Isn't it pretty? Finally we got our snow!
The flakes were falling in big wet clusters when I got up at about 6:30 this
morning. Since I was up 'till 12:30 last night, reading blogs and experimenting with my own I am going to be very tired today. I do hope to keep my eyes open during the Packer - Viking game. It better be rousing. Go Packers!!
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Colder Than A....
If you are from Wisconsin you know how that phrase ends. Tonight it could get down to 20 F in Seattle and in the morning everyone will be commenting on how cold it is. Northwesterners know rain but they sure as heck don't know COLD. Read the link to my new blogger friend,Penny.Now this gal knows COLD; Alberta, Canada COLD!
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Happy New Year!
On New Years Eve we went to see the movie Aviator with our friends. It is a 3 hour long movie about Howard Hughes. Each and everyone of us enjoyed it and no one seemed to think the 3 hours dragged. Howard Hughs was crazy and brilliant. We thought it would be hard to see Leo DiCaprio as Hughs but he did a great acting job and once we started concentrating on the dialog we got caught up in the story. The female leads while they did not really look like Kate Hepburn and Eva Gardener, they had the distinct voices and strong characters of those screen stars. I also liked the the clothing from the 40s and 50s. The nightclub scenes had great ambiance. After the movie we went to see the lights at the botanical garden in Bellevue. It felt good to get out of the car and walk around. After that we were starved and ready for the dinner that I had waiting in the crockpot. The recipe was called Chicken and Shrimp Over Orzo and was it ever delicious! Christine brought a tray of veggies and dip as well as a plate of Christmas cookies to round out our New Year's Eve dining.
They left at about 10:30. Chris and I manage to stay awake to ring in the 2005. From about 11:50 to 12:05 there was a great view of a variety of fireworks right from our garden window.
They left at about 10:30. Chris and I manage to stay awake to ring in the 2005. From about 11:50 to 12:05 there was a great view of a variety of fireworks right from our garden window.
A Giant Spider
What garden would be complete without a spider? The entire web arrangement is about 6 feet across.
Red Hot Pokers
It was fun to walk the path and try to determine what type of plants the lights
were trying to imitate.
were trying to imitate.
At Holiday D'Lights
After going to see the movie, Aviator, we headed over to the holiday lights display at Bellevue Botanical Gardens. The lights were beautiful and we were not the only people out to enjoy them. The parking lot was full. Here is Christine, Tom, and Ann, (Christine's mom).
Friday, December 31, 2004
Look Who's at VHS!
Monique and Gerrard were very impressed with the VHS campus. Then we headed on to Thriftway to buy groceries and to pick up several issues of the Riptide (VHS Newspaper) in which there is an article about Anna Rae and the other exchange students abroad. While Monique and Gerrard did get to visit Pike Place Market and the 'flying fish', they had very little time to see anything more. But I guess that is ok because now they have had a 'taste' of the Pacific Northwest and their appetite is whetted for more. And now too they know another door that is openned to them - ours!
Our New French Friends; Monique and Gerrard
In an unusual twist of events, Monique, the choir director for Anna Rae's gospel choir in France, came to Vashon Island for a 3 day visit with relatives. Meeting them was a better gift than anything I could've pulled out of the box of gifts that they delivered for Anna Rae. Although the scarf she gave me looks pretty nice as it is draped over my shoulder in this picture. Al Eggleston is their daughter in law's father. This picture was taken in his wonderful, homey farmhouse which has a sweeping view of the sound. We talked about politcs (we're on the same page here), language acquisition, and
of course about Anna Rae.
of course about Anna Rae.
Singing a Joyful Round
What a spontaneous, uplifting way to end our visit. It was a pleasure to be included in Monique and Gerrard's
family holiday gathering, especially considering how brief their stay was on Vashon.
family holiday gathering, especially considering how brief their stay was on Vashon.
Sunday, December 26, 2004
The Kornowske's Grand Fir
Isn't this a lovely Christmas tree? I took the picture looking down into the grand entry room from the second floor landing.
Yule Log; A scrumptious dessert!
Oh my but this was a good dessert! The cream filling was lightly flavored with orange. We were so full that we did not eat dessert at the Kornowske's. We took our portion home to eat. I savored every bite. I wonder if the Yule Log that AR ate was as tasty.
French Wine
This was our wine with dessert. We had French wine along with the Yule Log in honor of Anna Rae our 'in absensia' guest.
We called her at 1:00, our time, 10:00pm in France. We put her on the speaker phone and that was fun 'cuz we all could hear her talk. She was playing some type of Monopoly with Benoit's relatives when we called. She told us all about their Christmas Eve, opening gifts (she was TOTALLY surprised and happy to get the mini IPOD from us), going to a very unusual Christmas Eve mass, and sleeping in a very crowded 3 story house with 14 other relatives. She will most likely update her blog tomorrow when she gets back to Annecy.
We called her at 1:00, our time, 10:00pm in France. We put her on the speaker phone and that was fun 'cuz we all could hear her talk. She was playing some type of Monopoly with Benoit's relatives when we called. She told us all about their Christmas Eve, opening gifts (she was TOTALLY surprised and happy to get the mini IPOD from us), going to a very unusual Christmas Eve mass, and sleeping in a very crowded 3 story house with 14 other relatives. She will most likely update her blog tomorrow when she gets back to Annecy.
