Lucy, the sweet old tortoise cat that came from upstate New York just didn't make it at the new place. She raised such a ruckus that Sue was ready to toss her through a closed siding glass door. At 4am I loaded her up and took her home to the old place (about a block away). She is much happier despite the chaos at home.
My DVD recorder has been slowly biting the big one. Today I was getting no picture at all except for a flash of a picture. That jsut wouldn't do with a Sunday of football ahead. So... I waited until 11 when Best Buy opened. Then I sorted the possiblites.. with an eye to the future. I settled on a Panasonic.. their menus are torturous. I am resolved to master it. Anyone who has tried to figure this mess knows the maze that awaited me. The DVD player must have an SVideo input.. since we are not a High Definition family.. yet.. and then translate the signal so that the components can read the requirements and give me a picture on my ED TV. So inputs are critical. Everytime there is a change in set up, one has to rotate the inputs so that component part of the signal is read by the TV. If the DVD player is not on doing this translation (not passively like the old VHS players did) you aren't going to see jack squat or any of his relatives on TV. I figured it out to see the end of the Raiders game and further how to record some of the sorry 49ers game. They lost to the Seahawks. The Raiders soundly beat the Dolphins.. on the ground no less.
So a new week starts. A shout out to my sister Kelly who has a birhday on the third. I will memorialize my story about her birth and her early years as the week progresses. She has always been more than a sister to me. A very good friend too. I hope my daughters will stay as close as they are now with each other and how I am with Kelly.
I just finished listening to Eventide by Kent Haruf. He is a wonderful writer. Listening to books allow you to hear a story even when the light it low. I also enjoyed this week's This American Life's podcast.
Trisha Yearwood has a new single out.. Heaven, Hearthache and the Power of Love. I downloaded it as part of my Emusic.com subscription. They have started an audiobook service too. So far there hasn't been anything that I couldn't live without in their lineup. Many of their books are classics.
The ipod was ripping out the songs from the musical "On A Clear Day You can See Forever." This one didn't have Babs in it.
Have a great week... as mom says.. get all A's.
Love
Pat
A written expression of a 65year old plus retired Speech and Language Specialist in the Central Valley of California.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Morning Walks and Adaptation
Saturday morning the 5:15 walk was all in the dark. Its getting much cooler with morning temps down in the middle 40s. Today we had some serious breeze. Luckily the workers boarded up the holes in the old house looking in to the addition. They don't work on the weekends so it will keep vermin from entering.
Two cats have made the transition to the new apt. Lucy is the latest to deal with the new surroundings. Georgie the nightly rounder is remaining at home on patrol.
Lucy wasn't sure she could bunk with Nigel in the new diggs. We are working transition tonight.
I cooked at home tonight for the first time in 5 months.. just some eggs and corn beef hash. We are getting fond of rye bread so we had some dill rye bread toast to go with it.
I am over tonight to let Georgie know that we are still here and to charge up the chair. It is a little tricky to get the power chair into the new apt.
I talked to mom and dad this weekend. Today they were off to the Fruita festival. They were looking forward to the event. Dad is getting a feel for the new printer that he has. It makes 4x6 prints from a scan sheet. He has promised to send me some results.
Hope you are having a great weekend
Love
Pat
Two cats have made the transition to the new apt. Lucy is the latest to deal with the new surroundings. Georgie the nightly rounder is remaining at home on patrol.
Lucy wasn't sure she could bunk with Nigel in the new diggs. We are working transition tonight.
I cooked at home tonight for the first time in 5 months.. just some eggs and corn beef hash. We are getting fond of rye bread so we had some dill rye bread toast to go with it.
I am over tonight to let Georgie know that we are still here and to charge up the chair. It is a little tricky to get the power chair into the new apt.
I talked to mom and dad this weekend. Today they were off to the Fruita festival. They were looking forward to the event. Dad is getting a feel for the new printer that he has. It makes 4x6 prints from a scan sheet. He has promised to send me some results.
Hope you are having a great weekend
Love
Pat
Morning Walks and Adaptation
Saturday morning the 5:15 walk was all in the dark. Its getting much cooler with morning temps down in the middle 40s. Today we had some serious breeze. Luckily the workers boarded up the holes in the old house looking in to the addition. They don't work on the weekends so it will keep vermin from entering.
Two cats have made the transition to the new apt. Lucy is the latest to deal with the new surroundings. Georgie the nightly rounder is remaining at home on patrol.
Lucy wasn't sure she could bunk with Nigel in the new diggs. We are working transition tonight.
I cooked at home tonight for the first time in 5 months.. just some eggs and corn beef hash. We are getting fond of rye bread so we had some dill rye bread toast to go with it.
I am over tonight to let Georgie know that we are still here and to charge up the chair. It is a little tricky to get the power chair into the new apt.
I talked to mom and dad this weekend. Today they were off to the Fruita festival. They were looking forward to the event. Dad is getting a feel for the new printer that he has. It makes 4x6 prints from a scan sheet. He has promised to send me some results.
Hope you are having a great weekend
Love
Pat
Two cats have made the transition to the new apt. Lucy is the latest to deal with the new surroundings. Georgie the nightly rounder is remaining at home on patrol.
Lucy wasn't sure she could bunk with Nigel in the new diggs. We are working transition tonight.
I cooked at home tonight for the first time in 5 months.. just some eggs and corn beef hash. We are getting fond of rye bread so we had some dill rye bread toast to go with it.
I am over tonight to let Georgie know that we are still here and to charge up the chair. It is a little tricky to get the power chair into the new apt.
I talked to mom and dad this weekend. Today they were off to the Fruita festival. They were looking forward to the event. Dad is getting a feel for the new printer that he has. It makes 4x6 prints from a scan sheet. He has promised to send me some results.
Hope you are having a great weekend
Love
Pat
The Ipod revolution
Its unfair to say that the Ipod was revolutionary. The real credit goes to the first popular product that allowed you to take your music around with great quality. When I first started sponsoring a debate team back in the 90's the object of teenage affection was a bright yellow walkman. (The spell checker doesn't believe that walkman is is valid word.) It provided portable cassette music of good quality and an AM FM radio as well. The major drawback.. the cassette always hissed and you had two good drops and it was toast. They were pretty pricey. Tape was an issue. Along the side of the road it was not unusual to see what seemed to be a half a mile of tape sprung out of the cassette. Despite all of these they were treasured. My daughter bought one with the winnings of one of her contest speech awards. It was over $100.
The next major development was the portable CD player. At first CDs were hard to come by. They were a little hard to walk with. They were bulky and the round disc format was slippery.
They wanted over 16 dollars for a single CD. They were vulnerable to bumps as they played. They solved this by using flash memory and playing from the flash memory first. This could vary from a 3 second delay to as much as a 30 second delay. The longer the delay the more expensive the player. CDs at first were not programmable. People could not make their own mixes with them. This made the music companies pretty happy. But the march of technology rolled over the limitations. The music was digital so why couldn't it be re-recorded digitally on your own CD.
Computer CD players started to appear. primarily to move large programs on to computers. At the time all the experts said that music on a computer would not be possible. The nature of the computer CD was to download and backup more reliably the computer's hard drive not continuously play from the CD's memory. The industry pundits were wrong again. Soon we had computers recording and mixing CDs. Welcome to the major internet intrusion.
Napster. Napster allowed free interchange of your hard drives music information with anyone else's That happened to be on-line and running napster. The quality was digital. The major problem the industry saw in this was that people were getting music for free. What they didn't realize was that people were getting to know a larger diversity then normally they would take a chance to buy. The advent of broader bandwith for many people helped spread the diversity of music throughout the US. A major drawback with music for free was that it often was truncated. When people recorded their albums to digital, they inadvertantly skipped some sections and did not self edit the final product. Often it had the wrong label on it. You would think that you were downloading one thing and when you listened to it was something different. It also took up a huge amount of computer hard drive space that had to be edited to be of any value. Computer hard drive space was at a premium. A 20 gig hard drive was considered huge.
When the Ipod came out, my big question to the friendly promoters at MacWorld was can I choose which songs would go on the thing. At first the assumption was that most people would not have more than 1 gig of songs so why worry. I did and I didn't want all of them on. Quickly in the 1.5 version of the software.. or so they allowed for you to manually choose which songs would be added to the IPod's memory. I bought one of the first Ipods and really enjoyed it. Itunes was launched at the same time. 99 cent songs at the time was very special. In later years ITunes really took off with its PC compatiability, and the pepsi bottle promotion that gave the winners a free download. One out of every 10 was a winner. My crowd scoped out the cases that seemed to have 1 out of every 2 was a winner and many times every one of the bottles was a winner. An economy sprang out of these.. the codes became an Ebay commodity.
