Rev. Songbird posted this at RevGalBlogPals.
Since I've been in the midst of a discernment process, I've done a lot of reflecting on how we make decisions. But don't worry, I'm not going to ask you to reveal a dark story about a poor decision, or a self-flagellating story about an embarrassing one. Let's keep it simple and go with five word pairs. Tell us which word in the pair appeals to you most, and after you've done all five, give us the reason why for one of them.
Here are my decisions!
1. Cake!! Wins out over pie 99.99% of the time, although there are a couple of pies that are strong contenders (pecan, a homemade lemon meringue, and a toasted almond cream pie to die for at a local restaurant.) But give me a cake, preferably "Mrs. Crossley's Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting", or the wonderful toffee-ish Burnt Sugar Cake, which sounds awful but is indescribably delicious!
2. Train. However, train travel rarely is a possibility for us. Loved taking the train in England from London to Penzance, and I took the train from New Haven, CT to Cincinnati, OH once. That was a 24 hour trip that took me to Washington, DC, Stoughton, VA and Charlestown, WV before depositing me EXACTLY 24 hours at a station in a seedy part of the city. I hate air travel, though it does get you there more quickly than other modes.
3. PC.
4. Equivocal. I can always see the other side. Too much so, sometimes.
5. Peter. I've always felt a bit sorry for him. He's the rock but Paul got the publicity!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
An Easy Knit
I finished this blanket this morning. It's the Easy Lace Baby Blanket from the July 2010 issue of Creative Knitting. I used almost 4 skeins of Plymouth Encore from Webs in honeydew and size 7 needles.
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| From Knitting Gallery |
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| From Knitting Gallery |
Good Reads!
Once again, I offer my comments about the books I've been reading. As usual, it's escape reading, and it's mostly more books in the various series to which I'm addicted.
Water Like a Stone by Deborah Crombie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has really fueled my desire to travel England's canals on a narrow boat. We saw some of these the first time we were in England, and they fascinated me then!
Book #68
Duncan Kincaid has brought Gemma James and their sons home to visit his parents and sister Juliet for Christmas. Gemma is nervous about spending so much time with Duncan's parents, while Kit and Duncan are at odds with each other over school performance. Kit is also having nightmares about his mother's murder, but refuses to let anyone know. In addition, Juliet's marriage is on the rocks and her daughter Lally is keeping secrets. Juliet discovers a mummified infant's body inside the wall of a dairy she is renovating. Kit is intrigued with Annie Lebow, a canal boat owner he meets, but when he finds her body next to the towpath, it brings back all the horror he's been trying to forget. This was a tightly plotted mystery, with several stories woven in. Crombie's characterizations are realistic, and sympathetic, and her gift for creating setting is also apparent. This was a top-notch read!
View all my reviews >>
Water Like a Stone by Deborah CrombieMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has really fueled my desire to travel England's canals on a narrow boat. We saw some of these the first time we were in England, and they fascinated me then!
Book #68
Duncan Kincaid has brought Gemma James and their sons home to visit his parents and sister Juliet for Christmas. Gemma is nervous about spending so much time with Duncan's parents, while Kit and Duncan are at odds with each other over school performance. Kit is also having nightmares about his mother's murder, but refuses to let anyone know. In addition, Juliet's marriage is on the rocks and her daughter Lally is keeping secrets. Juliet discovers a mummified infant's body inside the wall of a dairy she is renovating. Kit is intrigued with Annie Lebow, a canal boat owner he meets, but when he finds her body next to the towpath, it brings back all the horror he's been trying to forget. This was a tightly plotted mystery, with several stories woven in. Crombie's characterizations are realistic, and sympathetic, and her gift for creating setting is also apparent. This was a top-notch read!
View all my reviews >>
Book #69
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ian Rutledge has returned from the World War I battlefields of France to take up his post at Scotland Yard investigating murders. He wonders whether he can slip back into his job with his sleuthing skills intact, or whether he's gotten stale. But even more worrisome, is that he is suffering from shell-shock, or what is known today as Post-Traumatic Shock Syndrome, which he has kept secret from his employer. However, unbeknown to him, his supervisor has discovered his secret, and he seeks to bring Rutledge down. So Rutledge is assigned to investigate a murder which may have been committed by a popular war hero who has friends at the highest level of the government. It's a tough case, and one that Rutledge seems destined to bungle. One of the potential witnesses is a shell-shocked, alcoholic veteran, and the other is a rabble-rouser.
This was a well-plotted mystery, dark in tone, and rich in atmosphere. Rutledge hears voices, or rather a voice, which speaks his deepest conflicted thoughts. The voice is that of Hamish, a soldier who Rutledge condemned to a firing squad for cowardice. Through Hamish, the author develops Rutledge as an extremely intelligent man, broken by the horror of war, but who is struggling to heal.
I am interested to see how this series develops. This is the first book in a long series, and while, I found this book to be quite dark and despairing, I will read a few more in the series.
Book #70
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Jerusalem Inn is the fifth book in the Richard Jury series. It's Christmas, and Jury is visiting a cousin near Newcastle. He meets Helen Minton and they are attracted to each other. Then Helen is found murdered, and Jury wheedles his way into the investigation. Meanwhile Melrose Plant is attending a house party nearby, and Aunt Agatha has invited herself along. The house party is snowed in, and of course, another murder occurs. Once again, Martha Grimes creates a mystery with an interesting twist, but more importantly, also entertains me with her characters. Plant watches with amusement as Jury and Vivian Rivington joust with each other, and Aunt Agatha continues to shamelessly attempt to appropriate status. Plus, Grimes creates fascinating interactions between Jury and various children -"Tree" at the orphanage, and Chrissie at the inn. Another good entry in the series.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday Five: Pets or Not?
From RevGalBlogPals:
My friend Judy told a group of friends last week that her beloved hermit crab Al died. She missed Al--after six years of his company, even though she was not sure how pronounced his personality was or if he had one!
With the chewing exploits of our third dog, puppy Maisie, I am wondering about the pets we presently own and have had in the past.What about you? Tell us about the animals in your lives. If you have no pets, give examples of friends' pets or imaginary ones!
1. Did you grow up with pets?
We had several pets when I was a child. My first remembered pet was Jimmy, a parakeet. He was blue and yellow, and it was my job to feed him and change his water. One day I came home from kindergarten and my mom told me that Jimmy had flown away while she was cleaning the cage. I believed her. While I missed Jimmy, I was happy he was outside playing with other birds. I didn't realize what had REALLY happened
until I was in high school! Jimmy was followed by Mitch, a canary, named after Mitch Miller of "Sing Along with Mitch" fame. My sister also had canaries - Pippin was one of them, from the Hobbit. When the birds died, we buried them in check boxes under a tree, and made small crosses for them out of popsicle sticks. I remember holding a funeral for one of them. Our first dog was mixed breed, mostly Sheltie, named Fidel. My father was from Cuba, and he named the dog Fidel because they were sons of b--tches. Fidel was followed by Max, another mixed breed, named for Maxwell Smart. Guppies were also part of our household for a while, and we had a series of small turtles.
2. Do you have any pets now?
Right now we have 2 cats and a bird. The official names for our cats are Phoebe and Clio, however, I'm not sure which is which! They usually go by "Hairy Cat" and "Not Hairy Cat", and both of them respond to "Beautiful Cat." My sons gave me my parakeet 7 or 8 years ago as a Christmas present. They were in college at the time, and one afternoon went to a pet shop. They brought the bird home and hid it for almost a week. Every time I went up to one son's bedroom, the door was shut tight, and when I knocked, there was always a minute or two of rustling and "just a minute, Mom"s. You can imagine what I was thinking at the time!
3. What is the funniest or worst thing any of your pets have ever done?
We were blessed for a few years with a wonderful chocolate Lab named Rosie. As a puppy she chewed everything, and what she liked most was wood. She chewed chair legs, table legs, baseboards, and shutters. We still have evidence of her gnawing in various places. The worst thing she chewed was the black walnut arm of an antique chair.
Rosie was very docile and gentle. She had a crate in a corner of the kitchen as her hidey hole, and she enjoyed lying there. One afternoon we left her at home, in her crate, unlocked. We were gone 3-4 hours. When we got home Rosie was sleeping in the unlocked crate. We'd been home for a bit when my sister called. She and her family had driven up to our town to climb our local mountain, and stopped by the house. We weren't home, but they came in to use the bathroom and get drinks. She said that they had walked into the kitchen, past the dog's crate without seeing it. She assumed that we had taken Rosie with us. It wasn't until about 10 minutes later that Rosie noticed they were in the house. Rosie got out of the crate, and ambled over to my niece, (about 4 years old at the time), and sat down next to her. Some watch dog!!
Rosie also loved to roam the neighborhood (no leash laws at the time -- it's a very rural area), and didn't always want to come home. She also LOVED to ride in the car. So sometimes, when she was being stubborn about returning home, we'd start the car. It never failed! She'd come running home.
4. Who is/was your favorite pet?
Rosie, our still-missed, Chocolate Lab. We had her for only a short while. When she was 5 she developed diabetes. We gave her insulin shots twice a day for almost a year, but she got progressively worse. She started going blind, and then had problems with her bowels and her hip. My husband had a heart attack, and at the same time (same day, in fact) my mom went into the hospital for what was thought to be appendicitis. That turned out to be colon cancer. Between helping my husband recuperate, and helping with my mom's care, and knowing that Rosie was really in pain, we made the decision to euthanize Rosie. We still miss her!
