped up to about 60 within one block.
Always had the "muscle" car. Not only had it, but knew every thing inside and out about it. He could fix anything!
Rode the coolest bike! Motor of course...
He was funny, quick witted and always had a comeback. He had a heart of gold and would do anything to help you. He would cut you down in truth and bring you back up the same way. He was my protector, he was my defender, he was my big brother.
My last words to him was to tell him I loved him and his last to me was that he loved us too, very much.
Anyone that knows me know that I don't share those words to just anyone... But when I spoke with him Sunday, it felt important to tell him.
Things I Am Thankful For This Week
Hugs from friends
Story books
Rocking chairs
Umbrellas
Dish washers
Helpers
Pictures
Soft music
Sister Asumpta
Please pray for a dear friend from my past. She passed this morning. She always had a smile and a wonderful attitude on life. I have known her for over 25 years. When I stayed with them she had a beautiful little blue parakeet that she would talk with. "Such a pretty bird"
Sr.
Asumpta, may your life with Jesus be filled with
wondrous joy. I will never forget your smile...
My last brother...
Please pray for my last remaining brother. Diabetes has become very bad in his years. He had swelling in his right leg up to his knee and blackened toes. They said he was 100% blocked in both veins going to his legs. They went in and opened the right, took off three toes and clotting
occurred. They then had to take off his right leg up to his knee. He was looking much better after this. His wife said he had more color in his face.
He is still looking at another operation on his left leg to start the process on it. They will start with opening up the vein and we pray that this will be successful without having to remove any more of his limbs.
I am unsure when they will be able to complete this operation as he is in ICU and I cannot get hold of anyone to speak with as he does not have a phone in his room.
Must Read
At our CRHP meeting last evening, our discussion revolved around Heaven. During the conversation, one sister mentioned a book she had read. She said that it was the most profound book she had ever read. Unfortunately, she could not remember exactly what it was called, and had loaned it out to someone, but she told us the events that unfolded in this true story. I searched, and after a few hours, I was able to track down the book and author.I actually found an
excerpt today from the book. It is called: My Descent Into Death: A Second Chance at LifeBy:
Storm, HowardI intend to purchase this book so I can read the rest and I recommend that all who have the chance take advantage of this opportunity!
Question to Ponder...
How do I manage conflict in my family or workplace? Do I first approach the "offender" face to face or is gossip my initial reaction?
Things I Am Thankful For This Week...
Beautiful flowers giving seed for next years planting
Butterflies
Friends
Family
Snail-mail
Being able to read
Research
Modern medicine
Informative forums
Clean sheets
Bounty fresh blankets
Things I Am Thankful For This Week
A soft gentle rain
Sunset skies
Picnic tables
Calming music
Family pets
Modern medicine
Boarding the Ship
This is from the back of the ship looking down upon where they drove our vehicles up into the ship.
After getting out a ways we went down to a lower deck and I leaned out to take this shot. Water, water everywhere!
Continuing Back
As we were heading farther north we found that it was going to take longer than expected. We drove all Friday and came to stop at
Ludington, Mi where we discovered we could take a ferry across Lake Michigan to
Wisconsin! How awesome is that? 60 miles across and saved us at least 14 hours. So the next morning we boarded. This is a shot of the sister ship, SS Spartan. We traveled on the SS Badger.
The Trip Back
On the way back, we decided to take a detour up by the Great Lakes. I had not been there before myself and thought it would be a great opportunity for my young lady to experience this with me. We pulled in to this (pay for) beach where she put on her bathing suit and took a dip in Lake Michigan. She said it was "cold!"
Nationals
Well, the girls didn't get first place this year, but they sure looked good! My young lady did a two baton performance at the novice level and actually placed pretty high for so much competition. She is wanting to do a flag performance next year. I was told by the judge I was clerking for, that this is something offered in most competitions and to come to March Madness in Kansas City next March. My young lady is very much looking forward to this.
Going to Notre Dame
We're headed to South Bend, Indiana again tomorrow. We are going to the National Baton Competition. My young lady's team have been looking forward to this trip all year. They have been working very hard throughout the year and extra practices this summer to prepare.
