March 22, 2010
Day 81 - Sunset
After a somewhat dreary day today, the sky started to clear and gave us a pretty sunset this evening. I love this time of year when the daylight hours are getting longer.
March 21, 2010
Day 80 - Belated St. Pat's Day
Here's another of my mom's holiday needlepoint creations. Having her needlework on display always makes me smile! I guess I should have take this photo a few days ago....oh well, Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day!
March 20, 2010
Day 79 - Spring?
This was the scene that greeted us when we woke up this morning. Yesterday it was near 60º F. and this morning it is only 32º and snowing. I'm guessing Scott is wishing he had pulled the car into the garage last night!
March 19, 2010
Day 78 - Happy Birthday!
Scott's parents took us out for dinner tonight to celebrate his birthday and his sister Marcia's birthday. We had a wonderful time!
Happy birthday, Scott & Marcia!
Happy birthday, Scott & Marcia!
March 18, 2010
Day 77 - Shadows
What a gorgeous spring day today! The sunny, warm, and breezy weather was perfect for an extra long walk with the dog. This is the wooden walkway that goes out into a restored wetlands area at the park near our house. Everything is still pretty brown, but things should start greening up during the next month.
March 17, 2010
Day 76 - St. Patrick's Day!
Our retiree group had their monthly luncheon today. Although I brought my camera, someone else did the picture taking today, so technically I didn't take my own picture today. But, we had a wonderful time celebrating St. Patrick's Day at a great Irish Pub. We had about 25 retired teachers, all decked out in green!
March 16, 2010
Day 75 - Buds
The warmer weather we've had this week is encouraging our bushes to begin their spring growth. This Magnolia has a lot of buds that will be turning into flowers in the next few weeks. I'm looking forward to the flowers of spring!
March 15, 2010
Day 74 - Landfill?
To see an old TV put out with the trash and heading to a landfill makes me sad. We have marvelous recycling events in this area. It is very easy to make sure that old technology gets properly recyled. How sad that some people are still too lazy to dispose of TVs correctly.
March 14, 2010
Day 73 - Books & Software
Yesterday's task of updating the computers lead to cleaning off a shelf by my desk. This pile contains books and software that I no longer need. My next task is to list them on eBay.
March 13, 2010
Day 72 - Computer time
With nothing on the calendar this weekend, I decided today was a good day to do some computer tasks. Both my desktop and laptop Macs got backed up, software updates, and regular maintenance. (Yes, I'm a nerd!) Lucy was 'helping' by watching the progress of one of the updates!
March 12, 2010
Day 71 - Cooking!
Today I was subbing in a special education classroom and it was 'cooking day'. The kids got to make quesadillas and root beer floats. The students loved the activity and they were on task and well behaved all at the same time, which is often not the case for this group of youngsters. It was wonderful seeing them motivated and happy!
March 11, 2010
Day 70 - Daffodils
When spring is close, I get impatient for the spring flowers to bloom outside. The ones in our yard won't be blooming for a couple of weeks yet (see yesterday's photo). I like to buy bunches of daffodils from the grocery store to brighten up things indoors, especially on gray, rainy days like today. There is something about a bright yellow daffodil that makes me smile!
March 10, 2010
Day 69 - New sprouts
The temperature has been above freezing for a few days and the snow has been melting fast. When I came home from subbing this afternoon, I noticed that our daffodils are starting to sprout. This is a sure sign that spring is near!
March 9, 2010
Day 68 - Late afternoon
I snapped this shot late this afternoon as I was leaving the eye doctor's office. It was gently raining, but the sun was peaking through the clouds in the western sky. We are finally beginning to get some spring-like weather this week!
March 8, 2010
Day 67 - Lemons
Tonight I went out to dinner to celebrate the birthdays of three dear friends. The ten of us enjoyed many laughs, shared stories, and enjoyed a great meal together. In this photo, Sue shows her gift of lemons! It was a perfect gift from our friend Lois who knows that Sue enjoys her ice tea 'with 3 lemons'. I'm blessed to have this group of friends!
March 7, 2010
Day 66 - 30th birthday
We had a birthday party for our oldest daughter today. We had about 30 people for dinner as we celebrated her 30th birthday. We had not told her there was going to be a party. We had only told her that her grandparents would be here, so every time the doorbell rang, she was surprised! We wanted this birthday to be special for Cheryl as it is the last birthday before she becomes a mom in August. It was a lovely afternoon as everyone had a chance to visit, eat, and share many laughs.
March 6, 2010
Day 65 - Turtle
I spent the morning at a craft fair with a good friend. I bought a few little gifts and also this turtle pendant for myself. I've had a special place in my heart for turtles for many years. We've had our box turtle, Rainman, as a pet for about 20 years. I'll enjoy wearing this pendant!
March 5, 2010
Day 64 - Fire hydrant
Our neighbor has done a good job of keeping this fire hydrant shoveled out this winter. It is important for safety and very much appreciated by the fire fighters if there is a need to find it. Of course, the dogs in the neighborhood appreciate his kindness, too!