5. How did you train your different pets?
Train pets??? I thought they trained us!! We did take Rosie to obedience school, but we didn't do our homework.
BONUS: Pictures of a pet or one you wish you could have.
My friend Judy told a group of friends last week that her beloved hermit crab Al died. She missed Al--after six years of his company, even though she was not sure how pronounced his personality was or if he had one!
With the chewing exploits of our third dog, puppy Maisie, I am wondering about the pets we presently own and have had in the past.What about you? Tell us about the animals in your lives. If you have no pets, give examples of friends' pets or imaginary ones!
1. Did you grow up with pets?
We had several pets when I was a child. My first remembered pet was Jimmy, a parakeet. He was blue and yellow, and it was my job to feed him and change his water. One day I came home from kindergarten and my mom told me that Jimmy had flown away while she was cleaning the cage. I believed her. While I missed Jimmy, I was happy he was outside playing with other birds. I didn't realize what had REALLY happened
until I was in high school! Jimmy was followed by Mitch, a canary, named after Mitch Miller of "Sing Along with Mitch" fame. My sister also had canaries - Pippin was one of them, from the Hobbit. When the birds died, we buried them in check boxes under a tree, and made small crosses for them out of popsicle sticks. I remember holding a funeral for one of them. Our first dog was mixed breed, mostly Sheltie, named Fidel. My father was from Cuba, and he named the dog Fidel because they were sons of b--tches. Fidel was followed by Max, another mixed breed, named for Maxwell Smart. Guppies were also part of our household for a while, and we had a series of small turtles.
2. Do you have any pets now?
Right now we have 2 cats and a bird. The official names for our cats are Phoebe and Clio, however, I'm not sure which is which! They usually go by "Hairy Cat" and "Not Hairy Cat", and both of them respond to "Beautiful Cat." My sons gave me my parakeet 7 or 8 years ago as a Christmas present. They were in college at the time, and one afternoon went to a pet shop. They brought the bird home and hid it for almost a week. Every time I went up to one son's bedroom, the door was shut tight, and when I knocked, there was always a minute or two of rustling and "just a minute, Mom"s. You can imagine what I was thinking at the time!
3. What is the funniest or worst thing any of your pets have ever done?
We were blessed for a few years with a wonderful chocolate Lab named Rosie. As a puppy she chewed everything, and what she liked most was wood. She chewed chair legs, table legs, baseboards, and shutters. We still have evidence of her gnawing in various places. The worst thing she chewed was the black walnut arm of an antique chair.
Rosie was very docile and gentle. She had a crate in a corner of the kitchen as her hidey hole, and she enjoyed lying there. One afternoon we left her at home, in her crate, unlocked. We were gone 3-4 hours. When we got home Rosie was sleeping in the unlocked crate. We'd been home for a bit when my sister called. She and her family had driven up to our town to climb our local mountain, and stopped by the house. We weren't home, but they came in to use the bathroom and get drinks. She said that they had walked into the kitchen, past the dog's crate without seeing it. She assumed that we had taken Rosie with us. It wasn't until about 10 minutes later that Rosie noticed they were in the house. Rosie got out of the crate, and ambled over to my niece, (about 4 years old at the time), and sat down next to her. Some watch dog!!
Rosie also loved to roam the neighborhood (no leash laws at the time -- it's a very rural area), and didn't always want to come home. She also LOVED to ride in the car. So sometimes, when she was being stubborn about returning home, we'd start the car. It never failed! She'd come running home.
4. Who is/was your favorite pet?
Rosie, our still-missed, Chocolate Lab. We had her for only a short while. When she was 5 she developed diabetes. We gave her insulin shots twice a day for almost a year, but she got progressively worse. She started going blind, and then had problems with her bowels and her hip. My husband had a heart attack, and at the same time (same day, in fact) my mom went into the hospital for what was thought to be appendicitis. That turned out to be colon cancer. Between helping my husband recuperate, and helping with my mom's care, and knowing that Rosie was really in pain, we made the decision to euthanize Rosie. We still miss her!
5. How did you train your different pets?
Train pets??? I thought they trained us!! We did take Rosie to obedience school, but we didn't do our homework.
BONUS: Pictures of a pet or one you wish you could have.
Book #67: More Marcus Didius Falco
What can I say? I love this series. I really miss teaching ancient Rome too!
A Dying Light in Corduba by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was one of the best books in the series so far. An important imperial official, has asked Falco to investigate whether or not olive producers are attempting to form a cartel. Anacrites, the Chief Spy, has been brutally beaten, and may be dying. Helena Justina is 8 months pregnant. All clues are in southern Hispania. Of course, Helena and Marcus head to Spain (via the sea, his least favorite mode of transportation) to investigate. As usual, Falco encounters beautiful women, strong wine, more murder, and more than a few bumps, bruises, and lacerations. Lindsey Davis continues to provide good plotting and characterization, and at the same time, lots of authentic cultural and historical details. Another great read!
View all my reviews >>
A Dying Light in Corduba by Lindsey DavisMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was one of the best books in the series so far. An important imperial official, has asked Falco to investigate whether or not olive producers are attempting to form a cartel. Anacrites, the Chief Spy, has been brutally beaten, and may be dying. Helena Justina is 8 months pregnant. All clues are in southern Hispania. Of course, Helena and Marcus head to Spain (via the sea, his least favorite mode of transportation) to investigate. As usual, Falco encounters beautiful women, strong wine, more murder, and more than a few bumps, bruises, and lacerations. Lindsey Davis continues to provide good plotting and characterization, and at the same time, lots of authentic cultural and historical details. Another great read!
View all my reviews >>
A Trip to the Past
I've been revisiting my childhood with some of the books I've read lately. These two are both books I downloaded for free on my Kindle. My grandmother's house was a huge 3 story Victorian. The 3rd story was an attic crammed full with all sorts of treasures, and at least once a week, I'd ask permission to go up to the attic to treasure hunt. I was fascinated by the old furniture, cast off china, trunks filled with old clothes and keepsakes, what-have-you. One of my "finds" was a chocolate set: a pitcher and 6 cups of white china, trimmed with an intricate web of gold. I was allowed to keep this, and still have it. It's Nipponware, now collectible, although not particularly rare. But it was the basis for a small collection that I've amassed over the years. The real treasure, as far as I was concerned, was the collection of old books. My grandmother was a reader as were the previous occupants of the house, and the attic was filled with books. I would grab several each time I visited the attic, and each time I went up there, I found a few more. Most of the books were from the early 1900's and most of them were children's books. This is where I was introduced to the Bobbsey Twins, Mary Jane, Bunny Brown and his Sister Sue, and Prudy, who risked damage to her hearing when tried sticking a knitting needle into one ear to see if what went into one ear came out the other! Later I discovered some real tearjerkers: The English Orphans by Marjorie Holmes, and Rainbow Cottage, by Grace Livingston Hill. I still have many of these books, although SOMEBODY in my family decided Rainbow Cottage was theirs. Anyway, here are two books I didn't read as a child:
Book #65
The Bobbsey Twins Go to Washington by Laura Lee Hope
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was trip down memory lane for me. I loved The Bobbsey Twins series when I was a kid, and I read all that I could put my hands on. I had discovered a set of them in my grandmother's attic, and they were all the original editions, published in the early years of the 20th century. This is a title that I never found. I loved visiting with Nan and Bert, and Freddie and Flossie. The plot is simple: Mr. Bobbsey takes the family to Washington, DC on an extended business trip. The children go sightseeing, and locate some missing china for an elderly neighbor. The writing is dated, and certainly reflects the attitudes and culture of the turn of the century. As an adult, I can cringe, but I can also be transported back to my childhood. This Kindle edition has not been rewritten for present-day children, and as such, would not appeal to present-day young readers.
View all my reviews >>
Book #65
The Bobbsey Twins Go to Washington by Laura Lee HopeMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was trip down memory lane for me. I loved The Bobbsey Twins series when I was a kid, and I read all that I could put my hands on. I had discovered a set of them in my grandmother's attic, and they were all the original editions, published in the early years of the 20th century. This is a title that I never found. I loved visiting with Nan and Bert, and Freddie and Flossie. The plot is simple: Mr. Bobbsey takes the family to Washington, DC on an extended business trip. The children go sightseeing, and locate some missing china for an elderly neighbor. The writing is dated, and certainly reflects the attitudes and culture of the turn of the century. As an adult, I can cringe, but I can also be transported back to my childhood. This Kindle edition has not been rewritten for present-day children, and as such, would not appeal to present-day young readers.
View all my reviews >>
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I first read Pollyanna, as a youngster, probably around the time the first Disney movie was released. I loved the book, probably more because of the movie and my crush on Hayley Mills. I never read this sequel, Pollyanna Grows Up so when I found it for free for the Kindle, I downloaded it. As a nostalgia trip, this book was okay. Otherwise I found it cloying and predictable. Pollyanna spends a winter in Boston while her aunt and new husband Dr. Chilton head to Europe. Pollyanna brings the Glad Game to a unhappy wealthy Boston Brahmin, and meets another orphan, this time named Jamie. There is a missing child mystery that is solved, and of course lots of happy endings. Pollyanna also falls in love, and after a series of misunderstandings, is happily united with him. The plot is definitely dated, and the book does not pass muster for inclusion in my classroom library.
