#SOL 2018 Day 31 Thank you, slicers.

I am enriched by this year’s SOL writings.
I missed writing a few days because I was host to cousins for a week.
Reading the posts gave me so many great ideas for writing.
People shared books that I want to read.
I’ve learned about teaching strategies I’d like to apply.
I’ve enjoy reading about teaching from different perspectives.
I’m reminded how difficult it is to raise a family while working full time.
And how much that wonderful struggle really is what life is all about.
Thanks goes to all the creative slicers.
Thank you for thoughtful writing.
Thank you for the inspiration to write.
Thank you for comments.
I’ll try to participate weekly.
Because I enjoy the rewards of being a part of the writing community.

#SOL 2018 Day 30 Family reunion by the numbers

25 immediate Family members visited with

10 extended family members during 

7 Days in March

10 Meals were shared at my house

1 meal at a cousin's house

1 meal at a sister's house

1 meal eaten at Mel's Diner

250 miles traveled

Visited 2 schools, 6 cemeteries and 3 old home places

2 thirty-four inch diameter tree cookies collected from a red oak

10 ten inch diameter tree cookies collected from a poplar

2 eight ft. red oak logs collected, loaded and then 1 unloaded

0 slice of life posts during that week

#SOL 2018 Day 29 Homework

Apple released several new educational products this week. My son (computer engineering degree) was so excited. He couldn't wait to tell me about the products. They were about managing student learning, ideas that he talked about when he was in 5th grade. We finally watched the release video together. The products were enticing me, I want to teach again. I want to work for Apple, promoting the educational products to educators in rural schools around me.

But I digress.

The end of the presentation included an advertisement Apple created to promote these new products. In the background a man is reading the poem, Homework. We have that very poem still taped to his old desk. He copied it during a 3rd grade handwriting lesson. It can't be just a coincidence. I believe my son really was a forward thinking child.

#SOL 2018 Day 22 Borrowed idea from another slicer!

Thanks to this blogger for an excellent idea:
Stopping by an English class on a random day

My childhood tasted like…

Corn, green beans and tomatoes fresh from the garden

Strawberries picked from the local strawberry farm

Cantaloup and watermelon from our truck patch

Chicken and dumplings or fried chicken on Sunday

My childhood sounded like…

Pigs squealing, cows bawling, push mower cutting grass

Sisters singing in church, Grandma praying, Gramps telling stories 

On the road with Charles Curalt, sounds from the Vietnam War, the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, Marshall Dillon on Saturday nights at Grandpa's in the dark

My childhood smelled like…

Fresh cut grass, cotton blooms, and milkweed pods

Mom's oatmeal cake baking, catfish bait, cow piles and hog troughs

Hollyhocks, peonies, zennias, milkweed pods, surprise lillies 

Bunny Bread baking as we drove past, grilled onions on hamburgers at Kirby's

#SOL 2018 Day 21 Six word slice about hospital visits

Serious ailments require constant medical care


We've spent the past week going back and forth to the hospital to visit my 93 year old father-in-law.  He is not like most elderly people. He went to the hospital with all his documentation in hand. During the admitting interview, they ask who managed his health records. His children told the interviewer that he did. He knows every medication that is prescribed for him, the purpose and most interactions with them. Every time he speaks bluntly, telling them which ones he can forego and which ones he must have. They have their rules to guide their care. Their rules often clash with his common sense and the debate ensues. I witnessed one example last evening. They give evening pills at 9:00, he felt he needed a certain one earlier. He was getting agitated so we asked and they said they would comply. We bought a Sprite for him, which seemed to calm him somewhat, but it was still 9:00 before he got the pill he had requested.  As I mentioned, he is 93. Who wants to agitate a 93 year old man who does not feel well?

