The Woodstove

It has been QUITE a while since I have been on here, but it has been a busy several months...but here I go. The past several weeks have seen me busy at the farmhouse...we are trying to get it ready for winter. You see...the farmhouse does not have central heat or a/c. This summer, we put in several a/c window units, and a portable a/c to keep us cool when we were there. I really do not like window units because I think they can make a house look cheesy, and we have tried very hard to make the old farmhouse look nice, but I will have to say...they were greatly apprciated, and not so much on the cheesy side!

Last weekend, Dad and I went down to the house so that we could take the portable a/c out of the living room and put the very HEAVY wood stove in! The stove had been a part of the living room for over 20 years when we took it out a couple of years ago. Now you see...we took it out bacause we couldn't use it; a squirrel has come down the stove pipe, gotten trapped, and clawed its way through the protective "mica" on the door of the stove. We were afraid that sparks would come out and could catch the floor on fire; therefore, we couldn't use it until we found a way to fix it.

Over the past year, we had located a place where we could get the mica, and dad fixed the door...so then it was just a matter of putting it in. Now, let me tell you...that stove was HEAVY; let me say that again...it was HEAVY!!!!! But, we got it in...just the two of us (Freddy and KK were visiting my step-son). Well, once we got it installed, we had to try it out! It was awesome! There is nothing better than the smell of fire on a cool night in the hill country (ok...I'm probably a little biased).

The next morning, it was so nice to wake up, sit in front of the woodstove, enjoy a cup of coffee, and remember the times my Oma did exactly the same thing.

Busy month of June!

Well, hello! Since the last blog, I have been around the world and back...literally! OK...maybe not EXACTLY around the world, but it did feel like it! I left on June 15th with 1 other adult, and 13 young people from Dallas and traveled to London, Paris, Florence, Assisi, and Rome! It was a trip that I began planning over a year ago, and I couldn't believe that it was finally time to go!

It was truly an awesome experience! It was the first time that I had ever been in charge of a group of students that were traveling abroad, and I am not ashamed to say...it was tougher than I expected! Thank God that I had the group of girls and boys that I did, because they were terrific about helping eachother, including everyone, and helping me keep track of everyone!

We started off in London, England. I was very excited to visit London because I have been a fan of Princess Diana since I was a little girl! It was amazing for me to stand in front of Buckingham Palace and know that Diana had been in residence there for a time. We were able to view the London Eye, Big Ben, and the London Bridge (which is NOT the original London Bridge; the real one was purchased by a man in Arizona and moved there!). I have never been a "practicing" fan of architecture, but with the help of the mom that accompanied me, and the beautiful structures that grace that London skyline, I have a new appreciation for buildings. I found myself looking at the details and lines of the buildings, and being a history teacher, I couldn't help but reflect back on, and appreciate, the amount of effort that it must have taken hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago to produce such masterpieces. It amazed me how the people of London, and throughout the rest of Europe, embraced such historical buildings and have learned how to incorporate them without much, if any, alterations. I am used to the American way...when the buildings original purpose is finished...tear it down, and build something else.

We ate typical London food, visited Picadilly's Circus, and were able to attend the theater. For most of my students, this was the first time that they had experienced a subway system. They adapted well, and seemed to really enjoy it. They LOVED the "Mind the Gap" announcement!

On one of the days that we were in London, we visited a food market where we were able to talk to local vendors/farmers and make selections for ourselves! Everyone seemed to really enjoy this experience, and the food was delicious! I had a "Turkey & Dressing with Cranberries" sandwich! It was to die for!

While we were in London, the races (Ascot) were occurring. It was a real treat to see all the people dressed up and on their way to Ascot. The men were in "Coat/Tails/and Top Hats", and the women had the most extraordinary dresses and hats!

The students were exposed to the task of "exchanging currency" for the first time, and it was a great lesson (for them, as well as myself) in world economics when they realized how little the American dollar was worth on that day! I was very proud of them through out the entire trip at the way that each one of them managed their money! Their parents should be proud!

We took note of the fact that there were not a lot (if any) public restrooms, or trash cans. Our tour guide informed us that the reason for so few trash cans, especially in the subway, was the fact that is where terrorists had typically placed bombs! It really made us aware of the fact that the English & Europeans deal with terrorism on a daily basis.