And Book #66
I have a few more kids books on my Kindle to read, and I have several more to read/re-read in preparation for teaching 7th grade reading/language arts this year. So stay tuned!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Repairs
This seems to be the week of repairs. One of the "perks" of living in a rural area are the number of times things go wrong with technology. We lose our power frequently (not always due to major weather events!) and also experience frequent power fluctuations, so over the years we've purchased a generator for those long hauls without electricity, and we early on purchased a battery backup with surge protection for our computer and printer. We noticed recently that our backup system was failing so two weeks ago, we purchased a new battery back up at our favorite office supply store. Another "advantage" of rural life is the necessity of a satellite dish for TV. About 2 weeks ago we began having a great deal of difficulty with it. Lots of interruptions in service and "Signal lost, wait for signal acquisition." We checked everything we could check on our end, so I finally called the tech support line of the provider. They very helpfully walked me through a few more sophisticated tests, and concluded that I needed a technician visit. That visit was destined to cost me just shy of $100. Of course, if I wanted to sign up for the service agreement ($72 per year), then the visit would only cost $15 and there would be no charge for replacement parts should parts be needed. After doing some math, and realizing that we have needed a tech person several times over the past 3 years, I signed up for the service plan. I was promised that a repair person would arrive sometime between 8-12 am.
We've also been experiencing connectivity problems with our DIAL UP internet, so I've been in conversation with our provider to see where the issue is. That issue is still not resolved, but I still have some tests to finish running.
Meanwhile, the very same day, the phone line we use for our DIAL UP internet (another "perk" of our location) died. We tested the phone line outside to determine that the problem was OUTSIDE the house. The phone company promised to send a repair person out sometime in the succeeding 24 hours.
So yesterday was "Wait for Repair Person" day. I was ready and waiting for someone to show up at 8 am. I had a ton of stuff to do, but all of the potential chores were the kind of chores that needed a stretch of uninterrupted time, so I didn't want to get started, at least until I knew how long/what type of repairs were needed. At 10 am I checked the offending phone line. It was still dead. At 10:45 the phone repairman arrived. He did whatever it is that phone repair people do outside, and then knocked on my door. "The phone is working fine, Ma'am. Are you sure you don't have a dial tone?" I checked. Yup, there was a dial tone. He assured me that I hadn't imagined the problem. He said that with all the power fluctuations (due to the heat waves we've been experiencing,) it's probable that a switch was tripped in the electric box down the road. So, that was fixed, painlessly. I was still waiting for the satellite person to arrive. At 11:59 the phone rang. It was the repairman stating that he was running late but would show up by 12:30. He did. It took him about 2 hours to determine that we had a faulty switch out at the dish hookup. At that point he gave me a choice: replace the switch or upgrade my satellite. My response: How much to upgrade? His response: Nothing. To be sure, I called the satellite provider and got the same answer from the sales department. So he spent another hour replacing the dish.
Both repairmen were very friendly, very helpful, and they actually fixed what needed fixing. It was just weird to have both on the same day. And of course, as luck would have it. A friend with whom I've lost touch, called while I was waiting, and invited me out for the day. I had to refuse because I waiting for the repair people. That made me sad. She and I used to be very close friends, but life took us in different directions. We ran into each other earlier in the week at the grocery store, and both of us wanted to renew the friendship. I hope we can!
I'm still having connectivity problems with the internet, but I hope to get those resolved soon. The icing on the cake for yesterday, is that last night as my husband was unloading the dishwasher, he opened the cupboard where we keep the glasses. There was a horrible snapping sound. The hinge on the door snapped -- not from where it's attached to the wood of the frame or the door, but right in the middle. It looks like metal fatigue -as though a rubber band snapped. Now the cupboard door is listing as it's no longer connected to the bottom!
We've also been experiencing connectivity problems with our DIAL UP internet, so I've been in conversation with our provider to see where the issue is. That issue is still not resolved, but I still have some tests to finish running.
Meanwhile, the very same day, the phone line we use for our DIAL UP internet (another "perk" of our location) died. We tested the phone line outside to determine that the problem was OUTSIDE the house. The phone company promised to send a repair person out sometime in the succeeding 24 hours.
So yesterday was "Wait for Repair Person" day. I was ready and waiting for someone to show up at 8 am. I had a ton of stuff to do, but all of the potential chores were the kind of chores that needed a stretch of uninterrupted time, so I didn't want to get started, at least until I knew how long/what type of repairs were needed. At 10 am I checked the offending phone line. It was still dead. At 10:45 the phone repairman arrived. He did whatever it is that phone repair people do outside, and then knocked on my door. "The phone is working fine, Ma'am. Are you sure you don't have a dial tone?" I checked. Yup, there was a dial tone. He assured me that I hadn't imagined the problem. He said that with all the power fluctuations (due to the heat waves we've been experiencing,) it's probable that a switch was tripped in the electric box down the road. So, that was fixed, painlessly. I was still waiting for the satellite person to arrive. At 11:59 the phone rang. It was the repairman stating that he was running late but would show up by 12:30. He did. It took him about 2 hours to determine that we had a faulty switch out at the dish hookup. At that point he gave me a choice: replace the switch or upgrade my satellite. My response: How much to upgrade? His response: Nothing. To be sure, I called the satellite provider and got the same answer from the sales department. So he spent another hour replacing the dish.
Both repairmen were very friendly, very helpful, and they actually fixed what needed fixing. It was just weird to have both on the same day. And of course, as luck would have it. A friend with whom I've lost touch, called while I was waiting, and invited me out for the day. I had to refuse because I waiting for the repair people. That made me sad. She and I used to be very close friends, but life took us in different directions. We ran into each other earlier in the week at the grocery store, and both of us wanted to renew the friendship. I hope we can!
I'm still having connectivity problems with the internet, but I hope to get those resolved soon. The icing on the cake for yesterday, is that last night as my husband was unloading the dishwasher, he opened the cupboard where we keep the glasses. There was a horrible snapping sound. The hinge on the door snapped -- not from where it's attached to the wood of the frame or the door, but right in the middle. It looks like metal fatigue -as though a rubber band snapped. Now the cupboard door is listing as it's no longer connected to the bottom!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Some Pretty New Socks or More Correctly Some New Pretty Socks!
I knit these socks over the past two weeks. I used size 2 needles for the cuffs and leg, and size 1's for the foot. The yarn is On-line Supersocke 100 Harlekin in color 1140 purchased from Webs. I cast on 66 stitches and just knit a 1x1 rib cuff; the rest is stockinette. I used Charlene Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks as a reference, but didn't really follow a pattern.
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| From Knitting Gallery |
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| From Knitting Gallery |
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Book Reviews: #61-64
Book #61
Blindfold Game by Dana Stabenow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This stand-alone thriller from Dana Stabenow was so plausible and that made it a somewhat frightening read. Korean terrorists have decided to launch a dirty bomb over a well-populated area of Alaska and it's up to a CIA agent Hugh Rincon and Sara Lange, a Coast Guard XO and his estranged wife, to stop them. This is an extremely well-researched book. I felt as though I was aboard the Coast Guard cutterSojourner Truth. The novel was well-plotted and kept me reading.
View all my reviews >>
Blindfold Game by Dana StabenowMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This stand-alone thriller from Dana Stabenow was so plausible and that made it a somewhat frightening read. Korean terrorists have decided to launch a dirty bomb over a well-populated area of Alaska and it's up to a CIA agent Hugh Rincon and Sara Lange, a Coast Guard XO and his estranged wife, to stop them. This is an extremely well-researched book. I felt as though I was aboard the Coast Guard cutterSojourner Truth. The novel was well-plotted and kept me reading.
View all my reviews >>
Book #62
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sara Miles IS a Jesus freak who tries VERY hard to live her faith. This short but extremely compelling book shares not only her core theology, but her very human struggle to do what The Boyfriend (her name for Jesus) teaches her to do. This is the second book of hers that I've read, and I continue to appreciate her articulateness around how hard it is to always live the Christian faith. I would love to use this book or her first book, Take this Breadin a study group at church!
Book #63
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Maisie Dobbs is back in this very introspective book. The body of a young American cartographer killed in WWI is uncovered 16 years after his death, and it appears he has been murdered. He apparently had had a relationship with an English nurse. Maisie is asked to locate the nurse and to investigate the homicide. At the same time,Maisie's mentor Maurice is failing in health, and she discovers that she is falling in love with someone she never expected. This was a more hopeful book than some of the earlier ones, and I enjoyed it.
And book #64
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Reading a China Bayles book is like visiting with an old friend. You spend a few minutes getting reacquainted, and then you're chattering away as though you've never been away. In this installment, there's a little more "getting reacquainted" than usual, but as usual there's an interesting plot, lots of great recipes, and lots of information about the titular herb. I wouldn't call this my favorite China Bayles book, but I did really enjoy the time I spent reading it.
The Eyes Have It
I have been struggling with eye problems since early May. Actually maybe even longer, now that I think of it. I had a bout with conjunctivitis in March that took a couple of weeks to clear up. Anyway in early May I thought I'd contracted conjunctivitis again, but when my PCP checked me out, I was referred to the opthalmologist. She examined my eyes and prescribed an antibiotic drop. A week later I went back and things were improving, so she reduced the dose. On the next visit, things were still improving, so she switched my drops to a steroid. This is where things started to get interesting. She also said that my eyes were exceptionally dry so I needed to add artificial tears. For a week or so, both eyes felt almost back to normal, but then one morning my left eye was again a brilliant red and was feeling very irritated. I called the doctor who had me come in. This time she cultured my eye for chlamydia, often carried by birds, and since I have a parakeet, she thought this might be the problem. That culture was negative so we were back to square one. I went back to using the ointment in addition to the steroid drops. My eyes still feel irritated, and often have a pinkish hue. There is no discharge although occasionally the corners feel a bit itchy, but usually only for a few minutes after I put in the drops. The eye doctor is one of the best in her field, but she can't figure out what is going on. At my last appointment on Friday, she changed the drops to a stronger steroid to reduce inflammation, and added a prescription for the name brand eye drop advertised on TV to help your eyes produce its own tears. She thinks what's happening is that because my eyes are so dry, they are picking up every virus that they come in contact to. She's hoping that if I can get the tears flowing, they can resist infection.