Drank a 'Little' Vino
Here's Joe and Valerie, our host and hostess for Christmas dinner. See that BIG bottle of wine? It was a generous contribution from Penny and Emil, other friends at this holiday feast.
Teresa Holding Sweetheart
Hens don't like to be held for too long.
I am really surprised this photo turned out as good as it is. I like the way our hair/feathers match. Looks like we go to the same stylist!
I am really surprised this photo turned out as good as it is. I like the way our hair/feathers match. Looks like we go to the same stylist!
Galen's Gift to Lindsey
This is the sweetest little snowman!
Galen made it at school. the body is a sock filled with rice and the hat is made with polar fleece.
Galen made it at school. the body is a sock filled with rice and the hat is made with polar fleece.
9, 10 A BIg Fat Hen
On our first trip out to the hen house this big black hen clearly considered us an intrusion. She made the funniest annoyed clucking and gave skitterish,
darting glances at us indicating that egg laying is clearly not intended for public display.
darting glances at us indicating that egg laying is clearly not intended for public display.
Lindsey and Her Fowl Friends
Lindsey clearly is attached to the Kornowske poultry. Lindsey knows the name and temperament of each hen. She took me out to collect our Christmas gift of a dozen fresh brown eggs. All 12 hens are laying now. Their hen house is gaily decorated with Christmas lights. The Kornowskes believe the lights were the impetus for the hens to commence laying!
The First Gift
This is what was inside Richard's gift:
a tracing of his foot, a handmade Christmas card inside of a handmade envelope (decorated with a jack 'o lantern), a chocolate covered marshmellow Santa, and a Butterfinger and chocolate Santa. In addition Richard gave me 2 other cards; handmade and thickly wrapped in tissue paper. He clearly loves the giving aspect of Christmas VERY much. I treasure his gifts that are clearly '5 year old initiated' and given 'from the heart'.
I can see why I got the Butterfinger; I always tease the kids when they have lunchables saying "Oh, that must be for me, Butterfingers are my favorite!" when I see the orange wrappered candy bar in it's lunchable compartment. But the tracing of his foot...that is a mystery!
a tracing of his foot, a handmade Christmas card inside of a handmade envelope (decorated with a jack 'o lantern), a chocolate covered marshmellow Santa, and a Butterfinger and chocolate Santa. In addition Richard gave me 2 other cards; handmade and thickly wrapped in tissue paper. He clearly loves the giving aspect of Christmas VERY much. I treasure his gifts that are clearly '5 year old initiated' and given 'from the heart'.
I can see why I got the Butterfinger; I always tease the kids when they have lunchables saying "Oh, that must be for me, Butterfingers are my favorite!" when I see the orange wrappered candy bar in it's lunchable compartment. But the tracing of his foot...that is a mystery!
Friday, December 24, 2004
Santa Sighted In Ballard 12-23
This was taken outside a Seven Eleven on NW Leary as you head into Ballard. Do you suppose Santa bought anything in that Seven Eleven; cigarettes, malt liquor, batteries??? And why in the heck, in this day and age, doesn't he have a cell phone?
Teresa On The Harbor Steps 12-23
Chris and I went to see the Spain Exhibit at Seattle Art Museum on Thursday night.
Many of the paintings brought back our visit to the Palacio Reale and the Prado in Madrid in summer 2000. I especially enjoyed the botanical watercolors and drawings. Downtown looks so pretty with all the Christmas lights. We took the Harbor Steps down to Western where the car was parked.
Many of the paintings brought back our visit to the Palacio Reale and the Prado in Madrid in summer 2000. I especially enjoyed the botanical watercolors and drawings. Downtown looks so pretty with all the Christmas lights. We took the Harbor Steps down to Western where the car was parked.
Worried
All week long I have been too worried to sit down and focus on posting an entry. I mailed Anna Rae's gifts to France on Dec. 3 and it has been a long, and for me, a tortuous wait till their arrival on Dec. 23. Chris kept telling me to no avail, "I don't want to hear about it, STOP WORRYING ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS BOX!" What follows snippets of the emails between AR and others as I fretted about the whereabouts of her Christmas box.
12-15 (to AR) Has the Christmas box arrived?
12-16(to AR) Has the Christmas box arrived? (I emailed Marion with the same question) As above, please answer by tomorrow (Fri.)
12-16 (to Marion) This is Teresa, Anna Rae's mom. Has our box of gifts for Anna Rae arrived at your house yet? I am thinking they should be there by Friday at the latest. Let me know if it does not come by Fri. Once you or your parents tear off the label listing the contents she can open the box. I think she will be a surprised and very happy girl on Christmas day. Anna Rae has had such a wonderful time being part of your family.
12-21 (To AR) I am trying really hard not to think about your box but it is always there nagging my brain. Of all the losuy things; no box from your parents!
12-22(from AR) Yeah, I really am worried about the box too, I'll be upset if it doesn't come ( but I KNOW you loved me, I KNOW you tried!!! don'tget too worried!!!) The Lizés are now constantly asking me if it has arrived too. Benoit says itll come thursday (the day before we leave).
12-22 (in an email from me to our friend Kim) We miss her so much and you want to hear the real burn...she has not yet gotten her Christmas box from us and I mailed it on Dec. 3 It makes me just sick; we bought her an ipod mini! I did insure it but I think that is just for damages not loss. Chris is tired of hearing me worry about it. He thinks it will still arrive. I think someone stole it. Let's hope I am wrong.