Before we left the city, I was able to acquire some English tea for myself and some family members. The students were so cute when they would buy souveniers...they didn't buy for themselves so much, but they wanted to make sure that they took back goodies for their families and friends. As a group, I have never been around such generous kids!

My impression of London was that its energy and "make up"is very similar to New York City. We really enjoyed the fact that English was spoken in London (duh!), and appreciated that fact more as our trip continued into other countries where English wasn't the language of choice!

From London to Paris, we traveled on the EuroStar. I had never traveled by train before, and I really enjoyed the experience...although I did sleep through the tunnel part!!!!

Since I feel like I just relived my time in London, I am exhausted! Out of respect for my memories of the other locations that we visited, I am going to save more of my reflections for tomorrow...

Endings & Beginnings

Tomorrow is the last day of this school year. I have anticipated, prayed for, and counted down the days that have led up to tomorrow, but now that it is here...I have to admit that I am a little reluctant. I look back to that day in August when I welcomed each of my new students and tried to ease theirs, as well as my own, fears about what was yet to come.

Looking over the past nine months, it is true...I worked harder this school year than I ever did in the past. For some reason, or another, convincing these 105 students that history was the most important thing in their life was more difficult than in the past!!! I had a feeling that I was going to have a rough time, and I have to admit that there were days that I had to dig deep for some good attitude, but as time went on...I grew to love these kids just as much, if not more, than all of my students in the past.

Tomorrow is going to be bitter sweet for me, as I'm sure it will be for many teachers across the miles. Yes, we love our summers. We will get to spend some much deserved time away from school and will be able to regroup and refresh, as well as attend some encouraging staff developments that will hopefully put a spark back into us. We will get to spend some valuable time with our spouses, children, grandchildren, parents and friends, and remember why we were chosen for this life (yes, I believe that we were chosen to become teachers...not the other way around!). Even though we love our summers, there will still be a hint of sadness in our hearts when we have to say goodbye to the students that have become everyday fixtures in our lives. Hopefully we have touched some, if not all, of their lives and made a positive impact that they will remember always...but most importantly, I hope that they will know that they have touched my life, and I will remember them for always as well as they make their way into the world.

Tomorrow is also the day that my dad retires from the work force. He has worked at Fort Concho Historical Landmark for 17 years, and before that he was a self-employed dairy-farmer. He celebrated his 66th birthday earlier this month, and that is the age that he had decided long ago would be his retirment age. So...tomorrow is the day.

I can't help but think about the plans that he and my mom, Sharon, had made about this day. My mom would be 62, if she had survived the cancer that ravaged her body, and she and my dad were both going to retire tomorrow. They were going to purchase a motor home and travel around the United States, visiting all the places that they had only dreamed of when they were younger and tied down to the dairyfarm. Such plans were never meant to reach fruition.

Life for my dad is going to be different, and dare I say...better. He is going to be able to travel to visit my brother & sister-in-law as often as he, or they, like, and he will be able to travel with me to enjoy my daughter's many activities during her last two years in high school. It is going to be an adjustment though, as he begins to spend his days without the day-in-day-out activities of the worplace, and has to rely on himself for daily interaction. He says that he is looking forward to whatever life has to offer, and he seems younger and more relaxed as each day has approached. He says that tomorrow is more of a beginning for him, rather than an ending. You gotta love the optimism.

So, as I wrap tonight's commentary up...I pause to reflect on the endings that tomorrow will bring, and the beginnings that will be born. The possibilities are limitless, and memories are waiting to be made. Until then...

Field Trips & Friends

This week was a very busy one, but it seems that the busier I am, the happier I am. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself when I have free time, so I end up creating projects to take care of that free time!



Last Friday evening, Freddy and I attended the 6th Annual San Angelo Police Banquet. It was a really nice evening that honored the officers of the SAPD and the hard work that they have done throughout the previous year. The banquet was held at the San Angelo Convention Center and was a nice cool escape from the unbelievable heat that we had last Friday. We enjoyed the food that was catered by the always amazing Kenny Blanek, and visited with Freddy's parents (Fred, Sr. is a retired SAPD Lt.). I really enjoyed seeing all of the officers wives...seems we never get to spend much time with each other! Later...we all went out for some more visiting. Was a truly awesome evening!