#SOL 2018 Day 20 Random Thoughts

Finally spring but snow is in the forecast.
Cousins should arrive tomorrow.
Making dog biscuits while doing last minute cleaning.
Refrigerator cleaned yesterday.
Use the bananas before it’s too late, should have put them in the dog biscuits.
Finish the laundry, too cold to power wash winter dredges from the patio.
Pay bills before it’s too late.
Answer email to friend.
Lose 20 pounds soon!
Follow up on job application.
Buy groceries for dinner tomorrow.
Get my walk done.
Maybe temperatures will warm up enough to sit around the fire pit.
Lunch time, I need some protein.

#SOL 2018 Day 19 joining the Party at Leigh Anne's blog

I wanted to join the party! On the first day of SOL 2018 Leigh Anne invited all slicers to join in her virtual party. We could bring 5 specific items. You can read about it by visiting the link:

Leigh Anne Eck's blog, A Day in the Life of a teacher, a reader, a writer

Here is my list of things I'll bring:

Favorite book: for the kids -"I'm Bored" by Michael Ian Black, adults - the last book club book I read was "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter". Never would I have chosen that book, but I actually liked reading it. It was a great book to discuss.

Favorite person: I would bring my niece because she lights up every place she goes. Two years ago she was a young mother of two precious children, diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer! She became a champion for Christ and together they fought the battle. Now she recognizes each day as a precious gift.

Favorite food or beverage: If it is my fav, I would bring chicken & dumplings. I usually take the food I know others like.

Favorite song: I would share a song by a singer songwriter, Natalie Hemby. You can listen here:
Jealous

Surprise: I would bring a nature journal for each of you to record your daily observations as you go on a nature walk.

#SOL 2018 Day 18 painting of Mom

Today I attempted a painting a portrait of my Mom from an old picture. I thought our faces resembled in the photo. I wanted to capture the similarities. But I was surprised when it was completed because Mom looked like my sister!

#SOL 2018 Day 17 Haircut

Appointment for trim, four inches gone!

#SOL 2018 Day 16 meeting family impromptu can be uncomfortable

Funny how running into family members can make one feel edgy. It was last minute that my husband & I decided to attend the home show tonight. We were focused on the event when suddenly one sister and her husband stopped and made a comment to us. They seemed surprised to see us. I hugged her, but things seemed a bit off. We talked a bit about our cousin coming to visit next week. I had just texted her with no response, that could have been why she acted surprised!

When cousins visit the gathering is usually at my place. She wants me to call her when they arrive, so she can come to my house. But she told me that our cousin wants to see her place. And if I take them to her house my other sister wants to take off work & come with us. Then she told me the sister was at the winery booth at the home show. The couple who own the winery are friends to all of us and I didn't think any more about it. We continued walking through the booths. When we got to the last row, there was my sister and her husband working the booth. I was surprised to see them, they were surprised to see us. I felt as though I wasn't supposed to know, that I had caught them in a secret. It was Weird!! They were pouring samples so I had a few sips. I know the wine very well but was happy to try them again.

We visited with everyone a few minutes, the owners were taking a break so they had time to talk with us and we had a nice time catching up with them.

On our way home my husband & I discussed the strange vibe we both got from my sisters. They don't often include me in their outings, maybe that's why running into them felt odd.

#SOL 2018 Day 15 Haiku about the springlike day

A Hakiu about the Ides of March, I spent it working outside in 65 degree weather.

Warm, Breezy Sun filled
Not wary the Ides of March
Instead Spring arrived

#SOL 2018 Day 14 my watch notified me that I reached my fitness goal

I've been wearing an Apple Watch for a few years now. It's the first gen, I would have to admit that I'm an early adapter. I love all the information it gives me. I can check the weather, read a text message, check my heart rate, answer my phone and track my exercise levels.

Meeting my daily fitness goals was difficult when I worked 40-50 hours a week. Now that I'm retired I've reached the goals more often. When that happens the watch lets me know it with bursts similar to fireworks. It's pretty cool! It happened today fairly early in the day. We worked about 3 hours in the yard raking and burning oak leaves. That was in addition to shopping for groceries, walking the dog and doing some laundry.