12-22 (to AR) I went to the post office and did my whining there so it would not bother your dad and now I have a glimmer of hope that you will get your gift, just maybe not on time. First of all, I did insure it for $350. and if I fill out a claim saying it is lost, I will get paid for the loss and do the shopping all over.
BUT the post office clerk said it was likely that it was held up in customs (probably opened and rumaged through) because I listed a value above $200. This also means that you (we) may need to pay a duty fee on it once it arrives. Anyway, if you, with the help of Benoit or Catherine want to go to the post office /customs office (I am unclear which one because he seemed to use both interchangeably) and ask about the box, this is the number you will need:VE 676 826 336 US
12-23 (from AR) And good news! The box is here! Well, its somewhere nearby, I may not get my hands on it till monday when I get back in town. Apparently they tried to deliver it yesterday but no one was home. AND I have to pay them 32€ (like 40 dollars) or some customs fee. Thanks mom! lol, its no problem, I'm just happy I'll have it soon, even if its not there on xmas day. there is a possibility charlotte can pick it up this afternoon, but im not sure.
12-23 (to AR) Nothing ever gives me more joy on Christmas than seeing you open gifts; to think that ours would not be there for you, it has made me so sad. But now I am happy, happy, HAPPY! Sorry about the $40. We will pay it. Never again will I insure a box with the postal service.
12-23 (from AR) i have it! charlotte and marion picked it up, ill find an atm and attempt to get out enough money to pay them back tomorrow. I'll try to make a blog entry tonight.
12-23 (to AR) Great sweetie! I wish I could see your face when you open the gifts. You will be so glad they arrived on time!
So went the week of a worried mom. And now, Christmas can begin!
12-15 (to AR) Has the Christmas box arrived?
12-16(to AR) Has the Christmas box arrived? (I emailed Marion with the same question) As above, please answer by tomorrow (Fri.)
12-16 (to Marion) This is Teresa, Anna Rae's mom. Has our box of gifts for Anna Rae arrived at your house yet? I am thinking they should be there by Friday at the latest. Let me know if it does not come by Fri. Once you or your parents tear off the label listing the contents she can open the box. I think she will be a surprised and very happy girl on Christmas day. Anna Rae has had such a wonderful time being part of your family.
12-21 (To AR) I am trying really hard not to think about your box but it is always there nagging my brain. Of all the losuy things; no box from your parents!
12-22(from AR) Yeah, I really am worried about the box too, I'll be upset if it doesn't come ( but I KNOW you loved me, I KNOW you tried!!! don'tget too worried!!!) The Lizés are now constantly asking me if it has arrived too. Benoit says itll come thursday (the day before we leave).
12-22 (in an email from me to our friend Kim) We miss her so much and you want to hear the real burn...she has not yet gotten her Christmas box from us and I mailed it on Dec. 3 It makes me just sick; we bought her an ipod mini! I did insure it but I think that is just for damages not loss. Chris is tired of hearing me worry about it. He thinks it will still arrive. I think someone stole it. Let's hope I am wrong.
12-22 (to AR) I went to the post office and did my whining there so it would not bother your dad and now I have a glimmer of hope that you will get your gift, just maybe not on time. First of all, I did insure it for $350. and if I fill out a claim saying it is lost, I will get paid for the loss and do the shopping all over.
BUT the post office clerk said it was likely that it was held up in customs (probably opened and rumaged through) because I listed a value above $200. This also means that you (we) may need to pay a duty fee on it once it arrives. Anyway, if you, with the help of Benoit or Catherine want to go to the post office /customs office (I am unclear which one because he seemed to use both interchangeably) and ask about the box, this is the number you will need:VE 676 826 336 US
12-23 (from AR) And good news! The box is here! Well, its somewhere nearby, I may not get my hands on it till monday when I get back in town. Apparently they tried to deliver it yesterday but no one was home. AND I have to pay them 32€ (like 40 dollars) or some customs fee. Thanks mom! lol, its no problem, I'm just happy I'll have it soon, even if its not there on xmas day. there is a possibility charlotte can pick it up this afternoon, but im not sure.
12-23 (to AR) Nothing ever gives me more joy on Christmas than seeing you open gifts; to think that ours would not be there for you, it has made me so sad. But now I am happy, happy, HAPPY! Sorry about the $40. We will pay it. Never again will I insure a box with the postal service.
12-23 (from AR) i have it! charlotte and marion picked it up, ill find an atm and attempt to get out enough money to pay them back tomorrow. I'll try to make a blog entry tonight.
12-23 (to AR) Great sweetie! I wish I could see your face when you open the gifts. You will be so glad they arrived on time!
So went the week of a worried mom. And now, Christmas can begin!
Friday, December 17, 2004
Red and Silver on White
Well, this is as decked out as it is going to get this year. I really must say that this is certainly easier to decorate and less messy than our traditional Christmas trees which are Noble firs that we hunt for at a tree farm on Vashon. Chris certainly didn't miss being a sawyer; squeezing under a wet tree in a muddy lot is not exactly his favorite holiday tradition.
Deck Decor
I really like having these lights around the garden window. They pretty well light up the kitchen as I pour my first cup of coffee in the morning. With the leaves off the trees and new homes 'kitty corner' beyond our lot, we see more holiday lights as we look off our deck this year. On the left I have wrapped this string of lights around an urn; the same urn that was home to 2 goldfish as I explained in an earlier post.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Ouch!