I told myself that I would not buy a new Ipod until they came out with a video one.. sure enough the video IPod changed the landscape. At first just dismissed as a venue for music videos.. it now sports movies and TV shows. It sure makes long waits in a doctor's office more palatable. Even though there is now a 160 gb one out there my 80 gig is for right now just fine.
Pat
The next major development was the portable CD player. At first CDs were hard to come by. They were a little hard to walk with. They were bulky and the round disc format was slippery.
They wanted over 16 dollars for a single CD. They were vulnerable to bumps as they played. They solved this by using flash memory and playing from the flash memory first. This could vary from a 3 second delay to as much as a 30 second delay. The longer the delay the more expensive the player. CDs at first were not programmable. People could not make their own mixes with them. This made the music companies pretty happy. But the march of technology rolled over the limitations. The music was digital so why couldn't it be re-recorded digitally on your own CD.
Computer CD players started to appear. primarily to move large programs on to computers. At the time all the experts said that music on a computer would not be possible. The nature of the computer CD was to download and backup more reliably the computer's hard drive not continuously play from the CD's memory. The industry pundits were wrong again. Soon we had computers recording and mixing CDs. Welcome to the major internet intrusion.
Napster. Napster allowed free interchange of your hard drives music information with anyone else's That happened to be on-line and running napster. The quality was digital. The major problem the industry saw in this was that people were getting music for free. What they didn't realize was that people were getting to know a larger diversity then normally they would take a chance to buy. The advent of broader bandwith for many people helped spread the diversity of music throughout the US. A major drawback with music for free was that it often was truncated. When people recorded their albums to digital, they inadvertantly skipped some sections and did not self edit the final product. Often it had the wrong label on it. You would think that you were downloading one thing and when you listened to it was something different. It also took up a huge amount of computer hard drive space that had to be edited to be of any value. Computer hard drive space was at a premium. A 20 gig hard drive was considered huge.
When the Ipod came out, my big question to the friendly promoters at MacWorld was can I choose which songs would go on the thing. At first the assumption was that most people would not have more than 1 gig of songs so why worry. I did and I didn't want all of them on. Quickly in the 1.5 version of the software.. or so they allowed for you to manually choose which songs would be added to the IPod's memory. I bought one of the first Ipods and really enjoyed it. Itunes was launched at the same time. 99 cent songs at the time was very special. In later years ITunes really took off with its PC compatiability, and the pepsi bottle promotion that gave the winners a free download. One out of every 10 was a winner. My crowd scoped out the cases that seemed to have 1 out of every 2 was a winner and many times every one of the bottles was a winner. An economy sprang out of these.. the codes became an Ebay commodity.
I told myself that I would not buy a new Ipod until they came out with a video one.. sure enough the video IPod changed the landscape. At first just dismissed as a venue for music videos.. it now sports movies and TV shows. It sure makes long waits in a doctor's office more palatable. Even though there is now a 160 gb one out there my 80 gig is for right now just fine.
Pat
Friday, September 28, 2007
Tests are done
Kind of like threading a fly tying bobbin. After some deading.. which felt cold and somewhat worse than the examination, the tiny scope examined the smallest orifice of the male body. Just 2 minutes and everything was over... and then 500mg cipro in a water cup diluted then out the door.
The result.. everything is okay. The urologist reminded me that I was fat and needed to lose some weight.. and do something about it. I agreed and they made me an appointment three months from now.. after Christmas.. December 28. Dear bloggees.. I have to break this to you.. less than 3 months until Christmas.
We are now moved out of the house as much as possible.
The framing is almost completed. The outside framing was done yesterday. Today they have removed some windows and the framing on the interior walls are being completed today. Everyone is hoping and working toward the idea of having a roof over it by the time the rains get serious. Overcast wispy clouds this morning and a little breeze reminded me that Fall is coming..here. Wish we were in the mnts to see the colors change in the aspens.. Mom and Dad are sure to be there in Colorado if the current storms have not knocked the leaves to the ground.
Heather and Sean are headed next weekend (plus two days) for a visit with Sean's parents in Vt. that are remodeling a B n B. I hope they have a great trip.
We paid our first installment yesterday. 14,400 dollars. This was because the foundation was done and some plumbing.. waste water. The container is full of dirt and we have at least a ton more of dirt and construction debris to be removed.
Sue is doing well. We brought over the most possessive of the cats to live in the apt. two blocks away. Nigel howled at his captivity yesterday morning and accepted it yesterday afternoon until he found an opening and then made a break for it. A passerby scared him accidentally and he made a b-line to the open door.
Last night when I was getting clothes, Lucy and Georgia made appearences. Georgie new that something was up and became my little shadow. He spends the night coming and going and it was our decision not to take him to the new place. Lucy is the cat in question. Her age and temperament make her movement to a new place problematic.
Our new couch and occasional chair have made it to the apt. So there is someplace to sit and contemplate the sunset.
Have a good Friday..
Pat
The result.. everything is okay. The urologist reminded me that I was fat and needed to lose some weight.. and do something about it. I agreed and they made me an appointment three months from now.. after Christmas.. December 28. Dear bloggees.. I have to break this to you.. less than 3 months until Christmas.
We are now moved out of the house as much as possible.
The framing is almost completed. The outside framing was done yesterday. Today they have removed some windows and the framing on the interior walls are being completed today. Everyone is hoping and working toward the idea of having a roof over it by the time the rains get serious. Overcast wispy clouds this morning and a little breeze reminded me that Fall is coming..here. Wish we were in the mnts to see the colors change in the aspens.. Mom and Dad are sure to be there in Colorado if the current storms have not knocked the leaves to the ground.
Heather and Sean are headed next weekend (plus two days) for a visit with Sean's parents in Vt. that are remodeling a B n B. I hope they have a great trip.
We paid our first installment yesterday. 14,400 dollars. This was because the foundation was done and some plumbing.. waste water. The container is full of dirt and we have at least a ton more of dirt and construction debris to be removed.
Sue is doing well. We brought over the most possessive of the cats to live in the apt. two blocks away. Nigel howled at his captivity yesterday morning and accepted it yesterday afternoon until he found an opening and then made a break for it. A passerby scared him accidentally and he made a b-line to the open door.
Last night when I was getting clothes, Lucy and Georgia made appearences. Georgie new that something was up and became my little shadow. He spends the night coming and going and it was our decision not to take him to the new place. Lucy is the cat in question. Her age and temperament make her movement to a new place problematic.
Our new couch and occasional chair have made it to the apt. So there is someplace to sit and contemplate the sunset.
Have a good Friday..
Pat
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Professional Judgment
The boys were considering today... yes it will become part of the blog (as identified by Ron) that there is a particular time in your professional life when you feel that you can trust your professional judgment. Up to a certain age in your life you rely on the fear of being wrong or the group think part of collaborative work or the concern for job security to control our professional judgement.
Tom felt that when he reached his middle 40's he was able to make a decision for himself without outside concerns.
I think that this age is probably pretty much the same for all of us. We know that we are going to finish out our careers doing just about the same as what we were doing in our middle 40's and that we are pretty secure in making independent decisions regarding such.
The reason that we were talking about this is that one of our members made a school mistake. He posted a tee shirt with some student names on it. The reason for the tee shirt was to protest the decisions of a particular vice principal. It became a personal attack of this vice principal. Over one hundred of the 2,685 students arrived to school sporting this silk screen tee shirt. Apparently the rumor was that students were selling them for 13 dollars a throw. It attacked the hair style of one of the female vice principals and made dispersions of her sexuality.
Even though you may not like the decisions of the vp you cannot side with the students against her. It was this member's slip of judgment. He was called in an notes were taken by the HR person and the principal in regard to this incident, the hanging of the tee shirt in the room. He felt that it was a support for student free speech.
The principal made a all call that teachers were to send all students wearing the tee shirt to the offices. And that all teachers should submit a list of the students wearing the tee shirts. Lawyers were summoned from district office and no students were punished regarding the tee shirts. They were not allowed to wear them however for the rest of the day.
This would have devastated an under 40 year old teacher. This member was concerned but not devastated because he is over 40 and for most of his professional life lives very easily with his professional judgment... and sometimes there is a mistake.
Tom felt that when he reached his middle 40's he was able to make a decision for himself without outside concerns.
I think that this age is probably pretty much the same for all of us. We know that we are going to finish out our careers doing just about the same as what we were doing in our middle 40's and that we are pretty secure in making independent decisions regarding such.
The reason that we were talking about this is that one of our members made a school mistake. He posted a tee shirt with some student names on it. The reason for the tee shirt was to protest the decisions of a particular vice principal. It became a personal attack of this vice principal. Over one hundred of the 2,685 students arrived to school sporting this silk screen tee shirt. Apparently the rumor was that students were selling them for 13 dollars a throw. It attacked the hair style of one of the female vice principals and made dispersions of her sexuality.