I like the feeling that I get when I have done something positive for my health. It's so easy to shove it on the back burner. I believe the watch helps me keep the fitness goals more in focus. It gives me a reminder to stand up, notifies me when I'm making progress and keeps me on track.

#SOL2018 Day 13 six word slice, gotta run.

Oldest log library board meeting tonight.

#SOL 2018 Day 12 swings

I responded to another post by Art teacher for the Monet that reminded me of how much I enjoyed swinging,  causing me to think I needed to write my own slice about swings. So here it is:

The picture below reminds me of one of my favorite memories. I must have been about 3, my hair had grown long and my Mom had pin curled it. I know that because my hair is normally stick straight. It was early spring. I know that because the trees in the background have few leaves, the grass is starting to grow and the branch on the right has a few buds on it. The March wind is blowing my hair so it is vertical. Grandpa has his sleeve cuffs rolled up to 3/4 length and he is pushing me while our dog, Champ is taking care of an itch. Doesn't this picture just look as though I'm having the best time of my life!

#SOL 2018 Day 11 Some things about me

As a 2 year old, DFS placed me in a children's home.
As a 2.7 year old, I was adopted by a sweet young couple who loved me unconditionally.
As a 4 year old, I wanted to fly above everyone, write in cursive and read.
As a 5 year old, I started 1st grade and wanted to be a cowgirl like Dale Evans and go to school.
As a 6 year old, I didn't want to share my parents with a baby sister, especially when itwas my turn at rocking her.
As a 7 year old, I wanted to be a boy, they had it so easy.
As an 8 year old, I wanted to learn how to ride a bike.
As a 12 year old, I wanted to be grown up, like Penny and her dad, Sky King on Saturday morn TV.
As a 15 year old, I wanted to be 10 all over, it’s not easy growing up.
As a 17 year old, I graduated high school and began working in a shoe factory.
As a 20 year old, I got married to my high school sweetheart.
As a 22 year old, I started college, I wanted to be a social worker.
As a 23 year old, I wanted to be a teacher, like my sister-in-law.
As a 25 year old, I graduated college and began my teaching career.p in my hometown.
As a 54 year old, I retired from teaching in the same public school from which I graduated.
As a 54 year old, I started a new career in education conservation.
As a 65 year old, I thought I should retire and let someone younger take over.
As a 66 year old, I am searching for my place in this world.
I never stopped wanting to be a cowgirl.

Cowgirl at 20

#SOL 2018 Day 10 the Beach

The beach picture is one of my favorite. I took it early one morning while I was in Destin Fla. in February. Not many people were out. Every morning I thought it was going to be a cloudy day, but it didn't take long for the sun to burn through the clouds. Even in February mid-day was too hot for my fair complexion to be on the beach. And I loved getting out there before too many others.

Henderson State Bark

#SOL 2018 Day 9 The new glasses actually allow me to read while wearing them!

While on vacation the last of February, my son dropped me off so I could run inside a clothing shop shop. Once inside I fumbled for my regular glasses. I knew I just had them. I was wearing my sunglasses so I couldn't see inside my purse. I stopped looking for them and shopped by taking the sunglasses off to read a price tag and putting them on to see farther away. When my son picked me up I told him I needed to drive the exact same path when he first dropped me off. We were going by slowly when I spied the case. I quickly jumped out and grabbed them. Once inside the car, I looked at the glasses inside. Not broken, huh. But the ear pieces were definitely warped. I scanned the directory to find a shop specializing in eye glasses. I went by to show them my regular glasses and ask if they could do anything. They were afraid to put any stress on the ear pieces so I put them back on and walked out. I could make do with them until I flew home the next day.