It's a bit scary. My eyes are so important to me. Aside from all the reasons why sight is important, I also rely on them for my hobbies - reading and knitting, especially. Every time I see a magnificent star-spangled night sky, or a garden of cheerful flowers, or the beautiful face of a loved one, I am grateful for the gift of sight.
It's a bit scary. My eyes are so important to me. Aside from all the reasons why sight is important, I also rely on them for my hobbies - reading and knitting, especially. Every time I see a magnificent star-spangled night sky, or a garden of cheerful flowers, or the beautiful face of a loved one, I am grateful for the gift of sight.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Friday Five: Forgetful Jones Edition
This was the weekly Friday Five posted at RevGalBlogPals, I didn't post the video because it takes too long for my dial up account to download it!
What's the last thing you forgot?
I don't remember??? Seriously, the last "major" thing I forgot was to include our passports when we packed for Michigan. It wasn't a huge deal; it just meant we couldn't go home through Canada to take in some sights. And since our plans changed anyway, we wouldn't have had the time.
How do you keep track of appointments?
Mostly in my head, but I also put them on the scenic calendar in our kitchen by the phone. I could put them on my phone, but as my son says, "Mom, your cell phone looks like a toy!"
Do you keep a running grocery list?
Yes. We have one of those shopping list pads on the refrigerator that we add to all week. Since my husband does all the shopping, and I do the cooking, it's how we communicate our food needs!!
When forced to improvise by circumstances, do you enjoy it or panic?
Both. As a teacher, I'm always improvising, even though I've thoroughly planned. In fact, I've discovered that my best lessons happen when I improvise. I've also discovered that the more thoroughly I've planned, the more likely I am to improvise. Someone told me that I'm able to improvise so well, because of the planning. I don't know!
I must enjoy improvising, since I do it often!
What's a memory you hope you will never forget?
That's a tough question. There are many moments I hope I don't forget: when our children were born, the summer I spent caring for my mom as she died, holding my father's hand as he died, sailing in the Caribbean, visiting England and Greece, a really scary experience in the center of a labyrinth, laughing with friends in a dorm hallway at a Halloween party so heartily that others thought we were intoxicated --- and all we were drinking was ginger ale and Tang!!
What's the last thing you forgot?
I don't remember??? Seriously, the last "major" thing I forgot was to include our passports when we packed for Michigan. It wasn't a huge deal; it just meant we couldn't go home through Canada to take in some sights. And since our plans changed anyway, we wouldn't have had the time.
How do you keep track of appointments?
Mostly in my head, but I also put them on the scenic calendar in our kitchen by the phone. I could put them on my phone, but as my son says, "Mom, your cell phone looks like a toy!"
Do you keep a running grocery list?
Yes. We have one of those shopping list pads on the refrigerator that we add to all week. Since my husband does all the shopping, and I do the cooking, it's how we communicate our food needs!!
When forced to improvise by circumstances, do you enjoy it or panic?
Both. As a teacher, I'm always improvising, even though I've thoroughly planned. In fact, I've discovered that my best lessons happen when I improvise. I've also discovered that the more thoroughly I've planned, the more likely I am to improvise. Someone told me that I'm able to improvise so well, because of the planning. I don't know!
I must enjoy improvising, since I do it often!
What's a memory you hope you will never forget?
That's a tough question. There are many moments I hope I don't forget: when our children were born, the summer I spent caring for my mom as she died, holding my father's hand as he died, sailing in the Caribbean, visiting England and Greece, a really scary experience in the center of a labyrinth, laughing with friends in a dorm hallway at a Halloween party so heartily that others thought we were intoxicated --- and all we were drinking was ginger ale and Tang!!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A Trip and Another Book Review
It's been quiet on this end because we took a short trip to the upper midwest for the July 4th weekend. We traveled 15 hours to southeastern Michigan for a mini-family reunion at one of my sisters' home. She and her family live just south of Ann Arbor in a lovely little community. It was the first time we'd made it to her house, and we enjoyed our visit. My other 2 sisters also were able to make it there over the weekend, so we all had a chance to visit and catch up with each other. The states of New Hampshire, New York, Indiana, and of course, Michigan were well-represented. We only missed our brother and the state of Virginia! We are planning a trip to his home later this month to help him celebrate his daughter's engagement.
It was hot throughout the whole trip, but we had the luxury of air-conditioning in our car and in our hotel room. We do not have that luxury here in our own home, so we have been suffering over the past few days in the heat and humidity. I definitely prefer cooler weather and have a much easier time getting warm than I do getting cool. When my bedroom is 88°F at midnight and it's still that temperature at 5:30 am, you know it's been a tough night to sleep. It feels a bit cooler this morning, but the humidity is at 86% so it's still pretty uncomfortable. Yuck!
The Dirty Duck by Martha Grimes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Richard Jury has been asked by a friend in Stratford-upon-Avon to help investigate the disappearance of Jimmy Farraday, the 9 year old adopted son of a rich American tourist. When the murder of a member of Farraday's tour group is found murdered, Jimmy's disappearance takes on greater urgency. I had a hard time staying focused on the story. Perhaps it felt too dated; there was a great deal of emphasis on the wonder of a portable computer one of the tourists was carrying, and much of the character description relied too much on caricature. I did enjoy the setting details. I've visited Stratford-on-Avon, and ate a meal at the Dirty Duck.
View all my reviews >>
It was hot throughout the whole trip, but we had the luxury of air-conditioning in our car and in our hotel room. We do not have that luxury here in our own home, so we have been suffering over the past few days in the heat and humidity. I definitely prefer cooler weather and have a much easier time getting warm than I do getting cool. When my bedroom is 88°F at midnight and it's still that temperature at 5:30 am, you know it's been a tough night to sleep. It feels a bit cooler this morning, but the humidity is at 86% so it's still pretty uncomfortable. Yuck!
The Dirty Duck by Martha GrimesMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Richard Jury has been asked by a friend in Stratford-upon-Avon to help investigate the disappearance of Jimmy Farraday, the 9 year old adopted son of a rich American tourist. When the murder of a member of Farraday's tour group is found murdered, Jimmy's disappearance takes on greater urgency. I had a hard time staying focused on the story. Perhaps it felt too dated; there was a great deal of emphasis on the wonder of a portable computer one of the tourists was carrying, and much of the character description relied too much on caricature. I did enjoy the setting details. I've visited Stratford-on-Avon, and ate a meal at the Dirty Duck.
View all my reviews >>
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Back to the Usual: Book Review
In a Dark House by Deborah CrombieMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
In a Dark House was what I call a "filler" novel. It fills the time between major storyline events, building the suspense to major turning points. Significant "little things" happen that will ultimately be crucial. For example, Kit's preliminary custody hearing takes place, but we don't know the judge's decision yet. Kit makes a decision that will be extremely important. Gemma and Duncan independently realize something about their relationship and the direction it may need to take. But neither of them talks to each other about it. The actual plot - investigating a series of fires, a homicide, and some missing persons cases - isn't as compelling as usual, and in fact, neither Duncan nor Gemma are the chief investigators in most of the cases. One of the reasons I really appreciated this novel was the setting around Southwark Cathedral in London. Two years ago we were visiting London, and stayed in a hotel near both the Borough Market and the Cathedral. We had a great lunch from a tiny outdoor restaurant in the alley next to the Cathedral. So the setting was quite familiar! So while it wasn't the most engrossing installment, it was enjoyable.
View all my reviews >>
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
There's Something Here, But I'm Not Sure What
As I was driving towards the local shopping city, I was thinking about this upcoming weekend. We're heading off to visit family in Michigan and to enjoy seeing 3 of my 4 siblings and their families. I also realized I had a church errand I needed to do before we left. And a couple of things occurred to me.
1. I am the only sibling of my family that is a member of the denomination that we were baptized in. My mother was raised and married in a New England Congregational Church, and the 4 oldest of us were baptized in that church. Our youngest sibling was baptized in a Congregational church in another state, but we all attended Congregational/UCC Sunday school. While I was in college, my family moved to a state where they found a new church home in the local Presbyterian church. My mom was a Presbyterian when she died. However, skipping a long story, my mom was buried by the associate pastor of her birth Congregational (now UCC) church! Throughout college I worked part-time as a secretary for one of the associate pastors at the UCC church I attended and I moved my church membership there. The pastor was one of the clergy who officiated at my wedding when I finished college. Meanwhile, my sibs went to school and found new homes in other churches. Nowadays they are Presbyterians, Methodists, and Lutherans, and 75% of them are active in their churches. There's probably nothing important about this train of thought, but it struck me. I think that even though I "knew" my sibs weren't UCC/Congregational, I've just always thought "we were a UCC family." I realized for the first time, that for my younger siblings, they've lived longer as members of some other denomination than they did in our "home" denomination.