Yesterday I went to the podiatrist for very persistent heel pain (like since last Spring). I have already been through the physical therapy, stretching, ibuprophen, icing, no running routine and I finally decided to go for the big shot - cortisone. For those of you who know what a needle ninny I am, this was a big step (no pun intended). It hurt like hell to get and even the beefy doctor had a time pinning my leg to the table as he gave the shot. Anyway this morning I notice a quarter sized bruise at the site of injection but other than that it feels pretty darn good. I hope this is the solution. He said I my need 1 or 2 more shots. I go back in a month and if the heel feels good then I am getting orthodics for my running shoes and I will be back to morning runs. Off to school now. The kids are higher than kites this week. Lucky for us, we have an 80 minute planning block this morning and the principal and another teacher take on all 55 kindergarteners to teach a literacy lesson.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
The First Gift of Chrismas
This is Richard. He has given me the first gift of Christmas. The bow, as you can see, is as big as his head. His gift sits with that glorious bow, under our very white, ala Shag, Christmas tree.
Surprise! it's a flame retardant Christmas!
We have never had anything other than a real tree, usually a Noble fir selected by the 3 of us after much searching at a tree farm on Vashon Island. A few years back I bought a tree at an end of Christmas sale and never took it out the box. Obviously I did not read the label on the box either. This is the tree. Were we ever surprised!
Chris seems more animated and excited than if it were green and fresh cut. That figures, since he was always the one that did the sawing. So Anna Rae, what do you think? Don't be too alarmed, it looks alot better with the red and silver ornaments. That picture coming up soon.
Chris seems more animated and excited than if it were green and fresh cut. That figures, since he was always the one that did the sawing. So Anna Rae, what do you think? Don't be too alarmed, it looks alot better with the red and silver ornaments. That picture coming up soon.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Thanksgiving Cooks
The three desserts were Pear Flan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, and Cranberry Linzer Torte & whipped cream was optional.
Thanksgiving Weekend
What a full 4 days and I still feel like I could use 2 more days to get a few more things in order. Wednesday I worked 'till 5:00 and did last minute shopping in White Center for the Thanksgiving feast. I was looking for mint. I went to the 'Dollar Bag Market', or 'Triangle Market'; those are my names for this Korean run grocery that I like but I don't know the real name of the store. Anyway, I did not find mint but I found a beautiful 16 ounce bag of fresh basil grown in Hawaii for $1.99. I had already bought Duvall, Washington grown basil for $3.99 at Safeway but I could not pass up a good deal so I bought the $1.99 basil too and ended up making pesto in addition to all the other food prep I did for Thanksgiving. So where did I find mint? Well, I went on to the Heng Heng Market - no mint, and then on to the New Angkor Watt Market and there I found mint in a narrow aisle where I got help from a man who laboriously picked dead and wilted looking leaves from the many boxes of herbs on the floor. Now do I really want to know how I can be charged 49 cents for mint that would cost me 3 times as much at Safeway? I got the mashed potatoes cooked and into a casserole, the salad greens washed, two desserts baked and the turkey washed and patted dry the night before. In the morning I rubbed the turkey with fresh rosemary from a friend's yard and sage that I picked in my own garden, added a little salt, pepper, onion and celery and presto! Ready for roasting. The Kornowskes came at 1:00 bearing more to add to the feast, Valerie's delicious crab dip, chipotle cranberry sauce, and a pie made with a pumpkin from their garden. It was all delicious and was all the sweeter 'cause Chris washed the dishes! Then we ate dessert and played dominoes till 10:30. I stayed up till 2:00 in the morning adding photos to my Flickr account and reading blogs.
Friday morning I slept later than I intended but still managed to hit a few 'Door Buster' sales at Southcenter Mall. I also went to Fry Electronics and got a card reader to use at school and then I went to Wal-Mart to get some school photos printed; not my favorite e place to patronize but the cheapest for digital photo printing. The traffic was horrendous and a slight drizzly rain did not make it any easier. I know it is hard for many of you to imagine me going mall shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving; I am NOT a big shopper. You know those bumper stickers that say 'Born to Shop'.....I can NOT relate to that. But I do like ticking things off a list, and I certainly did that on Friday. On Saturday I raked the lower backyard, had a great workout in the weightroom of the Y, talked all together too briefly with my mom and dad, met with my teaching partner at Starbucks in Gatewood and we wrote up our PGG (Professional Growth Goals; a necessary piece of drudgery),
went shopping for MORE gifts in Olde Burien, rented a dolly at Tool Center and coaxed Chris into helping me move the TV to the downstairs (Do YOU know how long I have wanted to do that??), fixed and delivered dinner for the homeless women at Hospitality House, went out for a drink with Chris at a new establishment in Burien called The Tin Room and then fell into bed by 10:30, exhausted.
This morning I went to church, then back at home I vacuumed and washed floors and walls in the living room before moving furniture to accommodate the new spacious look; now that the enormous TV is downstairs. Then I trimmed the lavender, and moved deck plant to the garden shed (it is supposed to get down to 30 tonight), and moved the urn in the shade garden up to the deck. Big surprise; the two goldfish I had put in the water below the sedges and rushes I had in the urn (theory being that they eat mosquito larvae), are STILL alive. I now have them in a vase of water in the downstairs window. It was such a lovely day today, warm enough for even bees to be buzzing around the few hanging geraniums on the garden shed and competing with the hummingbirds (2 females and a male winter here) for sugar water.