At home I searched for a decent pair of older glasses. Each pair I found had something wrong. One pair had a broken ear piece. Another pair was missing the nose pad. But I had to choose the best pair to wear until I could get to a place to repair my eyeglasses. After a week, I realized the pair of glasses I was wearing was missing a piece off the front temple. Because I had another dr. appointment in town, I made a stop to visit the shop where I had bought a couple pair of my eye glasses.  They looked at the pair I was wearing, searched in their records and told me I had purchased them in 2012. I think I had got my money's worth from them. It was time to order a new pair. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had an insurance policy that paid for most of the cost! That was on Wednesday and today they called to tell me my glasses were in. I made a special trip to pick them up.

I am so happy with the new glasses! I don't even have to lift them up to read small print. I can look at my phone without taking off the glasses. I have not had a pair that fit this good in a long time, actually ever.

#SOL 2018 Day 8 Memories of Dad on his birthday

Today was my Dad's birthday. He would have been 87.
He taught all 5 of us kids and all 11 of his grandkids his love for fishing.
I'd like to go fishing with him one more time.
He taught us the importance of humor, he loved to tell a joke or tease with some lighthearted ribbing.
I'd love to hear one more of his stories.
He taught us the importance of working as he worked long hours farming to provide for us.
I'd happily fix him another glass of sweet tea during the midday dinner.
He took us on family camping trips.
I can hear us singing around the evening fire.
He helped us succeed in life every way he could.
I would love to sit and share part of my day with him.
He was with us a long time in comparison to some.
Mom died 40 years ago, now they are together.
He has been gone 7 years.
And I am the eldest immediate family member.

#SOL2018 Day 7 Where was the friendly receptionist?

I do not like going to the doctor or dentist. Today I had an appointment for a mammogram. So I gritted my teeth and headed out.

The receptionist spoke in gruff, one or two word phrases: "Birthday? Smoker? Middle initial? Doctor? Sign here."

All the while she was typing furiously on her keyboard. She shoved a blank envelope toward me but didn't provide any instruction. It lay on the counter. When she was done with the interview she said, "Address this to yourself."

I complied and tried to give it to her. She said, "No, take it with you."

Where was the friendly person who is supposed to calm my jitters?

The technician was friendly, thank goodness. She came early. She was professional and quickly put me at ease. Thank goodness.

#SOL 2018 Day 6 Slicers have stepped up the game

I know it's time to write my slice but I don't want to stop reading all the interesting slices. It seems everyone has stepped up their game this year. The slices are powerful, truthful and tell such great stories. When commenting, I think, "I should write about this." I'm in a community of writers who welcome my stories. I feel I've found my niche. I'm encouraged to write every day and try harder to tell my story. Thanks to all of you for sharing your lives by writing.

#SOL 2018 Day 5 too good to be true

I’ve always heard the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, ...Recently I followed up on temporary employment. I spoke with the superintendent, he provided me with the details. He said I’d be helping out the district by filling in until the next school year began, just a few months. He gave a round number for expected pay. It sounded perfect. But time passed, I called, the board had taken no action last month. Finally I visited in person to inquire about the status of the opportunity. The superintendent said the news wasn’t yet released but they found a full time person for the position. Oh, my, it was too good to be true. I’ll survive.

SOL 2018 Day 4 Beach time vs being at home

Hearing the high pitch of spring peepers once I returned home.
Hearing the ocean waves crashing against the sandy shore while at the beach.
Robins, bluebirds, chipping sparrows, crows, and doves frequent my walk at home.
Pelicans and gulls frequented my beach walk.
Green grass, wild onions and beefstake smells fill the air at home.
Salt water mixed with sand filled the beach air.
Cooking, cleaning and taking care of others at home.
Being served breakfast, lunch or dinner by others at the beach.
Too early for food fresh from my garden at home.
Fresh seafood served every day at the beach.
Schedules, obligations and appointments fill my time at home.
Whims, curiosity and spur of the momemt decisions filled our days at the beach.
It's important to spend a few days at the beach.
It's also good to fulfill expectations and be back home.