Even though you may not like the decisions of the vp you cannot side with the students against her. It was this member's slip of judgment. He was called in an notes were taken by the HR person and the principal in regard to this incident, the hanging of the tee shirt in the room. He felt that it was a support for student free speech.
The principal made a all call that teachers were to send all students wearing the tee shirt to the offices. And that all teachers should submit a list of the students wearing the tee shirts. Lawyers were summoned from district office and no students were punished regarding the tee shirts. They were not allowed to wear them however for the rest of the day.
This would have devastated an under 40 year old teacher. This member was concerned but not devastated because he is over 40 and for most of his professional life lives very easily with his professional judgment... and sometimes there is a mistake.
Its Election Time
The school board election posters and commercial yard signs are out. The various candidates are getting their names on every available lawn space in town.
I was part of the local teacher's association's committee to interview the candidates running for our seats and suggest a candidate to support. We interviewed three candidates. One of the candidates was running unopposed and his name will not even be on the ballot. The other two candidates offer interesting contrasts. One candidate represents the old time interests in Merced. He has the most money. He owns an insurance agency in town and understands the pressure from a business viewpoint. He has the money to invest int he campaign and all he wanted from us was a sign of support and an education on the issues. He fairly represents what we already have on the board.Many of our members support him because he is a volunteer for the water polo coaching group. His idea of safety on the school sites was to prevent outside people from coming in and disturbing the environment. Student on student violence did not enter his mind. If elected he will be determining whether students will remain on district campuses for just this kind of action.
The other candidate needed and got some financial support from the teachers. He is a father of an new administrator at a local campus. He is supported by a campaign manager that was a former principal at the adult school. He has been a teacher at in the summer school program. He was well schooled on the safety problems that we face and was willing to dig into the financial basis of the district. It was interesting to interview the candidates. The one and half hour interview revealed interesting insights as to how they would operate. He was pro teacher. He understood student on student violence and understood why we were concerned about our own safety. He may be a little naive regarding the cultural diversity that we teach.
If we are going to make a difference at the negotiation table, the real interest is at the election booth. We need to mobilize our members to support candidates that will listen and consider our viewpoints not just listen to what the managers and the superintendents think that they need. Our district is expanding its managerial force . This often comes at the expense of the districts ability to fund innovative programs or provide adequate environments for students. We hope that we have picked and supported candidates that will do this.
: )
Pat
I was part of the local teacher's association's committee to interview the candidates running for our seats and suggest a candidate to support. We interviewed three candidates. One of the candidates was running unopposed and his name will not even be on the ballot. The other two candidates offer interesting contrasts. One candidate represents the old time interests in Merced. He has the most money. He owns an insurance agency in town and understands the pressure from a business viewpoint. He has the money to invest int he campaign and all he wanted from us was a sign of support and an education on the issues. He fairly represents what we already have on the board.Many of our members support him because he is a volunteer for the water polo coaching group. His idea of safety on the school sites was to prevent outside people from coming in and disturbing the environment. Student on student violence did not enter his mind. If elected he will be determining whether students will remain on district campuses for just this kind of action.
The other candidate needed and got some financial support from the teachers. He is a father of an new administrator at a local campus. He is supported by a campaign manager that was a former principal at the adult school. He has been a teacher at in the summer school program. He was well schooled on the safety problems that we face and was willing to dig into the financial basis of the district. It was interesting to interview the candidates. The one and half hour interview revealed interesting insights as to how they would operate. He was pro teacher. He understood student on student violence and understood why we were concerned about our own safety. He may be a little naive regarding the cultural diversity that we teach.
If we are going to make a difference at the negotiation table, the real interest is at the election booth. We need to mobilize our members to support candidates that will listen and consider our viewpoints not just listen to what the managers and the superintendents think that they need. Our district is expanding its managerial force . This often comes at the expense of the districts ability to fund innovative programs or provide adequate environments for students. We hope that we have picked and supported candidates that will do this.
: )
Pat
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Almost There
Linzi talked with me on the phone tonight. She finds it ironic that two adult families in the larger group are living in tiny apartments instead of their homes. Especially when that is a goal of some of the kids to get a home instead of an apartment.
Our foundation for the new addition was poured today. The pumper truck arrived with a hopper. The cement truck followed with a load. The pumper sent the cement for the foundation along the side using large tubes. It pulsated as it made its way to the backyard. When I got home at 4:30 The wooden forms had been removed and the cement was curing. All around the edges were reebar spikes that will tie the framing to the foundation.
We have been dragging across stuff for the new apartment. We made another trip to Costco to pick up some canned soup, soda, and some kitchen tools.. red of course.
Sue was at the apartment at 12:30 when our new sofa and upholstered chair arrived and was delivered and set up. We now have appropriate seating. The upholstery is thin waled cordorory. Sue is proud of her accomplishments of finding and setting up this apartment mostly on her own. She doesn't think that she could have done this last year.
I took off this morning and had my kidneys ultrasounded. A have a follow up meeting with the urologist on Friday for the serious scoping. All this because of a little microscopic blood in the urine sample. Sue and I have the complete blood and urine workup every three months. Its how we are going to keep from going over the edge with the diabetes. Which by the way could be culprit for the serious sample.
Kids are learning construction jobs and what they do. Today I added draftsperson to the group. Some still think that carpenters install carpet... good grief.
In the sports scene, Merced High is still doing well in football. Golden Valley lost to the team that Merced High beat.. Sonora.
Have a great day Wednesday. Wednesday is always writing day for my school kiderooos.
: ) Pat
Our foundation for the new addition was poured today. The pumper truck arrived with a hopper. The cement truck followed with a load. The pumper sent the cement for the foundation along the side using large tubes. It pulsated as it made its way to the backyard. When I got home at 4:30 The wooden forms had been removed and the cement was curing. All around the edges were reebar spikes that will tie the framing to the foundation.
We have been dragging across stuff for the new apartment. We made another trip to Costco to pick up some canned soup, soda, and some kitchen tools.. red of course.
Sue was at the apartment at 12:30 when our new sofa and upholstered chair arrived and was delivered and set up. We now have appropriate seating. The upholstery is thin waled cordorory. Sue is proud of her accomplishments of finding and setting up this apartment mostly on her own. She doesn't think that she could have done this last year.
I took off this morning and had my kidneys ultrasounded. A have a follow up meeting with the urologist on Friday for the serious scoping. All this because of a little microscopic blood in the urine sample. Sue and I have the complete blood and urine workup every three months. Its how we are going to keep from going over the edge with the diabetes. Which by the way could be culprit for the serious sample.
Kids are learning construction jobs and what they do. Today I added draftsperson to the group. Some still think that carpenters install carpet... good grief.
In the sports scene, Merced High is still doing well in football. Golden Valley lost to the team that Merced High beat.. Sonora.
Have a great day Wednesday. Wednesday is always writing day for my school kiderooos.
: ) Pat
Monday, September 24, 2007
Integrating a New Family Member
Lindsay and Sean stopped by Sunday on their way back from Yosemite. They stayed in the tent cabins and bore the brunt of the change in weather. We are now much cooler at night and cooler in the day as well. We are at 80 feet above sea level and the Yosemite Valley Floor is closer to 3500 feet about sea level. There was 18 inches of snow at the higher elevations and plenty of rain and hail on the valley floor. The place is incredible however and worth the visit even in inclement weather.
We bought a couple of pies up at the Mennonite restaurant in Atwater for Sean's birthday. We had to try each out. One was a razzleberry and the other was a rhubarb. My favorite is the rhubarb.
We had lunch at his choice of restaurants. He picked pollo loco. It is a mexican grilled chicken place with flan for dessert. Flan is a cream custard floating on a caramel sauce base,
Sean's birthday is the 25th of September. This becomes a new date that we integrate into the family consciousness. Happy Birthday Sean.. 25years old on the 25th!
While he was here he helped be get a twin med over to the Love Shack as Kelly and Mikie would call it.
Thanks Linzi and Sean for stopping by.
I did not walk today. Got up too late. I will try to do one in the pm.
Love
Pat
We bought a couple of pies up at the Mennonite restaurant in Atwater for Sean's birthday. We had to try each out. One was a razzleberry and the other was a rhubarb. My favorite is the rhubarb.
We had lunch at his choice of restaurants. He picked pollo loco. It is a mexican grilled chicken place with flan for dessert. Flan is a cream custard floating on a caramel sauce base,
Sean's birthday is the 25th of September. This becomes a new date that we integrate into the family consciousness. Happy Birthday Sean.. 25years old on the 25th!
While he was here he helped be get a twin med over to the Love Shack as Kelly and Mikie would call it.
Thanks Linzi and Sean for stopping by.
I did not walk today. Got up too late. I will try to do one in the pm.
Love
Pat
Sunday, September 23, 2007
A Musical Sense of Mind
Up for share this weekend was my Ebay finds.