Of course, calling Anna Rae is always our BIG Sunday event. She sang with her choir group at a recital this weekend. I was a little disappointed in that she did not save the program and the only 2 songs she told me that they sang were the gospel songs Amen and Go Tell It on The Mountain. I think she got to sing a bit of a solo part but I am not sure just what. Last year at this time she was starting rehearsals for Burien Live Theatre's Christmas production. I am glad we bought the CD of her performance as I won't be hearing her 'live' this season; that is something I am sure to miss. She is looking forward to having Andy, a Vashon student who is also on exchange in Italy, visit her next weekend. For a while there we thought it might not happen because there was miscommunication and her host parents thought Andy was a girl which he is NOT. Anyway we had to write an email to ok the visit, as I suppose so did Andy's parents and Rotary Club. Meanwhile, I am eager to hear her reaction to a very special box I packed and sent off to her about a week ago. Do I say it enough; WE MISS HER SO MUCH!
Friday morning I slept later than I intended but still managed to hit a few 'Door Buster' sales at Southcenter Mall. I also went to Fry Electronics and got a card reader to use at school and then I went to Wal-Mart to get some school photos printed; not my favorite e place to patronize but the cheapest for digital photo printing. The traffic was horrendous and a slight drizzly rain did not make it any easier. I know it is hard for many of you to imagine me going mall shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving; I am NOT a big shopper. You know those bumper stickers that say 'Born to Shop'.....I can NOT relate to that. But I do like ticking things off a list, and I certainly did that on Friday. On Saturday I raked the lower backyard, had a great workout in the weightroom of the Y, talked all together too briefly with my mom and dad, met with my teaching partner at Starbucks in Gatewood and we wrote up our PGG (Professional Growth Goals; a necessary piece of drudgery),
went shopping for MORE gifts in Olde Burien, rented a dolly at Tool Center and coaxed Chris into helping me move the TV to the downstairs (Do YOU know how long I have wanted to do that??), fixed and delivered dinner for the homeless women at Hospitality House, went out for a drink with Chris at a new establishment in Burien called The Tin Room and then fell into bed by 10:30, exhausted.
This morning I went to church, then back at home I vacuumed and washed floors and walls in the living room before moving furniture to accommodate the new spacious look; now that the enormous TV is downstairs. Then I trimmed the lavender, and moved deck plant to the garden shed (it is supposed to get down to 30 tonight), and moved the urn in the shade garden up to the deck. Big surprise; the two goldfish I had put in the water below the sedges and rushes I had in the urn (theory being that they eat mosquito larvae), are STILL alive. I now have them in a vase of water in the downstairs window. It was such a lovely day today, warm enough for even bees to be buzzing around the few hanging geraniums on the garden shed and competing with the hummingbirds (2 females and a male winter here) for sugar water.
Of course, calling Anna Rae is always our BIG Sunday event. She sang with her choir group at a recital this weekend. I was a little disappointed in that she did not save the program and the only 2 songs she told me that they sang were the gospel songs Amen and Go Tell It on The Mountain. I think she got to sing a bit of a solo part but I am not sure just what. Last year at this time she was starting rehearsals for Burien Live Theatre's Christmas production. I am glad we bought the CD of her performance as I won't be hearing her 'live' this season; that is something I am sure to miss. She is looking forward to having Andy, a Vashon student who is also on exchange in Italy, visit her next weekend. For a while there we thought it might not happen because there was miscommunication and her host parents thought Andy was a girl which he is NOT. Anyway we had to write an email to ok the visit, as I suppose so did Andy's parents and Rotary Club. Meanwhile, I am eager to hear her reaction to a very special box I packed and sent off to her about a week ago. Do I say it enough; WE MISS HER SO MUCH!
The Stairwell Project
Chris spent hours over the 4 day weekend putting up framework and rewiring to enclose the stairwell to the downstairs. It is moving right along but not without it's challenges and several trips to Mc Lendon's Hardware.
(I am not quite sure why I have long spaces between some phots. I am still experimenting and have not yet found the editing magic to neaten it all up.)
Friday, November 26, 2004
Friday, November 19, 2004
My Backyard
All summer I had been cursing the
messy branches that fell from the birch in the vacant lot behind us, vowing to jump the fence and prune it a bit myself. Then on a lovely and very breezy fall morning this week, I looked up at the perfect moment to see a veritable shower of golden leaves swirling across our backyard all the way up to the deck. I am so glad I didn't jump that fence.
Talk, Talk, Talk
We held parent - teacher conferences in the afternoons this week. Only 4 remaining for next week. The conversations flowed smoothly and I learned so much. For the most part I came away each day marveling at how much these parents want to 'dig in' and do what ever it takes to give their children success at school; even those who speak limited English and those for whom it is a continual challenge to pay the rent and have food on the table. I have a lot of faith in this year's parents, they seem sincere and willing to follow through on my suggestions. There are a couple of exceptions such as the boy whose mother said he didn't listen to her at home either unless she 'held a stick'. Well, needless to say, I'm not going to walk around my classroom with a big stick! In fact, the Family Support Worker will be on the lookout for parenting classes for that mom. Then there are the fun stories: The boy whose mom was 'blown away' when, as struggling to ride up a hill on his bike, her 5 year old said: "I just have to use my persistance like Mr. Nelson said." (Our principal, Mr. Nelson, had read The Little Engine That Could to the class and taught the word persistance.) The parents who anxiously asked, "Is he talking about having a brother .....because he doesn't have one. It was something of a problem at his previous school. He had everyone convinced that he had a brother who had died a terrible death and each time the story changed a little but it was always full of tragedy and he was convincing to both children and adults." Boy, were they happy when I said I had not heard of any brother, imaginary or other wise. The mother who asked her son what he wanted her to relay to me and he offered this list:
1. More toys (NO more space for this one and we are fairly well stocked.)
2. We need to share more of our work when we do a good job. (That's do-able.)
3. Tell Mrs. Goethe I love her!
The family facts that come out: Two moms are expecting babies, one this month and one in Feb. Two Dads are wedding photographers. Another dad is in play production and makes stages. That was a real 'score'! We asked for pieces of pine cut to certain dimensions for our hammering lesson in Science and lo and behold 60 precisely cut pieces of wood were delivered 2 days later. The Camdodian mom who tried to teach me how to bow and say "Good bye." During that conference I also learned that the necklace around her daughter's neck was an elephant tooth and considered a blessing. The mom of my most energetic, 'drama queeen' 5 year old, says her daughter crashes into a deep sleep for about 3 hours everyday after school! The mom who said her son is totally fascinated with finding and making patterns. Even at the dinner table he makes comments such as, "I am eating in an AB pattern; a bite of peas, a bite of meat, a bite peas, a bite of meat." The parents who told me that their son loves school but says he sometimes gets "homemissed".
And now I am ready to rest my vocal cords and enjoy my weekend.
1. More toys (NO more space for this one and we are fairly well stocked.)
2. We need to share more of our work when we do a good job. (That's do-able.)
3. Tell Mrs. Goethe I love her!
The family facts that come out: Two moms are expecting babies, one this month and one in Feb. Two Dads are wedding photographers. Another dad is in play production and makes stages. That was a real 'score'! We asked for pieces of pine cut to certain dimensions for our hammering lesson in Science and lo and behold 60 precisely cut pieces of wood were delivered 2 days later. The Camdodian mom who tried to teach me how to bow and say "Good bye." During that conference I also learned that the necklace around her daughter's neck was an elephant tooth and considered a blessing. The mom of my most energetic, 'drama queeen' 5 year old, says her daughter crashes into a deep sleep for about 3 hours everyday after school! The mom who said her son is totally fascinated with finding and making patterns. Even at the dinner table he makes comments such as, "I am eating in an AB pattern; a bite of peas, a bite of meat, a bite peas, a bite of meat." The parents who told me that their son loves school but says he sometimes gets "homemissed".
And now I am ready to rest my vocal cords and enjoy my weekend.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
She's Seventeen Today!
On the day Anna Rae was born it was very blustery and grey with a drizzle that came down sideways. My labor was induced at 7:30 in the morning, the Dr. broke my water at noon (ugh, what a thing to do on your lunch break), Chris and I played a few hands of Gin and I labored on. Finally, at 8:09pm, along comes Anna Rae weighing in at 6lbs.1oz., 20 inches long, blondish brown hair that was close to invisible but felt 'oh so soft!' when you brushed your cheek across her head. And today she is seventeen!
Seventeen and in Annecy, France. When we talked this morning she said she thinks that "This is one of my happiest birthdays ever!" She also confided that she didn't want to say it was her happiest ever because it might hurt our feelings. But really, she doesn't need to worry. I don't think children really understand how their happiness brings joy to their parents. Today's birthday in France with fondue and pain au chocolate does not diminish the memories of the candles blown out, the ice cream cakes devoured, the parties at roller rinks, in movie theatres and at home over the past years.
Thanks to all of you who sent her emails and commented on her blog. She heard from relatives, friends, middle school teachers, and church youth group members.
My plan worked, she was truly surprised! I could not have done it without you.
Seventeen and in Annecy, France. When we talked this morning she said she thinks that "This is one of my happiest birthdays ever!" She also confided that she didn't want to say it was her happiest ever because it might hurt our feelings. But really, she doesn't need to worry. I don't think children really understand how their happiness brings joy to their parents. Today's birthday in France with fondue and pain au chocolate does not diminish the memories of the candles blown out, the ice cream cakes devoured, the parties at roller rinks, in movie theatres and at home over the past years.
Thanks to all of you who sent her emails and commented on her blog. She heard from relatives, friends, middle school teachers, and church youth group members.
My plan worked, she was truly surprised! I could not have done it without you.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
A Better Outlook
What a difference to end a week of teaching on a good day. So what is a good day for a kindergarten teacher? It's having enough trained parent volunteers to successfully teach the Science lesson in groups of 7 or 8 (How many paperclips does it take to sink a sample of cedar vs. particleboard), it's having time for them to record/graph their results in their Science notebooks, it's having our exceptional and talented P.E. teacher report to me "They had a good day in gym today, no 'time outs'" and then my line leader pipes up, "Yeah, we got to go to ALL the stations!", it's having no spills at lunch and everyone cleans his own table, it's hearing the elation in a parent's voice as he relates that his son wrote his first sentence independently on a whiteboard in his office, it's no rainy day recesses, it's having a parent volunteer on Friday afternoons who is willing to do 'busy work' so that the teacher is able to leave a little earlier at the end of the day, it's a line of children holding bouquets of leaves as they meet you at the door after recess (they toss the leaves as high in the air as they can in unison and with much squealing,just before they enter the classroom), it's a group hug at dismissal time that nearly knocks me off the 'story chair' and it's the quiet calm and the social chatter of my team teaching partner and I as we make sure that everything is in place for Monday.