March 4, 2010
Day 63 - Shattered!
During my walk with the dog this morning, I came across this spot on the sidewalk. It is a low area where water & ice always accumulates. I've had to be very careful not to fall as I've walked across this part of the sidewalk all winter. Today, there is melting going on and evidence that many feet have walked across this spot this morning. I'll bet the kids walking to school had a good time stomping on this ice!
March 3, 2010
Day 62 - Window
This 'window' was in the classroom where I was subbing this afternoon. The classroom is a small space where children come for extra help with literacy. The teacher does not have a real window with a view in her room, so she has created this cheerful window. What a pleasant addition!
March 2, 2010
Day 61 - New toy
Finding toys that interest our beagle is always a challenge, but this new toy is a big hit. It screws apart so that treats or kibble can be added. Then when screwed back together, the treats drop out occasionally as Lucy plays with it. Since beagles are always hungry, this is the perfect toy to keep her occupied and active!
March 1, 2010
Day 60 - Lola
Tonight was the last night of our current session of doggy classes. This is Lucy's friend Lola. Lola belongs to a very good friend of mine. Our Lucy is adopted and has had a lot of 'manners' to learn. When we first started taking her to obedience training, she would bark at every dog in the room. She has made a lot of progress and will now sit calmly and watch the other dogs taking their turn on the rally course. We're hoping she'll continue to become more social with the help of friends like Lola!
February 28, 2010
Day 59 - Good book
February has flown by, mostly because I've been so busy. Today I finally get to relax. I'm spending time sitting in my favorite chair, sipping coffee, and reading a great book. I need more days like this!
February 27, 2010
Day 58 - Apple to Apples
Tonight was family game night at our house with our extended family. I was exhausted after my week at the ICE Conference, but it was so nice to relax with family. Our evening was filled with deep dish pizza, good conversation, laughs, and a rousing game of Apple to Apples. It was a very enjoyable evening!
February 26, 2010
Day 57 - Award
At the closing ceremony of the ICE Conference today, my friend Lori was honored with the ICE Distinguished Educator Award of Excellence. She has given so much to ICE over the years and she is very deserving of this award. Congratulations, Lori!
February 25, 2010
Day 56 - Lunch!
Today was the first official day of the ICE Conference. I presented a half-day workshop this morning called "Facts, Friends, and Fun!" It went very well, the participants learned a lot, had fun, and so did I. After the workshop, I had lunch with three colleagues from my school district, which was a nice way to unwind after being 'on stage' all morning.
February 24, 2010
Day 55 - ICE Conference
At the ICE Conference today, I was a volunteer in the ICE booth in the vendor area during the Kick-off Reception. I had a great time greeting attendees, spreading the good word about ICE, and taking photos. I love that ICE gives volunteers a cool t-shirt and a discount off of the conference registration fee.
February 23, 2010
Day 54 - iWork '09 Workshop
Today I presented my first ever 6-hour long workshop at the ICE Conference. I've been working hard to learn as much as I can about iWork '09 for several months. The workshop went well and the participants were appreciative. I have some ideas on how to fine tune my presentation before presenting it as a pre-conference workshop at the ISTE Conference in June.
February 22, 2010
Day 53 - What is it?
I checked into Pheasant Run late tonight after working all day at home to finish presentations and pack for my four days at the ICE Conference. This caught my eye in my hotel room. It is mounted next to the door frame to the door that leads out into the hallway. Am I being watched? I hope not! Anybody know what it is?
February 21, 2010
Day 52 - Melting
Our temperatures have remained above freezing for the past couple of days and a lot of melting has been going on. This morning, I spied these pine cones peeking through the snow under a tree. The ice crystals in the melting snow also have an interesting texture. We must likely won't see scenes like this the rest of the week, as 5-10" of snow are predicted for tonight.
February 20, 2010
Day 51 - Birdhouse
This birdhouse hangs in a tree about 10 feet outside our kitchen window. We've been seeing birds go in and out of the house this week. Today I decided to take a closer look. I waded through the snow and took a peek inside. There were no birds in the house when I took this photo, but they have been busy 'furnishing' their home!
February 19, 2010
Day 50 - Sunny!
This afternoon, we were blessed by the appearance of the sun and blue sky. With more snow predicted for the next few days, it is especially nice to see a sunny sky today.
February 18, 2010
Day 49 - Exploring
Lucy enjoys both the sunshine and the snow during her walk! Here she is walking down the wooded footbridge that goes out into the restored wetland area at the park near our house. She loves to jump through the rails and off the walkway to explore even more!
February 17, 2010
Day 48 - Snow forts
The kids at school continue to have a fun time playing in the snow during their lunchtime recesses. There are probably a couple dozen groups of kids scattered all over the playground, working together on building snow forts. It is nice to see the kids enjoying their time outdoors this winter!