I have always wondered why I have love Broadway musicals so much. My latest acquisitions:
The Music Man (the movie and the Broadway recordings)I am trying to figure out which Robert Preston is better and whether Shirley Jones is better than Barbara Cook.
Hair: The original This musical started out with a lot of energy and then the cast split up and became susceptible to its own message.. too much pot.
The Fantastics : Billed as the longest running musical in the world. (Partly do to the low cost production)
My Fair Lady (The original London Cast with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews)
Carousal (The 1934 edition on Broadway)
What a collection all at my front door in less than a week. Most were about 6 bucks each. None were on ITunes.
All have just amazing orchestration and exemplary musicianship. Let me know if you would like to borrow any of these.. as they will be available at Thanksgiving or sooner if we meet.
Move in week this weekend. We found a really cool little apt.. just two blocks away. One bedroom with a patio and a microwave,gas stove, refrig. two pools, trash compactor shared by everyone, and central air and heat. $640 per month pro rated for the first month, second month (the first real month, half off). No application fees or credit check fees. Month to month.. no lease, no steps. That shows the state of rentals in this town. You do not want to be a landlord now.
Hope you had a great weekend.
Love
Pat
I have always wondered why I have love Broadway musicals so much. My latest acquisitions:
The Music Man (the movie and the Broadway recordings)I am trying to figure out which Robert Preston is better and whether Shirley Jones is better than Barbara Cook.
Hair: The original This musical started out with a lot of energy and then the cast split up and became susceptible to its own message.. too much pot.
The Fantastics : Billed as the longest running musical in the world. (Partly do to the low cost production)
My Fair Lady (The original London Cast with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews)
Carousal (The 1934 edition on Broadway)
What a collection all at my front door in less than a week. Most were about 6 bucks each. None were on ITunes.
All have just amazing orchestration and exemplary musicianship. Let me know if you would like to borrow any of these.. as they will be available at Thanksgiving or sooner if we meet.
Move in week this weekend. We found a really cool little apt.. just two blocks away. One bedroom with a patio and a microwave,gas stove, refrig. two pools, trash compactor shared by everyone, and central air and heat. $640 per month pro rated for the first month, second month (the first real month, half off). No application fees or credit check fees. Month to month.. no lease, no steps. That shows the state of rentals in this town. You do not want to be a landlord now.
Hope you had a great weekend.
Love
Pat
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Week Over Ready to Move this Weekend
We have been in School for more than a month already. Its hard to believe.
I had to be out of my class a couple of times this week. One whole day for negotiations, one half day for a doctors appt. and and another half day for the jury selection. Its great to get back and break the tension that exists when they have someone else working the class.
The urologist yesterday has referred me to get a ultra sound on my kidneys. He gave me 80 20 odds that nothing is seriously wrong. He said that its the 20 percent that makes this important.
I am hoping that it is not like the weather. 20 percent rain is most likely rain in the valley this time of the year.
Speaking of rain, this week has brought down right cool conditions to the Merced area. We have had a good chance for rain. So far none has fallen in the daylight hours or much at night.
I am glad to see that Acacia is up and back at blogging. She was on her way to UCSD yesterday. Sounds like a great send off party!
It was nice to touch base with Cammie and Dom last weekend. It sounds like Dom and I have similar reading interests... short stories. It was great to hear about the projects in Merced the Cammie has worked on in her new job. I am really happy to hear that they have moved to a really cool place in West Sacto! Way to go.
I called mom and dad on the cell yesterday. After an hour delay in San Jose to fix an auxiliary something or other, their trip worked out okay.
It sounds like Kelly's new boss likes her style.. coffee cup and all. We both had a wonderful cap in Concord at the Pete's last week.
Along with moving some of our stuff to our day house, I hope to get some painting done. I am working on some fly fishing ones. I have two postcards made. One of the fisherman looks more like he is roping steers. Ha!
They have been pounding our house all day with one tool after another. Friday it was the dirt compactor that pounds the sand together for the new foundation. Tony and I looked at the project. To me it looks masive.. Adding 15 feet to the back of our house all the way along is something. It leaves about 18 feet of backyard. Tony thinks that it might be too little for a patio. He will check, but he thinks that the set back from the back fence of the yard has to be 10 feet. That would leave only 8 feet for a patio. The books (sunset) say that you need 10 feet for a table and chairs. I suppose with this new part of the house we will have less need for outdoor space.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Love
Pat
I had to be out of my class a couple of times this week. One whole day for negotiations, one half day for a doctors appt. and and another half day for the jury selection. Its great to get back and break the tension that exists when they have someone else working the class.
The urologist yesterday has referred me to get a ultra sound on my kidneys. He gave me 80 20 odds that nothing is seriously wrong. He said that its the 20 percent that makes this important.
I am hoping that it is not like the weather. 20 percent rain is most likely rain in the valley this time of the year.
Speaking of rain, this week has brought down right cool conditions to the Merced area. We have had a good chance for rain. So far none has fallen in the daylight hours or much at night.
I am glad to see that Acacia is up and back at blogging. She was on her way to UCSD yesterday. Sounds like a great send off party!
It was nice to touch base with Cammie and Dom last weekend. It sounds like Dom and I have similar reading interests... short stories. It was great to hear about the projects in Merced the Cammie has worked on in her new job. I am really happy to hear that they have moved to a really cool place in West Sacto! Way to go.
I called mom and dad on the cell yesterday. After an hour delay in San Jose to fix an auxiliary something or other, their trip worked out okay.
It sounds like Kelly's new boss likes her style.. coffee cup and all. We both had a wonderful cap in Concord at the Pete's last week.
Along with moving some of our stuff to our day house, I hope to get some painting done. I am working on some fly fishing ones. I have two postcards made. One of the fisherman looks more like he is roping steers. Ha!
They have been pounding our house all day with one tool after another. Friday it was the dirt compactor that pounds the sand together for the new foundation. Tony and I looked at the project. To me it looks masive.. Adding 15 feet to the back of our house all the way along is something. It leaves about 18 feet of backyard. Tony thinks that it might be too little for a patio. He will check, but he thinks that the set back from the back fence of the yard has to be 10 feet. That would leave only 8 feet for a patio. The books (sunset) say that you need 10 feet for a table and chairs. I suppose with this new part of the house we will have less need for outdoor space.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Love
Pat
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The aftermath of your absence
One of the drawbacks to taking my caseload into the classroom setting is that they count on you. My classes are having a difficult time with my absence. The afternoon classes especially.
My hot little pill had a field day with my period by period sub on Tues. He was in time out the entire time. The one who is trying to seperate himself from the bad boy was so out of control he had to go to on campus suspension.
Today,this guy suddenly was no longer friends with the "bad" boy because one of their peers paid him a dollar to hit the bad boy. And he carried out the job. This was viewed as total betrayal.. which of course it was.
The topic of conversation was origin of the materials from which our clothes are made. The class was shocked that most of their clothes were made from flowers (cotton). Some of them were amazed that some of their shirts were made from oil. Polyester. One kid that that his fake fleece coat was made from sheep fur. They wanted to know how they got the sheet fleece. They were amazed that it came from the haircut the sheep get in the Spring. How does it grow back?
It went from there to leather. Do we use hair from a cow for anything. I couldn't think of any use for it. Then there was rubber. From the soles of your shoes. Where does that come from. A rubber tree, sap from the tropics. Like palm trees (no) Some palm trees have coconuts, others have dates. The ones around here are not used for either. Some students had banana plants in their yard, that die down each year.
All of this was going on with the underpinnings of a 3rd grade "toy" culture. "Look what I have world."
My job us fun.. but you have to be on top of everything that is going on in the class.
Love
Pat
My hot little pill had a field day with my period by period sub on Tues. He was in time out the entire time. The one who is trying to seperate himself from the bad boy was so out of control he had to go to on campus suspension.
Today,this guy suddenly was no longer friends with the "bad" boy because one of their peers paid him a dollar to hit the bad boy. And he carried out the job. This was viewed as total betrayal.. which of course it was.
The topic of conversation was origin of the materials from which our clothes are made. The class was shocked that most of their clothes were made from flowers (cotton). Some of them were amazed that some of their shirts were made from oil. Polyester. One kid that that his fake fleece coat was made from sheep fur. They wanted to know how they got the sheet fleece. They were amazed that it came from the haircut the sheep get in the Spring. How does it grow back?
It went from there to leather. Do we use hair from a cow for anything. I couldn't think of any use for it. Then there was rubber. From the soles of your shoes. Where does that come from. A rubber tree, sap from the tropics. Like palm trees (no) Some palm trees have coconuts, others have dates. The ones around here are not used for either. Some students had banana plants in their yard, that die down each year.
All of this was going on with the underpinnings of a 3rd grade "toy" culture. "Look what I have world."
My job us fun.. but you have to be on top of everything that is going on in the class.