I also have a better outlook because I believe I have pinpointed why teaching seems to be more energy sapping as opposed to invigorating as it usually is for me. I am teaching the 'low' end in our Literacy Block. Two of the children in the group who come from families that value reading, and could be role models for comprehension and vocabulary building, have speech articulation issues and six of them speak a language other than English at home. This goes against research which says blending abilities is better for learning. How we ended up with this model I am not exactly sure because we (teachers) are really given quite a bit of flexibility in how to group our children/ use our resources. Since discussing (honestly venting) my feelings with the principal (remember he teaches a literacy group too) and my team teaching partner I feel like we are all going to work together towards a solution which would mean 'tweaking ' the groups to have mixed abilities.
I can't wait; in 45 minutes we are calling Anna Rae. Usually we call on Sundays. But this weekend she will spend tonight at her host grandparents so she won't be at the Lize's Sunday morning. I had my friend and co-worker, Sarah, teach me how to identify myself when I call on the telephone. I hope Marion answers first but even if Anna Rae answers I am going to try out my few phrases in French.
Incredible, I have written an entire post without railing about the results of the election. Suffice to say that I am none too thrilled to be BUSHwhacked again!
I also have a better outlook because I believe I have pinpointed why teaching seems to be more energy sapping as opposed to invigorating as it usually is for me. I am teaching the 'low' end in our Literacy Block. Two of the children in the group who come from families that value reading, and could be role models for comprehension and vocabulary building, have speech articulation issues and six of them speak a language other than English at home. This goes against research which says blending abilities is better for learning. How we ended up with this model I am not exactly sure because we (teachers) are really given quite a bit of flexibility in how to group our children/ use our resources. Since discussing (honestly venting) my feelings with the principal (remember he teaches a literacy group too) and my team teaching partner I feel like we are all going to work together towards a solution which would mean 'tweaking ' the groups to have mixed abilities.
I can't wait; in 45 minutes we are calling Anna Rae. Usually we call on Sundays. But this weekend she will spend tonight at her host grandparents so she won't be at the Lize's Sunday morning. I had my friend and co-worker, Sarah, teach me how to identify myself when I call on the telephone. I hope Marion answers first but even if Anna Rae answers I am going to try out my few phrases in French.
Incredible, I have written an entire post without railing about the results of the election. Suffice to say that I am none too thrilled to be BUSHwhacked again!
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Saturday, October 30, 2004
The Dark Becomes Us
We just got home from the pumpkin carving party at Liz and Eric's house. The scary 'Jack' in the middle is the same pumpkin you saw growing on the vine in my backyard in August. He is big and incredibly heavy even now that he is carved. And I did the carving this year! Not terribly original but I think he has a touch of the fierce, 'don't mess with me' attitude that I wanted.
Saturday, October 23, 2004
2 Months Down
Anna Rae has been gone 2 months now. For the most part, time has passed quickly for her dad and I. The business of ordinary life, the work-a-day world, keeps our minds occupied. Twice last week I was at school organizing and cleaning up until 7:00 at night. How is it that the principal can go home at 4:30 or 5:00 and at least 1 or 2 of us peon teachers are there till 6:00 and beyond? I wouldn't mind so much but this year he wants to practically 'sit in our laps' as we teach. I really don't get it. Granted, he is going to be starting to teach one of our reading groups as of next week. What I resent is his attitude towards planning. He sits down and basically says "Ok, What will you be teaching in literacy next week? And then he tries to 'DIFFERENTIATE' (teacher lingo for 'jack it up' or 'rachet it down' depending on the ability of the students). Manolive! He's got the highest ability group, nothing but joy, the easiest of easy to teach and feel rewarded. I sure hope he plans on bringing more to the 'planning table' as weeks go on or I may blow a gasket and tell him just what he can do with all this 'extra' planning time he is giving us. It is NOT saving me any time! Instead of having to explain lessons to just my teaching partner, I have 2 tutors, 1 Instructional Assistant and now a Principal to tell what to do. Give me back a half hour of prep time and a closed door...I am ready to take it! OK. I have vented. Now in spite of all this I must say that I like Mr. N. as a person and there is no denying that he has been a boon to the publicity for our school. He is energetic, constantly looking for 'cutting edge' curriculum training, relates well to children and parents, listens, and is improving at hearing the viewpoints of teachers, and of course being a fellow 'cheesehead' he has a cultural background I can sort of understand. I do normally, love my job. I think that having an unusually tough class as well as several schedule changes are taking their toll on me. On Monday my 28th student joins our class and that will 'cap it off'. On a lighter note: 5 year old 'L' clutched his stomach on Thurs. and told me in his broken English that "A crab is in my belly doing this" (he made pinching movements with his hand) It only got worse and when he went to the nurse's office he told the health care assistant that "Two crabs are fighting in my belly." The two crabs complaint was enough to warrant a phone call home suggesting a day of bed rest!