2. I've been part of many discussions at church about how to bring young people into the church, how to attract families, how to grow the congregation. There's been a lot of "Why don't parents bring their kids to Sunday school?" Well, why aren't we questioning ourselves? My own children are not part of, and were never part of my church. My husband is Jewish, albeit a non-religious Jew, but he was not willing for me to raise our sons in my church. That has been my struggle, and my pain. They've certainly been exposed to my active church life and Christian faith, but they are not members of any faith at this point. I look at other active church members and wonder. What happened that their children are not here? At 56, I am one of the "younger" active church members. There is a whole generation of folks missing in our congregation for the most part - the 12-40's. Our children and grandchildren aren't here. They're not anywhere for the most part. We do have a small group of Sunday school children at present, for which we are thankful. Maybe the next time somebody says "Why don't parents bring their kids to church?" I'll be brave enough to say "Here's why my kids aren't part of this church, how come yours aren't?" A little like checking for the logs in our eyes???
1. I am the only sibling of my family that is a member of the denomination that we were baptized in. My mother was raised and married in a New England Congregational Church, and the 4 oldest of us were baptized in that church. Our youngest sibling was baptized in a Congregational church in another state, but we all attended Congregational/UCC Sunday school. While I was in college, my family moved to a state where they found a new church home in the local Presbyterian church. My mom was a Presbyterian when she died. However, skipping a long story, my mom was buried by the associate pastor of her birth Congregational (now UCC) church! Throughout college I worked part-time as a secretary for one of the associate pastors at the UCC church I attended and I moved my church membership there. The pastor was one of the clergy who officiated at my wedding when I finished college. Meanwhile, my sibs went to school and found new homes in other churches. Nowadays they are Presbyterians, Methodists, and Lutherans, and 75% of them are active in their churches. There's probably nothing important about this train of thought, but it struck me. I think that even though I "knew" my sibs weren't UCC/Congregational, I've just always thought "we were a UCC family." I realized for the first time, that for my younger siblings, they've lived longer as members of some other denomination than they did in our "home" denomination.
2. I've been part of many discussions at church about how to bring young people into the church, how to attract families, how to grow the congregation. There's been a lot of "Why don't parents bring their kids to Sunday school?" Well, why aren't we questioning ourselves? My own children are not part of, and were never part of my church. My husband is Jewish, albeit a non-religious Jew, but he was not willing for me to raise our sons in my church. That has been my struggle, and my pain. They've certainly been exposed to my active church life and Christian faith, but they are not members of any faith at this point. I look at other active church members and wonder. What happened that their children are not here? At 56, I am one of the "younger" active church members. There is a whole generation of folks missing in our congregation for the most part - the 12-40's. Our children and grandchildren aren't here. They're not anywhere for the most part. We do have a small group of Sunday school children at present, for which we are thankful. Maybe the next time somebody says "Why don't parents bring their kids to church?" I'll be brave enough to say "Here's why my kids aren't part of this church, how come yours aren't?" A little like checking for the logs in our eyes???
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
On the Needles
Except for sewing on the really cute buttons I purchased for this sweater, this baby sweater is finished.
It's a Fiber Arts pattern Zarina #15 otherwise called Seed Stitch Cardigan. I can't find any web link for it. I got the pattern for free when I purchased the yarn at Fiber Arts, a lovely yarn store in Cape May, NJ over my April vacation. The yarn is Ella Rae Lace Merino, and the sweater took exactly one skein. I have 42 inches of yarn left! I haven't sewed the buttons on yet, because I put them in a safe place until I needed them. I saw them in that safe place last week. Do you think I can remember where that safe place is now that I'm ready or them??? I Of course not! I also need to gently block it. The body of the sweater is all stockinette, which makes it a quick knit even if it's on size 3 needles. The bands and the cuffs of the sweater are all in seed stitch.
I loved working with the yarn. I love the little pocket too!
This is baby present #2 of 3 which I started last night.
It's the Easy Lace Baby Blanket from the latest issue of Creative Knitting. and I'm using Plymouth Encore from Webs in honeydew. It's only a 4 row pattern, and 2 of those rows are purl backs! So this should be my travel knitting for a while.
I am awaiting a box of yarn from Webs. My knitting buddy and I each ordered a bunch of close out sock yarn over the weekend. Not that either of us needs more sock yarn. But as I explained to a nonknitting friend of mine, some folks lust over shoes. We lust over yarn!!
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| From Knitting Gallery |
It's a Fiber Arts pattern Zarina #15 otherwise called Seed Stitch Cardigan. I can't find any web link for it. I got the pattern for free when I purchased the yarn at Fiber Arts, a lovely yarn store in Cape May, NJ over my April vacation. The yarn is Ella Rae Lace Merino, and the sweater took exactly one skein. I have 42 inches of yarn left! I haven't sewed the buttons on yet, because I put them in a safe place until I needed them. I saw them in that safe place last week. Do you think I can remember where that safe place is now that I'm ready or them??? I Of course not! I also need to gently block it. The body of the sweater is all stockinette, which makes it a quick knit even if it's on size 3 needles. The bands and the cuffs of the sweater are all in seed stitch.
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| From Knitting Gallery |
I loved working with the yarn. I love the little pocket too!
 |
| From Knitting Gallery |
This is baby present #2 of 3 which I started last night.
 |
| From Knitting Gallery |
It's the Easy Lace Baby Blanket from the latest issue of Creative Knitting. and I'm using Plymouth Encore from Webs in honeydew. It's only a 4 row pattern, and 2 of those rows are purl backs! So this should be my travel knitting for a while.
I am awaiting a box of yarn from Webs. My knitting buddy and I each ordered a bunch of close out sock yarn over the weekend. Not that either of us needs more sock yarn. But as I explained to a nonknitting friend of mine, some folks lust over shoes. We lust over yarn!!
Monday, June 28, 2010
More Middle School Literature!
Book #58!
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I need another ratings bar -- one for how much I personally liked a book, and how much I think my students will like a book. I know that this is a popular title with many middle school girls, so I finally got around to reading it. The setting is sometime in the future in what used to the U.S. A major rebellion among the districts against the ruling government resulted in a vengeful punishment that has become a mandatory sporting event akin to the World Cup. Katniss has volunteerred to represent her district at the Hunger Games, taking the place of her younger sister whose name was chosen in "the reaping." Twenty-four teenagers battle each other to the death, with one winner emerging victoriously. The fast-paced novel keeps readers glued to the book, and it is a very compelling read. I did stay up late to finish it last night, but I also found it disturbing. I'd recommend it for older middle school students. Katniss is a conflicted heroine and the author did a great job of portraying her world. This is the first of several books in the series, and I will most likely read the next ones.
View all my reviews >>
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I need another ratings bar -- one for how much I personally liked a book, and how much I think my students will like a book. I know that this is a popular title with many middle school girls, so I finally got around to reading it. The setting is sometime in the future in what used to the U.S. A major rebellion among the districts against the ruling government resulted in a vengeful punishment that has become a mandatory sporting event akin to the World Cup. Katniss has volunteerred to represent her district at the Hunger Games, taking the place of her younger sister whose name was chosen in "the reaping." Twenty-four teenagers battle each other to the death, with one winner emerging victoriously. The fast-paced novel keeps readers glued to the book, and it is a very compelling read. I did stay up late to finish it last night, but I also found it disturbing. I'd recommend it for older middle school students. Katniss is a conflicted heroine and the author did a great job of portraying her world. This is the first of several books in the series, and I will most likely read the next ones.
View all my reviews >>
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Keeping Track
I've been keeping track of the books I read each year on Goodreads. I try to write at least a short review of each, and I sort them various ways for my own amusement. It started when I "guesstimated" how many books I read in a year in a conversation with another readaholic. In 2008 I read 106 books, in 2009 I read 105, and so far this year I've read 57. Now I suppose I'd feel very virtuous if I could tell you that these books were deeply edifying, educational, and enlightening, but for the most part, they are pure entertainment. I have definitely read some very challenging books, most recently Parallel Journeys, but mostly they are mysteries, mostly they are parts of series with familiar characters and plotlines, and mostly they do not challenge my brain or my beliefs. And I'm mostly okay with that. I am constantly challenged by my work with adolescents so I definitely need the escapist reading.
Here's Book #56
A Grave Denied by Dana Stabenow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Grave Denied is another terrific installment in the Kate Shugak series. Kate's "ward" Johnnie Morgan and his classmates discover the frozen body of a long-time Park resident in a glacial cave. Jim Chopin asks Kate to help with the investigation, much to the jealous dismay of Dandy Mike, who's hoping to become Jim's assistant trooper. As in all the other books, a few more murders/attempted murders occur before Kate gets it all sorted out. What made this book standout for me was the inclusion of Johnny's journals. I really liked his point of view about the events, and about Kate. Perhaps too, there's some foreshadowing for future novels as it's clear he has a major crush on Kate. I also like the way Kate was honored by her community, and especially her reaction to their love!
View all my reviews >>
Here's Book #56
A Grave Denied by Dana StabenowMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Grave Denied is another terrific installment in the Kate Shugak series. Kate's "ward" Johnnie Morgan and his classmates discover the frozen body of a long-time Park resident in a glacial cave. Jim Chopin asks Kate to help with the investigation, much to the jealous dismay of Dandy Mike, who's hoping to become Jim's assistant trooper. As in all the other books, a few more murders/attempted murders occur before Kate gets it all sorted out. What made this book standout for me was the inclusion of Johnny's journals. I really liked his point of view about the events, and about Kate. Perhaps too, there's some foreshadowing for future novels as it's clear he has a major crush on Kate. I also like the way Kate was honored by her community, and especially her reaction to their love!