Love
Pat
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The Juror that almost Wasn't and then Wasn't
I got a summons a couple of weeks ago to the jury selection group scheduled for today at the new Superior Courthouse in Merced. I almost didn't go... oh my.
Luckily I had posted the notice on the door leaving the house. Luckily I looked at the notice before leaving today. It said that I had to call in before today to find out if I would need to go. I called in. Sure enough I needed to go.
It was scheduled for 10 AM. I have two classes in the AM. I arrived about 20 minutes late because I didn't get a sub for the morning. The court clerk noted that I was late but said that they were still accepting slips.. Whew. I waited along with 150 others. At 11:46 the clerk came back and said that we will probably be needed in the afternoon so that we were to come back by 1:30.
I rushed over and made some plans for my 5th and 8th period classes and laid my fate to the secretary. She said that she would find cover.
Back at the court we waited until 2:45 and were all dismissed without seeing the judge or a courtroom. Apparently they were scared of the creepy looking jurors that we represented and pleaded out.
Not much was done today on the backyard project, however for the previous two days a trunkload of work was done. I think that man was out to do the soil compaction tests . They are required before the foundation can be poured. Several homes in the extended area had problems with cracks in the foundation. Of course everyone says to themselves, Why did the city approve of that construction? So... 900dollars later we hope they will be able to pour. We are looking at Thursday or Friday when that will be done. Tony the contractor told me confidently yesterday that he thought that we would be through by December. Or Christmas. Sue is hoping to be through by Thanksgiving.. Only time will tell.
In the meantime...
Sue has found us a place to rent for the day until the construction work can be completed. It is only 2 blocks away. They take animals too.
Tomorrow, we go after the contract again.
Peace Out
Pat
Luckily I had posted the notice on the door leaving the house. Luckily I looked at the notice before leaving today. It said that I had to call in before today to find out if I would need to go. I called in. Sure enough I needed to go.
It was scheduled for 10 AM. I have two classes in the AM. I arrived about 20 minutes late because I didn't get a sub for the morning. The court clerk noted that I was late but said that they were still accepting slips.. Whew. I waited along with 150 others. At 11:46 the clerk came back and said that we will probably be needed in the afternoon so that we were to come back by 1:30.
I rushed over and made some plans for my 5th and 8th period classes and laid my fate to the secretary. She said that she would find cover.
Back at the court we waited until 2:45 and were all dismissed without seeing the judge or a courtroom. Apparently they were scared of the creepy looking jurors that we represented and pleaded out.
Not much was done today on the backyard project, however for the previous two days a trunkload of work was done. I think that man was out to do the soil compaction tests . They are required before the foundation can be poured. Several homes in the extended area had problems with cracks in the foundation. Of course everyone says to themselves, Why did the city approve of that construction? So... 900dollars later we hope they will be able to pour. We are looking at Thursday or Friday when that will be done. Tony the contractor told me confidently yesterday that he thought that we would be through by December. Or Christmas. Sue is hoping to be through by Thanksgiving.. Only time will tell.
In the meantime...
Sue has found us a place to rent for the day until the construction work can be completed. It is only 2 blocks away. They take animals too.
Tomorrow, we go after the contract again.
Peace Out
Pat
Can you answer a Simple Question?
The question was simple:
What fruit is used to make lemonade?
If someone thinks its a trick question it might go many directions. The first answer was I think pineapple.
Then one of my other students said, there is something called pink lemonade.. thats my favorite.
What I had to do was tell them the old adage.. Who is buried in Grant's tomb? The answer is Grant.
Then the student answered lemons.
So they continued to pick drinks as the area of question. I asked the next contestant ,"what was the main ingredient for a virgin pina colada? All the students were independent teams. So one said to the other.. its pineapple juice. I had offered up 1) lime juice 2) coconut juice or 3)pineapple juice as choices. The student didn't trust the support of the other student in a game situation and guessed coconut juice. I told him that he was the product of reverse psychology. The other kid knew he wouldn't trust his answer and then choose the other answer because he was sure that he wouldn't be given the right answer.
On this weeks Bill Maher, one of the guest said that they didn't trust the government to get into their Medicare. (Go figure)
Have a great Tuesday.
:) Pat
What fruit is used to make lemonade?
If someone thinks its a trick question it might go many directions. The first answer was I think pineapple.
Then one of my other students said, there is something called pink lemonade.. thats my favorite.
What I had to do was tell them the old adage.. Who is buried in Grant's tomb? The answer is Grant.
Then the student answered lemons.
So they continued to pick drinks as the area of question. I asked the next contestant ,"what was the main ingredient for a virgin pina colada? All the students were independent teams. So one said to the other.. its pineapple juice. I had offered up 1) lime juice 2) coconut juice or 3)pineapple juice as choices. The student didn't trust the support of the other student in a game situation and guessed coconut juice. I told him that he was the product of reverse psychology. The other kid knew he wouldn't trust his answer and then choose the other answer because he was sure that he wouldn't be given the right answer.
On this weeks Bill Maher, one of the guest said that they didn't trust the government to get into their Medicare. (Go figure)
Have a great Tuesday.
:) Pat
Monday, September 17, 2007
What to do
When half of your group and not the younger set arrives 2 and half hours late after they set the time and place it gives you pause.
I suppose cakes had to be made for each of the birthday people. But.... we all traveled several hours to get there.
The folks in Merced were not amused. Loud pronouncements about ever meeting them again where presented again. They were awarded again rewarded by our presence this time.
From Sacramento came Linzi, Dom, Cammie and Acacia. From Merced came Pat and Sue. And from Pinole, Kelly. All of these people were on time and had a great time. The group from Morgan Hill were extremely late, Mom and Dad rode up from Morgan Hill with Bob and Mikie Sue. As the table was held and it didn't look like they were coming soon, Sue, not used to sitting up for so many hours to begin with retreated to the expedition to lie down. She missed dinner because she was so mad about the events and the waste of hours.
Is it going to change? Probably not. Will adults take correction for their actions. People at the table brought up psychological reasons for this.. which may or may be in play here. I guess we need to contain interactions so that we do not put ourselves vulnerable again.
Pat
I suppose cakes had to be made for each of the birthday people. But.... we all traveled several hours to get there.
The folks in Merced were not amused. Loud pronouncements about ever meeting them again where presented again. They were awarded again rewarded by our presence this time.
From Sacramento came Linzi, Dom, Cammie and Acacia. From Merced came Pat and Sue. And from Pinole, Kelly. All of these people were on time and had a great time. The group from Morgan Hill were extremely late, Mom and Dad rode up from Morgan Hill with Bob and Mikie Sue. As the table was held and it didn't look like they were coming soon, Sue, not used to sitting up for so many hours to begin with retreated to the expedition to lie down. She missed dinner because she was so mad about the events and the waste of hours.
Is it going to change? Probably not. Will adults take correction for their actions. People at the table brought up psychological reasons for this.. which may or may be in play here. I guess we need to contain interactions so that we do not put ourselves vulnerable again.
Pat
Saturday, September 15, 2007
A Good Turn
It is so hard to do a good turn. You never know when people will take advantage of you. It used to be a no brainer. We picked up hitch hikers and we helped the community whenever we could. Now we wouldn't dare.
Tonight I was approached by a tall skinny Chinese boy of about 22 years of age. He was at the dollar store with his girl friend. He asked if I would give him a ride home. I asked where was home? He said at Castle Air Base. (That is about 9miles north of Merced). He claimed the bus had forgotten him. It was about to get dark. I said that my wife was still shopping at the 99cent store and that I would give him a ride when she was through shopping.
When Sue was though shopping, he was still there with his girl and two other chinese boys too. The all had multiple bags of stuff they had purchased form the Food for Less Store, Ross, and the 99cent store. We rearranged our stuff to the back of the truck and they all piled in. We dropped them by their air base dorm. They were very appreciative.
They said that they were there for a year and about ready to go home. They were learning to be airplane pilots and had 40 hours of flight time with a multiple engine plane. Many more with a single engine plane that they characterized as "crappy."
All needed help with their English but were trying hard.
It was good to help them out. They have been stuck in Atwater for a year without a car or a cell phone. Their bus had taken them to San Francisco twice.
While we were their we ate Enchilades and chili rellones at our favorite Mexican place in Winton.
Happy Saturday to you all.
Hope to see many of you at the Oakland Spaghetti House tomorrow!
Love
Pat
Tonight I was approached by a tall skinny Chinese boy of about 22 years of age. He was at the dollar store with his girl friend. He asked if I would give him a ride home. I asked where was home? He said at Castle Air Base. (That is about 9miles north of Merced). He claimed the bus had forgotten him. It was about to get dark. I said that my wife was still shopping at the 99cent store and that I would give him a ride when she was through shopping.
