Row, Row, Row Your Boat

I have always wanted to live on a lake, ocean, or near a meandering stream. I have finally gotten my wish! No, the stimulus package has not landed on my doorstep with more money than I can spend. The simple answer is: We have received 4 inches of rain in the past 18 hours.

I woke up last night at 1:10 AM and couldn't believe the noise that was outside. It sounded like a freight train was coming through our driveway. I had always heard that tornadoes sound this way right before they strike. I noticed no branches were swaying so decided a tornado was on our doorstep. After waking Steve up, we hurriedly went downstairs and tried to assess what we were going to do. I had cell phone in hand, all of my expensive belongings I own (that would be my wedding and engagement ring), and a flashlight. We turned on the radio, no warnings, and ascertained that the loud noise was the rain BEATING against our house and barns. Who knew rain could make so much noise.

This morning, the rain continued as it has most of the afternoon. Our house has a beautiful lake across the road, as well as my meandering stream running through the front yard. I hear ripples as we speak and water fowl have begun making their home on the various water landforms around our perimeter.

Alas, this will eventually drift away, but I will be left with the memories of a dream fulfilled, no cost to me whatsoever. Who ever said I was hard to please?

Tea For One

I have become a tea aficionado. While on a recent trip to the Chicago area, I was introduced to a tea shop called TeaGschwendner. I am hooked. Some people become wine connoisseurs, but I think I am destined to be a tea lover.

While at the tea shop, I bought two different kinds of tea, an Indian Chai and Marzipan. Now, both of them are a delicious treat to come home to after school and sooth both my mind and soul. Brewing a cup of either one brings me back to center and allows me to be productive for most of the remainder of the day.

I was intrigued by many of the tea flavors that were available. I guess I didn't realize that I led such a sheltered life. Chocolate Chili Tea (you're kidding, right?), T-bear Gummi Bear (tastes like the real thing), Strawberry Pepper (really?), Sensual Affair (!), and, for those special nights, Mr. Ollivander's Magic Potion (conjures up all KINDS of images!). You should read the descriptions of some of these.

I have spent the evening polishing up my copper tea pot (since I have nothing else to do) and am enjoying a cup of Marzipan as we speak. Soon the teakettle will be whistling as much as the trains around here. Stop by and share a cup with me some time (as long as it's not the Sensual Affair!).

It's All In What You Hear

As most teachers do, I give a weekly spelling test to my students. After the 20 words, I always give 2 dictation sentences which I grade on punctuation and I always incorporate some of my spelling words in them.

This week, one of my dictation sentences was as follows: Do you enjoy making a large amount of noise just to annoy me? I told them they could answer that question if they desired and I got some funny remarks.

However, the most interesting sentence was submitted by Tenaya. Her version of the sentence above went like this: Do you and Joy like making a large amount of noise just to annoy me? Now, she was close, but I had to chuckle when I read about Joy. It took all I had to keep from counting it wrong. Just a little misunderstanding or an attempt to make up another word because she didn't know how to spell enjoy? It's hard to make the call.

A Taste of Spring! (and it was yummy)

I'm not sure if spring is officially here but for us it began tonight. On my way home from school my car thermometer said it was "60". Now that is a nice start to an evening. Tonight was one of the few nights I was able to come home right after school and relax, at least once I got all of my classwork done.

As I walked into the kitchen, I noticed meat out on the counter for supper. Steve and Dan will often plan the evening meal during their lunch hour and put the appropriate goodies out that will be the center of attention on the supper table. I was glad to see that there was a package of 2 T-bones and 1 package of filets. Looked like I would be grilling out. I couldn't wait to fire up the grill.

Of course it is only fitting that we have french fries with our steaks. And what better as an accompaniment than frozen peaches and strawberries that had been tucked away in the freezer last summer. Delicious!

Dan's roommate happened to come home as we were outside and he made mention that he was heading to his house to throw in a TV dinner for supper. I couldn't let that happen. So we were joined at our banquet by Rich, who greatly appreciated the offer and felt he was a definite winner on this one.

So, I guess spring has begun, or at least the grilling season. Even though we are supposed to have an inch of snow and freezing rain tomorrow night, we are of the firm belief that, once steaks have made an appearance, groundhog agreeing or not, spring has arrived.

The Bulletin Board

It's that special time of the evening to get my bulletin board up. I must congratulate you timeless troopers who, even though you have all graduated from high school and college, forged ahead and tried to answer this simple 5th grade problem (see blog below.) I have a full fledged winner who emerged from the pack with the correct answer the very first time, although she said that someone told her to be careful because there was a minor fact she might miss (we call that cheating in our classroom but hey, who am I to judge?) So any way, Janice's name is put on the BULLETIN BOARD with a gold star next to it. Honorable mentions go to team Ellen/Chad and Nick. Way to go guys. Love that spirit!

All Those Kids with Backpacks

Just a little something to get the creative juices flowing today. How is your stamina? Are you smarter than a 5th grader? Here is a fifth grade math problem that you can ponder and work on at your leisure. It will be kind of fun to kick up your heels and throwback to the days of yon. Let's see how smart you are.

There are seven children on a school bus riding to school. Each child has seven backpacks. Inside each backpack there are seven big cats. For each big cat, there are seven little cats. How many legs are on the bus? (As someone (namely Nick) mentioned, technically there are no legs on a bus, only wheels but how many legs are riding in the bus?)

Email me back with your answer at mtolley51@gmail.com and I'll let you know if you get the answer correct. There could be a gold star for those of you who get it right. I'll publish your name on my blog (i.e. the bulletin board).

Death and Taxes

They say only two things are certain in life, death and taxes. I have spent the biggest portion of my evening doing one of the above and I can imagine that you have guessed it is the taxes part! You're right. Anyway, we had a gorgeous day of 68 degrees and instead of a nice evening walk or curling up with a good book, we did taxes.

Farmers have to file by March 1 so Steve is meeting with our accountant tomorrow. All papers and figures are in order (we think) ready to be picked apart, studied, and recategorized tomorrow. Paying taxes is a necessary evil, but the thing I hate about it most is the time it takes to do it.

So, in order to live through this grueling task, I bought myself a sack of Dove dark chocolates with almonds. Dove has a way of soothing what ails you and makes it all better. Add to that some cups of red raspberry tea and who could complain? Besides, maybe, just maybe, I'll get something back in the form of a refund!