Retirement Job!!

I've always said I couldn't retire until I found my retirement job/passion. Well, I found it today. I have always wanted to live on a farm. I have no idea why, I know it is 12 months of 24/7 hard work. I must have some glorified version in my head of what being on a farm is like, horses, bunnies, goats, gathering eggs--and yet, my intellect tells me STOP!! Today, I (and Sarah) took our little Kinder friends to the Centenniel Farm at the Orange County Fairgrounds. And there, I found my future volunteer employment--a docent at the farm. One who takes small groups of children around the farm, explaining and teaching their little hearts out for one hour or so, then telling the kids goodbye, and being finished!! No grade cards, no parent conferences, (I do enjoy meeting the parents, however), no hours of planning--but of course, the bad part--no paycheck. So I guess I'll stay where I am for a while longer anyway. I do like money. Besides, there is something about developing relationships with the kids. Falling in love with them, and seeing their amazing growth over the 10 months we have them. Today, I loved looking into the eyes of the kids while we sang rousing renditions of Old MacDonald, Itsy, Bitsy Spider and countless other classics, and seeing their utter joy. Yes, I am exactly where I am supposed to be. At least for now.

Fall at Last!

True, the leaves haven't starting changing colors--most won't. But it is cool--55 degrees last night at 10:00. And we are going to the pumpkin patch tonight!! It is fall!! We've been so hot for the past 2 months that wearing long sleeved shirts and hoodies is a welcome treat! I'm feeling fallish!! That means a hot sweet drink every morning to get me going. There are two beautiful children asleep in two of my rooms. A hot cup of coffee in my hands. Warm clothes on my body. A beautiful warm home. Thank you, Lord for this beautiful day!

Summer Nights

What a fun evening we had tonight. We watched Wall-E with two of our grandkids and their mom and dad in a beautiful park under the stars. Who knew that would be so delightful. It brought back memories of the family drive-in nights our family used to love. My mom would pop a bushel basket full of popcorn--with butter! Also, since we didn't have an ice maker, she would wrap two ice cube trays with newspaper, and bring cups and cokes for our drinks. We never went to the concession stand--we always brought our own treats. The main difference was tonight we were wrapped up in blankets before the movie was over. Summer nights back in Kansas were steamy hot--but no less fun and memorable! I don't remember one single specific movie I watched in those years, but the feeling of family was undeniable. Memories don't get any better!! Save your money moms and dads--your kids will remember nights like tonight forever!!

Ants

Yes, I am well aware of the awesomeness of ants. They are tireless workers, extremely industrious. And I know they can lift and carry something like 100 times their body weight. And they are even somewhat cute when you look at them up close. But, the truth is, I hate them!! In the heat we have been experiencing here in Southern California, they have literally taken over my kitchen. Since I am anti-poison, I tried everything--water, vinegar, Windex, you name it, to deter their assult on my home. I finally resorted to Raid when they covered my entire kitchen counter. I let it stand for 24 hours to hopefully send the word out--"Keep out of this house!" The next evening, as I was wiping up the bodies, I opened one of my pantry doors to see swarms of them--it was like they were in Disneyland! It was late, I was tired, I shut the door and told them to eat all they want--I would be back tomorrow. Well, it's now three days later. I have still not taken everything out of my pantry and killed the little critters. They are still swarming--even though they don't seem to be eating anything. And there seem to be a little fewer of them today. Believe it or not, I am learning to like the little guys. The good news is, it has cooled off somewhat--it's only in the 90's and down in the 60's at night. I feel strongly that they will begin their pilgrimage out of my pantry tonight. If not, tomorrow is truly "D" day--and that stands for DEATH!! Consider yourselves forewarned!!

Summer Vacation--Nearing It's End

We are enjoying a few days in Seattle visiting our son Michael and his wonderful family.  It has been cool here unlike Southern California where we have been burning!!  Today, it even rained--delightful!!  It has been so fun--staying up late, reading, sleeping late, taking great walks in the trails that surround their house, eating decadent cupcakes, taking the kids to movies, eating delicious farm grown vegetables, drinking hot tea, just spending time with the grandkids--all in all, an amazing time.  In a way I am dreading going home on Wednesday.  That is when the countdown begins for going back to work.  And I have tons to do before I go back to work.  And I am not ready to leave my summer!!  Please don't let it end just yet!!

Cuteness abounds!

How could I not mention the latest group photo of the "magnificent seven"--seriously, could there possibly ever be a cuter group of kids? Of course not!! This is our third annual June photo of the grandkids in grandma and grandpa's back yard. We will try again as soon as possible in hopes of getting the two newest little ones to smile for the camera!!

Now, I'm really back!

OK, I lied--I wasn't really back, it was just a teaser. For the past month, I have had an excuse, I have no internet. The good news about that is, we are going wireless--sometime in the next month anyway. And I am getting a new computer for me--a laptop, and we are getting a new desktop as well. A great time to go wireless-no? yes? For the time being, I am at the library. I had to come and do my online banking and get a confirmation for our trip to Seattle next week. Thank goodness for the public library--thank you, wasn't it, Ben Franklin? Whomever--thanks. So much has happened since my last post--for one, Sarah and I are moving to Kindergarten next year. And we are so happy about that. Also, we are on summer break--which is the number three reason I love teaching. Number one is the kids, the job itself and working with Sarah, number two is the money, little though it is, and third, the lovely, long summer. I went to my class reunion in June--that will be another post. We just returned from a road trip to Kansas and Oklahoma--that's another post too. This week, I am driving to San Deigo to stay in a timeshare--by myself--I can't wait!! Lonnie will join me for the weekend. I see some serious reading by the pool in my near future. And lots of Mexican food--my favorite, and Lonnie doesn't really care for it. Plus some long walks, and maybe even a workout or two in the gym, assuming they have one. Maybe I'll just settle for the lounge chair by the pool and a nice cool drink!! Tata for now!