When Sue was though shopping, he was still there with his girl and two other chinese boys too. The all had multiple bags of stuff they had purchased form the Food for Less Store, Ross, and the 99cent store. We rearranged our stuff to the back of the truck and they all piled in. We dropped them by their air base dorm. They were very appreciative.
They said that they were there for a year and about ready to go home. They were learning to be airplane pilots and had 40 hours of flight time with a multiple engine plane. Many more with a single engine plane that they characterized as "crappy."
All needed help with their English but were trying hard.
It was good to help them out. They have been stuck in Atwater for a year without a car or a cell phone. Their bus had taken them to San Francisco twice.
While we were their we ate Enchilades and chili rellones at our favorite Mexican place in Winton.
Happy Saturday to you all.
Hope to see many of you at the Oakland Spaghetti House tomorrow!
Love
Pat
Raising Cain in the Backyard
Its amazing what three workers can do to a backyard in a day.
Our construction started Friday. Three workers completely ripped out the redwood grape arbor. They took a jackhammer to the patio and it is completely gone. The twenty year old grapes are ripped up and in the container in the front of the house as is the 9year old orange tree.
The cats and Sue are looking for some new quarters during the day. It will only get worse.
But progress is being made to get a new foundation for the addition.
I just got the CD in the mail of the music from the movie the Music Man with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. I am waiting the original Broadway version with Robert Preston and Barbara Cook. I am interested in the differences in production. I found someone on EBay that was getting rid of their Broadway show tunes CD collection. Of course I had to get a few more.
My lowest class is still working on Texas three second hold em. New members in the class. My subs really like this one... not.
Oh My.. Shipoopi...Buddy Hackett.
Love to all
Pat
Our construction started Friday. Three workers completely ripped out the redwood grape arbor. They took a jackhammer to the patio and it is completely gone. The twenty year old grapes are ripped up and in the container in the front of the house as is the 9year old orange tree.
The cats and Sue are looking for some new quarters during the day. It will only get worse.
But progress is being made to get a new foundation for the addition.
I just got the CD in the mail of the music from the movie the Music Man with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. I am waiting the original Broadway version with Robert Preston and Barbara Cook. I am interested in the differences in production. I found someone on EBay that was getting rid of their Broadway show tunes CD collection. Of course I had to get a few more.
My lowest class is still working on Texas three second hold em. New members in the class. My subs really like this one... not.
Oh My.. Shipoopi...Buddy Hackett.
Love to all
Pat
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Lost pounds and follow up
Lost 10 pounds from all the walking and watching the input (just a little)
Concern: trace of blood in urine... referral to a urologist.. could be a kidney thing or nothing at all.. will check it out within two weeks. U will be the first to know.
Drove to Turlock and had the lift readjusted... it doesn't drag anymore.
Ate a mini meal at Pantaera... danish to die for and from, no Panera.. Mom bought a new blouse at Ross.
Love
Pat
Concern: trace of blood in urine... referral to a urologist.. could be a kidney thing or nothing at all.. will check it out within two weeks. U will be the first to know.
Drove to Turlock and had the lift readjusted... it doesn't drag anymore.
Ate a mini meal at Pantaera... danish to die for and from, no Panera.. Mom bought a new blouse at Ross.
Love
Pat
Health Report Card Day
Sue and I are going in to get our quarterly health check. We go in to get our blood check to see how our blood sugar and cholesterol is doing and some idea about our health. I am hoping for some good news regarding my walking regime. It has given me a metabolic boost that I almost don't care whether the blood is better.
Last night I listened to the messages and it appears that we have been approved for the expansion of our house and kitchen. Sue was ready to pack it in and wanted me to call Tony last night.
So we are ready and he is ready and let the games begin!
We need to have our lift checked for positioning. I put a call into the two man company in Turlock to see if we could drive up there this afternoon and have it inspected. So far no response.
Tuesday night was a long one. The meeting started at 3:59 and continued to 8:30. Our fired and then re estated negotiation member presented his case. The president presented her case in written form. I suggested that it be presented as historical documents and no discussion be entertained. That seemed to work except that the negotiator wanted the group to ask questions. None were forthcoming.
I am working on a watercolor of Linzi fishing in Lee Vinning creek just beyond the borders of Yosemite. Its got great foreground, middle and background. I trying to learn the value of distance.. the further away the lighter it is represented as a method.
I just received an order of from Amazon. In it were two books by Benjamin Barber. His latest is Consumed and Jihad and Mcworld. I also got the pre 9-11 book The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas L Friedman.
I hope you have a great day. Think of us we are on fast to get the blood taken today.
: )
Pat
Last night I listened to the messages and it appears that we have been approved for the expansion of our house and kitchen. Sue was ready to pack it in and wanted me to call Tony last night.
So we are ready and he is ready and let the games begin!
We need to have our lift checked for positioning. I put a call into the two man company in Turlock to see if we could drive up there this afternoon and have it inspected. So far no response.
Tuesday night was a long one. The meeting started at 3:59 and continued to 8:30. Our fired and then re estated negotiation member presented his case. The president presented her case in written form. I suggested that it be presented as historical documents and no discussion be entertained. That seemed to work except that the negotiator wanted the group to ask questions. None were forthcoming.
I am working on a watercolor of Linzi fishing in Lee Vinning creek just beyond the borders of Yosemite. Its got great foreground, middle and background. I trying to learn the value of distance.. the further away the lighter it is represented as a method.
I just received an order of from Amazon. In it were two books by Benjamin Barber. His latest is Consumed and Jihad and Mcworld. I also got the pre 9-11 book The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas L Friedman.
I hope you have a great day. Think of us we are on fast to get the blood taken today.
: )
Pat
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Housekeeping and Reply
Kelly posted a response that said that she would indeed go if she could not partake in the fancy cuisine of the country. Case in point was her trip to Paris where the food was too expensive and she ate cheese and bread for 75% of the 30 days she was there and in England. Because of the art she was able to witness. The question still remains, knowing this, would you take more money next time to do it differently? Or is that the way she would plan to do it?
And to Tom's credit, the lobster season was pretty much over by the time he went to Nova Scotia..(A reference to an earlier post) and therefore the prices were up and he didn't lobster up. He has eaten and enjoyed lobster in Main and in Boston.. and in fact wears weakly his Boston shirt that has embroidered on it three red lobsters and the letters of Boston. His main goal was to capture the lighthouses of Nova Scotia, for his connections and not to eat the local food. He said that all of the Canadian motels and hotels had only soap and shampoo in them. They were not like California hotels that have so many consumable spa like amenities. Conditioner hand lotion, shower caps and mouthwash seem to be in every room.
"Soaring Over California" took the top position in the Disneyland attraction poll. Some of you lurkers did not vote.. and consequently, Indiana Jones only received one vote.
Second place went to the parades and the extravaganzas, and Pirates of the Carribean. Sorry Heather.(Heather is not a Pirates fan)
On the walk this morning was the latest from This American Life.. the podcast that produces one hour show each week. Past years may be downloaded at audible.com. This is great podcast. It usually has 3 or four chapters. This week was about the devils in us. The segment this morning was about an American that fought in Iraq and came home to recruit and suffered post traumatic syndrome in the form of having a difficult time seeing on the street anyone looking like a Muslim. He decided to join the Muslim student society at the Junior college to overcome his prejudice. I recommend you download the podcast to find out what happened. (Don't you hate the tease?)
Sue knocked on my classroom door 6th period and met my 6th period class. She drove her power chair down the mile and met me at school. We went to the library, Costco and then to Micheals. Our street was slurried today so we had to keep the vehicles off until 5pm.
Congratulations to my sister, Kelly who is making the transition to a couple of new jobs around the Silicon Valley this week. She is already seeing students.
Have a good one!
Pat
And to Tom's credit, the lobster season was pretty much over by the time he went to Nova Scotia..(A reference to an earlier post) and therefore the prices were up and he didn't lobster up. He has eaten and enjoyed lobster in Main and in Boston.. and in fact wears weakly his Boston shirt that has embroidered on it three red lobsters and the letters of Boston. His main goal was to capture the lighthouses of Nova Scotia, for his connections and not to eat the local food. He said that all of the Canadian motels and hotels had only soap and shampoo in them. They were not like California hotels that have so many consumable spa like amenities. Conditioner hand lotion, shower caps and mouthwash seem to be in every room.
"Soaring Over California" took the top position in the Disneyland attraction poll. Some of you lurkers did not vote.. and consequently, Indiana Jones only received one vote.
Second place went to the parades and the extravaganzas, and Pirates of the Carribean. Sorry Heather.(Heather is not a Pirates fan)
On the walk this morning was the latest from This American Life.. the podcast that produces one hour show each week. Past years may be downloaded at audible.com. This is great podcast. It usually has 3 or four chapters. This week was about the devils in us. The segment this morning was about an American that fought in Iraq and came home to recruit and suffered post traumatic syndrome in the form of having a difficult time seeing on the street anyone looking like a Muslim. He decided to join the Muslim student society at the Junior college to overcome his prejudice. I recommend you download the podcast to find out what happened. (Don't you hate the tease?)