On the home front...This morning I went to Spinning Class; my third one this week! In the afternoon I raked moss out the lawn, pulled lots of dandelions, pruned a few bushes, and hunted around till I found 'premium' grass seed as suggested by the natural lawn care program put on by King County. It is a blend of fescue grass seed and I found it at Herr Garden Care Center in Normandy Park. As I went on the search for the seed I stopped at Kirk's Feed Store in Burien. Old Burien is definitely going upscale although when you step into Kirk's you still feel like the guy behind the counter has got to be a 'hayseed' who knows everything there is to know about livestock, poultry, feed and fertilizer. Just across the way is a new shop that sells European ceramics and gift items. They have lots of beautiful dinnerware from
Tuscany and jewelry from outside Florence. They also have a variety of Italian olive oils and wines. Seeing these things made me all the more resolute in my endeavors to save money for a possible trip to Europe this summer!
On the home front...This morning I went to Spinning Class; my third one this week! In the afternoon I raked moss out the lawn, pulled lots of dandelions, pruned a few bushes, and hunted around till I found 'premium' grass seed as suggested by the natural lawn care program put on by King County. It is a blend of fescue grass seed and I found it at Herr Garden Care Center in Normandy Park. As I went on the search for the seed I stopped at Kirk's Feed Store in Burien. Old Burien is definitely going upscale although when you step into Kirk's you still feel like the guy behind the counter has got to be a 'hayseed' who knows everything there is to know about livestock, poultry, feed and fertilizer. Just across the way is a new shop that sells European ceramics and gift items. They have lots of beautiful dinnerware from
Tuscany and jewelry from outside Florence. They also have a variety of Italian olive oils and wines. Seeing these things made me all the more resolute in my endeavors to save money for a possible trip to Europe this summer!
Thursday, October 14, 2004
In The Mail
After much deliberation and a couple of exchanges, the 'Birthday Box' was put together. It actually came out to a reasonable weight of about 4 and half pounds. We hope you enjoy the surprises
inside, Anna Rae!
inside, Anna Rae!
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Where is Anna Rae?
Pei Pei misses Anna Rae. He has been with her for every birthday since her original
Birth Day. Time to do some shoping he says. Birthday 17 is only 31 days away!
Birth Day. Time to do some shoping he says. Birthday 17 is only 31 days away!
Friday, October 08, 2004
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Monday, October 04, 2004
What is a turnip?
School is just breezing along. This is a fun group of 5 year olds. There are a few feisty ones and they all need to work on the social things that most kindergarten need to work on: sharing, using respectful language towards each other, walking in the classroom, keeping their hands to themselves in lines, sneezing into the 'crook' of their arm or a tissue instead of blowing snot and a bazillion germs all over the unfortunate person across from them BUT they are good at discussions, lots of eager hands raised and pretty articulate vocabularies from the English speaking children.
Yet there is always at least one funny story a week where they didn't quite hit the mark on understanding a word. Last week's was turnip. I was preparing to read The Enormous Turnip and asked if anyone knew what a turnip was. One little boy, in his most authoritative tone told us "It's a bug like an ant that eats wood." At first I was totally puzzled at how he could possible be so far off the mark because we had been talking about foods prior to when I asked the question. Then it dawned on me, he was thinking termite instead of turnip. Fortunately we had a real turnip to look at and taste (not a favorite food for any of them) after the story! Now we have a turnip rooting in a jar of water in the classroom window. Hopefully by watching and commenting on it's growth over the next couple weeks they will all know what a turnip
is. Fall is definitely here. Many of the yellow leaves in the neighborhood have already fluttered to the ground. Every morning for a week now we have awakened to thick fog and the sound of the foghorns. By afternoon it burns off and the rest of the day is lovely. I picked the big pumpkin and planted a few perennials that I bought on sale as well as 150 tulips. I have 50 more yet to plant.
On Saturday I walked in the 3rd annual walk for Hospitality House, a shelter in Burien for homeless women. We think that a total of 5,700 dollars was made.
Well, I am at work writing and I see the clock says 5:10. I had best head home because the electrician will be there to do some work in the stairwell of our basement. All of you friends and relatives have a wonderful week!
Hey did you notice...I fixed that link to Teaching In Thailand. I have to brag, I did it without anyone's advice!
Yet there is always at least one funny story a week where they didn't quite hit the mark on understanding a word. Last week's was turnip. I was preparing to read The Enormous Turnip and asked if anyone knew what a turnip was. One little boy, in his most authoritative tone told us "It's a bug like an ant that eats wood." At first I was totally puzzled at how he could possible be so far off the mark because we had been talking about foods prior to when I asked the question. Then it dawned on me, he was thinking termite instead of turnip. Fortunately we had a real turnip to look at and taste (not a favorite food for any of them) after the story! Now we have a turnip rooting in a jar of water in the classroom window. Hopefully by watching and commenting on it's growth over the next couple weeks they will all know what a turnip
is. Fall is definitely here. Many of the yellow leaves in the neighborhood have already fluttered to the ground. Every morning for a week now we have awakened to thick fog and the sound of the foghorns. By afternoon it burns off and the rest of the day is lovely. I picked the big pumpkin and planted a few perennials that I bought on sale as well as 150 tulips. I have 50 more yet to plant.
On Saturday I walked in the 3rd annual walk for Hospitality House, a shelter in Burien for homeless women. We think that a total of 5,700 dollars was made.
Well, I am at work writing and I see the clock says 5:10. I had best head home because the electrician will be there to do some work in the stairwell of our basement. All of you friends and relatives have a wonderful week!
Hey did you notice...I fixed that link to Teaching In Thailand. I have to brag, I did it without anyone's advice!
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