The Hidden Fruit
I have a habit, which I acquired when I was very young, of reading all the signs in front of buildings as I pass them. No really! Sometimes I have to actually shake myself out if it when it seems to become a distraction! Anyway I was driving up 9th and saw a sign in front of a church that said:
The fruit we eat tomorrow is hidden in the seed today.I thought that was so cool!
Update
Sorry I haven't been keeping things up in here...
Mom got her hair done the other day. I went to visit her while I was waiting for my young lady at softball practice. Mom was asking me questions she was confused about. She didn't know why her last name was what it was. She didn't remember being married to my step-dad. She wanted to know if she had any children with him and was worried that she wouldn't be able to remarry. I explained that he had died nearly 30 years ago. Then she wanted to know if she had any children and I told her there were 7 of us but I was the only one around here. She was surprised to hear that I was her daughter and wanted to know why I had not told her this before... Interesting conversation we had... She recognizes me and my daughter and knows our names, but didn't know we were her daughter and granddaughter. She then said she was proud of me... Which I didn't really understand why she would say... But it was nice to hear nonetheless...
Things I Am Thankful For This Week...
Old photographs
Flavored coffee
Fresh vegetables
Fresh fruit off the tree
Butterflies
Mailboxes
Guitar straps
Beautiful music to lead at church
Umbrellas
Endless stars in the night sky
Kitchen blenders
Freshman Lettering
My young lady lettered in band this year. She was informed that it was unusual for a freshman to letter but after the points were added up, not only did she letter, but she received top points! And to add to this she received top soloist for Jazz Band. She got a letter, a bar and a star to put on her 'eventual' letter jacket.
Flying Trampoline
During one of the first storms that came through, the winds got up above 70 mph. It picked up my young lady's trampoline, flew it over the first fence of the chicken yard, caught a fence post on the other side and ripped it apart bending the post over and continued sending the trampoline into the back field to the tree line. You kind of have to look close to see where the trampoline actually is. I would guess it went a thousand yards or so. There are pieces of pipe and springs all the way back there. I found one spring stretched to be at least 5 feet long from the stress that was placed upon it. We cannot clean up the area until the weather allows the land to dry up enough for us to take the truck back and pick up the pieces.
Bonfire Area
With the recent inflation of gas prices and the saturation of the ground from rain, two things developed in my yard. I decided to cut down on the amount of land I would mow and I decided to bring up, from low wet area, the choice of bonfire spots to higher ground. The resulting photos show how nice this turned out! I was surprised myself. The tall grass surrounding the little area is almost 'park like' to the beholder! Anyway, here are a couple of shots from my house showing our 'new' bonfire area.
Catching Up
I've become a bit behind in my posting, my appologies, but I have been 'thinking' about posting the whole time. I'd see something and think, "Wow, that's something I want to share." Unfortunately, I'd get back and get busy with something else and it was put on the back burner.
Anyway, I'll start catching up with sharing a picture I snapped at one of my young lady's softball games. With all the rain we have been having in the area it was nice to have a beautiful sunny day. My friend noticed this rainbow in the sky and I thought it was a beautiful way to start a new set of posts of the shots I've been taking.
Men vs. Women
NICKNAMES
If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.
EATING OUT
When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.
When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.
MONEY
A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.
BATHROOMS
A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel from Farmers.
The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.
ARGUMENTS
A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument..
CATS
Women love cats.
Men say they love cats, but when women aren't looking, men kick cats.
FUTURE
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
SUCCESS
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.
MARRIAGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.
DRESSING UP
A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the bins, answer the phone, read a book, and get the post.
A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.
NATURAL
Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
Women somehow deteriorate during the night.
OFFSPRING
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes.
There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!!!
Things I am Thankful for This Week...
The rain - even if it means I can't ride my bike
Green grass
Beautiful trees
A car that runs
A daughter that understands there are consequences to events
A mind I can use
Constructive criticism
Finals week
BlackBerryWritable
CD'sPuzzles
A great working relationship with my co-workers
A hard working ethical associate in my room
Blooming onions
That the only thing we lost was a trampoline during the storm - some lost lives/homes/everything...