Sue knocked on my classroom door 6th period and met my 6th period class. She drove her power chair down the mile and met me at school. We went to the library, Costco and then to Micheals. Our street was slurried today so we had to keep the vehicles off until 5pm.
Congratulations to my sister, Kelly who is making the transition to a couple of new jobs around the Silicon Valley this week. She is already seeing students.
Have a good one!
Pat
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Going Going Gone
At lunch Tom talked about his trip to Nova Scotia. I asked him about what he ate when he was up there.
He said that he didn't have the lobster because it was too expensive. Although there was a lot of lobster up there. He said that He didn't do this trip or that trip because it was too expensive.
I got me thinking. If you can't afford to experience what you set out to do, maybe you shouldn't go. Do you think? Or is it just too expensive to think about it.
There are people that go on cruises and never take an excursion or get far from the boat. The are people in my family that think that is an okay mode. Just get on the ship and enjoy the luxury of the ship. It doesn't matter where it goes. Just stay on the ship and cruuuuze.
There are others that look at the ship as transportation to a place to see. You might have to go into debt to eat the lobster... but by gum you are going to eat the lobster. I guess its all how you look at life.
I am a lobster eater.. although I have only ordered it on land twice and have been very disappointed by it. On a cruise when it has been pre paid for.. I love it.
: )
Pat
He said that he didn't have the lobster because it was too expensive. Although there was a lot of lobster up there. He said that He didn't do this trip or that trip because it was too expensive.
I got me thinking. If you can't afford to experience what you set out to do, maybe you shouldn't go. Do you think? Or is it just too expensive to think about it.
There are people that go on cruises and never take an excursion or get far from the boat. The are people in my family that think that is an okay mode. Just get on the ship and enjoy the luxury of the ship. It doesn't matter where it goes. Just stay on the ship and cruuuuze.
There are others that look at the ship as transportation to a place to see. You might have to go into debt to eat the lobster... but by gum you are going to eat the lobster. I guess its all how you look at life.
I am a lobster eater.. although I have only ordered it on land twice and have been very disappointed by it. On a cruise when it has been pre paid for.. I love it.
: )
Pat
Saturday, September 8, 2007
To Covers
Just past Sonora is a great apple farm stop that we have enjoyed over the years. It used to be Czonka's apple orchard. Now is Covers. It has a really cool mini train to ride. The restaurant is run by the mennonite people and the apple pie is just wonderful.
Every fall we take a trip up there. We used to take the girls when they were little. It is about 60 miles away. On this trip, Sue and I get a chance to see the foothill scenery, drive through Sonora and get a mile high apple pie and some fresh unfiltered apple juice.
They are closed on Sunday, So we have to make a point to go on a Saturday. Sue and I decided to do it today, September 8th.
The trip was great. Sue got to use her powerchair independently in a gift shop (she is getting much better in the fine movements needed to navigate the aisles) and we shared a roast beef sandwich on German rye and had an apple turnover apiece. We were hoping from an apple dumpling,but alas they had sold out. The air was cleaning up there. We have been under a dirty air alert for a half a week due to the Morgan Hill fire by Henry Coe State Park and the effects of the Plumas fire up North. Our football games were all canceled moved to the other teams field due to the bad air. The Atwater team got a surprise three hour road trip to play its game in Nevada City.
All of us Asthma types were digging around for our rescue inhalers to take to work on Friday.
I choked a couple of times but not to the point I needed that. Tom's wife woke up in night and had to use hers.
Back to the apple farm.
The apple farm had reworked its little train for a longer trip. The route now goes up into the apple orchard and the apples on the trees are visible.
We had a great time.
Just a shout out of celebration to my neice Cammie who had a birthday this week. When I get a new address from her I will get something nice in the mail to her!
Love
Pat
Every fall we take a trip up there. We used to take the girls when they were little. It is about 60 miles away. On this trip, Sue and I get a chance to see the foothill scenery, drive through Sonora and get a mile high apple pie and some fresh unfiltered apple juice.
They are closed on Sunday, So we have to make a point to go on a Saturday. Sue and I decided to do it today, September 8th.
The trip was great. Sue got to use her powerchair independently in a gift shop (she is getting much better in the fine movements needed to navigate the aisles) and we shared a roast beef sandwich on German rye and had an apple turnover apiece. We were hoping from an apple dumpling,but alas they had sold out. The air was cleaning up there. We have been under a dirty air alert for a half a week due to the Morgan Hill fire by Henry Coe State Park and the effects of the Plumas fire up North. Our football games were all canceled moved to the other teams field due to the bad air. The Atwater team got a surprise three hour road trip to play its game in Nevada City.
All of us Asthma types were digging around for our rescue inhalers to take to work on Friday.
I choked a couple of times but not to the point I needed that. Tom's wife woke up in night and had to use hers.
Back to the apple farm.
The apple farm had reworked its little train for a longer trip. The route now goes up into the apple orchard and the apples on the trees are visible.
We had a great time.
Just a shout out of celebration to my neice Cammie who had a birthday this week. When I get a new address from her I will get something nice in the mail to her!
Love
Pat
Friday, September 7, 2007
Welcome to Stress Welching on a Bet
My dear friend had a story to tell today. We are a rare group of friends that don't mind telling self depreciating stoies on our selves.
In this context, Ron told a story that reflects our standard teacher stance. A question came up in his class regarding vegetarianism. Is a fish eater a vegetarian. His answer. Most definitely if the person doesn't eat the fish. HA HA.
Then he pointed out the there are people that modify the vegetarian crede my not eating other things like eggs.
Then came up the question of do you become a vegetarian because you don't want to eat small furry mammals like Bambi? Then how about chicken? At this point Ron became animated about chicken being a mammal and thus qualifying as a meat.
The students called him on it.. and just like that Ron bet all the money in his pocket that a chicken was a mammal.
The students proceeded to tour the school to prove there photography teacher was wrong.
He had 760 dollars in his pocket to pay the pump man who was drilling a new well in his pocket, Of course he had ceremoniously counted it out on the table.. in true tot fashion.
When the consensus of the teachers polled identified chickens as not mammals he risked losing this large sum of money. His first reaction was to lock the students out and turn off the lights in his room.
The jig was up and he had to face the open hands as they re- approached the room.
What to do? What to do?
A quick look in the dictionary saved his money. A chicken is also someone who is fearful of an important event. The someone is a person, a person is a mammal..
Lesson: Be careful what you doggedly defend. It might be wrong. And if you do make sure you don't have 760 dollars in your pocket. : )
Pat
In this context, Ron told a story that reflects our standard teacher stance. A question came up in his class regarding vegetarianism. Is a fish eater a vegetarian. His answer. Most definitely if the person doesn't eat the fish. HA HA.
Then he pointed out the there are people that modify the vegetarian crede my not eating other things like eggs.
Then came up the question of do you become a vegetarian because you don't want to eat small furry mammals like Bambi? Then how about chicken? At this point Ron became animated about chicken being a mammal and thus qualifying as a meat.
The students called him on it.. and just like that Ron bet all the money in his pocket that a chicken was a mammal.
The students proceeded to tour the school to prove there photography teacher was wrong.
He had 760 dollars in his pocket to pay the pump man who was drilling a new well in his pocket, Of course he had ceremoniously counted it out on the table.. in true tot fashion.
When the consensus of the teachers polled identified chickens as not mammals he risked losing this large sum of money. His first reaction was to lock the students out and turn off the lights in his room.
The jig was up and he had to face the open hands as they re- approached the room.
What to do? What to do?
A quick look in the dictionary saved his money. A chicken is also someone who is fearful of an important event. The someone is a person, a person is a mammal..
Lesson: Be careful what you doggedly defend. It might be wrong. And if you do make sure you don't have 760 dollars in your pocket. : )
Pat
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Over to the Dark Side
Yesterday I traveled with our union president and another negotiator to hear what the other side of the table was hearing at their semi annual meeting in Sacramento. We were invited to attend by our HR and business person at the District office.
We were on the road at 5AM to avoid the traffic. Our destination was the downtown Hyatt. We arrived in time to register and have a sweet roll in the lobby. The first session was a general session with about 250 members of the School Service in attendance. They had the latest from their sources as to what happened in the budget of Sacramento. They also heard predictions regarding next year and the year following. After a couple of hours of hearing the economics play out, there were others at the mic talking about the future of prop 98, and demographics of health care and the three major plans that are in the works. The topic of declining enrollment was discussed. Thank goodness our district is not one of those. About half the districts in the state are facing declining enrollment.
Lunch was provided at the Sheraton, a short walk away. Chicken with a demi mushroom glaze, salad with a pepercorn cesear dessing, traditional cheesecake with a rasberry mouse sauce.