View all my reviews >>
And here's #57:
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I've always enjoyed Agatha Christie, but somehow had never read this one which introduce Tommy and Tuppence and the Young Adventurers partnership. This was quite entertaining with very likable characters and a sensational plot ripped out of 1920's headlines. I'm guessing it was written early in her career because while there were several plot twists, I actually figured out two of them on my own. In other words, my own "little grey cells" were up this challenge. I also think that she captured the flavor of the time quite well - or at least the stereotype of the era. I haven't read other Tommy and Tuppence novels, yet, but will be putting them on my list.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Summertime
The current Friday Five at at RevGalBlogPals is an invitation to share what I like or dislike about summer. So here goes:
1. The relaxed schedule! I don't have to set my alarm for 4:45, I don't have get on the hamster wheel that has me driving to work at 6:20 and driving home again at 6:20, I don't have to cram all my errands and chores into Saturday, I don't have to always balance what I need to do with what I want to do. I can stay up past 10 pm if I want to, or go to bed early. I can have a whole 2nd cup of coffee instead of pouring the 2nd cup and leaving it on the table since I never really have time to drink it during the school year.
2. My porch! I love sitting on my porch in the glider/rocker I brought home from my parents' porch, a glass of ice water with lime and mint, and either my knitting or a good book in my hands. Or sitting there in the dark at night, watching bats swoop around the yard, or the fireflies twinkling.
3. Open windows! Despite the fact that the birds can wake me up earlier than I wish them to, I love hearing them as the dawn breaks. I love the sound of the wind and wind chime in my pear tree. I even like the sound of the June bugs attacking the screen despite the fact that the sound terrified me as a child.
4. The sometimes perfect weather like yesterday -- low 80°'s, brilliant blue sky, only the faintest whisp of a cloud, and no humidity. If I could find a place to live that had weather like that most of the time, I'd be happy. It's hot enough to go swimming, but not so hot that you can't still get chores done.
5. Ice cream at the local ice cream stand, fresh veggies from the garden or in our CSA basket, and lots of fresh fruit -- local strawberries, local blueberries, and even a few cherries from our tree in front, although the crows and squirrels get most of those.
Summer for me is the time to recharge my battery, to rest and vegetate, at least for a couple of weeks. Then I can start my planning for the next school year - reading the new books I need to read, developing the new lessons I need to plan, getting familiar with new curriculum, and learning whatever it is I need to learn in order to head back into the classroom refreshed and rejuvenated. If you're a teacher, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
1. The relaxed schedule! I don't have to set my alarm for 4:45, I don't have get on the hamster wheel that has me driving to work at 6:20 and driving home again at 6:20, I don't have to cram all my errands and chores into Saturday, I don't have to always balance what I need to do with what I want to do. I can stay up past 10 pm if I want to, or go to bed early. I can have a whole 2nd cup of coffee instead of pouring the 2nd cup and leaving it on the table since I never really have time to drink it during the school year.
2. My porch! I love sitting on my porch in the glider/rocker I brought home from my parents' porch, a glass of ice water with lime and mint, and either my knitting or a good book in my hands. Or sitting there in the dark at night, watching bats swoop around the yard, or the fireflies twinkling.
3. Open windows! Despite the fact that the birds can wake me up earlier than I wish them to, I love hearing them as the dawn breaks. I love the sound of the wind and wind chime in my pear tree. I even like the sound of the June bugs attacking the screen despite the fact that the sound terrified me as a child.
4. The sometimes perfect weather like yesterday -- low 80°'s, brilliant blue sky, only the faintest whisp of a cloud, and no humidity. If I could find a place to live that had weather like that most of the time, I'd be happy. It's hot enough to go swimming, but not so hot that you can't still get chores done.
5. Ice cream at the local ice cream stand, fresh veggies from the garden or in our CSA basket, and lots of fresh fruit -- local strawberries, local blueberries, and even a few cherries from our tree in front, although the crows and squirrels get most of those.
Summer for me is the time to recharge my battery, to rest and vegetate, at least for a couple of weeks. Then I can start my planning for the next school year - reading the new books I need to read, developing the new lessons I need to plan, getting familiar with new curriculum, and learning whatever it is I need to learn in order to head back into the classroom refreshed and rejuvenated. If you're a teacher, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Friday, June 25, 2010
This and That and . . . More Books!
A busy, busy week. Monday and Tuesday I spent working on ELA curriculum with a group of K-8 teachers. I have another day of that work next week. Wednesday we traveled down to North Attleboro, MA to meet our 2 sons. Younger Son is visiting from the West Coast and was spending a very short amount of time with his brother. We met them both, took them out to lunch, and then brought Younger Son home so that he could attend a friend's bachelor party. In fact, we dropped him off at another friend's house who took him to the party and then drove him back to our house at noon on Thursday! Then Younger Son and Dad drove to Springfield, MA to pick up Younger Son's girlfriend. They all got back here at 6:30 last night. Once the travelers decide to rise and shine, they plan on climbing the local mountain. It's a beautiful day to do that, but the morning's almost over, and they are still asleep! Tomorrow they go to the wedding they came east for. Meanwhile, I've also done some significant cleaning, had a lovely knitting afternoon with a good friend, and I've grocery shopped and cooked. And of course, I've read a couple more books!
The first is another installment in the Deborah Crombie Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones series:
Now May You Weep by Deborah Crombie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another winner! Gemma James accompanies her best friend Hazel Cavendish on a cooking weekend in Scotland. To her dismay she discovers that Hazel is meeting the man she should have married. Meanwhile, Kit's grandmother is suing for custody, and Kit refuses to take a paternity test. Of course a murder occurs over Gemma's holiday weekend, and since she's out of her jurisdiction, she can't run the investigation. The focus of this installment is more on Gemma's relationships and her personal insights into her own motivations. I really liked this one.
View all my reviews >>
The first is another installment in the Deborah Crombie Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones series:
Now May You Weep by Deborah CrombieMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another winner! Gemma James accompanies her best friend Hazel Cavendish on a cooking weekend in Scotland. To her dismay she discovers that Hazel is meeting the man she should have married. Meanwhile, Kit's grandmother is suing for custody, and Kit refuses to take a paternity test. Of course a murder occurs over Gemma's holiday weekend, and since she's out of her jurisdiction, she can't run the investigation. The focus of this installment is more on Gemma's relationships and her personal insights into her own motivations. I really liked this one.
View all my reviews >>
The second book was completely different. I read it because it's one of the books read in 7th grade, my new grade level. What a challenging book!
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I'm a middle school teacher moving to 7th grade next year, and I was given a pile of books that the 7th grade uses. This one was on top of the stack.
Parallel Journeys is a nonfiction account of Helen Waterford, a Jewish girl who survived Auschwitz, and Alfons Heck, a powerful member of Hitler Youth. The chapters alternate between Helen and Alfons. Interspersed between their chilling first-person diary entries is the well-researched chronicling of the events leading up to and through World War II primarily from Germany's perspective. This will definitely be a challenging read for students, especially on an emotional level.
I found it scary too, especially when I see some of the blind, kneejerk reactions of many of us here in the US to 9/11, and now the economy. Many people have castigated the German public for embracing Hitler's promises. What promises, from which leaders, are we embracing in our fears for ourselves?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
First Week of Summer Break
I'm still waiting to sleep in! I woke up at 4 am on Saturday, 3:30 am on Sunday, and 3:45 am yesterday. Today however, I made it all the way to 5:30 am before giving up. I realize that stress has been cutting into my sleep pattern, but it's also hard to sleep in when your alarm rings during the school year at 4:45 am. And at this time of year, it's getting light at 4, and the birds are starting to make a racket. Our yard has been blessed (?) with a multitude of crows this spring. They are quite loud! Right now the 2 cherry trees in our front yard are loaded with cherries and the crows have taken up residence! I was sitting on the porch Sunday afternoon and it sounded like I was in the middle of a crowded school cafeteria with all the noise!
Saturday we spent moving furniture again. We've renovated 2 of 5 rooms and needed to get the furniture back into those rooms. We were under a deadline because Younger Son and his girlfriend will be visiting later this week and they need a place to sleep! There were no available beds for them! Sunday was church and church council. Since the moderator was away, this vice moderator had to run an agenda-packed meeting after church. It was after 1 pm when I got home, but we got a ton of business accomplished. Yesterday and today I've been part of a team that's writing K-8 English/Language Arts curriculum for our district . At least we're getting paid some extra $ for that work. After my session today, I need to travel to the small city about 20 minutes away to shop for bed linens for the new guest rooms. Tomorrow I need to act as chauffeur and meet Younger Son somewhere between here and either Boston, Providence or NYC (don't ask --- he has a flexible itinerary!). On Thursday, we will have to do the same to meet his girlfriend (again, don't ask!) I also have plans for a knitting session with my best friend. Somewhere between today and Friday, the church moderator and I need to get together to work on some church issues, too. On Friday I have an eye doctor appointment, and I'm supposed to get a massage. The latter may be rescheduled depending on the plans of Son and Girlfriend which depend on the weather. They are here for a friend's wedding but they want to climb our local famous mountain on Friday if the weather cooperates. Then on Sunday, we have to get them to Boston for their plane back to Los Angeles. So, for the first week of down time, I'm pretty busy. But it's nice! Now I just have to work on the relaxation piece, and I'll be all set!