February 16, 2010
Day 47 - Patriotic snowman
I guess I should have taken this photo yesterday on President's Day! This is one of my favorite little snowmen in my collection. A friend gave it to me as a 'Secret Santa' gift several years ago because she knew I love patriotic holidays such as the 4th of July and that I collect snowmen.
February 15, 2010
Day 46 - Family culture
As I've mentioned before, I love looking at the projects hanging in the halls at the schools where I sub. This display caught my eye today. Each 2nd grader made a page describing their family culture, including their heritage, a family custom, food they eat, a holiday they celebrate, and a family tradition. What a wonderful way to share and celebrate their diversity!
February 14, 2010
Day 45 - Olympics
We are enjoying watching the Winter Olympics this weekend. I actually took this photo when I was subbing on Friday. I love the the way the school is connecting the Olympics with character traits such as teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. They will be tallying the medal count each day during the Olympics. I plan to check on this display again when I sub at that school next week!
February 13, 2010
Day 44 - Roses
My husband surprised me with these beautiful roses yesterday. They are an early Valentine's Day gift from my sweetie!
February 12, 2010
Day 43 - Valentine treats
I subbed in a primary special education class today. The children in the class are integrated with a first grade classroom for many activities, including parties. So, I got to attend the Valentine's Day party today. Our district has really clamped down on food at school as part of its health initiative. The treats at this party consisted of a heart-shaped Rice Krispie bar, purple grapes, and a mini-bottle of water. The kids had a fun time at the party!
February 11, 2010
Day 42 - Sidewalk
As I was out walking the dog this afternoon, this made me chuckle. We were walking down a well plowed blacktop sidewalk that goes through a park near our home. Suddenly the path turned into grass! I can see what happened.....the plow driver saw the tree coming coming up in his path. He wasn't sure which way the sidewalk went around the tree. He veered left, but the sidewalk actually goes to the right of the tree. He did find the sidewalk again on the other side of the tree!
February 10, 2010
Day 41 - Snow hat
As I was leaving to go to work subbing this morning, Scott came in from shoveling for the 3rd time in 24 hours. The snow was still blowing around quite a bit this morning and he came inside looking a little bit like a snowman! It looks like we got about 15" of snow. Enough already!
February 9, 2010
Day 40 - Snow!
This is the scene out our front door tonight. I had actually taken other photos this afternoon of the snow that had come down earlier today, but this night shot and the current snow falling is much more dramatic. It looks like we're going to get about a foot of snow before it ends sometime tomorrow.
February 8, 2010
Day 39 - iWork
I am working hard on my iWork presentation today. I'll be doing a workshop called "Introduction to iWork '09" for educators at the ICE Conference. With only two weeks left to prepare, I'm setting this as a high priority. I'm excited to be presenting this during a 6-hour pre-conference workshop!
February 7, 2010
Day 38 - Bliss
Lucy is really enjoying her new toy. It is a black rubber 'Kong". It has a hole in it that can hold a treat. She has been chewing on it for hours and carrying it around the house with her wherever she goes. We finally found something to keep her occupied for longer than a few minutes!
February 6, 2010
Day 37 - Updating
I spent a good portion of the day updating my computer by installing a new Operating System, updating applications, and backing up all files to an external hard drive. It always takes longer to do than I anticipate!
February 5, 2010
Day 36 - Sad plant
Today is the first day all week that I've been home for a chunk of time. So, I've been straightening up, throwing out newspapers, watering plants, etc.....you know, all those little tasks that get postponed when you're having a busy week! Anyway, I'm looking at this sad plant, wondering what to do with it. I have a really hard time tossing out plants that still have some life in them (because they are a living thing!). But this one, outgrew its space and has lost lots of its greenery. What would you do?
February 4, 2010
Day 35 - Blocked
As I was leaving this afternoon, a ComEd truck pulled into our cul-de-sac and parked his truck in front of our driveway. He then left his truck and went to the back of a neighbor's yard. What was he thinking? I had to wait for him to return so that I could drive out of my own driveway.
February 3, 2010
Day 34 - Snowman
I have quite a few snowmen still decorating the inside of my house. This big fat guy is one of my favorites. I suppose I should put them away since we are into February, but we still have snow on the ground here, so maybe I'll leave them out for another couple of weeks.
February 2, 2010
Day 33 - Primary election
Today was the primary election here in Illinois. These were some of the signs posted near our polling place at our neighborhood elementary school. I've often wondered if these signs make a difference. I would think that most people know who they are voting for before they arrive at the polling place. I noticed today that there was not a sign for the candidate for Governor that I intended to vote for today. I'll be waiting up to hear the results of today's primary election.
February 1, 2010
Day 32 - Welcome!
This afternoon I subbed at the school I retired from. This sign greets our students, parents, staff, and visitors as they enter the building. It was painted by our art teacher when the school was renovated and remains as a pleasant reminder that all are welcome.
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