This year appears to be a year without the crazy parts of the budget. The COLA is fully funded.
Last year the state had more money. It funded a significant about of categorical programs. Everything from Art to Pe teachers on a lottery basis for elementary schools. We got a raft of new counselors from this money. The elementary pe teachers apparently had a problem with their lottery and all schools that were lucky enough to be selected int he lottery were reshuffled and a new group will be chosen. So even though there was money for some elementary districts to get pe teachers,no money was distrubted.
There was a whole group of schools in the bottom decile that received extraordinary support. The state is looking at success rate for these schools to determine if that is the way to go for true reform for all California schools. The results are not in on these schools.
Special ed took another hit in financing. But got some support for how they are counted in the numbers when special ed students pass the test.
It was an interesting but tiring day.
Pat
We were on the road at 5AM to avoid the traffic. Our destination was the downtown Hyatt. We arrived in time to register and have a sweet roll in the lobby. The first session was a general session with about 250 members of the School Service in attendance. They had the latest from their sources as to what happened in the budget of Sacramento. They also heard predictions regarding next year and the year following. After a couple of hours of hearing the economics play out, there were others at the mic talking about the future of prop 98, and demographics of health care and the three major plans that are in the works. The topic of declining enrollment was discussed. Thank goodness our district is not one of those. About half the districts in the state are facing declining enrollment.
Lunch was provided at the Sheraton, a short walk away. Chicken with a demi mushroom glaze, salad with a pepercorn cesear dessing, traditional cheesecake with a rasberry mouse sauce.
This year appears to be a year without the crazy parts of the budget. The COLA is fully funded.
Last year the state had more money. It funded a significant about of categorical programs. Everything from Art to Pe teachers on a lottery basis for elementary schools. We got a raft of new counselors from this money. The elementary pe teachers apparently had a problem with their lottery and all schools that were lucky enough to be selected int he lottery were reshuffled and a new group will be chosen. So even though there was money for some elementary districts to get pe teachers,no money was distrubted.
There was a whole group of schools in the bottom decile that received extraordinary support. The state is looking at success rate for these schools to determine if that is the way to go for true reform for all California schools. The results are not in on these schools.
Special ed took another hit in financing. But got some support for how they are counted in the numbers when special ed students pass the test.
It was an interesting but tiring day.
Pat
Monday, September 3, 2007
Chicago in Sacto and no Destruction
We were in Sacramento Sunday to hear.. rather feel the group Chicagoat the State Fair. We arrived at the fair just before 7pm. It was still hot as the sun had not gone down. There were people jammed into are around both the destruction derby site and the concert site for Chicago. The police were not letting anyone into the destruction derby until the first heat had been completed. Because all of the seats were full. That was more time than the destruction derby fans, Linzi and Sean wanted to wait.
We faced the same issue at the concert venue. However there were many small concerts around including a lively one at the Hussongs cantina for Latin music and the brews and brews where the blues were wailing. We walked over to the fountain area and enjoyed Chicago from a slight distance and saved our ears a little. They had a lot more bass in their music than what generally was recorded in the 80's. It was all good. They are pop band. We recognized about half of what they played.
In the commercial building I got fitted for a couple of full cowhide belts cut to fit, while we were there. The vendor was a firefighter from Indiana. Still just 25 dollars apiece. He reminded me how to cinch them up so I wouldn't get that ratty look around the buckle. Always push the buckle clasp down first then work the inserted hook.
We watched the young private club cheerleaders perform for a while and then did the 8 exhibit areas missing only the industrial art one. Just a few quilts made the show as well as just a few scrapbook pages. Most of the quilts had something more than repetitive design although repetitive design was in each one. there was truly an artistic element in each of them. So just good execution was not going to get it into the state fair. Heather was most impressed by the Raiders quilt. I really enjoyed the grand prize winner. An animatronic seahorse that moved its head and legs and wings.
We weathered through the fireworks.. each one had a serious boom.. always scares the bejesus out of Heather. She covered her ears and didn't have to see them explode.. so that sort of worked out for her.
We ended up with an order for two stone baked pizzas one peperoni and mushroom and the other spinach and blue cheese. Both crusts were thin thin thing... wonderful works of art. A duet was playing and we relaxed to songs from Jonny Cash to Glen Campbell. We had a great time.
We gathered up and headed home. We had a room at the Double Tree. Linzi and Sean had reserved us a room with two tickets to the fair included in the their normal rate. What a deal! Heather went home with Linzi.
The next morning I met with Linzi and Heather and we went to a very nice breakfast spot on the edge of Fair Oaks. Veggie ommlets and yougurt with fruit and honey were the choices. We took and order of yogurt and fruit back to Sue. We took Heather to Amtrak as Rone is going to spend some time with Linzi. Sue and I headed home I-5. What a weekend.
Love
Pat
We faced the same issue at the concert venue. However there were many small concerts around including a lively one at the Hussongs cantina for Latin music and the brews and brews where the blues were wailing. We walked over to the fountain area and enjoyed Chicago from a slight distance and saved our ears a little. They had a lot more bass in their music than what generally was recorded in the 80's. It was all good. They are pop band. We recognized about half of what they played.
In the commercial building I got fitted for a couple of full cowhide belts cut to fit, while we were there. The vendor was a firefighter from Indiana. Still just 25 dollars apiece. He reminded me how to cinch them up so I wouldn't get that ratty look around the buckle. Always push the buckle clasp down first then work the inserted hook.
We watched the young private club cheerleaders perform for a while and then did the 8 exhibit areas missing only the industrial art one. Just a few quilts made the show as well as just a few scrapbook pages. Most of the quilts had something more than repetitive design although repetitive design was in each one. there was truly an artistic element in each of them. So just good execution was not going to get it into the state fair. Heather was most impressed by the Raiders quilt. I really enjoyed the grand prize winner. An animatronic seahorse that moved its head and legs and wings.
We weathered through the fireworks.. each one had a serious boom.. always scares the bejesus out of Heather. She covered her ears and didn't have to see them explode.. so that sort of worked out for her.
We ended up with an order for two stone baked pizzas one peperoni and mushroom and the other spinach and blue cheese. Both crusts were thin thin thing... wonderful works of art. A duet was playing and we relaxed to songs from Jonny Cash to Glen Campbell. We had a great time.
We gathered up and headed home. We had a room at the Double Tree. Linzi and Sean had reserved us a room with two tickets to the fair included in the their normal rate. What a deal! Heather went home with Linzi.
The next morning I met with Linzi and Heather and we went to a very nice breakfast spot on the edge of Fair Oaks. Veggie ommlets and yougurt with fruit and honey were the choices. We took and order of yogurt and fruit back to Sue. We took Heather to Amtrak as Rone is going to spend some time with Linzi. Sue and I headed home I-5. What a weekend.
Love
Pat
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Sat 6:30 AM
Big hot day ahead. 105 forcast
Lindsay came down on Amtrak, Heather and Rone made it to Dublin. I drove over and picked them up at 7:15. Sean is do in this AM.
There looms in the front on the house the most gigantic container ever made. It arrived on Thursday.
Misson today... Shovel the sh...... from the garage into the container.
Friday I gave my first test on construction trades. Below is the bulk of it. They also had to write some sentences regarding these people's jobs.
Electrician Carpenter Drywall Installer Plumber Roofer Carpet Installer Mason
1. Faucet ___________________
2. Toliet _____________________
3. Sheet Rock _________________
4, Lights ____________________
5. Truss _____________________
6. Tar Paper ____________________
7. Plywood __________________________
8. Carpet _____________________________
9. Pipes ___________________________
10. Plugs _____________________
11. wall board _________________________
12. Tile ________________________
13, Foundation ______________________
14. shower fixture ___________________
15. sewage ________________________
16, sink __________________________
17. windows _________________________
Have a great day!
Pat
Lindsay came down on Amtrak, Heather and Rone made it to Dublin. I drove over and picked them up at 7:15. Sean is do in this AM.
There looms in the front on the house the most gigantic container ever made. It arrived on Thursday.
Misson today... Shovel the sh...... from the garage into the container.
Friday I gave my first test on construction trades. Below is the bulk of it. They also had to write some sentences regarding these people's jobs.
Electrician Carpenter Drywall Installer Plumber Roofer Carpet Installer Mason
1. Faucet ___________________
2. Toliet _____________________
3. Sheet Rock _________________
4, Lights ____________________
5. Truss _____________________
6. Tar Paper ____________________
7. Plywood __________________________
8. Carpet _____________________________
9. Pipes ___________________________
10. Plugs _____________________
11. wall board _________________________
12. Tile ________________________
13, Foundation ______________________
14. shower fixture ___________________
15. sewage ________________________
16, sink __________________________
17. windows _________________________
Have a great day!
Pat