Saturday we spent moving furniture again. We've renovated 2 of 5 rooms and needed to get the furniture back into those rooms. We were under a deadline because Younger Son and his girlfriend will be visiting later this week and they need a place to sleep! There were no available beds for them! Sunday was church and church council. Since the moderator was away, this vice moderator had to run an agenda-packed meeting after church. It was after 1 pm when I got home, but we got a ton of business accomplished. Yesterday and today I've been part of a team that's writing K-8 English/Language Arts curriculum for our district . At least we're getting paid some extra $ for that work. After my session today, I need to travel to the small city about 20 minutes away to shop for bed linens for the new guest rooms. Tomorrow I need to act as chauffeur and meet Younger Son somewhere between here and either Boston, Providence or NYC (don't ask --- he has a flexible itinerary!). On Thursday, we will have to do the same to meet his girlfriend (again, don't ask!) I also have plans for a knitting session with my best friend. Somewhere between today and Friday, the church moderator and I need to get together to work on some church issues, too. On Friday I have an eye doctor appointment, and I'm supposed to get a massage. The latter may be rescheduled depending on the plans of Son and Girlfriend which depend on the weather. They are here for a friend's wedding but they want to climb our local famous mountain on Friday if the weather cooperates. Then on Sunday, we have to get them to Boston for their plane back to Los Angeles. So, for the first week of down time, I'm pretty busy. But it's nice! Now I just have to work on the relaxation piece, and I'll be all set!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Who am I?
I haven't posted recently for a couple of reasons having to do with the bustle of the end of the school year and the myriad of other items in my personal life that I've had to juggle. But the main reason I haven't posted is that I just haven't figured out what I needed/wanted to say about the major transition I'm making at work. I've been a basket case for the past couple of months stressing over the change in teaching assignment, hoping against hope that it wouldn't happen, and then really being angry about the change, and now just being really sad. Friday was the last day of school and I was a veritable waterworks. My eyes kept leaking tears and I had to stay silent several times because I knew if I tried to talk, I'd burst into sobs. By the time I got home Friday evening I was so exhausted, I could barely stay awake for dinner. Even today, I am still feeling worn out. I realized though that a huge part of the problem for me is my complete loss of identity. For 15 years I've been a 6th grade teacher. My internet user name is based on that fact. My locker combo at the gym is based on that. It was hard enough the past 2 years to lose my identity as a social studies teacher - I never did come to grips with that, but now my grade level is gone. I thought several times on Friday as I packed my room that this move was worse than retirement will be. At least retirement will be a choice. As I packed I wondered what to do with the little souvenirs I've collected - the "Best 6th grade Teacher" mug, magnets, etc.
I keep trying to concentrate on the positives: big classroom, a closet, a good teaching partner. But I'm not through the grieving process yet. It's scary that I've invested so much in one identity! I need to diversify and build my other identities - wife, mother of adult children, Christian,knitter, reader, friend, and I need to make friends with my new label - 7th grade teacher. But I don't want to do that last one yet . . . deep down if I'm honest, I'm still hoping for a deus ex machina rescue!
I keep trying to concentrate on the positives: big classroom, a closet, a good teaching partner. But I'm not through the grieving process yet. It's scary that I've invested so much in one identity! I need to diversify and build my other identities - wife, mother of adult children, Christian,knitter, reader, friend, and I need to make friends with my new label - 7th grade teacher. But I don't want to do that last one yet . . . deep down if I'm honest, I'm still hoping for a deus ex machina rescue!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
And Then There Were Five
Just 5 more wake-ups until the end of this school year. That's what the kids and I have been counting. They have 4.5 days of school left and as far as they're concerned, they've been done for a while. This week will be very easy in some respects since all the academic work is done. In other respects, it will be a tough week. We still have field day tomorrow (or Tuesday, if the weather doesn't cooperate) to get through. That's about 4.5 hours of outside activity: relay races, egg toss, tug of war, etc. They love it, but it's pretty wearing on this particular teacher. Then we have another outside day at a local camp on Thursday. In between we have Roman chariot races, ice cream making, book project presentations, and awards. And I get to go into this week with one of the worst spring colds I've ever had. Two nights of no sleep because of the nasal congestion does not make me feel rested and ready to go.
I still have to get my room packed ready for the move up to 7th grade. This week will be tough for me. I've worked with members of my team for 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, and over 10 years, so this is going to be very hard emotionally for me. I'm heading off into uncharted territory and I just pray I have the energy left to do this. I plan to use the summer to really relax so that when school starts again, I have lots of reserves to draw on.
I still have to get my room packed ready for the move up to 7th grade. This week will be tough for me. I've worked with members of my team for 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, and over 10 years, so this is going to be very hard emotionally for me. I'm heading off into uncharted territory and I just pray I have the energy left to do this. I plan to use the summer to really relax so that when school starts again, I have lots of reserves to draw on.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
And a Few More Titles
First, an adult book:
Angelology by Danielle Trussoni
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The premise of Angelology was interesting, and I really liked the mix of Judeo-Christian theology, Greek mythology, and folklore. Descendants of the fallen angels and humanity locked in a battle over their individual futures -- how could that not be an exciting read? Trussoni's book is packed with bits of fascinating information, and she's created a very detailed world. But I felt the pace of the book was plodding, at least until the end, and then it speeded up so fast, that I felt I was being left behind. I was really disappointed in the ending. I felt it was too abrupt, and left too many strings untied. If there is a sequel, I don't think I care enough to find out what happens between Verlain and Evangeline.
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Angelology by Danielle TrussoniMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
The premise of Angelology was interesting, and I really liked the mix of Judeo-Christian theology, Greek mythology, and folklore. Descendants of the fallen angels and humanity locked in a battle over their individual futures -- how could that not be an exciting read? Trussoni's book is packed with bits of fascinating information, and she's created a very detailed world. But I felt the pace of the book was plodding, at least until the end, and then it speeded up so fast, that I felt I was being left behind. I was really disappointed in the ending. I felt it was too abrupt, and left too many strings untied. If there is a sequel, I don't think I care enough to find out what happens between Verlain and Evangeline.
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And now a few books I've read as I try to find new books for my classroom library, especially as I'm moving up a grade level:
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book from Jerry Spinelli, a popular author among my students. I read it in fact, upon the recommendation of one of my 6th grade boys. Will Tuppence is a bit of an oddball; he's a great chess champion,and he's devastated by the news that the protons decay. This book is his personal journal. His entries are dated by the # of days past the news that scientists destroyed a proton. He is best friends with Mi-Su, with whom he shares a passion for astronomy, pizza, Monopoly, and B.T, their daredevil skateboarding friend. Will is also plagued by his preschool sister who purposely sets out to drive him crazy. All is well with the 3 friends until Will sees B.T. and Mi-Su kissing at a star party. Things get very awkward among the 3 of them, as Will works out friendship and relationships. And a family crisis, helps Will understand his sister's behavior. I could see why my student enjoyed this book. He's very bright, has a passion for things most boys aren't interested in, and has a pesky younger sister. So I think he identified with Will on a lot of levels. I'm not sure how popular this book would be with other boys, but I think my girls would enjoy this book. While I like some of Spinelli's books better, this one will go on my classroom shelf.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mary Jane Auch's historical fiction tells the story of Margaret Rose Nolan's first experiences in 1911 New York City as an immigrant from Ireland. Rose, as she prefers to be called, eventually finds work in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, but not before she experiences some scary moments. She makes friends with Gussie Garoff, her landlord's daughter and a labor union activist. This novel does a good job of presenting the difficulties many immigrant girls faced without going into explicit detail. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire is treated similarly. This makes it a good candidate for use in a middle school social studies or language arts classroom.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Will Hobbs is one of my favorite authors, and I had the chance to meet him once too. Our 6th grade used to use his book Far North when we studied Canada and one year, we invited him to speak to our kids. My husband and I picked him up from the airport and hosted him at our home for dinner. He was a charming conversationalist, and our students really enjoyed his presentation.
Go Big or Go Home introduces us to Brady and Quinn, cousins who enjoy extreme adventure. Brady narrowly misses being hit by a meteorite. He recovers the space rock, names it FRED and then strange things begin to happen. Space bacteria have infected him, and he discovers a surge of strength and stamina he's never had before. For once in his life, he's able to get the better of his cousin Quinn in basketball, biking, and whatever else they try. But soon, a strange paralysis overcomes him, and Brady's life hangs in the balance. This is a mix of humor, science fiction, and adventure, and a very quick read. It didn't work as a read-aloud for me, but a couple of students read it by themselves, and thought it was "pretty good." It's definitely a much easier read for many of my students than some of Hobbs' earlier books like Far North, Ghost Canoe, or Downriver. Personally, I liked those earlier novels better.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Cables and Lace Baby Blanket
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| From Knitting Gallery |
This is what I've been knitting for the last month. I used a pattern called Heavenly Blanket from Coats and Clark, and I used 6 skeins of Plymouth Encore (worsted) in aquamarine. Once I got the pattern memorized it was a pretty mindless knit, although the k4 together every 4 rows slowed me down some. This blanket is for one of 3 baby boys that are on their way early this fall.
Here's a close up of the pattern:
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| From Knitting Gallery |
I Forgot Book #44
A Fine and Bitter Snow by Dana StabenowMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kate Shugak is moving on with her life, and there are plenty of hints as to where it might go. Dan O'Brien, park ranger, is being strongly "encouraged" to take early retirement as the pressure builds to expand drilling rights in the ANWR and in the Park. As Kate attempts to use her contacts to keep Dan in the Park, a pair of elderly conservationists are brutally attacked in their home. Kate and Jim Chopin team together to find the perpetrator. Once again, the Alaskan wilderness and way of life shines. Stabenow has created such strong, believable characters that it's easy to "forget" they are fictional --- it was a delight to see Kate start to live again, after the personal devastation wreaked in previous novels.
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Saturday, June 5, 2010
Books # 40-43
What can I say? I love to escape into books!!
