Charley's birthday

Memorial Day

Last night I watched the National Memorial Day concert on IPTV.  Cried the whole time.  What a wonderful tribute, especially to the returning veterans and their families.  Very moving.  Then, this morning I participated in Oskaloosa's Memorial Day program.  It had to be indoors so I missed the beautiful setting of Forest Cemetery but the ceremony was still very reverent and inspiring.  Plus side - no muddy shoes or folding chairs sinking into the ground!  Or bugs!

Tomorrow I will finish school for the year.  My principal and his family had a baby on Saturday, so I don't know how that will affect check out.  My teaching companion and friend, Kathi, has retired.  Her reception on Friday was tough for me emotionally - I couldn't do a tribute as I should have.  Luckily Kathi understands.  She's the one I spend time with every school morning - we call it having coffee but we rarely actually drink the stuff.  I will sorely miss her and will need to push myself to get out of my room at noon so I don't become isolated.    She can't be at school tomorrow so I will go again on Wednesday to help her move some things. 

I have started my summer plans - babysitting for Charley and Drew once a week or so; visiting Emily, Dallas and Noelle as often as I can; visiting Mom every couple of weeks; city band; sewing; planning menus so Dan doesn't have to cook; learning to machine quilt; reading more; playing in Chelsey's garden if it ever quits raining.  If you have things to add to my list, please let me know!

Spring??

Is it really here?  today I wore my spring jacket out for bus duty for the first time this year.  Of course, I had a fleece under it, but didn't need a hat or hood or umbrella or scarf or mittens. 

Since I posted last, I have mentored a very capable student teacher and now have done a week without her.  I have administered all the Spring tests required by the district (HATE to do these!) and met the student teacher I will have next Spring.  I have also renewed my teaching certificate for the very last time!

My best teaching buddy is retiring in 20 days and I am feeling lost already.  Anyone want to come keep me company every morning at 6:15?

I am looking forward to doing a little gardening at Greg and Chelsey's pretty soon and to seeing my grands a bit more.  We officially finish school May 28 (kids are out before Memorial Day).

Ragbraii is coming to town this summer - excitement is already brewing.

Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone!

It's party time here at school, so I have no students.  I thought I'd take just a minute or two to post. 
Random thoughts:  They have approved the school calendar for next year.  Kids start August 20th.  Makes the summer seems short.  No week Spring break next year - two long weekends, instead.  One of them can be taken back for snowdays.  I'll predict next winter will be a hard one.    Retirement sounds so nice, but I can't afford the insurance so have to work until Medicare.  My best friend is retiring, so I won't have anyone to have coffee with and vent every morning at 6:30. 

I've made some of those beautiful ruffly scarves.  If you want one, let me know!

Lesson plans are calling me, so better get dedicated.