The Plans

I now go in to see the architectural plans for the new school that will be built next year, the one I will work in, perhaps for the remaining duration of my life. I've tried to be a responsible participant in the process of planning the new building by touring 2 other new schools, taking photos and notes, attending meetings after school about the proposed building. I've found that what one teacher wants another teacher despises. I wanted a built in desk, for instance, but another teacher told the architect, "Do not put built in desks in this school." The other problem with giving input is that I have no spatial-visual competency (a term I have just now invented) so when the architect points to the plans and says, "Would you like the computers here, or over here?" I have no idea how to answer. I can't even imagine how one spot might differ from the other. I respond with hemming and hawing and wondering aloud. And going off on some tangents. I feel a little sorry for the architect, but I guess it's just part and parcel of her career path. Off to school.

The Flora

The Recipe

I made a recipe tonight and Teendaughter believes it's the first time I've done such a thing since I was on leave in Minneapolis long ago. Every 5 years or so I make something, some kind of edible thing, and I always make enough for about 50 people. At this moment, I have a gargantuan bowl of noodle salad in my fridge. If I ate noodle salad for a week, I couldn't finish it. What an odd trait, but that's how I am and I'm not sure if I can change.

The Camp

#1 son called from Band Camp tonight. He said the camp has had its ups and downs. The classes are great, but when he's not in class, he's either playing ping pong, or walking into the town, the one with just a gas station and an antique shop that closes at 3 each day. He and his pal have 2 roommates. I asked him if they were nice and he said flatly, "They're emo."
I'm not sure what emo means so rather than ask questions, I faked it by saying, "Emo. That's funny."
"For us it's not," #1 answered.

After the call, I read a little more about emo. I think it could be funny to have emo roommates.

2 recent recommendations:
History of Love by Nicole Krauss (novel)
Don't Mess with the Zohan (movie)

The Hat

I used to knit one stitch scarves, but the knitting with the schoolpeeps has prompted me to seek out some actual knitting instruction. To date, I've made one slipper and a so-called hat. Knitting Teacher took one look at my "hat" and said, "Hmmm... I think this can be salvaged." She went to work on miraculously transforming it into something wearable. Another knitter amused herself by laughing at my hat and making comments like, "THAT'S a hat?" and "Who could possibly wear that, ha ha ha..." and on and on in a like vein. After only a few months of lessons, she's successfully working on an admittedly stunning dress for her child. I'm happy for her and for her child, but she annoyed me with her constant interruptions, to share photographs of other amazing and wearable knitted items she's created.
JW and I agree that our knitting group is not the funnest. The gals and guy at the other end of the room (advanced knitters) talked about Top Chef during their class, so I tried to lighten up our group by retelling the MADE episode viewed that day about the college boy who was hoping for a first kiss. Frustratingly, the class devolved back to knitting and knitting related topics. I'm working on a new hat for next week, but my confidence is shaky and, sadly, I doubt my ability to get the job done.

The Jams

#1 son, pictured here jamming in his jammies, is heading north to BAND CAMP. The only bad part of this experience (for him) is how much he'll miss his family. Hang in there, #1. You'll be back next week.

The Coincidence

I started blogging this foto taken by bigsister when I looked up and saw a deer in this same spot in my back yard. Unfortunately, I frightened it away by trying to fotograph it. Why didn't I just enjoy the moment? As in yesterday when I saw an oriole fly by. A real highlight. And people who love birds may want to read Franzen's memoir, Discomfort Zone. KC gave it to me and I loved every chapter of his life.

The Plans

I'm putting together possible routine scenarios for the summer. Being the mistress of maladies, I am hampered in my exercise plan by 1.) plantar fasciitis and b.) an allergy to the sun which creates itchy bumps all over my neck, arms and legs. No worries, I'll figure it out. I'm feeling upbeat after a lovely trip to our neighbors in the north. After I'm through guiding #1 son through the art of cleaning a hamster cage, I'll spend some time watering my garden, after liberally applying #70 sunblock.

The Fun

Sisterwoman helped me plant some blue flowers yesterday. We also saw a bald eagle flying over SR 37. Tomorrow we leave for Montreal.

The Light

I'm ready to head in, clean the desk, fill out some paperwork. I have 2 songs playing in my head.
"Walking on Sunshine" and the classic, "Looks Like We Made It." If I play my cards right, I'll walk out of the compound today with no need to return til mid August. Wish me luck.

The Round Up

We had our portfolio Round Up on Friday. Our visitors were mightily impressed with the writing the peeps have done. We ended the day with a round up celebration, courtesy of Good Pal Dorothy Menosky. We got these great hats and a bunch of other western treats. Thanks, Dorothy!!!!
I'm happy I moved to newschool this year. Already this weekend I've caught myself making plans for next year. When I start fantasizing about photojournalism projects and local history publications, I know I made the right choice coming over to crazyschool. Still, I need to let go of the planning and start the summer revelry. One more day.
Yeeha.