Saturday found us taking a lazy drive to Mason, browsing in some shops there where I found the perfect Mother's Day gift for my mom's grave sight. We made our way through the beautiful countryside to Fredericksburg where we bought all the fixings for a fabulous cookout! Then it was on to the farm house!

Dad and KK were already at the house (they had gone ahead on Friday night), and had trimmed some of the live oaks that surround the farm house. Once we arrived, we immediately began the chore of cleaning up the yard and the washer pitching pit!

Friends began arriving, dad grilled the most wonderful T-Bone steaks I'd ever had, washer pitching was in full swing, and drinks were plentiful. KK and her friend Lisa entertained themselves by going down to the river, driving the go-cart, and playing pool in the game room! Freddy was in heaven because he got to play catch with Gary's son! I can tell that Freddy is going to be an awesome grandpa one day! But not too soon....

The Waring Fireman's Dance was later that evening in the quiet little village (no, really) of Waring. I was pleasantly surprised to see my mom's brothers & sisters and many of my cousins in attendance. I don't get to spend a lot of time with them anymore, but it is amazing to realize how much they are in my thoughts. I love to see all of the old families from the area and reminisce with them about people and days gone by!

Freddy paid entirely too much money for a locally crafted lamp table that he bought in the auction. He said he didn't mind because it benefited the fire boys and it was my present for Mother's Day! I love it, and it is on the entrance porch at the farm house.

Headed back to Angelo on Sunday where a hand made card was waiting for me from my daughter. Sounds cheap...but was priceless to me! Enjoyed supper with my mother-in-law.

Monday brought anxiety over a field trip that I had been planning for my History club and some select 7th graders. Due to the outbreak of swine flu, all field trips had been put on hold for a couple of weeks, but were reinstated just in the nick of time! We didn't have the final "go-ahead" until 2:00 on Tuesday afternoon, which meant that my friend and colleague, Mrs. Gully, and I had to scramble to make sure all the details were taken care of. We left for San Antonio at 5:05 a.m. with 49 middle school students.

The day included a visit to the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio, lunch at the Rivercenter Mall, and then a tour of the Alamo. Memories of my own elementary/junior high days at these same sites flooded back through out the day, and tugged at my heart. I really enjoyed sharing these places and experiences with our students, and the teachers that went with us helped to make this trip very special for the kids, as well as myself.

It was nice to return back to Angelo at 9:30 p.m. and have the parents of ALL 49 kids pick up their children on time and quickly. After 6 years of doing field trips together, Mrs. Gully and I have never had parents that were as thoughtful as these. We were glad to be home.

The rest of the week went by in a blur, and here it is Saturday! I enjoyed the morning working in my garden (which is coming a long nicely...I think), taking breaks to sip my cup of coffee, and run some errands. Now...it's off to the farm house, once again. This visit is a work visit...the last time that I will be able to go down for a while. Therefore, I am going to change bedsheets, dust furniture, clean the refrigerator, etc.

Until we meet again...I hope you enjoy your own field trips and that lots of friends are involved! Go out and make some history today...

Parents

Tonight was our daughter's High School Sports Banquet. She played on the Junior Varsity Volleyball team this year, which means that the coaches asked all the JV athletes to stand up and be recognized...no, they did not even announce her name. We sat through three hours of listening to the praises of the varsity athletes in at least 6 other sports...but we do that because we support our daughter's decision to be involved in a positive activity in her school community. The real thing that bothered me was the lack of parental presence. It amazed me that there were so many athletes there tonight that had NO ONE there to support them! Oh my goodness...what are these parents telling there children when they don't show up for their activities??????? Yes...it bothered me a little that I didn't get to see my baby girl walk across the stage, and that I didn't get to hear the coaches gush over her ability; but, on the other hand...if the coaches had done that for the freshman level, and the JV, then the Varsity...we would still be there! And...my girl will have her time to be gushed over - and you can bet your boo-hiney - my husband, my dad, and I will be sitting there in the audience, cheering her on...and anyone else that needs to be cheered on!!!!! Come on parents - get involved.

New to this!

I am in awe of my friends that have their own blogs, therefore...I am going to attempt to do this! You will have to be forgiving as I stumble my way through the learning process...I am not very good at admitting that I need help doing/learning something (so I am going to do this on my own for as long as possible). I truly look forward to this new leap forward, and hope that you enjoy what you see!