SOL Day 3 special day visiting with former coworkers and friends

Time spent with friends from the past made my day special. Today I went to a wedding shower for a daughter of my former coworkers. They were actually more than coworkers. I was high school counselor when he was the band director. Our educational philosophies were similar. We supported each other during times with irrational school leaders.

My son went on numerous marching band trips with the band director. His wife attended as a cosponsor and she was Winter Guard coach. My son served as assistant setting up Winter guard performances with them . My husband served on the school board when the band director was offered the position of high school principal then superintendent. I was the junior high principal when his wife first started teaching junior high English. Our lives were once closely intertwined but we lost touch over the past 11 years.

Children grow up, go away to college, get engaged and make their own way in this world. They watched over my child as he matured. I watched from a distance as their two children became adults.   I was excited for the opportunity to catch up with these friends. The young daughter has grown into a remarkable young woman. She is working on a Masters degree and planning for a doctorate in a medical field of radiation therapy.

It was good to reminisce and touch base with this family.

SOL Day 2 I write about my Busy Day

Day 2 and I'm struggling with what to write.
I had a busy day so I'll write about it. I had planned to do some painting in my studio but my plans fell apart.
I was up at 6 am to walk the dog. After the outside time, we all had a quick breakfast and I helped my husband find a part in his garages. He had an erran to run so I began cleaning house. I vacuumed 4 rooms of carpet, dusted, changed the bed sheets, and completed some laundry. I also read and commented on a few slices between jobs.

At 10:30 my husband returned and I helped him. We put the hitch in the pick-up receiver, hooked up a car trailer, unloaded a car, parked it in the garage, he backed the trailer into a shed and we loaded a car frame (no motor or steering wheel) onto the trailer and strapped it down.

It was lunch time, a salad and a trip to the bank for some folding money.

Back to work in the house. Make some phone calls to reschedule a doctor appointment, check on a job, and call a hotel to see if I'd left my ankle boots there while on vacation last week.

Coffee break for me while he delivered the car frame. But then he called because didn't grab any cash and needed to wash off the car frame. So I drove 3 miles to town to take him a couple dollars.

I did watch a painting video while he was gone. It was a bluebird, I'm hoping to try it tomorrow.

When he returned, we got the dog outside again while we unhooked the trailer, attached the scooter lift, loaded the scooter, strapped it down, parked it under the overhang. He was getting ready for an early morning trip to a swap meet.

We drove back into town to get a couple items for dinner, pick up the mail and get gas in my car.

Prepare dinner, enjoy it then clean the kitchen, fold laundry, make the bed...and time to read and comment on a few more slices.

SOL Day 1 Beach Time leads to making dog treats

Just last week I was at the beach. It was beautiful, breezy and warm. I think it's been four years since I'd walked barefoot in the sand, that's much too long. I'd love to live there, the next best thing is getting to spend a few days soaking up the warmth.

Several reasons attract me to the beach. Exercise is natural. Every morning I walked up and down the sandy shore. Eating non processed foods is easy. At least once a day we ate fresh seafood. Red snapper is my favorite. Breezes coming off the ocean are a delight. I don't even get hot. I'm drawn to create. The scenery begs to be painted. New experiences provide for a creative outlet.

This trip was for a nephew's beach wedding, so several family members were there too. We enjoyed visiting together, the cousins even took a few selfies as proof. Not all could attend so one niece did a live video on FB for friends and family back home. I tried to stay out of the range of filming, then when we got home my husband said he couldn't find me there. Ha.

On our last day we happened upon a farmers market. The food was amazing. We sampled a variety of fresh foods. I bought pumpkin cinnamon treats for my Golden Retriever back home. Oh my, did she love them. So much that I searched online for a similar recipe. This morning I made her treats that taste good! I know because I had to sample them.