Book # 40
href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76884.Kissed_a_Sad_Goodbye">Kissed a Sad Goodbye by Deborah Crombie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Another good entry in the series. I think I read this one years ago -- I had the deja vu feeling, but I didn't remember the culprit or the reasons why. I definitely like how Deborah Crombie is developing her characters as well as the relationship between Kincaid and James. I also continue to be surprised that she is not a British author; her settings are so evocative!
Book #41:
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd installment in the Richard Jury series, and I enjoyed it more than the first one. Richard Jury and Sergeant Wiggins are called out to a small Yorkshire village to investigate the murder of Gemma Temple, or is it Dillys March, the long-lost ward of Sir Titus Crael? There are a number of possible suspects, all with good possible motives. Grimes does a superb job of creating detailed characters, and in addition to fleshing out Wiggins, Melrose Plant, and Jury, we're introduced to the delightful Bertie Makepeace and "chatty" Percy Blythe. She also serves up a good dollop of humor: I laughed out loud when Plant convinces Aunt Agatha that he's being followed by the dastardly agent provocateur Mr. Todd!
Book #42
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This is a fantasy/romance which is not my favorite genre. I found it a bit too heavy on the romance for my tastes. Donna Hatch has created a believable world that was easy to picture. I also liked her characters.
Book #43
a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/511614.The_101_Dalmatians" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px">
The 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
The 101 Dalmatians by Dodie SmithMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I LOVED this book! Until recently I didn't know that the Disney movie which enthralled me as a youngster, was based on a book. (I don't know why, since just about every great Disney flick was based on one!) The book of course was a bit different than the movie, and even better. I loved the way the story was told from Pongo and Missis' perspective. In the book, Perdita is a stray who becomes a foster mother to the pups. I also loved the humor of the book. It's a bit more sophisticated than that of the movie. I wonder a bit if I would have enjoyed the book as much as I did had I read it as a child.
Ten
That's all that's left of this year. Ten more days. Out of those 10 days, there are actually only 5 days of teaching time. I wish that we would re-think our end of the year activities, and put them all in the last week of school rather than spreading them out willy-nilly. It's hard enough to keep kids focused, and when we keep interrupting academic time for the fun stuff, it's impossible to get them back. Plus it makes it that much more difficult to do anything meaningful.
This past week:
Monday - Memorial Day - no school
Tuesday - Regular Day (but some students visiting elementary schools as ambassadors)
Wednesday - Regular Day (but many kids out of school for Solar Car competition)
Thursday - 5th Grade Step Up AND a school-wide assembly-- Our 6th graders spent the morning watching a movie while we did the orientation with the 5th graders. The afternoon was an assembly.
Friday - Regular Day (more student ambassador visits)
Next week:
Monday - Regular Day
Tuesday - Regular Day
Wednesday - Annual Walk to local ice cream parlor- (1/2 day of class time)
Thursday - Regular Day (band and chorus students on a field trip)
Friday - All school Kickball Round Robins
The last week:
Monday - Field Day (all day outside)
Tuesday - Regular Day
Wednesday - Regular Day
Thursday - Field Trip (outside all day at a camp)
Friday - Last Day
I have to pack up my room too during the next 10 days. I am heading back up to the third floor of our building and will be teaching 7th grade next year. While I appreciate very much that I will get back to teaching social studies, I really don't want to leave 6th grade. I love working with the younger students, helping them transition from elementary school to middle school. I created the 6th grade social studies curriculum too, purchasing many materials over the year to support it out of my own money. Now I have to learn a whole new curriculum -- again. And the fact that it's move #7 makes me crazy!
So it's 10 days more of 6th grade. . . .
This past week:
Monday - Memorial Day - no school
Tuesday - Regular Day (but some students visiting elementary schools as ambassadors)
Wednesday - Regular Day (but many kids out of school for Solar Car competition)
Thursday - 5th Grade Step Up AND a school-wide assembly-- Our 6th graders spent the morning watching a movie while we did the orientation with the 5th graders. The afternoon was an assembly.
Friday - Regular Day (more student ambassador visits)
Next week:
Monday - Regular Day
Tuesday - Regular Day
Wednesday - Annual Walk to local ice cream parlor- (1/2 day of class time)
Thursday - Regular Day (band and chorus students on a field trip)
Friday - All school Kickball Round Robins
The last week:
Monday - Field Day (all day outside)
Tuesday - Regular Day
Wednesday - Regular Day
Thursday - Field Trip (outside all day at a camp)
Friday - Last Day
I have to pack up my room too during the next 10 days. I am heading back up to the third floor of our building and will be teaching 7th grade next year. While I appreciate very much that I will get back to teaching social studies, I really don't want to leave 6th grade. I love working with the younger students, helping them transition from elementary school to middle school. I created the 6th grade social studies curriculum too, purchasing many materials over the year to support it out of my own money. Now I have to learn a whole new curriculum -- again. And the fact that it's move #7 makes me crazy!
So it's 10 days more of 6th grade. . . .
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Four More Weeks
This past week at school was not a good one. I came close to walking out in despair on Thursday. My students were taking a high stakes test (on computer). As teachers we've been told that 60% of our students must meet their computer-set growth targets, or we will be placed on a "professional growth plan." Only 59% of my students achieved their targets. I have worked VERY hard this year to teach them the skills they are supposed to learn. Some of the 59% not only achieved their goals, but far exceeded them --- 27, 25, 22, 18, 15, 10 points above their targets. 80% of my students achieved growth --- just not the right amount of growth. Of the students who didn't make their targets: One student's parents split up the day before the test. Another student hasn't done any work all year despite all my interventions. Three students rushed through the 60 minute test in under 20 minutes and refused to re-take it. And of course, I am to blame for their failures to reach their targets. This is what is wrong with high stakes testing. The accountability is ENTIRELY on the teacher. There is no accountability for students or parents.
With that off my chest, there are four more very long weeks ahead of us. This week promises to be a very hot one so we will be very uncomfortable in our sun-filled rooms. Trying to keep 12 and 13 year-olds focused when it's hot will be that much more difficult. I am trying to be proactive. I have several fun (hopefully!) hands-on activities planned involving building ramps, racing Matchbox cars, colliding marbles, and lifting objects with helium filled balloons. I have some videos planned that tie quite nicely with our science curriculum. We're reading novels that students have chosen themselves, and they will be creating some skits, games, and other physical presentations around their novels. In short, I am trying to be accountable to the curriculum when most of my students have decided school is over with. The last few weeks are always difficult, but we've had a very early spring and now some too-early summery weather. They are done. I'm just about done too!
With that off my chest, there are four more very long weeks ahead of us. This week promises to be a very hot one so we will be very uncomfortable in our sun-filled rooms. Trying to keep 12 and 13 year-olds focused when it's hot will be that much more difficult. I am trying to be proactive. I have several fun (hopefully!) hands-on activities planned involving building ramps, racing Matchbox cars, colliding marbles, and lifting objects with helium filled balloons. I have some videos planned that tie quite nicely with our science curriculum. We're reading novels that students have chosen themselves, and they will be creating some skits, games, and other physical presentations around their novels. In short, I am trying to be accountable to the curriculum when most of my students have decided school is over with. The last few weeks are always difficult, but we've had a very early spring and now some too-early summery weather. They are done. I'm just about done too!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Book #39
a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4667024-the-help" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px">
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down! Kathryn Stockett's portrayals of Abileen, Minnie, and Skeeter were so vivid and realistic, I felt I was listening to each of them speaking personally to me. I have no idea of how close to reality the fictional experiences of these women are, it felt very true. I have lived always in the north, and until only very recently, I have never had any household help. (We've just recently found someone to come in occasionally to help with cleaning.) What came through for me loud and clear, however, was the universality of all women's fears, concerns, wants, and needs.
View all my reviews >>
The Help by Kathryn StockettMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down! Kathryn Stockett's portrayals of Abileen, Minnie, and Skeeter were so vivid and realistic, I felt I was listening to each of them speaking personally to me. I have no idea of how close to reality the fictional experiences of these women are, it felt very true. I have lived always in the north, and until only very recently, I have never had any household help. (We've just recently found someone to come in occasionally to help with cleaning.) What came through for me loud and clear, however, was the universality of all women's fears, concerns, wants, and needs.
View all my reviews >>
Sunday, May 16, 2010
A Biography This Time!
Hero of the Pacific: The Life of Marine Legend John Basilone by James BradyMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I picked up this book at the library because I've been watching The Pacific on HBO. I was interested in finding out more John Basilone, one of the Marines about whom the Tom Hanks' series is centered.
I found the book confusing to read. The author jumped around in the timeline, and I wasn't always clear as to who he was quoting. I felt that the author's main purpose of the book was to sift through a lot of conflicting information about John Basilone rather than to tell his story. Some things I did take away from the book: John Basilone was a skilled soldier and Marine; he fought heroically, and died heroically. The details are confusing which seems to make sense to me. Although I have never been in battle, I can't imagine it to be anything other than horrible and confusing. I also believe that his other biographers told his story as they believed it to have happened, out of love and admiration, not out of any other motive. Since Basilone apparently never wrote about his experiences, and since all of his personal narrative was part of the War Bonds tour (with government oversight!), there is little primary source. What I found fascinating is that I lived in Bridgewater Township, NJ during from 1963-1970, and I attended Bridgewater-Raritan High School (West). Raritan was "next door". We visited Duke Island Park often, shopped at the Acme on the Somerville Circle, and I was familiar with many of the Raritan locations mentioned in the book. I never heard of John Basilone. Weird.
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